Several members of the Tephritidae (Diptera) are destructive pests of fruits and vegetables. This study used scanning electron microscopy to analyze the external morphology, typology, size, and distribution of maxillary palpus sensilla of both female and male adults of 6 fruit fly species, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), B. diaphora (Hendel), B. dorsalis (Hendel), B. minax (Enderlein), B. scutellata (Hendel), and B. tau (Walker). The palpus is equipped with sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, and microtrichia. In addition, the possible functions of the sensillum types are discussed. Probable functions include the mechanoreception of sensilla chaetica and microtrichia, and olfaction of sensilla basiconica. Future functional morphology and electrophysiological studies are needed to confirm these proposed functions.

Termites (Isoptera) are eusocial insects, which live in an environment that can favor the spread of pathogens. To reduce the chance of an epizootic within a colony, termites have evolved many defense mechanisms. Most studies have focused on the social aspect of disease resistance, while the individual capacity of a termite to survive an infection remains poorly documented. We previously showed that when the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), was exposed to the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metch.) Sorokin, cellular encapsulation of the penetrating fungus was one of the last lines of defense for individual termites to prevent internal mycosis. The current study used histological preparations to (i) compare cellular encapsulation of M. anisopliae among 6 termite species from 5 families that evolved in habitats with different pathogenic pressures, and (ii) examine the effect of cellular encapsulation on the survival of termites exposed to M. anisopliae. Our results showed that all termite species were able to use hemocytes to encapsulate M. anisopliae when this fungus penetrated through the insect cuticle, but that the physiological cost to successfully encapsulate M. anisopliae varied greatly among termite species. We suggest that termite species, which evolved in a habitat with high pathogenic pressure, are adapted with more efficient immune reactions than those that evolved in a habitat with low pathogenic pressure.

Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is one of the main pests of peach trees in Brazil, causing fruit losses of 3–5%. Among possible biological control agents, Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) has been found in peach orchards. Our objectives were to study the rearing of T. pretiosum in eggs of G. molesta and Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and select lineages of this parasitoid that have the potential to control G. molesta. Selection of best lineages was made from 5 populations of T. pretiosum collected from organically-cultivated peach orchards. The study was done under controlled temperature (25 ± 2°C), relative humidity (70 ± 10%) and 14:10 h (light:dark) photoperiod conditions. Grapholita molesta eggs were found to be adequate hosts for the development of T. pretiosum, and the parameters for number of parasitized eggs, percent parasitized eggs, and sex ratio were similar to those for A. kuehniella eggs. The highest rate of parasitism of G. molesta eggs occurred in eggs with up to 48 h of embryonic development. Among the lineages of T. pretiosum that were collected, HO8, PO8, PEL, and L3M showed the best biological performance and are therefore indicated for semi-field and field studies for biological control of oriental fruit moth.

The pit-prop beetle, Hexarthrum exiguum (Boheman), is reported for the first time from Turkey where a population was found colonizing skirting boards (baseboards) in Istanbul. The feeding of adults and larvae caused the skirting boards to disintegrate.

The frugivorous larvae of Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae are key pests of fruit trees and vegetable crops in Brazil and in many other South American countries. Their most important natural enemies are parasitoids of the families Braconidae and Figitidae (Hymenoptera). The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of parasitoids in larvae of fruit flies (Tephritidae) and frugivorous Lonchaeidae that infest several species of native and exotic fruit trees in the South Pantanal Region, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Ninety-two species of fruits from 36 families and 22 orders were sampled. From 11 species of host fruits, we obtained 11,197 larvae of Tephritoidea, and in some samples there occurred Braconidae, Figitidae or Pteromalidae parasitoids. The Braconidae totaled 99.45%, represented by 3 species: Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) 92.45%, Utetes anastrephae (Viereck) 6.17%, and Opius bellus (Gahan) with 0.82%. The Figitidae were represented by Lopheucoila anastrephae (Rohwer) (0.28%), and Pteromalidae by Spalangia endius (Walker) (0.28%). Lopheucoila anastrephae emerged from puparia of Neosilba spp. (Lonchaeidae) infesting pods of Inga laurina (Swartz) Willdenow. Doryctobracon areolatus was associated with 2 species of Anastrepha:A. rheediae Stone in Rheedia brasilensis Planchon & Triana and A. zenildae Zucchi in Sorocea sprucei saxicola (Hassler) C. C. Berg. In Ximenia americana L. 14% of the larvae of Anastrepha spp. were parasitized and D. areolatus reached more than 96% of total parasitism in this host fruit. The braconids were specific to Tephritidae, and the Figitidae species collected in this work were associated only with larvae of Neosilba spp. (Lonchaeidae).

