Volume IX, Issue 5 Office of State Entomologist August 2005 Pests susceptible to control-based on degree day forecasts ( )=Degree day ranges

• Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid (2800-3000) • Eastern Spruce Gall Adel- gid (2800-3000) • Juniper Webworm (2700- 2900) • Locust Borer (2700-2900) • San Jose Scale (1800-2900) • Spruce Spider Mite (2900- 3100) Hosta virus x Mike Bryan, Michigan Dept of Ag Orange-striped oakworm Yellownecked caterpillars • Willow Aphid (2700-2900) • Wooly Apple Aphid (2900- 3100) Pests to Continue to Monitor Yellow-necked caterpillar Japanese beetles 2-spotted spider mites Azalea lacebugs Mimosa webworms Redheaded pine sawfly Plan treatments for Japanese Bark lice Locust borer adult-Clemson Univ. Saddled prominent caterpillar beetle & masked chafer grubs in late August to early Sep- tember

Hosta Virus X Pg 2 Mimosa Webworm Pg 2

General Leaf Eating Caterpil- Pg 3 lars

Controlling Adult Japanese Pg 4 Beetles

Locust Borers Pg 4

Sod Webworms on Turfgrass Pg 6 Sod webworm Juniper webworms Mimosa webworm damage on honey- locust Michael Masiuk, Penn St Gypsy Moth Update Pg 6

Gypsy Moth Pg 7 Businesses with a nursery license (not nursery dealer) Herd of Barklice? Pg 8 need to make sure they have submitted a renewal form Woolly Adler Aphids on Silver Pg 8 for the license year July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006. Degree Day Accumulations Pg 8 PAGE 2 INSPECTOR FINDINGS IN KENTUCKY VOLUME IX, ISSUE 5

Hosta Virus X HVX is to weaken the plant, which may infected with HVX in your garden it Mike Bryan, Michigan Dept. of Ag eventually lead to death. should be removed and destroyed. The disease itself is mechanically transmitted Like most plant producers, Hosta growers through transfer of infected sap. There- This spring, MDA inspectors found Hosta are always looking for new varieties. fore, it is a good idea to practice good virus X (HVX) in record high numbers at Unfortunately, before much was known sanitation in the garden, including steril- sales lots in Michigan. Most experts agree about HVX, some unusually looking izing cutting tools between each plant that HVX has become quite common in Hosta "sports" were cultivated and later when you are trimming or dividing the trade. Plants infected with this dis- scientists found the cause of the unusual Hosta. A wealth of information about ease can exhibit a variety of symptoms, as mottling and coloration was HVX. The HVX can be found on the Internet by the disease affects cultivars differently. variety "Breakdance" is reported to be of searching on the terms: "Hosta Virus X." The most common symptom is mottling the 100 percent-infected varieties. of the leaves. Other symptoms can in- Infected plants should be brought to the clude stunting, twisting and puckering of The best way to avoid getting HVX in attention of staff on the sales lot. Also, the leaves. The symptoms may be quite the garden is to buy quality, disease-free suspect plants may be taken to your local obvious or may be very subtle. As with plants. When buying new Hosta watch county extension office where they will most viral diseases, some varieties appear for unusually mottled plants. Collectors be shipped to the UK Plant Diagnostic to be resistant while others are much with high value varieties may wish to Lab. Plants may also be dropped off more susceptible. The long-term effect of have their plants tested to make sure they directly at the Plant Diagnostic Lab. are disease-free. If you do find a plant

