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Resources by T.A. Dellinger

Title Available As Summary Date ID Author
Japanese Beetle
The Japanese beetle is found throughout Virginia and in most of the Eastern United States. In regions west of the Mississippi it is found in isolated pockets. Japanese beetles were first found in New Jersey in 1916 and have spread from that point since. The Japanese beetle has been well established in Virginia since the early 1970’s.
Sep 2, 2022 2902-1101 (ENTO-514NP)
Pales Weevil
Pales weevil feeds on all pines within its range. It will also feed, although to a lesser extent, on Douglas-fir, fir, hemlock, juniper, larch, northern white-cedar, and spruce.
Jun 30, 2020 2902-1102 (ENTO-386NP)
Pales Weevil
Pales weevil feeds on all pines within its range. It will also feed, although to a lesser extent, on Douglas-fir, fir, hemlock, juniper, larch, northern white-cedar, and spruce.
Jun 30, 2020 2902-1102 (ENTO-386NP)
Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a serious pest of all species of ash in North America. Only Asian species of ash have shown resistance to this pest. It attacks all ash found in Virginia and is widespread in the state.
Jan 9, 2024 2904-1290 (ENTO-200NP)
Common Ticks of Virginia Jan 30, 2022 2906-1396 (ENTO-487NP)
Pine Sawyers
Pine Sawyers are secondary infesters whose main damage is disfiguring wood by larval boring and tunneling in felled trees and usable trees which are weakened or dying from other causes. Plant parts attacked trunk. Damaging stage - larvae.
Jun 9, 2020 2907-1399 (ENTO-372NP)
European Hornet
European hornets (Vespa crabo) are large, stout bodied insects. They have a painful sting, but do not appear particularly aggressive or vicious unless defending their nest. European hornets are nocturnal and attracted to lights at night. They sometimes girdle the twigs and small branches of thin-barked trees and shrubs to feed on plant sap. European hornets are frequently mistaken for the northern giant hornet, which has only been reported from a small area in Washington State or across the border in British Columbia.
Dec 7, 2023 2911-1422 (ENTO-576NP)
Twig Girdler/Twig Pruner
These beetles cause very conspicuous damage in late summer. The leaves on large numbers of twigs and branches will be observed to turn brown prematurely. These twigs and branches sometimes fall from trees in great numbers and accumulate. On close examination, the twigs have one of two kinds of damage. Twigs damaged by the twig girdler are cut as neatly as by a knife. The cut end has been gnawed almost straight across with a faint rounding and is slightly roughened by the chewing. The twig girdler is more commonly found on pecan and hickory. The twig pruner causes a slightly different type of cut. The twig will be observed to have a hollowed out space at the cut end filled with sawdust like frass. The twig when split open will have a long tunnel through most of its length. The twig pruner is more commonly found on oak.
May 1, 2020 2911-1423 (ENTO-374NP)
Balsam Woolly Adelgid
Native to central Europe, the balsam woolly adelgid is now distributed throughout eastern and western North America. It attacks all true firs, Abies spp., including balsam and Fraser fir.
Mar 1, 2021 3006-1452 (ENTO-434NP)
Drugstore and Cigarette Beetles Jan 30, 2022 3101-1526 (ENTO-488NP)
Earwigs in Virginia Jan 12, 2022 3101-1527 (ENTO-489NP)
Locust Leafminer Nov 22, 2022 3101-1528 (ENTO-529NP)
Flour and Grain Beetles Jan 12, 2022 3101-1577 (ENTO-469NP)
Pine Tortoise Scale Nov 22, 2021 3104-1529 (ENTO-466NP)
Beet Webworm Mar 5, 2021 3104-1542 (ENTO-443NP)
Celery Leaftier Mar 25, 2022 3104-1545 (ENTO-496NP)
Sap Beetles
Adults are usually black or brown beetles with an oval to oblong shape. They have clubbed or knobbed antennae and the economically important species typically measure 3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 inch) long. Some sap beetles have short wing covers that do not cover the entire abdomen. Some species have flattened bodies while others are more convex. Many sap beetles are a dull color, sometimes with mottling or spots. One common sap beetle, the picnic beetle [Glischrochilus quadrisignatus (Say)], is an attractive shiny black beetle with four yellow-orange bands or spots on the wing covers.
