Researchers are monitoring this notable greenhouse pest in northern Europe and Canada for the cut flower, vegetable and aquatic plant industries. Its native range is southern Europe, the eastern Mediterranean region, the Canary Islands, Syria and Algeria, but it has expanded its range to include other parts of Africa and the Middle East, northwest India, Europe, Canada and the United States. Recent survey detected adults in pheremone traps in 20 of the 26 Florida counties surveyed. This 11-page fact sheet was written by Stephanie D. Stocks and Amanda Hodges, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in910
Category: Ecosystems & Species
Phragmites in Florida (ENY860/IN898)
Phragmites are a tall, perennial, wetland grasses, occurring in both fresh and brackish waters. This 3-page fact sheet discusses the three genetic lineages, native, Gulf Coast, and Eurasian; and the threat posed to Florida ecosystems by an invasion of the exotic Eurasian type. Written by W. A. Overholt, R. Diaz, M. Hanson and D. Williams, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in898
Miner Bee, Chimney Bee Anthophora abrupta Say (EENY512/IN912)
These gregarious, yet solitary, ground-nesting bees are “…conspicuous as they noisily swing their ponderous bodies to and fro on the wing, arrive home and scramble into their burrows or come tumbling out headlong and dash off into the sunny fields, with all the exuberance of boys just out of school.” This 5-page fact sheet was written by Jason R. Graham, Jamie Ellis, Glenn Hall, and Catherine Zettel Nalen, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in912
The Bumble Bees of Florida, Bombus spp. (EENY050/IN207)
Bumble bees are easily recognized by the corbicula (pollen basket) on the hind tibiae in the females. They are beneficial insects that pollinate many native and ornamental plants. They can sting severely, so problem nests near human dwellings should be removed by experienced pest control operators. This 5-page fact sheet includes a key to the bumble bees in Florida. Written by Lionel A. Stange, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in207
Florida Woods Cockroach Eurycotis floridana (Walker) (EENY514/IN915)
This “peridomestic” organism can be found in structures near the home, such as storage areas, greenhouses, or shelter boxes for other structures such as water pumps. It is one of the species commonly referred to as palmetto bugs, and is also called a “stinkroach” or “skunk cockroach” due to its aromatic defensive secretions. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Christopher S. Bibbs and Rebecca W. Baldwin, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in915
Wildflowers Susceptible to Deer Damage in North Florida (WEC315/UW360)
One sure way to prevent deer damage to your landscape is to choose plants that deer do not like to eat. Unfortunately deer foraging preferences vary geographically and studies conducted with captive deer aren’t always accurate. So UF/IFAS wildlife researchers investigated the foraging preference of wild white-tailed deer at two sites in Gadsden County with high deer densities for two years. Of 11 wildlfowers tested, four were very susceptible to browsing: fringeleaf tickseed, Florida tickseed, coastalplain tickseed, and orange coneflower. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Holly K. Ober, Lucas W. DeGroote, James H. Aldrich, Jefferey G. Norcini, and Gary W. Knox , and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw360
Heliconia Bug Leptoscelis tricolor Westwood (EENY511/IN914)
Though not found in Florida, this insect has been used to examine insect behavior, sexual selection, plant-insect interactions, and color variation. Learn more in this 4-page fact sheet was written by Christine W. Miller, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in914
Baiting the Nine-banded Armadillo (WEC317/UW362)
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. Written by Holly K. Ober, Lucas W. DeGroote, and Russell F. Mizell III, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw362
A Wireworm Conoderus scissus Schaeffer (EENY509/IN911)
Conoderus scissus is the most abundant wireworm species found in sweet potato fields. Its preference for other crops is followed by peanut, cowpea, and corn. Learn more in this 4-page fact sheet written by Dakshina R. Seal, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in911
Common Green Bottle Fly Sheep Blow Fly Luciia sericata (Meigen) (Insecta: Diptera: Calliphoridae) (EENY502/IN903)
The common green bottle fly is a common visitor to carrion, feces, and garbage. Like many of the other blow flies, it plays an important role in forensic, medical and veterinary science. Larvae or maggots help forensic scientists to determine the period of insect colonization as it relates to the time of death, aiding law enforcement in their investigations. Medical treatment using maggot therapy can help to heal infections that are otherwise incurable. Learn more in this 5-page fact sheet written by Matthew Anderson and Phillip E. Kaufman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in903
Big-Eyed Bugs, Geocoris spp. (Insecta: Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) (EENY252/IN517)
