Ants

O & T Guide [T-#01]

Carol A. Sutherland Extension and State Entomologist

Cooperative Extension Service z College of Agriculture and Home Economics z October 2006

With over 100 ant species in New Mexico, nursery below ground in harvester and fire ants are probably the most familiar and ant colonies. These require 10-14 days to most numerous insects found in turf, complete development. Æ During the ornamental plantings and elsewhere. Only summer, most adult ants probably three species of this abundant group of complete development from egg to adult insects will be described here. Harvester in 6-8 weeks during the summer. and southern fire ants are common in our turf. Red imported fire ant (RIFA) is an invasive, exotic species and a threat to New Mexico agriculture, public health and safety.

Metamorphosis: Complete Mouth Parts: Chewing (larvae, adults) Pest Stage: Adults

Scientifically: Ants are members of the Red imported fire ant worker, Solenopsis insect order Hymenoptera, Family invicta. Photo: April Noble, www.antweb.org, Formicidae. www.forestryimages.org

Typical Life Cycle: Eggs are incubated in Ants are social insects living in colonies of the nursery area of the mound, close to the several hundred to many thousands of surface where the soil is sun warmed. Æ individuals. In its simplest form, a single Larvae are kept in the nursery area where mated queen produces all of the eggs. growing conditions are maintained at Nearly all of these are devoted to optimal levels. All of these stages are production of workers, sterile females tended, fed and protected by worker ants. responsible for mound digging and Mature larvae of some species such as the maintenance, foraging, defense and care of fire ants are fed solid foods collected by the queen and nursery. Some ant species foraging workers; only these larvae can may have and tolerate more than one digest solids, regurgitate them, and feed fertile queen per colony; another fluids back to the foragers and other explanation for this situation is that small colony members. Harvester ant larvae are colonies are tolerant of each other, fed on bits of fungi from fungus gardens forming what appears to be a single large maintained below ground by workers in colony. Reproductive or swarmer ants are the colony. Æ The Pupa is also kept in the produced in mature colonies seasonally, O & T Guide [T-#01] – page 2 usually after rain events in periods of closely resembles the adult ant in size and warmer weather. Dozens to thousands of appearance only the exterior body parts winged male and female ants may leave a are white and mostly immobile. External colony during a swarming event. After wing buds are visible externally only on leaving the parent colony, winged future swarmers (future reproductive ants). reproductives must find aggregations of their own species and potential mates. Adults: The adult worker will have a well- Males die fighting over females or soon defined head, thorax and abdomen. after mating. Future queens must survive Chewing jaws and prominent, elbow- the mating melee and escape to establish, shaped antennae are primary features of tend and defend a new colony until they the head; most but not all species have a raise enough workers to handle all daily pair of compound eyes. Three pairs of colony tasks other than reproduction. elongated, slender legs are attached to the Queen ants may live several years, cared thorax. The shape of the thorax as well as for and defended by worker ants in the shape and location of thoracic spines (if colony. Worker ants probably survive less any) are helpful for identification. The than a year. slender connection between thorax and abdomen may have one or two segments, Egg laying by the queen(s) is temporarily another feature used in identification as suspended in most outdoor colonies of well as presence or absence of a stinger. ants over the winter. Colonies of many For some species, a circlet of small “hairs” species retreat deeper into their around the anus is useful in identification, underground tunnels and become mostly also. Worker ants in some species are quiescent at this time. approximately the same size; in others (e.g. fire ants), worker ants vary Description of Life Stages: considerably in size.

Egg: These are minute, white, rounded to Workers of just two of the common ant elongate and rarely seen. species in turf are described as follows:

Larva: Larvae are legless, C-shaped, 1) Fire ants: The common, native southern white, and multi-segmented with poorly fire ant, S. xyloni, is ubiquitous in urban defined head capsules. At maturity, larvae and suburban areas across all of the of harvester ants may be nearly ¼” long southern U.S. While it can be an but larvae of most other species including aggressive forager and sting repeatedly, its the fire ants will be much smaller. exotic relative (apparently from Brazil), the red imported fire ant (RIFA), S. Pupa: The pupa is an intermediate stage in invicta, is even more so. Widespread in the which dramatic changes in appearance and southeastern and south central U.S., RIFA, physiology occur between the larva and is a good hitchhiker on commercial trucks adult. The actual pupa is contained in an and cargoes. It has been found in isolated off-white, elongate oval cocoon commonly instances in New Mexico. Presently, only seen when ant mounds are disturbed; what Dona Aña County is under federal many people think are eggs being carried quarantine for this pest. This situation to safety by worker ants are actually the requires licensed nurserymen and turf much larger pupae. The actual pupa growers to treat their plants with approved O & T Guide [T-#01] – page 3

insecticides and take extra security developed stinger and a “beard” of precautions in their growing and shipping colorless “hairs” on the underside of the areas prior to sending outside the regulated head. Shaped like low pitcher’s mounds, area. Worker fire ants of both species have some harvester ant nests are up to six feet two-segmented petioles, prominent across and eight feet or more deep. stingers, no spines on the thorax, and 10- Workers keep the mounds free of plants segmented antennae ending in a gradually but generally covered with fine gravel that swollen, 2-segmented club. Other subtle, aids in regulating temperature in the mostly microscopic features are useful for nursery. These ants are native to the distinguishing invicta from other xyloni; Southwest. more recently, DNA analysis has been used to separate the species in critical identifications.

Harvester ant workers, Pogonomyrmex sp. Photo: H. A. "Joe" Pase III, Texas Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, from egg to larva to pupa to adult. Photo: USDA Habitat and Hosts: Ants will invade any APHIS PPQ Archives, USDA Animal and Plant sunny, well-drained turfgrass area as well Health Inspection Service, as planting areas for ornamentals, www.forestryimages.org including nurseries and greenhouses. Ants will also invade non-crop areas, rights-of- way, roadsides, farm fields, and buildings, searching for food, moisture and shelter. Foraging trails may extend many feet from the mound. Severe disturbance of some ant mounds may prompt the ants to move their colonies or construct new tunnels and entry points near the surface.

Damage: Ant tunneling and nesting can disturb turf roots and increase water loss from soil. Turf stands can thin, allowing weeds to compete. Foraging trails may Harvester ants: all workers are nearly ¼” become well worn and visible. long. Depending upon species group, all Unattractive, ever-growing mounds can ants in a mound are either all red or red make lumpy areas in turf, affecting and black. All workers have a pair of quality, appearance and some recreational prominent short spines on the upper rear uses. Large mounds can damage mower part of the thorax, a 2-segmented pedicel blades particularly when ants are between thorax and abdomen, a well O & T Guide [T-#01] – page 4

swarming and they make their mounds Insecticidal drenches, granules or selected even higher with debris or clay soils. baits containing insect growth regulators Some species (especially the fire ants) are (IGRs) are effective as well as broadcast well known for the vicious bites and stings treatments with certain baits. Remove food which they can deliver repeatedly. While or shelters favored by ants. Controlling painful and annoying, ant venom also can aphids, scales, whiteflies or other trigger acute and life-threatening allergic honeydew producing insects on reactions (anaphylactic reactions) in ornamentals can be helpful as well as sensitive people. replacing landscape plants prone to these infestations with species not similarly IPM Notes: Ants are best controlled by affected by these pests. treating the mounds and killing the queen(s); treating foraging ants provides very short term relief in most cases.

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

October 2006 Las Cruces, NM Billbugs

O & T Guide [T-#02]

Carol A. Sutherland Extension and State Entomologist

Cooperative Extension Service z College of Agriculture and Home Economics z October 2006

Several species of broad-nosed weevils called billbugs damage both cool and warm season turf in New Mexico.

Metamorphosis: Complete Mouth Parts: Chewing (larvae, adults) Pest Stage: Larvae, adults (minor pests).

Scientifically: Billbugs are members of the Adult hunting billbug, Sphenophorus venatus insect order Coleoptera, Family vestitus. Photo: University of Georgia Archives, Curculionidae. The University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org. Typical Life Cycle: Eggs are laid in small clutches in the bases of grass stems near the crowns of plants. They are rarely seen. ÆHatching in about 2 weeks, the minute larvae feed within the grass stems briefly before burrowing down to feed on the grass crowns. Later, they move to the root zone in the soil, feeding on roots and rhizomes. Generally, larvae are abundant from mid-July to mid-August. Æ Larvae pupate in late summer in small chambers they create in the Adult bluegrass billbug, Sphenophorus soil near infested grass roots, emerging as parvulus. Photo: Joseph Berger, , adults within a few weeks. Æ New adults are www.forestryimages.org. most abundant in late September and October when they are found in considerable numbers on driveways and sidewalks. Adult billbugs may chew on grass blades or cut notches in the margins but generally cause little turf damage in this stage. Adults overwinter in infested turf or sheltered areas nearby. In late winter or early spring, adults begin to walk about (adults are flightless), and are commonly observed wandering around on driveways and Adult Denver billbug, Sphenophorus cicastriatus. Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, www.forestryimages.org.