The aims of this laboratory-based study were: (1) to elucidate the reproductive behavior of Diatraea flavipennella Box in the presence of different sugarcane varieties, (2) to evaluate the capacities of Cotesia flavipes Cameron parasitoids raised on Diatraea saccharalis Fabricius and D. flavipennella to search for healthy and D. flavipennella-infested sugarcane varieties, and (3) to assess the response of the parasitoids towards volatiles released by healthy and D. flavipennella-infestea sugarcane plants. There were no significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) in calling, courtship, and copulation activities when D. flavipennella females, males, or couples were exposed to different sugarcane varieties. According to the number of egg masses and the total number of eggs oviposited, D. flavipennella females showed no preference for any sugarcane variety. The attraction of C. flavipes females to infested plants was significantly greater (P < 0.001) than to healthy plants, independent of the species of Diatraea on which the parasitoids had been reared. The number C. flavipes attracted to volatiles from infested sugarcane plants was significantly greater than those attracted to volatiles from healthy plants or to a hexane control (P < 0.001). It is concluded that none of the sugarcane varieties influenced the reproductive behavior of D. flavipennella, although the state of infestation of the host plants strongly influenced the response of C. flavipes.

Anopheles pseudopunctipennis is a New World species extending from about 30°S in central Argentina to about 40°N in the USA. It is considered one of the most important malaria vectors in South America and its implication in malaria transmission varies along its distribution. We evaluated the effect of ecoregion and geographical distances on the traits or morphological characters of An. pseudopunctipennis females from 15 localities in Argentina and Bolivia using cladistic and morphometric analyses. The cladistic analysis (Maximum Parsimony) demonstrated that the effect of ecoregion characterization in distinguishing between Bolivian and Argentinean populations was stronger than the effect of geographical distances. Morphometric analysis (Discriminant analysis) did not reveal a pattern between Bolivian and Argentinean populations based on geographical distances. Ecoregional characterization of An. pseudopunctipennis populations throughout is range, caused us to conclude that studies of morphological traits characteristics are necessary in differentiating between populations. Moreover, molecular studies are required to determine whether geographical distances influence population differentiation in An. pseudopunctipennis from Argentina and Bolivia, in the extreme south of South America.

The first instar of Matus ovatus Leech is described and illustrated. The analysis of the primary chaetotaxy of legs, head, and last abdominal segment of M. ovatus revealed no significant differences between this species and the previously described M. bicarinatus. Undescribed primary anatomical features of the tribe Matini presented herein include (1) a tentative identification of anterior tentorial pits and fragments of the anterior tentorial arms, (2) anterior protergal modifications and chaetotaxy, and (3) complete sclerotization of the seventh abdominal segment. Differences in mandibular morphology permit identification of first instars of M. ovatus and M. bicarinatus in the eastern United States.

Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae (Tephritoidea) are major pests of horticultural crops worldwide. Knowledge of the interactions between these flies and their host plants is needed for rational methods of population control. In the South Pantanal and adjacent areas in Brazil we sampled fruits from 92 plant species (22 orders and 36 families) in natural environments. Fifty-three species of plants were infested, and 39 not infested. Some aspects of the biology and patterns of species diversity, abundance, frequency, pupation period for males and conspecific females, and the interactions among species of frugivorous flies and their host plants were quantified. Twenty-six species of flies from 4 genera and 2 families were reared from the fruits: 17 species of Tephritidae (16 Anastrepha spp. and Ceratitis capitata), and 9 species of Lonchaeidae, comprising 8 species of Neosilba McAlpine, and 1 species of Lonchaea Fallén (Lonchaeidae). The lonchaeids infested 48 species of fruits, and the tephritids 30 species. The most polyphagous species were Neosilba zadolicha McAlpine & Steyskal (36 hosts), Neosilba pendula (Bezzi) (18 hosts), and Neosilba inesperata Strikis & Prado (14 hosts) (Lonchaeidae); and Anastrepha sororcula Zucchi (10 hosts), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (10 hosts), Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) (7 hosts), and Anastrepha zenildae (6 hosts) (Tephritidae). All the males of Tephritidae (16 Anastrepha spp. and C. capitata) emerged before their conspecific females. Conversely, all females of the 8 species of Neosilba emerged in advance of their conspecific males.

