Skip to main content

Featured Creatures collection

Summary

Featured Creatures collection was founded in1996, a cooperative venture of the University of Florida's Entomology and Nematology Department and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Plant Industry. It provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms.

Editorial Team

Publications

Showing 20 of 772 Publications

thumbnail for publication: Citrus Nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb 1913) (Nematoda: Secernentea: Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae: Tylenchulinae)

Citrus Nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb 1913) (Nematoda: Secernentea: Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae: Tylenchulinae)

Nicholas S. Sekora and William Crow

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb 1913), including its discovery, distribution, physical characteristics, life cycle, host range, symptoms of infestation, economic impact, and management strategies. The nematode is a significant pest in citrus-growing regions worldwide, causing slow decline in citrus trees. Effective management practices, such as the use of resistant rootstocks and certified propagative plants, are crucial for mitigating the damage caused by this nematode and improving citrus production. Original publication date July 2012.
thumbnail for publication: Soybean Cyst Nematode, Heterodera glycines (Ichinohe, 1952) (Chromadorea: Rhabdita: Heteroderidae)

Soybean Cyst Nematode, Heterodera glycines (Ichinohe, 1952) (Chromadorea: Rhabdita: Heteroderidae)

Holly Andres and Zane J. Grabau

The nematode Heterodera glycines, known as soybean cyst nematode (SCN), is the most economically damaging pest of soybean crops in the United States and around the world. Members of the Heteroderidae family belong in the order Tylenchida; most are plant parasitic while some are insect parasites. They are obligate parasites that attack different species of crops and weeds. Heteroderidae are divided into two groups: cyst and cystoid based on morphological alterations in their skin. The cyst group are unique in that the female skin changes, transforming into a hardened cyst that protects her eggs. Unlike many plant parasites, there may be little to no aboveground evidence of an infestation with H. glycines. They are extremely damaging to the agricultural economy and impossible to eradicate once established, but with proper management, it is possible to minimize H. glycines populations and maximize yield.
thumbnail for publication: Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)

Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)

Kaydie McCormick and Adam Dale

Melanchroia chephise, commonly known as the snowbush spanworm or white-tipped black, is an occasional insect pest of snowbush shrubs and several other ornamental plant species. Found throughout the southern United States, these gregarious moth caterpillars can commonly be found defoliating their chosen hosts soon after they emerge en masse. The colorful appearance of the caterpillars may be alarming, but they pose little risk to people, and usually offer no lasting harm to the plants they feed on. The adult moths, with their black and white wings, can be an attractive addition to a pollinator garden. This publication describes how to identify this insect and provides in-depth information on its biology, development, and management.
thumbnail for publication: Twig Girdler: Oncideres spp. (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Onciderini)

Twig Girdler: Oncideres spp. (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Onciderini)

Miranda Barnes and Jiri Hulcr

The following Featured Creatures article discusses the habits, distribution, appearance, life history, ecology, and other features of twig girdlers in the genus Oncideres, with a particular focus on O. cingulata cingulata in Florida. Hallmarks of twig girdler damage are described, and the common hosts of different twig girder species are discussed. The life cycle and phenology of the insect are detailed, as are theories about the purpose of the girdling behavior. Management practices for pecan growers are overviewed, and homeowners are advised that the insect is not a serious threat to ornamental trees.
thumbnail for publication: American Sand Wasp (suggested common name), Bembix americana Fabricius, 1793 (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Bembicinae)

American Sand Wasp (suggested common name), Bembix americana Fabricius, 1793 (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Bembicinae)

