Entomology and Nematology
The Department of Entomology and Nematology maintains tripartite priorities consistent with the mandate given to full-service landgrant universities and associated experiment stations: Research, Extension, and Academics. These programs are facilitated with state funding, extramural contract and grant funding, donations and gifts, and the collaborative efforts of cooperating agencies and institutions. The Department has coordinated faculty efforts and strengths into what could be considered major thrust areas for the Department. These areas of emphasis include: Behavior, Ecology, and Systematics; Biological Control; Medical, Veterinary and Urban Entomology; Nematology; Pest Management; and Physiology, Biochemistry, and Genetics.
Editorial Team
- Elena Rhodes - Editor
- Susan Gildersleeve - ICS Editor
- Andrew Short - Chair
RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS
Coccophagus lycimnia (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae): Parasitoid of Soft Scale Pests (Coccidae: Hemiptera)
IN1425/EENY-810by Salman A. Al-Shami and Jawwad A. QureshiMay 20, 2024The 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.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)
IN1427/EENY-812by Kaydie McCormick and Adam DaleMay 20, 2024Melanchroia chephise, commonly known as the snowbush spanworm or white-tipped black, is an occasional insect pest of snowbush shrubs and several other ornamental plant species. Found throughout the southern United States, these gregarious moth caterpillars can commonly be found defoliating their chosen hosts soon after they emerge en masse. The colorful appearance of the caterpillars may be alarming, but they pose little risk to people, and usually offer no lasting harm to the plants they feed on. The adult moths, with their black and white wings, can be an attractive addition to a pollinator garden. This publication describes how to identify this insect and provides in-depth information on its biology, development, and management.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Vector-Borne Rickettsia Pathogens
IN1418/ENY-2107by Yuexun Tian, Phillip E. Kaufman, and Cynthia C. LordApril 22, 2024The genus Rickettsia contains species that are important in human health as they cause several serious diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This publication summarizes the human-disease-causing pathogens in the genus Rickettsia in the United States and delivers general knowledge of their vectors and the diseases they cause. Prevention and management of disease-causing Rickettsia species, mainly for vector control agencies and entities, are also discussed. This publication is written for audiences of all ages and with any educational background and serves as a resource for public education.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Management of the Blueberry Gall Midge on Southern Highbush Blueberries in Florida
IN1414/ENY2105by Marice Lopez, Patricio Munoz, and Oscar LiburdMarch 21, 2024The blueberry gall midge (BGM) is one of the most important pests of southern highbush blueberries in Florida. Monitoring for BGM using clear sticky traps or bucket traps should begin as early as November. Chemical control should be applied right before bud break and then ten days after bud break, or when at least two BGM are found on traps. Other management practices include the use of younger mulch, using potentially resistant cultivars, and chemical control such as Movento with Induce and Apta in rotation to avoid resistance development. Applications should also be timed with larval and adult emergence for optimal insecticide efficacy. Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
Hibiscus Erineum Mite Aceria hibisci (Nalepa, 1906) (Arachnida: Acari: Eriophyidae)
IN1419/EENY-806by Mikinley Weaver and Adam DaleFebruary 27, 2024The 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.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
