Showing papers in "Florida Entomologist in 1988"
TL;DR: Data on interstrain matings indicate unidirectional incompatibilities in the laboratory and strong preferences among males for females of their own strain in nature, and further study is required to clarify precise strain affinities for the long list of FAW host records.
Abstract: Research on two host strains of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda [J. E. Smith], is reviewed. They differ at allozyme loci and mtDNA restriction enzyme profiles, in their development on a variety of plants, and in their resistance to insecticides. Data on interstrain matings indicate unidirectional incompatibilities in the laboratory and strong preferences among males for females of their own strain in nature. Further study is required to clarify precise strain affinities for the long list of FAW host records. Information on phenologies and geographic distributions is presented but clearly in need of in-depth study. Those studying FAW are recommended to collect from a single host, to keep host records with laboratory colonies, to replenish colonies with individuals from the same host, and to establish a set of voucher specimens for each collection or study.
130 citations
TL;DR: Research which has been done indicates that a variety of approaches are possible for augmenting scelionid populations, which range from simple innundative releases to manipulation of preferred nectar-bearing plants.
Abstract: The Scelionidae is a large family of parasitic Hymenoptera whose members specialize in egg parasitism of insects and arachnids. Many of the characteristics considered most desirable in a natural enemy can be found within members of this family. Species have been studied which demonstrate high searching abilities and reproductive rates, lack of hyperparasitoids, have synchrony with host populations, have positive host-density responsiveness, have simple adult diets, and can be reared easily. The advancements made in rearing techniques for these natural enemies should prove valuable in the future both in classical biological control and in augmentative efforts. Research which has been done indicates that a variety of approaches are possible for augmenting scelionid populations. These range from simple innundative releases to manipulation of preferred nectar-bearing plants. Although fewer than 30 species have been used in classical biological control attempts, several of these have produced excellent results. The interaction of scelionid wasps with various insect management tactics is discussed. In general, scelionids interact well with insecticide applications due to the protective nature of host egg choria. The number of known scelionid species represents only a fraction of those estimated to be in existence. The results of biological control efforts undertaken with known species suggests that much potential exists within the Scelionidae.
115 citations
TL;DR: The Spodoptera frugiperda pest's distribution, economic importance, seasonal abundance, host plants, life cycle and biology, as well as natural, cultural, genetic and chemical controls are discussed.
Abstract: Recent Latin American literature concerning Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) is reviewed. The pest's distribution, economic importance, seasonal abundance, host plants, life cycle and biology, as well as natural, cultural, genetic and chemical controls are discussed.
112 citations
TL;DR: Host strains (corn and rice) of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, were evaluated for oviposited preferentially on corn and sorghum, while the rice strain preferred bermudagrass.
Abstract: Host strains (corn and rice) of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were evaluated for oviposition preference, mating compatibility, and development on artificial diet and four plant species. Both strains oviposited a greater percentage of egg masses on corn (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench.), and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) than on centipedegrass (Eremochola ophiuroides [Munro] Hack). The corn strain oviposited preferentially on corn and sorghum, while the rice strain preferred bermudagrass. The number of fertile intrastrain and interstrain pairs ranged from 77 to 100%. Egg hatch was extremely high for all crosses (>80%). The F
95 citations
TL;DR: A list of insects and mites associated with sugarcane in Florida is presented andPhytophagous species are listed along with their parasitoids and predators.
Abstract: A list of insects and mites associated with sugarcane in Florida is presented. Phytophagous species are listed along with their parasitoids and predators. A literature review of sugarcane entomology in Florida is also given.
78 citations
TL;DR: A new survey of the ants of the Florida Keys increases the known fauna from 30 to 83 species, and the proportion of known exotics in the fauna is the highest for any area in the U.S.
Abstract: A new survey of the ants of the Florida Keys increases the known fauna from 30 to 83 species. An annotated list provides data on habitats, collection sites, and location of vouchers. Solenopsis corticalis Forel, Leptothorax torrei (Aguayo) and Monomorium ebeninum Forel are new records for the U.S. The fauna includes 27 exotics and 31 species native to the southeastern Coastal Plain; most of the remaining species are Antillean. There are 2 possibly endemic species. The proportion of known exotics (33%) in the fauna is the highest for any area in the U.S. There is evidence that populations of certain exotics are increasing with increasing disturbance of remaining native habitats. Species diversity in the Keys is probably limited by 1) limited habitat diversity, 2) lack of easy access to the rich ant fauna of the Neotropics, and 3) unsuitability of the climate and habitats for many species found farther north.
