Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the corn earworm, is a key pest causing damage to corn Zea mays L. (Poales: Poaceae). The development of hybrids expressing Cry1Ab, Vip3Aa20, and mCry3A protein of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) is an option to control this insect. Corn hybrids Agrisure™ 3000 GT, Agrisure® Viptera™ 3110, and Agrisure® Viptera™ 3111 were tested for corn earworm suppression in the agricultural region of Sinaloa during the 2011, 2012, and 2013 autumn—winter growing seasons, and compared with their respective isolines. Gallery length on the ear and the number of damaged ears were evaluated. The genetically modified hybrids demonstrated the effectiveness of inserted proteins to confer resistance to the corn earworm by killing the pest or reducing its growth and damage to the ear. Based on the results, Agrisure™ 3000 GT, Agrisure® Viptera™ 3110, and Agrisure® Viptera™ 3111 are useful elements for an integrated pest management program on corn in Sinaloa, Mexico.

Host plant resistance is an important component of integrated pest management of the melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae). We studied various antixenotic and allelochemical traits in the fruit for 15 varieties/genotypes of watermelon Citrellus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsumara & Nakai (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae) in relation to resistance against B. cucurbitae under field conditions in a hot arid region of India. Results showed significant differences in tested varieties/genotypes in levels of fruit infestation and larval density per fruit. The varieties/genotypes ‘Asahi Yamato’ (12.73%), ‘AHW/BR-16’ (15.10%), and ‘Thar Manak’ (18.27%) were found to be resistant; ‘Durgapura Lal’ (23.03%), ‘Sugar Baby’ (26.67%), ‘AHW/BR-12’ (29.73%), ‘Arka Manik’ (34.15%), ‘Charleston Gray’ (38.70%), ‘AHW-65’ (35.80%), and ‘AHW-19’ (48.97%) were found to be moderately resistant; and ‘IC 582909’ (53.18%), ‘AHW/BR-60’ (55.52%), ‘BSM-1’ (59.10%), ‘AHW/BR-137’ (60.58%), and ‘AHW/BR-9’ (67.37%) were found to be susceptible to fruit fly infestation. Significant positive correlation (r = 0.99; P < 0.01) was observed between percentage fruit infestation and larval density per fruit. Percentage fruit infestation and larval density per fruit were significantly and positively correlated with fruit length (r = 0.57 and 0.55, respectively) and with days to first fruit harvest (r = 0.75 and 0.76, respectively), but negatively correlated with length of ovary pubescence (r = -0.91 and -0.91, respectively), rind hardness (r = -0.86 and -0.87, respectively), and rind thickness (r = -0.77 and -0.75, respectively). Maximum variation in fruit infestation and larval density were explained by length of ovary pubescence (82.5 and 83.6%, respectively) followed by fruit length (4.3 and 3.0%, respectively) and rind thickness (3.2 and 2.0%, respectively). Free amino acid content was lowest in the resistant ‘Asahi Yamato’ and highest in the susceptible ‘BSM-1’, whereas the contents of phenols, tannins, total alkaloids, and flavonoids were highest in resistant and lowest in susceptible varieties/genotypes. Flavonoid and total alkaloid contents explained 88.4 and 92.0%, respectively, of the total variation in fruit fly infestation and in larval density per fruit.

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is currently the most important insect pest affecting citrus worldwide due to its relation (as insect vector) with huanglongbing (greening) disease. To determine an alternative tool for D. citri control, this study evaluated the insecticidal activity of ethanolic extract from Annona mucosa Jacq. (Magnoliales: Annonaceae) seeds (ESAM), which has the acetogenin rolliniastatin-1 as its major compound, against D. citri. ESAM caused high mortality in both 3rd instar nymphs (LC₅₀ = 429.43, 247.95, 148.16, 96.89, and 57.76 mg/L after 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h of exposure, respectively) and adults (LC₅₀ = 5,359.00, 2,464.00, 1,507.00, and 795.51 mg/L after 48, 72, 96, and 120 h of exposure, respectively), showing higher effectiveness than Azamax® 1.2 EC (azadirachtin 3-tigloylazadirachtol, positive control) at the recommended concentration, which showed insecticidal effects only on nymphs. At a sublethal concentration (LC₂₅), ESAM caused significant reductions in feeding and oviposition of D. citri adults. However, the adult emergence of the ectoparasitoid Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was reduced when exposed (by contact) to ESAM in its larval stage. In a greenhouse trial (seedlings cultivated in vases), the insecticidal activity of formulated ESAM was superior to that of Azamax® 1.2 EC, showing a residual effect of approximately 6 d (effectiveness > 80%). The effectiveness of ESAM (> 99%) for D. citri control also was confirmed in a commercial sweet orange farm (field trial). In light of these results, ESAM can constitute a useful component in the framework of D. citri integrated pest management, mainly in domestic orchards and organic systems.

