Showing papers in "Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society in 2020"
TL;DR: The data suggest species are not equally affected by land conversion in the Southwest deserts and direct, potential-habitat loss to urban sprawl is much greater than the loss due to solar facilities, and shows each species incurs different amounts of habitat loss to both solar development and urban expansion as well as between counties.
Abstract: Land conversion for human use poses one of the greatest threats to terrestrial ecosystems and causes habitat loss for a myriad of species. The development of large solar energy facilities and urban sprawl are converting wild lands in the Southwest deserts of the USA for human use and resulting in habitat loss for desert species. This is in part due to the Southwest deserts being identified as having high renewable energy potential while urban areas expand into areas supporting high biodiversity. Previous studies have quantified development within some of these biodiversity hotspots, but none have investigated direct species-specific habitat loss for different species of pollinators. Native bees are poorly studied, and therefore it is difficult to know how much habitat has been lost. We quantified the amount of land conversion occurring between 2010 and 2015 in Clark County, NV, Mojave County, AZ, and San Bernardino County, CA to assess direct loss of potential-habitat for species in the Southwest deserts. Using Satellite images, we quantified the direct habitat loss to solar facilities and estimated other land conversion due to urban sprawl using USDA land cover data. We created eco-niche models in MaxENT for ten Ashmeadiella bees, to estimate the amount of direct, potential-habitat loss caused by solar development and urban expansion. Our data suggest species are not equally affected by land conversion in the Southwest deserts and direct, potential-habitat loss to urban sprawl is much greater than the loss due to solar facilities. Furthermore, our data show each species incurs different amounts of habitat loss to both solar development and urban expansion as well as between counties. These results should assist in pollinator conservation program development by illustrating land conversion can vary between local governments and pollinator species.
7 citations
TL;DR: This work used museum specimens from Illinois housed at the Illinois Natural History Survey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, augmented by specimen records from other museums, to investigate the use of museum collections to identify species occurrences and possible declines and reports 74 confirmed new state records.
Abstract: Climate change and landscape alterations may influence biodiversity by shifting species distributions or causing local extirpations. Museum records are needed in order to track these changes over long periods of time. Bees are a group of organisms known to be in global decline, but tracking regional shifts is difficult. In Illinois, where there have been significant alterations to the landscape, no bee species checklist is available to compare recent collecting efforts. We used museum specimens from Illinois housed at the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, augmented by specimen records from other museums, to investigate the use of museum collections to identify species occurrences and possible declines. The result is a preliminary state checklist of 491 species of bee, with an additional 51 records considered either doubtful or possible but needing confirmation. We report 74 confirmed new state records compared to records housed at INHS, with five additional species considered doubtful and four possible but needing confirmation. Three putatively undescribed species include two Andrena species and one Lasioglossum (Dialictus) species, although further verification is needed to resolve their status. Continued support for natural history collections and the institutions that maintain them is essential for further research on the impacts to ecosystems caused by human and natural influences and to identify areas and species in need of conservation.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this study, 14 aphid clones collected on soybean and buckthorn plants along with four known aphid biotypes were evaluated and inconsistent responses of the biotypes from the stock collection by using detached leaves confirm the efficacy of whole plant assays to accurately differentiate biotypes.
Abstract: Since the discovery of the invasive soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, in the USA in 2000, populations have expanded throughout the Midwestern USA and Canada. Its negative economic impact on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield provides the impetus to continue investigating the effectiveness of host plant resistance which has been affected by soybean aphid biotypes that overcome soybean plants containing Rag (resistance to A. glycines) genes. In this study, 14 aphid clones collected on soybean and buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.) plants along with four known aphid biotypes (from our stock collection) were evaluated in no-choice assays by quantifying the number of aphids on soybean genotypes with Rag genes and the susceptible cultivar Williams 82. No-choice assays were conducted using detached leaves and whole plants. Inconsistent responses of the biotypes from the stock collection by using detached leaves confirm the efficacy of whole plant assays to accurately differentiate biotypes. None of the biotypes or field clones from Illinois, Indiana and South Dakota overcame the resistance of soybean genotypes LD14-8004 (Rag1) and PI437696. A soybean aphid clone from Wooster, Ohio readily colonized LD14-8002 (Rag2), but did not overcome any of the other resistance genes indicating that it is different from biotypes 3 and 4, which also overcome LD14-8002 (Rag2) and, respectively, LD14-8004 (Rag1) and LD14-8006 (Rag3).
