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Argiope

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Article author:
Most recently reviewed by: David Kerns & Janet Hurley (2020)

Common Name(s): argiope

Description

The word Argiope means “with a bright face” in Latin. Like all spiders, they have a cephalothorax, abdomen, eight legs, fangs, and a silk spinner. Being an orb weaver, spiders in the genus Argiope spp. have a unique third claw on each leg that is used to assist in the weaving of the spider’s complex webs. Their webs are often large and have a zig-zag pattern in the center. The reason for this pattern is unknown, though it is thought that it may be used to attract prey. Argiope spp. spiders consume and rebuild their web every day. Known for their black and yellow patterns on their body, and occasionally an orange and/or black pattern on their legs, these spiders are incredibly beautiful and easily recognized. As with most spiders the females of this genus are larger than their male counterparts. Females are usually around ¾” to 1 ⅛” while males are usually ¼” to ⅜” in size. These spiders are found all over the world and in the lower 48 states of the U.S.A.

Habitat & Hosts

Argiope spp.  spiders are not a pest in the traditional sense of the word as they do not feed on crops or garden plants, but to those who are afraid of spiders it can be considered a pest. As with most spiders, Argiope spp. are beneficial organisms because they kill and consume insect pests that damage crops and garden plants.

Life Cycle

Argiope spp. mate once a year. Mature male spiders roam in search of potential mates. Once a suitable mate has been found, the male then builds a web with a zig-zag pattern either in the middle of or on the outer area of the female’s web and begins to pluck the female’s web as a courting gesture. Once impregnated females lay one or more egg sacs in her web close to her resting position. Each egg sac contains anywhere between 300 to 1400 eggs. The mother watches over her eggs but will usually die at the first hard frost. Spiders usually hatch around autumn or summer and look similar to their adult counterparts. Most spiders usually live for around a year though some females can live for multiple years in warmer climates. Most males usually die after mating.

Citations

Hammond, G. 2002. “Argiope aurantia” (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Argiope_aurantia/

Hawkinson, C. ND, “Galveston Master Gardeners Beneficials in the Garden, Black and Yellow Argiope Spider” (On-line), Aggie-Horticulture, Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-24_spider_blackandyellow_argiope.htm

Murray, M. 2018. “What is a spider” (On-line), Australia Museum, Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/species-identification/ask-an-expert/what-is-a-spiders/

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Black-and-Yellow Argiope

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Article author:
Most recently reviewed by: David Kerns & Janet Hurley (2020)

Common Name(s): argiope, Corn Spider, Yellow garden spider, Zipper Spider

Description

Argiope aurantia female and male. Photo by Tony Bartlett.

The word Argiope means “with a bright face” in Latin. Like all spiders, they have a cephalothorax, abdomen, eight legs, fangs, and a silk spinner. Being an orb weaver, spiders in the genus Argiope spp. have a unique third claw on each leg that is used to assist in the weaving of the spider’s complex webs. Their webs are often large and have a zig-zag pattern in the center. The reason for this pattern is unknown, though it is thought that it may be used to attract prey. Argiope spp. spiders consume and rebuild their web every day. Known for their black and yellow patterns on their body, and occasionally an orange and/or black pattern on their legs, these spiders are incredibly beautiful and easily recognized. As with most spiders the females of this genus are larger than their male counterparts. Females are usually around ¾” to 1 ⅛” while males are usually ¼” to ⅜” in size.

Origin and Distribution

Found all over the world and in the lower 48 states of the U.S.A

Habitat & Hosts

Argiope spp.  spiders are not a pest in the traditional sense of the word as they do not feed on crops or garden plants, but to those who are afraid of spiders it can be considered a pest. As with most spiders, Argiope spp. are beneficial organisms because they kill and consume insect pests that damage crops and garden plants.

