Showing papers in "Australian Journal of Entomology in 2007"
TL;DR: The sustainable production of canola requires integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, in which cultural control, crop resistance and biological control are used as important components, with chemical inputs applied only when absolutely needed to restrict pests from reaching economically damaging densities.
Abstract: In Australia, canola is subject to attack by at least 30 species of invertebrate pests, although the composition of this pest complex can vary between regions. Mites (e.g. the redlegged earth mite Halotydeus destructor and the blue oat mites Penthaleus spp.), lucerne flea (Sminthurus viridis) and false wireworms (e.g. the grey false wireworm Isopteron punctatissimus and the bronzed field beetle Adelium brevicorne) are the major pests threatening the seedling establishment, whereas aphids (the cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae, the turnip aphid Lipaphis erysimi and the green peach aphid Myzus persicae), the native budworm (Helicoverpa punctigera), the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and the Rutherglen bug (Nysius vinitor) can cause irregular and unpredictable damage to the flowering and podding plants. Current tactics of pest management for canola rely largely on the use of synthetic pesticides, but this single-technology approach is likely to incur negative effects on natural enemies and the risk of pest resistance. Thus, the sustainable production of canola requires integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, in which cultural control, crop resistance and biological control are used as important components, with chemical inputs applied only when absolutely needed to restrict pests from reaching economically damaging densities. Such IPM strategies should be built around a fundamental understanding of pest ecology at both regional and local farm levels and the integration of renewable technologies. Therefore, future research efforts need to be focused on the canola-cropping system, with a particular emphasis on the impact of pest species, natural enemies of the pests, varietal resistance to pests and the spatial ecology of pest species.
82 citations
TL;DR: Examples of the dramatic insect evolutionary radiations are profiled that are the consequence of successful adaptation to new biomes made available by the environmental transformations in Australia in the latter half of the Tertiary.
Abstract: Australia's insect fauna comprises a very large component of its biodiversity, and one that remains a largely unknown and untapped resource. Estimates of global and Australian insect species richness are reviewed, and Australia's insect biodiversity is placed in its biogeographical context of Mesozoic, Gondwanan connectivity and Tertiary isolation. Some unique, relict faunal elements derived from Australia's long periods of isolation are highlighted. Examples of the dramatic insect evolutionary radiations are profiled that are the consequence of successful adaptation to new biomes made available by the environmental transformations in Australia in the latter half of the Tertiary. Then conservation of Australian forests and the major processes threatening Australian biodiversity are discussed: invasive species, habitat conversion and climate change. The four components necessary to build sustainability in Australia or throughout the world are discussed: description and understanding, direct action for conservation, promoting sustainable use in balance with conservation, and providing edu- cation and information to maintain the overall effort.
61 citations
TL;DR: Beekeepers who choose to utilise soya bean or lupin flours as protein substitutes to pollen will have bees with reduced longevity, as bee longevity appeared to be more sensitive to oleic acid.
Abstract: As eucalypt pollens contain low concentrations of lipid, enhancing pollen diets with fatty acids was hypothesised to improve honey bee longevity. Different concentrations of linoleic and oleic acid added to eucalypt pollen were trialled in small cages containing approximately 1400 bees each. Bees fed diets of redgum (Corymbia calophylla (Lindl.) Hill & Johnson, formerly Eucalyptus calophylla) pollen had the lowest mortality of 22 diets tested for 6 weeks and had life spans (50%) greater than 42 days. Linoleic acid mixed with a redgum diet in concentrations >6% corresponded to life spans of 24-25 days. Bee longevity appeared to be more sensitive to oleic acid as life spans decreased to 15-21 days when diets had concentrations >2%. The life spans of bees fed soya bean flour were 26 days on low (0.6% lipid) fat, 19 days on defatted and 20 days on full-fat diets. Bees fed lupin flour had a life span of 23 days. Adding redgum pollen to lupin flour caused increased mortality, but addition of pollen to soya bean flour was beneficial. Thus, beekeepers who choose to utilise soya bean or lupin flours as protein substitutes to pollen will have bees with reduced longevity. Bees fed redgum pollen that had been dried, crushed, irradiated and hermetically stored in a cool room for several years had similar longevity to bees fed fresh-collected and frozen redgum pollen.
