Robert Wright - Extension Entomologist

Robert Wright

emeriti
  • Emeritus Professor University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Work Entomology Hall (ENTO) 213
Lincoln NE 68583-0816
US
Work 402-472-2128 On campus, dial 2-2128

icon-academic-capEducation

  • BA, University of California, 1975
  • MS, University of Arizona, 1977
  • Ph D, North Carolina State University, 1981

icon-chat-userCourses

  • ENTO 888, MS Degree Project, Fall 2018

Faculty Bio
Twitter: @BobWrightUNL

Painted lady butterfly by Jim Kalisch

Large Populations of Painted Lady Butterflies

August 8, 2017
Reports of painted lady butterflys have been numerous in rural areas, including in soybeans, causing growers to ask if there's likely to be an increase in their soybean leaf-eating caterpillars. Entomologists discuss this question and the insect's life cycle, and offer a "how-to" on estimating leaf defoliation.

Read more

Stem borer in soybean

Check Soybean Fields for Evidence of Soybean Stem Borer

August 7, 2017
Dropped leaves in soybean fields indicate soybean stem borers are feeding and causing leaf damage. These insects are expanding their range as a pest of soybeans in Nebraska and now can be found in several counties north of I-80.

Read more

Guide to estimating soybean leaf defoliation

Estimating Soybean Leaf Defoliation

July 26, 2017
Growers are reporting finding painted lady caterpillars and silver spotted skipper caterpillars in soybeans. This guide can help estimate leaf defoliation in soybean, key to determining whether treatment is necessary.

Read more

Western corn rootworm beetle

Scout Now for Corn Rootworm Beetles to Assess Potential Risk of Future Damage

July 26, 2023
Weekly scouting of adult rootworm beetles in July and August will provide the information needed to decide whether rootworm control is necessary next year.

Read more

western bean cutworm eggs and larvae

Scouting and Treatment Recommendations for Western Bean Cutworm

July 11, 2017
Scouting is urged for Western bean cutworm in corn as moth flights are active and particularly heavy in south central Nebraska this week. This article includes trapping reports and recommendations for scouting and treatment.

Read more

Damage to corn leaf by western corn rootworm
Figure 1. Damage to corn leaf caused by western corn rootworn. (Photo by Robert Wright)

Time to Scout for Western Corn Rootworm Beetles

June 29, 2017
Western corn rootworm beetles began emerging in southeast and south central Nebraska this week. Before corn silks emerge, they're apt to feed by scraping the surface tissue, leaving a white parchment-like appearance.

Read more

Differential grasshopper

They're Back ... Time to Scout Field Borders for Grasshoppers

June 22, 2017
Populations of immature grasshoppers have been reported in areas bordering crop fields. If you're seeing one of the four species that harm cropland noted here, control may be warranted. Treatment is most effective when grasshoppers are small and still contained in field borders.

Read more

Wheat stem maggot fly

Adult Emergence of Suspected Wheat Stem Maggot from Infested Corn Plants

June 22, 2017
University researchers are studying why suspected wheat stem sawflies are being found again this year in Nebraska corn, previously thought to be a non-host. Major yield loss is not expected in corn from this pest.

Read more