The tiny moth, Ectoedemia platanella (Family Nepticulidae), is generally called the Sycamore Leaf Blotch Miner for the lifestyle of the caterpillars on their namesake host, American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). Although various online references indicate the caterpillar’s host range includes other members of the Platanus genus, I’ve only ever found them on American sycamore.

So-called “Oak Flake Galls” are produced under the direction of a tiny wasp with a big scientific name, Neuroterus quercusverrucarum (syn. N. floccosus, family Cynipidae). The wasp’s host range appears to be confined to oaks belonging to the white oak group.

Cleveland Urban Forestry, Cleveland Division of Park Maintenance, Cleveland Metroparks, and The Ohio State University Extension Team Up to Teach employees to ‘SPOT’ Spotted Lanternfly.

Several stem galls on oaks (Quercus spp.) that are produced under the direction of gall wasps (family Cynipidae) are called “bulletgalls” owing to their bullet-like shapes. Two of the most common found in Ohio are Rough Oak Bulletgalls induced by the cynipid wasp, Disholcaspis quercusmamma, and Round Oak Bulletgalls induced by D. quercusglobulus.

Devotees of Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) commonly view Oleander Aphids (Aphis nerii) with disdain. After all, this is the time of the season when we see hordes of the non-native yellow aphids on milkweed (Asclepias spp.) plants "reserved" for monarch butterfly caterpillars. Of course, Mother Nature takes no reservations, even for royalty.

Tree of Heaven has produced its seed pods. Now is a great time to scout and identify its location. And remember, Tree of Heaven is a preferred host of Spotted Lanternfly.

Check out this week's Turf Team Times (TTT) that was recorded on Friday, August 5, 2022. Contributors included: Dr. David Shetlar; Todd Hicks; Dr. David Gardner; and Dr. Ed Nangle. 

Check out this week's OSU Turfgrass Times and learn more about the internship opportunities in Ohio, nationally and internally for OSU students and a fellowship opportunity too.

I was unaware of the existence of the Grass Lace Bug (Leptodictya plana, family Tingidae) until I found a damaging infestation late last week in southwest Ohio on ‘Little Bunny’ dwarf fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides, family Poaceae). The normally dark green blades had a bleached-out appearance with some blades turning brown.

Kelleys Island State Park Campground and Kelleys Island Field Station host Science Saturdays. Last Saturday, July 30th, 2022, the topic was Spotted Lanternfly presented by The Ohio State University Erie County Extension.