A new leafhopper species, Goniagnathus (Tropicognathus) keralaensis sp. nov., is described from Kerala, India with morphological description, illustrations and photographs. Aedeagal shaft convex at distal caudoventral margin and acute at apex with pair of small ventral subapical processes, pair of long subapical processes on posterior dorsal margin, gonopore large, and located apically on the ventral side, distinguishes it from G. (T.) punctifer (Walker) with which it is closely related. Notes are given for separating the same in a key. The type material is deposited in the National Pusa Collection, Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India (NPC).

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) play major roles in the fast synapse cholinergic transmission in the insect central nervous system, and they are recognized as potential target sites for insecticides. In this study, the full-length cDNA sequence of the nAChR alpha6 subunit (Bdorα6) was isolated and characterized from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, using the Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) technique. The Bdorα6 cDNA was 2020 bp long, containing an open reading frame of 1467 bp, which encodes 488 amino acid residues with a predicated molecular mass of 55.6 kDa. Homology analysis indicated that Bdorα6 has typical features of a nAChR α subunit. Phylogenetic analysis with other insect nAChR subunits suggested that Bdorα6 was most closely related to Dα6 of Drosophila melanogaster. The developmental changes and tissue-specificity of the relative expression levels of Bdorα6 were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. The highest expression level was observed in the first instar larva and the lowest was in the pupa, and there was a descending expression level during the developmental period from the first instar larva to the pupa. The relative expression levels were 23-, 39-, 6-, 2- and 27-fold higher in the egg, first, second and third instar larvae and adult than in the pupa, respectively. Furthermore, Bdorα6 was expressed in the head and thorax at 109- and 15-fold higher levels than in the abdomen. The results provided some important baseline data for further molecular studies in Bactrocera dorsalis.

Following registration and the wide-spread use of insect growth regulators (e.g. tebufenozide and novaluron) for control of sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), in Louisiana, larvae of the ground beetle, Leptotrachelus dorsalis (F.) (Coleoptera: Carabidae, have become more abundant in sugarcane fields. In a survey of the 18 parishes growing sugarcane in Louisiana, L. dorsalis was found in 8 (44%) of those parishes. The highest number of beetles occurred in a field where 10% of the stalks sampled were harboring larvae. Laboratory studies revealed a developmental period of 37 d from egg deposition to adult emergence. Three larval instars were identified with the first 2 lasting 5 d, and the third instar requiring 17 d. In a voracity study, larvae were found to consume on average 798 first instar sugarcane borer larvae per ground beetle larva. Seventy-five percent of those sugarcane borer larvae were consumed by third instar beetle larvae. Field surveys suggest that adults migrate into sugarcane fields when above-ground internodes form on the sugarcane stalk (June) and increase in numbers thereafter. All 3 instars of the beetle can be found in sugarcane fields during the critical period of Jun to Sep when sugarcane is subject to economic injury by sugarcane borer. If L. dorsalis are abundant in fields during establishment of second generation sugarcane borer, our data suggests they are capable of holding the average season-long damage at or below 10% bored internodes. This level of damage is the recognized economic injury level for sugarcane borer in Louisiana. Our study indicates that L. dorsalis is a good candidate for continued research on augmentative releases as a strategy to increase beetle numbers in sugarcane fields early in the growing season and thus enhance their efficacy as predators of sugarcane borer larvae.

Variations in the conditions accompanying mosquito development and mating can result in females of variable size that have not been inseminated. In this study, we compared the host finding activity of mated and unmated large and small Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and the repellency to these mosquitoes of 25% DEET. The percentage of females seeking the source of human odor in an olfactometer was significantly influenced by body size (P = 0.007) but not mating status (P = 0.07). Most respondents were large (71%) but 40% of all host seeking females were not inseminated. Landing rates by Ae. albopictus on human skin were influenced in screened cage tests by mating status (P < 0.0001) and body size (P = 0.004). Mated females exhibited the highest landing rates (17.3% [large] and 12.7% [small]) followed by unmated large females (7.3%) and unmated small females (6.4%). The Complete Protection Time (CPT) from mosquito landing provided by 25% DEET was significantly influenced by mating status (P = 0.002) and body size (P = 0.025). Unmated small females were repelled longer (7.5 h) than unmated large females (7.0 h) and longer than small and large mated females (6.3 h and 5.6 h, respectively). CPT using 25% DEET was inversely related to mosquito landing rate in all treatment groups with 75 min more protection on average from bites by unmated females compared with mated females.

