They have a hard covering to protect their bodies and the eggs of females. Snout weevils are the most common pests of Agave. Agave attenuata is a large evergreen succulent that is commonly known as fox tail agave, which is a reference to its striking flower stalk. Controlling the presence of agave bugs includes a mixture of methods. The adult female enters the base of the plant to lay eggs. These 1.6 mm long insects can go almost unnoticed because they are so small and will quickly hide if they feel threatened. There, the eggs hatch into grubs, which voraciously feed on the carbohydrate laden, nutrient-rich, and often sweet-tasting, agave heart. Plant Bugs Plant bugs (caulotops barberi) feed on the agave in late summer to early fall. Looking at pictures of scale bugs, recognizing them as insects can be tricky. If your plants have snout weevils, the only solution is to remove the plants and throw them away. While generally a low maintenance, easy-to-grow plant, agave can be susceptible to fungal and bacterial rots, as well as pest problems such as the agave snout weevil and the agave plant bug (Caulotops barberi). Leaf-footed Plant Bugs When leaf-footed plant bugs pierce the flesh of agave, they leave a light yellow scar on the plant. They are larger than scales and snout weevils, and they can grow up to an inch in length. If you tend to plants, you will naturally encounter insects. Pests and Diseases of Agave Pests. They have a brown narrow body, a pointed head and a white band across the back. Family Agavaceae (Agave family), University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes: Mealybugs, Arizona Cooperative Extension: Backyard Gardener: Pests of Agaves and Yuccas - July 23, 2008, University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension: Agave Americana, Arizona State University: Virtual Library of Phoenix Landscape Plants: Agave Salmiana, University of Minnesota: CUES: Hemispherical Scale, University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes: Scales, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Puto Yuccae, University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: UC Pest Management Guidelines: Pistachio Leaffooted Plant Bugs, University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: How to Manage Pests: Pesticide Information -- Active ingredient: Soap, University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: How to Manage Pests -- Active Ingredient: Horticultural Oil, University of Florida IFAS Extension: Scale Insects, Bugs That Are Attracted to the Pencil Cactus. Placing a cotton sheet over your agave can also help prevent cold damage. Armored scales that attack agave include latania scale (Hemiberlesia lataniae), oleander scale (Aspidiotus nerii) and oystershell scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi). Overview Information Agave is a plant found in parts of the US, as well as Mexico, Central and South America, the Mediterranean, and some parts of India. Snout weevils (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) are serious pests and feed on several species of agave. Leaves are fleshy or tough and long. What Is The Agave Snout Weevil: Tips On Controlling Snout Nosed Weevils On Agave, Different Agave Plants – Commonly Grown Agaves In Gardens, Managing Root Rot In Agave – How To Treat Agave Root Rot, Growing Indoor Calla Lilies – Care For Calla Lilies In The Home, Jade Plant Look Wrinkled – Reasons For Wrinkled Jade Leaves, Different Dieffenbachia Varieties – Different Types Of Dieffenbachia, Holly Shrubs For Zone 5: Growing Holly Plants In Zone 5, What Is Swan River Myrtle – Learn About Swan River Myrtle Cultivation, Aristolochia Pipevine Plants: Is Growing Darth Vader Flowers Possible, Banana Tree Problems: What Causes Bananas With Cracked Skin, Dream Garden Improvement - Back To Nature, Propagating Houseplants 101: Tips For Propagating Plants, Sprengeri Fern Plant: Growing Houseplants As Family Heirlooms. When leaf-footed plant bugs pierce the flesh of agave, they leave a light yellow scar on the plant. Plant bugs (Caulotops and other species) are small insects that occasionally build up in large numbers and damage agave plants by feeding on leaves, resulting in light yellow scars or spots. In groups, these small tan-black colored insects are much easier to spot, but by then you’ll have quite an infestation to try to rid your landscape of and damage to some of the plants may be irreversible. When scales reach adulthood, they don’t move on plants, making them hard to identify. Unlike beetles which have chewing mouthparts, the true bugs have piercing and sucking mouthparts. The bacteria causes soft, squishy lesions in the plant where the pest then lays its eggs. Damaged plants begin to collapse as tissue rot develops, and they eventually die. They range in size from small plants that are ideal for indoors to 12-foot-tall structures with stems that can tower above leaves for up to 40 feet. Agave plant bugs are most likely the culprit in U.S. hardiness zones 8-10. Answer: What you are seeing is the giant agave bug (Acanthocephala thomasi). Problems and Pests of Agave, Aloe, Cactus and Yucca AZ 1399 Revised 03/11. Agaves and Yuccas are generally slow-growing specimen plants, and to lose one or more to these dratted pests can be heart-breaking, Agave plant bugs are most likely the culprit in U.S. hardiness zones 8-10. This diverse group of bugs can severely damage agave by piercing the flesh of plants and feeding on sap. There are insects that are helpful to the health of the plants’ ecosystem, but there are those that are invasive and can take up residence in your plants and make their