68 citations
TL;DR: The use of three species-specific chemical characters (venom alkaloids, cuticular hydrocarbons, and trail pheromones) to define S. invicta, S. richteri, and hybrid populations in the United States have important consequences regarding the species status of the two imported fire ants and the taxonomy of fire ant populations in South America.
Abstract: The fire ants, Solenopsis invicta and S. richteri, were accidentally imported into the United States in the first half of this century from South America. In their adopted habitat the imported fire ants have thrived causing considerable medical and agricultural problems in the nine widely infested states of the south and southeast. The red imported fire ant, S. invicta was considered the dominant ant in the infested areas, having displaced the black imported fire ant, S. richteri, into a small enclave in northeastern Mississippi. However, a large reproductively viable S. invicta/S. richteri hybrid population was recently discovered across northern Alabama and into Mississippi and Georia by chemical analysis. This paper reports on the use of three species-specific chemical characters (venom alkaloids, cuticular hydrocarbons, and trail pheromones) to define S. invicta, S. richteri, and hybrid populations in the United States. In addition, these characters have been applied to fire ant taxonomy in South America. We also discuss fire ant population dynamics in the United States and its implications on several models of hybridization. These results have important consequences regarding the species status of the two imported fire ants and the taxonomy of fire ant populations in South America.
50 citations
TL;DR: The results of these 3 studies clearly indicate that polygynous S. invicta can proliferate and perpetuate their colonies by queen adoption.
Abstract: The polygynous form of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren was first reported from Mississippi in 1973; however, the source of the numerous fertile queens in polygynous colonies has remained an enigma. In 1987, 400 queens from a mating flight were marked with a durable paint and released in an area heavily populated with the polygynous form. None were recaptured after one week, but 9 months later, 4 clearly-marked queens were found in a nest 65 meters from their release point. This finding clearly points to adoption. About 5 weeks later, 37 of 107 fertile queens collected from 37 polygynous nests, were found to have partially histolyzed wing muscles and undeveloped ovaries. Mating flights had occurred a few days prior to the queen collections, thus it was apparent that these queens were newly adopted. This observation was verified following a second mating flight one week later. The results of our 3 studies clearly indicate that polygynous S. invicta can proliferate and perpetuate their colonies by queen adoption.
45 citations
TL;DR: The three species described here have different demographic characteristics compared to those of the ecologically similar tephritids Ceratitis capitata and Dacus spp, including preadult survival and development rates, adult survival and fecundity and population parameters.
Abstract: Demographic parameters for Anastrepha ludens (Loew), A. obliqua (Macquart), and A. serpentina (Wiedeman). reared on two artificial diets and several natural hosts are reported. These include preadult survival and development rates, adult survival and fecundity and population parameters such as the intrinsic rate of increase, mean generation time and stable age distribution. All three species displayed similar life history patterns. Egg development required approximately three days, larval development 8-13 days, and pupation 13-17 days. The number of eggs per female (gross fecundity rate) ranged from 84 to 102. A. serpentina, compared with the other two species, displayed much higher survival in the first two weeks of adult life. This led to a higher net reproductive rate despite a lower gross fecundity relative to the other two species. The three species described here have different demographic characteristics compared to those of the ecologically similar tephritids Ceratitis capitata and Dacus spp.
40 citations
TL;DR: The effect of period and level of infestation by the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, on irrigated maize, Zea mays L., yield was determined and the economic injury level (EIL) was calculated as 2% of the plants infested.
Abstract: The effect of period and level of infestation by the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on irrigated maize, Zea mays L., yield was determined. Two applications of the insecticide chlorpyriphos (336 g[ai]/ha) applied directly to the whorl produced yields equivalent to treatments with three applications. FAW infestation of 100% caused 45% yield reduction. A linear regression model (yield[g/plant] = 87.84 - 0.384 (% plants infested by FAW)) explained 46% of the yield variation. The economic injury level (EIL) was calculated as 2% of the plants infested. This low EIL is due to currently high subsidies provided pesticides in Nicaragua. The impact of pesticide subsidies on EIL's is discussed.
40 citations
TL;DR: Eleven of the 15 termite species known from Florida were recorded including six drywood (Kalotermitaceae) species and five subterranean (Rhinotermitidae) species.
