Showing papers in "Annals of The Entomological Society of America in 1965"
TL;DR: Variations in pH, or in the salt, sucrose, or total amino acid concentrations above or below those of the standard chemical diet usually resulted in reduced aphid growth, reproduction, and survival.
Abstract: The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), was maintained longer than 2 months and through almost 3 generations on an unnatural diet—a chemically denned aqueous solution of 40.17% dry matter consisting of 23 amino acids, 4.315%; 11 water-soluble vitamins, 0.146%; sucrose, 35%; mineral salts, 0.705%; and cholesterol benzoate, 0.0025%, at pH 7.6. During the first generation, growth on this diet for the first week or so was comparable to that on susceptible pea plants, though adults obtained on the diet weighed only half to two-thirds as much as those reared on the plants. Nevertheless, survival on both foods was similar. During the second generation growth was slower, some mortality occurred, and the adults obtained weighed half to two-thirds less than those on the plants. Variations in pH, or in the salt, sucrose, or total amino acid concentrations above or below those of the standard chemical diet usually resulted in reduced aphid growth, reproduction, and survival. Furthermore, aphids in preference tests could discriminate between different diets, and they usually selected and aggregated on those diets with a pH and a chemical composition closest to that of the standard diet. Finally, aphids on the diets remained apterous; they increased their original weights 12- to 30-fold, and they fed and excreted at rates 5–7 times less than those of aphids on pea plants.
134 citations
TL;DR: Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and data on hosts and distribution of 28 species in 3 genera, as well as a key to the larval Argasidae of the Western Hemisphere, are given.
Abstract: Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and data on hosts and distribution of 28 species in 3 genera, as well as a key to the larval Argasidae of the Western Hemisphere, are given. Described as new are Ornithodoros denmarki , taken on or in association with sea birds in Florida; Jamaica; Trinidad; Raza and Calaveras Islands in Gulf of Baja. California, Mexico; and Rabbit Island near Oahu, Hawaii; (). rossi from a long-nosed bat, Leptonycteris nivalis (type host), Pima County, Arizona, and a big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus , Santa Cruz County, Arizona, and from the leaf-nosed bat, Macrotus californicus , Sinaloa and Baja California del Sur, Mexico; O. elongatus from a crate containing papaya fruit and iguana lizards sent from the Dominican Republic to Miami, Florida, USA. O. dugesi Mazzotti and O. aquilae Cooley are reduced to synonyms of O. talaje (Guerin-Meneville) and O. concanensis Cooley and Kohls, respectively.
132 citations
TL;DR: Citrus nectar and mealybug honeydew induced a limited amount of reproduction and greatly increased survival of adult females and A. limonicus had a greater capacity for consuming mite prey and a higher rate of reproduction when feeding on mites than A. hibisci.
Abstract: Amblyseius limonicus Garman and McGregor fed readily on both adults and immatures of the spider mites Panonychus citri (McGregor), Oligonychus punicae (Hirst), and Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) on excised avocado leaves, but became entangled in the webbing and died when introduced to a dense colony of the latter species on excised castor bean leaves. The citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead), was fed on but was not a satisfactory food for development or oviposition. Several kinds of pollens were readily fed on. At 72°F, a generation was completed in 8–9 days and females laid about 2 eggs per day on a diet of either citrus red mites (P. citri) or Mesembryanthemum pollen. At 80° F, an average of 2.7 eggs per female per day was laid. Citrus nectar and mealybug honeydew induced a limited amount of reproduction and greatly increased survival of adult females. A. limonicus had a greater capacity for consuming mite prey and a higher rate of reproduction when feeding on mites than A. hibisci (Chant). Eggs of A. limonicus required a higher humidity for hatching than those of A. hibisci.
91 citations
TL;DR: Mite population surveys carried out in 3 avocado orchards from 1961 through 1963 showed that the predaceous mite Amblyseius hibisci (Chant) often attained its highest population density of the season in the spring or early summer, when mite prey densities were very low.
Abstract: Mite population surveys carried out in 3 avocado orchards from 1961 through 1963 showed that the predaceous mite Amblyseius hibisci (Chant) often attained its highest population density of the season in the spring or early summer, when mite prey densities were very low. The crawler stage of the latania scale, Hemiberlesea lataniae (Signoret), was a suspected source of food but no correlation was found between the abundance of A. hibisci and that of scale crawlers or crawler-producing females. Another suspected food was pollen. Rapid increases of A. hibisci followed the the beginning of blossoming and egg production peaks showed a close correlation with peaks in flowering intensity. In another orchard the predaceous mite population reached unusually high levels, apparently as a result of large quantities of pollen drifting from adjacent plants of Ricinus communis L. Marked population increases of A. hibisci were induced artificially by dusting caged branches with pollen at weekly intervals. Laboratory tests showed that mites confined on excised avocado leaves fed and reproduced on avocado pollen applied at an average density of only 6.6 pollen grains per square inch of leaf surface. The characteristic of pollen feeding in relation to the potential effectiveness of A. hibisci as a predator is discussed.
