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Ornamentals and Turf |
Perhaps a little later than last year, but we have received samples of active imported willow leaf beetle adults in the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic at North Carolina State University. The imported willow leaf beetle closely resembles a lady beetle. The adult beetles overwinter outdoors and emerge from their hibernation sites in the Spring. They feed for a while before the females begin to lay eggs. Soon larvae hatch and all stages of the beetle can be found. The larvae skeletonize leaves. One reason the beetles seem to come back after treatment with pesticides is pesticides may not kill the eggs so that after treatment additional larvae hatch to carry on the family tradition. Another reason may be the beetles do not all emerge from their hibernating quarters on the same day. Thus, the trees may be reinfested after the pesticide treatment has eliminated the insects from the tree. This beetle can strip a tree of many leaves during a season, but is not likely to kill the tree. Conserve, Sevin and Orthene are choices of pesticides if chemical treatment is desired (Conserve is only for commercial applicators). More than one application may be needed. There is additional information on the biology and control of beetles in Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 24.
It is sometimes hard to convince people that the large crane fly adults are not mosquitos and do not bite. Crane flies are harmless to humans. The maggots of crane flies are sometimes called leatherjackets because of their tough skin. Leatherjackets are sometimes found in wet lawns or plant beds where they apparently feed on the roots or base of seedlings. The larvae of some species are aquatic. As adults, they may not feed at all. Populations may decline when the soil dries. A few adults may show up throughout the summer. Usually no control measures are recommended in home or turf for these short-lived flies.
Mysterious mounds appear in turf every year. It is often a challenge to identify the mound builders via the telephone. Sometimes they are solitary bees, sometimes they are green June beetle grubs, and sometimes the mound builder remains a mystery. This year the periodical cicadas of Brood X are expected in the western part of the state. The cicada adults are not due to emerge for another week or two, but the nymphs are beginning to tunnel their way to the surface. They may make small mounds on the ground under trees in preparation for emergence. Those of you in the affected counties may receive telephone calls about small mounds appearing.
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 10, 2004 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.