The bladder-like galls produced the Sumac Gall Aphid are becoming evident on the leaflet midveins of its namesake host in southwest Ohio. They currently measure between around 1/4" to 1/2" in diameter and their size coupled with their light green color can make them difficult to detect.

Ailanthus Webworm caterpillars feed exclusively on the non-native, highly invasive, misleadingly named Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima, family Simaroubaceae). The webworms are the larval (caterpillar) stage of a beautiful ermine moth (Family Yponomeutidae). In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful moths found in Ohio.

I post a BYGL Alert each year about Dogbane Beetles because the beetle's light-blending artistry makes it one of the most beautiful beetles found in Ohio. Enjoying these shimmering living gems on their namesake host is the entomology equivalent to "stop and smell the roses."

Fruit cracking of sweet cherries is a problem this year in some areas of Ohio due to prolonged, excessive moisture.

First generation galls produced by the Cypress Twig Gall Midge Fly are nearing maturity and are very apparent on baldcypress in southwest Ohio. The spongy, snow-white galls are most commonly found on baldcypress where heavy galling may occur year-after-year on highly susceptible trees. Galls may also arise to a lesser degree on pond cypress.

A question about flies buzzing a tuliptree prompted a site visit that revealed honeydew produced by tuliptree aphids was responsible for fly-by. However, the flies weren't untouched free-loaders. There were being infected by a fly-killing fungus.

Last year was an active year for gypsy moth in Ohio, especially what I was seeing personally in Lucas County (Toledo, Ohio). Earlier this season, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) treated ten identified blocks in Lucas County. There were also treatments made across the state for both larval control and mating distribution at part of the national program coordinated in Ohio by ODA. Information on the treatments made by ODA, including maps, can be found on their website at: https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/divisions/plant-health/gypsy-moth-program/gypsy-moth-program  Additionally...

The handiwork of the sunflower headclipping weevil (Haplorhynchites aeneus) is just getting underway this season on purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) in southwest Ohio. The damage includes dangling seed heads and stems that looked like soda straws.

When we think of cactus we often think hot and dry, maybe somewhere like Arizona, but not necessarily the buckeye state. It is exciting to see people's reaction when they learn they can grow a cactus in Ohio and that it will winter over and return year after year. The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa) performs well in full sun and extremely well drained soils. Plant placement is very important as moist or wet soils can pose significant problems. In a year like we have been experiencing, even the most ideal spots could be a little troublesome in 2019 with all of the rain we have been...

On Friday, June 21, 2019, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry (DOF) celebrated the 40th Anniversary of their Urban Forestry Assistance Program at a Forum held at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds. ODNR Director Mary Mertz welcomed the audience attending a program developed to celebrate the last 40 years, and look forward to the next 40+ years.