Foliar tissue of turkey oak trees, Quercus laevis Walter (Fagales: Fagaceae), were manually damaged in an attempt to investigate their wounding response. Leaves were damaged with a hole punch early in the growing season to simulate herbivory. To another group of trees, the hormone, jasmonic acid, was applied to leaves in situ to determine if this volatile compound associated with wounding could elicit a defensive response in non-damaged trees. Foliar tannin concentration increased in both control and treated trees within 2 weeks after the experiment had been begun. Damaged trees exhibited a 56.5% increase in foliar tannin concentration and trees applied with jasmonic acid showed a 62.4% increase while control trees had only a 35.9% increase; however, these differences were not significant. Interestingly, manually damaged leaves demonstrated a 72.5% increase in crude tannin levels, whereas non-damaged leaves on damaged trees showed only a 42.3% increase. These differences approached significance and suggest that damage to leaves induced an increase in tannins, but this increase was not systemic. Moreover, damaged and jasmonate-treated trees had significantly fewer insects compared with control trees. Manually damaged leaves had the highest tannin concentration after treatment, and this was interpreted to be an induced defense or wounding response. Jasmonic acid appeared to have no effect on foliar tannin concentration; however, the number of herbivorous insects on jasmonic acid treated trees was similar to the number on damaged trees.

The present work analyses the diversity of Opiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the forest of the Artikutza Estate, within the Natural Park, Peñas de Aya, in the western Pyrenees. Specimens belonging to this subfamily were collected throughout two cycles and in two different habitats: mixed forest and beech forest. A total of 105 specimens, including 20 different species, were collected. Diversity and structure analysis indicated higher diversity for the beech forest habitat, although the community is composed of a few abundant species and many rare species. A relationship between the presence of Opiinae and an increase in temperature was also ascertained.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is one of the most important maize pests in the Americas and particularly in South America. With the adoption of genetically modified plants expressing Bacillus thuringiensis toxins for lepidopterous pest control, there is a need for establishing strategies to delay the development of insect resistance (e.g. refuge areas). Thus, information on target insects' dispersal is essential to improve pest management techniques. The objective of this work was to evaluate the dispersal capacity of S. frugiperda adults using mark-release-recapture techniques. Insects were marked using red oil-soluble dye in the larval artificial diet. Marked adults were released twice in each growing season (dry and wet) in southeastern Brazil in 2006 and 2007. Recapture of marked insects was performed using light and pheromone traps. Males are more attracted to light traps than females and the recapture rate was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. The most adequate model to explain the relationship between flight distance and number of recaptured insects is y = a²/ (1 (2a^1.8 bx))^(2.6), where y is the distance and x is the number captured. The maximum recapture distances were 806 m for males and 608 m for females Therefore, strategies for establishment of refuges should take such distances into consideration.

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, is a perennial woody plant native to Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay that is recognized as one of the most invasive weeds in Florida. A new species of leaflet galling psyllid was discovered attacking Brazilian peppertree in Bahia, Brazil in March 2010. In this paper, a formal morphological description of the new psyllid Calophya latiforceps sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) is presented along with molecular evidence confirming new species designation. This previously unknown natural enemy may have potential as a biological control agent for the Brazilian peppertree.

Faunistic and statistical analyses of species diversity of the mimercofauna and araneofauna associated with variously managed agricultural fields and adjacent forest fragments and their interactions with Carabidae and Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) are needed to identify the key species affecting the dynamics within the arthropod population affecting the agroecosystem. This knowledge is needed to devise more effective integrated pest management programs. In this study, a population survey of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and spiders (Araneae) was performed. The aims of this work were to determine the dominant species, to examine the fauna through several indexes and to evaluate the occurrence of adverse interaction between these arthropods and Carabidae and Staphylinidae (Coleoptera). The experimental areas were located in Guaíra City, São Paulo, Brazil, which consists of forest fragments and soybean/corn crops under no-tillage and conventional systems. The arthropods were sampled by pitfall traps from Nov 2004 to Apr 2007. The traps were distributed along 2 transects of 200 m long with 100 m each in 2 fields in corn/soybean rotations and 100 m in the forest fragments adjacent to these agricultural fields. The fauna were characterized by diversity indices, evenness, similarity, abundance, dominance, frequency and consistency and interspecific interactions by Pearson's correlation. The ants, Pheidole spp. and Camponotus blandus, and the spider, Trochosa sp. were dominant in the no-till and conventionally tilled corn/soybean fields. The diversities of spider and ant species were high in the forest fragments, and at the forest-crop interface. Indeed ant species were highly and similarly diverse in all of the habitats, whereas the diversity of ant species was substantially less in no-till than in conventionally tilled corn/soybean fields. The density of the ant, Pheidole sp.1, correlated negatively with that of spiders, carabids, and staphylinids in the no-till soybean/corn fields.

