Viburnum Leaf Beetles

• Beetle larvae are among the most common defoliators of leaves. Viburnum leaf beetle is among the most widely spread pest across the United States. Its larvae are most active during mid-spring through summer and are noted for skeletonizing leaves, doing the most damage to the spaces between the veins. Early stage larvae are less than 1/16 of an inch long and have a green-yellow color. Later stage larvae reach approximately 1/2 inch long with a yellow-brown color. Growers can spot larvae along the underside of leaves, and feeding will progress to the top side as the larvae age.
  
  

Elm Leaf Beetles

• Elm leaf beetles and larvae are most active during the middle part of spring. Larvae feed primarily on the underside of the leaf and will usually leave vein tissue unaffected. Once the majority of the leaf is gone, it usually dries up and drops. The larvae usually have two life stages: instars, which feed for a few weeks before pupating, and adults. In most parts of the country, two generations may be present before cold weather sets in, while warmer regions may see three. The size and color of larvae will vary a bit, but they are usually a combination of black and brown. Pupas may normally be found around the base of the tree and occasionally in cracks or splits in the bark.
  
  

Cutworms

• Cutworm varieties may affect plant foliage as larvae and may kill several small plants or trees throughout their life. Black cutworms are among the most common garden pests and exist in most regions of the country. As larvae, they reach less than 1/8 of an inch long, while other species will be as long as 2 inches. Black cutworm larvae feature a light gray to black color, with oily-looking skin. Late spring plantings and those that aren't tilled regularly are most at risk for infestation.
  
  

Sawfly Caterpillars

• Sawflies are part of the wasp and bee family, and adults closely resemble wasps. Larvae of the species look like caterpillars and may be found feeding in large groups on both the top and bottom portions of leaves. These large groups primarily consume old growth one branch at a time. Though they don't usually eat new foliage, they may damage new bark. Though this activity won't kill the plant, it may slow growth and seriously damage or kill individual twigs.