66 citations
TL;DR: It appears that the nerve fibers of the contact chemoreceptors of the stable fly may be exposed to direct contact with chemical stimuli.
Abstract: The contact chemoreceptors of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L., are situated on the tarsi and labellum. In all the types of contact chemoreceptors observed, the distal nerve fibers were enclosed within a cuticular sheath which extends from the vicinity of the neurons to the setal base. One distal fiber, postulated as a mechanosensory fiber, terminates at the base of the seta, while the remaining distal fibers enter the thick-walled lumen and pass distad to the papilla. All tarsal and labellar contact chemoreceptors examined show a pore in the papilla at the site of action, beneath which the distal nerve fibers seem to terminate unmodified. It appears, therefore, that the nerve fibers may be exposed to direct contact with chemical stimuli. The number of neurons associated with 2 types of tarsal contact chemoreceptors of Stomoxys is 5. Labellar contact chemoreceptors in the ventral rows and on the inner surface are innervated by 5, and 4 or 5 neurons, respectively. At the base of every tarsal and labellar contact chemoreceptor seta and tactile hair is a membrane surrounding the cuticular sheath which may function as a support for the cuticular sheath or aid in the detection of movements of the sensillum, or both.
64 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors studied the food preferences of 15 species of Acridoidea and found that females assimilated larger percentages of ingested food than did the males, with very little interspecific difference within any given type.
Abstract: Climatic features such as temperature and humidity and physical features of the vegetation, such as height and density, were found more important factors in determining local distribution of Acridoidea than food values of the plants occurring in the habitats. All 15 species studied showed definite food preferences. Grass-feeding species preferred, in general, the genera Festuca, Holcus, and Bromus; Psophus stridulus (L.) and Oedipoda coerulescens (L.) favored the plant genera Centaurea, Taraxacum, and Crepis; and Tetrix sp. fed on moss. Whatever the food plant, the quantity of food eaten was relatively constant; but feeding was greatly accelerated by a rise in temperature up to a certain maximum which differed with different species. Experiments with Euthystira brachyptera (Ocskay) gave better results as regards mortality, longevity, fecundity, and body weight when the diet contained several species of Gramineae rather than a single one; first-instar nymphs, unlike fourth instars and adults, showed little preference for vertical blades of Calamagrostis over horizontal ones, but Chortippus parallelus (Zetterstedt) in all stages of development chose to feed on vertical blades. Under constant temperature, adults of E. brachyptera consumed almost identical quantities of food whether in light or in darkness. The time taken for food to pass through the alimentary tract differed (a) in different acridoid species and with different food plants, (b) in different individuals, and (c) in different developmental stages. Males of various species assimilated larger percentages of ingested food than did the females. Grasshoppers with different feeding habits have differently shaped maxillary laciniae; and mandibles can be classified as of the graminivorous type, the Psophus-Oedipoda (forb-feeding) type, and the moss-feeding type, with very little interspecific difference within any given type. Four types of gastric caeca are recognized, based on the proportions of the anterior and posterior lobes. Arolia are best developed in tall-grass species, and are either very small or absent in geophiles.
50 citations
TL;DR: The phylogenetic relationship between cockroaches and termites is considered and morphological evidence is presented which indicates that the Blattaria and Isoptera may be more closely allied than is generally recognized.
Abstract: The phylogenetic relationship between cockroaches and termites is considered and morphological evidence is presented which indicates that the Blattaria and Isoptera may be more closely allied than is generally recognized. The proventriculus and female genitalia are compared in the primitive wood-feeding cockroach Cryptocercus punctulatus Scudder, and the primitive termite Mastotermes darwiniensis Froggatt. Similar comparison is made with the cockroaches Lamproblatta albipalpus Hebard and Panesthia laevicollis Saussure, in order to clarify the phyletic position of the genus Cryptocercus within the Blattaria. The superficial similarities of Cryptocercus and panesthiine roaches are apparently due to convergence. Cryptocercus is placed in a separate family, the Cryptocercidae, which is most closely allied to the Blattidae. Five families of cockroaches are recognized.
49 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that long-distance communication and location are by FIR radiation and that close-in identification for mating and feeding is by IIR pickup of scent molecules.
Abstract: A theory of communication and location between individuals of opposite sexes of the corn earworm moth, Heliothis zea (Boddie), is presented. The efficiency of such a system is related to physical factors present in the adult earworm environment. The thoracic temperature of the corn earworm can rise from 1° to 8.8°F above ambient temperature and that of the Sphingidae, Abbot's pine sphinx, Lapara coniferarum (J. E. Smith), 17.8°F above the ambient temperature. Thoracic temperatures depend on frequency and amplitude of wing beat. The calculated far infrared (FIR) output associated with the temperature differential was shown to lie between 9 and 11 μ, an area where there is an infrared transmission window in the water vapor of the air. The earworm and other noctuids fly during periods when the water saturation in grams per cubic meter of water is lowest. This condition increases efficiency of transmission in the IR window.
The inverse square law states that “the intensity of radiation emitted from a point source varies as the inverse square of the distance between the source and the receiver”; thus, halving the distance of a detector, e.g., a male earworm, from a point source of energy, e.g., a female earworm, would quadruple the FIR energy received by the male. (These factors of the inverse square law and the FIR water vapor window plus the fact that the earworm radiates in this window, lead to the conclusion that FIR radiation would be an efficient method of location between sexes over great distances.)
Data collected over the years and in different areas show that the highest percentage of mating for the earworm occurs when highest efficiency of the FIR window (based on the physical weather environment) was attained. Noctuid activity decreases during moonlight at ⅗ to full moon when high FIR radiation from the moon would be expected to interfere with reception between moths. The earworm antennae were shown to have organs with measurements and configurations of FIR resonators. Configurations useful in the 1–5 μ band and 6 μ band also are present and may be tuned for intermediate infrared (IIR) pickup of emitting molecules of sex releaser or feeding and host plant substances.
The male earworm responds to the female earworm by feeling the 8th and 9th abdominal segments with both antennae and labial palpi. Because the response takes place within very close quarters and upon contact, the author considers it to be a response to a releaser (i.e., an identification substance) and not to a long distance attractant. These evidences lead to the conclusion that long-distance communication and location are by FIR radiation and that close-in identification for mating and feeding is by IIR pickup of scent molecules. In all probability a similar means of communication is used by other species of noctuids and sphingids, but the corn earworm is used in this example because the author has collected considerable data on this species.
44 citations
TL;DR: Males of the alfalfa looper, Autographa californica (Speyer); tohacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) ; beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner); and cabbage Looper, Trichoplusia ni, exhibited a cyclic rhythm of responsiveness to the sex pheromones extracted from females of their respective species.
Abstract: Males of the alfalfa looper, Autographa californica (Speyer); tohacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) ; beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner); and cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) exhibited a cyclic rhythm of responsiveness to the sex pheromones extracted from females of their respective species. When the males were synchronized to a 12:12-hour light :dark cycle, maximum pheromone-responsiveness occurred during the hours of darkness. The response rhythms were maintained for at least 36 hours under conditions of continuous darkness. In T. ni , a reversal in the 12:12-hour light:dark cycle was followed by a complete reentrainment of the male responsiveness rhythm to the new cycle within 24 hours. A 24-hour rhythm of responsiveness could be synchronized in T. ni males by light:dark cycles as abnormal as 20:4 or 4:20. However, the time of maximum responsiveness did not appear to be related in a constant manner to the time of initiation of light or darkness.
41 citations
TL;DR: The sex pheromone level remained high among females that had mated; this fact is consistent with observations that T. ni females characteristically mate more than once.
Abstract: Ether extracts of the terminal abdominal segments of females of Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were assayed for sex pheromone activity by gas-liquid chromatography and by bioassay. No pheromone was found in female pupae. Immediately following the moths' emergence from the pupa approximately 0.01 µg of sex pheromone per female moth was detected. The amount increased to approximately 0.2 µg on the first night following emergence, and stabilized at approximately 1 µg on the second through sixth nights. No correlation was found between the quantity of sex pheromone per female and the time of day at which they had been collected and extracted. The sex pheromone level remained high among females that had mated; this fact is consistent with observations that T. ni females characteristically mate more than once. The quantity of sex pheromone in mature females was positively correlated with their initial weights. No evidence was found indicating the presence of a sex pheromone or pheromone-potentiator in any area of the female body except the terminal abdominal segments. The T. ni sex pheromone volatilizes rapidly from filter paper, having a half-life retention time of approximately 8 minutes. The sex pheromone released by individual living T. ni females stimulated more males than did filter papers impregnated with extract equivalent to 1 female. However, no reduction has been detected in the amount of sex pheromone remaining in females that have been releasing the pheromone for up to 30 minutes.
41 citations
TL;DR: A satisfactory technique for colonization of chironomids has been developed and plastic rearing units are aerated and larvae are fed Dog Kisses ® (Hartz Mountain Products Corp.).
Abstract: A satisfactory technique for colonization of chironomids, ( Chironomus sp. #51, C. monochronomus van der Wulp, C. fulvipilus Rempel, Pentaneura pilosella Loew, Tanypus grodhausi Sublette, Micropsectra nigripilus Johannsen) has been developed. Plastic rearing units are aerated and larvae are fed Dog Kisses ® (Hartz Mountain Products Corp.). Temperature has a major influence on the developmental rate.
TL;DR: To determine if the numbers of a wasp-parasite, Nasonia vitripennis Walker, population could be regulated by genetic change in the house fly, a constant number of hosts was supplied daily to the parasite population.
Abstract: Evidence suggests that interspecies evolution controls the number of parasites and hosts. To determine if the numbers of a wasp-parasite, Nasonia vitripennis Walker, population could be regulated by genetic change in the house fly, Musca domestica L., host a constant number of hosts was supplied daily to the parasite population. Selective pressure on the host population depended upon parasite numbers, but initially selective pressure averaged more than 90%. After 1004 days of study, the host and parasite evolved toward ecological homeostasis. This resulted in a significant decline in the reproductive capacity of the experimental parasite on its host from about 135 progeny to only 39 progeny per female. Such a change resulted in a 50% decrease in the average density of the parasite, a decline of about 7% in selective pressure on the host, and a 50% dampening in the fluctuations of the parasite population.