Mar 5, 2021 3104-1546 (ENTO-431NP)
Cutworms in the Home Garden Mar 16, 2023 3104-1547 (ENTO-553NP)
Eggplant Lace Bug
Adult eggplant lace bugs are a mottled grayish to dark brown in color and measure 4 mm (0.16 inch) long. Their bodies are flattened but sculptured, with broad lateral projections behind the head and lace-like wings. The antennae are darker at the tips. Nymphs are wingless and yellow in coloration. They develop black markings and black antennae as they mature. Older nymphs have many spiny projections over the body. Mature nymphs measure about 2 mm (0.08 inch) long.
Feb 25, 2021 3104-1548 (ENTO-415NP)
Grasshoppers Dec 21, 2021 3104-1550 (ENTO-483NP)
Hornworms in Home Gardens May 31, 2023 3104-1551 (ENTO-561NP)
Agromyzid Leafminers Mar 1, 2021 3104-1554 (ENTO-437NP)
Onion Thrips May 1, 2020 3104-1556 (ENTO-370NP)
Parsleyworm Feb 6, 2022 3104-1557 (ENTO-490NP)
Pepper Weevil Jun 6, 2022 3104-1558 (ENTO-507NP)
Pickleworm Mar 5, 2021 3104-1559 (ENTO-439NP)
Raspberry Crown Borer Dec 22, 2021 3104-1561 (ENTO-473NP)
Rhubarb Curculio
Adult rhubarb curculios are elongated, somewhat cylindrical beetles measuring about 13-19 mm (0.5-0.75 inch) in total body length. They have an obvious long snout that curves downwards from the head. Young adults have a dusty coating of yellow or orange powder that rubs off easily. Older beetles that have lost this dusty coating appear brownish-black in color. Mature larvae are legless white grubs with a brown head capsule. Rhubarb curculio larvae are only found in weedy hosts and not in rhubarb itself. There are a number of related, similar-looking weevils that occur on various weeds in the Asteraceae and Polygonaceae families.
Mar 5, 2021 3104-1563 (ENTO-430NP)
Rose Chafer Mar 1, 2021 3104-1564 (ENTO-436NP)
Rose Scale Apr 22, 2022 3104-1565 (ENTO-501NP)
Stalk Borer Dec 22, 2021 3104-1567 (ENTO-477NP)
Vegetable Weevil
Adult weevils are a dull, gray-brown color, and about 6–8 mm (0.25–0.32 inch) long. Adults are somewhat bristly in appearance due to t stout hairs and dense scales on the body. Usually there is a set of dark diagonal markings framing a lighter colored V-shape on the wings, but these may wear off with age. Antennae are elbowed and there is a short, stout snout at the front of the head.
Mar 4, 2021 3104-1569 (ENTO-425NP)
Whitefringed Beetles May 6, 2020 3104-1571 (ENTO-379NP)
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants can be found outside on trees and sidewalks and indoor. Where they are found determines how best to control them. Inside they can be active indoors during many months of the year, usually during the spring and summer. When ants are active in the house during late winter/early spring (February/March), the infestation (nest) is probably within the household. In late spring large numbers of foraging ants may come in from outside looking for food and may not indicate and infestation. Outside carpenter ants become active in late spring and early summer and will be seen on tree trunks and sidewalks.
Jan 20, 2022 3104-1573 (ENTO-485NP)
Click Beetles Feb 2, 2021 3104-1575 (ENTO-409NP)
Clothes Moths Dec 21, 2021 3104-1576 (ENTO-471NP)
Flour and Grain Beetles Dec 21, 2021 3104-1577 (ENTO-469NP)
Fungus Gnats Mar 4, 2021 3104-1579 (ENTO-442NP)
Lace Bugs Apr 18, 2022 3104-1581 (ENTO-500NP)
Indian Meal Moth Dec 21, 2021 3104-1582 (ENTO-482NP)
Obscure Scale
Heavily infested trees will have large numbers of scales on twigs and branches. Scales may also be found on exposed roots and on the trunk of young trees. Scale insects feed on plant sap with their long thread-like mouthparts (stylets), which are several times longer than the insect itself.
