The gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus Daudin, is endemic to the southeastern US, where its populations are declining primarily due to habitat destruction. Tortoises are preyed upon by many species, including the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, a destructive exotic species now common throughout the tortoises' entire range. We surveyed ants using tuna bait at 154 G. polyphemus burrows in a greenway reserve established to protect the tortoises in a residential area of southeast Florida. We found S. invicta present, typically recruiting to the bait in very high numbers, on the aprons of 33% of the tortoise burrows. Solenopsis invicta occurred significantly more often at burrows within 30 m of the greenway's outer edge than at burrows in more interior parts of the greenway (57% versus 16%). Among the interior burrows, S. invicta occurred significantly more often at burrows directly on two narrow strips of disturbed habitat, along an old fence line and an old pipeline, than at burrows not on these two strips (46% versus 12%). The greenway interior appears to offer tortoises and other species some refuge from S. invicta. However, the long thin design typical of greenways, the inclusion of walking paths through the greenways, and the policies of prescribed burning and reduction mowing used to maintain open habitat for the tortoises all may increase the tortoises' exposure to S. invicta. Solenopsis invicta is also a grave threat to other native species in these reserves, including the many animals that obligately live inside gopher tortoise burrows.

The larvae of some species of Scarabaeidae, known locally as “chisas” (whitegrubs), are important pests in agricultural areas of the Cauca, Colombia. They form a complex consisting of many species belonging to several genera that affect the roots of commercial crops. The objective of the present study was to identify the members of the complex present in two localities (Caldono and Buenos Aires) and collect basic information on their biology, economic importance, and larval morphology. The first of two types of sampling involved sampling adults in light traps installed weekly throughout one year. The second method involved larval collections in plots of cassava, pasture, coffee, and woodland. Each locality was visited once per month and 10 samples per plot were collected on each occasion, with each sample from a quadrants 1 m² by 15 cm deep, during 1999-2000. Light traps collected 12,512 adults belonging to 45 species and 21 genera of Scarabaeidae within the subfamilies Dynastinae, Melolonthinae, and Rutelinae. Members of the subfamily Dynastinae predominated with 48% of the species (mostly Cyclocephala), followed in decreasing order by Melolonthinae (35%) and Rutelinae (15%, principally Anomala). Melolonthinae comprised 60% of the specimens (Plectris spp. 59.5% and Phyllophaga spp. 35.9%). A total of 10,261 larvae of 32 species was collected, including 12 species each of Melolonthinae (Phyllophaga, Plectris, Astaena, Macrodactylus, Ceraspis, Barybas, and Isonychus), Rutelinae (Anomala, Callistethus, Stigoderma, and Leucothyreus) and Dynastinae (principally Cyclocephala). At least a third of the species sampled as larvae are rhizophagous pests. Taken together, adult and larval sampling methods permitted a more precise definition of the whitegrub complex in Caldono and Buenos Aires.

The behavioral and electrophysiological responses of males and females of the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens (Loew) to guava (Psidium guajava L.) volatiles were investigated in laboratory tests. Males and females were significantly more attracted and landed more often on guava fruits than yellow spheres used as control in the wind tunnel. Also, both sexes were more attracted to Porapak Q extracts of guava than to solvent controls. Gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analysis of the behaviorally active extracts showed that consistently eight and seven compounds elicited antennal response from male and female, respectively. The compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as ethyl butyrate, (E)-3-hexenol, (Z)-3-hexenol, hexanol, ethyl hexanoate, hexyl acetate, (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate and ethyl octanoate. The electrophysiological activity of the identified compounds at three different doses was evaluated with electroantennography (EAG). An analysis of covariance of the EAG amplitude revealed that synthetic chemicals, sex, dose, and the synthetic chemical × dose interaction significantly influence the antennal response of A. ludens. Males and females were significantly more attracted to septa loaded with the eight-component synthetic blend compared to solvent controls in the wind tunnel.

We investigated the direct and indirect effects of elevated atmospheric CO₂ on freshwater container habitats and their larval mosquito occupants. We predicted that a doubling of atmospheric CO₂ would (1) alter the chemical properties of water in this system, (2) slow degradation of leaf litter, and (3) decrease larval growth of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) mosquitoes raised on that litter under competitive conditions. Effects of elevated CO₂ on water quality parameters were not detected, but the presence of leaf litter significantly reduced pH and dissolved oxygen relative to water-filled containers without litter. Degradation rates of oak leaf litter from plants grown under elevated CO₂ atmospheres did not differ from breakdown rates of litter from ambient CO₂ conditions. Litter from plants grown in an elevated CO₂ atmospheres did not influence mosquito population growth, but mosquito production decreased significantly with increasing larval density. Differences among mosquito density treatments influenced survivorship most strongly among male Ae. albopictus and time to emergence most strongly among females, suggesting fundamental sex-determined differences in response to competition. Results of this and other studies indicate that direct and indirect effects of doubled atmospheric CO₂ are minimal in artificial containers with freshwater.

