Shot-holes

Guides

• Atomacera decepta

  Hibiscus Sawfly, Mallow Sawfly

  The hibiscus sawfly (Atomacera decepta) is a herbivorous sawfly in the family Argidae that feeds primarily on members of the mallow family (Malvaceae). Despite its caterpillar-like larvae, it belongs to the Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, and ants) rather than Lepidoptera. The species is known for causing significant defoliation damage to ornamental hibiscus, hollyhocks, and marsh-mallow, though it has not developed a strong preference for economically important crops like cotton or okra.

  sawflypestdefoliatorornamental-pestHymenopteraMalvaceaehibiscushollyhockmanual-controlresistant-varietiesmultiple-generationsskeletonizationshot-holes