5 citations
TL;DR: Mirid bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) are important pests of Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) trees in Indonesia and are mainly affected by Helopeltis spp.
Abstract: Mirid bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) are important pests of Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) trees in Indonesia. Young Eucalyptus plantations are mainly affected by Helopeltis spp. Damage by Helopeltis resulted in die-back of young shoots, curling, deformation and drying usually, irrespective of the clones. In North Sumatra, damage in Eucalyptus is associated to Helopeltis bradyi Waterhouse despite the presence of H. theivora Waterhouse in the region. Important alternate host plants recorded as reservoirs of H. bradyi in vicinity to Eucalyptus plantations were Persea sp. (Lauraceae), Coffea sp. (Rubiaceae), Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae), Ludwigia sp. (Onagraceae), Clidemia hirta (Melastomataceae) and Theobroma cacao (Malvaceae). Leiophron sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was reported as an important parasitoid with parasitism of 41.86% on the H. bradyi nymphs and 17.07% on adults. Helopeltis theivora was recorded as the only species affecting Eucalyptus plantations in Riau Province, so far no other Helopeltis sp. has been identified in Riau. Ragwelellus festivus Miller and Ragwelellus sp. were reported for the first time damaging Eucalyptus trees in North Sumatra, Riau Province and East Kalimantan regions of Indonesia. Arthriticus eugeniae Bergroth was also reported for the first time damaging matured Eucalyptus trees along with Ragwelellus in North Sumatra and Riau Provinces.
4 citations
TL;DR: Native resistance in maize to fall armyworm could be used with existing control tactics to enhance control of this invasive pest of Africa and Asia.
Abstract: Native to the Americas, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae), is a recent invasive pest of Africa and Asia. This insect causes economic damage to maize (Zea mays L.) primarily through leaf and ear tissue feeding. The pest is resistant to several classes of insecticide and several Bt-maize toxins. Native resistance in maize to fall armyworm could be used with existing control tactics to enhance control of this insect. The objective for this study was to evaluate maize germplasm, developed from Thailand and maintained by the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System, for resistance to leaf feeding fall armyworm. Plants were grown in the field and artificially infested at the seven-leaf stage with fall armyworms. Visual rating scores for leaf feeding damage were recorded at 7 and 14 days post infestation. Scores for maize germplasm Ames 26254 were not different than the resistant check, GT-FAWCC(C5), and germplasm PI 506347 and PI 690324 were not significantly different from Ames 26254. In total, five Thailand maize germplasms received 14-day damage scores of ≤ 6.0 across both years of testing and were considered moderately resistant to fall armyworm leaf feeding. These maize germplasms are tropical and require breeding to adapt progeny for research in temperate areas.
4 citations
TL;DR: Survival and fecundity rate of A. coquebertii can be highly affected when the suitable stage of D. koenigii is not present, and was significantly higher when these insects were fed with 3rd instar nymphs ofD.
Abstract: The red cotton bug, Dysdercus koenigii F. (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae) is a destructive pest of cotton in the cotton belt region of Pakistan. This pest attacks the cotton bolls, mature cotton seeds and causes serious damage to premature bolls. A trial was conducted under laboratory conditions to check the predatory potential of A. coquebertii on different stages of D. koenigii. Four stages of D. koenigii i.e. 3rd, 4th, 5th nymphal instars and adults were provided to A. coquebertii adults to check their survival, fecundity response and feeding potential. Results were statistically significant when comparing feeding preferences of A. coquebertii on different stages of D. koenigii. Adult male and female longevity of A. coquebertii was significantly higher when these insects were fed with 3rd instar nymphs of D. koenigii, which was 115.25 ± 6.91 and 88.75 ± 4.64 days, respectively. Maximum egg laying percentage of 34% was recorded on medium 3 and minimum egg laying percentage of 16% was recorded on medium 2. Based on the results of this study, survival and fecundity rate of A. coquebertii can be highly affected when the suitable stage of D. koenigii is not present.
3 citations
TL;DR: A marking study was conducted to quantify the population size, movement patterns, and habitat use in a restored tallgrass prairie and adjacent degraded grassland of the black blister beetle, and supports the effectiveness of the habitat restoration efforts.
