Rosemary Beetle

Small, shiny beetle with metallic green and purple longitudinal stripes, found on rosemary, lavender, and thyme.

Two generations per year; adults active from late summer through spring, larvae feed on foliage overwinter and into spring.

Adults and larvae chew leaves, often stripping bushes of foliage in patches, particularly in late summer and again after winter.

Hand-pick beetles and larvae, checking plants in autumn and spring when most active. Shake plants over a tray to collect them.

Avoid excess pesticide use that harms natural predators, and inspect susceptible herbs regularly through cooler months.