Showing papers in "Annals of The Entomological Society of America in 1968"

A Method for Mounting Small Insects on Microscope Slides in Canada Balsam

Abstract: Traditional methods for mounting insects in Canada balsam have often proven unsatisfactory because of shrinkage of delicate structures such as the antennae and palpi in the highly viscous mounting medium. Clearing in potassium hydroxide and subsequent gradual dehydration in a series of alcohols are very time consuming and often require isolation of individual specimens, and separate treatment of the wings when adults are being mounted. While satisfactory mounts may easily be made of relatively large and heavily sclerotized insects, mounts of fragile insects are often inadequate for detailed taxonomic study. This problem has led many workers to try other mounting media, but none has proven entirely satisfactory.

Consumption by Several Common Arthropod Predators of Eggs and Larvae of Two Heliothis Species That Attack Cotton

Abstract: In laboratory experiments, several common arthropod predators consumed relatively large numbers of eggs and early-instar larvae of the bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and the tobacco budworm, H. virescens (F.). Predators confined with the hosts in small containers consumed more eggs and/or larvae than those confined with hosts on 10-inch cotton tci initials. However, all species were effective in reducing host populations on the terminals. Also, larval green lacewings (a mixture of Chrysopa Carnea Stephens and ( C. rufilabris Burmeister) and adults of a lygaeid bug, Geocoris punctipes (Say), substantially reduced egg and larval populations of caged tobacco budworms. From the cage tests it was estimated that a release of about 420,000 Chrysopa larvae per acre had reduced the peak population of tobacco budworm eggs by 76% at 8 days after moth release. At 13 days, the larval population of the tobacco budworm had been reduced by 96%. A release of about 252,000 G. punctipes adults per acre was not so effective. However, a release of 630,000 G. punctipes adults and 420,000 Chrysopa larvae per acre reduced the egg and larval populations of the tobacco budworm by 88% and 99%, respectively.

The Influence of Nutrient Chemicals on the Feeding Behavior of the Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract: The influence of nutrient chemicals on the feeding behavior of the larva of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), was investigated using an agar-medium assay. Twenty-six sugars, 27 amino acids, 9 vitamins, 2 sterols, 7 lipids, Wesson's salt mixture and its principal components were tested. One sugar (sucrose), several amino acids (L-alanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, L-serine, etc.) and 3 phospholipids (lecithin, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidyl L-serine) elicited marked feeding responses. Inorganic salts (KG, KH2PO4 and NaCl) were inactive alone but acted synergistically with other feeding stimulants. Additive effects on feeding responses were observed when 2 different feeding stimulants were combined. Three distinct types of joint action—additive, synergistic, and antagonistic—were recognized. These 3 types of interaction influence the feeding behavior of the potato beetle.

The Role of Secondary Plant Substances in the Food Specificity of the Colorado Potato Beetle

Abstract: An artificial diet without leaf materials, which supports moderate feeding and growth of fourth-instar larvae of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), was used to evaluate the chemical basis of plant acceptance and rejection. Additions of powders or certain extracts of potato leaves to this diet enhanced feeding and growth. Eighty-four species of solanaceous and nonsolanaceous plants were studied by testing the effect of the addition of 4% leaf powder to this diet on growth of the fourth-instar larvae. Fifty-seven species showed inhibitory effects and two, Nicotiana rustica and Dryopteris marginalis, were toxic to the larvae. The ether extracts, water extracts, and resulting residues of 27 species also were tested. Among the plants exerting favorable effects as leaf powders, the active substances were not confined to a particular fraction. In some species the water extract and in others the ether extract or residue promoted feeding and growth. In the nonacceptable plants, inhibitory substances were found mostly in the water extract, and rarely in the ether extract, or the residue of leaf powder. This evidence indicates that the resistance of plants to feeding by potato beetle larvae is regulated by chemically and botanically unrelated inhibitors. These findings stress the importance of secondary plant substances as determinants of resistance to feeding by the Colorado potato beetle.

