This post Entomology Students: Know Your Opportunities to Get Involved at ESA appeared first on Entomology Today - Brought to you by the Entomological Society of America.
As entomology students learn their science, they also must learn to navigate their profession. Opportunities abound for volunteering, engagement, and networking through the Entomological Society of America.
The post Entomology Students: Know Your Opportunities to Get Involved at ESA appeared first on Entomology Today.
Plant hoppers are sap suckers, just like aphids. They can destroy your crops. Here’s how to get rid of plant hoppers using simple but effective techniques
If you’re an avid gardener, you’re probably well aware of the pesky little creatures called plant hoppers.
These critters devour delicate foliage and can even cause plant damage if not dealt with properly.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get rid of plant hoppers.
In this article, I will discuss some effective methods for getting rid of plant hoppers.
I will also provide some tips for preventing plant hopper infestations, so you can keep your plants healthy and thriving.
Planthoppers are a large group of tiny insects that measure about 1–12 millimeters in length.
They typically have short blunt bodies covered in colored wings, normally green or brown.
These bugs feed on plant sap. They obtain this by inserting their straw-like mouthparts into the stems and leaves.
Planthoppers are small insects that feed on plants.
While they may look harmful, they generally don’t pose a danger to humans.
However, large numbers of planthoppers are destructive if they infest crops or landscaping plants.
Planthoppers may look intimidating, but they actually don’t bite or sting humans.
These insects are usually harmless unless you happen to be a plant.
Some planthoppers do have spines on their hind legs which can pierce the skin if handled carelessly.
It’s best to leave them alone. Otherwise, there’s no need to worry about these little critters causing any physical harm.
Although most planthoppers are not toxic to humans, some species can be dangerous.
Certain species have venom in their saliva, which could lead to swelling, itching, and other unpleasant reactions.
Furthermore, the droppings of planthoppers can sometimes contaminate public water sources after heavy rains.
Ingesting contaminated water could cause diarrhea and other symptoms associated with food poisoning.
Planthoppers are small insects responsible for causing significant damage to crop yields.
These sap-sucking pests feed on plant juices, causing leaf curl, yellowing of leaves, wilting stems, and stunted growth.
Further damage may be caused by planthopper’s ability to spread viruses and toxins. This can kill off a crop before any harvest occurs.
Besides physical damage, these bugs hinder growth by emitting a sweet odor known as honeydew.
This serves as food for sooty mold – an unsightly black fungus that blocks photosynthesis.
Integrated pest management methods like using sticky traps, pruning infected plants, and using natural predators can help keep planthopper in control.
Planthoppers are pesky garden pests that can wreak havoc on your plants if left unchecked. The good news is, getting rid of them doesn’t have to be a huge headache.
To identify the species, start by recognizing their distinct physical features like size, shape, wing markings, coloration, and antennae length.
A magnifying glass may be necessary to see certain details.
Once you have a good understanding of all these factors, search online for images that match your planthopper’s profile.
This should help point out the species’ name and provide more information on controlling it.
These days, there are many apps that can search an image and return a relevant species and other details.
Setting up sticky traps or netting around the plants these pests are targeting is an effective measure.
Another way is creating a fence with fine mesh around your garden. This will prevent adults from getting in, as well as eggs that could hatch later.
To further limit the spread, you should clean off affected plants and remove organic debris.
This limits their places of refuge and reduces the amount of food available for them.
One of the most effective approaches is to remove and destroy any infested plants.
This means locating any affected plant material and removing it from the garden or flower bed.
Dispose of it in an appropriate manner, such as by burning or burying it.
Doing this can help prevent the spread of the insects from infested plants to other nearby plants, as well as diminish their overall population.
If done regularly, this approach should help you keep planthopper numbers under control.
A simple, quick, and organic way to rid your plants of planthoppers is by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Insecticidal soap works by smothering the insects, while neem oil acts as an antifeedant.
To use either product, simply mix it with water in the recommended ratio and spray it onto both the tops and undersides of foliage.
