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Extension Entomology

Category: Household

White-lined Sphinx

Posted on by Sharon Schroll

–by Raymond Cloyd, Horticultural Entomology

Are you seeing flying insects that resemble hummingbirds visiting various flowers in the garden (Figure 1)? Well, these are moths of the white-lined sphinx, Hyles lineata, which is commonly observed during this time of year. The moths are active day and night feeding on flower nectar using their elongated, tubular mouthparts while hovering like a hummingbird. They feed on a wide variety of flowering plants including cardinal flower, columbine, evening primrose, honeysuckle, penstemon, petunia, and phlox.

Figure 1. White-Lined Sphinx Moth Feeding On Nectar from Flower (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

 

The adult body and front wings are green-brown and there are six white stripes on the thorax (middle section of the insect body). The main veins of the front wings are white. There is a distinct light-brown or gray-brown band that extends across each front wing from the tip to the base. The hind wings are dark-brown and there is a broad pink band extending across each wing. There is also a narrow, pink band along the margin (Figure 2).

 

Figure 2. White-Lined Sphinx Moth (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

 

In spring, adult females lay hundreds of eggs on plant leaves. Caterpillars (larvae) emerge (eclose) from the eggs. Mature (older) caterpillars are 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) long.

Caterpillars vary in color but are commonly light green with black stripes extending the length of the body, as well as yellow and orange spots. There is a pointed horn at the end of the body (Figures 3 and 4). Caterpillars feed on weeds including purslane and four o’ clocks. They eventually burrow into the soil and pupate.

Figure 3. White-Lined Sphinx Caterpillar (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Figure 4. White-Lined Caterpillar (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

 

 

Fall Armyworm – Second Generation

Posted on by Sharon Schroll

— by Raymond Cloyd —  Horticultural Entomologist

Second-generation fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, caterpillars (larvae) are present throughout portions of Kansas. Those of you that have re-seeded your turfgrass should be on the lookout for the young caterpillars and take appropriate measures to prevent or minimize turfgrass damage.

Fall armyworm cannot survive exposure to freezing temperatures. Consequently, fall armyworm does not overwinter in Kansas, but can overwinter in mild climates such as southern Florida and Texas. The ability of fall armyworm to invade an area depends on prevailing weather conditions during the winter months in the regions where they overwinter. Cool, wet springs followed by warm, humid weather and abundant rainfall favor the movement of fall armyworm northward. Weather fronts are how fall armyworm moths disperse to other regions of the USA. Favorable conditions that can lead to massive infestations of fall armyworm include cool weather, abundant rainfall, well-managed turfgrass, and few natural enemies (e.g. parasitoids and predators). Fall armyworm outbreaks occur at irregular intervals throughout the USA.

Adult female and male moths (Figure 1) are typically active at night (nocturnal) and are attracted to lights. After mating, females lay gray, cottony egg masses on the surface of an assortment of objects or surfaces, including plant leaves, grass blades, twigs, windowpanes, and fence posts (Figure 2), sides of buildings, flag poles, golf carts, and decks. The number of eggs per mass is between 100 and 200 with up to 2,000 eggs laid per female. The eggs are covered by dense hairs resembling gray cotton or flannel. Caterpillars emerge (eclose) from eggs in two to four days at temperatures between 70 and 80°F (21 and 26°C). The higher temperatures lead to faster development.

Figure 1. Fall armyworm adult (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Picture not available —– Figure 2

 

Caterpillars create silken strands, which allow them to reach the turfgrass. Early instar (young) caterpillars are 1/16 of an inch (2.0 mm) in length and light-green (Figure 3). Later instar (older) caterpillars are 1.5 inches (38 mm) long, tan to olive-green, with stripes that extend the length of both sides of the body (Figure 4). Fall armyworm caterpillars can be distinguished from true armyworm, Pseudaletia unipunctata, caterpillars by the presence of a light-colored, inverted Y-shaped marking on the front of the head (Figure 5). In addition, fall armyworm caterpillars have four black tubercles on the back of each abdominal segment.

 

Figure 3. Fall armyworm early instar caterpillar (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Figure 4. Fall armyworm later instar caterpillar (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Figure 5. Y-shaped marking on the head of fall armyworm caterpillar (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

There are six larval instars. The first three instars feed on the underside of leaf blades, in leaf folds, or on the leaf margins resulting in a tattered appearance. The last three instars feed on leaf blades all the way down to the crown of the turfgrass resulting in extensive damage (Figure 6) in two to three days. At high densities, caterpillars will exhibit cannibalistic behavior—or eat each other.