Abstract: A total of 785 samples of termites was obtained from structures in central and southern Florida between February 1987 and March 1988. Eleven of the 15 termite species known from Florida were recorded including six drywood (Kalotermitidae) species and five subterranean (Rhinotermitidae) species. An unidentified species of Termitidae, new to Florida, was collected in St. Petersburg. The subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) and R. virginicus (Banks), accounted for 57% of the 716 survey samples identified to species, while the drywood termites, Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) and Incisitermes snyderi (Light), accounted for 36%. Flight seasons for various species were determined from alate collections. Fumigation for drywood termite control cost building owners in central and southern Florida ca. $30 million in 1987.
TL;DR: Animal signals evolve as adaptations to social as well as physical environments where the interests of signallers and responders differ, and are therefore especially likely to evolve as reliable signals in such "social competition" situations.
Abstract: Animal signals evolve as adaptations to social as well as physical environments. Where the interests of signallers and responders differ, a coevolutionary "arms race" cycle of signal adoption, exaggeration, and devaluation may result. Stable, reliable signals evolve when costs of signalling constrain the evolution of bluff and exaggeration. Acoustic signals are especially costly, compared to other signal types, and are therefore especially likely to evolve as reliable signals in such "social competition" situations. Costs of acoustic signals include physiological costs of growth and signal production, probes by conspecific rivals and discriminating members of the other sex, and attacks by natural enemies such as predators and parasites.
TL;DR: Collections of wild and cultivated tropical fruits were examined for infestation by Anastrepha spp.
Abstract: Collections of wild and cultivated tropical fruits were examined for infestation by Anastrepha spp. and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Of 440 collections (with at least 4 fruits in each) from 201 sites throughout Costa Rica, Central America, 95% of the fruit flies (n = 4126) belonged to the genera Anastrepha (A. obliqua, A. striata, A. serpentina, A. manihoti, A. pickeli, A. distincta, A. chiclayae, and A. fraterculus), while 4.7% were C. capitata. Anastrepha spp. had a strong preference for host plants within the same family. A. obliqua infested 92% of the attacked Mangifera indica (mango), 87.5% of the Spondias mombin (jobo), and 100% of the S. dulcis (June plum/golden plum) and S. purpurea (Spanish plum) collections, all Anacardiaceae. A. striata was recovered from 97.8% of the infested Psidium guajava (common guava), 97% of the P. friedrichsthalianum (Costa Rican sour guava) and 100% of the P. savanarum (guisaro) collections; these three host species belong to the Myrtaceae. A. serpentina was the dominant species in Sapotaceae host plants, and it was recovered from 100% of all infested Manilkara achras (zapote), and Pouteria cainito (yellow caimito), and 98% of Chrysophyllum cainito (caimito morado). A. manihoti and A. pickeli were associated with Manihot esculenta (cassava) (45.8% and 54.2% infestation, respectively). A. chiclayae infested 100% of the Passiflora quadrangularis (granada) collections. A. distincta infested species of Inga (Fabaceae) exclusively. C. capitata was the only species of fruit fly recovered from Prunus persica (cling peach). The infestation rates for C. capitata were low (<7%). Annual phenology of the above listed host plants is presented with additional observations on interactions between fruit flies and their host plants.
TL;DR: Electronic sound synthesizers facilitate routine operation of acoustic traps, and increasing the intensity of the sound far above the levels of the natural call greatly increases the numbers trapped.
Abstract: Development of sound-baited traps for insects has lagged behind that of light- and chemical-baited traps. The principal successes for acoustic traps have been with mole crickets (Gryllotalpidae), field crickets (Gryllidae), and ormiine flies (Tachinidae). The crickets are attracted to the conspecific calling song and the flies to the calling songs of their hosts. Electronic sound synthesizers facilitate routine operation of acoustic traps, and increasing the intensity of the sound far above the levels of the natural call greatly increases the numbers trapped. Acoustic traps are most likely to be useful for species that exhibit long-range phonotaxis under natural conditions. Acoustic traps are unlikely to be cost-effective for control but have proved valuable in studying behavior and ecology, collecting specimens, and monitoring populations.
TL;DR: Variation in host use and adult morphology between Costa Rican and Mexican-Guatemalan populations of A. ludens (Loew) is discussed.
