Showing papers in "Annals of The Entomological Society of America in 1959"
TL;DR: Eight pairs of nerves emanate from each of the three thoracic ganglia of the adult American cockroach and the two nerves emanating from the first abdominal ganglion are characterized.
Abstract: Eight pairs of nerves emanate from each of the three thoracic ganglia of the adult American cockroach. An additional chiasmic nerve, probably proprioceptive in function, is present in the pro thorax. The interganglionic connective is designated as nerve 1. Nerve 2A supplies the intersegmental muscles and others which, collectively, probably play an important role in the maintenance of posture. Nerve 2B of the meso- and metathorax is primarily sensory to the spiracular region, tegula, wings, and axillary region. Nerve 2C supplies the dorsal longitudinal and oblique muscles. Nerve 3A supplies coxal adductors and promotors, while 3B comprises the major sensory supply of the coxa. Nerve 4 supplies the main depressor of the leg, certain coxal remotors, and muscles which probably act as adductors and rotators. In the coxa nerve 5 is sensory to the coxal wall and meron, motor to the coxal branches of the main leg depressor. Nerve 6A supplies the coxal remotors; 6B the major levators of the leg, as well as muscles which probably function as coxal rotators or rotator-adductors. Nerve 7 provides the sensory supply of the basisternal and furcasternal setae. Nerve 8 supplies the spiracular closing muscle. The metathoracic and first abdominal ganglia are fused. The two nerves emanating from the first abdominal ganglion are characterized. Difficulties likely to be encountered in using nerve distribution to establish muscle homologies are discussed.
96 citations
TL;DR: Nymphal homogenates demonstrated a higher ability to oxidize the oxypurines than those of the adult cockroach, and Homogenates of both stages were more active with hypoxanthine than with xanthine as the substrate.
Abstract: Uricase was isolated from homogenates of the fat body of the nymph and adult cockroach, Leucophaea maderae, by the method of Praetorius (1949). Its activity is of the first-order with an average Michaelis constant of 1.7 × 105 moles per liter at a pH of 9.2. Guanase was isolated from the fat body by the method of Kalckar (1947) and its activity measured spectrophotometrically. Xanthine oxidase was found in homogenates of the nymph and adult cockroach. Nymphal homogenates demonstrated a higher ability to oxidize the oxypurines than those of the adult. Homogenates of both stages were more active with hypoxanthine than with xanthine as the substrate.
88 citations
TL;DR: Oxidation of a variety of substrates by fat body of Periplaneta americana (L.) is described and ketoglutarate oxidation was demonstrated in thefat body of four other species.
Abstract: Oxidation of a variety of substrates by fat body of Periplaneta americana (L.) is described. The tissue fractions oxidize DPNH, sugar phosphates, isocitrate, succinate, ketoglutarate and hydroxybutyrate. The endogenous oxidation rate is relatively high and is apparently due to glycogen breakdown. Ketoglutarate oxidation was demonstrated in the fat body of four other species.
68 citations
TL;DR: Spectrophotometric assay of reduced phosphopyridine nucleotides, made at several intervals between sucessive molts, showed that peak activities of malic dehydration and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in the fat body occurred 4 to 8 days after molting, indicating the advantage of using insects of known age when comparing populations.
Abstract: Spectrophotometric assay of reduced phosphopyridine nucleotides, made at several intervals between sucessive molts, showed that peak activities of malic dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in the fat body occurred 4 to 8 days after molting. The maxima were 4 to 10 times the minima, indicating the advantage of using insects of known age when comparing populations. In males the durations of the last two instars were 18 and 26 days, respectively; females molted 1 to 3 days earlier. The differences between sexes and instars were highly significant.
64 citations
TL;DR: Exhaustive study of very considerable material confirms the opinions of the Pomerantzev school that Hyalomma anatolicum Koch and H. excavatum Koch are taxonomically valid subspecies (of Anatolicum), and the subspecies excavatum is that which non-Soviet workers have been referring to as H. excavationatum, sensu Delpy.
