Lanternflies: vandals in vineyards, beauties in Borneo

 

 

Over the past several years, we learned much about the mischief caused by the spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, as it spreads, continuing its depredations of vineyards, and creating problems such as fouling plants with honeydew, attracting stinging insects, and generally freaking-out humans with its vast numbers and bumbling behaviors. To see another side of lanternflies, we return to Borneo, a biodiversity hotspot where last week we met a fascinating collection of millipedes and centipedes.  

Lanternflies belong to a group of insects known as the Hemiptera. Unlike caterpillars or beetles that munch leaves with jaws, Hemiptera use soda-straw-like sucking mouthparts to remove sweet phloem sap from plants. Immature feeding stages of Hemiptera are called nymphs, rather than larvae. Within the taxonomic order Hemiptera, lanternflies belong to a family called Fulgoridae. How do fulgorids come by the name lanternfly? One account has it that famed German naturalist and illustrator Maria Sibylla Merian coined the moniker “lanternfly” after encountering these strange insects with bizarre ornamentation on their heads while on an expedition to Surinam in the early 1700s. She mistakenly believed these adornments could produce light at night, perhaps for the purpose of mating. If you look at the images herein, it certainly looks like those horns could light up, right? Alas, they don’t emit light, but the name lanternfly has stuck to this day.

A nighttime walk in the rainforest provides an exciting chance to search for lanternflies. A pair of ghost-like Pyrops sultanus rest on the trunk of a tree. In the morning light their magnificent head decoration is revealed. One look at the bulb on the tip of Pyrops intricatus’ headgear explains why they were believed to be luminescent. A bright blue horn decorates the head of Pyrops whiteheadi and for obvious reasons some call Zanna nobilis the crocodile lanternfly. A pretty Penthicodes lanternfly rests on reed near the riverbank. Nothing goes to waste in the rainforest. Once their time in the rainforest is through, ants quickly recycle the remains of lanternflies.

As we learned with spotted lanternfly, these sap-feeders excrete vast quantities of the carbohydrate rich waste product known as honeydew. We also learned that several stinging insects, hornets, yellow jackets, paper wasps, and even honeybees are attracted to trees infested with lanternflies to gather honeydew, a food for themselves and their brood. Do Bornean lanternflies produce honeydew attractive to other creatures? You bet they do. Some of the species depicted in this episode in the genus Pyrops participate in an ecological association known as trophobiosis, a deal between different organisms where one produces food for another. The species providing food is called a trophobiont. Observations by naturalists and researchers revealed that lanternflies are attended by geckos and cockroaches. Assuming a post near the derriere of lanternflies, they collect sweet honeydew as it Is produced. Clever beasts. Scientists today still remark that little is known about the biology and ecology of lanternflies. Hopefully, enough unique rainforest habitats can be saved to prevent the loss of these gorgeous creatures and their compatriots in Bornean rainforests and other biodiversity hotspots around the world.

Acknowledgements

We thank our dauntless guides, Leo on the Kinabatangan River, Larry at Mulu National Park and Oliver at Tabin Wildlife Reserve for braving the rivers and rainforest trails to help us find insects. The keen eyes of Dan, Kristie, Bob, Pat, and Paula helped spot lanternflies featured in this episode. The interesting articles “Review of the effusus group of the Lanternfly genus Pyrops Spinola, 1839, with one new species and notes on trophobiosis (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoridae) by Jérôme Constant, and “The Beauty of Life – Lantern Flies” by Aub Podlich contributed greatly to this article, as did images provided by Chien C. Lee at Wild Borneo Photography.

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With terrestrial insect life in the wild mostly battened down for winter in much of North America, it’s time to get out of town to warmer places. We head to the tropics to meet some of the most fascinating arthropods on the planet. First stop, Borneo, the third largest island on earth where we visit Gunung Mulu National Park and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. At some 130 million years of age, the Bornean rainforest is one of the oldest and most diverse places on the planet. Populated by some 10,000 species of plants that provide food and homes for an estimated 3,000 species of arthropods, Mulu and Tabin are ideal locations to discover insects and their allies.

Year-round warmth and stupendous rainfall make tropical rainforests one of the most productive ecosystems on earth and this phenomenal bounty of plant material provides untold opportunities for many of Mother Nature’s most important recyclers. Premier amongst the arthropod recyclers are millipedes, a coterie some 400 million years old. These detritivores shred and consume organic matter including mosses, algae, fallen trees, and decaying vegetation that carpet the forest floor.

Millipedes belong to the subphylum of the arthropods called Myriapoda, those with “many feet.” Do they really have a thousand feet? Nah, they don’t really have feet, but they do have legs and the record number of legs for a millipede is somewhere north of 700. However, most millipedes have fewer than 400 legs. As millipedes molt and grow, body segments with two pairs of legs are added.

Millipedes live many years and can produce hundreds of offspring during their lifetime. Millipedes do not bite or sting, but several species such as those we met in a previous episode secrete noxious chemicals from glands lining the margins of their body. Noxious chemicals are not the sole defense of these rainforest recyclers. Some like the giant pill millipedes can curl into a ball, tucking their head and vulnerable underbelly beneath a sphere of hard armored plates impenetrable to many rainforest predators.

But danger prowls the rainforest floor in another member of the myriapod clan, Pacific giant centipedes. These fierce predators bear but one pair of legs on each body segment. Two highly modified legs just beneath the head called toxicognaths are poison claws which deliver a highly toxic, lethal bite to hapless prey, including many arthropods and some small vertebrates. In addition to millipedes, spiders, scorpions, mice and lizards may be on menu.

Centipedes locate prey by sensing vibrations in the surrounding substrate. Once detected, a vicious assault ensues. First, a potential meal is snared by legs near the head of the centipede and then embraced with several sets of legs while the toxicognaths inject venom into the prey. While the venom takes effect, the perfidious embrace prevents the prey’s escape. Once subdued, the prey is chopped into small pieces by two pairs of jaws and the tasty meal enters the centipede’s maw. Pacific giant centipedes now occupy several continents and dozens of islands around the world.