Apr 18, 2022 3104-1583 (ENTO-499NP)
Wheel Bug Sep 29, 2021 3104-1585 (ENTO-458NP)
Wolf Spiders and Nursery Web Spiders Dec 22, 2021 3104-1586 (ENTO-475NP)
Yellow Ant Sep 30, 2021 3104-1587 (ENTO-458NP)
Carpet Beetles Jan 30, 2022 3104-1588 (ENTO-486NP)
Giant Resin Bee
Size: about 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) Color: Black and yellow-brown Giant resin bees are large with a cylindrical body and large jaws. They have a dark head and abdomen with yellow-brown hair on the face, thorax, and the first segment of the abdomen behind the "waist." The wings are a transparent brown color that darkens toward the tips. Male giant resin bees have a truncated, squared abdomen while the females have a more tapered, pointed abdomen. Giant resin bees can be distinguished from bumblebees and carpenter bees by their cylindrical bodies and the appearance of their abdomens. Giant resin bees do not have hairy abdomens like bumblebees, nor are their abdomens shiny like carpenter bees. Hymenoptera: Megachilidae Megachile sculpturalis Smith.
Mar 19, 2020 444-206 (ENTO-358NP)
Spider Mites
Spider mites (Family Tetranychidae, Order Acari) are not insects; they are closely related to spiders, harvestmen (daddy longlegs), and ticks. Unlike insects, which have six legs and three body parts, spider mites have eight legs and a one-part body. They also lack wings, antennae, and compound eyes. Individual spider mites are almost microscopic, yet when they occur in large numbers, they can cause serious damage. Dozens of species attack shade trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.
Apr 22, 2022 444-221 (ENTO-502NP)
Tarnished Plant Bug Dec 22, 2021 444-227 (ENTO-476NP)
Cabbage and Seedcorn Maggot Mar 25, 2022 444-231 (ENTO-495NP)
Spruce Spider Mite
The spruce spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae, Oligonychus unuguis (Jacobi)) lives in all areas of Virginia and is widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the United States and Canada. It attacks spruce, arborvitae, juniper, hemlock, pine, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, and larch, among others.
Apr 22, 2022 444-235 (ENTO-503NP)
Catalpa Sphinx Caterpillar Apr 15, 2022 444-247 (ENTO-497NP)
Periodical Cicada
In Virginia both the 17-and 13-year cicadas damage many ornamental and hardwood trees. Oaks are commonly attacked but the most seriously damaged are newly planted fruit and ornamental trees such as apple, dogwood, peach, hickory, cherry, and pear. Pines and other conifers are not commonly attacked.
Jul 7, 2021 444-276 (ENTO-455NP)
Euonymus Scale Apr 15, 2022 444-277 (ENTO-498NP)
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are white insects with pale yellow bodies that are approximately 2 mm long. They belong to the order Homoptera and are close relatives of aphids, scales, mealybugs, hoppers and cicadas.
May 6, 2020 444-280 (ENTO-378NP)
Thrips
Adult thrips are small, pale-yellow insects (occasionally black) with elongated bodies, and fringed wings. Their life cycle consists of an egg, nymph, pre-pupa, pupa and an adult. The exact time required for thrips to complete their life cycle varies with species, temperature and the host plant. Western flower thrips complete their life cycle, from egg to adult, in approximately 10 days at 80° F. Adults insert eggs in leaf tissue which hatch in approximately three days. Nymphs feed for four to five days and then drop from the plant to pupate in the soil. Adults emerge after two days of pupation and begin feeding.
