Showing papers in "Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society in 2017"
TL;DR: It can be concluded that heavy metal pollution was most intense in zones closest to the cement-industry area, and honey bees and their products can be used as an indicator of environmental pollution.
Abstract: The present study was conducted in a cement production area in Al-Ahsa Province, in eastern Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to investigate the intensity of heavy metal contents at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 km from the cement factory by determining, quantifying and measuring certain heavy metal contents in honey, bee collected-pollen and forager bee samples from the hybrid Carniolan honey bee, Apis mellifera carnica Pollmann colonies. Values of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) in honey, bee pollen and forager bees were variable and significantly dependent on the distance from the cement factory. The largest values of tested heavy metals were obtained from samples collected from the 1st location (3 km), except for Cu in honey, and Cu and Ni in forager bees collected from the 2nd location (6 km). In addition, these values were variable and significantly dependent on the type of product. The largest values of Mn, Zn and Cu were obtained from forager bees, while the maximum values of Fe and Ni were found in bee-pollen. On the other hand, harmful elements including lead (Pb), cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) were not detected in any of the samples. From results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that heavy metal pollution was most intense in zones closest to the cement-industry area. Finally, honey bees and their products can be used as an indicator of environmental pollution.
17 citations
TL;DR: A three-year survey of bees in the city of St. Louis, MO identified a total of 198 species of bees from five different families, likely making it one of most species-rich cities relative to its state's total bee fauna in the country.
Abstract: Concern over the declines of pollinator populations during the last decade has resulted in calls from governments and international agencies to better monitor these organisms. Recent studies of bee diversity in urban environments suggest that cities may contain significant amounts of bee species, even greater than surrounding agricultural areas, and in some occasions comparable to natural habitats. We conducted a three-year survey of bees in the city of St. Louis, MO. Like many other post-industrial cities in the United States, St. Louis is considered a shrinking city, with many vacant lots and unoccupied structures, mostly in the urban core. We sampled a broad range of habitats throughout the growing seasons of 2013 to 2016, e.g., vacant lots, city parks, community gardens, and urban farms, using aerial netting. This resulted in over 7,700 specimens. Data from other surveys, e.g., BioBlitz, and personal collections was also utilized in developing the species list. These data were supplemented with inspections of entomological collections from institutions in the state and the scientific literature. We identified a total of 198 species of bees from five different families that occur in the city. Only nine of the bee species present in the city are non-natives. The city of St. Louis currently hosts nearly 45% of the bee diversity of the state, likely making it one of most species-rich cities relative to its state's total bee fauna in the country. This represents a great natural resource that must be better understood, and has potential conservation implications.
11 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that lynx spiders are unlikely to exert substantial early season control on pests, so spiders acting in concert with other generalist predators could be capable of suppressing pest populations.
Abstract: Conservation biological control manipulates habitat characteristics to enhance natural enemy populations and ultimately reduce pest density These practices can be most effective early in the growing season when pest populations are low Early season predator impacts on these pests can include both direct consumption of herbivores and non-consumptive effects such as superfluous killing, both of which provide pest suppression We combined laboratory feeding trials, and a field cage experiment with molecular gut-content analysis to explore the effects of striped lynx spiders (Oxyopes salticus Hentz) on brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys (Stal)) The laboratory feeding trials revealed that lynx spiders did attack stink bugs but that stink bug DNA had a short DNA detectability half-life within lynx spider guts To simulate field conditions where these two species could interact in both early and late season, we manipulated the density and relative abundance of stink bug nymphs and adults in the presence and absence of lynx spiders There was no effect of treatment on recovery of either adult stink bugs or nymphs Although dead stink bugs were recovered, we found no evidence of consumption through molecular gut-content analysis Contrary to expectations that generalist predators would have the greatest impact on pests early in the growing season, our results suggest that lynx spiders are unlikely to exert substantial early season control Biological control might be most effective when utilizing multiple predator species as part of a complex of natural enemies, so spiders acting in concert with other generalist predators could be capable of suppressing pest populations
8 citations
TL;DR: Electropenetrography was used to study the feeding preference of Brevicoryne brassicae Linnaeus (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Brassica napus L, and concluded that future research should focus on phloem associated behaviors on the four leaf stage of B. napus in order to evaluate cultivars resistant to B. Brassicae.