Figure 6. Turfgrass damage caused by fall armyworm caterpillar feeding (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Caterpillars feed during the day and night. If disturbed, caterpillars will fall onto the soil surface and curl-up (Figure 7). If you look at the soil surface where the leaf blades have been chewed-down, you will notice piles of green frass or ‘caterpillar poop’ (Figure 8). Eventually, the sixth larval instar enters the soil and pupates in a silken webbing or cocoon at depths of 1.0 to 3.0 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm). The soil depth that pupation occurs is contingent on soil texture, moisture, and temperature. Adult moths that emerge (eclose) from the pupae can live up to 21 days. The life cycle takes approximately four weeks to complete although development is dependent on temperature. Bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon; tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea; and creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera, may be fed upon by fall armyworm caterpillars. There are one to two generations per year in Kansas.

Figure 7. Fall armyworm caterpillar curled-up on soil surface (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Figure 8. Fecal deposits or frass associated with fall armyworm caterpillar feeding (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

There are no preventative treatments for fall armyworm. Consequently, when the young caterpillars are present, contact or stomach poison insecticides can be applied including those with the following active ingredients: azadirachtin, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, bifenthrin, chlorantraniliprole, cyfluthrin, permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and spinosad. Repeat applications of an insecticide may be needed depending on the extent of the infestation. However, check your turfgrass at least twice per week to determine if an insecticide application is warranted.

 

WORMS, WORMS, and MORE WORMS (army cutworms, fall armyworms)

Posted on by Sharon Schroll

–by Jeff Whitworth — Field Crops

 

2021 might be called the “year of the worm”. Starting in late winter/early spring, 2021, there was considerable activity by army cutworms. Most of the problem was caused by the larvae decimating thin strands of wheat and/or alfalfa. Then, since late spring/early summer, a combination of armyworms and fall armyworms have been causing serious concern and damage in lawns, pastures, and alfalfa fields throughout about the eastern 2/3rd’s of the state. Army cutworms spend the summer in the Rocky Mountains but start to migrate back into Kansas in early fall every year. The larvae may feed on just about any plants but mostly affect wheat and alfalfa, as these are usually the only plants actively growing this time of year. Armyworms, probably more so than fall armyworms, may continue to cycle through another generation or even two as they overwinter in Kansas, and thus it will probably take a “hard” frost or freeze to stop them. Fall armyworms, since they don’t usually overwinter in Kansas, may migrate south after this generation become adults-but there could be another, or at least partial generation. Armyworms infest primarily grasses, i.e. sorghum, corn, brome pastures, lawns, and often this time of year, wheat, but occasionally alfalfa, etc. Thus, if armyworms are the problem they could be around through another generation or maybe even two depending upon the weather. So, if armyworms are relatively small (see pic 1) they will probably feed for another 10-14 days then pupate (stop feeding). If they are relatively large (see pic 2) however, they will probably pupate in the next 3-7 days. There will probably be at least one more generation of armyworms. Fall armyworms (see pic 3) have a little wider host range, which includes alfalfa, soybeans, corn, sorghum, wheat, etc., but don’t usually overwinter in Kansas, thus, hopefully, will be heading south after these larvae finish feeding and become moths. Also, in the next 30-60 days army cutworm moths should have returned from their summer Rocky Mountain retreats to deposit eggs throughout at least the western 2/3rd’s of the state and thus, these tiny worms will start feeding on wheat and/or alfalfa all winter.

Picture 1: Small Armyworm (pic by Cayden Wyckoff)

Picture 2: Larger Armyworm (pic by Cayden Wyckoff)

Picture 3: Fall Armyworms (pic by Jay Wisbey)

 

 

Redbud Leaffolder

Posted on by Sharon Schroll

–by Raymond Cloyd — Horticultural Entomology

 

 

Has anyone noticed the leaves of their Eastern redbud, Cercis canadensis, trees or shrubs turning brown and folding on top of each other? The damage you are noticing is caused by the caterpillar stage of the redbud leaffolder, Fascista cercerisella. Adults are 1/4 inch long, black to dark brown with an orange head. There are approximately 10 white spots on the wings. The adults are very active when disturbed. Adult females lay oval, white eggs near the leaf veins.

