The Unusual Oak Felt Scale

My friend Ron Rothhaas (Arbor Doctor, LLC, Cincinnati, OH) texted a series of images last week showing a pin oak (Quercus palustris) festooned with small, white structures superficially resembling insect cocoons. However, a closer look revealed the structures to be “ovisacs” of the Oak Felt Scale (OFS), Acanthococcus quercus (formerly Eriococcus quercus), family Eriococcidae.
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Authors
Joe Boggs

Willow Pinecone Galls Attract Attention

I received an email message this past weekend from Brad McBride (The Davey Tree Expert Co.) alerting me that Willow Pinecone Galls are reaching their full glory on their namesake host near the Everett Covered Bridge in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s certainly worth a visit to enjoy this picturesque wonder, and perhaps look at the bridge too.
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Authors
Joe Boggs

Ambrosia Gall Midge on Goldenrod

So-called galls on goldenrod (Solidago spp.) leaves produced in association with the midge fly Asteromyia carbonifera (family Cecidomyiidae) appear as white, circular structures on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces. As the galls mature, they develop a faint black ring near the outer edge making them look target-like.
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Authors
Joe Boggs

Big Buzzing Green June Beetles are Cruising Ohio Lawns

Extensioneers are receiving reports of Green June Beetles (Cotinis nitida, family Scarabaeidae) cruising lawns in Ohio. Despite the "June" in their common name, these native scarab beetles always make their annual appearance in July in Ohio. They typically gather en masse to terrorize gardeners, golfers, sunbathers, small children, and pets as they buzz over home lawns and golf courses.
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Authors
Joe Boggs