Aspidiotus nerii Bouché, the oleander scale, is a nearly cosmopolitan pest that attacks >100 families of woody plants. A. nerii has long been suspected of comprising multiple cryptic parthenogenetic and sexual species. We amplified and sequenced a 760-bp fragment of cytochrome oxidase 1 and 2 (COI-COII) from 59 individuals representing four laboratory stocks and 16 wild populations from four biogeographic regions (United States, several Mediterranean countries, South Africa, and New Zealand), along with three outgroup species. We also used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assay 92 individuals representing five laboratory stocks and seven wild populations for the presence of the intracellular bacteria Cardinium. We find three highly (>5%) divergent groups of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes in A. nerii. Two of these are associated with males and not associated with Cardinium and are inferred to represent sexual populations. The other haplotype group is not associated with males, is associated with Cardinium, and includes laboratory stocks known to be parthenogenetic; this haplotype group is inferred to represent a parthenogenetic lineage. Although Cardinium is associated with the parthenogenetic lineage, a “curing” experiment that would demonstrate direct parthenogenesis induction by Cardinium has not been done. The parthenogenetic lineage is 5.5–7.3% divergent at COI-II from the closest sexual lineage and comprises five moderately divergent (≤3.5%) haplotypes. This amount of mtDNA divergence within the parthenogenetic lineage may imply an ancient (≥1 Mya) origin; however, the amount of amino acid sequence diversity within the parthenogenetic lineage is much greater than in the sexual sister-lineage, implying an elevated rate of nonsynonymous substitution in the parthenogenetic lineage. The highest haplotype diversity is found in New Zealand, and the closest outgroup is found in Australia, suggesting a possible Australasian origin of A. nerii.

The first reported parasitoid reared from Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, Spathius agrili n. sp., is described from China. S. agrili was reared from A. planipennis in China attacking a Fraxinus species native to North America, Fraxinus velutina Torr., and one endemic to the region, Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. Life history observations of S. agrili in the field and laboratory indicate it is a gregarious idiobiont ectoparasitoid and has up to four generations per year. Parasitism rates in the field ranged from 30 to 90%, with one to 35 S. agrili eggs associated with a single host. From a host larva 1–18 adult wasps (average of 8.4) were reared. Based on laboratory rearings, the emerging adult female to male ratio is 3:1.

Flea beetles of alligator weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (Martius) Grisebach (Amaranthaceae), were collected in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. Species in the genera Disonycha Chevrolat, Agasicles Jacoby, and Systena Chevrolat were frequently found on this weed. Systena nitentula Bechyné 1954 was the most abundant within Systena. This species is reported for the first time from Argentina at north of 30° S. The male is described and holotype female is redescribed adding new diagnostic characters: mouthparts, hind wings, metendosternite, and male and female genitalia. S. nitentula is recognized by the combined characters of piceous elytra with J-shaped vittae, a small spermatheca pump, and internal median lobe sac with five sclerotized plates. Differences in color patterns between S. nitentula, S. tenuis Bechyné, and S. s-littera L. also are considered. S. nintentula presents three instars that can be separated through head width. New biological data based on laboratory rearing and field observations shows that S. nintentula could be a monophagous species strongly associated to the alligator weed growing in terrestrial conditions. This information promotes S. nintentula as a potential biocontrol agent of this invasive weed.

The new deltocephaline leafhopper genus Oxycephalotettix is described and illustrated based one species, Oxycephalotettix tiputini sp. nov., from Ecuador, and is placed in Athysanini. The genus bears a superficial resemblance to Luheria Osborn (Luheriini), especially in the coloration of the forewing. Based on the examination of type material, Luheria constricta Osborn is herein considered a senior synonym of Tenucephalus hamatus DeLong, new synonymy. The female genitalia of L. constricta are illustrated for the first time, and the known range of this species is expanded to include Bolivia, northern Argentina, and northeastern Brazil.

Two genera and five species of valgine scarabs (Cetoniinae: Valgini) are found in the New World, including the introduced European species, Valgus hemipterus L.. Valgus mexicanus Cazier is transferred to the genus Dasyvalgus Kolbe, and characters that support this transfer are discussed. Based on shared morphological characters, Valgus minutus Casey and V. serricollis Fitch are synonymized with V. canaliculatus (Olivier). Neotypes are designated for V. serricollis Fitch and Cetonia canaliculata Olivier. A key to the genera and species of New World Valgini is provided. Species are redescribed and information about geographic and phenology, biology, and larvae is provided.