All instars of fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda Smith & Abbot (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were collected in maize (corn) fields in 5 localities of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, in 2014, with the main objectives of identifying its natural enemies and estimating the level of parasitism. Larvae were maintained under controlled conditions, fed with artificial diet, and observed daily until the emergence of parasitoids, until the appearance of mycosis, nematodes, or typical symptoms of baculoviral infection, or until they reached adulthood. Out of 5,870 larvae collected, 1,068 were attacked by natural enemies (parasitoids and entomopathogens), representing a total incidence of 18.2%. The incidence of parasitism by parasitoids was 8.1%, and parasitoids emerged from 5.8% of the larvae. The parasitoids found were: Chelonus insularis Cresson and Meteorus arizonensis Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae); Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron), Campoletis flavicincta (Ashmead), Pristomerus sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae); Euplectrus platyhypenae Howard (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae); and Lespesia sp. and Archytas marmoratus (Townsend) (Diptera: Tachinidae). Meteorus arizonensis and C. flavicincta were the most commonly encountered parasitoids, affecting 3% and 1.3% of the total collected larvae, respectively. Also, 2 species of entomopathogenic fungi were found: Metarhizium rileyi (Farl.) Kepler, S.A. Rehner & Humber comb. nov. (= Nomuraea rileyi [Farl.] Samson; Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), with incidences of 8.6% and 0.65%, respectively. Forty-nine nucleopolyhedrovirus (Baculoviridae) isolates were obtained, corresponding to an incidence of 0.8%. Also, 0.07% of larvae were infected by entomopathogenic nematodes. In addition to the parasitoids and pathogens obtained, 34 specimens of the predator Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were found during the surveys.

Kelly's citrus thrips Pezothrips kellyanus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a new pest of oranges in New Zealand, southern Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin. The nymphs of this thrips can damage the fruit from petal fall up to 6 wk later. Because there is a lack of information on its management, the aims of this study were to determine the number of generations occurring on the fruit and the efficacy of 3 insecticides (chlorpyrifos, spinosad, and spirotetramat) to control this pest. Chlorpyrifos and spinosad displayed a high efficacy against nymphs and reduced significantly the percentage of damaged fruit when a single generation of P. kellyanus attacked the fruit. However, these insecticides did not prevent development of a subsequent generation of P. kellyanus. The percentage of damaged fruit was higher when the 2nd generation was present. Spirotetramat did not display a knockdown effect, and its efficacy was less than that of chlorpyrifos and spinosad. Similar to these insecticides, spirotetramat did not prevent the attack of a 2nd generation when it occurred. Additionally, we analyzed the side effects of these treatments on predatory mites. Spinosad and spirotetramat negatively affected these beneficial species.

Redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), is a nonnative pest that transmits the pathogenic fungus Raffaelea lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva (Ophiostomatales: Ophiostomataceae), which causes laurel wilt disease in trees of the family Lauraceae. Laurel wilt is present in the commercial avocado (Persea americana Mill.; Laurales: Lauraceae) growing areas of Florida and poses a potential threat to the avocado industries of California and Mexico. The life cycle of X. glabratus was studied in avocado logs at 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 °C. Xyleborus glabratus successfully completed its life cycle at 24, 28, and 32 °C, with the greatest oviposition and development rate at 28 °C. Development of the egg and pupal stages was studied at 12, 16, 18, 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 °C. One linear and 7 nonlinear developmental models were used to estimate the temperature-dependent development of both stages. The linear model estimated the lower threshold temperatures for egg and pupal development to be 13.8 °C and 11.1 °C, respectively, and the degree-days (DD) for egg and pupal development to be 55.1 DD and 68.2 DD, respectively. The Brier-2, Ratkowsky, Logan, and polynomial models gave the best estimates for the temperature-dependent development of the egg stages, whereas the Brier-1, Logan, and polynomial models gave the best estimates of temperature-dependent development of the pupal stages. Our results suggested that the optimal temperature for development of X. glabratus was around 28 °C, and that temperature will play an important role in the spread and successful establishment of X. glabratus.

