What's wrong with my plant? Give us your feedback

Spinach > Leaves > Holes in leaves

1 of 5
  • Image: Codling moth 1
    Credit: L. Naeve, Iowa State University
  • Image: Codling moth 2

    Credit: Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota

  • Image: Codling moth 3

    Credit: Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota

  • - CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE -

green arrowSlugs

  • Chews irregular holes in leaves; can completely defoliate plants
  • Feeds during night and typically not seen during day
  • 1/4 to 2 inches long
  • Soft-bodied and typically brown or gray
  • Active spring and summer; is particularly common during cool, wet weather
  • More information on Slugs... ...
2 of 5
  • Image: Fruitworms 1
    Credit: Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
  • Image: Fruitworms 2

    Credit: Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota

  • - CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE -

green arrowImported Cabbageworm
Artogeia rapae

  • Larvae feed on leaves causing irregularly shaped holes
  • Larvae are up to 1 inch in length, velvety green in color with faint yellow stripes running longitudinally on the back and sides
  • Larvae are present throughout the growing season
  • Brown droppings may be seen
  • More information on Imported Cabbageworm...
3 of 5
  • Image: Winter Injury 1
    Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
  • Image: Winter Injury 2

    Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

  • Image: 3

    Credit: Eric Burkness, University of Minnesota

  • - CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE -

green arrowFlea Beetles
Disonycha xanthomelas, Systena blanda, and Phyllotreta spp.

  • Adult feeding on leaves creates shallow pits and small, irregular holes giving it a "shot hole" appearance
  • Heavy feeding may cause wilting
  • Adults are small (1/16 to 1/8 inch long), and vary in color from black, bronze, bluish, or brown to metallic gray, while some species have stripes
  • Present throughout the growing season
  • More information on Flea Beetles...
4 of 5
  • Image: Apple Curculio 1
    Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
  • Image: Apple Curculio 2

    Credit: E. Burkness, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota

  • Image: 3

    Credit: Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota

  • - CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE -

green arrowCabbage Looper
Trichoplusia ni

  • Larvae feed on leaves resulting in large ragged holes
  • Dark green droppings may be seen
  • Larvae are up to 1 ½ inches in length, light green, and move in a characteristic "looping" action
  • Present from early July to late August
  • More information on Cabbage Looper...
5 of 5
  • Image: Apple Curculio 1
    Credit: Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
  • Image: Apple Curculio 2

    Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

  • Image: 3

    Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

  • - CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE -

green arrowDiamondback Moth
Plutella xylostella

  • Larvae feed on leaves, turning tissue opaque/white color
  • Affected tissue eventually falls out resulting in small holes
  • Larvae are up to 1/3 inch and pale green in color
  • Present throughout the growing season
  • More information on Diamondback Moth...

Don't see what you're looking for?