Insect biological control comes in all shapes and sizes — parasitoids, predators, or pathogens. So, what happens when neither a parasitoid nor a predator are feasible? Well, sometimes we have to turn away from using insects to attack insect pests, and turn to using an even smaller organism, something microscopic: a pathogen — in this case a fungus.

Related Research:

• “Introduction and Establishment of Entomophaga maimaiga, a Fungal Pathogen of Gypsy Moth in Michigan” (1995)
• “Discovery of Entomophaga maimaiga in North American gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar” (1990)

Scientists:

• Andrew "Sandy" Liebhold, Research Entomologist, Northern Research Station, Morgantown, West Virginia
• David Smitley, Professor, Michigan State University, Department of Entomology, East Lansing, Michigan

Produced by the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station.

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Questions or ideas for the show? Connect with Jon at: jonathan.yales@usda.gov