Night-Feeding Beetles Defoliating Young Fruit Trees in China

A gardener in China reports small black insects stripping leaves from one-year-old apple and cherry trees at night. They ask for identification and organic control options.

Expert Answer: The dark photos suggest a chafer beetle, but exact ID is difficult. If available, spinosad-based insecticide (generally considered organic) can be sprayed on foliage. See spinosad background. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with China's beetle fauna for a more specific recommendation.

— Jack DeAngelis