The following insects were reported to the Insect Diagnostic Lab the UW-Madison as being active in the state, and have the potential to impact fruit production in the region. If you would like more information about the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab, you can visit our website.

Tent Caterpillars (both Eastern tent Caterpillar and Forest tent Caterpillar) are active.  Based on the size of larvae recently spotted, feeding should nearly be done in the southern part of the state.  More northern locations may still see some activity over the next few weeks.

Rose Chafer is associated with areas of sandy soil.  The first reports for the year have come in to the UW Insect diagnostic lab in the last week.  This pest can feed on some fruit, such as grapes and tree fruit.  There is usually a short period of activity of 2-3 weeks, so damage only occurs for a short period of time.

Scale insects (such as Lecanium scales) had a great year in 2015, and I’m still getting reports of honeydew production this spring.  These insects can attack hardwood landscape trees and also fruit trees.

Speckled Green Fruitworm was very abundant and widespread in 2015, but has been quieter in 2016.  A report came in this week from Door County.

This article was posted in Insects and tagged Insect Diagnostic Lab, insects, PJ Liesch, Rose chafer, scale insects, speckled green fruitworm, tent caterpillar.