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Content by Philip Rozeboom

Moth with green metallic wings and an orange body resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimates: June 10, 2022

Although gardening is well underway in South Dakota, squash vine borers should not be an issue for at least another week. See our latest activity estimates based on conditions around the state.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 9, 2022

In some areas of South Dakota, we have reached enough degree days that common stalk borer caterpillars will begin moving into corn from weedy hosts along the edges of fields.

Multiple views of a green lacewing adult. The adult has a bright green body and large metallic eyes. The wings are translucent with green venation.

Green Lacewings: Beneficial Predators for Both Small and Large-Scale Landscapes

Many insect species are beneficial to landscapes, and some are even reared in large quantities to be released as biological control agents. In this article, we will focus on one of those insects, the green lacewing.

Left: Squash bee adult. Right: Male long-horned bee.

Beneficial Pollinators: Squash Bees and Long-Horned Bees

South Dakota is home to more than 400 species of native bees. In this article, we will highlight the squash bee and the long-horned bee, two beneficial native pollinators.

Left: Adult honey bee. Right: Bicolored striped-sweat bee

Beneficial Pollinators: Honey Bees and Bicolored Striped-Sweat Bee

With temperatures increasing in South Dakota, expect to see an increase of beneficial pollinators searching for blooming plants. Learn about two important pollinators, the honey bee and the native bicolored striped-sweat bee.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 26, 2022

Not much has changed in terms of degree day accumulation for common stalk borers since last week. Cold low temperatures prevented most of the state from accumulating very many degree days.

A pair of brown moths with light markings present on their wings.

Army Cutworms Beginning To Take Flight

Army cutworm moths were collected in a black light trap near Sturgis this week. This is an indicator that army cutworm caterpillars have finished feeding on available vegetation.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 18, 2022

Degree day accumulations continue to approach the peak emergence of the second generation of seedcorn maggots. See our latest management recommendations based on this activity.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 12, 2022

For most of South Dakota, peak emergence of the overwintering seedcorn maggot population has passed. See our latest activity estimates for the second generation.

Top profile of an insect with an orange head and second body segment, and a shiny, almost iridescent black abdomen.

Ground Beetles: Predators That Provide Benefits in Agricultural Landscapes

For agroecosystems and gardens struggling with weeds and insect pests, ground beetles can be a beneficial predator. Learn the benefits they can bring to your landscape this growing season.