Resources and predation are both known to be important in structuring communities; however the strength of one factor may be affected by the intensity of the other. This study used a fully crossed factorial experiment in laboratory microcosms to examine the ability of a predator, Corethrella appendiculata (Grabham), and basal resources (leaf litter) to differentially affect two competing species of mosquito prey. Increased resources resulted in shorter developmental time and increased survivorship, mass, and population performance for both prey species, except when predation levels were high. Increased levels of predation and resources reduced the negative competitive effects of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) on Ochlerotatus triseriatus (Say). At low levels of resources and predation, the superior competitor, A. albopictus had the higher survivorship, and at high levels of resources and predation, the inferior competitor’s survival was greater. Predators in high-resource treatments emerged larger than those in low resources, suggesting the occurrence of a bottom-up cascade or alternative feeding method. This study suggests that survival and coexistence of the two prey species may depend on the interaction of resources and predation, in that high levels of predation are important for the coexistence of both species.

Each year in eastern North America, monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus (L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), undergo an annual migration to wintering sites in central Mexico. We used monarch migration census data from Cape May, NJ, over a 13-yr period (1992–2004) to test for annual and within-season variation in the numbers of monarchs seen during daily censuses and to examine the timing and patterns of migration waves. Across all years, the total number of monarchs counted over the 60-d season ranged from 452 to 15,751 with a 13-yr average of 3,490 monarchs yr⁻¹. There was significant annual, diurnal, and within-season temporal variation in the census counts. Within seasons, monarch numbers increased during September up until early October, and gradually declined thereafter. Comparison of season averages across years, which we consider indices of population size in the northeastern United States, indicated a highly fluctuating population size with the lowest year on record in 2004. We also found that greater than average daily counts, which we termed “notable migration days,” were reported for an average of 19 d per season. On average, seven “migration waves” occurred each year, defined as a period of one or more notable migration days separated by below average days. Waves lasted an average of 3 d and were separated from others by ≈6 d. There was no significant interannual variation in wave duration or time between waves. Our 13-yr study is the longest standardized census of the monarch’s fall migration, and we believe its continued operation can provide insights into the population trends of monarchs in the northeastern United States, which may reflect long-term trends from other populations in North America.

Species and cultivars of the genus Rhamnus and related genera in the Rhamnaceae were tested for their suitability as overwintering hosts of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The tests were carried out in outdoor cages during the fall through spring of 2002–2003 and 2003–2004. Response of the aphid to the hosts varied from successful overwintering on three Rhamnus hosts to complete rejection of all species in other genera. Fall migrants (gynoparae), egg layers (oviparae), males and eggs were found on the exotic Rhamnus cathartica (L.), and native Rhamnus alnifolia L’Héritier and Rhamnus lanceolata Pursh. In the spring eggs hatched, colonies developed and spring migrants were produced on these hosts. Other Rhamnus spp. were accepted by fall migrants and some level of colony development occurred, but no overwintering eggs were deposited on them. The phenology of the production of the various morphs, egg deposition, and egg hatch are documented on the suitable hosts. The implications of our findings on soybean aphid ecology and management are discussed.

Between November 1999 and September 2001, mirid nymphs (Hemiptera: Miridae) were collected on wild and cultivated plants in central and northern Argentina and southeastern Paraguay. In the laboratory, nymphs were reared until adult emergence. Four (Bryocorinae, Deraeocorinae, Mirinae, and Orthotylinae) of the eight mirid subfamilies were collected during the study. Twenty-two mirid species on 43 putative host plant species were collected in Argentina, and five species of mirids on eight plant species were collected in Paraguay. Eighty-five new mirid–plant associations were recorded (only 112 mirid–plant associations had been reported previously for Argentina). Most of the mirids were in the subfamily Mirinae, tribe Mirini, and most of the host plants belonged to Asteraceae. Almost all mirids were collected on plants with flower buds present. In addition to host plant records, the phenology and pattern of plant use for the most abundant mirids are reported. Mirid richness and abundance varied according to the host plant species; the highest diversity and richness of mirids occurred in the western region of Argentina (Salta, Jujuy, and Tucumán provinces). The most frequently collected mirid, Taylorilygus apicalis (Fieber) (≈87% of the 35,970 collected mirids), was usually collected on Asteraceae. This exotic species could have affected the native mirid fauna in the study area. More research on the possible interactions between T. apicalis and the native mirids of Argentina and Paraguay is needed. Our results suggest that T. apicalis exhibits regional polyphagy, i.e., uses numerous hosts throughout its geographic range.

