Minnesota First Detectors

Viburnum Leaf Beetle

David Cappaert, Michigan State University

Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugwood.org

E. Richard Hoebeke, Cornell University, Bugwood.org

Minnesota First Detectors

What is VLB?

Leaf beetle native to Eurasia

Established in North America during 1970’s?

Attacks only Viburnum spp. Species and varieties vary in

susceptibility

Richard Webb, Self-employed horticulurist, Bugwood.org

Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugwood.org

Minnesota First Detectors

History

Map: National Agricultural Pest Information Service

1994

20022009

Minnesota First Detectors

Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugweb.org

Capped egg pits on twig

Empty egg pits on twig

VLB Lifecycle

Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugweb.org

Late Summer / Fall Eggs laid

Spring Eggs hatch

Minnesota First Detectors

VLB Lifecycle Spring

Larvae feed on leaves Subtle damage to leaf

underside at first Larger larvae

skeletonize leaves

Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugweb.org

E. Richard Hoebeke, Cornell University, Bugwood.org

Minnesota First Detectors

VLB Lifecycle Summer (June / July)

Larvae pupate in soil Adults also feed on

Viburnum leaves Make holes that

cross veins

Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugweb.orgPaul Weston, Cornell University, Bugwood.org

Minnesota First Detectors

Wild Viburnum spp. In Minnesota

Source: Smith, 2008. Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota.

Viburnum spp. in Minnesota

Viburnum spp. Common name Susceptability

V. edule squashberry Unknown

V. lentago Nannyberry Moderate

V. rafinesquianum Downy arrow-wood High

V. trilobum American high-bush cranberry HIgh

V. opulus European high-bush cranberry High

Minnesota First Detectors

Cultivated Viburnum spp. In Minnesota

Viburnum spp. in Minnesota

Viburnum spp. Common name Susceptability

V. latana Wayfaringtree viburnum Moderate

V. prunifolium Blackhaw viburnum Moderate

V. dentatum Arrowwood viburnum High

Minnesota First Detectors

Viburnum borer Clearwing

borer Tunnels in

stem < 18” of ground

Other Viburnum Insects

David Parsons, University of Wisconsin, Bugwood.org

David Parsons, University of Wisconsin, Bugwood.org

Minnesota First Detectors

Four-lined plant bug Damages tissue Could resemble

feeding from early instar larvae

Other Viburnum Insects

Steve Mayer, Extension Educator, Marion County, Indiana

Steve Mayer, Extension Educator, Marion County, Indiana H. Russel, MSU Diagnostic Services

Minnesota First Detectors

Japanese beetle? How common on

Viburnum? Damage may be

identical Larvae would

not be present

Other Viburnum Insects

USDA Agricultural Research Service Archive, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

Clemson University - USDA

Cooperative Extension Slide

Series, Bugwood.org