Showing papers in "Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society in 2015"
TL;DR: The 1042 species of Scarabaeoidea known to occur in Peru are listed with their taxonomic placement in families, subfamilies, and tribes.
Abstract: The 1042 species of Scarabaeoidea known to occur in Peru are listed with their taxonomic placement in families, subfamilies, and tribes.
40 citations
TL;DR: Rove beetles can be found almost everywhere beetles occur, from seashore to alpine grasslands and in non-forested moist habitats such as marine beaches and near lakes, rivers and bogs, and tend to be scarce in arid and curtivated or other highly disturbed habitats.
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 17 subfamilies, 221 genera, 877 species (confirmed). Recognition: Staphylinidae or rove beetles range in size from 1–35 mm (most are 2–8 mm) and vary greatly in shape from very compact to extremely slender or even antlike, but most may be recognized by having more or less truncate elytra (exposing one to many abdominal tergites), six or seven visible abdominal sternites, and contiguous procoxae which vary in shape but are often prominent and conical. The antennae are usually 11–segmented and filiform to weakly clavate (rarely with a loose to compact antennal club or reduced segmentation), and tarsi are often five– segmented but may have only four, three or two segments or various heteromerous combinations. Some members possess paired ocelli dorsally on the head. Habitat: Rove beetles can be found almost everywhere beetles occur, from seashore to alpine grasslands (e.g., Thayer, 2005). They are especially abundant in forest habitats, including in leaf litter and rotting logs, on fungi and vegetation, and attracted to dung and other decaying materials, and in non-forested moist habitats such as marine beaches and near lakes, rivers and bogs. They tend to be scarce in arid and curtivated or other highly disturbed habitats. A majority of species are predators of other invertebrates as adults and larvae, but many are saprophages or mycophages, and some feed on algae or pollen, but virtually none feed on living green plants. Many species are inquilines of social insects, especially ants and termites, and these are often well integrated with their host societies (e.g., Kistner, 1982), but some species are found in vertebrate nests or even, in one group, are commensals living on the bodies of small mammals (Seevers, 1955). Some species of the genus Paederus Fabricius in Peru (and elsewhere) have a toxic chemical, pederin, in their haemolymph that can cause severe dermatitis or lesions in humans (known locally as “dermatitis purulenta”, internationally as “Paederus dermatitis” or “linear dermatitis”) and thus are of medical and even economic importance (e.g., Ojeda
21 citations
TL;DR: The fauna of three cerambycoid families, Cerambycidae, Disteniidae, and Vesperidae, recorded from Peru are reviewed, presenting 6 subfamilies, 60 tribes, 411 genera, and 869 species and subspecies for Peru.
Abstract: Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Its complex topography with Pacific coastal desert, high Andes, and Amazon basin underlies its exceptional species richness. Knowledge of Peru's beetle fauna is poorly known. Based on a literature review, institutional records, and fieldwork, this contribution reviews the fauna of three cerambycoid families, Cerambycidae, Disteniidae, and Vesperidae, recorded from Peru. The checklist presents 6 subfamilies, 60 tribes, 411 genera, and 869 species and subspecies for Peru. Type localities and known host plant records are also provided and pest species in Peru are briefly noted. This is the first paper in a series, Beetles of Peru. Many more new species await discovery and description as fieldwork continues in Peru.
15 citations
TL;DR: The family Carabidae, commonly known as “Ground Beetles,” is one of the ten largest beetle families and is the largest family in the coleopteran suborder Adephaga.
Abstract: Diversity: 23 tribes, 131 genera, 721 species. The family Carabidae, commonly known as “Ground Beetles,” is one of the ten largest beetle families and is the largest family in the coleopteran suborder Adephaga. This family was erected by Latreille in 1802 at which time it contained 29 genera. Today, the Carabidae contains an estimated 39,000 described species, in ca. 100 tribes and 1860 genera (Lorenz, 2005). Modern classifications of the Carabidae include groups that were previously ranked as families, such as Cicindelidae, Omophronidae, Paussidae, and Rhysodidae. Recognition: All adult carabids possess three features which distinguish them from other terrestrial beetles: the hind coxae are fixed in place, the hind coxae divide the first visible sternite of the abdomen, and they have an internal pair of glands in the abdomen used for generating defense chemicals. These glands cannot be seen externally; however, their use produces distinctive and powerful sprays and odors in many carabid lineages. Two carabid lineages, the Brachinini and Paussinae, are known as “Bombardier and False bombardier beetles, respectively” since they have the ability to explosively discharge defensive chemicals at temperatures of 55–100uC (Aneshansley et al., 1969). This type of defensive system is unique among the beetles (Bousquet and Larochelle, 1993).
15 citations
TL;DR: This contribution is the first modern synopsis of beetle families, based on ongoing fieldwork and a literature review, which represents the firstmodern catalogue of the entire beetle fauna of a hyperdiverse Neotropical country.
Abstract: The beetle fauna of Peru has not been enumerated since Blackwelder (1944–1957). This contribution is the first modern synopsis of beetle families, based on ongoing fieldwork and a literature review. Ninety nine families of beetles are now documented from Peru and nine families are reported in Peru for the first time—Biphyllidae, Bothrideridae, Eucinetidae, Monotomidae, Rhipiceridae, Scirtidae, Scraptiidae, Silvanidae, and Throscidae. A species list for each family, updated higher taxonomy, and relevant literature citations are presented. Most families are so poorly known in the tropics and so poorly represented in museum collections, that their rarity and/or conservation status cannot be determined. Altogether the project represents the first modern catalogue of the entire beetle fauna of a hyperdiverse Neotropical country.
13 citations
TL;DR: The death of long-time Kansas Entomological Society member, Charles Duncan Michener, who died peacefully of heart failure at his home in Lawrence, Kansas on November 1, 2015, is reported.
