Are these geraniums or
Submitted by myabruzzohome on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 16:05In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Yes of course I am talking about pelargoniums, silly me, and I am afraid the said butterfly is argus sized but is an alien species which has multiplied hugely and is now the commonest butterfly in the Rome area and due to its devastating effects on pelargoniums is not on my list of protectable species!
SOUTH AFRICAN BUTTERFLY
Submitted by Gala Placidia on Wed, 09/09/2009 - 11:49In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
It sounds as if it could be the South African copper butterly which attacks both geraniums and pelargoniums by laying eggs and the larvae destroy the flowers. It has invaded many Mediterranean areas, particularly the Balearic Islands, but you know how these pests tend to spread.
can we see
Submitted by myabruzzohome on Wed, 09/09/2009 - 14:48In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
GERANIUM BRONZE BUTTERFLY
Submitted by Gala Placidia on Thu, 09/10/2009 - 04:17In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Here are some photos which may help: www.guypadfield.com/geraniumbronze.html
The variety that attacked my pelargoniums in Marbella (Spain) a few years ago was similar and small in size. The damage caused was big. I had to replace all the plants and have the old ones burnt. The little monsters are already well established in the Mediterranean basin, so it would not surprise me to find them in Italy. I was also told by a knowledgeable gardening neighbour to keep watering down as it seems to attract the butterflies. Here is another site where you can see the damage it causes. Identical to what I experienced. www.botanical-online.com/floresmariposageranioangles.htm
You will find plenty of information if you search Google using the words: geranium, bronze butterfly or through geranium pests.
Thanks for interest
Submitted by elliven on Fri, 09/11/2009 - 17:39In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec