Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), which also is known as agave weevil, is distributed across 5 continents. In Mexico, their presence has been reported in 12 states. Many species of Agave (Asparagaceae) are suitable hosts, though not all are equally suitable. Plant infestation can start with either female or male weevils, and their presence can be detected by gummy secretions emanating from feeding sites. The punctures are observed principally in the lower part of the trunk and external roots of the infested plants. Eggs are deposited singly or in clusters of up to 4 eggs at the feeding punctures after tissue decay has begun. The eggs hatch after about 5 d, and young larvae begin to create tunnels in the plant tissue. The larvae display 11 instars, and require about 50 to 90 d for development. The pupae normally require 11 to 14 d. The life cycle lasts between 105 to 137 d depending on the agave species with which the weevil is associated. The active insect can attack during any mo of the yr, although it is more frequent in the rainy season. Scyphophorus acupunctatus dispersion is determined by the attraction of volatile agave compounds. This insect apparently introduces different microorganisms that have been associated with the agave maladies. Plant extracts and seed powders have been assessed as potential botanical insecticides on larvae and pupae, with plant extracts causing mortality of 43 to 53% in larvae and 3 to 15% in pupae, and with seed powders causing 90 to 100% larval mortality. Synthetic insecticides have not been successful because the larvae and adults live inside the plant tissues. Alternative effective control tactics are needed to avoid increased damage and destruction of this important crop.

Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae), is one the 5 most-consumed fresh fruits in the world. The thrips Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an important pest of watermelon crops in tropical regions. Among the principal factors that regulate pest populations in crops are phenological stage of the host plant, weather and climate, and natural enemies. Thus, knowledge of such factors may allow the prediction of the risk of pest damage to such crops. The objective of this study was to identify factors that drive F. schultzei population densities in watermelon crops. During 2014 and 2015, we evaluated the effect of abiotic (weather) and biotic (phenological stage of leaves, and occurrence of natural enemies) factors on F. schultzei population densities on watermelon commercial crops. Frankliniella schultzei densities were higher in dry periods with more intense winds. Insect pest density was higher on younger leaves of plants in the vegetative stage. Frankliniella schultzei preferred to attack younger leaves of the plant located at the apex of the branches. The results obtained in this work suggest that the population growth of F. schultzei in watermelon crops is higher in periods of low rainfall. The population densities of F. schultzei depend on the phenological stage of plants, weather, and populations of natural enemies. Farmers should seek to preserve the populations of Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), which are an important natural enemy of F. schultzei.

Melon (Cucumis melo L.; Cucurbitaceae) is one of the 10 most-consumed fruits in the world. The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the most important pests in melon crops worldwide. Conventional sampling plans are the starting point to establish decisionmaking systems for integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The purpose of this study was to determine a conventional sampling plan for B. tabaci in melon crops with plants at the vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages. The best sampling units for B. tabaci were the 5th and 6th most apical leaves of the plant vine. The best sampling technique was direct counting of adult whiteflies. The most appropriate frequency distribution to describe B. tabaci densities in melon fields was the negative binomial. Whiteflies on melon fields with plants at different phenological stages showed a common aggregation parameter (Kcommon = 0.9134). The optimal number of samples from the sampling plan was 72 samples per field with a maximum error of 15% in population determination. The sampling plan determined by this study can be used by farmers because it is a low-cost (US$5.27 per sampling), fast (39 minutes per sampling) and feasible (15% maximum evaluation error). The same sampling plan can be used with melon plants at the vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages.

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) Hemiptera: Aphididae), was first detected in Mexico in 2013. Since then, it has caused significant yield losses in sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (Poaceae). The objective of this work was to evaluate, under laboratory conditions, the predation capability for the sugarcane aphid, measured as the consumption rate, of 2 predator species commonly used as biocontrol agents for different aphid species. We evaluated the consumption rate of larvae and adults of the convergent ladybeetle, Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Méneville) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) when exposed to 100 aphid specimens for either 30 or 60 min. A second experiment compared the consumption rate of males and females of H. convergens exposed to different densities (4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128) of aphids in a 24-h period. We also tested the consumption rate of larvae of the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), in a 24-h period at different aphid densities (8, 16, 32, and 64). Larvae of H. convergens had a statistically significant higher consumption rate for the 30-min session compared to adults. However, for the 60-min session, the consumption rate was similar for both. The consumption rate between males and females at different aphid densities did not show statistical differences, except for the 64-aphid density; females consumed 85.9% of the aphids, compared to 68.2% by the males. Finally, a positive correlation was observed between prey density and prey consumption of C. carnea larvae. The regression model showed that they could consume an average of 15 aphids per d.

We report here on the diversity and composition of Coreidae and Pentatomidae species, as well as their egg parasitoids collected on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) (Fabaceae) plants from a field in Teresina, central-northern Piauí State, Brazil. Weekly sweep net sampling was performed during the phenological cycle of this crop in the rainy and dry seasons. In the pentatomid collections, 14 species were identified from 3 subfamilies (Asopinae, Edessinae, and Pentatominae). Five species of Coreidae also were collected from the subfamily Coreinae. We found that Euschistus heros (F.), Crinocerus sanctus (F.), Chinavia ubica (Rolston), and Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood) (all Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were the most abundant hemipteran species associated with cowpea. Generally, species richness and diversity of individuals from this order were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. The parasitoid species identified from field-collected hemipteran egg masses were: Anastatus coreophagus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), Neorileya flavipes Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), Ooencyrtus anasae (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), O. submetallicus (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), and Trissolcus urichi (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae). We found that about 52% of hemipteran egg masses collected from the cowpea field were naturally parasitized by the above parasitoids, whereas nearly 10% of C. sanctus and C. ubica sentinel egg masses were parasitized.

Globally, Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) has considerably expanded its habitat from rural areas to urban areas as a result of increased urbanization. In some urban areas, this expansion has resulted in this invasive species being elevated as an important vector of dengue virus. Ornamental plants are often a feature of the urban landscape that may provide harborage for mosquitoes. Because adult mosquitoes require carbohydrates for subsistence, landscape vegetation may provide natural sugar sources to meet those needs. The aim of our study was to determine whether feeding on different ornamental plants from urban areas affects the survivorship and fecundity of Ae. albopictus. Newly emerged mosquitoes were given access to 11 ornamental plant species (6 flowering, 5 nonflowering) as sugar sources under laboratory conditions. Generally, survivorship was greater significantly when mosquitoes fed upon the ornamentals compared with those that were offered only water, whereas survivorship was shortened when individuals fed only on sucrose (P < 0.05). Mosquitoes that fed on nonflowering plants laid fewer eggs compared with those exposed to flowering plants. No significant difference was observed in egg hatch from females feeding on any of the plant species. Our findings provide insight into the potential influence that urban ornamental plants may have on the ecology of adult Ae. albopictus. The results of this study provide new avenues for integrated mosquito management in urban landscaped areas by planting ornamental plant species that contribute to lower survivorship and fecundity of peridomestically produced mosquitoes.