Abstract: Distribution and host plant data for 28 species of Anastrepha known to occur in Costa Rica are given. These data include the results of an extensive trapping survey and fruit sampling conducted in 1985-86, a study of museum specimens, and a summary of information from previous publications. Ten species are reported from Costa Rica for the first time: A. antunesi Lima, A. bahiensis Lima, A. barnesi Aldrich, A. concava Greene, A. crebra Stone, A. hamata (Loew), A. robusta Greene, A. tumida Stone, and two undetermined, probably undescribed species. Variation in host use and adult morphology between Costa Rican and Mexican-Guatemalan populations of A. ludens (Loew) is discussed.
TL;DR: The utility of recording, monitoring, and manipulating acoustic signals of destructive bark beetles and some methods of bioassay and analysis related to pheromone research are discussed.
Abstract: The utility of recording, monitoring, and manipulating acoustic signals of destructive bark beetles and some methods of bioassay and analysis related to pheromone research are discussed. J. A. Rudinsky and his research group at Oregon State University utilized particular chirps of males and females to acoustically stimulate pheromone release, for bioassays of odors as possible pheromones, and as indicators of the behavior of beetles hidden under the bark. A summary of the acoustic signals of five species of Dendroctonus, D. pseudotsugae, D. ponderosae, D. brevicomis, D. valens, and D. frontalis, is presented.
TL;DR: The hydrocarbon components of Asian and German cockroaches showed consistent differences by gas chromatography that did not depend on geographic origin, sex or age, and that did reliably identify individuals of these otherwise morphologically similar species.
Abstract: The hydrocarbon components of Asian and German cockroaches showed consistent differences by gas chromatography (GC) that did not depend on geographic origin, sex or age, and that did reliably identify individuals of these otherwise morphologically similar species European honey bee workers and drones showed consistent GC patterns Race-specific similarities in GC patterns were present in Africanized workers and drones from Central and South America Principal components analysis separated data from different races Comb waxes reflected the genetic ancestry of the workers that produced that wax GC data was used to construct phenetic comparisons of 26 species and subspecies of tsetse flies using dried museum and fresh specimens
TL;DR: Fall armyworm cultures established in 1985 from larvae collected on corn in Florida and Jamaica and on sorghum in Mississippi and Honduras were tested in the laboratory for susceptibility to carbaryl, permethrin, methomyl, chlorpyrifos, and methyl parathion using leaves from sorghums sprayed with insecticide in the field.
Abstract: Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), cultures established in 1985 from larvae collected on corn in Florida and Jamaica and on sorghum in Mississippi and Honduras were tested in the laboratory for susceptibility to carbaryl, permethrin, methomyl, chlorpyrifos, and methyl parathion using leaves from sorghum plants sprayed with insecticide in the field. Methomyl and chlorpyrifos were effective (85% mortality) against 3rd instar FAW larvae from Jamaica and Mississippi whereas mortality of similar larval stages from Honduras was 50%. The Florida culture appeared to be about equally tolerant to all the test insecticides. Carbaryl, methyl parathion and permethrin were ineffective against 3rd instar larvae from all test areas. However, preliminary field tests indicated that 1st instar Honduras FAW larvae are susceptible to methyl parathion. Also, materials shown to be ineffective against 3rd instar larvae in the whorl were effective on FAW when applied to the sorghum seed head in a separate study. Susceptibility responses to insecticides indicate that the FAW population from Mississippi was more similar to test populations from Jamaica and Honduras, than to the test population from Florida, suggesting that the FAW source from Florida may not be the source of insects invading Mississippi.
TL;DR: Several types of evidence suggest that P. punctipennis females are specialized to exploit pollen of Commelinaceae, especially T. roseolens, and there is no evidence that the plants have a coevolved symbiosis with the flies.
Abstract: Females of the bombyliid fly Poecilognathus punctipennis (Walker) feed avidly on pollen of Commelina erecta L. and Tradescantia roseolens Small (Commelinaceae). The front tarsi rapidly rake pollen from slits in the sides of the anther and transfer the pollen to the tip of the proboscis. Specialized tarsal hairs may assist in pollen collection. Pollen appears to be mixed with a liquid as it is transported the length of the proboscis. The stomach of pollen-collecting flies is distended with pollen. Pollen was also found in stomachs of females of Geron sp. Several types of evidence suggest that P. punctipennis females are specialized to exploit pollen of Commelinaceae, especially T. roseolens. There is no evidence that the plants have a coevolved symbiosis with the flies.
