Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter | November 2019

Colorado Coalition Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter November 2019

identified the mushrooms as being non-toxic. This Inside this issue: interaction served as a reminder of how little most • Partner Spotlight: The Fungus people know about fungi. There is, however, much to Among Us discover. • School District Spotlight: IPM in Fungi have been around Child Care Centers Webinar for 1.3 billion years, but • Featured Bug of the Month: we are just beginning to discover many of their Kissing Bugs benefits. Aside from • Current Pests being a culinary treat, certain fungi are key elements in restoring ecosystems and allies in Turkey tail fungus (Trametes helping farmers protect versicolor) helping to break down valuable agricultural a fallen tree. crops. Colorado Coalition for School Photo: National Park Service IPM Agency Partner Spotlight: Research indicates that fungi have potential applications in pollution The Fungus Among Us remediation through a process known as mycoremediation. That is the use of fungi to break The Fungus Among Us - Restoring Ecosystems and down or remove a range of contaminants, including Controlling Pests oils and toxic chemicals, from the environment. This By Marcia Anderson, PhD form of biological remediation can filter toxins from stormwater runoff and help clean up industrial oil Remember walking spills. through the forest and seeing mushrooms, the According to research, these fungi may be able to reproductive structure of a remove or detoxify chemicals, such as polycyclic fungus, growing on rotting aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, tree trunks or decaying petroleum compounds, and heavy metals like woodchips? One of the mercury and lead. The fungal mycelium, or main benefits of fungi vegetative part of the fungus, absorbs and converts is that they help break the hydrocarbons in down and recycle organic these contaminants material, making nutrients into carbohydrates. available for new life. Research using oyster mushrooms has I recently received a shown significant call from a Head Start program director in the Pacific pollutant removal Northwest asking about mushrooms growing in the from both soil and A look at a fungus’ mycelial phase. woodchips on their playground. She was concerned water. because toddlers tend to put everything in their Photo: M. Anderson mouths, including mushrooms. They roped off the Similarly, research area until the local cooperative extension service has shown that turkey tail mushrooms are suitable for

1 Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter | November 2019 mercury remediation; garden giant mushrooms can harvest decay. It is also used on ornamental plants, be used for E. coli removal; and mycobooms, straw , and seedlings to protect against soil-borne rafts containing mushroom mycelium, can absorb oil diseases. from water. In tropical countries, manufacturers have combined Fungi are also used as biological pesticides, or the use of entomopathogenic biopesticides and biopesticides, that target specific pests and insecticide-treated bed nets to control the mosquitoes plant diseases. Biopesticides are considered less that carry malaria. Sprays of some fungal spores are toxic than their chemical counterparts and are pathogenic to mosquitoes during specific portions comparatively safer environmentally. Termed of their life cycle and affect their metabolic and mycoinsecticides, some fungi act as parasites of reproduction rates. Fungal infection consequently and can protect plants from certain infections reduces the mosquito’s ability to transmit diseases. and diseases, thereby enhancing crop production. The World Health Organization has been testing the biopesticide Beauveria bassiana to reduce malarial For example, one transmission, resulting in a high mosquito mortality biological pesticide and rapid reductions in feeding and flight capability. used in agriculture is Trichoderma spp., The growth of the biopesticide market, including a beneficial fungus these fungal-based controls, comes in response to that colonizes plant the increasing demand for more natural pest control roots and outcompetes tools. Biopesticides can complement conventional disease-causing fungi. chemical pesticides and are cost effective and eco- Trichoderma protects friendly. Biopesticides can be incorporated into any Carpenter ants are the target of a plants from soil-borne Integrated Pest Management program, contributing to biological pesticide. pathogens in non-food sustainable pest control and healthy environment. crops, fruiting vegetables, Photo: David Cappaert; cole crops, legumes, For more information on biopesticides, visit the EPA Bugwood.org herbs, cucurbits, berries, biopesticide webpage. In addition, Paul Stamets’ TED and small fruits. A side lecture on mushrooms discusses how mushrooms can benefit is that, over time, it stimulates plant growth save the world. and increases plant defenses. Another commercially used biopesticide, Beauveria Integrated Pest Management bassiana, is a fungus that acts on insects including aphids, whiteflies, thrips, fire ants, and bedbugs. The in Child Care Centers Webinar fungal bodies adhere to the insect’s exoskeleton and slowly dissolve a hole in the insect’s body. The fungus penetrates the body, proliferates, and produces spores that subsequently liquefy the insect’s internal organs. Its slow action allows time for the target insect to pick up the fungal spores and infect the rest of the colony. The best news is that it does not affect non-target organisms. Tuesday, December 10, 2019 | 2 - 3 PM ET Another fungal Followed by a 30-minute Q&A session biopesticide, Pythium Register Now oligandrum, protects crops and turf from This webinar will prepare you to— roughly 20 soil- borne pathogens. • Understand basic integrated pest management Muscodor albus is a (IPM) program implementation strategies; fungal biopesticide • Review the top five pests of concern in this unique that is an alternative A feeding female Anopheles environment; to the fumigant gambiae mosquito can transmit • Utilize various IPM tactics in pest vulnerable methyl bromide. It is malaria-causing parasites. Credit: areas in child care centers; and used to protect food CDC/James Gathany commodities from post- 2 Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter | November 2019

