Description:
The InsectXaminer short video series hopes to increase the visibility of the beautiful world of insects, even those we consider to be pests in our managed landscapes. InsectXaminer will showcase the complexity of insect life cycles, cataloging as many life stages for each species as possible. The goal of this series is to provide professionals and land managers with footage that is helpful for learning the identification of insects throughout the season, rather than at any single point in their life cycle. Proper identification is key to successful management. If possible and caught on camera, important aspects of their biology and natural enemies will be revealed.
Join UMass Extension as we observe these incredible organisms and look into a world that, while it happens all around us, sometimes goes unseen!
Episodes:
Episode 1 - Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar)
Lymantria dispar has been in Massachusetts since the 1860's. This invasive insect from Europe often goes unnoticed, thanks to population regulation provided by the entomopathogenic fungus, Entomophaga maimaiga, as well as a NPV virus specific to Lymantria dispar caterpillars. (And to a lesser extent many other organisms, including other insects, small mammals, and birds who feed on Lymantria dispar.) However, if environmental conditions do not favor the life cycle of the fungus, outbreaks of these caterpillars are possible. (Such as most recently from 2015-2018, with a peak in the Lymantria dispar population in 2017 in Massachusetts.) Egg masses, caterpillars, pupae, and adults are showcased here. Certain aspects of field identification of fungus and virus infected caterpillars is also included.
Episode 2 - Lily Leaf Beetle (Lilioceris lilii)
Lily leaf beetle was first reported in the United States in 1992 in Cambridge, MA. This invasive insect from Europe and Asia is a pest of true lilies (Lilium spp.) and fritillarias (Fritillaria spp.). Daylillies (Hemerocallis spp.) are not hosts for lily leaf beetle. While this insect can be found on other plants (Solomon's seal, hostas, and others), it is not known to reproduce and complete its life cycle on these species and causes little damage. On true lilies, however, it can be a significant pest and cause extensive damage to many susceptible species and hybrids. Eggs, larvae, and adults are showcased here. Pupation occurs in the soil. An interesting defense strategy of the larvae is shown.
Episode 3 - Euonymus Caterpillar (Yponomeuta cagnagella)
The euonymus caterpillar was first reported in North America in 1967 in Ontario. This non-native insect is from Europe and is a pest of Euonymus spp. hosts such as European spindle tree (Euonymus europaea), spreading euonymus (E. kiautschovicus), and winged euonymus/burning bush (E. alatus). Interestingly enough, many of these species of euonymus are considered to be invasive plants. Larvae (caterpillars) feed on the leaves of these plants and can completely or partially defoliate their hosts. Extensive webbing created by the caterpillars is shown in a forest understory in Hampshire County, MA that was first invaded by the Euonymus spp. and then taken advantage of by the caterpillars. An infested specimen tree is also shown at a different location. Euonymus caterpillars mature into flying adult spindle ermine moths. Larvae, pupae, and adults are showcased here. Eggs are tiny and difficult to see.
Episode 4 - Imported Willow Leaf Beetle (Plagiodera versicolora)
The imported willow leaf beetle was first reported in the United States in 1911 in Staten Island, NY. This invasive insect is native to Europe and prefers willow (Salix spp.) but has also been recorded on poplar (Populus spp.). Common willow hosts include Salix nigra, S. lucida, S. alba, and S. interior. Adults feed on willow leaves by creating irregular notches or holes. Larvae skeletonize leaves. In warmer parts of this insect's introduced range, up to 4 generations per year have been reported. In New England, 2 generations per year are likely. Adults, eggs, and larvae are showcased here on an infested willow in Hampshire County, MA. Pupation has been reported in the literature as occuring on host plant leaves, but that was not observed at this location. When abundant, feeding from the imported willow leaf beetle can cause leaves to brown. Most trees can tolerate total defoliation from this insect, as long as it does not happen every year. Predators and parasites of various life stages of the imported willow leaf beetle are discussed.
Episode 5 - Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)
The spotted lanternfly was first detected in the United States in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014. This invasive insect is native to certain locations in southeast Asia. Spotted lanternfly adults and immatures feed on the sap of over 100 species of plants using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Tree-of-heaven, an invasive tree species, is a favored host of this insect. However, spotted lanternflies will also feed on maple, black walnut, grapes, and many other trees and shrubs and agriculturally important crops. These insects secrete a sugary, liquid excrement known as honeydew as they feed. Black sooty mold can then grow on top of locations that are covered in that honeydew. Honeydew will also attract stinging insects such as ants, bees, and wasps. The spotted lanternfly has the potential to impact vineyards, ornamental landscapes, and homeowner backyards not only by damaging plants (particularly grape) but also as a public nuisance. These insects are known to gather in large numbers, once established. This episode highlights the identification of the adults and egg masses of this insect. If found in Massachusetts, please report it here: https://massnrc.org/pests/slfreport.aspx . An episode highlighting the immature (nymph) stage of spotted lanternfly will be produced separately, once nymphs are again available for filming.
Episode 6 - Periodical Cicadas (Magicicada septendecim)
Brood XIV (14) periodical cicadas are emerging in parts of Barnstable and Plymouth Counties in Massachusetts for the first time in 17 years! The last time these insects were seen and heard above ground was in 2008 - and after 2025, we won't see or hear from them again until 2042! Brood XIV is also geographically located in parts of KY, GA, IN, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, and WV. Periodical cicadas were known to the native peoples of North America for centuries before Europeans arrived, but first recorded by European settlers in 1634. These insects are a wonder of nature, and should be respected and studied with awe; however, for a short time, they may feel like "pests" to some. Their main hosts are oak species and they emerge in large numbers in their broods which occur every 13-17 years, depending on the cicada species. Female periodical cicadas may girdle smaller saplings and twigs of their host plants when they oviposition (lay their eggs) in slits in the bark. Management of periodical cicadas is rarely warranted, with the exception of protecting newly installed, young trees with bird netting (or electing to delay planting until the year following expected brood emergence). Mature, well established trees typically tolerate and may even benefit from periodical cicada egg laying activity. (Acts as natural pruning.) Periodical cicadas provide a burst of resources in their ecosystems - they are food for birds, other insects and even fish. When they adults die, they return nutrients to the soil. Periodical cicadas are not a plague and their population should be protected.
Seeing periodical cicadas in 2025? Please take photos and share your observations here on MDAR's iNaturalist Mass Cicadas: Brood XIV Project!