O & T Guide [T-#02] – page 2 sidewalks. When disturbed, adults become and eastern New Mexico. Although similar to motionless, making them difficult to find in the bluegrass billbug in damage done and life turf plots while scouting. cycle, reproductive activities and developmental periods for these species are Most billbug species in New Mexico have one less coordinated and most stages can be found generation annually; a partial second throughout the year. generation may occur in some warmer areas. Damage: Billbug larval damage to turf is Description of Life Stages: similar to that caused by white grubs. Patches of grass begin to turn brown due to root Egg: minute, spherical, white damage. Affected turf is easily pulled out by hand with the stems breaking off at the crown. Larva: Larvae are C-shaped, off white, A good indication of billbug presence is a fine, legless and up to 3/8” long at maturity. Their white, sawdust-like material left by larvae head capsules are yellow to brown and are feeding in the root zone. Also, look for the slightly smaller than their rear ends. larger C-shaped, legless white larvae in the soil around the root zone, especially in spring. Pupa: Pupae look like off-white mummies of Adult billbugs chew small holes in grass the adults they will become. They are flatter blades. In severe infestations, the area around on the underside and rounded above. Pupae do the holes may turn yellow, and the grass may not feed and are mostly immobile. Most are have a speckled appearance. about ¼-3/8 inch long. IPM Notes: Beneficial nematodes or the Adults--- Adults are ¼ to ½” long and dark botanical toxin rotenone may provide quick brown to black with narrow channels on their but expensive short term control of billbug wing covers. What may appear as a pattern of larvae. Commercial formulations of milky gray, tan or even reddish dots on the wing spore disease (Bacillus popilliae from covers and thorax of some beetles is actually cultures) perform sporadically or not at all in soil dried in minute dimples in the beetle’s the alkaline, hot, dry soils of the Southwest. integument. The “bill” in billbugs refers to a Commercially available insecticides labeled short, broad “snout” on the head visible from for billbugs and other soil-dwelling turf pests above or the side. The chewing jaws are on the such as white grubs can be effective. end of the snout.

Habitat and Hosts: Bluegrass billbugs, Sphenophorus parvulus, attack cool season Kentucky bluegrass and occasionally fescues and perennial ryegrass in New Mexico. Denver billbugs, S. cicastriatus, can be found in Kentucky bluegrass turf in northern New Mexico as well as parts of the Rocky Mountains and northern High Plains. Hunting billbugs, Sphenophorus venatus Larva of the Denver billbug. Photo: Whitney vestitus, and Phoenix billbugs, S. Cranshaw, Colorado State University, phoeniciensis, are occasional pests of www.forestryimages.org Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass in southern

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

October 2006 Las Cruces, NM Cutworms andArmyworms

O & T Guide [T-#03]

Carol A. Sutherland Extension and State Entomologist

Cooperative Extension Service z College of Agriculture and Home Economics z October 2006

Cutworms and armyworms are drab, rangelands in the lower elevations. nocturnal, “hairless” caterpillar pests of Feeding as temperatures permit over the grass crowns, roots and blades as well as a fall and winter, army cutworms mature variety of crops, landscape and rangeland and pupate in late winter. As temperatures plants. The night-flying adult stages are called “miller moths” because they congregate around outdoor lights. They can be annoying then and also when adults seek shelter during the day in homes and buildings. Their shed wing scales can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Metamorphosis: Complete Mouth Parts: chewing (larvae) Pest Stage: larvae, adults (minor) Fall armyworm larva, Spodoptera frugiperda. Typical Life Cycle: Eggs are laid in the Photo: Clemson Univ., USDA-Cooperative Extension Slide Series, www.forestryimages.org soil around shallow roots of host plants, on

grass crowns or blades, or higher on host plants, depending upon species. Æ Series of Larvae. Larvae feed and disperse at night, hiding by day in soil crevices, thatch or other cover. ÆPupae are usually found in surface litter or several inches below the surface in soil not far from host plants; most require 7-14 days to mature in summer temperatures. ÆAdults typically emerge, fly, mate and lay eggs at night, seeking shelter by day. Depending upon species, one to many life cycles may be Fall armyworm, showing inverted Y on the completed annually. Adults of some head. Photo: Steve L. Brown, Univ. Georgia, species are “migratory,” especially army www.forestryimages.org cutworms. The insects have annual life cycles, laying eggs in the fall on desert warm, adults fly in large numbers to New Mexico’s mountains where they live over O & T Guide [T-#03] – page 2 the summer, flying locally at night and the center of the back. It has a distinct, seeking shelter in or on buildings, on tree inverted Y marking on the head. bark or other sheltered areas. By late summer, the adults return to the lower elevation rangelands, flying at night again, where they breed and females lay eggs.

Description of Life Stages:

Egg---minute, spherical or variously flattened, white or variously colored (especially when larvae are ready to emerge), laid singly or in clutches varying Fall armyworm adult. Photo: William Lambert, in number from several dozen to over 100. Univ. Georgia, www.forestryimages.org Females of some species leave their eggs bare while others ovipositing on foliage True armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta, is may cover their eggs with scales from similar in appearance to FAW but lacks their bodies. the inverted Y.

Larva---all stages are cylindrical with three pairs of short, segmented, thoracic legs and five pairs of stubby, muscular, abdominal prolegs. Mature larvae are “bare” (no prominent “hairs” visible on their bodies) and variously patterned in tones of olive green, tan, brown, black and gray. Mature caterpillars of different species may be 1 ½ to 2 inches long at maturity; cutworms often appear thicker and heavier than other caterpillars of True armyworm larva, Pseudaletia unipuncta. similar lengths. Cutworms commonly Photo: Ronald Smith, Auburn Univ., chew off host foliage or seedlings at www.forestryimages.org ground level. Armyworms often crawl together in large numbers from one Variegated cutworms, Peridroma saucia, feeding site to another. When disturbed, range in color from dark brown to gray armyworms and cutworms may remain with patterns or markings that may be motionless or roll into a tight curl. Some difficult to see. A line running down the species are pugnacious or even back of the caterpillar is broken, leaving 4- cannibalistic. 7 whitish to yellowish dashes. A narrow orange stripe may be seen close to the Common species include: black spiracles and a black irregular W- shaped mark may be present on the top of th Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera the 8 abdominal segment. frugiperda, is nearly 1 ½ inches long at maturity and olive green with narrow black stripes along either side and down O & T Guide [T-#03] – page 3

mottled brown, gray and/or black, with various subtle patterns useful in identification. Hind wings of these same species are pale, drab and generally lack patterns. Most moths are 1-1 ½ inches long with wingspans of 1 ¾ to nearly 2 ½ inches. Their bodies are densely covered in grayish brown scales and fine “hairs” (modified scales). When at rest, their wings are held at angles to the body like the wings of fighter jets. Some species lack functional mouth parts as adults while Variegated cutworm larva, Peridroma saucia. Photo: Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn Univ, others have thin, flexible tubes useful only www.forestryimages.org for fluid intake. Most adults fly, mate, lay eggs and feed (if they do so at all) at night, Army cutworms, Euxoa auxiliaris, are seeking shelter by day in dense vegetation, striped with two tones of olive green. under tree bark, cracks in the soil or Mature caterpillars can be nearly 2 inches similar protected areas. long. When numerous, these caterpillars may “march” across roads, pastures and Habitat and Hosts: Most of the fields, defoliating turf, small grains and caterpillars mentioned above feed on a certain other herbaceous plants as they go. variety of plants but have obvious preferences for grasses or small grains.

Damage: Larvae of most species are active defoliators capable of killing young or weak turf plants. Damage is almost always spotty across any grassy area of the state and even within one stand of turf. More significant damage may occur when birds or small mammals tear up turf searching for larvae.