47 citations
TL;DR: Findings indicate that O. navus may be vulnerable to desiccation and/or thermal stress, and thus survives better on sheltered walls, and is associated with high humidity, low air tempera- ture and shelter from sunlight and rainfall.
Abstract: To assess the relative impact of a range of habitat variables on spider abundance, field and laboratory experiments were conducted on populations of the urban wall spider Oecobius navus in suburban Perth, Western Australia. Habitat characteristics investigated were: substrate type, wind speed, rainfall, sunlight exposure, relative humidity, air temperature, substrate temperature, artificial lighting and prey type/abundance. In the field, O. navus was found to be associated with high humidity, low air tempera- ture and shelter from sunlight and rainfall. Oecobius navus was more abundant at sites with greater prey abundance. The most common prey item was the red meat ant Iridomyrmex chasei. Juvenile spiders were more abundant than adult spiders; however, patterns between spider abundance and habitat variables were similar for both adults and juveniles. Laboratory experiments showed that O. navus preferred to build webs on wooden substrates, and pitted limestone walls. These findings indicate that O. navus may be vulnerable to desiccation and/or thermal stress, and thus survives better on sheltered walls.
39 citations
TL;DR: Results of this field study suggest that termiticides can degrade more rapidly in situ than indicated by laboratory experiments and have implications for termite treatment regulation in Australia.
Abstract: Soil testing is used by regulatory agencies to determine the adequacy of termiticide application by pest controllers Because tests may be carried out years after treatment, an accurate knowledge of termiticide degradation rates is crucial if determinations are to be valid Degradation of exposed residues of bifenthrin, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, fipronil and imidacloprid was investigated in a field trial conducted near Narrandera (inland New South Wales) and in Sydney Samples of soil 75 mm deep were collected immediately after treatment and after 12 months from plots treated with termiti- cides to a minimum depth of 350 mm and analysed for termiticide residues Bifenthrin and chlor- fenapyr were the most persistent termiticides Losses of chlorpyrifos exceeded 99% at both locations Losses of fipronil and imidacloprid were 96% and 94%, respectively, at Narrandera and 67% and 50%, respectively, in Sydney To explore the fate of chlorpyrifos, fipronil and imidacloprid in the soil profile at Narrandera, samples were collected 15 months after treatment to a depth of 450 mm, in 150 mm increments, from plots treated to a depth of 700 mm In soil below 150 mm, chlorpyrifos and fipronil content was little changed from time of application whereas major losses of imidacloprid had occurred at all depths These findings have implications for termite treatment regulation in Australia Regulatory agencies have relied upon degradation rates observed in laboratory experiments to determine in situ treatment adequacy Results of this field study suggest that termiticides can degrade more rapidly in situ than indicated by laboratory experiments
37 citations
TL;DR: A polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism technique is described on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to develop a molecular identification key for immature aphids from Victoria, Australia.
Abstract: The identification of immature aphids is often difficult or impossible. This can be a problem when there is a need for a rapid and accurate diagnosis of any aphid life stage, such as for quarantine inspections and horticultural surveys. A polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism technique is described on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to develop a molecular identification key for immature aphids from Victoria, Australia. The restriction enzymes HpyCH4 IV, DraI, HinfI, TaqI and SspI characterised 26 haplotypes that corresponded to 25 aphid species commonly found in southern Australian aphid surveys, including the currant-lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribis-nigri (Mosley) that has recently invaded Australia, presumably from New Zealand. Overseas specimens of Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach) and N. ribis-nigri showed no significant sequence difference when compared with their Australian counterparts. The COI gene provides a useful marker for diagnostic aphid surveys.
34 citations
TL;DR: Temporal comparisons appear to indicate that mosquito community structure in the region may have changed since the initial surveys in the 1950s from a combination of freshwater-breeding species towards a strong dominance of Aedes camptorhynchus (Thomson), a major vector of Ross River virus in southern Australia.
Abstract: Previously existing sources of data regarding mosquitoes in inland areas of south-west Western Australia are few and qualitative in nature. This is the first attempt to quantitatively investigate mosquito fauna in this region. The existing data are reviewed and compared with the results of the quantitative surveys presented in this paper. Temporal comparisons appear to indicate that mosquito community structure in the region may have changed since the initial surveys in the 1950s from a combination of freshwater-breeding species towards a strong dominance of Aedes camptorhynchus (Thomson), a major vector of Ross River virus in southern Australia. It is speculated that this shift may have been brought about by the increasing area and severity of dryland salinity in the region over the last century, and also may increase the potential for Ross River virus disease transmission.
