Invasive species of Bactrocera fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), particularly B. dorsalis (Hendel) and B. Cucurbitae (Coquillett), pose serious threats to agricultural crops. Detection relies largely on traps baited with the male lures methyl eugenol (ME), which is attractive to B. dorsalis, and cue-lure (CL) or the related chemicals raspberry ketone (RK) and raspberry ketone formate (RKF), which are all attractive to B. Cucurbitae. Currently, ME and CL are applied as liquids to cotton wicks (along with an insecticide), a procedure involving considerable handling time and exposure to pesticides. Recent studies have shown that traps baited with solid dispensers (plugs or wafers) of male lures, which arrive in sealed envelopes ready for use, catch at least as many Bactrocera males as traps baited with liquid lures. The present study compared captures of B. dorsalis and B. Cucurbitae males in traps baited with liquid lures versus traps baited with lure-bearing solid dispensers in Florida, California, and Hawaii. In the first 2 locations, marked, irradiated males were released at street intersections, and captures were scored at 4 trapping stations 50 m distant along the intersecting streets with various lure/dispenser combinations. In Hawaii, trap catch of wild B. dorsalis and B. Cucurbitae were compared among traps with liquid and solid formulations of the lures. Although several exceptions were observed, the overall finding was that the lure-bearing plugs and wafers captured as many or more Bactrocera males as the liquid application. Consequently, we suggest that solid dispensers could be adopted in area-wide fruit fly surveillance programs without lessening their detection sensitivity to incipient infestations. The use of solid dispensers that contain both ME and RK, in particular, could greatly reduce the number of traps required and result in considerable cost savings.

Precise studies on the structure and behavior of thrips can be particularly difficult, due to their small size and restless behavior. As a result, many “host-plant” records are no more than casual “finding places” with limited biological significance. Definitions of “host-plant” are complicated by situations where a plant species provides an important feeding or behavioral resource, but is not used for breeding. Similarly, failure to clearly define some structures on a thrips body, often due to inadequate technical and microscopy skills, can lead to faulty interpretation of species identities and evolutionary relationships. This article re-examines some of these problems.

Ucrimyzus villalobosi Mier Durante & Pérez Hidalgo gen. n., sp. n. (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Macrosiphini) are described from apterous and alate viviparous females collected on species of genera Bidens, Schkuhria, Senecio and Stevia (Asteraceae: Asteroideae) in Costa Rica and Mexico. Principal components analysis (PCA) was done to verify that the studied aphids belong to a single species regardless of their geographical origin or host plant. Molecular analyses were carried out on the sequences of a fragment of the mitochondrial gene encoding for cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and of a fragment of the nuclear gene encoding elongation factor 1α (EF1α). The taxonomic discussion takes into account the conclusions of the molecular analyses and the morphologic study compared with other genera of Macrosiphini. The identification keys by Blackman & Eastop (2006) to aphids living on each mentioned plant genus are modified to include the new species.

The redescription of Zodariellum sungar (Jocqué, 1991), on the basis of newly collected material is provided. The female of this species, previously unknown, is described here for the first time. In addition, one new combination is established, Zodarion sungar (Jocqué, 1991) comb. n., ex Zodariellum. According to the palp and epigyne structure, the new combination clearly belongs to the lutipes group of genus Zodarion Walckenaer, 1826 and is distinguished from the other members of lutipes group by the brush hook shaped median apophysis on the male palp and by the 6 coils of the female spermathecae.

We studied the effect of temperature and supplementary nutrition (honey water) on development, longevity and oviposition of the litchi fruit borer, Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). Temperature had significant effects on the duration of the pupal period, pupal emergence rate, adult longevity and oviposition. The pupal period increased as the temperature declined. Pupal emergence rates were significantly higher at 20 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C than at 15 °C and 35 °C. When the temperature was lower, adult longevity was longer. The provision of supplementary nutrition significantly increased adult longevity, but there was no significant difference in longevity among a series of concentrations. In addition, temperature had a significant effect on oviposition, with the most eggs being laid at 25 °C. There was no significant difference in the numbers of eggs laid at supplementary nutrition levels of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50% honey water, although the number laid was approximately 6.33–7.56 fold greater than in the control. We found that the biological characteristics of C. sinensis change with temperature or concentration of honey water and these results provide a reference for rearing C. sinensis artificially and for forecasting.

The caterpillars of Utetheisa ornatrix, the ornate bella moth, feed on host plants in the genus Crotalaria (Fabales: Fabaceae), which, in Florida, encompasses 4 native and 10 introduced species. In the laboratory, Utetheisa ornatrix male larvae developed faster and resulted in larger adults, when raised on Crotalaria incana vs. Crotalaria lanceolata (2 species native to Africa). In the wild, this can potentially give a selective advantage to individuals that develop on C. incana. The presence of these and other exotic host plants, some of which are quite common (e.g. C. pallida, C. spectabilis, C. retusa), may be skewing the evolution of U. ornatrix, as well as its phenology and distribution. A constant temperature of 60 °F (15.6 °C) caused U. ornatrix to develop twice as slowly as it did at 72 °F (22.2 °C), but it was sufficiently high for successful development. Sentinel larvae placed in cages in the field during Oct–Dec, when temperatures averaged ≈ 62 °F, developed successfully. Regardless of the rearing conditions and the host plants used in the laboratory, male larvae developed slightly more slowly than female larvae. This translated in their emerging from the pupae later than the females, which is supported by field observations.

Taxonomic notes on specific and generic names of Ctenuchina, Euchromiina, and Phaegopterina are provided. Five new synonymies are established: Cercopimorpha complexa Gaede (= Neacerea tetilla Dognin), Episcepsis scintillans Rothschild (= Heliura luctuosa Möschler), Eucereon theophanes Schaus (= Eucereon metoidesis Hampson), Delphyre leucomela Kaye (= Teucer apicalis Rothschild), and Cosmosoma albipuncta (= Cosmosoma harpalyce Schaus). We also propose the following nomenclatural changes: Ecdemus carmania (Druce) new combination, Episcepsis luctuosa (Möschler) new combination, and Pseudopharus nigra (Schaus) new combination. Additionally, lectotypes are designated for Neacerea tetilla Dognin, Pezaptera carmania Druce, Eucereon theophanes Schaus Delphyre leucomela Kaye, and Cosmosoma harpalyce Schaus.

