Common Grass-loving insect poses problems for palms
This tiny (about a tenth of an inch) insect is common in Florida and typically poses no noticeable threat to palm trees (less than one percent are problematic). But that one percent carry a phytoplasma that carries Lethal Yellowing (a problem for coconuts) and is strongly (like very strongly) believed to carry Lethal Bronzing, which is fatal for cabbage palms and many other species of palms.
You can read all about this critter in a new fact sheet produced by UF IFAS Extension – Publication #EENY – 389.
“As part of the palm phytoplasma diagnostic clinic at FLREC, processing of yellow sticky traps to determine presence/absence of H. crudus and if the local population carries the phytoplasma is now offered as an available service to all interested stakeholders. Sample submission forms and instructions can be found at www.bahderlab.com under the “Services” tab.”