Mimosa Webworm host. After hatching in early to mid- worm. Species of honeylocust Katherine Mazzey, Jessica Scott, Michael June, the larvae spin a web around (Gleditsia triacanthos) reported to Masiuk, Penn State Extension several leaves and feed on the be less susceptible are ‘Moraine’, lower surface of the leaflets. ‘Shademaster’ and ‘Imperial’. The Mimosa Webworm, Homadaula Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’ is anisocentra (Meyric) was intro- Summer-When the larvae pupate in very vulnerable. duced from China to the U.S. in the late July through 1940’s. Its larvae spin unsightly mid August, a Clearing away leaf debris around gray webs around foliage and feed second genera- the host tree will decrease on it. If undetected the larvae may tion of moths ap- chances of infestation. completely defoliate the host plant. pears. This sec- Chemical-Young larvae should ond generation be targeted with insecticide just Plants Attacked over-winters. after egg hatch in mid-late June The Mimosa Webworm attack the and in August. Formulations of leaves of both Mimosa (Albizia Damage Symp- acephate, azadirachtin, Bacillus julibrissin) and honeylocust toms thuringiensis (and Mattch), Beau- (Gleditsia triacanthos). The larvae stage veria bassiana (Naturalis T&O causes damage only), bifenthrin (Lawn & Tree Insect Identification to the host plant Flowable and GC Flowable only), The eggs are tiny, oval and pearly by skeletonizing Mimosa webworm damage carbaryl, chlorpyrifos (Dursban white initially, turning pink when the leaves within on honeylocust TNP and Dursban 50W only), close to hatching. The larvae vary the web that they cyfluthrin, deltamethrin (5SC from gray to brown with five white spin. Damage is most noticeable only), diazinon, diflubenzuron, disul- stripes. The pupae are yellowish when the second generation larvae foton, fluvalinate, lambda- brown and are located in silken co- are at the peak of their activity in cyhalothrin, permethrin (Astro In- coons. The adult is a silver gray August. The webs of the mimosa secticide only), pyrethrins and moth with wings that are covered webworm can encase whole trees piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrins and with black dots and is rarely seen. making it difficult to assess the full rotenone, and trichlorfon are la- extent of the damage. beled for webworm management. Overwinter-The larvae over-winter as pupae encased in a cocoon. Management Options Management hints: First generation They are found under bark on the adults appear in June and lay eggs trunk of the host or in leaf litter un- Biological-There are many insects on flowers and foliage. Manage first der the tree. and birds that feed on the larvae. generation larvae as they hatch from eggs in mid- to late June. Sec- Spring-The first generation moth Cultural-Prevention is the most ef- ond generation larvae may require lays gray eggs on the leaves of the fective way to control mimosa web- treatment in August. PAGE 3 INSPECTOR FINDINGS IN KENTUCKY VOLUME IX, ISSUE 5 General Leaf Eating Sycamore Tussock Moth (Halysidota about 1¼ inches long, is usually harrissi) Found on trees 16 and 22. green with purple, gold and brown Caterpillars Caterpillars have yellowish bodies markings on the back. John Baniecki, Ph.D. West Virginia University clothed in whitish to yellow hairs with Variable Oakleaf Caterpillar (H. Extension Service long, orange colored hairs. manteo) Occurs on trees 1, 4, 5, 6,