Marirose P. Kuhlman and Adam G. Dale

This publication describes the identification, biology, and importance of the American sand wasps (Bembix americana Fabricius), which are a subspecies-complex of large, robust wasps in the subfamily Bembicinae. They nest gregariously in bare soil and provision their nests with flies (order Diptera). The females are progressive provisioners, meaning they continue to provide their developing larvae with prey until the larvae pupate. Males participate in a distinctive mating behavior called a "sun dance" in which groups of males fly low over nesting areas waiting for females to emerge so they can be the first to mate with them. Adults feed on flower nectar and can often be found visiting a variety of wildflowers. This species has a broad ecological range and can be found nesting in a variety of soil types and habitats.
thumbnail for publication: Striped Sod Webworm (Larva), Changeable Grass-Veneer (Adult) Fissicrambus mutabilis (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Striped Sod Webworm (Larva), Changeable Grass-Veneer (Adult) Fissicrambus mutabilis (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Anthony Coffey and Eileen Buss

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes the striped sod webworm, a turfgrass pest that also damages wheat and corn. The publication describes the pest's morphology, natural history, and range in the United States; lists potential host plants and damage the pest can cause; and provides advice on management strategies.
thumbnail for publication: Tuliptree Aphid Scientific Name: Illinoia liriodendri (Monell) (Insecta: Hempitera: Aphididae)

Tuliptree Aphid Scientific Name: Illinoia liriodendri (Monell) (Insecta: Hempitera: Aphididae)

Lindsay Mikell and Adam Dale

<p>The tuliptree aphid, <em>Illinoia liriodendri </em>(Monell) is a sap-feeding insect herbivore of <em>Liriodendron tulipifera </em>that commonly reaches high densities on trees planted in urban settings. <em>Liriodendron tulipifera </em>is a large tree species native throughout eastern North America known commonly as tuliptree or tulip poplar. This tree is a common ornamental tree species used in urban forests throughout the mid-Atlantic states of North America. Although it occurs mostly in temperate regions, <em>Illinoia liriodendri </em>can be found in most places where tulip poplar is grown. While its effects are recognized to be mostly aesthetic, heavy infestations of tuliptree aphid can significantly impact young trees, and they are considered the most important insect pest of this tree species in urban landscapes. This publication describes the identification, biology, and management of tuliptree aphid.</p>
thumbnail for publication: Flatheaded Borers of the Genus Chrysobothris in Florida Blueberries (Insecta: Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Flatheaded Borers of the Genus Chrysobothris in Florida Blueberries (Insecta: Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Alexis G. Zapata, Esnai Munthali, and Oscar E. Liburd

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes flatheaded borers in the genus Chrysobothris, which are emerging pests for nursery plants, fruit crops, hardwood trees, and tree nut orchards, and which are of especial concern for blueberry producers in Florida. The publication describes the beetles' distribution and seasonality and their biology, as well as the damage they cause and some management strategies.

Featured Creatures collection was founded in1996, a cooperative venture of the University of Florida's Entomology and Nematology Department and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Plant Industry. It provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms.

Editorial Team

Publications

Showing 20 of 772 Publications

thumbnail for publication: Citrus Nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb 1913) (Nematoda: Secernentea: Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae: Tylenchulinae)

Citrus Nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb 1913) (Nematoda: Secernentea: Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae: Tylenchulinae)

Nicholas S. Sekora and William Crow

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb 1913), including its discovery, distribution, physical characteristics, life cycle, host range, symptoms of infestation, economic impact, and management strategies. The nematode is a significant pest in citrus-growing regions worldwide, causing slow decline in citrus trees. Effective management practices, such as the use of resistant rootstocks and certified propagative plants, are crucial for mitigating the damage caused by this nematode and improving citrus production. Original publication date July 2012.
thumbnail for publication: Soybean Cyst Nematode, Heterodera glycines (Ichinohe, 1952) (Chromadorea: Rhabdita: Heteroderidae)

Soybean Cyst Nematode, Heterodera glycines (Ichinohe, 1952) (Chromadorea: Rhabdita: Heteroderidae)