Laboratory based experimental designs typically require large sample sizes of genetically related organisms at the same developmental stage. Several described methods for rearing damselflies have been published, but these methods require laborious techniques when rearing large quantities of damselflies simultaneously. We have developed a relatively easy and inexpensive method for rearing large quantities of a coenagrionid damselfly that streamlines previously published methods and employs new techniques that increase efficiency and yield. Culturing large numbers of damselflies in the laboratory is manageable and opens diverse research avenues.

An ecological life table for eggs and nymphs of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) was constructed with data obtained from orange orchards (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) in 2 regions of the State of São Paulo, over 4 generations in the period from XI-2006 to V-2007, comprising spring, summer, and fall seasons. Young growing shoots with D. citri eggs present were identified, and live individuals were counted until adult emergence. No predatory arthropods were observed in association with D. citri eggs and nymphs during the study. The mean parasitism of fourth- and fifth-instar nymphs by Tamarixia radiata Waterston (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was 2.3%. The durations of the egg—adult period were similar among the 4 generations, ranging from 18.0 to 24.7 d (at mean temperatures ranging from 21.6 to 26.0 °C) and followed the temperature requirement models obtained in the laboratory for D. citri. However, survival from the egg to the adult stage for the same period varied considerably from 1.7 to 21.4%; the highest mortalities were observed in the egg and small nymphal (first- to thirdinstar) stages, which were considered to be key phases for population growth of the pest.

A new species of scarab beetle, Diplotaxis multicarinata sp. nov., is described from a relict montane forest in the northeastern region of Oaxaca, Mexico. The new species belongs to the simplex species-group, and a new key to this group is presented in order to include the new species.

Mesic flatwoods in Florida are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities, and although they are known to be important for many species of macrofauna, little is known of the arthropod assemblages that inhabit them. As arthropods can be utilized as indicator taxa, we characterized the assemblages of ground-surface spiders (Araneae) and other arthropods at 2 mesic flatwood sites in Hillsborough County, Florida, and used the Chao 2, ICE (incidence-based coverage estimator), and Michaelis-Menten means species richness estimators to extrapolate the true species richness of ground-surface spiders. Sampling was conducted over a 4-month period at the sites using pitfall traps, with spiders being identified to the level of genus or species, and other arthropods to the level of order. We identified 31 spider species from 27 genera in 12 families, with Lycosidae being the dominant spider family at both sites. However, Collembola and Formicidae were the most abundant arthropod taxa. Ground-surface spiders were not strongly associated with any typical prey groups, indicating that environmental factors might also be important in structuring this community. Our results indicate that more intensive sampling of these habitats would be required to comprehensively sample and identify all of the species present, but from a management perspective, our results appear to be relatively consistent with previous surveys elsewhere.

Effect of temperature on the developmental and reproductive biology of the passionvine mealybug, Planococcus minor (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), was investigated on sprouted potatoes. P. minor was able to develop and complete its life cycle at 20, 25, and 29 °C. No eggs eclosed at 15 and 35 °C. The developmental time from egg to adult female was approximately 49 d at 20 °C, 31 d at 25 °C, and 27 d at 29 °C. Between 20 and 29 °C, 58–71% of eggs survived to adulthood. Female mealybugs made up 60–73% of the adult populations in the 3 temperature treatments. Preoviposition and oviposition times decreased as the temperature increased. Females reproduced sexually and produced the highest number of eggs (270 eggs/female) at 20 °C. Adult female longevity declined from 34 d at 20 °C to 19–22 d at the 2 higher temperatures. Adult males were short-lived and their longevity declined with increasing temperature. At 25 °C, the gross reproductive rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R_o) were estimated at 445.7 ♀/♀ and 325.4 ♀/♀, respectively, the generation time (T_G) was 39.5 d, the intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) was 0.147 (♀/♀/d), the finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.158 (♀/♀/d), and the doubling time (DT) was 4.7 d. The ability of P. minor to develop, survive, and reproduce successfully from 20 to 29 °C suggests that the mealybug has the potential to develop and establish in climatic zones that fall within this temperature range.