Royal Moths (Sub Family Citheronii- 7, 11, 18, 19, and 23. The full grown The general leaf eating caterpillars, caterpillars, about 1½ inches, are cover those immature stages of moths nae) Caterpillars covered with horns or spines, with some being thinly yellowish-green and usually with a and butterflies that feed on a wide broad band down the back. variety of plants, seldom doing hairy. The horns or spines on the front part of the body are long and usually Red Humped Caterpillar (Schizura enough damage to require treatment. concinna) Attacks trees 1, 3, 6, 10, However, they are often encountered, curved. Green Striped Mapleworm 11, 13, 15, 19, 21, and 24. The full especially in late summer, feeding on grown caterpillars, about 1 inch long, lower branches of fruit trees, orna- (Dryocampa rubicunda) Found on trees 7, 17, and 18. Full grown larvae, have red heads and red humps on mentals, shrubs and hardwood trees, the end of the body. Black and yel- or crawling on objects near the about 1½ inches long, have cherry- red heads, pale yellow-green bodies low alternating lines and on top a ground, where they may spin cocoons double row of short, black spines run or enter the soil for a resting period. with seven dark green or nearly black lines running its entire length. There down the entire length of the body. Although many groups are considered are two noticeable, slender horns on When at rest, the caterpillar holds "general leaf eaters," including the the front part of the body and two the rear end in an elevated position largest North American caterpillars, rows of short spines on each side of and a pungent, disagreeable odor is the silkworms (Family Satumiidae), the body with four larger spines at the given off, when disturbed. The cater- the more commonly found groups are end of the body. pillars occur together in groups and discussed below: Family Arctiidae, Orange Striped Oakworm (Anisota completely strip one branch of Citheroniidae, and Notodontidae. The senatoria)Found on tree 18. The full leaves before moving onto another. caterpillars of these moths feed on the grown caterpillar, about 2 inches long, Red Humped Oakworm larger veins. The trees attacked are is black with eight orange-yellow (Symmerista canicosta) Found on listed here and referred to later, only stripes running the entire length of the trees 4, 5, 6, 11, 17, 18, and other by the number preceding it, in order to body, and a pair of black, slender, stiff deciduous trees. Full grown caterpil- conserve space. It should be remem- recurved spines on the front part of lars have rounded orange-red heads bered, however, that those listed are the body. Young caterpillars occur in and yellowish bodies that increase in preferred trees; many others may also groups. width back to an orange-red be fed upon. Pink Striped Oakworm (A. virginien- enlargement on the end of the body 1.Apple 2.Ash (Mountain) 3.Aspen sis) Occurs on trees 6, 9, 12, 17, and length.

(Trembling) 4.Basswood 5.Beech 6. 18. The full grown caterpillars, about 2 Damage Birch (Paper, Yellow, White) inches long are greenish to brownish In the forest, damage is seldom seri- 7.Boxelder 8.Butternut 9.Chestnut yellow with six rose colored stripes ous, although heavily infested trees 10.Dogwood 11.Elm (American) running the entire body length. Two may be completely stripped of 12.Hazel 13.Hickory 14.Hop Horn- slightly curved and conspicuous leaves in isolated spots. Fruit, beam 15.Locust (Black, Honey) 16. spines occur on the front of the body. shade, and ornamental trees are London Plant 17.Maple (Sugar) 18. Prominent Moths (Family Notodonti- injured most severely. In many Oak (White, Bur, Red, etc.) 19. Per- dae) Caterpillars usually occur singly, cases, doing nothing is the best simmon 20.Poplar 21.Sweetgum although some are nest builders. course of action because predators, 22.Sycamore 23.Walnut 24.Willow When disturbed, the caterpillars often parasites, and other factors will often Description hold their ends erect and remain at- reduce the population naturally. Tree Tiger Moth and Their Allies (Family tached by the four pairs of legs at the mortality caused by outbreaks of Arctiidae) Caterpillars clothed with middle of the body. these creatures is usually not seri- dense clusters of hairs varying in Yellow Necked Caterpillar (Datana ous unless several years of com- length. The hairs of certain species ministra) Found on trees 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, plete defoliation occur in a row, and may cause skin irritation. 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, and 23. The full even then, most trees of sapling size Hickory Tussock Moth Lophocaimpa grown caterpillars, about 2 inches, are or larger may survive, losing only caryae) Found on trees 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, moderately clothed with long soft, large branches. However, defoliation 13, 15, and 23. The full grown cater- white hairs. The head is black and the may weaken younger or newly pillar, about 1½ inches long, is clothed first part of the body behind the head transplanted trees and most shrubs, with short, spreading tufts of grayish- is bright orange-yellow. The body is making them susceptible to other white hairs. There is a row of black marked with alternating yellow-white insects or diseases. tufts and pairs of long black hairs at and black stripes. the end of the body. The caterpillars Saddled Prominent (Heterocampa feed together in groups, until they ma- guttivitta) Found on trees 5, 6, 17, 18, ture. and 20. The full grown caterpillar, VOLUME IX, ISSUE 5 INSPECTOR FINDINGS IN KENTUCKY PAGE 4