29 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that the native bird species common in farm shelterbelts preyed on a range of arthropod taxa including several that are pests of crops and pastures, Accordingly, conservation of birds in farmlands could contribute to suppression ofArthropod pests.
Abstract: The value of insectivorous birds as agents for biological control of arthropod pests has been little studied, especially in Australia. This paper reports on the extent to which arthropods from various pest and non-pest taxa feature in the diets of birds captured in farm shelterbelts in central western New South Wales. The parameters examined were the types of arthropod fragments in bird faeces and percentage volume and frequency of occurrence of each component. The faecal data were compared with samples of the arthropod fauna trapped in shelterbelts during the period the birds were captured. In 26 of 29 faecal samples, arthropod fragments were the predominant components, the most common being from Coleoptera, Hymenoptera (especially Formicidae), Orthoptera and Araneae. The recogn- isable pest taxa in faecal samples were Scarabaeidae and wingless grasshopper Phaulacridium vittatum (Sjostedt) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). The results indicate that the native bird species common in farm shelterbelts preyed on a range of arthropod taxa including several that are pests of crops and pastures. Accordingly, conservation of birds in farmlands could contribute to suppression of arthropod pests.
26 citations
TL;DR: Testing of Heliothis armigera larvae by topical application during 1973-74 and 1974-75 showed high levels of resistance to DDT in strains from Brookstead, Bowen, St. George, Capella and Capella, but resistance to this insecticide mixture was not considered to have been proven.
Abstract: Testing of Heliothis armigera larvae by topical application during 1973-74 and 1974-75 showed high levels of resistance to DDT in strains from Brookstead (>100-fold), Bowen (>100-fold), St. George (97-fold) and Capella (66-fold). Lower levels of resistance were shown in strains from Mareeba (37-fold), Bundaberg (22-fold), Redland Bay (30-fold) and Cambooya (15-fold). The Capella and St. George strains were less susceptible to DDT + camphechlor than the Brookstead strain, but resistance to this insecticide mixture was not considered to have been proven. The St. George strain was 21 times more resistant to endosulfan than the Brookstead strain. No evidence of resistance to parathion-methyl was demonstrated. Two strains of H. punctigera showed no resistance to DDT.
23 citations
TL;DR: It was found that by increasing field application rates above the existing permit rate, efficacy was increased, but not for all insecticides and not forall thrips life stages, so the current permit rate could be reduced.
Abstract: After the initial 1993 discovery of Frankliniella occidentalis, western flower thrips, in Australia, temporary chemical control permits were issued to facilitate their insecticidal control. However, these permits were based on established endemic pests of Australian horticulture rather than demonstrated efficacy against F. occidentalis, and laboratory bioassays of Australian field-collected F. occidentalis suggested that some permit application rates were too low to be effective. In 2002 and 2003 field-based trials were carried out in strawberry and lettuce to collect field-generated efficacy data to verify the laboratory conclusions. It was found that by increasing field application rates above the existing permit rate, efficacy was increased, but not for all insecticides and not for all thrips life stages. Increasing the rate of abamectin and endosulfan in strawberry increased control of adults and larvae and increasing the rate of endosulfan in lettuce increased efficacy against larvae only. Spinosad was effective at both rates tested in strawberry, suggesting that the current permit rate could be reduced. The ability to use reduced rates may be useful if used in combination with Integrated Pest Management programs.
22 citations
TL;DR: This study is the first report of the incidence O. sokolowskii in Australia; however, its wide distribution indicates that its establishment is not a recent event.
