I have just noticed that my epimedium plant has been ravaged by some leafcutting critter. Does anyone know what the culprit is? It has munched every leaf, but hasnt touched anything else!
I would say that it could could one of two things. The leaf cutter bee makes U shaped cuts in the leaf or it could be the dreaded vine weevil. The bee just bites off a piece of leaf and flies off with it. So your plant will be OK when the bees have finished nesting. However, the weevil will lay its eggs and before you know it the plant will wilt, if this happens lift the plant and pick out the grubs rinse the roots and put in a pot to recover, they are such lovely plants it would be such a shame if you lost it. Keep your eye on it.
I cant see any grubs so I'm hoping its just a bee! Am in awe of how neatly the critter has nibbled, its quite a work of art.
You won't see the grubs until later in the year - it's the actual adult vine weevil, a beetle like pest that's probably nibbling the leaves. They hide in the day, so you are unlikely to see them. Here is the RHS info about them:
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=234
Good pictures on that site jennym. We do not know all the good bugs bad bugs and there are lots of times when I see one crawling and wonder, is it a good bug or bad bug.
To stamp on it or not to stamp on it, that is the question.