TL;DR: The probabilities of detection and the accuracy of estimation of insect densities with the acoustical method were comparable to those obtained with a standard grain trier.
Abstract: The possibility of using insect-produced sounds to estimate insect populations without removing grain samples was investigated. The number of insect-produced sounds, heard with a piezoelectric microphone pushed into the grain, increased as the number of lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), larvae increased. The probabilities of detection and the accuracy of estimation of insect densities with the acoustical method were comparable to those obtained with a standard grain trier.
TL;DR: The topical "5"0 of N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide (GX071) was estimated at 9.94 @?
Abstract: The topical "5"0 of N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide (GX071) was estimated at 9.94 @? g/g against the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, and 68.61 @? g/g against the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes. Under force-fed conditions, C. formosanus was ca. three fold more susceptible to GX071 (LC"5"0 = 4.22 ppm) than R. flavipes (LC"5"0 = 13.6 ppm). When applied topically, 5-15 days elapsed before 90% of the R. flavipes died (corresponding dose range: 100-250 @? g/g), while a similar mortality rate was recorded for C. formosanus after 2-7 days exposure at a lower dose range: 14.0-37.5 @? g/g. Ninety percent of both termite species were killed 3-12 days after being force-fed with GX071, but at a lower concentration range for C. formosanus.
TL;DR: Workers of five new species of Conomyrma from Florida and other southeastern states are described, and 2 existing taxa are redescribed.
Abstract: Workers of five new species of Conomyrma from Florida and other southeastern states are described, and 2 existing taxa are redescribed. Queens are described for most species. Males are not readily distinguishable, as far as known. Among the new species C. elegans n. sp. has slender, yellow workers and a very restricted range in the scrublands of Highlands Co., Florida; C. bossuta n. sp. is a variously colored, common though inconspicuous species of the xeric woodlands of Florida and southern Georgia; C. bureni n. sp. is the abundant, usually yellowish, roadside and old field Conomyrma of the southeastern and Atlantic coast states (but not Texas and the Midwest, where it is replaced by C. flava); C. medeis n. sp. is a densely pubescent, dark brown or black species of the C. smithi (Cole) complex and a temporary social parasite of C. bureni with approximately the same geographic range; and C. reginicula n. sp., known only from peninsular Florida, is a species morphologically similar to C. medeis but less pubescent and weakly bicolored, and is a temporary social parasite of C. bureni and probably C. bossuta. Among the described species, C. flavopectus (M. R. Smith) is dark brown with a striking yellow thorax, and is restricted to the sand pine-Florida rosemary scrublands of peninsular Florida; and C. grandula (Forel), originally described as a Prenolepis, is a small brown species of woodland openings from northern Florida to New Jersey.
TL;DR: CIMMYT's maize insect resistance improvement program has been amplified to include screening and development of new sources of resistance, international testing of these sources, and inbred line and `non-conventional' hybrid development, in addition to the continuing development of open-pollinated varieties.
Abstract: As part of the overall improvement of maize, Zea mays L, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) has been working to develop tropical maize materials with improved levels of resistance to fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith), and good agronomic qualities Efficient mass rearing and infestation techniques have been developed, many of which have been adopted or adapted by other FAW host plant resistance workers Our initial efforts to develop FAW resistance consisted of a population improvement approach Recently, CIMMYT's maize insect resistance improvement program has been amplified to include screening and development of new sources of resistance, international testing of these sources, and inbred line and `non-conventional' hybrid development, in addition to the continuing development of open-pollinated varieties
TL;DR: At monthly intervals for a year, in Daytona, Tampa, Vero Beach and Miami, a survey was conducted of the aquatic stages of mosquitoes existing in water impounded by the leaves of the imported bromeliad Billbergia pyramidalis, finding a linear relationship of numbers of pupae to numbers of eggs + larvae collected at lower densities of eggs = larvae.
Abstract: At monthly intervals for a year, in Daytona, Tampa, Vero Beach and Miami, a survey was conducted of the aquatic stages of mosquitoes existing in water impounded by the leaves of the imported bromeliad Billbergia pyramidalis. A few Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, Toxorhynchites rutilus and Corethrella appendiculata were found, but almost all of the mosquitoes belonged to the genus Wyeomyia, Wyeomyia vanduzeei was predominant at 3 of 5 sites in Miami, but at all the other sites W. mitchellii was predominant. Average annual production of Wyeomyia per bromeliad was estimated as 107 adults based upon the number of pupae collected. Pupae were found throughout the year. There was a linear relationship of numbers of pupae to numbers of eggs + larvae collected at lower densities of eggs + larvae.
