Showing papers in "Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society in 2021"
TL;DR: In this paper, the complete mitochondrial genome of the fishfly species Acanthacorydalis fruhstorferi van der Weele (Megaloptera: Corydalidae) was sequenced and a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the sequences of the 13 protein-coding genes, and the results supported the current view of a close relationship between Megaloptera and Neuroptera.
Abstract: We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of the fishfly species Acanthacorydalis fruhstorferi van der Weele (Megaloptera: Corydalidae). The genome, which was 15,286 bp in length, included a standard set of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and a putative A+T-rich region. The gene arrangement is identical to that of most common Megaloptera mitochondrial genomes. We analyzed the preferred codon usage of the protein-coding genes and predicted the secondary structures of all the RNA transcripts. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the sequences of the 13 protein-coding genes, and the results supported the current view of a close relationship between Megaloptera and Neuroptera. Our analyses suggest that complete mitochondrial genome sequences are a promising method to fully resolve the phylogenetic relationships within Megaloptera.
13 citations
TL;DR: This survey serves as the first checklist of arthropods associated with industrial hemp in any area of North America.
Abstract: ABSTRACT: Industrial hemp was found to support a diverse complex of arthropods in surveys of fields in eastern Colorado. In 2016-2018, surveys of industrial hemp in eight eastern Colorado counties, eighty families of arthropods were collected, primary taxa in the orders Diptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera. The arthropods collected from hemp included herbivores, natural enemies, pollen feeders, and incidental species. Hemp cultivars grown for seed and fiber had higher insect species richness compared to hemp grown for cannabidiol (CBD). Species that were observed to cause economic damage included: corn earworm, (Helicoverpa zea Boddie), hemp russet mite (Aculops cannibicola Farkas), cannabis aphid (Phorodon cannabis Passerini), and Eurasian hemp borer (Grapholita delineana Walker). In addition, serious damage to hemp plants was observed by grasshoppers, particularly the twostriped grasshopper, Melanoplus bivittatus Say, and the differential grasshopper, M. differentialis Thomas. This survey serves as the first checklist of arthropods associated with industrial hemp in any area of North America.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of harvest time on the yield of Royal Jelly (RJ) was studied and the changes in the nutritional components in RJ harvested at different times post-grafting were also studied.
Abstract: Royal jelly (RJ) was harvested after 24, 48, and 72 hrs of grafting to study the effect of harvest time on the yield of RJ/queen cell. The changes in the nutritional components in RJ harvested at different times post-grafting were also studied. The highest yield of RJ/queen cell was harvested after 72 hrs of grafting, while the lowest yield was harvested after 24 hrs of grafting. The lowest moisture content was found in RJ harvested after 72 hrs of grafting. The maximum concentrations of crude protein, ash, fructose, and glucose were found in RJ harvested after 72 hrs of grafting. Conversely, the highest lipid content was obtained from RJ harvested after 24 hrs of grafting. The pH value decreased and acidity increased over time after grafting. It was concluded that RJ can be harvested after 72 hrs of grafting to obtain maximum yield. The nutritional components in RJ may be changed over time after grafting, and it could differentiate between RJ harvested at different times post-grafting.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the seasonal nutritional content of honeybee pollen loads collected from five apiaries across the Al-Ahsa oasis, Saudi Arabia, was determined over a period of one year.
Abstract: Seasonal nutritional content of honeybee pollen loads collected from five apiaries across the Al-Ahsa oasis, Saudi Arabia, was determined over a period of one year. Botanical composition of the pollen loads was dominated by rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), summer squash (Cucurbita pepo Thunb), date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The highest amounts (g/colony) of pollen loads were collected during spring and winter, and the lowest during autumn, and there were seasonal variations in and among nutrient content. The highest values of fructose, crude protein, lipids, and ash content were recorded from pollen loads collected during spring and winter, and the highest values of glucose and moisture content were recorded from pollen loads collected in autumn; pollen loads collected during summer showed the highest values of total and available carbohydrate, and crude fiber content. The high content of fructose, crude protein, lipids, and ash in pollen loads collected during the spring and winter seasons indicate they represent a valuable food supplement.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the stage-specific functional response of Coccinella septempunctata L. was evaluated under laboratory conditions to varying densities (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150 and 200) of Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach).