Abstract: Blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) have a long history in human culture, are detrimental to human health, and considered an agricultural pest. However, little is known about the ecology of many of these beetle species in natural systems. The black blister beetle, Epicauta pensylvanica (Degeer), is a common fall species that regularly feeds on goldenrod (Solidago spp.) flowers. Previous ecological research used mass releases to explore movement patterns and habitat use. For a more natural investigation, a marking study was conducted to quantify the population size, movement patterns, and habitat use in a restored tallgrass prairie and adjacent degraded grassland. We uniquely marked a total of 914 individuals, recapturing 22.2% over 16 surveys (16 August to 11 October 2018). A maximum daily count of 286 individuals was recorded on 11 September, corresponding to a population size estimate of 2,011 (1,258– 4,139 95% CI). Several times, adult numbers increased one to two days following rain events, and ultimately dropped substantially following mowing of the degraded grassland. Beetles were capable of moving throughout the study site based on one individual traveling at least 599 m over the course of the study. However, most detected movements were short and there was no preference in movement directionality, suggesting that beetles would most often move to adjacent flowering goldenrod patches. Despite the lack of directionality, the restored tallgrass prairie portion of the study site retained significantly more beetles than the degraded grassland. While further describing the ecology of the black blister beetle, this study also supports the effectiveness of the habitat restoration efforts.
3 citations
TL;DR: A species of large carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica virginica (Linnaeus, 1771), is reported from Montana and Idaho, USA for the first time.
Abstract: A species of large carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica virginica (Linnaeus, 1771), is reported from Montana and Idaho, USA for the first time. This new Montana distribution record adds to a growing list of bee species found in the state and contributes to an ongoing inventory of the bees of Montana. The Montana collection likely does not represent an established population but a transient accidental introduction resulting from human transportation since Montana is considerably geographically separated from the published distribution of this species and no additional adults have been found. The Idaho collections may represent an established local population as there are several specimens and online records in or near Boise on multiple dates and years. An online record of a specimen of X. californica arizonensis Cresson, 1879 from Montana proved to be erroneous. The distribution of X. virginica is reviewed and the economic, social, and ecological implications of the occurrence or establishment of this species in Montana and Idaho are discussed.
3 citations
TL;DR: Nesting, prey transportation mechanisms, and host preference are described for two Neotropical pompilid wasp species: Anoplius sp.
Abstract: Nesting, prey transportation mechanisms, and host preference are described for two Neotropical pompilid wasp species: Anoplius sp. and Anoplius triquetrus (Fox). Observations were made in a restinga area, in Regencia district, Espirito Santo state, Brazil. Several Anoplius sp. individuals were observed foraging in small patches of vegetation along a beach, whereas A. triquetrus was observed and subsequently caught carrying a Psauridae spider into a nest on a sandy trail in a restinga forest. This is the first behavioral record for the genus Anoplius in South America. Finally, we formally move Psammochares triquetra (Fox) to the Anoplius subgenus Notiochares Banks.
3 citations
TL;DR: It is found that the ratios and the amounts of physical characteristics, the element composition and the fibers in the envelope and comb of the nest changed with environmental conditions.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify the nest materials, some physical characteristics and the essential composition of the nest of Vespa crabro germanaChrist, 1791. Nest surfaces were observed with a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope. In the inner surface of the V. c. germana nest, the medium thicknesses of the fibers in the envelope and comb varied between 5.30 and 11.90 µm with an average of 9.07 µm. In the outer surface of the nest, the medium thicknesses of the fibers in the envelope and comb were between 4.46 and 11.40 µm with an average of 7.68 µm. The nitrogen and protein concentration of the nest was 0.22 and 1.40%, respectively. The percentages of the fibers, saliva, oil and the water absorption capacity were calculated as 70-75, 25-30, 16-20 and 120-150, respectively. The amount of the elements nickel and copper in the nest was found to be 0.6 and 1.2 ppm, respectively. The major components of the nest were plant fibers, saliva and oil. Consequently, we have found that the ratios and the amounts of physical characteristics, the element composition and the fibers in the envelope and comb of the nest changed with environmental conditions.