TL;DR: Ultrasonic acoustical emissions from trunk samples of eastern white pine, Pinus strobus L., northern red oak, Quercus rubra L., paper birch, Betula papyrifera Marsh.
Abstract: Ultrasonic acoustical emissions (AEs) were recorded from trunk samples of eastern white pine, Pinus strobus L., northern red oak, Quercus rubra L., paper birch, Betula papyrifera Marsh., and red maple, Acer rubrum L., that were cut in winter (February) and allowed to dry indoors. Emission rates were determined for waxed and unwaxed samples at weekly intervals throughout the drying period. Waveform parameters determined for each AE were duration, counts (oscillations above threshold), rise time, amplitude, energy, and average frequency (counts/duration). For all tree species, AE rates from unwaxed samples first increased and then decreased during drying, and they were several times greater than rates for waxed samples. For white pine, mean duration, counts, rise time, amplitude, and energy decreased over time while average frequency increased. Such patterns were often lacking among the three hardwood species. Average waveform parameters differed among species; AEs from white pine were strongest while those from red oak were weakest. Implications for bark- and wood-boring insects are discussed.
TL;DR: Field experiments demonstrated that infestations by the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, ultimately become similar in either cropping system, but in certain no-tillage situations where high mulch concentrations were present on the soil surface, oviposition and damage were reduced.
Abstract: Field experiments comparing no-tillage and plow-tillage practices demonstrated that infestations by the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), ultimately become similar in either cropping system. However, in certain no-tillage situations where high mulch concentrations were present on the soil surface, oviposition and damage were reduced. Significantly fewer egg masses and damage were sampled on corn, Zea mays L., (3-leaf stage) while seedlings remained within no-tillage mulch. Oviposition quickly became similar to that observed in plow-tillage systems when the plants grew above the mulch canopy of no-tillage. The number of egg masses on corn older than 4 leaves was similar in either cropping system, and leaf injury at plant silking was the same. In a comparison of corn, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench.), and soybeans (Glycine max L.), the latter crop had no damage in either tillage system while corn and sorghum were heavily infested. Efficacy of chlorpyrifos (0.56 kg [AI]/ha) for controlling fall armyworm leaf damage was similar in corn and sorghum in either cropping system.
TL;DR: A comparison of the toxicities of five synthetic pyrethroids to te tobacco budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an ichneumonid parasite, Campoletis sonorensis, and a predator, Chrysopa carnea suggests that tomato pinworm population management in semitropical agriculture should be considered as a priority.
Abstract: LIN, S. Y. H. AND J. T. TRUMBLE. 1985. Influence of temperature and tomato maturity on development and survival of Keiferia lycopersicella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Environ. Entomol. 14: 855-858. OATMAN, E. R. 1970. Ecological studies on tomato in sourthern California. J. Econ. Entomol. 63: 1531-4. PERA, J. E. AND V. WADDILL. 1983. Larval and egg parasitism of Keiferia lycopersicella (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in sourthern Florida tomato fields. Environ. Entomol. 12: 1322-6. POE, S. L., J. P. CRILL, AND P. H. EVERETT. 1975. Tomato pinworm population management in semitropical agriculture. Proc. Florida St. Hort. Soc. 88: 160-4. RAJAKULENDRAN, S. V. AND F. W. PLAPP, JR. 1982. Comparative toxicities of five synthetic pyrethroids to te tobacco budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an ichneumonid parasite, Campoletis sonorensis, and a predator, Chrysopa carnea. J. Econ. Entomol. 75: 769-72. WILKINSON, J. D., K. D. BIEVER, AND C. N. IGNOFFO. 1979. Synthetic pyrethroids and organophosphate insecticides against the parasitoid Apanteles marginiventris and the predators Geocoris punctipes, Hippodamia convergens, and Podisus maculiventris. J. Econ. Entomol. 72: 473-5.
TL;DR: Techniques that make use of the moth-produced sounds to detect and control these pests of bee products include locating calling males with electronic detectors and using acoustically-baited traps to capture receptive females.