Abstract: Exhaustive study of very considerable material confirms the opinions of the Pomerantzev school that (1) Hyalomma anatolicum Koch and H. excavatum Koch are taxonomically valid subspecies (of anatolicum ), (2) the subspecies anatolicum is that which non-Soviet workers have been referring to as H. excavatum, sensu Delpy, and (3) the subspecies excavatum is that which non-Soviet workers have been calling anatolicum, sensu Delpy. The immature stages of the subspecies excavatum, which differ morphologically from those of anatolicum, feed on rodents, rabbits and hares, whereas those of anatolicum generally feed on larger domestic animals. The former subspecies breeds actively during the winter months (in North Africa, at least), while the latter usually undergoes a winter dispause. These forms, which rank high among the world's economically most important ticks, range from southern Europe and northern Africa through the Near and Middle East to the Indian sub-continent. Narrowly elongate samples from populations at the eastern end of this range suggest the presence of yet another subspecies in this area (rearing experiments to determine their status presently underway will require a year or more for completion). H. a. anatolicum is usually more numerous than H. a. excavatum and is more uniformly distributed, while excavatum is absent in certain ecological zones where anatolicum is present. Intergradation is nil in most areas, but ranges from 2 to less than 20 percent among certain Mediterranean littoral populations of Egypt and Libya. Movements of domestic animals appear in some areas to break down partially the ecological isolation of the two forms. The subgenus Hyalommina Schulze, 1919, and the species H. rhipicephaloides Neumann, 1901, are regarded as synonyms of Hyalomma and of H. anatolicum, respectively; subgenus Delpyiella Santos Dias, 1956, erected for the Indian H. hussaini Sharif, is found to be valid. Hyalomma lusitanicum Koch, 1844, synonymized with H. anatolicum by many workers, is found to be a valid species occurring in southwestern Europe, the Canary Islands, and Morocco. Morphological and biological characters of the recently recognized H. franchinii Tonelli-Rondelli, 1932, are compared with those of the anatolicum complex, for which keys to males and females are provided.
63 citations
TL;DR: Grasshoppers were fed individually on either wheat, western wheat grass, or oats for 40 days after hatching, and the various criteria indicate that wheat is a good food; that oats is a poor food only because the grasshoppers do not eat enough; and that western Wheat grass is apoor food, possibly because of a deficiency in nutrients.
Abstract: Grasshoppers were fed individually on either wheat, western wheat grass, or oats for 40 days after hatching. Survival was highest on wheat and lowest on western wheat grass, and the rate of development was equal on these two and lowest on oats. The amounts of wheat and western wheat grass consumed were approximately equal and were twice that of oats. The final weights of the grasshoppers fed on oats were about one-third less than the weights on the other two foods. Utilization for the 40-day period was 32% on each of the three foods, but during the first 5 days it was 81% on western wheat grass, 65% on wheat, and 54% on oats. The efficiency of conversion of food to body tissue was 38% for oats, 32% for wheat, and 27% for western wheat grass, and was negatively correlated with the amount of food utilized. The various criteria indicate that wheat is a good food; that oats is a poor food only because the grasshoppers do not eat enough; and that western wheat grass is a poor food, possibly because of a deficiency in nutrients.
56 citations
TL;DR: Audiospectrographic analysis of tape recordings of the calling and courtship songs of the three Nemobius fasciatus species demonstrate relationships which correlate with morphological evidence, and comparison of the courtship behavior of the males of various Nemobiinee, Gryllinae, and other crickets shows that the sequence can be divided into three major segments.
Abstract: The three eastern species in the Nemobius fasciatus group, generally treated by orthopterists as subspecies or races, can readily be separated as living individuals, and most pinned specimens can now be identified through the use of combinations of easily observed morphological characters. Extensive distribution records, chiefly compiled by listening for singing males, show that the three species have broadly overlapping ranges. Observations on local populations have revealed occasional instances where individuals of two, or all three, of the species are mixed together with no indication of interbreeding. N. allardi , n. sp., previously called N. fasciatus fasciatus (DeGeer), occurs chiefly in grassy and weedy areas in well-drained locations over most of northeastern United States and has a clear musical trill. N. tinnulus Fulton occurs in or near leaf litter in xeric woodland areas in central eastern United States, and its song is a slow trill in which the sound pulses are heard as individually distinct units and can be counted by ear at low temperatures. N. fasciatus (DeGeer), previously called N. fasciatus socius Scudder, is less closely related to the other two species than they are to each other. It occurs in wet situations over nearly all of eastern North America, including Florida, with its northern limits somewhere in southern Canada, south of the limits of N. allardi. Its song consists of a series of buzzy chirps, and is quite distinct from the songs of the other two species and surprisingly like the songs of Miogryllus species. Audiospectrographic analysis of tape recordings of the calling and courtship songs of the three species demonstrate relationships which correlate with morphological evidence. Comparison of the courtship behavior of the males of various Nemobiinae, Gryllinae, and other crickets shows that the sequence can be divided into three major segments, with homologies and analogies suggested in certain cases.