RESUMEN

Entre Noviembre de 1999 y Septiembre de 2001, ninfas de míridos (Hemiptera: Miridae) fueron colectadas sobre plantas silvestres y cultivadas en centro y norte de Argentina y el sudeste de Paraguay. Las ninfas colectadas se criaron hasta el estado adulto en el laboratorio. De las eight subfamilias de míridos conocidas, se colectaron four en este estudio: (Bryocorinae, Deraeocorinae, Mirinae, y Orthotylinae). En Argentina, 22 especies de míridos fueron colectadas sobre 43 especies de plantas, y 5 míridos sobre ocho plantas en Paraguay. Un total de 85 asociaciones planta-insecto nuevas fueron registradas (112 eran conocidas previamente en Argentina). La mayoría de los míridos colectados pertenecían a la subfamilia Mirinae, tribu Mirini, mientras que las plantas hospedadoras pertenecieron a la familia Asteraceae. La casi totalidad de los míridos fueron colectados sobre plantas con flores presente. Además de los datos sobre las plantas hospedadoras de los míridos, se presentan datos sobre fenología y patrones de utilización de las plantas de los míridos más abundantes. En general la riqueza y la abundancia de los míridos varió de acuerdo a las especies de las plantas hospedadoras; la mayor diversidad y riqueza de míridos se observó en el oeste de Argentina (en las provincias de Salta, Jujuy, Tucumán). Taylorilygus apicalis (Fieber) fue el mírido más abundante (87% de los 35.970 míridos colectados) y en la mayoría de los casos sobre Asteraceae. Esta especie exótica podría estar afectando la fauna nativa de míridos en el área estudiada. Sin embargo, se necesita de más investigación para establecer las posibles interacciones entre la fauna de míridos de Argentina y Paraguay y T. apicalis. Nuestros resultados sugieren que T. apicalis muestra una polifagia regional, por ejemplo, utiliza numerosas plantas hospedadoras a lo largo de su distribución geográfica.

Two native trees and one introduced tree in the coast forest ecosystem in southwestern Washington state were identified as new host records for the western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), in 2002 and 2003. Key life history characteristics of flies on or from the new hosts also were examined. Rearing of larvae to adults confirmed native cascara, Rhamnus purshiana DC.; black hawthorn, Crataegus douglasii Lindl.; and introduced cherry laurel, Prunus laurocerasus L., are suitable developmental hosts. In addition, two flies reared from cascara had wing patterns apparently not reported previously, with one keying out to R. indifferens. The numbers of larvae that emerged from fruit of the new hosts and a known host, bitter cherry, Prunus emarginata (Dougl. ex. Hook) D. Dietr., were lower than from fruit of sweet and sour cherries, Prunus avium (L.) L. and Prunus cerasus L. Seasonal patterns of adult abundance in cascara, black hawthorn, and cherry laurel as determined by catches on unbaited sticky yellow panel traps were similar to those in bitter cherry, with most flies caught beginning in mid-July after fruit were no longer green. Fruit of all hosts ripened at similar times. On cascara and black hawthorn, R. indifferens was observed feeding on damaged fruit, and on black hawthorn, flies mated with the non-native apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh). The longevity of flies reared from cascara, bitter cherry, and sweet and sour cherry was similar, averaging 55.5–83.4 d, and was higher than that of flies reared from cherry laurel, which averaged ≤46.2 d. Body mass of flies from cascara, cherry laurel, and bitter cherry was lower than that of flies from sweet cherry. In contrast to the coast forest ecosystem, neither cascara nor cherry laurel was found at sites studied in ponderosa pine and sagebrush–bunchgrass ecosystems in central Washington in 2003 and 2004. Adults were not caught on unbaited traps in black hawthorns in these two ecosystems, and no larvae were reared from hawthorn fruit from either ecosystem.

Leaf beetle taxa belonging to the Camptosomata use their fecal material to construct cases within which their larvae develop. Despite this intriguing behavior, the fine-scale natural history of very few camptosomates has been determined. Here, we present a highly detailed account of fecal case construction and associated behaviors and life history patterns in Neochlamisus casebearers. This study documents diverse elements of oviposition and egg case construction, larval development and case enlargement, pupal case formation, and adult maturation and emergence. Using an independently derived method, we further document temporal and spatial aspects of larval case architecture. Assays of 10 Neochlamisus taxa in the laboratory are supplemented with field observations in perhaps the single most comprehensive description of case-associated camptosomate biology.

