Carey Minteer

0000-0002-3661-7518

Chevroned Water Hyacinth Weevil Neochetina bruchi Hustache (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Eutychus Kariuki and Carey Minteer

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.

Melaleuca Gall Midge (suggested common name) Lophodiplosis trifida Gagné (Insecta: Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Cecidomyiinae: Cecidomyiini)

Matthew R. Moore, James P. Cuda, Paul D. Pratt, and Min B. Rayamajhi

Mottled Water Hyacinth Weevil Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Eutychus Kariuki and Carey Minteer

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.

Florida's Established Arthropod Weed Biological Control Agents and Their Targets

James P. Cuda andJ Howard Frank
other_contacts: Carey Minteer

Psílido, Boreioglycaspis melaleucae Moore (Insecta: Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Susan A. Wright, Susan E. Halbert y James Cuda

Waterlily Leafcutter, Elophila obliteralis (Walker) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Acentropinae)

Dale H. Habeck, Dale H. Habeck, James P. Cuda, Emma N. I. Weeks, andEmma N. I. Weeks
other_contacts: Carey Minteer

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.

Hydrellia Fly Parasitic Wasp Trichopria columbiana Ashmead (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Diapriidae)

Michael J. Grodowitz, Byron R. Coon, Nathan E. Harms, Michael J. Grodowitz, Emma N. I. Weeks, Emma N. I. Weeks, andJames P. Cuda
other_contacts: Carey Minteer

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.

Ligustrum Weevil (suggested common name), Ochyromera ligustri Warner (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Tychiinae: Tychiini: Endaeina)

J. P. Cuda, M. C. Zellar, and M. C. Thomas

Fire Ant Decapitating Flies Pseudacteon spp. (Insecta: Diptera: Phoridae)

Ariane McCorquodale, James P. Cuda, and Sanford D. Porter

Phragmites in Florida

W. A. Overholt, R. Diaz, M. Hanson, D. Williams, B. A. Sellers, and J. P. Cuda

Classical Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) in Florida

J. P. Cuda, D. H. Habeck, W. A. Overholt, J. C. Medal, J. H. Pedrosa-Macedo, M. D. Vitorino, and C. R. Minteer

This document discusses the classical biological control of the invasive Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) in Florida. It highlights the tree’s aggressive spread, ecological impact, and the limitations of conventional control methods. The article details the introduction and effectiveness of various biological control agents, including thrips, sawflies, leaf rollers, weevils, and psyllids, in managing the Brazilian peppertree. The goal is to reduce the tree’s dominance and restore native biodiversity in affected ecosystems. First published 1999. 

Hydrilla Leafcutter Moth (unofficial common name) Parapoynx diminutalis Snellen (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Julie Baniszewski, Emma N.I. Weeks, James P. Cuda, and Carey Minteer

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.

Brazilian Peppertree Control

K. T. Gioeli, S. F. Enloe, C. R. Minteer, D. M. Lieurance, and K. A. Langeland

This publication presents management recommendations for the Brazilian peppertree. It contains information about Brazilian peppertree biology, herbicide application techniques, and the status of biological control. Written by K. T. Gioeli, S. F. Enloe, C. R. Minteer, D. M. Lieurance, and K. A. Langeland, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised November 2021.

Alligatorweed Flea Beetle Agasicles hygrophila Selman and Vogt (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Halticinae)

Ted D. Center, James P. Cuda, Michael J. Grodowitz, and Carey R. Minteer

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.

How Scientists Obtain Approval to Release Organisms for Classical Biological Control of Invasive Plants

J. Scoles, J. P. Cuda, W. A. Overholt, and C. R. Minteer

An invasive weed is a nonnative plant that exhibits rapid population growth following its arrival in a new environment where it did not evolve. The success of the weed in its new habitat is due in part to the absence of the natural enemies that normally limit its reproduction and spread in its native range. Classical biological control seeks to reunite an invasive weed with one or more of its co-evolved natural enemies to provide permanent control of the weed. 

Biological Control of Weeds: Is it Safe?

