Green Clover Worm Moths

Green Clover Worm Moths

insects

The last few days we have been seeing lots of green clover worm moths. They are dark gray in our area, but other colors are out there too.  Thanks to Stephanie Porter and Kelly Estes for helping with identification.  The one below is not pretty because I smashed him a bit to take the pic.  Purdue University gives advice on scouting and economic thresholds.  I our area, it may be worth a look in your fields judging from the number of moths I am seeing.  As with many insects, the worms are the problem.  The moths just show potential.  Kelly Estes shared an article from 1998 that says in general they are more of a nuisance than problem.

Black Cutworms

Black Cutworms

insects pest management

The Illinois Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey is predicting a black cutworn outbreak on May 13 based on moths caught in traps.  According to Kelly Estes, Christian County is likely to have a significant outbreak.  Check out her map.

What I do about Japanese beetles in my garden

What I do about Japanese beetles in my garden

insects

Japanese beetle on raspberries

The other day, I noticed a butterfly and a Japanese beetle sharing the same Agastache flower.

I didn't get a good picture of them on the flower, though I tried to.  The butterfly wouldn't stay still. The Japanese beetle could not have cared less, though, and later I took a picture of two of the beetles on a raspberry leaf.

There are also Japanese beetles

Go, go, go. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

Go, go, go. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

bulbs insects seasons

We could learn a few things from the bees.

They were out in full force on Friday, the first full day of spring. They buzzed from hellebores to crocuses and then from crocus to crocus. I'm sure they visited the irises and snowdrops, too.

The bees know a sunny day shouldn't be wasted in the springtime. They know the pollen from those early spring flowers
isn't going to be there forever until