Abstract: Surveys for parasitoids attacking larvae and pupae of Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) were conducted in the Brassica agro-ecosystem of the Lockyer valley, south-east Queensland between 1999 and 2002. Parasitised hosts were collected from infested plants placed in Brassica crops during the growing season (February-October) and from the natural P. xylostella population on the common weed Rapistrum rugosum L. (Brassicaceae) during the summer production break (November-January). Five species of primary parasitoids were recorded and they ranked in order of abundance: Diadegma semiclausum Hellen (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) > Diadromus collaris Gravenhorst (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) = Apanteles ippeus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) > Brachymeria phya Walker (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) = Oomyzus sokolowskii Kurdjumov (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). In crops, parasitoids were reared from 23 of the 30 P. xylostella cohorts studied; D. semiclausum was collected at 21 sites, O. sokolowskii at eight sites, D. collaris at six sites, A. ippeus at three sites and B. phya at a single site. The incidence and abundance of hosts parasitised by D. semiclausum increased markedly in winter and early spring months and parasitism rates as high as 95% were recorded. Diadromus collaris and O. sokolowskii were recovered at low levels throughout 2000 and 2001 but parasitism rates never exceeded 11% or 8%, respectively. Parasitism rates are compared with other mortality factors and the contribution that each species of parasitoid makes to the biological control of the pest in the region is considered. Oomyzus sokolowskii has also been reared from P. xylostella collected in Tasmania and Western Australia. This study is the first report of the incidence O. sokolowskii in Australia; however, its wide distribution indicates that its establishment is not a recent event.
TL;DR: Female visitation at aggregations was only weakly associated with male calling, suggesting that aggregation size and the number of pheromone-calling males are not the only factors important in locating mates in B. tryoni, and it is possible that low-density populations could persist so long as females can encounter single males.
Abstract: The importance of male aggregation size for female visitation and initiation of male pheromone-calling was investigated in Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) using artificial male aggregations in large laboratory cages. Female B. tryoni visited the largest aggregation more frequently than single males in association with a higher proportion of calling males, but there was no correlation between aggregation size and female visitation. Female B. tryoni had a limited capacity to perceive a difference between the number of calling males. Calling propensity of male B. tryoni was increased by the presence of conspecific males. Increased calling propensity in larger groups of male B. tryoni may be due to social facilitation of male calling behaviour. Female visitation at aggregations was only weakly associated with male calling, suggesting that aggregation size and the number of pheromone-calling males are not the only factors important in locating mates in B. tryoni, and it is possible that low-density populations could persist so long as females can encounter single males.
TL;DR: The McCulloch Eager Beaver Blower/Vac R is a cheap, light and efficient tool for sampling aphids in roadside grasses and pastures.
Abstract: The McCulloch Eager Beaver Blower/Vac R is a cheap, light and efficient tool for sampling aphids in roadside grasses and pastures.
TL;DR: Biological structure and integrity of chironomid assemblages, which are essentially unknown in eastern Australia's estuarine environments, were elucidated and the abundance of many species declined gradually with distance from the freshest station, and the salinity gradient had strong effects on assemblage composition.
Abstract: Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera: non-biting midges) were surveyed at five shallow riffle stations along the estuarine gradient of the Clyde River, southern New South Wales (35°45'S, 150°15'E). Benthic populations were sampled seasonally between April 2001 and January 2002, between an uppermost fully fresh station and 7 km south of the tidal limit at Shallow Crossing, encompassing a 23 km stretch. Biological structure and integrity of chironomid assemblages, which are essentially unknown in eastern Australia's estuarine environments, were elucidated. Assemblages were diverse: from 5732 chironomid larvae, 45 species belonging to four subfamilies were identified from riffles. All chironomid assem- blages were strongly structured and non-random with respect to spatial position along the salinity gradient although relatively random with respect to temporal shifts between the five seasonal samples. Generally, the salinity gradient had strong effects on assemblage composition but no discrete brackish fauna was identifiable, and the abundance of many species declined gradually with distance from the freshest station. Dominant taxa in the brackish zone were Parakiefferiella 'variegatus' and two species of Cladotanytarsus. Notably, the little-known Semiocladius crassipennis Skuse (Orthocladiinae) was abundant at the most marine-influenced station. Taxa present exclusively in freshwaters included several Tanypodinae notably absent from sites below Shallow Crossing at salinities normally tolerated in athalassic waters. Other species restricted to freshwaters included Nanocladius sp., Demicryptochi- ronomus (Irmakia) sp., Polypedilum vespertinus (Skuse), Zavrelliella fuscoguttata (Kieffer), Riethia stic- toptera (Kieffer) and Podonomopsis sp.
TL;DR: The sensitivity of three reference strains of the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis from Australia, Israel and Turkey was evaluated and their response did not differ significantly and so they are considered typical of susceptible F. occidentalis.