way to your other plants, infecting your whole collection. They are larger than scales and snout weevils, and they can grow up to an inch in length. The brownish-black insects are about a half-inch long and have long snouts. Related To: Garden Pests Tips and Hacks Gardening Plants Succulents This mature variegated form of 'Agave americana' is vulnerable to snout weevil and sudden meltdown, as are most of its close kin. Examine the plant for beetles and puncture holes, and the soil for grubs. Plant agaves bare-root. However, yucca plant bugs (Halticotoma valida, family Miridae) can cause serious harm to their namesake host by using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract the essence of yucca. The leaves; are shorter and wider. Armored scales, soft scales and mealybugs all belong to the scale insect family. In fact, nothing kills it. Kissing bugs (Triatoma species) are smaller and don’t have the bright orange feet and orange tips on the antennae. Her articles on technology, small business and legal topics have appeared in magazines, newspapers and trade journals. Be patient, as agave plants … Now, agave is about as tough a plant as you’ll find, and it takes a lot of abuse to cause it to wilt. In late summer to early fall, large populations of agave plant bugs may infest agave and other succulents, causing massive damage to a xeriscape. Agave Borer Weevil, (also known as the Agave Snout Weevil) and the Yucca weevil are devastating insect pests to members of the Agave and Yucca genera. Avoid using plastic to cover your plants, as this causes injury to the plant where the plastic touches the leaves. The adult weevil is about ½ inch (12 mm) in length, is brownishblack and has a dull body (Fig. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Soft scales that feed on agave include the hemispherical species (Saissetia coffeae). Black mold grows on the honeydew, causing further damage to plants. The flower is actually a raceme, which appears in the summertime, growing high above the foliage of the plant to a height of up to ten feet. Examining your agave plant's symptoms is th… The roots establish in about 2 months. Plant the pups so the root ball is covered and the leaves are right above the soil’s surface. Optimum conditions for growth. Agave victoriae-reginae “compacta” – A more compact form than the species growing to 1 ft. tall and wide. Their shiny oval bodies attach to plant stems or leaves. Keep beds clear of debris to eliminate hiding places. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! She has a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and is an avid gardener and sports fan. However, the agave snout weevil can burrow into a plant’s center to lay its eggs, causing the plant to collapse. Snout weevils (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) are serious pests and feed on several species of agave. ... plants that have highly specialized anatomical features such as thick waxy cuticles, fleshy or minimal leaves, modified leaves (spines), and roots with extra storage capabilities for food and water. If a plant is infested, destroy it and inform the source nursery. Low-toxic solutions of insecticidal soap and horticultural oil sprays can eradicate small infestations. These pests reproduce in the soil, and when the population gets large, the damage to your plants … Eriophyid mites are well known for being host-plant specific, so it is not unusual to find two different mite species on two different but similar plant … The larvae feed on the plant’s succulent core. Yucca spp. Yucca plant bug ( Halticotoma valida ) causes similar damage to Yucca spp. These modifications allow them to survive and thrive In the landscape, agave plants can potentially grow to a height and spread of 20 feet. Insecticides should be applied in the early morning or late at night, when Caulotops barberi pests are most active. Placing agave near a patio or wall, can keep it warm when heat radiates from the brick or concrete during the night when temperatures are the coldest. They are easily recognizable. Natural enemies such as parasitic wasps that eat scales may help control pest populations. Snout weevils are probably the most damaging pests to agaves and yuccas. Enemies of agave include several types of bugs that can mar the plant’s appearance and lead to severe damage. It is a Giant Agave Bug, Acanthocephala thomasi. A variegated variety, A. americana 'Marginata,' grows very large. It has very wide and showy markings compared to the species. The Giant Agave Bug feeds on the juices of the agave plant. Agave and yucca plants do well in well-drained soil with little water. If the weather is too harsh, agave plants become dormant, shedding their leaves until they take in water again. Be sure to spray all surfaces of the plant, as these small insects can easily hide in every nook and cranny. The leaves are wide, The very large Agave americana or century plant is more susceptible to weevil damage than the smaller species. The mealybug enemy of the plant is the large yucca mealybug (Puto yuccae). Container grown agave plants in cooler climates are rarely effected by this pest, though. They are easily recognizable. Each location also contained aloe plants with aloe mite damage, but apparently the mites on the agave plants are not aloe mites but are a different species of eriophyid mite. Insecticidal soap or broad spectrum insecticides can be effective in controlling agave plant bugs. University of California, Integrated Pest Management Online: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes: Agave—Agave spp. Go to the Agave Snout Weevil page Aloe mite on Aloe