Wheat Insects

All Wheat Insects Content

Dark green and tan curled caterpillars with an orange stripe along their sides.

True Armyworm Caterpillars Are Active in South Dakota Wheat

We have received a few reports of true armyworm caterpillars in wheat that are heavily feeding on the leaves. The big concern with these pests is that they will also clip wheat heads prior to harvest, so scouting is necessary to ensure that they don't cause yield losses.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offices in Washington, D.C.

Update on Chlorpyrifos Use in South Dakota

As of June 30, 2025, the labeled uses for chlorpyrifos products for food and feed are limited to alfalfa, soybean, and wheat in South Dakota. Chlorpyrifos can no longer be used to treat sunflowers.

Redlegged and differential grasshopper nymphs.

Grasshoppers Are Showing up in Large Numbers in Eastern South Dakota

While scouting spring wheat in Brookings County this week, we noticed grasshopper nymph populations that were close to threshold.

Green aphid with black cornicles and black patterns on legs.

Aphid Populations Continue To Increase in Wheat

English grain aphid populations are continuing to increase in wheat. With increasing pressure, it is important to scout wheat fields to ensure that the populations do not cause yield loss.

Grasshopper with red hind tibia. It’s sitting on a green grass stem.

Survey of Grasshoppers in South Dakota

Fact sheet on the abundance and species diversity of grasshoppers in South Dakota

Aster Leafhoppers Showing up in South Dakota Wheat

Aster leafhoppers are present in wheat again this spring. For the last few years, aster leafhoppers have been a common occurrence in South Dakota wheat.

Bird cherry oat aphids, English grain aphids, Greenbugs.

Don’t Forget To Scout for Aphids in Wheat

Aphids are present in South Dakota wheat fields, and that means it’s time to start scouting.

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Black Grass Bug Activity Ramping Up

Black grass bugs feed on fresh green growth, which can result in stunted plants and decreased forage quality. Monitoring and potential management of black grass bugs will be of increased importance this spring, especially if drought persists.

A fly with a metallic body, long legs, and clear wings with smoky markings.

Flying Gems: Long-Legged Flies

Whether scouting for pests in crops or in a garden, chances are you’ve encountered a long-legged fly. These insects provide essential biocontrol of many insect pests and should be encouraged in the landscape.

A black and yellow striped fly with large red eyes resting on a flower. The fly is covered in yellow pollen.

It’s a Bee! It’s a Wasp! No, It’s a Hover Fly!

Many types of insects are responsible for some degree of pollination in landscapes. In this article, we will focus on the syrphid fly as both an important pollinator and a beneficial insect predator.