Abstract: We are sad to report the death of long-time Kansas Entomological Society member, the distinguished and world-renowned entomologist, Charles Duncan Michener, who died peacefully of heart failure at his home in Lawrence, Kansas on November 1, 2015. Mich was 97 when he passed away; he had been doing his signature brand of solid and outstanding research for an impressive and nearly unprecedented 80 years. He was a monumental figure, the world authority on bees, whose work formed the foundation for, and whose students subsequently forged, today’s state of bee research. And he paved the way for the field of sociobiology as well through his studies of bee behavior. As his son, Walter noted (Anonymous, 2015), Mich "was so often and so highly honored during his life," that we will content ourselves with outlining his life and accomplishments here, focusing on his contributions to the Kansas Entomological Society, and referring readers to accounts available in the literature and listed in the Literature Cited. Also, the Journal will be publishing, early in 2016, an extensive and expansive set of recollections of Mich, currently in preparation by Michael Engel, with assistance from Charles Michener’s family, that will include previously unpublished photos and information on Mich’s early life.
12 citations
TL;DR: Results of a newer technology, pheromone trapping, in four counties in Kansas shows that HF males are active in the fall, at least 6 wk later than the historical fly-free dates established nearly 100 yr ago, suggesting the ‘Hessian Fly-Free Date’ is not as valid as previously thought and might be better referred to as the “Best Pest Management Planting Date”.
Abstract: The Hessian fly (HF), Mayetiola destructor (Say), has historically been a significant pest of wheat throughout the Great Plains, including Kansas. However, it has been many decades since the flies’ activity has been monitored in the field. This paper presents research on the activity of the HF throughout the year in Kansas, i.e., examining when the fly is active and how moisture events may play a role. Results of a newer technology, pheromone trapping, in four counties in Kansas shows that HF males are active in the fall, at least 6 wk later than the historical fly-free dates established nearly 100 yr ago. Therefore, the ‘Hessian Fly-Free Date’ is not as valid as previously thought and might be better referred to as the ‘Best Pest Management Planting Date’. Using pheromones for fall and spring trapping also indicated that HF is more active throughout the spring than previously thought, with almost continuous fly emergence and numerous emergence peaks in both spring and fall. Pheromone traps were ...
11 citations
TL;DR: The results parallel several recent studies that failed to locate extant populations of the variable cuckoo bee, Bombus variabilis (Cresson), supporting possible extirpation in portions of its North American range.
Abstract: Bumble bees (Bombus Latreille) provide indispensable ecosystem services for natural and agricultural systems by increasing crop yield and quality. With documented bumble bee declines throughout the world, the need for baseline data on these important insects becomes apparent. The bumble bees of Oklahoma have previously not been surveyed, hampering assessment of temporal change. The objectives of this study were to determine the past and present bumble bee species richness of Oklahoma and indicate possible temporal trends. Records were gathered from museum and university collections, as well as from a field survey of 46 sites in 21 counties. Historical records indicated ten bumble bee species in Oklahoma, four of which had fewer than ten total records. Only five species have been recorded since 2000, four being found in the targeted survey: B. pensylvanicus (DeGeer), B. griseocollis (DeGeer), B. fraternus (Smith) and B. impatiens (Cresson). The American bumble bee (B. pensylvanicus) has been, and continues to be, the most common bumble bee species in Oklahoma, despite showing clear patterns of decline in other regions of North America. Our results parallel several recent studies that failed to locate extant populations of the variable cuckoo bee, Bombus variabilis (Cresson), supporting possible extirpation in portions of its North American range. A targeted survey for this species is warranted, as its host, B. pensylvanicus, remains common in Oklahoma.
11 citations
TL;DR: Tenebrionids are found in a wide variety of habitats in Peru, from coastal dunes to tropical forests and through the Andes mountain range, with many tribes and genera restricted to specific biogeographic regions or specialized microhabitats.
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 8 subfamilies, 37 tribes, 105 genera, and 353 species/subspecies. Recognition: Adult tenebrionids, commonly called darkling beetles, are highly variable in terms of color (from black or brown to a wide variety of bright or metallic colors), size (from approximately 1–80 mm), and morphology (from flat wingless species to elongate cylindrical winged taxa). However, with few exceptions tenebrionids can be identified based on their: 5-5-4 tarsal formula (rarely 4-4-4 or 3-3-3); antennal insertions concealed under frons; five visible abdominal sternites, with the basal three sternites connate and the apical two hinged; and 10- to 11segmented antennae (rarely 9-segmented). Detailed descriptions, including for immature stages, are provided in Aalbu et al. (2002) and Matthews et al. (2010). Geographic distribution and habitats: Tenebrionids are found in a wide variety of habitats in Peru, from coastal dunes to tropical forests and through the Andes mountain range, with many tribes and genera restricted to specific biogeographic regions or specialized microhabitats. - The coastal deserts of western Peru (,1000 m): Caenocrypticini (Caenocrypticoides), Edrotini (Kocakia), Elenophorini (Psammetichus), Epitragini (Parepitragus, Hemasodes, Omopheres), Evaniosomini (Aryenis, Chorasmius, Evaniosomus, Melaphorus), Physogasterini (Philorea, Physogasterinus), Praociini (Parapraocis), Thinobatini (Cordibates), Opatrini (Blapstinus), Scotobiini (Ammophorus), and Tenebrionini (Hipalmus). These genera include epigaeic detritivores and epiphytic groups (Edrotini, Epitragini) associated with various vegetation types on sandy soils. - The Andes, including the Western Andean range (1000 m–3800 m), interandean valleys (1500 m–3300 m) and the high plateaus (.3800 m): Nycteliini (Pilobalia, Psectrascelis), Praociini (Praocis, Praocidia, Pilobaloderes, Platyholmus), Edrotini (Hylithus), Evaniosomini (Vaniosus), Trilobocarini (Eremoecus). These genera are epigaeic detritivores associated with grasslands and scrubs. - Amazonia, including the Eastern Andean range (800 m–3500 m) and the Amazonian plain (,800 m): Goniaderini, Lagriini, Nilio, Phrenapatini, Penetini,
10 citations
TL;DR: Although bioinventories can be expensive and time consuming, information gathered from them has many uses, including efforts to assess the implications of pesticide use, wildlife conservation, land use- and climate-change on community structure in sunflowers.
