PINE CHAFER

We have had reports of a day-flying scarab beetle feeding on pine needles. It is a type of chafer in the genus Dichelonyx. They have a slight metallic green sheen and can be found feeding on willow, oak, or pine depending on the species. At first they could remind you of some type of bee in the way they fly. Damage is usually minor.

SMALL RED BUGS AGAIN

In the dry areas of the state I am getting little red bugs crawling on all kinks of plants. We saw this last year also and they are immature (nymphs) of the boxelder bug. They are feeding on the seeds of maples and boxelder that are found on the ground and will not harm the plants. For more info see http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/GardenFacts/XHT1100.pdf.

BIRCH LEAFMINER

Ten years ago if you had a birch leafminer you would have birch leafminer attacking the leaves and causing brown blotches. In the last four years it has been very hard to find an infested leaf. We think this is because of some parasites that have moved into the state that attack the larvae. I did have this infested birch from Northwestern Wisconsin . The first generation is done and if control was needed this is when it is most effective. For more information see http://s142412519.onlinehome.us/uw/pdfs/A2117.PDF.

Birch leaf damage

WHITE-MARKED TUSSOCK MOTH

One of the more unusual and distinctive caterpillars you will find is the white-marked tussock moth. You can find it on apple, rose, cherry, willow, birch, and maple. Most often controlled naturally however, it can cause occasional defoliation. The female is a flightless moth that lays up to 300 eggs in a froth-covered mass over her cocoon.

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.