Nymphs of the pomelo psyllid, Cacopsylla (Psylla) citrisuga Yang & Li, were collected from huanglongbing (HLB) symptomatic lemon trees, Citrus limon (L.) in Yunnan Province, China. DNA samples extracted from groups of 2–10 pomelo psyllid nymphs of all stages and from leaves of lemon plants were analyzed with nested-PCR in order to detect ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Las). The results showed that 24 out of the 49 lemon trees were Las-positive. Also psyllid nymphs collected from 10 out of the 24 Las-positive plants were Las-positive. DNA extracted from individual late stage nymphs (3rd to 5th instars) collected from Las-infected trees were then subjected to nested-PCR trials. Twelve out of the 29 nymphs proved to be Las positive. All nymphs collected from Las-negative lemon trees were also Las-negative. Most psyllid samples which showed positive in nested-PCR were also positive in conventional-PCR detection. The amplified fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of ‘Ca. Liberibacter spp.’ from positive psyllid samples was 99% similar to those of Las strain psy62 in GenBank. These results demonstrate that Cacopsylla (Psylla) citrisuga is another Las carrier insect. Transmission studies are underway to determine whether Las-positive psyllids can transmit Las to healthy citrus.

We present the results of a field study conducted in 2011 to assess native epiphytic orchids in South Florida for infestations of armored scales (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Diaspididae). A total of 1,726 orchids spanning 10 taxa were surveyed at 7 locations at 3 sites. Boisduval scale, Diaspis boisduvalii Signoret, was detected on 2.3% of the orchids from 6 of the 10 orchid species, and was present at all 3 primary sites surveyed. Prosthechea cochleata and Epidendrum amphistomum (Asparagales: Orchidaceae) appeared to be most vulnerable to this scale, with infection totals of 5.8% and 2.1%, respectively. Of 44 scales from the 39 orchids, 27% hosted hymenopteran parasitoids in various stages of development. The presence of D. boisduvalii adds an additional burden to state-endangered orchid populations and indicates that resource managers may need to expand management approaches to include plant-parasitic insect control.

Experiments were conducted to examine the diurnal responses and abundance of arthropods at the autumn equinox in 2010. Experiments were conducted in 3 different fields, each with a different plant species: sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge), and sandbur grass (Cenchrus spp.) using a randomized complete block design. Data were collected on numbers of arthropods caught in pitfall traps and on sticky cards. The long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) and thrips (Thysanoptera) collected were consistently diurnal, while ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), springtails (Collembola: Entomobryidae), micro-Diptera and tumbling flower beetles (Coleoptera: Mordellidae) were diurnal in one experiment. Elateridae and Aphididae tended to be nocturnal taxa, but plant height had some effect as well because aphid numbers were significantly higher in tall (182.3 cm) sunn hemp than in short (88.1 cm) sunn hemp at night time only. Cicadellidae were active during both day and night time and showed different levels of activity in pitfall traps and on sticky cards. Pitfall traps were found to be very effective for sampling insect taxa including Formicidae, Elateridae, and Collembola, while micro-Diptera, thrips, aphids, and Mordellidae were commonly caught on sticky cards. Cicadellidae and Dolichopodidae were commonly recovered in pitfall traps and on sticky cards.

