Hi guys,

I've got an issue that is very puzzling. I have finally got my standard maypops to blooming size, and edulis soon to follow.

My problem is that after they bloom, the drying flowered buds look as though they've been eaten away, therefore no fruit! That was my entire intention for growing them!!!

At first I thought it may be a squirrel as the culprit, but now know it is not.

However, I do see some bugs on plant I will now describe:

Long, antlike body, winged, and as I observe them, they seem to only suck nectar, and not damage plants. But it's so hot outside now, I can't stay outside long enough to see if they are in fact the culprits de-flowering the plants!

I don't want to kill good insects, and even after extensive google image search, can't find picture of this insect. Will try to get photo to post later.

Also, just a moment ago, I found a small grayish beetle at the very tip of one of the deflowered stems. Is this the bugger causing damage????

Please help enthusiasists!!! The caterpillars are beautiful daymoths, and they only munch leaves it seems...but I still move them to my non-fruiting amtheyst. So what gives gang?

Thanks very much to any who can offer advice!

Nichole