frequently to see if beetles are start- lems with secondary pests. Controlling Adult ing to feed again. Examples of insecticides for adult Japanese Beetles -- A few beetles on plants, or some control include acephate (Orthene Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist moderate damage, will bring in Turf, Tree & Ornamental Insecticide), Japanese beetle adults are flying more. Japanese beetles apparently carbaryl (Sevin and many other now and feeding on many different produce aggregation pheromones brand names), cyfluthrin (Bayer Ad- landscape plants. Last year's rela- that will attract more males and fe- vanced Garden Multi-Insect Killer tively wet summer may have re- males to feed and find potential Concentrate), lambda-cyhalothrin sulted in greater egg hatch and grub mates. In addition, volatile odors (Spectracide® Triazicide® Soil & survival. This appears to have led to from damaged plants may attract Turf Insect Killer Concentrate), es- some resurgence of the insect in more beetles. These conditions also fenvalerate (Ortho Bug-B-Gon Gar- areas where populations had de- can keep beetle numbers high. den & Landscape Insect Killer Con- clined. Keeping numbers and damage low centrate), and permethrin can mean fewer new arrivals. Attempts to keep plants beetle-free (Spectracide® Bug Stop Multi- -- Japanese beetles begin to feed at Purpose Insect Control Concentrate or to prevent any feeding damage at the tops of plants and move down all generally lead to frustration if and many other brands). Neem ex- as defoliation occurs. This makes tracts (Bon-Neem) deter Japanese many beetles are in the neighbor- damage obvious, in terms of brown hood. There are very effective insec- beetle feeding but may not be ade- leaves and esthetic damage, but quate against high populations. ticides to use against the pest but also can pose coverage problems Japanese beetle traps are good tools they produce less than satisfactory on large trees. Hose end sprayers results if beetles are abundant and for detecting new infestations and may allow applications to reach the may reduce small, isolated popula- continually re-infesting the land- target but spray drift and applicator scape. tions under favorable circumstances exposure are potential problems. Here are some points to keep in but single traps or small scale multi- -- Some of the effective insecticides ple trap arrangements did not reduce mind: for Japanese beetle control, such as -- Japanese beetle flight is greatest damage to landscape plants in UK carbaryl (Sevin) and the pyrethroids research experiments. on clear days with temperatures be- (permethrin and others) can contrib- tween 84 and 95 F and winds less ute to build-ups of mites or aphids. Some species of Tiphia wasps and a than 12 miles per hour. This can Watch closely for signs of these tachinid fly have become established bring new beetles into your land- pests and use acephate or in some beetle-infested areas. They scape to challenge any control pro- malathion if needed. While these can cause local reductions in beetle gram that you may have. When insecticides have a shorter residual numbers but they no not provide reli- these conditions exist, check plants life, they may help to reduce prob- able control for specific sites.

