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Content by Philip Rozeboom

Several small, light colored grasshopper nymphs feeding on green potato plants. The leaves of the potato plants have small holes in them.

Grasshopper Populations Increasing in South Dakota

Large populations of grasshopper nymphs have been a common observation this year. One concern regarding these populations is that, as the season progresses and they continue to grow, they will need additional resources.

Red-brown colored weevil with bent antennae originating on the elongated mouthparts.

Red Sunflower Seed Weevil Populations Are Active in South Dakota

Red sunflower seed weevils are active in South Dakota sunflowers. Scouting should begin for fields that are going to be reaching the R5 stage within the next week.

Meadow, lygus, and alfalfa plant bug adults.

Plant Bugs Active in Alfalfa

Plant bugs are active in alfalfa fields across the state. A common question we receive from producers is why some of these bugs look so different from others.

Eight green beetles in the top portion of the image and seven yellow beetles with varying black stripes in the bottom portion of the image.

Corn Rootworm Adults Are Active in South Dakota

We have been observing a lot of corn rootworm adults in South Dakota. The emergence of these primarily underground pests can provide insight into field population levels and the potential for future root injury.

Green soybean with wilting/dying soybean within the same row.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Detected in South Dakota Soybean

Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected in southeastern South Dakota. Although the infestations probably won’t result in plant death in many fields in 2022, the infestations could be a source for soybean gall midge adults in 2023.

Brown insect with two pincher like appendages at the end of its body.

An identification guide for Home and Building Arthropod Pests - Insects, Spiders and Other Invaders in South Dakota

Identification guide to assist with identification and management of home and building arthropod pests (insects, spiders and other invaders).

a Black and yellow garden spider on its web.

An identification guide for Common Spiders in South Dakota

Identification guide to assist with identification and management of common spiders.

Cream colored larvae feeding on sunflower seed.

An identification guide for Sunflower Insect Pests in South Dakota

Identification guide to assist with insect identification and management in sunflowers.

Gray tear drop shaped bugs feeding on a yellow squash.

Squash Bugs Are Active in South Dakota

Squash bugs are an insect pest that everyone dreads finding in their garden. If left unmanaged, injury caused by their extensive feeding can kill infested squash and cucurbit plants.

A pasture containing a mixture of grasses and alfalfa.

Grasshopper Activity Is Ramping Up

We have already observed increased grasshopper activity in many areas of the state and, depending on the 2022 season, they may become problematic in crops.