Oligonychus litchii Lo and Ho (Arachnida: Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the primary pests in the litchi orchard and causes serious damage. We studied the effects of temperature on development and reproduction of O. litchii and constructed experimental population life tables at 5 constant temperatures (20, 23, 26, 29, and 32 °C) under laboratory conditions. The results showed that development, reproduction, and life table parameters of O. litchii were significantly affected by different temperatures. The egg stage had the longest period of development, and survival or development time decreased significantly with rising constant temperatures. Duration of the larva, protonymph, and deutonymph stages, and total generation time, tended to decline as the temperature increased, but development time at 26, 29, and 32 °C did not differ significantly. The longest generation time (egg to death of the adult) was 34.3 d at 20 °C, followed by 21.9 d at 23 °C, and it was shortest at 32 °C (10.7 d). There is a positive linear correlation between the temperature (T) and developmental rate (V). The developmental threshold temperature and effective accumulated temperatures for the entire generation were 13.4 °C and 172.41 degree-d, respectively. The highest number of eggs laid per female was 77.2 eggs at 26 °C, while the lowest was 30.0 eggs at 20 °C. The maximum population growth rate (r_m) values increased from 20 °C (0.04) to 29 °C (0.17), then decreased at 32 °C (0.12). The finite rates of increase (λ) were over 1.00 at all 5 constant temperatures. Temperature had a great effect on the development and reproduction of O. litchi, and the optimal temperature for the mite is around 26 °C.

Assessing the oviposition preference and offspring performance of 2 parasitoid species being used to establish classical biological control of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) infesting citrus may provide important insight into their potential coexistence in California, USA. Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an ectoparasitoid, preferred fourth and fifth instar D. citri nymphs for oviposition in both choice and no-choice experiments. Larval development and adult longevity of T. radiata offspring were positively correlated to female oviposition preference. Oviposition preferences of T. radiata were unaffected by conspecific and heterospecific competitors. Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Shafee, Alam & Agarwal) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), an endoparasitoid, preferred third and fourth instar hosts in choice experiments and fourth instar hosts in nochoice experiments. Parasitoid larvae that developed in these instars performed better than larvae that developed in second and fifth instars. The oviposition preferences of D. aligarhensis were unaffected by competitors in choice arenas, but were affected in no-choice experiments. Populations of T. radiata and D. aligarhensis from Pakistan, where they exist in sympatry and used in the experiments reported here, demonstrated a shared preference for fourth instar D. citri nymphs, which has not been documented previously for populations of D. aligarhensis from other geographic regions. This shared preference did not affect D. citri mortality rates, but it may affect the ability of D. aligarhensis to establish in areas of California where T. radiata is currently present.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae are polyphagous, aggressive, and have been found in many of Brazil's agricultural areas. Biological control with baculoviruses is part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy to manage this insect. Three isolates of nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) were collected from Brazilian populations of H. armigera, and compared genetically and biologically to Gemstar® (an imported nucleopolyhedrovirus), and to Nucleopolyedrovirus spodoptera (SPNPV) that was passed serially through H. armigera. Genetic sequencing of lef-8 and lef-9 genes revealed that the Brazilian isolates were closely related to nucleopolyhedrovirus species from Australia, South Africa, China, and India. The isolates caused high mortality rates in third instar H. armigera larvae. The mean lethal dose (LD₅₀) and lethal time (LT₅₀) differed between isolates, but was highest for HearNPV-BR2. This is the first report of HearNPV in Brazil, and the insecticidal properties of the BR2 isolate support its potential use in the production of biopesticides to manage H. armigera in Brazil.

This study reports the discovery of members of the family Meessiidae Căpuşe from Korea. It includes 3 new species of the genus Eudarcia Clemens: E. gwangneungensissp. nov., E. longiphalla sp. nov., and E. corneasp. nov., and an unrecorded species, E. orbiculidomus (Sakai & Saigusa). Adults and genitalia were described, a key to the Meessiidae in Korea and DNA barcodes for precise identification of the species are provided.

Brazil nut is used widely in the food industry because the nutritional content of this commodity contains a variety of lipids, proteins, and essential minerals, as well as vitamin A which is used in the cosmetic industry. Agricultural products such as grains, seeds, and nuts often are adversely affected by numerous organisms, including Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), that cause significant losses during storage. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the biological and reproductive parameters of T. castaneum on Brazil nut. Pre-oviposition, egg incubation, and oviposition lasted an average of 7.4, 4.2, and 28.4 d, respectively, with 79.4% egg viability. Oviposition began on the seventh d after mating and the last occurrence of laying was on the 46th d. An average of 1.2 eggs per d per female was produced during the first 20 d. The mean number of eggs per female produced during a lifetime was 28.9. The larval stage exhibited 8 instars during a period of about 86 d. The pupal stage averaged 6.5 d and the adult stage 40.8 d. Survival rate was 44.7% on d 40 and 22.7% on d 60 after adult emergence.

Several tephritid fruit fly species that are damaging to citrus in China are world-wide quarantine pests. Two field tests were conducted in China to evaluate the effectiveness of fruit bagging (i.e., fruits were grown in bags for at least 1.5 mo until harvest) and culling for risk mitigation of these pests during the fruit harvest season of 2017. The first test was conducted in Pinghe County of Fujian Province. The purpose of this test was to assess the effectiveness of fruit bagging on risk mitigation of fruit flies affecting pomelo, Citrus maxima (Burm. fil.) Osbeck (Rutaceae). External inspection and internal fruit cutting of 3,000 bagged and 3,040 unbagged fruits revealed few oviposition marks and absence of living flies in the bagged fruits, compared to 129 fruit fly-infested fruits containing 634 live larvae and 4 pupae in the unbagged fruits. Later molecular and morphological identification concluded that these larvae and pupae were Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). The second test was conducted in Shimen County of Hunan Province. The purpose of this test was to assess the effectiveness of packing house culling on risk mitigation of fruit flies in Satsuma mandarin, Citrus unshiu (Swingle) Marcov. (Rutaceae). A total of 20,000 fruits were cut (10,000 fruits before culling, and another 10,000 after culling). In the fruits that did not receive the culling treatment, 1 infested fruit with 7 third instar larvae of Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and 25 fruits with fruit fly oviposition marks were found. In the fruits that received the culling treatment, fruit flies were absent and 10 fruits with oviposition marks were found. These results suggest that fruit bagging and packinghouse culling could contribute to risk mitigation of fruit flies in citrus in China. This is a preliminary report, with further work necessary to develop a systems approach for risk mitigation of fruit flies in the commodities.