Survival of artificial cohorts of larvae of the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.), was assessed in a collard (Brassica oleracea L., var. acephala) patch on an organic vegetable farm in western Massachusetts. We recorded a significant drop in survival of larvae between the 4th and 5th instar due to parasitism by the parasitoid Cotesia rubecula (Marshall), which was introduced to New England from China in 1988. This was a large change from the survivorship pattern of P. rapae observed in the same area in 1985–1986, in which there was a significant drop in survival between 5th instars and pupae due to Cotesia glomerata (L.), the dominant parasitoid of P. rapae in New England at the time. In our study, parasitism by C. rubecula averaged 62.4 ± 8.6%, while no parasitism by C. glomerata was observed. The introduction of C. rubecula is now very likely to be benefitting organic vegetable producers in western Massachusetts, killing more larvae and at an earlier life stage than the previous parasitoid, reducing the potential for damage to cole crops.

Laboratory bioassays and caged field trials were conducted to compare the acute toxicities of molluscicide formulations on the neonate, juvenile, and adult development stages of giant African snail (GAS) Lissachatina fulica (Bowdich 1822) and 3 non-target snail species in Barbados. Nine commercially available molluscicides, diatomaceous earth, and a kaolin clay product (Surround WP) were evaluated. High levels of mortality to neonate GAS were seen in all the laboratory molluscicide bioassays except for Surround and diatomaceous earth. The highest mortality rates to neonate GAS were observed from Durham granules and Slugfest treatments tested during field trials. Deadline, Durham granules, Metarex, and Orcal pellets caused the highest rates of mortality to juvenile GAS in our field trials. For adult GAS several molluscicides including Blitzem, Deadline, Durham Granules, Mesurol 75W, Metarex, Orcal pellet, and Slugfest caused greater than 95 % mortality in laboratory bioassays. Field trials showed that Durham granules and Slugfest yielded the highest mortality rates. Sluggo pellet, touted as an environmentally safe molluscicide, did not cause high rates of mortality to juvenile and adult GAS in our field trials, but did cause higher rates of mortality to neonate GAS than the control. The majority of the molluscicides tested in our trials were equally or more lethal to 3 non-target snail species than GAS. Our results identify several effective commercially available molluscicides that can be used to control incipient populations of GAS. However, our results show that the potential impact on non-target snail species during control or eradication programs may be considerable, causing substantial mortality regardless of what brand, active ingredient, or formulation is used.

The lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is an important pest of sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) in southern Florida. Reproductive and life table parameters for E. lignosellus were examined at nine constant temperatures from 13 to 36 °C with sugarcane as the larval food source. The pre- and post-oviposition periods decreased with increasing temperatures and reached their minimums at 33 and 36 °C, respectively. The oviposition period was longest at 27 °C. The mean fecundity, intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) were greatest at 30 °C and decreased with increasing or decreasing temperature. The net reproductive rate (R₀) was greatest at 27 °C. The Brière-1 model best described the relationship between temperature and r. The generation (T) and population doubling times (DT) were shortest at 33 and 30 °C, respectively. The temperatures around 27 to 30 °C are most favorable for E. lignosellus population growth and significant damage can be expected under these climatic conditions. This data in combination with population monitoring of E. lignosellus under field conditions can be effectively used in population predictions of this pest in field and severe damage can be prevented by timely implementation of control measures.

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata is the most widely used braconid in biological control programs of fruit flies around the world. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of different parasitoid-host ratios on D. longicaudata parasitism of Ceratitis capitata and Anastrepah fraterculus. Larvae of these fruit fly species were exposed to 5 different parasitoid-host ratios (4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4). Subsequently, the numbers of oviposition scars and of parasitoid larvae per host were evaluated in the pupal stage. In both tephritid species, a larger number of scars and parasitoid larvae were observed at the 4:1 and 2:1 ratios. Results suggest that females of D. longicaudata can superparasitize both hosts. The differences between the tested parasitoid-host ratios suggest that there is an optimum parasitoid-host ratio for multiplying this natural enemy. These results are important for improving mass rearing programs of D. longicaudata.

The giant African snail (GAS), Lissachatina fulica Bowdich is one of the world's most pestiferous snail species. This invasive pest was discovered in Miami, Florida in Sep 2011. Shortly thereafter, an eradication program was implemented by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture. In the past, most mollusc eradication efforts have relied on metaldehyde and carbamate-based products that may also have deleterious effects on humans and non-target vertebrates. This study compared the efficacy of 4 commercially available molluscicides: a metaldehyde and carbamate-based bait (Ortho Bug-Geta Plus) and 3 more environmentally “friendly” formulations, including 2 iron-based baits (Ferroxx and Sluggo) and 1 boric acidbased bait (Niban) to elicit mortality in laboratory populations of GAS. Bait formulations were evaluated using a combination of choice and no-choice tests. OrthoBug-Geta Plus was the most effective molluscicide and produced mortality between 69.2% in choice tests and 71.7% in no-choice tests. Sluggo produced a mortality of 49.2% in choice tests and 59.2% in no-choice tests. Niban produced the highest mortality of all the baits evaluated in the no-choice test at 74.2% but was much less effective in choice tests with a 48.3% mortality rate. Ferroxx caused some mortality, 50.8%, but was statistically no different than Sluggo in the no-choice test. Mean percent mortality was significantly higher in adults and neonates compared to juveniles in all treatments. Sluggo, Niban and Ferroxx all proved to be significantly less toxic than Ortho Bug-Geta Plus in choice tests. Although Niban had a very high mortality rate in the no-choice tests, when given a choice mortality declined sharply indicating that this product is not very attractive to GAS. Of the 2 iron based products, Sluggo and Ferroxx, Ferroxx was less effective at 35.8% mortality in the choice tests. While only having a moderate mortality rate, Sluggo was deemed to be effective enough to incorporate into Florida's eradication program.