Performance of solid male lure (cuelure (C-L)/raspberry ketone (RK) against Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), and methyl eugenol (ME) against oriental fruit fly, B. dorsalis (Hendel)) both formulated with insecticide, were evaluated in Tahiti Island (French Polynesia), as alternatives to current monitoring and control systems using liquid formulations of attractant and organophosphate insecticides. Captures of B. tryoni in traps with BactroMAT CL stations, Mallet C-L, Mallet MC wafers (containing both ME and RK), and Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology (SPLAT) C-L were as high as with the standard liquid C-L formulation until 8 weeks, but thereafter the effectiveness of Mallet C-L baited traps declined. Captures of B. dorsalis with Mallet ME wafers outperformed any other ME formulation. Traps baited with ME and RK combined in a single Mallet MC wafer captured as many B. tryoni and B. dorsalis as traps baited with a single liquid lure. This suggested that solid Mallet dispensers with RK are longer lasting than those with CL. For control applications, the weathered SPLAT-MAT-ME-spinosad lure and kill formulation was equal to fresh material for up to 4 weeks. SPLAT C-L was more persistent than weathered SPLAT-MAT-ME under Tahitian climatic conditions, which suggested that SPLAT-MAT-ME may need to be reapplied at shorter intervals and in greater amounts for suppression of B. dorsalis than is required to suppress B. tryoni with SPLAT-MAT-C-L. Mallet ME and MC wafers and SPLAT-MAT-ME/C-L were more convenient and safer to handle than standard liquid insecticide formulations, and should be considered for monitoring and control programs in Pacific island nations. The Mallet MC wafer could be used in a single trap in place of two separate traps for detection of both ME and C-L responding fruit fly species, and thereby reduce trap and labor costs. In addition to the SPLAT-MATME or C-L for control, the Mallet MC wafer in a single trap should be tested further in Florida fruit fly programs.

Broadcasts of hydramethylnon, S-methoprene, and metaflumizone baits, metaflumizone spray, and hot water drenching were evaluated for their efficacy against the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger), in potted nursery plants. Two applications one month apart of either a bait containing 0.365% hydramethylnon and 0.25% S-methoprene (Extinguish Plus) or a spray containing 24% metaflumizone (BAS 320 I 240 SC) reduced foraging worker numbers by >97% as compared with untreated controls. The persistence of weather-exposed metaflumizone (0.063%) bait was also evaluated: bait applied fresh or after 7 days of weather exposure resulted in >98% ant mortality; bait exposed to weather for 14 d before application still achieved >90% mortality. In vitro submersion of W. auropunctata in 45°C water for 10 min resulted in >99% mortality as compared with 28.9% mortality from submersion in ambient temperature water (26°C) for 12 min. When W. auropunctata -infested potted plants were drenched with hot water (45.6°C) for 11 min, the number of live ants were reduced by 99.3 and 89.3% in rhapis and fishtail palm, respectively, as compared with control plants drenched with ambient temperature water. The presence of a single W. auropunctata worker in a potted plant would fail to meet export requirements; therefore, the chemical baits and sprays and hot water treatment (45.6°C for 11 min) as evaluated in this study would not individually be a sufficient quarantine protocol against little fire ants in containerized nursery plants.

We have studied the origin of the Charaxinae lepidopteran fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula in a panbiogeographical analysis. The expectation was that this biota had a single origin (one generalized track) from Central America. A database was generated with worldwide distributional records of Charaxinae. The panbiogeographical analysis used the program Trazos2004, an extension for Arc View. A total of 22,124 records and 304 species were obtained, and 226 individual tracks were generated. Seventeen generalized tracks were obtained for the Americas; 2 of these penetrate into the Yucatan Peninsula. We conclude that the origin of the Yucatec Charaxinae fauna is tropical, following in America the Neotropical pattern, the so-called Mexican biogeographic “Y”. This fauna originates from 2 putative Mesoamerican invasions: an older one (perhaps Miocene), that penetrated across the “Sierrita de Ticul” (a low mountain range); the other one more recent (Pliocene), which invaded along the Caribbean coast.