• Determine who is responsible for pest management services for these structures. Featured Bug of the Month: Featured Presenters: Kissing Bugs • Christina Wilkinson, Senior Environmental Scientist, Department of Pesticide “Kissing Bugs” (Conenose Bugs) and Insects of Regulation Similar Appearance in Colorado • Karina Campos, Environmental Scientist, Whitney Cranshaw California Department of Pesticide Regulation Quick Facts • Marcia Anderson, Ph.D., U.S. Environmental “Kissing bugs”, also known as “conenose bugs” Protection Agency Center for Integrated Pest or “bloodsucking conenose bugs”, are a type of Management insect that feeds on blood of mammals and other vertebrates, including humans. Only one of kissing bug has ever been found in Colorado, Triatoma protacta (western conenose). Records of this insect in the state are clustered in rural sites in western Colorado where it usually has been found in association with its primary wild host, woodrats (packrats). A few historical records exist indicating the western conenose may occur in Miss a webinar? No problem! Many of our webinars some rural areas east are available for on-demand viewing on EPA’s of the Continental website. Divide. Questions? If you have any questions about IPM or Kissing bugs are upcoming webinars, please contact us at ipm@epa. known to transmit gov an organism (Trypanosoma cruzi) that can produce Chagas disease. Recently it was Figure 1. Adult of the western reported that this conenose, Triatoma protracta, the only pathogen was found “kissing bug” that occurs anywhere in Colorado among in Colorado in the western conenose and in wild animal hosts. It has never been found to infect humans in Colorado. There are several insects that are very commonly mistaken for “kissing bugs” that occur in the state including masked hunter, bee assassins, and western - bug. “Kissing bugs” (Triatoma species) are insects that feed on the blood of various wild , particularly rodents. Mammals are their most common hosts but they will occasionally feed on birds and reptiles. Other names for these insects are “conenose bugs” or “bloodsucking conenose bugs”. Humans are occasionally bitten by these insects, which feed at night, producing a bite that is painless (a “kiss”). There may be no noticeable effect of their bite, although an allergic reaction (itching, swelling,

