John, your picture isn't quite clear. Those notches could be sharp edged enough to be the weevils that are eating my siberian iris, or they could be climbing cutworm too. Go out at night after dark with a flashlight and take a look, that's when you'll find the pests including slugs. You may have to make more than one trip...let us know what you identify.

Looks like damage from caterpillars. The greater yellow underwing is currently active in my region.

Good advice on going out at night. I did that just now and it looks like I found the culprit. I am not sure what exactly it is though. Here is a link to the photos:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h273/johnmiki/IMG_0720.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h273/johnmiki/IMG_0724.jpg

Pics are a bit blurry but it is the best I could do. It is a small critter, about 1/3 inch long. Body is wider at one end and then narrows. At least I know what it looks like, now I just need a name.

Thanks for your help so far.

John

A little hard to tell from the photos. Could it be an earwig?

Here is a link that might be useful: Earwigs

Yes, I think it is an earwig. Thanks for the link. The ones around here are usually bigger but I guess there are more than one species.

I bought some Dr. Earth Insecticidal spray. I am going to give that a try this afternoon. I also ordered some Neem oil from Mountain Rose Herbs.

The staff at the local nursery weren't very helpful. They pretty much told me to use chemicals or I was out of luck. They also said diatamacious earth might work.

John

I'm having a big earwig problem also. The most recent post on my blog discusses it.

Here is a link that might be useful: My SFG Blog

You said: "Yes, I think it is an earwig."

I doubt it. Earwigs make small ragged holes. What you have is major eating.

I couldn't discern what was the critter in your picture, but I would suspect slugs and/or caterpillars.