Using chemical insecticides to get rid of planthoppers can be an effective way to solve the problem in the short term.
It is important to remember these products can be toxic, and therefore avoid spraying them near crop plants that are ingested by humans or animals.
Planthopper responds quickly to appropriately applied chemical insecticides. Most plants will show visible signs of relief after just a couple of days.
A balanced approach that combines cultural and physical control measures with judicious applications of pesticides is often your best bet for long-term success.
If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of pesky planthoppers, why not attract predators like ladybugs and spiders to your garden?
Ladybugs are helpful in controlling pests, while spiders hunt the more mobile nymphs.
Planting certain flowers such as alyssum, marigolds, daisies, and yarrow can be used to attract these beneficial insects.
They also provide a much-needed splash of color.
Keeping your garden free from insecticides is also key, as this could limit the natural predators’ ability to seek out food sources.
To effectively get rid of planthoppers, use physical barriers such as sticky traps or netting, create a fence with fine mesh, and clean off affected plants to reduce food sources.
Remove and destroy infected plants and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and spiders by planting flowers that they like and keeping the garden free from insecticides.
Planthoppers are sap-sucking insects that cause significant damage to crop yields through leaf curl, yellowing of leaves, wilting stems, and stunted growth.
They also spread viruses and toxins as well as emit honeydew which can lead to sooty mold blocking photosynthesis.
Integrated pest management methods, such as using sticky traps and natural predators, can be used to keep planthopper populations in control.
An organic option for treating plant hoppers is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Insecticidal soap and neem oil can be used to control these insects.
They work by smothering the insects or acting as an antifeedant, respectively.
Both products should be mixed with water in the specified ratio before being sprayed onto foliage on both sides.
For natural pest control, attracting predators like ladybugs and spiders may be helpful.
Planting certain flowers, such as alyssum, marigolds, daisies, and yarrow, can aid in this effort while adding some color to your garden.
It is important to avoid insecticides, as they may disrupt the natural food source of these beneficial insects.
To get rid of planthoppers, the most straightforward approach is to remove them manually.
You can then use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to reduce their numbers.
Additionally, promote natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings in your garden as they will feed on planthoppers.
Finally, adjust your watering regimen since planthoppers thrive in moist environments.
If implemented correctly, these steps should help keep those pesky planthoppers at bay!
The post How To Get Rid Of Plant Hoppers In 5 Ways appeared first on What's That Bug?.
This post Evidence for Biodiversity Insurance Hypothesis: More Species Are Indeed Beneficial appeared first on Entomology Today - Brought to you by the Entomological Society of America.
A multi-year study of wild bee species pollinating fruit crops finds significant variance year-to-year in the species mix and more species needed to maintain threshold pollination levels over multiple years than in any single year. The analysis offers clear evidence that greater biodiversity yields greater ecosystem resilience.
The post Evidence for Biodiversity Insurance Hypothesis: More Species Are Indeed Beneficial appeared first on Entomology Today.
In this article, we look at the blister beetle, why it is so dangerous, and whether it can fly or not. To answer clearly upfront- yes, they can fly!
Blister beetles are brightly colored toxic little beetles often found in alfalfa fields.
They are toxic and called blister beetles because they secrete a liquid when threatened or injured called cantharidin.
The toxin can cause irritation and blistering if it directly touches human skin.
It can also cause serious health issues in animals and be fatal.
Blister beetles have wings to move from flower to flower or plant to plant. So they can fly, but they are slow fliers.
Blister beetles are insects that belong to the family Meloidae. They are sometimes called acid flies or even Spanish flies.
Blister beetles are considered aggressive in nature because they secrete a toxin called cantharidin when disturbed.
If cantharidin comes in direct contact with human skin, it can cause irritation and blistering.
Furthermore, if ingested in large amounts, it can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal and urinary tract.
Blister beetle poisoning can be fatal to animals, especially horses that feed on alfalfa hay, where these bugs are often found.
There are about 4000 species of blister beetles across the world, out of which nearly 410 species are found in the United States.
