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What is the life cycle?
• Beetles emerge in spring and feed on leaves creating
‘Shot Hole’ damage.
• Eggs laid on the underside of the leaves hatch into
larvae which skeletonise the leaves as they feed.
• Larvae migrate down the trunk to pupate in the soil
or crevices on the lower trunk. After a short time new adult
beetles emergeand repeat the cycle |
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Elm Leaf Beetle
The Elm Leaf Beetle has established itself in Victoria and is spreading
rapidly across Melbourne's Elm tree population.
While your local council may
be treating Elm trees in public areas,
more must be done to stop the beetle from spreading to and
from unprotected trees on private property.
Why is it a pest?
- Unsightly damage to Elm Trees results from the feeding
of adult beetles
and larvae on the leaves.
- Repeated seasonal defoliation causes:
- a decline in tree health
- reduced growth
- an increased susceptibility to environmental stresses.
How do I identify the beetle?
• Adult beetle: about 6mm long, yellowish to olive green
with a
black stripe along each side of the back.
• Larvae: about 12mm long, green to yellow, black head
and two
black stripes on the back.
• Pupae: about 6mm long and bright orange-yellow.
When and how should I control the pest?
• Pest control is best undertaken in late winter through
spring to minimise defoliation.
• Effective control methods include soil and trunk injection.
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