Abstract: Electropenetrography (EPG) was used to study the feeding preference of Brevicoryne brassicae Linnaeus (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Brassica napus L. We assessed the probing behaviors of B. brassicae on three B. napus cultivars (Qinyou10, Zhongheza88, and Qinyou79) at three developmental stages (two leaf, four leaf, and six leaf stages). The four leaf treatment had a shorter duration of pathway phase and a longer time to first intracellular stylet punctures on Qinyou10 compared to other cultivars, and the longest total ingestion duration on Qinyou10 and the shortest on Qinyou79, indicating a preference for Qinyou10 over Qinyou79. This cultivar preference is also reflected in the field with higher aphid densities on Qinyou10 in the previous investigation. In the two leaf treatment, we found a longer total probing duration and a shorter non-probing duration on Zhongheza488 compared to Qinyou10. In the six leaf treatment, we found a longer duration in time to the first probe, more probes, and longer duration of non-probing on Qinyou10 compared to other cultivars. However, phloem associated behaviors were not significantly influenced by cultivar in the latter two treatments. We conclude that future research should focus on phloem associated behaviors on the four leaf stage of B. napus in order to evaluate cultivars resistant to B. brassicae.abstract in chinese:利用昆虫刺探电位图谱技术 (EPG) 评估甘蓝蚜在油菜植株上的取食偏好性。我们选取三个油菜品种 (秦优10, 中核杂488以及秦优79) 分别在二叶期、四叶期和六叶期对甘蓝蚜的取食行为进行研究。结果显示:四叶期, 相比于其它品种, 蚜虫在秦优10上展示了更短的路径期以及需要更长的时间才出现第一次细胞内口针穿刺, 特别是在三个品种中, 蚜虫在秦优10上的取食期最长, 在秦优79上的取食期最短, 说明相比于秦优79, 甘蓝蚜更喜欢在秦优10上取食。蚜虫在秦优10上显示的偏好性也正好匹配我们以前的田间调查的结果, 即秦优10上的蚜虫密度更高。在二叶期, 我们发现在中核杂488上蚜虫比在秦优10上探测的时间更长, 非探测的时间更短。在六叶期, 相比于其它品种, 蚜虫在秦优10上需要更长的时间才开始刺探并且产生大量的非刺探间隔, 和较长的非刺探时间。然而, 在二叶期和六叶期, 与韧皮部相关的行为在三个品种间没有显示出统计上的差异。所以, 我们认为将来的研究应该聚焦于蚜虫在四叶期油菜上的韧皮部相关行为来评估品种对蚜虫的抗性。
8 citations
TL;DR: Adult female Z. variegatus is thus more nutritious than the male, and contributes to the increase in entomophargy.
Abstract: The medicinal and nutritional value of insects has contributed to the increase in entomophargy. This study examines the gender differences in the nutritive value of adult variegated grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus. The proximate (crude protein, fibre ash, fat and carbohydrate), mineral (Na , Ca2 , Mg2 and Fe2 ), vitamin (A, B1, B2 and C), anti-nutrients (flavonoids, tannin, saponin, alkaloid and antraguinone) assays and heavy metals compositions (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Ni) of newly emerged male and female adult Z. variegatus were analyzed by standard methods. Adult female Z. variegatus had significantly higher (P < 0.05) crude protein, ash, fibre and carbohydrate than the male. Similar trend was observed for mineral composition and vitamins assay of the adult insect. Anti-nutrients and heavy metal composition of the adult Z. variegatus varied from 0.210–8.82% and 0.113–1.264mg/100g, respectively with the female recording higher values. Adult female Z. variegatus is thus more nutritious than the male.
8 citations
TL;DR: It is presented the first quantitative evidence confirming that a site with a 4-yr acceleration does not necessarily experience comparable emergence in the following year, and the first density estimate for a 3-yr early emergence of 17-yr cicadas (1.28/m2, within the range of published estimates for on-schedule emergences).
Abstract: Periodical cicadas, known for strict life-cycle lengths of 13 or 17 yr, actually exhibit developmental plasticity in cycle length. This variation tends to occur in 1- and 4-yr increments for both life-cycle types, with the largest events involving 4-yr accelerations of the 17-yr species. The pattern has stimulated hypotheses to explain brood formation and life-cycle evolution, but most of the evidence is anecdotal. We present the first quantitative evidence confirming that a site with a 4-yr acceleration does not necessarily experience comparable emergence in the following year, and we provide the first density estimate for a 4-yr early emergence of 17-yr cicadas (1.28/m2, within the range of published estimates for on-schedule emergences). We also document a 4-yr early 13-yr emergence—cicadas apparently emerging in 9 yr. Multimodal life-cycle patterns spanning −4 to +4 yr are evident in both 13- and 17-yr cicadas.
7 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that both neonicotinoid insecticides, imidacloprid and thiacloprid, can affect the survival and reproduction of F. candida at concentrations below their respective NOECs in the soil.
Abstract: The ecotoxicity of the neonicotinoid insecticides imidacloprid and thiacloprid to the soil-dwelling arthropod Folsomia candida was assessed under laboratory conditions The tests were focused on the survival and reproduction of F candida in OECD artificial soil (5% organic matter) after 28 days of treatment in the soil Imidacloprid was found to be more toxic than thiacloprid Median lethal doses (LC50s) for effects on survival were 084 and 35 mgkg−1 dry soil for imidacloprid and thiacloprid, respectively, while half maximal effective concentration (EC50s) for effects on the reproduction were 082 and 055 mgkg−1 dry soil, respectively No observed effective concentration (NOEC) for effects on reproduction was <001 and <031 mgkg−1 dry soil for imidacloprid and thiacloprid, respectively Both neonicotinoids showed an adverse effect on F candida, with severe effects on their survival (for imidacloprid), and reproduction (for thiacloprid), which can lead to population collapse with time This study shows that both, imidacloprid and thiacloprid, can affect the survival and reproduction of F candida at concentrations below their respective NOECs in the soil Further studies under more realistic conditions are needed
7 citations
TL;DR: Results from this study indicated that essential oil from P. nigrum could be effective to manage nymph and adult stages of German cockroaches.