2 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that A. coquebertii will be a good biological control agent against the second instar of D. koenigii in cotton fields and will be useful for the development of future research projects focused on this predator.
Abstract: Antilochus coquebertii is one of the most important predators of Dysdercus koenigii. The present study examines for the first time the fitness (using age-stage and two-sex life table parameters), morphometrics and predating potential of A. coquebertii fed on the second instar of D. koenigii under laboratory conditions. Results indicate that female adults of A. coquebertii consumed significantly higher numbers of second instar D. koenigii (229.81 ± 14.36) when compared to male adults (118.47 ± 10.77). The body length (16.10±0.40 mm) and width (6.60 ± 0.20 mm) of female adults of A. coquebertii were significantly higher if compared to body length (14.40 ± 0.40 mm) and width (5.80 ± 0.40 mm) of male adults. The developmental period of A. coquebertii from egg to female adult (76.09 ± 3.51 days) was significantly longer than egg to male adult (64.00 ± 1.87 days). The fecundity (number of eggs/female) of A. coquebertii was 108.67 ± 3.67 per female. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) per day of A. coquebertii were recorded with values of 5.87 and 1.06 days, respectively. The gross reproductive rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R0) of A. coquebertii were 23.17 offspring and 18.56 offspring/individual, respectively. The information obtained in this study will be useful for the development of future research projects focused on this predator against D. koenigii under natural conditions. Based on our results, we suggest that A. coquebertii will be a good biological control agent against the second instar of D. koenigii in cotton fields.
TL;DR: It is revealed that bio-active extracts can be used as alternative cost-effective, safe, and environment-friendly insecticides for the effective management of B. zonata in order to reduce the ecological hazards caused by traditional chemical pesticides.
Abstract: The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata S. is a species that can cause important economic losses to various fruit species, with more than 50 host plants. In this study, repellent and oviposition deterrent effects of methanol (Mx), ethanol (Ex) and distilled water (Dx) extracts of moringa bark and leaves, cinnamon, peppermint and ginger were evaluated at different concentrations (10, 20 and 30%) against B. zonata adults. The experiment was carried out by using free choice test. Among all extracts, peppermint (Pm) extracts (Pm-Mx, Pm-Ex and Pm-Dx) delivered important repellent activity at the maximum dosage (30%), i.e. 0.50, 0.75 and 0.50 mean number of adults, respectively; while, the minimum repellent activity was observed in moringa bark of all three extracts. Correspondingly, all extracts have oviposition deterrent effect but Peppermint (Pm) extracts (Pm-Mx, Pm-Ex and Pm-Dx), deliver the best effect. The present investigation revealed that bio-active extracts can be used as alternative cost-effective, safe, and environment-friendly insecticides for the effective management of B. zonata in order to reduce the ecological hazards caused by traditional chemical pesticides.
TL;DR: The transition of upland areas to marsh not only has the potential to impact agricultural productivity directly through salt water intrusion, ultimately it may also reduce the species richness of native bees available to provide pollination services to coastal agriculture.
Abstract: In the coastal mid-Atlantic region of the USA, landscapes are a mosaic of upland habitats (woodland, grassland, old fields and farmland) and low-lying coastal salt marsh. Flooding and salinization of coastal areas due to sea-level rise result in the conversion of upland habitats to salt marsh, and change the relative proportion of habitat types surrounding coastal farmland. This has the potential to influence population sizes of organisms living in this area and could alter the ecosystem services, such as pollination, that these habitats provide. To examine the potential outcome of these habitat conversions, we used blue vane traps at 14 sites along the Eastern Shore of Virginia (USA) to compare the bee communities of salt marsh, old fields and agricultural fields. Although there was no difference among habitat types for total bee abundance per site, we found that the coastal marsh is depauperate in bee species relative to old fields and agricultural fields, and that the bee species using the marsh habitat tend to be specialists of plant families that are common in the marsh (Asteraceae and Malvaceae) but are relatively uncommon in local agriculture. Thus, the transition of upland areas to marsh not only has the potential to impact agricultural productivity directly through salt water intrusion, ultimately it may also reduce the species richness of native bees available to provide pollination services to coastal agriculture.
TL;DR: Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) cloned are found to be expressed at high levels in the antennae of Scleroderma sichuanensis Xiao and are inferred to play an important role in sensing plant volatiles.
