Entomology and Nematology

¿Qué te está picando?

E. E. Harlow, C. A. McNeill, R. W. Baldwin, R. M. Pereira, P. G. Koehler, y J. C. Medley

Pulgas, piojos, chinches, o garrapatas? Ponle atención a tu insecto para que sepas lo que es.

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Asian Citrus Psyllid

Lauren M. Diepenbrock, Jawwad Qureshi, and Lukasz Stelinski

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Nematodes

Larry W. Duncan, Joe W. Noling, and Renato N. Inserra

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Plant Bugs, Chewing Insect Pests, Caribbean Fruit Fly, and Thrips

Xavier Martini and Lauren M. Diepenbrock

2024-2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Soft-Bodied Insects Attacking Foliage and Fruit

Lauren M. Diepenbrock, Lukasz Stelinski, Xavier Martini, and Jawwad Qureshi

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide

A Guide to Selecting and Using Pesticides During the Blueberry Pollination Period: How Can We Reduce Risk to Pollinators?

Rachel E. Mallinger, John J. Ternest, and Douglas A. Phillips

This publication provides blueberry growers strategies for choosing and applying fungicides and insecticides during bloom so as to minimize harm to pollinators. Insect pollinators, particularly wild and managed bees, are necessary to achieve adequate fruit set in blueberries. Without insect pollinators, berries may form, but they will be significantly smaller and misshapen and will take longer to ripen than bee-pollinated berries. Managed bees, wild bees, and other insect pollinators are susceptible to pesticides, especially when applied during bloom when pollinators are foraging in blueberry fields. Growers thus must balance disease and pest protection with pollinator protection. This publication provides information on the toxicity to pollinators and residual activity of insecticides and fungicides used during blueberry bloom, and strategies for minimizing pollinator exposure.

A Non-Technical Introduction to Electropenetrography and Its Application with Asian Citrus Psyllid as an Example

T. A. Ebert, A. W. Schumann, and A. J. Krajewski

Protecting plants by targeting insect vectors of pathogenic organisms requires an intimate understanding of the biology of the insect, the pathogen, and the plant host at a spatial scale relevant to the insect. Observing insect feeding is difficult because insect mouthparts are small, and many insects insert their mouthparts deep inside plants, where we cannot see them. Electropenetrography (EPG) is the only technique that overcomes these problems. Using EPG, we can understand host-insect relationships, pesticide action, and the role of non-hosts. EPG can address ecological questions like "How do insects survive long migrations over regions devoid of known host plants?" It can also address applied questions: "Will the pest feed on my new cultivar?" This light introduction to an underused key technology focuses on a single example insect vector, the Asian citrus psyllid, but EPG has great potential to improve pest management efforts for many crops and insect vectors.

African Honey Bee Information for School Administrators

M. K. O'Malley, J. D. Ellis, and A. S. Neal

African honey bees exhibit several characteristics that have caused public concern. It is important that school officials and administrators stay current on AHB-related information, educate students about the AHB, and ensure that school properties are bee-proofed.

Ant Control in the Apiary

William H. Kern

Arthropod Management for Tomato, Pepper, and Eggplant

X. Martini and H. Smith

Pest management should be based on the proper identification of pests and knowledge of their biology. This publication describes the major pests of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant in Florida and guidelines for their management. Some insects may be more important in some areas of the state than others. For each pest described, a table of management options will be found after the damage.

Assessment-Based Pest Management of German Cockroaches

F.M. Oi, E. Weeks, J. Jonovich, and D. Miller

A UF/IFAS numbered publication. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Bean Flower Thrips Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) (Insecta: Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Rafia Khan, Dakshina Seal, and Rosan Adhikari

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Bee-Proofing for Florida Citizens

M. K. O'Malley, J. D. Ellis, and A. S. Neal

ENY-143 provides information about Africanized honey bees (AHB), precautions that can be taken by Florida residents to locate potential nesting sites, prevent nests from forming, and how to inspect one's property for nests.