 

Caterpillars emerge (eclose) from the eggs laid by adult females and feed on the leaves of Eastern redbud. Early-instar caterpillars are 1/4 of an inch in length, initially white (Figure 1), and then become light-green. Later-instar caterpillars are 1/2 of an inch long with alternating bands of white and black on the body (Figure 2). Caterpillars fold the edges of leaves onto the upperside (Figure 3) and then fasten the leaves together with white strands of silk (Figure 4). The caterpillars feed within the folds on the upper leaf surface, which protects them from natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators. If you pull the leaves apart the caterpillars will move vigorously and fall off the leaves. Redbud leaffolder overwinters as a pupa in the folds of fallen leaves. There are three generations per year in Kansas.

Figure 1. Early-instar caterpillar of redbud leaffolder (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

 

Figure 2. Later-instar caterpillar of redbud leaffolder (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Figure 3. Edges of leaves folded onto the leaf upperside (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Figure 4. White silken strands that hold leaves together (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Eastern redbud trees or shrubs may be disfigured and leaves distorted when leaf margins fold over each other. Heavily-infested Eastern redbud trees or shrubs may drop their leaves prematurely.

Redbud leaffolder caterpillars are difficult to manage with spray applications of insecticides once the leaves are folded over and fastened together because the caterpillars are protected from exposure inside the folded leaves. However, folded leaves can be physically removed and placed into a container of soapy water that will kill redbud leaffolder caterpillars.

 

Commercial Applicator Recertification Training Program (Category 6, 7C & 9A – Right-of-Way, Industrial Weed and Noxious Weed

Posted on by Sharon Schroll

–by Frannie Miller — Pesticide Safety and IPM Coordinator

 

Commercial Applicator Recertification

Training Program

 

Category 6, 7C & 9A

Right-of-Way, Industrial Weed and Noxious Weed

 

Virtual Edition Using Zoom

 

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday, October 29, 2021

K-STATE
Research and Extension

——————————————————————————–

 

PROGRAM TOPICS AND SPEAKERS

 

7:30 a.m.          Registration

 

8:00 a.m.           IVM and Zonal Maintenance for ROW and Utilities, Matt Kraushar, Indiana Dept. of Transportation (1 Credit Hour 6, 7C & 9A)

 

8:55 a.m.           Herbicide Recommendations for Noxious and Problem Weeds, Jordan Boone, Territory Manager, Corteva (1 Credit Hour, 6,7C & 9A)

 

9:50 a.m.           Break

 

10:00 a.m.          Weed and Brush Management in IVM Areas, James Jackson, Market Development Specialist, Alligare (1 Credit Hour 6, 7C & 9A)

 

11:00 a.m.          Pesticide Use and Professionalism, Jeremy Corrigan,

Vegetation Management Specialist, Arborchem (1 Credit Hour 6, 7C & 9A)

 

12:00p.m.           Lunch

 

1:00 p.m.           Emerging Trends in IVM, Jeremy Corrigan,

Vegetation Management Specialist, Arborchem, (1 Credit Hour 6, 7C & 9A)

 

1:55 p.m.          Off Target and Movement of Herbicides in IVM, Sarah Lancaster, KSU Extension Weed Specialist (1 Credit Hour 6, 7C & 9A)

 

2:50 p.m.            Break

 

3:00 p.m.            Weed Identification and Their Look-A-Likes, Scott Marsh, Noxious and Invasive Weeds Specialist, Plant Protection (1 Credit Hour 6, 7C & 9A)

 

4:00 p.m.            Core Hour: Pesticide Law, Environment and Labels, KDA Pesticide & Fertilizer Program (1 Core Hour)

Workshop Registration

Name:___________________________________________

 

Company:________________________________________

 

Address:_________________________________________

 

City, State:______________________  Zip:_____________

 

Phone:__________________________________________

 

Email address:___________________________________

 

Registration Fee:  $80.00

 

Pay to: KSU Entomology Department

 

Send to: Frannie Miller, KSU Entomology Dept.

600 West Woodside, McPherson, KS 67460

Fax #: (620) 241-3407

 

Credit card payment can be made online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/KSUIPM

If you must cancel, a full refund, minus $5 administrative fee will be made on all credit card payments.