Developmental history and reproduction of Spalangia cameroni parasite of synanthropic flies.

Abstract: The developmental life history of Spalangia cameroni Perkins is presented, with observations on physiology of ovum formation, and sperm translocation through the male reproductive system. Pertinent aspects treated in detail are host-feeding and selection, oviposition, superparasitization, length of developmental stages, oocyte development, ovisorption, and sperm activation. Of particular interest are the interinvolvement of host-feeding and oviposition, the high moisture requirement for embryonic development, the 100+ feeding punctures made by a larva, the prolongation of female pupal development with respect to the male, the deposition of partially resorbed eggs, the discovery of 2 chambers in the seminal vesicle, and the short time that the testes function.

Selection and Specificity of the Colorado Potato Beetle for Solanaceous and Nonsolanaceous Plants

Abstract: The acceptability by and suitability for larvae of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), of 104 plant species belonging to 87 genera and 39 families was investigated. Of these 104 species, 36 were accepted to some degree, but only 15 supported growth of fourth-instar larvae to pupation. The 15 plants belong to 5 unrelated families. In addition to the Solanaceae, 4 nonsolanaceous plants supported growth from egg to adult: Asclepias syrioca, A. tuberosa, Capsella bursapastoris, and Lactuca sativa var. romana. A. syriaca and L. s. romana were the most suitable and permitted continuous culturing for several generations. Preference experiments showed discrimination between solanaceous and nonsolanaceous plants. In the presence of potato leaves, the non-host plants were not selected, although in confinement some were accepted and supported growth. This fact suggests that botanically restricted chemicals are of importance. Oviposition preference experiments were conducted to determine the preference of the adults for potato and other plants. Eleven solanaceous and 6 nonsolanaceous plants were tested. In all but 2 cases the potato plant was preferred, the exceptions being Solanum rostratum and S. nigrum. The beetle's strongly positive response to S. nigrum, which is not eaten by cither adults or larvae, proved that oviposition preference of the adult is not a consequence of feeding preference. Capsicum annuum did not elicit oviposition, indicating the presence of inhibitors. It is evident that specific stimuli also are required to induce normal oviposition.

Aspects of Mating Behavior of the Gypsy Moth

Abstract: When virgin female Porthetria dispar (L.) actively released sex attractant they assumed a typical calling position and began a rhythmic protraction and partial retraction of the last abdominal segments or “ovipositor.” If disturbed or when contacted by the male, the “ovipositor” was withdrawn. Females showed a marked change in behavior soon after mating ended. They did not call and avoided males attempting to copulate. They became active and were negatively phototropic and positively geotropic in searching for suitable sites for egg laying. Once egg laying began they were not easily disturbed. Observations on the males indicated that in the presence of the attractant, sight assisted in location of the female. Males did not continue to pursue unreceptive females indefinitely. Such behavior in the 2 sexes would tend to make multiple mating infrequent in nature. Females in copulo for periods of 1–4 minutes produced relatively few, scattered, infertile eggs while those mated 8 minutes or more produced fertile eggs in normal egg masses. An increasing number of females was fertilized during copulation periods of 5, 6, and 7 minutes. There was some evidence that normal egg-laying behavior may be released in unfertilized females. Certain of the females mated for periods of 5, 6, and 7 minutes, although sterile, behaved like mated females and deposited egg masses normal in both appearance and number of eggs.