May 1, 2020 444-281 (ENTO-373NP)
2024 Pest Management Guide - Horticultural and Forest Crops Jan 19, 2024 456-017 (ENTO-568P)
Asian Longhorned Tick and Theileria Orientalis Ikeda: Current Thoughts and Understandings
This project will be used to disseminate current thoughts and understand the invasive species of Asian Longhorned Tick (ALT) and the spread of Theileria. The Asian Longhorned Tick is a new invasive species that was first found in the US in 2017 and has since spread to 19 states from the Atlantic Coast to the Southeastern region of the US. The ALT is credited with the widespread of Theileria. Theileria is a blood protozoa parasite that has had a negative impact on cattle producers across the state. This article is what we currently understand about the ALT and the spread of Theileria.
APSC-196P
Banded Ash Borer Jan 29, 2021 ENTO-133NP (ENTO-406NP)
Blow Flies
Adult blow flies are generally medium to large, robust flies. They vary in length, with the largest species measuring about 16 mm (0.6 inches) long.
Jan 29, 2021 ENTO-134NP (ENTO-407NP)
Brown Recluse Spider
Brown recluse spiders belong to a group of spiders commonly known as violin spiders or fiddlebacks. Their name refers to a characteristic fiddle-shaped pattern on their head region directly behind their eyes (never on the abdomen). Brown recluse spiders range in color from tan to dark brown, but often they are a golden brown.
Jan 29, 2021 ENTO-135NP (ENTO-408NP)
Cluster Fly
Adult cluster flies are medium-sized, robust, somewhat bristly flies about 7 mm (0.3 inches) long.
Feb 2, 2021 ENTO-136NP (ENTO-410NP)
House Fly
Adult house flies are medium-sized flies about 6 mm (0.25 inch) long. They are grayish-black in color, with 4 dark bands running the length of the thorax and conspicuous bristles on the body.
Mar 1, 2021 ENTO-137NP (ENTO-416NP)
Lice Found On Humans
Human head and body lice are wingless, flattened insects with mouthparts for sucking blood. The head is somewhat narrower than the rest of the elongated body. Adults are small, about the size of a sesame seed (2.5–3.5 mm; 0.1 inch).
Feb 12, 2021 ENTO-138NP (ENTO-420NP)
Imported Willow Leaf Beetle
Imported willow leaf beetle was identified in the United States in 1915. It likely arrived on landscape plants shipped from Europe, where it is native.
Mar 2, 2021 ENTO-139NP (ENTO-417NP)
Iris Borer
Adult iris borers are stout, medium sized moths with a wingspan of 3.8–5 cm (1.5–2 inches). The head and forewings are covered with purplish brown scales and the hind wings are yellowish. The forewings have thin dark zigzag lines, a more conspicuous dark kidney-shaped spot, and variable sooty shading around the margins
Mar 2, 2021 ENTO-140NP (ENTO-418NP)
Locust Borer
The locust borer is a native insect that attacks black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and its ornamental cultivars. Adult locust borers are conspicuous black and yellow beetles with long black antennae and reddish legs. There is a yellow W-shaped band across the wing covers with other yellow stripes.
Feb 12, 2021 ENTO-141NP (ENTO-423NP)
Psocids: Barklice and Booklice
Psocids are small, oval insects with soft bodies that usually measure only several millimeters long. A psocid measuring 6 mm (0.25 inches) long is rather large for this group of insects. Psocids generally occur in shades of brown, black, or pale colors; some have distinctive mottled or striped markings.
Mar 5, 2021 ENTO-143NP (ENTO-440NP)
Crab Lice
Crab lice are very small (1.5–2 mm; 0.06–0.08 inch), wingless, flattened insects with mouthparts for sucking blood. The body is about as wide as it is long, broadest at the “shoulders”, with a small head.
Feb 12, 2021 ENTO-144NP (ENTO-413NP)
Galls Made by Wasps
Gall wasps attack primarily oak trees, and are found on roots, flowers, and acorns, but especially the leaves and twigs. Roses and brambles (blackberries and raspberries) also are attacked by gall wasps. These insects have complicated life cycles, and the galls they produce occur in an endless variety of shapes and colors. In some species, alternate generations produce distinctly different galls.
