William A. Overholt

Wildland Weeds: Arrowhead Vine, Syngonium podophyllum

E. C. Morgan, W. A. Overholt, K. A. Langeland, and Brent Sellers

Phragmites in Florida

W. A. Overholt, R. Diaz, M. Hanson, D. Williams, B. A. Sellers, and J. P. Cuda

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. 

Tropical Soda Apple Leaf Beetle, Gratiana boliviana Spaeth (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)

Rodrigo Diaz, William A. Overholt, Ken Hibbard, and Julio Medal

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.

How Scientists Obtain Approval to Release Organisms for Classical Biological Control of Invasive Plants

J. Scoles, J. P. Cuda, W. A. Overholt, and C. R. Minteer

An invasive weed is a nonnative plant that exhibits rapid population growth following its arrival in a new environment where it did not evolve. The success of the weed in its new habitat is due in part to the absence of the natural enemies that normally limit its reproduction and spread in its native range. Classical biological control seeks to reunite an invasive weed with one or more of its co-evolved natural enemies to provide permanent control of the weed. 

Pepper Fruit Fly Atherigona orientalis (Schiner) (Insecta: Diptera: Muscidae)

Kenneth L. Hibbard, William A. Overholt, and James P. Cuda

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.

El crisomélido de tropical soda apple Gratiana boliviana Spaeth (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)

Rodrigo Diaz, William A. Overholt, Ken Hibbard, and Julio Medal

Este documento proporciona un perfil detallado del escarabajo tropical de la manzana de soda, Gratiana boliviana, un importante agente de control biológico. Cubre la biología, el ciclo de vida, la distribución y el papel del escarabajo en el manejo de la planta invasora de manzana de soda tropical en Florida. El artículo destaca la especificidad del escarabajo para su planta huésped, su eficacia en la reducción de la densidad de malezas y los beneficios económicos del uso del control biológico sobre los métodos químicos. La información está destinada tanto a legos con algunos conocimientos biológicos como a audiencias académicas. 

Wildland Weeds: Paper Mulberry, Broussonetia papyrifera

Eric C. Morgan, William A. Overholt, and Brent Sellers

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. This document discusses the invasive plant species, paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), detailing its historical significance, ecological impact, and current distribution. Originally used for paper production in ancient China, paper mulberry has become a widespread invasive species, disrupting natural vegetation across various regions, including Florida. The article highlights its ability to colonize disturbed areas, spread through fruits and root systems, and form dense thickets. It also provides identification features and recommendations for managing its spread. The document is part of the UF/IFAS Extension series on invasive plants. Publication date: March 2004.

Invasive Plants in Natural Areas: Solanum spp. in Florida

W. A. Overholt, S, F. Enloe, C. A. Minteer, L. T. Markle, and K. A. Langeland

This publication provides a guide to differentiate the invasive Solanum species, along with information about the ecology and management of each species. We have also included information on Jamaican nightshade and another relatively common species, Solanum capsicoides All. (red soda apple), both of which can easily be confused with the invasive Solanum species.

Aster leafminer moth Leucospilapteryx venustella (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

Rodrigo Diaz, Esteban Tapia, Veronica Manrique, William A. Overholt, and Donald Davis

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

Wetland Weeds: West Indian Marsh Grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis)

Rodrigo Diaz, William A. Overholt, Brent Sellers, and James P. Cuda

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Myakka Bug, Ischnodemus variegatus (Signoret) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Blissidae)

Cecil O. Montemayor, Rodrigo Diaz, William A. Overholt, Amanda Hodges, and James P. Cuda

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.

Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth, Cosmosoma myrodora (Dyar) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

Diego Moscoso, Rodrigo Diaz, and William A. Overholt

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.

Air Potato Leaf Beetle (Suggested Common Name), Lilioceris cheni Gressitt and Kimoto (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Criocerinae)

Ted D. Center and William A. Overholt

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.

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). This document provides a comprehensive overview of the American serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii. It covers the insect's life cycle, physical characteristics, and ecological impact, particularly its role as a pest in greenhouses and vegetable crops. The article details its host plants, damage caused by leaf mining, and natural enemies, including parasitoids. Management strategies such as sampling, insecticides, biological control, and cultural practices are discussed to mitigate its impact. The document is part of the UF/IFAS Extension's Featured Creatures collection, aimed at both laypersons and academic audiences interested in entomology. First published: July 2004.