Derolathrus cavernicolus n. sp. is the first beetle in the family Jacobsoniidae described from continental North America. It is reported from cave and forested habitats in Florida, the island of Barbados in the Lesser Antilles, and tentatively from the island of Hawaii, USA. A key to the three known New World species of Derolathrus is provided. Derofathrus atomus Sharp, 1908, of Hawaii is redescribed and new records are reported from Hawaii and the United States Virgin Islands. Derolathrus sharpi Grouvelle, 1912, of Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles) is redescribed and new records are reported from the West Indian islands of St. John and Montserrat. Some of the populations may be accidental introductions through the movement of horticultural materials and more can be expected.

Two new species of Choreutinula Paclt 1944 are described and illustrated. One American, from North Dakota, which differs from other species by the presence of 4 4 setae on ventral tube and small setae p3 on Abd. V. The other species is from China, resembles Choreutinula inermis (Tullberg, 1871), is the second species of the genus recorded from Asia, and it differs from other species by the presence of 4 4 setae on ventral tube, as the American species, but shows nine tubercles between setae p1-p1 on Abd. IV and has the unguiculus as a minute bristle. A key for the six species now known in the genus is given.

Strauzia longipennis (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a notoriously variable species. Seven varieties were once recognized. Three varieties were elevated to species status. The status of the other four varieties, including the synonyms for S. longipennis, has been contested. Such taxonomic instability, particularly when associated with variable patterns of host use, suggests that S. longipennis may represent a dynamic complex of host-associated populations in the process of divergence. To detect evidence of genetic differentiation indicating genetically distinct sympatric populations of S. longipennis, we sequenced a fragment of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I of mitochondrial DNA of S. longipennis from two sites (three habitats) in eastern Iowa. At each site, we found two genetically and morphologically distinct sympatric populations. One corresponds to morphological descriptions of S. longipennis variety typica (Loew). The other corresponds to descriptions of S. longipennis variety vittigera (Loew). High levels of genetic differentiation between these divergent sympatric populations suggest the populations might represent host races or incipient species.

The ant Tapinoma sessile (Say) 1836 is one of the most widely distributed ants in North America; yet, it has received very little attention from biologists apart from its ability to infest houses. The original species description does not adequately account for the phenotypic variation present in this species of typically darkly concolored ant. In California, a bicolored morph was discovered that superficially resembles T. sessile; hence, its species status was questioned. Comparative morphometric analysis indicates that the bicolored ants are consistently distinguishable across a range of characters, and allometric techniques conclusively demonstrate that these two morphs are divergent. Based on the analysis of morphological data it was concluded that the bicolored ant is not T. sessile and is described as a new species, Tapinoma schreiberi. A neotype of T. sessile also is designated in this article, and measurement data are presented to assist taxonomists and delimit the morphological boundaries of T. sessile.

‘Hass’ avocado, Persea americana Miller, fruit being imported into California from Mexico are infested with high levels of a previously unknown species of armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). This species has recently been described and given the name Abgrallaspis aguacatae Evans, Watson & Miller. However, the validity of morphological characters used to diagnose genera within the tribe Aspidiotini (Diaspididae) is the subject of continued debate. Here, we seek to circumnavigate the inherent problems associated with interpretation of somewhat plastic phenotypic characters. We use two different nuclear gene regions (28S and Elongation Factor 1α) and three different analysis methods (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analyses) to infer phylogeny from DNA sequence data for 35 aspidiotine species. Our analyses suggest that the new species is misplaced in the genus Abgrallaspis Balachowsky and that this genus and several closely allied genera are paraphyletic or polyphyletic. The findings of our analyses are discussed specifically in relation to the current placement of A. aguacatae and more broadly in relation to the long-recognized problem of defining generic boundaries between Abgrallaspis, Diaspidiotus Berlese, and Hemiberlesia Cockerell.

The Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins, was detected in 2001 in northern Minnesota outside its natural range and the range of its native hosts, Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco, and western larch, Larix occidentalis Nutt. Consecutive years of detection indicated that D. pseudotsugae may have been established in a new environment and provided a possible example of an indigenous exotic species in North America. Pheromone-baited logs of P. menziesii and tamarack, Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch, were placed at four sites in northern Minnesota in an attempt to detect this indigenous exotic. Bark was removed from one half of logs and checked for D. pseudotsugae galleries. The remaining logs were left intact and reared to collect adult beetles the following spring. No D. pseudotsugae galleries were identified and no adults of the indigenous exotic were located. Along with the eastern larch beetle, Dendroctonus simplex LeConte, native Minnesota populations of Polygraphus rufipennis (Kirby) and Dryocoetes autographus (Ratzeburg) colonized P. menziesii logs. The reciprocal study was conducted in Montana, primarily to determine whether D. pseudotsugae would attack pheromone-baited logs of L. laricina. Logs from the Minnesota and Montana experiments were used to estimate the success of D. simplex and D. pseudotsugae in the non-native hosts P. menziesii and L. laricina, respectively. Both D. simplex and D. pseudotsugae successfully colonized and reproduced in non-native logs in the field, albeit at low numbers. The potential threat of indigenous exotic species to North American forests also is discussed.

Studies examining the factors that influence the mating, oviposition, and development of dogwood borer, Synanthedon scituh (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), and that pertain to its efficient rearing in captivity are reported. The mating success of pairs of moths held in 30- or 60-cm³ cages exposed to natural daylight or artificial light did not differ significantly. Under natural daylight and artificial light, the average time at which mating occurred was 1950 and 1915 hours, respectively, but mating could be triggered earlier in the day by gradually reducing the intensity of artificial light. Mated females held in waxed paper cups deposited significantly more eggs on 2-yr-old apple (Malus spp.) branches wrapped in cheesecloth than on cheesecloth alone or when no oviposition substrate was provided. Larvae fed on and pupated within small, immature apples and their establishment on this rearing medium was significantly improved on fruit with small perforations compared with those without perforations. Larvae introduced to these apples monthly between August and November completed development and pupated if exposed to constant long-day conditions using artificial light, but they showed a significant reduction in pupation in September and a cessation of pupation by October if exposed to natural daylight and decreasing daylength. The “dark-eye” stage was established as a common point in pupal development that could be used to generate a cohort of pupae from which moths emerged over a period of 2–3 d. These procedures provide the basis for successful establishment of a laboratory-based colony of dogwood borer.

Homafodisca vitripennis (Germar) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) vectors Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium causing Pierce's disease in grapevine. The development and reproductive biology of this economically important insect species were studied under greenhouse and laboratory conditions during the spring—summer and fall—winter and at different rearing densities. The greenhouse was heated during the cool months to match summer temperatures and photoperiods were enhanced artificially. Longevity was affected by sex and season, with winter individuals living significantly longer than summer males (6.5-fold) and females (two-fold). Vitellogenesis was delayed in fall female H. vitripennis and a higher variability in lifetime fecundities was also observed. Longevity and the factors influencing it such as environmental conditions and availability of food sources are key factors determining fecundity in H. vitripennis. Offspring performance (developmental time, survival) was moderate during the cool months, although development of nymphs to adulthood was ≈13% greater. Rearing densities affected developmental time, survival, and egg production. Egg production per capita was higher in winter adults and the largest egg output was obtained at a rearing density of 100 nymphs per cage. Data presented herein suggest that nymph and adult H. vitripennis have evolved to ensure that only resistant stages are exposed to seasonal hazards. Captive adult females entered reproductive diapause in the fall as wild females would and despite warm greenhouse temperatures and long photoperiods and nymphal development decreased three- to six-fold during the fall-winter depending on rearing densities. These traits may be critical for the species to perpetuate in its native range.

The developmental time, fecundity, and longevity of Pezothrips kellyanus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) encaged on lemon, Citrus limon (L.) Burm.f., leaves supplied with different food sources (pollen, sucrose, and honey) were compared at 25°C. Only the addition of pollen offered a nutritional benefit for this thrips species. Pollen to the lemon leaf reduced total developmental time from egg to adult from 12.42 to 9.68 d, increased survival from 22.6 to 80.6%, and increased fecundity. When sugar was offered, only 10% of larvae survived. P. kellyanus larvae were unable to grow on lemon leaves as well as when honey was supplied to the leaves (recorded survival was 22.6 and 42.86%, respectively), and adult females were slightly able to reproduce (1.4 and 4.2 larvae per female, respectively). Pollen and honey supplements fed to adults double and triple adult longevity, respectively.

The Iberá Nature Reserve in northeastern Argentina protects one of the largest freshwater wetlands and reservoirs of species in South America. However, key invertebrate groups such as the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) remain almost unknown. The main objective of this work was to study the ground ant diversity in four main habitats of Iberá: grasslands, savannas, forests, and floating islands. Pitfall traps were used to characterize ground foraging ant assemblages, compare ant diversity among environments, and establish habitat associations. We also used bait traps, manual collections, and Winkler and Berlese extractors on the ground, vegetation, and litter strata to increase the species inventory. In total, 94 species in 30 genera were captured, representing the highest number of species reported from a survey of a protected area of Argentina. The richest genus was Pheidole Westwood with 23 species including three species reported for the first time in Argentina. The most common species was Solenopsis invicta Buren. Overall, the savanna was the richest and most diverse habitat with the highest number of exclusive species and functional groups. The grassland showed the highest number of rare species, but only half of the expected species were captured. The forest showed the lowest ant richness, diversity, and equitability, but one half of the species were exclusive to forest habitat. Generalized myrmicines were predominant and dominant in all habitats. Our findings indicate that habitat specialization could be an important factor determining the organization of ant assemblages in Iberá. The protection of each of these unique and threatened natural habitats of Argentina is needed to ensure the long-term preservation of their exclusive ant species.

The chloro-nicotinyl insecticide imidacloprid is used extensively as a soil treatment against subterranean termites. We conducted the first study of the metabolic fate of imidacloprid in termites, by exposing workers of the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to radiolabeled imidacloprid through topical application and ingestion. Several days after topical application, we detected up to 11 radiolabeled compounds. The parent compound, IMI, and the following six metabolites were identified by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry: olefin-imidacloprid (major metabolite), 4/5-OH imidacloprid, 4,5-di-OH imidacloprid, des-nitro olefin imidacloprid, des-nitro imidacloprid, and a glucuronide conjugate of des-nitro imidacloprid (des-nitro IMI-glu). Over time, detoxification of imidacloprid proceeded from less polar to more polar compounds, with des-nitro IMI-glu seeming to be the ultimate, major end product in surviving termites. Degradation of imidacloprid was limited to internal tissues of the termite. Workers fed wood treated with imidacloprid or provided with a treated substrate (sand) had metabolitic profiles similar to topically treated termites. Termites fed imidacloprid or exposed to it in soil excreted detectable amounts of all of the identified metabolites. Finally, we determined that imidacloprid metabolites were less toxic to termites than imidacloprid itself. Only the olefin-imidacloprid and 5-OH imidacloprid caused morbidity in termites exposed to sand treated with these compounds, but at concentrations ≈10–20-fold higher than the parent imidacloprid. Our results shed light on the metabolic pathway used by termites to detoxify imidacloprid and show how metabolism plays a key role in determining the availability of the active ingredient and its various metabolites for transfer among workers within the colony.

Results of a study of the inheritance and linkage relationships of eye-color mutations in the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), are presented. The mutations white eyes (we) and yellow eyes (ye) are recessive and autosomal, whereas Red eyes (Re) and Violet eyes (Ve) are dominant, and the latter is homozygous lethal. The genes we and ye showed epistatic interaction, the first with ye, Re, and Ve, and the second with Re. The results of the various crosses suggest that only Ve and ye are linked, so the linkage groups have been designated as A- we, B- Ve-ye, and C- Re. Study of these mutants in A. ludens will serve as the basis for the development of a genetic map for this species. The mutations also will be useful for the development of a genetic-sexing method.