Probing Behavior of the Pea Aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. II. Comparisons of Salivation and Ingestion in Host and Non-Host Plant Leaves

Abstract: Differences in probing behavior of the Chualar pea aphid biotype of Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) became evident when salivation and ingestion activities in host and nonhost plants were electronically recorded on strip charts. Leaves of healthy broadbean, Vicia faba L., and V. faba plants infected with the Geneva 2 strain of bean yellow mosaic virus were used as hosts. Cowpea, Vigna sinensis Endl., and lettuce, Lactuca saliva L., were used as the non-host plants. Lettuce and cowpea were judged to be non-host plants when young adult pea aphids confined to leaves of these plants were unable to survive for more than 5 days. During this period, these aphids produced about 20 times fewer offspring than did aphids of comparable age on the V. faba plants. Specimens from 1 group of pea aphids were allowed to ingest for 10 minutes. Waveform sequences and the study of histological preparations showed that 70% of the aphids ingested fluid during their first probe regardless of whether the leaf was from a host or a non-host. Of the aphids probing host plant leaves, 78% ingested sap from the sieve elements during their first probe. Sixty-one percent of the aphids probing V. sinensis and 53% probing L. sativa ingested sap from epidermal or sulxjpidermal cells during their first ingestion probes. None of the aphids probing non-host plants ingested sap from the sieve elements during the first probe. Salivation and ingestion activities of another test group of aphids were continuously recorded for 24 hours. Twelve activity parameters were analyzed statistically. Significant differences in probing behavior occurred between aphids on host and non-host plants. Some differences in ingestion behavior were evident between aphids on lettuce and aphids on cowpea. There were some statistical differences in probing behavior between aphids on healthy V. faba and those on diseased V. faba. Aphid probing behavior is discussed in light of the results and some hypotheses are presented in explanation of these phenomena.

Sex Pheromones of Noctuid Moths. XIII. Changes in Pheromone Quantity, as Related to Reproductive Age and Mating History, in Females of Seven Species of Noctuidae (Lepidoptera)

Abstract: Changes in sex pheromone quantity in relation to age, reproductive maturity, and mating were determined in females of 7 species representing 3 subfamilies of Noctuidae. Species studied were: subfamily Plusiinae— Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), Psendoplusia includens Walker, and Rachiplusia on (Guenee) ; subfamily Amphipyrinae— Prodenia ornithogalli GuenA©e and Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) ; and subfamily Heliothinae— Heliothis zea (Boddie) and H. virescens (F.). In general, for each species, rapid production of sex pheromone occurred within 1.0 day preceding or following emergence from the pupa; the proportion of females mating reached 50% of its maximum level by 0–1.5 days following emergence; and the proportion of females containing at least 20 chorionated eggs reached 50% of its maximum level by 0.5–2.0 days following emergence. The occurrence of a single mating on the third night following emergence did not cause a rapid disappearance of sex pheromone among 5 species studied. This phenomenon is consistent with the fact that females of many noctuid species commonly mate more than once.

Morphology and Taxonomic Use of Ephemeroptera Eggs

Abstract: Mayfly eggs possess 4 main morphological features which may be used for taxonomic purposes: chorionic sculpturing, polar cap(s), accessory attachment structures, and micropylar devices. A new and simple technique is described for observing these structures. A detailed morphological description of the egg is presented, including terminology for the parts of the micropylar device. The eggs were found useful for generic or specific determinations for the Heptageniidae, Leptophlebiidae, Caenidae, Ephemeridae, and Polymitarcidae; and of doubtful value for the Ephemerellidae, Tricorythidae, and Potamanthidae. Their value in taxonomy is not now assessible for the Siphlonuridae and Ametropodidae.

Controlled mating, karyology, morphology, and sex-ratio in the Dendroctonus ponderosae complex.