Abstract: Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) play an important role in the sense of smell in parasitoid wasps, especially for locating hosts and mates. Clarifying the role of OBPs in information exchanges between parasitoid wasps and their environment is beneficial for understanding the sense of smell in parasitoid wasps. To this end, we cloned the OBPs, SsicOBP1 and SsicOBP2 (GenBank accession numbers: AKP80533.1 and AKP80534.1), of Scleroderma sichuanensis Xiao and then proceeded to conduct prokaryotic expression and qPCR analysis, and determine the binding capacity of SsicOBP1 and SsicOBP2 with 18 types of volatiles from Pinus massoniana Lambert using competitive binding (with 1-NPN as fluorescent probes). We found that SsicOBP1 and SsicOBP2 are expressed at high levels in the antennae of Scleroderma sichuanensis Xiao. Of the 18 types of P. massoniana volatiles, SsicOBP1 could bind effectively with ocimene (binding constant of 12.82 µM) and β-pinene (binding constant of 15.57 µM). SsicOBP2 could bind effectively with α-pinene (with a binding constant of 13.52 µM), ocimene (binding constant of 14.38 µM) and β-pinene (binding constant of 14.51 µM). From this, we could infer that SsicOBP1 and SsicOBP2 are general odorant-binding proteins, which play an important role in sensing plant volatiles.
TL;DR: Parocneria orienta Chao (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is the primary defoliator of members of the conifer family Cupressaceae in China and belonged to a generalized extreme-value distribution in terms of elevation.
Abstract: Parocneria orienta Chao (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is the primary defoliator of members of the conifer family Cupressaceae in China Research is needed to identify the geographic distribution of P orienta and its major areas of occurrence and to formulate measures for early warning, monitoring and control of this pest Data on the occurrence P orienta were collected from 4,688 monitoring sites in Sichuan Province, China from 2012 to 2016 Analyses of the spatial distribution and model fit were carried out using ArcGIS and Matlab software We found that the occurrence of P orienta complied with a normal distribution law (α = 1% confidence level) in terms of longitude and latitude and belonged to a generalized extreme-value distribution (α = 1% confidence level) in terms of elevation According to the double factor variance analysis taking year-month as the time variance and longitude, latitude and elevation as the space variance, the hazard centroid shifted significantly by 6 minutes of longitude in March (105°46′37″E) and July (105°40′30″E) of the same year The regions of greatest damage by P orienta were located in eastern and southeastern parts of Sichuan Province (1057°E–311°N, elevation 400 m), an area that features plains and low mountains with lush vegetation and abundant Cupressus funebris individuals
TL;DR: Three species of ticks have been found in Northeast Missouri, where the incidence and prevalence of tick-borne infections is among the highest in the United States of America, and the importance of continuous monitoring and study of vector populations in the region is stressed.
Abstract: Three species of ticks have been found in Northeast Missouri, where the incidence and prevalence of tick-borne infections is among the highest in the United States of America. We collected ticks and detected the presence of Rickettsia montanensis (instead of R. rickettsii) and Ehrlichia chaffeensis and the absence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections among adult ticks collected in conservation and private areas of Adair County, Missouri. Pathogens were detected and identified using PCR, DNA sequencing of PCR fragments and statistical sequence analysis. We found Ehrlichia chaffeensis in 10% of ticks of the species Amblyomma amercanum and Rickettsia montanensis in 7.95% of collected ticks of the species Dermacentor variabilis. These findings stress the importance of continuous monitoring and study of vector populations in the region. Such monitoring can contribute to risk assessment of ehrlichiosis, spotted fever infections, and anaplasmosis, which are considered endemic in the region.
TL;DR: Findings demonstrate honey bee retention of carrion sensory recognition capabilities and support the crabronid wasp hypothesis of honey bee evolutionary origins and applications for forensic remains detection, wildlife trafficking interdiction, and endangered species conservation are indicated.
