Mossy Rose Gall

These odd fuzzy growths (called Robin’s Pincushion in England) on rose are caused by a cynpid wasp (Diplolepis sp.). The gall is a plant growth and houses the larvae of the wasp. Best control is to prune out and destroy growths before the wasp emerge. Many times the galls are green but in this specimen they have reddish color.

Masked Hunter Bug

I have had a number of samples of a 3/4 inch dark brown assassin bug that is called a Masked Hunter bug. The nymphs cover themselves with dust and can be considered walking “dust bunnies.” This insect feeds on other insects and can be found in low numbers indoors. It can inflict a painful bite if handled.


Masked Hunter Bug Nymph

Sawfly Eggs

The small spots on the end of the poplar leaf are the egg laying slits of a sawfly. The females cut a slit and lay their eggs within the tissue. Because eggs are laid in clusters you often find colonies of worms feeding. Most species are very host specific. You can kill the small ones with soapy water sprays.


Sawfly on poplar

Spider Mites Again

We talked about them in the last highlights but I had a delphinium come in that had been totally webbed up. Southern exposure with lots of reflected heat from home and rock mulch helped keep the mites going. The recent rains should help slow them up.

Best Critter for the Week

There are over 100 species of inch worm (Geometrid moths) in the state. Many of them look like twigs. This one appears to be a leaf mimic or from outer space.

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.