Showing papers in "New Zealand Entomologist in 1982"
TL;DR: The goal of a large-scale rearing programme is to produce the maximum number of ‘acceptable’ insects with minimum labour, space, and cost.
Abstract: Rearing of beneficial insects encompasses the synchronisation of 3 biological entities—the beneficial species, its host species, and the host plant or food. The purposes of rearing beneficial insects (parasitoids and predators) in the laboratory may be to study the insect itself, to facilitate the establishment of an introduced species, to accomplish a wider distribution of a previously established species, or to supply routinely for release for biological control. Not all insects can be reared in large numbers in the laboratory. The important qualities required in a laboratory reared insect are short life cycle, high biotic potential, simple food requirement, and alternative hosts. An insect rearing programme may be affected by reproductive, behavioural, environmental, physiological, nutritional and genetic factors. The goal of a large-scale rearing programme is to produce the maximum number of ‘acceptable’ insects with minimum labour, space, and cost. This may be achieved through standardisation of proc...
37 citations
TL;DR: The beneficial aspects of blowflies are viewed anthropocentrically and extend even to their use as food by man, although this practice is not widespread and other insect species have more appeal and are eat...
Abstract: The beneficial aspects of blowflies are viewed anthropocentrically. Despite the problems that blowflies cause man, and the disgust they engender, they play a valuable role as pollinators of some plants in horticulture and can increase seed yields. Without the early invasion of carrion by blowflies and their preparation of it for the arrival of other arthropods, the processes of putrefaction and decay of corpses would be limited. Because blowflies are the first insects to arrive at a dead body, and different species groups oviposit in a strict sequence, they are valuable in forensic medicine as determinants of the time of death. The use of blowfly maggots for the healing of osteomyelitis wounds has been superseded by antibiotics but, when surgical maggots were in vogue, they helped heal large numbers of otherwise intractable lesions. The beneficial aspects of Calliphoridae extend even to their use as food by man, although this practice is not widespread and other insect species have more appeal and are eat...
33 citations
TL;DR: Current and recent work and publications by coleopterists on the New Zealand fauna are outlined briefly, including studies to be published soon in the “Fauna of New Zealand” series.
Abstract: The work of Thomas Broun on New Zealand Coleoptera is discussed, and the history and present location of his collections is recorded. The bequest by Broun of a major collection to the British Museum (Natural History), and the retention of other collections here in private hands rather than a public institution, severely restricted research on beetles in New Zealand for 40 years. Today most primary type specimens of New Zealand species remain overseas, and this is still an impediment to research in this country. Other important collections of New Zealand beetles and their present locations are discussed briefly. Current and recent work and publications by coleopterists on the New Zealand fauna are outlined briefly, including studies to be published soon in the “Fauna of New Zealand” series. The 91 families of Coleoptera (Crowson's classification) known to occur in New Zealand are tabulated, with numbers of presently published species (excluding synonyms) for New Zealand, North America, Britain, Australia, ...
22 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of grass grub population densities from 3 areas of New Zealand showed that in the absence of catastrophic density-independent mortalities caused by adverse weather such as summer droughts, simple logarithmic regressions of the density in 1 generation against that inThe previous generation accounted for 80% of the variation in log Nn + 1, on average.
Abstract: The sedentary nature of grass grub, Costelytra zealandica (White), infestations and the tendency for populations to increase steadily over several generations until they reach damaging levels allow populations over the build-up phase to be predicted with reasonable accuracy from the numbers present in the previous generation. Analysis of grass grub population densities from 3 areas of New Zealand showed that in the absence of catastrophic density-independent mortalities caused by adverse weather such as summer droughts, simple logarithmic regressions of the density in 1 generation (Nn + 1) against that in the previous generation (Nn) accounted for 80% of the variation in log Nn + 1, on average. Some consequences for the control of grass grub with insecticides are discussed.
13 citations
TL;DR: Beauveria bassiana is recorded in the larvae of Aenetus virescens for the first time and the gross appearance of infected larvae is described.
