April 10, 2011: Dr. Michael J. Raupp, professor of entomology and extension specialist at the University of Maryland, gave an energetic advanced class on bugs. For practical purposes, Raupp suggested ignoring scientific taxonomy and instead concentrating on the destruction. He divided insects into chewers and suckers and subdivided them into beetles, caterpillars, sawflies, grasshoppers, aphids etc. and mites.
Raupp encouraged noting plant damage or failure in a garden journal so that in the following year once can look for the culprit in advance and perhaps head off the damage.Raupp authors the Bug of the Week website.
Mary Blakeslee (left) gave a report on the USNA's Lars Symposium and Carol Edwards introduced the speaker:
Peeps® invaded the refreshments table:
--Photos by Bill Dean