Featured Creatures collection

Nicholas S. Sekora and William Crow

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb 1913), including its discovery, distribution, physical characteristics, life cycle, host range, symptoms of infestation, economic impact, and management strategies. The nematode is a significant pest in citrus-growing regions worldwide, causing slow decline in citrus trees. Effective management practices, such as the use of resistant rootstocks and certified propagative plants, are crucial for mitigating the damage caused by this nematode and improving citrus production. Original publication date July 2012.

Holly Andres and Zane J. Grabau

The nematode Heterodera glycines, known as soybean cyst nematode (SCN), is the most economically damaging pest of soybean crops in the United States and around the world. Members of the Heteroderidae family belong in the order Tylenchida; most are plant parasitic while some are insect parasites. They are obligate parasites that attack different species of crops and weeds. Heteroderidae are divided into two groups: cyst and cystoid based on morphological alterations in their skin. The cyst group are unique in that the female skin changes, transforming into a hardened cyst that protects her eggs. Unlike many plant parasites, there may be little to no aboveground evidence of an infestation with H. glycines. They are extremely damaging to the agricultural economy and impossible to eradicate once established, but with proper management, it is possible to minimize H. glycines populations and maximize yield.

Valerie T. Nguyen, Olivia R. Magaletta, andYoosook Lee

The genus Anopheles, the marsh mosquitoes, comprises approximately 500 species, only a few of which are capable of transmitting malaria parasites. With the global consorted efforts to eliminate malaria, some regions and countries are in or are approaching the malaria elimination phase, but residual malaria transmissions still linger in other, malaria pre-elimination countries. These transmissions may be vectored by lesser-known mosquito species such as Anopheles squamosus, one of the most abundantly caught anopheline species in malaria vector surveillance studies in southern African countries. Though An. squamosus is predominantly recognized as a zoophilic species, it has been discovered to be highly anthropophilic in certain areas, particularly in Southern Zambia. Additionally, Plasmodium falciparum, the causal agent of human malaria, has been detected in An. squamosus. These factors position An. squamosus as a potential primary vector of malaria in some pre-elimination zones.

Kaydie McCormick and Adam Dale

Melanchroia chephise, commonly known as the snowbush spanworm or white-tipped black, is an occasional insect pest of snowbush shrubs and several other ornamental plant species. Found throughout the southern United States, these gregarious moth caterpillars can commonly be found defoliating their chosen hosts soon after they emerge en masse. The colorful appearance of the caterpillars may be alarming, but they pose little risk to people, and usually offer no lasting harm to the plants they feed on. The adult moths, with their black and white wings, can be an attractive addition to a pollinator garden. This publication describes how to identify this insect and provides in-depth information on its biology, development, and management.

Miles T. McCollum, Nathan Burkett-Cadena, andDerrick K. Mathias

The genus Psorophora is in the subfamily Culicinae and the tribe Aedini. This genus is comprised of relatively ornate mosquitoes, some species of which are quite large. As of 2025, there are 49 species of Psorophora divided into three subgenera: Grabhamia, Janthinosoma, and Psorophora. The genus Psorophora is most diverse in tropical and temperate regions of the Americas. This publication focuses on Psorophora cyanescens, a species in the subgenus Janthinosoma.

Kayla Stalcup, Lisa Taylor, andErin Powell

A UF/IFAS numbered publication.

Victoria Oluwaseun Adeleye, Dakshina Seal, Garima Garima, and Adam Dale

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Leigh H. Ketelsen and Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. 

Miranda Barnes andJiri Hulcr

The following Featured Creatures article discusses the habits, distribution, appearance, life history, ecology, and other features of twig girdlers in the genus Oncideres, with a particular focus on O. cingulata cingulata in Florida. Hallmarks of twig girdler damage are described, and the common hosts of different twig girder species are discussed. The life cycle and phenology of the insect are detailed, as are theories about the purpose of the girdling behavior. Management practices for pecan growers are overviewed, and homeowners are advised that the insect is not a serious threat to ornamental trees.

Marirose P. Kuhlman and Adam G. Dale

This publication describes the identification, biology, and importance of the American sand wasps (Bembix americana Fabricius), which are a subspecies-complex of large, robust wasps in the subfamily Bembicinae. They nest gregariously in bare soil and provision their nests with flies (order Diptera). The females are progressive provisioners, meaning they continue to provide their developing larvae with prey until the larvae pupate. Males participate in a distinctive mating behavior called a “sun dance” in which groups of males fly low over nesting areas waiting for females to emerge so they can be the first to mate with them. Adults feed on flower nectar and can often be found visiting a variety of wildflowers. This species has a broad ecological range and can be found nesting in a variety of soil types and habitats.

Sierra M. Schluep, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, Derrick K. Mathias, and Eva A. Buckner

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Mikinley Weaver and Adam Dale

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Salman Al-Shami and Jawwad A. Qureshi

This publication describes the biology, distribution, behavior, and impact of the parasitoid Leptomastix dactylopii Howard. This beneficial insect is known for providing significant reductions in mealybug populations in Florida and other locations. It is also intended to provide knowledge about this parasitoid to a wide range of interested audiences including growers, Extension agents, researchers, students, laypersons, and other stakeholders.

Erin Powell andLisa Taylor

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Bryna C. Wilson andNathan Burkett-Cadena

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes Aedes canadensis, a mosquito species that, while classified as a "minor nuisance," can nevertheless spread multiple human and animal pathogens. The publication describes the pest's morphology, natural history, and distribution; lists potential hosts; describes its medical and veterinary importance; and provides advice on surveillance and management strategies.

Derrick K. Mathias andNathan Burkett-Cadena

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Abigail Prohofsky and Adam Dale

This article describes the identification, biology, and ecology of the oriental beetle, Anomala orientalis (Waterhouse). Anomala orientalis is native to eastern Asia and one of several exotic scarab beetle species in the United States commonly known as white grubs during their larval stage. This insect and many of its close relatives are considered frequent pests of turfgrasses throughout the northeastern U.S.

Kathi Malfa, Ethan Carter, Xavier Martini, andIsaac L. Esquivel

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Anthony Coffey andEileen A. Buss

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes the striped sod webworm, a turfgrass pest that also damages wheat and corn. The publication describes the pest's morphology, natural history, and range in the United States; lists potential host plants and damage the pest can cause; and provides advice on management strategies.

Ethan M. Doherty, Raymond B. Balaguer, andR. M. Pereira

Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is among most damaging stored rice pests in the United States. Infestations can occur within industrial grain bins, markets, or home pantries. While feeding on stored grains, adults bore holes into the kernels. Larvae can crawl inside a kernel through these holes, then cause further damage to the kernels by feeding on both the endosperm and the germ. This loss of grain can result in devastating economic impacts and lead to secondary issues such as the growth of fungi, further compromising grain quality and safety. Effective management strategies are crucial to mitigate these impacts.