Abstract: Laboratory mating experiments and observations on developmental rate, karyology, and morphology confirm the recent synonymy of Dendroctonus monticolae Hopkins with D. ponderosae Hopkins, but establish the species integrity of D. jeffreyi Hopkins, also previously considered a synonym of ponderosae. D. monticolae from British Columbia and 8 California localities were interfertile and morphologically similar. D. ponderosae from Colorado were interfertile with monticolae from California, but their mean pronotal widths, 2.44 mm and 2.10 mm, respectively, and indices of pronotal punctation, 5.43 and 6.12, respectively, were very significantly different. D. monticolae and its hybrid with ponderosae showed the karyotypic formula 11AA + Neo-XY. D. jeffreyi is larger (pronotal width = 2.63 mm) and its pronotum less densely punctured (index = 4.19) than monticolae and ponderosae. The karyotype of jeffreyi is also 11AA + Neo-XY, but the Neo-X is usually constricted and 1.4 times longer than the Neo-Y while the Neo-X of monticolae is rarely constricted and only slightly larger than the Neo-Y. In addition, a tiny supernumerary chromosome was present in some jeffreyi. In reciprocal pairings of monticolae and jeffreyi, none of the 846 eggs laid by 21 monticolae females hatched, but 8 larvae and 1 sterile female resulted from 362 eggs laid by 10 jeffreyi females. Five pairings of jeffreyi and pondcrosae produced no brood. Several jeffreyi (control) pairings showed a marked reduction in egg hatchability and only female progeny were produced. A male-lethal factor attacking the embryos is suggested, but pedigree data are insufficient to determine whether chromosomal or cytoplasmic factors are involved.

Life History and Behavior of the Predatory Mite Typhlodromus occidentalis in Utah

Abstract: Many phytoseiid mites are predators of orchard spider mites. Of the species in northern Utah, Typhlodromus occidentalis (Nesbitt) is most abundant in apple orchards. Several other phytoseiid mites are found on apple trees in Utah, the most frequently encountered are Amblyseius fallacis (Garman) and T. mcgregori Chant. T. occidentalis was studied, using Tetranychus urticae Koch as prey. Adult females were found during the winter and early spring under the matted cover crop and tree bark. Laboratory and field observations suggested that there were at least 10 generations a season. The stages of development were egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult; with partial quiescence between instars. The male of Typhlodromus occidentalis passed through a distinct deutonymph stage, as did the female. The average developmental time from egg to adult was 6.3 days at 75°F. The females mated once; the males several times. When ample numbers of tetranychid mites were present, they fed only as predators. In the absence of prey, the phytoseiids occasionally fed on pollen and apple foliage. Immature forms could not complete their development without spider mites as food. Adults would not lay eggs without feeding on mites, although they could survive for several weeks. They did not become cannibalistic, even when starved.

Leaf Pubescence of Wheat as a Deterrent to the Cereal Leaf Beetle, Oulema melanopus

Abstract: Ovipositional behavior, viability of eggs, and growth and survival of the young larvae of Oulema melanopus (L.) were adversely affected by the density of pubescence of wheat leaves. Gravid females were reluctant to lay eggs on densely haired leaves, and the number of eggs laid was significantly reduced by greater density of pubescence. Eggs laid or placed on leaves with dense pubescence were susceptible to desiccation, and less than 10% hatched. Only 20% of the first-instar larvae restricted to densely pubescent leaves were alive after 3 days. Also, young larvae restricted to wheats with dense, moderate, or slight pubescence, or glabrous wheats, gained significantly less weight as the number of hairs increased. Third-instar and fourth-instar larvae used wheats with greater pubescence more efficiently than did younger larvae.

A Flight Mill System for the Laboratory Study of Mosquito Flight

Abstract: A flight mill system is described for the quantitative assessment of mosquito flight performance under controlled laboratory conditions. The system includes a device which insures uniform attachment and orientation of mosquitoes to flight mill arms. Attachment and orientation of the mosquito prior to flight are second in importance only to the over-all efficiency of the flight mill itself. Data-recording equipment accurately measures the distance flown, the flight duration, and the speed of mosquito flight.

