The following are highlights and updates about samples and questions recently received in the Clinic:
Insects
Ant mounds in lawns continue to annoy and disturb homewoners. See the HHPN from May 6, 2009 for control suggestions.
Eastern Tent Caterpillar infestations mentioned last issue appear to be been confined to the north-eastern and north-central portions of the state. The caterpillars are nearly done feeding by now and it is too late for effective control. Defoliated trees will releaf soon. Be patient and provide "TLC."
Cottony Maple Scale. So far we have received one report of cottony maple scale on silver maple. See the photo below for what the scales look like before the large, cottony egg sac forms in June and early July. Our records indicate we have not had an outbreak of cottony maple scale since 1995. See the HHPN on June 23, 1995 for details.
Spiny Elm Caterpillar. The caterpillar of the mourningcloak butterfly is called the spiny elm caterpillar. As the name implies it feeds on the foliage of elm trees, but also foliage of willow, birch and hackberry. Todd Derifield reported an unusually large number on a hackberry tree in Waterloo (photo below). In spite of tree owner's distress over the mess ("frass and smashed caterpillars on the driveway") control was not recommended because of the large size of the caterpillars, PLUS the fact that these caterpillars become interesting butterflies.
Cottony maple scales on silver maple twig. Photo by Bob Hauer.
Spiny elm caterpillars are fully grown at 2 inches in length. Photo by Todd Derifield