Locust Borers The borer attacks only black locust swell, wet spots appear on the bark. Jimmy Galfrd, US Forest Service (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and its These wet spots are the result of cultivars (horticulturally derived va- young larvae tunneling in the inner The locust borer, Megacyllene rieties in the genus Robinia); the bark. In late spring or early summer, robiniae (Forst.), is a native insect. honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos white-colored wood dust can be seen Its original range probably coincided L.) is not affected. on the bark; the dust is pushed out of with that of its host tree, the black Damage and Signs of Infestation holes in the bark by the developing locust, which once grew only along Borer larvae tunnel into a tree's larvae, which are boring into the sap- the Allegheny Mountains from Penn- trunk and branches, weakening the wood. By late summer, the larvae sylvania to Georgia and in the Ozark tree and making it susceptible to burrow into the heartwood, and the Mountain region. boring dust on the bark appears yel- wind breakage. The damage from Black locust grows readily on poor borer tunneling and wind breakage low. If the tree is heavily infested, the sites and is used extensively in land- often results in deformed trees or wood dust may accumulate in a ring reclamation plantings. Its widespread clumps of sprout growth. around the tree's base. use to reclaim land damaged by Tree and Stand Susceptibility The most obvious signs of severe farming and strip mining, its use as a The degree of damage varies in dif- borer attack in a stand of black lo- shade tree, and its use in reforesta- ferent locations according to the cust are the many dead and broken tion have dispersed the borer with its vigor of the trees and the influence of limbs and the knotty swellings on the host tree over most of the United environmental factors such as light, trunks States. The borer is now found from temperature, drought, grazing, and eastern Canada south to the Gulf Depending on the season, symp- pruning. The healthier the tree the States and west to Washington, toms of borer attack vary. In the lower the incidence of borer damage. Colorado, and Arizona. early spring, at about the time of bud (con’t)