Field trapping experiments evaluated wine and vinegar baits for spotted wing drosophila flies, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), and assessed variance in bait attractiveness with wine type, vinegar type, and bait age. A mixture of apple cider vinegar and a Merlot wine attracted more flies than a mixture of acetic acid and ethanol. The vinegar/wine mixture attracted numbers of flies that were similar to numbers of flies trapped with acetic acid with wine or ethanol with vinegar. These results indicate that chemicals in vinegar in addition to acetic acid, and chemicals in wine in addition to ethanol, are attractants for the spotted wing drosophila. Numbers of flies captured with wine/vinegar mixtures varied somewhat with wine type, with a Merlot wine yielding best captures among the wines tested. Numbers of flies captured with wine/vinegar mixes also varied somewhat with vinegar type, with a rice vinegar yielding best captures among vinegars tested. Numbers of flies captured varied little with bait age, from 0 to 7 days old. These results will assist efforts to improve baits used to trap spotted wing drosophila, and to provide guidance for the isolation and identification of chemical attractants from wines and vinegars.

The behavioral inhibitory effect of methanol extracts from neem leaves (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) at different concentrations (0, 10,000, 18,000, 32,000 and 56,000 ppm) was evaluated using naïve and experienced medflies (Ceratitis capitata (Wied.)) ovipositing on the fruits of grape cv. ‘Italia’. The grapes were immersed in the specific treatments and were exposed for 24 h to 3 pairs of female and male medflies, both naïve and experienced, in a choice test. At concentrations a 18,000 ppm, the extract that was applied to the grapes inhibited oviposition. The previous experience with treated grapes did not affect the response of the medflies. This study is the first step toward the application of the behavior control of the medflies as a tool in grape vineyards. The potential for using oviposition inhibitory in behavioral control of C. capitata are discussed.

A new species of soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), Adoxomyia begreliensis sp. nov., based on a male and a female from the Gevne Valley in Turkey is described. The new species characterized by bicolored legs and the species-specific male terminalia is illustrated and compared with related species. Adoxomyia palaestinensis Lindner, 1937 is recorded from Turkey for the first time. An identification key to all East-Mediterranean species of Adoxomyia has been constructed and is presented.

Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heidemann, 1910) and Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) are alien insect species which have invaded Turkey. Leptoglossus occidentalis was recorded for the first time in Istanbul (Turkey) in 2009 and Cydalima perspectalis was recorded there for the first time in 2011. We examined the distribution of these two invasive alien insect species, and their host plants, in Istanbul province of Turkey. Leptoglossus occidentalis was observed in Istanbul Province on Pinus nigra, Pinus pinea, Pinus radiata and Abies concolor. Cydalima perspectalis was recorded only on Buxus sempervirens and B. sempervirens cv ‘aureavariegata’ in Istanbul Province, and severe damage was inflicted on these cultivars.

The genus Helopeltis (Hemiptera: Miridae) includes some of the major pests of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L. [Anacardiaceae]). Helopeltis species severely damage tender shoots, inflorescences, immature cashew nuts and associated cashew apples (pseudocarps). In India cashew crop losses of more than 40% caused by Helopeltis species are often reported. One of the major limitations in meeting this problem has been the lack of taxonomic knowledge of the Helopeltis species complex, its distribution, host range, and the associated parasitoid complex. The two major pests of cashew, Helopeltis antonii and Helopeltis theivora closely resemble each other. Morphological identification of these species can be facilitated by the use of DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (COX-1) and the development of species-specific molecular markers; and we accomplished both of these objectives in this study. These molecular markers also enable non-specialists to identify the above mentioned species in their various life stages, i.e., egg, nymph and adult. The molecular identification of H. antonii and H. theivora has been corroborated with morphological identification. We examined genetic differences in COX-1 sequences among 12 populations of H. antonii collected from different geographic locations in India for the first time. The phylogenetic analysis did not show any geographic or host-associated genetic differences in H. antonii, which were collected on different host plants. The present investigation resulted in the development of molecular technology to achieve quick, accurate and timely identification of H. antonii and H. theivora, a critical factor in understanding the epidemiology of the crop losses in cashew, resistance management and also in quarantine.

