Insect Bite/Sting

Asp caterpillar / Puss caterpillar/ Southern flannel moth

December 17, 2021 by ebrown

Article author: Wizzie Brown
Most recently reviewed by: Ballinger (Vacant) & & Pat Porter (2021)

Common Name(s): puss caterpillar, Southern flannel moth

Description

Eggs are small, elongate with rounded ends. The are laid in rows or clusters on foliage or small twigs and are covered with hairs from the female moth.

Larvae vary in size and color based upon stage/ instar. Early instars are yellow in color with spiny hairs emerging from the base of the body. Larvae change and become more hairy as the grow larger. Mature caterpillars are brown to gray in color, teardrop shaped with soft looking hairs covering the body. While the caterpillars look soft, you do NOT want to touch them as they can sting.

Pupae/ cocoons are typically found on plants, but mature larvae may wander from the host plant and onto adjacent plants or surfaces. Cocoons are spun from silk and are creamy white to light brown in color. They are flattened toward the front and have a hump towards the back. Cocoons are tough and may remain on the plant after the adult has emerged.

Adults are small, hairy moths with a 1-1.5 inch wingspan, with females being larger than males. Front wings are yellow and hind wings are creamy yellow. Bodies are covered with thick hair that looks like fur and is yellow to orange in color.

asp / puss caterpillar

Origin and Distribution

Asp caterpillars can be found from the east coast, down to Florida and west to Texas.

Habitat & Hosts

Eggs, larvae, and pupae are found on plants. Larvae feed on foliage of a variety of plants, but are commonly found on oaks.

Life Cycle

Complete life cycle: egg- larva- pupa- adult

Eggs are laid on foliage and small twigs of host plants by mated females that recently emerged from their cocoon. Eggs are laid in rows or sometimes in patches and are covered with hairs from the underside of the the female moth’s abdomen. Larvae are found on host plants where the feed on foliage. Mature larvae may wander from the host plant to adjacent plants and surfaces to pupate. There are two to three generations per year.

Management

If you live in the State of Texas, contact your local county agent or entomologist for management information. If you live outside of Texas, contact your local extension for management options.

Larvae are the damaging stage. While larvae feed on foliage of plants, usually they are not problematic for the plants they feed upon. Large populations can defoliate plants. Typically, these caterpillars are kept under control by natural enemies, such as tachinid flies or ichneumonid wasps. If a pesticide treatment is warranted, look for active ingredients such as Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki or spinosad to reduce harming beneficial insect populations.

Concern for larvae is for their capability to sting. All stages of caterpillars can sting (as well as the shed exoskeletons), but severity of the sting increases as the size of the caterpillar increases. Asp caterpillars have spines that are hollow and contain venom. These spines can break off into skin and cause an immediate stinging sensation, reddening at the site and sometimes localized swelling. More severe reactions may include headache, nausea, fever, racing heartbeat, abdominal pain, seizures, or other issues.

If you are stung, remove spines with sticky tape and try alleviating symptoms by using ice packs, oral antihistamines, and topical hydrocortisone cream. If you are stung by an asp caterpillar and have a severe reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

Bugwood Images

Opilionids

December 17, 2021 by holly.davis

Opilionid, also known as daddy longlegs or harvestman. Photo by John Jackman

Article author: Extension Entomologist at Weslaco (Vacant)
Most recently reviewed by: Sonja Swiger & Pat Porter (2020)

Common Name(s): Daddy longlegs, Harvestmen, Opiliones

Description

Opilionids, also called harvestmen or daddy longlegs, are common arachnids that are often under-appreciated, or even greatly feared. While it is true that they are related to spiders, they are in a separate Order, or taxonomic group, from spiders. There are some key differences between these two groups, listed in Table 1. Opilionids lack venom glands and fangs, thus the urban legend that they produce a deadly venom, just cannot bite is completely inaccurate.

Table 1. Differences between opiliones and spiders.

Opiliones	Spiders
Do NOT produce venom	Produce venom
Do NOT produce silk	Produce silk
2 eyes	6-8 eyes

Like other arachnids, opilionids have two-segmented bodies although there is no narrowing where these two segments join. Thus, their bodies are oval in shape, ranging in length from approximately 0.2 – 1 cm. They have four pairs of legs that may be very long and spindly, or much shorter. They also have a pair of pedipalps near their mouth they use for capturing food, feeding, and mating. They typically blend in well with their environment and may be reddish brown to grey or black in color with various markings on the legs and body.

