Insect-pollinated plants offer nectar as the main reward, which influences the preference of flower visitors. We describe the feeding behavior of the exotic bee Apis mellifera (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and the flower fly Lycastrirhyncha nitens (Bigot) (Diptera: Syrphidae) on tristylous flowers of Pontederia sagittata (C. Presl) (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae) in relation to temporal nectar availability. The production of this resource was similar between floral morphs but there were temporal variations during the anthesis period, in a coincidence with a higher number of visitors and activity of bees and flies. The dynamics of nectar production could be related to the feeding behavior of these insects despite the similarity in daily nectar volume produced in all the 3 types of flowers. The variations of nectar feeding may affect the transportation of pollen among the 3 floral morphs.

Herein we discuss the interactions of selected species of phytophagous stink bug observed on leguminous (Fabaceae) crops in the Neotropics (Neotropical Region) with their associated plants. We included the following pentatomid species: Nezara viridula (L.), Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood), Euschistus heros (F.), Edessa meditabunda (F.), Dichelops furcatus (F.), Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas), and Thyanta perditor (F.). Based on a literature review, a list of plants on which these stink bug species were intercepted is included, indicating the reproductive hosts, i.e., plants on which bug can complete development, and incidental records, i.e., plants on which bugs are found occasionally. The change in feeding habits (from fruits/seeds of preferred host plants) to less preferred vegetative structures (stems/leaves of less preferred associated plants) for feeding or shelter, due to change in the landscape by intense multiple cropping and no-tillage cultivation systems is discussed.

The rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an economically important late-season pest of rice in the southern United States. Stink bug feeding results in yield reduction and discounted purchase price due to broken or discolored (“pecky”) rice grains. The primary tactic for O. pugnax management is the application of insecticides once adults reach an action threshold. Recent surveys show that pyrethroids are preferred by southern U.S. rice farmers over all other insecticides to reduce O. pugnax densities. However, preliminary tests in 2009 suggested resistance to pyrethroids may be developing in an O. pugnax population in Texas, where applications are more frequent than in other rice-growing areas. This study compared the effects of pyrethroids and neonicotinoids on O. pugnax behavior and mortality in the laboratory and in a number of field experiments conducted between 2011 and 2014. Results from these experiments showed that control of O. pugnax given by the neonicotinoid, dinotefuran, was similar to that given by pyrethroids in the laboratory and field. Results from small-plot field studies were influenced by movement of adult rice stink bugs from surrounding untreated plots, and the data from commercial-scale trials and from sampling of nymphs in small plots may provide more useful information on the efficacies of insecticides. Two experiments provided limited evidence for longer residual activity of dinotefuran compared to the pyrethroid λ-cyhalothrin, and a laboratory study showed that both insecticides reduced feeding activity of rice stink bugs. Tests also confirmed the increased tolerance of a Texas population of rice stink bugs to λ-cyhalothrin, suggesting the need for insecticides with different modes of action in the O. pugnax management program.

The following nomenclatural actions are In response to a series of published reports, emanating from the University of Costa Rica, that were based on faulty microscopy and Inaccurate scholarship. Among Thysanoptera Phlaeothripldae, the recently described genera Kolia and Arthrips are considered new synonyms of Holothrips, and reasons are provided for continuing to regard Abiastothrips as a synonym of Holothrips; also Camilothrips and Marinaella are considered new synonyms of Eurythrips. Among Thripidae, Frankliniella caribae is considered a new synonym of Frankliniella insularis and the synonymy of Frankliniella fortissima with insularis is re-established; Jessicathrips is considered a new synonym of Thrips genus. In addition, two misinterpretations of the Code of Zoological Nomenclature are discussed.

A new species of whitefly, Tetraleurodes champaiensis Dubey sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) found infesting Sporobolus heterolepis (Poaceae) in Mizoram (India) is described along with measurements, line drawings and scanning electron microscope images. The species differs from Tetraleurodes thenmozhiae Jesudasan & David in being black in color and have bluntly pointed dorsal setae. The puparia of T. thenmozhiae are white and have capitate dorsal setae. The puparia of the new species were found feeding at the basal parts of central grass blades and almost near the ground level. An identification key to grass feeding Tetraleurodes species is provided. There was no ant attendance.