Best Management Practices for Live Bee Removals in Florida: A Beekeeper's Guide

Mary Bammer, Jamie Ellis, Eric Baxter, Krista Butler, John Coldwell, B. Keith Councell, Kevin Easton, Brendhan Horne, Brandi Stanford, and Amy T. Vu

Biological Control of Weeds: Is it Safe?

Carey Minteer, Eutychus Kariuki, and James Cuda

Invasive plants are non-native plant species that cause harm in their introduced range. Classical biological control of invasive plants is the use of natural enemies, imported insects and mites or pathogens, to control the target plants. This publication explains the strategies and rules in place to ensure that organisms released for the biological control of weeds are safe and effective.

Bloodsucking Insects

P. G. Koehler and J. L. Castner

This document provides an overview of bloodsucking insects in Florida, detailing their physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. It covers mosquitoes, flies, lice, and true bugs, highlighting species such as the Asian tiger mosquito, stable fly, horse fly, deer fly, sand fly, head louse, pubic louse, bed bug, and bloodsucking conenose. Each section emphasizes unique features, such as the Asian tiger mosquito’s daytime biting habits and the stable fly’s bayonet-like proboscis. The document aims to educate readers on identifying and understanding these parasitic insects. Date first printed: November 1992. 

Body Lice and Pubic Lice

C. W. Scherer, P. G. Koehler, and J. W. Diclaro II

This document provides an overview of body lice and pubic lice, detailing their biology, transmission, symptoms, and treatment. Body lice, which can transmit diseases like typhus, are less common in the U.S., while pubic lice are a significant nuisance. Both types of lice are blood-sucking insects that cause itching and irritation. Treatment involves washing clothing and bedding in hot water and using medicated shampoos or creams. The document emphasizes the importance of hygiene and alerting sexual partners in cases of pubic lice infestation. 

Building Bear Fences for Your Apiary

Kimberly K. Post and Cameron Jack

Cattail Mosquito (suggested common name) Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae: Culicinae: Mansoniini)

Lethia R. Johnson, James P. Cuda, and Nathan Burkett-Cadena

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for Academic and General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Chagas Disease: A Review of Vector-Borne Transmission by Triatomine Bugs (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

Bethany R. Eutsey, Cameron J. Jack, Shelley A. Whitehead, and Eva A. Buckner

Chagas disease is a potentially fatal, chronic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite. It causes 6 to 8 million cases and 50,000 deaths each year. Humans and animals usually become infected with T. cruzi via triatomine bugs, also called kissing or conenose bugs, found only in the Americas. Disease transmitted by triatomine bugs generally occurs in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America, but it is becoming more prevalent in non-endemic areas like the US as asymptomatic infected people move from rural to urban areas of Latin America and other regions.  In the US, approximately 300,000 people are currently infected with Chagas disease, 18,000 in Florida. Most if not all of them were infected elsewhere; local transmission of Chagas disease via triatomines in the US is rare. Awareness and understanding of Chagas disease are critical to detect and treat cases early. This publication is intended for anyone interested in learning more about Chagas disease.

Chikungunya

C. Roxanne Connelly, Christopher N. Mores, Chelsea T. Smartt, and Walter J. Tabachnick

Describes this mosquito-borne virus, what it is, its symptoms, how its transmitted to humans, where it occurs, risk to Floridians, and how it can be prevented. Includes references.

Choosing the Right Pest Control Operator for Honey Bee Removal: A Consumer Guide

M. K. O'Malley and J. D. Ellis

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Asian Citrus Psyllid

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: California Red Scale (Aonidiella aurantii)

X. Martini and J. Price

This factsheet gives the general public and citrus growers basic knowledge regarding the California red scale. Written by X. Martini and J. Price, and published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department, November 2022.

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Citrus Whitefly (Dialeurodes citri)

X. Martini, L. M. Diepenbrock, K. L. Ray, and J. D. Burrow

This is an identification guide for citrus whitefly and citrus whitefly damage.

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Flower Thrips (Frankliniella bispinosa Morgan and Frankliniella kelliae Sakimura)

X. Martini, L. M. Diepenbrock, K. L. Ray, and J. D. Burrow

This is a quick reference guide for identifying flower thrips and the damage flower thrips causes.

