These small, flightless, black or gray pests feed throughout the growing season, chewing notches in leaf edges of many plants, especially azaleas, rhododendrons, roses, and viburnum. In late summer, they lay eggs on the soil or in the folds of leaves. After the eggs hatch, the legless larvae burrow into the soil and eat roots.

Control is not easy. Floating row covers may keep adults from landing on plants. Parasitic nematodes are effective in controlling larvae.

For chemical control of adults, use acephate.