Blister beetles have small bodies that appear leathery in texture.
These beetles appear long and cylindrical in shape but, in reality, have small torsos.
The cylindrical illusion results from the wings that curve around their abdomen.
They have a wide head, long legs, and beaded antennae.
Another distinct characteristic of blister beetles is their varied color palate.
They can be found in dull colors like ash brown, black, and gray or in bright colors like green and yellow.
For example, the Lytta and Pyrota species are brightly colored in hues of green and yellow.
The bright colors often serve as a warning to predators to stay away.
Yet other species of blister beetles belonging to the same genus Epicauta are starkly black in color.
The black blister beetles and striped blister beetles are the most commonly found species in the North American states.
Since they are plant pests and also dangerous to livestock, it is important to know whether they can fly or not.
If they can, how well do they fly, and how dangerous is it?
Well, blister beetles do have wings, and they can fly. But thankfully, they are not big fliers.
Yes, they do have wings, as mentioned above.
The wings of adult beetles cover their abdomens completely.
The curved wings create an illusion of the beetle being slender and cylindrical when their torsos are far smaller.
Unlike other insects, their wing covers do not meet in the middle.
Blister beetles can fly but are slow fliers, given their heavier body weight.
As discussed earlier, various species are colored differently when it comes to blister beetles.
Some species have striped wings and solid-colored bodies, making them appear dangerous to predators.
All species of blister beetles have wings and can fly.
As discussed above, blister beetles have wings covering their relatively short bodies.
They are not fast fliers because the wings cannot fully sustain their heavier body weight.
But they use their wings to fly toward lights during the evenings.
You can find blister beetles in several places.
Region-wise, several species of blister beetles are found in North America in states likeWisconsin, Florida, Minnesota, etc.
Other species exist in The West Indies, Central America, and South America.
As for their habitats, blister beetles are found in alfalfa hay fields, as adult beetles often feed on alfalfa flowers.
They also infest plants of garden vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, lima beans, etc.
The larvae of blister beetles feed on grasshopper eggs and nesting bee eggs.
So you will also find a large number of blister beetles in areas where there is a higher number of grasshoppers.
Blister beetles do not bite. They have no stinger to bite or sting.
But having said that, blister beetles are considered toxic because their bodies carry a blistering agent called cantharidin.
When threatened, injured, or crushed, these insects secrete an odorless liquid that can irritate human skin and cause blisters on direct contact.
If ingested, cantharidin can irritate the gastrointestinal and urinary tract.
In animals, especially horses, ingesting cantharidin can cause poisoning and death.
Hence the beetles’ presence in alfalfa hay is often concerning for horse owners as horses feed on alfalfa hay.
While these bugs do not actively harm humans or animals, their toxins can cause harm.
Dead beetles might get crushed and mixed into the hay, and if ingested, the horses could die.
Blister beetles are a unique type of beetle that is easily identifiable due to their slippery, oval shape and black or brown stripes running the length of the body.
They range in size from very small to over 1 inch in length and have six legs and an elongated head.
Blister beetles produce a toxic substance called cantharidin that is released when their bodies are touched, hence their name, blister beetle.
To identify a blister beetle, look for its oblong shape and striped coloration.
Touching a blister beetle can have several adverse effects.
These beetles secrete an oily, caustic substance from their leg joints that contain cantharidin.
If this substance is rubbed onto the skin, it can cause an intense burning sensation and a rash of fluid-filled blisters that can make your skin swollen and itchy for several days.
In addition, if these blisters are ingested or come into contact with mucous membranes like your eyes, they can cause inflammation.
It could even cause more serious symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, renal dysfunction, and sometimes diarrhea.
Blister beetle bites should not be popped, as this can cause infection.
The best way to treat a blister beetle bite is to use an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec.
This will help reduce the swelling and itching and also reduce the risk of infection.
If the bite does not improve with these medications, you may need to seek medical attention.