Origin and Distribution

There are over 6,000 species of Opiliones identified worldwide and they can be found on all continents except Antarctica. Many species can be found throughout Texas, and several species are quite common in residential landscapes.

Showing several species of opilionids.

Photo by Joan Kearby Harves

Habitat & Hosts

Most species are active at night and remain sheltered under bark, mulch, rocks, and in caves or other structures during the day. They dehydrate easily thus are often found in association with moist environments. Occasionally, they can be found in large aggregations, probably to take advantage of a favorable habitat, reduce water loss, for protection from predators, or to mate.

They do not have good vision but rely largely on vibrations detected by specialized hairs on the second set of legs along with olfactory cues to navigate their environment and locate prey. Opilionids are generalist predators and/or scavengers, feeding on a wide range of live and dead soft-bodied prey including aphids, caterpillars, beetle larvae, slugs, mites, spiders, and even other opilionids. Unlike spiders that use venom to subdue prey, harvestmen grab prey and use their mouthparts (chelicerae and pedipalps) to tear apart and consume food. Some species have also been reported to feed on pollen, plant matter, and fungi.

Opilionids may deter predators by releasing repelling or irritating chemical compounds in the form of a gas or fluid. They may also exhibit a “bobbing” behavior, vibrating their bodies rapidly, making it difficult for a predator to get a good grip on them. If a predator does latch onto a leg, opilionids are capable of releasing individual legs at the joint closest to their bodies. This detached leg may continue to twitch for some time, distracting the would-be predator while they escape.

Life Cycle

Most opilionids reproduce sexually, although a few are capable of reproducing parthenogenetically (females produce offspring without mating). After mating, males often guard the female until she deposits her eggs. Females have a long ovipositor they use to place eggs singly or in groups in protected areas such as under mulch, bark, or in the soil. In some species the females may remain to guard the eggs until they hatch, while many others provide no further maternal care. Eggs hatch in about a month and the young will go through several molts before they reach the adult, sexually mature, stage. Adults may live from just a few months to a year or more. In more northern regions of Texas, they may overwinter in all life stages in protected areas such as outbuildings, under rocks, logs, etc.

Management

If you live in the State of Texas, contact your local county agent or entomologist for management information. If you live outside of Texas, contact your local extension for management options.

Opilionids are not considered a pest. Contrary to the popular urban legend, they are not one of the most venomous and deadly organisms known to mankind! They lack venom glands and fangs, making this myth completely unfounded. Therefore, if one is found in a dwelling it can safely be removed outdoors. Opilionids feed on many pest insects such as aphids and caterpillars, and “clean up” by feeding on dead organisms, so they can be considered beneficial in the landscape. However, if they become a nuisance or aggregate in significant numbers, habitat modification, including removing shady or protected areas, and drying out or exposing favorable habitats to sunlight will likely cause them to relocate.

Related Publications

Ohio’s Natural Enemies: Harvestmen (also known as daddy longlegs). Ohio State University. Available here.

Daddy Longlegs (Harvestmen). Missouri Department of Conservation. Available here.

Citations

Gardiner, M. and M. Griffith. Ohio’s Natural Enemies: Harvestmen (also known as daddy longlegs). 2016. Ohio State University Extension. Ent-68. Available here.

Pinto-da-Rocha, R., M. Glauco and G. Gonzalo. 2007. Harvestmen: The Biology of Opiliones. Harvard University Press. Boston, Massachusetts. 608 pages.

Asian Tiger Mosquito

March 18, 2021 by erfanv

Article author: Sonja Swiger
Most recently reviewed by: Janet Hurley & Molly Keck (2020)

Common Name(s): Asian tiger mosquito

Description

This aggressive, nuisance mosquito ranges from small to medium in size (4 to 7 millimeters). Adults are easy to recognize, being striking black with white patterns on the body and legs. They are the only mosquito species in the southeastern United States with a single bright white stripe down the thorax. This white stripe is a distinct characteristic that separates Aedes albopictus from Aedes aegypti, the Yellow Fever mosquito. The abdomen is black with horizontal white basal bands (closest to the body) and the legs have broad white bands. They have two wings with dark scales. The eggs, larvae and pupae are aquatic.

They are vectors of dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever in the tropics but less likely than Aedes aegypti. All four diseases are currently found in Central and South America and travel associated cases occur in Texas annually.

Origin and Distribution

This mosquito species is relatively new to North America, being accidentally introduced in 1985 through Houston, TX. The mosquito larvae arrived in tires being transported from Hong Kong. This species quickly established itself in the Gulf Coast region and has since expanded throughout much of the eastern half of the United States, south of Canada.