Should you have the good fortune to encounter one of these carnivorous creatures, use caution. The poison-claw-pinch of the centipede is extremely painful and is potentially lethal, so if you encounter one, please avoid the urge to cuddle it. Next week, we return to the rainforest to meet more six-legged wonders.

A walk in the Bornean rainforest reveals strange serenades and a rich assortment of millipedes, key recyclers of organic matter. Along a shady boardwalk a pair of red millipedes (Trachelomegalus) get romantic and glam for the camera. Nearby, “noodle” millipedes (Pseudodesmus) cluster on a decaying log. Romance is also afoot on the forest floor where tractor millipedes (Stenoniodes) get it on. When harassed by a predator or bug geek, giant pill millipedes (Sphaerotheriida) go armadillo and curl into a defensive ball. But danger awaits these recyclers and other small animals in the form of giant predacious centipedes (Scolopendra). The underslung venomous claw of centipedes delivers a lethal puncture to prey or fiercely painful and potentially life-threatening wound to humans.   

Acknowledgements

Several offerings by iNaturalist and Wikipedia were used to prepare this episode as were “An Introduction to Insects” by D. J. Borer, D. M. DeLong, and C. A. Triplehorn, and “Secret Weapons” by T. Eisner, M. Eisner, and M. Siegler.  We thank our intrepid guides, Larry at Mulu National Park and Oliver at Tabin Wildlife Reserve for braving the rainforest after dark and Dan, Kristie, Bob, Pat, and Paula for spotting, wrangling, and documenting creatures featured in this episode.   

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Chemical and non-chemical pest control solutions don’t have to be mutually exclusive. A balanced approach and meticulous attention to safety ensures optimal results.  

Pest control has played a pivotal role in contributing to healthy living environments and public health for many years. The practice has come a long way since ancient Sumerians first discovered that sulfur could kill insects in 2500 B.C. Modern pest control solutions effectively protect health and hygiene in residential and commercial settings in addition to safeguarding crops on farms and in gardens.  

When it comes to tackling any type of pest problem, people can choose from three primary approaches: chemical, non-chemical, or a responsible blend of the two. Both chemical and non-chemical pest control offer benefits and drawbacks. Working with trained professionals can ensure the safest use of chemical treatments and the most effective use of non-chemical strategies.  

With decades of experience in providing effective, eco-friendly pest control in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, Catseye Pest Control understands that delicate balance. Let’s explore both pest control approaches to help you better understand what may be right for your home or business.  

The Chemical Approach 

Chemical pest control has roots that literally span thousands of years of history. In the 1600s, arsenic and nicotine were popular options for controlling insect infestations. By the 1920s, it became clear that pesticides were hazardous, expensive, and often poisonous to beneficial plants. Beginning in the late 1930s, synthetic pesticides hit the market, with DDT serving as a significant breakthrough in chemical pest control. 

Today, modern chemical pest control has made great strides. Low-dose options and safety standards make chemical pest control treatments safer than ever when used according to recommendations found on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). With proper use, chemical treatments effectively eliminate challenging pest infestations with minimal risk to people, pets, and the environment. 

Effectiveness 

Chemical control of pests incorporates a broad category that includes fungicides, which kill fungi that can damage crops and create health concerns. This segment also includes herbicides that control plants, insecticides that control insects, and rodenticides that control rodents.  

In short, chemical control methods have been used for centuries because of their efficacy. Chemical measures typically work quickly to bring pest populations under control efficiently and with minimum fuss. In turn, chemical control yields: 

• Improved crop productivity and reduced losses  
• Control of vector-borne diseases, including malaria, for livestock and humans 
• Improved food quality 
• Better maintenance of grounds for entertainment venues, residential facilities, and commercial properties 
• Protection of wooden structures from wood-boring insects like termites 

Convenience 

Easy application is a big draw. Chemical pesticides may come in various forms, including baits, sprays, granules, and fumigants. Although care must be exercised when applying chemical pesticides, these solutions typically produce significant results in as little as one application.  

Residual Action 

Pesticides come in two main forms: residual and nonresidual. Nonresidual pesticides work immediately and dissipate in a relatively short period. Aerosol sprays, contact insecticides, and many pyrethrum-based formulas are nonresidual.  

Other pesticides remain effective over a longer period. These pesticides leave a residue — hence, the term residual — that keeps working over time. The length of time the chemicals last depends on the surfaces where the chemicals are applied, and the formulas used. The effects of residual benefits can be tremendously helpful in controlling otherwise challenging pests. 

Drawbacks 

Safety concerns are the chief drawback of using chemical pest control measures. Exposure to some pesticides can cause serious health effects in humans and animals. Organic compounds like DDT can pollute lakes and other bodies of water and damage fish, birds, and other lifeforms that rely on those waters. Other potential drawbacks include: 

• During application, chemical pesticides can unintentionally move through water or air to negatively impact the environment, animals, and people. 
• Chemicals may change form, which increases health and environmental complications. 
• The potential exists for insects and other pests to avoid the chemicals or become immune to them over time, making the process ineffective. 

The potential negatives associated with chemical pest control underscore the importance of working with trained, licensed professionals. 

The Non-Chemical Approach 

In 1962, questions were posed about the safety of chemical pest control and the adverse effects of its use. Silent Spring, a book by Rachel Carson, created public awareness of pesticide safety and eventually led to public policy changes throughout the following decade. Integrated pest management (IPM) gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s and formed the basis of the protocols that many pest control companies rely on today.  

Like the chemical approach to pest control, non-chemical options also offer pros and cons that consumers must consider when choosing pest control methods. 

Environmentally Friendly 

Non-chemical pest control doesn’t rely on chemicals at all to eliminate pest problems. Instead, these methods rely on plants, herbs, natural elements, and the use of natural predators as methods of pest control. These treatments are specifically designed to provide effective results without harming the environment. 

