The following are highlights and updates about samples and questions recently received in the Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic.  Visit the PIDC’s Facebook page to ask questions and for updates and more pictures.
 
Spring has sprung…then it snowed…and then it sprung again.  Hopefully it will stick this time.  I know we are all eager to get outside. 
 
The clinic mail has definitely started to pick up with plant ID’s and brown evergreens.  Many evergreens are just suffering from environmental stress, but as we are approaching the window of treatment times for Rhizosphaera and other needle disease is it important to get a proper diagnosis.  Plant disease samples are $20 and you can see our website for forms and instructions.  
 
Insects
 
Aquatic bugs and beetles have been noticed under lights around Iowa. These insects spend most of their lives in the water, but when they do disperse they are often found under street lights or around beetles.  The insects get confused by the lights and think it is the light of the moon reflecting off water.  The giant water bugs (see picture below) have a painful bite, so handle with care.
 
 

Giant water bugs may be up to 2.5 inches in length. Handle with care!
The water scavenger beetle has an extended spine down the middle of the underside.