Ascia monuste (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is a subtropical and tropical species with several subspecies and forms. In recent years, it has become a sporadic insect pest of crucifer vegetables in southern Texas. In some isolated fields, the gregarious larvae have completely consumed all aboveground parts of large cabbage or collard plants (leaves, petioles, and stems). To understand more about this subspecies, I studied its biology on cabbage, including the development of immature stages, the longevity of adults, and other parameters in the laboratory and the greenhouses. At 25 ± 2°C, developmental time averaged 4.7, 2.8, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 6.0, and 9.d d for eggs, first, second, third, fourth, fifth instars and pupae, respectively, yielding an average of 17.4 d for all larval stages and an average generation time of 31.7 d for both sexes. Adult longevity averaged 19.8 d for females and 16.3 d for males under greenhouse conditions. The sex ratio was 1:0.76 (females:males) or 56.8% females. Each egg cluster had an average of 43.2 eggs with a range of 1–245. Body lengths and head capsule widths for all five instars were well correlated with an r value of 0.9832. Based on the data from this study, I concluded that the life history parameters of the subspecies of A. monuste monuste are different from those of Ascia monuste orseis (Godard), another Neotropical subspecies.

Colony organization via caste specialization in the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, as in other species of termites, seems to be influenced by external factors such as nutrition and temperature. Here, we report on the influence of nutrition and temperature and the associated juvenile hormone levels on the regulation of the soldier caste. Two nutritional levels of food sources or five different temperatures were provided to C. formosanus workers in the laboratory. Juvenile hormone titers of these workers were monitored on 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 d after treatment. Termite survival and soldier-to-worker proportions also were recorded at each sample date. Workers fed a high-quality food source produced significantly more soldiers and this was associated with high worker juvenile hormone (JH) titers. JH titers in workers maintained at 20 and 36°C remained constant throughout the observational period with no presoldier or soldier formation. Under 24, 28, and 32°C temperature regimes, JH titers in workers climbed to a peak at day 48 and then sharply dropped at day 60 when soldier proportion increased to a specific value. At each sample date, JH titers in workers demonstrated a positive and statistically significant relationship to temperatures within the range of 24–32°C, but upon inclusion of temperatures below 24 and above 32°C, the correlation is no longer significant. The results show that favorable extrinsic conditions of temperature and nutrition allow for a higher soldier proportion threshold through the regulation of JH levels and caste differentiation in workers.

A description of the fine structure of the infrared radiation (IR) sensor of Melanophila acuminata (De Geer) and of the role of the wings during flight in mechanically modulating incoming IR into on and off pulses, supports a thermopneumatic model of IR perception by this insect. The model postulates that pulsed IR, corresponding to wavelengths emitted by fires, enters an enclosed, airtight, thick-walled cavity in each sensor through an apical epicuticular waveguide and is absorbed by a thin, chitinous endocuticular lamella of the cavity wall. The lamella is heated and in turn heats and expands the enclosed air that then compresses a basal cuticular cap that displaces the tubular body of the sensor, triggering a dendritic impulse and transducing an action potential in the neuron. This process is possible because of the absorption by the chitinous lamella of the wavelengths of IR emitted by fires resulting in extraordinary IR wavelength discrimination, radiant energy sensitivity, and rapid response time. These properties distinguish the sensor from temperature sensors of insects, sometimes erroneously designated as IR sensors, that respond relatively slowly to broadband wavelength radiation.

Galeopsomyia fausta LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a Neotropical eulophid solitary ectoparasitoid of the immature stages of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). In Central and South America, the activity of this wasp has resulted in good biological control of P. citrella. Characterization of the immature morphology of parasitoids is important for the identification to the species level before adult emergence and for the quantification of the impact of these natural enemies in biological control programs. This article reports our study of the immature stages of G. fausta from a laboratory colony maintained on P. citrella that were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The wasp has a typical hymenopteriform egg attached to the leaf chamber where P. citrella pupates. The parasitoid has three instars, very similar to each other, holopneustic, hymenopteriform, and 13-segmented. Its cuticle has multiple spines. The cranium is conspicuous and has a mandibulate suctorial mouth. On completion of its larval development an exarate pupa is produced. The distinctive attachment of the egg to the leaf and typical pupal morphology allow the identification of this parasitoid by using a binocular microscope, but identification of the larvae requires SEM.