Abstract: The sensitivity of three reference strains of the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis from Australia, Israel and Turkey was evaluated and their response did not differ significantly and so they are considered typical of susceptible F. occidentalis. Field strains of F. occidentalis from Antalya, Turkey were tested for resistance against five classes of insecticide during the years 2001–2003. Difference in the field strains response to abamectin, endosulfan, malathion and methomyl was low (<3.0-fold) and in many cases not significant. However, all strains were likely resistant to cypermethrin (1.6- to 12.2-fold at LC50 (lethal concentration)). The established agricultural practices and ecosystem patterns in the Antalya province are assumed to contribute to delay in insecticide resistance in F. occidentalis.
TL;DR: Results lend support to assumptions made about the distribution of males and females with respect to the minimum breeding density of fruit fly propagules invading a fly-free zone and the method chosen to distribute sterile B. tryoni for the sterile insect technique.
Abstract: Dispersal of immature male and female Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), was assessed over a period of 1 week from a single release point on three separate occasions using an array of Lynfield traps baited with cue-lure and odouriferous yellow or black sticky spheres baited with food lure (protein autolysate). Lynfield traps recaptured males; yellow or black spheres recaptured both sexes in approximately equal proportions, although at a much lower rate. As a percentage of the recapture rate for males by Lynfield traps, the mean recapture rate for yellow spheres ranged from 1.0% to 7.5% for males and 0.7% to 4.0% for females, whereas the recapture rates for black spheres ranged from 0.4% to 3.6% and 0.6% to 1.8%, respectively. The rate of recapture of sterile male flies was greater than that of unsterilised flies; this may have been due to a faster maturation rate in sterile males or because a greater proportion of them remained within the trap array rather than dispersing. There was no significant trend in recapture rate with distance from the release point to the edge of the array (88 m), except in the case of females on sticky traps where no trend was detected between 19 and 88 m. These results lend support to assumptions made about the distribution of males and females with respect to the minimum breeding density of fruit fly propagules invading a fly-free zone, and the method chosen to distribute sterile B. tryoni for the sterile insect technique.
TL;DR: Two new species of gall midge associated with two distinct galls on the succulent creeping shrub Sarcocornia quinqueflora are described from salt marshes in south-eastern Australia.
Abstract: Two new species of gall midge associated with two distinct galls on the succulent creeping shrub Sarcocornia quinqueflora are described from salt marshes in south-eastern Australia. The infestations caused by the new species hinder the growth of S. quinqueflora , the seeds of which are the major food of the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot Neophema chrysogaster. Asphondylia floriformis sp. n. Veenstra-Quah & Kolesik transforms leaf segments into flower-like galls, whereas Asphondylia sarcocorniae sp. n. Veenstra-Quah & Kolesik produces simple swellings on branches. Both galls have fungal mycelium growing in the apoplast of the gall tissue and lining the inner surface of the larval chamber where it is presumably grazed by the larva. Descriptions of the larvae, pupae, males, females and the geographical distribution of the two gall midges in south-eastern Australia are given.
TL;DR: Comparative sampling of 17 village and 17 rural sites showed that larval habitat was more abundant in towns than in rural areas, and mosquito populations in artificial habitats could be markedly reduced by seeding disused water tanks with aquatic predators already present in Tonga, using mesh-net covers over 44-gallon drums, and drilling holes in used car tyres.
Abstract: Mosquitoes are a significant pest and human health issue in the Kingdom of Tonga. The occurrence of species and habitats used by mosquito larvae were investigated to determine the potential for control through larval habitat management. Forty-two sites, including 22 villages and 20 farm plantations on the six islands of Tongatapu, Pangaimotu, Vava'u, Pangaimotu (Vava'u group), 'Utungake and Nuku, were surveyed in April 2006. A total of eight mosquito species were collected: Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus), Ae. horrescens (Edwards), Ae. nocturnus (Theobold), Ae. tongae (Edwards), Culex albinervis (Edwards), Cx. annulirostris (Skuse), Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say) and Cx. sitiens (Wiedemann). Several species were widespread, particularly Ae. aegypti and Ae. nocturnus on the main island of Tongatapu, whereas Ae. aegypti dominated sites on islands of the Vava'u group. Comparative sampling of 17 village and 17 rural sites showed that larval habitat was more abundant in towns than in rural areas. Larvae were found in a wide range of habitats but were particularly abundant in artificial water bodies (e.g. disused concrete water tanks, 44-gallon drums and used car tyres). In rural sites, habitats were generally sparse except in rain-filled branch stems of giant taro plants. Mosquito populations in artificial habitats could be markedly reduced by seeding disused water tanks with aquatic predators already present in Tonga, using mesh-net covers over 44-gallon drums, and drilling holes in used car tyres.