Abstract: The long coevolutionary history between sunflowers (Helianthus annuus, Asterales: Asteraceae) and arthropods in the northern Great Plains has resulted in a commonly grown oilseed crop that harbors a large diversity of insects. A bioinventory of foliar and subterranean arthropods was performed in 22 sunflower fields over a period of three site years in central and eastern South Dakota. Overall, 467 morphospecies were collected. From foliage, 15 arthropod orders were observed. Those containing the greatest species diversity were Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera and Araneae with 80; 53; 53; 40 and 30 morphospecies each, respectively. Subterranean arthropods from 19 orders were collected. The five orders containing the highest number of morphospecies were Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Araneae and Diptera containing 77; 17; 14; 11 and nine morphospecies respectively. Although bioinventories can be expensive and time consuming, information gathered from them has many uses, including ef...
9 citations
TL;DR: The present work treats flea beetles as a subfamily, i.e., Alticinae, and states that the genus Aphthona (in the true sense) does not exist in the Western Hemisphere; therefore, the species listed in the present checklist need to be transferred to other related genera as was pointed out in Furth and Savini (1996).
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 84 genera, 370 species. Classification: Flea beetles (Alticinae in this work) are regarded by some as a tribe of Galerucinae (Alticini) based on lack of larval differences and some molecular evidence (see review in Hua et al., 2014). One significant problem with available phylogenetic datasets is the small taxon sampling relative to the group’s extraordinary diversity (estimated 10,000 species and over 600 genera); we are far from reasonable estimates of the true phylogeny. The present work treats flea beetles as a subfamily, i.e., Alticinae (following Furth and Suzuki, 1994; Furth and Suzuki, 1998; Mohamedsaid and Furth, 2011). The Galerucinae (sensu stricto) are treated separately in the Beetles of Peru series (Chaboo and Clark, 2015). Recognition: Flea beetles are recognized by their enlarged hind femora (metafemora) that contain a metafemoral spring (Furth, 1980; Furth, 1982; Furth, 1988; Furth and Suzuki, 1998). Habitat: The larvae are rather poorly known, but the majority of those that are known are root-feeding; some are also foliar-feeders (e.g., Altica, Blepharida, some Disonycha, Macrohaltica). Larvae and adults are usually on the same host plants. Most species are oligophagous, with the species in most genera feeding on related plant families, presumably because of the secondary chemical compounds that often serve as feeding attractants or stimulants for adults. Adult feeding damage on host leaves appears like many tiny round holes on the leaf surface (“shot gun pattern”). The following is a list of species based solely on the literature, especially using Heikertinger and Csiki (1939, 1940), Blackwelder (1946), Bechyne and Bechyne (1971a/unpubl.), and Alata (1973). Seeno and Wilcox (1982) is a good reference for genera, as well as Nadein (2012–2014) (http://www.zin.ru/Animalia/Coleoptera/rus/ alticinw.htm). Some of the species in this checklist are endemic to Peru; however, the distribution of the species is so poorly known at this point that it would not be reliable to indicate these now. According to Seeno and Wilcox (1982), only two genera (Conococha Bechyne, Eugoniola Csiki) are known from Peru. A “?” after a species name indicates that there is some question about the report of the species or about it being found in Peru. The genus Aphthona (in the true sense) does not exist in the Western Hemisphere; therefore, the species listed in the present checklist from Peru need to be transferred to other related genera as was pointed out in Furth and Savini (1996) and as was done for Mexican Aphthona in Furth (2006).
TL;DR: Ripiphoridae have complex life strategies which allow them to colonize various habitats, from deserts to rain forests, from the sea level to mountains close to 3000 m, or even man-made environments, such as town parks or suburban environment, whenever the conditions are suitable for sufficient abundance of their host.
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 3 subfamilies, 3 genera, 5 species. Recognition: Ripiphoridae is a world-wide distributed family, with approximately 400 species classified into 40 genera and five subfamilies (see Lawrence et al. (2010) for the current classification). Of these, Hemirhipidiinae are restricted to Australia and SE Asia, while Pelecotominae (5Micholaeminae), Ptilophorinae, Ripidiinae and Ripiphorinae have world-wide distribution (Lawrence et al., 2010). Pelecotominae are represented in South America by the genera, Ancholaemus Gerstaecker, 1855 (2 species) and the monotypic Micholaemus Viana, 1971. Adults of the subfamily are characterized by the fully developed elytra, long and slender tarsi, and by the uniflabellate antennae of males and females, which are usually only slightly dissimilar between sexes. Ptilophorinae are represented by the monotypic Elytroxystrotus Manfrini de Brewer, 1963 and the speciose Trigonodera Dejean, 1834. They are of similar habitus to Pelecotominae, but tarsi are shorter and stouter, and antennal dimorphism is usually more pronounced. Ripiphorinae are widely represented by the genera Ripiphorus Bosc, 1791 and Macrosiagon Hentz, 1830. The elytra in Ripiphorus are scale-like and those in Macrosiagon dehiscent, exposing in both cases fully developed hind-wings and abdomen. The antennae are biflabellate in males and serrate or pectinate in females. South American Ripidiini (Ripidiinae) contains the genera Neorrhipidius Viana, 1958 (3 species) and Pirhidius Besuchet, 1957 (1 species). Their males have uniflabellate antennae, reduced mouthparts, holoptic compound eyes composed of large ommatidia and shortened leathery elytra exposing functional hind-wings. The females of these genera are unknown, but are presumably larviform and flightless (Lawrence et al., 2010). The monotypic genus Aporrhipis Pascoe, 1887, described from Brazil and listed in Ripidiinae by Lawrence et al. (2010; misspelled there as ‘Aporhipis’), is no longer in Ripiphoridae, but belongs to Elateroidea, likely to the family Lycidae (Batelka and Hájek, 2009: 777). Habitat: Ripiphoridae have complex life strategies which allow them to colonize various habitats, from deserts to rain forests, from the sea level to mountains close to 3000 m, or even man-made environments, such as town parks or suburban environment (Heitmans and Peeters, 1996; Gobbi, 2002), whenever the conditions are suitable for sufficient abundance of their host. Depending on the bionomics of particular genus, ripiphorids are also able to colonize distant volcanic and continental islands, either by their own dispersal mechanisms (Batelka, 2011a, b), or by cargo transported by ships and planes (Falin, 2001; Peck, 2006).