Abstract: Scent training and field detection trials were conducted to determine if honey bee (Apis mellifera) foraging behavior could be employed as a practical application in the location of vertebrate carrion. Resource recognition and querying trials consisted of two components. Honey bees were trained to associate chemical compounds found in decaying tissues with a high-quality food source via introduction of the compounds into a sugar solution. Randomized scented and non-scented sugar solution choices were subsequently provided to hived bees at varying distances within a rural outdoor study area. Following initial forager recruitment by scouts, twice the number of bees were observed feeding at carrion-scented stations. Additional field trials performed using wildlife carrion reinforced experimental results. Scent trained scout bees showed a marked interest in decomposing wildlife remains by aerially investigating and landing on the carrion. These findings demonstrate honey bee retention of carrion sensory recognition capabilities and support the crabronid wasp hypothesis of honey bee evolutionary origins. Applications for forensic remains detection, wildlife trafficking interdiction, and endangered species conservation are indicated.
TL;DR: Investigation of gene expression related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, and autophagy to understand how Gryllus bimaculatus (two-spotted field cricket) overcomes starvation stress suggests that ER stress-induced autophile appears to be acutely involved in the mechanism by which insects overcome starvation stress.
Abstract: We investigated gene expression related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, and autophagy to understand how Gryllus bimaculatus (two-spotted field cricket) overcomes starvation stress. Male adults were used in starvation experiments. Expression levels of genes related to ER stress, apoptosis, and autophagy were investigated for each tissue after starvation stress (consisting of 1, 3, and 6 days of starvation, and 1 and 2 days of refeeding after 6 days of starvation) by reverse-transcription PCR. Furthermore, Malpighian tubules were stained with LysoTracker Red to observe autophagy. Starvation significantly upregulated gene expression of ER chaperones in the Malpighian tubules of G. bimaculatus. Gene expression levels of BiP, ERap2, and SERCA were upregulated up to 2.5-fold, ATF6 was upregulated up to 2-fold, and PDI and Derl2 were upregulated up to 1.5-fold in the starvation group compared to controls. Although autophagy was induced by starvation, apoptosis was not. Notably, gene expression of ATG9 was upregulated up to 15-fold in the Malpighian tubules of G. bimaculatus, which is the highest among the autophagy-related genes. These results suggest that ER stress-induced autophagy appears to be acutely involved in the mechanism by which insects overcome starvation stress.
TL;DR: To determine the best concentration of BA to formulate as a gel bait, and measure its direct effectiveness and the horizontal transfer of the active ingredient (AI) through cannibalism in adult German cockroaches (domino effect), a study of laboratory-prepared BA gel baits was carried out.
Abstract: The German cockroach, Blatella germanica, is a pest of human habitats distributed throughout the world. Boric acid (BA; H3BO3), in the form of powder, pellets, or blocks, has been used to control German cockroaches. Gel baits are also considered highly effective for controlling German cockroach populations. However, BA is not currently available as a gel bait. Thus, the present study was carried out to determine the best concentration of BA to formulate as a gel bait, and measure its direct effectiveness and the horizontal transfer of the active ingredient (AI) through cannibalism in adult German cockroaches (domino effect). Effectiveness of laboratory-prepared BA gel baits (lab baits) was analysed, and the efficacy and horizontal transfer of the most effective lab bait was compared to four commercial baits. Among three tested lab baits, the bait prepared with 40% BA (lab bait A) resulted in significantly greater cockroach mortality and a lower lethal time (LT50) value than other lab baits. When compared with commercial baits, there was no significant difference between lab bait A and BA baits in the amount of bait consumed and the detection time. Similarly, mortality of cockroaches caused by lab bait A was equal to mortality caused by the commercial BA bait. Percentage of bait unfed adult cockroaches killed by transferred BA from lab bait A fed and dead adult cockroaches (secondary mortality) was significantly greater than that caused by both commercial BA bait and fipronil bait.
TL;DR: New distributional records in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands for three species of Lasioglossum are reported, which provide information on new host-plant associations and specimens with atypical wing venation and unusual facial markings add to the understanding of basic biology and variation within species.
Abstract: The halictid bee fauna of the West Indies is poorly documented, especially for species of LasioglossumCurtis, 1833. More information regarding the ranges and distributions of these species among the islands is needed for understanding historical biogeography and for bee conservation efforts. Here we report new distributional records in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands for three species of Lasioglossum: L. dispersumGibbs, 2018, L. enatumGibbs, 2018, and L. rufopanticis (Engel, 2001). We also provide information on new host-plant associations and describe specimens with atypical wing venation and unusual facial markings, which add to our understanding of basic biology and variation within species.