TL;DR: The relatively high number of PAM found on inanimate objects demonstrated the mobility of PPM larvae and that plants upon which few larvae were found may not be suitable hosts for PAM.
Abstract: As part of an eradication program, field searches were conducted to verify the geographical extent of the painted apple moth (PAM; Teia anartoides Walker: Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) incursion and to determine which plants were being attacked. Most PAM were found on the wattle species, in particular Paraserianthes lophanta and Acacia mearnsii. Other species with large numbers of PAM included the native Corynocarpus laevigatus (karaka) and Avicennia marina (grey mangrove). The large number of PAM on these New Zealand species would not have been predicted from the known unrelated Australian hosts. The relatively high number of PAM found on inanimate objects demonstrated the mobility of PAM larvae and that plants upon which few larvae were found may not be suitable hosts for PAM.
TL;DR: The serious pest species Thrips palmi Karny and Hercinothrips femoralis (Reuter), Thripidae, are newly recorded from Australia.
Abstract: The serious pest species Thrips palmi Karny and Hercinothrips femoralis (Reuter), Thripidae, are newly recorded from Australia. The recorded distributions within Australia of a further 8 thrips are extended, and notes are given on the remarkable variation of Mecynothrips wallacei Bagnall, Phlaeothripidae, in Queensland.
TL;DR: The synthetic insecticides, irrespective of spray frequency or spray volume, significantly reduced the abundance and species diversity of the arthropods including springtails and generalist predators, such as spiders, staphylinid beetles and mesostigmatid mites.
Abstract: Impacts of an nC24 horticultural mineral oil (HMO) and two synthetic insecticides (carbaryl and methidathion) on the abundance and species diversity of soil-dwelling arthropods were evaluated in two citrus orchards in the coastal region of New South Wales, Australia. In the first orchard, mature Valencia orange trees were sprayed in summer with one of HMO, carbaryl or methidathion delivered at low (2000 L/ha) or high (10 000 L/ha) volumes; the sprays were applied either once (February) or twice (December and February). HMO had no significant impact but the synthetic insecticides, irrespective of spray frequency or spray volume, significantly reduced the abundance and species diversity of the arthropods including springtails and generalist predators, such as spiders, staphylinid beetles and mesostigmatid mites. In the second orchard, blocks of Washington navel and Valencia orange trees were sprayed with either HMO or methidathion; sprays were applied twice, 2 weeks apart, in late summer (February), first at a rate of 6500 L/ha and second at 5500 L/ha. Results were similar to those in the first orchard, except that the effect of methidathion on carabid beetles and ants was not significant.
TL;DR: The first discovery of a stygobitic beetle in eastern Australia, from the Pages River and Dart Brook alluviums in the upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales is reported.
Abstract: In this paper, the first discovery of a stygobitic beetle in eastern Australia, from the Pages River and Dart Brook alluviums in the upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales is reported. Carabhydrus stephanieae sp. nov. (Dytiscidae, Hydroporini) is described and figured. An analysis of the complete tRNA-leu gene, part of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and part of the NADH dehdrogenase subunit 1 gene was used to assess its relationship with congeneric surface species.
TL;DR: The morphology of the sensory receptors on tarsus I and on the mouthparts of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy and features not resolved by light microscopy were revealed.
Abstract: The morphology of the sensory receptors on tarsus I and on the mouthparts of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy. Features not resolved by light microscopy were revealed. The number of sensilla and their morphology are unique to B. microplus though similar to those of other tick species already described. The sensory setae found include mechanoreceptors, contact and olfactory chemoreceptors. Of special interest, on each inner cheliceral digit, is a denticle bearing a papilla at its tip and a pit at its base. The functions of these two newly described features are not known but it seems likely that they may include contact chemoreceptors capable of tasting host tissue chemicals. These observations provide the foundation for transmission electron microscopy of the receptors, which is the subject of the third paper in this series. Copyright
TL;DR: Seven species of wasps in the genus Psyllaephagus from New Zealand are recorded, all of which are primary parasitoids of psylloids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea), and all are probably Australian in origin.
