Need to identify a pest

[mgm1986]

Hi folks,

Hoping someone can help me identify these little egg looking things I found on my hop plant. As you may be able to see in the pic with the guts on my finger, I can squish these things with a little effort.

https://plus.google.com/photos/105734116918204092538/albums/5738771162842287953

Hopefully the link works, I also tried to attach to the thread, not sure if the resolution will be okay though.

Thanks for any info you may have and suggestions on how to treat.

Cheers,

Joel

 

[damdaman]

How do you know it's a pest? Are you seeing damage caused by insects hatching from these eggs? Could be a beneficial insect egg. :shrug:

 

[mgm1986]

@ damdaman, Very good point, I cannot be certain of that.

 

[bchurch]

Quick Google image search came up with eastern comma butterfly. Not sure but take a look and see if it fits.

 

[mgm1986]

Thanks bchurch, the Comma butterfly does fit, and seems to be the consensus at this point based on some input from the knowledgeable professionals at Gorst Valley. Because I have not seen any others and so far no sign of damage I am going to simply keep a watchful eye on them. It doesn't seem the Comma butterfly is a major threat unless they become out of control. According to the articles I have found (and the one below) they have no "economic importance".

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in817

Thanks again for everyones help!

 

[bchurch]

No problem, glad to help.

 

[wrench]

I could have sworn those were the world's smallest watermelons. But hey, if you think they're butterflies, then go with that...

On a more serious note, I saw a mature comma butterfly hanging out around my hops not more than 2 hrs ago. I should get back out there to see if they're laying eggs ON my hops.

From Wikipedia:

Host Plants
False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), Hops (Humulus), Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis) American Elm (Ulmus americana), and Nettle (Urtica).

Caterpillar
The green eggs are laid singly or in stacks under host plants leaves and stems. The spiny larva varies in color from pale green to yellow to white and to even black. The solitary larva feeds on leaves at night. Older larvae construct daytime leaf shelters by pulling a single leaf together with silk. The chrysalis is brown and covered with spines. Winter form adults overwinter, some will also migrate south for the winter​

I'm no expert, but what I take from this is that you might get one or two here and there that will do local damage to single leaves. You would need hundreds to cause the bine any real stress. However, they don't seem to be at all beneficial as adults, so there's probably no harm in knocking off the eggs. What am I going to do about it? RDWHAHB

 

[theredben]

The true butterflies (Lepidopteras) generally lay eggs in small numbers and do no real harm to the host plants; there are a few exceptions of course like Gypsy Moth and Tent Caterpillars, but this rule works in general. I always feel that a few lost leaves is worth it to get a nice butterfly.

The real danger is from critters like flies, midges, and others which lay eggs in LARGE numbers (100's) that will destroy not only a plant, but a whole crop. These are not true caterpillars, but larvae from insects that do not belong to the Lepidoptera family.

 

[mgm1986]

The best advice I got was to have a good Integrated Pest Management plan in the event you ever need one so that you already have it. I have not seen any other eggs and only two butterflies, so my plan is to do nothing and keep an eye on it. If I start seeing a bigger issue I will start with a Dawn detergent spray. Otherwise two butterflies on 300 plants isn't something I am concerned about...now that I know what it is!