Carey Minteer, Eutychus Kariuki, and James Cuda

Invasive plants are non-native plant species that cause harm in their introduced range. Classical biological control of invasive plants is the use of natural enemies, imported insects and mites or pathogens, to control the target plants. This publication explains the strategies and rules in place to ensure that organisms released for the biological control of weeds are safe and effective.

Pepper Fruit Fly Atherigona orientalis (Schiner) (Insecta: Diptera: Muscidae)

Kenneth L. Hibbard, William A. Overholt, and James P. Cuda

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.

Hydrilla Integrated Management

Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman, Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman, Verena-Ulrike Lietze, Emma N. I. Weeks, andEmma N. I. Weeks
other_contacts: Carey Minteer

The purpose of this book, published in August 2014, is to deliver up-to-date information on hydrilla management tactics that are available for developing hydrilla integrated management plans. Once introduced into a freshwater body, the invasive aquatic plant hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata [L.f.] Royle) can cause damaging infestations that impact stakeholders from various user groups with different interests in the affected water body. These user groups range from lakefront homeowners to recreational visitors to aquatic plant managers to businesses that support ecotourism.

Alligatorweed Stem Borer (suggested common name) Arcola malloi Pastrana (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae)

Bonnie C. Wells and Carey Minteer

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.

Earleaf Acacia: An Invasive Threat to Florida

Sara Salgado MacDonald, Telmah L. Telmadarrehei, andCarey Minteer

Acacia auriculiformis, or earleaf acacia, is a fast-growing invasive tree threatening Florida’s native ecosystems, particularly low-elevation wetlands like the Everglades. Originally introduced as an ornamental, earleaf acacia now displaces native flora, alters nitrogen cycles, and reduces biodiversity. Current mechanical and chemical control methods are costly and limited in scale. Ecological niche modeling shows this species' potential to spread throughout the southeastern United States and other regions. Ongoing research into biological control agents like Trichilogaster sp. offers hope for long-term management. Public engagement, early detection, and education are essential for limiting this invasive species and protecting Florida’s ecosystems.

Hydrilla Tip Mining Midge: Cricotopus lebetis Sublette (Insecta: Diptera: Chironomidae)

James P. Cuda, Brian R. Coon, Emma N. I. Weeks, Judy L. Gillmore, Ted D. Center, and Carey Minteer

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 document provides a detailed profile of the hydrilla tip mining midge, Cricotopus lebetis. It covers the midge's distribution, physical description, life cycle, host plants, and its potential as a biological control agent for hydrilla. The midge larvae mine the meristematic tissues of hydrilla, disrupting shoot growth and preventing new stems from reaching the surface. The article emphasizes the importance of integrated pest management and discusses the challenges and strategies for mass rearing and release of the midge to control hydrilla infestations. First published: August 1998.

Water Hyacinth Planthopper (suggested common name) Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Insecta: Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

Jeremiah Foley andCarey Minteer

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.

Brazilian Peppertree Seed Chalcid, (unofficial common name) Megastigmus transvaalensis (Hymenoptera: Torymidae)

J. P. Cuda, D. H. Habeck, and G. S. Wheeler

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for Academic and General Public audience(s). Published by Integrated Pest Management

Lygodium Defoliator Moth (suggested) Neomusotima conspurcatalis (Warren) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Kristen Bowers, Melissa Smith, and Carey Minteer

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.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Adelges tsugae (Annand 1928) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Adelgidae)

Jeremiah R. Foley, Scott Salom, and Carey Minteer

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.

Hydrilla Stem Weevil Bagous hydrillae O'Brien

Emma N. I. Weeks, Emma N. I. Weeks, James P. Cuda, Michael J. Grodowitz, andMichael J. Grodowitz
other_contacts: Carey Minteer

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.

Myakka Bug, Ischnodemus variegatus (Signoret) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Blissidae)

Cecil O. Montemayor, Rodrigo Diaz, William A. Overholt, Amanda Hodges, and James P. Cuda

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.