Sustainable 

Eco-friendly pest control methods have a lower carbon footprint than their chemical counterparts. They won’t damage the ecosystem or contaminate the surrounding soil. These methods don’t kill indiscriminately and have a lower risk of harming plants, beneficial insects, or other animals. The sustainability of non-chemical pest control measures allows owners to effectively control pests using options that are typically plant-based or otherwise natural. 

Reduced Resistance 

With heavy or regular use of chemicals, pests can develop resistance. This makes those pest control methods less effective over time. In contrast, non-chemical methods have a low risk of resistance because they are made from natural sources. In turn, these methods may be useful for long-term results, particularly when used in conjunction with preventive measures like commercial or residential exclusion systems. These systems provide long-term, chemical-free barriers to prevent pests from entering protected areas. 

Effectiveness and Time-Consuming 

Non-chemical methods often take more time to achieve results. Using pest-proofing methods, setting human traps, and using biological or temperature controls can all lead to effective results. However, they typically take longer to control infestations and may require additional work, such as staff members who must check traps and relocate pests.  

Striking a Balance 

In an ideal world, non-chemical pest control would be enough to solve every problem, but that isn’t always the case. Chemicals aren’t always the answer, but sometimes they must be used to eradicate the problem at hand. What’s the solution? As with so many things in life, balance is the key to achieving successful, safe pest control. Routine monitoring, like the coverage achieved with Catseye’s premium home protection, combined with a balanced approach to pest control using integrated pest management can offer a win-win proposition.  

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 

IPM is a science-based approach to pest control that is designed to offer a sustainable solution. It combines various approaches, including physical, biological, cultural, and chemical approaches. IPM strategies provide a way to effectively control pests while reducing risks to the environment and the health of people and animals. It features a multi-step process that relies on sound decision-making along the way to achieve the best results with the least amount of harm. 

For example, Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems provide a chemical-free IPM approach. This permanent, rigid barrier prevents pests from entering protected areas. Additionally, preventive measures such as environmental modifications, like removing debris piles and standing water, also provide effective non-chemical pest control.  

Eco-Friendly Chemicals 

Manufacturers have made great strides in creating environmentally friendly pesticides with lower toxicity levels and improved targeting. Pest control technicians use these chemicals as a last resort to achieve the necessary control, using careful techniques to ensure minimal harm to the environment and its inhabitants.  

The Catseye Difference 

All Catseye pest professionals are certified and licensed by the state to perform their services. Every member of the team follows robust safety and effectiveness protocols. This allows us to ensure your pest problems are solved while keeping people and pets safe. Many of our technicians pursue and obtain higher licensing to ensure Catseye remains the Best of the Best. 

Our certified technicians undergo thorough training from our in-house entomologist. They also attend training sessions led by industry experts, complete online courses, and partake in hands-on instruction in the field. Additionally, Catseye is committed to ongoing education. We host monthly training events in a classroom setting and our service management conducts regular one-the-job training and coaching. 

Catseye’s balanced approach is so effective because we customize our treatment strategies to each individual property and situation. Every treatment begins with a detailed inspection of the property, including: 

• Assessing conditions 
• Evaluating contributing factors 
• Determining the location of current pests 
• Applying a deep understanding of species behaviors and pest contributors 

Our technicians never spray indiscriminately. We work to remove environmental contributors and apply preventive measures in addition to localizing necessary treatments to ensure safety and effectiveness. 

Schedule an Inspection with Pest Control Experts You Can Rely On 

Chemical pest control has come a long way, as have non-chemical options. Ultimately, every pest infestation is unique and requires tailored treatment plans. Many situations require knowledgeable professionals to determine the best possible treatment options. Catseye approaches every property and situation with a combination of concern for safety and the use of environmentally friendly solutions.  

It all begins with a thorough, free inspection to determine what pests are infesting the area, how they are entering the premises, and other relevant details. Schedule your free inspection today or call us at 888-292-6894 to learn more.  

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Decorating homes and gifts with tiny sprigs of holly leaves and berries dates back to the Roman holiday of Saturnalia, the festival honoring Saturn at the time of the winter solstice. Saturn, the god of agriculture, abundance, and renewal reassured Romans that the darkness of the winter season would be followed by yet another year of light, prosperity, and plenty. And as we decorate our homes and gifts with holly, Mother Nature’s bounty of beautiful bright red berries on the holly tree attract many fascinating feathered friends such as mocking birds, blue jays, and cardinals to a winter feast. The berries provide a nutritious meal and, in return, the birds distribute the holly to new places by depositing seeds in their droppings.

Recently, while photographing a gorgeous native holly, I spotted several holly berries distinctly green rather than scarlet red. Inside these fruits were tiny yellow maggots, larvae of the holly berry midge. In the spring when hollies were in bloom, the adult holly berry midge, a small mosquito-like fly, deposited eggs into the developing fruit of holly. These eggs hatched into larvae that fed within the berry. During the past growing season, the maggots consumed tissue of the fleshy fruit. In winter, larval development slows, but when the warmth of spring returns, these maggots complete development and become pupae from which emerge small midges that mate and deposit eggs into the developing berries, thereby completing the cycle of life.

Inside the holly berry, tiny holly berry midge larvae consume juicy plant cells. At less than 2 mm in length it’s hard to tell which end is which. In this video the head end is to the left and the rear end is to the right. Next year tiny flies called midges will emerge from the berry.

For a small maggot, life in a holly berry is precarious. Its fate is tied to a red berry that advertises, “eat me” and hungry birds and squirrels happily oblige. These frugivores could literally eat the holly berry midge out of house and home. However, the larva of the holly berry midge has a clever trick to lessen its risks of disappearing down the gullet of a bird along with its fruity home. Berries infested by holly berry midge fail to turn red like normal holly berries do. The midge and an associated fungus prevent formation of bright red pigments by the berry. Infested berries remain green all winter. Through a series of detailed observations, researchers found that green holly berries were much less likely to be eaten by squirrels and birds than red berries on the same tree. By preventing the berry from turning red, holly berry midge has found a way to avoid the attention of fruit eating critters, thereby enhancing its chances for survival. So, as you deck your halls with boughs of holly, should you spy a green berry, you will understand why green is good for the cunning holly berry midge.