TL;DR: The findings support the notion that systematic processing of undetermined collection material will yield new insights into the geographic ranges of various zoological species and improve understanding of biodiversity.
Abstract: New geographical records of zoological species are often discovered through processing undetermined specimens. Here, new records of five native species of lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are reported for the central United States based on processing previously undetermined material from entomological collections: Cephaloscymnus laevis Gordon, Hyperaspidius insignis Casey, Hyperaspis punctata LeConte, Hippodamia apicalis Casey, and Anatis lecontei Casey. The new record for C. laevis represents a considerable range extension northward, whereas records for the other four species denote relatively minor geographic range extensions. These findings support the notion that systematic processing of undetermined collection material will yield new insights into the geographic ranges of various zoological species and improve understanding of biodiversity.
TL;DR: Examination of the role of troponin C (TnC) in the skeletal muscles and digestive tracts of the two-spotted cricket during starvation and re-feeding revealed high amino acid similarities with TnCs from other insects.
Abstract: Few reports have described the effect of starvation on insect muscle physiology and development. This study examined the role of troponin C (TnC) in the skeletal muscles and digestive tracts of the two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus; Orthoptera: Gryllidae) during starvation and re-feeding. The TnC gene of G. bimaculatus (GrybiTnC) was cloned and found to encode a 153-amino-acid protein with a theoretical isoelectric point of 4.02 and molecular weight of 17,368.23 Da. Homology analyses revealed that GrybiTnC exhibited high amino acid similarities with TnCs from other insects, showing sequence identities ranging from ∼54 to 75%. GrybiTnC has two Ca2+-binding sites and five EF-hand motifs, similar to most TnC proteins. GrybiTnC gene expression was examined under starvation and re-feeding conditions in three different skeletal muscle and digestive tract regions. During starvation, GrybiTnC gene expression was unchanged in muscle but upregulated in the foregut and hindgut. Whereas GrybiTnC gene expression in muscle was similar under re-feeding and starvation conditions, it was upregulated in the foregut and midgut by re-feeding with carbohydrates and lipids and downregulated in the hindgut by re-feeding with carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
TL;DR: This short communication presents observations on the daily activity and interactive behavior of males and females at the nesting holes of the oil-collecting bee Rediviva intermixta and provides the first account for this family of the males sleeping together in burrows, rather than on flowers.
Abstract: A nest aggregation of the oil-collecting bee Rediviva intermixta (Cockerell, 1934) (Hymenoptera: Melittidae: Melittinae) was found associated with a mound of harvester termite, Microhodotermes viator (Latreille, 1804) occupying a clay-rich bank. We first noticed this nest aggregation by the intensive patrolling of seemingly hundreds of males searching for females close to the ground. We estimate the density of nests as 194 nests/m2 or 2917 nests in the 15m2 aggregation. This short communication presents observations on the daily activity and interactive behavior of males and females at the nesting holes. We provide the first account for this family of the males sleeping together in burrows, rather than on flowers.
TL;DR: It is suggested that more research is needed to determine how common and widespread this is for Megachile species that nest in rotting wood and if there are simple solutions to this problem.
Abstract: In 2017, we found 17 dead females of Megachile frigida Smith in clear plastic bags of composted bark mulch in a residential yard in Bozeman, Montana, USA. Females apparently entered bags via small ventilation holes, then became trapped and died. To investigate whether this is a common source of mortality, we deployed unmodified bags of mulch and those fitted with cardboard tubes (as potential nest sites) at three nearby sites in 2018. We found two dead M. frigida females and five completed leaf cells in one of these bags of mulch fitted with cardboard tubes; two male M. frigida emerged from these leaf cells. In 2018, we also discovered three dead female M. frigida and three dead females of a second leafcutter bee species, Megachile gemula Cresson, in clear bags of another type of bark mulch. Both mulches emitted nearly identical blends of volatile organic compounds, suggesting their odors could attract females searching for nesting sites. These findings suggest that more research is needed to determine how common and widespread this is for Megachile species that nest in rotting wood and if there are simple solutions to this problem.
TL;DR: A field-based protocol to evaluate the residual efficacy of treated foliage and tested the method with two insecticides, which can be utilized for residual efficacy evaluations of other pests and in other systems.