The Formosan pangolin, Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla Linnaeus, is an endangered species currently. To understand the termite species available as pangolin food sources, a field survey was conducted in a 120-ha habitat in Southeast Taiwan. One hundred and thirty three termite samples were collected, representing 7 species in 6 genera and 3 families. These were Kalotermitidae: Glyptotermes fuscus Oshima, G. satsumensis (Matsumura), and Neotermes koshunensis (Shiraki); Rhinotermitidae: Reticulitermes flaviceps (Oshima); Termitidae: Nasutitermes parvonasutus (Shiraki), Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki), and Pericapritermes nitobei (Shiraki). Based on abundance, colony size, and lifetype, we concluded that O. formosanus and R. flaviceps are likely to represent the major termite species consumed by Formosan pangolins.

Bee surveys were conducted at 5 organic vegetable farms and 1 wildflower farm in Alachua County in north-central Florida. Wild bees were collected passively with colored cups and actively with nets. A total of 4,662 bees was captured belonging to 28 genera and 95 species. Nomada sulphurata Smith is a new state record for Florida. The species count also includes 6 Nomada and 1 Triepeolus morphospecies which likely include undescribed species and additional new Florida records. Of 5 bee families, Apidae was represented by the most species (36), whereas 6 of the 8 most numerous species were Halictidae. A potential new host cleptoparasite association is reported between Andrena (Melandrena) barbara Bouseman and LaBerge and Nomada imbricata Smith. The results from these surveys of organic farms are compared to our recently reported surveys of bees in natural areas of Alachua County and with other Florida bee surveys. The most numerous species found on the farms were also numerous in the natural areas, whereas the least numerous species on the farms included many species not found in the natural areas.

Ciids or minute tree-fungus beetles (Coleoptera: Ciidae) are amongst the most abundant and speciose fungivorous beetles. They spend most of their lives in or around polypore basidiomes, which are used as a food resource and shelter by larvae and adults. The study of Neotropical ciids is incipient and there is no comprehensive work on their host fungi. The present work provides a descriptive analysis of the Ciidae fauna, its feeding habits and polypore hosts at a subtropical rainforest in São Francisco de Paula, southern Brazil. A discussion on the current knowledge of host fungi of Neotropical Ciidae is also provided. Polypore basidiomes were collected in field trips carried out monthly from Aug 2006 to Mar 2007 and kept in the laboratory for up to 3 mo, while adult beetles were continuously captured from them. Basidiomes of 376 individual fungi were collected, comprising a total of 40 species. Among these, 152 individual fungi of 33 species had ciid beetles. Twenty-one species of ciids were recognized among 233 emergent adults. Only 1 ciid species was considered monophagous, 6 were considered oligophagous, and 6 polyphagous. Eight ciid species had less than 5 occurrences, and thus could not be included in any category. There is empirical evidence, from data provided or compiled herein, indicating that some morphologically similar Ciidae species, usually comprising a species group, frequently use the same or closely related species of fungi as the host. This is the first faunistic study on Ciidae and their host fungi in the Neotropical region.

A new bombycid genus Valvaribifidum is described based on V. huananense sp. nov. from South China. Trilocha sinica Dierl, 1979 is transferred to the new genus, i.e., Valvaribifidum sinica (Dierl 1979) comb. nov. The genus is separable from its closely related genus Triuncina Dierl, 1978 by male genitalia with valva bifid postmedially, costa long sickle-shaped, sacculus inflated, gnathos vestigial, saccus slender with apical oncoides, and aedeagus slender. A key to Valvaribifidum species is provided. Male adult and genitalia are described and illustrated. All type specimens are deposited in SCAU (South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China) and HUNAU (Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China).

The southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber, is a serious insect pest of St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum [Walt.] Kuntze). Control for B. insularis is mainly achieved through insecticides. This pest has developed resistance to several insecticide classes because of near-constant exposure. The goals of this study were to sample select B. insularis populations in Florida to describe their susceptibility to bifenthrin, document new locations of bifenthrin resistance, and evaluate another pyrethroid, permethrin. Lethal concentration ratios (at the LC₅₀) from B. insularis populations collected in 2006 and 2008 showed a 45-4,099-fold resistance to bifenthrin in Citrus, Escambia, Flagler, Hillsborough, Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Volusia counties. One population in Orange County demonstrated a 212-fold resistance to permethrin. There was a positive relationship between the number of insecticide applications made in 2006 and increasing insecticide resistance. This study documents the first case of insecticide resistance in the Florida Panhandle and the first report of B. insularis resistance to permethrin. Observations made during this study and possible causes for the development of insecticide resistance in B. insularis in Florida are discussed.