TL;DR: Zonocerus variegatus L. has only 1 generation a year in Ghana; nymphal period and adulthood cover approximately 7 months; development took 1–2 months longer in small cages than in a large cage, probably because the nymphs normally require a fairly large area for activity in nature.
Abstract: Zonocerus variegatus L. has only 1 generation a year in Ghana. Nymphal period and adulthood cover approximately 7 months. Development took 1–2 months longer in small cages than in a large cage, probably because the nymphs normally require a fairly large area for activity in nature. Females became sexually mature and mating occurred about 40 days after emergence. In males, spermatozoa were found 20 days after emergence. Females produced 2–4 egg pods, averaging 37 eggs per pod. Zonocerus nymphs roost from evening to next morning, preferably on shrubs with thick and broad leaves; the older the nymphs, the taller are the plants chosen for roosting. Population density, types of vegetation, and microclimatic conditions in an area are important factors for nymphal migration. Zonocerus nymphs were attracted by moving objects within a very short distance and reacted by following them. Once migration was started, mechanical body contact between the resting and marching grasshoppers stimulated the whole migrating crowd to move onward. As a rule, the nymphs walked rather than hopped when migrating. The speed of migration was directly proportional to the number of individuals involved. Within a cassava field, the number of individuals per plant depended on the density of nymphal population on the ground, which in turn was determined by various microclimatic factors. The pattern of upward movement on tall cassava stems was like that of migration on the ground. Adults are solitary and were never seen migrating in masses; thus gregariousness and mass migration were observed only in nymphs. The nymphs were attracted by objects standing vertically within a distance of about 7 cm, but did not discriminate between palatable and non-palatable plants even at this distance. They were also capable of distinguishing the form of leaves from that of stems. The grasshoppers are polyphagous on various forbs, but certain plants were preferred to others. Maximum feeding activity took place between 25° and 30° C, during daylight hours only. In dietary experiments cassava, alone or in combination with false rubber ( Funtumia elastica Stapf), gave the best results as to body weight, developmental period, and adult fecundity and longevity; the poorest results were obtained with insects fed Justicia flava . A diet of Gramineae alone produced sterile females, although males were fertile; adults of both sexes reared on such a diet were shorter lived than those reared on forbs.
TL;DR: Since the radioactive wasps were found to live at least 15 days after release, females could have dispersed up to 10 miles and males up to 1 mile if they dispersed unidirectionally from the area of release or emergence.
Abstract: About 2 million Trichogramma semifumatum (Perkins) were released in the first study, in the Imperial Valley, Calif., and about 1½ million in a second study near Shatter, Calif., in 1960. Females tended to disperse more rapidly than males, 1 ♀ being recovered 2000 ft from the release point 17 hours after release, while 2 ♂ were taken 400 ft from the release point after another 24 hours had elapsed. One individual (sex not determined) was recovered 3500 ft from the release point, 62 hours after release. Since the radioactive wasps were found to live at least 15 days after release, females could have dispersed up to 10 miles and males up to 1 mile if they dispersed unidirectionally from the area of release or emergence. Specimens were easily recovered within 200 ft of the release point, but the factor of area dilution is extremely important in connection with recovery of tagged specimens, whose number decreased markedly with increased distance. In the absence of rigorous weather conditions, the extent to which temperature and wind aided or hindered dispersal could not be determined. Tagging procedures and vacuum suction sampling methods are discussed.
TL;DR: The genera formerly placed in the subfamilies Spathiinae and Stephaniscinae are transferred to the Doryctinae, which is redefined to include all cyclostomate braconids with a margined occiput and a row or cluster of stout spines on the foretibia.
Abstract: The genera formerly placed in the subfamilies Spathiinae and Stephaniscinae are transferred to the Doryctinae, which is redefined to include all cyclostomate braconids with a margined occiput and a row or cluster of stout spines on the foretibia. Morphology is discussed in detail, with illustrations, as are important characters used in identifying genera and species. The 22 genera known from the Nearctic Region are keyed; 5 of these are placed in the tribe Hecabolini, 17 in the Doryctini. Each genus is briefly diagnosed, its relationships are discussed, its distribution stated, and its wing venation and male genitalia illustrated. Each hecaboline species is described, and notes are given on its distribution and hosts so far as these are known. Separate keys to males and females of the 24 Nearctic species of Ecphylus are presented, and one to the species of Pambolidea . New taxa in the Hecabolini are: APTENOBRACON , type A. formicoides; Aivalykus nearcticus (the first American species of a genus previously known from India, Borneo, and the Philippines); Pambolidea barberi; and 8 new species of Ecphylus (chramesi, flavus, kansensis, leechi, leptosulcus optilus, pacificus, unifasciatus ); in the Doryctini, PTESIMOGASTER , type P. parkeri. New synonymy: Ecphylus Foerster (= Paraecphylus Ashmead); E. hypothenemi Ashmead (= Paraecphylus websteri Ashmead). Acrisis Foerster is removed from the Doryctinae and tentatively assigned to the subfamily Rogadinae. Work that has been done on the biology of Ecphylus is reviewed, and known host records for its species are tabulated; all of them are parasites of coleopterous larvae.
