Lantana Pests & Caterpillars

Aphids

• Tiny aphids appear as black, green, yellow or pink 1/8-inch dots on the leaves, stems and buds of the lantana plant. Some species have wings, but some are wingless. Aphids suck the sap from the plant then excrete honeydew, which is a sticky substance that attracts sooty mold. If left unchecked, the aphid population on your lantana plant can grow quickly, causing the plant to wilt and leaves to yellow and die.

Lace bug

• When the temperature rises, so does the population of lace bugs. Lace bugs thrive in temperatures higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. These small, flat, rectangular bugs are usually brown or black with transparent wings that resemble lace. The adult lays eggs on the underside of a lantana leaf and covers them with a brown secretion that attaches the eggs securely to the leaf. The spots resemble molasses. Lace bugs also feed on the leaves causing them to turn yellow and drop off.

Whiteflies

• Both immature and adult whiteflies feed on lantana plants. These tiny 1/16-inch insects fly up readily when leaves are disturbed, resembling floating snowflakes. They weaken plants through feeding as well as secrete honeydew on the leaves, encouraging the growth of sooty molds.

Moth Caterpillars

• Although lantanas are prized in backyard butterfly gardens, non-native species can be invasive in some areas. Hypena strigata, a moth caterpillar, along with lace bugs have been used in these areas for biological control of the non-native plants. The caterpillar aggressively defoliates lantanas.

Mealybugs

• Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that are covered in a waxy secretion. They move slowly along the undersides of the leaves, sucking plant sap like aphids and excreting honeydew. A large infestation of mealybugs on your lantana not only stunts the plant's growth but also can kill the plant. Watch for egg clusters enclosed in a white waxy material.

Spider Mites

• The tiny spider mite is one of the most common pests that attack ornamental plants like lantana. Adult mites measure less than 1/50 inch and are related to spiders and ticks. They usually are found on the underside of leaves and thrive in hot, dry weather. If the leaves of your lantana turn yellow, grey or brown and drop off, check their undersides for a fine, silk web or shake the leaves over a white piece of paper to see if several spider mites fall onto it.

Control

• Most of these pests have natural predators that will control the population, and the moth caterpillar easily is removed by hand. Regularly check your lantana's leaves for evidence of pests. If natural predators are not keeping the pest population under control, use an insecticide. However, a cluster of lantana flowers is a popular stop for butterflies. Whether you use a natural pesticide like insecticidal soap or a synthesized pesticide, be careful not to harm the butterflies and other beneficial insects.