Detailed information on Four-lined Plant Bug (Poecilocapsus lineatus)

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treesmoocher

Spencer, WV | September 2020 | Neutral

I have had these a couple of years. They never touched my flower garden (unless that\'s what hit my anemones). They trashed my tansy both years, and the first year also hit the pepper and basil plants that were nearby. Then they disappeared--this is WV, zone 6, so maybe they have a second generation further south, but here the damage was no big deal and they disappeared without my doing anything. I think what limits these and most pest bugs in my garden is the fact that I never spray any poisons except Bt for cabbage worms and spinosad in the years potato beetles appear. Both naturally occurring organisms. I also allow various wild flowers to hold space in my garden--butterfly weed, Joe Pye weed, ironweed, ruellia, yarrow (all of which I\'ve been beating back as they got too greedy) along ... read more

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brutusmother

Grand Rapids, MI (Zone 6a) | June 2019 | Negative

Two years ago these bug were all over my oregano. I read up on them and cleaned up as much debris in the garden as i could. This year they are all over the plants in the garden. I know they are supposed to be gone in July but my plants look terrible.

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ShellieAustin

Austin, TX | November 2016 | Negative

Showed up for the first time in my garden in Austin Texas this spring ... all over my snaps ...with lots of damage. Easy to kill with your finger but they see you coming and hide!

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mary879

Clinton Township, MI | May 2011 | Negative

Have wreaked havoc on my perennials the past two seasons, but most plants seem to recover as the summer progresses. Nasty little things, quick and hard to catch. Hopefully this spring's cool weather will limit their numbers.

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Tberri

(Zone 3b) | May 2010 | Negative

Found them last night in one corner of the garden, have to pull all trimmed damaged foliage out of the compost pile!
Will ditomasious earth kill the larve?

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GrampaLidquist

La Grange, IL | June 2009 | Negative

Is it too late for "HELP"? This bug is everywhere on our property, perennial and vegetable garden. Leaves are curling and falling off by the minute and it's only June. (2009). Second question... anyone suspect this damage on their rose bush? I have a reference that says damage from Fourlined Plant bug can look like fungal damage if severe enough. 50% of Our Rose leaves are tissue paper thin, irregular big patchy brown and see-through as if all chlorophyll is gone. Set right next to cranesbill. ANY comments? I hesitate to post that photo until I know...

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hineskat

Minneapolis, MN (Zone 4a) | June 2009 | Negative

We just found out that this is the bug that is destroying our orregano and is now moving to our mint and God forbid - our basil! We're going to try neem oil first - I read that worked for someone else.

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HappyGardenerWI

Eau Claire WI & The Villages FL, WI (Zone 9a) | June 2009 | Neutral

As the 1st line of defense, handpick the Four-lined Plant Bug whenever possible. (I rarely see it.)

When needed, use Rotenone, a plant-derived insecticide, which is harmless to warm-blooded animals, but kills all insects, and harms fish.

More info: http://www.organicgardeninfo.com/fourlined-plant-bug.html

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HiddenTreasures

Monclova, OH | June 2009 | Negative

Oh this guy is a bad one! I could have written each post here. I have taken photos and they are just as found here. They need to be stopped any suggestions? Seven does not hinder them what so ever!

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lisacg

Crozet, VA | May 2009 | Negative

These bugs have infested and destroyed chrysanthemums and mint as well as Chinese lanterns and anemones. I would really like advice on how to get rid of them because they seem to be getting thicker and hungrier each year.

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Kiffy

Geneva, MN | August 2008 | Negative

This bug seems new to my area (Minnesota). Have never seen in before this year, and boy did it destroy my spring perennial garden.
It seems like it will eat nearly anything. I've never resorted to insecticide before, but it was that or raze the entire garden this year.
How upsetting!

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Linda2836

Escanaba, MI | December 2007 | Negative

I never noticed this bug until about four years ago. The infestation is getting worse every year. I have the same problem with the plants listed, but they are also devouring my butterfly bushes. How can I control them? I try not to use chemicals, but these critters are quick!

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alyrics

Beachwood, OH | June 2007 | Negative

Four Lined Bugs are getting to be a bigger problem every year. They have all but decimated a large planting of perennial geranium by late June. They've eaten into mums, valerian, brunnera, salvias, even looks like they tried some sedums.

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Magpye

NW Qtr, AR (Zone 6a) | August 2006 | Negative

Four-lined plant bugs damage many species of herbaceous and woody plants, causing immediate damage, which may be severe in areas where bug populations are dense.

Overwintered eggs, inserted into woody plant tissues, hatch in spring. Nymphs can develop on many species of plants. More than 250 species in 57 families have been reported as hosts, but the bugs seem to prefer certain species in the mint family (Labiatae), nightshade family (Solonaceae), and the aster family (Asteraceae).

The bugs can cause considerable damage to a number of cultivated plant species. In the herb garden, peppermint, spearmint, sage, marjoram, lavender, and hyssop are consistently damaged.

In the flower garden; ageratum, coreopsis, dahlia, chrysanthemum, shasta ... read more

Four-lined Plant Bug

Poecilocapsus lineatus

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