IPM Notes: A healthy turf will generally

Army cutworm adult and larva, Euxoa withstand cutworm damage. Natural auxiliaris. Photo: G. Keith Douce, Univ. enemies, including birds and small Georgia, www.forestryimages.org mammals, may keep cutworm and armyworm populations below damaging Pupa---lozenge-shaped, dark brown to levels in some years. Chemical control black, lacking a cocoon, quiescent, about usually is needed if natural enemies do not an inch long. keep infestation below the economic threshold of one armyworm per square Adults---Adults of most turf pest species foot on home lawns or one per square yard have threadlike antennae, relatively plump on golf greens. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bodies, somewhat narrowed forewings and or entomophagous nematodes (“insect broad, rounded hind wings. For species eating” nematodes) may be effective mentioned above, the forewings are O & T Guide [T-#03] – page 4 biological controls for young larvae of a little dish or laundry detergent to their some cutworm species in some limited irrigation water to drive the larvae to the situations. Cutworms and armyworms on surface prior to applying pesticides. putting greens may require chemical Results may be better if treatments are controls to prevent unacceptable damage; applied in late afternoon or early evening. thorough scouting and pest risk assessment is essential. For home lawns, thatch removal may be needed. Some people add

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

October 2006 Las Cruces, NM Ground Pearls

O & T Guide [T-#04]

Carol A. Sutherland Extension and State Entomologist

Cooperative Extension Service z College of Agriculture and Home Economics z October 2006

When warm season turf has irregular stages. Ground pearls overwinter in their patches of thin, yellow, dead or drought- cysts. Male nymphs of some species stressed grass and other common insect become quiescent in early spring and pests or pathogens are not evident, sift the external wing pads appear in the last soil to look for firm, spherical off-white to nymph stage preceding adulthood. Female purplish-yellow ground pearls attached to nymphs continue to mature without grass roots or in surrounding soil. obvious changes and lack wing pads. ÆAdults emerge from their cysts probably Metamorphosis: Simple in the spring when they move toward the Mouth Parts: piercing-sucking in nymphs soil surface where mating occurs. Females and adults. retreat to their waxy cysts to lay their eggs. Pest Stages: Nymphs At least one year, and probably two or more years, are needed for a complete Scientifically: Ground pearls are members cycle from egg to egg. At least one species of the insect order Hemiptera, Family in the southeastern U.S. is known from Margarodidae. female-only populations; eggs hatch without fertilization, a situation known as Typical Life Cycle: Generally, the life parthenogenesis. cycles and biological details for ground pearls are poorly known. Eggs are typically laid inside the female’s waxy cyst amid shallow roots of host grasses. Eggs laid in spring hatch by late summer. Æ Series of Nymphs. After hatching, nymphs disperse, find new feeding sites, and begin to secrete their protective, spherical, off-white to yellowish-purple cysts. While many ground pearls establish themselves along the shallower roots of

their hosts, some crawlers attach to grass Closeup of a ground pearl cyst, Margarodes roots 10-12 inches or more below the sp., actual size about 1/10 inch. Photo: C.A. de surface. Adverse conditions (severe Klerk, Nietvoorbij Institute for Viticulture and temperature changes, drought, starvation, Oenology, Stellenbosch, South Africa, etc.) can trigger physiological changes in www.forestryimages.org the nymphs, producing quiescent, long- lasting (sometimes a decade or more), environmentally-insensitive survival O & T Guide [T-#04] – page 2

Description of Life Stages: IPM Notes: Turf managers may keep infested turf green, actively growing and Egg---minute, round and rarely seen. competitive with these pests by adjusting fertilization, watering and mowing Nymphs---Nymphs are the primary life schedules to promote vigorous plant stages that damage turf. Hatchlings or growth. Raising cutting heights to at least “crawlers” have six functional legs, 1.5 inches in late summer may be helpful; dispersing along the roots of their hosts. avoid scalping turf at other times of the The soft-bodied, segmented, oval but year. No pest resistant turf cultivars have flattened nymphs attach to grass roots with been developed and no effective natural their mouth parts. Cysts can range in enemies that are known for ground pearls. diameter from 1/12 to nearly ¼ inch at maturity. The pearl-like appearance of the Because ground pearls can occur as deep cysts gives these insects their common as a foot in the soil and because they can name. become physiologically inactive when stressed, insecticidal control will be Adults---Depending upon species, males difficult at best. Currently no insecticides may be winged (only one pair of wings) or are labeled specifically for ground pearl wingless, while females are wingless. control in turf although several soil treatments applied for other insect pests Habitat and Hosts: All stages of ground may have some activity. Wet soil to a pearls are found in the soil around roots or depth of at least one foot before applying a attached to roots of host grasses including soil treatment. Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, Centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass and Ground pearl infestations are probably several genera of native range grasses. under-reported because they can be so Ground pearls are widely distributed in the difficult to find unless adequate root and warmer parts of the southern U.S. soil samples are carefully taken and analyzed. Damage: Severely infested grasses appear weak, thin, yellow and drought stressed; Do not confuse ground pearls with some plants can be killed. Damage is due perlite, vermiculite, slow-release to sap removal by the insects and toxins fertilizer particles, granular pesticides, injected with their saliva. seeds or similar spherical soil additives.

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

October 2006 Las Cruces, NM European and Africanized Honey Bees

O & T Guide [T-#05]

Carol A. Sutherland Extension and State Entomologist

Cooperative Extension Service z College of Agriculture and Home Economics z October 2006

Although common and widely recognized combs.ÆAdult, for each of the three as beneficial pollinators of many crops, castes in both AHB and EHB colonies: landscape and wild plants, honey bees, queen, worker and drone. both European and Africanized, can be potentially dangerous and damaging pests Both EHB and AHB are social insects, in some turf and ornamental settings. Both living in usually large, perennial colonies European (EHB) and Africanized (AHB) of several to many thousands of honey bees are members of the same individuals. In healthy but queenless species, look alike and are similar colonies, surviving workers will raise biologically. However, AHBs have a well- several potential queens. deserved reputation for defensive, unpredictable behavior. Bee stings can seriously injure or kill people, pets, livestock and wildlife.

Metamorphosis: Complete Mouth Parts: chewing (larvae); chewing -lapping (adults) Pest Stage: Adult