Antiteuchus innocens Engleman & Rolston (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) feeds on several species of pines in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. The biology and ecology of this species in pine ecosystems is unknown. In this paper, information concerning the life cycle of A. innocens is presented with the objective of providing information that elucidates its role as a pest of pines. Our field observations verified that the first adults of A. innocens typically appear by Apr of each year and reach the highest abundance in May. Afterwards, adults decrease gradually and are undetectable by Nov. Egg masses are laid on abaxial regions of primary branches, and on female strobili of pines. Following egg-hatching, the female remains with its brood, presumably for maternal care. We determined that A. innocens is an oligophagous species, feeding on Pinus oocarpa Shiede, Pinus maximinoi H.E. Moore, and Pinus devoniana Lindley (all Pinaceae). This species is univoltine under the climatic conditions of Chiapas, with a life cycle of about 310 d from egg to adult. Juvenile development of A. innocens is as follows (mean ± SE): 8 (0.66), 8 (0.92), 41 (7.5), 79 (8.1), 122 (5.9), and 52 (6.9) d for egg incubation, first, second, third, fourth, and fifth instar, respectively. The longevity of adults was estimated as 54 d. The longest duration (> 4 mo) of A. innocens occurred in the fourth instar, suggesting the possibility of diapause in this instar; however, this was not verified.

Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a pest of major agricultural crops, such as soybean and cotton. A better understanding of larval movement is important for its integrated management and resistance management. Studies with neonates through second instar larvae are still limited by the difficulties involving the handling and observation of these instars. Many studies require marking larvae, and most research involving marking is focused on moths. However, our study investigated aspects of larval behavior of the second instar of H. armigera on soybean plants. The dyes luminous powder red and Sudan Red 7B were tested as external larval markers. Both dyes successfully marked the larvae for most of 1 stadium (48 h) without deleterious effects, and are useful for short-period behavioral studies. Luminous powder red was selected for the H. armigera larval behavior study on soybean because of ease of detection during both day and night. Second instar on-plant movement was consistent, independent of the d period (morning, afternoon, evening). In general, larvae established their feeding site within a few hours of release, and remained feeding on soybean leaves. Second instar behavior suggests that management by nocturnal insecticide application, based on H. armigera larval movement, would not have an advantage over daytime application.

Genetically modified corn (maize) Zea mays (Poaceae) expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner (Bacillaceae) toxins is a controversial issue due to the risk they could pose to predators as non-target organisms. Thus it is important to evaluate that risk before Bt corn is released for commercial planting in Mexico. The effect of genetically modified corn hybrid Agrisure® Viptera^TM 3111 on the abundance of non-target predators Orius insidiosus Say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), Coleomegilla maculata (De Geer) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) was evaluated at Oso Viejo and El Camalote in Culiacan, Sinaloa, and compared with its non-genetically modified isoline with and without insecticide treatment in a randomized complete block design with 3 treatments and 4 replicates. Complete plant visual samplings were performed to determine predator abundance, frequency, and population fluctuation using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric statistical test. A total of 5,228 predators were collected in all hybrids in both localities: 2,431 at Oso Viejo and 2,797 at El Camalote with 2 peaks before and after pollination. In both locations, each predator population had a similar fluctuation in all hybrids. Although no statistical difference was found among treatments, in all cases, Agrisure® Viptera^TM 3111 had higher abundance than the isolines with and without insecticide treatment. Results show that Agrisure® Viptera^TM 3111 does not have a negative effect on predator abundance of O. insidiosus, C. maculata, and C. carnea.

The agricultural detergent TS-2035^® was evaluated using a Potter tower in the laboratory to expose Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) females to a non-lethal concentration (0.001% v/v) as a co-adjuvant of formulations containing the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana Vuillemin (Cordycipitaceae) or Metarhizium anisopliae Sorokin (Clavicipitaceae), or the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos. At that concentration, TS-2035 did not significantly remove the epicuticle wax of the pseudococcids, nor affect the pH of the solution. Adding the detergent to the M. anisopliae and chlorpyrifos formulations significantly reduced the LC₅₀ of those solutions at 24, 72, and 144 h post treatment. For B. bassiana, the detergent significantly decreased the LC₅₀ of that product only at 72 h post treatment. Fungal solutions with detergent did not affect the conidial germination of the entomopathogenic fungi. Our results found that mixing B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, or chlorpyrifos formulations with TS-2035 at 0.001% v/v did not control P. viburni by removal of their epicuticular wax, but still contributed significantly to mortality.

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is the most detrimental insect pest of citrus crops due to its role as a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), the bacterial causal agent of huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening disease. Trees infected with Las decline rapidly and fruit production decreases until eventual tree death. Few treatment options for infected trees are available for disease management. A technique called “thermotherapy” is under development to reduce bacterial titers in infected trees; however, the effect of these treatments on the transmission cycle of Las is not known. Field and laboratory assays were conducted to determine whether thermotherapy treatment reduced Las acquisition by D. citri. Trees in the field were treated with a mobile heat treatment system. Potted trees in the laboratory were treated in a steam chamber. We monitored acquisition rates in D. citri following thermal treatment of Las-positive Citrus sinensis (L.) (Rutaceae). Psyllid acquisition and Las titer in thermotherapy-treated trees were compared with untreated Las-positive and untreated Las-negative trees. Our results confirmed the efficacy of whole-tree thermotherapy on Las in potted citrus trees. In contrast, thermotherapy did not significantly reduce plant Las titers or acquisition of Las by D. citri under field conditions. These results suggest that further development of field application methods is needed to determine the utility of thermotherapy as a tool for huanglongbing management.