Temperature is a major abiotic factor affecting insects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on Diatraea saccharalis F., sensu Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) pupae at 6 constant temperatures (16, 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 °C). This parasitoid developed at all temperatures with the shortest development time and lowest survival at 31 °C. Tetrastichus howardi females oviposited immediately after making contact with the host pupae. Parasitoids that were kept at 25 °C had the greatest fecundity, and those kept at 16 °C had the greatest longevity. The greatest net reproductive rate (R₀) occurred at 25 °C, and the intrinsic rates of increase (r_m) at 25, 28, and 31 °C were similar but significantly greater than at the lower temperatures. The generation time (T) of T. howardi was significantly the longest at 16 °C, which resulted in the slowest development and greatest female longevity. The fecundity of Tetrastichus howardi was greater in the 19 to 28 °C temperature range than at 16 °C and at 31 °C. These results are important for the multiplication of T. howardi in the laboratory, and for understanding its potential for the biological control of D. saccharalis.

Infection of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), with ‘Candidatus' Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), the causal pathogen of citrus greening disease or huanglongbing, increases psyllid susceptibility to insecticides. Diaphorina citri populations in citrus occur year-round in tropical and sub-tropical habitats, and thus insecticide applications for managing this plant disease vector occur over a wide temperature range (10–40 °C). During the winter season, D. citri is occasionally exposed to periods of freezing temperatures, when temperatures fall below -6.5 °C. In this investigation, we compared insecticide susceptibility of uninfected and Las-infected D. citri at various temperatures (20–37 °C). Cold-acclimated (6 ± 1 °C) D. citri adults were less susceptible to neonicotinoid insecticides as compared with non-acclimated controls, but this trend was not observed for other insecticides tested. A positive correlation between temperature and percentage mortality caused by chlorpyriphos, imidacloprid, spinetoram, and thiamethoxam was found irrespective of infection status when evaluated at temperatures ranging between 20 and 37 °C. In contrast, a negative correlation between temperature and percentage mortality was observed for fenpropathrin for both infected and uninfected psyllids. Glutathione S-transferase levels were negatively correlated with temperature, whereas levels of cytochrome P450 and general esterase were not correlated with temperature fluctuations. These results indicate that altered insecticide susceptibility due to temperature may not be related to glutathione S-transferase, cytochrome P450, and general esterase levels. Diaphorina citri adults that carried the Las bacterium had reduced CYP4 transcript and protein levels, and ingested less than uninfected counterparts, as measured by the production of honeydew. Diaphorina citri adult feeding was greatest at 32 °C within the temperature range tested. Overall, annual temperature fluctuation does not appear to be a major factor impacting management of D. citri.

Host specificity tests on Gynaikothrips ficorum (Marchal) and Gynaikothrips uzeli (Zimmerman) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) have shown that under experimental conditions, G. ficorum will induce leaf galls on both Ficus benjamina L. and Ficus microcarpa L. f. (Rosales: Moraceae), but G. uzeli will induce galls only on F. benjamina. A further interesting aspect of the results is that gall induction by G. uzeli on F. benjamina appears to have been suppressed in the presence of F. microcarpa plants in the same cage. Liothrips takahashii (Moulton) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), an inquiline in the galls of these Gynaikothrips, is reported for the first time from Australia, mainland China, Malaysia, Costa Rica, and western USA.

Exotic ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are important pests of ornamental tree nurseries. Although these beetles reportedly disperse in early spring from peripheral forested areas into nurseries, few studies have determined how far they fly to infest new host trees, or whether a masstrapping strategy can adequately protect a nursery crop. Field monitoring with ethanol baits in South Carolina (2011–2012), Mississippi (2013–2014), and Louisiana (2013–2014), USA, determined the timing of peak ambrosia beetle flights, dispersal distance, and optimal trap location. In addition to the well-documented spring flight peak, southeastern nursery managers may need to be aware of a second, late-summer flight. Captures from traps placed in a nursery at various distances (−25 to 200 m) from the forest—nursery interface showed a significant linear and quadratic trend in decreasing numbers of beetles captured with increasing distance from the forest in South Carolina, whereas significant linear, quadratic, and cubic trends were detected in Louisiana and Mississippi. Although captures at the nursery edge were lower than within the forest, traps placed at the nursery edge may still represent the optimal tool for both monitoring and mass-trapping programs because of easier access for personnel. Susceptible tree cultivars may gain added protection when placed deeper within nursery interiors and when baited traps line adjacent nursery edges.