TL;DR: The feeding behavior of flour beetles was explained in terms of the interrelationships between kineses, sensory adaptation, and thresholds.
Abstract: Extracts prepared from brewers' yeast, unenriched patent flour, bran, and wheat germ were tested for their ability to elicit aggregation and feeding responses in flour beetles. Also tested were amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, and proteins known to occur in cereals, and some compounds isolated from wheat or wheat products. Yeast contained ethanol-soluble and water-soluble components that induced aggregating and feeding responses. Sugars and amino compounds, or combinations of these, are probably involved. Various solvent extracts of wheat germ were the most active of all the cereal extracts tested. This activity was attributed, in part, to certain fatty acids. In tests with fatty acids known to occur in wheat germ, palmitic acid elicited intense aggregating and feeding responses. Maltose stimulated feeding. None of 5 sugars induced aggregations. The stimulating effect of sucrose and glucose varied between tests. Gluten and gliadin were moderately active. Nineteen amino acids known to occur in flour, and wheat starch, glutathione, flavonoids, and methoxyquinones were chemotactically inert. The feeding behavior of flour beetles was explained in terms of the interrelationships between kineses, sensory adaptation, and thresholds.
TL;DR: No definite exchange of flashings between sexes was observed in this species, but there is no doubt that the adult light organs function in bringing the sexes together.
Abstract: Luciola discicollis Castelnau is normally found in moist grasslands near or away from bodies of water. Light intensity, height and density of vegetation, and soil conditions are important factors in determining its habitat. The optimum temperature for larval flashing activity is between 19°–26°C, with the relative humidity 90% or higher; the duration of a flash depends upon the temperature and relative humidity at the ground surface. In comparison with adults, the larvae are less affected by light intensity or weather conditions as their activity is restricted to the ground surface with grass coverage. Imaginal populations consist of approximately equal numbers of both sexes, although males are easier to find than females. Adult females were found to migrate for several hundred meters, flying 2.5–12.0 m above the ground at a speed of 2–5 km per hour, and landing in different areas where the males of the same species signal by flaring. The function of migration evidently is distribution of eggs into wider areas, since most of the females migrated either before or during oviposition. In this connection, the females were shown to possess relatively longer wings than the males. Up to 50 eggs per female are laid on the moist soil; the incubation period averages 9 days. Development of the larvae takes approximately 5 months, during which the animals grow from 1.5 to 12.0 mm long. The larvae, which undergo approximately 5 molts, are luminous in all stages. The last-instar larvae construct earthern pupal cells in which prepupal, pupal, and preimaginal periods are spent, covering an average period of 8 days. The larval light organs function throughout the prepupal and pupal periods, at the end of which adult light organs become recognizable. The preimago is characterized by both larval and imaginal light organs functioning simultaneously ; the former disappear upon emergence of the adult from the pupal cell. Adults mate immediately and live about a week. The mating flight of males occurs from immediately after sundown until about 8 PM. No definite exchange of flashings between sexes was observed in this species, but there is no doubt that the adult light organs function in bringing the sexes together. Several low, short-distance flights by females are essential for oviposition. Adults normally take no solid food. Testes become enveloped in a common fat sac at the end of the pupal period; this sac, however, disintegrates toward senility. In females, eggs begin to develop during the preimaginal period and the first oviposition takes place 3–4 days after emergence, with the second following normally 3 days after the first. Oviposition occurs throughout the year. Females die soon after the second egg laying.
TL;DR: L Laboratory experiments showed that cannibalism lengthens the life span, but results also in larvae which disperse from the egg mass later and are less active than noncannibalistic larvae, so their chances of finding prey are reduced.
Abstract: In field-collected egg masses more than 21% of the eggs were destroyed by first-instar larvae from the same egg mass. Since 39.8% of these were estimated to be nonviable, the effective reduction in number of larvae owing to egg cannibalism by undispersed first-instar larvae was 12.7%. Cannibalistic behavior has been stated to have survival value, since this food supply lengthens the life and increases the chance of finding prey by otherwise nonfed larvae. Laboratory experiments showed that cannibalism lengthens the life span, but results also in larvae which disperse from the egg mass later and are less active than noncannibalistic larvae, so their chances of finding prey are reduced. Cannibalism might still be an advantage under low-prey-density situations were it not for the known fact that this species can maintain itself and mature on substances other than prey. Therefore, this behavior may not be advantageous to the role of larvae as natural control agents.
TL;DR: Experiments with the house cricket, Acheta domesticus, showed that serial closes of carbon dioxide for anesthetic purposes are possible without the retardation of growth previously reported by Brooks (1957, J. Insect Physiol. 1: 76).