Roses (Rosa spp. L.) are important ornamental hosts of chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). The knowledge of how these thrips affect 8 cultivars of landscape roses popular in Florida (‘Angel Face’, ‘Don Juan’, ‘Pink Summer Snow’, ‘Radeon’, ‘Radrazz’, ‘Radsunny’, ‘St. Patrick’, and ‘Sun Flare’) would help in developing techniques for integrated pest management of S. dorsalis. The effects of 3 rates of fertilizer and cultivars on population densities of chilli thrips and on host plant damage were evaluated. Fertilization rate, plant organ, and cultivar were important in determining S. dorsalis population density. Differences in total numbers of S. dorsalis, damage rating, and in numbers of flowers and buds produced were observed among different fertilizer rates. The higher rates recommended for accelerated floral growth resulted in more S. dorsalis damage, but not in more flowers than the rates suggested for maintenance. Among parts of the rose plant, buds had the highest density of S. dorsalis, followed by flowers and leaves, which had similar low densities. Larger flowers had more S. dorsalis than small flowers, but population densities were similar. Different cultivars of Knock-Out® rose were similar in their susceptibility to S. dorsalis, but ‘Radeon’, ‘Don Juan’, and ‘Sun Flare’ had more damage with lower S. dorsalis abundance and density than other the cultivars.

The braconid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) is the most widely used parasitoid in biological control programs of tephritids in the Americas. Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) is a major fruit fly pest of exotic and native fruits in southern Brazil. However, life history parameters such as longevity, sex ratio, preoviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods, fecundity and fertility of D. longicaudata using A. fraterculus as host, have not been determined. These parameters were compared to those derived from the better known host, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), the Mediterranean fruit fly. In the laboratory, A. fraterculus was at least as suitable a host for D. longicaudata as C. capitata. Female parasitoids derived from A. fraterculus were larger and had a higher net reproductive rate (R₀). The mean numbers of superparasitism records were higher in A. fraterculus larvae (1.6 ± 0.22) than in C. capitata (0.4 ± 0.07). Other variables did not differ between hosts. Given suitable environments D. longicaudata may become established in A. fraterculus populations or successfully mass-reared on this host species and released.

The sex with the greater investment in offspring is more careful in selecting sexual partners. Mating preferences and consequences of choosing sibling or non- sibling males by Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) females were investigated. Females of this predator were placed with sibling, non- sibling or both types of males in 500 mL plastic containers. The numbers of matings and egg masses per female were registered after 12 h. Eggs were transferred to Petri dishes (9.5 × 1.5 cm) and the number of nymphs that hatched were recorded daily until 10 days after each oviposition. Female longevity with sibling, nonsibling or both types of males was registered and adults were weighed and measured after their deaths. Females of P. nigrispinus did not discriminate between sibling or non- sibling males, which can lead to inbreeding. However, the greater number of eggs laid and the higher egg viability of P. nigrispinus females that mated with non- sibling males indicate that this predator can avoid inbreeding depression including reduced fitness by mating with unrelated males.

Phosphorus occurs in a variety of biological molecules including DNA and RNA, ATP and other adenine nucleotides, phosphorylated metabolites, and phospholipids. Variation in phosphorus content among spiders and insects would influence the element's uptake by insectivorous birds. I measured amounts of phosphorus in 3 families of spiders and 7 orders and 24 families of insects collected in riparian habitat next to the Colorado River in western Arizona. Relation between phosphorus mass and body dry-mass, P µg = 9.6 (body mg), in spiders and insects was not allometric. Phosphorus concentration, as a mean percentage of body dry-mass, was higher in spiders (1.33%) than in insects (0.96%). Phosphorus contents varied most among families but also among orders and genera. Insect predators contained higher phosphorus concentrations (1.01%) than insect herbivores (0.90%). Strongflying insects, Odonata, Neuroptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera except Formicidae, also contained higher phosphorus concentrations (1.04%) than weak flying or wingless insects (0.89%), Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Formicidae. Larger flight-muscles with higher concentrations of phosphorylated metabolites likely increase phosphorus contents in strong-flying insects. Birds that eat aerial insects may benefit from higher phosphorus contents in their prey.

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is an important pest of citrus. Research into strategies to control ACP is ongoing at many facilities, including at the USDA-ARS U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory (USHRL) in Fort Pierce, Florida. The USHRL maintains colonies of ACP, but their survival is often threatened by mites which render host plants unsuitable for ACP Our objective was to identify miticides/insecticides that could be used to control mite outbreaks with minimal or no adverse affect on ACP We tested the following 6 miticides in greenhouse trials for their toxicity to each life stage of ACP and also investigated sublethal effects on development and oviposition of ACP: bifenazate (Acramite 50 WS), spirodiclofen (Envidor 2 SC), dicofol (Kelthane MF), pyridaben (Nexter), petroleum oil, and chlorfenapyr (Pylon). The miticides differed in their toxicity when applied directly to ACP Bifenazate was the only miticide that was not toxic to any life stage of ACP, whereas pyridaben and chlorfenapyr, which are also labeled as insecticides, were toxic to all life stages of ACP Petroleum oil and dicofol killed adult and nymphal ACP, but were nontoxic to eggs. Spirodiclofen was nontoxic to adults, but reduced nymphal survivorship and killed eggs. The duration of residual activity against adult ACP also was widely variable: dicofol residues were only toxic for up to 10 days, whereas chlorfenapyr residues were still toxic after 36 days. We recommend using dicofol, pyridaben, petroleum oil, and chlorfenapyr to maintain clean plants prior to colonization by ACP and then rotating bifenazate and spirodiclofen, if maintaining adult ACP, or bifenazate, dicofol, and petroleum oil, if maintaining eggs. Bifenazate is the only product safe for maintaining nymphal ACP Our results are useful for research facilities that wish to maintain colonies of ACP and control mites and may be useful for citrus growers and researchers that wish to kill ACP and mites with a single treatment.

Housekeeping genes are thought to be consistently expressed in different tissues, and therefore they are commonly used as references to normalize qPCR data. But the expression of these genes has proved to be affected by certain experimental conditions. In this study, we evaluated the stability of 9 housekeeping genes of economically important pest, Bactrocera dorsalis, under the stress of β-Cypermethrin insecticide. Variations in gene expression were identified both in the whole bodies of larvae and in their midguts. The expression level of each housekeeping gene was shown to be quite different in different tissues, and suggested that the expression stabilities of these genes were differentially affected by toxicity stress. The stability of EF1α was evaluated both in the whole body and in the midgut by geNorm ana Norm finder and in both analyses it proved to be the best reference gene. The folds of changes of expression of the housekeeping genes normalized by EF1α were in accordance with the evaluation results. Furthermore, the variations in expression of these genes were found to be tissue specific. Based on this work we selected EF1α as a reliable reference for data normalization in qPCR studies, and concluded that it will be helpful in studies of expression of genes related to the insecticide target or its detoxification under toxicity stimulation.

Biological control using an ectoparasitic idiobiont (e.g., Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae Rondani) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) can be an effective approach to reduce the economic losses caused by the melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae). In this study, we determined the parasitism of P. vindemmiae on B. cucurbitae pupae of different ages. The results showed that B. cucurbitae pupae at all ages could be successfully parasitized by P. vindemmiae. The higher numbers of pupae parasitized (10.12 to 9.32 pupae/day for no-choice tests and 8.0 to 7.82 pupae/day for choice tests) were achieved when 3 or 4-day old pupae were used as hosts. The selection coefficient revealed that P. vindemmiae preferred 3 or 4-day old pupae as the host. Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae females developed more quickly on 3 or 4-day old hosts than on pupae of other ages. Longevity of parasitoid offspring obtained from 2 and 7-day old melon fly pupae varied from 9.45 to 10.37 days and from 8.97 to 9.45 days for females and males, respectively. The emergence rate and proportion of female offspring of P. vindemmiae were not affected by the age of the pupae. However, our results indicate that the performance and suitability of P. vindemmiae were affected by the age of the host pupa age. Our findings may be useful for the development of biological control programs for B. cucurbitae.

Induced resistance in invasive plants might influence herbivore performance or preference, and hamper herbivore-based biological control management. Specialist weevils Neochetina eichhorniae Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and N. bruchi Warner (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are two herbivores commonly used to control Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae), a destructive and widespread invasive plant. However, we do not know whether Neochetina weevils induce resistance in E. crassipes. I report results from excised-leaf bioassay and whole-plant choice experiments testing adult weevil preference and performance in response to previous damage. I found that adult weevil damage induced resistance in E. crassipes, decreasing weevil performance, but simulated damage did not influence weevil performance in a comparable way. Simulated damage did, however, influence weevil preference. This study is the first test for induced resistance to Neochetina weevil herbivory in Eichhornia crassipes.

Icfrealeyrodes Dubey & Sundararaj is removed from its synonymy of Asialeyrodes Corbett and redefined with a generic diagnosis provided. Icfrealeyrodes indica rev. comb. is proposed for A. dubius Martin & Mound. New combinations proposed include: I. maesae (Takahashi) comb. nov. for Pseudaleyrodes maesae Takahashi, and I. radiata (Pushpa & Sundararaj) comb. nov. for A. radiata Pushpa & Sundararaj. Icfrealeyrodes totus Dubey sp. nov. is described from Rihdil Lake of Myanmar along with drawings and microphotographs and represents the first record of the genus Icfrealeyrodes in Myanmar. Puparial characters differentiating Icfrealeyrodes from Asialeyrodes are discussed. A key to puparia of the Icfrealeyrodes species is given.

A new genus of Urodidae, Anomalomeuta gen. nov., is described from Argentina, with the type species, Anomalomeuta dondavisi sp. nov. The new genus is superficially similar to Spiladarcha Meyrick in having scattered small black spots comprised of raised scales along the forewing veins on the upper surface, but it lacks the 2 autapomorphies of the latter genus: a pair of spiniform setal zones on the ventroapical area of the tegumen, and a zone of longitudinal pleats on the ductus bursae. Anomalomeuta also differs from all known urodid genera by the asymmetric valvae in the male genitalia. This characteristic is reported for the first time from Urodoidea and is compared with examples of other Lepidoptera. Keys to all known urodid genera based on the external and male genital features are provided.

The red streaked leafhopper, Balclutha rubrostriata (Melichar) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is an invasive insect from southeastern Asia that is known to be a vector of the phytoplasma that causes Sugarcane White Leaf Disease (SCWL). Sugarcane is a vital crop for the United States and is being considered as a biofuel source. The purpose of this survey was to determine whether B. rubrostriata has established populations in Texas and Louisiana, USA; and, if established, to estimate its range expansion. The gulf coast region of Texas, east Texas, and 2 southwestern parishes of Louisiana were surveyed for the red streaked leafhopper. Samples of the leafhopper were collected in all Gulf Coast regions and the majority of east Texas counties. However, it was only collected in one Louisiana parish. The leafhopper appears to be closely associated with an invasive grass, King Ranch Bluestem, Bothriochloa ischaemum (L.), throughout much of its present range in the United States, and it is now common along much of the Texas Gulf Coast and is moving into Louisiana.

Specimens of Anthocoridae, Lyctocoridae, and Lasiochilidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) intercepted at various ports-of-entry and housed at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) Miami Plant Inspection Station (Miami, FL) were examined and identified to species or genus. The collection comprised 127 specimens intercepted primarily at the Miami Inspection Station. Specimens were distributed among 14 genera and 26 identified species in 3 families: Anthocoridae (99 specimens), Lyctocoridae (9 specimens), and Lasiochilidae (19 specimens). Seventy-eight of the 127 specimens could be identified to species. The remaining 49 specimens were identified to genus, except for 2 specimens that could not be identified below tribal level. For each identified species, we provide brief descriptions of habitat and prey preferences (where known), and a summary of currently known geographic range. Fifty-six of the 127 specimens were of a single genus: Orius Wolff, 1811 (Anthocoridae: Oriini). The specimens of Orius comprised at least 9 different species; 17 specimens could not be identified to species. The 127 specimens were intercepted on a variety of commodities, including ornamental plants, cut flowers, bouquets, agricultural produce, ceramic tiles, and wood products. Fourteen of the identified species do not currently occur in the continental U.S.; moreover, the 49 specimens that we could identify only to genus very likely also are of species not currently established in the continental U.S. The majority of intercepted specimens (93 of 127) arrived on shipments from the Neotropics and Europe. Specimens of Lasiochilidae and Scolopini (Anthocoridae) were entirely from shipments arriving from the Neotropical region. Specimens of Orius were intercepted on shipments from the Neotropics, Mexico, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, 10 species were intercepted on shipments arriving from countries not previously listed as being part of their known geographic ranges. One Old World species, Cardiastethus affinis Poppius, 1909, known previously only from East Africa and India, was intercepted in 2 separate shipments arriving from Central America and the West Indies.

Fall armyworm larvae (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) were collected from whorl-stage corn, Zea mays (L.), between the V₂ and V₄ stages, in 22 localities of Central, Chiapas, México, called “La Frailesca” during late Jun 2009 to determine the occurrence of native entomopathogens and parasitic nematodes, and to determine the most parasitized instars. A total of 1,247 larvae were examined in search of native biological control agents. Overall total larval mortality was 16.36%. The percent larval mortality due to entomopathogens and parasitic nematodes was 12.99%. Hexamermis sp., probably albicans Siebold (Mermitha: Mermithidae) were isolated from 105 FAW larvae (8.42%) with highest incidence from the 4th, 5th, 6th and 3rd instars, respectively. Ahyphomycete, Nomuraea rileyi Farlow (Samson), was recovered from 38 larvae (about 3.05% parasitism) with highest incidence in the 5th, 3rd, 4th, and 6th instars, respectively. Lowest percentage of FAW larval parasitism was caused by unidentified microsporidian or microsporidium (1.52%), infecting 19 larvae in the 6th, 5th and 3rd instars, respectively. First and 2nd instars did not show parasitism. This information is useful in designing future biological control programs.

The residual effects of 4 new insecticides (cyazypyr, flupyradifurone, pyrifluquinazon, and sulfoxaflor) and 2 registered insecticides (pymetrozine and a combination of zeta-cypermethrin and bifenthrin) on egg and nymph densities of Bemisia tabaci biotype B were evaluated at 3, 7 or 14 days after treatment (DAT) of the tomato seedlings with insecticides. Whole plant egg and nymph counts were taken weekly for 3 wk after the introduction of whitefly adults. The study was repeated 3 times. Egg densities tended to be statistically higher at 14 DAT than 3 or 7 DAT in the zeta-cypermethrin/bifenthrin and pymetrozine treatments. The other materials demonstrated greater efficacy than zeta-cypermethrin/bifenthrin and pymetrozine on 14 DAT. Egg densities were very low in all insecticide treatments compared to untreated plants at 3 and 7 DAT. Egg densities on plants treated with cyazypyr, flupyradifurone, pyrifluquinazon, and sulfoxaflor were statistically similar within a given DAT interval for most trials. Treatment effects on nymph densities were similar to treatment effects on egg densities. Cyazypyr, flupyradifurone, pyrifluquinazon, and sulfoxaflor represent distinct modes of action, and should contribute to future integrated pest management and integrated resistance management plans for B. tabaci on tomato.

Sweet sorghum [(Sorghum bicolor L. Moench); Cyperales: Poaceae] is a summer annual crop suitable for use as a biofuel feedstock. The juice from harvested sweet sorghum stalks can be readily converted into ethanol. The purpose of this study was to identify potential arthropod pests of promising sweet sorghum cultivars grown for biofuel on Histosols (muck soil) in southern Florida. This field study was conducted at the Everglades Research and Education Center at Belle Glade, Florida in 2010. Eighteen sweet sorghum cultivars planted at 3 dates were evaluated for insect feeding. Foliar damage was measured during the whorl stage and boring within stalks was measured at harvest. Seedling damage caused by Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and black cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) reduced the stand of most of the cultivars tested. Foliar feeding by Spodoptera frugiperda L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae was significantly affected by cultivar and planting date. Whorl infestations above 90% were observed for all cultivars at 30- and 55-d after the early May and June planting dates. Percentage of stalks bored by sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (F) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae varied significantly among cultivars and planting dates reaching 13.7% in cv ‘Sugar T’ planted in early May. Twelve species of stinkbugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) and one leaf-footed bug [Leptoglossus phyllopus (L.) (Heteroptera: Coreidae)] fed extensively on developing seeds during the milk and soft dough stages. Days to harvest was cultivar dependent and ranged from 84 to 153 d. Fresh and dry weights, percentage juice extraction, brix value and potential ethanol yield varied significantly among cultivars and planting dates. Significantly lower yields were found for all cultivars when planted in Jun compared to late Mar and May.