Abstract: Cockroaches are a common and important pest that inhabits various public places such as warehouses, restaurants, etc. Essential oil from Piper nigrum was evaluated for its repellent activity against nymphs (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th instars) and adult German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.), under laboratory practical conditions. Laboratory trials were conducted using preference tests with the absence of food and the presence of food, and choice tests (control and treatment) in restaurants. The essential oil repelled both nymph and adult stages. The maximum repellencies recorded were 73.33±4.28% and 63.33±3.65% at 1 h for adults before and after food and 53.33±2.89% and 45.00±3.70% at 1 h for nymphs before and after food, respectively, in the laboratory. Whereas repellency percentages from P. nigrum were 65.19±6.90% and 55.00±8.56% at 6 h and 12 h, respectively, in kitchen experiments. Results from this study indicated that essential oil from P. nigrum could be effective to manage nymph and adult stages of German cockroaches.
7 citations
TL;DR: The population of sharpshooters in the orchard is directly influenced by abiotic and biotic factors, decreasing drastically during hotter and drier months, during extreme meteorological fluctuation and on periods of increased human activity.
Abstract: Plum cultivation in Brazil is of great economic importance, especially in the state of Rio Grande do Sul; however, orchards of this fruit have suffered great losses in productivity due to the Plum Leaf Scald disease caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al, 1987, transmitted by sharpshooter vectors (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) The aim of this study was to understand the population fluctuation and faunistic analysis of Cicadellinae Sampling was conducted in two areas of Prunus salicina Lindl, New Orchard and Old Orchard, from May 2011 to May 2013 Sharpshooters were collected using 40 yellow sticky traps in 20 collecting points At each point, two traps were installed (high and low) Twenty-one species were identified, including eight potencial vector species (*): Cicadellini - Bucephalogonia xanthophis*, Caragonalia carminata, Diedrocephala bimaculata, Dilobopterus dispar, Erythrogonia dorsalis, Erythrogonia separata, Hortensia similis*, Macugonalia cavifrons*, Macugonalia geographica, Pawiloma victima, Sibovia sagata* and Sonesimia grossa*; Proconiini - Aulacizes obsoleta, Homalodisca ignorata*, Molomea confluens, Molomea consolida*, Molomea lineiceps, Molomea personata, Oncometopia facialis*, Oncometopia fusca and Tapajosa rubromarginata Cicadellini was mainly captured in low traps (222 captures) and Proconiini in high traps (59 captures) Seven taxa were classified as dominant and frequent: B xanthophis, D dispar, E dorsalis, M cavifrons, S sagata, O facialis and O fusca The population fluctuation peak for 2011 was May (62 specimens); for 2012, June (42); and for 2013, April (13) The population of sharpshooters in the orchard is directly influenced by abiotic and biotic factors, decreasing drastically during hotter and drier months, during extreme meteorological fluctuation and on periods of increased human activity The difference in trap height is important since each tribe displays different feeding behaviors in relation to the strata, thereby providing a broad sampling of species to better understand the role of vectors in transmitting the bacteria
5 citations
TL;DR: This investigation contributes to the range extensions of several rare and endemic species of the Balkan Peninsula and Europe, such as: Rhyacophila fischeri Botosaneanu, 1957, RhyAcophila palmeni McLachlan, 1879, and Notidobia melanoptera Stein, 1863, amongst others.
Abstract: Until recently only few caddisfly records have been reported from Sharr, a mountainous area recognized as one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the Balkan Peninsula. In this paper we report 27 species collected from May to November 2013 at seven sampling stations in a territory which is a recent addition to the existing Sharr National Park, and adjacent to it. Three species are first records for the caddisflies of the Republic of Kosovo: Limnephilus hirsutus (Pictet, 1834)¸ Potamophylax latipennis (Curtis, 1834) and Oecismus mucidus McLachlan, 1876. This investigation also contributes to the range extensions of several rare and endemic species of the Balkan Peninsula and Europe, such as: Rhyacophila fischeri Botosaneanu, 1957, Rhyacophila palmeni McLachlan, 1879, Allogamus auricollis braueri Kolenati, 1859, Annitella triloba Marinkovic Gospodnetic, 1957, Chaetopteryx stankovici Marinkovic Gospodnetic, 1966 and Notidobia melanoptera Stein, 1863, amongst others.
5 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that Pa. guttata mangala is an independent species and Baoris and Pelopidas are sister groups with strong support, whereas the relationships among Borbo, Pseudoborbo and Caltoris remain uncertain.
