Oak Leaf Skeletonizer A leaf attacked by oak leaf skeletonizer (OLS) caterpillars is reduced to a veiny skeleton held in place by thin tissue of the upper leaf surface (Figure 1). Skull-like empty head capsules littering the lower leaf surface…

Small bagworms are feeding now. It takes careful inspection to detect small larvae wrapped in silk bags with pieces of leaf attached (Figure 1). Check small trees and shrubs that have a history of problems to see if the insects…

The ugly nest caterpillar, which is yellow-green with a dark head, is most commonly found on chokecherry and black cherry, but they will feed on other hardwood trees and some shrubs. These caterpillars spin dense, unsightly silk tents (Figure 1)…

As with many plant-feeding insects, the dogwood sawfly is one of those pests that rarely draws much attention but occasionally can be very destructive. A report of damage early this week provides a good opportunity to review this interesting and…

Yellow poplar weevils, also known as sassafras or magnolia weevils, are small black beetles that damage yellow poplar, sassafras, and magnolia. A distinct snout projecting from the front of the head occasionally causes them to be mistaken for ticks. Feeding…