The objective of this study was to characterize Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) morphometrically, as well to determine whether the host has a relationship to a specific morphometric variation. The traits measured were body length, antenna length, lengths and widths of genal processes, and forewing length and width. Females and males were analyzed separately. The measures obtained were subjected to an analysis of variance and principal components analysis. The greatest morphometrical variation and smallest sizes were found in males collected from non-prefered hosts such as Citrus limetta Risso, C. sinensis (L.) ‘Selection 8’ and C. paradisi Macfad.; while, the least variations and largest sizes were found on C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. ‘Marrs’, C. sinensis (L.) cv. ‘Valencia’ and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack. The traits with notable variation were lengths and widths of forewings and genal processes. Greater morphometrical variations were found in males than in females. The results indicate that D. citri is a species with morphometrical variants and probably the host is a determinant in the definition of characters.

Nylanderia fulva (Mayr) (Formicidae) is an invasive pest ant that has been reported in Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Workers tend various honeydew producing hemipterans in Florida landscapes and natural areas. We sought to understand the seasonal foraging activities of N. fulva and its relationship with honeydew producing hemipterans. Twenty-two hemipteran species were collected from 15 different plant hosts sampled in Florida from Jul 2010 to Jul 2012. The relative density of hemipterans on 4 plant species [live oak (Quercus virginiana Mill; Fagales: Fagaceae), holly (Ilex cornuta Lindl; Aquifoliales: Aquifoliaceae), magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora L.; Magnoliales: Magnoliaceae), and sugarberry (Celtis laevigata Willd.; Urticales: Ulmaceae)] was compared to the relative density of N. fulva at the base or stem of the selected plants. The number of N. fulva and hemipterans on each plant species was positively correlated from spring through fall. Both N. fulva and hemipteran populations increased from May to Sep and decreased from Oct to Apr. In addition, Cinara juniperivora (Wilson) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on southern red cedar and Toumeyella liriodendri (Gmelin) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) on magnolia were covered with carton shelters presumably constructed by N. fulva, suggesting that this ant potentially protects certain hemipterans species.

Twenty species of parasitoid wasps of the family Aphelinidae were collected in mountain localities of the municipalities of Miquihuana and Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. This is compared with the fauna of Aphelinidae present in the urban area of Ciudad Victoria. A new species, Encarsia santaelenae sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), collected in Rancho Santa Elena, Victoria, is described and illustrated.

Field populations of soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Noctuidae), were collected from soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., fields in Mississippi and Louisiana during 2010 and 2011 to determine their susceptibility to novel insecticides. Flubendiamide and chloran-traniliprole are diamide insecticides that have recently been registered for use in field crops. Baseline data were collected for each of these insecticides as well as for methoxyfenozide, which has been the recommended insecticide for soybean looper in Mississippi soybeans prior to the introduction of these new novel insecticides. Mean LC₅₀ values for flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole were similar among the populations tested, and susceptibility was higher for methoxyfenozide compared to flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole. Diet incorporated assays determined a 9.4-fold variation in susceptibility to flubendiamide among the 7 soybean looper populations tested. Variation to chlorantraniliprole was 6.25-fold and variation for methoxyfenozide was 5.37-fold. Variation in the diamide insecticides was higher than methoxyfenozide with less exposure to soybean looper populations. Documenting variability along with baseline data will be useful in the future for resistance monitoring of soybean loopers to diamide insecticides.

Since the chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) poses a considerable threat to production of peppers in the Western Hemisphere, it is important to determine the relative vulnerability of different cultivars of Capsicum annuum L. and C. chinense Jacquin. In addition it is important to determine the relative benefits to the productivity of these cultivars of controlling the chilli thrips with insecticides. Therefore the effects of the chilli thrips on 11 pepper cultivars (Capsicum spp.; Solanales: Solanaceae) were tested in greenhouse and laboratory environments. When data for spinetoram-treated and untreated plants of each cultivar were pooled, the number of pedicels, number of flowers, and total (pedicels flowers fruit) differed between cultivars, and ‘Astry’ and ‘Cheyenne’ had the highest counts of these organs, while ‘Hot Habanero Orange’ and ‘Hot Fatalli’ had the least. When cultivars were pooled for spinetoram-treated separately from untreated plants, spinetoram was found to have increased the numbers of pedicels and total counted plant organs. For spinetoram-treated plants, ‘Hot San Ardo’ had the greatest canopy volume and ‘Hot Fatalli’ the smallest, whereas ‘Fresno 6022’ had the most fruits and ‘Hot Fatalli’ had the least. Based on comparing canopy volume and number of fruits of spinetoram-treated and untreated plants, ‘Numex Big Jim’ was found to have been benefitted the least by spinetoram application, whereas ‘Fresno 6022’, ‘Hot Tormenta’, ‘Cheyenne’, ‘Astry’, and ‘Jamaican Yellow’ were benefitted the most. A greenhouse choice test indicated ‘Fresno 6022’, ‘Hot Tormenta’, ‘Hot Fatalli’, ‘Hot San Ardo’, ‘Hot Habanero Orange’, ‘Numex Big Jim’, and ‘Jamaican Yellow’ each had fewer larvae per plant than ‘Astry’. In a choice of cultivars in laboratory Petri dishes, larvae per leaf disk were most abundant on ‘Agriset 4108’, ‘Red Devil Cayenne’, ‘Numex Big Jim’, ‘Astry’, and ‘Jamaican Yellow’ and least abundant on ‘Hot Fatalli’. ‘Hot Fatalli’ attracted the fewest thrips and seemed to be the least susceptible cultivar in the 3 experiments, though it had the smallest plant size and lowest yields. Spinetoram improved yields of productive cultivars like ‘Fresno 6022’, which may be more feasible to grow than ‘Hot Fatalli’.

