Buddleia Leaf Weevil

Garden Problems

Buddleia leaf weevil was released in New Zealand to help control the wild spread of Buddleia davidii. The larvae of the weevil and the adults eat Buddlleia leaves.

Identify the problem
Larvae are slimy oval yellow/green grubs and the adults are typical weevils. Both adults and larvae remove the upper surface of the leaf, leaving the lower silvery surface intact. Adult feeding damage often forms a ragged hole in the Buddleia leaf. Leaves with significant damage become silvery-brown, curl and fall.
How to solve the problem
- When weevil adults and larvae are causing damage to susceptible plant foliage spray with PLANThealth Spectrum.
- Follow up, 2-3 days later, with Organic Super Spraying Oil.
- Apply PLANThealth Insect Hit Granules on the the soil around the roots of affected plants. This is systemic and taken up by the roots of the plant to control the weevils, other chewing and sap sucking insects directly.
Note: The above retail product, PLANThealth Insect Hit Granules, has been discontinued. However, if you have a significant problem a commercial option is still available, please contact Kiwicare directly for more information.
Did you know?
- The buddleia leaf weevil is native to China. Following host-testing the leaf weevil was released in New Zealand in 2006. The first releases were made at a limited number of sites in commercial forests in the central North Island. It has since been released at over 30 sites in the North and South Islands and has established readily.
- Both Buddleia and Buddleja are accepted spellings.
- Buddleia leaf weevil is Cleopus japonicus