TL;DR: Coccinellids are predators of adults and immature stages of hemipteran from the suborder Sternorrhyncha (Aphididioidea, AleyrodoideA, Psyllidae, Margarodidae, etc).
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 64 genera, 329 species, 199 endemics (60%). Recognition: Coccinellids are popularly known as "ladybugs" or "ladybird beetles." The adults are minute to medium sized (1-12 mm). The body is oblong or semicircular, flat underneath and normally convex dorsally, some depressed. The tarsal formula is pseudotetramerous or trimerous. The antennae have 8-11 antennomeres and a 1-5 club. Pilosity may be present or absent. Body colors are frequently red or orange with black or white; in some groups the color is yellow, brown or piceous, rarely metallic green or blue. A post-coxal line is present on the first abdominal ventrite and the penis is modified into a "sipho". Detailed descriptions of the family can be founded in Vandenberg (2002) and Slipinski and Tomaszewska (2010). Habits and Habitats: Coccinellids have a wide range of food preference. Some species are plant feeders (Epilachninae) and a few feed exclusively on fungi (Halyziini). The majority, however, are predators of adults and immature stages of hemipteran from the suborder Sternorrhyncha (Aphididioidea, Aleyrodoidea, Psyllidae, Margarodidae, etc). Exceptions from this general predatory pattern might occur, the most relevant being the specialization on tetranychid mites by members of the tribe Stethorini. Given their predatory habits, several coccinellids are used in the biological control of agricultural pest. Some plant feeders, on the other hand, might reach pest status. Coccinellids develop quickly, in about a month in spring or summer; the adults live about six months. They are commonly diurnal species. Notes: The checklist below covers until 2014. The classification used follows Bouchard et al. (2011) with minor changes in tribe structure. The last list available considered only about 100 species (Blackwelder, 1945). The 2/3 of the currently recognized species were described in the last 50 years, especially through the works of Robert D. Gordon from 1969 to today. The bibliography contains all the taxonomic works not included in Blackwelder (1945) or in the bibliography of Gonzalez (2010). An updated bibliography including taxonomy, phylogeny, biology and agriculture-related jobs, as well as a key to the genera of Coccinellidae in South America, and individual pages about the majority of the species cited from Perucan be found at the website: www.coccinellidae.cl.
TL;DR: Effective rearing methods are needed to recover the federally endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle, Cicindela (Ellipsoptera) nevadica lincolniana Casey, a subspecies that occurs exclusively in saline wetlands and seeps along Little Salt Creek in Lancaster County, Nebraska.
Abstract: Effective rearing methods are needed to recover the federally endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle, Cicindela (Ellipsoptera) nevadica lincolniana Casey, a subspecies that occurs exclusively in saline wetlands and seeps along Little Salt Creek in Lancaster County, Nebraska. Experiments were initiated to determine soil type and salinity concentrations appropriate for stimulating female oviposition in laboratory settings to produce larvae and/or adults for reintroduction to native habitats. In 2013, there were highly significant differences between native soil and a sand/loess soil mixture, but no differences between two salinity levels, 0.354 M and 0.5 M. In 2014, using only a sand/loess soil mixture, there were again no differences between the test salinity levels. A sand/loess soil mixture of either 0.354 M or 0.5 M salinity was determined to be optimum for egg production.
TL;DR: The tribal arrangement recognized herein generally follows that of Seeno and Wilcox (1982), the major exception being that the flea beetles are currently regarded as the tribe Alticini in Galerucinae, but there are also tribal differences in the larval behavior, indicated below.
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 3 tribes, 45 genera, 270 species. Classification: The tribal arrangement recognized herein generally follows that of Seeno and Wilcox (1982), the major exception being that the flea beetles are currently regarded as the tribe Alticini in Galerucinae on morphological and molecular findings (Lingafelter and Konstantinov, 1999; Ge et al., 2012) and as a subfamily rank (Furth, pers. commun.). This exception is nearly irrelevant with the current section, as the flea beetles are being treated separately within the Beetles of Peru series (Furth et al., 2015). Recognition: Galerucinae may be distinguished from other chrysomelid subfamilies using the characters presented by Riley et al. (2002): “Body oval or oblong. Head exposed, easily visible from above, inserted into prothorax but without neck-like constriction at base; frontal tubercles present behind antennal insertions, delimited posteriorly by more or less distinct, transverse, interocular groove; eyes of most entire; antennae of most shorter than body, filiform or clavate, not capitate, composed of 11 (only 10 in a few) freely articulated antennomeres; some antennomeres occasionally enlarged and modified in male; antennal insertions on frons between eyes, narrowly separated from each other. Pronotum truncate or emarginate in front; lateral bead present in most. Tarsi 5-5-5, pseudotetramerous, the fourth tarsomere being very small; tarsomere 3 with ventral, setose, bilobed pad; tarsal setae not bifid.” Tribes: Four galerucine tribes occur in Peru. Alticini (not treated herein) are generally characterized by swollen hind femora; enlarged muscles and a specialized apodeme within the femur enable jumping. Genitalia are important in classifying the other three tribes. Galerucini and Metacyclini have well-developed, recurved basal spurs on the aedeagus, while Luperini do not. The antennae of Galerucini are inserted abnormally low on the head, usually beyond the middle of the eyes. The dorsal surface of many (but not all) Galerucini is densely pubescent, while the dorsal surface of Metacyclini and Luperini is glabrous or at most sparsely pubescent (as in Acalymma). There are also tribal differences in the larval behavior, indicated below. Habits: The subfamily Galerucinae has been associated with a wide variety of plants. A few species are rather polyphagous, but most are relatively host specific. Adults feed on leaves or unusually on flowers. Larvae of Galerucini similarly feed on leaves. The few known larvae of Metacyclini have also been found on foliage. However, those of Luperini are subterranean root-feeders. The larval habits of Alticini are varied, some species feeding on foliage and others on roots. Pests in Peru: As outlined in the Introduction to this series, Peru has a long and rich history of agriculture. Thus, there may be many chrysomelid pests of which we are unaware.