Big-eyed bugs are among those insects receiving research attention in Florida (and elsewhere) for their value as predators. To aid in identification of big-eyed bugs in Florida, a key to adults and late instar nymphs is provided in this publication. This 6-page fact sheet was written by F. W. Mead, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in517
Florida Predatory Stink Bug (unofficial common name), Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) (EENY157/IN314)
The predatory stink bug is considered a beneficial insect because most of its prey consists of plant-damaging bugs, beetles, and caterpillars. It seldom plays more than a minor role in the natural control of insects in Florida, but its prey includes a number of economically important species. Learn more in this 5-page fact sheet written by Frank W. Mead and David B. Richman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in314
Common Sharks of Florida (SGEF146/SG062)
Florida’s shark population is diverse and includes species that range in size from only a few feet to more than 40 feet in total length. The following species are among the most common. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Florida Sea Grant, and published by the UF Department of Sea Grant, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg062
Una Guía para Convivir con Felinos Silvestres (WEC316/UW361)
En Belice, el Centro de Investigaciones de Campo Lamanai (CICL) y la Universidad de la Florida están estudiando los gatos usando trampas-cámaras las cuales se han colocado dentro de varios locales de terrenos privados. Contrario a lo que la gente considera, esta investigación sugiere que existe una mayor cantidad de felinos silvestres habitando cerca de las fincas. This 3-page informational brochure is the Spanish language version of A Guide to Living with Wildcats (WEC314/UW359). It highlights 5 species of wildcats living in the area of the study, tips for keeping livestock safe, and local contacts. Written by Venetia S. Briggs, Rebecca G. Harvey, Frank J. Mazzotti, and William M. Giuliano, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw361
A Guide to Living with Wildcats [brochure] (WEC314/UW359)
In Belize, the Lamanai Field Research Center and University of Florida are studying cats using camera traps placed in a variety of locations on private lands. This research suggests that more wild cats live near farms than people are aware of. This 3-page informational brochure highlights 5 species of wildcats living in the area of the study, tips for keeping livestock safe, and local contacts. Written by Venetia S. Briggs, Rebecca G. Harvey, Frank J. Mazzotti, and William M. Giuliano, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw359
A Flesh Fly Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart (Insecta: Diptera: Sarcophagidae) (EENY503/IN905)
Sarcophaga crassipalpis is commonly used in laboratories to study gene expression, diapause processes, and physiological processes. It also has a significant impact in other areas of science including parasitology and forensic entomology. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Lazaro A. Diaz and Phillip E. Kaufman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in905
Assessing the Survival of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt Pathogen in Wood Chips (FOR289/FR351)
What is the best way for homeowners to dispose of dead redbay trees to avoid spreading laurel wilt? This 4-page fact sheet summarizes a UF/IFAS study providing evidence that a simple technique — chipping the dead trees — can help contain the disease within a small area and that there is a low probability of long-distance movement of LW via wood chips. Written by Don Spence, Jason Smith, Albert Mayfield III, Jiri Huler, Randy Ploetz and Lukasz Stelinski, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr351
Goliath Grouper: Giant of the Reef (SGEF179/SG103)
Management of the goliath grouper, the largest member of the seabass family, has become an intensely debated issue in recent years. This 5-page fact sheet provides factual information on the biology and ecology of goliath grouper relevant to these issues. Written by John Stevely and Bryan Fluech and published by the UF Department of Sea Grant, September 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg103
Identification, Impacts, and Control of Ragweed Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) (ENH1187/EP448)
One of the worlds most invasive weeds, this member of the Asteraceae family is a problem in Africa, Australia, India, and is increasingly a problem in Florida. Learn more in this 10-page fact sheet was written by Robert H. Stamps, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep448
Wright’s Nutrush: An Invader of Seasonal Wetlands in Florida (SSAGR342/AG352)
This non-native sedge has been increasing in Florida wetlands. This 9-page fact sheet describes its distribution, history and impacts, ecological overview, integrated management and identification. Written by Colette C. Jacono, Kenneth A. Langeland, and Jeffrey Hutchinson, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag352