Showing papers on "Lepidoptera genitalia published in 2002"

ISSR (inter simple sequence repeats) as genetic markers in noctuids (Lepidoptera).

Abstract: Microsatellites among Lepidoptera are poorly known We have shown that some ISSR amplifications are possible and demonstrate their applicability in studying intraand inter-specific variation in some Noctuid populations The Lepidoptera are sensitive to habitat and climatic change (HARPER et al 2000) We analyse Noctuid populations in natural and disturbed habitats in the Pyrenees (France) We have attempted to find a versatile method that can be used in species determination, and, to demonstrate small genetic differences, in the nuclear genome of moths Compared to other groups of animals relatively few microsatellite studies have been carried out with Lepidoptera (NEVE and MEGLECZ 2000) Only few studies involve ISSR (REDDY et al 1999) One reason was that it has been assumed that microsatellites are lacking or are very rare in Lepidoptera However, MEGLECZ and SOLIGNAC (1998) and HARPER et al (2000) have successfully localised (CA)n repeats in insect microsatellites We found that: (i) (CA)n primer gives the most informative profiles; (ii) DNA profiles between species differ substantially; (iii) comparison of ISSR profiles can be successfully applied to study intra-specific variation

Aflatoxin accumulation in conventional and transgenic corn hybrids infested with southwestern corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Abstract: Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus Link:fr. Aflatoxin contamination of corn greatly diminishes its value and is a major impediment to profitable corn production in the South. Aflatoxin contamination is frequently linked with drought, high temperatures, and insect damage. The effects of southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar, damage on aflatoxin contamination were investigated. Aflatoxin contamination levels in conventional nonBt corn hybrids and transgenic Bt hybrids after inoculation with A. flavus and infestation with southwestern corn borer were compared. Aflatoxin contamination was highest when hybrids were inoculated with A. flavus using a technique that wounded the kernels. Aflatoxin contamination was significantly greater in nonBt than in Bt hybrids when ears were inoculated by spraying with an A. flavus conidial suspension and concurrently infesting with southwestern corn borer. Infesting conventional nonBt hybrids with southwestern corn borer resulted in significant leaf feeding, stalk tunneling, stunting, yield loss, and aflatoxin contamination. Losses were significantly reduced in transgenic Bt hybrids.

Nontarget Effect of Entomophagous Biocontrol: Shared Parasitism Between Native Lepidopteran Parasitoids and the Biocontrol Agent Trigonospila brevifacies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in Forest Habitats

Abstract: The parasitoid guild attacking preimaginal Tortricidae on shrubs and small trees in broadleaf/podocarp forests was studied at six sites in the central North Island. Connectance and quantitative webs were used to interpret the complexities of host parasitoid interactions at a community level and identify competition between native parasitoids and the introduced species Trigonospila brevifacies (Hardy). Trigonospila brevifacies is numerically dominant in the tortricid parasitoid guild. Its host range overlaps with 12 native and one introduced parasitoid species, and it parasitizes more species of Tortricidae than other parasitoids at the North Island forest sites surveyed. Quantification of the parasitoid load on native Lepidoptera indicated that T. brevifacies parasitism comprised between 15.6 and 79.5% of the parasitoid load per species. Only the introduced Australian canefruit pest Eutorna phaulocosma Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) received a higher proportion of parasitism from T. brevifacies than any of the native Lepidoptera. The number of parasitoid species attacking each preimaginal host stage (except for pupae) of native Lepidoptera was relatively constant. The only pupal parasitoid recorded was the introduced ichneumonid Xanthopimpla rhopaloceros Krieger (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). All native parasitoid species were less abundant than T. brevifacies.

Foraging mode shifts of four insectivorous bird species under temporally varying resource distribution in a Japanese deciduous forest

Abstract: Temporal changes in the foraging habitat of four forest bird species and the distribution pattern of arthropod populations were investigated. The abundance and distribution of arthropods changed drastically with the season within the forest. Lepidoptera larvae were most abundant in the canopy in the first three weeks after budbreak; their numbers decreased rapidly during mid-June. In contrast, on the forest floor, the larvae were abundant from early to late June. The foraging height of the Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina changed in parallel with the distribution pattern of Lepidoptera larvae. Three other species, the Great Tit Parus major, Marsh Tit P. palustris, and Eastern Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus, however, did not change their foraging heights; they continued to forage in the canopy. These dif- ferences are probably due to the greater preference of the flycatcher for Lepidoptera larvae compared with the other three species. The three other species switched from feeding on Lepidoptera larvae to spiders or other arthropods in mid June, when the number of Lepidoptera larvae decreased in the canopy. The results of this study sug- gest that the abundance and distribution of arthropods and differences in foraging tac- tics among bird species considerably affect avian foraging habitat. The foraging be- havior of three species of forest birds revealed species-specific responses to spatio- temporal fluctuations in the distribution of resources.

Local pattern of host plant utilization by lepidopteran larvae in the cerrado vegetation

Abstract: DINIZ IR, MORAIS HC 2002 Local pattern of host plant utilization by lepidopteran larvae in the cerrado vegetation Entomotropica 17(2):115-119 The first inventory of lepidopteran larvae associated to buds, flowers and fruits and the study of the degree of specialization on host plant species and/or plant tissues was conducted in cerrado areas (savanna like vegetation) in Federal District (Brazil) Adults of 83 species from 15 lepidopteran families were obtained on 36 plant species of 20 families Four of the Lepidoptera families were the richest in species and included 69% of the total species: Gelechiidae (22 species), Tortricidae (17), Lycaenidae (10), and Pyralidae (8) The present results indicate three lepidopteran groups: (1) monophagous or oligophagous of a plant part from a single plant genus, 58% of the species; (2) polyphagous of plant families and plant tissues, 25% of the species; (3) oligophagous, but opportunists over the parts of the same plant species, 17% of the species

Nectar Sources of Day-Flying Lepidoptera of Central Illinois

Abstract: We tabulated flowering plant species visited by 98 species of Lepidoptera as extracted from records of C Robertson, who observed >15,000 insect visitors of flowering plants in central Illinois during a 33-yr period Diversity of Lepidoptera was highest on plant species of the Asclepiadaceae and Verbenaceae, and the greatest number of lepidopteran species visited Verbena stricta Ventenat (Verbenaceae), Aster pilosus Willdenow (Asteraceae), Cephalanthus occidentalis L (Rubiaceae), and Pycnanthemum flexuosum (Walter) Britton, Sterns, Poggenberg (Lamiaceae) Lepidopterans were particularly abundant on A pilosus and C occidentalis The most polyphagous lepidopteran species were Colias philodice Godart (Pieridae), Danaus plexippus (L) (Danaidae), Artogeia rapae (L) [=Pieris rapae (L); Pieridae], Phyciodes tharos (Drury) (Nymphalidae), Polites themistocles (Latreille) (Hesperiidae), Pontia protodice (Boisduval & LeConte) (Pieridae), and Everes comyntas (Godart) (Lycaenidae), each of which visited

Chemical Attractants for Females of Pest Pyralids and Phycitids (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Phycitidae)

Abstract: In field trapping tests conducted in Hungary large numbers of Pyralis costalis F. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a secondary pest, were attracted to traps baited with iso-amyl alcohol (3-methyl-1-butanol) and acetic acid. The same bait attracted lower numbers of P. farinalis L., a well-known stored product pest. In both spp. the capture of the two-component blend was significantly higher than the catch in traps with the single com­po­nents. In tests conducted in a country mill, the blend of the above two com­pounds proved to be attractive towards Anagasta kuehniella Zell. and Plodia interpunctella Hbn. (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae), both important pests of stored products worldwide. The majority of captured insects were females. The optimal ratio for attracting A. kuehniella was 1:1 to 1:10 iso-amyl alcohol:acetic acid. The related iso-amyl acetate was inactive. The addition of iso-butyl alcohol (2-methyl-1-propanol) did not influence acti­vity of the iso-amyl alcohol / acetic acid blend. Polyethylene dispensers w...

Mexican Lepidoptera biodiversity

Abstract: Being among the most habitat diverse countries in the world (and plant diversity is about 22,000 sp.), Mexico has a Lepidoptera fauna recorded at about 14,385 species but is estimated to be over 22,000 species, if not much higher (some estimates go to 35,000 sp.). High Lepidoptera numbers in Mexico are also due to the large influx of tropical species from the border with Guatemala, as well as Mexican endemics. In this report, the Lepidoptera families are summarized for Mexico, giving known species and what experts estimate to be the true total for each family when all have been described. Many regions of Mexico are still poorly known for smaller moths.

Host plant use among closely related Anaea butterfly species (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Charaxinae)

Abstract: There is a great number of Charaxinae (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) species in the tropics whose larvae feed on several plant families. However the genus Anaea is almost always associated with Croton species (Euphorbiaceae). This work describes patterns of host plant use by immature and adult abundance on different vertical strata of sympatric Anaea species in a forest of Southeastern Brazil. Quantitative samples of leaves were taken in April/1999 and May/2000 to collect eggs and larvae of four Anaea species on C. alchorneicarpus, C. floribundus and C. salutaris in a semideciduous forest. Sampled leaves were divided into three classes of plant phenological stage: saplings, shrubs and trees. The results showed that the butterfly species are segregating in host plant use on two scales: host plant species and plant phenological stages. C. alchorneicarpus was used by only one Anaea species, whereas C. floribundus was used by three species and C. salutaris by four Anaea species. There was one Anaea species concentrated on sapling, another on sapling/shrub and two others on shrub/tree leaves. Adults of Anaea were more frequent at canopy traps but there were no differences among species caught in traps at different vertical positions. This work supplements early studies on host plant use among Charaxinae species and it describes how a guild of closely related butterfly species may be organized in a complex tropical habitat.

Parthenogenesis, calling behavior, and insect-released volatiles of leafminer moth Phyllonorycter emberizaepenella.

Abstract: We proved that the leafminer moth Phyllonorycter emberizaepenella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) reproduces by parthenogenesis of the thelytoky type. Despite a complete absence of males, parthenogenetically reproducing females diurnally demonstrated the calling posture normally used for releasing signaling compounds. Two compounds, which we collected from a calling female, were identified as potential sex pheromone components: (8E,10E)-8,10-tetradecadienyl acetate and (8E,10E)-8,10-tetradecadienol, the latter occurring only in trace amounts. In field experiments, no males were attracted to traps baited with either the potential sex pheromone or with virgin females. Both the pattern of behavior and the chemical characteristics of the pheromone of Ph. emberizaepenella species were similar to those known for Lepidoptera with the usual amphimictic mode of reproduction. Theoretical speculations that in thelytoky, where there is no need to find a sexual partner, the individuals would obtain certain advantages due to reduction in their sexual behavior, were, thus, not confirmed for Ph. emberizaepenella.

The sphragis of Heteronympha penelope Waterhouse (Lepidoptera: Satyridae): its structure, formation and role in sperm guarding

Abstract: The external mating plug (sphragis) of the alpine Australian satyrid butterfly, Heteronympha penelope Waterhouse, is described and figured. Its formation is described and the capacity of males to produce sphragides is shown to be limited to one or two in their lifetime. Male specializations are identified including an expanded intersegmental membrane between the genitalia and the 8th abdominal segment, which forms a mould for the sphragis, and hypertrophied paired accessory glands, the probable source of the sphragidal fluid. It is shown that the male genitalia, especially the uncus and valvae are much larger and more robust than in related species which do not form a sphragis, a probable adaptation for sphragis removal. Descriptions are provided of mating behaviour and interactions between males and mated females, including sphragis removal, in the field and in captivity. The frequency of the sphragis in wild populations of females of different ages was found to be 62%, with a slightly lower frequency am...

Taxonomic notes on some neotropical skippers (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae): Pyrrhopyginae and Pyrginae

Abstract: Taxonomic notes on some Neotropical skippers (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae): Pyrrhopyginae and Pyrginae

A New Species of Eupithecia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) from the Juan Fernández Islands

Abstract: Eupithecia robinsoni sp. nov. is described from the Juan Fernandez islands. This species is associated with Gunnera peltata Phil. The egg, larva, pupa, adult, and genitalia are described and illustrated. Preliminary results of the natural history of this species are given and compared with biology of E. horismoides Rindge, 1987.

The internal genitalia as a taxonomic tool: description of the relict endemic moth, Coranarta restricta sp. n., from the Iberian Peninsula (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Hadeninae)

Abstract: A comparative study of the internal genitalia and examination of ecological preferences show that the Iberian populations formerly referred to as Coranarta cordigera (Thunberg, 1788) should be recognised as a distinct species, Coranarta restricta sp. n. Because of its rarity, extremely local distribution, and endemic and relict character, it should be regarded as an endangered species and its potential as a flagship species in conservation programmes is addressed. The phylogenetic and zoogeographical relationships among the species of Coranarta are outlined. The utility of structural matching of internal genitalia in conspecific males and females as a taxonomic tool is discussed, together with the main hypotheses of the evolutionary significance of internal genital differentiation in allopatric species.