PAGE 5 INSPECTOR FINDINGS IN KENTUCKY VOLUME IX, ISSUE 5

In locust stands 10 or more years Description timing of these events in the life his- old, fast-growing dominant trees are The adult locust borer is a slender, tory of the locust borer varies in dif- usually able to withstand attack, but "long-horned" beetle, about three- ferent parts of the country because of slower growing overtopped trees are quarters of an inch long, with red- differences in climate. badly damaged or killed. Older trees dish legs and black antennae. Bright also have thicker bark, and there- yellow bands encircle its jet-black Control fore, are often less damaged. How- body. A W-shaped band extends Black locust shade trees or lawn ever, during severe epidemics, the across the elytra, or wing covers. specimens can be protected from branches and tops of older trees Males and females are similar in borers by spraying the trunks and the frequently become infested. Some- appearance. larger limbs with an insecticide la- times even dominant large trees are beled for borers anytime from late killed by epidemic borer populations Mature larvae are white, about 1 August through September, since the Light and temperature influence at- inch long and one-quarter of an inch female beetles continue to lay eggs tack by their effects on egg-laying in diameter. Newly formed pupae during this period. behavior. When the air is warmer are creamy white and about three- than 75° F, the female locust borers quarters of an inch long. Both the Spraying with chemicals is not con- prefer to lay eggs on the shady part larval and pupal stages are spent sidered practical for the protection of of the tree trunk; below 70° F, they within the tree and are not readily black locust in a forest. Severely in- prefer trunks receiving full sunlight. seen. jured forest stands can be regener- Thus, when the weather is cool dur- ated by clearcutting during the dor- ing the egg-laying season, the bee- The conspicuous, brightly colored mant period. The sprouts that follow tles lay fewer eggs in densely adults appear when goldenrod clearcutting should be thinned by re- shaded locust stands. Consequently, (Solidago sp.) is in bloom. Adults are moving all but the most vigorous in the trees in these stands are sub- most abundant during September, each group. This procedure has re- jected to fewer attacks. when they are commonly found sulted in a good second crop of trees feeding on pollen of goldenrod blos- with very light subsequent injury. Black locust trees are shallow rooted soms. but grow readily on poor sites. Trees Moderately to lightly injured stands growing on such sites are subject to Egg laying occurs from early after- on medium-to-good sites benefit from serious damage during periods of noon until late evening from late Au- thinning. In such stands, injury is con- prolonged drought. Drought- gust through early October. The fe- fined mainly to overtopped, interme- weakened trees are especially sus- males lay eggs prolifically under diate, or decadent trees. Removal of ceptible to borer attack. bark scales, in callus tissue around these trees should reduce the borer pruning wounds, in cracks in the population and thereby help protect Grazing of livestock also contributes bark, and in other hiding places. The the more desirable trees. to borer damage in black locust. In eggs are rarely laid where they can addition to weakening the tree by be seen. Borer injury is usually less serious feeding on young succulent growth when black locust is grown with other and bark, cattle reduce site quality In about a week, the eggs hatch and tree species. Mixed stands usually and tree vigor by compacting the small, white larvae bore into the in- produce denser shade and more leaf soil. ner bark. Each larva makes a small litter than do pure stands of locust. hibernation cell and overwinters Trees are more vigorous when nutri- Pruning creates favorable conditions there. In the spring when the leaf ents from decomposed leaf litter are for egg laying: callus tissue around buds begin to swell, the larvae begin available. In pure locust stands, the pruning wounds is ideal for oviposi- to bore into the woody part of the addition of several inches of hard- tion. tree, causing sap to ooze around wood leaves results in accelerated small holes. Throughout the spring growth for several years after the Individual trees in infested stands and early summer, the larvae treatment and should reduce may show little or no sign of borer enlarge their tunnels until they are 3 chances of serious borer damage. attack. This suggests possible ge- to 4 inches long and about one- netic resistance to locust borers. quarter of an inch in diameter. Old black locust trees with dying tops However, studies using genetically serve as brood trees for the borer. identical cuttings of such trees By mid-July, most of the larvae have Removing these trees from the vicin- planted in different locations have matured and transformed into the ity of planting areas should be helpful shown that good growing conditions pupal stage, which is completed be- in reducing damage to the young are more important than genetic re- tween the end of July and the first 2 planted trees. These large brood sistance in reducing susceptibility to weeks of August. Mature beetles trees should be cut during the dor- borer damage. emerge from the trees through the mant period and either peeled or openings made by the larvae. The burned to destroy the borer larvae. VOLUME IX, ISSUE 5 INSPECTOR FINDINGS IN KENTUCKY PAGE 6 Sod Webworms on white to yellowish to light brown. grass. When fully grown, they are about 1 Turfgrass inch long with coarse hairs; most Sod webworm larval populations Frank Hale, Univ. of Tennessee species have paired dark spots on may be detected by applying 2 tea- Tenn. Agricultural Ext. Service SP 290-L their tops and sides. spoons of liquid dishwashing deter- gent in 1 gallon of water over 4 Sod webworms are a large, de- Sod webworms overwinter as lar- square feet of grass concentrated structive group of turfgrass pests vae in silk-lined tubes below the soil within a wooden or metal frame. that are usually found infesting the surface. In the early spring, they After a few minutes, the webworms sunny areas of lawns or golf feed on the upper roots, stems and begin to surface and a careful 10- courses. Adult moths of most spe- leaves of grass. On steep slopes minute inspection between grass cies are 1/2 inch long with a promi- and in sunny areas, larvae build blades will reveal them if present. nent forward projection on the head protective silken webs where they Control measures should be taken (labial palpi), from which they get feed and develop. In April and May, if four to six or more larval sod web- the name snout moths. The fore- they pupate in underground co- worms are found in 4 square feet of wings are dull ash gray with a con- coons with the first adults emerging sod. spicuous whitish or silver-colored in early May. streak or with less noticeable Larvae cut off grass blades near the This economic threshold is based streaks from the base to the mar- thatch line and pull them under- on good growing conditions for turf. gin. Hind wings are whitish grey or ground for consumption. Small If the turf is under stress from insuf- light brown. The moths fly erratically brown patches of closely cut grass ficient water, poor fertility, extremes over the lawn laying eggs between appear, and if populations are in temperature, or bird feeding dam- 7:30 and 10:30 in the evening. Dur- large, patches run together to form age, treatment may be required at ing the day, they rest in the grass or large irregular brown patches. Most lower sod webworm densities to on plant foliage with their wings of the severe damage occurs in maintain turf quality. Several insec- folded back over the body, giving July and August when grasses are ticides may be used to control sod the moths a slender, tapering sil- webworms. growing slowly. Two to three gen- houette. erations may be expected each Apply one of the recommended in- The tiny oblong eggs are white to year, with six weeks per generation. secticides whenever sampling indi- pale yellow and hatch in 7 to 10 Adult moths fly up in front of a lawn- cates potentially damaging larval days. Larvae range from pinkish mower, fly a zigzag course for a populations. short distance and land in the