Jun 6, 2022 ENTO-145NP (ENTO-505NP)
Galls Made by Aphids, Adelgids, Phylloxerans, Psyllids, and Midges
Galls made by made by aphids, adelgids, phylloxerans, psyllids, and midges occur on many different plants. Galls are abnormal growths of plant tissue induced by insects and other organisms. Gall-making parasites release growth-regulating chemicals as they feed, causing adjacent plant tissues to form a gall. The parasite then develops within the relative security of the gall. Most are harmless to trees, but a few are pests.
Jun 2, 2022 ENTO-146NP (ENTO-506NP)
Galls and Rust made by Mites Nov 29, 2022 ENTO-532NP
Large and Unusual Insects Found in Virginia
Several different insects are found in Virginia that cause concern due to their large size and coloration. They are for the most part harmless and just curiosities of nature.
Mar 2, 2021 ENTO-148NP (ENTO-419NP)
Native and Solitary Bees in Virginia
Although honey bees are well known for pollination and honey production, other bees at times impact humans in various ways. These native bees range from beneficial to annoying, sometimes at the same time. Native bees are important pollinators for fruit and vegetables.
Feb 12, 2021 ENTO-151NP (ENTO-424NP)
Yellow Poplar Weevil
Rice-shaped holes about 1/16 inches result from adult feeding. Larval feeding forms mines, usually two per leaf. If they are both on the same side of midrib, one is extensive, and the other dwarfed. If the insect lays eggs on opposite sides of the midrib, both mines develop normally.
May 6, 2020 ENTO-172NP (ENTO-380NP)
Buck Moth Jan 11, 2023 ENTO-18NP (ENTO-536NP)
Hag Moth Caterpillar Jan 10, 2023 ENTO-19NP (ENTO-541NP)
Hickory Horned Devil Jan 5, 2023 ENTO-20NP (ENTO-540NP)
Mosquitos and their Control
The key to controlling mosquitoes is removing the standing or stagnant water where they live.
Dec 21, 2021 ENTO-202NP (ENTO-470NP)
Velvet Ants Jan 6, 2023 ENTO-22NP (ENTO-539NP)
Springtails Jan 6, 2023 ENTO-23NP (ENTO-538NP)
Silverfish and Firebrats Jan 6, 2023 ENTO-24NP (ENTO-537NP)
Ground Beetles Nov 22, 2022 ENTO-530NP
Pest Alert: Spotted Lanternfly Identification and Reporting in Virginia Jul 7, 2022 ENTO-265NP (ENTO-513NP)
Possible Spotted Lanternfly Egg Mass Look-alikes in Virginia Mar 1, 2023 ENTO-276NP (ENTO-547NP)
Possible Spotted Lanternfly Immature Look-alikes in Virginia Mar 2, 2023 ENTO-277NP (ENTO-546NP)
Possible Spotted Lanternfly Adult Look-alikes in Virginia Mar 2, 2023 ENTO-278NP (ENTO-545NP)
Asian Longhorned Tick May 26, 2023 ENTO-282NP (ENTO-560NP)
Darkling Beetles and Mealworms Mar 3, 2023 ENTO-283NP (ENTO-548NP)
What Virginians Need to Know About the 2022 Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Expansion Jul 7, 2022 ENTO-319NP (ENTO-512NP)
Ciclo de Vida en Virginia de Spotted Lanternfly (Mosca de Alas Manchadas) Jun 24, 2019 ENTO-320NP
Ciclo de Vida en Virginia de Spotted Lanternfly (Mosca de Alas Manchadas) Jun 24, 2019 ENTO-320NP
Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia Vineyards: Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) Aug 17, 2022 ENTO-323NP (ENTO-516NP)
Mosca Linterna con Manchas (Spotted Lanternfly) en Viñedos de Virginia: Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) (Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia Vineyards: Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)) Aug 20, 2019 ENTO-323S
Best Management Practices for Spotted Lanternfly in Yards and Landscapes
The Gloomy Scale is a major pest of shade trees, particularly in urban situations where the trees grow next to streets and parking lots.