Xysticus tenuiapicalis sp. nov. (Araneae: Thomisidae) is described based on males from Central Anatolian Region in Turkey.

The tribe, Eodelphacini Emeljanov 1995 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacidae), was revised to include 3 genera and 4 species in China. One new genus and 2 new species are reported: Parapunana gen. nov., Parapunana liangi sp. nov. (China: Guizhou) and Prolivatis hainanensis sp. nov. (China: Hainan). One new combination, Pa. sinica (Liang, 2002), comb. nov. (China: Sichuan), transferred from Punana Muir, is proposed. The generic characteristics of Prolivatis have been redefined. The main morphological characters, male genitalia of 2 new species above, have been described and illustrated. A key to Eodelphacini in China has been provided.

A new species, Krisna pampadumparaensis, is described from Pampadumpara, Kerala, India collected from Ficus exasperata. It is distinguished by its deeply transversely carinate vertex and without any anterior transverse black spot. Three prominent constrictions at the ventral lower margin of aedeagal shaft, hind margin of male eighth sternite medially slightly concave and its lateral angles slightly rounded are the other distinguishing characters. Aedeagus in caudal aspects with shallow concavity in the apical region, second pair of gonapophyses with a smooth area between basal and median teeth, margin between median and apical prominent teeth with denticles and margin beyond apical prominent teeth serrated up to tip, apex with undulated margin and ventral margin with subapical notch, make it distinct from K. varia Viraktamath with which it is closely related.

Although the Mexican corn leafhopper Dalbulus elimatus (Ball) is an important vector of maize pathogens, little is known about its biology in natural conditions, particularly about its overwintering habitats. Winter populations are a source of infestation of crops and are responsible for efficient distribution of offspring in the new habitat that in this case is maize cultivated in the rainy season (Jun–Oct). This study was conducted in the habitats were D. elimatus adults have green food available during the Mexican winter (dry) season (Nov– May) in central Mexico, such as on senescent maize, green wild grasses that grow on the edges of maize fields, and volunteer maize and maize seedlings. Dalbulus elimatus adults were found in Nov on senescent maize, in Dec on green wild grasses, and in Apr on volunteer maize. These results suggest that adults can overwinter locally. Moreover, a sudden appearance of D. elimatus adults occurred in Jul when maize was planted, at the onset of the rainy season. These immigrant adults are mainly females that exhibit larger body size (wing length and head width) and carry higher numbers of mature eggs than females collected during the winter season.

Dasineura oxycoccana (Johnson) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon is similar morphologically to D. oxycoccana from blueberry V. corymbosum, but a recent study revealed that individuals from cranberry do not mate with those from blueberry. To seek genetic differences between D. oxycoccana from cranberry (common name cranberry tipworm) and from blueberry (common name blueberry gall midge), we compared a 559-bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene from 65 individuals. Analysis of the COI sequences based on general time reversible with gamma distribution (GTRG) distance model revealed 10.7–13.1% divergence between cranberry tipworm and blueberry gall midge, whereas little divergence was observed within cranberry tipworm (0– 1.2%) or blueberry gall midge (0–1.3%) sequences. In neighbour-joining analysis, conducted for species identification, blueberry gall midge sequences generated in this study clustered with known D. oxycoccana sequences from National Council of Biotechnology (NCBI), but the cranberry tipworm sequences grouped into a separate cluster. To identify and discriminate cranberry tipworm and blueberry gall midge, we developed diagnostic PCR primers based on COI sequence differences. In a duplex PCR assay, these primers successfully discriminated D. oxycoccana originating from cranberry or blueberry. The concordance between data from our genetic studies and data from mating experiments by Cook et al. (2011) suggests cryptic speciation in D. oxycoccana populations on cranberry and blueberry.

