No. 5/June 2, 2014
Caterpillar Hunter
The large ground beetle Calosoma has been reported in the Bloomington and Joliet areas of the state. This 1.2-inch long beetle is broadly oval with long black legs and antennae. There are species with purple wing covers and others with bright metallic green wing covers that occur in Illinois. The ones being seen currently have green wing covers.
Black Cutworm
There have been large flights of black cutworm moths into Illinois for several weeks. This insect overwinters in the southern U.S., flying up into the state in the spring. There are several generations per year in Illinois. Golf course personnel should be on the lookout for black cutworm larval infestations in bentgrass, ryegrass, and fescue. They do not cause damage to Kentucky bluegrass as most larvae are unable to survive on it.
Invasive Species Spotlight: European Gypsy Moth
The European gypsy moth (EGM), Lymantria dispar, is a non-native moth that can attack up to 500 tree and shrub species. It is one of the most destructive forest pests in the United State. It is also present in the northern part of Illinois.
Modified Growing Degree Days (Base 50°F, March 1 through May 29)
Insect development is temperature dependent. We can use degree days to help predict insect emergence and activity. Home, Yard, and Garden readers can use the information in this article to determine what insect pests could be active in their area.
Giant Confusion: Giant Hogweed and Common Look-Alikes
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an invasive plant from Asia and was likely introduced into the United States due to its use as a spice in foreign dishes. This exotic, invasive has been identified in a couple of Illinois counties.
Anthracnose on Shade Trees: A Review of the Tolerable, the Bad, and the Ugly
Anthracnose samples are just beginning to show up at the Clinic this season. Conditions have been favorable this spring for the development of anthracnose on shade trees. Anthracnose is the disease name designated for a group of closely related pathogens which cause a variety of symptoms including leaf blight and deformation and cankers on stems and branches, though symptoms that develop depend on the tree that is infected. The occurrence of anthracnose on shade trees is favored by cool, wet springs. Anthracnose diseases can be hosted by a number of shade trees including sycamore, ash, and maple.