Abstract: Beauveria bassiana is recorded in the larvae of Aenetus virescens for the first time. Infected larvae were found in forest litter (dead wood) and in live tree hosts. An indication of mortality of larvae in live trees is given. The gross appearance of infected larvae is described.
9 citations
TL;DR: The population behaviour of first infestations by soldier fly in New Zealand is discussed and responses by invertebrate soil-living predators to high densities of soldier fly larvae may have been responsible for the subsequent regulation of population densities.
Abstract: Australian soldier fly (Inopus rubriceps) recently established on free-draining soils in Northland, but heavy clay soils were apparently unfavourable for population development. Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) grass was severely damaged by high densities of the larvae. Soldier fly in North Taranaki was actively dispersing eastward from New Plymouth at a rate of 1-2 km per annum. The population behaviour of first infestations by soldier fly in New Zealand is discussed. Larval densities apparently peaked soon after establishment but subsequently declined over a variable number of years to a lower, relatively stable level. Responses by invertebrate soil-living predators to high densities of soldier fly larvae may have been responsible for the subsequent regulation of population densities.
8 citations
TL;DR: Using electrophysiological studies of the insect compound eye as an example, the basic anatomy of the compound eye is explained and functional parameters such as absolute sensitivity versus activity, colour and polarisation sensitivity, flicker fusion frequency, and information transfer are mentioned.
Abstract: Using electrophysiological studies of the insect compound eye as an example, this paper describes how to set-up the experimental equipment, how to prepare and use recording electrodes, how to make a preparation, and how to locate the electrode in the tissue after the recording. The basic anatomy of the compound eye is explained and functional parameters such as absolute sensitivity versus activity, colour and polarisation sensitivity, flicker fusion frequency, and information transfer are mentioned.
8 citations
TL;DR: In the light of a recent epidemic of Pseudocoremia suavis in mature, heavily stocked stands of Douglas fir, the need for a simple routine survey for the common defoliator of exotic forest plantations is discussed.
Abstract: In the light of a recent epidemic of Pseudocoremia suavis in mature, heavily stocked stands of Douglas fir, the need for a simple routine survey for the common defoliator of exotic forest plantations is discussed. Detailed records of 8 consecutive generations of P. suavis were obtained from an energy flow programme. Population fluctuation showed a marked correlation with rainfall in the formative month of a given generation. Consequently, a simple routine survey, based on the host's silvicultural condition and on precipitation, is proposed.
8 citations
TL;DR: Preliminary results of a simple phenological modelling system for the Argentine stem weevil are presented and it is suggested that this system should be considered as a basis for further studies.
Abstract: Preliminary results of a simple phenological modelling system for the Argentine stem weevil are presented.
7 citations
TL;DR: The use of population estimates of previous season's adults, eggs, and small nymphs to predict the population size of the damaging stages of the black field cricket, Teleogryllus commodus (Walker), are discussed using examples from a number of Northland sites over 2 seasons.
Abstract: The use of population estimates of previous season's adults, eggs, and small nymphs to predict the population size of the damaging stages of the black field cricket, Teleogryllus commodus (Walker), are discussed using examples from a number of Northland sites over 2 seasons. Monitoring of black field cricket populations over the summer damage period is suggested as a means of determining whether control measures are necessary.
7 citations
TL;DR: This paper records the presence of 212 Lepidoptera taxa collected at Danseys Pass between November.
Abstract: This paper records the presence of 212 Lepidoptera taxa collected at Danseys Pass between November. 1977 and February 1980.
TL;DR: The central North Island contains significant areas of New Zealand's exotic forests as discussed by the authors, and the insects which are found in these forests, and damage which some species can cause, are discussed.
Abstract: The central North Island contains significant areas of New Zealand's exotic forests. This paper discusses the insects which are found in these forests, and damage which some species can cause.
TL;DR: Progress in the development of methods of predicting black beetle populations and damage on a regional basis using spring temperature data, and on a farm or paddock basis using a simple sampling technique and damage thresholds, is reviewed.