Classical Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) in Florida

J. P. Cuda, D. H. Habeck, W. A. Overholt, J. C. Medal, J. H. Pedrosa-Macedo, M. D. Vitorino, and C. R. Minteer

This document discusses the classical biological control of the invasive Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) in Florida. It highlights the tree’s aggressive spread, ecological impact, and the limitations of conventional control methods. The article details the introduction and effectiveness of various biological control agents, including thrips, sawflies, leaf rollers, weevils, and psyllids, in managing the Brazilian peppertree. The goal is to reduce the tree’s dominance and restore native biodiversity in affected ecosystems. First published 1999. 

Cob Flies, Megaselia spp. (Diptera: Phoridae), in Sweet Corn

David Owens, Gregg S. Nuessly, Robert Beiriger, and Nicholas Larsen

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Common Arthropod Pests in Blackberries and Pomegranates in Florida

Chastity Perry, Hugh Smith, Zhanao Deng, and Sriyanka Lahiri

Blackberry and pomegranate are growing in importance as alternative crops in Florida. In the past decade, blackberry production in Florida increased from 64 acres in 2007 to 173 acres in 2017.  The many health benefits acquired from these fruits make them good alternative options for growers in Florida to diversify their operations by planting some new and less traditional crops, providing them a niche in the Florida agriculture market. The intended audience of this publication includes blackberry and pomegranate growers in Florida as well as Extension agents providing expert recommendations to both these industries. The purpose of this publication is to share information derived from a one-year field survey on commonly encountered pests.

Common Pepper Cultivars for Florida Production

G. McAvoy and M. Ozores-Hampton

Container Mosquito Habitat Community Cleanup: A How-To Guide for Event Organization

Amy Hallock, Eva A. Buckner, Ricky W. Telg, and Alena R. Poulin

Being bitten by the container mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus means a higher risk of becoming infected with Zika, dengue, or chikungunya virus. Container mosquitoes develop in the water that collects in discarded tires, jars, cans, buckets, and boats. The best way to prevent irritating bites and dangerous mosquito-transmitted illnesses is to get rid of all trash that holds water. This fact sheet is packed with recommendations that will help you to successfully develop and host a cleanup event to reduce potential mosquito larval habitats in your community and keep yourself and your neighbors safe.

Crickets

P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, and B. E. Bayer

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Cultivos en asocio, diversidad de cultivos y manejo integrado de plagas

Hugh Smith y Oscar Liburd

Develop Your Own Florida Olive IPM Plan

Morgan Byron, Eleanor Phillips, and Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

2021 Guidelines for Purchasing and Using Commercial Natural Enemies and Biopesticides in North America

Lynn M. LeBeck and Norman C. Leppla

This guide provides assistance in selecting, purchasing and using commercially available natural enemies and biopesticides for managing accurately diagnosed pest problems.

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Citrus Leafminer

Lauren M. Diepenbrock, Jawwad Qureshi, and Lukasz Stelinski

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Pesticide Resistance and Resistance Management

Lauren M. Diepenbrock, Megan M. Dewdney, and Ramdas Kanissery

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Quick Reference Guide to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS)

Emily C. Kraus and Brett W. Bultemeier

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide

A Concise Guide on the Bionomics and Key Morphological Characteristics for Identifying Aedes pertinax (Grabham, 1906) – a Mosquito Species from the Neotropics Expanding in Geographic Range

Ana L. Romero-Weaver, Michael T. Riles, Kristin Sloyer, Yoosook Lee, Lindsay P. Campbell, and Bryan V. Giordano

Aedes pertinax is a non-invasive mosquito first described in Jamaica by Grabham in 1906. It is currently classified in the Protoculex Group. It was first identified in the U.S. in 2015; its current distribution is unknown because it is so difficult to differentiate it from other mosquito species that are morphologically similar. It has not been reported in association with humans or animal diseases, but Ae. Atlanticus, another mosquito in the Protoculex Group, is a vector of the Keystone virus and the West Nile virus, which have the potential to cause encephalitis and death. Moreover, Ae. serratus, once classified as synonym of Ae. pertinax, was reported infected with yellow fever in Brazil in 2008. Because Ae. pertinax may be a vector and because it has expanded its geographical range, it should be monitored closely. This publication provides a description of the species so that it can be identified and monitored.

