Assistant Research Professor Pennsylvania State University University Park, Pennsylvania
We will discuss exampes of cryptic species in Extension and the importance of correctly identifying species when implementing control methods. Specifically, we will cover how the confusion of Japanese maple scales and oystershell scales for decades by professional Extension and pest control operators hampered control efforts, why it is important for commercial grain processors to distinguish between closely related and similar-looking grain pests such as confused flour beetles and red flour beetles, and why home owners need to know whether they're dealing with bed bugs or bat bugs.
