605-394-1722
SDSU West River Research and Extension
711 N Creek Dr
Rapid City, SD 57703
Patrick serves the citizens of South Dakota as an SDSU Extension Entomology Field Specialist based in Rapid City.
Patrick Wagner
SDSU Extension Entomology Field Specialist
Also by Patrick Wagner
Several Species of Caterpillars Are Actively Defoliating Soybean
There are several species of caterpillars that have recently been observed in a single soybean field. The species include the green cloverworm, cabbage looper, alfalfa, thistle, and oblique banded leaf roller caterpillars.
West Nile Virus Update: July 29, 2026
As of July 30, 2026, the South Dakota Department of Health indicated that West Nile Virus positive mosquito pools have been detected in Brown, Codington, Hughes, Lincoln, and Minnehaha counties in South Dakota.
Aphid Populations Observed in South Dakota Corn Fields
During the last week, we have observed low level aphid populations in corn fields. Although aphid populations can reach high densities in corn, their presence doesn’t indicate guaranteed yield loss.