A Mosquito Culex cedecei Stone and Hair (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Kristin E. Sloyer and Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

A Threshold for Timing Applications of Insecticides to Manage the Silverleaf Whitefly and Irregular Ripening on Tomato

David J. Schuster, Hugh A. Smith, and Philip A. Stansly

Alluaud’s Little Yellow Ant Plagiolepis alluaudi Emery (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Thomas Chouvenc, Andrea Lucky, and Matthew Miller

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Antlions in the Classroom

S. McCann, J. D. Ellis, and M. K. O'Malley

A UF/IFAS numbered publication.

Arthropod Pest Management Practices of Strawberry Growers in Florida: A Survey of the 2019–2020 Field Season

Sriyanka Lahiri

This publication is aimed at growers, Extension agents, industry partners, and the general public who have an interest in integrated pest management (IPM) tools used by growers in general and strawberry growers in particular. The purpose is to establish a baseline of adopted IPM practices by the strawberry industry in Florida so that changes in behavior can be tracked in future. To document the current pest management practices, an in-person survey of 24 strawberry growers in Hillsborough Co., FL was conducted (IRB# 201902072) during the field season of 2019-2020. The survey showed that 70% of strawberry growers spray their crop more than 5 times in a season with an insecticide/miticide. But strawberry growers have developed an awareness of IPM tools available to them and are already using these tools such as releasing biological control agents for mite management, cover cropping, and considering planting banker (flowering) crops in designated spaces in and around their fields.

Attracting Native Bees to Your Florida Landscape

Rachel E. Mallinger, Wayne Hobbs, Anne Yasalonis, and Gary Knox

Bean Thrips Caliothrips fasciatus (Pergande, 1895) (Insecta: Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Rafia A. Khan, Dakshina R. Seal, and Rosan Adhikari

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Beekeeping: Watermelon Pollination

Malcolm T. Sanford and Jamie Ellis

In an effort to more widely disseminate information on optimizing watermelon pollination, this paper presents an overview of the introductory material on honey bee management and the section on pollination agreements and services in the Agriculture Handbook Num. 496, "Insect Pollination of Cultivated Crop Plants," authored by S.E. McGregor and published by the Agriculture Research Service, USDA, in 1976, which is no longer available.

Best Management Practices for Siting Honey Bee Colonies: Good Neighbor Guidelines

James D. Ellis and Jerry Hayes

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Biology and Management of the Bermudagrass Mite, Eriophyes cynodoniensis

Pablo Agustin Boeri, Nicole D. Benda, J. Bryan Unruh, and Adam Dale

Blue Morpho Butterfly Morpho peleides Kollar (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Haleigh A. Ray and Jacqueline Y. Miller

Booklice and Silverfish

F. M. Oi, P. G. Koehler, D. Branscome, and B. E. Bayer

This document provides an overview of booklice and silverfish, detailing their biology, life cycles, and control methods. Booklice, or psocids, feed on fungi and organic matter, thriving in warm, humid environments. Silverfish and firebrats, belonging to the Order Zygentoma, damage materials high in protein, sugar, or starch. Effective control includes reducing humidity, proper storage, and using insecticides. The document emphasizes the importance of hygiene and preventive measures to manage infestations. 

Carpet Beetles

P. G. Koehler, R. J. Vazquez, and R. M. Pereira

This document provides an overview of carpet beetles, including their biology, life cycle, and the damage they cause to fabrics and furnishings. Carpet beetles feed on natural animal fibers and can infest homes from bird, rodent, and insect nests. The document details the life stages of various carpet beetle species and emphasizes the importance of good housekeeping and proper storage to prevent infestations. Control methods include regular cleaning, inspection, and the use of insecticides and nonchemical treatments like cedar products and cold storage. Publication date: August 1991.