3 Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter | November 2019 etc.) to the saliva of the bug may occur in in some Interest – and concern – about these insects in people that are bitten more than one time. The Colorado spiked in 2019 following a national greatest concern about these insects is that they can press release that identified, for the first time, that transmit a pathogen (Trypanosoma cruzi) that produces the organism that can produce Chagas disease Chagas Disease. A good source of information on (Trypanosoma cruzi) was present in Colorado. News Chagas Disease is the Centers for Disease Control reporting of this finding appears to have been widely (CDC) at: https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/ perceived by the general public to suggest that this organism is new to Colorado; furthermore many of “Kissing Bugs” (Conenose Bugs) in Colorado the reports incorrectly cited a different species of As a group, “kissing bug” as being present in Colorado (Triatoma “kissing bugs” sanguisuga) and that it was extending it range into (conenose the state, further flaming public concerns. There is bugs) are most nothing to indicate that this is the case. Rather, the common in the detection of T. cruzi in Colorado is due to the fact tropical areas of that only recently has a dedicated effort been made the Americas. to try and detect this organism among Colorado They do occur populations of this uncommon insect. And the only in some parts of conenose/”kissing” bug ever found in the state the United States, remains Triatoma protracta. predominantly the Furthermore, there has never been a human case of southern half of Chagas disease originating from a bite of a “kissing bug” the country. in Colorado. The detection of the organism that can One species produce Chagas disease was found in wild animal of “kissing hosts and in Triatoma protracta collected in western bug” is native Colorado. Fortunately the “kissing bug” found in to Colorado. Colorado has habits that make it less likely to transmit The species, Chagas disease to humans than other kinds of kissing Figure 2. Specimens of the “kissing bug” Triatoma protracta, bugs that occur elsewhere. Triatoma protracta housed at the CSU sometimes known Museum of Diversity. Some Presently the Colorado Department of Public Health as the western of these are from western Colorado. and Environment is tracking the distribution of conenose, occurs Females are larger than males. This is “kissing bugs” in the state. Their website, which in low populations the only “kissing bug” that has ever been includes information on where one can send samples in rural areas of found in Colorado. of insects suspected of being a “kissing bug”, is at: extreme western https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/chagas Colorado. Museum records of this species at the CSU Museum Colorado Insects of Similar Appearance to “Kissing of Arthropod Diversity include one record from Bugs” Mesa Verde (Montezuma County), one from San Miguel County, one from Garfield County (dating There are several kinds of insects present in Colorado to 1945) and a few from Mesa County. However, that are commonly mistaken for “kissing bugs”. Most there is an historical record of it apparently from a of these are distantly related insects in the same insect mining camp in Gilpin County and in a rural site in family as are the “kissing bugs” – the assassin bugs El Paso County. Assuming these records are accurate, (: ). western conenose may exist in some sites east of the There are at least 23 species of assassin bugs that Continental Divide. occur in Colorado. All others, except T. protracta, The western conenose bug is not a species found develop as predators of other insects and do not feed in urban sites. It resides in natural areas in on blood of mammals. Many are important as natural close association with certain wild animal hosts, enemies of insect pests in crops and forests. One of particularly nests of wood rats (Neotoma spp.). Most these, known as the “masked hunter”, can be found often these insects are found in homes in close in Colorado homes, feeding on insects that occur proximity with nesting woodrats, although there indoors. are cases where western conenose has transferred to Although their feeding habits are different, dogs, on which the western conenose may feed and “kissing bugs”, including the species found in reproduce. western Colorado, often have a shape and general 4 Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter | November 2019 appearance that is similar to many other assassin bugs. All assassin bugs have an elongated head – the “conenose”. All have “piercing-sucking” mouthparts, used to feed on fluids (e.g., blood of insects) that appear as a “beak” from the front of the head. The elongated head and “beak” is also present among some plant feeding bugs, notable those in the leaffooted bug family Hemiptera: ). Three insects present commonly in Colorado are most often mistaken for “kissing bugs”: Masked hunter (Reduvius personatus). This is also a kind of assassin bug and is probably the insect that Figure 4. Head area of a western conenose (left) and most closely resembles masked hunter (right). These can be distinguished by the the western conenose, the size/shape of the “beak” that contains their mouthparts “kissing bug” found in and where the antennae are located on their “beak”. Colorado. Masked hunter is the only assassin bug Bee assassin (Apiomerus species). The bee assassins commonly found indoors, are large assassin where it feeds on the bugs that normally various insects that live will be found on in homes or incidentally flowers of all manner Figure 3. Masked hunter. wander indoors. It of outdoor plants. Adults of this insect are often also occurs outdoors. They do not occur found indoors during summer, The masked hunter is indoors. Bee assassins where they feed on insects found statewide and the are ambush hunters present in buildings. This is adult insects are almost that prey on flower the insect that most closely always observed during visitors, including resembles the “kissing bug” midsummer. bees. Three species of that occurs in the state. Figure 5. A bee assassin, waiting for bee assassins occur in The common name of prey at a flower. this insect refers to the immature form. It is wingless the state and they are and generally gray in color. It also has a body most commonly found that is somewhat sticky, and various debris (lint, in rangeland areas, versus urban sites. They are never sawdust, etc.) that it wanders through covers and found within homes masks its body. Information on this insect can be luridus. The most found at: https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/bspm/ common assassin bug Hexapoda%20(Insects)/MaskedHunterRevised2017. found in yards and pdf gardens in many areas The masked hunter – and all assassin bugs that feed of Colorado is Zelus on insects – can bite if handled. The bite of these luridus (no common assassin bugs can produce immediate pain, unlike the name). This insect is painless bites of the night-feeding “kissing bugs” that usually pale green and feed on verbebrates. However, the masked hunter is mostly found on trees does not transmit any pathogens when it bites and the or shrubs, where it hunts pain normally will soon subside. (Note: It is a useful all manner of insects that Figure 6. Zelus luridus, a precaution to disinfect the area following a bite by may feed on or visit the common species of assassin bug insects, spiders or ticks to prevent the wound from plant. It does not occur that feeds on insects in many becoming infected by bacteria.) in homes. Its slender yards and gardens.