Aquatic Pest Control (Category 5) Commercial Applicator Recertification Training Program Virtual Edition Using Zoom

Posted on by Sharon Schroll

–by Frannie Miller – Pesticide Safety and IPM Coordinator

 

 

AQUATIC

 PEST CONTROL

Category 5

——————————–

Commercial Applicator Recertification Training Program

Virtual Edition Using Zoom

Thursday, October 28, 2021

8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

K-STATE
Research and Extension

——————————————————————————–

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

 

7:30 a.m.           Registration

 

8:00 a.m.             Alternative Weed Control Techniques for Aquatic Environments, Joe Gerken, Fisheries and Aquatic Extension Specialist, Kansas State University (1 Credit Hour Cat. 5)

 

9:00 a.m.             Algae and Floating Aquatic Plant Identification,

Brittany Chesser, Aquatic Vegetation Management Specialist, Texas A & M (1 Credit Hour Cat. 5)

 

10:00 a.m.          Aquatic Herbicide Chemistry – Improved Field Performance Starts with You”, Andrew Z. Skibo, Ph.D. Alligare (1 Credit Hour Cat. 5)

 

11:00 a.m.          Common Aquatic Modes of Action and How They Work, Dr. Jason Ferrell, University of Florida, Director of Aquatic and Invasive Plants (1 Credit Hour Cat. 5)

 

12:00 p.m.         Core Hour: Pesticide Law, Environment and Labels, KDA Pesticide & Fertilizer Program (1 Core Hour)

 

1:00 p.m.           Aquatic Labels and Calculations, What you Should Know!, Brett Bultemeier, University of Florida, Pesticide Office (1 Credit Hour Cat. 5)

 

In odd years, training for category 5 will be held as complete recertification training containing 5 pest management and one core hour.

 

Category 5 training will not be offered again until 2023, so if you certification ends in 2021 or 2022 you need to attend this training!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop Registration

Name:___________________________________________

 

Company:________________________________________

 

Address:_________________________________________

 

City, State:______________________  Zip:_____________

 

Phone:__________________________________________

 

Email address:____________________________________

 

Registration Fee:  $60.00 – To ensure you are able to receive the zoom link please register by October 22, 21

Core only: $20.00

Pay to: KSU Entomology Department

 

Send to: Frannie Miller, KSU Entomology Dept.

600 West Woodside, McPherson, KS 67460

Fax: (620) 241-3407

 

Credit card payment can be made online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/KSUIPM If you must cancel, a full refund, minus $5 administrative fee will be made on all credit card payments.

Here We Go Again…Cicada Killer…Not the Asian Giant Hornet

Posted on by Sharon Schroll

–by Raymond Cloyd — Horticultural Entomology

We are receiving numerous inquiries regarding large wasps flying around in landscapes and gardens. These are the Eastern cicada killer, Sphecius speciosus; not the Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia, which is still restricted to Washington state.    Cicada killer adults are approximately 2.0 inches long and black with yellow-banded markings on the abdomen. The head and transparent wings are red-brown (Figure 1). Cicada killers are not dangerous, but are intimidating; especially the males. Cicada killers are solitary wasps, not social wasps like yellowjackets. Adults live up to 75 days from July through September, and feed on flower nectar and plant fluids or exudates.

Figure 1. Cicada Killer Adult (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

A female cicada killer will dig a 6 to 10-inch burrow (1/2 inch in diameter) in the soil; usually in sandy or loose soil. A pile of sand or soil, depending on soil type, will surround the entrance.

Cicada killer females search for dog days cicada, Tibicen pruinosa, adults on the trunks and lower branches of trees. The female stings the adult cicada using her ovipositor (egg-laying device), flips the cicada over, straddles the cicada, and then transports the immobilized or paralyzed cicada back to the burrow in the soil (Figures 2 and 3). Each burrow may contain three to four cells with one or two cicadas. The dead cicada serves as a food source for the cicada killer larvae, which are legless and grub-like. A female will lay one egg per cicada if the egg is unfertilized. Larvae that emerge from unfertilized eggs are males whereas larvae that emerge from fertilized eggs are females and are provided with two cicadas. Larvae emerge (eclose) from eggs in two to three days and feed on paralyzed cicadas. The female will eventually cover the burrow, dig another one, and repeat the process. Full-grown larvae overwinter inside silken cases, pupate in spring, and adults emerge from July through August. There is one generation per year in Kansas.

