Author Archives: p-porter
Ah, for the midgy days of summer
After the past few weeks of cold weather, it’s natural to day dream a little about the warm, pleasant days of late spring and summer. At least that’s how we think of them when it’s cold enough to freeze a catfish. We want to remember cool lemonades in the shade, evening baseball games and fireworks. We tend to forget the 100 degree days, weeds and lawns that won’t stop growing, chiggers, mosquitoes and midges. Well, if you’re lucky enough to live next to a lake or pond, you… Read More →
Texas Invasives website includes emerald ash borer
In case you haven’t heard, there’s an invasion going on. It’s not something you are likely to notice walking out the front door; but it’s taking place on a scale that would have seemed incredible a few years ago. Anyone who’s been stung by a fire ant has encountered it and nearly every field biologist is painfully aware of it. It’s an invasion of exotic plants, insects and animals, and it’s never been more serious. It’s hard to completely escape the news stories about Asian carp and “killer… Read More →
Tiny Bug Packs a Big Bite
The fourlined plant bug, Poecilocapsus lineatus, is a small, attractively colored insect that is active right now. I just received a question and picture of this insect attacking tomatoes in Denton county. Don’t be fooled by its pretty face, though. This insect has been recorded as a pest from about 250 different plant species, both herbaceous and woody plants. Herbs, mints, and composite flowers seem to be especially favored. What makes the fourlined plant bug unique is the rather severe damage (see image) that can be caused by… Read More →
Crape myrtle scale: New pest for US?
A relatively new insect pest is troubling crape myrtle in north Texas cities and backyards. Although an official name has yet to be given, this insect is thought to be an exotic pest that has somehow found its way to north Texas. In the genus Acanthococcus (formerly Eriococcus), the scale is a type of felt or bark scale. It’s closest cousin is the Azalea bark scale, but that species has never been associated with crape myrtle before. Current evidence suggests that the scale may be a migrant from Asia,… Read More →