An Electronic Measuring System to Record Aphid Salivation and Ingestion

Abstract: A detailed description of the system used to record salivation and ingestion activities of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), is presented. Recent modifications to the system also have been included. Selected electronic principles are discussed and are related to applicable parts of the system. Results of some voltage and resistance measurements are given, and these are used to calculate the current through, the voltage across, and the resistance of pea aphids when probing broadbean, Vicia faba L. Twelve resistance measurements were made on 3 leaves at 4 distances from the point where voltage was applied to the leaves. The voltage measurements were made during maximum conductance of current through the salivary canal of the aphids. Twenty-five aphids were used for the voltage measurements. Three broadbean leaves were used as the probed substrates. With 0.5 volts a-c applied to each leaf, the current through the aphid was found to be 3.72×10−6 amperes. The voltage across the aphid at this time was calculated to be 0.495 volts. The resistance of the aphid was 99 megohms during the time of maximum conductance.

Production and Release of Sex Attractant by the Female Indian-Meal Moth, Plodia interpunctella

Abstract: In Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) females, the sex attractant was first detected in pharate adults. Newly eclosed adults contained a concentration of attractant comparable to that found in 1- to 5-day-old adults. Mating had no effect on the concentration of extractable attractant. Virgin females released attractant almost continuously during their adult life, while mating and certain anesthetics greatly decreased subsequent release of attractant.

External Morphology of the Adult Male of Matsucoccus bisetosus

Abstract: The external morphology of adult males of the pineinfesting genus Matsucoccus has not been studied previously in detail. The male of M. bisetosus Morrison is described and compared with adult males of other Coccoidea. The M. bisetosus male appears to be one of the least specialized of coccid males yet studied. Primitive morphological features of M. bisetosus include the presence,of a prothoracic precoxal ridge, interpreted as possibly a vestigial trochantin, and the structure of the mesopostontum which is relatively broad, narrowly separated from the scutellum, lacks the prominent postnotal apophyses characteristic of all other known male Coccoidea, and is covered by the metanotum on only its posterior half. On the basis of these features, Matsucoccus is believed more similar to the Aphidoidea than is any other known group of Coccoidea. Comparisons with males of other Margarodidae and with Orthezia indicate that male Matsucoccus have more morphological features in common with Orthezia males than with those of other margarodids, including the Xylococcini. It is therefore suggested that the tribe Matsucoccini of Morrison should be removed from the subfamily Xylococcinae and placed in a separate subfamily, the Matsucoccinae.

Dietary Amino Acids and Wing Determination in the Aphid Myzus persicae

Abstract: Similar groups of apterous adults of the green peachaphid, Mysus persicae (Sulzer), and the larvae they depositedwere maintained, highly crowded, on pairs ofsynthetic diets differing solely by the omission of certainamino acids from 1 of a pair. The proportions of apteraethat developed among the larvae were found to be greatlyincreased when methionine, isoleucine, or histidine wereomitted. These 3 aminos acids have been shown bygrowth experiments to be essential amino acids. Thelessor effects of lysine, threonine, and cysteine may beassociated with the fact that although their omissionfrom synthetic, diet retarded growth, they could not beshown to be indispensable. Omission of alanine, tryptophane,or yaline tended to reduce the proportions ofapterae, while the remaining 10 amino acids had little orno effect. Growth experiments failed to show any deleteriouseffects when any of these latter 13 amino acidswere omitted singly from synthetic diet. One experimentusing a pair of diets with and without histidine showedthat differences in the proportions of apterae werebrought about by a direct effect of diet on young larvae,and indicated also that an indirect effect of the dietwas mediated to the larvae via their mothers. The bearingof these results on current theories of morph determinationin aphids is discussed.