5 Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter | November 2019 body and color easily distinguish this insect from a a common pest on squash family plants. Prickly pear “kissing bug”. cacti host the opuntia bug (Chelinidea vittiger). These are not insects that normally would ever be found in Like all the assassin bugs that feed on insects, if a home. handled they may bite – and it hurts. More information on this species can be found at: https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/bspm/ Hexapoda%20(Insects)/ZelusRevised2017.pdf Current Pests: Western conifer-seed bug ( What Are You Seeing? occidentalis). The western conifer-seed bug https:// extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/insect/05588.pdf Arapahoe, Douglas, & Elbert Counties is a type of leaffooted bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae) and both adults and Household Insects immature stages mostly feed on seeds Indian meal moth: Adults are most commonly of (e.g., pines) observed flying about homes during early winter. and other trees and Fungus gnats: Adults begin to be observed around shrubs. No noticeable windows and around the soil of potted plants where plant damage is they originate. produced by these insects, except for Boxelder bugs, conifer seed bugs, multicolored Asian reduction in seed lady beetles: Overwintering adults continue to be production. active in and around homes during warm days. Western conifer-seed Fruit flies: Flies from overripe fruit continue to be bugs very commonly present in homes. attract attention because they often enter buildings Denver Metro Area in autumn seeking Household Insects shelter through the Figure 7. Western conifer-seed Indian meal moth: Adults are most commonly cold months. It is one bug is a common nuisance observed flying about homes during early winter. of the most common invader of homes in Colorado of the insect “nuisance in autumn. A harmless insect, Fungus gnats: Adults begin to be observed around invaders” that wander it frequently mistaken for a windows and around the soil of potted plants where into Colorado buildings “kissing bug”. they originate. during autumn, rivaling the notorious Boxelder bugs, conifer seed bugs, multicolored Asian boxelder bug in this lady beetles: Overwintering adults continue to be regard. The western conifer-seed bug is usually active in and around homes during warm days. found indoors from September through November, but may survive indoors into winter. Fruit flies: Flies from overripe fruit continue to be present in homes. Their large size, rather bizarre appearance, and ability to produce an odor that some find unpleasant Eastern Plains Counties make this insect an unwelcome, although harmless, Household Insects “nuisance invader” of homes. A fact sheet on western conifer-seed bug that provides more information can Indian meal moth: Adults are most commonly be found at: observed flying about homes during early winter. There are a few other kinds of leaffooted bugs that Fungus gnats: Adults begin to be observed around occur on plants outdoors, and these may have a windows and around the soil of potted plants where superficial resemblance to assassin bugs. Closely they originate. related to the western conifer-seed bug is the western Boxelder bugs, conifer seed bugs, multicolored Asian leaffooted bug (Leptoglossus clypealis), which develops lady beetles: Overwintering adults continue to be on seeds of various rangeland plants, such as yucca. active in and around homes during warm days. Perhaps best known is the squash bug (Anasa tristis), 6 Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter | November 2019