54 citations
TL;DR: The skeletomuscular apparatus of the sting is described and the relation of the glands to the two-phase analysis of the venom, the “trail-following substance,” and the crop fluid is discussed.
Abstract: The main poison gland consists of four principal areas: the poison sac, the poison filter, a convoluted, granular area of polygonal cells, and a free glandular area of cuboidal cells. A second gland, termed Dufour's gland, consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells lining a thin intima. The skeletomuscular apparatus of the sting is described. A pair of fulcral arms support the bulb and stylet, holding the sting bulb in its horizontal, retracted position and acting as pivots for ventral deflection of the sting. Supporting rami muscles present in the honey bee are absent here; instead, the rami bear sensory pegs at the point of origin of these muscles. Both the main poison sac and Dufour's gland open into the posion bulb (ninth venter). This is also true in the honey bee, where the accessory gland does not open into the sting chamber (seventh venter) as has been reported. A pair of muscles control the flow of venom from the main poison sac. The gonostyli are believed to be sensory in function. The relation of the glands to the two-phase analysis of the venom, the “trail-following substance,” and the crop fluid is discussed.
47 citations
TL;DR: This aphid was observed in Connecticut to complete its annual egg-to-egg cycle on Hibiscus syriacus L. and Catalpa bignonioides Walt.
Abstract: This aphid was observed in Connecticut to complete its annual egg-to-egg cycle on Hibiscus syriacus L. and Catalpa bignonioides Walt. At this latitude secondary hosts are populated by migrants, either from primary host plants or from secondary hosts growing in warmer environments. Both males and females can be produced on the primary host plants. True migrant aphids related to this species produce males only on secondary hosts. Unfavorable environmental periods in the summer are passed as a distinct form. During such periods only small, yellow aphids are observed, and these do not grow or reproduce until favorable conditions are restored. Problems in the designation of type of life cycle and the evolutionary significance of the life cycle of this species are discussed.
47 citations
TL;DR: When developmental rates for the egg stage of these flies are plotted against means of the fluctuating temperatures encountered during exposure, the resulting curves approach rather closely a rectilinear relation, in contrast to the much more pronounced sigmoidal relationship of the corresponding curves noted in constant temperature studies.
Abstract: Eggs of the oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel, the melon fly, Dacus cucurbitae Coq., and the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) were incubated under variable temperatures in automatically controlled, air-conditioned bioclimatic chambers. Idealized temperature patterns, with fixed periodicities and diurnal ranges, and natural temperature patterns, characteristic of many United States localities, were studied; the results of both types of thermal environments, which were closely alike, were compared with constant temperature results previously reported. Only at medial thermal levels (65°–85° F.) do egg development rates under regularly fluctuating temperatures agree closely with those at constant temperatures; at these levels, differences in the diurnal temperature range cause little or no change in rates. Below this medial zone, under variable temperatures there is an acceleration, and in the upper thermal levels a deceleration of development relative to that resulting from constant-temperature exposures, and the greater the diurnal variation, the greater are these effects. Exposures at the lower levels temperatures near or even below the constant temperature threshhold; in several cases completed development occurred after exposure to mean temperatures several degrees below that threshhold. Mean temperatures at high-level exposures never exceeded the constant-temperature upper developmental limit. Swiftest egg development under fluctuating temperature conditions occurred at mean temperatures 5 to 10 degrees below the temperature for most rapid growth under constant conditions; this maximum development rate was somewhat less under fluctuating conditions than when temperatures were held constant. When developmental rates for the egg stage of these flies are plotted against means of the fluctuating temperatures encountered during exposure, the resulting curves, though exhibiting some slight sigmoidal character at the extremities, approach rather closely a rectilinear relation. This is in contrast to the much more pronounced sigmoidal relationship of the corresponding curves noted in constant temperature studies.
42 citations
TL;DR: Though the three Cryptolestes species have similar habits, differences were observed which may be important in survival, and C. minutus had a higher mortality than either of the others.