TL;DR: The possibility that P. cassotis is a specialist on monarchs and perhaps closely related species is discussed, based upon monarchs’ sequestered cardenolides, published host records, and evidence for correlated population dynamics of this host and parasitoid.
Abstract: Monarch butterflies are one of the best studied non-pest lepidopterans, serving as a model for migration, chemical ecology, and insect conservation. Despite the intensity with which the larvae and adults have been studied, the cryptic pupal stage is often difficult to study in the wild. It is perhaps due to this difficulty that researchers have largely overlooked monarchs’ interactions with a pupal parasitoid, Pteromalus cassotis. Using field experiments in the northern U.S. and observational data from wild collected pupae in the southern U.S., we report occurrences of this host-parasitoid interaction at sites Minnesota, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin. At sites in Minnesota, rates of parasitism of experimentally placed monarch were highly variable, ranging from 60% in 2010 to 0% in 2013 and 2014. Observations of wild-collected pupae suggest that rates of parasitism may near 100% at some sites in the southern U.S. The number of wasps emerging from a single host ranged from 1–425 (mean = ...
TL;DR: Except for some of the larger wood-boring species, most buprestids of both ecological types are apparently relatively narrowly host-specific and many appear to exist in very low populations.
Abstract: Buprestidae Diversity in Peru: 4 subfamilies, 12 tribes, 29 genera, 110 species and 3 subspecies. Recognition: Buprestidae are commonly called “jewel beetles” because of the spectacular colors of the adults of many species. Most buprestids are small to medium-sized beetles, although Euchroma gigantea is one of the largest Neotropical insects (55 mm). Adults display two extremes of morphology and ecology: members of one group are small (2–6 mm), rhomboidal, dorso-ventrally flattened, and mine leaves as larvae; the rest of the family are borers in wood or soft tissues and are larger (4–35 mm), elongate, and cylindrical or moderately flattened. Adults of many species are strongly shining and brightly metallic in coloration, a few are more or less covered by waxy yellow powder, and some have patterns formed by setae. Mimicry occurs in adults of both leaf-miners (models include chrysomelids and coccinellids; Hespenheide, 2014) and wood-borers (models include ants, flies and wasps; Hespenheide, 1986, 2010, 2012). Larvae are typically flattened with a large prothorax. Habitat: Members of the family occur primarily at low- to mid-elevations, below 2000–3000 m. Buprestids are most common in primary forest canopies, at forest edges, or in secondary growth, although a few species are found in open habitats on weeds and sedges. Adult behavior is related to larval feeding type. Wood-boring species are more numerous in areas of lower rainfall and a well-defined dry season and are usually found running on the trunks and branches of recently dead trees or branches, or feeding on leaves of their larval hosts. Adults are most active during the sunny weather during midday, and they fly readily, making them difficult to capture. Leaf-mining species are more common in areas with higher rainfall, and adults usually feed on the leaves of the larval host. Larval mines are usually full-depth and may be either serpentine or blotch-like in form, depending on the species. Except for some of the larger wood-boring species, most buprestids of both ecological types are apparently relatively narrowly host-specific and many appear to exist in very low populations. Many are associated with woody dicots, especially legumes, although leaf-miners are known from ferns and such monocots as sedges (Cyperaceae) and palms (Arecaceae). Pest species in Peru: Very few tropical species appear to be important agriculturally. Leaf-mining species (Leiopleura spp.) are associated with cassava or yuca (Manihot esculenta). The invasive Aphanisticus cochinchinae seminulum likely occurs on sugar cane, but neither appears to have much effect on the plants. Chrysobothris species have been reported as pests in plantations of woody plants.
TL;DR: These poorly-studied beetles are almost certainly very diverse in Peru, and found ptiliid adults accounting for 47% of the total adult beetle fauna in the floral phytotelmata of Calathea and Heliconia plants.
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 2 subfamilies, 2 genera, 2 species. Recognition: Members of Ptiliidae may be recognized by their extremely small size (usually in the 0.5–1.5 mm range), the clubbed antennae whose antennomeres each contain a whorl of long apical setae, and the feather-like hind wings (strap-like membrane with fringe of extremely long hairs). The elytra often incompletely cover the abdomen. Habitat: Ptiliidae occur most often in moist, decaying organic matter (rotten wood, mammal nests, dung, tree holes, seaweed piles, leaf litter) or fungi. Some species are adapted for life in ant or termite nests. Notes: Apparently only one species has been recorded from Peru (from Hall, 2003). These poorly-studied beetles are almost certainly very diverse in Peru. In our survey of the arthropod fauna of phytotelmata Zingiberales plants (Jalinsky et al., 2014), we found ptiliid adults accounting for 47% of the total adult beetle fauna in the floral phytotelmata of Calathea and Heliconia plants. Here we report Acrotrichis as an additional genus: PERU: Madre de Dios Dept., CICRA Field Station, ,50 m W on Tr. 1, 12.569211uS, 70.100261uW, 27 m, 9.VI.2011, ex leaf roll, Heliconia stricta, Jalinksy, Radocy, Wertenberger, PER-11-JJ-007 [1, SEMC].
TL;DR: Two new geographical records of Austrostelis iheringi from Atlantic Forest in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil are presented and possible hosts of this parasitic bee species are suggested.
Abstract: Two new geographical records of Austrostelis iheringi from Atlantic Forest in the state of Sao Paulo, southeastern Brazil are presented. Possible hosts of this parasitic bee species include Dicranthidium seabrai Urban, Epanthidium tigrinum Schrottky, and Saranthidium musciforme Schrottky.
TL;DR: The beetles of this family are generally elongate and narrow body, a disproportionately large and loosely attached prothorax that rapidly articulates with the mesothorax to “snap” the body for predator escape and self-righting.