Panonychus citri McGregor (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae), the widely distributed citrus red mite, has developed resistance to most registered acaricides. Adaptation of arthropods to extreme environmental conditions has been related to increased expression of their heat shock proteins (HSPs). The objectives of this study were to explore the relationship between HSPs and resistance of Panonychus citri to the acaricide abamectin and the adaptation of Panonychus citri to high temperatures. The full-length cDNA of the HSP90 gene was cloned from an abamectin-sensitive strain of Panonychus citri. This gene consisted of 2,495 nucleotides with a complete open reading frame (ORF) of 2,169 nucleotides. This gene encoded a polypeptide of 721 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 83.44 kDa, a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.06, a 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of 228 bp, and a 5′ UTR of 98 bp. The results of real-time PCR analyses Indicated that the expression of the HSP90 gene in P. citri was markedly affected by the concentration of abamectin, the duration of exposure to it and the temperature, suggesting that the up-regulation of the HSP90 gene may play an important role in abamectin resistance and adaptation to high temperatures in Panonychus citri. The results of RNA interference experiments indicated that the HSP90 gene from adult female Panonychus citri was sensitive to down-regulation by double-stranded RNA (0.1–0.2 pg/µL). This study provides a molecular basis for further analysis of the relationships between the HSP90 gene and the resistance of Panonychus citri to abamectin and to high temperatures.

The genus Wiedemannia Zetterstedt is recorded from China for the first time. One species is described from South Tibet: Wiedemannia tibetensis sp. nov. This new species can be separated from the related species Wiedemannia glaucescens (Brunetti) by presence of the pterostigma, discal cell apically with a short appendage, surstylus nearly strip-like and hidden below dorsal portion of epandrium, and distiphallus not swollen without spines at middle. A key to the species of the genus Wiedemannia from the Oriental Region is presented.

The effects of male age and mating status on the behavioral response of Copitarsia decolora (Guenée) males to the glandular extract of the female sex pheromone were studied by conducting wind tunnel bioassays and electroantennography (EAG). To study the effect of age, 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9, 10–11 day old males were used to measure attraction in the wind tunnel. To study the effect of age on virgin male antenna depolarization, Individual males 3-, 6- and 9-days old were used. The effect of male mating status was studied with 4–6 day old males and subsequent pheromone response was measured after a period of 24 and 48 h. Both male age and mating status significantly affected male response to the female sex pheromone. In the wind tunnel, male attraction to the extract reached its maximum in males 4–7 days old and then decreased as moth age increased. The glandular extract provoked a significantly greater depolarization of the antennae of 6 day old males than in 3 and 9 day old males. In the wind tunnel, virgin males were more attracted to female extracts than mated males. Significantly greater depolarization was observed in the antennae of virgin than mated males.

Polyandry Is widespread among insects but male accessory gland products can influence the propensity of former mates to copulate later with other males. In addition, females may receive nutritional supplements in accessory gland fluids that substantially increase fitness regardless of whether remating has been inhibited. In this study, we investigated polyandry in female Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the relationship between remating and male accessory gland contents. Similar to other fruit flies, 2 kinds of accessory glands were observed in male B. dorsalis. Male mesodermal accessory glands expanded significantly in length and area when copulation finished. A remating refractory period occurred in B. dorsalis females, but It did not differ in duration following copulations with either virgin or non-virgin males. Besides, we found that virgin females lived longer, but produced much fewer eggs than mated females. Remating with a refractory period resulted In more eggs being laid and offspring produced than continuous exposure to 2 mates. In addition, females In the continuous presence of 2 males produced significantly more offspring than females with only 1 male present. We also observed that increases in male and female age reduced the rate of fertilization. These results indicated that multiple matings increased the fitness of B. dorsalis females, although remating inhibition existed in B. dorsalis fruit flies. It is the great reproductive ability of S. dorsalis that enable flourishing populations to occur in wild.

