What's eating my zinnia haageana 'old mexico'?

Mexican zinnia 'Old Mexico' is a compact, heat-tough annual but still susceptible to the common zinnia pests. Spider mites are the most common problem in hot, dry summers. Caterpillars chew buds and petals, aphids colonise shoot tips, and Japanese beetles skeletonise foliage in mid-season. It has slightly better pest tolerance than tall elegans types.

Fine pale stippling across leaves, bronze discolouration, and webbing on leaf undersides during heat. Water regularly to reduce drought stress; spray forcefully with water; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

Holes in petals and buds; occasionally whole buds eaten before opening; frass at wound sites. Spray with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); handpick caterpillars in the evening; remove damaged buds to deter re-infestation.

Clusters of small soft insects on new growth; sticky honeydew and distorted shoot tips. Blast with a firm water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray; tolerate low levels — natural predators usually control them.