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 8 subfamilies, 43 genera, 164 species. Recognition: The beetles of this family are immediately recognized by their generally elongate and narrow body, a disproportionately large and loosely attached prothorax that rapidly articulates with the mesothorax to “snap” the body for predator escape and self-righting; serrate to pectinate antennae; large prosternum; large subtriangular hypomeron; large subquadrate metaventrite; and slender legs with long pentamerous tarsus, usually with ventral setal brushes or membranous pads. Habitat: Elaterids are found primarily in forests, savannas, thorn-forests, and scrublands, with different taxa between wet and dry vegetation types. Some are specialized by larval adaptions to arboreal and terrestrial bromeliads, epiphyte mats on large tree limbs, sandy riparian soils, grassland soils, or various stages of internal decay of dead and dying trees. Adult activity is short-lived and mostly crepuscular and nocturnal, especially in warm to hot environments. Mid and upper elevation species are often diurnal. They feed at high-carbohydrate sources such as plant wounds and weeps, floral and extra-floral nectaries, decaying fruits, plant glandular exudates, but also predate on small plant-feeding arthropods. Larvae are mostly predators under loose bark, within decaying wood, among roots and rhizomes of epiphytes, leaf axils of bromeliads, and in soil. Some species are rhizophages in soil. Notes: The checklist of Elateridae is based on Gemminger and Harold (1869),
TL;DR: The first findings of the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, are reported in Kansas from August through November 2013.
Abstract: We report the first findings of the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura in Kansas (KS) at two locations near Topeka, KS and an additional location near Wichita, KS from August through November 2013. The spotted wing drosophila is an invasive fruit fly that was first detected in California in 2008 (Bolda et al., 2010; Hauser, 2011), and has since spread throughout most of North America (Walsh et al., 2010). The fruit acreage in Kansas is approximately 5000 acres (Morrison, 2008) and increasing so this invasive fruit fly has the potential to cause substantial economic losses to Kansas apple and peach fruit growers. Spotted wing drosophila poses a threat to fruit production because females lay eggs with their serrated ovipositor into healthy, ripening fruit instead of damaged or overripened fruit (Sasaki and Sato, 1995; Mitsui et al., 2006; Dreves et al., 2009). Below are the sampling procedures implemented and results associated with detecting spotted wing drosophila in Kansas.
TL;DR: Overall, nitidulid beetles exhibit a diverse set of life history strategies, including: fungivory, saprophagy, phytophagy, pollination activities, facultative predation, necrophagy, frugivary, and inquilinism with social insects.
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 4 subfamilies, 22 genera, 63 species. Recognition: This family may be recognized by the following combination of adult characters: maxilla lacking galea; antennae typically 11-segmented, with terminal three antennomeres forming a club; antennal insertions moderately to broadly separated; subocular antennal grooves on ventral surface of head present; procoxae transverse with exposed trochantins; prosternum transverse with intercoxal process extending between procoxal cavities, procoxae always separated; mesoventral procoxal rests present; typically five visible abdominal ventrites present; metendosternite stalk present; metasternum with discrimen present; and tarsal formula 5-5-5. Habitat: Several recent comprehensive reviews of Nitidulidae biology are available (Jelinek et al., 2010; Cline, 2005; Audisio et al., 2000; Audisio, 1993). Overall, nitidulid beetles exhibit a diverse set of life history strategies, including: fungivory, saprophagy, phytophagy, pollination activities, facultative predation, necrophagy, frugivory, and inquilinism with social insects. Nitidulids may be collected using a variety of directed (sweeping and beating vegetation/inflorescences, sifting leaf litter, searching under bark and various fungal substrates, as well as in nests of social Hymenoptera) and passive techniques (flight intercept traps, pitfall traps, malaise traps, and mercury vapor or black lights at night). Large numbers of nitidulids can typically be found in palm inflorescences (e.g., Mytrops and related genera); baited fruit or molasses traps (Carpophilus, Colopterus, Brachypeplus, Amphicrossus, Lobiopa, and Cryptarcha), and sifting leaf litter (Stelidota). Notes: Nitidulidae have long been confused with numerous other families of Cucujoidea. In particular, members of Cybocephalidae, Kateretidae, Monotomidae, Cryptophagidae, Biphyllidae, Smicripidae, and Erotylidae have been attributed to Nitidulidae. Recent and upcoming work on the New World Kateretidae (Cline and Audisio, 2010, and unpubl. data) will help improve the diagnostic capabilities for Nitidulidae. A recent treatment of Nitidulidae higher level phylogenetics formally elevated Cybocephalidae to family status and provided an extensive list of adult and larval characters to differentiate this group from Nitidulidae (Cline et al., 2014). Invasive species such as Urophorus humeralis (F.), Epuraea luteola Erichson, and Carpophilus hemipterus (L.) likely occur in the country as they have been transported around the world in various agricultural commodities, in conjunction with several other alien species more or less recently introduced into Peru (Carrasco, 1986; Leschen and Marris, 2005; EPPO, 2010). However, there are no existing records for
TL;DR: Elminae adults and the larvae of both subfamilies depend on dissolved oxygen which diffuses into either the plastron or the gills, which means that elmids are associated with cool, well oxygenated, quickly flowing waters.
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 2 subfamilies, 17 genera, 51 species. Recognition: These are commonly called riffle beetles because the larvae and adults frequent running water habitats, aided by unusual respiratory structures. Adults have a plastron and larvae have brancheal gills that open externally from under a terminal operculum. Both adults and larvae have well developed tarsal claws. Habitat: Elmids are associated with cool, well oxygenated, quickly flowing waters. Both adults and larvae scrape algae off rocks for food; only a few genera consume decaying wood in streams. Laraine adults are found in white-water areas where their morphology catches submerged air bubbles for respiration. Elminae adults and the larvae of both subfamilies depend on dissolved oxygen which diffuses into either the plastron or the gills. Some adults and larvae are found in leaf-packs caught on emergent objects in steams. Most elmids are found within the gravel and rocks that make up the stream substrate. A heterogenous substrate supports a greater diversity of species. Notes: Blackwelder (1944–1957) reported 12 species from Peru. More recent citations include: Spangler (1966), Spangler and Santiago (1987), Spangler and Perkins (1989), Dos Passos et al. (2010), and Segura et al. (2013). The checklist below is derived from W. Shepard (personal communication). * 5 endemic to Peru.
