UF/IFAS GLOBAL BLOGS
The very hungry caterpillar The tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) is not a worm. It is a caterpillar, a very hungry caterpillar. They are called hornworms because they have a harmless, red horn on their abdomen. These common garden pests are known for eating entire leaves off of… Read More
The giant swallowtail butterfly’s caterpillars are unmistakable. They look like bird droppings. These caterpillars feed on citrus plants hence the nickname “orange dog.” The caterpillar below is feeding on Hercules club. References Florida Museum of Natural History
Monarchs are big, showy orange butterflies. Seeing one skip through your garden inevitably brings a smile to both young and old. How can we lure these beauties to our back yard where we can enjoy the lift they… Read More
Are you being inundated by furry caterpillars and fuzzy white cocoons? You’re not alone! The tussock caterpillars are out in force and they can be quite a nuisance for folks living under or around heavy tree cover. They… Read More
Tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia spp.) Why the oak trees? Over the last couple of weeks, if you have oak trees, you have probably seen tussock moth caterpillars (Orgyia spp.). They crawl all over anything underneath the trees. Oak… Read More
Spring is the perfect time to add color to your landscape. A butterfly garden can accomplish this goal, and here’s what you need to do. First, find out what butterflies live in your area and concentrate on attracting… Read More
Spring is the perfect time to add color to your landscape. A butterfly garden can accomplish this goal, and here’s what you need to do. First, find out what butterflies live in your area and concentrate on attracting… Read More
By Ralph E. Mitchell For every pest, there always seems to be a pest of that pest – a predator, parasite or some type of beneficial organism – that suppresses any aforementioned pest to levels we can live… Read More
This little guy has been all over the news recently and can be found in our yards in Polk County. The puss caterpillar, the larvae of the Megalopyge opercularis (or southern flannel moth) is one of the most… Read More
The polyphemus moth is one of the largest and most beautiful silk moths. It is named after Polyphemus, the giant cyclops from Greek mythology who had a single large, round, eye in the middle of his forehead. The… Read More
