Entomology & Plant Pathology Weekly Review, April 3
Indiana Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 04/03/2024 07:25 AM EDT
Weekly Review for April 3, 2024
This informal report by the Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology is a commentary on insects, diseases, and curiosities division staff encounter on a week-to-week basis. Comments and questions about this report are welcome and can be sent to your respective Inspector.
On Good Friday I spotted my first swarm of the season from a neighbor’s hive in Ripley County. I have also seen multiple reports of swarming across southern Indiana. I think we can officially say swarm season has started. Just because I know I’ll get asked if the swarm is still available the answer is no. I notified the beekeeper and they were able to retrieve it.
I have also heard of more than a few people putting pollen patties on, which is something I would caution against this time of year. Bees do not benefit much from patties if real pollen is available. At this point, all of Indiana has pollen available. Making matters worse, patties can become brood factories for small hive beetles. If you’re going to use them, I suggest making sure you check them regularly.
Lastly, flowering quince is in full bloom in my area and the bees are covering it.
Just a small update on the seasonal situation here in Perry County along the Ohio River. Redbud, forsythia, and crabapple are in full bloom. Dogwood is starting to leaf out. Carpenter bees have started buzzing about. Over the past week, I’ve seen just a couple of butterflies out such as eastern tiger swallowtail, red admiral, and spring azure. Around March 27, I noticed a 3-inch or so wide eastern tent caterpillar nest in the woods, but I have not seen widespread development yet. Dealers started getting in fruiting trees and shrubs and some small perennials a couple of weeks ago.
Will Drews (Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer) - WDrews@dnr.IN.gov
It’s that time of year. Nurseries, greenhouses, and nursery dealers are starting to get in stock or have stock that is now actively growing and ready for inspection. Here are some of the pests I have noted so far during inspections this year (more information about the pests is included in the captions.)
Over the last few months, DEPP has invested a lot of time surveying for and scrapping spotted lanternfly (SLF) egg masses. We are starting to see populations spring up along railroad corridors in northern Indiana. Nymphs should emerge from the egg masses around mid-May. We would like to remind everyone that if you see a suspected SLF, snap a picture and email it along with the location and date it was taken to DEPP@dnr.IN.gov or contact your local nursery inspector.
