Ambrosia Beetles
Ambrosia beetles are common, tiny (only about 1/16” long), and can infest hundreds of different woody plant species. In South Carolina, these little beetles typically infest stressed trees, vines,...
Author: Dr. Dave Coyle
Bradford and Callery Pear
Every spring, all over South Carolina, we see yards, abandoned lots, natural areas, roadsides, and, in some cases, forests fill with white flowers. These first white flowers of the year are nearly...
Pesticide Safety
Pesticides are chemicals used to kill, repel, or control organisms that are considered pests. “Pests” are defined as organisms that prey on, kill, and feed on desirable plants, animals, and humans....
Granulate Ambrosia Beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus)
Introduction The granulate ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus; GAB), also once known as the Asian ambrosia beetle, is a tiny beetle that can cause damage in many different woody plant...
Living Christmas Trees
Living Christmas trees are container-grown or balled and burlapped Christmas trees that can be planted as landscape trees after the holiday season. This way of enjoying a Christmas tree is practical...
Elm Zigzag Sawfly
Introduction The elm zigzag sawfly, or EZS, (Aproceros leucopoda) is an invasive pest that defoliates native and nonnative elm (Ulmus) species. Originally from East Asia, this pest has affected elms...
Spotted Lanternfly
Introduction The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) is an invasive insect that feeds on many plant species, including economically significant agricultural and horticultural crops,...
Fall Webworm
During summer and fall, large silken webs begin to appear and envelope tree branches. These webs, which contain larvae (also called caterpillars) and leaves, are created by a native defoliator...
What Is That Fuzzy Red and Black Ant?
Did you just see a fuzzy red and black ant scurrying across your yard, driveway, or pine straw? Then you just saw a velvet ant – they’re closely related to ants but are actually wasps. There are...
Velvet Ants
Velvet ants are not ants at all; they are wasps in the family Mutillidae. Although more common in the southwestern U.S., they can be found throughout the Southeast. Forty-one species in six genera...
Joro Spider
Big, yellow spiders, anyone? South Carolina has them, and as summer heats up, they get more and more noticeable. One of these spiders is the Joro spider, a non-native species first found in northern...
Eastern Eyed Click Beetle
The eastern eyed click beetle (Alaus oculatus) is found throughout South Carolina. Also known as the eyed elater, this is one of the larger click beetles in the region, with adults sometimes...