Abstract: The phylogenetic relationships of 16 species in 7 genera of butterflies belonging to the tribe Baorini in China were explored based on the partial sequences of three mitochondrial genes (Cytb, ND1 and 16S rDNA). Molecular phylogenetic trees were constructed using Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) analyses. The monophyly of Baorini was confirmed with strong support. In addition, phylogenetic analyses suggest that Parnara, Baoris, Pelopidas and Caltoris are monophyletic. Baoris and Pelopidas are sister groups with strong support, whereas the relationships among Borbo, Pseudoborbo and Caltoris remain uncertain. A great differentiation was found between two subspecies of Parnara guttata, i.e., Pa. guttata guttata and Pa. guttata mangala in our molecular analysis results. Combined with their morphological differences, this leads us to suggest Pa. guttata mangala is an independent species.
TL;DR: Based upon known richness and relative abundance of the Andrena assemblage associated with the crop, the most likely species of tumuli occupants was deduced and tumuli densities were not a predictor of AndrenA flower visitor abundance.
Abstract: Andrena are one of the most important wild bee pollinators in lowbush blueberry, and crop management decisions may impact their density in the crop field. Prune method (burning versus mowing) and crop cycle may influence Andrena abundance and nesting decisions, and influence pollination services to this pollinator dependent crop. We measured spring soil temperatures and counted mining bee tumuli in lowbush blueberry fields over two years. In the second year, we measured the influence of lowbush blueberry stem density on soil temperature. We recorded Andrena visitation to nearby crop fields to see if tumuli density corresponded with Andrena visitation rates. Burned fields supported higher densities of tumuli, especially in 2015. Fields managed on a split cycle supported higher densities of tumuli than non-split fields. Soil surface temperatures were higher in burned fields in 2015, but not in 2016. Stem density exerted a greater effect on temperature than pruning method in 2016, and may moderate subsoil temperature. Tumuli densities were not a predictor of Andrena flower visitor abundance. Based upon known richness and relative abundance of the Andrena assemblage associated with the crop, we deduced the most likely species of tumuli occupants. The implications of these findings are discussed.
TL;DR: It is suggested that cotton fields attract both pollinator and predatory flower-visiting insects regardless of management, however more work is needed to better understand the effects of field size and surrounding natural areas.
Abstract: Global declines in wild and managed pollinator species have increased the need to evaluate the current status of these populations and understand their needs for sustainability. Farming systems can be a useful place to examine the presence and activity of flower-visiting insects, because the blooming period of the crop provides a predictable floral resource which serves as an attractant to some species. The density and species richness of cotton flower-visiting insects were measured in five conservation and five conventional cotton fields in Mwachisompola, Zambia. Between the two farm types, density and species richness were not significantly different; however, only 33% of the total observed species were found within both farm systems. We found a significant negative relationship between species richness and field size regardless of farm type. Our results suggest that cotton fields attract both pollinator and predatory flower-visiting insects regardless of management, however more work is needed to better understand the effects of field size and surrounding natural areas.
TL;DR: The morphology and ultrastructure of sensilla on the antennae of mature male and female Japanese sawyer beetles, Monochamus alternatus Hope, were examined and the possible roles of the sensilla types in the host-locating behavior of M. alternatus are discussed.
Abstract: Sensilla are sense organs in insects, generally comprising of a group of cuticle or epi-dermal cells that appear as hairs or rod-shaped structures. Sensilla serve as the functional elements of sensory systems. The morphology and ultrastructure of sensilla on the antennae of mature male and female Japanese sawyer beetles, Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Five types of sensilla (sensilla basiconica, sensilla trichodea, sensilla digit-like, sensilla rod-like, and sensilla bottle-like) were observed on antennae of males, and four types of sensilla (sensilla basiconica, sensilla trichodea, sensilla bottle-like, and sensilla chaetica) were observed on antennae of females. Sensilla basiconica and sensilla trichodea were found to be abundant on the front elevation of the antennae. TEM micrographs of sensilla basiconica on the antennae of M. alternatus clearly showed that they had no pits in the cuticular region. Micrographs of longitudinal sections of sensilla trichodea showed them to be flat-tipped and smooth-surfaced pegs with pointed tips that are suggestive of a gustatory function. TEM micrographs of sensilla chaetica longitudinal sections showed dendrite branches and no cuticular pore; these sensilla may be involved in the perception of humidity, temperature, heat, and CO2. These results are discussed in relation to the possible roles of the sensilla types in the host-locating behavior of M. alternatus.
TL;DR: The findings suggest the importance of preventing fruit damage before harvest and add to a growing understanding of how wild and specialty crops, such as aronia, may affect population dynamics of this invasive fly.
