Box Tree Moth

New York State residents are encouraged to keep on the lookout for a new invasive species that has established itself in Western New York. Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) was first discovered in July 2021 and the IDL has been working closely with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, as well as USDA, in monitoring the spread of the moths. 

Giant Hornets

There is a lot of concern about an Asian hornet in a few places in western USA, but as of May 2020 it is not found in eastern USA. All of the “giant hornets” we have been sent photos of in New York and nearby areas, are instead actually the European hornet (Vespa crabro), which has distinctive markings of black and yellow on the abdomen, and red-brown color on the front of the body. 

Spotted Lanternfly 

A new invasive pest of orchards, vineyards, and tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus), the Spotted Lanternfly (“SLF”) has been found in southeastern Pennsylvania and Virginia, and is continuing to show up in new locations in 2018, including 2 sites in New York State.

Other news

Shayla Salzman examing Zamia furfuracea ovulate cones

News

Pollinators are attracted to humidity, not just scent

Humidity is as important as scent in attracting pollinators to a plant, new Cornell-led research finds, advancing basic biology and opening new avenues to support agriculture.

  • Neurobiology and Behavior
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Plant Biology Section
man working in a green house

Field Note

As an undergraduate entomology major, Will Kandalaft ’21 worked as a research assistant in the lab of Robert Raguso, professor of neurobiology and behavior. Raguso helped revolutionize his field by emphasizing and categorizing the role of scent...
  • Entomology
  • Pollinators
  • Biology
Chris Smart giving an extension talk at a hemp field day event

News

Christine Smart, a crop pathologist known for her leadership in protecting the health of specialty crops across New York state, has been appointed the Goichman Family Director of Cornell AgriTech, effective Oct. 1. Olga Padilla-Zakour will...
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • Department of Entomology
  • Food Science
 Under moderate levels of artificial light, predators have more opportunity to attack caterpillars.

News

Moderate levels of artificial light at night – like the fixture illuminating your backyard – bring more caterpillar predators and reduce the chance that these lepidoptera larvae grow up to become moths.

  • Lab of Ornithology
  • Animals
  • Entomology
Senior Lecturer Heather Grab interacts with bees in the lab in Comstock Hall.

News

A new study finds that nest boxes of commercial eastern common bumblebees (Bombus impatiens) lead to the deaths of wild queens who are attracted to the brightly colored hives.

  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Department of Entomology
  • School of Integrative Plant Science