Parasites and Symbionts of Nests of Polistes Wasps

Abstract: Detailed observations were made on nests of 3 species of Polistes wasps: P. annularis (L.), P. exclamans Viereck, and P. metricus Say. A summary of the records of the associated arthropods observed, together with those previously published, is given in tabular form. Twenty-three species of insects were known to be associated with Polistes nests in the United States; data on 18 additional insects and 1 mite species were gathered during this study. Symbionts and parasites reported for the first time are: Pyemotes sp., Lepinotus reticulatus Enderlein; Liposcelis bostrychophilus Badonnel; Ectopsocopsis cryptomeriae (Enderlein); Lachesilla sp.; the foreign grain beetle, Ahasverus advena (Waltl) ; the brown spider beetle, Ptinus clavipes Panzer; Trogoderma glabrum (Herbst) ; T. inclusum LeConte; the grape leaf skeletonizer, Harrisina americana (Guerin-Meneville) ; Tinea carnariella Clemens; Sarcophaga sp.; Megaselia aletiae (Comstock) ; Phaenolauthia sp.; Melittobia chalybii Ashmead; Perilampus chrysopae Crawford; Monodontomerus minor (Ratzeburg); Dibrachys sp.; and Dialictus zephyrus (Smith). Observations on these and 8 other species are given.

Biosystematics and Morphology of Symphyta. I. Stem-Galling Euura of the California Region, and a New Female Genitalic Nomenclature

Abstract: The sawfly genera Phyllocolpa, Pontania, and Euura incite galls on Salicaceae by injecting colleterial fluid into the plant meristem during oviposition. The Phyllocolpa make open galls by deforming leaf margins of Populus and Salix, and are not host species-specific. Each species of Pontania makes a distinctive closed leaf gall on a particular species or within a certain species group of willow. Species of Euura subgenus Gemmura make closed bud galls on related species of Salix, and the host species-specific subgenus Euura make closed petiole or stem galls on individual species of willow. Stem-galling Euura may form sibling arrays within related species groups of Salix, and 3 new sibling species (Euura lasiolepis , E. lemmoniae , E. scoulerianae ) are described here. Descriptions of 3 other new sitm-Euura (E. breweriae , E. exiguae , E. geyerianae ) and a new subgenus of Euura ( GEMMURA ) are also included. A diagnosis of the genus Euura and its subgenera, a key distinguishing the gall-making genera of the Euura group from one another and from other genera of specialized Nematini, and keys to the adults and galls of the stem-galling Euura of the California region are presented. The morphology of the female ovipositor (gonapophyses) reflects the physical structure and ecology of the host plant and the site galled, as well as the phylogeny of the insect, and can be used to delineate both willow and sawfly taxa. Genitalic structure and function of taxonomic significance are described in a revised terminology applicable to many female Symphyta.

Source of a Substance in Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) that Elicits a Searching Response in Its Habitual Parasite Cardiochiles nigriceps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Abstract: A substance which the parasite Cardiochiles nigriceps Viereck utilizes in locating its host apparently is produced in the mandibular glands of Heliothis virescens (F.). This material is secreted by the host primarily during feeding, and on contact with it the parasite is stimulated to begin directed searching movements for its host.

Activity of parasites from diptera: Musca domestica, Stomoxys calcitrans, and species of Fannia, Muscina, and Ophyra. II. At sites in the Eastern Hemisphere and Pacific area.

Abstract: Parasitization of the house fly, Musca domestica L.; the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) ; and species of Fannia, Muscina, and Ophyra in animal dung is recorded at collection sites through portions of the Palearctic, Ethiopian, and Australasian Regions, and the Pacific area. Comparisons are made with similar collections in the Western Hemisphere. The importance of parasites (parasitoids) in host population regulation and their world exchange as biological control agents is discussed.

Bionomics of Choristoneura rosaceana.

Abstract: Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) has been studied, primarily, in relation to its occurrence on apple. It is bivoltine under New York conditions. However, populations of the first, or summer generation, are only about 25% as large as the spring generation. This reversal of an expected population increase is apparently attributable to the scarcity of suitable food in July when first generation larvae are active. First-instar larvae appear to require actively growing leaf or fruit tissue for successful establishment. Survival in summer is enhanced through an unusually large egg production in the species and the active dispersal habits of the newly hatched larvae in which some become air-borne. Diapause was facultative in the geographic race occurring in New York. This race lends itself readily to continuous rearing when provided suitable living food (actively growing apple trees or fava beans), a temperature of 27°C, and a day of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark.