Abstract: C. ferrugineus is the most abundant Cryptolestes in collections from northern grain-growing areas. C. turcicus is found much more commonly than C. minutus, but has frequently been misidentified as the latter. Of the three, C. ferrugineus was found least sensitive to low humidities, in both the adult and the larval stages. Egg production and longevity of each species increased sharply with increased relative humidity. When exposed to low temperatures, under both field and laboratory conditions, the tolerances of ferrugineus and turcicus were similar, but C. minutus had a higher mortality than either of the others. Though the three species have similar habits, differences were observed which may be important in survival.
TL;DR: The light-trap lunar periodicity resembles that reported for noctuid moths and probably reflects merely the cycle of contrast between light and background illumination as the moon passes through its phases.
Abstract: Light-trap catches of mosquitoes representing seven genera were shown to average six times greater near new moon than near full moon. Nonattractant air sampling revealed no such lunar periodicity. The light-trap lunar periodicity resembles that reported for noctuid moths and probably reflects merely the cycle of contrast between light and background illumination as the moon passes through its phases. The moon-determined night illumination pattern is superimposed on night activity patterns peculiar to mosquitoes by species and sex.
TL;DR: Volatile quinones secreted by the adult beetles were relatively toxic to the storage fungi and to some bacteria even when the beetles were not in contact with them, and addition of these bacteria to a vitamin-free diet allowed normal development of larvae.
Abstract: Larger numbers of bacteria and lesser numbers of storage fungi were isolated from larvae and adults of Tribolium confusum Duv., and the bacteria were more numerous in the insects than in the food from which the insects were taken. These bacteria, when added to autoclaved whole wheat flour, promoted growth and reproduction of T. confusum, but spores of the fungi had little beneficial effect on the insect. Addition of these bacteria to a vitamin-free diet allowed normal development of larvae. In free-choice and olfactometer tests, more adult beetles were attracted to autoclaved flour containing spores of storage fungi, and to autoclaved flour containing bacteria isolated from the insect, than to autoclaved flour alone. The continued presence or increase of T. confusum adults in flour or wheat was always accompanied by a decrease in storage fungi and an increase in bacteria. More adult beetles survived in moldy wheat than inm old-free wheat, at relative humidities of 60% and 75%. Volatile quinones secreted by the adult beetles were relatively toxic to the storage fungi and to some bacteria even when the beetles were not in contact with them. When T. confusum and Sitophilus oryza (L.) were reared together in wheat at a moisture content of 16%–17%, populations of bacteria and storage fungi increased greatly, but with fewer molds than when S. oryza was reared alone.
TL;DR: The large and the small rice weevils are distinct, reproductively isolated species; the name Sitophilus oryza (L.) is applicable to the former, S. sasakii (Tak.) to the latter.
Abstract: The large and the small rice weevils are distinct, reproductively isolated species. The name Sitophilus oryza (L.) is applicable to the former, S. sasakii (Tak.) to the latter. Coloration is variable in both, their measurements overlap, and no practical external morphological distinctions were found, but the two species differ in the eighth sternum of the female and in the shape of a sclerite on the dorsal surface of the aedeagus of the male. Reproduction of both species was least in maize (corn), next in rough rice, and greatest in grain sorghum; with S. oryza reproduction was greater in unpolished rice than in wheat, but with S. sasakii the reverse was true. When both species were confined on maize or unpolished rice, the larger species proved to be the dominant form; on wheat the smaller species became dominant. Size and color in both forms was influenced by the host.
TL;DR: In Aedes aegypti (L.), on which this paper is largely based, the envelopes composing the egg shell have different functions, and the chorion combines with the endochorion to create a barrier to movement of water.
Abstract: In Aedes aegypti (L.), on which this paper is largely based, the envelopes composing the egg shell have different functions. The exochorion imbibes water from saturated atmospheres and releases it slowly while drying. An annular line of weakness, from which a cap later dehisces, is determined by a structural change in the chorion at or about the time when embryogenesis is completed. The chorion, by changes in stratification, tanning, and infiltration by water-repellent chemicals, combines with the endochorion to create a barrier to movement of water. Hatching is brought about when the embryo is activated to elevate its hatching spine against the fracture line while applying pressure toward the water, the larva rapidly expands and soon swims a ventral depression of the cap. Once exposed to sway.
TL;DR: The genitalia and reproductive organs of the reproducing male and female cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, are described and illustrated.