TL;DR: Cassidine larvae are poorly documented, requiring close examination of leaves for blotch and linear mines, and it is most efficient to collect cassidines by targeted beating with sheet on such plants.
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 18 tribes, 49 genera, 620 species. Recognition: Cassidinae is a distinct branch within Chrysomelidae, with 36 tribes and ,6000 species recognized worldwide. Cassidines were formerly recognized as two subfamilies, which is still reflected in the two online catalogs on classical leafmining leaf beetles (Hispinae; Staines, 2012) and tortoise beetles (Cassidinae; Borowiec and Świetojanska, 2014). These catalogs overlap in their coverage of Imatidiini and Spilophorini, reflecting the lack of clarity about monophyly and relationships at the tribal level within Cassidinae. The subfamily Cassidinae encompasses a wide diversity of morphology and behavior (Chaboo, 2007). However, all cassidines share fundamental diagnostic traits—the head is opisthognathous with the vertex projecting forward and the mouth directed ventrad; the tarsomeres are not pseudotetramerous (as in other leaf beetles) but the 4th tarsus has become lost so the tarsal formula is 4-4-4; and the abdomen has ventrites 1–2 connate with the suture indicated as a groove. Across Cassidinae, the adults of basal taxa are elongate and linear and have the head exposed (the hispine forms) while adults of the derived taxa (tortoise beetles) are more rounded and have the pronotal and elytral margins expanded, with the pronotal margin usually covering the head in dorsal view, leaving only the antennae exposed. The eggs, larvae and pupae also show diverse biology and morphology within the subfamily; all stages occur on the same host plants as adults. Leaf-mining larvae are poorly documented, requiring close examination of leaves for blotch and linear mines. Habitat: Cassidines are herbivorous, and spend the entire life cycle on their host plants. Host records are documented for the majority of genera, indicating that species can be highly restricted to one or a few genera and certain families. A few species show more labile host choices. Given the tendency to specialize on certain families, it is most efficient to collect cassidines by targeted beating with sheet on such plants. General beating will help to discover new host plant records. Certain tribes are fairly restricted to Zingiberales (Arescini and Cephaloleiini; Staines, 2004, 2012; Jalinsky et al., 2014), palms (e.g., Hemisphaerotini; Mariau, 2004; Alurnini Staines, 2012), Bignoniaceae (e.g., Dorynotini), and bamboo or bambusiform grasses (e.g., see Staines, 2012). Tortoise beetles tend to be sun-lovers and are generally found in more open, disturbed habitats (e.g., road-cut vegetation, trails, tree-fall gaps); it is unclear if they occur in the canopy of intact forests. Cassidine juveniles may be solitary or gregarious, cryptic or exposed, and may be guarded by mothers in highly
TL;DR: Bruchines are popularly known as seed weevils or seed beetles because the larvae enter seeds, where they consume the insides and then form a pupation chamber, and Kingsolver (2004) provides further characters for definition of the group.
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 3 tribes, 17 genera, 55 species (8 new records). Recognition: Bruchines are popularly known as seed weevils or seed beetles because the larvae enter seeds, where they consume the insides and then form a pupation chamber. While not true weevils (e.g., superfamily Curculionoideae), their name is derived from the habit of feeding within seeds as larvae and the tapering of the head toward the mandibles that loosely resembles a rostrum. This latter feature allows emerged adults to complete excision of an exit hole from host seeds. Adults have a compact body with small head, eyes usually emarginate, usually enlarged metafemora, and an exposed pygidium. Instar 1 larvae have a transverse toothed dorsal prothoracic plate that is unique among beetles. Larvae are thick, curved, and soft-bodied; some larvae have legs or are apodous. While the presence of a pygidium, emarginate eyes, and enlarged metafemora are generally sufficient to distinguish adults of the subfamily, Kingsolver (2004) provides further characters for definition of the group. Habitat: Since females lay eggs on fruits or seeds, and successful development to adult from egg depends on successful consumption of seeds, the best method for collecting bruchines is by rearing them from seeds. However, significant insights into the biology of Peruvian Bruchinae may be found through non-conventional examination of host plants as at least one undescribed South American species is reported to make bud galls in flowering twigs (Bridwell, 1952), and a second (Merobruchus bicoloripes (Pic, 1927)) regularly lays its eggs on leaflets or petioles and first instar larvae crawl to pods before burrowing (Teran and Muruaga de L’Argentier, 1981). Specimens are often collected using other more traditional methods, including sweep-netting, light traps, flight intercept traps, or litter funnels, but in much lower numbers, much less predictably, and of course without the associated ecological information. Numerous published host records from Peru involve this family (Bridwell, 1942; Kingsolver, 1968a, 1991; Johnson, 1990), and many specimen records involve species that are known to associate exclusively with this family (Johnson, 1968; Johnson et al., 1989; Kingsolver, 1968b, 1972; Kingsolver and Whitehead, 1974; Pierce, 1915). Other prominent associations in Peru involve the Convolvulaceae (Megacerus Fahraeus en Schoenherr, 1839; Teran and Kingsolver, 1992), and Arecaceae (Pachymerini; Nilsson and Johnson, 1993; Delobel et al., 1995). In addition, while no rearings from Malvaceae have been reported from Peru, at least one species known to associate exclusively with this family (e.g. Amblycerus simulator (Jacquelin-Duval,
TL;DR: The “cucujid” group of lower cucujoid families was for a long time considered to be one large family, composed of the four following families, plus several tenebrionoid genera that share the dorsoventrally flattened body form.
Abstract: Recognition: The “cucujid” group of lower cucujoid families was for a long time considered to be one large family, composed of the four following families, plus several tenebrionoid genera (e.g., Hemipeplus of the Mycteridae and Inopeplus of the Salpingidae) that share the dorsoventrally flattened body form. By the mid-20th Century the composite nature of the family was beginning to be widely recognized and by the end of the century the dismantling of it had been completed, although the position of the Old World family Propalticidae is still under discussion. Most members of these four families share a dorsoventrally compressed body form, feed on fungi, and are associated with a substrate of dead plant material (bark, wood, dead leaves, leaf litter). One family, Passandridae, has secondarily evolved to be larval ectoparasitoids of other wood-inhabiting insects, and several genera of that family and of the Laemophloeidae have evolved a subcylindrical body form and are found in the galleries of wood-boring Coleoptera (Thomas, 1993).
