Rose-of-sharon
Guides
Niesthrea louisianica
Hibiscus Scentless Plant Bug
Niesthrea louisianica is a small scentless plant bug in the family Rhopalidae, measuring 6.5-8.5 mm in body length. It is native to North America, ranging from New York to Florida and west to California, with populations also present in Hawaii. The species is a specialist feeder on plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), including Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), cotton, okra, and velvetleaf. It has been investigated as a biological control agent for the agricultural weed velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), capable of reducing viable seed production by 98-99% through feeding damage to reproductive structures.