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Small green larvae on the undersides of leaves are a common cause of holes in roses: they are roseslugs, the larvae of sawflies. But holes alone do not identify the culprit. Compare the damage pattern, check both sides of leaves, and look for insects before deciding whether to treat.
How to identify what is making holes in rose leaves
Start by inspecting the damaged leaves on both sides. Roseslug larvae often blend in on the undersides, so a hand lens can help. A single insect on a plant is not proof it caused the damage; match what you find to the leaf pattern.
| What you see | Likely cause | What to check or do |
|---|---|---|
| Translucent, scraped patches that look like windows; the patches may brown, and larger holes can develop | Young or mature roseslug larvae | Look underneath leaves for small greenish larvae. Young larvae scrape leaf tissue; older ones chew larger holes and may leave veins. UC IPM and Maryland Extension describe these signs. |
| Lace-like leaves with tissue eaten between veins; rose flowers may also be damaged | Japanese beetles, or rose chafers in some regions | Look for the beetles themselves. Japanese beetle adults are metallic green with bronze-brown wing covers. Timing varies by region. Maryland Extension, Minnesota Extension, and New Hampshire Extension provide regional guidance. |
| Smooth semicircular notches or neat oval or circular cuts at leaf edges | Leafcutter bees | These bees cut leaf pieces to line nest cells. The damage is usually minor; leave the bees alone because they are beneficial pollinators. See UC IPM, Minnesota Extension, and New Hampshire Extension. |
| Leaves tied or rolled with silk, sometimes with frass or a caterpillar inside | Leaf-feeding caterpillars | Check inside rolled leaves and remove infested material. UC IPM notes that this damage is usually not severe and pesticide treatment is generally unnecessary: Roses: Insects and Mites. |
Why roseslug larvae cause holes
Roseslugs are sawfly larvae, not slugs and not true caterpillars. Young larvae scrape the lower leaf surface, leaving a thin layer that can look translucent or windowpane-like. That damaged tissue may later turn brown. As larvae grow, they can chew through leaves, leaving larger holes or veins behind. Maryland Extension describes roseslugs as greenish-yellow and about 1/16 to 1/2 inch long; sizes vary by species and stage.
Season can help narrow the possibilities, but dates are local rather than universal. Maryland Extension recommends checking roses for larvae in May and June and notes that roseslugs may remain active through fall. Illinois Extension describes European roseslug feeding in May–June, two generations for curled rose sawflies, and six or more possible generations per year for bristly roseslugs. Japanese beetle timing also differs by location: Maryland gives June to early August, while Minnesota lists late June to early September. Use local extension guidance rather than treating those ranges as a nationwide calendar.
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What to do about roseslugs
For a few larvae
- Hand-pick larvae and remove them from the plant.
- Wash them off with a forceful stream of water, directing it at both leaf surfaces.
Check the plant again after removal to see whether fresh feeding continues.
For heavier feeding
If larvae are numerous and damage is continuing, insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or spinosad are among the options listed by UC IPM and Maryland Extension. Use only a product whose label permits use on roses for the pest in question, and follow its directions. Avoid applying these products to flowers: Illinois Extension warns that products that kill roseslugs can also harm pollinators.
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Do not use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a roseslug treatment. Bt products target certain moth and butterfly caterpillars; roseslugs are sawfly larvae. As UC IPM explains, “Bacillus thuringiensis products are not effective against roseslugs because they are not the larvae of butterflies or moths.”
If the cause is beetles, bees, or caterpillars
Japanese beetles and rose chafers
Confirm which beetle is present before choosing a response. Hand-picking Japanese beetles is an option in Maryland and New Hampshire home-garden guidance. Repeated pesticide applications may be needed for some Japanese beetle controls, and New Hampshire Extension warns that some effective options are highly toxic to bees and should not be used on flowering plants. Follow local extension advice and the product label.
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Leafcutter bees
Neat half-moon or oval cuts are not a reason to spray. Leafcutter bees are pollinators, and their minor leaf damage does not warrant chemical control, according to UC IPM and New Hampshire Extension.
Caterpillars
Look inside silk-tied or rolled leaves. Removing the affected material is often sufficient because this type of rose-leaf feeding is usually not severe. Do not assume every hole needs an insecticide.
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When holes do not identify the cause
Without a close look at the leaves, insects, and your location, the cause cannot be confirmed from holes alone. Compare the damage with the patterns above, inspect the undersides, and note whether flowers are also being eaten. Product registration and label directions vary, so check the label at the time of use and consult your local extension service if the damage is extensive or the insect remains uncertain.
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