John L. Capinera

Insecticides and Wildlife

John L. Capinera

Cornsilk Fly (suggested common name), Euxesta stigmatias Loew (Insecta: Diptera: Otitidae)

Gregg S. Nuessly and John L. Capinera

Natural Enemies and Biological Control

Hugh A. Smith, John L. Capinera, and Xavier Martini

Enemigos naturales y control biológico

Hugh A. Smith y John L. Capinera

Shortwinged Mole Cricket, Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus (Scudder); Southern Mole Cricket, Neoscapteriscus borellii (Giglio-Tos); and Tawny Mole Cricket, Neoscapteriscus vicinus (Scudder) (Insecta: Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae)

John L. Capinera and Norman C. Leppla

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.

American Grasshopper, Schistocerca americana (Drury) (Insecta: Orthoptera: Acrididae)

John L. Capinera and Jason M. Squitier

The American grasshopper, Schistocerca americana (Drury), occasionally causes serious damage to crops and ornamental plants, and their great abundance can be a nuisance. Fields can be invaded daily by the adult grasshoppers, which often roost at night in nearby trees and shrubs (Kuitert and Connin 1952). The short-winged nymphs are less mobile, of course, and normally reside within sunny fields, as the grasshoppers avoid shade. Their eggs are deposited in the soil.

Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Terrestrial Slugs of Florida (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora)

John L. Capinera

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.

Melon Aphid or Cotton Aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Eastern Bloodsucking Conenose, Triatoma sanguisuga (LeConte) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)

Morgan A. Byron and John L. Capinera

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.

Melonworm, Diaphania hyalinata Linnaeus (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

John L. Capinera

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

Lesser Cornstalk Borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Harsimran K. Gill, John L. Capinera, 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.

Black Cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Beet Armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

J. L. Capinera

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.

Eastern Lubber Grasshopper, Romalea microptera (Beauvois) (=guttata (Houttuyn)) (Insecta: Orthoptera: Acrididae)

J. L. Capinera and C. W. Scherer

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.

Imported Cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

J. L. Capinera

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

Cabbage Looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Rat Lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Chen, 1935) (Nematoda: Strongylida: Metastrongylida)

John Capinera and Heather S. Walden

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

Golden Tortoise Beetle, Charidotella (=Metriona) bicolor (Fabricius) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

J. L. Capinera

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. This document provides an overview of the golden tortoise beetle, Charidotella bicolor, including its distribution, life cycle, and description. Found primarily in eastern North America, this beetle is known for its distinctive golden metallic color. The article details the beetle's life stages, from egg to adult, and its feeding habits on plants in the Convolvulaceae family. It also discusses natural enemies and management strategies, emphasizing that while the beetle can cause defoliation, it is rarely abundant enough to be considered a significant pest.

Green Peach Aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Squash Bug, Anasa tristis (DeGeer) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coreidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

House fly, Musca domestica Linnaeus (Insecta: Diptera: Muscidae)

Hussein Sanchez-Arroyo and John L. Capinera

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. This document provides an in-depth profile of the house fly, Musca domestica Linnaeus, detailing its life cycle, distribution, and medical importance. Originating from central Asia, the house fly is now found globally, thriving in various environments. It undergoes complete metamorphosis and can produce numerous generations annually. House flies are significant pests, capable of transmitting pathogens and causing health issues. Effective management includes sanitation, traps, biological control, and selective insecticide use. The document emphasizes the importance of integrated fly control programs for maintaining public health and comfort. Original publication date August 1998.

European Earwig Forficula auricularia Linnaeus (Insecta: Dermaptera: Forficulidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

John L. Capinera

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 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. 

Rosemary Grasshopper Schistocerca ceratiola Hubell and Walker

John L. Capinera

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.

Armyworm, Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Sugarcane Borer, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Yellowstriped Armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli (Guenée) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

John L. Capinera

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. The yellowstriped armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli) is a common pest in the southeastern U.S., with a distribution extending from southern Canada to South America and the Caribbean. It undergoes three to four generations annually, with eggs laid in clusters and larvae initially gregarious before pupating in the soil. The larvae, which have variable coloration and distinct markings, feed on a wide range of crops and weeds, causing significant foliage damage. Natural enemies include various parasitoids and a nuclear polyhedrosis virus. Published: July 2001. 

American Serpentine Leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Insecta: Diptera: Agromyzidae)

John L. Capinera

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. This document profiles the American serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii, detailing its life cycle, physical characteristics, and ecological impact. Native to the eastern United States, this pest has spread globally, affecting greenhouse and vegetable crops. The article covers 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. 

Horsehair Worms, Hairworms, Gordian Worms, Nematomorphs, Gordius spp. (Nematomorpha: Gordioidea)

J. L. Capinera

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.

Ringlegged Earwig, Euborellia annulipes (Lucas) (Insecta: Dermaptera: Anisolabididae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Corn Earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Bean Leafroller, Urbanus proteus (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)

J. L. Capinera

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.

Garden Fleahopper, Microtechnites bractatus (Say) (Hemiptera: Miridae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Cowpea Curculio, Chalcodermus aeneus Boheman (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

John L. Capinera

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. This document provides an in-depth profile of the cowpea curculio, Chalcodermus aeneus Boheman, focusing on its distribution, life cycle, host plants, damage caused, natural enemies, and management strategies. The cowpea curculio primarily affects legumes in the southeastern United States, with significant damage to cowpea crops. The article details the insect's biology, including its overwintering habits, egg-laying process, larval development, and pupation. It also discusses various control methods, including insecticides, cultural practices, and biological control, highlighting the challenges in managing this pest effectively. Published: August 2001.

Granulate Cutworm, Feltia subterranea (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Melon Thrips, Thrips palmi Karny (Insecta: Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

J. L. Capinera

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.

Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

J. L. Capinera

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.

Saltmarsh Caterpillar, Estigmene acrea (Drury) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Sweetpotato Weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Brentidae)

J. L. Capinera

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. This document provides an in-depth profile of the sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius, highlighting its significance as a major pest of sweet potatoes globally. It covers the weevil's distribution, life cycle, host plants, natural enemies, and the damage it causes. Management strategies, including sampling, insecticides, cultural practices, biological control, and other methods, are discussed to mitigate the impact of this pest. The document aims to inform both laypersons with some biological knowledge and academic audiences about the challenges and solutions related to sweetpotato weevil infestations. First published 1998. 

Pepper Weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano and Cuban Pepper Weevil, Faustinus cubae (Boheman). (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Banded Cucumber Beetle, Diabrotica balteata LeConte (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Tobacco Budworm, Heliothis virescens (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

J. L. Capinera

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

Striped Blister Beetle, Epicauta vittata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Meloidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Terrestrial Snails (Phylum Mollusca, Class Gastropoda) Affecting Plants in Florida

John L. Capinera and Jodi White

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.

Southern Armyworm, Spodoptera eridania (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Giant African Land Snail in Florida

John L. Capinera

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

Vegetable Leafminer, Liriomyza sativae Blanchard (Insecta: Diptera: Agromyzidae)

John L. Capinera

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.

Grasshopper Nematode: Mermis nigrescens Dujardin, 1842

John L. Capinera

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. Published by Integrated Pest Management