Bug of the Week is taking a Holiday break and will see you again in the New Year. Get ready to meet some interesting insects from the oldest rainforest on the planet in 2024. Have a wonderful Holiday Season and a joyous New Year!

 

 

Acknowledgements

We thank John Davidson for providing the inspiration and images for this week’s episode. The interesting references “Managing Insects and Mites on Woody Landscape Plants: an IPM Approach” by John Davidson and Michael Raupp, and “Selective Avoidance by Vertebrate Frugivores of Green Holly Berries Infested with a Cecidomyiid Fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)” by Vera Krischik, Eric S. McCloud and John A. Davidson were used to prepare this episode.

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Bed bugs have made a major resurgence worldwide. Headlines detail outbreaks in Paris, Singapore, South Korea, and even the Tesla factory in South Buffalo, New York.  

Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be a real nightmare, but you don’t have to tackle the problem alone. Data from the National Pest Management Association suggests that 97% of United States pest control professionals have treated bed bugs within the past year. These tiny blood-sucking pests can be found practically anywhere, from single-family homes to hotels, schools, hospitals, and other locations. 

Their widespread prevalence makes it easy for one of these bugs to hitch a ride into your home. Bed bugs like to burrow into dark cracks and crevices, coming out at night to feed and causing itchy bites and sleepless nights.  

Many people in this situation wonder if a bed bug infestation is one that they can treat on their own or if they need to call for professional help. Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of DIY bed bug control and review some guidance from Catseye Pest Control to help you make an informed decision.  

Pros of Treating Bed Bugs Yourself 

It’s natural to think you may be able to handle the situation on your own. However, it’s a complex process, and your chances of success depend on many factors, including your ability to treat all infested areas. Regardless, DIY bed bug treatment does offer some advantages, including the following: 

Cost Effective 

In doing it yourself, you pay for the treatment but don’t have to spend any extra money for labor. You can go to your local home improvement store and find treatment options that suit your budget. DIY bed bug control typically costs an average of $100. However, that cost increases significantly with repeated treatments and prolonged infestations caused by ineffective treatment methods.  

Immediate Action 

No waiting is necessary. You won’t have to make an appointment or wait for a professional to schedule your service. With DIY bed bug control, you can start immediately after identifying the infestation and getting treatment materials.  

Privacy 

As their names imply, bed bugs often infest bedrooms. Wanting to maintain a measure of privacy, particularly when dealing with intimate spaces, is natural. Handling a bed bug infestation on your own avoids the issue and allows you to maintain your bedroom’s privacy. 

Cons of Treating Bed Bugs Yourself 

Despite some convincing benefits, several considerable disadvantages exist for going it alone. Let’s take a closer look at the downside. 

Limited Expertise 

Professional pest control technicians receive extensive training to help them identify pests, handle equipment, and provide innovative, effective pest control measures. As a homeowner, you likely don’t have any expertise in dealing with bed bugs, pesticides, or bed bug control techniques. Your limited expertise increases the risk that you miss something, meaning your efforts may not be effective in the long term. 

Risk of Spreading 

Bed bugs are very small and love to hide in out-of-the-way spots. The likelihood of eradicating all of them on your own is minimal. You may believe you have effectively treated bed bugs, but in fact, many over-the-counter pest control products repel bed bugs, causing them to spread to other areas of your home.  

Pesticide Resistance 

At one time, the pesticide DDT killed bed bugs. Today, these blood-sucking pests are resistant to DDT and can survive its use. Although DDT has been banned in the U.S. since 1972, it serves as a cautionary tale. Pests can develop mutations and pesticide resistance that homeowners and anyone not in the industry may not know about or understand. Additionally, frequently using large amounts of a pesticide can encourage future pesticide resistance. 

Reinfestation 

Taking all the necessary steps to eliminate bed bugs is critical. Not only can it help stop the spread, but it can also help reduce the odds of reinfestation. Females can lay up to 500 eggs during their lives. Miss just a few bugs, and you will be itching and scratching again before long. With professional treatment, monitoring is often part of the plan, allowing professionals to be proactive at the first signs of a reinfestation. 

Health and Safety Concerns 

Perhaps the most significant concern with DIY bed bug control is the potential for health issues. Handling dangerous chemicals is dangerous, particularly if you don’t know how to do so safely. Used improperly, hazardous materials can be released into the air, putting yourself and your loved ones at risk.  

Guidelines for DIY Bed Bug Treatment 

If you decide to try bed bug control on your own, it’s essential that you follow some basic guidelines. Doing so can help increase the odds of eliminating all live bugs and eggs.  

Notify Everyone Involved 

If you live in a multi-family home or an apartment, contact your landlord and talk to your neighbors. If you live in a single-family home, talk to everyone living there and inspect all living spaces.  

Create a Plan 

Build a detailed plan to help guide you. Note the dates and any locations where you find bed bugs, which can help you track them later as you monitor the effectiveness of your DIY treatment.  

Prevent the Spread 

Remove all bedding, curtains, clothing, and stuffed animals and place them in sealed plastic bags. Wash everything you can with hot, soapy water. Dry items that can be placed in the dryer for at least 30 minutes using the hottest setting. 

Vacuum and Treat 

Vacuuming can help contain smaller bed bug infestations. It’s essential to use a vacuum with disposable bags that can be sealed and disposed of outside the home. Vacuum every crack and crevice, including the seams in mattresses and furniture, behind wall hangings, and along baseboards and molding. 

Inspect, Inspect, and Inspect Again 

Perform routine inspections every few days to look for evidence of live bugs or eggs. Repeat vacuuming and treatment as needed. Continue inspections for up to a year to ensure you have completely eliminated the problem.  