Abstract: Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest of cultivated fruit crops in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. However, more information is needed to understand the extent of D. suzukii utilization of wild fruit and specialty crops as suitable hosts, such as aronia (Aronia melanocarpa), for which risk assessment has not yet been established. Both laboratory bioassays and field monitoring were conducted to assess the susceptibly of aronia to D. suzukii. No-choice bioassays were conducted on damaged, destemmed, and undamaged aronia fruit. Field infestation was assessed using yeast-sugar traps for adults and fruit samples for larvae during the 2015 growing season at three farms in south-central Wisconsin. In bioassays, D. suzukii successfully completed its life cycle in damaged and destemmed aronia, while undamaged aronia did not support larval or adult development. Adult flies which emerged from damaged aronia took longer to develop and weighed less compared to adults emerging from raspberry. In the field, adults were abundant throughout the growing season (late June–late September) and larvae were detected in low numbers in ripe fruit samples collected from late August through late September. After harvest, fruit sampled from the processing and packing line revealed low numbers of drosophila larvae. Overall, these findings suggest that damaged or destemmed aronia is susceptible to D. suzukii infestation, while intact fruit is resistant to D. suzukii. In addition, the bioassays suggest that aronia may serve as a suboptimal host compared to raspberry. These findings suggest the importance of preventing fruit damage before harvest and add to a growing understanding of how wild and specialty crops, such as aronia, may affect population dynamics of this invasive fly.
TL;DR: It is proposed that (E)-2-hexenal is attractive to TSSM, whereas (Z)-3- Hexenyl acetate and (Z-3- hexenyl propionate could be repellents, which are attractive to WFT-infested plants.
Abstract: We tested the selectivity of the adult female two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae, for kidney beans subjected to various treatments, which were infested by 2nd instar larvae of western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis, at different densities (5, 10, or 15 WFT/plant) and time (2, 4, or 6 days). The volatiles released from beans subjected to various treatments were evaluated by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry. We found that TSSM was more likely to select bean plants infested for 2 days when the density was 5 WFT/plant. TSSM preferred bean plants infested for 4 days when the density was 10 or 15 WFT/plant. Irrespective of the WFT density, TSSM had the lowest preference for healthy beans and beans infested for 6 days. When the WFT infestation duration was the same, the percentage of TSSM was greatest on beans infested with 10 WFT, and there were no significant differences among the other three bean plant treatments. The results indicated that TSSM tended to prefer b...
TL;DR: Two new records of bumble bee species, B. bimaculatus Cresson and B. impatiens, visiting Timothy grass, are provided, and for the first time, the proportion of Timothy grass in the pollen loads of bees observed visiting the inflorescences is identified.
Abstract: Native populations of the genus Bombus Latrielle (Hymenoptera: Apidae) are in flux in the state of Maine, USA. One species, Bombus affinis Cresson, has been listed as an endangered species by the US Fish and Widlife Service (USFWS 2016) and might be extirpated from the state. Another species, Bombus impatiens Cresson, appears to be expanding its range from the south, while Bombus terricola Kirby, seems to be increasing in relative abundance after a temporary crash (Bushmann et al. 2012, Maine Bumble Bee Atlas 2016). There may be several different causes for the shift in Bombus community structure. Globally, a decline in the abundance and diversity of foraging resources is recognized as a major contributor (Goulson et al. 2015). Other hypotheses in North America are related to agricultural intensification and use of pesticides (Grixti et al. 2009), release of a virulent strain of the microsporidian pathogen Nosema bombi Fantham & Porter (Colla et al. 2006), and climate change (Kerr et al. 2015). Phleum pratense Linnaeus (Poaceae), Timothy grass, was introduced into New Hampshire, USA in the early 1700’s as a livestock forage and is now naturalized throughout most of North America (Ogle et al. 2011). Although it is anemophilous (wind-pollinated), it has been included in wildflower pollinator mixes for bees and other pollinators as a grass “filler” to increase the competitiveness of plantings (Pywell et al. 2011). Phleum pratense has been found in pollen loads of Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Apidae; Bogdan 1962), Bombus fervidus Fabricius, B. terricola, Lasiogolussm cressonii Robertson (Hymenoptera: Halictidae; Brittain and Newton 1933) and is even visited occasionally by members of the genera Toxomerus Macquart and Malanostoma Schiner (Diptera: Syrphidae; Morse 1981). Stubbs et al. (1992) identified pollen comprising the pollen loads of Maine museum bee specimens from 1962–1990 and documented their floral visitation label data. They found two bee species (Bombus vagans Smith and Lasioglossum foxii Robertson) whose pollen loads contained pollen grains identified at the genus level: Phleum and one floral visitation record on Phleum for B. terricola. These records are most likely P. pratense since the only other Phleum species occurring in Maine is P. alpinum L., a very rare plant (Haines and Vining 1998). We provide two new records of bumble bee species, B. bimaculatus Cresson and B. impatiens, visiting Timothy grass, and for the first time, identify the proportion of Timothy grass in the pollen loads of bees observed visiting the inflorescences.
TL;DR: The use of a new aromatic bait with a mint base which is inexpensive and was attractive to four Euglossini species is discussed, including Eufriesea dentilabris and E. mussitans Fabricius, which are recorded for the first time in the southern state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Abstract: The genus Eufriesea is usually represented by few species, and in most cases, by low number of individuals in samples collected from the Atlantic Forest biome, Brazil. The present study extends the geographic distribution of Eufriesea dentilabris (Mocsary, 1897) and E. mussitans Fabricius, 1787, which are recorded for the first time in the southern state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Males of E. dentilabris were collected with pollinia of Catasetum flowers (Orchidaceae). We discuss the use of a new aromatic bait with a mint base which is inexpensive and was attractive to four Euglossini species: Eufriesea dentilabris, Eufriesea violacea (Blanchard, 1840), Eulaema cingulata (Fabricius, 1804) and Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841.