The effect of photoperiod and temperature on the biology of nymphs and adults of Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood) was studied in the laboratory. Four different conditions were tested (14:10, 12:12 and 10:14 h L:D at 25 °C, and 10:14 h L:D at 20 °C), at 80 ± 10% RH. The shortest nymph development time was recorded at 14:10 h L:D (25 °C) (21.5 days) and the longest at 10:14 h L:D (20 °C) (42 days). The highest nymph mortality rate was recorded at 10:14 h L:D (20 °C) and the lowest at 14:10 h L:D (25 °C) (84.5 vs. 24.2%). Newly emerged females reared at 14:10 h L:D (25 °C) were heavier than those of the remaining treatments. Fresh body weight gain (mg) occurred only during the 1st week of adult life. Adult survivorship was highest at 10:14 h L:D (20 °C) and lowest at 14:10 h L:D (25 °C). Total longevity was shortest when adults were held at 14:10 h L:D (25 °C) and longest at 10:14 h L:D (20 °C) (38.6 vs. 98.8 days). The maximum percentage of ovipositing females occurred at 14:10 h L:D (25 °C) and the minimum at 10:14 h L:D (20 °C). Females maintained at 14:10 h L:D (25 °C) and 12:12 h L:D (25 °C) produced similar and greater number of egg masses than females at 10:14 h L:D (25 °C) and 10:14 h L:D (20 °C). The number of eggs/female was the greatest at 14:10 h L:D (25 °C) and the lowest at 10:14 h L:D (20 °C) (196.2 vs. 21.7 eggs/♀). Egg viability was similar under different photophases at 25 °C, while significantly reduced at 10:14 h L:D (20 °C) (54 vs. 4.1%). The longest egg incubation period was recorded at 10:14 h L:D (20 °C) and the shortest at 14:10 h L:D (25 °C) (7 vs. 4.1 days). These laboratory results suggest that P. guildinii does not reproduce during the time its preferred host soybean is unavailable at latitude 30°–35° S, which corresponds approximately to the conditions tested at 10:14 h L:D (20 °C).

Different numbers of parasitoid females confined with a host can variously affect the number, sex ratio and other characteristics of the parasitoid's progeny. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effects of various ratios of Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) females to pupae of one its hosts, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), primarily on the number of this parasitoid's progeny and their sex ratio. Both the parasitoid and the host used in this study were taken from cultures reared in the laboratory by standard methods. In order to minimize the effects of variations in host weight, 24 h-old T. molitor pupae weighing between 0.110 and 0.140 g were held as a single individuals in glass tubes (2.5 cm Ø × 14 cm L) with 48 h-old T. diatraeae females for 72 h to allow parasitization. After this period, female wasps were removed and the host pupa were transferred, one per glass tube, to a climate-controlled room at 25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10% RH and 12:12 h L:D. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments (parasitoid-host ratios) and 12 replicates per treatment. The ratios of T. diatraeae females per host used were: 1:1, 7:1, 14:1, 21:1, 28:1 and 32:1. The percentage parasitism of T. diatraeae on T. molitor pupae was 33.33, 82.00 and 83.33% at ratios of 1:1, 7:1 and 14:1, respectively, and 100% at all other ratios. The emergence of T. diatraeae adults from parasitized pupae was 75% at a parasitoid-host ratio of 1:1 and 100% at ratios of 21:1, 28:1 and 32:1. The duration of the parasitoid's life cycle ranged from 21.00 ± 2.22 to 24.00 ± 2.00 days at parasitoid-host ratios of 32:1 and 1:1, respectively. The number of T. diatraeae progeny per T. molitor pupa was highest at a ratio of 21:1 (246.50 ± 50.18). The proportion of T. diatraeae females in the offspring decreased as the parasitoid-host ratio increased, varying between 0.82 ± 0.06 and 0.97 ± 0.01. A parasitoid-host ratio of 21:1 T. diatraeae females per T. molitor pupa is considered the most adequate and appropriate for mass-rearing of this parasitoid. Tenebrio molitor appears to be a suitable alternate host for efficient mass-rearing of T. diatraeae for biological control of lepidopteran pests. At the parasitoid-host ratio of 21:1, each T. molitor pupa supported the production of 246.5 parsitoids of which 88% were females, i.e., 216.9 females and 29.6 males; each T. diatraeae female produced 9.55 ± 0.48 female progeny, and the developmental time from egg to adult was 20.4 days.

After the arrival of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in Florida, several studies mentioned the presence of ants where D. citri was present, but there was no clarification of their specific interaction with the psyllid. The goal of this study was to elucidate the role of ants in the biological control of D. citri by observing ant behavior and by determining if ant presence, modified by exclusion manipulations, affected parasitism of D. citri by Tamarixia radiata (Waterston, 1922) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an introduced parasitoid of the psyllid, when the insect was infesting orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack (Sapindales: Rutaceae) and Persian lime, Citrus latifolia Tanaka (Sapindales: Rutaceae). During a preliminary survey on M. paniculata in Homestead, Florida, we observed 2 ant species in association with D. citri, i.e., the big headed ant, Pheidole megacephala Fabricius, and the rover ant, Brachymyrmex obscurior Forel. In 2 ant exclusion experiments, using a 2-cm-wide barrier of Tanglefoot®, P. megacephala was the only ant species found in M. paniculata while P. megacephala, B. patagonicus and Solenopsis invicta Buren were observed in C. latifolia. The number of P. megacephala found in the unprotected flushes in M. paniculata fluctuated between 0.15 and 0.5 per flush while in C. latifolia the number of ants, pooled across species, varied between 1.44 and 6.61. In M. paniculata flushes from Tanglefoot-treated plants, 20.36% of the nymphs were parasitized by T. radiata compared to 0.39% parasitism in untreated control flushes where ants had not been excluded. Fifty-eight percent of the psyllid nymphs were parasitized in the C. latifolia Tanglefoot® ant-exclusion flushes compared with 8.57% parasitism in the non-exclusion control. An additional experiment using the ant bait Extinguish Plus® (Hydramethylnon 0.365% S-Methoprene 0.250%) applied to the soil surrounding the trunk showed that the use of a granular bait can help to reduce ant populations and consequently increase the percentage parasitism of the Asian citrus psyllid.

