You notice those funky little yellow spots on your leafy friends and wonder, “What’s all this about?” Well, brace yourself – those spots could be itty-bitty insect eggs! Your garden is also a nursery for these tiny yellow bugs. But don’t stress. This post’ll unpack all the details about these yellow mystery guests.
As I mentioned in the posts about insects laying white eggs or black eggs on the plant leaves, when you see colorful spots/ parts on the leaves, insect eggs might not be the cause. We should pay closer attention and inspect more.
So, What Causes The Yellow Spots On Plant Leaves?
Before knowing if yellow insect eggs are on your plant leaves, you will see them as yellow spots. Here are a few other reasons that cause yellow spots on plant leaves:
- Poor Drainage: If the plant’s soil is constantly soggy and doesn’t drain well, it can cause root problems leading to yellow leaves. Again, take a closer look when the leaves start looking yellow.
- Nutrient Deficiency (Including Overwatering or Underwatering): This is considered the most common cause of yellow leaves. If the leaves are completely yellow, it might not be because of the eggs. But if it starts having small yellow spots, take a closer look! Nitrogen deficiency, for example, often results in yellowing leaves as the plant redirects nitrogen to the younger, more essential leaves. Or interveinal chlorosis turns the tissue between the veins yellow while the veins remain green. Overwatering/Underwatering will result in yellow leaves, indicating root/ stem rot, later killing the plant.
- Light Intensity: Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch, and turn leaves yellow. Conversely, insufficient light can cause yellowing because of reduced photosynthesis. Sun-stressed succulents are common, so pay attention!
- Temperature Stress: Too hot and cold temperatures can stress plants and lead to yellow leaves.
Ensuring that the yellow color on the leaves is none of the above reasons! That’s when we move on to deal with insects that lay yellow eggs on your plant.
6 Insects That Lay Yellow Eggs On Leaves
The 6 possibilities for yellow eggs on leaves you may see are:
- Mature cabbage white butterfly eggs.
- Ladybug eggs.
- Southern green stink bug eggs.
- 24-hour pickleworm eggs.
- Milkweed bug eggs.
- Newly-laid gulf fritillary eggs.
More details and scientific references are below:
#1. Mature Cabbage White Butterfly Eggs (Pieris rapae):
This butterfly species lay small, yellow, oval-shaped eggs singly on the leaves of plants in the Brassica family, such as cabbage, kale, and broccoli. The eggs are usually laid on the underside of the leaves. These eggs are usually small, pale yellow, or creamy white and have a ribbed texture.
Once they hatch, green caterpillars emerge and feed on the leaves of plants, especially those in the cabbage family. Regular monitoring, manual removal of eggs, and introducing natural predators or using organic insecticides can help manage these pests. Protective measures like row covers can also prevent egg-laying by cabbage white butterflies.
Reference: Cabbage White Butterfly – Oregon State University.
#2. Ladybug Eggs
Ladybugs, or ladybirds or lady beetles, are beneficial insects feeding on pests like aphids and scale insects. They lay small, yellow or orange, oval-shaped eggs in clusters on the undersides of leaves, often near aphid colonies.
Reference: The Life Cycle of the Ladybug – Pajarito Environmental Education Center
#3. Southern Green Stink Bug Eggs
This stink bug is a pest of various crops, including soybean, cotton, and tomatoes. Females lay clusters of small, barrel-shaped, pale yellow to greenish-yellow eggs on the undersides of leaves, stems, or flower buds.
#4. Milkweed Bug Eggs
These bugs feed on milkweed plants; you can ]easily recognize them by their bright orange and black markings. Females lay clusters of small, yellowish-orange, oval-shaped eggs on the undersides of milkweed leaves or milkweed seed pods.
Reference: Oncopeltus fasciatus Care Guide – Carolina Biological Supply Company.
#5. Newly-laid Gulf Fritillary Eggs
The Gulf Fritillary butterfly, scientifically known as Agraulis vanillae, lays its eggs on various passionflower vines. The newly-laid eggs are pale yellow and have a unique, ridged texture. When you see these eggs on plant leaves, a female Gulf Fritillary may have just laid them. Typically, a female Gulf Fritillary will deposit single eggs on the host plant leaves, allowing the caterpillars immediate access to food upon hatching.
The eggs generally hatch within a few days, giving rise to caterpillars that eventually transform into the striking orange and black adult Gulf Fritillary butterflies. Before hatching, the eggs will turn dark orange (and there come the orange eggs on plant leaves, depending on when you find these eggs).
#6. 24-hour Pickleworm Eggs
Did you know pickleworm eggs undergo an intriguing transformation within 24 hours? When freshly laid, these eggs are white, making them relatively inconspicuous. However, after just a day, they change remarkably and turn yellow! This color shift is like a countdown, signaling that the eggs are maturing and about to hatch into tiny pickleworm caterpillars. It’s incredible how nature works its magic in such a short period!
Summing Up
So there you have it – the lowdown on those little yellow eggs you might find on your plant leaves. While it can seem a bit icky, it’s just part of the gardening game. Your plants are like little bustling cities for insects. Knowing what’s going on helps you deal with it, right? So, keep your eyes open, stay curious, and have fun gardening!
Is this a helpful article for you? Let me know your thought in the comment section below! What’s more? The post about insects laying yellow eggs is one of many in this series. Insects also lay green, orange, or black eggs on the plant leaves. Read more:
