Azalea caterpillars have one generation each year during August and September. Small larvae skeletonize leaves, large larvae consume entire leaves. In sufficient numbers they can defoliate plantings in a short time. These hairy caterpillars have 7 light stripes along the body; its head and legs are red. Full-grown caterpillars are about 2 inches long. Azaleas are the preferred host but the caterpillars also feed on blueberry foliage.

Redheaded flea beetle adults are 1/4 inch long with a black body and red head (but it can be difficult to see). They have large femurs on their back legs that allow them to hop, as the name implies. Larvae are soil-based, have a creamy color and can be up to 1/2 inch long. This pest overwinters as eggs in the soil, and larvae hatch out to feed in the root zone, before pupating to emerge as adults. In Delaware and Maryland this first group of adults emerges when Southern magnolia is in bloom. A second generation occurs later in the summer. Adults feed on leaves causing extensive shot-hole damage.

Two-banded Japanese weevil adults are about 1/4 inch long and pear shaped. Unlike other weevils, which have long snouts, this weevil has a stout, short snout. Adults have a mottled appearance, with grey and brown blotches giving them an almost camouflage-like appearance. There are two distinct bands that form across the back of the elytra. Larvae look like other weevils -- small, white, and legless. The adults feed along the edges of leaves, making notches at first, then tattered edges. In heavy infestations, whole leaves may be consumed. They overwinter as eggs, larvae, and adults. Overwintering adults resume feeding in May and produce the next generation with new adults emerging in June-July.

Azalea lace bugs are 1/8 to 3/16 inches long sap-feeding insects with clear, ornate, lacy wings; The immature stages (nymphs)are spiny and wingless. Adults and nymphs live on the lower surface of leaves. As they feed, they leave tiny yellow to white spots on leaves and dark, varnish-like waste spots on the under sides.

These lace bugs spend the winter as eggs inserted into leaves. The eggs hatch in early spring and the nymphs begin to feed on plant sap. Development from egg to adult takes about 5 weeks. There are several generations each season. Usually, there are only a few insects in the first generation so feeding symptoms are not noticed. Numbers and damage to plants increase to a peak in late summer. When abundant, feeding can make plants unsightly and may cause premature leaf drop.

Azalea lace bug damage

Four-lined plant bug adults are between 1/4-1/3 inch long, have an orange head and yellowish body with four black stripes running down the back. The nymphs are red to red-orange with black dots. There is one generation per year, with feeding and growing occurring in May and June. As they feed, four-lined plant bugs create circular brown-black spots. The spots are about 1/16-inch wide and can merge together to create a blotchy appearance that resembles a disease issue. The damaged spots can also dry and fall out of the surrounding healthy tissue, leaving a hole behind.

Southern red mites are tiny (1/50 inch) arthropods with a dark red or brown color. They live on the underside of leaves and use needle-like mouthparts to remove the contents of individual cells. This produces tiny white to yellow spots on leaves, sometimes called flecking or bronzing. Infestations are usually most serious during cool periods of spring and fall.