Life Cycle

Argiope spp. mate once a year. Mature male spiders roam in search of potential mates. Once a suitable mate has been found, the male then builds a web with a zig-zag pattern either in the middle of or on the outer area of the female’s web and begins to pluck the female’s web as a courting gesture. Once impregnated females lay one or more egg sacs in her web close to her resting position. Each egg sac contains anywhere between 300 to 1400 eggs. The mother watches over her eggs but will usually die at the first hard frost. Spiders usually hatch around autumn or summer and look similar to their adult counterparts. Most spiders usually live for around a year though some females can live for multiple years in warmer climates. Most males usually die after mating.

Citations

Hammond, G. 2002. “Argiope aurantia” (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Argiope_aurantia/

Hawkinson, C. ND, “Galveston Master Gardeners Beneficials in the Garden, Black and Yellow Argiope Spider” (On-line), Aggie-Horticulture, Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-24_spider_blackandyellow_argiope.htm

Murray, M. 2018. “What is a spider” (On-line), Australia Museum, Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/species-identification/ask-an-expert/what-is-a-spiders/

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Rover Ant

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Article author: Mike Merchant, Robert Puckett
Most recently reviewed by: Pat Porter (2018)

Common Name(s): Rover Ant

Description

Rover worker ants are small (about 1/16″), uniform in size (monomorphic), and vary in color from black, dark brown, to pale blonde. They have 9-segmented antennae without a club, a 1-segmented petiole which is hidden under the abdomen and they do not possess a stinger. The thorax is uneven in shape and the front portion is humped.

Origin and Distribution

Rover ants were rarely considered as a nuisance pest ant. However, since 2015 in Texas, this ant has become more and more prevalent throughout the state. Pest Management Professionals are reporting increased incidents of rover ants inside of structures. These ants are of little economic and medical importance because they do not bite or sting. However, they can be a nuisance in areas where ants are not tolerable, particularly indoors, and can be hard to eliminate.

Habitat & Hosts

Colonies are small ranging in from hundreds to a few thousands members. They contain only one queen per colony. Colonies are usually found in the soil or rotting wood but they will nest in potted plants, wall voids and other harborages. Colonies are commonly associated with soil dwelling aphids and mealy bugs that produce honey dew, a sugary liquid extracted from plants on which these sucking insects feed.

Colonies are formed by mating flights of winged male and female individuals. These flights usually occur in the evening during summer months and winged sexual (alates) are attracted to lights.

Two species are positively identified in Texas, B. depilis and B. obscurior. It is widespread throughout the state and B. obscurior is known to be in the southern portion of the state. It is thought that there may be a third species that has recently been brought to Texas. The population and distribution of Brachymyrmex ants in Texas is expanding.

Life Cycle

Egg, larva, pupa and adult.

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 or cultural controls should be considered for controlling these ants first. Infestations are often associated with moisture and or fungal decay. Correction of moisture problems will help with control. Any wood that is severely damaged due to water should be replaced. Around the home, remove or treat nesting areas under landscape timbers or rocks.

Rover ants have proven to be one of the more difficult ants to control. They seem to be not attracted to many liquid or granular ant bait formulations. Find entry points on exterior of structure and seal if possible and/or treat with a contact insecticide. Gel baits and dusts may be used in electrical sockets for indoor control. If ants are in a void area, an aerosol may be used. Always follow all pesticide label directions.

Related Publications

Rover Ants, Urban and Structural Entomology Program at Texas A&M University.

German Cockroach

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Article author: Mike Merchant, Janet Hurley, Wizzie Brown
Most recently reviewed by: Pat Porter (2018)

Common Name(s): German cockroach

Description

Adults are 1/2 to 5/8 inches long, light brown to tan, with two dark stripes on the shield (pronotum) behind the head. Females are often seen carrying a yellowish-brown egg capsule (ootheca) protruding from the end of the abdomen. Nymphs are generally darker with two prominent dark stripes surrounding a lighter tan spot or stripe on body midsection (thorax).