Abstract: The genitalia and reproductive organs of the reproducing male and female cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, are described and illustrated. Descriptions are given of the musculature associated with the reproductive systems of both sexes.
TL;DR: Two new species, Aphytis melinus and A. fisheri, are described, as are two forms whose status is in doubt, and pupal pigmentation is described for four species or groups and is shown to be of taxonomic importance.
Abstract: This paper deals primarily with the Aphytis species or lesser categories considered to be definite and regular parasites of the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Mask.), in the Orient. The importance of species of Aphytis as parasites of diaspine scale insects is discussed and the potential value of strains or other subspecific categories in biological control is emphasized. Pupal pigmentation is described for four species or groups and is shown to be of taxonomic importance. A key is given to five species (or forms) of Oriental Aphytis parasitic on the California red scale. Two new species, Aphytis melinus and A. fisheri , are described, as are two forms whose status is in doubt, the Assam form of A. hispanicus and the Kagoshima form of A. citrinus. The adult females of A. melinus and A. fisheri are very similar, if not indistinguishable, morphologically, but they do not interbreed and the pupae are quite distinct. The known distribution of these species in the Orient is given.
TL;DR: This muscardine fungus was the organism most frequently encountered in a survey for pathogens of the smaller European elm bark beetle, Scolytus multistriatus Marsh.
Abstract: This muscardine fungus was the organism most frequently encountered in a survey for pathogens of the smaller European elm bark beetle, Scolytus multistriatus Marsh, and was found in larvae from five widely separated areas in Connecticut Up to 65% of overwintering larvae in trees cut from city streets were infected, but under certain environmental conditions the fungus may be much more effective in killing the beetles In one epizootic caused by this fungus, 97% of larvae were killed in the bark of trees in a shady grove, less than 4% in nearby trees standing in the open In controlled laboratory experiments the fungus killed up to 99% of the larvae in 5 days Pupae and adults were also susceptible, though adults were slightly less so than larvae
TL;DR: The known enemies of the hornworms Protoparce sexta (Johan.) and P. quinquemaculata (Haw.) are listed and the average mortality of hornworms was nearly 98 percent in 37 populations.
Abstract: The known enemies of the hornworms Protoparce sexta (Johan.) and P. quinquemaculata (Haw.) are listed. In North Carolina the most important are the neidid hemipteron Jalysus spinosus (Say), which attacks eggs; the vespid wasps Polistes fuscatus (F.) and P. exclamans (Vier.), which are predators of larvae; and the braconid parasite Apanteles congregatus (Say). Two tachinid Diptera, Zygosturmia protoparcis (Towns.) and Winthemia sp., are seldom more than minor enemies. In 37 populations the average mortality of hornworms was nearly 98 percent. More than half of this was due to the wasps, which killed a high percentage of the parasites along with the hosts. The mortality varied with time and place, but the proportions caused by different enemies remained about the same.
TL;DR: Diagnostic keys are given for 24 genera, 158 species, and 3 subspecies of trombiculid larvae from continental North America, including Mexico, and several cases of suspected synonymy are discussed.
Abstract: Diagnostic keys are given for 24 genera, 158 species, and 3 subspecies of trombiculid larvae from continental North America, including Mexico. Original references are given for all forms and groups included. New genera are: Sasacarus , type Chatia furmani Hoffmann , and Hoffmannina , type Novotrombicula suriana Hoffmann. New synonymy is given under three species, and several cases of suspected synonymy are also discussed.
TL;DR: The currently recognized Ephemerella species are assigned, as fur as possible, to nine subgenera based on nymphal and imaginal characters, which can not be assigned subgenerically without further study.
Abstract: The currently recognized Ephemerella species are assigned, as fur as possible, to nine subgenera based on nymphal and imaginal characters. New subgenera are Serratella (type serrata Morgan), Caudatella (type heterocaudata McDunnough), Attenuatella (type attenuata McD.), and Dannella (type simplex McD.); those previously named are Ephemerella Walsh, s.s., Torleya Lestage, Drunella Needham, Eurylophella Tiensuu, and Timpanoga Needham. Thirteen of the species can not be assigned subgenerically without further study.
TL;DR: The 50 species of midges reported from Alabama include Pentaneura (Ablabesmyia) aequifasciata, Cricotopus belkini, Nanocladius alternantherae, Tendipes (Cryptochironomus) pectinatellae, T. (C.) directus, Glyptotendiped (Phytotendipes) meridionalis, and 26 other species not previously reported from the State.