Conservation of natural enemies is an important approach for enhancing biological control. Selective insecticides have become important for managing arthropod pests, and the prospects for their use in combination with biological control agents are increasing. In addition, progress has been made in recent decades to develop reduced-risk insecticides that have novel modes of action and, therefore, likely to have a minimum non-target effect. In this study, we use a series of laboratory bioassays to investigate the impact of two reduced-risk insecticides, azadirachtin and chlorantraniliprole, on the egg, nymph and adult stages of two predatory pirate bugs, Amphiareus constrictus (Stal) and Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), important predators of the tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). All three stages were exposed to the label recommended field rate of these two insecticides, which is indicated for the control of T. absoluta. Neither azadirachtin nor chlorantraniliprole affected the mortality of adult predators or their egg hatchability, suggesting a safe acute toxicity for these stages. However, azadirachtin and chlorantraniliprole negatively decreased the capacity of predator nymphs to reach the adult stage. This decrease can directly affect the size of the predator population in the next generation, and may undermine the biological control of pests such as T. absoluta. In general, our results call for caution when using these reduced-risk insecticides in integrated programs of chemical and biological control of this pest.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is the main destructive insect pest of brassicaceous vegetables around the world. It has developed resistance to various classes of insecticides. However, the current status of insecticide resistance in P. xylostella has not been examined in China. In this study, concentration-mortality responses of P. xylostella to 8 insecticides, including abamectin, chlorantraniliprole, spinosad, beta-cypermethrin, chlorfenapyr, diafenthiuron, chlorfluazuron and the bio-pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) were evaluated. The results showed that almost all of the tested populations had developed high to very high resistance to abamectin and beta-cypermethrin, with resistance ratios ranging from 62.9 to 1494.7-fold. Chlorantraniliprole was very effective against P. xylostella in most tested populations except those from Taihe and Wuxi. Approximately 61% of tested populations displayed moderate resistance to spinosad, while other field populations showed minor changes (3-fold) in their susceptibility to this insecticide. Obvious variation (93-fold) of susceptibility to chlorfenapyr existed in field populations of which 32% displayed low level resistance, and 36% exhibited moderate resistance. Only one field population (Wuxi) showed very high resistance to chlorfenapyr (RR = 260.1). Diafenthiuron and chlorfluazuron were highly effective against all of the tested populations with resistance ratios (RR) ranging from 0.4 to 8.7 — fold. Decreased susceptibility ranging to moderate resistance to Btk was observed (RR = 3.8 – 35.3). Significant correlations were detected between the values of logLC₅₀ of chlorantraniliprole and 4 insecticides (abamectin, spinosad, beta-cypermethrin and chlorfenapyr). The results of this study provided valuable information for choosing alternative insecticides and for integrated resistance management of P. xylostella.

Although pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.; Poales: Poaceae] is grown extensively on 5 continents and is attacked by various insects at all stages of growth and development, little is specifically known of how yields of this important crop are affected by insect herbivory. This study was conducted in north central Alabama to determine insect occurrence on pearl millet and to determine the levels of damage caused by insects feeding on pearl millet genotypes at different nitrogen rates. The field experiment was laid out following a randomized complete block design with 4 replications in which 4 genotypes and 4 fertilizer levels were arranged in factorial combinations. The pearl millet genotypes consisted of 2 open pollinated lines, ‘2304’ and ‘LHBO8’, and 2 hybrids, ‘606A1*2304’ and ‘707A1*4280’ and fertilization rates used were 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha^-1 N. Insect samplings were carried out weekly from 61 to 109 days after planting (DAP). Insects in 6 orders and 11 families were found on pearl millet genotypes. Eastern leaf-footed stinkbug (Leptoglossus phyllopus (L.); Hemiptera: Coreidae) was the most prevalent and dominant insect species found followed by the American bird grasshopper (Schistocerca americana Drury; Orthoptera: Acrididae) and the differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis (Thomas: Orthoptera: Acrididae). Population of L. phyllopus was at its peak during the latter part of the growing season from 81 to 109 DAP. Populations of S. americana and M. differentialis declined as crop matured (61 DAP > 66 DAP >75 DAP). Results also showed that leaf and head damage did not differ among genotypes and nitrogen rates tested.

Modern agriculture aims to reduce continuous applications of synthetic chemical pesticides for pest control because of issues such as pollution, loss of trade and disruption of biological control agents, potentially leading to pest outbreaks. Botanical insecticides are a good alternative to synthetic pesticides, as they have lower environmental hazard, are biodegradable and can be used shortly before harvesting. We tested the effect of essential oils (EOs) and aqueous extracts (AEs) of Chenopodiaceae plants (Dysphania ambrosioides (=Chenopodium ambrosioides), Chenopodium album, C. berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae, C. graveolens and Beta vulgaris), incorporated into the diet under lab conditions, on a widely distributed insect pest in America, the cabbage pest, Copitarsia decolora Guenée 1852 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The EO of C. graveolens at 0.5% reduced the larvae and pupae weight by 30 and 15%, respectively; increased the larval period length by 17% and reduced fecundity and fertility by 80 and 85%, respectively related to the control. EOs of C. berlandieri and B. vulgaris at 0.5% increased larval and pupal period length by 22% and 38% and both reduced fecundity and fertility by 99% related to the control. None of the plant extracts tested caused immediate C. decolora mortality, but EOs reduced mean survival time and reproductive capacity of the insect. This is the first report of C. berlandieri EO effect against an insect pest. The EOs of C. graveolens, B. vulgaris and C. berlandieri have great potential as alternatives to synthetic chemicals for insect control and deserve further exploration.

We recognize the following 5 species of Paramyiolia Shiraki (Diptera: Tephritidae: Trypetini) in China: P. atra, sp. nov., P. atrifasciata, sp. nov., P. melanogaster, sp. nov., P. nigrihumera, sp. nov., and P. yunnana (Wang), comb. nov. These species have almost identical wing patterns as Japanese P. cornuta (Ito), and, thus, here we refer to them jointly as the P. cornuta species group. Monophyly of this species group is supported by a cladistic analysis using morphological characters of all the 9 Paramyiolia species known in the world. Our earlier assumption about the disjunct occurrence of East Asian and North American Paramyiolia as a typical Arcto-Tertiary relict distribution is also strengthened by the discovery of the 5 Chinese species. In addition, we provide a revised key to the world Paramyiolia species and descriptions of all 5 Chinese species supplemented by their photographs including genitalic structures. We also made DNA barcoding analyses using 13 specimens representing 4 outgroup and 3 Paramyiolia species (P. atra, P. nigricornis (Doane), and P. rhino (Steyskal)). The DNA barcoding result only topologically supports the monophyly of Old and New World Paramyiolia together, but statistically supports the monophyly of the New World Paramyiolia. Interestingly, it rather clearly suggests possible existence of 2 cryptic species from the samples we identified as P. rhino based on the current taxonomic concept of this nominal species. Furthermore, one of these cryptic species appears to be more closely related genetically to the morphologically distinct P. nigricornis than to the other cryptic species.

A new Mexican species of the Neotropical genus Hologymnetis Martínez (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Gymnetini) is described and illustrated. A new key to identify adults of Hologymnetis species is provided.

The Chinese endemic delphacid genus Malaxella Ding & Hu (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacidae) is reviewed in this paper. Three species are treated of which M. flava Ding & Hu and M. tetracantha Qin & Zhang are redescribed, one new species, M. macracantha Ren & Qin sp. nov., is described. Habitus photos and illustrations of male genitalia of these 3 species are given. A key for identifying the species of Malaxella is also provided.

Five light traps including 2 standard traps (New Jersey light trap and CDC light trap) and 3 new light traps (UV light trap, black light trap, and yellow fluorescent light trap) were evaluated for the collection of mosquitoes and non-target insects in northeast Florida from Sep to Oct 2013. In the evaluation of light traps without a chemical lure, the black light and CDC light traps collected large numbers of mosquitoes, and the ratios of mosquitoes to non-target insects were 1:7.5 and 1:8.9, respectively. In the evaluation of the 5 light traps, each baited either with octenol or with BG-Lure, the black light and CDC light traps collected larger numbers of mosquitoes than the other 3 types of traps. The ratios of mosquitoes to non-target insects were 1:2.8 and 1:6.7 for black light traps baited with octenol and BG-Lure, respectively, and 1:1.5 and 1:5.2 for CDC traps baited with octenol and BG-Lure, respectively. The results indicated that the black light trap was the best of the new traps evaluated based on its mosquito capture capabilities, while collecting the least non-target insects. Use of black light traps will benefit mosquito population surveillance by increasing the capture of insects of medical and veterinary importance.

The genus Horaia is newly recorded in China. Two new species, Horaia xizangana sp. nov. and H. calla sp. nov., are described as new to science. A key to the known species of Horaia of the world is presented.

A thorough understanding of host specificity is essential before pathogens can be used as biopesticides or self-sustaining biocontrol agents. In order to better define the host range of Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (SINV-3), we collected and exposed colonies of 2 native fire ants (Solenopsis aurea Wheeler, Solenopsis xyloni McCook) and 2 native thief ants (Solenopsis carolinensis Forel, Solenopsis molesta [Say]) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to the SINV-3 virus. Despite extreme exposure to the virus, active, replicating infections resulted only in colonies of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren). These results, combined with a previous study of ants from 13 other genera, strongly support the proposition that the SINV-3 virus can be used safely as either a biopesticide or a self-sustaining biocontrol agent in parts of California, the Caribbean, and other regions of the world where this virus does yet not occur.