Origin and Distribution

German cockroaches are our most prolific cockroach species producing 3-6 generations per year. Besides its importance as a sign of poor sanitation used by health departments, the German cockroach has been implicated in the transmission of several pathogenic organisms and as a cause of allergic reactions for children and adults. Prompt attention to sanitation and control are necessary to prevent this pest from becoming abundant.

Habitat & Hosts

German cockroaches do not enter structures from outdoors, they are spread entirely by humans and live only indoors. German cockroaches spend most of their lives in cracks and protected void areas near sources of food and water.

Life Cycle

Egg, nymph and adult.

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.

Control success depends not only on proper insecticide treatments, but on attention to good maintenance and housekeeping practices.
Cockroaches and their egg capsules are often introduced into buildings in packaging and boxes.  An effective control program should include monitoring and inspection of the area where they have been seen.

Sanitize

  • It’s much easier to prevent cockroach problems than to control these pests after they infest your home.  Start by keeping your home clean.
  • Do not leave food (or pet food) out or dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
  • Clean up spilled food and drink immediately.
  • If you feed your pets outside, move the food dishes away from doors.
  • Clean kitchen counters, tables and floors often.
  • Keep garbage in plastic bags and take the garbage out several times a week.
  • Keep garbage cans and waste baskets clean.
  • Rinse items to be recycled and do not let them accumulate for a long time.  Take them to the recycling center often.  Keep recycling bins clean.
  • Repair plumbing leaks.
  • Empty refrigerator drip pans regularly.

 Exclude

  • Store food and pet food in glass or plastic containers with tight fitting lids.
  • Use caulk to seal openings around plumbing pipes, ducts, electrical wiring, and any other openings where cockroaches can enter your home.
  • Inspect boxes, furniture and other items before bringing them into your home.

 Control

  • Before you buy or use any pesticide, read the label carefully.  Be sure the product is labeled for cockroaches and for the site you will treat.
  • Insecticide baits in childproof, plastic stations are safe, easy to use and effective.  Try baits first.
  • Insecticide gels in applicator tubes are also easy to use and very effective.
  • Apply insecticide to baseboards, cracks, openings around water pipes, and under sink.
  • If cockroaches remain a problem, hire a professional pest control service.

 

Related Publications

Cockroach Biology and Management, Texas A&M AgriLife Bookstore.

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Acrobat Ant

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Article author: Bradleigh S. Vinson

Common Name(s): Acrobat Ant

Description

Workers are one size, between 1/16 inch and 1/6 inch depending on species. Color is variable, but frequently the head and thorax are reddish-brown and the abdomen is black. They have two backward-pointing spines on the thorax. The waist (pedicle, the narrow segments at the front of the abdomen) has two nodes, and is attached to the upper side of the gaster (part of the abdomen following the waist). The gaster is heart-shaped and is often held upright over the body when the ants are disturbed.

Origin and Distribution

Of the 27 species known of acrobat ants known from the United States, 17 occur in Texas. C. punctulata, C. laeviuscula and C. minitussima occur widely throughout the state, six species are found only in eastern Texas and eight occur only in western Texas.  Although acrobat ants have a stinger, they seldom sting.  sometimes acrobat ants will enter houses near windows.

Habitat & Hosts

Acrobat ants sometimes forage in columns. Although they seldom sting, they can bite. While some species produce exposed nests, many nest under objects, in rotten logs, or are cavity nesters in shrubs or trees.  Their colony size is usually a couple thousand members. They are omnivorous; many tend aphids and occasionally east dead or living insects and sometimes can be attracted to sweets or meat.

Life Cycle

Egg, larva, pupa and adult

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.

These ants nest in water-damaged or water-stressed wood similar to carpenter ants. Indoors, they are found in building voids and insulation. Outdoors, they are found in soil, leaves or wood. They will trail and enter buildings by any means. They are active during the day, and prefer sweet foods. They often feed on the sugary excretions of honeydew-producing insects (e. g. aphids or scales).

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