Blister beetle bites are often misdiagnosed as wasps or bee stings; it is important to properly identify the bug before attempting self-treatment.
The best way to get rid of blister beetles is by controlling the population at its source.
This can involve changes in land management practices, such as eliminating weeds and mowing or increasing the rotation of crops on infested fields.
Chemical control may also be necessary, such as treating larvae with insecticides or spraying with pyrethroids.
Biological control options are an environmentally friendly alternative if they are used correctly.
Certain parasitoid wasps will feed on blister beetle larvae, reducing their numbers effectively.
Yes, blister beetles do fly. They do not fly at a very fast speed because their wings cannot sustain their heavier body weight.
But they do use wings to move between flowers and plants.
It has also been observed that blister beetles often fly toward the light during nighttime.
Thank you for reading.
The fact that blister beetles are so dangerous often causes concern among those that find them in their gardens or yards.
And to see them flying can cause even more concern! Read on as several of our readers have inquired about their flight capabilities over the years.
Arizona Beetle on Creosote Bush The attached picture was taken in an area called Cascabel in Cochise County, Arizona. The area is approximately 30 miles north of the town of Benson, at an elevation of 3500 feet above sea level. The bugs were quite numerous on several creosote bushes. Please identify. Thanks, Bob Evans Beetle on Creosote Bush, Cascabel, Arizona 
Hi Bob, Your beetle is a Blister Beetle in the family Meloidae. It closely resembles an unidentified beetle in the genus Pyrota from Texas that was posted to BugGuide, but it is not an exact match. We will contact Eric Eaton for assistance. Update: (07/28/2008) From Eric Eaton Daniel: Hope your lecture at the Getty went well! … Your identifications of the blister beetles are correct to genus. There is no easy way to determine species without having a collection to compare to, or the specimen in hand to run through a “key.” Lots of individual variation in color (and pattern in the case of Pyrota) makes ID impossible from an image alone. … I think that covers all your questions. Keep up the great work. Eric
is this some kind of Blister Beetle? Hi, just found your web site – awesome bugs. I am in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and found this beautiful bug on a poppy leaf this afternoon. The only thing that I can find that sort of resembles it is the blister beetle, however it has a dull plain back and only the head parts and some of the under belly are iridescent. Can you ID? Thanks D 
Hi D, Your are correct. This is a Blister Beetle. We believe it is in the genus Lytta. We found a match on BugGuide, also from Canada, but it is not identified to the species level. We will contact Eric Eaton to see if he can comment. Update: (07/28/2008) From Eric Eaton Daniel: Hope your lecture at the Getty went well! … Your identifications of the blister beetles are correct to genus. There is no easy way to determine species without having a collection to compare to, or the specimen in hand to run through a “key.” Lots of individual variation in color (and pattern in the case of Pyrota) makes ID impossible from an image alone. … I think that covers all your questions. Keep up the great work. Eric
Pepper eater…..