The hitherto unknown female of Napaea joinvilea Hall & Harvey, 2005 (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae: Mesosemiini) is described, and new distribution records for the species—until now only known from a single locality in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil—are presented, expanding the distribution more than 1.500 kilometers northwards. Diagnosis and description of the female, distinction from similar sympatric species, illustrations of the imagines and male and female genitalia are provided. Special attention is given to distinguish N. joinvilea from its sisterspecies, N. melampia (Bates, 1867), a rare species known only from unspecified localities in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Based on the female and the new distributional records, N. joinviliea is clearly recognized as a distinct species.

Three new Chinese species of the genus Mesonemoura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae), Mesonemoura dilatata Du & Ji, sp. nov., M. sichuanensis Du & Ji, sp. nov. and M. sinistracurva Du & Wang, sp. nov., are described and illustrated. Mesonemoura dilatata is characterized by the flagellum of the epiproct being long and curved, forming a swollen membranous apex. Mesonemoura sichuanensis is characterized by tergum 9 forming a pair of obtuse angles mid-posteriorly, and by the ventral sclerite of the epiproct being basally broad, 2 × the width of the dorsal sclerite. Mesonemoura sinistracurva is characterized by the presence of a long stylus that curves abruptly to the left as it leaves the tip of the epiproct. A key to the Chinese species of this genus is presented.

Rickettsiosis and theileriosis can cause mortalities in camel populations. This study was conducted to achieve 2 objectives: (1) to detect the presence of SFG Rickettsia sp. and Theileria sp. in Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks and (2) to determine their prevalence in the tick population on the sampled camel farms in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Camel ticks (H. dromedarii) were collected from a total of 625 one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in 22 sampling locations in Al-Ain, UAE. Tick samples were analyzed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). An SFG Rickettsia sp., which was 99% similar to Candidatus ‘Rickettsia andeanae’ and Rickettsia endosymbionts, was detected only in 2011 and its prevalence in the sampled ticks was 1.12%, while Theileria annulata was detected in both years with a prevalence of 2.3% and 1.60%, respectively. Additionally, T. annulata was present in all of the sampling zones (east, west, north, and south) of the study area, whereas SFG Rickettsia sp. was limited to 2 zones only (east and south). The geographic distributions of SFG Rickettsia sp. and T. annulata showed no overlap throughout the entire study area except in one location in which both of the disease agents were present. This study is the first published record on the presence of SFG Rickettsia sp. and T. annulata in camel ticks in the UAE. In addition, the current study should serve as a foundation for more studies leading to a better understanding of the reservoir potential of camels and the risk posed by these 2 disease agents to camels and other livestock.

In this study both adult male and female antennal sensilla of Trogoderma granarium Everts, 1896 and Trogoderma variabile Ballion, 1878 (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) were observed by scanning electron microscope. The antennae of both species were found to consist of a scape, a pedicel and a flagellum with 9 subsegments, i.e., flagellomeres. Four categories of antennal sensilla including 10 types were found in these 2 species. The sensilla were designated, sensilla chaetica I, sensilla chaetica II, sensilla chaetica III, sensilla basiconica I, sensilla basiconica II, sensilla basiconica III, sensilla basiconica IV, sensilla basiconica V, sensilla coeloconica and Böhm bristles. The characteristics and distribution of these antennal sensilla were described, and relevant differences between the male and the female were compared. Finally, the probable functions and their applications in taxonomy were briefly discussed. These findings provide an improved understanding of the morphology of the antennae in these 2 species and can help to distinguish them clearly. Besides, these results also will support investigations into adaptions of these Trogoderma species to storage environments.

A new species of clearwing moth, Pyrophleps bicella Xu & Arita sp. nov., found in southern China, is described. Photos of the adult and of male genitalia are provided. A key to species of Pyrophleps is also provided. The type specimens are deposited in Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China and National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba, Japan.

The Platte River caddisfly, Ironoquia plattensis Alexander & Whiles (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae), was once the most abundant component of the benthic macroinvertebrate community in Platte River backwater sloughs, attaining larval densities of approximately 1,000 individuals per m2 and accounting for approximately 40% of the emerging secondary production. Surveys for the species conducted between 1999 and 2004 found 6 sites with I. plattensis, and recent sampling has found 29 additional sites with the caddisfly; however, only one population has densities comparable to those found at the type locality. Backwater sloughs where I. plattensis occur provide habitat for a variety of aquatic vertebrates which could potentially threaten the species' persistence. This project tested the ability of seven fish species and a tadpole to consume I. plattensis larvae. Replicated experiments presented vertebrates with 3 early instar I. plattensis larvae in 9.5 liter aquaria. Based on Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA (P = 0.05), significant predation was observed only with brook stickleback, Culaea inconstans Kirtland (Gasterosteiformes: Gasterosteidae), feeding trials. C. inconstans consumed a mean of 0.49 I. plattensis larvae per 24 h. Our results suggest I. plattensis populations may be reduced by the presence of brook stickleback in backwater sloughs. Alterations to the Platte River may increase the chances for I. plattensis and C. inconstans habitat overlap from greater river connectivity.