Cattle Grub Management

P. E. Kaufman, E. R. Burgess IV, and E. N. I. Weeks

A UF/IFAS numbered Management.

Chalkbrood Recommendations

Malcolm T. Sanford, Cameron J. Jack, and Jamie Ellis

Chilli Thrips on Blueberries in Florida

Oscar E. Liburd, Babu R. Panthi, and Douglas A. Phillips

Citrus Nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb 1913) (Nematoda: Secernentea: Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae: Tylenchulinae)

Nicholas S. Sekora and William Crow

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Broadwinged Katydid (Microcentrum rhombifolium)

L. M. Diepenbrock, K. L. Ray, and J. D. Burrow

This publication is a brief description of the life cycle and damage of the broadwinged katydid.

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Citrus Leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton)

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Cottony Cushion Scale (Icerya purchasi)

L. M. Diepenbrock, K. L. Ray and J. D. Burrow

This publication is about the life cycle and damage of cottony cushion scale.

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Lebbeck Mealybug Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead)

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

Classical Biological Control of Weeds with Insects: Melaleuca Weevil

J. P. Cuda, S. A. Wright, G. R. Buckingham, T. D. Center, and K. T. Gioeli

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for General Public audience(s).

Coccophagus lycimnia (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae): Parasitoid of Soft Scale Pests (Coccidae: Hemiptera)

Salman A. Al-Shami and Jawwad A. Qureshi

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Common Florida Spiders

J. L. Castner

This document provides an overview of common spiders found in Florida, detailing their physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. It covers various species, including jumping spiders, crab spiders, golden silk spiders, spiny orb-weavers, black and yellow argiope spiders, green lynx spiders, wolf spiders, and long-jawed orb-weavers. Each section highlights unique features, such as the jumping spiders’ eye arrangement and hunting methods, the crab spiders’ camouflage, and the golden silk spiders’ large webs. The document aims to educate readers on identifying and understanding these arachnids. Date first printed: November 1992.

Common Weed Hosts of Insect-Transmitted Viruses of Florida Vegetable Crops

Gaurav Goyal, Harsimran K. Gill, and Robert McSorley

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Cover Crops for Managing Root-Knot Nematodes

Harsimran K. Gill, Zane J. Grabau, and Robert McSorley

Cover crops are grown between cash crop cycles or incorporated with cash crops to improve soil fertility and struc­ture, decrease soil erosion, and suppress weeds, insects, nematodes, and other plant pathogens. Cover crop residues can be incorporated as “green manure” to increase soil fertility for the next crop. Cover crops also help to enhance many beneficial organisms and may contribute to carbon sequestration. They help curtail the spread of nematodes because nematodes cannot migrate to another field if a cover crop is not a host to them. Instead, some of them may starve, which helps to manage their population. Fallow soil also helps keep nematode populations lower, but it may lead to erosion and other problems. Many different types of cover crops are adapted for cultivation in the southern United States, including cowpea, sorghum-sudangrass, sunn hemp, marigolds, jointvetch, sesame, grasses, rye, wheat, oats, crimson clover, vetch, lupine, and, of late, legumes.

Culex coronator (Dyar & Knab) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Sierra M. Schluep, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, Derrick K. Mathias, and Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Dealing with Iguanas in the South Florida Landscape

W. H. Kern, Jr.

2024-2025 Quick Reference Guide to Citrus Insecticides and Miticides

L.M. Diepenbrock, L. L. Stelinski, J. D. Burrow, and J. A. Qureshi

A two-page quick reference guide to citrus insecticides and miticides recommended in the Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide, their effects on important citrus pests, and their natural enemies.

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Citrus Root Weevils

Larry W. Duncan, Lukasz Stelinski, and Lauren Diepenbrock

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Pesticides Registered for Use on Florida Citrus

Lauren M. Diepenbrock, Megan M. Dewdney, Tripti Vashisth, and Ramdas Kanissery

2023–2024 Florida Citrus Production Guide.