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are a major problem in the global production of fruits and vegetables. Thus, information about spatial distribution and population dynamics of pest species is important for horticulture. The objectives of this study were to evaluate quantitatively the occurrence of Anastrepha Schiner species captured in McPhail traps throughout the year in a native forest, a backyard orchard, and a commercial orchard; to describe the spatial distribution type of Anastrepha species in those environments; and to investigate the relationship between Anastrepha species abundance and weather. Anastrepha species adults were sampled weekly, but the data were pooled by mo before analysis of all environments, and for each environment separately. We found a relationship between abundance of Anastrepha species and the seasons. In general, winter was the season with greatest abundance and species richness. Among the environments, we found greatest abundance and species richness in the backyard orchard, followed by the native forest, and the commercial orchard. In the latter environment, we found a higher abundance of Anastrepha species in summer, and greater species richness in the spring. Anastrepha species adults showed an aggregated spatial distribution. Relative humidity and wind speed influenced the number of Anastrepha species caught in the traps.

Phyllophaga (Chirodines) moroni is described based on 8 males collected by black-light trap in a disturbed area of pine-oak forest of the Sierra-Sur region of Oaxaca State, Mexico. This finding represents the fifth described species of the subgenus on the American continent, the second species of the subgenus listed for Oaxaca State, and the third species of the subgenus for Mexico. A key to separate the 5 species in the subgenus Chirodines presently described is provided.

Neoceratitis asiatica (Becker) (Diptera: Tephritidae), known as wolfberry fruit fly, is a harmful pest of Lycium barbarum (Solanaceae). Neoceratitis asiatica female adults insert the ovipositor into the peel of L. barbarum and lay eggs, causing reductions in yield and economic loss. The symbiotic bacteria Wolbachia spp. have attracted considerable attention and interest by entomologists in recent years. Wolbachia infect many genera of tephritid fruit flies, such as Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Rhagoletis, Dacus, Ceratitis, and Carypomya. Wolbachia can induce complete cytoplasmic incompatibility in novel hosts, leading to complete suppression of laboratory populations by single releases of infected males, which potentially makes it a useful method for pest management. In this study, the infection of Wolbachia in N. asiatica from the Ningxia region in China was detected based on the Wolbachia surface protein gene sequence. The neighbor-joining tree showed Wolbachia in wolfberry fruit fly was wRi strain. This research lays the foundation for further study about Wolbachia in Chinese wolfberry fruit fly, and also provides a basis for the prevention and control of other economically important fruit flies using Wolbachia.

Tomato is one of the highest water-demanding crops, and the use of different irrigation systems and different water management strategies may affect crop yield. Despite the fact that tomato is a self-fertilizing (autogamous) plant, research has shown that bees (“buzz pollination”) improve yield and fruit quality. Here, we assess the effect of the irrigation method on bee visitation and pollination on flowers of the tomato crop. The study was conducted from Jul to Oct 2017 in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using 6 plots with 150 tomato plants per plot. Three plots received water by sprinkler irrigation and the other 3 by drip irrigation, in a randomized complete block design. Bees were sampled from plants watered with both irrigation systems to evaluate visitation rate. Fruit set and fruit weight were compared between irrigation systems. Bee visitation rate was not affected by the irrigation method, and the mechanical impact of the sprinkler did not provide the same level of bee pollination. As pollination and pollinators were not negatively affected, the best irrigation method should take into account agronomic aspects, such as financial viability and water use efficiency. The drip irrigation system seems to be the most effective, because it exhibits these characteristics, even though it may have a higher cost.

Analysis of functional trait composition can provide insights into effects of habitat alteration on ecological functioning of particular taxa. However, assessments of functional trait composition may be affected by the sampling methodology used. We assessed functional trait composition of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) collected using 4 sampling methods (elevated bowl traps, ground-level bowl traps, Malaise traps, and vane traps). Functional diversity, as measured by functional dispersion (mean distance between individual species and the community centroid in multidimensional trait space), did not vary among sampling methods. Fourth corner analysis revealed statistically greater representation of solitary species and above-ground nesting species than expected in ground-level bowl traps. Polylecty was strongly associated with Malaise traps. Body length was negatively associated with Malaise traps and positively associated with vane traps. Our results suggest that sampling of bee functional traits can be method-dependent, and this should be considered in assessments of functional trait composition.

The worker of Aparatermes thornatus is described as the fourth species of a widespread Neotropical termite genus, Aparatermes, from the worker caste. This species occurs in northern Amazonia. The enteric valve armature of A. thornatus and the unique coloration of its worker's head capsule distinguish it from its 3 congeners. Molecular data recovered the proposed new species as a sister to Aparatermes silvestrii. Type material is deposited at Colección Entomológica Forestal, Universidad Distrital “Francisco Jose de Caldas” (CEFUDFJC - 45 National Registry of Collections) in Bogotá, Colombia, and the University of Florida, Termite Collection (UFTC) at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

Exotic insect species pose an increasing threat to Florida's native ecosystems through direct negative effects as predators of native taxa, and indirect effects by competing for food and habitat resources. Although many exotic species established in Florida have no demonstrable negative impact on native insect communities, it is nonetheless important to document the presence of newly established species in order to evaluate their invasive potential. This study documents for the first time an established population of an introduced mantis, Liturgusa maya Saussure & Zehntner (Mantodea: Liturgusidae), in the USA. The paper includes a review of the species' natural history in its native range in Central and South America. At present, this mantis is known only from a small, localized area; however, more widespread establishment in and beyond south Florida is possible because of the region's subtropical climate. To facilitate monitoring of the introduced population of L. maya, an identification key to the genera of Florida mantises is included to help non-specialists easily differentiate L. maya from the native mantis genera that occur in Florida.

Encyclia tampensis (Lindl.) Small (Orchidaceae), the butterfly orchid, is a commercially exploited, epiphytic orchid native to Florida. Similarly, Prosthechea cochleata (L.) W.E. Higgins (Orchidaceae), the clamshell orchid, is an endangered orchid that is epiphytic and native to Florida. We conducted this study in southern Florida at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge to gain more information about the pollination biology of E. tampensis and P. cochleata (var. triandra). Experiments using pollinator exclusion bags revealed that E. tampensis is not capable of spontaneous self-pollination, and requires a pollen vector for seed capsule development; however, P. cochleata appears to be readily self-pollinating. Using active and passive sampling, we determined that E. tampensis potentially can be pollinated by a variety of flower-visiting insects, including Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. Insects from all 3 orders were observed on and collected from the E. tampensis flowers. However, only insects from 1 order (Hymenoptera) were actively collected from P. cochleata. Our data are useful for conservation efforts for E. tampensis and P. cochleata, because knowledge about potential pollinators and self-pollination capability can lead to future studies and information about optimal habitats for outplanting and reintroduction. The orchids face decline due to habitat loss, pests, and poaching, so conservation is an important key to re-establishment of these species.

Consuming natural male lure compounds enables the males of some fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) to mate more successfully within their femalechoice mating systems. However, it remains unclear what benefits females derive from mating with lure-fed males. With Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), feeding on the lures cue-lure and zingerone is associated with increased fecundity of mated females, but this direct fitness benefit was not apparent with B. dorsalis (Hendel) (with the lure methyl eugenol) or Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) (with the lure cue-lure). Expanding on previous observations, we fed Z. cucurbitae males zingerone, but we observed no evidence of direct fitness benefits to males feeding on zingerone (i.e., mating success and virgin longevity), or to females mated to zingerone-fed males (i.e., longevity, fecundity, and egg viability). We therefore find no reason to reject the runaway selection hypothesis that previously has been proposed to explain lure attraction in B. dorsalis and Z. cucurbitae.

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), remains the most economically important and difficult to manage pest in citrus throughout Florida. To improve existing control methods, the potential for Asian citrus psyllid to evade insecticide sprays and engage in shortterm dispersal was investigated. Dispersal was evaluated to better understand responses of Asian citrus psyllid to citrus grove management, and how these factors affect population dynamics when citrus flush is scarce. To determine the impact of insecticide applications and other abiotic factors on Asian citrus psyllid movement, psyllid captures were measured on yellow sticky-card traps placed along the citrus grove borders. Additional suction trap and citrus grove stem-tap samples were collected and compared with sticky card catches, then correlated with data taken from the Florida Automated Weather Network. More Asian citrus psyllids were caught after than directly before insecticide sprays (t = 3.096; df = 27; P = 0.005), with the highest catches occurring from Mar to May. Both solar radiation and wind direction were positively correlated with Asian citrus psyllid dispersal, whereas humidity was negatively correlated across all sampling methods. Significant psyllid catches in suction traps located 500 m from a citrus grove provide additional evidence that Asian citrus psyllids tend to migrate when host conditions are unfavorable, returning to previous or neighboring groves after dispersal.

Normal growth and production of plant tissues requires water, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and light. Light-emitting diodes (LED) are being used increasingly as a substitute for fluorescent or incandescent light sources in greenhouse horticulture because of their small size, durability, wavelength specificity, long operating life, and efficiency in offering photosynthetically active radiation at lowered energy costs compared to conventional lights. However, studies conducted to test the effects of these lights reveal that spectral properties of light-emitting diodes can have dramatic effects on plant morphology, nutrient uptake, and pathogen development when plants are grown under the incorrect light spectrums. We grew sorghum plants under a light-emitting diode grow panel, and compared it to plants grown under conventional fluorescent lighting within identical environmental chambers. Light-emitting diode lighting resulted in deleterious sorghum growth with fewer true leaves formed, reduced plant height, lower chlorophyll content, and an unusual pink to purple coloration of the plant tissue when compared to sorghum grown under conventional lighting. All 4 of the different sorghums grown under light-emitting diodes had 2× the amount of biomass measured as dry weights for upper (stems and leaves) and lower (root mass) when compared to the conventional lighting. When sorghums were infested with sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), both light sources supported a similar number of aphids but plants grown under light-emitting diodes had higher damage ratings than those under conventional lights for both known resistant and susceptible sorghums. For future trials, sorghum should not be grown using the light-emitting diode lights when assessing host-plant resistance to aphid infestation.

The crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), is an invasive pest of crapemyrtles, Lagerstroemia spp. L. (Lythraceae) in the southeastern USA. Information about its temperature-dependent development and host range is limited. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of temperature on the immature development of A. lagerstroemiae, and to determine plant species suitable for immature development and reproduction. Developmental time and survival of eggs were evaluated at 7 constant temperatures from 17.5 to 32 °C, and of nymphs at 20, 25, and 30 °C. Results suggested that 27.5 °C was the optimum temperature for egg hatching with the shortest time (10 d) and the highest hatching rate (95%). The developmental time for A. lagerstroemiae from nymph to prepupa and gravid female was 56 d and 68 d at 30 °C, respectively. Five plant species besides crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei L.) were able to support the immature development and reproduction of A. lagerstroemiae under no-choice conditions, including Lawsonia inermis L., Heimia salicifolia Link, Punica granatum L., Lythrum alatum Pursh (all Lythraceae), and Callicarpa americana L. (Lamiaceae). At wk 12 from inoculation, the density of gravid females was 482 ± 92 (mean ± standard error) on L. indica × fauriei, 200 ± 70 on C. americana, and < 150 on other species. Using data from developmental time and host range, integrated pest management (IPM) practitioners can implement preventive strategies for A. lagerstroemiae.

Cropping practices can affect the complement of arthropod pests present in production. The impact of cover cropping on key red maple (Acer rubrum [L.]) (Sapindaceae) nursery pests was evaluated. Cover cropping has been identified as a sustainable management method for a key maple pest, flatheaded appletree borer (Chrysobothris femorata [Olivier]) (Buprestidae), but the impact of the cover crop on other non-target arthropod pests in maple production also must be taken into account when determining the usefulness of cover cropping as a pest management tool. In addition to flatheaded appletree borer, other important arthropod pests of red maple in the southeastern United States include maple shoot borer (Proteoteras aesculana [Riley]) (Tortricidae), maple leaftier (Episimus tyrius [Henrich]) (Tortricidae), potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae [Harris]) (Cicadellidae), ambrosia beetles (e.g., Xylosandrus crassiusculus [Motschulsky]) (Curculionidae), and spider mites (Oligonychus aceris [Shimer] and Tetranychus urticae [Koch]) (Tetranychidae). In the fall of 2015, 400 red maple trees were transplanted into a cover cropped field of crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum [L.]) (Fabaceae) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum [L.]) (Poaceae). Four nursery tree row management treatments were evaluated: (1) cover crop, (2) cover crop + insecticide, (3) no cover crop, and (4) no cover crop + insecticide. Treatment plots consisting of 25 trees were replicated 4 times in a 2 × 2 factorial design. All trees were evaluated annually in 2016 and 2017 for damage by the previously mentioned arthropod pests. Overall, the cover crop did not increase damage by the common suite of red maple pests. However, the cover crop did compete with trees for nutrients, water, and space, thereby reducing tree growth and the formation of new maple shoots. The low number of new shoots on maple trees in the cover crop rows, and subsequent availability and suitability of host material was the main driver of pest damage differences among treatments.