The big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala (Fabr.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) are 2 invasive species in south Florida, and both have a major economic and ecological impact. Because both species are often associated with man-made structures, we investigated how the 2 species interacted when their tunneling system connected, to determine if the big-headed ant had the ability to predate or displace subterranean termite colonies. It was previously suggested that the 2 species had a predator-prey interaction. However in this study we showed that C. formosanus can defend its territory against P. megacephala with minimal loss, and we therefore re-described their interaction as a status quo for habitat competition. It is unlikely that a competitive displacement would take place between C. formosanus and P. megacephala because of their ability to successfully defend their respective nests.

Butterflies possess attributes that are sensitive to gradual environmental changes. Recently, the effects of environmental factors on the shapes of organisms, as well as the interactions of these elements, have been extensively examined, i.e., effects of seasonal changes on the colors of butterfly wings, and effects of landscape structure on butterfly distribution and morphology. However, few studies have dealt with variations in butterfly shapes in response to varying environmental conditions. Here we aimed to determine how body size and shape variations in butterflies are correlated to environmental heterogeneity. We used geometric morphometrics to quantify Pieris rapae wing shape variations. Results showed that forewing and hind wing sizes were significantly different among the 15 populations. P. rapae individuals with larger wing sizes were mainly distributed in mountainous areas, whereas those with smaller-sized wings were found on the plains. Canonical variate analysis was employed to examine the patterns of variation in wing shapes among and within the populations. Significant differences in shape were revealed in the forewings and the hind wings of P. rapae populations. All populations were divided into 2 groups on the first canonical variate axis (CV1), which followed the Qinling Mountains as an important boundary between the Palearctic and Oriental Realms in zoogeographical division of the world. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustered the 15 populations into 4 groups by forewing and hind wing shape in response to the 4 environment types in Qinling Mountains. We suggest that wing shapes of P.rapae are sensitive to environmental heterogeneity. The isolating effect of the Qinling Mountains on P. rapae population interactions was apparent.

Our aim was to assess the seasonal abundance and diversity of arthropods on Acacia mangium Willd. (Fabales: Fabaceae) trees. Phytophagous arthropods, natural enemies and pollinators were quantified biweekly in 20 trees during 3 years. The Shannon biodiversity index (H') of arthropods was greater in the summer and smaller in the winter and spring on A. magium. The diversities of species and abundances of individuals of all arthropod taxa were greater in the autumn and smaller in the winter and in the spring. The H' index of arthropods was greater in 2005 and smaller in 2007. The diversity of species and abundance of individuals of phytophagous taxa were greater in 2005 and 2006, respectively, whereas those of natural enemies and pollinators was greater in 2006. Aethalion reticulatum L. (Hemiptera: Aetalionidae) was the most abundant phytophagous species found in the various seasons, while Camponotus sp.2 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini), Tetragonisca angustula Latreille (Hymenoptera: Meliponinae, Meliponini) and Polistes sp. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) were the most abundant natural enemies and pollinators. The great diversity of predators on this tree species can explain the little damage to its leaves. These results may be applied to support programs of pest control and maintenance of natural enemies and pollinators in future plantations of A. mangium.

Erythrina speciosa Andrews (Fabales: Fabaceae) has multiple uses due to its medicinal properties, potential for recovering degraded areas, and excellent landscape effect, but insects that use this plant are poorly known. This paper reports, for the first time, the occurrence of Aethalion reticulatum (L., 1758) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) on E. speciosa seedlings in nurseries at Sacra Família do Tinguá, Municipality of Engenheiro Paulo de Frontin, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Egg clutches of A. reticulatum were observed at the apex and on the median region of these seedlings, covered by a grayish brown substance, visually distinguished from the greenish color of the E. speciosa stem. Damage to this plant was characterized by hypertrophy and cracks at the apex of E. speciosa seedlings. Control measures for A. reticulatum, based on studies on other hosts, are presented.

Details of the egg, larval, and pupal morphology of Adeloneivaia fallax (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) are described and illustrated and compared with other species of Saturniidae, more specifically with other Ceratocampinae. Egg ultrastructure is described for the first time in Ceratocampinae; larval chaetotaxy is documented for the first time in Adeloneivaia; and few pupal characters are evaluated for their potential phylogenetic use. Biological and behavioral aspects of captive rearing are discussed, and larval host plant records for A. fallax are provided.