Adult honey bee worker, Apis mellifera, Typical Life Cycle: Eggs are laid singly gathering nectar and pollen. Note the ball of in the 6-sided wax cells of bee combs. Æ pollen on the hind leg. Photo: John A. Weidhass, Series of Larvae. Mature worker larvae are Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, about ½ inch long while those of drones www.forestryimages.org (males) are slightly larger. Mature queen larvae are larger yet. Larvae are confined Slightly larger than the workers, a virgin to the 6-sided cells in the wax comb where queen mates with as many as 15-20 drones they are fed and tended by worker bees. Æ during a single mating flight. Upon Pupae are found only inside the 6-sided, returning to her colony, she kills all rival wax capped cells of the bee comb. Caps of queens before settling down to lay eggs for drone pupae are often raised above the the rest of her life. surface of the comb since they are larger than workers. Caps of queen cells may be When a colony becomes overcrowded, the higher yet; slightly larger queen cells also old queen may “swarm” with part of her may be located near the edges of bee offspring, leaving the old colony to O & T Guide [T-#05] – page 2 establish a new one elsewhere; the Larva---Larvae are cylindrical to tear- remaining workers again raise several drop shaped, legless, white, segmented, replacement queens which mate and soft-bodied with poorly defined head compete for survival in the old colony. capsule. They will be less than ½ inch long at maturity. Fertilized eggs produce female bees, including queens and workers. Future Pupa---transitional stage between larva queens receive a highly nutritious diet that and adult; resembles quiescent adult, but future workers do not. A queen, the egg- whitish and lacking dense “hair” covering layer in the colony, may live more than a on body. A pupa is only found inside the year while workers (sterile females) live 6-sided cell in the comb, capped with wax. only a few weeks or months. Hatching Worker pupae are most common in the from unfertilized eggs, short-lived drones combs but are also the smallest in size; (males) die after mating or when workers drone pupae are slightly larger and caps on force them out of the colony. their cells may be slightly raised. Though few, future queen pupae are larger yet, If EHB colonies are large enough to divide with significantly raised caps on their and swarm, this generally occurs once cells. annually in the spring. From then until fall, the ever increasing population of workers provisions the colony with honey, their overwintering food. AHB colonies also may divide and establish new colonies when resources are abundant, but they may do so more than once annually, increasing the probability that new problem colonies will be detected in any given area. AHBs also are very responsive to their environment and may swarm several additional times during the year Example of a queen cell which is when food or water sources fail or when considerably larger than adjacent cells their colony is disturbed. Such survivor built for workers and drones. Photo: Carl Dennis, Auburn University, swarms can contain as few as 20-30 bees; www.forestryimages.org smaller numbers of bees may establish new colonies in much smaller spaces Adults---Worker adults are the most where they are less likely to be noticed numerous caste in the colony but also the and least expected, such as water smallest at about 3/8 inch long. Although meter/utility boxes, old cars, bird houses, there is some variability in color and lawn decorations, firewood piles and junk. pattern among different strains of honey bees, the head and thorax are dark brown Description of Life Stages for Both EHB and covered with short, dense “hair.” Two and AHB: pairs of colorless, interlocking wings attach to the thorax. The abdomen is Egg---tiny, hot-dog shaped, white. usually yellowish orange with dark brown to black banding. Legs are dark brown to black. The lower hind legs are flattened O & T Guide [T-#05] – page 3 and bristly and are adapted for carrying well as sugary drinks and food scraps in balls of collected pollen. The worker’s garbage containers. Bee colonies managed non-functional reproductive system is by beekeepers usually are maintained in modified into its stinging apparatus. The wooden box-like hives, while feral (wild) stinger is barbed and cannot be removed EHB and AHB colonies can be found in a by the bee from human skin; when the variety of habitats ranging from junk or struggling bee tries to escape its victim, tire piles, hollow trees, mine shafts, rock the stinging apparatus is torn from the end shelters, abandoned buildings and of the bee’s body, killing it but also automobiles, irrigation or utility boxes, releasing odors that incite other bees to wall, ceiling or floor voids in buildings sting. Adult workers perform almost all and even among the sheltering limbs of essential tasks for the colony. Beginning live trees, shrubs and cacti. Worker bees inside the colony, new workers care for produce wax that is molded into the brood, evaporate water from nectar, characteristic 6-sided cells that comprise circulate air around the combs, clean and both sides of a bee comb. Combs are plate- guard the colony entrance. Older workers like initially but may be greatly elongated forage for nectar, pollen and water, often in mature colonies. They are suspended traveling several miles per collecting trip. vertically from a structural support; there Adult workers use elaborate is enough space between combs to permit communication methods to recruit other egg-laying by the queen and cell servicing workers to newly discovered food sources. by worker bees. Brood is produced in part Adult workers may live about six weeks of the combs during the growing season during peak nectar flows or for several but ceases during winter. Nectar, honey months when clustered around the queen and pollen are stored in many of the during the winter. remaining comb cells. Water is required for bee survival as well as to regulate Queens are similar in shape, color and colony temperature, especially in enclosed patterning to adult worker, only queen colonies. European honey bees, the more bees are slightly larger with longer docile of the two, have been bred and abdomens. Generally, only beekeepers and selected by beekeepers for thousands of researchers see the queens. Queens usually years for docility, honey production, remain deep inside the colony and are colony maintenance characteristics and totally surrounded and protected by over-wintering success whereas worker bees. Africanized honey bees have been selected by harsh environmental conditions for Drones are similar in shape, color and adaptability and mobility and by various patterning to adult worker but slightly predators for ferocity. larger with head nearly covered by enlarged, compound eyes. The earliest European settlers imported numerous strains of EHBs into the U.S. Habitat and Hosts: All honey bees along with their crops, livestock and require sources of food, water and shelter. landscape plants. AHBs were imported Honey bees forage for nectar and pollen in into Brazil from southern Africa in 1956 to blooming flowers, but also will frequent breed a bee better suited to the tropics. honeydew deposits left on foliage by Shortly thereafter, the AHBs escaped their aphids and other plant feeding insects as experimental apiary and began dispersing O & T Guide [T-#05] – page 4 through South and Central America. They immediately. In other cases, the sheer entered Mexico in the early 1980s and numbers of stings sustained by a victim south Texas in October, 1990. AHBs were result in venom toxicity, overwhelming discovered in New Mexico in 1993. Since body defenses, causing organ failure and then, they have been confirmed in at least even death. half of the state’s counties and are very likely to occur statewide. Best known for their unpredictable, potentially life threatening behavior, they also swarm frequently and year ‘round.

Damage: Both European and Africanized honey bees can be threatening and dangerous stinging pests around homes, businesses and recreational areas, particularly when their swarms or colonies have not been detected previously. While stinging victims may disagree, AHBs are considered highly defensive rather than aggressive. Flying individual bees are easily overlooked and bee warning behavior is easily overlooked by naïve people. Venom chemistry for both bees is similar; AHBs produce slightly less venom/bee than EHBs, but AHBs are credited with recruiting more workers into a defensive response and also chasing their antagonists farther (perhaps half a mile vs. Example of a small swarm of honey bees a hundred feet) than EHBs. on a pecan tree limb. Photo: G. Keith Douce, University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org Bee stings cause localized pain, swelling and itching in most people, but they can Bee colonies established in or near high cause severe and life threatening responses traffic areas pose the greatest threat to in sensitive individuals, a condition called human health and safety. This includes anaphylaxis. Individual responses to bee residences as well as commercial stings can intensify over time as well. As structures and recreational areas. Those little as one bee sting can cause death in who grow or manage turf, nursery stock or some highly sensitive people. recreational areas for any purpose are at Hypersensitive responses to bee venom immediate risk of disturbing these colonies include: drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and being stung. Maintenance and utility itchy palms and soles of the feet, blotchy workers risk severe stinging from bee skin (“hives”), unconsciousness, muscle colonies established in water meter or tension, airway restrictions and death. utility control boxes, storage tanks, utility Anyone experiencing any of these buildings, and equipment yards. Tree symptoms after being stung by bees pruning crews and utility linemen can be should receive emergency medical care at increased risk for serious injuries from O & T Guide [T-#05] – page 5

stinging bees when they are working from present risks for proper functioning and elevated platforms (“cherry pickers”). maintenance of electrical and electronic devices. While the heat produced by a AHBs are especially well known for their successful colony in a wall may be ability to quickly relocate and reestablish difficult to feel, the sound produced by their colonies, requiring constant vigilance thousands of active worker bees may be around homes, businesses and recreational difficult to ignore. Such an established areas. Visitors and passersby also may be colony represents a major health, safety stung, presenting a potential legal liability and liability risk to homeowners, business situation for property owners and occupants, employees, customers and managers. In addition, pets, livestock and visitors to recreational or commercial wild animals may be stung and, if facilities. confined or restrained, killed by an overwhelming numbers of bee stings. IPM Notes: Honey bees, especially AHBs, will be the most dangerous insect pests encountered by pest control operators. Underestimation of colony size and damage potential can be fatal not only to those attempting to control these insects but also result in law suits for personal injury and property loss. While exposed swarms may be easier to access with insecticidal treatments, there still is a potential for the insects to sting and seriously injure the unwary. CONTROL SHOULD BE ATTEMPTED ONLY BY PEST MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS WITH ADEQUATE TRAINING AND APPLICATION TOOLS, A FULL BEE Africanized honey bee queen surrounded by SUIT, AND APPROPRIATELY her workers, Apis mellifera scutellata. Photo: Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, LABELED INSECTICIDES. THE www.forestryimages.org AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT TO CONTROL Neither type of bee should be allowed to HONEY BEE SWARMS OR establish a colony in the walls of an ESTABLISHED COLONIES especially occupied building. People can be stung by with an aerosol spray formulated for bees entering or leaving the colony. While wasps; in most cases, the active some believe that plugging a colony ingredients in these sprays antagonize entrance will control the situation or kill bees and can incite attack. the invasive colony, the bees soon use In general, respect ALL honey bees; their chewing jaws to remove the plug or never antagonize them. Foraging honey open a new entrance/exit; sometimes these bees are generally harmless since they new entrance/exits are in occupied rooms, are focused on gathering nectar and creating new problems as well as stinging pollen; do not impede their movement. situations and risks. Steadily accumulating Exercise extreme care in any situation wax combs, brood, and food stores also O & T Guide [T-#05] – page 6 where honey bees seem particularly keeping onlookers out of the way. When numerous or noisy. Avoid swarms and bees are already excited in a stinging do not approach colonies too closely, incident and are flying and stinging especially around the entry/exit. If you wildly, even the best pest control feel threatened by honey bees or sustain operator with the best equipment and one or more “warning stings” RUN AS insecticides may have poor control QUICKLY AS YOU CAN TO results at the outset; persistence can be SAFETY. If possible, pull up the collar key. Also, when the sun sets, this may of your jacket or shirt to shield your help settle down disturbed bees. Keep neck as you run. A building or house onlookers away and safely inside with windows and doors that can be buildings or vehicles in these situations. closed securely behind you is a good choice. For outdoor workers with a Pest control operators should expect to vehicle, keep it reasonably close to the deal with two very different honey bee work site with windows rolled up but problems when clients call: swarms and the doors unlocked; keep an extra set of established colonies. The risks of personal keys hidden in the vehicle so that if you injury and property damage are different are attacked by bees and seek for each, as well as the approaches to protection in your vehicle, you can drive control. away safely and without delay. Never jump into water to avoid a bee attack; Swarms can be very intimidating to those the bees will be waiting to sting as soon unfamiliar with honey bee behavior. They as you surface to breathe. may appear suddenly, settle temporarily in a prominent place on the property and If you are stung, particularly multiple buzz loudly. Sheer numbers of “nervous times, emergency medical treatment is acting” insects can be seen as aggressive preventative and advisable. Adverse although swarming bees are rarely so if reactions to bee venom can occur they are not molested. Swarms probably suddenly and intensely. If you will be most numerous and active on experience symptoms of allergic sunny, warm, calm days, especially reaction, have a companion or co- following a rain. In flight, bees in a worker take you to emergency medical swarm move in a swirling, dynamic, noisy treatment. If you know you are highly mass of golden insects usually flying at allergic to bee venom, discuss a “bee tree top or house top level. When bees in sting kit” available by prescription only the swarm tire, the queen settles on a with your physician and keep it handy branch, fence post, sign, eaves of a home when you are outdoors. The sting kit or other solid perch and all of the workers may give you a little extra time to seek settle on top of her in a protective ball. emergency medical treatment. When skies are cloudy or temperatures too low, swarms remain temporarily inactive. Be aware that fire fighters, paramedics Homeowners, especially, may request and law enforcement officers may not physical removal of a bee swarm rather respond or respond efficiently to than killing it. While some beekeepers emergency calls involving bee sting may have provided bee removal services incidents for various reasons. They may in the past, no one may want to do this be resigned to securing the area and now because of liability problems and O & T Guide [T-#05] – page 7