Abstract: Experiments with the house cricket, Acheta domesticus (L.) showed that serial closes of carbon dioxide for anesthetic purposes are possible without the retardation of growth previously reported by Brooks (1957, J. Insect Physiol. 1: 76) provided the percent of carbon dioxide is at 40% or lower. There is evidence that oxygen is important in preventing retardation at 60% carbon dioxide concentration. Maturation, longevity, heartbeat, and abdominal contractions also were included in the investigation. Possible modes of action of carbon dioxide are discussed.
TL;DR: A distinct difference was found between D. ponderosae Hopkins (= monticolae Hopkins) and D. pondosae (= jeffreyi Hopkins) in their reaction to pine resin vapors and their individual components and the author recognizes a biological difference between them and recommends continuing to distinguish between them.
Abstract: A distinct difference was found between D. ponderosae Hopkins (= monticolae Hopkins) and D. ponderosae (= jeffreyi Hopkins) in their reaction to pine resin vapors and their individual components. Practically no difference was found between 2 different host sources of D. ponderosae (:= monticolae ). Therefore, the author recognizes a biological difference between D. ponderosae (= monticolae ) and D. ponderosae (= jeffreyi ) and recommends continuing to distinguish between them.
TL;DR: The role of the Diptera was not elucidated, but it is believed the maggots were parasitoid, either causing the death of the wasp egg or young larva directly, or indirectly by spoiling and consuming the provisions.
Abstract: I. mexicana (Saussure) was the dominant species in the complex that used sumac trap-sticks; in each case of a mixed nest it superseded other species. During 1952-62, 117 sumac-stem traps containing its nests were obtained. A typical nest consisted of 3 cells separated by tightly coiled grass strands, and was plugged by similarly coiled grass, some of which was left protruding tuftlike from the orifice. In 6-in. holes there were 1-6 cells, but there was no apparent relation between diameter of the holes (3/16-5/16 in.) and number of cells. Cells were provisioned with Tettigoniidae and Gryllidae. Provisioning varied according to the species of prey and whether adults or juveniles were utilized; more juveniles than adults of Oecanthus were used. Neither number of prey nor their weights were associated with sex of the wasp, as none of the larvae in cells with these measurements were reared to maturity. Wasp larvae fed voraciously, holding the prey tightly while feeding. Development from young to last-stage larvae took 4-6 days at 22°C, and spinning a cocoon took about 1 day. The summer generation had a prepupal stage of about 1 day, followed by a 2-3 week pupal period. Last-instar larvae of the overwintering generation entered a diapause which lasted into the next summer. When cell contents were reared singly in glass vials, the sexes of reared wasps occurred in various combinations. Some nests had only females or only males; in nests containing both sexes cells with males never preceded cells with females. About 15% of the nests were contaminated with Diptera-the phorid Megaselia aletia (Comstock) and the sarcophagids Amobia distorta (Allen), Senotainia trilineata Wulp, and Sarcophaga sp. The sarcophagids were parasitized by Perilampus hyalinus Say. The role of the Diptera was not elucidated, but it is believed the maggots were parasitoid, either causing the death of the wasp egg or young larva directly, or indirectly by spoiling and consuming the provisions.
TL;DR: In boll-fed adults the glycogen titer differs little or not at all between diapausing and reproducing individuals, while in square-fed individuals it is higher in those that are diapauses, though still below the level found in boll, reproducing weevils.
Abstract: On a dry-weight basis, the glycogen content of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, is maximum (11%) in the eggs. It stands at about 1.5% through most of the larval period, but rises to 6% late in the last larval instar. It declines rapidly in the first half of the pupal period, less rapidly in the second half, and the minimum titer (99% less than in the late last-instar larva) is found in the 1-day-old adult. Adults, whether fed on bolls or squares, have their highest glycogen content at 6–15 days of age, but the titer is several times higher in boll-fed than in square-fed weevils. This phenomenon, and the higher triglyceride content of boll-fed individuals, probably result from the 5–8 times greater sugar content (principally glucose and fructose) in bolls as compared with squares. In boll-fed adults the glycogen titer differs little or not at all between diapausing and reproducing individuals, while in square-fed individuals it is higher in those that are diapausing, though still below the level found in boll-fed, reproducing weevils. The glycogen titer of whole weevils decreases during storage at −20°C, but this loss was prevented by storing the weevils in ethanol at −20°C.
TL;DR: The digestive and reproductive systems of 46 meloid species were studied, and a subfamily and tribal system based on these internal systems is proposed, and the present study recognizes 2 subfamilies, Meloinae and Nemognathinae.