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Rust Mites, Spider Mites, and Other Phytophagous Mites

Jawwad Qureshi, Lukasz Stelinski, Xavier Martini, and Lauren M. Diepenbrock

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide

A Guide to Planting Wildflower Enhancements in Florida

Mary C. Bammer, Josh Campbell, Chase B. Kimmel, James D. Ellis, and Jaret Daniels

A UF/IFAS numbered publication. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

A Mosquito Culex erraticus (Dyar and Knab, 1906) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae: Culicini)

Mary Nordgulen, Nathan Burkett-Cadena, and Derrick Mathias

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Abundance of Soil Insect Pests in Florida Sugarcane

Ron Cherry, Mabry McCray, Hardev Sandhu, and Michael Karounos

An Introduction to Some Common and Charismatic Florida Spiders

By E. C. Powell and L. A. Taylor

Florida has a rich diversity of spiders that vary greatly in body shape, size, color, hunting strategy, and habitat. While spiders are often feared, they are generally non-aggressive and provide essential ecosystem services, such as controlling pest insects in homes, gardens, and agricultural crops. This publication highlights some of the most commonly encountered spiders in Florida and some less common, but particularly charismatic, groups. The publication provides information on species biology along with images and descriptions for spiders across 15 families. Accompanying the publication is a downloadable educational coloring book focused on spiders, providing a creative way for people of all ages to appreciate the beauty and intrigue of spiders. 

Ants

P. G. Koehler, R. J. Vazquez, and R. M. Pereira

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Asian Malaria Mosquito Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901 (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Abdullah A. Alomar and Barry W. Alto

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Bark Beetle Cryphalus lipingensis Tsai & Li, 1963, (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

Yiyi Dong, Andrea Lucky, and Jiri Hulcr

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Bed Bugs and Blood-Sucking Conenose

P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, M. P. Lehnert, and J. Hertz

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Bees of Florida

James R. Weaver, Shiala M. Naranjo, Emily Noordyke, Rachel E. Mallinger

Biological Control Containment Facilities in Florida

W. A. Overholt, R. D. Cave, P. D. Pratt, P. C. Lake, and J. C. Scoles

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

Biting Flies

J. B. Pitzer, P. G. Koehler and J. W. Diclaro II

This document provides an overview of various biting flies in Florida, including no-see’ums, black flies, stable flies, horse flies, and deer flies. It details their life cycles, habitats, and the impact of their bites on humans and animals. The document also discusses control measures, such as environmental management, protective clothing, and the use of repellents and insecticides, to mitigate the nuisance and health risks posed by these pests. Publication date: April 1991

Bluetongue

Walter J. Tabachnick, Chelsea T. Smartt, and C. Roxanne Connelly

ENY-743 answers common questions about this viral disease of ruminant livestock transmitted by biting midges, the virus, clinical signs of bluetongue, economic impact, transmission, diagnosis, cure, distribution, presence in Florida, and prevention. Includes references.

Bottling, Labeling, and Selling Honey in Florida

Amy Vu, Jennifer Hagen, Nancy Gentry, James D. Ellis, and Mary Bammer

The intended audience is Florida beekeepers of all operation sizes from small scale to commercial. There are 5,000 registered beekeepers in the state, managing almost 700,000 colonies. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have updated their rules and regulations related to honey production and what falls under the "Cottage Food Law." This publication provides beekeepers with Florida’s updates, so they will be able to sell honey legally under this law.

Caterpillar Pests of Tiki Huts and Other Thatched Structures

Stephen H. Brown and Lyle J. Buss

Cattle Tail Lice

P. E. Kaufman, P. G. Koehler, and J. F. Butler

Chiggers

P. G. Koehler, F. M. Oi, and A. Chaskopoulou

This document provides an overview of chiggers, detailing their biology, life cycle, and the effects of their bites. Chiggers, or “red bugs,” are larvae of mites that cause intense itching and welts on human skin. They do not transmit diseases in Florida. The document explains their preferred habitats, methods for controlling infestations, and treatment options for bites, including the use of repellents and insecticides. Emphasis is placed on hygiene and protective measures to prevent chigger bites and manage affected areas. Publication date: May 1991.

