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Insects

Asparagus Beetles

As the name implies, these pests—both adults and larvae prefer asparagus to all other foods. The adults, reaching about ¼ inch long, are blue-black mottled with yellowish orange. The plump,...

Blister Beetles

Although markings vary greatly depending on the species, blister beetles are easily identified by their physique: the middle section of the body is noticeably smaller than the head or abdomen....

Cabbage Loopers

Green with pale stripes, this caterpillar has legs at the front and back, but more in the middle―a peculiarity that gives it a characteristic humpback or looping crawl. Fully grown,...

Chinch Bugs

This true bug sucks sap from grasses; it’s attracted to poorly grown lawns. Chinch bugs start out pinhead-size and bright red, with a white band across the back; they darken...

Cicadas

These 1 to 2 inch long aphid relatives have a black or mottled body, prominent reddish eyes, short antennae, and transparent wings, Periodical cicadas appear in late spring or early...

Codling Moths

Colorado Potato Beetle

Though native to the Rocky Mountains, this pest long ago spread to all other parts of the United States except California and Nevada. The 3/8-inch long adult beetle is easy...

Crane Flies

Crane flies, though similar in appearance to a giant mosquito, are not a type of mosquito and do not bite. They are actually classified as a family of flies called...

Cucumber Beetles

The various species of these 1/4 inch long beetles are yellowish green, with black spots or stripes. The slim, white larvae, about 1/2 inch long, are dark at both ends....

Curculios

These beetles resemble other members of the weevil group in having a long, curved snout. The larvae are grayish white, legless grubs. Most curculio species, including the plum curculio (shown),...

Elm Leaf Beetles

Both adults and larvae feed on leaf undersides, but the larvae-1/2 inch long, dull yellow grubs with black stripes-cause more damage. The 1/4 inch long adults are yellowish green, with...

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive wood boring beetle that feeds on the tissues under the bark of ash trees and kills them. The metallic green beetle is native to...

European Corn Borers

Fall Webworms

About an inch long, this leaf-feeding pest is a long-haired, pale green or yellow caterpillar with a black stripe down its back. It feeds from inside the silken, web-like nests...

Fruit Flies

Fruit flies have brick red eyes, are yellow-brown in color, and have transverse black rings across their abdomen. They can be a major agricultural pest, with the potential to destroy...

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are small, dark, short-lived flies, whose larvae feed on plant roots or fungi and aid in the decomposition of organic matter. The adults are 2-5 mm long and...

Geranium Budworms

Also known as tobacco budworms, these close relatives of the corn earworm burrow into buds and feed from the inside; they also chew fully opened flowers. The striped, 1/4 inch...

Glassy Wing Sharpshooter

There are some 2,500 species of these small, agile, wedge-shaped insects; many types are handsomely colored and patterned. Both adults and nymphs, which look like wingless or short-winged adults, suck...

Grasshoppers

Also called locusts, the dozens of grasshopper species differ in size, color, and markings- but all flourish in areas with long, hot, dry summers. Target: All plants, especially grasses and...

Gypsy Moths

Since its accidental release in Massachusetts in 1869, this pest has defoliated millions of acres of trees in the East. A notorious hitchhiker (hence the name "gypsy"), it's gradually moving...