Abstract: This paper records seven species of wasps in the genus Psyllaephagus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) from New Zealand. All of these species are primary parasitoids of psylloids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea). Two are species previously described from New Zealand: P. acaciae Noyes and P. pilosus Noyes. Two are described Australian species which have established recently: P. bliteus Riek and P. gemitus Riek. Three new species are described here, from New Zealand: P. breviramus sp. nov., P. cornwallensis sp. nov. and P. richardhenryi sp. nov. All species are probably Australian in origin. A key to all seven Psyllaephagus species known from New Zealand is provided. An earlier first record of the Australian psyllid hyperparasitoid Coccidoctonus psyllae Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), previously first recorded from New Zealand in 2006, is noted.
TL;DR: The maturation and fecundity of the spur-throated locust were measured in populations of three different densities in northern and central western New South Wales during spring and summer, 1974/75.
Abstract: The maturation and fecundity of the spur-throated locust were measured in populations of three different densities in northern and central western New South Wales during spring and summer, 1974/75.
Adults overwinter in a non-reproductive condition and the females mature in spring. The initial ovarian cycle of the female, from the first appearance of yolk in the terminal oocyte of the ovary to ovulation and oviposition, covered an eight-week period during October and November, 1974u Subsequent cycles, leading to successive ovipositions, during the remainder of the seasonal breeding period of this univoltine species, were much shorter although delayed initially by dry conditions in December, 1974.
The number of eggs detached in the oviduct and about to be laid, averaged 136 per female and was only 15% less than the maximum possible, which was equivalent to the ovariole number of 160 per female. Seasonal variations in clutch size were small and were not affected by dry conditions. Approximately five pods were laid by each female between November and April.
TL;DR: The Rutaceae specialist P. aegeus appears to have the fundamental detoxification capabilities for processing many existing species of the basal Angiosperm families, without having direct ancestors that historically had fed on them.
Abstract: Chemical similarities among ancient Angiosperms presumably played a role in the ecological and evolutionary diversification of the swallowtail butterflies (Papilionidae). The abilities of neonate larvae of the Citrus swallowtail, Papilio (=Princeps) aegeus (from Queensland, Australia), to eat, survive and grow on leaves (a choice of young and old) of 34 plant species from families of ancient Angiosperms; 8 Rutaceae, 3 Magnoliaceae, 13 Lauraceae, 3 Monimiaceae, 1 Aristolochiaceae, 2 Apiaceae, 1 Sapotaceae, 1 Winteraceae and 2 Annonaceae were tested. It was apparent that there is genetic variation in populations of Rutaceae-specialised Australian P. aegeus for acceptance, consumption and larval growth, reflecting differential suitability of some native Australian Lauraceae species as food plants (as well as certain Winteraceae, Monimiaceae and non-Australian Magnoliaceae, Lauraceae and Annonaceae). No consumption or survival of P. aegeus was seen on Aristolochia elegans (Aristolochiaceae) or Pouteria australis (Sapotaceae) despite literature records alluding to this possibility. The Rutaceae specialist P. aegeus appears to have the fundamental detoxification capabilities for processing many existing species of the basal Angiosperm families, without having direct ancestors that historically had fed on them.
TL;DR: Data indicated that all the insecticides effectively controlled larvae of Diaphania indica (Saunders), cucumber moth, in the zucchini flowers.
Abstract: The efficacy of insecticides in controlling Helicoverpa spp., predominantly H. armigera (Hubner), on capsicum and zucchini was tested in small plot trials. Indoxacarb, methoxyfenozide, spinosad, emamectin benzoate and novaluron provided control, as measured by the percentage of damaged fruit, equal to or better than standard treatments of methomyl or methomyl alternated with methamidophos on capsicum. The Helicoverpa nucleopolyhedrovirus gave control equivalent to the standard treatment, as did Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai, but B. thuringiensis kurstaki was ineffective. Helicoverpa armigera larvae were present in zucchini flowers but did little damage to the fruit. None of the insecticides significantly reduced the percentage of damaged zucchini fruit compared with the untreated control. Bifenthrin, spinosad, emamectin benzoate and methoxyfenozide were effective in controlling larvae in flowers, while methomyl, B. thuringiensis aizawai, B. thuringiensis kurstaki and novaluron were not effective. Data indicated that all the insecticides effectively controlled larvae of Diaphania indica (Saunders), cucumber moth, in the zucchini flowers. There has been a limited range of insecticides available to manage Helicoverpa spp. in these vegetable crops, but these trials demonstrate the effectiveness of a number of newer insecticides that could be used and that would be compatible with integrated pest management programs in the crops.