Know When it’s Time to Consult a Professional 

The longer a bed bug infestation is left unsuccessfully treated, the worse it gets and the more involved the treatment measures need to be. If you do decide to try your hand at effective pest control measures, knowing when to call in the pros is critical. Some of the signs that it’s time to seek professional help include the following: 

A Resurgence in Bed Bugs 

If you think you eliminated the problem and then find more bed bugs afterward, the infestation is likely more widespread than you know. You may not have treated the root problem, or you may have inadvertently spread the infestation.  

You Have Health and Safety Concerns 

Whether you’re worried for yourself, your family, or your pets, health and safety is mission critical in the home. Additionally, although bed bugs aren’t poisonous, they can trigger allergic responses and become an itchy nuisance. Professionals can offer a guarantee for their work, ensuring your home’s health will be back in tip-top shape sooner rather than later.  

The Infestation Is Large-Scale 

A sickly-sweet odor often accompanies large infestations. If you catch the scent or you notice bed bug activity in multiple rooms, the scope of the project will be too large for any DIY measures to handle.  

Contact Catseye to Learn More  

Catseye has decades of experience and an unparalleled commitment to providing the utmost customer service. With our innovative treatments that prioritize safety while offering maximum effectiveness, we are the go-to solution for bed bugs in the region. Learn more about our effective pest control measures or schedule an inspection to get started. Contact us today.  

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Holly trees play a significant role in the beliefs and traditions of the season. To the Romans, hollies were the trees of the god Saturn and wreaths of holly were given as gifts during his holiday, Saturnalia. In Celtic legends, the evergreen hollies with their beautiful red berries announced the triumph of the Holly King during winter over the Oak King, who ruled the forest with his green leaves in summer. For Christians, the pointed leaves of holly are associated with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus and bright red holly berries symbolize drops of his blood. For a bug guy, this is the season to marvel at a pair of fascinating flies whose lives are intimately tied to our stunning native holly.

On my neighbor’s beautiful American holly, red fruits intermingle with deep green leaves. Some leaves have unusual sinuous trails on their surface. Within the trails are the larvae of small flies, the young of the native holly leafminer. Back in the warmth of spring the adult stage of native holly leafminer, a small black fly, pierced the holly leaf with a structure on the tip of its abdomen called an ovipositor. This egg-laying appendage was then used to deposit an egg through the tough leaf surface into the soft tissue beneath. Upon hatching, the tiny larva consumed nutritious cells of the holly leaf and snaked its way through the leaf, enlarging the trail as it grew. In the dead of winter the larva rests, but on warm days during winter and early spring, the leafminer will continue to feed until it completes development and forms a pupa in spring. Before the larva changes into a pupa, it cuts a small window in the surface of the leaf to enable the adult fly to escape.

See the tiny yellow leafminer larva near the tip of the forceps on the inside layer of leaf epidermis. As it feeds within the leaf, it creates a snake-like serpentine mine.

The emergence of the adult fly is timed to coincide with the appearance of tender new holly leaves in spring. In addition to laying eggs, the female holly leafminer uses her sharp ovipositor to poke holes in the leaf’s surface. These small holes exude droplets of sap thereby providing a source of food for the hungry female. Leaves with many feeding holes are often curled or puckered. A horticulturalist once told me that these holes were caused by holly leaves with sharp spines bumping into one another, but now we know differently. As you gather holly sprigs to decorate your home, don’t worry if a leaf or two bears the serpentine signature of the native holly leafminer. They will not emerge in your home.

Spoiler Alert: Get ready for one more story about a fascinating fly found on holly in next week’s episode. 

Acknowledgements

We thank John Davidson for providing the inspiration and images for this week’s episode. The interesting references “Population regulation of the native holly leafminer, Phytomyza ilicicola Loew (Diptera: Agromyzidae), on American holly” by Daniel A. Potter, and “Seasonal allocation of defense investment in Ilex opaca Ation and constraints on a specialist leafminer” by D.A. Potter and T.W. Kimmerer, and the book “Managing Insects and Mites on Woody Landscape Plants by John Davidson and Michael Raupp” were used to prepare this episode.

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In forests and landscapes here in the DMV, exceptionally humongous crops of acorns were produced by several species of red and white oaks this autumn. These large acorn crops occur periodically and in many types of plants such uber-productive seasons are called mast years. The exact climatic conditions underlying a mast year are not yet fully understood, but what is well-known is the fact that eaters of acorns including small and large mammals such as chipmunks, squirrels, deer, and bears, and many species of birds such as turkeys, quail, blue jays, and woodpeckers enjoy an autumnal food bounty when oaks go into acorn overdrive. Do any insects take advantage of this bounty? You bet! Enter the amazing acorn weevil. 

The backstory to this episode begins with Stephanie, collector of native plant seeds, who was on a mission to gather seeds of our native pin oak tree. Soon after the acorns were collected, dozens of creamy, white, legless grubs appeared in the bottom of the collecting bag. At first glance this seemed like some incarnation of spontaneous generation – the appearance of life from non-life. However, on closer inspection, tiny, perfectly circular holes were visible on the hulls of many of the acorns. This was the work of the acorn weevil. Acorn weevils are remarkable creatures noted for their exceptionally long snouts. At the tip of the snout, or proboscis, are jaws that a female weevil uses to cut a hole in the husk of the developing acorn while it is still attached to a branch in the treetop. Into this hole, she deposits eggs that hatch and release tiny grubs which eat the nutritious meat of the acorn. In autumn, when the acorns drop to the ground, fully grown larvae chew small holes in the husk to escape their oaken nursery. They enter the soil and burrow several inches underground to pupate. They may remain in the soil for several years before emerging as adults in spring, with the return of leaves to the oak and the production of a new crop of acorns. Weevils emerge from the soil and climb to the canopy of the tree to feed and deposit a new batch of eggs. 