Abstract: The digestive and reproductive systems of 46 meloid species, representing 32 genera from North America, Europe, North Africa, and India, were studied, and a subfamily and tribal system based on these internal systems is proposed. The fore-gut of the meloids includes a fairly well-developed esophagus, a simple proventriculus, and a stomodaeal or cardiac valve. There is no crop. The stomodaeal intima shows definite longitudinal and irregularly arranged internal folds; in addition, it exhibits other modifications such as transverse corrugations, emarginate, transversely oriented {-shaped and dotlike thickenings, and polygonal patterns. The spines on the intima may be scattered or may follow a definite arrangement. The size, number, and position of the lobes of the stomodaeal valve vary greatly. The mid-gut (ventriculus) is well developed; it is transversely wrinkled and granulate in Meloinae and rather smooth in Nemognathinae. The hind-gut (proctodaeum) usually is well developed. There are 6 cryptonephridial malpighian tubules, which may arise separately or in pairs; they are attached posteriorly either on the distal portion of the ileum or on the inner bend of the posterior flexure of the hind-gut; in some groups these tubules have basal pouches. The spermathecal capsule of the female reproductive system exhibits various modifications in size and shape; also, it may have a well-developed tubular or vesicular basal diverticulum, or it may merely show a basal swelling. A single, tubular or vesicular accessory gland is always present. The vagina is variable in length and width, but was not found to have taxonomic significance. In the male system, the testes are spherical or oval; they are much enlarged in the Nemognathinae. The vesicula seminalis varies in size; it is usually smooth externally but is transversely wrinkled in Lyttini. The first of the 3 pairs of accessory glands is spherically or ovally coiled or irregularly convoluted; the second pair (usually the smallest) arises posterior to it; the third pair (usually the largest) is variously convoluted. The ejaculatory duct was found frequently to be curved or looped and to be of differing widths; however, this structure was not used as a character in classification. The present study recognizes 2 subfamilies, Meloinae and Nemognathinae. The former includes the tribes Mylabrini, Cerocomini, Eupomphini, Epicautini, Pyrotini, Lyttini, Meloini, and Tetraonychini. The Nemognathinae contains the tribes Horiini, Apalini, and Nemognathini. Of all the tribes studied, the Eupomphini shows the greatest variation; several of its genera may eventually have to be assigned elsewhere. The genus Linsleya is removed from the Epicautini and tenatatively placed in the Lyttini. The Old World genera Cabalia and Sybaris have, with some question, been retained in the Lyttini although they lack the well-developed spermathecal diverticulum which has been considered an important character of this tribe.
TL;DR: Close agreement between the results of rearing experiments and of chromosome analyses of eggs indicated that sex determination in the 3 species of dermanyssid mites was of the haplo-diploid type.
Abstract: The number, gross morphology, and size of the chromosomes were determined for 3 species of dermanyssid mites. Early embryonic somatic tissue was studied using the aceto-orecin or aceto-carmine squash technique. Dermanyssits gallinae (De Geer), the chicken mite, had a haploid number of 3 and a diploid number of 6 chromosomes. The 2 isobrachial chromosomes were approximately 7.0 and 6.8μ and the heterobrachial one was about 5.4μ long. One secondary constriction was observed and it was situated on the short arm of the heterobrachial chromosome. The 2 macronyssine species had smaller, but a greater number of chromosomes than did D. gallinae. Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini & Fanzago), the northern fowl mite, had haploid and diploid numbers, respectively, of 9 and 18 cephalobrachial (or diffusecentric) chromosomes and these were 1.0 and 1.8μ long. The tropical rat mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti (Hirst), had haploid and diploid chromosome numbers of 8 and i6, respectively, and the chromosomes were 1.9 to 3.7μ long. Seven of these appeared to be cephalobrachial (or diffusecentric), whereas the eighth appeared isobrachial (or diffusecentric) and was approximately twice the length of the shortest chromosome. It is not certain that the 2 macronyssine species have monocentric chromosomes since no centromeres were seen, therefore the designations of cephalo- and isobrachial chromosomes are made tentatively in O. sylviarum and O. bacoti . Close agreement between the results of rearing experiments and of chromosome analyses of eggs indicated that sex determination in the 3 species was of the haplo-diploid type. Virgin females, in the 2 macronyssine species, laid only haploid eggs and produced male offspring only. Virgin female D. gallinae did not oviposit. Mated females of all 3 species laid haploid and diploid eggs in a 1:1 ratio and produced progeny of both sexes.
It was suggested that D. gallinae and the macronyssine species might not be confamilial.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the compound eye of the corn earworm is a high absorber of far infrared radiation and of such a configuration that it could orient to hot or warm spots of longwave infrared radiation in total darkness.
Abstract: A histological description is given of the ommatidium of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie). The cornea has the configuration of an achromatic doublet, and the crystalline cone of a field lens, which is coated in the night-adapted eye with a quarter-wave antireflection dielectric. All morphological units fit the theoretical configuration to be expected of a mosaic optic-electromagnetic thermal radiometer. There is a fast daylight-adaptation to ultraviolet and a lack of stimulated flight in an activity cage when moths are subjected to shortwave ultraviolet (2537 A). It is concluded that the compound eye is a high absorber of far infrared radiation and of such a configuration that it could orient to hot or warm spots of longwave infrared radiation in total darkness.
TL;DR: Forty-three species of Colpocephalum s.