The lovebug, Plecia nearctica Hardy (Diptera: Bibionidae), is an invasive nuisance insect in Florida, USA. We previously showed that the floral compound phenylacetaldehyde (PAA) and yellow color were preferred olfactory and visual stimuli for capturing adult lovebugs. However, suitable designs for a trap have not been investigated. Here, we evaluated 3 basic types of insect traps (sticky, funnel, and interception) for their effectiveness in collecting adult lovebugs under field conditions in central and southern Florida. All traps were yellow or painted yellow and baited with PAA, which was highly attractive to both sexes. Yellow sticky cards orientated vertically were effective, but they quickly filled with lovebugs and were thus unsuitable for extended periods. Of the other commercial traps tested, the Universal moth (Unitrap), Japanese beetle, and modified Lindgren traps were effective, whereas the Delta, Ball (McPhail), boll weevil, fly (baited cup), and stink bug traps were relatively ineffective. Overall, the Unitrap was favored because it potentially can capture many thousands of lovebugs with a low proportion of non-target species (i.e., ≤ 6% of total insects collected), is reuseable for multiple seasons, and potentially can be improved by the addition of fluon or similar non-stick material to the entrance. The lure (polypropylene vial containing 0.75 mL PAA) was attractive to lovebugs for at least 2 wk under field conditions. The position of the lure (inside versus outside the trap) did not statistically affect the effectiveness of the Unitrap. The strategic deployment of lovebug traps is discussed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the herbicide atrazine, recommended for weed control in corn, on 10 species of Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera). A female of each trichogrammatid was placed individually in a test tube (no-choice) with a card containing approximately 45 Anagasta kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs. Parasitism by these trichogrammatids was allowed for 48 h, and the cards were sprayed with the herbicide atrazine at 6 L/ha, along with a control (distilled water). Atrazine reduced the emergence of Trichogramma bruni Nagaraja females, but increased that of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, Trichogramma demoraesi Nagaraja, Trichogramma galloi Zucchi, and Trichogramma soaresi Nagaraja. In addition, atrazine reduced the sex ratio of T. bruni, Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner, and Trichogramma bennetti Nagaraja & Nagarkatti, and increased that of T. demoraesi and T. soaresi. The herbicide was slightly harmful to T. bennetti and T. bruni, but was relatively harmless to the other species of Trichogrammatidae based on the standards of the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC).

The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), due to its association with Raffaelea lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva (Ophiostomatales: Ophiostomataceae), a pathogen that causes laurel wilt, is considered one of the most damaging pests of Persea species (Laurales: Lauraceae) including avocado. Currently, there is no satisfactory method to control this pest. Biological control is being examined as an additional tool to be used to lower the pest population and slow its spread. The objective of this study was to determine the natural enemy community associated with X. glabratus in Florida and Taiwan by using 3 methods: 1) field-collected wood naturally infested with X. glabratus (Florida), 2) bolts of avocado artificially infested with X. glabratus (Florida) and 3) direct collection of natural enemies from a trap area baited with infested wood and known X. glabratus lures (Florida and Taiwan). Among the predacious insects, there were 8 species of Laemophloeidae, an unidentified species of Staphylinidae, Microsicus spp. (Zopheridae), and Europs sp. (Monotomidae) (all Coleoptera). Among the parasitoids, hymenopterans of the families Braconidae, Eulophidae, Pteromalidae, Encyrtidae, Eupelmidae, and Bethylidae emerged from wood containing various species of Scolytinae. However, the only specimens that emerged from logs in which X. glabratus was present were Bethylidae, Braconidae, Encyrtidae (perhaps Closterocerus sp.), and Scelionidae. Four hymenopteran species were collected using attractants in Florida and Taiwan. However, more studies are needed to clarify their role as natural enemies of X. glabratus.

Trichogramma dendrolimi Matsumura (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) is an economically important egg parasitoid with a wide host range and is mass produced for biological control programs. With the development of in vitro rearing techniques, an artificial medium has been developed that is believed to hold potential for the large-scale production of the parasitoid. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of an artificial rearing medium by including biochemical analyses and not just by comparing the biological parameters of reared wasps. In particular, this study was conducted to determine differences in proportions of nutrients between the artificial medium and a natural host used for mass rearing T. dendrolimi by biochemical analyses of carcasses of the latter. Biochemical parameters including protein concentration, lipid content, trehalose content, and trehalase activity in T. dendrolimi continuously reared in an optimized artificial medium versus on Antheraea pernyi Guérin-Méneville (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) eggs were compared. The adults produced in vitro showed lower protein concentrations and higher lipid and trehalose contents and trehalase activity compared with those reared in vivo. Different—and even contrary—evolution of biochemical parameters was found when comparing adults reared in the artificial medium with those reared in natural host eggs over 10 generations. The results suggested that the artificial medium had a non-optimal composition for the in vitro rearing of T. dendrolimi, and that it could be improved by altering the composition of the medium, especially its protein concentration and lipid content. Biochemical analysis may be a useful method for optimizing artificial rearing media for other entomophagous insect species.