Dec 17, 2019 ENTO-344NP
Managing the Asian Longhorned Tick: Checklist of Best Tick Management Practices for Horse Owners Mar 25, 2020 ENTO-348NP
Managing the Asian Longhorned Tick: Checklist for Best Management Practices for Cattle Producers May 7, 2020 ENTO-382NP
Best Management Practices for Spotted Lanternfly on Christmas Tree Farms Feb 15, 2021 ENTO-402NP
Acrobat Ant Jan 29, 2021 ENTO-405NP
Drain Fly Feb 25, 2021 ENTO-414NP
Wood Cockroaches Mar 4, 2021 ENTO-426NP
Jumping Worms (Amynthas spp.) May 24, 2023 ENTO-427NP (ENTO-559NP)
Phorid Flies Mar 1, 2021 ENTO-433NP
Paper Wasps Mar 1, 2021 ENTO-435NP
Non-biting Midges Mar 3, 2021 ENTO-438NP
Buprestid Beetles and Flathead Borers Mar 4, 2021 ENTO-441NP
Box Tree Moth Mar 10, 2021 ENTO-445NP
Pavement Ant Dec 21, 2021 ENTO-467NP
Boxelder Bug Dec 21, 2021 ENTO-468NP
Ladybird Beetles in Houses and Buildings Dec 21, 2021 ENTO-472NP
Potato Leafhopper Jan 12, 2022 ENTO-474NP
Avoiding Fire Ant Stings Dec 22, 2021 ENTO-481NP
Red Imported Fire Ant Logger Self-Inspection Checklist Feb 25, 2022 ENTO-492NP
Spiders of Medical Concern in Virginia
Several species of spiders found in Virginia have fearsome reputations for giving painful bites resulting in life-threating complications.
Feb 10, 2020 ENTO-73NP (ENTO-346NP)
Parasitic Wasps
Parasitic wasps, also called parasitoids, are found in multiple families within the insect order Hymenoptera, which also contains the sawflies, bees, and wasps.
Feb 10, 2020 ENTO-74NP (ENTO-345NP)
Stinging Caterpillars: Slug Caterpillars and Flannel Moths
Slug caterpillars in the family Limacodidae move with a slow gliding motion rather than walking, much like a slug. Some slug caterpillars are brightly colored with bumps, protuberances, or appendages.
Mar 18, 2020 ENTO-75NP (ENTO-347NP)
Spotted Lanternfly Life Cycle in Virginia (Ciclo de Vida en Virginia de Spotted Lanternfly) Jul 8, 2019 ENTO-268NP (ENTO-321NP)
Redheaded Ash Borer Mar 5, 2021 ENTO-142NP (ENTO-428NP)
Larder Beetle Mar 6, 2023 ENTO-286NP (ENTO-549NP)
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Nov 23, 2021 ENTO-465NP
Identification and Life Cycle of Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia Mar 18, 2022 ENTO-268NP (ENTO-494NP)
Blister Beetles Nov 2, 2022 ENTO-526NP
Fire Ant Management for Livestock Producers: Hayfields and Pastures Nov 7, 2022 ENTO-527NP
Cockroaches Found in Living Spaces Nov 22, 2022 ENTO-528NP
Juniper and Cryptomeria Scales in Residential Landscapes Nov 30, 2022 ENTO-533NP
Elm Zigzag Sawfly Jan 11, 2023 ENTO-543NP
Japanese Maple and Oystershell Scales in Residential Landscapes Mar 6, 2023 ENTO-550NP
Cryptomeria Scale on Christmas Trees Mar 13, 2023 ENTO-551NP
Elongate Hemlock Scale on Christmas Trees Mar 17, 2023 ENTO-552NP
Pest Alert: Asian Longhorned Beetle Apr 17, 2023 ENTO-556NP
Recognizing Asian Longhorned Beetle in Virginia Apr 25, 2023 ENTO-557NP
Squash Bug in Virginia Home Gardens Dec 13, 2023 ENTO-578NP
Homeowner Suggestions for Managing Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted lanternfly (SLF) arrived in Virginia in 2018 and continues to spread across the state. This invasive pest strongly prefers feeding on tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima, but it also feeds on many other plants. SLF is a pest of grapes and can be a nuisance around residences.
Mar 7, 2024 ENTO-586NP
Broad Mite Mar 27, 2024 ENTO-587NP