Tarnished plant bug aka lygus bug
Nuisance
The tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris) is a small, 6 mm long hard-bodied bug with a distinctive "V" shaped marking on its back. The adults and nymphs feed on the buds and pods of plants by piercing and extracting plant fluids. Adults are strong fliers. They overwinter in plant debris. These bugs commonly feed on strawberries, raspberries and saskatoons. Note that lygus bugs do not have a larval stage. They over-winter under plant debris.
Natural predators of tarnished plant bugs include predatory bugs, parasitoids and spiders.
A common damage occurs to the flower parts of the strawberry flower as it is developing. This causes the deformed strawberry fruit that is referred to as “cat facing”. The berry is still edible. In raspberries, their feeding damage can cause distorted or shriveled berries; sometimes the berries take on a crumbly characteristic. In saskatoons, piercing of the flower bud leads to an absence of fruit.
Control:
- Keep weeds pulled as these provide alternate egg laying sites.
- Mow grassy areas around plants.
- Use row covers to prevent adults from feeding and laying eggs.
Sources:
Philip, H. G. (2018). Field crop and forage pests and their natural enemies in Western Canada: Identification and management. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Williams, S.; Skinner, H. (2011). Gardening, naturally: A chemical-free handbook for the Prairies. Regina, Saskatchewan: Coteau Books.