Pierella lena atlantica Paluch, Zacca & Siewert ssp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) is described from the Atlantic Forest of Bahia (Itanagra, Una, and Cachoeira), Brazil. A discussion about this new taxon and its relationship with the other subspecies of P. lena (Linnaeus, 1767) are provided, as are the first illustrations of the female genitalia and an identification key to adults of Pierella hyalinus (Gmelin, [1790]) and P. lena from South America.

Plant secondary metabolites comprise a diverse range of compounds (allelochemicals) that affect insect—plant interactions; many function in plant defense against herbivory. Thus, allelochemicals constitute an important source of insecticidal molecules that potentially can be used in different forms in integrated pest management programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioactivity of ethanolic extracts and partially purified fractions of these extracts obtained from the leaves, branches, and seeds of Annona sylvatica A. St.-Hil. (Magnoliales: Annonaceae), a native Brazilian species, against Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae). In the screening assay, the ethanolic extract of A. sylvatica seeds was the most promising treatment, causing lethal (LC₅₀ = 753.47 and 701.06 mg kg^-1 for males and females, respectively) and sublethal effects, mainly oviposition deterrence (EC₅₀ = 438.70 mg kg^-1). On the other hand, ethanolic extracts prepared from branches and leaves caused only sublethal effects including mainly oviposition deterrence (EC₅₀ = 1,168.90 and 1,010.70 mg kg^-1, respectively) and reduction in number of offspring. Based on these results, the extracts were submitted to liquid-liquid partitioning, and their fractions were tested against Z. subfasciatus to verify their bioactivity. Overall, the results of the fraction bioassays showed evidence of synergistic interactions among compounds of different chemical classes and polarities. Chemical analyses of active fractions revealed the presence of triglycerides, alkaloids, and acetogenins in the seed fractions; alkaloids, lignans, and long-chain fatty acid ethyl esters in the branch fractions; and glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, and long-chain fatty acid ethyl esters in the leaf fractions. Thus, A. sylvatica is an interesting and potentially important source of structurally diverse grain-protective compounds.

Parasitoids naturally attacking stink bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae and Pentatomidae) eggs and interactions with their hosts were recorded on soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merril; Fabales: Fabaceae) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.; Fabales: Fabaceae) host plants in Brazil. Egg masses of stink bugs collected from plant structures were observed daily until emergence of either parasitoids or bugs. Stink bugs were parasitized by 8 species of egg parasitoids: Trissolcus urichi Crawford, Trissolcus teretis Johnson, Trissolcus bodkini Crawford, Telenomus podisi Ashmead, Phanuropsis semiflaviventris Girault (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae), Neorileya flavipes Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), Ooencyrtus anasae (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), and Anastatus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae). Trissolcus urichi, Te. podisi, O. anasae, and N. flavipes parasitized eggs of 2 or more species of stink bugs, and Tr. urichi and Te. podisi were the most generalist. Phanuropsis semiflaviventris, Tr. teretis, Tr. bodkini, and Anastatus sp. showed specialist behavior, because each of them parasitized only 1 species of stink bug.

The southeastern United States contains a multi-billion dollar pine timber industry that could be affected significantly by the establishment and spread and of Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), the non-native wood wasp that was discovered recently in the northeastern United States. Several factors, including the timing of native wood wasp (S. nigricornis F.) emergence and flight, may influence the success of S. noctilio. Understanding the seasonal phenology of the native wood wasp will allow us to make better predictions regarding the potential ecological impacts by S. noctilio on Arkansas pine forests. Native S. nigricornis females were collected across 3 geographic regions of Arkansas from 2009 to 2013 using intercept panel traps baited with Sirex lure (70/30-α/β-pinene blend) and ethanol. A Gompertz 3-parameter model was fitted to each year of trapping as well as a final dataset containing all trapping seasons. Emergence rates and inflection points of the models did not differ among geographic regions within any year but did change significantly among years. In regions where both wood wasps occur, native wood wasps emerge in the fall and attack dead pines, whereas S. noctilio emerges much earlier and attacks live, standing trees. We expect these patterns to remain very similar upon the spread of S. noctilio into the Southeast. Therefore, we do not expect these 2 species to utilize the same hosts or emerge at the same time in Arkansas, which makes native species displacement unlikely. Additional studies examining the effects of predators, parasitoids, and competitors on Sirex population dynamics would greatly enhance these predictions.

Orphinus (s. str.) pakistanus Kadej & Háva, sp. nov. is described from Pakistan. The habitus, antenna, and genitalia are illustrated and compared with related species. A revised checklist and a key to the known Orphinus species from the Himalayan Region are presented.

Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) is an unclassified positive stranded RNA virus whose characteristics are amenable to development as a microbial insecticide or as a classical biological control agent for the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Bait formulations containing SINV-3 have been produced and were used successfully to transmit the infection and cause significant mortality to fire ant colonies in the laboratory. Unfortunately, there is no available means of propagating infectious SINV-3 particles in vitro, and this has hampered its evaluation and development as a microbial insecticide. In this study, we attempted to utilize a baculovirus expression system as reported by others to produce SINV-3 infectious particles in quantity. A full-length copy of the SINV-3 genome was assembled successfully from 3 overlapping fragments, and a heterologous bacmid-SINV-3 vector (BAC_SINV-3) was produced. The insect cell line Sf21 was transfected with purified high-molecular weight BAC_SINV-3 and supported production of baculovirus expressing full-length SINV-3 transcripts. Despite successful transcription of the SINV-3 genome, evidence that translation was occurring could not be produced. Western analyses for the SINV-3 VP-2 capsid protein were consistently negative.

Bactericera cockerelli Šulc (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae), also known as the potato psyllid, is a pest of pepper and potato crops in northern Mexico. Growers control it by applying insecticides, without knowing the tolerance or resistance levels to these pesticides. The goal of this study was to determine the resistance ratios of several populations of B. cockerelli from regions of northern Mexico. Three populations of B. cockerelli were collected from sample sites at Coahuila—Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Aguascalientes and compared with a laboratory susceptible line. Results indicated that populations from Aguascalientes had resistance ratios of 1.69-, 1.26-, and 1.00-fold for the insecticides abamectin, endosulfan, and imidacloprid, respectively. The corresponding ratios were 10.72-, 2.52-, and 3.75-fold for the San Luis Potosí population and 2.57-, 3.75-, and 4.22-fold for the Coahuila—Nuevo León population. We conclude that the B. cockerelli population of only San Luis Potosí was resistant to abamectin, but that the other 2 populations were susceptible to it. All 3 populations were fairly susceptible to endosulfan and imidacloprid.

Specialist insects are more sensitive to spatial variations than generalists, which are able to exploit diverse hosts in various habitats. This study investigated whether specialist lepidopteran larvae feeding on a single host, Roupala montana Aubl. (Proteales: Proteaceae), maintain consistent abundance rates across spatial scales. We compared the abundance of specialist and generalist larvae at local and regional scales during the same period of collection, with equal sample efforts, and in the same type of vegetation, within a Brazilian savanna biome. Particularly, we focused on the following questions: Does spatial scale matter to the abundance of specialist larvae on a single host plant species? What is the relationship between the abundance of specialists and generalists among spatial scales? As predicted, in general, specialist larvae were present at higher densities on their specific host plants than generalists. However, we sought to learn how this abundance changed or did not change with spatial scale, as well as whether community similarity increased with spatial proximity. In this study, most larvae of specialist species on R. montana occurred at both local and regional scales, but they differed in abundance at different spatial scales. Moreover, although specialist larvae exhibited higher densities on R. montana than generalists, this pattern was not always consistent. The assemblage of larvae in neighboring areas showed greater mutual similarity, and there was a negative relationship between distance and similarity.

Rose plants were treated with 2 neonicotinoids (imidacloprid and acetamiprid), 3 biorationals (spinosad, emamectin benzoate, and Beauveria bassiana [Bals.-Criv.] Vuill. [Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae]), and combinations of neonicotinoids and biorationals to control two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch; Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) on rose. Toxicity bioassays revealed that imidacloprid drench, imidacloprid foliar applications, and acetamiprid treatments significantly increased spider mite numbers, whereas treatments with spinosad or with emamectin either alone or in combinations with imidacloprid and acetamiprid resulted in significantly fewer spider mites compared with the untreated control. Beauveria bassiana was least effective in controlling the spider mite population. The fecundity experiment indicated that the imidacloprid drench and foliar treatments significantly increased the number of mite eggs produced during observation days up to 9 d after treatment (DAT) for the drench treatment and up to 7 DAT for the foliar treatments. Acetamiprid did not induce any significant changes in spider mite egg production. Spinosad, emamectin, and B. bassiana alone or in combinations induced significant reductions in egg numbers compared with the control at almost all observation days. Both preference and non-preference tests indicated that the drench and the foliar applications with imidacloprid resulted in significantly more spider mites on treated leaf discs at 5 and 7 DAT than on untreated leaves. In conclusion, spinosad and emamectin in combinations with the neonicotinoids can be incorporated into the integrated pest management of the two-spotted spider mite on roses.

Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) that inhabit edge grasses throughout the winter were tested for the presence of corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS) and maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP). Leafhoppers were sampled using a sweep net at least once a week between Feb and Jun 2014 in Jalisco, Mexico. In total, 2,263 leafhoppers from 27 different taxa were collected. Stirellus bicolor Van Duzee and Graminella sonora (Ball) were the most abundant leafhoppers, with smaller numbers of Dalbulus maidis Delong and D. elimatus Ball. None of the leafhoppers tested positive for CSS or MBSP, suggesting that these 2 bacterial pathogens do not overwinter in leafhoppers that live on edge grasses. This is an important finding, because several studies have found that crop edges are beneficial reservoirs of insect predators and parasitoids, including those that attack insect vectors of plant pathogens.

In Jan and Feb 2015, the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), was found to have entered and established in the Malnad and Hyderabad-Karnataka Regions of Karnataka, India, where it is infesting tomato and potato crops. To our knowledge, this is the first record of T. absoluta in these regions of India. The incidence recorded appears to be comparatively small at some locations, but this damaging insect may spread to other regions of India and cause serious crop loss in the future. Probably, the introduced populations are resistant to various insecticides, and management of insecticideresistant populations poses additional problems.

Coptotermes colonies usually produce nymphs when a colony reaches maturity. In this study, we describe a rare case of nymph production from a 10-mo-old colony that previously had lost a primary reproductive. Such replacement reproductives are not functional. We suggest that the unusual developmental plasticity we observed may be the result of a vestigial developmental pathway that may partially regain its functionality in mature colonies.

The European sunn pest, Eurygaster maura (L.) (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae), is an insect of great importance to wheat (Triticum spp.; Poales: Poaceae), and other small grains in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Natural parasitism of this pest by a parasitic nematode, Hexamermis sp. (Nematoda: Mermithidae), was reported for the first time in Ankara, Turkey, in 2013. During the next year, adults of E. maura were collected from an overwintering area under plant leaf litter and brought to the laboratory and sexed. After killing, they were dissected to determine the presence or absence of mermithids. Natural parasitism rates caused by the parasitic nematode were calculated individually for females and males of the sunn pest. The parasitism rates in the overwintering area were 20.0% for females and 31.6% for males during 2014. These findings suggest that Hexamermis sp. has potential as a biological control agent of E. maura.

We recorded 2 new collection localities of the nonnative centipede Rhysida longipes longipes (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae: Otostigminae) and documented for the first time that a breeding population is established in South Florida, USA. Specimens of several size classes were collected in a large property on Islamorada, Upper Matecumbe Key, Florida, USA. Further work is necessary to assess the extent of its range and its impact on the local ecosystem.

Two entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema colombiense sp. nov. (strain SNIO198) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (strain Fresno HNI0100) (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), were isolated from the Colombian Andes and cultured in the laboratory. In semi-field tests against the ground pearl Eurhizococcus colombianus Jakubski (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) on blackberry, neither species was pathogenic to crawlers and only S. colombiense was moderately infective against adults at 105 IJ/ml. Higher activity for both nematodes was observed against immature spittlebugs Aeneolamia sp. (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) infesting kikuyu grass, with H. bacteriophora and S. colombiense killing 100% and 75% of insects, respectively, in our tests. Our results demonstrate the potential use of native strains of entomopathogenic nematodes as biological control agents in Colombia.

This present note for the first time registers the occurrence of the cicada Orialella aerizulae Boulard, 1986 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cryptotympanini) in Brazil. The species was previously known only at its type locality from French Guiana.

The invasive drosophilid pests Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae) were captured in traps baited with hydrolyzed protein lures during a trial aimed at monitoring Anastrepha flies infesting guava, Psidium guajava L. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) in Xico, Veracruz, Mexico, during Sep 2014. This is the first record of these species in Veracruz State. These exotic species represented over 80% of the total drosophilid flies captured. Studies on the commercial impact of these pests in guava and in the production of other fruit species in the region should be considered a priority.

Sesbania punicea (Cav.) Benth. (Fabales: Fabaceae) plants in a field border surrounding a cotton field were sampled for Chinavia hilaris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to determine if this leguminous shrub served as a host for this stink bug. Chinavia hilaris adults and nymphs fed on fruit of this plant, and nymphs developed on the plant. This is the first record of S. punicea as a host for this stink bug.

Fire ant colonies thrived on diets of sugar water and either raw beef liver or raw chicken liver for almost 8 mo, after which brood production ceased in half of these colonies. As expected, colonies did well on a diet of sugar water and domestic crickets. Unexpectedly, however, banded crickets were much less suitable than either liver or domestic crickets.

