One possibility is "slugs"...or snails. They are a bit of a problem for me in the greenhouse (on citrus). They feed after dark and retreat about first light. They usually feed at the leaf edge and inward, but not always. I use Corry's Snail and Slug bait. It looks similar to sawdust. It will withstand modest moisture and still function. Slugs eat it willingly and begin to die very soon after ingestion. You can also check your plant during the wee morning hours with a flash light, I've done that and found slugs munching on the leaves. If the problem is snails...removal of "hiding spots" or cover close by would also help. I suggest not spraying unless or until you can identify the pest. Good luck! Joe n CO

Another way to rid Slugs is to use a cup saucer with beer in it. One of the old timers years ago told me. It may sound funny to some, but it does work very well...Dale

Could be Giant Swallowtail Butterfly larvae. They love citrus and are sometimes hard to spot because they look like bird droppings.

I don't see any snails or slugs on the tree. I do see little bugs flying around, almost like gnats, and I also see a small web with a little red bug in it. Nothing is on our orange tree which is the closest thing to the lemon tree. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Any chances of posting photos?

The webs and red bugs might indicate spider mites, but from my very own experience, they really cause loss of chlorophyll in the leaves and do not appear to be eaten.

Eugene

Slugs and snails are unlikely in Florida, on citrus. So far (knocking on wood) we have none that like citrus leaves, although they can be nasty pests elsewhere.

Orange dog caterpillars are a good possibility. In that case entire leaves should go missing, sometimes with just part of the midvein remaining. And it's almost entirely new, young growth that is affected.

If the damage is tiny half-moon-shaped notches along the edges of the leaves (mainly mature leaves), it could be one of our species of root weevil -- we have five: Diaprepes (a.k.a. Apopka weevil, sugarcane rootstock borer weevil), Northern bluegreen weevil, bluegreen weevil, Fuller rose weevil, and little leaf notcher.

If the damage is occuring mostly to mature leaves, and looks like something chewed irregular holes out of the sides of the leaves, it could be grasshoppers or katydids.

If whole twigs are being eaten, it could be deer.

The little flying insects you're seeing are likely psyllids, which can curl the young foliage, but won't eat chunks out of it. They're pretty bad this year.

Today I killed three large lubbers - grasshoppers - two katydids and one of those dog caterpillars . They were having a feast on my citrus trees . Lots and lots of lubbers in the grove this summer . Once you see one of those dog caterpillars you'll never forget it ! They are weird looking and BIG ! JGB-- Bet you've got all of the above at work on your trees .

I did see a grasshopper on one of the leaves this morning, but the little bugger flew off before I could catch it. I will get some pics of the leaves and try to post them. Other than that, the trees are getting new growth and doing well. Thanks for all the info.

We planted a Meyers lemon tree and a Persian lime tree in planters on our screened in patio this February. We also are seeing damage to our leaves. The screened area basically keeps out most pests, but I have noticed small ants, an occassional lizzard, and this morning a worm. I am suspecting the worm. I have heard of using soapy water in a spray bottle to control the problem of leaf munchers, any suggestions on this?

This topic is just what I'm looking for. My potted Meyer Lemon is being eaten by something - the leaves are eaten from the outside in, though a few have holes more toward the center of the leaves. I don't know if we have the same pests here as in Florida but I'd appreciate any information . . .
Thanks!

This post was edited by gigiann on Wed, Sep 4, 13 at 13:58

Sorry for the double post..

This post was edited by Johnmerr on Wed, Sep 4, 13 at 17:30

Hi, i need some advice. Struggling with the same issue and cannot figure out who is eating our meyer lemon tree. The problem is i cannot catch the “offenders” in the act (looked with flashlight in the middle of the night and in early morning). I tried various sprays and nothing seems to work. Not sure if it makes a difference, but we live in the Bay Area in California. Thank you for any advice you can offer.

Possibly caterpillar damage, could be from a swallowtail butterfly, they lay their eggs, called orange dogs, in citrus trees (they especially like orange trees) And when they hatch they eat the leaves as their food source. Could also be that your culprit has already left the tree too. Keep an eye out, this is what they look like.

Friends in the yard · More Info

Friends in the yard · More Info

Evan

need some type predator incect

I leave them alone and let nature take its course. My trees can handle it, so it’s not a big deal to me.

The predator in this case would be birds, they will eat the caterpillars, that’s why they look like bird dropping to deter the birds from eating them. Almost like a bird poop camouflage.

Evan

Thank you for the photo - I had two of those on my meyer lemon tree this morning & I just got it the day before with no damaged leaves. Also woke up to a half eaten tomato that was still orange and the little f-er took one bite out of its neighbor. Looks like those will be coming in at night. Rat didn't touch the grape tomatoes or the other large bush which has riper ones on it. Go figure.

you can use the bird poop as fertilizer

get some peppermint plants that will repel your rats