Russell Mizell III

Ladybirds, Ladybird beetles, Lady Beetles, Ladybugs of Florida, Coleoptera: Coccinellidae

J. H. Frank, R. F. Mizell, III

Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (=coagulata) (Germar) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae)

Tracy Conklin and Russell F. Mizell, III

The glassy-winged sharpshooter is a large leafhopper species native to the southeastern United States. It is one of the main vectors of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, a plant pathogen that causes a variety of plant diseases, including phony peach disease of peach and Pierce's disease of grape.

Black Stink Bug Proxys punctulatus (Palisot) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Celina Gomez and Russell F. Mizell III

Cypress Twig Gall Midge, Taxodiomyia cupressiananassa (Osten Sacken) (Insecta: Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

Celina Gomez and Russell F. Mizell III

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.

Cottonwood Leaf Beetle Chrysomela scripta Fabricius (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomela)

Amelio A. Chi and Russell F. Mizell III

The cottonwood leaf beetle, Chrysomela scripta Fabricius, is one of the most economically-important pests of managed cottonwood, aspen, and some poplar and willow species. Although it does not present a serious pest problem in forests, often it is a severe pest of urban ornamental trees. This leaf feeder has several generations each year, may cause extensive leaf loss, and can consequently reduce stem volume up to 70%.

Baiting the Nine-Banded Armadillo

Holly K. Ober, Lucas W. DeGroote, and Russell F. Mizell III

What is the tastiest treat to tempt an armadillo? Armadillos are one of the most significant nuisance pests in Florida and much of the Southeast. There are no repellents, toxicants, or fumigants registered for use with them. They are good at both burrowing beneath and climbing over fences. There are also no effective methods for baiting them into traps. So, the authors of this 3-page fact sheet set up a test to determine which materials have the greatest potential to serve as bait.

Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle, Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Insecta: Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Russell F. Mizell III

Western Leaffooted Bug Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coreidae)

Amelio A. Chi and Russell F. Mizell III

The Pecan Bud Moth: Pest of Nursery Stock and Transplanted Pecans

Russell F. Mizell, III

Forensic Entomology

Erika Andersen and Russell Mizell with Jessica Kochert and Joy Jordan

Forensics is a hot topic, with many movies and popular television shows (such as “CSI”) introducing youth to the tools, processes, and critical thinking skills needed to solve various crimes. Within this world, insects have a growing presence. The field of forensic entomology focuses on the information that insects provide investigators about the time, location, and criminal negligence within a wide variety of criminal cases. This curriculum is a tool for teaching youth grades 6–8 about the contributions that insects make to the world of forensics. This three-week series of lesson activities is designed for use in after-school programs, summer day camps, and 4-H clubs. However, this package also includes the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for teachers within formal classroom settings.

Brown Stink Bug Euschistus servus (Say) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Celina Gomez and Russell F. Mizell III

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brown stink bug, Euschistus servus, a significant pest in the southern U.S. It details the insect's life cycle, physical description, and the damage it causes to various crops, including peaches and pecans. The article also discusses the geographical distribution, feeding habits, and management strategies, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and using trap crops to control populations. The resurgence of brown stink bugs due to reduced pesticide use in major crops is highlighted, along with the economic impact on agriculture. Published: February 2009.

Sharpshooters, Leafhoppers, Cicadellidae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae)

Chris Tipping and Russell F. Mizell III

Mistaken Identities in the Ornamental Plant Nursery Sheet 2

Russ Mizell

This document describes beneficial or neutral insects, fungi, and other phenomena often mistaken for pests in ornamental plant nurseries. It aims to help nursery managers and homeowners with proper identification for informed management decisions. Key examples include predaceous stink bugs, lady beetle larvae, sooty mold, nitrogen-fixing nodules, slime molds, and bird’s nest fungi. The publication emphasizes the importance of distinguishing these beneficial organisms from actual pests to avoid unnecessary treatments. Original publication date February 1997.

Rice Bug (suggested common name) Leptocorisa acuta (Thunberg) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Alydidae)

Amelio Chi Serrano, Russell F. Mizell III, and Morgan A. Byron

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.

Clover Mite Bryobia praetiosa Koch

Celina Gomez and Russell F. Mizell III

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

Crapemyrtle Aphid, Tinocallis kahawaluokalani (Kirkaldy) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae)

John Herbert and Russ F. Mizell

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

Green Stink Bug, Chinavia hilaris (Say) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Celina Gomez and Russell F. Mizell

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.

Granulate Ambrosia Beetle Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

Thomas. H. Atkinson, John L. Foltz, Robert. C. Wilkinson, and Russell F. Mizell

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.