What's eating my mangosteen?

Mangosteen is most threatened by the mangosteen caterpillar (Stictoptera cuculioides), which skeletonises tender new leaves. Mealybugs, scale insects, and thrips also attack trees in warm climates. Indoor/container specimens attract spider mites in dry air. Inspect foliage regularly and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap at first sign.

Larvae shred and skeletonise new flushes of growth, leaving only leaf midribs; defoliation weakens young trees. Hand-pick egg masses and larvae on small trees; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or neem-based spray at leaf-flush stage.

White waxy colonies on shoots and fruit surfaces; sap loss causes stunted growth and honeydew-fuelled sooty mould. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat at 2-week intervals. Encourage ladybird predators.

Hard or soft shell bumps on stems and leaves; feeding weakens branches and promotes sooty mould. Scrape off light infestations manually; apply horticultural oil spray to smother crawlers.

Fine webbing on leaf undersides; stippled, bronzed foliage, particularly in hot dry conditions. Raise humidity; spray with neem oil or miticide, targeting leaf undersides.