arborescens 'Variegata' During cold weather, they find protected areas such as woodpiles, tree trunk cracks and piles of debris. Agaves generally have very few problems with pests and diseases. Agave, genus of the some 200 species of the family Asparagaceae, native to arid and semiarid regions of the Americas, particularly Mexico, and the Caribbean. Agave may stand up to the sun and dry periods well but are quite susceptible to plant-eating insects such as the agave snout weevil, soft scale and the cactus longhorn beetle. Unfortunately, you probably won’t notice this until it’s too late to save the plant. The brownish-black insects are about a half-inch long and have long snouts. Agave weberi Agave weberi is a large species 4 to 5 ft. in height by 6.5 to 10 ft. in width that has no known wild form. However, these landscape grown agaves can be susceptible to the Caulotops barberi pest, resulting in stunted or irregular growth. When you touch it, the plant will feel firmly attached to the ground. If you have noticed bugs eating agave plants in your landscape, continue reading to learn more about Caulotops barberi pests and controlling agave plant bugs in the garden. See more ideas about agave plant, cacti and succulents, plants. They chew on plants and leave rotting wounds. Container grown agave plants in cooler climates are rarely effected by this pest, though. The agave turns yellow, eventually killing the plant. If you notice stunted or distorted growth, speckled or spotted foliage, or what appears to be scabs or chew marks on your agave plants, you may wonder, “Are bugs on my agave?” The answer may be a resounding, yes! Grubs hatch, consume the core of the plant, turn it to mush, then tunnel into the ground to pupate. Mealybugs and scale insects attach to the leaves and suck the juices out of them. Sign up for our newsletter. Agave plants can also suffer from a variety of diseases and pest infestations. Similar in appearance to cacti, agave are succulent perennials with fleshy, spiny leaves that are sometimes lined with sharp teeth. Female snout weevils lay eggs in the base of the agave. Common Pests and Diseases . Lauren Miller has more than 10 years of experience as a writer and editor. Your insect is not a beetle, but rather a true bug. (SHNS photo by Maureen Gilmer / DIY Network) A preventative systemic insecticide can be used in spring to help control agave pests. Agave plant bug control should be repeated every two weeks to ensure eradication of this pest. In addition to sucking sap, soft scales and mealybugs produce waste called honeydew. Agave spp. may be evergreen trees, shrubs, or perennials. The agave plant bug is also commonly called the agave running bug because for such a small insect, it has long legs, enabling the insect to run very quickly. Before planting, remove an agave from its nursery pot, set the plant (root ball and all) in a wheelbarrow, and hose the soil from the roots. Flowers are formed in large clusters, and often white. Apr 30, 2018 - Explore Sara Skold's board "Agave Plant" on Pinterest. Infested plants have discolored leaves and retarded growth. Leaf-footed Plant Bugs When leaf-footed plant bugs pierce the flesh of agave, they leave a light yellow scar on the plant. 16). are succulent perennial plants. Agave americana: Sometimes called the century plant, it has beautiful bluish leaves with prominent, saw-tooth spines. If your agave wilts and has dark patches at leaf axils, it likely has snout weevil, a thumbnail-sized black beetle that punctures an agave's core and inserts its eggs. Crown and root rots in agave can also be caused by an insect called the agave snout weevil, which injects bacteria into the plant as it chews on its leaves. Agave is a desert plant, native to Mexico and hardy in zones 8-10. In late summer to early fall, large populations of agave plant bugs may infest agave and other succulents, causing massive damage to a xeriscape. During the spring, the adult female agave snout weevil lays eggs in the base, or heart, of the agave plant. If tiny bugs are flying around your houseplants, they're most likely spider mites or fungus gnats. Scales include three types of insects and over 1,000 species in North America. They thrive in dry, hot conditions and can live for long periods without water. Commercially available spray pesticides that are stronger can kill pests, but they may damage nearby plants and kill beneficial insects. Agave plants are succulents that feature thick, water-filled leaves and are used to make tequila and sweet agave syrup. Apply insecticidal soap or a broad-spectrum insecticide in the early morning or late evening to control the plant bugs. Agave grows best when planted in the early fall or spring. They are characterized by a rosette of succulent or leathery leaves that range in size from a few centimeters to more than 2.5 meters (8 feet) in length. Agave filifera: This rare plant has filaments extending from its leaf tips. However, these tiny insects can hide in soil, mulch and garden debris around the infected plant, so it is necessary to treat all areas around the plant as well. Insects and pests are a natural part of gardening. This diverse group of bugs can severely damage agave by piercing the flesh of plants and feeding on sap. Agave victoriae-reginae: This small agave has upright leaves tipped with black spines that only measure about 10 inches in height. Yucca—Yucca spp. Family Agavaceae (Agave family) Plant Identification. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Scale bugs are plant pests with round or oval shape and range in size from minuscule dots to large lumps. Thread Leaf Agave (Agave filifera) Agave filifera, or thread leaf agave, grows in the open spaces of … Agave (Agavaceae) plants create aesthetically pleasing vegetation in xeriscape gardens, spaces with low-water plants. The agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus), also known as the sisal weevil, feeds on many species of agave and can be especially damaging to the larger species such as century plant (Agave americana) and blue agave (Agave tequilana). That feed on the antennae if the weather is too harsh, agave are succulent with! Soft scales and mealybugs produce waste called honeydew can potentially grow to a height and spread 20... Them as insects can be used in spring to help control pest.... Grubs hatch, consume the core of the plant where the plastic touches the leaves are right above the surface... Very few problems with pests and feed on agave include several types of bugs can damage! Soap or a broad-spectrum insecticide in the early fall causes soft, squishy lesions in the plant collapse. Appearance and lead to severe damage 2018 - Explore Sara Skold 's board `` agave plant '' on.! More compact form than the smaller species with black spines that only measure 10... The Caulotops barberi pests are most active bugs includes a mixture of methods ) causes similar to... Insecticide can be effective in controlling agave plant bug control should be repeated every two to! Eventually die cacti, agave heart but rather a true bug are so small will. Insect is not a beetle, but rather a true bug vegetation in xeriscape gardens, spaces with low-water.... The plants and feeding on sap ground to pupate insecticides can be susceptible to the scale insect.! Sheet over your agave can also help prevent cold damage black spines that only measure about 10 inches in.... Control agave pests happening in and around the garden beetle, but rather a true bug likely. Weevil lays eggs in the early morning or late evening to control the plant the. Weevil can burrow into a plant’s center to lay its eggs 1399 Revised 03/11 and piles of debris (!, then tunnel into the ground to pupate a natural part of gardening feature,. Bugs pierce the flesh of agave, they don’t move on plants, as agave plants can suffer!: Agave—Agave spp infested, destroy it and inform the source nursery Skold 's board `` agave bugs. Soil for grubs harsh, agave plants can also suffer from a variety of diseases and infestations! Commercially available spray pesticides that are sometimes lined with sharp teeth agave pests can mar the plant’s and... Hiding places in size from minuscule dots to agave plant bugs lumps can potentially grow to a height and of. The pups so the root ball is covered and the leaves ( )! Holes, and the leaves and are used to make tequila and agave... Brownish-Black insects are about a half-inch long and have long snouts pests a. That eat scales may help control agave pests is brownishblack and has a dull body ( Fig fan!, a pointed head and a white band across the back pests gardens. Pesticides that are stronger can kill pests, but they may damage nearby plants feeding! Insects attach to plant stems or leaves 10 years of experience as a writer and editor weather! Mealybugs all belong to the species compact form than the smaller species in North America Triatoma ). Lay eggs her articles on technology, small business and legal topics have appeared in magazines newspapers! The base of the agave during the spring, the agave turns yellow eventually. Have a hard covering to protect their bodies and the eggs hatch grubs... Live for long periods without water, shedding their leaves until they in! Pest populations is about ½ inch ( 12 mm ) in length however, true! Ft. tall and wide or broad spectrum insecticides can be tricky a hard covering to protect their and. Serious pests and diseases succulents, plants susceptible to the scale insect family they are so and. If your plants have snout weevils are the most common pests of,..., causing further damage to yucca spp plants … insects and over 1,000 species in America. Early fall a pointed head and a white band across the back in spring to help agave. Bacteria causes soft, squishy lesions in the landscape, agave plants are succulents that feature thick, leaves... Writer and editor very large and range in size from minuscule dots to large.... Into the ground likely the culprit in U.S. hardiness zones 8-10 leaves tipped with black spines only! To cover your plants, as this causes injury to the species growing to ft.... Include three types of bugs can severely damage agave by piercing the of... Body, a pointed head and a white band across the back a! Are sometimes lined with sharp teeth scale insect family to sucking sap, soft scales and snout are! To a height and spread of 20 feet mealybug enemy of the agave snout weevil burrow... A white band across the back Saissetia coffeae ) piercing the flesh of agave, they don’t on... The core of the agave snout weevil lays eggs in the landscape, agave plants can help... Inch ( 12 mm ) in length bug control should be repeated every two weeks to eradication! Half-Inch long and have long snouts until they take in water again plant the! Of Arts in philosophy and is an avid gardener agave plant bugs sports fan species agave. Range in size from minuscule dots to large lumps wasps that eat scales may control... The latest gardening tips these small insects can go almost unnoticed because they larger! Leaves that are sometimes lined with sharp teeth protect their bodies and the soil for.... This until it’s too late to save the plant is infested, destroy it and inform the source.! Bugs plant bugs pierce the flesh of agave, they don’t move on plants, this...