Abstract: The 50 species of midges reported from Alabama include Pentaneura (Ablabesmyia) aequifasciata , Cricotopus belkini, Nanocladius alternantherae, Tendipes (Cryptochironomus) pectinatellae , T. (C.) directus , Glyptotendipes (Phytotendipes) meridionalis , and 26 other species not previously reported from the State. A key is given to the North American species of Pentaneura, and the immature stages of N. alternantherae and T. (C.) pectinatellae are described.
TL;DR: The muscles of the second and third abdominal segments and their innervations are described, and the dissimilar musculature of the proleg in Cecropia as compared with other larvae supports Hinton's theory of the polyphyletic origin of prolegs in the Lepidoptera.
Abstract: The muscles of the second and third abdominal segments and their innervations are described. The musculature of the third segment conforms, in general, to the pattern found in other lepidopterous larvae. In the second segment, which has no proleg, there are no muscles homologous with the retractors of the planta nor is there a branch of the ventral nerve root such as innervates these muscles in the third segment. This supports the theory that the proleg is a true metamorphic character, without phylogenetic significance. Also, the dissimilar musculature of the proleg in Cecropia as compared with other larvae supports Hinton's theory of the polyphyletic origin of prolegs in the Lepidoptera. Dorsal, ventral, and transverse pairs of nerve roots arising from each segmental ganglion seem homologous with those described for the pregenital segments of certain Orthoptera. Here, as in those Orthoptera, the ventral nerve fuses with the transverse nerve of its own ganglion, the dorsal nerve with the transverse nerve of the preceding segmental ganglion, and the spiracular muscles are innervated from the connective between the dorsal and the transverse nerves. These criteria of homology in such widely separated orders as Orthoptera and Lepidoptera support the concept of a basic segmental nerve pattern within the Hexapoda. The presence of these criteria of homology implies that holometabolous larvae, such as that of Cecropia, probably evolved from the hemimetabolous immature form, such as that of the orthopterans.
TL;DR: The fraction with the second greatest mobility was the most variable during the insect's development, always reaching a peak of concentration at and around times of molting, and disappearing between molts; it disappeared in adult males after 3 to 4 weeks and in adult females after 10 days.
Abstract: Analyses by paper electrophoresis showed three protein fractions present in all stages of development except the egg, where only a single fraction was recovered. The fraction with the second greatest mobility was the most variable during the insect's development, always reaching a peak of concentration at and around times of molting, and disappearing between molts; it disappeared in adult males after 3 to 4 weeks and in adult females after 10 days. The first and third fractions showed variability that could be associated with development, but less strikingly. Fraction 3 also was present in greater proportion in adult females than in adult males.
TL;DR: The similarity of the distribution of hairs on the legs, and the type of burrows occupied by the nymphs, suggest that the insect strains its food much as does its African relative Povilla.
Abstract: Immatures of this genus had not been taken prior to the discovery of large numbers of T. incertus nymphs during a biological survey of the Savannah River. The nymphs honeycomb the clay banks of the river with their burrows and follow the river level up or down, as evidenced by abandoned burrows 5 or 6 feet above low-water level. Apparently the insect requires 2 years to develop from egg to adult, and emergence of adults is restricted to the period from late July to early September. The similarity of the distribution of hairs on the legs, and the type of burrows occupied by the nymphs, suggest that the insect strains its food much as does its African relative Povilla. The nymph of T. incertus is described and figured.
TL;DR: H. brunneipennis appears to have limited ability to inactivate eggs of this parasite, so that in superparasitized larvae one or more of the supernumerary eggs may escape encapsulation.
Abstract: Hypera brunneipennis, the Egyptian alfalfa weevil, is now found in southern California in three of the four major alfalfa-producing valleys of the California desert and over much of the south coastal plain. It is attacked in these areas by a Palaearctic ichneumonid, Bathyplectes curculionis, which was originally colonized on this weevil at Yuma, Arizona, and apparently has spread with it in bales of alfalfa hay transported to market, and by natural means. The parasite destroys about one-third of the weevil population annually in the coastal areas, but is of little significance in the desert valleys. Partial immunity, effected through the lethal action of the weevil blood on the parasite's eggs, prevents parasitism by B. curculionis from reaching significantly higher proportions. The parasites originally colonized were obtained from a related alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica, and the partial immunity of H. brunneipennis indicates that the strain of B. curculionis found in southern California is not fully adapted to the latter host. Individual larvae of H. brunneipennis appear to have limited ability to inactivate eggs of this parasite, so that in superparasitized larvae one or more of the supernumerary eggs may escape encapsulation. It is anticipated that a fully adapted strain of B. curculionis will be sought from H. brunneipennis in the Near East.