Abstract: Stage-specific functional response of Coccinella septempunctata L. was evaluated under laboratory conditions to varying densities (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150 and 200) of Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach)., Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov. and Aphis nerii Fonscolombe. Logistic regression analysis of all life stages of C. septempunctata exhibited negative linear-coefficient (P1), confirming a curvilinear type II functional response against all the tested aphid species. The fourth instar of C. septempunctata, in comparison to other stages, exhibited the highest predation activity against D. noxia and A. nerii, with an attack rate (a) of 7.31 h-1, 5.79 h-1 and handling time (Th) of 0.0106 h, 0.0092 h, respectively. Under different densities of L. erysimi, adult females of C. septempunctata exhibited the highest predation activity with an a of 7.58 h-1, followed by the fourth instar with a of 7.31 h-1 and adult male 6.60 h-1 and Th of 0.0066 h, 0.0079 h and 0.0092 h, respectively. The attack rate and handling time estimated for different stages of C. septempunctata showed that the fourth instar of C. septempunctata had the highest attack rate, whereas handling time was variable. Adult females of C. septempunctata showed minimum handling time (0.00013 h) in most of the cases. Our results suggest that the fourth instar larvae and adult female of C. septempunctata are efficient predator for the biological control of L. erysimi, D. noxia and A. nerii. Further field-based studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, images of A. p. pimpinellae Fabricius 1775 from the United States are examined and compared with confirmed images from Europe, and it is suggested that specimens from United States identified as A.p. primpines more likely belong to A. dorsatus.
Abstract: Anthrenus dorsatus Mulsant et Rey 1868 is recorded from the United States for the first time. Species confirmation is achieved through dissection and genitalia examination. Images of A. p. pimpinellae Fabricius 1775 from the United States are examined and compared with confirmed images of A. p. pimpinellae from Europe. It is suggested that specimens from the United States identified as A. p. pimpinellae more likely belong to A. dorsatus. Habitus shapes (body width/body length) of images of United States specimens are too broad for A. p. pimpinellae. In addition, the elytral and ventrite patterns of United States specimens are not consistent with A. p. pimpinellae. To establish which species from the A. pimpinellae complex occur across the United States, dissection and genitalia examination is required
2 citations
TL;DR: The first records of Epeoloides pilosulus in Manitoba in 95-years, and only the fifth through eighth specimens for Canada since 1960, were reported in this article.
Abstract: Epeoloides pilosulus (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is an exceptionally rare bee of conservation concern. Epeoloides are cleptoparasites of the oil-collecting bees Macropis (Hymenoptera: Melittidae), which specialize on oil-producing species in the genus Lysimachia (Ericales: Primulaceae). We report on the first records of E. pilosulus in Manitoba in 95-years, and only the fifth through eighth specimens for Canada since 1960. Manitoban records of Macropis are also provided.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a method for mass collecting hemolymph from the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus is described, which facilitates simultaneous collection of large amounts of hemolyms and prevents melanization and contamination.
Abstract: Hemolymph plays important roles in insect physiology. However, mass collection of high-quality hemolymph from insects for use in biochemical characterization is difficult. The present study describes a new method for mass collecting hemolymph from the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. The method facilitates simultaneous collection of large amounts of hemolymph and prevents melanization and contamination. Using this method, we collected approximately 1 mL of hemolymph per 10 crickets in a 15 mL tube with a final protein concentration of 0.47 µg/µL. An MTT test indicated no cytotoxicity in the resulting hemolymph. Thus, this method provides a foundation for studies of new useful biomaterials, insect physiology, and nutrition using insect hemolymph, and can be widely applied to other insect species.
1 citations
TL;DR: Gonzalez et al. as discussed by the authors reported successful parasitism of a nest of the introduced resin-using bee, Megachile (Callomegachile) sculpturalis Smith by S. costalis.
Abstract: Stelis costalis Cresson is an anthidiine cuckoo bee known from Texas and Mexico. Currently, it is placed in the subgenus Dolichostelis, a small group of seven species (Parker and Bohart, 1979; Gonzalez et al., 2012). To date, its members have only been reported laying their eggs in the nests of various resin-using species of Megachile (Chelostomoides) (Table 1). Here, I report on the successful parasitism of a nest of the introduced resin-using bee, Megachile (Callomegachile) sculpturalis Smith by S. costalis.
1 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the impact of water-soluble secondary metabolites from A. altissima on the life-history aspects of the agricultural pest, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith.
