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Forest Health > Insects and Diseases publication

INSECTS of... Conifer Foliage

Common Name:	CYPRESS LEAF BEETLE Leaves damaged by adult CYPRESS LEAF BEETLE.
Other:	Leaf beetle
Species	Systena marginalis
Common Hosts:	Baldcypress Taxodium distichum Pondcypress Taxodium distichum var. nutans Sand pine Pinus clausa
Description	Adult - approximately 4 mm long; pale yellow to gold head and body, black wing edges and dark stripe down center of back.
Importance	Cypress leaf beetle outbreaks commonly occur over large areas. The damage typically becomes noticeable within a short period of time due to the mass congregations of beetles in one area. Infested trees shed damaged needles and within a few months it is difficult to identify the affected trees because of the new foliage growth.
Biology and Habits	Adult beetles are common in the tree crowns by midsummer. They congregate in great numbers on a single tree or a small group of trees and just as abruptly leave for another area of host trees. The larvae are thought to feed on the roots of grasses and weeds.
Number of Generations	1 generation per year.
Signs of Infestation	Foliage discoloration: bright to dark red appearance. Small linear gouges (3 mm long) in the needles. Swarm of small yellowish beetles highly active around the crowns of trees.
Similar Damage	Drought or other stress factors can bring on a similar needle color change, but none will make the small slits.
Control	The generally favorable response of refoliation by the defoliated trees suggest that control is not warranted in most instances. When additional stress factors are present, however, an approved insecticide may be useful. Promote tree vigor and health to aid in the recovery from defoliation.