Mosquito feeding activity was monitored in an electronic apparatus (visualometer), having ten ports, illuminated from below with narrow bandwidths of light (700, 650, 600, 550, 500, 450, 400, or 350 nm). Responses of adult female Aedes albopictus Skuse, Ae. aegypti (L.), Anopheles quadrimaculatus, Say and Culex nigripalpus Theobald to feeding stations (blood containers) over each light port. No-light and broad spectrum white light were used as controls. Color preferences were based on electronic detection of feeding times. Aedes aegypti showed no significant feeding preferences over any of the colors. Conversely, Ae. albopictus, An. quadrimaculatus, and Cx. nigripalpus showed preferences for several of the wavelengths of light. In decreasing order, Aedes albopictus fed significantly longer at 600 nm, 500 nm, white, 450 nm, 400 nm, and black. For An. quadrimaculatus, significantly longer feeding durations were found over the black or white controls and all other individual wavelengths had significantly longer feeding durations than 350 nm. Finally, in decreasing order, significantly greater feeding times were recorded for Cx. nigripalpus over 500 nm, 600 nm, 450 nm, white, 650 nm, and 550 nm compared to the other wavelengths tested.

Extensive ecological studies have been conducted on insects inhabiting native stands of smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora Loisel; however, this is not the case for insects found in smooth cordgrass in a nursery habitat. We investigated species composition and larval disposition among stemborers (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae and Crambidae) infesting stems of smooth cordgrass in nursery plots. One thousand and forty stems of smooth cordgrass were randomly selected in 2003 and examined for presence of stemborer larvae. Height of larvae on or within stem, height of stem from ground level to top-visible dewlap, and condition of the leaf-whorl were documented. Stemborers representing six species of Lepidoptera were recovered. These species were Blastobasis graminea Adamski (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae); a four-species complex comprised of Diatraea saccharalis (F.), Chilo demotellus Walker, Chilo plejadellus Zincken, and Thaumatopsis probably actuella Barnes & McDunnough (Lepidoptera: Crambidae); and Donacaula probably unipunctella Robinson (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Larvae were generally on different parts of the stem and, with the possible exception of larvae of the four-species complex, seemed unlikely to contact one another. Blastobasis graminea was the most abundant species collected (n = 128; 52%) and was located at the base of the stem (eq x̄ eqx- = 6.7 ± 5.4 cm). The four-species complex was the next most abundant (n = 85; 35%) and was always found within the stalk about mid-way up the stem (eq x̄ = 16.7 ± 8.6 cm). Donacaula sp. was the least abundant species (n = 32; 13%) and was always found in the tight leaf-whorl just above the stem meristem (eq x̄ = 23.6 ± 15.4 cm). A total of 544 (52%) of the stems sampled had a dead leaf-whorl, but only 140 (26%) were infested. Stemborer species did not significantly affect the number of plants with and without deadhearts.

We conducted laboratory assays of nine products registered for use on ornamental plants in Florida for their ovicidal and larvicidal activity against the invasive cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum. One-hundred percent mortality (or 0% survival) of 1-day-old eggs was obtained when eggstick sections were treated with cypermethrin, spinosad, or imidacloprid. These products were equally as effective when assayed against eggs that were fully embryonated (28 days old), when cladodes of Opuntia stricta were exposed to neonates 24 hours after dipping, or to cladodes that were dipped and stored for 30 days before exposure. When Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel®) was used to prevent neonate penetration into treated cladodes of O. stricta, 100% mortality (or 0% survival) was recorded in the laboratory.

The biological effects of a neem-based biopesticide, containing 4.5% azadirachtin, were assessed against the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, a recently introduced insect pest and potential disease vector of citrus in the United States. Over the concentration range 11-180 ppm azadirachtin, no mortality of adult psyllids was observed when exposed to treated plants. Adult psyllids demonstrated a small but significant repellent effect from treated plants in a choice experiment, but showed no preference to oviposit on treated or untreated plants. Psyllid nymphs were susceptible to azadirachtin at very low concentrations and activity perhaps was due to developmental inhibition. At a concentration of 22.5 ppm azadirachtin, ecdysis was not observed past 4 days after treatment and all nymphs were dead within 7 days. The densities of psyllid nymphs on treated plants exposed to a greenhouse population were significantly reduced by concentrations as low as 10 ppm azadirachtin. Over the range of concentrations used in these experiments, the product caused no phytotoxicity to tender foliage of either citrus or orange jasmine plants. Field trials are warranted to determine suitability of neem-based biopesticides for inclusion in citrus integrated pest management programs.