So far this year, in that area, 15 Gypsy Moth Update moths have been captured in 4 traps. We will continue to closely Workers are now taking down monitor this site in the coming gypsy moth traps as the flight pe- years. Past experience has taught Gypsy moth trap riod for this year is over. While we us that by pinpointing the source of won’t know the complete number of the moths, we can eliminate the moths caught until sometime in late problem before it gets out of hand August or early September, we do by using mass trapping. Mass trap- know some of the early trapping ping was employed in Fleming data. We had single moth captures county in the mid 1990’s and in Jef- in Lawrence and Trimble counties. ferson county in the late 1980’s and Usually these single captures are it proved effective in eliminating nothing to worry about and are only gypsy moths from those areas. indicative of a hitchhiking moth or a possible blow-in from Ohio. There is one area in Campbell county that we are monitoring closely. We de- limited (set out several traps in a small area) an area where, last year, one trap had eleven moths. Male gypsy moth PAGE 7 INSPECTOR FINDINGS IN KENTUCKY VOLUME IX, ISSUE 5

long, very hairy and have five pairs of Gypsy Moth FOLIAGE blue dots followed by six pairs of red PREFER-PREFER- dots along its back. The larval stage In 1869, gypsy moth larvae that were lasts about seven weeks. being evaluated for silk production, ENCE were blown from a window sill in Med- Generally First instar larvae begin feeding in the ford, Massachusetts. The first outbreak Preferred avoided top branches and chew small holes in of European gypsy moth (Lymantria the leaves. The second and third instars dispar L.) occurred in 1889. By 1987, american feed from the outer edge of the leaf the gypsy moth had established itself apple holly toward the center. When population throughout the Northeast. It is one of numbers are low, the young larvae pre- the most damaging pests of hardwood cherry arborvitae fer to feed during the daytime while the forests and urban landscapes, defoliat- older larvae feed at night. During the ing a million or more forested acres hawthorn ash day, these older larvae hide in protected annually. This insect has spread into areas at the base of the tree. However, parts of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio hickory balsam fir when populations are high, the larvae and Michigan. The gypsy moth has not maples black walnut will feed day and night until the tree is yet become established in Kentucky. stripped of its foliage. However, male moths are caught each oak butternut year in survey traps that the US Depart- While in the larval stage, the gypsy ment of Agriculture uses to monitor the sassafras catalpa moth might be confused with fall web- movement of this important pest. worms or eastern tent caterpillars. flowering However, both of these insects form sweetgum Gypsy moths are spread one of two dogwood webs; the gypsy moth does not. The different ways. Natural spread over eastern tent caterpillar appears in early short distances occurs as newly hatched mountain spring and makes its tents in the willow larvae spin short lengths of silken laurel crotches of tree branches. The fall web- thread which allow them to be blown worm appears in mid to late summer by the wind. Over the last 10 to 15 red cedar and builds its tents on the ends of years, gypsy moths have moved long branches. Eastern tent caterpillars are distances on outdoor household articles rhododen- generally black with a white stripe such as cars and recreational vehicles, dron down the back. They also will have firewood, household goods, and other blue spots on their sides that are located personal possessions. An estimated 85 sycamore between two yellow lines. The fall percent of new infestations have been webworm will be yellow to green in through the movement of outdoor yellow pop- color and will have ten pairs of black household articles. lar (tuliptree) dots along its back. Once established in an area, gypsy Gypsy moth pupae are about two moth numbers can fluctuate widely The gypsy moth has four different life inches long, dark brown and are lightly from year to year. Seasons with severe stages: egg, larva or caterpillar, pupa covered with hairs. Pupation usually damage can be