because captured swarms may be verify that a colony is dead. Honey bees Africanized or parasitized by mites. While will vigorously defend established novices can sometimes successfully treat colonies, that is, those with brood and food and eliminate a pest swarm of honey bees stores. The transition time from swarm to without special training or protective gear, established colony may take only a day or the practice is potentially life threatening two; assume that a colony is established, and is not encouraged. Professional pest especially if large numbers of honey bees control operators can easily take care of are not readily visible or if a client states problem bee swarms with high volume, that the bees have been on the premises for low pressure sprays of soapy water or any period of time. Treatment of labeled insecticides if the swarms are established colonies should only be safely accessible. Be especially aware of attempted by professional pest control live electrical lines, utility boxes and operators wearing protective gear and similar potentially life threatening using appropriately labeled insecticides. situations in the vicinity of the swarm, The defense mounted by AHBs may be having them shut off or disconnected prior especially intense with several to many to beginning pest control work. Since the thousands of angry bees responding to the queen bee typically is in the middle of slightest perceived threat. Insecticidal many layers of physically protective but control of a colony in a building’s walls fairly calm worker bees, the applicator can be difficult since the combs and brood (wearing a protective bee suit) can can be protected by intervening bee approach the swarm slowly and saturate combs, insulation and utility lines. Prior to the mass of bees with a persistent spray beginning a control project on an mist. After several minutes, the outer established colony, the pest control layers of bees will begin to fall off the operator should “suit up” and study the swarm, their fuzzy bodies saturated with area where the bee colony may be located. the liquid. Misting the inner layers of the In addition to live utility lines and other swarm continues until all of the bees are hazards, the pest control operator should on the ground. When the last of the fallen identify actual or potential entry/exit bees has stopped spinning on its back, the points for the bees; treatments aimed at dead bees should be gathered into a trash one of these points invariably results in bag and disposed of where the insects angry bees pouring out of other exit cannot be contacted by curious people or points, with potentially disastrous results animals. Follow label directions carefully for any person or animal in the vicinity. on these pest control products to prevent Before attempting to treat the colony, phytotoxicity if the swarm has landed on make sure the clients, their pets and or above live plants. livestock are in safe, bee-tight locations; in high density housing areas, extend these Established colonies should be approached advisories and precautions to the and treated quite differently. Frequently, neighbors as well. Do not attempt to colonies are well hidden; openings to the control established bee colonies with colony may not be obvious and foraging soapy water; this treatment can be very bees leaving or returning to the colony damaging to structures as well as may not be easily noticed. Control may hazardous around electrical wiring and take more than one application of labeled equipment. Most pest control operators insecticide and require more than a day to experienced in bee control opt to use O & T Guide [T-#05] – page 8 power applicators and dust formulations of certain pyrethroids that can be blown into wall voids and similar areas. Once the treatment has been planned, the pest control operator should complete it quickly and thoroughly, securing the treated colony before leaving the premises. Retreat the colony area as needed over the next few hours or days, as needed, until it Honey bee colony and four wax combs on a appears the bees are dead and no longer a tree limb. The combs are about one foot across threat. and 1.5 feet deep. Photo: Timothy Haley, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org Advise clients that they should immediately remove the remains of the bee colony or have a remodeling service remove them. Once a bee colony has been killed in a residence, business or other occupied facility, the comb and bee bodies should be removed as soon as possible to prevent establishment of new colonies of bees, ants, wasps, flies, rodents and other pests. Following any pesticidal treatment of a bee colony, the honey will NOT be safe to extract and consume. Any honey Honey bee colony established under the left behind may ferment as well as leak eaves of a shed. Photo: Timothy Haley, USDA from the melting comb, saturating carpets, Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org flooring, wall boards and trim. Elimination of wax comb will prevent annoying infestations of wax moth as well as the stench of rotting larvae and decomposing bees. Dead bee colonies can harbor large numbers of dermestid beetles, their larvae and other scavengers.

Example of a one-piece bee suit used in a bee removal call. Photo: Timothy Haley, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

October 2006 Las Cruces, NM March Flies

O & T Guide [T-#06]

Carol A. Sutherland Extension and State Entomologist

Cooperative Extension Service z College of Agriculture and Home Economics z October 2006

March flies are occasional pests of turf, Larva---larvae are thin, cylindrical, particularly in home lawns with rough-skinned, legless and off-white. considerable thatch buildup. Adult flies Their rounded head capsules are dark gray are persistent, annoying but otherwise to black and bear chewing jaws. Mature harmless pests flying slowly above turf in larvae are about one inch long. large numbers on calm, sunny afternoons in early spring. Larvae burrow through and Pupa---lozenge-shaped, brown to black, feed in thatch, often in large numbers. smooth, about 3/8 inch long.

Metamorphosis: Complete Adults---Adults are slightly smaller and Mouth Parts: chewing in larvae thinner than house flies. Most are black or Pest Stages: larvae, adults (minor) dark-colored. The colorless wings (only one pair) usually have a dark spot near the Scientifically: March flies are members of end of the leading edges. the insect order Diptera and the family Bibionidae.

Typical Life Cycle: Eggs are laid in small clutches in the soil-thatch interface; these are rarely seen. Æ Series of Larvae. These often occur in considerable numbers in late winter-early spring in patches of decaying organic matter and thick thatch. Æ Pupae are interspersed in the soil-thatch layer in late spring. Æ Adults are two- winged flies with generally black bodies and appendages and a short, broad proboscis. Some have smoky wings. Most March fly larvae in turf. Photo: Whitney known species have one generation Cranshaw, Colorado State Univ., www.forestryimages.org annually although some may have two or possibly more. Habitat and Hosts: Adults are commonly seen in spring and early Description of Life Stages: summer flying slowly and in large numbers over turf with thick thatch layers. Egg---minute, round, white Some adults have just emerged while others are finding mates in these swarms O & T Guide [T-#06] – page 2

and females are ovipositing. Mature larvae are usually discovered by raking spongy areas of infested turf in early spring.

Damage: Adults can be numerous and annoying but are otherwise harmless. Larvae are actually removing or tunneling through thatch that can be so thick as to stifle movement of air, water and nutrients to turf roots. Many homeowners are Closeup of a March fly larva, Bibio sp. Photo: alarmed by their numbers and appearance. Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State Univ., Larvae also can be found in old corrals or www.forestryimages.org other areas where thick layers of animal manure are decomposing.

