Minnesota First Detectors
Viburnum Leaf Beetle
David Cappaert, Michigan State University
Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugwood.org
E. Richard Hoebeke, Cornell University, Bugwood.org
Minnesota First Detectors
What is VLB?
Leaf beetle native to Eurasia
Established in North America during 1970’s?
Attacks only Viburnum spp. Species and varieties vary in
susceptibility
Richard Webb, Self-employed horticulurist, Bugwood.org
Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugwood.org
Minnesota First Detectors
History
Map: National Agricultural Pest Information Service
1994
20022009
Minnesota First Detectors
Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugweb.org
Capped egg pits on twig
Empty egg pits on twig
VLB Lifecycle
Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugweb.org
Late Summer / Fall Eggs laid
Spring Eggs hatch
Minnesota First Detectors
VLB Lifecycle Spring
Larvae feed on leaves Subtle damage to leaf
underside at first Larger larvae
skeletonize leaves
Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugweb.org
E. Richard Hoebeke, Cornell University, Bugwood.org
Minnesota First Detectors
VLB Lifecycle Summer (June / July)
Larvae pupate in soil Adults also feed on
Viburnum leaves Make holes that
cross veins
Paul Weston, Cornell University, Bugweb.orgPaul Weston, Cornell University, Bugwood.org
Minnesota First Detectors
Wild Viburnum spp. In Minnesota
Source: Smith, 2008. Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota.
Viburnum spp. in Minnesota
Viburnum spp. Common name Susceptability
V. edule squashberry Unknown
V. lentago Nannyberry Moderate
V. rafinesquianum Downy arrow-wood High
V. trilobum American high-bush cranberry HIgh
V. opulus European high-bush cranberry High
Minnesota First Detectors
Cultivated Viburnum spp. In Minnesota
Viburnum spp. in Minnesota
Viburnum spp. Common name Susceptability
V. latana Wayfaringtree viburnum Moderate
V. prunifolium Blackhaw viburnum Moderate
V. dentatum Arrowwood viburnum High
Minnesota First Detectors
Viburnum borer Clearwing
borer Tunnels in
stem < 18” of ground
Other Viburnum Insects
David Parsons, University of Wisconsin, Bugwood.org
David Parsons, University of Wisconsin, Bugwood.org
Minnesota First Detectors
Four-lined plant bug Damages tissue Could resemble
feeding from early instar larvae
Other Viburnum Insects
Steve Mayer, Extension Educator, Marion County, Indiana
Steve Mayer, Extension Educator, Marion County, Indiana H. Russel, MSU Diagnostic Services
Minnesota First Detectors
Japanese beetle? How common on
Viburnum? Damage may be
identical Larvae would
not be present
Other Viburnum Insects
USDA Agricultural Research Service Archive, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
Clemson University - USDA
Cooperative Extension Slide
Series, Bugwood.org