Abstract: Black beetle, Heteronychus arator (F.), causes sporadic outbreaks of pasture and crop damage. Rational control depends largely upon the accurate prediction of pest numbers. Progress in the development of methods of predicting black beetle populations and damage on a regional basis using spring temperature data, and on a farm or paddock basis using a simple sampling technique and damage thresholds, is reviewed.
TL;DR: A first record of C. blakei phoretic on the flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis is described.
Abstract: The occurrence of Cheyletiella blakei is recorded for the first time in New Zealand. A first record of C. blakei phoretic on the flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis is described.
TL;DR: Based on examination of types and fresh specimens from New Zealand and Australia, Anacharis australiensis Ashmead is reduced to a synonym of Anachari zealandica AshmeAD.
Abstract: Based on examination of types and fresh specimens from New Zealand and Australia, Anacharis australiensis Ashmead is reduced to a synonym of Anacharis zealandica Ashmead.
TL;DR: A new species, Chersodromia zelandica, is described from specimens collected upon Warrington Beach, New Zealand, and this species is compared with ChersODromia lutescens Bezzi, found in Australia.
Abstract: A new species, Chersodromia zelandica, is described from specimens collected upon Warrington Beach, New Zealand. This species is compared with Chersodromia lutescens Bezzi, found in Australia.
TL;DR: Investigations into sod webworm biology, population dynamics, and behavioural ecology on hill country pasture around the Waikato region suggest Eudonia sabulosella appears to be the most important species economically.
Abstract: This is a preliminary report on investigations into sod webworm biology, population dynamics, and behavioural ecology on hill country pasture around the Waikato region. Eudonia sabulosella (Walker) appears to be the most important species economically.
TL;DR: Carrot rust fly (Psila rosae) is recorded from 2 commercial and 6 home garden properties in Christchurch, and appears to have been present at this locality since at least 1973.
Abstract: Carrot rust fly (Psila rosae) is recorded from 2 commercial and 6 home garden properties in Christchurch, and appears to have been present at this locality since at least 1973. Other areas in the South Island where carrots are grown appear suitable for its establishment.
TL;DR: Records are presented of Odonata seen in the Rangitoto Range in January 1981 together with notes on some Ephemeroptera and migrant Australian butterflies.
Abstract: Records are presented of Odonata seen in the Rangitoto Range in January 1981 together with notes on some Ephemeroptera and migrant Australian butterflies. Quintinia acutifolia (Escalloniaceae) is listed as a new host for Aenetus virescens (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae).
TL;DR: Sex attractant trap catches of adult male grass grubs, Costelytra zealandica (White), were found to be unrelated to either preflight populations of teneral adults and pupae or subsequent larval populations.
Abstract: Sex attractant trap catches of adult male grass grubs, Costelytra zealandica (White), were found to be unrelated to either preflight populations of teneral adults and pupae or subsequent larval populations.
TL;DR: Two methods of predicting when to commence an insecticidal spray programme against adult grass grub, Costelytra zealandica (White), have been developed based on sex attractant trap catches obtained over at least 2 flight seasons on 98 sites.
Abstract: Two methods of predicting when to commence an insecticidal spray programme against adult grass grub, Costelytra zealandica (White), have been developed. The methods are based on sex attractant trap catches obtained over at least 2 flight seasons on 98 sites. Flights at sites in various localities throughout New Zealand usually occurred within a site-specific 24 day period. The shortest and most consistent flights have been in the Canterbury region. The relationship between female mating activity and male flight indicates that for effective control of grass grub at the adult stage, insecticidal activity should be maintained on the foliage, at least over the 4% to 50% cumulative flight period and ideally over the 2% to 70% cumulative flight period. Use of these criteria has allowed determination of success rates for treatment date predictive methods based on a “Trigger Point” catch of 10 beetles/trap in the year of treatment and an “Ideal Mating Period” derived from the span between the earliest 5% and late...
TL;DR: Trials with the synthetic pyrethroid, permethrin, as a residual film for control of insects in aircraft have shown that it remains effective for up to 4 weeks of normal aircraft operation when applied at the rate of 0.5 g/m2 to carpet or 0.2 g/M2 to impervious unpainted surfaces.