An annotated checklist of the 128 delphacid planthopper species of Florida, including host data, is presented based on combined specimen and literature records. The list includes 39 genera with 7 new combinations, 6 new synonymies, 3 new species and 16 new state records. The new genus Meristopsis (Delphacini) is here described with 2 new species, M. rhamphis and M. melanosteptos. Muellerianella meadi sp. nov. is also described.

The Caucasus Mountains in the country of Georgia are part of the native range of beech scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga) and Massachusetts (United States) is part of the invaded range of this species. As background to determine if the native range of this scale might be a source of natural enemies useful for correcting the ecological damage caused by beech scale in North America to America beech (Fagus grandifolia) comparative scale densities were measured in both locations in natural forest stands of F. grandifolia in Massachusetts and F. orientalis in Georgia. Average diameter at breast height (DBH) and health values were also compared. Scale densities were found to be 45.4-fold higher per unit area of bark in Massachusetts on F. grandifolia than in the country of Georgia on orientalis. Also, F. orientalis trees at sample sites in Georgia were 2.9-fold larger in DBH and much healthier that were F. grandifolia trees in Massachusetts. These data suggest that either F. orientalis is more resistant to beech bark disease than F. grandifolia or key natural enemies found in Georgia are missing in Massachusetts, or both. Cage exclusion studies are underway, separate from results reported here, to separate the effects of tree resistance and natural enemies.

The bioinsecticidal activity of organic extracts of Tagetes erecta L. (Asteraceae) was evaluated on neonate larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a major maize pest in the world. The acetone leaf extract (500 ppm) of T. erecta induced an antifeedant effect, causing a 50% reduction of larval weight in comparison with the control. Larval weights were drastically reduced at 7 d, but even more so at 14 d, when T. erecta extracts also caused substantial mortality. Three leaf extracts of T. erecta caused high larval mortality, with hexane (48%), acetone (60%) and ethanol (72%). Further T. erecta leaf extracts caused pupal mortalities of 40–80%. The use of such plant extracts can be proposed as bioinsecticides to control S. frugiperda, in a more environment-friendly manner.

This study examined effects of elevated CO₂ alone and in combination with elevated temperature on plant-aphid interactions. CO₂ levels in which the host plants were grown affected the durations of some nymphal stadia, but not the survivorship within each instar or of all nymphal instarS. Sipha flava (Forbes) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) adults kept under a constant high CO₂ environment (500 ppm) and fed on plants grown under fluctuating CO₂ levels (avg. 440 ppm) in a greenhouse had significantly greater longevity and greater reproduction than aphids fed on plants grown either under a constant high CO₂ level (500 ppm) or under fluctuating CO₂ levels (avg. 368 ppm). Nevertheless, no significant differences were observed in these biological parameters of S. flava that were kept individually in a greenhouse, regardless of the CO₂ and temperatures under which the plants used to feed them were grown. However, populations of aphids kept and fed on plants grown in the greenhouse produced significantly more nymphs and adults than did those fed plants grown in a climate-controlled chamber under a constant high CO₂ level (500 ppm). The combination of elevated CO₂ and high temperature significantly decreased the duration of nymphal stadia, the longevity and reproductive success of S. flava but not nymphal survival. Adults produced fewer nymphs in an environment with elevated CO₂ and high temperature than an environment with elevated CO₂ and lower fluctuating temperatures. Based on these results, we concluded that S. flava populations will significantly decrease under future climatic conditions when both the concentration of atmospheric CO₂ and temperature are projected to increase.

Field experiments were conducted during 2009 and 2010 on commercial rice fields in the Sacramento Valley of California to validate observations regarding the prevalence of immature populations of the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), near field borders, and to assess their impact on yield. In 5 commercial fields, insecticide-treated and untreated plots were established 4.5, 30 and 60 m from one edge of the field. Soil core samples were collected on 2 dates and inspected for L. oryzophilus immatures. Rice yields were determined by harvesting 15 m² plots in 2009 or 1 m² per plot in 2010. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that in most locations, immature populations were higher in plots 4.5 or 30 m from the field's edge than in plots 60 m from the field's edge. Yields from treated and untreated plots did not differ significantly. Linear regression of immature populations and rice grain yield per plot per location did not yield a significant, inverse density-yield relationship. Results indicate that border applications of insecticides for L. oryzophilus management are appropriate; however, growers are advised to inspect their fields to confirm border populations and effects on yield. Research needs regarding sampling and economic thresholds are discussed.