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an invasive pest of grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (Poaceae). Since its first outbreak in sorghum in 2013, severe infestations have spread throughout the southern USA, causing major economic losses. Whereas insecticide applications can mitigate some of the pest's impacts, a sustainable ecology-based management program is needed to reduce reliance on chemical control. Two greenhouse assays examined the influence of selected host plant characteristics on M. sacchari life table parameters. We studied the effects of silicon (rates equivalent to 0 and 3,360 kg silicon per ha) and nitrogen (rates equivalent to 0, 110, and 224 kg nitrogen per ha) on M. sacchari growth and reproduction on a susceptible cultivar (SP 7868) in 2 phenological stages (5-leaf stage and boot stage). A second experiment examined the same silicon and nitrogen treatments on resistant (DKS 37-07) and susceptible (DKS 38-88) cultivars of grain sorghum. We calculated M. sacchari life table parameters including the intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, doubling time, and mean generation time for each treatment. Aphid population growth parameters were greater for plants in the 5-leaf stage than in the boot stage. In both experiments, nitrogen fertilization had a positive effect on M. sacchari fecundity, but effects of nitrogen on other parameters were less consistent. Silicon had a negative effect on life table parameters on sorghum plants in the boot stage, but effects were not consistent across treatments. Sorghum cultivar DKS 37-07 showed a high level of resistance, because no aphids survived to adulthood. These results suggest that resistant sorghum cultivars and nitrogen management could have a role in integrated pest management of M. sacchari.

Nylanderia fulva (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), or tawny crazy ant, is an invasive ant from South America that is spreading in the southern US. Extremely large populations of this ant can inundate urban and natural landscapes, and efficient control methods are lacking. This study was conducted to determine if activity of N. fulva would decline after controlling the hemipteran honeydew-producers they were tending. Potted plants infested with cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi Maskell) (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae) were treated with 2 imidacloprid insecticide formulations, and changes in N. fulva survival and foraging behavior were monitored. There were fewer ant trails, lower trailing intensity, less foraging, and less nesting in potted plants treated with either product than in the control pots. The use of low application rates of systemic insecticide to reduce honeydewproducing hemipterans, such as cottony cushion scale, could be an important component of the integrated pest management of N. fulva.

Evolutionary and biological patterns can be obscured by inadequate or ill-defined terminology, especially when referring to ecological interactions. For example, cecidogenous (gall-inducing) species are considered ecosystem engineers, promoting structures rich in nutrients that create distinct microhabitats with many organisms interacting with the galls and gall inducers. These interactors are classified as members of a guild, and are described according to location, attribute, or activity of the host species. Guilds often do not typically have strict or clearly defined boundaries, nor do they need to be taxonomically interconnected. Cecidophage, inquilines, and kleptoparasite guilds appear to be poorly understood and misinterpreted. Herein, we bring an overview of the features that might help conceptualize and differentiate these interactions. We suggest that some cases described in the literature might be reassessed, and clear criteria proposed to distinguish among these 3 guilds associated with galls.

Species diversity is typically higher in tropical forest canopies than in ground layers, but this pattern is absent in temperate forests. However, hardwood forests of Florida are typified by the intermingling of temperate and tropical species. It is thus unclear how diversity in Florida forests might be vertically stratified. This project is one of the first investigations to compare arthropod communities at varying layers (strata) of a Florida hardwood forest, from ground to canopy habitats. We installed terrestrial and arboreal pitfall traps to survey the arthropod community along a vertical gradient from the forest ground to upper canopy. We collected 830 arthropods from the 34 traps, amounting to 103 morphospecies across 15 orders. Coleoptera was the most morphospecious order, followed by Diptera, Araneae, and Hymenoptera. Species alpha diversity, richness, and abundance all decreased with height from the ground and horizontal distance from the tree. We discuss the vertical stratification of orders in addition to diversity metrics. This study is the first to reveal canopy strata effects on arthropod diversity in a Florida forest, and shows how diversity and composition changes along within site gradients.

The cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is an invasive species in North America, where it poses a threat to species of Opuntia Mill. of economic and ecological importance. The parasitoid Apanteles opuntiarum Martinez & Berta (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is currently under evaluation as a potential biological control agent. This study was conducted to develop a parasitoid rearing protocol, with special attention to laboratory sex ratio and the effects of inbreeding. The parasitoid rearing method used a natural cactus host diet for culture of the moths. Female wasps were mated with siblings, non-siblings, or a combination. Clutch size, clutch number, and offspring sex ratios were recorded. The effects of sibling mating on these factors were analyzed. Offspring of sibling-mated parasitoids exhibited a significant increase in female sex ratio. The rearing method produced 6 successive generations in captivity with no additional introductions of genetic material. Hence, the protocol appears suitable for long-term maintenance of quarantine colonies. The effects of inbreeding suggest that natural populations of A. opuntiarum are subject to local mate competition. Therefore, some amount of inbreeding is recommended for maintenance of an optimal sex ratio of A. opuntiarum in laboratory colonies.

Currently, the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is considered an agricultural and nuisance pest in Georgia. The invasive chinaberry tree, Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae), commonly grows in dense thickets along roadsides, and in woodlands adjacent to agricultural crops across the southeastern USA. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the potential of M. azedarach to serve as a host plant of H. halys by examining mortality and feeding of first and second instars on M. azedarach leaves vs. carrot (i.e., a control diet), and documenting presence of H. halys on M. azedarach in woodlands at 2 locations in Georgia where this stink bug has become established. Over all sampling dates and locations, the number of H. halys in chinaberry was very low (0.1 per tree), and only 3 late instars and 1 adult were observed feeding on M. azedarach at 1 field site late in the season. Percentage feeding by second instars of H. halys was lower for individuals given M. azedarach leaves vs. those provided with carrot, most likely indicating that compounds in M. azedarach have an antifeeding effect. In fact, mortality for second instars on M. azedarach leaves was very high, and thus we conclude that M. azedarach is an unsuitable host plant for H. halys.

Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are primary pests in most fruit, vegetable, grain, and row crops worldwide. The polyphagous habits of these pest species compels them to forage within and between closely associated non-crop and crop habitats across farmscapes in response to changing food resources. The exotic mimosa tree, Albizia julibrissin Durazz (Fabaceae), commonly grows in thickets along roadsides and in woodlands adjacent to agricultural crops across the southeastern USA. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if mimosa was a host plant of stink bugs in southwest Georgia. Chinavia hilaris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) fed and developed on mimosa during early Jul through mid-Aug. Nymphs and adults of C. hilaris fed more frequently on fruit than on leaves of mimosa. Other stink bugs viz., Euschistus servus (Say), E. tristigmus (Say), E. obscurus (Palisot), Nezara viridula (L.), Thyanta custator custator (F.), and Loxa flavicollis (Drury) (all Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), also were detected on mimosa, but only as adults feeding on fruit. Trissolcus edessae Fouts (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) was the most prevalent parasitoid of C. hilaris eggs on mimosa, but Anastatus reduvii (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) also emerged from eggs of this stink bug. Overall, 46.6% of the C. hilaris eggs found on mimosa were parasitized. In conclusion, C. hilaris is the primary stink bug species developing on mimosa in southwest Georgia, serving as a potential source of this stink bug into nearby crops.

We report on the predatory consumption of prey by adult Chauliognathus flavipes (F.) (Coleoptera: Cantharidae), Cycloneda sanguinea (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) in laboratory no-choice feeding tests. Chauliognathus flavipes more commonly preyed on eggs of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and nymphs of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Cycloneda sanguinea fed on more M. persicae nymphs while O. insidiosus fed slightly more on Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and T. absoluta eggs compared with Thrips spp. nymphs.

A significant association between Liriomyza huidobrensis leafminers and Alternaria solani fungus is reported here for the first time in a commercial potato (Solanum tuberosum) field in Brazil. We found that there was a high correlation (0.84) between the number of L. huidobrensis mines and A. solani lesions on infected plants.

A total of 48 specimens of Euphoria (Coleoptera: Cetoniinae) were collected, represented by a single specimen of E. biguttata, and 47 specimens E. subtomentosa. We report for the first time these two beetles (Melolonthidae) feeding on flowers of Tagetes patula (Asteraceae). Additionally, this is the first time the species were observed in Sola de Vega, Oaxaca State, Mexico.

An exotic species of ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) of Asian origin has been detected recently in Argentina. Euwallacea interjectus (Blandford) has been collected infesting cultivated poplars in the Paraná Delta region. Identification was based on morphology and on DNA sequences of the COI gene. This finding adds to the increasing number of recent introductions of exotic ambrosia beetles into South America.

As part of an ongoing project to improve survey and detection for the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, several field assays were conducted to (1) determine how often traps need to be checked during a given field season, and (2) compare the effectiveness of traps with “dry” (with insecticidal strips or internal funnel) vs. “wet” (with propylene glycol surfactant) collection cups. There were no significant differences among any of the trap check intervals or the trap methods tested. This will provide new tools to surveyors, and allow them more flexibility as they survey for this invasive pest.

Tamarixia radiata females parasitized fewer host Diaphorina citri fourth and fifth instar nymphs as the number of females relative to hosts increased. Releasing additional females above an optimum number increased host feeding and competition for nymphs suitable for oviposition. Super-parasitism by T. radiata, while rare, likely indicates overpopulation, and specifically the loss of production in a mass-rearing system.

This study documents the species of lance flies (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) associated with fruits of feijoa (Acca sellowiana [Berg] Burret) (Myrtaceae), as well as their infestation level in an orchard located in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Neosilba bifida, N. delvechioi, and N. pradoi are reported for the first time damaging fruits of feijoa. Moreover, this is the first report of the presence of N. bella, N. bifida, and N. delvechioi from the state of Santa Catarina.

Notwithstanding their specialized herbivorous diet, leaf-cutting ants opportunistically exploit temporary resources such as insect or vertebrate carcasses. We report on the first case of attine workers, Atta cephalotes (L.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), foraging on the scar tissues of a living vertebrate, a wounded female Baird's tapir, Tapirus bairdii (Gill) (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Tapiridae). We put forward 2, not mutually exclusive, hypotheses to explain such behavior: (1) utilization by the leaf-cutting ants of these tissues as a resource that provides rare essential nutrients, and (2) opportunistic sampling of polymicrobial communities associated with the skin of the wounded animal in search of new strains of their associated actinobacteria.

A large number of invertebrates use dead wood as shelter, food, and as a microclimate refuge. Ecological succession in this substrate depends on primary colonization, stimulating or inhibiting future successions. Twig girdler beetles girdle and lay eggs inside the bark of branches and trunks of different host plants. Branch girdling blocks the phloem flow, making it more nutritive for offspring and future colonizers. This study, in the State Park of Rio Doce (PERD), Minas Gerais, Brazil, is the first report of a secondary colonization by borers on a Sclerolobium sp. branch girdled by Oncideres saga (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). A Sclerolobium sp. branch, girdled by O. saga was collected in Rio Doce State Park, cut into pieces, and brought to the laboratory, where it was stored in a cardboard box and moistened monthly. A total of 28 adult beetles of 4 species emerged from this branch. Agrilozodes suarezi was found for the first time developing inside a branch of its first host plant. The life history of insects of the genus Agrilozodes is poorly known, because this is the first report of aspects of its biology.

Vanhorniidae (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupoidae) is a small family that has 1 North American species, Vanhornia eucnemidarum. The literature shows that this species is predominantly found throughout eastern North America, with a few collection records in Canada and South Korea. This note describes the first account of Vanhorniidae collected in Florida.

Megachile lanata, a pollinator of multiple Crotalaria species, spread from North Africa to the Antilles during the 16th to 18th centuries, and is assumed to have entered Florida from Cuba in the late 1950s. This nonnative species has spread over 260 km (about 160 mi) north of previously published locations in Florida, and is now present in 12 counties. Its current northernmost record was in Sumter County during Apr 2017 at 28.935°N.