Habitat & Hosts

Asian tiger mosquitoes feed on animals such as dogs, cats, chipmunks, squirrels, and other rodents, as well as humans. They are known to bite during the day, starting at dawn, and continuing to feed throughout dusk, choosing to rest at night. This is a pestiferous outdoor species that will enter homes in search of human blood. Eggs are laid in tree holes, bromeliads and artificial containers. Artificial containers range from tires, bird baths, buckets, and wheelbarrows to gutters and trash.

Life Cycle

Aedes albopictus undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Females acquire blood prior to producing a batch of eggs that are subsequently laid in natural and artificial containers. Eggs hatch within a few days to months when they become covered with water. The larval stage is fully aquatic and consists of four instars. Larvae filter feed particulars (organic matter) from water for 5 to 7 days before molting into pupae. The pupal stage is non-feeding and lasts 2 to 3 days before emerging as an adult at the water surface.

Management

If you live in the State of Texas, contact your local county agent or entomologist for management information. If you live outside of Texas, contact your local extension for management options.

Non-chemical Controls

To manage mosquitoes effectively long-term, use several complementary management techniques. Remove mosquito food, water, and shelter by dumping water from artificial containers and cleaning bird baths and gutters regularly. Use screens on open windows and doors and inspect regularly for damage.

Chemical Controls

Utilize Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) mosquito dunks and bits for tree holes and containers that are unable to be drained on a regular basis to prevent larval development. Some short term ready-to-use products can be purchased for adult management locally. Chemical suppression is only one part of properly managing mosquitoes.

Effective chemical treatment for mosquitoes needs to be conducted by trained and licensed personnel. Contact your local vector control/health department for information on area-wide management in your town/city/county. Hiring a commercial pest control operator will help with suppressing adult populations.

Related Publications

ENTO-040 http://agrilife.org/livestockvetento/files/2016/04/ENTO040_Mar2_final.pdf

Citations

Mosquitoes of the Southeastern United States. Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena. 2013. The University of Alabama Press

Bugwood Images

Yellow Fever Mosquito

March 18, 2021 by erfanv

Aedes aegypti, the Yellow Fever Mosquito. Image by Dr. Gabriel Hamer, TAMU

Article author: Sonja Swiger
Most recently reviewed by: Janet Hurley & Molly Keck (2020)

Common Name(s): Yellow Fever Mosquito

Description

This is one of the most notorious mosquito vectors in the world, varying in size from 4 to 7 millimeters. Adults are striking black with white patterns on the body and legs. They are distinctly recognized by a silver “lyre-shaped” pattern on the thorax. The abdomen is black with horizontal white basal bands (closest to the body) and the legs have broad white bands. They have two wings with dark scales. The eggs, larvae and pupae are aquatic.

They are known vectors of dengue, zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. All four diseases are currently found in Central and South America and travel associated cases occur in Texas annually.

Origin and Distribution

This mosquito species was introduced into the Americas from Africa in the 17th Century and has become well established. They are found near humans, while they typically stay outdoors, they are known to seek a blood meal inside and can survive winters indoors amongst potted plants. They are found in tropical, subtropical, and some temperate climates, ranging from southern Florida to the West Coast up to Virginia. They have been found throughout most parts of Texas except for the northern half of the Panhandle.

Habitat & Hosts

Yellow Fever Mosquito preferred hosts are humans, with occasional feeding on cats, dogs, and rodents. They are known to bite during the daytime, starting at dawn and feeding throughout dusk, choosing to rest at night. This is generally an outdoor species, with eggs being laid in artificial containers. Artificial containers range from tires, bird baths, buckets, toys, pools, and wheelbarrows to gutters and trash. The adults are found close to buildings hiding amongst the vegetation and around trees.

Life Cycle

Aedes aegypti undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Females acquire blood prior to producing a batch of eggs that is subsequently placed in multiple artificial containers. Eggs will hatch within a few days to months when they become covered with water. The larval stage is fully aquatic and consists of four instars. Larvae filter feed particulars (organic matter) from the water for 5 to 7 days before molting into pupae. The pupae stage is non-feeding and will last 2 to 3 days before emerging as an adult at the water surface.

Management

If you live in the State of Texas, contact your local county agent or entomologist for management information. If you live outside of Texas, contact your local extension for management options.

Non-chemical Controls

Chemical Controls

Utilize Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) mosquito dunks and bits for containers that are unable to be drained on a regular basis to prevent larval development. Some short term ready-to-use products can be purchased for adult management locally. Chemical suppression is only one part of properly managing mosquitoes.