Holly Andres and Zane J. Grabau

The nematode Heterodera glycines, known as soybean cyst nematode (SCN), is the most economically damaging pest of soybean crops in the United States and around the world. Members of the Heteroderidae family belong in the order Tylenchida; most are plant parasitic while some are insect parasites. They are obligate parasites that attack different species of crops and weeds. Heteroderidae are divided into two groups: cyst and cystoid based on morphological alterations in their skin. The cyst group are unique in that the female skin changes, transforming into a hardened cyst that protects her eggs. Unlike many plant parasites, there may be little to no aboveground evidence of an infestation with H. glycines. They are extremely damaging to the agricultural economy and impossible to eradicate once established, but with proper management, it is possible to minimize H. glycines populations and maximize yield.
thumbnail for publication: Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)

Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)

Kaydie McCormick and Adam Dale

Melanchroia chephise, commonly known as the snowbush spanworm or white-tipped black, is an occasional insect pest of snowbush shrubs and several other ornamental plant species. Found throughout the southern United States, these gregarious moth caterpillars can commonly be found defoliating their chosen hosts soon after they emerge en masse. The colorful appearance of the caterpillars may be alarming, but they pose little risk to people, and usually offer no lasting harm to the plants they feed on. The adult moths, with their black and white wings, can be an attractive addition to a pollinator garden. This publication describes how to identify this insect and provides in-depth information on its biology, development, and management.
thumbnail for publication: Twig Girdler: Oncideres spp. (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Onciderini)

Twig Girdler: Oncideres spp. (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Onciderini)

Miranda Barnes and Jiri Hulcr

The following Featured Creatures article discusses the habits, distribution, appearance, life history, ecology, and other features of twig girdlers in the genus Oncideres, with a particular focus on O. cingulata cingulata in Florida. Hallmarks of twig girdler damage are described, and the common hosts of different twig girder species are discussed. The life cycle and phenology of the insect are detailed, as are theories about the purpose of the girdling behavior. Management practices for pecan growers are overviewed, and homeowners are advised that the insect is not a serious threat to ornamental trees.
thumbnail for publication: American Sand Wasp (suggested common name), Bembix americana Fabricius, 1793 (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Bembicinae)

American Sand Wasp (suggested common name), Bembix americana Fabricius, 1793 (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Bembicinae)

Marirose P. Kuhlman and Adam G. Dale

This publication describes the identification, biology, and importance of the American sand wasps (Bembix americana Fabricius), which are a subspecies-complex of large, robust wasps in the subfamily Bembicinae. They nest gregariously in bare soil and provision their nests with flies (order Diptera). The females are progressive provisioners, meaning they continue to provide their developing larvae with prey until the larvae pupate. Males participate in a distinctive mating behavior called a "sun dance" in which groups of males fly low over nesting areas waiting for females to emerge so they can be the first to mate with them. Adults feed on flower nectar and can often be found visiting a variety of wildflowers. This species has a broad ecological range and can be found nesting in a variety of soil types and habitats.
thumbnail for publication: Striped Sod Webworm (Larva), Changeable Grass-Veneer (Adult) Fissicrambus mutabilis (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Striped Sod Webworm (Larva), Changeable Grass-Veneer (Adult) Fissicrambus mutabilis (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Anthony Coffey and Eileen Buss

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes the striped sod webworm, a turfgrass pest that also damages wheat and corn. The publication describes the pest's morphology, natural history, and range in the United States; lists potential host plants and damage the pest can cause; and provides advice on management strategies.
thumbnail for publication: Tuliptree Aphid Scientific Name: Illinoia liriodendri (Monell) (Insecta: Hempitera: Aphididae)

Tuliptree Aphid Scientific Name: Illinoia liriodendri (Monell) (Insecta: Hempitera: Aphididae)

