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Unknown beetles in orchid case

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by Mat Brutger, Sep 23, 2022.

  1. Sep 23, 2022 #1
    Mat Brutger

    Mat Brutger Active Member

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    upload_2022-9-23_14-56-46.jpeg Does anyone know what these small beetles are? Their population has been steadily growing in my orchid case. I haven’t seen any obvious sign of them being a problem, but I really don’t know what they are.
     
  2. Sep 23, 2022 #2
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Looks like a borer. They would typically bore into trees or twigs to lay their eggs then emerge as the adults you show. Did you put in any fresh wood mounts lately?
     
  3. Sep 26, 2022 #3
    Mat Brutger

    Mat Brutger Active Member

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    That’s what I was wondering. Most of my mounts are cork but there are a handful of plants on their original mounts from Andy’s… the case itself is built out of cedar. Sounds like they’re probably just munching on the wood and not an issue for the plants?
     
  4. Sep 26, 2022 #4
    Alex Shepack

    Alex Shepack Active Member

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    I think I've got those as well. For a while I was worried they were Dendrobium Beetles, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I haven't noticed any major problems with them being in the tent.
     
  5. Sep 27, 2022 #5
    Chris.c147

    Chris.c147 Well-Known Member

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    They are called Desjardin's beetles (Cryptamorpha desjardinsii). I first got these from Andy's as well. Luckily they do not seem to cause any damage to the plants.
     
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  6. Sep 29, 2022 #6
    Mat Brutger

    Mat Brutger Active Member

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    Thanks Chris, better than the snails I have from Andy's then! ;)
     
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  7. Sep 30, 2022 #7
    DarleneJay

    DarleneJay Well-Known Member

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    I have them too. They are annoying but don't appear to cause too much trouble. I also have several mounts from Andy's but am not sure where they came from.