Daffodil nibblers

[Eric Hardy]

Not strictly a question on how to deal with a pest, but an answer would be nice, more a question of what pest causes this. We have a particularly nice white daffodil which is being nibbled by something. Whatever it is likes this particular one rather than go for the yellow ones which don't seem to suffer in this way.

This is a reasonably unaffected flower.


These are two heads after whatever it is has had a good nibble 


Eric H

[Palustris]

Looks a bit like the damage one gets on Clematis where the bud has been attacked by earwigs. Are they active at this time of year though?

[NightHawk]

Looks a bit like the damage one gets on Clematis where the bud has been attacked by earwigs. Are they active at this time of year though?

There are only 4 species that are native to the British Isles, but others occasionally arrive in produce from the continent.

Adults can be found throughout the year, although they are usually dormant in winter.

The Common Earwig is common in gardens and often nibble on flowers.  So to answer your question, it is possible that an earwig is the culprit.

Laurie.

[Eric Hardy]

Thank you Eric & Laurie. That could be an explanation, we do get earwigs. It is a pity though, there's not much to be done about it. It is interesting that they are so selective. Perhaps there is something in the yellow ones they don't like.

[NightHawk]

Eric H,  I found this bit of advice regarding earwigs on the RHS web site, that you may find interesting.

Laurie.

[Eric Hardy]

Thanks Laurie.

They say "Earwigs hide in sheltered places during the day and emerge to feed after dark.  Avoid growing susceptible plants against wooden fences which provide daytime hiding places."

Those daffodils affected tend to be at the edges of the garden near hedges and sheds so that seems to prove the point. A large patch in the middle of the lawn seems unaffected.

Eric H

[NightHawk]

There you go then Eric.

It pays to know your garden enemies and the strategies to combat them. 

It's also good to know your garden friends as well. 

Laurie.