Caseload has been high at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab over the last two weeks.  A summary of recent fruit crop insects reported to the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab can be found below:

Tent Caterpillars and Gypsy Moth Caterpillars: I saw a few final reports of tent caterpillars (both eastern & forest tent caterpillars) at the IDL in late June from northern Wisconsin.  These caterpillars were large and nearly ready to pupate, and the season for caterpillar damage is wrapping up.  Similarly, I continued to get reports of gypsy moth caterpillars from around the state, but caterpillars were large and pupae were also being spotted in many situations.  Overall, 2021 has shaped up to be a very strong year for the gypsy moth in many parts of Wisconsin.      

Rose Chafer: I had several reports of the rose chafer over the last two weeks, mostly from central Wisconsin.  This native scarab can skeletonize a number of fruit crops, such as tree fruits and grapes.  This species is restricted to parts of the state with sandy soil and activity tends to drop off by mid-July.

Japanese Beetles: Japanese beetles have started to emerge in force in parts of southern Wisconsin over the last two weeks.  Japanese beetle pressure is expected to increase over the next two weeks as additional adults emerge and begin feeding.  Japanese beetles can feed on a wide range of plants, including many fruit crops (tree fruits, grapes, cane berries, etc.), so growers should be actively scouting for this pest and managing as needed.  It’s still too early to tell how high Japanese beetle populations will be this year, but these beetles can often be abundant through August and into September.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: I’ve continued to receive reports of adult brown marmorated stink bugs over the last two weeks.  Cases have come from southcentral, west-central, and southeastern Wisconsin.  In addition, juveniles continue to be spotted, with first and second instar nymphs recently being spotted in southcentral Wisconsin.

This article was posted in Insects and tagged Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, gypsy moth caterpillar, Insect Diagnostic Lab, insects, Japanese Beetles, Rose chafer, tent caterpillar.