To evaluate insecticide efficacy against the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), the first step was to select a host suitable for rearing sufficient numbers of this pest. The influence on the development and survival rates of this thrips of each of 3 selected leguminous hosts, Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC, Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet and Phaseolus vulgaris L., was examined and compared to the other in the laboratory. Results showed that the number of newly hatched larvae (543.20), the survival rates of 2nd to 4th instar (89.12%), and the eclosion (73.17%) on C. gladiata were significantly higher than on L. purpureus and P. vulgaris, and also the developmental time from egg to adult was the shortest on C. gladiata (10.15 d). Therefore, C. gladiata was selected as the best host among these legumes for rearing the thrips in the laboratory. Thirty-six insecticides commonly used in China to protect flowers and vegetables were chosen from 8 chemical classes for assay using a glass-vial method to evaluate their toxicities against thrips larvae in a laboratory. Based on LC₅₀ values, and on the need to rotate and alternate the application of insecticides, 12 highly efficacious insecticides from different IRAC mode of action groups were evaluated against adult females. Although the ranking of toxicities to adults was slightly different from that to larvae, the results showed that the insecticides with high efficacy against larvae were also effective against adults. These findings will facilitate the selection of insecticides for effective control of western flower thrips and for developing insecticide resistance management strategies.

A survey was conducted from May to Oct of 2011 of the parasitoid community of the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), in cole crops in part of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. The findings of our survey indicate that Cotesia rubecula (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) now occurs as far west as North Dakota and has become the dominant parasitoid of P. rapae in the northeastern and north central United States and adjacent parts of southeastern Canada, where it has displaced the previously common parasitoid Cotesia glomerata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Cotesia glomerata remains the dominant parasitoid in the mid-Atlantic states, from Virginia to North Carolina and westward to southern Illinois, below latitude N 38° 48′. This pattern suggests that the released populations of C. rubecula presently have a lower latitudinal limit south of which they are not adapted.

The flower thrips, Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom), has only recently been recognized as a pest of vegetable crops in south Florida. Little is known about its abundance and impact on vegetable crops in this region. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted comparing F. schultzei abundance in blooms of the 5 key fruiting vegetable crops grown in south Florida, i.e., cucumber, pepper, snap bean, squash and tomato. Mean number of F schultzei larvae was highest in cucumber flowers (78.1 larvae/5 flowers) and lowest in bean flowers (5.1 larvae/5 flowers). However, adults of F schultzei were most numerous in tomato flowers (27.5 adults/5 flowers) and least numerous in snap bean flowers (3.5 adults/ 5 flowers). Neither larvae nor adults of F. schultzei were found in pepper flowers in the present study. The flower samples collected from 5 vegetable crops were also found to be infested with 3 other thrips species. Amongst these, Thrips palmi Karny was the second most abundant thrips species. Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) was found in low numbers on all crops except pepper, and Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) was found only on tomato. The above information should be useful in the development of monitoring programs, design of pest management strategies and in the timely application of preventive or suppressive measures in south Florida.

The poison ivy sawfly, Arge humeralis Beauvois, was previously known to feed only on poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze. However, in 2009, larvae were discovered in southern Florida feeding on poisonwood, Metopium toxiferum (L.) Krug and Urban. To better characterize the host range of A. humeralis, we compared larval performance on T. radicans and M. toxiferum. Adults oviposited on both plant species, and days to pupation and survival to adulthood were similar. With the exception of longer 1st and 4th stadia on T. radicans, stadia were also similar. Most mortality occurred during pupation. The use of M. toxiferum by A. humeralis indicates a wider range of hosts and of ecosystems than previously known for this insect.