Visiting Pest - Hibiscus Sawfly

We have a beautiful Hibiscus that is in it's third summer that sports super BIG pink flowers. We have it planted in a corner out back against the foundation of the house on one side and the stockade fence on the other. This seems to be an ideal spot for it to overwinter, as it's been coming up every summer since being planted. This surprise me a little being that the Hibiscus is a tropical plant and we're here in New England, zone 6 - I'm guessing it's one of the hardy varieties. The only care given, outside of watering, is that we cut it back in the fall.

It's yet to bloom this summer but well on the way, yippee! However, this summer it's also attracted one of it's well known nemesis - the Hibiscus Sawfly - Atomacera decepta. As you can see from the picture below, the larva stage, is quite destructive and does a number on the foliage. They're small enough to squish with your fingers and not too messy, so I try to visit the plant once a day to kill as many of these pest as possible, as we anxiously await the flower's arrivals!


Larva stage - Hibiscus Sawfly


Adult stage - Hibiscus Sawfly

You might try yourself a Hibiscus cocktail, which is made with champagne and cranberry juice.