Fruit flies: Flies from overripe fruit continue to be Fungus gnats: Adults begin to be observed around present in homes. windows and around the soil of potted plants where they originate. El Paso & Teller Counties Boxelder bugs, conifer seed bugs, multicolored Asian Household Insects lady beetles: Overwintering adults continue to be Indian meal moth: Adults are most commonly active in and around homes during warm days. observed flying about homes during early winter. Fruit flies: Flies from overripe fruit continue to be Fungus gnats: Adults begin to be observed around present in homes. windows and around the soil of potted plants where Southwestern Counties they originate. Household Insects Boxelder bugs, conifer seed bugs, multicolored Asian lady beetles: Overwintering adults continue to be Indian meal moth: Adults are most commonly active in and around homes during warm days. observed flying about homes during early winter. Fruit flies: Flies from overripe fruit continue to be Fungus gnats: Adults begin to be observed around present in homes. windows and around the soil of potted plants where they originate. High Country Counties Boxelder bugs, conifer seed bugs, multicolored Asian Household Insects lady beetles: Overwintering adults continue to be Indian meal moth: Adults are most commonly active in and around homes during warm days. observed flying about homes during early winter. Fruit flies: Flies from overripe fruit continue to be Fungus gnats: Adults begin to be observed around present in homes. windows and around the soil of potted plants where Tri-River Counties they originate. Household Insects Boxelder bugs, conifer seed bugs, multicolored Asian lady beetles: Overwintering adults continue to be Indian meal moth: Adults are most commonly active in and around homes during warm days. observed flying about homes during early winter. Fruit flies: Flies from overripe fruit continue to be Fungus gnats: Adults begin to be observed around present in homes. windows and around the soil of potted plants where they originate. Northern Front Range Boxelder bugs, conifer seed bugs, multicolored Asian Household Insects lady beetles: Overwintering adults continue to be Indian meal moth: Adults are most commonly active in and around homes during warm days. observed flying about homes during early winter. Fruit flies: Flies from overripe fruit continue to be Fungus gnats: Adults begin to be observed around present in homes. windows and around the soil of potted plants where they originate. Source: http://bspm.agsci.colostate.edu/outreach- Boxelder bugs, conifer seed bugs, multicolored Asian button/insect-information/ (Yard/Garden Insect lady beetles: Overwintering adults continue to be Calendars) active in and around homes during warm days. Fruit flies: Flies from overripe fruit continue to be present in homes. Pueblo & Fremont Counties Household Insects Indian meal moth: Adults are most commonly observed flying about homes during early winter.

7 Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter | November 2019

Credits

Editors: Clyde Wilson, U.S. EPA Region 8; Assefa Gebre- Amlak, CSU Extension; Frank Peairs, CSU Extension; Thia Walker, CEPEP. Design & layout: Kierra Jewell “Pest of the month” photo(s): Whitney Cranshaw, CSU Professor & Extension Specialist

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Did we miss something? See an error? Please contact Assefa Gebre-Amlak at: [email protected] (970) 491-2666

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