WHITE MARKED TUSSOCK MOTH CATERPILLAR

This odd looking caterpillar will grow up to be a white marked tussock moth. They feed on a wide variety of trees and shrubs including roses, maples, cotoneaster, and apples. They rarely are numerous enough to warrant control.

FEMALE OF THE VIBURNUM BORER

This wasp like moth is the female of the viburnum borer. If you have had dieback in highbush cranberry or other viburnums look for insect activity at the base of the plant. It may look like rabbit feeding but is the site of repeated attacks by the caterpillars of this moth. Spray basil 8-12 inches now and in severe cases repeat in mid July. For more information see http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/gardenfacts/X1046.pdf.


Viburnum damage

LACE BUGS

Lace bugs prefer to feed on the undersides of plant leaves. We hade two samples of black-eyed Susan’s infested with lace bugs this week. Damage looks like spider mite problems You can find the insects on the undersides of leaves. A heavy rain may wash many away or most landscape insecticides can be used.


Lace bug damage

ATTACKS THE WOOD BORING HORNTAILS

The scary looking wasp is a Megarhyssa sp--a type of Ichneumonid wasp that attacks the wood boring horntails. It is harmless to people. See http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/diaglab/02hilite/7_8.html.

BOXWOOD DAMAGE

As we plant more boxwood, so come the parasites. This damage is caused by a small midge called the boxwood leafminer. The maggots develop inside the leaf and cause the brown spots and blister like reactions. It is too late to treat for the adults, but systemic insecticides can be used in June to kill the larvae.

237 Russell Labs
1630 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
608/262-3227

For more information contact: 
Phil Pellitteri, 608/262-6510
or e-mail Phil Pellitteri.