We genetically characterized Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) populations from Texas, Florida, and Mexico and the sister taxon Tamarixia triozae (Burks) by two molecular methods. T. radiata is an ectoparasitoid of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), nymphs. The populations were submitted to intersimple sequence repeat-polymerase chain reaction DNA fingerprinting with two primers. No fixed banding pattern differences were uncovered among the populations of T. radiata with either primer, whereas different patterns were observed in T. triozae, suggesting that there is no genetic differentiation among the populations. Support for these results was obtained by sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region one and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI) gene. In both genes, the intrapopulational variation range (percentage divergence, %D) fell within the interpopulational variation range. The %D at the COI gene between T. radiata and T. triozae was 9.0–10.3%. However, haplotype structure was uncovered among the populations. No haplotypes were shared between Florida and Texas/Mexico, whereas sharing was observed between Texas and Mexico. Two population-specific nucleotides were identified that allowed the discrimination of the Florida and Texas/ Mexico individuals. A neighbor-joining and a parsimonious tree clustered the populations into two distinct clades. The Florida population clustered into one clade, whereas the Texas/Mexico populations clustered into another clade. The COI phylogeographic analysis suggests that the population of T. radiata in Texas did not come from Florida. The data also suggest that the population in Texas came from Mexico, or vice versa, because the Mexico population showed less haplotype diversity.

We report results of a 2-yr study aimed at describing the natural history and mating behavior of Euxesta bilimeki (Hendel) (Diptera: Ulidiidae) a picture-winged fly species associated with Agave atrovirens Karw. ex Salm-Dyck (Agavaceae) in the Mexican altiplano. The study consisted of direct field observations and a year-long population survey in the field complemented with laboratory experiments and observations. E. bilimeki was found to be multivoltine, able to resist temperatures below freezing during winter, and it developed on rotting agave leaves in large larvalpupal aggregations. Adults fed on carbohydrate and protein sources found on the plant, where they could be sighted all year long. Courtship was based on a sequence of visual and tactile displays that could result in female rejection of courting males. Males constantly harassed females, who mated multiple times, but frequently expelled and consumed ejaculates after mating. We discuss hypotheses on the evolution of this rare behavior and highlight the value of performing descriptive studies on the natural history of poorly known taxonomic groups to foster understanding of the evolution of behavior.

Female pheromones were examined in two species of praying mantids: Stagmomantis limbata Hahn and the Chinese mantid, Tenodera aridifolia sinensis Saussure. As in other mantids, females of both of these species are poor flyers or flightless, whereas males are flight-capable. Yet, they differ in ecology and biogeography, with the study population of S. limbata (native to Nearctic region) occurring at low density in desert habitat, and the study population of T. aridifolia sinensis (native to Indomalaya region) occurring at high density in humid woodlands. For both species, we designed field experiments to allow for the attraction of males via chemical signals while controlling for visual cues. Both species show evidence of female-emitted pheromones. In S. limbata, females in covered field cages attracted males, whereas large insects (cockroaches) in covered cages and covered empty cages failed to attract any males. In a second experiment with S. limbata, males were preferentially attracted to well-fed females over poorly-fed females, suggesting that pheromone emission is an “honest” signal of female receptivity in this species. Male arrivals in S. limbata were significantly clustered in the first few hours after sunrise. In T. aridifolia sinensis, covered females (female chemical cues) attracted more males than paired covered controls (empty), and attracted more males than uncovered conspecific males (male chemical and visual cues). Females in uncovered cages (female chemical and visual cues) attracted more males than covered females and more than uncovered controls (empty). This last result highlights the dual importance of chemical and visual information in mantid mating behavior. Female-emitted pheromones are certainly important in long-distance attraction in mantids, whereas visual cues and signals become important at shorter range.

There are several genera of diurnally active fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), and these adults generally do not produce bioluminescent signals. We investigated whether contact sex pheromones play a role in mate recognition in the diurnal firefly Ellychnia corrusca (L.). In laboratory behavioral assays, after antennal contact >70% of males attempted copulation with freeze-killed females, whereas no copulation attempts occurred when freeze-killed females had been washed with hexane. This shows that E. corrusca mate recognition relies on contact chemoreception and suggests that male mating responses are mediated by contact sex pheromones on the female cuticle. Using direct contact solid phase microextraction (SPME) and solvent extraction, we sampled cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) from both sexes of E. corrusca adults. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that SPME was more effective than solvent extraction in detecting CHCs (a two-fold increase in the number of compounds detected). Although E. corrusca males and females showed similar CHCs profiles, we documented several quantitative and qualitative differences between the sexes that may play a role in mate recognition. This report provides the first behavioral evidence for the existence of contact sex pheromones in any diurnal firefly.