Brief report ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) as genetic markers in Noctuids (Lepidoptera)

Abstract: Microsatellites among Lepidoptera are poorly known. We have shown that some ISSR amplifica- tions are possible and demonstrate their applicability in studying intra- and inter-specific variation in some Noctuid populations. The Lepidoptera are sensitive to habitat and cli- matic change (HARPER et al. 2000). We analyse Noc- tuid populations in natural and disturbed habitats in the Pyrenees (France). We have attempted to find a versatile method that can be used in species determi- nation, and, to demonstrate small genetic differences, in the nuclear genome of moths. Compared to other groups of animals relatively few microsatellite studies have been carried out with Lepidoptera (NEVE and MEGLECZ 2000). Only few studies involve ISSR (REDDY et al. 1999). One reason was that it has been assumed that microsatellites are lacking or are very rare in Lepidoptera. However, MEGLECZ and SOLIGNAC (1998) and HARPER et al. (2000) have successfully localised (CA)n repeats in insect microsatellites. We found that: (i) (CA)n primer gives the most informative profiles; (ii) DNA profiles between spe- cies differ substantially; (iii) comparison of ISSR profiles can be successfully applied to study intra-spe- cific variation.

Activity of octylthiotrifluoropropan-2-one, a potent esterase inhibitor, on growth, development, and intraspecific communication in Spodoptera littoralis and Sesamia nonagrioides.

Abstract: A series of experiments were conducted to examine the effect of 3-octylthio-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-propanone (OTFP) on growth, development, and behavior of the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and the corn stalk borer, Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The chemical behaved as an oviposition deterrent and, when added to the diet of the second-instar larvae of both insects, reduced diet consumption and growth, pupation, and adult emergence. Treatment of 100-5000 ng of the compound on fourth-instar larvae for 3-24 h, however, did not produce significant differences in the amount of diet ingested. Our results suggest that the effect of OTFP is long-lasting and that the inhibitor is not fully detoxified by the detoxification enzymes of the digestive tract of the insects. In behavioral assays, adult males which had been treated with the chemical at the larval stage were less attracted to the pheromone source than regular untreated males. When Sp. littoralis untreated females were used as the attractant source, treated males also displayed significantly fewer contacts with the cage-containing females than untreated or solvent-treated males. In the presence of treated females, only 27% of treated males successfully completed the flight in comparison to animals responding to solvent-treated females (54.5%). By contrast, when Se. nonagrioides females, whether they had been subjected or not to the treatment, were used as the attractant source, males were similarly attracted to them regardless of whether they had been treated or not at the larval stage. Analyses of gland extracts of Sp. littoralis treated females showed no difference from control insects in the qualitative or quantitative composition of the pheromone blend. The results obtained, in combination with other results previously reported by us (Riba, M.; Sans, A.; Bau, P.; Grolleau, G.; Renou, M.; Guerrero, A. J. Chem. Ecol. 2001, 27, 1879-1897), provide new and relevant information about the possible utility of these chemicals in future studies directed to the development of new approaches for pest control.

Temporal Response of Parasitoids to the Density of the Leafroller Eudemis gyrotis (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on Bayberry Myrica rubra (Myricaceae)

Abstract: To elucidate the temporal response of parasitoids to their host density, we investigated the temporal relationship between the density of the leafroller moth, Eudemis gyrotis (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae), and larval and pupal parasitism in the Þeld. E. gyrotis had overlapping-generations, and the density of larvae and pupae of E. gyrotis varied seasonally. Analysis of the temporal relationship between the density of E. gyrotis and the percentage parasitism revealed a tendency toward positive density-dependent attack by the parasitoid Apanteles sp. (ater-group) (Braconidae) on early-stage E. gyrotis larvae, and inverse density-dependent attack by Goniozus japonicus (Bethylidae) in late-stage larvae. However, no temporal density-dependent attack was observed by the pupal parasitoids Brachymeria excarinata (Chalcididae), B. lasus, and Itoplectis alternans spectabilis (Ichneumonidae). These different responses to host density by the parasitoid species were discussed in terms of the mode of parasitism, the host stages attacked, host-searching behavior, and the effect on the host population.