Periodically oak trees produce amazing crops of acorns in seasons called mast years. In addition to many birds and mammals, beetles called acorn weevils take advantage of the bounty. Female weevils deposit eggs inside acorns which hatch into larvae called grubs. Grubs develop during summer and escape in autumn through exit holes and enter the soil to pupate. A year or more later they emerge as adults and using jaws at the tips of their ridiculously long snouts cut holes in acorns, where the next batch of eggs are laid.

To observe these remarkable insects first hand, simply go outdoors to your favorite oak and collect a batch of acorns. According to one account, if you place these acorns in a container such as a pitcher or cooking pot filled with several inches of water and the acorns sink, they are usually intact and unlikely to be infested. Acorns that float have airspace within and are likely to contain weevil grubs or other interesting bugs. Crack a few of these open and observe the grubs inside. If you are really ambitious and desire a glimpse of the bodacious adults, you might try placing infested acorns in a pot with several inches of soil. This will provide grubs with the necessary habitat to complete their circle of life. The pots can be placed outdoors to expose the grubs to natural conditions of temperature and rainfall. Cover the pot with a bit of netting and, who knows, in a few years you may actually capture some fantastic beetles with schnozzolas so enormous, they would make Jimmy Durante jealous, ha cha cha cha.  

Acknowledgements 

Bug of the Week gives special thanks to Stephanie for providing the specimens and inspiration for this week’s story. The interesting article “The overwintering biology of the acorn weevil, Curculio glandium, in southwestern Ontario” by Hiroko Udaka and Brent J Sinclair was consulted for this episode. 

To learn more about acorn weevils, please visit the following websites: 

https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/ythfacts/allyr/yf804.htm 

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/acorn-weevil

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You love your pets, and you know it’s important to keep them safe from pests and parasites. A 2023 report revealed that more than 86 million homes in the United States include pets, with dogs and cats among the most prevalent residents. Love for our furry friends brings us comfort and joy, but keeping them safe and healthy requires a comprehensive approach to pet safety and health.

That approach goes beyond choosing the right food. All too often, pest control is overlooked in the conversation about pet safety. However, it’s an essential part of guarding the well-being of your beloved pets and maintaining a comfortable home that all the residents enjoy.

Catseye Pest Control has been providing safe pest control methods for decades, and that gives us unique insight into the dangers that families and pets may face. Let’s explore the risks and how to handle them in more detail.

Understanding the Dangers 

Fleas and ticks are among the most commonly discussed dangers that pets face, but pet owners actually have more to consider. Pests of all types, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, other indoor pests, and rodents, can carry pathogens that cause diseases. Common pest-borne illnesses include heartworms, rabies, Lyme disease, and other dangerous conditions.

The risks vary depending on the type of pests involved. That’s why a well-rounded strategy for keeping your pets and your home pest-free is so important.

Fleas and Ticks 

Your pet’s fur is an ideal spot for these tiny pests to nestle in and grab a meal. Fleas can be picked up by pets outdoors or inadvertently brought inside by humans on clothing and other items. Your pet may encounter ticks just about anywhere outdoors, including wooded areas, debris piles, and tall, grassy areas. 

Fleas and ticks both feed on blood, consuming up to 15 times their own body weight in blood. Due to their small size, puppies and kittens have a higher risk of developing anemia from blood loss. This condition is characterized by a lack of energy caused by a drop in red blood cells.

Additionally, fleas and ticks can both cause excessive itching and allergic reactions. Tick bites can transmit dangerous conditions like Lyme disease, which can cause fever and joint pain. Signs of these pests include: 

Fleas: Look for dark specks (droppings or live fleas) or white specks (eggs) in your pet’s fur. Other signs may include excessive licking and scratching, scabs, and hot spots.

Ticks: Spotted by feel or sight, these tiny pests grow larger after feeding. They attach most frequently around cats’ eyes and ears. On dogs, you might find them on your pet’s paws, ears, head, or neck.

Prompt removal and treatment is essential. Additionally, professional flea removal can restore your peace of mind, ensuring that your home is flea-free as quickly and safely as possible.

Mosquitoes 

Mosquitoes bug more than just humans. Female mosquitoes bite humans and animals to feed on their blood. In doing so, they can spread germs to their hosts, including viruses and parasites. One of the primary concerns for pets is the transmission of heartworms. This serious condition can affect pets’ heart, lungs, and blood vessels. It impacts ferrets and other animals as well as dogs and cats. Symptoms may include: 

• Persistent cough 
• Decrease in appetite 
• Increased fatigue 
• Unwillingness to engage in exercise 

Indoor Pests 

Other indoor pests can carry fleas, ticks, and mites inside with them. Some, like stinkbugs, can cause digestive problems if your pet snacks on them. Insects to watch out for include the following: 

• Cockroaches typically stay away from pets but may contaminate surfaces and pet food, which can expose your furry friend to dangerous viruses and bacteria.
• Spiders may pack a venomous bite, which can cause pets’ neuromuscular damage.
• Ants have been known to bite pets, potentially causing allergic reactions and skin irritation.
• Bed bugs can also be problematic, hiding in mattresses, pet bedding, and other areas and feeding on pets, causing itchy welts. 

Rodents 

Rodents are a widespread pest problem affecting millions of homes every year. Like other indoor pests, mice, rats, and other wild rodents can bring parasites, fleas, and ticks into your home. They can also expose people and pets to dangerous germs through contact with live rodents, droppings, and their saliva. This includes conditions like toxoplasmosis, which can affect the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. 

Safe Pest Control Methods 

Now that you’ve got a better idea of the dangers that pests pose to your pet’s safety, the need for effective pest control is clear. Five effective pest control methods for pets include: 

Regular Grooming 

Routine grooming, including brushing your pet, trimming its nails, and bathing it frequently, has many benefits. It decreases shedding and provides an excellent opportunity to check your pets for pests like ticks and fleas. 

Preventative Medication 

Consult your veterinarian to determine the best options for your pets. Flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives come in various forms, including collars, oral medications, and topical treatments. There is not a one-size-fits-all treatment option. Ask your vet questions about what to do in case of a reaction and how long it takes for the medication to become effective. 