Nylanderia flavipes (formerly Paratrechina flavipes), an Asian species, was first found outside its native range in a Philadelphia park in 1939. To evaluate the geographic spread of N. flavipes, I compiled specimen records from >250 sites, documenting its earliest known records for 27 geographic areas (countries and U.S. states), including 7 U.S. states for which I found no previously published reports: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Almost all records of N. flavipes from its native range in East Asia come from sites 30.0°N–44.0°N, with a few records from lower latitudes. In the eastern U.S., N. flavipes records come from a somewhat narrower latitudinal range, 32.5°N–42.4°N (South Carolina to Massachusetts). In areas of the U.S. where it invades, N. flavipes seems to blend into the community like a native species. The only noted impact appears to be the disappearance of Nylanderia faisonensis, an ecologically similar species, with similar nesting sites, colony size, and appearance. In the eastern U.S. north of Washington DC, N. flavipes appears to have largely replaced N. faisonensis. Further south, N. faisonensis continues to dominate.

We investigated the life history of an exotic soft scale insect, Phalacrococcus howertoni Hodges and Hodgson that damages croton and several other economically important ornamental and fruit plants in Florida. There was no difference in the development, survival, and reproduction of this scale insect species when reared either on croton or on buttonwood at 27 ± 1°C, 12:12 (L:D) h and 65% R. H. The scale insect practiced ovoviviparity. We observed that eggs that came out from vulva hatched to first instars immediately. Newly hatched nymphs had a tendency stay underneath the female body for somewhat less than approximately 24 h and then disperse throughout the leaf area for feeding. Females went through 3 immature stages (first, second, and third-instar) prior to becoming adults, while males had 4 immature stages (first, second, third (‘pre-pupa’), and fourth instar (‘pupa’)). Survival in the first instars was the lowest (50.0–50.9%), while the survivorship of the other instars was as follows: second instars (88.9–90.0%), third instar males (92.9–93.7%), third instar females (92.9–94.8%) and fourth-instar males (96.0–97.6%).Thus, approximately 40% of the first instars survived to adults. The pre-oviposition period was 17.6–19.1 d and the oviposition period was 13.9–15.5 d. Lifetime fertility was in the range of 382.4–394.7 live first instars per female. Intrinsic rate of increase (r^m) was 0.091–0.095. The lifespan of adult males was very short (less than 1 d) at 27 ± 1°C compared to that of adult females (60.3–61.5 d).

The yellowstriped armyworm (YSAW), Spodoptera ornithogalli (Guenée), has a broad host range and can be an economic threat to cotton in southern growing regions of the United States by consuming leaves and damaging fruiting forms. Field grown cotton varieties containing the endotoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis, (Cry1Ac = Bollgard®; Cry1Ac Cry2Ab = Bollgard II®; Cry1F Cry1Ac = Widestrike™) and a Non-Bt cotton were evaluated for YSAW susceptibility to cotton leaf tissue. Bioassays conducted at Stoneville, MS, from leaves collected from the lower, middle, and top canopy showed that YSAW were highly susceptible to Bollgard II® and WideStrike™ traits. No live larvae were collected from the WideStrike™ replicated plots and only 2 larvae that weighed 171.5 ± 53.5 mg were collected from Bollgard II® cotton. Larvae collected from Bollgard® and Non-Bt cotton were plentiful and averaged 886 ± 63.5 and 824.25 ± 51.53 mg, respectively. Additional bioassays from late-season cotton plots at both Stoneville and Weslaco, TX, indicated that WideStrike™ and Bollgard II® are very active against YSAW larvae. Results from these assays indicate that cotton producers have very effective options for controlling YSAW even late in the growing season.