Twenty-four plant shipments arriving via air cargo from Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica to Miami International airport in Florida, were sampled on February 6-7, 2003. Random samples of rooted plants or cuttings were washed in 80% ethanol to collect the mite species present. Altogether 81 mites in 11 families were identified in 12 plant shipments (i.e., 50% of the 24 shipments sampled were found to contain mites). Plant mite pests included Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), Fungitarsonemus sp., Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), Tarsonemus sp., Tarsonemus confusus Ewing, Tetranychus urticae Koch, Tetranychus sp., and Rhizoglyphus sp. (Acaridae). These mites, recovered from a variety of ornamental plant genera, are potentially serious pests. Of special importance is B. phoenicis because it is a known vector of citrus leprosis and several related viruses of ornamental plants that occur in Central and South America. A dilemma exists because many of these diseases, including citrus leprosis, do not occur in the United States, but potential vectors are already present. Relevant needs include (a) a special sampling program for mites on live plant materials received at ports of entry, (b) new legislation that requires imported plant propagules to be free of pest species of mites, and (c) mandatory risk mitigation in nurseries abroad where shipments originate and pre-clearance at the port of export.

Cocos Island, Costa Rica is a 24-square kilometer volcanic island in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, located approximately 480 kilometers from the mainland. Despite its biogeographic significance, much of the entomofauna have not been systematically surveyed. A detailed survey of the ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) fauna of this island was conducted over a three-week period. The results suggest that, despite the relatively minor presence of humans on Cocos, much of the ant fauna is dominated by non-native species. Furthermore, the current ant community is substantially different from that described by previous expeditions. One of the previously described endemics, Camponotus biolleyi Forel, was not found during the survey. A species known to be invasive, Wasmannia auropunctata Roger, was found in extremely high abundance near disturbed sites, but was not present in more pristine habitats. Furthermore, this population displays intraspecific aggression, which is uncommon among invasive ants, including other invasive populations of this species.

Experiments conducted in a pasture agroecosystem in central Florida showed that two-component lures composed of acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol placed in Unitraps collected adults of three species of grass looper. Mocis disseverans (Walker), M. latipes (Guenée), and M. marcida (Guenée) males and females were collected from July through November, with peaks from late September through late October. Other noctuid moths also were captured, but constituted less than 33% of the total moths collected. In 2001 and 2002, 67.7 and 72.4% of the Mocis spp. moths collected were females, respectively. Phenylacetaldehyde-baited traps collected fewer Mocis spp. moths. The trapping system suggested by our results will aid growers in monitoring for a pest complex that lacks commercially-available sex pheromone lures.

Members of the genus Helicosporidium are the first described algal insect pathogens. They have a close affinity to the non-photosynthetic algae of the genus Prototheca, and have a wide host range, infecting many species of aquatic and terrestrial insects. In this study the infectivity of two Helicosporidium spp. isolates, originating from a black fly (SjHe) and an aquatic weevil (CsHe), was tested against a weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) and three mosquito species Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, and Aedes aegypti (L.). The weevil constitutes a new experimental host record for helicosporidia. The CsHe isolate was more virulent than the SjHe isolate in D. abbreviatus. Anopheles quadrimaculatus was the most susceptible mosquito species measured by infection rate and mortality. The infectivity and virulence of SjHe and CsHe isolates did not differ in any of the mosquito species.

The avocado seed moth Stenoma catenifer Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) can cause total production losses and is considered a key pest of avocado in Brazil. This research aimed to evaluate the larval dynamics of S. catenifer and its associated parasitoids in an avocado growing region throughout two consecutive agricultural seasons. The highest percentage of fruits attacked by S. catenifer was found in the period near harvest, starting in June. The percentage of infested fruits in the first agricultural season was approximately 60%, near 11% above that of the second season. Five undetermined braconids within five genera (Dolichogenidea sp., Hypomicrogaster sp., Apanteles sp., Chelonus sp., and Hymenochaonia sp.) and two ichneumonids (Eudeleboea sp. and Pristomerus sp.) were found. Dolichogenidea sp. and Apanteles sp. were the most abundant, and therefore are the species with the highest potential as S. catenifer population regulators. In both seasons, the emergence peak of parasitoids occurred at the end of the winter (August), when at least 30 and 40% total larval parasitism was observed.

Two species of thrips (Frankliniella tritici and Limothrips cerealium) were reported biting people in Georgia during 1986 and 1990. Frankliniella bispinosa was the only thrips species documented biting people in Florida between 1986 and 1997. This species occurs in great abundance throughout Florida and is a recognized plant pest on numerous crops. Because of the tremendous numbers of F. bispinosa that are produced on dozens of different cultivated and weed host plants during the spring months, this species can become a serious nuisance problem. Frankliniella bispinosa will bite people and produce variable reactions from slight irritation to formation of a rash with associated intense itching that can last for several days. The problem usually is seasonal and associated with maximum seasonal increase in F. bispinosa populations and favorable environmental conditions that can occur anytime between February and April in central and south Florida. Colored sticky-trap tests in Florida demonstrated the strong attraction of both white and blue colors to F. bispinosa. People wearing white or blue colored clothing tend to be more at risk of being bitten by this thrips pest.

The fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) queen produces a primer pheromone that prevents dealation (wing removal) of cohabiting female alates presumably by suppressing endogenous titers of juvenile hormone (JH). Alates are released from the effects of this primer pheromone when they are separated from the queen by physical disturbance, queen death, or mating flights. We investigated whether maturity influences the time at which female alates shed their wings. Results indicated that dealation rates were not different for newly-eclosed (sexually immature) or sexually mature alates. The dealation inhibitory pheromone did not suppress the casting of wings in newly-eclosed female alates that were relieved of their antennae. Dealation normally occurs within 1 h of a mating flight, whereas uninseminated alates isolated from colony members shed their wings significantly later. Therefore, dealation in the context of the colony and after mating flights appears to occur via separate mechanisms.

The introduction and establishment of non-native arthropods continually threatens United States agriculture, forests, and natural areas. In order to assist in the early detection of exotic pests, including arthropods, the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) was formed in June, 2002 by USDA CSREES. The NPDN promotes early detection of exotic pests through diagnostics, training and education, information technology, and response exercise scenarios. The NPDN is divided into five regions based on geography and crop similarities, and the University of Florida is the coordination center for the Southern Plant Diagnostic Network (SPDN). The NPDN primarily links land grant universities nationwide, but also seeks to communicate with USDA APHIS and state departments of agriculture as appropriate for regulated pest issues. Organization of intensive taxonomic workshops covering a broad range of topics was one of the objectives established for SPDN entomology in 2004-05. A 3-day workshop on Hemiptera (Auchenorrhycha, Sternorrhycha) was held in December, 2004. Eight national experts led the training and 30 participants from 13 states in the U.S. attended. Major outcomes of the workshop for participants included (1) improved diagnostic abilities, (2) an increased ability to network with specialists, and (3) improved diagnostic resources. The following papers by Miller, Wilson, Dietrich, and Hodges and Evans resulted from the workshop.

Planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) are of concern to agriculture in the southeastern United States because of their potential to cause significant damage to economically important plants. These keys are intended to aid diagnosticians attempting to identify planthopper crop pests. This work includes lists of pathogen vectors and those species considered pests of economically important plants grown in the region, brief descriptions of planthopper collecting and curating techniques, a summary of morphological features used for identification, a revised key for identification of planthoppers to family, a key to the economically important delphacids, and a list of literature useful for planthopper identification.

This publication includes general discussions on the Conchaspididae, Diaspididae, Eriococcidae, Ortheziidae, Pseudococcidae, and Putoidae. Keys are presented for genera in the families Eriococcidae, Ortheziidae, and Pseudococcidae. Material for each family include introduction, field appearance, diagnosis, life history, important references, illustration of a slide-mounted adult female, and a checklist of the species occurring in the Southern Region of the United States and their distribution by state.

Illustrated keys to adults reflecting the current higher classification are provided for families of Cicadomorpha (cicadas, spittlebugs, leafhoppers, and treehoppers) and for subfamilies and tribes of Cicadellidae (leafhoppers), excluding Deltocephalinae. The following families (and superfamilies) are recognized: Cicadidae and Tettigarctidae (Cicadoidea); Aphrophoridae, Cercopidae, Clastopteridae, Epipygidae, and Machaerotidae (Cercopoidea); Aetalionidae, Cicadellidae, Melizoderidae, Membracidae, Myerslopiidae (Membracoidea). The higher classification of Cicadellidae is currently undergoing revision, but a provisional key to subfamilies and tribes (except Deltocephalinae) is provided. Two new synonymies are proposed: Signoretiinae Baker, 1915 equals Phlogisinae Linnavuori, 1979, new synonym; Iassini Walker, 1870, equals Hyalojassini Evans, 1972, new synonym.

Whiteflies (Aleyrodidae) are some of the most potentially detrimental pests for agricultural crops and the ornamental plant industry in the southeastern U.S. Generic and species-level identification can be difficult for entomology identifiers that have not received specialized training, but correct identification is essential for (1) the detection of exotic, invasive species and (2) providing proper management recommendations for established pest problems. In order to assist in the identification of commonly occurring specimens in the southeastern U.S. and promote the early detection of exotic species, a generic level key with corresponding distribution records has been developed for thirty four genera and/or whitefly species. Photographs of slide-mounted specimens are provided for each species.