followed by seasons and adult moth. Female moths lay eggs occurs in protected areas of the tree and with relatively few caterpillars and in sheltered areas. Each egg mass will are often accompanied by the molted light damage. In periods of heavy out- contain between 500 and 1,000 eggs skin of the last caterpillar instar. breaks, gypsy moth caterpillars crawl and will have a tan, fuzzy appearance. on walls, across roads, over outdoor The moths have a distinctive inverted This comes from the body and wing furniture, and sometimes will come V-shape that points to a dot marking on scales that the female uses to cover the inside homes. their wings. The dark brown males are eggs to provide some additional protec- smaller than the females, and have Gypsy moth caterpillars feed on ap- tion during the winter. The egg masses feathery antennae. Female moths have proximately 500 different plants. Older can be found all winter long however, creamy white wings with a tan body. larvae will sometimes eat several spe- they will not hatch until spring. Larvae Although the female possesses wings, cies of hardwood that the younger lar- emerge from egg masses from early she is unable to fly. vae will avoid. However, when food is spring until mid-May. Hatching usually scarce, the larvae will feed on almost coincides with the budding of most any vegetation. hardwood trees. Only the caterpillar stage of the gypsy moth feeds. When fully grown the cat- erpillar will be approximately 2 inches Herd of Barklice? Woolly alder aphids are among the their life cycle. Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist, more conspicuous shade tree pests because they produce large fuzzy Degree Day Totals through July 26, Univ. of Kentucky 2005 white masses on the underside of "Herds" of barklice can be found on Bardstown—2176 silver maple leaves. While these Bowling Green—2329 tree trunks during the summer. sap feeders can cause heavily in- Covington—2039 These soft-bodied insects have fested leaves to pucker and drop Henderson—2311 long antennae and a banded body. prematurely, they probably don't Huntington WV—2258 Members of this group (Order Pso- have an adverse effect on long term Lexington—2129 coptera) have chewing mouthparts tree health. The aphids can be a London—2107 that are used to feed on fungi, al- considerable nuisance because Louisville—2185 gae, dead plant tissue, and other they excrete large volumes of a Mayfield—2225 Paducah—2417 debris. One species can cover tree sticky liquid waste called branches with a light layer of silk. Princeton—2429 "honeydew". A rain of honeydew Quicksand—2230 They are a curiosity but cause no can leave the ground sticky, at- Somerset—2162 harm and can provide some enter- tracted many bees, wasps, and flies Degree Day Totals through July 28, tainment, if you have tendencies to a free, sweet meal, and support 2004 toward wranglin'. Barklice occur in the growth of sooty mold on in- Bardstown—2343 groups on the bark of ornamentals. fested trees. Control is rarely justi- Bowling Green—2566 They tend to stay in a cohesive unit fied. Covington—2140 but will disperse if you move a fin- Henderson—2464 ger toward them. When you take it For the next few weeks, the blue- Huntington WV—2381 away they will move back together. black winged form of the woolly al- Lexington—2258 der aphid will disperse through the London—2294 Louisville—2418 air as a floating mass of white waxy Woolly Adler Aphids Mayfield—2402 on Silver Maple filaments. This curious sight can be Paducah—2658 alarming but is of no consequence. Princeton—2663 Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist, Lucky floating aphids will land on Univ. of Kentucky Quicksand—2310 alders, the other host needed for Somerset—2312

OFFICE OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST

S-225 Agricultural Science Center - North Lexington, Kentucky 40546-0091

We’re on the web! www.uky.edu/Agriculture/ NurseryInspection

State Entomologist— John Obrycki, Ph.D

Joe Collins: nursery inspections, newsletter, pest surveys & phytosanitary certificates

Carl Harper: Slow-the-Spread gypsy moth trapping coordinator, nursery inspections, web design & phytosanitary certificates

Beth Choate: nursery inspections

Phone: (859) 257-5838 Fax: (859) 257-3807 Email: [email protected] [email protected]