How are the insects doing while its hot and dry

We got some rain in central Iowa , but it is still hot and dry. This is important for the pest that is the subject of today's Fun Insect Trivia (FIT). IN addition to that pest, Erin and I discuss the insect pests that are persisting into August.Erin runs down the list of insects that are active in corn and soybean fields- rootworms, Japanese beetles, gall midges and soybean aphids.Although rootworms are active and surprising some farmers in their abundance, Japanese beetles are appearing to be limited to field edges. Gall midges were found in western Iowa, but aphids are low to non-existent. Our last pest is the topic of todays FIT. Matt asks Erin a series of questions that include the pictures below, which are leaves damaged by this pest.  See if you can match Erins knowledge on this pest.We also discuss the upcoming fair season- check out Erin in the beer tent on August 14-15.We also discuss the latest edition of the Tenderloin trail. https://www.iowapork.org/popular-tenderloin-trail-2-0-version/Matt was also interviewed about the STRIPS project, including a discussion about the impact of CP43 for pollinator conservation:https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/iowa-state-university-prairie-strips-project-farmland-benefits/524-84d4d05c-59cc-47c8-916d-16cf6c0dfd60