Chilli Thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Management Practices for Florida Strawberry Crops

Gagandeep Kaur and Sriyanka Lahiri

This publication provides current management practices for chilli thrips in both conventional and organic strawberries as a guide for Extension agents and growers.

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Ambrosia Beetles

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Brown Soft Scale (Coccus hesperidum Linnaeus)

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Citrus Rust Mite and Pink Citrus Rust Mite (Phyllocoptruta oleivora Ashmead) (Aculops pelekassi Keifer)

L. M. Diepenbrock and J. D. Burrow

This publication is a brief description of the life cycle and damage of citrus rust mite and pink citrus rust mite. It is one publication in a series of quick guides to citrus pests. Each fact sheet is designed to be a quick reference of citrus pests for both residential and commercial industry audiences. 

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Diaprepes Root Weevil

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Orangedog (Papilio cresphontes)

L. M. Diepenbrock, K. L. Ray, and J. D. Burrow

This publication is a brief description of the life cycle and damage of the orangedog. It is one publication in a series of quick guides to citrus pests. Each fact sheet is designed to be a quick reference of citrus pests for both residential and commercial industry audiences.

Clothes Moths

R. J. Vazquez, P. G. Koehler, and R. M. Pereira

This document provides an overview of clothes moths, including the webbing clothes moth and the case-making clothes moth. It details their biology, life cycle, and the damage they cause to fabrics and natural fibers. The document emphasizes the importance of good housekeeping, proper storage, and various control methods such as cleaning, using airtight containers, and applying insecticides. It also highlights the use of pheromone traps for monitoring and the need for professional pest control in severe infestations. Publication date: January 1994.

Cockroaches and Their Management

P. G. Koehler, B. E. Bayer, and D. Branscome

This document provides a comprehensive guide on managing cockroaches in and around homes in Florida. It covers the identification of common species, their life cycles, and habitats. The document emphasizes integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including prevention, sanitation, exclusion, and chemical control. It highlights the importance of eliminating water and food sources, sealing entry points, and using baits, sprays, and dusts effectively. The guide also stresses the need for proper pesticide use and safety precautions to ensure effective and sustainable cockroach control. Publication Date: January 1994.

Common Grasshoppers in Florida

J. L. Capinera

This document provides an overview of common grasshopper species in Florida, highlighting their abundance, life cycles, and feeding habits. It introduces researchers and laypeople to various species, such as the Green Slantfaced Grasshopper, Southern Greenstriped Grasshopper, and Southern Lubber Grasshopper. The document also discusses the ecological roles of grasshoppers, their impact on crops and ornamental plants, and their unique behaviors, such as cannibalism and specific plant preferences. Date first printed: January 1992. 

Cómo hacer una trampa interceptora de chinches de cama de artículos comunes del hogar

Benjamin A. Hottel, Rebecca W. Baldwin, Roberto M. Pereira, y Philip G. Koehler

Creating Wildflower Habitats in Golf Course Out-Of-Play Areas

Rebecca Nestle, Grace Cope, Nicole Benda, and Adam G. Dale

Cultivar Selection in Tomato and Pepper Production

G. McAvoy and M. Ozores-Hampton

Dengue and Dengue Virus in Florida

Yasmin V. Ortiz, Daniel W. Pérez-Ramos, Eric P. Caragata, and Panpim Thongsripong

This publication provides an overview of dengue fever, focusing on its epidemiological landscape in Florida. Dengue, caused by dengue virus and transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, is a major global health concern. Florida has experienced local dengue transmissions, and the incidence of dengue is increasing in the state. The biology and ecology of the primary vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, play  important roles in the disease's transmission cycle. No vaccine and no specific antiviral treatments are yet available, and diagnosis is difficult because dengue symptoms overlap with those of other, similar febrile illnesses. Prevention and control strategies, such as mosquito management, are therefore crucial to mitigate disease risks. Alongside urbanization, climate change, and globalization, incidence of dengue is increasing in Florida. Continued vigilance and research will help to combat this public health threat.