The Asiatic citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is the main vector of the Asiatic form of huanglongbing (HLB), the putative cause of which is a phloem-limited bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (‘CLas') (α-Proteobacteria). Nymphal and adult D. citri prefer to feed on young leaves of their host plants. Adults feeding on mature leaves are not considered very important by some Chinese farmers in the management of HLB. This study examined feeding by adult D. citri on ‘CLas'-infected citrus leaves of several maturity stages. Diaphorina citri adults from a ‘CLas'-free colony were tested for feeding behavior and the efficiency of their acquisition of ‘CLas' from new shoots, and young and mature leaves. Probing and feeding behavior were monitored using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique, and pathogen acquisition efficiencies were tested by qPCR. The results showed that some EPG variables were significantly influenced by host-plant leaf maturity. The duration of waveform C (pathway phase) on new shoots was significantly longer than that on young leaves and mature leaves. In contrast, the duration of waveform E2 (phloem ingestion) was significantly shorter on new shoots and young leaves than on mature leaves. However, the duration taken for stylets of adult D. citri to reach the phloem and commence ingestion was not related to leaf maturity status. The qPCR results indicated that 23 of the 24 adults for which E2 waveforms were recorded harbored ‘CLas'. In addition, the minimum period of E2 waveform of these individuals was only 2 min. Proportions of ‘CLas'-positive adults feeding on mature leaves, young leaves and new shoots, were 55%, 40% and 35%, respectively. The main EPG variables were not significantly different between the males and females. Our results suggest that the acquisition of ‘CLas' by adult D. citri is highly efficient, even when feeding on mature leaves. Therefore to effectively manage both vector and pathogen, D. citri populations should be monitored carefully, even when the trees stop producing new growth.

Complete metamorphosis, a key innovation in insect development, promotes diversification of species, but whether larval and adult morphologies evolve independently remains unknown. To analyze morphological continuity between the legs of the larva and the adult, the regeneration frequencies and lengths of regenerated legs of the seven-spotted lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata (Coccinella: Coccinellidae), were studied in the laboratory. The results showed the regenerated legs appeared only in the adult stage rather than in the larval instars. Regeneration frequency was greater following half ablation than after complete ablation and decreased with increasing instar of the ablated larvae, but it was unaffected by the thoracic location of the ablated leg or the side of the body to which the leg was attached. The length of the regenerated leg was longer in half ablation than in complete ablation, but it had no significant relationship with the above locations and the number of the instar. Partially regenerated legs in complete ablation were shorter than in half ablation, while completely regenerated legs appeared to be slightly shorter than the contralateral legs, which had not been ablated. A critical point in time of development when the frequency of leg regeneration began to decline was found to be at day 3.5 of the fourth instar's stadium. Subsequently on day 4, the regeneration frequency became quite small. The present study indicated that adult leg patterning is inherited from the larval leg and does not develop independently of the larval leg. Thus larval morphology constrains adult morphology in C. septempunctata.

The male of Canaea bibarra (Chu & Wang, 1991) (Lepidoptera: Thyrididae: Striglininae) was discovered in Hainan, China for the first time. The male adult is very similar to female except for the paler ground color and monopectinate antenna. The male adults and the genitalia are described, with notes on their distribution and how they differ from related species.

An important objective of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to reduce chemical contamination of the environment and food; for example by replacing broadcast sprays with selective toxic baits. The objective of the study was to evaluate the toxicity and residual effects of the a ready-for-use commercial bait Success* 0.02 CB^®, which contains 0.24 g a.i. L^-1 of spinosad, and to compare it's performance to a few other formulations with spinosad and malathion mixed either in hydrolyzed corn protein (Biofruit^® 3%) or in sugarcane molasses (7%) on adults Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions. In the laboratory, formulations with spinosad caused mortality equivalent to malathion-based toxic baits 96 h after exposure of the insects, regardless of the attractive substance used. In the greenhouse, Success* 0.02 CB^®, resulted in mortality of 81.9% of A. fraterculus adults 7 days after application of treatment; being significantly superior to either standard spinosad or malathion treatments (mortality between 44.1 to 62.1%) in the same evaluation period. In field, in the absence of rain, Success* 0.02 CB^® and spinosad formulations with Biofruit^® 3% or sugarcane molasses (7%) caused mortalities from 70.0 to 83.0% up to 7 DAT, not differing statistically from the malathion treatments (mortality of 100%) during this time. However, at 10 DAT only malathion formulations with Biofruit^® 3% or sugarcane molasses (7%) substantial mortalities, i.e., 73.3% and 76.7%, respectively, which were superior to formulations with spinosad (mortality < 45%). However, at 14 DAT all tested formulations caused less than 40% mortality of A. fraterculus adults. One day after a rain (3.8 mm), the formulations with malathion caused mortalities between 56.7 and 81.8%, which were statistically superior to the formulations with spinosad (mortality < 20%). However, after the occurrence of an additional 0.4 mm of rain, all formulations caused mortality lower than 15%. Biofruit^® 3% can be used as a replacement for sugarcane molasses (7%) in formulating toxic baits and Success* 0.02 CB^® and other formulations with spinosad may be used to replace malathion to manage populations of A. fraterculus. In practical field operations, the effectiveness of toxic bait formulations may be extended by applying them to the lower canopy where they are partially protected from rain.