IPM Notes: Swarms of March flies over turf signal larval presence as well as thatch buildup. Mechanical removal of thatch when turf is still dormant will eliminate the habitat for March fly larvae and adults as well as improve turf aeration and the percolation of water and fertilizer. The larvae are actually penetrating and reducing thatch in the lawn rather than Hand holding mature March fly larvae. damaging the turf. Although they may Photo: C.F. Valdez and A.Reyes, Los Alamos appear objectionable to many people, the Coop. Ext. Service.

larvae are harmless to people, pets, livestock and wildlife. Presently, no insecticides for turf list March flies on their labels.

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

October 2006 Las Cruces, NM

2 Rove Beetles

O & T Guide [T-#07]

Carol A. Sutherland Extension and State Entomologist

Cooperative Extension Service z College of Agriculture and Home Economics z October 2006

Rove beetles are slender, highly active, capsule and three pairs of prominent, black beetles that are occasional slender thoracic legs. Mature larvae of the burrowing pests of highly manicured golf largest species are probably less than 5/8 greens. inch long. Most species have two slender projections on the tip of the abdomen; Metamorphosis: Complete each projection is about the length of two Mouth Parts: Chewing (larvae, adults). abdominal segments or slightly longer. Pest Stage: Adult, possibly larvae.

Scientifically: Rove beetles are members of the insect order Coleoptera, Family Staphylinidae.

Typical Life Cycle: Eggs are laid in small clutches near potential food sources (other insects) for the larvaeÆ Series of Larvae. Larvae of most species will be highly active, searching for food in sheltered, slightly moist habitats below ground or in Example of a rove beetle adult, Family soil litter. Some rove beetle species are Staphylinidae. Note the extremely short known to be predatory on small insects; wing covers and exposed abdominal other species may be plant feeders since segments. Two short projections are some are known to feed on fungi, algae or visible on the end of the abdomen. Photo: plant mulches. Æ The Pupa stage is found Joseph Berger, , www.forestryimages.org in soil litter or in moist soils near larval food sources. Æ The Adult is highly Pupa---bare, off-white to yellowish-tan at active and free-living; many species are maturity. Pupae of the largest species are active primarily at night. Many species are probably ½ inch long or less. The general poorly known biologically. appearance of the pupa is like a mummy of the adult it will become with abdomen Description of Life Stages: obviously segmented, three pairs of slender, elongated legs, and a well Egg---minute, white, nearly spherical to developed head capsule with compound elongate; rarely seen. eyes, chewing jaws and antennae visible and tightly pressed to the head. Forewings Larvae---elongate, cylindrical but slightly are short but wrapped closely around flattened, off-white with brownish head thorax. The pupa is generally immobile. O & T Guide [T-#07] – page 2

slices. Cultural practices associated with Adult---Most species are slender and dull turf maintenance on golf courses probably black or very dark brown, generally create habitat and perhaps odors attractive resembling earwigs but without the caudal to ovipositing rove beetles. Once on site, pincers. The forewings are very short, the nocturnal beetles tunnel in the leaving most of the abdominal segments extremely short turf on golf tees. Adults exposed. Antennae thread-like and and possibly larvae burrow, making small extended forward; jaws projected forward holes and mounds of soil on the golf turf, and visible from above. A pair of stubby creating poor putting surfaces. projections may be visible on either side of the end of the abdomen. Some species flex IPM Notes: Over 1500 species of rove the abdomen upward as they run. beetles are scattered throughout North America. While many are under- Habitat and Hosts: Rove beetles are agile appreciated predators of pest insects or and highly active predators and scavengers around dead animals or dead scavengers. The nocturnal adults and insects, others may be omnivorous or even larvae are active during warm weather. plant feeders to some extent. They may overwinter as larvae, pupae, or adults. Unfortunately, some species of rove beetles have achieved occasional nuisance Damage: Some species of rove beetles eat status on New Mexico golf courses for mites, beetle larvae, aphids, and small their burrowing habits on extremely short caterpillars both as adults and larvae. and highly manicured turf. Rove beetles Other species are readily attracted to dead are not considered pests on home lawn turf animals and dead insects, where they or most recreational and ornamental turf. probably scavenge on these tissues and other insects feeding there. While larval No insecticides are labeled specifically for feeding habits of many rove beetle species rove beetle control in turf, leaving golf turf are unknown, members of at least one managers to make spot treatments, as subfamily are known to feed on fungi, needed, with currently registered, labeled algae and plant-based mulches; at least in insecticides having activity against various the laboratory, many species, including beetle pests on turf. predators, will feed to some extent on fruit

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

October 2006 Las Cruces, NM Scarab Beetles and White Grubs

O & T Guide [T-#08]

Carol A. Sutherland Extension and State Entomologist

Cooperative Extension Service z College of Agriculture and Home Economics z October 2006

Probably the most common and most zoneÆPupa undergroundÆAdult; above damaging pests of turfgrass in New ground, free-flying, some species feed as Mexico are the white grubs, i.e., the larvae adults but others do not. of scarab beetles. A number of scarab species are involved, varying widely in Ataenius has two generations annually, size, color and biological details. All turf overwintering as adults seeking shelter species grown here, including the fine around perennial shrubs and trees. Known specialty turf on golf courses can be from nearly all of the continguous 48 seriously damaged by these root-feeding states, Ataenius species were first noted as larvae. turf pests in the early 1930s but emerged as increasingly important pests of golf courses in the East, Midwest and adjacent Canadian provinces in the 1970s. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and bentgrasses are favored hosts. Insecticide resistance has been documented in the East. Mature larvae are about the size of rice grains; large populations make turf wilt but can also cut all the roots in patches of turf such that it can be rolled up. The tiny (about 1/8 inch), black adults are active at night. Example of a typical white grub or larva of a scarab beetle. Photo: University of Georgia Archives, The University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org

Metamorphosis: Complete Mouth Parts: Chewing (larva and adult) Damaging Stage: larva on turf; adults of some species may be foliage-feeding pests of plants other than turf. Mature larvae of the black turfgrass Ataenius Typical Life Cycle: Egg in soil Æ Series (compare size to that of the penny). Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, of 3 Larval instars feeding in root www.forestryimages.org O & T Guide [T-#08] – page 2

eggs total in their adult lifetimes of about Aphodius overwinters as adults but may three weeks. have more than two generations annually in our lower elevations. Adults of many species are dung feeders; larvae feed on dung, organic matter and live roots. Attacking the same grasses as Ataenius, Aphodius also is found in warm season grasses grown at lower elevations, particularly those fertilized with manure or compost. Mature larvae are about the size of rice grains and are easily confused with Ataenius larvae (Ataenius larvae have a pair of distinct pad-like structures on the May or June beetle larvae, Phyllophaga sp. tip of the abdomen just in front of the anal Photo: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, , www.forestryimages.org slit). Adults are dark brown to black and about 1/8 inch long. Aphodius adults have two “notches” in the tibia of the hind leg whereas Ataenius adults have none, features that require higher magnification. While over 100 species of Aphodius have been described from North America north of Mexico, the dominant pest species (in New Mexico and elsewhere) is A. granarius, accidentally introduced from Europe. Example of a May or June beetle, Phyllophaga sp. Photo: Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org

Newly hatched larvae feed voraciously on grass roots, often reaching third instar and nearly half of their mature weights before winter. In the fall, larvae of some species burrow several inches to a foot or more into the soil to hibernate; others may

Adult Aphodius omisus omisus in Kentucky remain relatively close to the surface, bluegrass (compare size to that of the dime). feeding as temperatures permit. In early Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State spring, all larvae return to the surface and University, www.forestryimages.org resume feeding on grass roots. For species with annual life cycles, feeding is Our May and June beetles, Phyllophaga completed by spring. After pressing a spp., fly at night between May and July. small hollow into the soil, they pupate After mating, the light brown females inside for about a month, resting briefly as burrow 1 to 4 inches into the soil to lay young adults in their soil chambers before small clutches of 6-10 eggs that hatch in digging their way to the surface. Rainfall two to four weeks. Females may lay 50-60 or irrigation stimulate adult emergence and O & T Guide [T-#08] – page 3

flight. Adults fly at night and are easily Green June beetles are nearly one inch attracted to lights. Adults may feed on new long with dull brassy wing covers; the rest foliage of some trees and shrubs, but do of the body is metallic dark green. little damage. At least some Phyllophaga spp. in New Mexico may require more than one year to complete development as they do in many parts of the U.S.; overwintering initially as larvae, the last winter may be spent as a quiescent young adult below ground.

Masked chafers have annual life cycles, emerging as adults in late summer, hatching shortly thereafter and feeding Larva of the green June beetle, Cotinus sp., a heavily in early fall and spring. Their native to New Mexico. Photo: University of larvae also may dig deeper into the soil, Georgia Archives, The University of Georgia, becoming quiescent over the winter. www.forestryimages.org Generally darker brown and very shiny, adults fly at night, are easily attracted to lights, but do not feed as adults.