Lindsay Mikell and Adam Dale

<p>The tuliptree aphid, <em>Illinoia liriodendri </em>(Monell) is a sap-feeding insect herbivore of <em>Liriodendron tulipifera </em>that commonly reaches high densities on trees planted in urban settings. <em>Liriodendron tulipifera </em>is a large tree species native throughout eastern North America known commonly as tuliptree or tulip poplar. This tree is a common ornamental tree species used in urban forests throughout the mid-Atlantic states of North America. Although it occurs mostly in temperate regions, <em>Illinoia liriodendri </em>can be found in most places where tulip poplar is grown. While its effects are recognized to be mostly aesthetic, heavy infestations of tuliptree aphid can significantly impact young trees, and they are considered the most important insect pest of this tree species in urban landscapes. This publication describes the identification, biology, and management of tuliptree aphid.</p>
thumbnail for publication: Flatheaded Borers of the Genus Chrysobothris in Florida Blueberries (Insecta: Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Flatheaded Borers of the Genus Chrysobothris in Florida Blueberries (Insecta: Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Alexis G. Zapata, Esnai Munthali, and Oscar E. Liburd

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes flatheaded borers in the genus Chrysobothris, which are emerging pests for nursery plants, fruit crops, hardwood trees, and tree nut orchards, and which are of especial concern for blueberry producers in Florida. The publication describes the beetles' distribution and seasonality and their biology, as well as the damage they cause and some management strategies.

Showing of 232 Experts

Showing 10 of 10 Publications

thumbnail for publication: Flatheaded Borers of the Genus Chrysobothris in Florida Blueberries (Insecta: Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Flatheaded Borers of the Genus Chrysobothris in Florida Blueberries (Insecta: Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Alexis G. Zapata, Esnai Munthali, and Oscar E. Liburd

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes flatheaded borers in the genus Chrysobothris, which are emerging pests for nursery plants, fruit crops, hardwood trees, and tree nut orchards, and which are of especial concern for blueberry producers in Florida. The publication describes the beetles' distribution and seasonality and their biology, as well as the damage they cause and some management strategies.
thumbnail for publication: Dark-Tailed Mosquito Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Dark-Tailed Mosquito Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Eva A. Buckner, Angelique Showman, C. Roxanne Connelly, and Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes the dark-tailed mosquito Culiseta melanura (Coquillet), a species of mosquito native to the forested regions of eastern North America that is considered the most important vector in the transmission cycle of eastern equine encephalitis virus, a virus that can cause severe disease in humans and domesticated animals. The publication describes the pest's morphology, natural history, and range in the United States; and describes its medical and veterinary importance as well as management efforts.
thumbnail for publication: Formosan Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Insecta: Blattodea: Heterotermitidae (formerly Rhinotermitidae))

Formosan Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Insecta: Blattodea: Heterotermitidae (formerly Rhinotermitidae))

Nan-Yao Su, Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, Johnalyn Gordon, and Thomas Chouvenc

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, commonly known as the Formosan subterranean termite, is an invasive termite species, found in subtropical and temperate regions. Due to their large population size and foraging distance, a Formosan subterranean termite colony can cause significant structural damage. This species is considered a major pest in areas where it is established.

thumbnail for publication: Twig Girdler: Oncideres spp. (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Onciderini)

Twig Girdler: Oncideres spp. (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Onciderini)

Miranda Barnes and Jiri Hulcr

The following Featured Creatures article discusses the habits, distribution, appearance, life history, ecology, and other features of twig girdlers in the genus Oncideres, with a particular focus on O. cingulata cingulata in Florida. Hallmarks of twig girdler damage are described, and the common hosts of different twig girder species are discussed. The life cycle and phenology of the insect are detailed, as are theories about the purpose of the girdling behavior. Management practices for pecan growers are overviewed, and homeowners are advised that the insect is not a serious threat to ornamental trees.
thumbnail for publication: Striped Sod Webworm (Larva), Changeable Grass-Veneer (Adult) Fissicrambus mutabilis (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Striped Sod Webworm (Larva), Changeable Grass-Veneer (Adult) Fissicrambus mutabilis (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Anthony Coffey and Eileen Buss

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes the striped sod webworm, a turfgrass pest that also damages wheat and corn. The publication describes the pest's morphology, natural history, and range in the United States; lists potential host plants and damage the pest can cause; and provides advice on management strategies.

AltStyle によって変換されたページ (->オリジナル) /