If you could take a pic of the bugs it would probably help a lot. I bet you would have a very quick answer if you did. Good luck-Joy

I don't have a camera that will take a good picture of something that small. I thought someone might be able to ID it from having HKO trees or loquats with lots of leaf margin damage.

I have had three in a plastic baggie for several days and they are still alive. I think they might be white-fringed beetles. I'll take the baggie to the nursery later today for ID.

Sorry I couldn't help you, so far mine is fine. Did you ever find out what is was? I'd like to know in case my tree gets them. :o)

I am sure the Bayer systemic for tree and shrubs would help.

Yes here is the culprit. It's a weevil from sri lanka.

My nursery suggested an insecticide with spinosad, sprayed on it lasts 6 weeks and only will affect chewing insects.

Here is a link that might be useful: weevil pest

I called Sarasota County and talked with someone in the horticultural department, and apparently this is more serious than I even thought. There is no known control for this weevil, the University of Florida is looking to find something but at this point there's no known solution. They suggested trying Sevin or a systemic. I think these would work (for non edible plants) but I have a feeling that we're facing a very serious problem here and there will be no easy answer. They told me that without treatment, it would kill my hong kong orchid tree.

Oh no! I visited your post last night and thought about the Sri Lanka Beetle that has caused significant leaf damage on some of my ornamentals, but I don't have a Loquat or a HKO.

Our county extension agent recommended Sevin but said to change pesticides on your next attack because Sri Lanka Beetles quickly grow immune to whatever you spray on them.

I called a lawn service to spray because there was no way I could get to the tops of Tibouchinas or Powder Puff. A week later, I'm spotting those critters down low, like on african iris. This year I've squished hundreds of them. Oh, and they're mating now.

Thanks for posting the link, Oldflorida. Good luck with your Orchid Tree and Loquat. You stated before that you have a pesticide free yard: that is really great, so I know this has to be heart wrenching for you.

Good luck.

I have this same bug

I have this same bug.. hard, can’t squish it… beetle?

My Hong Kong Orchid tree started with yellow leaves, now they’re turning brown. I can’t see this bug on the tree but found it on my weeping hibiscus, rose, powder puff tree, and thought maybe that is the problem with my HKO also?