What type of bug has infested my ficus tree?

Question

The pests have curled each leaf inward on itself. When I unfurl the leaf, I don't see any bugs or eggs, but the leaf is scarred. Do you know what type of bug this is or how to get rid of them. Many ficus trees around Tampa have this right now.

Answer 1

The most likely cause is Cuban Laurel Thrips, which feed on the center of the leaf causing the leaf to fold in half. This is a very common problem on some types of Ficus in Florida. Scroll down the page on the link below to see if the damage looks like yours. There is discussion about control too.

http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/orn/thrips/cuban_laurel_thrips.htm

Answer 2

It appears you have a leaf roller. This is a small caterpillar using the leaf as it pupates into a moth. They are also covered with thin silk threads used to pull the leaves closed. If you don't see any now is because they already became moths and flew from the cocoon. They only eat during their caterpillar stage. The damage you see know is probably a little old and the leaf was damaged during this cycle. Best time to get them is in late summer as they get ready to do this again. Check as many as you can of the leaves to see how many are empty. If all then try spraying the leaves with a small force of water to wash the cocoons off the tree. Have to spray them early, if left to roll the leaf with silk protects them as water or insecticide roll off the water proof cocoon

Answer 3

You have CUBAN LAUREL THRIPS.


The scarring is from the Thrips sucking the Chlorophyll out of the leaves. Google Cuban laurel thrips,, and the reason you don't see any just now is they have gone dormant because of short days,, and dropped down into the earth to over winter (so to speak) but THEY WILL BE BACK, as the days lighten!

Answer 4

micro little flys