Larvae of various Tortricid moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) are well-known pests to fruit and nut growers, but less considered in vegetables. Here is a quick list of some economically important species in this group:
Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana)
Fruittree Leafroller (Archips argyrospila)
Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)
Filbertworm Moth (Cydia latiferreana)
Strawberry Fruit Worm aka Omnivorous Leaftier (Cnephasia longana)
These small, bland colored moths are nearly undetectable in the landscape, but their larvae can cause billions of dollars of economic damage. Leaves are rolled or tied to provide shelter for developing larvae. Crop damage from this group can occur ‘from root to fruit’. Read more and see photos below…
Another attention-grabber headline this month is the hatch of periodical cicadas in the eastern US. “Brood IX” is a 17-year assemblage that was expected, but there are “stragglers” from other groups of 13-year cicadas that are actually 4 years early. This year is unusual because the groups consist of many different species (all in genus Magicicada) and appear to be overlapping geographically. Confused yet? Me too, so I refer you to http://magicicada.org/magicicada/ if you’re interested.
Sounds are produced by specialized structures called tymbals, and can exceed 100 decibels! If you’ve never been lucky(?) enough to hear one, enjoy this video clip:
Cicadas are not ‘locusts’ ( which are a behavioral adaptation of grasshoppers). They’re more closely related to leafhoppers and spittlebugs.
Common cicadas have life cycles between 3 and 5 years. Nymphs (immatures) live underground and feed on tree roots.
If you see a green cicada, it is not a periodical species.
Emergence in the PNW may be related to rainfall: Chatfield-Taylor, W. and Cole, J.A. 2017. Living rain gauges: cumulative precipitation explains the emergence schedules of California protoperiodical cicadas. Ecology 98: 2521-2527.
We do, in fact, have cicadas in Oregon, but they do not occur at nuisance levels. There are ~ 30 species in our region; one of the most encountered is Okanagana oregona (pictured at right).
2021
News & Updates re: Brood X
ARTICLE A great summary by the Entomological Society of America re: Brood X impact, coverage by media, tracking apps, interviews with leading experts, and even a music video! Aug 12, 2021, ESA
VIDEO (00:02:30) Great quality footage and overview, and a University of MD. Emeritus professor describing them as ‘delightful‘. SOURCE: May 17 2021, Reuters
One of my favorite other ‘hats’ is being an Entomology educator for K-5 and guest speaker for Education students who are doing their teaching practica. I was serving in this role last week, and thought I should mention cicadas to the kids, just in case. The morning after our Zoom visit, the teacher sent this picture of a newly eclosed cicada they spotted on a tree. Great catch, Little Wolverines, and I’m so proud of you for being observant!!
There are many black and yellow wasps in Oregon. Proper identification is important before reporting. Here are some ID tips:
This wasp is very LARGE! 1.5″ to 2″ long
It has a striped abdomen, yellow head, and black eyes
The thorax (where wings attach) is black
Predator of many large-bodied insects (grasshoppers, beetles, etc.)
Potential serious threat to honeybees
Ground-nesting, active from May to August
Detected in August 2019 British Columbia (eradicated); 0 confirmed sightings to date in Oregon. 4 confirmed sightings (dead) in Washington state + 1 active nest – read news articles from October 2020;
*** NEW ! *** An Extension publication is now available highlighting identification, effect on honey bees, invasion potential, and more. CLICK THE PHOTO to access the publication. Photo credit: Chris Hedstrom, Oregon IPM Center
OTHER REGIONAL RESOURCES
There are a number of regional experts who can offer advice, answer questions, and field suspected reports of sightings. Please consult the OSU Extension publication for ID tips, answers to common questions, etc. Early detection is key to limit the effects of invasive species.
Ask-an-Expert – Featured question from homeowner, answered by OSU faculty (AUG 2022)
View this factsheet from ODA’s Insect Pest Prevention and Management program (.pdf, updated MAY 2020)
Read this opinion by a Distinguished CSU Professor about why ‘murder hornet’ is an unfair name for a generalist predator.
“It is certainly something to be … watchful for … [but]… I don’t think there’s a need for panic at all” ~ Eric Lee-Mader
Lee-Mader is a pollination conservation expert with the Xerces Society and has worked with AGH in Japan. Quotes extracted from his 4 MAY 2020 interview with KGW8 News, available here.
