Hi I have a young Harlequin Glorybower tree (Clerodendron trichotomum). Today I noticed dozens of these small bugs on the leaves and stems. They don't seem to be sucking or boring into the plant. Any idea what they are? A type of aphid? Thanks Ken
It's a type of ladybird beetle. The 20-spotted Ladybird Beetle (Psyllobora vigintimaculata) is similar, as is the Northern Pysllobora Ladybird Beetle (Psyllobora borealis). They're a type of ladybird that eats fungus and mildew, so they're actually helping you out.
Thank you so much, Lorax! Good thing we waited to hear what they were before the old dishsoap & water spray came out. Ken
Since Clerodendrum trichotomum never produces lobed leaves I'm wondering if you took the photo with another kind of plant in the picture, or if you have been supplied with the wrong item - maybe Catalpa ovata?
Ah yes....sharp eyes! :-) There is a little volunteer oak growing right beside it....it was easier to take the picture on the oak leaf than the Glorybower. Ken
Now that you mention it the leaf vein pattern and margin are like those of an oak. The catalpa would probably differ noticeably if compared.
