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What are these bugs on the underside of my Japanese maple leaves?

sunnyg
Growing in Experience

What are these bugs on the underside of my Japanese maple leaves?

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Thank you for you help. 

  

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: What are these bugs on the underside of my japanese maple leaves?

Hi @sunnyg,

 

From the photo, those look like aphids on the underside of your Japanese maple leaves. They are small, oval insects, often yellow-green, that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves. Aphids feed on plant sap and can cause leaf curling, distortion, or sticky residue (honeydew) that can attract sooty mould.

 

You don’t need to panic, as light infestations often aren’t fatal, but it’s a good idea to manage them before they get out of hand. A few effective options include gently spraying the leaves with water to knock them off or applying a horticultural oil. Make sure to target the undersides of the leaves where they congregate. 

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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sunnyg
Growing in Experience

Re: What are these bugs on the underside of my Japanese maple leaves?

Thanks, Mitchell. 
I can confirm that these are not actually aphids. The second image was meant to be a video to show you a full-picture of the shape/size of the bug. They look round from above but from the side they are very flat. I've been to a lot of forums seeking help in ID'ing these but have had no success.

Please see these collection of photos and videos that I took of the bug:

https://mega.nz/folder/EV8D2RhD#LUS5ScOfPZPNVjhVqUzwYg

 

Thank you.

 

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: What are these bugs on the underside of my Japanese maple leaves?

I think most will identify them as aphids or some type of mite, @sunnyg. Your insect has a frilly section around the bottom of the abdomen that an aphid does not have. Regardless, you can treat them the same way you would an aphid. 

 

Mitchell

 

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