ORB WEB SPIDERS

Late summer is the time for large female orb web spiders .There are161 recorded species in the US and many have brightly colored abdomens. They use the orb webs to capture prey and unlike most spiders chew their food. They are harmless to people. Information on spiders can be seen at http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK1033.html.


Argiope orb web spider

MAGNOLIA SCALE

The white growths on Magnolia scale are the maturing magnolia scale. We have seen an increase in problems in the last four years. It is still about two weeks too early to treat for the crawlers. For more information see http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/gardenfacts/XHT1154.pdf.


Magnolia scale

LARGE WORMS

Finding four inch long green worms on the driveway does catch people’s attention. The most common one is the cecropia caterpillar. It is not uncommon for them to leave their host plant to look for a place to spin down their cocoon. They spend the winter in the silk hour and will emerge as a large moth next spring.


Cercropia moth

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.