TL;DR: Temperature, rainfall, soil organic matter content, altitude and abundance of vegetation seem to be the major drivers structuring beetle assemblages and influencing species abundance and richness.
Abstract: The family Carabidae is an important group of mostly terrestrial predators in the order of Coleoptera. Their diversity and assemblage structure were analyzed using samples obtained from six localities in northern Tunisia using pitfall traps. Species richness and abundance of carabids in different habitat types (forests, parks and cultivated fields), and their relationship with the environment were discussed. A total of 840 carabid beetles belonging to 39 species were collected. An analysis of site similarity based on species richness showed spatial variation. The Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness indexes were calculated. The most abundant taxa were Chlaenius chrysocephalus (Rossi, 1790), Carterus rotundicollis (Rambur, 1842) and Amara aenea (De Geer, 1774). Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination highlighted the faunistic affinities among sites revealing three main groups. Temperature, rainfall, soil organic matter content, altitude and abundance of vegetation seem to be the m...
TL;DR: High variation in percent of eggs infected with nematodes is found during both years of trapping of S. noctilio due to its ability to utilize the invasive woodwasp as a novel host.
Abstract: Discovery of a potentially destructive non-native woodwasp, Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), in pine forests of eastern North America has elicited interest in appropriate management options. A parasitic nematode, Deladenus siricidicola Bedding (Tylenchida: Neotylenchidae), was introduced as a biological control agent in the Southern Hemisphere where it has been successful in some areas and unsuccessful in others. The North American congener (D. proximus Bedding) parasitizes native Sirex woodwasps and has potential as a biological control agent of S. noctilio due to its ability to utilize the invasive woodwasp as a novel host. However, basic biology and ecology of these native nematodes are largely unknown. Sirex nigricornis females were collected from three geographic locations in Arkansas in 2009 and 2010, dissected, and examined for the presence of D. proximus. Nematodes were found within S. nigricornis collected from all locations and years. Parasitism negatively affected woodwasp body size. We found high variation in percent of eggs infected with nematodes during both years of trapping. Research is needed to investigate potential mechanisms behind this variation of parasitism.
TL;DR: The genus Harnischia Kieffer, 1921 is recorded for the first time from Mongolia and Harnishia disseta sp.
Abstract: The genus Harnischia Kieffer, 1921 is recorded for the first time from Mongolia and Harnischia disseta sp. nov. is described and illustrated as male imagines based on specimens collected from Khyargas Nuur. A key to known male species of the genus is presented.
TL;DR: The geographic information for these species is reported and the identity of these species agrees with the original descriptions, in addition to being distributed in Central American countries, where other species of Mexican Chrysomelidae are found, such as some mentioned here.
Abstract: The family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as leaf beetles, is one of the largest families in the order Coleoptera. During the cataloged of leaf beetles of Mexico (Ordóñez-Reséndiz, 2014), I visited national and international collections, like Centro Nacional de Referencia Fitosanitaria, Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimetaria, México (CNRF-DGSV-SENASICA), Museo de Historia Natural de la Ciudad de México (CNIABM), and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge (MCZ), where I found some specimens of eleven species newly recorded from Mexico, whose collection and geographical records have not been reported. Most of those records are from Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ), especially of the Bowditch Collection of Chrysomelidae, most of them are from the Martin Jacoby collection, including much of the material from the Biologia Centrali-Americana, collected in Mexico by A. Sallé, C.T. Höge, H. H. Smith, G. F. Gaumer, A. Forrer, J. Flohr, F. D. Godman, M. Trujillo, Becker, Buchan-Hepburn, and H. F. Wickham (DuCane Godman and Salvin, 1915). The enormous amount of material obtained by that collectors contributed greatly to the knowledge of Mexican Chrysomelidae, due to the remarkable descriptive work of specialists such as Baly, Boheman, Champion, Jacoby, Lacordaire, LeConte, Stål, and Suffrian, most of which was published in the great work Biologia Centrali-Americana (Jacoby, 1880–1892a, b; Baly and Champion 1885–1894). In this paper, I report the geographic information for these species. However, some specimens of ten species from MCZ, reviewed and determined by me during July 2010, lack data of locality and state. The presence of seven species in Mexico may confirmed because the specimens were collected by Becker, Flohr, Höge, and Whickham, who obtained material in several states of Mexican territory. The specimens of Calligrapha tortilis Stål, Urodera quadrisignata Lacordaire and Lexiphanes simplex (Jacoby) do not have name of collector, but the identity of these species agrees with the original descriptions, in addition to being distributed in Central American countries, where other species of Mexican Chrysomelidae are found, such as some mentioned here. Subfamily, tribe and subtribe names used are based on Bouchard et al. (2011). Subfamily Chrysomelinae Tribe Chrysomelini Calligrapha tortilis Stål Calligrapha tortilis Stål, 1859:323 This species is known from Guatemala, and Costa Rica (Jacoby, 1880–1892a). Mexico is a new country record. MEXICO: Mexico, no state record (MCZ, 1). Platyphora spectanda (Stål) Doryphora spectanda Stål, 1858:469 This species is known from Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua (Jacoby, 1880–1892a). Its occurrence in Mexico, new country record, is coherent with the previously known distribution. MEXICO: Chiapas, Palenque, V-22-1965, G. and V. Halffter leg., M. Ordóñez det. 2011 (CNIABM31303, 1); Veracruz, Presidio, M. Ordóñez det. 2011 (CNRF-DGSV-SENASICA, 1). Subfamily Cryptocephalinae Tribe Clytrini Megalostomis flavipennis Jacoby Megalostomis flavipennis Jacoby, 1880: 31 This species is known from Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama (Jacoby, 1880–1892a, b; Agrain, 2013). Mexico is a new country record. MEXICO: Colima, Colima City, Höge leg. (MCZ, 1); Durango, no locality data (MCZ, 1).