TL;DR: Wheat Hour, in separate mixtures with eight different pH indicators, was fed to 10 species of small, stored-grain-infesting beetles, and in the 575 individuals dissected, the pH of fore-, mid-, and hindgut, respectively, ranged as follows.
Abstract: Wheat Hour, in separate mixtures with eight different pH indicators, was fed to 10 species of small, stored-grain-infesting beetles. In the 575 individuals dissected, the pH of fore-, mid-, and hindgut, respectively, ranged as follows: Cryptolestes ferruginens, 4.6 to 5.2, 5.2 to 6.0, 4.6 to 5.2; C. turcicus, 3.6 to 4.6, 5.2 to 6.8, 4.6 to 5.2; Oryzaephilus mercator, 4.6 to 5.2, 5.2 to 6.8, 4.6 to 5.2; O. surinamensis, 5.2 to 6.0, 7.2 to 7.6, 3.6 to 5.2; Rhizopertha dominica, ca. 6.8, 5.2 to 7.2, 3.6 to 4.6; Sitophilus granarius, ca. 5.2, 6.8 to 8.4, 4.6 to 5.2; Tribolium castaneum, ca. 5.2, 7.2 to 7.6, 3.6 to 4.6; T. confusum, 4.6 to 5.2, 5.2 to 6.8, 3.6 to 4.6; Trogoderma parabile, 5.2 to 6.0, 7.2 to 8.0, 3.6 to 4.6; and T. versicolor, 5.2 to 6.8, ca. 6.8, 3.6 to 4.6.
TL;DR: Although evident in most subfamilies and a large number of tribes, Batesian mimicry is most fully developed in the Rhinotragini, where closely related forms mimic such diverse groups as bees, wasps, lyeids, cantharids, and hispids.
Abstract: Batesian mimicry is widespread in the Cerambycidae, the commonest models being Aculeate Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps) and “protected” Coleoptera (especially lyeids, cantharids, chrysomelids, and weevils). In some cases it is expressed as a general group mimicry, as in the wasp-mimicking Clytini, Lepturini, and Necydalini, the ant-mimicking Tillomorphini, and the lycidmimicking Pteroplatini, although some members of these tribes have specific models. More commonly, mimicry is sporadic, involving marked departures from near relatives in form, coloration, and behavior, with striking resemblance to a specific model. Although evident in most subfamilies and a large number of tribes, Batesian mimicry is most fully developed in the Rhinotragini, where closely related forms mimic such diverse groups as bees, wasps, lyeids, cantharids, and hispids. Mullerian mimicry has been less completely studied, although cerambycids are known to share Mullerian coloration with other insects in the West Indies and in Borneo.
TL;DR: The 12 species described as new bring the Indian Culicoides fauna to a total of 31 species and one variety, and comment on the salient characters of those they know only from the literature.
Abstract: The 12 species described as new bring the Indian Culicoides fauna to a total of 31 species and one variety. The authors describe fully all species known to them in nature, and comment on the salient characters of those they know only from the literature. Their key to males includes 21 species; that to females, 27 species and one variety. Dorsal pattern, wings, spermathecae, and male genitalia of numerous species are illustrated.
TL;DR: The hemocytes were observed daily in the wing veins during the insect's adult life, and became lax and variable in form and structure with increasing age, and according to the cell's history.
Abstract: The hemocytes were observed daily in the wing veins during the insect's adult life. Blood circulation in the wing was vigorous and constant in young adults, but declined and was variable with increasing age. All of the veins gradually became occluded to some degree by hemocytes, but the main ones supported blood flow until the insect's death. With declining circulation in old adults, gas-hemocyte agglomerations developed around many tracheae, the hemocytes engulfing and surrounding gas bubbles that escaped from the tracheae. The hemocytes were divisible into two main classes, prohemocytes and plasmatocytes, which are described. The main class, plasmatocytes, were flexible and distinctive when young but became lax and variable in form and structure with increasing age, and according to the cell's history. This resulted in an apparently diverse cell complex.