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Adam Dale

Specialist

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Adam Dale

Orcid ID0000-0002-4125-0431

Specialist

associate professor, turfgrass and ornamental entomology, UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology, Gainesville, FL

Entomology and Nematology Department Profile

Publications

thumbnail for publication: Salvinia Weevil Cyrtobagous salviniae (Calder & Sands) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Salvinia Weevil Cyrtobagous salviniae (Calder & Sands) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Patricia Prade, Eutychus Kariuki, and Adam G. Dale

The salvinia weevil is a subaquatic (underwater) herbivorous insect native to Brazil. This insect feeds on the invasive aquatic plants Salvinia molesta D. S. Mitchell and Salvinia minima (Baker). This insect is an effective classical biological control agent used in several countries to control the invasive giant salvinia, Salvinia molesta (D. S. Mitch). Feeding by Cyrtobagous salviniae larvae and adults kills its invasive host plants and restores recreational, agricultural, and ecosystem functions in aquatic systems. In the United states, the insect has been credited for controlling Salvinia minima in Florida and causing the decline of Salvinia molesta in Texas and Louisiana.

thumbnail for publication: American Sand Wasp (suggested common name), Bembix americana Fabricius, 1793 (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Bembicinae)

American Sand Wasp (suggested common name), Bembix americana Fabricius, 1793 (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Bembicinae)

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.

thumbnail for publication: Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)

Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)

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.

thumbnail for publication: Tuliptree Aphid Scientific Name: Illinoia liriodendri (Monell) (Insecta: Hempitera: Aphididae)

Tuliptree Aphid Scientific Name: Illinoia liriodendri (Monell) (Insecta: Hempitera: Aphididae)

Lindsay Mikell and Adam Dale

<p>The tuliptree aphid, <em>Illinoia liriodendri </em>(Monell) is a sap-feeding insect herbivore of <em>Liriodendron tulipifera </em>that commonly reaches high densities on trees planted in urban settings. <em>Liriodendron tulipifera </em>is a large tree species native throughout eastern North America known commonly as tuliptree or tulip poplar. This tree is a common ornamental tree species used in urban forests throughout the mid-Atlantic states of North America. Although it occurs mostly in temperate regions, <em>Illinoia liriodendri </em>can be found in most places where tulip poplar is grown. While its effects are recognized to be mostly aesthetic, heavy infestations of tuliptree aphid can significantly impact young trees, and they are considered the most important insect pest of this tree species in urban landscapes. This publication describes the identification, biology, and management of tuliptree aphid.</p>

thumbnail for publication: Balancing Pest Management and Insect Conservation on Ornamental Plants

Balancing Pest Management and Insect Conservation on Ornamental Plants

Bernadette Mach, Jaret Daniels, and Adam Dale

Increasing public awareness of the dangers of declines in biodiversity has generated unprecedented interest in promoting beneficial insects and other wildlife in yards and gardens. Research shows that well-managed urban landscapes can support diverse wildlife and that many people want their yards to support insect conservation. The green industry has made efforts to align plant production practices, marketing, and landscape maintenance with consumer conservation goals. However, backyard conservation efforts can be hindered by insect pest outbreaks. These are often more frequent and severe in urban landscapes than in rural or natural areas because of environmental constraints. Invasive pest species may thrive unchecked and require intervention. People may face difficult decisions when trying to balance conservation goals with pest management and plant health needs. This publication explains the ornamental plant pest management process with an emphasis on protecting beneficial wildlife.

thumbnail for publication: Pasture Mealybug: A New Threat for Pasture Grass, Turfgrass, and Sugarcane in Florida

Pasture Mealybug: A New Threat for Pasture Grass, Turfgrass, and Sugarcane in Florida

Erin Powell, Isaac L. Esquivel, Nicole Quinn, Marcelo Wallau, Adam Dale, andBrent Sellers

The pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei Brookes) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), a pest now found in Florida, can cause severe dieback of grasses. It was first reported in the continental US in Texas in October 2025, though researchers suspect it arrived before 2022. In Texas, it was found on many grasses, including bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and johnsongrass. Along with pasture and turfgrass, it has emerged as an important pest of sugarcane, spreading from Texas to Louisiana. In Florida, it was first reported in late May 2026 on limpograss in the southeastern part of the state. As of June 19, 2026, surveys confirmed the mealybug in 15 Florida counties including: Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, and St. Lucie. The most damage has been observed on limpograss and sugarcane, but several other grasses are affected, including bahiagrass and bermudagrass.