Acacia de vaina orejuda: una amenaza invasora para Florida

Sara Salgado MacDonald, Telmah Telmadarrehei, andCarey Minteer

Acacia auriculiformis, conocida como acacia de vaina orejuda, es un árbol invasor de rápido crecimiento que amenaza los ecosistemas nativos de Florida, particularmente los humedales de baja elevación como los Everglades. Introducida originalmente como planta ornamental, la acacia de vaina orejuda ahora desplaza la flora nativa, altera los ciclos del nitrógeno y reduce la biodiversidad. Los métodos actuales de control mecánico y químico son costosos y tienen una aplicación limitada a pequeña escala. El modelado de nicho ecológico muestra el potencial de esta especie para expandirse por el sureste de Estados Unidos y otras regiones. Las investigaciones en curso sobre agentes de control biológico, como Trichilogaster sp., ofrecen perspectivas prometedoras para su manejo a largo plazo. La participación del público, la detección temprana y la educación son fundamentales para limitar la propagación de esta especie invasora y proteger los ecosistemas de Florida.

Brazilian Peppertree Thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Insecta: Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)

Patricia Prade, Carey R. Minteer, and James P. Cuda

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. Published by Integrated Pest Management

Waterlettuce Weevil Neohydronomus affinis Hustache, 1926 (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Telmah Telmadarrehei and Carey R. Minteer

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.

Yellow Brazilian Pepper-tree Leaf Galler (suggested common name) Calophya latiforceps Burckhardt (Insecta: Hemiptera: Calophyidae: Calophyinae)

James P. Cuda, Patricia Prade, and Carey R. Minteer

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.

Hydrilla Tuber Weevil Bagous affinis Hustache (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Emma N.I. Weeks and Carey Minteer

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.

Alligatorweed Thrips (Suggested Common Name) Amynothrips andersoni O'Neill (Insecta: Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)

Ted D. Center, James P. Cuda, and Michael J. Grodowitz

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.

Shining Orange Slender Twig Ant (suggested common name) Pseudomyrmex simplex (F. Smith) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Pseudomyrmecine)

Emily J. Le Falchier and Carey R. Minteer

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.

Air Potato Leaf Beetle (Suggested Common Name), Lilioceris cheni Gressitt and Kimoto (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Criocerinae)

Ted D. Center and William A. Overholt

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.

Classical Biological Control of Weeds with Insects: Melaleuca Weevil

J. P. Cuda, S. A. Wright, G. R. Buckingham, T. D. Center, and K. T. Gioeli

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for General Public audience(s).

Biological Control Containment Facilities in Florida

W. A. Overholt, R. D. Cave, P. D. Pratt, P. C. Lake, and J. C. Scoles

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s). This document provides a comprehensive overview of the American serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii. It covers the insect's life cycle, physical characteristics, and ecological impact, particularly its role as a pest in greenhouses and vegetable crops. The article details its host plants, damage caused by leaf mining, and natural enemies, including parasitoids. Management strategies such as sampling, insecticides, biological control, and cultural practices are discussed to mitigate its impact. The document is part of the UF/IFAS Extension's Featured Creatures collection, aimed at both laypersons and academic audiences interested in entomology. First published: July 2004.

Lilioceris egena (Weise) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Criocerinae)—Biological Control Agent of Air Potato Vine

F. Allen Dray Jr., Octavio Menocal, Rosemary Murray, Eric Rohrig, and Carey Minteer

This publication provides an in-depth profile of the air potato bulbil beetle (suggested common name), a new biological control agent of the air potato vine. It is intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Hydrilla Leaf Mining Flies (unofficial common name) Hydrellia spp. (Insecta: Diptera: Ephydridae)

Emma N.I. Weeks, James P. Cuda, and Carey Minteer

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.

Invasive Plants in Natural Areas: Solanum spp. in Florida

Stephen F. Enloe, Carey Minteer, L. T. Markle, andKenneth A. Langeland

This publication provides a guide to differentiate the invasive Solanum species, information about the ecology and management of each species, and information on Solanum capsicoides All., which can easily be confused with some of the invasive Solanum species.