Figure 2. Cicada Killer Female Transporting a Paralyzed Cicada to Her Nest (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Figure 3. Cicada Killer Adult Female with Dead Cicada

Cicada killers are an urban nuisance pest, especially when large numbers are nesting in bare areas, in turfgrass, or around a structure. People are generally concerned because cicada killers resemble giant yellowjackets or they think cicada killers are the Asian giant hornet or the so-called “Murder Hornet”. However, cicada killers, in general, will not sting an individual. Wasp and bee female stingers are modified egg-laying devices (ovipositors), so males cannot sting. Females may sting if crushed or if stepped on with bare feet or grabbed with bare hands.

Male cicada killers establish aerial territories and patrol for intruders. A male cicada killer wards-off other males that enter his territory and attempt to mate with females. An individual that walks into the territory is typically confronted by a very large wasp hovering in front of the face and ‘zips’ to the side and back. However, after determining that the intruder is not a rival or a threat, the male cicada killer ignores the individual. Nonetheless, an individual walking across a lawn, fairway, or other area where cicada killers are nesting, will experience the same treatment through each male’s territory. After females have departed the nest, then males will eventually leave.

Cicada killers are common in areas with bare soil, so mulching, planting ground covers, or sodding may reduce issues with cicada killers. Cicada killers can be a problem in well-maintained areas such as irrigated and regularly fertilized turfgrass. In addition, cicada killers can be a problem when nesting in areas accessible to or frequented by the public. Applying carbaryl or pyrethroid insecticides containing the active ingredients; permethrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, and/or lambda-cyhalothrin to the burrowed area may kill females in golf course sand traps. In home yards, sandboxes should be covered with a tarp when not used to deter cicada killers. Sand below swings, jungle gyms, or other playground equipment should be replaced with bark mulch or shredded tires.

Managing cicada killers in baseball infields and volleyball courts is more challenging because people with minimal clothing and exposed skin are diving and sliding onto the soil; thus making it difficult to recommend using an insecticide. However, in the case of a volleyball court, a geotextile fabric placed beneath the sand may create a barrier that prevents cicada killers from creating burrows.

 

Fall Armyworm

Posted on by Sharon Schroll

–by Raymond Cloyd — Horticultural Entomology

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, caterpillar infestations are prevalent throughout Kansas with the caterpillars causing damage to turfgrass (e.g. Bermuda grass). For information on Identification, Description, Damage, and Management strategies please refer to the two-page extension publication using the following link:

 

https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/common-pest-problems/common-pest-problem-new/Fall%20Armyworm.pdf

 

Fall Webworm

Posted on by Sharon Schroll

–by Raymond Cloyd — Horticultural Entomology

The second generation of the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, is now present throughout most of Kansas with webs present on certain trees such as hickory and walnut. Fall webworm nests are noticeable, with silk webbing enclosing the ends of branches and foliage or leaves (Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1. Fall webworm nest on walnut tree (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Figure 2. Fall webworm nest on birch tree (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Fall webworm larvae or caterpillars are pale-green, yellow to nearly white, with two black spots on each abdominal segment. Caterpillars are covered with long, white hairs (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Close-up of fall webworm larvae (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Fall webworm caterpillars feed on a wide range of trees, including: birch, crabapple, maples, hickory, pecan, mulberry, and walnut. Fall webworm caterpillars, unlike caterpillars associated with the eastern tent caterpillar, Malacosoma americanum, remain within the enclosed webbing and do not venture out to feed. Caterpillars consume leaves, resulting in naked branches with webbing attached, which contains fecal deposits (frass) or ‘caterpillar poop’. These nests will eventually dry-up as the caterpillars transition into pupae, with adults eventually eclosing (emerging) from the pupae later on in the growing season.

Feeding by fall webworm caterpillars at this time of year is typically not directly harmful to trees—especially larger trees. The most effective method of dealing with fall webworm infestations is to prune-out the webs that enclose the caterpillars, place into a plastic bag, and dispose of immediately. Insecticide sprays are not be effective because the caterpillars remain in the webbing while feeding; thus reducing exposure to spray residues. If insecticides need to be applied, use high-volume spray applications that penetrate the protective webbing, or use a rake to disrupt or open-up the webbing so that the insecticide spray contacts the caterpillars.