The Garden Community for Garden Lovers

By Sid

Hereford, United Kingdom Gb

Something is eating leaves and stems of an aquilegia and a dicentra in my garden, but I can't see what it is. The leaves are completed gone, just leaving stems. I can't see any catapillars. There is a thalictrum between the two plants affected, which is largely untouched, but has lost a few leaves. There is a hosta to the front of the plants which is untouched. I'm certain it's not slugs/snails. Any ideas please?

Sam_3225 Sam_3227



Is there a chance it might be rabbits?

6 Jun, 2015


More like caterpillars

6 Jun, 2015


It will be the Aquilegia sawfly larvae - they are like very small green caterpillars. They can completely defoliate plants in this family, as you have found out! I squash them as soon as I see them. Plants usually survive attacks.

7 Jun, 2015


Cammomile - no wabbits in my middle-of-the-village garden :)

Landgirl - That sounds interesting - I have had a REALLY good look and can't see any catapillars at all - do they hide during the day?

UPDATE - Something has started eating my morning glories too - going right through the stems so that everything above dies.... :(

8 Jun, 2015


Perhaps the bluetits are eating the caterpillars!

11 Jun, 2015

How do I say thanks?

Answer question


Not found an answer?