Abstract: The need for novel pesticides in agriculture continues to increase, and with it, the need to identify novel phytochemicals with inhibitory properties against lepidopteran pest species. The invasive tree species, Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae), has become well established in North America. However, the impact of its secondary metabolites on lepidopteran pests has not been well established. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of water-soluble secondary metabolites from A. altissima on the life-history aspects of the agricultural pest, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Laboratory reared S. frugiperda were fed artificial diets with or without water-soluble extract from A. altissima. Extract fed S. frugiperda exhibited delays in time to pupation and emergence in addition to reduced larval and pupal biomass as well as relative growth rates. Reduced food consumption was observed and fewer larvae survived to emergence if fed a diet containing A. altissima extract. Further, these adult moths had reduced biomass and smaller wings compared to larvae fed a control diet. Therefore, we suggest that A. altissima metabolites present in the aqueous extract derived from vegetative tissues have detrimental impacts on life-history aspects of S. frugiperda, and in fact, may represent a source of interesting candidate pesticide metabolites. Further studies will investigate the specific metabolites with feeding deterrent properties present in the water-soluble fraction of A. altissima.
1 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the taxonomy of neotenic female strepsipterans has previously relied upon characteristics of color, measurements of the cephalothorax, and identification of the host for species identification, but these characters have proven mostly uninformative in defining species.
Abstract: The taxonomy of neotenic female strepsipterans has previously relied upon characteristics of color, measurements of the cephalothorax, and identification of the host for species identification, but these characters have proven mostly uninformative in defining species. Taxonomically important characters of females of the genus Xenos (Strepsiptera: Xenidae) are presented, which should provide for species level identification using females in the genus Xenos, and these methods should be generally applicable to other strepsipterans. Xenos kifunei, X. nigrescens, and X. peckii are re-described using these characters.
TL;DR: In this article, the venom components of Hottentota tamulus and Androctonus finitimus were characterized using the electrical stimulation method and subjected to High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for characterization of its components from which dominant fractions were collected and dried in a concentrator.
Abstract: Scorpion venom is being used for many biomedical applications. In the present study, venom components of Hottentota tamulus (Fabricius, 1798) and Androctonus finitimus (Pocock, 1897) were characterized. Venom was extracted using the electrical stimulation method and subjected to High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for characterization of its components from which dominant fractions were collected and dried in a concentrator. Crude venom and selected fractions were further analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to obtain mass fingerprint data. Over 100 components ranging from 3,000 – 8,000 m/z in molecular masses were detected in the venom of both scorpion species. Some of them were analogous to a short chain and long chain toxins, which act on potassium and sodium ion channels, respectively. The venom components may be used for the development of novel drugs, e.g. drugs for neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, analgesics and cancer.
TL;DR: In this paper, different stages of Menochilus sexmaculatus were evaluated for their functional response against A. nerii, D. noxia, and L. erysimi.
Abstract: Coccinellids are common predators of aphids, including Aphis nerii, Diuraphis noxia and Lipaphis erysimi. The zigzag ladybird beetle, Menochilus sexmaculatus, is an effective predator against various aphid species. In the present study, different stages of M. sexmaculatus were evaluated for their functional response against A. nerii, D. noxia, and L. erysimi. Functional response at different densities of aphids was calculated over a period of 24h at 25 ± 5 °C and 65 ± 5% RH. Roger's Random Predator equation was used to calculate the parameters of a functional response. All the predatory stages showed Type II functional response. Attack rate was highest in the fourth instar for all aphid species (4.5171, 2.5894 and 2.8853, respectively), while the shortest handling time of the fourth instar was recorded for A. nerii (0.0175h) and L. erysimi (0.0159h). In the case of D. noxia, the shortest handling time was observed in the first instar (0.0175h). The fourth instar of M. sexmaculatus consumed more prey, followed by the third instar. These results indicate that the fourth instar of M. sexmaculatus was the most effective stage against its prey, followed by the third instar, adult females and males. Further field experiments must be carried out to corroborate the efficacy of these predatory beetles under natural conditions.
TL;DR: In this paper, adult flies of Conioscinella nuda (Adams) were collected from four native grass species, big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), little bluestems [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash], sand bluesthem (H. Hack), and Indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash] to determine the insect's preference among these species.
Abstract: Adult flies of Conioscinella nuda (Adams) were collected from four native grass species, big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash], sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii Hack), and Indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash] to determine the insect's preference among these species. The mean number of insects collected varied from 9.7 to 27.0 adults per 15 plants, and the order of preference of C. nuda was big bluestem, little bluestem, sand bluestem, and Indiangrass. Differences did occur among plant species for C. nuda preference (P < 0.05) where big and little bluestem were different from sand bluestem and Indiangrass (P < 0.05). The observed differences between the species may be related to spikelet pubescent hairs. The spikelets of big bluestem and little bluestem are mostly glabrous compared to those of sand bluestem and Indiangrass which are covered with conspicuous hairs. Host plant resistance may offer the best approach for controlling C. nuda.
