Insect Egg Cluster
 

Hi,

Can anyone identify the possible source of the egg cluster (???) shown on the leaf in the attached photo?

I'm sorry the photo is so out of focus, but at least maybe you can get a better idea of what I'm talking about when I describe it.

The cluster is on the underside of a small leaf and the cluster itself is about 1/2 to 3/4" long by about half as wide (I no longer have the leaf to actually measure). The background lines in light blue are from my jeans fabric, so that will help you judge the scale too. The cluster is comprised of tiny hexagonal (I think - didn't actually cound the sides LOL!) cells like a honeycomb. The leaf itself looked very healthy and there was no other evidence of insects in the area (crawling or flying). The cluster itself was maybe 1/16" thick.

Any idea what the eggs are? And how I might get rid of the egg layers assuming they're NOT beneficial.

Thanks!
Anne

Maybe Stink Bugs --

[url]http://engineeredgarden.blogspot.com/2010/07/taking-closer-look-at-insect-eggs.html[/url]

[url]http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/controlling/stinkbugs/[/url]

Hi Fred,

Thanks for the quick response!! I think what I have looks like the eggs of some worm type thing - fruit worm, hornworm, etc. It looks most like the photo near the end of the link with the text "share it" to its immediate right.

Hum......the birds used to seem to take care of hornworms, etc. but now that I have silver plastic mulch down, they seem to be scared away. Guess I'll have to do something about them myself. Bummer (LOL)!

Anne

I found some eggs that looked exactly like these this morning. Anytime I've found eggs on the mater leaves, it hasn't turned out well. So let's just say that leaf and egg cluster aren't around anymore. :twisted:

I vote for stink bugs as well...check out [B]Table 1. Insecticides for Control of Insect Pests of Tomatoes[/B] at this link:
[URL]http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/veg_fruit/hgic2218.html[/URL]

It includes stink bugs.

As for the eggs...scrape them off and dispose.

Kazfam,

I think you and Fred might be right as a couple of days ago I found a couple of clusters of what looks like either asassin bug nymphs or leaf footed stink bug nymphs on the underside of a couple of corn plant leaves:

[URL]http://www.dpughphoto.com/images/leaffooted%20bug%20nymphs%20johnston%20mill%2053107.JPG[/URL]

Saw some adults last year but haven't noticed any yet this year.

Thanks for the input!

Anne