July 19, 2006
Cicada Killer Wasp
The cicada killer wasp is the largest wasp found in Iowa. They may be up to 2 inches long and are black with yellow markings on the thorax and abdomen and they have rusty colored wings.
The cicada killer wasp and other digger wasps are solitary wasps; that is, they live independently rather than in colonies and do not depend on other members of a colony to share in the raising of young or the maintaining of a nest.
Septoria Leaf Spot on Tomato
Small brown spots are often visible on tomato leaves at this time of year. The spots, usually surrounded by bright yellow halos, start on the lower leaves and gradually appear on upper leaves over time. Spots often coalesce together, leading to browning and eventual death of entire leaves.