Mating Rose Chafers

Subject: Marigold Destroyers
Location: Wisconsin (Upper Midwest)
June 25, 2013 6:03 am
I have a tremendous amount of these bugs engaging in an orgy on my marigolds and destroying them with their post-coital munching, I’m guessing. Can you tell me what they are and how to eradicate them?
Signature: Jacklyn

Mating Rose Chafers

Dear Jacklyn,
We don’t generally give extermination advice, especially since with native species.  These are Rose Chafers in the genus Macrodactylus which are also represented on BugGuide.  We would advise against pesticides which also kill beneficial insects and if you must control the numbers, we would recommend hand picking.

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