Anteon seramense sp. nov. is described from Seram Island (Indonesia). Seram is an island situated in a transition area between the Oriental and the Australian regions. Anteon seramense can be distinguished from the related Australian species A. giluwense Olmi and A. chelogynoides (Perkins) by the different sculpture of the scutum (granulated in A. seramense, punctate and unsculptured among punctures in A. giluwense and A. chelogynoides) and the different distal apex of the protarsal segment 5 (deeply hollow in A. seramense, not hollow in A. giluwense and A. chelogynoides). Anteon seramense sp. nov. can be distinguished from the related Oriental species A. heppneri Olmi and A. thai Olmi by the different shape of the protarsal segment 5 (basal part slightly longer than distal part in A. seramense, much longer in A. heppneri and A. thai).

The larval parasitoid Microplitis manilae Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a potential biological control agent of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). To understand the preference and fitness of M. manilae on larval instars of S. exigua, we compared host choice, development, and life table parameters when different larval instars of S. exigua were supplied in the laboratory. Results showed that parasitism of 2nd or 3rd instar larvae was significantly higher compared with other instars. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproduction rate (R₀) and mean length of a generation (T) were significantly affected by which larval instars were attacked. The maximum values of r, λ, R₀ and T were observed when M. manilae parasitized 2nd instar S. exigua larvae. Therefore, we conclude that the 2nd larval instar of S. exigua represents the optimum host stage and suggest that 2nd larval instar of S. exigua will be the most suitable host stage for mass production of M. manilae as well as the best instar to target for biological control in the field.

Ctenothrips yangi sp. nov. is described from Southwestern China, where it causes severe damage to the leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Saxifragales: Crassulaceae). This new species exhibits considerable variation in the position of the metanotal setae and campaniform sensilla. A detailed description of the larval stages is provided.

Tuberaleyrodes lauri Dubey and Wang new species (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is described from China on Cinnamomum subavenium (Laurales: Lauraceae). The puparium of the new species differs from that of all other Tuberaleyrodes species by the presence of 6 to 8 pairs of subdorsal setae placed on long elevated tubercles, 8 pairs of small submarginal setae, an operculum that completely covers the orifice and reduced median length of abdominal segment VII. An identification key to puparia of the Tuberaleyrodes species is provided.

The current investigation describes the capture of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, in an unexpected ecosystem, the Lake Kissimmee State Park forest. In this forest, occurrence of citrus is particularly rare, and no Rutaceae were found within the trapping locations or in nearby (≈500 m) areas. In addition to trap capture data, complementary laboratory no-choice feeding bioassays suggest that ACP may have a broader alternative plant feeding range than previously thought, which may allow for significant dispersal even through dense forests in Florida up to 2.3 km from large-area plantings of citrus.

An invasive pest of South American origin, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a devastating pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), is reported for the first time in Senegal in 2012. It was first reported in Spain in 2006 and since then it has spread to most of Europe and Mediterranean region. Its occurrence in Senegal is a serious concern as it is likely to spread from there to the rest of West and Central Africa in the near future.

Rhyssomatus subtilis, the black soybean weevil, has emerged as a major pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. (Fabales: Fabaceae)] in northwestern Argentina during the last 3 yr. This species was detected in 30 localities of Salta, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán provinces comprising a total area of about 541,000 ha. This species was observed for the first time developing on dry bean [Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabales: Fabaceae)] crops and feeding on 3 unrelated weeds [Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist (Asterales: Asteraceae), Brassica campestris (L.) Metzg. (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) and Sphaeralcea bonariensis (Cav.) Griseb (Malvales: Malvaceae)]. The damage produced by R. subtilis in dry bean crops is similar to that produced in soybean crops. The results obtained suggest that as of 2012, R. subtilis has greatly expanded its distribution since its first detection in 2006 and produces major direct and indirect damage in soybean and dry bean crops in northwestern Argentina.

This study is the first record of predation of Zaprinus indianus (Gupta) (Drosophilidae) fig fly larvae—which has recently become a major pest in fruit production in Brazil—by the social wasp Synoeca cyanea (F.) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in fruits of Spanish prune (Spondias purpurea L. Anacadiaceae) in an agricultural property, at Piracicaba city, São Paulo State, Brazil.

Stephanitis blatchleyi, described in 1925, is a rarely collected lace bug known only from a few localities in peninsular Florida; its host plants previously were unknown. We observed adults, nymphs, exuviae, and foliar chlorosis on the ericaceous shrub rusty lyonia (Lyonia ferruginea) at a site in Clay County, Florida, from December 2007 to October 2012. Feeding symptoms wereconfined to leaves of lower branches. Although the tingid was not found elsewhere in Florida on L. ferruginea (or on L. fruticosa), additional fieldwork probably will show that S. blatchleyi is more widespread than suggested by our sampling.

The expansion of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) monoculture may favor insect pests such as the caterpillars of Opsiphanes invirae Hübner, Brassolis sophorae L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) and Eupalamides cyparissias (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Castniidae). The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) to parasitize pupae of lepidopteran pests of oil palm. Groups of fifty females of T. diatraeae were maintained inside test tubes with one pupa of one of the following hosts: O. invirae, B. sophorae or E. cyparissias for 48 h. Trichospilus diatraeae parasitized the 3 Lepidopteran species, but reproduced only on O. invirae and B. sophorae. These results suggest that this parasitoid, of polyphagous habit, may represent an alternative for the control of lepidopteran pests of oil palm in the Brazilian Amazon.

We reared a lab culture of Leiobunum sp. harvestmen adults in 2011, and captured several unique photo images of developing eggs and a hatchling. These images are perhaps the first to be recorded for this genus.

Bee pollen, which is the material that adheres to honeybees as they collect nectar from flowers, is agglutinated into balls with nectar and bee saliva substances and is important to the survival of colonies of these insects. Damage to bee pollen stored at 10% RH was found in samples collected in Sergipe State, Brazil. Insects found in the pollen were identified as Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), a cosmopolitan insect and one of the main insects infesting tobacco and many stored food products. This is the first record of damage by this insect in dehydrated pollen balls, which makes this product unfit for human consumption.