Abstract: Trials with the synthetic pyrethroid, permethrin, as a residual film for control of insects in aircraft have shown that it remains effective for up to 4 weeks of normal aircraft operation when applied at the rate of 0.5 g/m2 to carpet or 0.2 g/m2 to impervious unpainted surfaces.
TL;DR: An account is given of the 1980-1981 Cynthia kershawi McCoy migration to southern New Zealand, with records of sightings of adults over 7 months, host-plants, and general bionomics.
Abstract: An account is given of the 1980-1981 Cynthia kershawi McCoy migration to southern New Zealand, with records of sightings of adults over 7 months, host-plants, and general bionomics.
TL;DR: Two new species of Nymphalidae, probably introduced with Ecuador bananas, are recorded in New Zealand for the first time and it is suggested that Othreis materna usually migrates to New Zealand from Australia unaided.
Abstract: Opisphanes tamarindi (Felder) and O. cassina (Felder) (Nymphalidae), probably introduced with Ecuador bananas, are recorded in New Zealand for the first time. It is suggested that Othreis materna (Noctuidae) usually migrates to New Zealand from Australia unaided.
TL;DR: The first observation of the lime aphid Eucallipterus tiliae Linnaeus in New Zealand is recorded, and a brief outline given of its ecology and population dynamics based on studies in Britain.
Abstract: The first observation of the lime aphid Eucallipterus tiliae Linnaeus in New Zealand is recorded, and a brief outline given of its ecology and population dynamics based on studies in Britain.
TL;DR: A discontinuous fringe of three types of indigenous forest now encircles the central volcanic plateau in the North Island as mentioned in this paper, including beech forests, which are restricted to the eastern fall of the Hauhungaroa Range, West Taupo, and to the Whirinaki basin, adjacent to Urewera National Park.
Abstract: Since the Cretaceous era the effects of climatic change and intermittent vulcanism have dictated a shifting pattern for New Zealand's forests so that in any one place the mix of species comprising the forest has continually changed. The arrival of Man heralded a reduction in indigenous forest area from an estimated 18.8 million ha to the present 6.2 million ha, about 33% of the original forest estate. A discontinuous fringe of 3 types of indigenous forest now encircles the central volcanic plateau in the North Island. Podocarp forests, which were originally very extensive, are now almost entirely restricted to the eastern fall of the Hauhungaroa Range, West Taupo, and to the Whirinaki basin, adjacent to Urewera National Park. Podocarp/hardwood forests are more extensive in the same 2 localities as well as on the Mamaku Plateau. Extensive beech forests occupy much of the Kaimanawa Range, south of Lake Taupo. In the North Island only 56 000 ha of unlogged podocarp/hardwood forest, including dense podocarp f...
TL;DR: Live larvae of Reesa vespulae were found infesting old fly-rearing cages at Lincoln College in 1980 and after rearing for 2 generations the culture was destroyed.
Abstract: Live larvae of Reesa vespulae were found infesting old fly-rearing cages at Lincoln College in 1980. After rearing for 2 generations the culture was destroyed.
TL;DR: Experience with outbreaks of 2 new pests — blue green lucerne aphid (BGA), Acyrthosiphon kondi Shinji, and pea aphid, A. pisum (Harris) — in theLucerne crops of the southern North Island provides an example of the value of extensive regional monitoring programmes to assess rapidly the spread of pest species, their likely importance, and the worth and timing of control methods.
Abstract: Experience with outbreaks of 2 new pests — blue green lucerne aphid (BGA), Acyrthosiphon kondi Shinji, and pea aphid, A. pisum (Harris) — in the lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) crops of the southern North Island, provides an example of the value of extensive regional monitoring programmes to assess rapidly the spread of pest species, their likely importance, and the worth and timing of control methods. These studies have enabled an effective programme for lucerne aphid control to be rapidly developed. The use of this has allowed the production of the susceptible local cultivar ‘Wairau’ to be economically maintained in the face of aphid attack. Reasons for the choice of extensive monitoring at the expense of alternative approaches to the development of pest control programmes are discussed.