Azalea lace bugs (Heteroptera: Tingidae) are common pests of azaleas in the landscape and in plant production. Adults and nymphs feed on foliage causing stippling damage, which persists for multiple seasons. This study was conducted to determine the speed of translocation and residual longevity of various soil-applied neonicotinoid insecticides for control of azalea lace bugs in the landscape. Mass plantings of azaleas were treated with different formulations and application rates of clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam. Treatments were evaluated at intervals of 3, 7, 14, 30 d, and 1 yr using a laboratory assay with excised shoots and field-collected adult lace bugs. A sample of field populations was taken 2 mo after the initial treatment. Plant health was determined by rating the severity of leaf injury and percent of damaged leaves per shoot. Dinotefuran and thiamethoxam provided the best control after 3 and 7 d in lab assays. A greater application rate improved efficacy of granular dinotefuran and thiamethoxam formulations in the 3–14 d evaluations. After 2 mo, azalea lace bug populations, primarily composed of nymphs, were lower than the controls. A laboratory choice test indicated that adult lace bugs do not avoid treated plants as has been shown for other sucking pests. After 12 mo, survival of lace bugs across all treatments averaged 61% and at least 1 product containing dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid was significantly different from untreated controls. Plant appearance was also improved relative to untreated controls with fewer damaged leaves per plant on all treated plants after 1 yr.

Survival assays were conducted with beet armyworm (BAW), Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), a tortoise beetle, Gratiana bolivana Spaeth, and western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), on tropical soda apple (TSA), Solanum viarum Dunal, a relative of tomato. Both S. exigua and G. boliviana seem to induce plant defenses in tropical soda apple. Significantly more S. exigua neonate larvae survived to second instar on non-induced plants and artificial diet when compared with plants with induced defenses. Our results further suggest that the induced response in TSA was systemic, since BAW neonates suffered higher mortality in induced plants despite not being in direct contact with the damaged part of the plant. Results suggested that feeding action of G. boliviana on TSA had no significant influence on WFT host choice.

Hunting billbugs (Sphenophorus venatus vestitus Chittenden) cause damage to zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) and bermudagrass (Cynodon spp), which is often misdiagnosed as the effects of drought, disease, or another soil insect. Populations have increased over the past several decades and are causing extensive damage on grasses in lawns, golf courses and other land-scapes. Nine cultivars of Zoysia were evaluated for resistance to S. venatus vestitus in a field cage choice test in a paired cage split-plot experiment. Leaf-firing of plant canopy was considered an above ground expression of root feeding damage by billbug larvae. ‘Diamond’ and ‘Zorro’ exhibited significantly less leaf firing damage (a reduction of 6.1 and 9.8%, respectively). In contrast, ‘Palisades’, ‘Meyer’, and ‘Crowne’ showed >40% canopy damage. When root, shoot, and total plant dry weights were compared, ‘Diamond’, 'Zorro’, ‘Cavalier’, and ‘Royal’ [all Z. matrella (L.) Merr.] sustained less dry weight reduction (<53%) than ‘Palisades’, ‘Meyer’, and ‘El Toro’ (all Z. japonica Steud.) with 76, 74, and 70% total dry weight reductions, respectively. Cultivars of Z. matrella appear to be more resistant as a group than the Z. japonica cultivars.

Very little is known about the Mexican fauna of Uroleucon; only 4 species have been recorded, which is fewer than in Central America and the Caribbean. One hundred ninety two samples collected in 19 Mexican states from the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (Paris) collection have been studied and 30 species identified. Four of them are the species previously recorded (U. ambrosiae, U. erigeronense, U. pseudoambrosiae and U. sonchi). Fifteen North American species are recorded for the first time from Mexico: U. astronomus, U. brevitarsus, U. chani, U. eupatoricolens, U. gravicorne, U. macgillivrayae, U. maximilianicola, U. nigrotuberculatum, U. obscuricaudatum, U. paucosensoriatum, U. penderum, U. reynoldense, U. richardsi, U. stoetzelae and U. zerogutierrezis. Thirty-three new “aphid/host plant” relationships of these species have been established. Comments about the distribution of the species are made. Eleven new species are described, illustrated and discussed: U. penae, U. mexicanum, U. gnaphalii, U. sinuense, U. munozae, U. zacatecense, U. queretarense, U. tlaxcalense, U. latgei, U. heterothecae and U. remaudiereorum. An appendix with modifications for 17 keys in Blackman and Eastop's work, “Aphids on the World's Herbaceous Plants and Shrubs”, is presented and 3 additional keys are given.

