Lepidoptera: (moth butterfly, caterpillar)

	Forest Tent Caterpillar (FTC) is once again in big numbers and very active. The warmer regions are already experiencing defoliation, especially on oaks. The Connecticut River Valley region in MA (e.g., Greenfield to Springfield) already have experienced complete defoliation of trees that are typically late to have bud break, such as pin oaks. However, fully leafed and blossoming crabapples have also been defoliated. In Greenfield, FTC is now around 1.5 inches in length while just 10 miles from there, in the slightly higher elevations, FTC larvae are only about 0.75 inches to one inch in length. Last year, an Entomophaga fungus, similar to the one that attacks gypsy moth, was observed having an effect on FTC, and it is not yet known to what extend it reduced population numbers, if at all. Numbers of this pest do appear to be lower this year in central and eastern MA, but it is still early to know if defoliation will occur there or not. This pest, when occurring in large numbers, can quickly defoliate trees. If necessary, treat the caterpillars with a product that contains spinosad or with one of the labeled pyrethroid insecticides. Oaks, maples, birches, crabapples, and many others are common host plants.
	Gypsy Moth is not expected to be in large numbers across the state, but it is not uncommon for small, localized areas to experience gypsy moth in outbreak proportions. This pest has hatched in most of the state and is settled and feeding, but no reports of large populations have yet been received. Monitor for their activity and treat in a similar fashion, if necessary, as for winter moth or FTC.
	Eastern Tent Caterpillar has been active for almost a month and is rapidly gaining in size. Webs on cherries and apples are numerous and quite large in the areas of heavy infestation. Some areas that have experienced outbreaks of this pest in recent years are reporting much lower numbers this year. If this pest is active in your area, it should be obvious by now. Treat the same as the above-mentioned pests, if necessary.
	Fall Cankerworm should just be beginning its activity now. FCW is very similar in appearance to winter moth but has two and a half pairs of prolegs on the abdomen where winter moth only has two pairs. This pest is sometimes found in mixed populations with winter moth on the same host plant. Treat, if necessary.

Hymenoptera:

	European pine sawfly has the potential to completely defoliate branches and entire plants. Monitor mugo pine, in particular, for clusters of this green caterpillar, which are almost the same color of the needles. The very young caterpillars can be successfully treated with an insecticidal soap spray while caterpillars of all ages can be treated with a product that contains spinosad or with one of the labeled pyrethroid insecticides.
	Azalea sawfly caterpillar is now active in much of the state. This pale green caterpillar is almost the exact color of the host plant foliage and often hugs the leaf margin while it feeds. Therefore, it is very cryptic, and much damage can be created before it is noticed. Only deciduous varieties of azalea are attacked, especially the Exbury and Mollis varieties. This pest is capable of creating total defoliation of the host plant. T reat established populations with a product that contains spinosad or with one of the registered pyrethroid products that is labeled for this pest.
	Rose Slug Sawfly Caterpillar (aka Roseslug). This pale green caterpillar feeds mostly on the upper leaf surface of rose foliage by skeletonizing and thus creating a “window-paning” effect. Large numbers of this pest usually result in unsightly injury. Inspect for the damage and the presence of the small caterpillars. Treat with an insecticidal soap spray or with a product that contains spinosad.

Coleoptera:

Lily leaf beetle has been active in the adult stage for several weeks now. Feeding injury, showing up as notches to leaf margins and holes in the foliage, is becoming noticeable. Eggs, on the undersides of leaves, in the form of an irregular tan-colored line about one inch in length have not yet been seen or reported, but they will be appearing within the next couple of weeks. Mating adults have been observed in the Amherst area. Treat the adults with a registered and labeled pyrethroid. Later on, treat the larvae with a product that contains spinosad. NEEM products do work to deter feeding activity, but they need to be reapplied every 10-14 days for as long as the pest is active, which is much of the growing season. NEEM, therefore, is a good choice in smaller plantings of true lilies.

European chafer adults should start to appear within the next few weeks, especially in the warmer regions. This large scarab often goes unnoticed due to its nocturnal habits, but it sometimes clusters by the hundreds or even thousands on individual plants for mating purposes. While there, they can often create plant injury in the form of large ragged notches on the leaf margins. Rhododendrons are common host plants along with many others. If suspected, inspect at night with a flashlight for their presence. Treat with a pyrethroid, if necessary.