Ask IFAS: Featured Creatures collection (original) (raw)
Summary
Featured Creatures collection was founded in1996, a cooperative venture of the University of Florida's Entomology and Nematology Department and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Plant Industry. It provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms.
Editorial Team
- Elena Rhodes - Editor
- Kay Weigel - Editor
Publications
Showing 20 of 769 Publications
Citrus Nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb 1913) (Nematoda: Secernentea: Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae: Tylenchulinae)Nicholas S. Sekora and William CrowThis document provides a comprehensive overview of the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb 1913), including its discovery, distribution, physical characteristics, life cycle, host range, symptoms of infestation, economic impact, and management strategies. The nematode is a significant pest in citrus-growing regions worldwide, causing slow decline in citrus trees. Effective management practices, such as the use of resistant rootstocks and certified propagative plants, are crucial for mitigating the damage caused by this nematode and improving citrus production. Original publication date July 2012.
Anopheles squamosus (Theobald, 1901) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae: Culicine)Valerie T. Nguyen, Olivia R. Magaletta, and Yoosook LeeThe genus Anopheles, the marsh mosquitoes, comprises approximately 500 species, only a few of which are capable of transmitting malaria parasites. With the global consorted efforts to eliminate malaria, some regions and countries are in or are approaching the malaria elimination phase, but residual malaria transmissions still linger in other, malaria pre-elimination countries. These transmissions may be vectored by lesser-known mosquito species such as Anopheles squamosus, one of the most abundantly caught anopheline species in malaria vector surveillance studies in southern African countries. Though An. squamosus is predominantly recognized as a zoophilic species, it has been discovered to be highly anthropophilic in certain areas, particularly in Southern Zambia. Additionally, Plasmodium falciparum, the causal agent of human malaria, has been detected in An. squamosus. These factors position An. squamosus as a potential primary vector of malaria in some pre-elimination zones.
Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)Kaydie McCormick and Adam DaleMelanchroia chephise, commonly known as the snowbush spanworm or white-tipped black, is an occasional insect pest of snowbush shrubs and several other ornamental plant species. Found throughout the southern United States, these gregarious moth caterpillars can commonly be found defoliating their chosen hosts soon after they emerge en masse. The colorful appearance of the caterpillars may be alarming, but they pose little risk to people, and usually offer no lasting harm to the plants they feed on. The adult moths, with their black and white wings, can be an attractive addition to a pollinator garden. This publication describes how to identify this insect and provides in-depth information on its biology, development, and management.Featured Creatures collection was founded in1996, a cooperative venture of the University of Florida's Entomology and Nematology Department and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Plant Industry. It provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms.
Editorial Team
- Elena Rhodes - Editor
- Kay Weigel - Editor
Publications
Showing 20 of 769 Publications
Showing 10 of 10 Publications
Relapsing Fever Tick Ornithodoros turicata Dugès, 1876 (Acari: Ixodida: Argasidae)Moriah B. Garrison, Nicholas Canino, and Estelle M. MartinOrnithodoros turicata (Dugès, 1876), commonly referred to as the relapsing fever tick, is a soft tick species belonging to the family Argasidae. It is a key vector of Borrelia turicatae, a spirochete bacterium responsible for causing tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF). Known for its elusive behavior, O. turicata feeds rapidly and inhabits concealed environments such as caves, animal burrows, and cabins. These behaviors, combined with its role in transmitting relapsing fever, pose significant challenges for public health management and disease prevention efforts. While O. turicata is more commonly associated with the southwestern United States, it has been reported in parts of Florida, expanding its recognized range and relevance. This tick’s ability to survive for long periods without feeding and its ability to rapidly transmit pathogens during its short bloodmeals makes it an important vector for zoonotic diseases.
Rice Stink Bug, Oebalus pugnax (Fabricius) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)C. T. Camarozano and J. M. BeuzelinThe Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes the rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (Fabricius), a serious pest of a variety of crops, like many other stink bug species, but particularly rice plants. It is widespread through the southeastern United States, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Rice is the preferred host for all O. pugnax stages, and from early nymphs to reproductive adults, this insect is likely to abandon weedy host plants to go feed on developing rice kernels from heading rice plants, if the crop is found nearby.
Flatheaded Borers of the Genus Chrysobothris in Florida Blueberries (Insecta: Coleoptera: Buprestidae)Alexis G. Zapata, Esnai Munthali, and Oscar E. LiburdThe Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes flatheaded borers in the genus Chrysobothris, which are emerging pests for nursery plants, fruit crops, hardwood trees, and tree nut orchards, and which are of especial concern for blueberry producers in Florida. The publication describes the beetles' distribution and seasonality and their biology, as well as the damage they cause and some management strategies.