Abstract: Forty-three species of Colpocephalum s. lat. from the Ciconiiformes are recognized and discussed. Nineteen of these are newly described; they and their type-hosts are nigrae (Ciconia nigra), asiatici (Xenorhynchus asiaticus asiaticus), nipponi (Nipponia nippon), mycteriae (Mycteria americana), lamelligeri (Anastomus lamelligerus), leucocephali (Ibis Ieucoccphalus), cooki (Leptoptilos dubius), oxycercae (Cercibis oxycerca), harpiprioni (Harpiprion caerulescens), olivaceae (Lampribis olivacea akleyorum), carunculatae (Bostrychia carumculata), aethiopicae (Threskiornis aethiopica), melanocephalae (Threskiornis melanocephala), plataleae (Platalea leucorodia major), spinicollis (Carphibis spinicollis), eremitae (Geronticus eremita), davisoni (Pseudibis davisoni), scharfi (Anastomus lamelligerus), and oscitansi (Anastomus oscitans). C. subflavescens Piaget is synonymized with C. turbinatum Denny. A key is given to the species.
TL;DR: Adult feeding and oviposition was observed in numerous palm species other than Cocos nucifera, as well as in several root and fruit crops, and infestation was usually associated with red ring disease, of which the weevils were important vectors.
Abstract: In the laboratory, females deposited 245±155 eggs in an oviposition period of· 30.7±14.3 days, with maximum production of 48 eggs per day in the first 8–10 days of the period; maximum lifetime production was 718 eggs by a single female. The incubation period was 3.2±0.93 days at room temperature (70°–91°F) and humidity (62%–92%). There were 6–10 larval molts (most commonly 9), and the larval period averaged 52.0±10.0 days (as against 43.0±6.0 days for larvae reared in standing palms outdoors). Mature larvae spun cocoons in which they passed a prepupal stage of 4–17 days and a true pupal stage of 8–23 days (average for the two combined, 26.8±4.5 days), and in which the adults remained for 7.8±3.4 days before emerging. Feeding and mating normally began 12–24 hours after emergence, and oviposition commenced 5.6±3.7 days after the first mating; both sexes mated repeatedly and indiscriminately. The entire life cycle required 79.0±9.0 days in laboratory-reared insects, 72.0±13.0 days in insects reared in standing palms. The sex ratio was approximately 1:1, and adult longevity was 44.7±17.2 days for males, 40.7±15.5 days for females. Adults were most active at 5–7 PM and 7–11 AM. Both sexes were strong flyers, averaging about 20 ft per sec in the field, and were capable of rapid dissemination. Their rate of movement on coconut plantations varied from 85 yards to 1 mile in 24 hours, depending on conditions. Larval damage was most extensive in 3- to 7-year-old palms, whose “crowns” often fell over following excavation of the stem tissues by the larvae. Infestation was usually associated with red ring disease, of which the weevils were important vectors. Adult feeding and oviposition was observed in numerous palm species other than Cocos nucifera, as well as in several root and fruit crops.
TL;DR: The classic division of thesciomyzidae into Sciomyzinae and Tetanocerinae stood until 1923, when Hendel erected the Tetanurinae, then in 1939 Enderlein, including Tetanura Fallen with the Sciomyzinas, erected the Salticellinae.
Abstract: The classic division of the Sciomyzidae (sensu strictu, less Dryomyzidae, etc.) into Sciomyzinae and Tetanocerinae stood until 1923, when Hendel erected the Tetanurinae. Then in 1939 Enderlein, including Tetanura Fallen with the Sciomyzinae, erected the Salticellinae, and in the same year Sack divided the Sciomyzinae into Sciomyzinae and Ditaeniinae. This state of affairs remained until 1950, when Verbefte, stressing the modifications of segmentation occasioned by circumversion of the male postabdomen, divided the family into 4 subfamilies: Sciomyzinae, Renocerinae, Tetanocerinae, and Sepedoninae.
TL;DR: Anopheles melas Theobald oviposits after dark in the first half of the night, on damp mud under Avicennia mangrove during neaptides in the Gambia.
Abstract: Anopheles melas Theobald oviposits after dark in the first half of the night, on damp mud under Avicennia mangrove during neaptides in the Gambia. During oviposition the abdomen is usually slanted, with the eighth segment held vertical to the substrate. Eggs appear rhythmically every 10–12 sec, in 2 distinct movements of extrusion and ejection; 8–10 sec elapse between these 2 movements, during which the egg is inseminated. Eggs are laid on clamp substrate rather than surface waters, in 3 characteristic patterns, of which egg clumps produced by stationary females afford the least chance of egg survival under the desiccating conditions of the dry season.
TL;DR: Results of experiments in which white-pine weevil, Pissodes strobi (Peck), were caged on cut leaders show that weevils are capable of distinguishing and expressing feeding preferences among three of their host species—eastern white pine, jack pine, and red pine—very similar to patterns observed in the field.
Abstract: Results of experiments in which white-pine weevils, Pissodes strobi (Peck), were caged on cut leaders show that weevils are capable of distinguishing and expressing feeding preferences among three of their host species—eastern white pine, jack pine, and red pine—very similar to patterns observed in the field. There was no difference in amount of feeding on eastern white pine or western white pine, or between two classes based on past weeviling, despite a large difference in susceptibility. In none of the 4 species was amount of feeding correlated with any of the morphological features which were measured at 10 in. from the base of the terminal bud.