Mississippi

A devastating vascular wilt disease spread by elm bark beetles that has killed millions of American elms since the 1930s. The fungus blocks water-conducting vessels, causing rapid wilting. It fundamentally changed the American urban landscape.

Affecting 45 regions

The most devastating disease of citrus worldwide, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid. There is no cure. It has caused billions of dollars in losses to the Florida citrus industry and threatens production in Texas, California, and other citrus-growing states.

Affecting 9 regions

A fungal disease that functionally eliminated the American chestnut as a canopy tree species in eastern forests by the mid-20th century. Once numbering in the billions, mature American chestnuts are now exceedingly rare. Root sprouts survive but are re-infected.

Affecting 25 regions

The most destructive bark beetle in the southeastern United States, capable of killing vast stands of pine trees during outbreaks. Adults bore into bark and introduce blue stain fungus that clogs water-conducting tissues.

Affecting 13 regions

One of the most widespread and destructive forest diseases in the world, caused by a complex of honey mushroom species. It attacks stressed trees through root contact and can persist in dead stumps for decades, infecting nearby healthy trees.

Affecting 36 regions

The most damaging disease of loblolly and slash pines in the southeastern US. It causes spindle-shaped galls on stems and branches that weaken trees and make them susceptible to wind breakage. Oaks serve as the alternate host.

Affecting 11 regions

A lethal vascular disease of trees in the laurel family, vectored by the non-native redbay ambrosia beetle. It has devastated redbay populations in the southeastern coastal plain and threatens sassafras, avocado, and other lauraceous species.

Affecting 11 regions

A group of water-mold diseases that attack the roots and root collar of many tree species. Phytophthora thrives in wet, poorly drained soils. It destroys fine roots and can girdle the trunk at the soil line. Affected trees show a general decline that is often misdiagnosed as drought stress. Oaks, dogwoods, rhododendrons, and many other species are susceptible.

Affecting 31 regions

An invasive beetle introduced to New Jersey in 1916. Adults skeletonize leaves of over 300 plant species while larvae (grubs) damage turf grass roots. They are particularly damaging to linden, birch, and fruit trees.

Affecting 35 regions

A genus of bark beetles that attack stressed and weakened pines throughout North America. While they typically colonize dying trees, drought and overcrowding can trigger outbreaks that kill healthy timber.

Affecting 19 regions

A moth whose larvae construct distinctive spindle-shaped bags from silk and foliage fragments. They feed on over 100 species of trees and shrubs, with conifers being most vulnerable since they cannot regrow lost foliage as readily.

Affecting 28 regions

A fungal disease requiring two hosts to complete its life cycle: eastern red cedar (juniper) and apple or crabapple trees. It causes economic losses in apple orchards and aesthetic damage to landscape cedars.

Affecting 34 regions

A group of fungal diseases causing leaf spots, cankers, and shoot blight on many shade trees. Sycamore, dogwood, maple, and oak are commonly affected. Cool, wet spring weather promotes infection of newly expanding leaves.

Affecting 38 regions

Eastern Leaf-footed Bug observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 15 regions

Asian Longhorned Beetle Damages hardwood trees by tunneling deep into trunks and branches - identified by USDA APHIS as a pest threat.

Affecting 50 regions

I believe the host tree species to either be red or black oak, despite the maple saplings at its base, but identification without damaging bark and with no leaves present remains difficult at my current skill level.

Affecting 20 regions

Another great evening celebrating moth week! Tonight, we were at John Bunker Sands with around 80 other folks -- lots of excitement for bugs! :) Quite a few things showed up -- apologies for my particularly bad photos tonight though.

Affecting 14 regions

Found alive but in terrible shape. Was swimming around in the water bowl we put out for feral cats here. Also appeared to have had a run in with a spider web, as it had something stuck all over it. Got a lot of suggestions for fungi and parasitoids that target ladybeetles, so maybe its appearance is more a function of a disease or parasite process taking place. It was definitely having trouble getting adound, but could be due to having been in the water for a long time and/or having bits of web

Affecting 41 regions

Margined Shining Leaf Chafer observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 8 regions

A tremendous evening with around 75 folks to celebrate moth week! It was the hottest day of the summer so far, so it was a wonderful treat to look for bugs with so many folks. :) Great night!

Affecting 27 regions

Serrate Cedar Beetle observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 9 regions

Io Moth observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 17 regions

Beautiful Wood-nymph observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 18 regions

Around 135 folks showed up to this blacklighting event at Limestone Quarry Park in Frisco. It was so hot and dry, but we still had some good bugs that showed up!

Affecting 13 regions

Suzuki's Promalactis Moth observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 17 regions

Small-eyed Click Beetle observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 3 regions

Smooth Ox Beetle observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 8 regions

Eight-spotted Forester Moth observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 4 regions

This bug was on a stick I accidentally knocked into the water, and it couldn’t make it to dry land. I waded in and scooped it and put it on this sunny spot. It turns out it has a super bright white belly. I did not photograph it until it was settled, because being knocked into the water seemed like enough trouble. It had a bad day, but it only took about five minutes for it to compose itself and fly away.

Affecting 21 regions

Waved Sphinx observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 24 regions

Attracted to light at night. The plant on which the insect is resting (sweet Joe Pye weed) is located beside an exterior light that was illuminated.

Affecting 33 regions

Length- 1 and 5/8 inches from head to end of rear legs Wingspan- 4 and 1/8 inches

Affecting 5 regions

Cluster of black and orange insects on milkweed plant. Warm, near sunset, slightly overcast.

Affecting 35 regions

Red-legged Buprestis Beetle observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 5 regions

Calm demeanor. Patiently stayed perched on my finger despite me texting on my phone. I eventually transported it to the nearest virginia creeper and it accepted my offering.

Affecting 23 regions

Southern Pine Sphinx observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 2 regions

Leptoglossus zonatus observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.

Affecting 5 regions

A widespread group of fungal diseases that produce a distinctive white powdery coating on leaves and shoots. It affects hundreds of tree, shrub, and plant species. Unlike most fungi, it thrives in warm, dry conditions with high humidity.

Affecting 49 regions

A broad group of fungal diseases that cause discrete spots on the leaves of deciduous trees. Most are primarily cosmetic and do not seriously harm established trees. They are most common during wet spring and summer weather. Many different fungi cause leaf spots on different tree species.

Affecting 38 regions