TL;DR: In this paper, the ant Pogonomyrmex subnitidus Emery, 1895 foraging at a bee nest aggregation in Utah is described and the existence of nocturnal foraging in P. subntidus demonstrates greater temporal foraging plasticity than prior reports of bimodal foraging strategy during the day.
Abstract: Ants are immensely important predators in terrestrial ecosystems but surprisingly little is reported on their role in bee predation. Here, we describe the ant Pogonomyrmex subnitidus Emery, 1895 foraging at a bee nest aggregation in Utah. Many instances were observed of P. subnitidus, and another ant, Pheidole clydeiGregg, 1950, scavenging on the nests of the recently-described bee Anthophora puebloOrr, 2016, which nests in sandstone. One worker ant of P. subnitidus was also observed taking a live bee larva back to its nest, indicating that the ants occasionally act as predators. The existence of nocturnal foraging in P. subntidus demonstrates greater temporal foraging plasticity than prior reports of bimodal foraging strategy during the day. Potential drivers of this behavior and the relation of these two new ant associates to the bees are discussed.
TL;DR: The wild bee species in and around Thunder Bay, a city in northwestern Ontario, Canada have not been fully documented but are necessary to fill gaps in many bee species ranges.
Abstract: Bees serve an important role as pollinators and are a fundamental part of an ecosystem's biodiversity However, the current conservation status of many bee species is largely unknown We surveyed the wild bee species in and around Thunder Bay, a city in northwestern Ontario, Canada The wild bee species in this region have not been fully documented but are necessary to fill gaps in many bee species ranges We surveyed three representative flower-rich habitats of the area (an agricultural field, a tree plantation, and a wildflower meadow) throughout the summer of 2019 and collected 64 wild bee species from 17 genera and 5 families Many species were newly documented to northwestern Ontario and one, Nomada alpha, was a newly documented species to Canada Floral associations by all bees collected were made along with a phenology of each species found throughout the survey The data collected allow for a better understanding of the local species that inhabit this area of Canada and provide information that would better target local conservation efforts for wild bees in the future
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared larval development, survival and adult size of six species of coccinellids on diets of Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and E. kuehniella eggs.
Abstract: Laboratory reared predaceous lady beetles (Coccinellidae) have applications in many experiments, but can be challenging to rear optimally, especially since production of aphid prey can be time and space intensive. Alternatively, frozen Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs can be purchased and used to rear larvae. This study compared larval development, survival and adult size of six species of coccinellids on diets of Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and E. kuehniella eggs. Larvae reared from field-collected adults were assigned to either A. pisum or E. kuehniella egg diets and fed ad libitum until pupation. Both diets were sufficient for development and did not impact survival for the six species. Coccinella Septempunctata L. developed faster and produced larger adults when fed A. pisum. Harmonia axyridis Pallas, Hippodamia Convergens Guerin and Coleomegilla maculata De Geer performed slightly better on E. kuehniella eggs. Based on these results, E. kuehniella eggs would be a suitable larval diet for all of the species tested, except for Coc. septempunctata.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compare the effectiveness of dragging and dry ice trap sampling methods for collecting A. americanum in the field, and analyze tick developmental stage collection pattern.
Abstract: Amblyomma americanum (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is Missouri's most common tick species and a carrier of bacterial pathogens. The objectives of this study were to analyze tick abundance and seasonality in two locations in central Missouri, to compare the effectiveness of dragging and dry ice trap sampling methods for collecting A. americanum in the field, and to analyze tick developmental stage collection pattern. We collected ticks from Knob Noster State Park, in Johnson County, Missouri and Mark Twain National Forest, in Boone County, Missouri. On eight dates from May to November, we collected ticks simultaneously at both locations, using dry ice traps and drag sampling. Of the 7,475 collected ticks, 99.7% were A. americanum. We found the most larvae in August and September, the most nymphs in June and July, and the most adults in June. Drag sampling collected more nymphs at Columbia than Knob Noster on one sampling date in the late summer. Abundance did not differ between locations at any other time point, regardless of developmental stage or sampling method. Compared to the drag method, significantly more nymphs and adults were identified using the dry ice trap sampling method. Additionally, we found that nymphs and adults were more likely to be found in the same areas of the sampling locations, but neither larvae and adults nor nymphs and larvae followed this relationship. Our findings demonstrate a strong seasonality of A. americanum in Missouri and support dry ice trapping as an effective sampling method for collecting all of its life stages.