Adult of the eastern species of green June beetle, Cotinus nitida. Photo: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, , www.forestryimages.org

Adult Japanese beetle, Popilia japonica, an While Green June beetles are native invasive species known from a very limited insects, JBs obviously are not; JBs are distribution in New Mexico. The adult is about currently established in small, isolated as long as your little fingernail. Photo: David areas of north-central New Mexico where Cappaert, , www.forestryimages.org they are considered not only threats to turf Japanese beetles (JBs) and the larger and ornamentals but also regulatory pests Green June beetles are active during the requiring eradication efforts and close day during mid summer. Male Japanese monitoring. JBs also have dull brassy wing beetles and apparently some other scarab covers with the rest of the body deep species find mates by tracking pheromones metallic green; however, JBs are only 3/8 released by virgin females. Female inch long and have six pairs of white Japanese beetles and Green June beetles bristle patches around the edges of the are readily attracted to strong floral or wing covers. While Green June beetles are fruity odors. Both behaviors have proven minor pests of turf, JBs can become useful in survey trapping programs for JB primary turf pests as they have in other in New Mexico and elsewhere. Adult infested parts of the U.S. Adults of both O & T Guide [T-#08] – page 4 species will damage thin-skinned ripe fruit Larva---characteristically plump, white, but JBs are also highly destructive to the segmented, C-shaped, with 3 pairs of well- flowers and foliage of over 300 species of developed thoracic legs, well developed landscape, garden and crop plants. brown head capsule with chewing jaws; larger larvae often have longer, stiff bristles, especially along their backs. Spiracle plates visible on larger specimens on the sides of the abdomen. Different groups of larvae can be distinguished by patterns of setae or bristles on the rear of the abdomen (called the raster).

Pupa---Off white initially but adopting the darker colors of the future adult at maturity. Developing wings wrap loosely around the thorax and abdomen; all of the legs are rigid and flexed below the thorax.

Developing antennae, and mouth parts Adult lined June beetles, Polyphylla sp. well defined but immobile. Compound Photo: Gerald J. Lenhard, , eyes visible. Pupa typically found in a www.forestryimages.org small cell pressed into the soil near host plant roots. Lined June beetles, Polyphylla spp., can be nearly an inch long and are more Adults---Robust, oval or slightly elongated than any of the common May or elongated, with prominent wing covers June beetles; longitudinal stripes of off- and relatively hard bodies. Lower parts of white and light brown distinguish these the forelegs are often broad and flat with insects as well as large antennal clubs, the outer edges toothed or scalloped. making these structures look elbowed. Antennae short, ending in 3-7 segments Larvae are considered as minor pests of that can be spread apart or united to form a turf; however, they will feed not only on compact terminal club. Colors and sizes grass roots, but also roots of conifers, vary with species as described above. garden fruits, vegetables and some crop plants. Adults of at least one species are Habitat and Hosts: The eggs, larvae and known to feed on conifer needles. Some pupae of all of the scarab pests of turf are species are known to have at least 3-year found in the soil around the roots of their life cycles. grass hosts. Ataenius has become a severely damaging and often difficult to Description of Life Stages: control pest of golf turf in the Midwest and East; some populations are known to Egg---minute to the size of seed beads, have some insecticide resistance. Aphodius round, pearly white, laid in small clutches, seems most numerous on turf fertilized usually of 6-10 eggs in the soil around with animal manures. Green June beetle shallow roots of host grasses; rarely seen. larvae can be found in these situations also, as well as under compost piles or wherever rotting plant matter accumulates O & T Guide [T-#08] – page 5

undisturbed. Neither Green June beetles Strict adherence to label directions is nor lined June beetles, Polyphylla spp., are required for the best results; time of year considered major pests of turf. The May for application and application techniques and June beetles plus the masked chafers are critical for these materials. A least one are extremely common and widespread active ingredient is reported to remain turf pests throughout New Mexico; unless effective against white grubs for several controlled, they often destroy turf stands, months. requiring reseeding, overseeding or resodding. Japanese beetles are invasive While a biological insecticide containing exotic pests of turf and 300+ other species the bacterium Bacillus popilliae is of landscape and garden plants. appealing to homeowners, the product Established in isolated parts of north performs poorly in the hot, dry, alkaline central New Mexico since 1997, they are soils of New Mexico. Studies conducted in targets for eradication as well as causes for other states suggest that, although it may “insurance treatments” of commercial infect a variety of white grub species, the nursery stock and turf produced in infested pathogen is widely distributed and has counties. minimal effects on their survival. Even Japanese beetle, the insect from which the Damage: White grubs root-prune their specific name popilliae is derived, seems hosts, weakening and potentially killing to be becoming resistant to this once plants. Affected turf may appear thinner, effective remedy in other parts of the U.S. weaker or even wilted. Dull green, yellowing or brown patches also may Some naturally occurring predatory appear in turf; white grubs can usually be nematodes have been associated with found within an inch or two of the surface Green June beetle in New Mexico, near the edges of these patches. In extreme particularly with those collected around situations, large populations of white compost piles. Treatment of white grubs in grubs may make affected turf feel spongy lawns with commercially available to the feet or make it possible to pull up or predatory nematodes is generally not even roll up sections of rootless turf. economical or feasible, especially for large While exit and entry holes made by areas. ovipositing female beetles or emerging adults can be objectionable, more serious Scoliid and tiphiid wasps are fairly turf damage can occur when birds, skunks, common larval parasites wherever raccoons or other animals dig through turf populations of white grubs are relatively to feed on white grubs near the surface. high. These non-aggressive, sometimes IPM Notes: Failure to control white grubs brightly colored wasps fly slowly back and in turf generally results in ever-growing forth over affected turf, getting peoples’ dead patches that eventually coalesce, attention. Scoliid wasps in particular, may requiring reseeding, overseeding or kill more white grubs than they parasitize. resodding. Some turf managers replace However, neither of these wasps is likely patches of damaged turf while others opt to provide acceptable control for a white to treat affected areas or entire turf grub infestation. plantings with insecticides. A variety of active ingredients and several formulations Soil-dwelling larvae of various bee flies are labeled for white grub control in turf. and robber flies attack the pupae of some O & T Guide [T-#08] – page 6 white grubs but probably do little to pupae. These animals provide better control a pest population. A variety of indications of how bad the white grub insect-eating birds and small mammals infestation is rather than effective control. will dig through turf to find grubs and

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

October 2006 Las Cruces, NM Sod Webworms

O & T Guide [T-#09]

Carol A. Sutherland Extension and State Entomologist

Cooperative Extension Service z College of Agriculture and Home Economics z October 2006

The caterpillar stages of these particular Larva--- Larvae vary in color from snout moths bore into the stems, crowns or greenish to tan, brown, or gray, depending roots of grasses. Most larvae feed near the on the species. Larvae are cylindrical with bases of the plants where they construct three pairs of short, segmented thoracic silk webs. legs and five pairs of stubby, abdominal prolegs. When mature, they are ¾ inch Metamorphosis: Complete long, and most have characteristic dark, Mouth Parts: chewing (larvae) circular spots scattered over their body Pest Stage: Larvae length.

Typical Life Cycle: Eggs are laid in small Pupa---lozenge shaped, about 3/8 inch clutches in the soil around shallow roots of long, and dark brown to black. host grasses; rarely seen. Æ As the Larvae mature, they construct tunnels or burrows through the thatch, sometimes extending into the soil. First generation larvae hatch in late spring, feed without interruption and pupate by mid-summer. Second generation larvae are produced in late summer. These soon hatch, feeding on turf in late fall but pausing to overwinter. They resume feeding as temperatures permit or by early spring. Æ Pupae are Adult sod webworm, Crambus sp. Photo: interspersed in the soil/thatch layer. Æ David Cappaert, , www.forestryimages.org When disturbed in their usual grassy habitats, Adults commonly make short, Adults---The moths are usually whitish or jerky, flights from place to place. Adults tan and about 5/8 inch long. At rest, they are short-lived and die soon after mating hold their narrow forewings close to the and laying eggs. Two generations usually body. Although adults in the family are occur annually. Several species occur in called “snout moths,” the snout is actually New Mexico. a pair of long, curled palps associated with the mouth parts. These are easily visible Description of Life Stages: when the moth is viewed from the side.