Indoor Pest Control 

Practicing preventive methods can provide safe and effective indoor pest control. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends trying these types of methods first. This includes taking actions such as: 

• Promptly picking up pet food after feeding 
• Storing all food in pest-proof containers 
• Placing garbage in tightly lidded receptacles and taking it out regularly 
• Fixing plumbing leaks 
• Eliminating clutter 

Seal Entry Points 

You can’t always avoid accidentally bringing pests inside your home. However, you can reduce the odds that they enter your home by inspecting your property and closing off gaps, cracks, and openings to provide some protection. Taking it to the next level, Cat-Guard Wildlife and Rodent Exclusion Systems provide a permanent barrier to protect key areas and provide chemical-free, humane, long-term results. 

Professional Pest Control 

You may find pet-safe DIY pest control products for pets in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. However, many pests are challenging to thoroughly eliminate on your own. When it comes to pet safety (and humans, too), rely on pet safe pest control from Catseye. We have decades of experience and a commitment to using innovative, safe, and effective treatments that get results.

Safe Pest Control for Cats 

Relying on professionals is the safest path you can take. However, you may also explore some cat-safe pest control options.

Indoor Cats and Outdoor Cats 

Routinely check your cat’s coat, ears, and paws for evidence of pests. Keep an eye out for excessive itching, skin irritations, or any changes in behavior that may indicate a pest-borne illness. Read all labels of products you choose for use indoors and outside. Cats are susceptible to poisoning from chemicals like organophosphate and carbamate. If your cat is exposed, signs of toxicity include: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Fever 
• Loss of appetite 
• Copious salivation 
• Muscle tremors 
• Increased heart rate 

Catnip and Herbs 

Cat-friendly plants can safely help repel insects, keeping your cats and home safer. Examples include catnip, lemon balm, basil, and oregano. Avoid using lavender, which is often included in natural repellent recommendations, because it can be toxic to cats.

Safe Pest Control for Dogs 

It’s critical to consult your veterinarian to determine the best ways to keep your pooch safe. A few ideas include the following.

Frequent Walks 

Man’s best friend often requires routine physical activity. Some of the ways to protect your dog during walks include: 

• Avoiding areas with standing water, which can be a haven for mosquitoes.
• Using a dog-friendly insect repellent applied to a bandana.
• Keeping your dog on a leash to prevent them from getting into nests or fire ant mounds 
• Talking to your vet about preventatives that protect against parasites, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks 

Regular Inspections 

Routinely inspecting your dog for fleas, ticks, and other pests can help eliminate problems before they have a chance to do serious damage. After walks, hikes, or playing outside, be sure to inspect your dog. Pay particular attention to their paws, head, ears, and belly. 

Contact Catseye for Safe Pest Control Methods You Can Rely On 

Catseye has decades of experience in pest control, giving us unique insight into some of the safest measures available. Pest control for pets is possible when you work with a partner who prioritizes pet safety along with the safety of humans and the environment. Best of all, our methods are efficient, effective, and customized to your unique needs.

Contact us to schedule your free inspection today.

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Last week we met Dot, the pretty Carolina mantis who celebrated Thanksgiving week in our home by dining on spotted lanternflies. Shortly after Dot’s arrival we discovered a beautiful Chinese mantis in the front flowerbed. Her name and title are Mantie, Slayer of Lanternflies. The Chinese mantis has a fascinating history in our country. Let’s travel back in time more than a century to October 16, 1897 when a Mr. Joseph Hindermyer discovered a large insect “resting on the upper part of his tomato vines” in Mt. Airy PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. Fortunately, Philip Laurent, Hindermyer’s neighbor and a member of The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia recognized this large insect to be a rather extraordinary mantis and later discovered that it was an exotic species known from China and Japan. How it arrived in Mt. Airy remains forever shrouded in mystery, but Laurent noted that a large nursery, Meehan and Sons, in nearby Germantown had procured many plants from China and Japan. Could it be that this marvelous predator arrived as a stowaway, perhaps as an embryo in an egg case on a Japanese maple? Maybe so.

One of my favorite reunion stories involves the Chinese mantis and another invasive pest, the nefarious brown marmorated stink bug. Fast forward a century to the mid-1990’s, when the brown marmorated stink bug arrives in the US less than 60 miles from Mt. Airy in Allentown, PA. The dramatic decline of stink bugs in Maryland and several other eastern states over the last decade is in part related to the fact that several of our indigenous predators, parasites, and pathogens are now using brown marmorated stink bugs as a source of food. Prompted by this discovery, I decided that it was time to have a reunion between these two historical acquaintances from the East – the Chinese praying mantis and the Asian brown marmorated stink bug. Like many reunions I have attended, meeting old acquaintances can be fraught with joy and despair. In the case of the Chinese mantis, the reunion with the brown marmorated stink bug was gastronomic joy. She consumed a dozen stink bugs in quick succession before nibbling only half of unlucky stink bug number thirteen. As for the stink bugs, well, let’s just say their reunion was filled with short-lived despair. You see, the hungry Chinese mantis mercifully devoured the stink bugs head first.

The reunion between two old acquaintances from Asia, the Chinese mantis and the brown marmorated stink bug, was a happy one for the mantis but not so much for the stink bug. My favorite part of this video appears at the end as the fastidious mantis tidies up after her meal. And yes, this is several times life speed.