TL;DR: The results suggest that the plywood block is the most attractive and long lived methyl eugenol dispenser for capturing B. dorsalis and has potential for monitoring and control activities in India.
Abstract: The attractiveness and longevity of methyl eugenol dispensers to oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) was tested in a peach orchard in Kashmir, India. Methyl eugenol (ME) applied on plywood block captured male flies efficiently up to 10 weeks. Although the mean number of males captured during the 1st week in traps with plywood dispensers was comparatively less than straw-board, cotton wick, acacia, sponge and rubber block dispensers, captures increased during the next 5 weeks and thereafter decreased. However trap captures decreased after the 2nd week for the rest of the dispensers. Our results suggest that the plywood block is the most attractive and long lived methyl eugenol dispenser for capturing B. dorsalis and has potential for monitoring and control activities in India.
TL;DR: Eight new species of the genus Diplectrona occurring in China are described and diagnosed and two new species groups are established based on cephalic setal warts and male genitalia.
Abstract: Eight new species of the genus Diplectrona occurring in China are described and diagnosed. Photos of cephalic setal warts, anterodorsal filament of sternum V, internal sacs within segment V and within VII and VIII are presented and the male genitalia are illustrated. Based on cephalic setal warts and male genitalia, two new species groups are established. The Diplectrona jiaolinga diagnostic species group is diagnosed to include D. jiaolinga n. sp., D. quadrivalvis n. sp., and D. delta n. sp. The Diplectrona coalescens diagnostic species group is diagnosed to include D. coalescens n. sp. and D. guangxiensis n. sp. Three new species, D. wangyipingi n. sp., D. tetraphylla n. sp. and D. tuberculiformis n. sp. cannot be presently placed in any species group (incertae sedis).
TL;DR: The previously unknown male of Ammophila clypeola Li and Yang is described and a key to the Chinese species of AmMophila is provided.
Abstract: Two new species of the genus Ammophila Kirby (Sphecidae: Ammophilinae) from China are described and illustrated: Ammophila globiverticalis Wang and Ma, n sp, from Xinjiang, and Ammophila laminituberalis Wang and Ma, n sp, from Zhejiang The previously unknown male of Ammophila clypeola Li and Yang is described and a key to the Chinese species of Ammophila is provided
TL;DR: This poster presents a probabilistic study of the larva- larva interactions between honey Buzzard larvae and fruit flies and the immune systems of honey bees.
Abstract: U. AMALA,1* T. M. SHIVALINGASWAMY,2 AND VEERESH KUMAR3 1Scientist (Entomology), Division of Insect Ecology, ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR), H A Farm Post, PB No 2491, Bellary Road Bangalore 560024 2Principal Scientist (Entomology), Division of Insect Ecology, ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR), H A Farm Post, PB No 2491, Bellary Road Bangalore 560024 3Scientist (Entomology), ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI), Jhansi, U.P., India
TL;DR: In recent decades, insect pathogenic fungi have been widely used as alternatives to chemical pesticides, as these fungi are considered safe, non-toxic to beneficial insects and not hazardous to the environment and humans.