Social wasps are predators. Two nests of Protopolybia exigua (Saussure) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) were collected on pomelo (Citrus grandis [L.]) (Rutaceae) leaves, 1 active and another abandoned. The colonies of P. exigua were located under pomelo leaves, providing protection against adverse environmental conditions. The active nest had 12 pedicels, 600 brood cells, and 15 adult wasps. The knowledge of nesting habits of wasps in agroecosystems favors the management of these insects for biological control.

Prey identification expands our knowledge on social wasps and their interactions as predators of herbivorous insects. The objective was to characterize the Polybia fastidiosuscula Saussure (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) foraging pattern in Jul 2015. Polybia fastidiosuscula workers returning to the nest were intercepted and captured with an entomological net at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Seven sampling sessions of 13 h each, from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, were carried out, totaling 91 sampling h. The prey collected (182 insects) were Lepidoptera (caterpillars, 92.6%), Araneae (3.1%), Diptera (2.5%), and Orthoptera (nymphs, 1.8%). Mean (± SD) wasp weight was 17.4 ± 3.3 mg, and mean weight of prey transported was 5.2 ± 2.5 mg. A P. fastidiosuscula worker can carry a load of about 30% of their own body weight. The foraging preference, principally of lepidopteran caterpillars, suggests that P. fastidiosuscula has potential as a natural enemy in integrated pest management programs.

Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is found throughout Central and South America, except in Chile. Damage caused by this pest in native trees of the subfamily Swietenoideae (Meliaceae) is so intense and severe that it makes industrial forestry with those species unfeasible. It also may damage fruits and seeds of those trees. Damage to reproductive structures may compromise natural regeneration and impair seedling production. Management tactics for this pest include the use of resistant exotic Meliaceae, such as the Australian red cedar (Toona ciliata M. Roem.) and the African mahogany (Khaya ivorensis). The objective of this work was to report, for the first time, damage to K. ivorensis fruits and seeds by H. grandella in Brazil. The study was carried out in a plantation for sawwood production, with about 73,000 trees of K. ivorensis in 175 ha in Corinto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Ripe and almost ripe bored fruits were collected from the soil beneath 8-yr-old trees in May 2018. The total number of fruits and seeds damaged, the numbers of larvae, pupae, and adults of H. grandella per fruit, the presence of other species, and behavior of this pest were observed. Ten fruits bored by H. grandella were collected. The fruits were damaged internally by larvae of this pest, and half of them had exit holes. Each fruit had, on average, 33.6 seeds, with 99.4% of the seeds damaged, plus 4.2 H. grandella at different development stages. Some fruits did not have the borer, but they were damaged and had the characteristic exit holes of this species. The average number of larvae per fruit was 3.4, with up to 13 larvae in a single fruit. The damage in African mahogany shoots reported in 2016, and the current damage on fruits and seeds show that resistance of K. ivorensis to H. grandella has been broken, probably due to selective pressure over the large area planted with this tree in Brazil. African mahogany plantation viability in Brazil will be affected.

The spermatheca of female insects is responsible for storing spermatozoa until fertilization. In Dermaptera, there are anatomical data for the spermatheca, but the histology is still unknown. This study describes the anatomy, histology, and hystochemistry of the Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) spermatheca. The D. luteipes spermatheca is a single structure with an enlargement (reservoir) opening through a sinuous duct. The epithelial cells of the reservoir, and those of the duct, are different throughout the organ. These cells are rich in neutral polysaccharides, glycoconjugates, and proteins, indicating that the secretions function in the maintenance of spermatozoa viability. Muscles occur both in the reservoir and the duct, an uncommon feature in the spermatheca of other insects. This is the first histological description of the D. luteipes spermatheca, showing that both the duct and reservoir epithelial cells contribute compounds to maintain the spermatozoa.

Tibouchina candolleana (Mart. ex DC.) plants are used in urban reforestation in several cities because its height is compatible with power lines, as well as for its profuse flowering. However, it is susceptible to damage by several insects. Here we provide the first report of Membracis juncta (Walker) (Hemiptera: Membracidae) attacking T. candolleana plants in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Eggs, nymphs, and adult insects of M. juncta were found apically, feeding on young, tender tissues. Their feeding resulted in necrosis on leaves.

This study investigated the ability of mass-reared, sterile males of a genetic sexing strain to inhibit remating by wild females in the melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae. Virgin wild females were initially mated to either virgin wild or sterile males, and then given the opportunity to remate with wild males at 1, 10, or 20 d after the initial mating. Two-way ANOVA revealed that both male type and time since initial mating significantly influenced female remating levels. Initial matings with wild males resulted in lower female remating than initial matings with sterile males. Female remating levels increased with time elapsed since the initial mating, regardless of whether the first mate was a wild or sterile male.

Many species of stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are pests of many crop plants and the polyphagous nature of these pests facilitates their movement across farmscapes. However, when feeding, their movement generally entails short distance moves within the height of the host plant. During 2014 and 2015, we used a tall barrier fence around peach trees to determine if this structure would deter adult Euschistus servus (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) from being attracted to a pheromone-baited trap near the tree. Each year, cumulative data showed a significant decrease in capture of E. servus in traps enclosed with the barrier fence compared to traps near trees without the fence. Differences in treatments between sampling dates were not always significant. Overall, the barrier fence did reduce attraction of E. servus to pheromone-baited traps near peach trees. Future studies will assess the effect of physical barriers enclosing larger areas of an orchard on stink bug movement into peach, and if fruit injury is reduced.

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is a stinging, invasive ant from South America that has plagued the southern US since the 1930s. It is currently established in parts of California, including the Coachella Valley. We introduced and established the fire ant decapitating phorid flies, Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier and Pseudacteon obtusus Borgmeier (Diptera: Phoridae); Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (Picornavirales: Solinviviridae) (SINV-3); and the microsporidian fire ant pathogen Kneallhazia solenopsae Knell, Allan, & Hazard (Microsporida: Thelohaniidae) for the biological control of fire ants in this region of California. This is the first establishment of fire ant decapitating phorid flies in California. In addition, we demonstrated human-mediated establishment of SINV-3 and K. solenopsae in hot, dry, but irrigated, urban desert habitat.

During the examination of voucher material of invasive Cerambycidae done in connection with a study of Istanbul fauna, we discovered that voucher material for Anoplophora glabripennis was misidentified. Anoplophora glabripennis was deleted from the check-list of invasive cerambycid fauna in Turkey.