Abstract: Both lesser wax moth, Achroia grisella (F.) and greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L. males produce sounds using tymbals located on their tegulae. Wing movement twists one end of a tymbal causing it to buckle and produce an ultrasonic pulse. Both sexes are equipped with tympanic ears that hear the high-frequency sound. A. grisella females use the sound to locate males prior to copulation. In contrast, female G. mellonella respond to the sound with wing fanning. This wing fanning sets off a more complex, three-step behavioral sequence that allows the females to locate males by male-produced pheromone. Techniques that make use of the moth-produced sounds to detect and control these pests of bee products include locating calling males with electronic detectors and using acoustically-baited traps to capture receptive females.
TL;DR: Two traps were designed and field tested, consisting of a wire frame, with muslin sides and funnels, which were used to direct flies into the trap, and evaluated by comparison of the numbers of flies caught in each with the numbers caught on sticky traps.
Abstract: After Wolcott (1940) reported rearing the tachinid Euphasiopteryx depleta (Wied.) from a Scapteriscus mole cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae), interest has been shown in using this fly in introductions for the biological control of Scapteriscus. Fowler and Kochalka (1985) reported attracting E. depleta to the synthesized broadcast calls of S. acletus Rehn & Hebard in Paraguay. Using similar synthesizers (Walker 1982), Fowler and Garcia (1987) reported additional captures of E. depleta, and of rearing it from S. acletus, S. vicinus Scudder and S. abbreviatus Scudder. In those studies, attracted female E. depleta were captured with an aerial net over the synthesizer and larvae taken from them were placed on mole crickets to achieve laboratory parasitism. Subsequently, aerial nets were replaced with a sheet of plastic covered with Tanglefoot?, and large numbers of female E. depleta were obtained. However, in the laboratory, often the Tanglefoot would interfere with obtaining larvae, as many were killed in the female's body through asphyxiation, or were gummed and died as they left the female's body. Also, for some laboratory studies, healthy, gravid females were needed, which could not be obtained by sticky trapping. Using flashlights and aerial nets to capture females at sound synthesizers was not highly productive, as E. depleta tended to avoid lighted areas. To overcome these problems, two traps were designed and field tested (Fig. 1). Both traps were inexpensive, consisting of a wire frame, with muslin sides and funnels, which were used to direct flies into the trap. Cardboard baffles mounted on wire were used to hinder fly escape after capture (Fig. 1). The muslin base was built so that the trap could easily fit over a sound synthesizer (Walker 1982) or over a tape player. Trap designs were evaluated by comparison of the numbers of flies caught in each with the numbers caught on sticky traps. In December 1984, three sound synthesizers broadcasting S. vicinus songs were placed in the field in Rio Claro, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. One synthesizer was fitted with sticky plastic sheeting, and the other two with the two trap designs. After each night, the location of each was switched. Each synthesizer was separated by 30 m from its neighbor. The sticky trap caught 132 flies during 2 weeks of trapping. Trap B, fitted with 5 funnels, of which 4 were lateral, was about 2.5 times as efficient as design A, consisting of only 1 funnel (Fig. 1). Trap B was about a third as efficient as the sticky trap. Field observations indicated that flies alighted on the muslin and walked extensively over the trap's external surface until they were channeled into its interior through the funnels. Many flies departed without ever reaching the trap's interior. This explains why the numbers of female E. depleta caught in the traps were much less than with sticky traps. If large numbers of flies are required, sticky traps should be used. If, however, viable healthy females are required, then trap design B should be used. Sticky traps are recommended for population monitoring. I thank Joao Justi and Madelena Lima Costa for their assistance with the field portion of this project. This study was funded in part by a grant, USDA No. 83-CRSR-2-
TL;DR: The efficiency of the acoustical detection system in detecting infested fruit has been demonstrated to be more efficient than the accepted method of cutting and visual examination.
Abstract: Larvae of the Caribbean fruit fly Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) can be detected by the sounds they make while feeding using an acoustical detection system. Efforts to improve and determine the efficiency of the system led to detailed studies of the feeding behavior of larvae in grapefruit. Movement, feeding and growth are related to the maturity of the fruit. As the fruit matured, it became more sweet and larvae fed more consistently and voraciously, moved into the pulp portion earlier, and developed more rapidly. Larvae were detected within hours after they hatched from eggs, when they are often too small to be seen in the fruit with the unaided eye. The efficiency of the system in detecting infested fruit has been demonstrated to be more efficient than the accepted method of cutting and visual examination.