Check out these interesting forest pests! When threatened, beech blight aphids appear to dance (wagging their behinds defensively)--leading them to be called "boogie woogie" aphids!

Did you know that Virginia ranks in the top 10 states for pumpkin production? Here's why. 🎃⬇️

What type of egg masses are these? Hint: this insect was renamed a few years ago! Spongy moth! Lymantria dispar, formerly called gypsy moth, is an invasive pest of hardwood trees in forests and yards. The caterpillars prefer the foliage of oak and other shade trees, but also attack conifers.

One of these is the dreaded brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and one is Euschistus tristigmus, the dusky stink bug--a native species. Learn more with our field guide here: www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/444/444-356/... Answer: Dusky stink bug is on the top!

There's more to birdbaths than just a puddle of water! To create a safe place for birds to drink, birdbaths shouldnt be deeper than 3 in and should have a rough, sloping bottom so birds can stand securely. To learn more about creating safe habitat in your yard: www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-070/...

The "baldfaced hornet" is technically a type of yellowjacket. ⚠️🐝 Therefore, Virginia Cooperative Extension materials will now use the common name "baldfaced aerial yellowjacket"(scientific name: Dolichovespula maculata). Read more about these awesome insects: www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/3006/3006-14...

#VirginiaTech researchers can detect the presence of spotted lanternfly by testing ants. Here's how. ⬇️