Abstract: Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae), also known as the lice of crop plants, are important agricultural insect pests across the globe. Nearly 1100 aphid species, belonging to 268 genera, are known in China (Liu et al., 2009). The crape myrtle aphid, Tinocallis kahawaluokalani (Kirkaldy), the spirea aphid, Aphis spiraecola (Patch), and the cotton-melon aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover) are among the most destructive insect pests of vegetables, agricultural field crops, and forest trees worldwide (Chen et al., 2017; Hai-Jun 2007; Lordan et al., 2015; Zi-Yun et al., 2013). Their short lifecycle and ability to produce many generations through asexual reproduction is another cause of high aphid populations (Zhang et al., 1997). For example, A. citricola can produce 15–18 generations per year, and it causes severe losses to host plants in the spring and autumn, while A. gossypii can produce up to 60 generations per year under favourable conditions (Crop sciences: https://cottonbugs.tamu.edu/foliage-feeding-pests/aphids/). Aphids attack more than 400 host plants and may contribute to up to 90% of crop losses, depending on the infestation rate and crop stage (Dutta et al., 2005; Hossain et al., 2006; Rana, 2005). Damage occurs either through the sucking of sap from the host plant leaves or by transmission of various viral diseases (Dawson et al., 1990). Both, adults and nymphs, feed on plant tissues by the insertion of a needle-like stylet, and sucking the phloem content from the vascular system of the host plant. Toxins present in the saliva can cause concurrent thickening, crumbling and downward curling of leaves (Mossler, 2005; Sekhon, 1999). To avoid crop losses, most farmers rely on many chemical insecticides, such as imidacloprid, abamectin and carbofuran. These chemical products are used for rapid pest control (Brück et al., 2009; Zhang et al., 2014), but they can have many adverse effects on humans and non-target insects, and can pollute the environment (Alavo, 2015; Antwi and Reddy, 2015; Baffour-Awuah et al., 2016). Their use can also lead to insect resistance against certain chemical insecticides (Cho et al., 1999; Wang et al., 2002). These disadvantages emphasise the need for more efficient and safer insect control. In recent decades, insect pathogenic fungi have been widely used as alternatives to chemical pesticides, as these fungi are considered safe, non-toxic to beneficial insects and not hazardous to the environment and humans (Khetan, 2001; Loc et al., 2002; Wu et al., 2014). An estimate of 1,000 entomopathogenic fungal species are known worldwide
TL;DR: Evaluated the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus (Beauveria bassiana strain Bb13) in combination with deltamethrin in different formulations to control the Masson pine caterpillar, which showed significantly higher in combined formulations compared with B.bassaina oil formulation.
Abstract: This experiment was conducted in June, 2015 and March, 2016, in a Pine forest field situated in Xuan Chen City in South-Eastern China to evaluate the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus (Beauveria bassiana strain Bb13) in combination with deltamethrin in different formulations to control the Masson pine caterpillar (Dendrolimus punctatus). Total corrected mortality rate of Masson pine caterpillars was significantly higher in combined formulations compared with B.bassaina oil formulation. In 2015, the corrected mortality in the combined treatments ranged between 49.6 to 99.8%, and 28.5% corrected mortality was recorded for the B.bassiana oil formulation. While the maximum corrected mortality of 99.8% and (4.6%) fungal infection was observed in the treatment 6000 ml oil formulation 12,000 µl deltamethrin, the maximum corrected fungal infection (12.2%) was observed in B.bassaina oil formulation. And a mortality rate of 7.1% was observed in control. In 2016, a corrected mortality range from 77.1 to 100% was observed in the combined formulations. The treatment 3000 ml oil formulation 3000µl deltamethrin showed a final corrected mortality of 95.4% with the maximum fungal infection rate of (62.5%), the lowest corrected mortality (33.0%) was observed in B. bassiana oil formulation at the end of experiment. Mortality of 11.1% was observed in the control.
TL;DR: Fifty of 63 butterflies and all of the moths species determined in this study are newly recorded for the Lepidoptera fauna of the Darboğaz, Bolkar Mountains.
Abstract: In this study, the fauna of diurnal and nocturnal Lepidoptera from the Darbogaz, Bolkar Mountains in Ulukisla, Nigde province in the south of the Anatolian region of Turkey has been investigated. Field studies were carried out during the years 2008 and 2009. Specimens of butterflies and moths were collected from nine localities for this study. These specimens belong to 63 diurnal and 105 nocturnal species distributed in 15 families. The distribution of species, according to families, is as follows: Hesperidae, 7; Nymphalidae, 18; Papilionidae, 1; Pieridae, 7; Lycaenidae, 30; Crambidae, 17; Pyralidae, 10; Drepanoidae, 2; Lasiocampidae, 3; Sphingidae, 1; Geometridae, 28; Erebidae, 10; Noctuidae, 30; Nolidae, 2 and Notodontidae, 2. The evaluation of literature revealed that forty of 63 butterflies and all of the moths species determined in this study are newly recorded for the Lepidoptera fauna of the Darbogaz, Bolkar Mountains.
TL;DR: The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera vir gifera LeConte, exhibits protandry but overall the contribution is likely less than post-hatch development.
Abstract: The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, exhibits protandry. The contribution of pre-hatch development to protandry in western corn rootworm was previously investigated with a small set of data from one population. To verify the contribution of pre-hatch development to protandry, more than 10,000 larvae from seven wild-type populations collected from across the Corn Belt were evaluated. Larvae were placed into containers on each day of egg hatch for each population and allowed to develop into adults. Duration of hatch for these populations ranged from 7 to 19 days with the percent of insects surviving to adulthood varying between 13 and 52%. For the first 25% of egg hatch, significantly more males emerge. Pre-hatch development does contribute to protandry, but overall the contribution is likely less than post-hatch development.