We fast forward again to 2023 when we learned in last week’s episode that mantises accounted for almost 200 acts of predation on the dreaded spotted lanternfly over the past couple years. For the arthropod clan this remarkable total was second only to observations of spiders attacking lanternflies. As we saw in a previous episode, large orb weavers, including the black and yellow garden spider, find spotted lanternflies quite delectable. With the Chinese mantis in the garden and lots of lanternflies in the research plot, who could resist the opportunity to see if lanternflies were on the menu for the Chinese mantis? Within moments of placing Mantie in a lanternfly arena, she snatched up one lanternfly with one foreleg and moments later snagged a second one in the other foreleg. In a short suspense, she devoured them both and ate two more before the day was through. No doubt her much larger size, giant toothed forelegs, and ravenous appetite allowed her to surpass her cousin the Carolina mantis in a head-to-head lanternfly-eating contest. There is a curious and inexplicable symmetry that a potent biological control agent, the Chinese praying mantis and two of its historical, ancient Asian prey, brown marmorated stink bugs and spotted lanternflies, would be reunited after a century or so within miles of each other half way around the world.  The reunion between the Chinese mantis, the Asian stink bug and now the spotted lanternfly evoke Hannibal Lecter’s famous quote “I do wish we could chat longer, but I’m having an old friend for dinner.” 

A very pregnant Chinese mantis recently visited our fading mums. Inside, after showing some interest in our lanternfly colony, we evaluated her zeal for making lanternflies a meal. In an arena filled with a half dozen lanternflies, she snagged not one, but two lanternflies in a flash and proceeded to eat them with gusto. Why settle for one when you can have two, right? After devouring one, she turned her attention to another and dined on leg of lanternfly for a while. Later she took a deeper dive and enjoyed some tender lanternfly entrails. At the end of the feast all that was left of the lanternfly were wings. The fortuitous reunion of an Asian predator and its historical prey helps to squelch crop loss and concerns wrought by invasive insect pests like stink bugs and spotted lanternflies.

Some have voiced concern that these large generalist predators might eat each other and sometimes even eat small vertebrates like hummingbirds. As I watched Mantie eating spotted lantern flies, I munched a sandwich made from leftover Thanksgiving turkey. I mused that, perhaps, me and lots of other fowl-eating humans share tastes in common with the mantis. When all is said and done, it seems like the Chinese mantis is part of the solution to hordes of lanternflies expanding their range, depredation, and nuisance across our land.    

Acknowledgements

Several articles including “Buzzwords, A Prayer Before Dining” by May Berenbaum, “Sexual cannibalism increases male material investment in offspring: quantifying terminal reproductive effort in a praying mantis” by William D. Brown and Katherine L. Barry, “Sexual cannibalism in the praying mantid, Mantis religiosa: a field study” by S.E.Lawrence, and “A species of Orthoptera” by P. Laurent were consulted for this episode. The wonderful article “Using community science to identify predators of spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), in North America” by Anne E. Johnson, Alison Cornell, Sara Hermann, Fang Zhu, and Kelli Hoover was used to prepare this story.

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Last week we learned that subfreezing temperatures in the DMV were bringing an end to mischief caused by spotted lanternflies. However, Mother Nature’s chill is not the only thing putting a beat-down on this pest. Early in the invasion of spotted lanternfly in the US we read things like this, “…as with many other insects arriving to the United States from other parts of the world and finding no established natural enemies here, it has become very invasive.” Back then, it seemed like there might be no stopping these grape-killing, honeydew-squirting rascals, but now we know better.  

A recent publication by scientists at Penn State University summarized observations of acts of predation on various life stages of spotted lanternfly. Arthropods led the carnage with more than 200 attacks by spiders, 196 attacks by mantids, 177 attacks by wasps, 55 attacks by sucking predators like assassin bugs, and another 21 attacks by other arthropods. Twenty some families of birds accounted for more than 500 attacks, with ground dwellers like chickens and pheasants leading the way. Death delivered by members of the cardinal, mocking bird, wren and several other bird clans contributed to the total. Mammals, amphibians, fish and non-feathered reptiles also got into the act accounting for 106 additional observations. Wow! So, when my grandson spotted a Carolina mantis on the window last week, well, we named her Dot (guess why) and just had to invite her in for an early Thanksgiving feast of spotted lanternfly. 

The Carolina mantis ranges from southern Canada into Central and South America. Like other mantis species, Carolina mantises eat a wide variety of insects and spiders found in gardens and landscapes. And yes, on occasion the female consumes her unfortunate mate, especially when mantises are raised in captivity. The extent to which this is an artifact of being raised under unnatural conditions is not known, but it is reported that well fed gals are less likely to consume their suitors than hungry ones. We welcomed Dot into our home and noticed that she was rather pregnant and that she appeared to need just a few more meals to finish the job of generating a full complement of eggs. When placed in a small terrarium housing a half dozen lanternflies, she wasted no time mounting an attack. We have all seen those wildlife movies where a cheetah jets after a gazelle but eventually fails in its attack. Well, Dot’s first try on a lanternfly failed when she brushed the lanternfly with her leg and it sprang away. Not one to give up, her second attack scored. Having witnessed other acts of mantis predation, I was not surprised to see her start at the head and work her way down the body to the meatier parts.  

Meet Dot, a Carolina mantis that stopped by for an early Thanksgiving feast. We offered her some lanternflies but her first attempt to capture one didn’t go that well. With a little more stealth and a faster strike she scored on the second try. Apparently, the first place to start on a lanternfly dinner is the head just behind the left compound eye. After dinner and before the next escapade, it’s always good to do a little grooming. She reminds me of a cat when she does this. Below the dinner place we can see that not much is left of the lanternfly when she is done. After the feast she returned to the wild to continue her beneficial work.

Our house guest dined for a few days devouring a lanternfly or two each day before we released her in a grove of lanternfly infested trees. Here’s hoping her Thanksgiving feast of lanternflies continues long enough for her to lay a mass of eggs before chilly weather closes the door on her escapades. No doubt her legacy of tiny mantis offspring will help mitigate the mischief caused by spotted lanternflies in 2024. 

Acknowledgements

 Bug of the Week thanks eagle-eyed Jackie for spotting the hungry Carolina mantis that was the heroine of this episode. The wonderful article “Using community science to identify predators of spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), in North America” by Anne E. Johnson, Alison Cornell, Sara Hermann, Fang Zhu and Kelli Hoover was used to prepare this story.

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