The Genus Lorryia

Abstract: Five species groups of the tydeid mite genus Lorryia, 2 of which groups are new, are recognized, and 1 species is not assigned to any group. The Lwiroensis group includes Lwiroensis Baker; marcandrei , n. sp.; hondurensis, n. sp.; panitae, n. sp.; floridensis, n. sp.; vivipara (Thor) ; and indonesiensis, n. sp. The Bedfordiensis group includes Bedfordiensis Evans; superba Oudemans; pulchra (Oudemans); reticulata (Oudemans); polaris Womersley; evansi, n. sp.; fundadorensis, n. sp.; podocarpa, n. sp.; collyerae, n. sp.; mammilaris (Berlese); formosa Cooreman; atyeoi, n. sp.; summersi, n. sp.; chiapensis, Baker; benensis, n. sp., turrialbensis, n. sp.; funki, n. sp., raphignathoides (Berlese) ; cooremani, n. sp.; catenulata (Thor); and sigthori Baker. The Ajricana group includes africana Baker; grewia, n. sp.; macquillani, n. sp.; armaghensis, n. sp.; and boycei (Baker). The Pandana group (new) includes pandana, n. sp. The Congoensis group (new) includes Congoensis , n. sp. Not assigned is venustula (Berlese).

Isolation of Phagostimulative Substances from the Host Plant of the Colorado Potato Beetle

Abstract: Substances which stimulate feeding of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), were isolated from potato leaf powder and fresh potato leaves. An agar-cellulose medium was used to evaluate the stimulative effect of leaf fractions. Sucrose, isolated from potato leaf powder, was found to be partially responsible for the stimulative effect of the powder on feeding. A phospholipid fraction obtained from fresh potato leaves also showed stimulative effects. A feeding stimulant present in the lead acetate precipitate of fresh potato leaves was isolated and identified as chlorogenic acid. Tests with several related phenolic acids showed that only chlorogenic acid can elicit the feeding response. Preference experiments, using a lettuce-disc assay, indicated the presence of a botanically restricted stimulant. This stimulant was partially purified from an alcoholic extract of fresh potato leaves. It is suggested that this specific stimulant could be a phenolic flavonoid or related compound.

Oöthecae of the Blattaria

Abstract: The evolution of ovoviviparity and viviparity in the Blattaria necessitated a change from a hard rigid ootheca that was dropped shortly after its formation, to a soft, flexible, reduced egg case which was retracted internally into a uterus. Such changes have taken place in the oothecae of the Blaberoidea (Polyphagidae, Blattellidae, Blaberidae), the phyletic line which evolved ovoviviparity, but not in the Blattoidea (Cryptocercidae, Blattidae). In the blaberoid line, polyphagid oothecae have keels and an anterior flange. Respiratory structures, denticles, and the production of calcium oxalate crystals (which undoubtedly contribute to the rigidity of the ootheca) arose within the polyphagids. The flange became markedly reduced in some Polyphagidae and was lost in most Blattellidae, although relics of this structure can still be seen in some Plectopterinae and Blattellinae oothecae. In some Blattellidae (Plectopterinae, Blattellinae, Ectobiinae) there is a marked decrease in the size of the denticles and a tendency for the thickened margin of the keel to lie flat against the micropylar ends of the eggs. The oothecae of most Blattellidae possess large amounts of calcium oxalate crystals. However, species of Blattella and Chorisia that retain their oothecae externally during embryogenesis show a gradual loss of this compound. In the Blaberidae, all of which incubate their eggs internally, the keel, as it occurs in the blattellids, has been lost; in some blaberids greatly reduced keels are present as relics. The oothecae of all blaberids are flexible, lack calcium oxalate crystals, and are thin compared to most oviparous species. The greatest reduction of the oothecal membrane occurs in the viviparous species Diploptera punctata (Eschscholtz).