Related Publications

ENTO-040 http://agrilife.org/livestockvetento/files/2016/04/ENTO040_Mar2_final.pdf

Citations

Mosquitoes of the Southeastern United States. Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena. 2013. The University of Alabama Press

Africanized Honey Bees

December 3, 2020 by mebush

Molly Keck, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Article author: Molly Keck
Most recently reviewed by: Dalton Ludwick (2020)

Common Name(s): Africanized Honey Bee, Killer bees

Description

Beekeepers have taken advantage of these races and bred new races to produce bees with desirable traits such as gentleness or good honey production. However, since all races can mate, all races can interbreed.

Africanized honey bees are a race or variety of the honey bee Apis mellifera. Africanized honey bees look identical to European honey bees. There are many races of A. mellifera with varying characteristics and beekeepers take advantage of these races and have bred new races to produce bees with desirable traits such as gentleness or good honey production. However, since all races can mate with one another, all races can interbreed. Therefore, an Africanized honey bee in the US is one that contains the Africanized bee gene. Their degree of aggression and temperament vary considerably.

Origin and Distribution

Africanized honey bees were introduced into the Americas in the mid 1950’s by way of Brazil. During this time, Brazil was looking for ways to improve their honey production and introduced honey bees from tropical Africa in an attempt to establish a more successful honey bee. The bees quickly started to spread, reaching south Texas by 1990.

Africanized honey bees today are considered a hybrid of European honey bees and the African honey bee queens that spread from Brazil. Natural migration of the bees has allowed them to spread throughout all of Texas. In 2006, Africanized honey bees had been detected in 163 of 254 Texas counties, and it is assumed that feral bee colonies from any county within the state will test positive for the Africanized honey bee gene. As a result, Africanized honey bee testing is no longer performed in Texas.

Habitat & Hosts

Africanized honey bees are void nesters and will nest in hollow tree holes and stumps, eves of buildings, and any other cavity. They have been known to form nests in unused BBQ pits, trash cans, and other objects. At times, Africanized honey bees will form nests outside of voids with comb exposed, but those will generally not sustain through cold months.

Hives, or nests, are composed of wax produced from glands in worker bees, which are molded into vertically hanging combs. There may be several to many vertically hanging combs in a nest, depending on the strength and size of the colony. Comb is composed of hexagonal cells that contain eggs, larvae, pupae, honey and pollen.

Just like any honey bee race, Africanized honey bees are pollen and nectar feeders and excellent pollinators. They feed on both nectar and pollen from flowering plants.

Molly Keck, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Life Cycle

Africanized honey bees have a complete lifecycle: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. A colony contains a single queen who lays all the eggs in hexagonal cells. Eggs hatch after about 3 days into grub like, white larvae who are fed by workers. After feeding for about 6 days, the larvae elongate and turn into prepupa and are capped inside the cell within about 24 hours. After approximately 10 days, the adult bee will chew it’s way out of the cell. Adult bees may take 19-23 days to develop, depending if they are queens (~19 days), workers (~21 days) or drones (~23 days).

Queens are produced from fertilized eggs. Their cells are much larger because the queen is the largest honey bee in the colony. From the moment she hatches, she is fed a constant diet of royal jelly, which allows her to become the queen. Workers are also produced from fertilized eggs but are not fed the constant diet of royal jelly and are females within the colony that do not have the ability to mate. Drones are the only males and are produced from unfertilized eggs.

Workers have a variety of jobs depending on age. From young to older, these include nurse bees, construction workers, guard bees, and foragers. Workers live as adults 5-6 weeks during warm months and up to 3-4 months during the winter months.

Queens can live up to five years, but most are likely replaced within two years. Drones live approximately 3 months, but various factors reduce that lifespan, including mating and being killed off prior to winter months by workers to prevent them from eating all the food stores.

: Molly Keck, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

: Molly Keck, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Management

If you live in the State of Texas, contact your local county agent or entomologist for management information. If you live outside of Texas, contact your local extension for management options.

The main, undesired characteristic of Africanized honey bees is their tendency to be extremely aggressive and temperamental. All social insects are at their most aggressive when they are protecting their home, so when the bees perceive a threat to their home they can attack humans or other animals. Hives that are nesting in eves of structures or where humans are active, should be removed and relocated or killed. A certified pest management professional or beekeeper should be employed for such a task.

For information on beekeepers who do honey bee removal, visit Texas Apiary Inspection Service’s Website: https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/bee-removal/

Related Publications

Texas Apiary Inspection Service

Honey Bees In and Around Buildlings