Egg---minute, round, and white. Habitat and Hosts: Sod webworms feed almost exclusively on members of the grass family, especially permanent sod. O & T Guide [T-#09] – page 2

Their primary host plants are Kentucky working, but effective fungus that also bluegrass, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass attacks webworms is Beauvaria bassiana; and bentgrass. Apparently, most warm while available as a commercial season turf species are uncommon hosts formulation, this product has not been for sod webworms. In addition to lawns extensively tested in arid New Mexico and other turfgrasses, many webworms conditions. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can feed on small graints, corn, timothy, also be effective in some situations, pasture grasses and meadow grasses. particularly while the caterpillars are Some undoubtedly feed on New Mexico small. Pyrethrum or rotenone, both range grasses. botanical poisons, paralyze webworms on contact. Insecticidal soaps may help to Damage: Damage first appears as small, control sod webworms. Several brown areas in the grass. The turf often insecticides are currently registered in has a ragged appearance. Feeding and New Mexico for this pest. consequent damage occurs only at night, when the larvae feed on grass blades. If Cultural controls include reducing the feeding is extensive during dry weather, habitat for sod webworms by reducing the plants may be killed. thatch to ¾ inch or less, and by planting perennial resistant ryegrasses and fescues IPM Notes: Biological controls include when they are commercially available. the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, Maintaining adequate nutrient and which attacks sod webworms. A slow- moisture levels also helps.

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

October 2006 Las Cruces, NM Wasps and Bees

O & T Guide [T-#10]

Carol A. Sutherland Extension and State Entomologist

Cooperative Extension Service z College of Agriculture and Home Economics z October 2006

Members of several families of bees and Yellow jackets lay their eggs singly in the wasps dig in or near turf, making holes or cells of tough, papery underground combs forming mounds. Some are beneficial, created by the workers. Bumble bee some have intimidating behavior, but queens lay their eggs singly in grape-sized others can sting repeatedly or in large wax and pollen “pots” in their usually numbers. Cicada killers and ground underground nest areas. Eggs of any of nesting bees are solitary although these insects are rarely seen by most sometimes gregarious or communal in people. nesting. Yellowjackets and bumble bees are social insects, supporting large, annual Larva---soft-bodied, white, usually with colonies. Tiphiid and scoliid wasps search poorly developed head capsule, turf for white grubs (larvae of scarab segmented. Restricted to nests as beetles) that they parasitize. Adults of described above; rarely seen. Mature most species can be active from June until larvae of most are less than ½ inch long; killing frosts. (See a separate fact sheet on cicada killer larvae may reach ¾ inch. honey bees.) Pupa---quiescent, white initially, then Metamorphosis: Complete adopting adult coloration at maturity. Mouth Parts: Chewing (larvae, adults) Restricted to nests; rarely seen. Lengths at Pest Stage: Adults maturity similar to those of corresponding larvae. Typical Life Cycle: Egg Æ Series of LarvaeÆPupaÆAdult. Pest Stage: Adult. Adults---size and appearance varies widely on these various insects. Cicada killers, scoliids and tiphiids produce one generation per year while ground nesting bees have several. Yellowjackets and bumble bees produce numerous generations annually, but their colonies die in the fall, except for a few mated females that survive until spring.

Description of Life Stages: Cicada killer wasp, Sphecius speciosa, Egg---minute, rounded to hot-dog shaped, carrying a cicada. Photo: Ronald F. Billings, laid singly on food source supplied by the Texas Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org female for most of the above species. O & T Guide T-#10] – page 2

Digger bees are robust, hairy, golden Common bees and wasps encountered on brown or grayish-brown bees, usually ½ or near turf include: inch long or less as adults.

Cicada killer wasps are about 1 ½ inches long with sleek, well defined body regions and pointed abdomens; females have well- developed stingers. Most are black or rusty with yellow bands on the abdomen.

Adult Scoliid wasp covered in pigweed Adult bumble bee, Bombus sp. Photo: pollen. Photo: Theodore Webster, USDA Kristina Simms, , www.forestryimages.org Agricultural Research Service, www.forestryimages.org

Bumble bees can usually be recognized by Tiphiid wasps may be all black or their black-and-yellow banded coloration superficially resemble yellowjackets. (especially on the abdomen), fuzzy bodies Scoliid adults may be somewhat hairy and and robust size, from 5/8 to nearly one black with one or more yellow bands on inch long. the abdomen. Most tiphiids and scoliids

will be less than ¾ inch long.

Adult Western yellow jacket, Vespula pensylvanica. Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Example of a digger bee, Xenoglossa sp. Colorado State University, in a squash blossom. Photo: Whitney www.forestryimages.org Cranshaw, Colorado State University, www.forestryimages.org Yellowjackets are distinctively colored yellow and black wasps about ½ to 5/8 inch long. At rest, their grayish wings fold O & T Guide T-#10] – page 3 longitudinally into narrow straps held at spring by a previously mated, angles to the body. All adults have well overwintering queen. Her first brood defined body regions, fuzzy heads and includes only workers that soon take over pointed abdomens ending in stingers. Like all duties of the colony except many other wasps, yellowjackets can sting reproduction. The workers enlarge, repeatedly and do not die as a maintain and defend the nest, gather food consequence. and store it in sac-like “honey pots” that they make from wax and pollen. Larvae Habitat and Hosts: Several of these are tended and fed on a mixture of pollen insects are predators or parasites of other and honey. After they pupate and emerge, insects. After mating, the female cicada their empty cocoons are often filled with killer hunts for an adult cicada, stings and more stored food. By late summer, males paralyzes it, and then air-lifts it back to her and virgin queens are produced and in the previously dug nest hole. After dragging fall, all but the recently mated new queens the cicada into a small cell at the bottom of die. the nest, the female lays one egg on it and then walls off the cell, leaving its offspring Yellowjackets similarly establish new to complete its development. Each nest colonies each year; queens mated the hole may accommodate one to several previous fall lay the initial eggs, often in developing offspring. underground cavities. Over the spring and summer, successive generations of Scoliid and tiphiid wasps kill or parasitize workers construct a papery underground white grubs in turf. Sometimes tiphiid nest composed of a series of horizontal, adults can be numerous, flying lazily back multi-celled tiers enclosed by spherical and forth across turf, a foot or two above papery walls. Adults feed on nectar or the ground. These swarms can include other sugary solutions such as honeydew hunting females or males searching for or juice from ripening fruits. They feed mates; the swarms are otherwise harmless. developing larvae in the nest with bits of Both can be found foraging for pollen and caterpillars or flies that they chew up nectar on flowers. Scoliid females may kill before taking them back to the nest. In more white grubs than they parasitize. exchange, the larvae produce a sweet solution from their mouths that they feed Native digger bees are often solitary, but the workers. Each cell in the nest may be some are gregarious, nesting communally used several times to rear larvae. Males in grainy, well-drained soils or in cut and future queens are produced in the fall; banks. Maturing in individual underground the new queens mate and are the only ones cells at the end of the nest tunnel, digger from the old colony to survive the winter. bee larvae develop independently on balls of pollen and nectar gathered by the Damage: Digger bees and cicada killers female. dig nest holes through turf or in soil near managed turf, leaving holes and small Bumble bees are common pollinators often mounds of earth; their behavior can be seen gathering nectar and pollen from intimidating and cicada killers, in flowers. Their nests are usually particular, may sting if annoyed. Tiphiid underground and are often in vacant and scoliid wasps are non-aggressive but rodent burrows. Nests are initiated in the their presence on flowers or low altitude O & T Guide T-#10] – page 4 patrolling of turf may be intimidating to IPM Notes: Of the bees and wasps some people. Females of both species will described above, yellow jackets and dig shallow holes through turf to reach bumble bees represent the greatest stinging their white grub prey. Bumble bees and threat to humans and neither can be yellowjackets create their mostly tolerated in high traffic areas. underground nests in abandoned rodent Appropriately labeled insecticides directed burrows and similar sites. Openings to at the nests are most effective. Protective these nests can be in tall grass, landscaped clothing for the applicator is advisable as areas, around buildings or other structures well as insecticide application after dark located in or near turf. They readily defend when the insects are generally less active. their colonies and can attack and sting intruders in large numbers. As with honey Spot-treatment of nesting areas or bees, some people are highly sensitive to broadcast application of recommended the venom of these insects and can suffer insecticides will usually control most of the same symptoms of envenomization as the other pest bees and wasps that damage well as the health consequences. turf. Where scoliids and tiphiids are concerned, control white grub populations and the wasps will hunt elsewhere.

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

October 2006 Las Cruces, NM