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| #3 - Insects of the Week | ||||||||||||||||
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Insects of the Week
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Taken from the B.Y.G.L. (Buckeye Yard and Garden Online) Newsletter
Contributing Authors: Pam Bennett, Joe Boggs, Cindy Meyer, Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper, Dave Dyke, Gary Gao, David Goerig, Tim Malinich, Becky McCann, Bridget Meiring, Amy Stone and Curtis Young |
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| BOXWOOD LEAFMINERS. Joe Boggs reported observing high localized populations of boxwood leafminer (Monarthropalpusi flavus) larvae on their namesake host in southwest Ohio. The yellowish-white larvae of this midge fly are currently feeding between the upper and lower leaf surfaces producing the characteristic leaf blistering damage that is associated with this insect. The larvae will remain in the leaves throughout the winter, and resume feeding in the spring. They pupate in mid-to-late April, and adults emerge around the time that weigela is in full bloom. The tiny mosquito-like adults that emerge from the orange pupal skins are approximately 1/10" long, and they have bright orangish-red abdomens. There is a single generation per year. Leaf blisters are currently predominantly green in color; however, Joe noted that some mines are beginning to show slight yellowing. This color change does not normally occur until the spring and is sometimes mistaken for winter injury. It was speculated that the yellowing leaf mines may be caused by the current drought being experienced in Greater Cincinnati. Soil-drench application of imidacloprid (e.g. Merit) made now will kill the larvae. While the insecticide will not prevent damage that has occurred thus far, it will reduce or eliminate the population next year. The insecticide application has the added benefit of also controlling BOXWOOD PSYLLIDS (Cacopsylla busi) and |
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| STINK BUGS STINKIN' IT UP AND MAKIN' NEWS. Journalists along the east coast are on the beat - an insect beat, and making a real stink! The BROWN MARMORATED STINK BUG is damaging fruit and vegetable crops in the Middle Atlantic States, and these six legged stinkers are now invading homes to prepare for the winter to come. They have also been observed on ornamental trees, butterfly bushes, sweet corn, field corn and soybeans, but their pilgrimage into homes is causing big problems and what is making the news most recently. The brown marmorated stink bug was first detected in the United States about 10 years ago, and is native to Asia. It is different from our native stink bugs that are kept in check by natural enemies. When irritated, stepped on, or crushed, they emit a pungent odor that is sometimes described as skunk-like. Whewwwww! |
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