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Hi @kathy7,
Your Lilly Pilly leaves are being chewed, and the most likely culprits are caterpillars or beetles, with a few specific types commonly responsible. The Lilly Pilly Looper caterpillar is a frequent pest. It feeds at night and can quickly skeletonise the leaves, leaving only the midrib behind. You might also spot green leaf-eating caterpillars or small webbing caterpillars that hide along the leaf edges or undersides during the day.
Since the leaves have notched edges and irregular bite marks, I suspect it could be caused by leaf beetles, particularly the Lilly Pilly Beetle, which chew holes and scallops along the leaf margins. These beetles are small, usually green or bronze in colour, and tend to be active in warm weather.
To control them, inspect your plants closely, especially in the evenings, and remove any visible insects by hand where practical. For more widespread infestations, use an insecticide such as Yates Success Ultra. Spray in the late afternoon, ensuring you thoroughly coat both sides of the leaves. Keep an eye on new growth, as it is most susceptible to attack, and consider reapplying every couple of weeks until the pests are under control. Regular feeding with a native slow-release fertiliser will also help your Lilly Pillies bounce back with strong, healthy new foliage.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