TL;DR: The Lycidae are soft-bodied as they have thin, weakly sclerotized cuticle and their aposematic colors, tendency to aggregate, and spontaneous bleeding are attributed to their chemical defenses; some may be involved in mimicry complexes.
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 1 subfamily, 6 tribes, 23 genera, and 126 species. Recognition: Lycidae, or net-winged beetles, have adults mostly about 4–28 mm long and often brightly colored (Bocak and Bocakova, 2008). Their aposematic colors, tendency to aggregate, and spontaneous bleeding are attributed to their chemical defenses; some may be involved in mimicry complexes. The six tribes of Peruvian lycids have mostly yellow and dark brown coloration. One of the most frequent of the various color patterns is the cross pattern (elongate dark brown cross on yellow to red background), or yellow coloration forming transverse or longitudinal stripes. The Lycidae are soft-bodied as they have thin, weakly sclerotized cuticle. The adult body is dorsoventrally flattened and head sometimes elongate forming a rostrum in floricolous taxa. The pronotum often bears costae forming areolae and the flexible elytra are reinforced by longitudinal costae and distinct reticulate cells— thus, their common name as net-winged beetles. Among related soft-bodied elateroid beetles, the Lycidae can be distinguished by elongate trochanters with femoral articulation distally, while the trochanters of Lampyridae and Cantharidae are small with femoral articulation oblique. Other morphological features (Bocak and Bocakova, 1990; Bocakova, 2003) of lycid adults are: head prognathous to hypognathous, partly covered by pronotum, antennae 11-segmented, filiform to flabellate, mandibles arcuate, pronotum oblong to trapezoidal, scutellum rectangular, slightly emarginate distally. The elytra are mostly parallel, sometimes widened posteriorly (Calopteron), each elytron with 3–9 longitudinal costae, legs compressed, trochanters elongate to triangular, tarsal segments 3–4 lobed, abdomen with 7 (males) and 8 (females) visible sterna, male genitalia mostly trilobate, parameres shortened (as long as K–2/3 of phallus in Calopterini, Neolycus), or absent (Plateros), female genitalia with coxites mostly separate, paraproctal baculi mostly rod-like, sometimes widened and fused basally, styli setose. Lycid larvae are flattened, with the middle part of abdomen sometimes widened (Lycini). Their body is weakly sclerotized, similar to the adults; the head is prognathous, partly retracted into pronotum, and sometimes elongate (Lycini). Stemmata are absent or reduced to one stemma on each side of the head. The antenna is 2-segmented (while 3-segmented in larvae of Lampyridae), mandibles falciform, entire mandible cleft longitudinally; sometimes with paired urogomphi (Bocak and Matsuda, 2003).
TL;DR: The sticky traps placed in homes and in combination with one insecticide treatment, spider trap numbers decreased over a 4 wk period, and results indicate that Insecticide 2 had better overall residual efficacy than Insecticide 1.
Abstract: There is a need for safe and consistent management of the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch & Mulaik, a toxic spider found in homes throughout Kansas and the south and central United States. This study examined the efficacy of two general-use insecticides with brown recluse on their labels, .05% bifenthrin with 0.0125% zeta-cypermethrin (Insecticide 1), and 0.03% lambda-cyhalothrin (Insecticide 2) against the brown recluse spider at three times post-treatment, 1, 24, and 96 hr, and on two substrates, carpet and tile. This study also evaluated the efficacy of these insecticides on spiders exposed for three lengths of time, 0.5, 1, and 30 min on each substrate. Results indicate that Insecticide 2 had better overall residual efficacy than Insecticide 1. In addition, in one experiment efficacy was better when the spiders were exposed on tile surfaces. Residual efficacy for Insecticide 2 was greater one and 24 hr after application but decreased at 96 hr. The efficacy of Insecticide 1 wa...
TL;DR: The density of all species was more prominent in the organic management system than in the conventional one, and the farm yard manure had more positive effect on the density of different species than inorganic fertilizers.
Abstract: The density of staphylinid species is affected by crop type and production system. A study was made to compare the effect of conventional system with organic agricultural system on rove beetle fauna regarding the crop type. The study was conducted for a period of two years at eight different localities of Punjab province of Pakistan and five different collection methods i.e., pitfall trap, light trap, flight intercept trap, Berlese funnel trap and sweep net were used for collecting the rove beetles. The population (abundance) and diversity of rove beetles were taken as dependent variables in separate generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). In the GLMM, time (yr) was found non-significant random effect but locality as random effect was significant. In GLMM, with locality as random effect, the fixed effects crop type and soil moisture showed significant effect with population (abundance) as response and fixed effect system was also significant in the model with diversity as response variable. Gener...
TL;DR: The Nosodendridae is a small compact beetles family that occurs worldwide, but with some genera restricted to particular zoogeografical regions (Zahradnı́k and Háva, 2014).
Abstract: Diversity in Peru: 1 genus, 3 species. Recognition: The small compact beetles have a prominent head with the antennae lying in ventral cavities. The prolegs are flattened (Ivie, 2002). Nosodendridae includes only 3 genera and 76 species world wide. Older classifications placed the families in the superfamily Byrrhoidea. Recently, Nosodendridae has been placed in the superfamily Derodontoidea (Bouchard et al., 2011; Zahradnı́k and Háva, 2014). A worldwide list of species is available (Háva, 2014). Habitat: The family occurs worldwide, but with some genera restricted to particular zoogeografical regions (Zahradnı́k and Háva, 2014). All species are terrestrial saprophagous beetles. Four fossil species from one genus are currently known from the Nearctic Region (Háva 2014). Notes: The following list is derived from Háva (2014). Blackwelder (1944–1957) did not record the family from Peru.