Author: Vicky Bertagnolli

What is it? Wednesday

Jun 2, 2021 | In the Garden

Lovebugs, Plecia nearctica (Diptera: Bibionidae) are small, black-colored flies except for the top of the thorax being red. The common name “lovebug” refers to the adult male and female flying...

What is it? Wednesday

May 26, 2021 | In the Garden

Moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) Moth flies (order: Diptera) are in the family Psychodidae. Entomologists often refer to insects using a shortened version of the family name. In this instance, I...

What is it Wednesday?

May 5, 2021 | In the Garden

Fasciation Fasciation (also called “cresting”) is a relatively rare plant growth condition that produces flattened, ribbon-like, crested, or contorted tissue in the stem, root, fruit, or...

What is it Wednesday?

Apr 28, 2021 | In the Garden

Red Mites (Balaustium spp.) Several species of mites have population outbreaks after a change in seasons (particularly spring and fall). One of the tiny, fast-moving red mites commonly encountered...

What is it Wednesday?

Apr 14, 2021 | In the Garden

Sculptured Pine Borer, Chalcophora virginiensis Sculptured pine borer is the largest metallic wood-boring beetle in the eastern United States; adult beetles can measure up to 1.25 inches long!...

What Is It Wednesday?

Apr 7, 2021 | In the Garden, Shrubs, Uncategorized

Fishtail Camellia, Camellia japonica ‘White Mermaid’ Camellia japonica ‘White Mermaid,’ commonly referred to as fishtail camellia, matures to an approximately 10-foot by 10-foot shrub. The blooms...

What is it Wednesday?

Mar 31, 2021 | In the Garden

Eastern Tent Caterpillar, Malacosoma americanum Tent Structure and Feeding Habits Eastern tent caterpillar, Malacosoma americanum, typically builds tents in the crotches of trees. (In contrast, fall...

What is it? Wednesday

Mar 24, 2021 | In the Garden

Tea Scale, Fiorinia theae Symptoms of scale insect infestations may include chlorosis (yellowing), fewer and smaller blossoms, leaf drop, twig dieback, and sometimes plant decline or even plant...

What is it? Wednesday – Brown Snake

Mar 17, 2021 | In the Garden

Brown Snake, Storeria dekayi Brown snake, Storeria dekayi, is sometimes referred to as Dekay’s brownsnake. The relatively small (6-13 inches), nonvenomous brown snake is common throughout most of...

What is it? Wednesday

Mar 10, 2021 | In the Garden

Moss There are more than 15,000 described species of moss worldwide. These underappreciated, primitive green plants fill spaces where other plants cannot or will not grow. Moss thrives in the...

What is it? Wednesday

Mar 3, 2021 | In the Garden

Lichens There are about 3,600 described species of lichens in North America. Lichens are symbiotic partnerships between multiple organisms (a fungus and a green alga or cyanobacteria (blue-green...

What is it? Wednesday

Feb 24, 2021 | In the Garden

Eyed click beetle, Alaus oculatus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) Eyed click beetle, Alaus oculatus, is a relatively large beetle found throughout eastern North America. The Entomological Society of...