Plant Feeding by Geocoris pallens and Nabis americoferus

Abstract: The hemipterous insects Geocoris spp. and Nabis spp. are frequently associated with cotton and are generally recognized as predators of other insects (Whitcomb and Bell 1964, van den Bosch and Hagen 1966). Specifically, laboratory studies have indicated that representatives of both genera are predaceous on eggs and larvae of Heliothis spp. (Lingren 1964[4][1]). However, Geocoris spp. also have been reported to feed on plants (York 1944), and field and laboratory studies have indicated that Geocoris spp. and Nabis spp. may be adversely affected by application of systemic insecticides to cotton (Ridgway et al. 1967). Experiments were therefore conducted in the laboratory to study the plant-feeding habits of G. pallens Stal and N. americoferus Carayon. Hereafter, these species will be referred to by their generic name only. [1]: #fn-4

Dietary Requirements of the Bollworm, Heliothis zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), for Lipids, Choline, and Inositol and the Effect of Fats and Fatty Acids on the Composition of the Body Fat

Abstract: The bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), was reared on a defined diet to determine the effect on growth and emergence of different lipids and lipogenic factors. Cholesterol, choline, inositol, and linolenic acid were found to be indispensable dietary ingredients. Linoleic acid is also believed to be indispensable because it promoted some emergence and improved the maturation of the moths. Diets lacking fat or fatty acids or containing added triolein or oleic acid resulted in no moth emergence. Dietary corn oil, linseed oil, or linolenic acid resulted in optimum emergence. Analyses of the fatty acids extracted from bollworm larvae and pupae showed that the bollworm synthesized palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, and oleic acids when they were not present in the diet. However, apparently no synthesis of either linoleic or linolenic acids occurred nor did the feeding of one of them result in synthesis of the other in amounts that could be measured. The fatty acid composition of bollworm pupae reared on casein diet containing corn oil was similar to that of bollworms reared from the corn plant. Bollworms reared on wheat-germ diet also were analyzed for fatty acids at different pupal stages.

The Maturation of Sexual Behavior in a New Strain of the Large Milkweed Bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus;

Abstract: Mating behavior in the cashew-sunflower strain of Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas) is described. Both normal and castrated males kept at 30°C first become sexually active at 5 days of age, attacking females and other males. Male sex drive continues to increase until the 11th day, and can be intensified by isolation for 1 or 2 days. Females are passive except for marked avoidance behavior on the 1st day of age and become fully receptive by the 3rd day; a copulation on the 1st or 2nd day causes high early female mortality. Neither the developmental stage of the ovaries nor the presence of sperm in the spermatheca influences mating in the female. When mature, both sexes can copulate several times in 1 day; neither the duration of the previous copulation nor the occurrence of sperm transfer influences the time interval between copulations, male drive, or female receptivity. The probability of sperm transfer increases with copulation duration, which can vary from less than 1 to more than 10 hours. Copulation time tends to be unusually long with very young females and relatively short with castrate males. The variety of sexual behavior evolved in various Hemiptera is discussed.

The Rhyacophila of the Salmon River Drainage of Idaho with Special Reference to Larvae

Abstract: Eighteen species of Rhyacophila were found in the Salmon River drainage of Idaho in collections made during 1964, 1965, and 1966. The larvae of Rhyacophila acropedes Banks, angelita Banks, bifila Banks, coloradensis Banks, hyalinata Banks, oreta Ross, rotunda Banks, tucula Ross, vaccua Milne, vagrita Milne, vao Milne, vepulsa Milne, verrula Milne, and vocala Milne were found, and are described and figured. Distributional and bionomical data are presented for most species. Some of the Rhyacophila species encountered exhibited differences in their seasonal occurrence. Differences in adult diurnal activity periods also were noted and are recorded. An attempt was made to evaluate the preferred larval habitat of each species, but information was not sufficient to permit definite conclusions.