The papaya fruit fly, Toxotrypana curvicauda Gerstaecker (Diptera: Tephritidae), has several known hosts apart from the commercially valuable papaya (Carica papaya L.; Capparales: Caricaceae), among them Jacaratia mexicana A. DC. (Capparales: Caricaceae), known in Mexico as cuaguayote. Most studies on the papaya fruit fly have been carried out with C. papaya and have neglected the other known host for this fly. We characterized papaya and cuaguayote fruits in which T. curvicauda oviposits in terms of color, length, hardness and thickness of flesh, total solids (as °Brix), and the section (proximal, middle, and distal) of the fruit where the eggs were deposited. Toxotrypana curvicauda females oviposited in medium-size to small but not large fruits of either papaya or cuaguayote. Moreover, females oviposited only in low—sugar content papaya fruits, and mostly (about 88%) in low—sugar content cuaguayote fruits with a small fraction (about 12%) of the eggs laid in medium-size and large fruits. The other variables had no effect on oviposition behavior. This is the first report of T. curvicauda oviposition behavior with respect to cuaguayote.

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is a phytophagous insect and the vector of the bacterium ‘Candidatus' Liberibacter asiaticus. This is the likely causal pathogen of huanglongbing, which results in decline and possible death of citrus trees. It has been shown that host plants can affect the detoxification enzyme profile of arthropods. Here, we examined the effect of rearing D. citri on various host plant species with respect to activity of general esterases (ESTs), glutathione S-transferases (GST), and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s). These enzymes were selected because they are known to metabolize a wide diversity of insecticides and are known to directly contribute to resistance in D. citri. We reared D. citri on Citrus sinensis L., Bergera koenigii L. and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jacq. (Sapindales: Rutaceae). Following 12 generations of rearing, the activities of EST, GST, and P450 enzymes were compared between the colonies raised on the different host plants. The GST activity level was significantly higher in D. citri reared on M. paniculata than in those reared on C. sinensis. The P450 expression level was significantly higher in D. citri reared on M. paniculata than in those reared on either B. koenigii or C. sinensis. There was no significant difference in EST activity between treatments. These results suggest that host plant allelochemicals may alter the detoxification enzyme system in D. citri. However, these changes did not correlate with changes in mortality of D. citri when treated with fenpropathrin.

Host plant records are reported for 5 species of Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) collected from wild and commercial fruit species in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

Psorocampa denticulata Schaus (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) is a pest of Eucalyptus species (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) in Brazil. The pre-pupa stage of this species is present in the soil surrounding infested trees for up to 6 mo during the dry season and can be collected and stored in large numbers. The potential use of P. denticulata pupae as an alternative host for rearing the parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was tested in the laboratory. Up to 24-h-old P. denticulata pupae (787.40 ± 78.29 mg) were individually exposed to twenty 72-h-old P. elaeisis females for 48 h. These exposed pre-pupae were individually transferred to a glass tube for the emergence either of parasitoid progeny or of the adult lepidopteran. The parasitism and emergence rates of P. elaeisis from P. denticulata pupae were 100 and 90%, respectively. The life cycle (egg to adult) was 22.22 ± 0.49 days, and the number of progeny of this parasitoid was 734.55 ± 54.56 per host. We concluded that this generalist parasitoid could be mass reared on P. denticulata pupae and released as part of an integrated program to manage lepidopteran pests in eucalyptus plantations.

The Japanese beetle is a relatively new pest in Arkansas that damages turfgrass, horticultural plants, and fruit crops. From 2005 to 2012, P. japonica mean weekly trap capture declined 98%. Previous studies showed there were few microbial and parasitoid natural enemies of P. japonica in the region, so fluctuations in P. japonica populations are likely due to abiotic factors, such as extremes of summer drought and heat along this invasive species' southwestern border.

The combined and individual effects of spinosad and Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV) (Baculoviridae) on the mortality and food consumption of 3rd instars of S. frugiperda were evaluated using maize-leaf bioassays. The mortality data from spinosad (0.001 mg/L)-SfMNPV (10⁶ OBs/mL) mixtures showed a low synergistic effect at 144 h after treatment. The consumption rate was significantly reduced by 2- to 12-fold in the spinosad—SfMNPV mixture treatment compared with the control, but no difference in consumption rate was observed between this treatment and the treatment with spinosad alone. Laboratory observations on the efficiency of spinosad—SfMNPV mixtures require validation in field studies under commercial growing conditions.

Coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB; Oryctes rhinoceros [L.]; Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs feed only on decaying vegetation and usually are found in dead standing coconut trees and decaying coconut debris on the ground. However, in Guam, a significant proportion of the CRB population develops in detritus caught within the crowns of live coconut palms. This habitat extension may be due to almost total absence of predation by insectivorous birds and mammals as a result of heavy predation by the brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis (Bechsterin) (Squamata: Colubridae).