Introduction to Horticulture CDE Brandon Smith Insect Identification

Aphid Soft bodied insects In adult form they have transparent wings Throughout life cycle they gradually change in size Numerous generations per year Tubelike mouthparts- sucking insect Injuries include loss of plant vigor Stunted growth Deformed buds and flowers Curled foliage Secretion of honeydew attracts ants and provides environment for sooty mold Vector diseases

Aphid Stages of development in aphids Aphids found feeding on plant

Aphid Top: Close up of adult aphid and nymphal aphids. Bottom: Adult aphid.

Bagworms Common pest of landscape plants Prefer juniper, arborvitae, spruce, and pine Hard to spot early on Difficult to treat when they reach the bag stage Adult female remains caterpillar and doesn’t leave bag Hatch in mid-summer Can defoliate branches causing dieback Treatment levels considered at 20 or more bagworms on a plant

Bagworms Bagworms are easily identified in the bag stage, but control becomes difficult other than by manual removal Caterpillar emerging from bag. If bag is present treat as bagworm, otherwise identify as caterpillar in contest.

Bagworms Dissected view of bag. Fairly typical damage to affected plant. Plant will more than likely die.

Caterpillars Caterpillars are the larval stage of many moths and butterflies Long, fleshy, soft bodied with three or more pairs of legs Well developed toothed jaws, chewing insect Different caterpillars feed on different plant parts Affected areas: Roots Stems Foliage Fruit Flowers/buds Injury includes: Tears Tunnels Ragged holes

Caterpillars Caterpillars are larval stages of moths and butterflies. There are numerous species of caterpillars. Identification should be based on long, soft bodies, with no discernible bag.

Caterpillars The life cycle of armyworms.

Japanese beetle Characterized by hardened wings that meet in a straight line down thorax and abdomen Folded second pair of transparent wings underneath Complete change from wormlike larvae to immobile pupa to winged adult One generation per year Chewing insect Larva feed on roots, stems, foliage, buds, seeds, fruits, or woody tissue White grub in ground from August until May Emerge as adult beetle

Japanese beetle Adult stage of Japanese beetles Typical damage.

Japanese beetle Typical timetable for development and emergence through the year. Physiological development of the Japanese beetle.

Lacebug Numerous species in NC Azalea lace bug is most common Feed on specific host plant, or those closely related Injury includes: Blotched or spotty appearance on upper side of leaves Premature leaf drop Azaleas in hot and sunny locations generally have higher populations and damage Treatment considered based on amount of aesthetic appearance damage tolerated

Lacebug Top left and right: Lacebugs can come in various sizes and species, but all exhibit the transparency in the wings. (close up photographs) What the typical infestation may look like. Lacebugs are tiny winged insects that can be difficult to see.

Lacebug Example of damage by lacebugs. Development of lacebugs.

Mealybugs Small, oval insect Resembles small bit of wax or wool Soft bodied, covered with white powder and cottony fibers Gradual change through development Numerous generations per year Injury includes: Stunted growth Yellow growth (chlorosis) Wilted growth Deformed growth Also transmit disease agents Similar damage in aphids and scale insects

Mealybugs Mealybugs have a white, cottony appearance, and can be spotted on plants easily if there is enough contrast. However, can be confused on some plants.

Mealybugs

Scale Small, oval shaped insect Resembles reptile scales Easily mistaken for a part of plant Can be soft bodied or be armored with crusty shell Adult females are wingless and stationary Adult males resemble tiny flies with a singular pair of wings Gradual change through development Adult males do not have mouthparts or feed Nymphs and adult females are sucking insects

Scale Scales can be oval shaped or slightly elongated. Scales can secrete honeydew that attracts ants and can create favorable conditions for sooty mold.

Scale Elongated scales. Bottom: Development of scales.

Spider mites Numerous species Arachnids rather than insects (related to spiders) Range in color from red and yellow to green and brown Extract sap from cells Causes speckled appearance Can kill herbaceous plants quickly if left unchecked Can kill woody plants, if given enough time Dry conditions favor spider mites Two spotted spider mites are most important Attacks wide range of hosts Vegetables Shrubs Evergreens (spruce spider mite) Turfgrass (clover spider mite)

Spider mites Spider mites are related to spiders, ticks, and other arachnids. Small webs can be made by spider mites.

Spider mites Two spotted spider mite and Life cycle.

Thrips Thin, tiny insects Four narrow fringed wings as adults Gradual change in development Rasping insects Attack surface tissue of: Tender buds Flowers Fruits leaves Injury includes: Discoloration Distorted flowers Buds gray or speckled Fruits and foliage with speckling May attack every type of agricultural crop

Thrips Thrips have a distinct body shape in adult stages.

Thrips Various species of thrips. Whether there is 1 or more than 1, the term “thrips” is always used, not thrip.

White fly Tiny, soft bodied insects Covered in white, waxy powder Adults have two pairs of wings, look like tiny white moths Gradual change throughout development Numerous generations per year Sucking insects Secrete honeydew Attack outdoor crops in South as well as greenhouse crops (poinsettias)

White fly Top left: Close up of a whitefly. Top right: Numerous whiteflies infect a plant. Bottom left: Signs of whitefly infestation.

White fly Top left: White fly damage on poinsettia. Bottom right: Development of whitefly.

References US EPA Agricultural Pest Control – Plants Manual North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association Certified Plant Professional Study Guide. By: Dr. Barbara Fair.