Abstract: Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), continues to be an economically important insect pest of soybean in the northcentral region of the United States since its first report in 2000. Control has traditionally relied on foliar applications of pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides; however, recent confirmed failures of pyrethroids in the region have prompted immediate management concerns. Insecticidal modes of action are limited, and there is a need for assessing residual efficacy of exisiting and new insecticides for soybean aphid. We developed a field-based protocol to evaluate the residual efficacy of treated foliage, and tested our method with two insecticides. Our residual testing protocol can be utilized for residual efficacy evaluations of other pests and in other systems.
TL;DR: An agricultural field in southeastern Colorado grown under drip irrigation in 2014 allowed for observations related to the life history of immature stages of the asilid Diogmites angustipennis Loew, indicating that larval stages of this species can develop sizable populations within cultivated fields.
Abstract: An agricultural field in southeastern Colorado grown under drip irrigation in 2014 allowed for observations related to the life history of immature stages of the asilid Diogmites angustipennis Loew. A survey of holes in the soil surface made during recent pupal eclosion provided an estimate that approximately 6,670 D. angustipennis/hectare had recently emerged at the site. The field had been in furrow irrigated field corn the previous three seasons indicating that larval stages of this species can develop sizable populations within cultivated fields. Larval prey were not observed, but the most abundant potential prey in this site would have been immature stages of diabroticine beetles.
TL;DR: Small swarms of male Leseha vespa flew during the morning hours searching for the much less abundant females on the upper surfaces of protruding leaves of various plant species at a site where a large population of the host fern Phlebodium pseudoaureum had been recently decimated.
Abstract: Small swarms of male Leseha vespaSmith & Nishida, 2019 flew during the morning hours searching for the much less abundant females on the upper surfaces of protruding leaves of various plant species at a site where a large population of the host fern Phlebodium pseudoaureum had been recently decimated (probably by L. vespa larvae). Males showed no sign of aggressive behavior toward other males, and only poor abilities to locate females resting on leaves. Although >100 male-female interactions were observed, they seldom led to copulation, as females were generally unreceptive. The males probably used visual cues to choose leaves, but the short-range cues that they used to encounter females there were not clear. Individually marked males returned to the same site for up to 11 days.
TL;DR: The survival rates of all stages of D. koenigii were significantly affected when they were exposed to high temperature stress and the lethal time needed to cause mortality decreased rapidly with the increase in the temperature from 40 to 47 °C.
Abstract: Under natural environmental conditions, insects are highly subjected to thermal stress. Data concerning the effects of high temperature on the survival of Dysdercus koenigii (F.) are scarce. In the present work, the survival rate of all immature stages and adults of D. koenigii exposed to very high temperatures were studied. All stages were exposed to four high temperatures (40, 42.5, 45 and 47.5 °C) for time periods ranging from 1 to 420 minutes, depending on the temperature treatment. Insects were then returned to normal temperature conditions. The survival rate of all stages decreased with the increase in the time of exposure at all temperatures examined. The lethal time needed to cause mortality in 50% and 90% of all stages decreased rapidly with the increase in the temperature from 40 to 47.5 °C. Based on these results, we concluded that the survival rates of all stages of D. koenigii were significantly affected when they were exposed to high temperature stress.
TL;DR: In this species living near the climatic extremes of members of its genus, developmental and reproductive plasticity appear to be viable options to minimize the effects of catastrophes and reduce the possibility of local extinction during extreme environmental conditions.
Abstract: Kissing bugs, Triatoma recurva (Stal) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae), live in an environment with high seasonal variability in rainfall, humidity, temperature, and food sources, and are an ideal organism for testing adaptive plasticity in rate of maturation to adult and in reproduction. Under simulated natural conditions, the effect of abundant, moderate, and infrequent feeding opportunities upon developmental rate, growth, and fecundity of the bugs was determined. Insects afforded frequent feeding opportunities matured to adult faster than those on lower frequency feeding diets. Insects on limited frequency feeding diets often delayed maturation until the second year of life and gained weight relative to those that matured in the first year. The females fed the least frequently and that delayed maturation until the second year doubled in weight relative to those maturing the year-earlier. In this species living near the climatic extremes of members of its genus, developmental and reproductive plasticity appear to be viable options to minimize the effects of catastrophes and reduce the possibility of local extinction during extreme environmental conditions.