The cassava mealybug Phenacoccus herreni (Sternorryncha: Pseudococcidae) is a pest of cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiaceae), in South America. Proteins, representing direct gene products, are prime candidates in genetic engineering manipulations for host plant resistance. Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae), a plant species known to contain proteins toxic to insects, exhibited insecticidal properties to P. herreni. The toxic compounds consisting of proteins around 101.02 kDa appeared to be mostly located in the mature leaves. Further studies are needed to identify the proteins and to ensure that they are not toxic to mammals.

The effects of feeding on leaves by adult Diaprepes root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and flooding on leaf gas exchange [net CO₂ assimilation (A), transpiration (E), and stomatal conductance (gs)], plant growth (root, stem, leaf, and total plant dry weights, stem diameter, and plant height) and adult host plant preference (feeding damage and oviposition) were determined on mahogany, Swietenia mahagoni Jacq., and pond apple, Annona glabra L., trees in outdoor screen cages. Flooding reduced leaf gas exchange, plant growth, and D. abbreviatus feeding damage of mahogany trees. Leaf gas exchange of infested and non-infested trees of both mahogany and pond apple were similar except for one measurement date for mahogany. Leaf dry weights were greater for non-infested than infested mahogany trees. There was no effect of infestation on dry weights of pond apple trees. Based on feeding injury to leaves, adults preferred non-flooded to flooded mahogany trees. The lack of response in leaf damage or oviposition to flooding for pond apple was attributable to the avoidance of leaves by adult D. abbreviatus of this plant species despite it being a host for root weevil larvae. The results indicate that while flooding of the root zone adversely affects growth and physiology of mahogany trees, it does not predispose trees to greater damage from adult D. abbreviatus. In fact, adult insect damage was greater for non-flooded than flooded trees. Pond apple was not greatly affected by root zone flooding and was not a preferred host of adult D. abbreviatus under flooded or non-flooded conditions.

The submersed aquatic plant, Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle (hydrilla) is a serious invasive weed in the southern USA, but in Central African lakes, it is not considered a problem. Previous surveys in Lake Tanganyika identified 2 species of chironomid midges in the genus Polypedilum Kieffer that putatively caused tip-mining damage to hydrilla. We returned to Lake Tanganyika to further investigate the midges and to explore for other natural enemies of hydrilla. High proportions of stems collected at 2 locations south of Bujumbura were found to have bored apical meristems. No insects were observed in the burrows, but large numbers of nymphs of the African burrowing mayfly, Povilla adusta Navas, were dislodged when hydrilla stems were shaken under water. Because P. adusta is known to burrow in living aquatic plants, wood and several inorganic substrates, we hypothesized that P. adusta nymphs caused the boring damage to hydrilla. To test this hypothesis, undamaged hydrilla was exposed to P. adusta nymphs in a series of laboratory experiments. In all experiments combined, 4% of hydrilla stems exposed to P. adusta were damaged, whereas no stems in containers without P. adusta were damaged. Damage was characterized as lateral or vertical boring in apical meristems and, less frequently, in stems. To quantify the level of damage in the field, stems were collected from 2 locations on 6 occasions. The proportions of stems with bored apical meristems ranged from 5–52% and 13–57% of stems were missing apical meristems. Although Povila adusta caused substantial damage to hydrilla in Lake Tanganyika, it should not be considered for biological control because it is not a herbivore, and is known to burrow in a wide variety of substrates. The Polypedilum spp. midges earlier reported to bore into hydrilla apical meristems were not abundant in the field and not found associated with boring damage. The damage earlier attributed to the midges was likely due mostly or entirely to P. adusta. These midges should not be pursued further as candidate biological control agents of hydrilla.

The Neotropical ant Ectatomma tuberculatum (Olivier) shows a polymorphic social organization with strictly monogynous or facultative polygynous populations along its distribution range. The causative factors of these variations in social organization are unknown but biotic and abiotic environmental factors might explain the differences. In particular, recent studies have suggested that parasites and parasitoids could have an impact on host colony phenotype. Here, we report on eucharitid wasps and mermithid nematodes that attack the only known Mexican polygynous population of E. tuberculatum in Veracruz, Mexico. The results were compared with those previously obtained from a monogynous population in Chiapas, Mexico; the aim being to investigate environmental influences on colony social organization. The rather similar prevalence of parasitism between the 2 populations suggests that the hypothesis of an increased resistance to parasites and parasitoids as one of the factors responsible for the emergence of polygyny in E. tuberculatum populations does not apply. More likely, other kinds of environmental stress or constraints facilitate the development of polygyny, such as nest site limitations, risks of dispersal and/or high rates of predation.