 |
Ornamentals and Turf |
The first generation of lady beetles is occurring and will continue through the spring. Immature lady beetles are confusing because they do not resemble the adult. Immature lady beetles somewhat resemble six-legged gila monsters or alligators (on a much smaller scale). When the larvae mature, they pass through a prepupal stage that attaches itself to a leaf or twig by the hind end. The insect then molts into the pupal stage that resembles a scale insect more than a lady beetle. Days later the pupa molts and the wings expand and harden as the familiar lady beetle. Lady beetles are attracted to aphids for food. Sometimes the gardener notices the aphid damage (honeydew, sooty molds and stunted growth) and discovers the scale-like lady beetle pupae and believes the lady beetle pupae caused the problem. Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 74 provides additional information on lady beetles.
Euonymus scales are common and sometimes very damaging armored scale pests of euonymus and a few other ornamental plants. Leaves and stems may become encrusted with the scales to such an extent that whole branches or the entire plant may die. This scale usually has two or three generations per year. The tiny crawlers hatch and emerge from the mother's armor in April, May and June. Another brood hatches in late summer, and a partial third brood may appear even later so that all stages of development are present during most of the year. Although this scale is small, infestations are often plainly visible particularly with dense populations in which males usually greatly outnumber female scales. We recommend the use of oil for euonymus scale suppression. Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 15 provides more detailed information on controlling this pest.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on May 24, 2002 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.