TL;DR: It is now beholden upon bluegum plantation companies to support further research to determine the relationships between light trap catches of eucalypt-feeding scarabs, tree age and/or size and level of defoliation in order to improve their confidence in this method of monitoring over ground surveys.
Abstract: Australia has a rich diversity of Scarabaeoidea; however, little is known about the majority of them. Because adults of Anoplognathus, Automolius, Heteronychus, Heteronyx and Liparetrus in particular are reliant upon eucalypts, a number of bluegum plantation companies supported the commencement of research into the biology and ecology of scarabs of economic significance to them. Consequently, it was decided that the occurrences of species endemic to this area would be studied and it was assumed that information on the nocturnal species in the aforementioned genera would be obtained. From late November 2003 until late February 2004, the abundances of Scarabaeoidea caught in two light traps that partition insects caught on a given night into seven time periods each of 1.75 h duration were recorded. A total of 48 263 scarabs representing 21 genera were caught. Within the 14 species caught most often, six types of summer activity pattern were apparent: late spring to early summer (Austral- obolbus gayndahensis), early to mid-summer (Scitala sericans), mid-summer only (Sericesthis ignota), mid- to late summer (Acrossidius tasmaniae, Aphodius lividus, Heteronyx chlorotica, Het. praecox and Antitrogus morbillosus), late summer only (Ataenius picinus) and all summer (Anoplognathus pallidicollis, Phyllotocus macleayi, Sericesthis geminata, Ser. micans and Ser. nigrolineata). Abundances of nine species peaked between 21:30 and 23:15 h (Aph. lividus, Phy. macleayi, Het. chlorotica, Sci. sericans, Ser. geminata, Ser. micans, Ser. nigrolineata and possi- bly also Ant. morbillosus), three were most abundant between 19:45 and 21:30 h (Ano. pallidicollis, Ser. ignota and possibly also Ata. picinus), another two were most abundant from 19:45 to 23:15 h (Acr. tasmaniae and Het. praecox) and Aus. gayndahensis was most abundant between 23:15 and 01:00 h. Of course, it is not just a knowledge of the identity of the species and the timing of their occurrence that are important when making insect management decisions, but also the size of popu- lation needed to inflict economically significant loss. It is now beholden upon bluegum plantation companies to support further research to determine the relationships between light trap catches of eucalypt-feeding scarabs, tree age and/or size and level of defoliation in order to improve their confidence in this method of monitoring over ground surveys.
TL;DR: For 7 of the 23 described species of Australian gall-inducing thrips, the first individuals of the foundress' brood to eclose are gall-bound soldiers, which are morphologically and behaviourally specialised for defending the fully winged dispersed brood.
Abstract: For 7 of the 23 described species of Australian gall-inducing thrips, the first individuals of the foundress' brood to eclose are gall-bound soldiers, which are morphologically and behaviourally specialised for defending the fully winged dispersing brood. Additional support is provided for the hypothesis that these self-sacrificing soldiers evolved only once and that there have been two subse- quent reversions to a solitary life. Furthermore, this single origin of eusociality took place approxi- mately six million years ago and perhaps four million years after the origin of gall induction in the Acacia thrips. The two losses of the soldier caste may have happened at very different times. One loss may have occurred very soon after the origin of soldiers (approximately 300 000 years later), and the other may have occurred another three million years after that.
TL;DR: The alysiine braconid tribe Dacnusini is revised for Australia and 4 genera are recorded from the continent for the first time and the synonymy of the genus Coelinius Nees von Esenbeck is discussed.
Abstract: The alysiine braconid tribe Dacnusini is revised for Australia and 4 genera are recorded from the continent for the first time. Chaenusa mcalpini, C. rugosa, C. semisetosa, Chorebus nigricapitis and Coelinius versicolor are described as new, and a key is provided for their discrimination. Dacnusa areolaris Nees von Esenbeck, a Palaearctic species known from New Zealand, is also recorded from Australia and is shown to be widespread. The synonymy of the genus Coelinius Nees von Esenbeck is discussed. Lectotypes are designated for Chaenon anceps Curtis and Chaenon affinis Curtis and a neotype is designated for Stephanus niger Nees von Esenbeck. Reasons for the paucity of the Australian dacnusine fauna, the relationships between species and the general biology of the tribe are discussed.