bug
Unknown bug in Southern Arizona
beautiful beetle
Subject: tiger beetle? Location: near Holbrook, AZ October 5, 2013 4:46 pm Howdy! Long time watcher, first time asker. I was taking a road trip this summer with a friend of mine, and we stopped by the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona along the way. Lotsa cool things to see there, but one thing that astounded me were these funny beetles. There were hundreds of them, and they were hanging out on some sage brush. They were bright green, very nearly matching the color of the leaves. The strange thing was — as many beetles as there were — they tended to be gregarious, hanging out in large numbers on one bush, but none on a bush just inches away. We saw the same thing — lotsa beetles on a single bushes — in several places in the park. This was in mid-July. Any ideas what this might be? I poked around a bit, and the best I could come up with was some sort of tiger beetle. cheers, Signature: Jim
cheers, Jim
Subject: beetle Location: Pasadena MD April 13, 2015 2:33 am I found a species of beetle hiking across the kitchen counter and cannot identify. I walked it onto a paper towel and released outside but it did not seems to have the ability to fly. Signature: Brian S
Subject: Beetle ID Location: Hurricane Rd pass, Temblor Range, east of Carrizo Plains, CA March 29, 2016 7:46 pm I found this beetle on March 26, 2016 at the top of Hurricane Rd pass in the Temblor Range just East of Carrizo Plains National Monument. It is large – see my fingers for scale. It was the only one of its kind I saw that day and we walked the roadside for over 1.5 miles. The elytra are short and do not come close to covering it’s abdomen, as you can see in the second picture. It did not fly, but fell off my fingers and into the grass. It was found in Bromus grass and Amsinkia. Temperature was about 65 degrees F with a strong wind, ample sunshine. Signature: Judy Neuhauser
Subject: Please identify? Location: Haywood County, NC April 14, 2016 6:18 am We have had an ‘outbreak’ of these beetles by our garage door. There are hundreds of them. We had mulch blown in a couple of weeks ago and are trying to determine if they came in that way or if this is just your every day beetle apocalypse. Signature: Buggy in NC
Subject: unidentified beetle Location: Alexandria, Virginia April 19, 2016 6:54 pm I got several good photos of this attractive beetle today at Huntley Meadows in Alexandria, Virginia. I cannot find it in my reference book, so I was hoping you can help me out. Thanks! Signature: Seth
Subject: Larger than a Boxelder Location: Mound, MN May 25, 2016 7:00 am Dear Bugman, This largeish black bug, with orange and black legs, and a hard black shell, with silvery fur on his belly was trapped between my screen and door last night. I’ve never seen one before. We live in Minnesota and have a garden and 3 dogs. Wondering what it is, and if it’s toxic to pets if eaten by curious and non-discriminating terriers. Thank you. Signature: Melanie Bisson
Subject: Grey beetle with spots Geographic location of the bug: Mountain home idaho Date: 09/03/2017 Time: 07:53 PM EDT What is this found it crawling out in the grass next to my kids How you want your letter signed: Shay Stewart
Subject: Small black beetles with jewel colors of blue and violet Geographic location of the bug: Little Belt mountains Montana Date: 08/20/2018 Time: 11:48 AM EDT Your letter to the bugman: I have seen these in the months of June and July on blooming mountain lupines in the Little Belt and the Castle Mountains. I would like to know what kind of beetle these are? How you want your letter signed: David C Powers
Subject: Black beetle, red wings Geographic location of the bug: Guilford, CT Date: 04/22/2019 Time: 08:58 AM EDT Your letter to the bugman: Could you tell me what this bug is? There are a number of them in our front (southern exposure) garden. I can’t find a good match online. How you want your letter signed: Abigail W.
Subject: What is this Geographic location of the bug: Carlsbad, NM Date: 05/26/2019 Time: 11:30 PM EDT Your letter to the bugman: It flew away shortly after the photo. How you want your letter signed: Brent Griffith
Subject: Swarm of Green Beetles Geographic location of the bug: Warren, ME Date: 07/08/2019 Time: 05:44 PM EDT Your letter to the bugman: This swarm of green beetles just showed up today, filling our Hawthorne tree and falling all over our deck. My dog ate one and now I’m terrified they are poisonous. They look a bit like Emerald Ash Borer pics that I’ve seen. We run a large 163 acre organic farm, so if this thing is going to attack crops, I’d like to know and try to prevent damage. Right now it only seems to care about the Hawthorne blossoms… How you want your letter signed: Farm Dog in Maine
Subject: Identify this bug? Geographic location of the bug: Columbus, N.M. Date: 11/08/2019 Time: 10:00 AM EDT Your letter to the bugman: We are on the border of New Mexico and saw this bug about the approx size of a quarter. How you want your letter signed: Gaila
Subject: Texas beetle Geographic location of the bug: Big Bend N.P. Date: 04/14/2021 Time: 05:36 PM EDT Your letter to the bugman: Can you identify these beetles found feeding on Lupine? How you want your letter signed: H2oggre
The post Do Blister Beetles Fly? How Well Can They Do It? appeared first on What's That Bug?.
