James P. Cuda

0000-0002-4744-5416

Natural Area Weeds: A Property Owner's Guide to Melaleuca Control

K. A. Langeland, S. F. Enloe, and J. P. Cuda

This publication is one of a series with the purpose of providing information to empower citizens of Florida to protect Florida's natural areas from melaleuca and other invasive plant species. 

Standardized Invasive Species Terminology for Effective Outreach Education

Basil V. Iannone III, Emily C. Bell, Shannon Carnevale, Jeff E. Hill, Julie McConnell, Martin Main, Stephen F. Enloe, Steven A. Johnson, James P. Cuda, Shirley M. Baker, and Michael Andreu

This publication introduces a standardized set of seven terms compiled by the members of the UF|IFAS Invasive Species Council that can describe most situations involving invasive species, limit the confusion caused by jargon and incorrect usage, and deliver a simplified and unified message about the impacts of invasive species and how to best prevent and control them, potentially increasing the environmental and socioeconomic benefits of invasive species Extension and outreach programs.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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

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

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.

Cattail Mosquito (suggested common name) Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae: Culicinae: Mansoniini)

Lethia R. Johnson, James P. Cuda, and Nathan 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.

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

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.

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).

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.

Melaleuca Snout Beetle, Melaleuca Weevil (unofficial common names), Oxyops vitiosa (Pascoe) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

James P. Cuda, Susan Wineriter, Susan A. Wineriter, Gary Buckingham, Gary R. Buckingham, Ted Center, Ted D. Center, Kenneth T. Gioeli, andKenneth T. Gioeli
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

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

Wetland Weeds: West Indian Marsh Grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis)

Rodrigo Diaz, William A. Overholt, Brent Sellers, and James P. Cuda

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

A Psyllid, Boreioglycaspis melaleucae Moore (Insecta: Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Susan Wineriter, Susan E. Halbert, Susan A. Wineriter, Susan Elizabeth Halbert, andJames P. Cuda

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. 

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

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

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

James P. Cuda andJ Howard Frank
Other Contacts: Carey Minteer

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.

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.

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.

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.

Phragmites in Florida

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

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.