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an ecologically oriented strategy for pest control and a very important tool for establishing low pest prevalence and/or areas free of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). This technique involves releasing highly competitive sterile adults into an area with the aim to induce sterility in the wild population. Because genetic sexing strains are an economical and efficient improvement for SIT, the Moscafrut Program in Mexico developed the Tapachula-7 (Tap-7) strain of Anastrepha ludens (Loew) from which the female flies emerge from black pupae and can be separated mechanically allowing release of predominantly male flies. This study compared the field dispersal and survival of Tap-7 adult males with those of standard mass-reared adult males (SMR strain) after irradiation, packaging, and an aerial release of chilled adults. The Tap-7 strain exhibited a statistically larger dispersal pattern and slightly lower, although not statistically significant, survival compared with the SMR strain. These results show that both strains should perform similarly in the field and suggest that the Tap-7 strain could replace the standard one for field release of sterile flies against A. ludens wild populations in the near future, reducing costs in the use of the SIT.

Type material of 3 North American Verrucoentomon (Protura: Acerentomidae, Nipponentominae) species was studied: Verrucoentomon imadatei Nosek, 1977 from Alaska, Verrucoentomon mixtum Nosek, 1981 from Alaska and Verrucoentomon canadensis (Tuxen, 1955) from northern Canada. Additional morphological characters for V. imadatei and V. canadensis are provided. Verrucoentomon mixtum is redescribed and transferred to the genus Imadateiella Rusek, 1974 due to the presence of 4 pairs of A-setae on the metanotum rather than 3 and the absence of teeth on the hind margins of segments IX–XI. Imadateiella mixta (Nosek, 1981) is characterized by the presence of P1a setae on tergites I–VII, 4 A-setae on tergite VIII and only 4 setae on sternite VIII. The species is unique within the Nipponentominae in having only one long terminal spine on the labial palp. Imadateiella is redefined and a key to its species is provided.

Spodoptera spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are highly polyphagous pests that inflict serious damage to a wide spectrum of crops. The ability of Spodoptera spp. to thrive on diverse host plants is an adaptive advantage for their survival in the ecosystem, which is achieved by its high mobility, fecundity and capacity to develop resistance to wide spectrum of chemical insecticides. In this study, we present molecular diversity and phylogenetic relationship of S. litura (Fabricius) and S. exigua (Hübner) inferred from mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase-I (COI). Alignment of the sequences of COI from various life stages of the 2 species of Spodoptera shows that the molecular identification is independent of life stages and polymorphism of the target species. Maximum likelihood analyses of S. litura, S. exigua and S. mauritia (Boisduval) reveal that there exist significant variations among these. Spodoptera exigua showed intraspecific variations with respect to different geographic locations. Present study proves the utility of COI for identification of S. litura and S. exigua irrespective of their life stages, and also draws inferences on the phylogenetic relationships between the 3 pest species.

The leafhopper genus Phlogotettix Ribaut (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) is reviewed, and to the 10 species known so far, one new species Phlogotettix subhimalayanus sp. nov. is added and described. The latter has been analyzed for its mtCOI. Phlogotettix indicus Rao is redescribed. An annotated checklist and key to the species is also provided.

The effect of access to buckwheat flowers (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench; Polygonales: Polygonaceae) or vetch extrafloral nectaries (Vicia sativa L. cv. ‘cahaba white’; Fabales: Fabaceae) on the fitness of Anagyrus pseudococci (Girault) (Hymenotpera: Encyrtidae) (a parasitoid of the vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus [Signoret]) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was determined in the laboratory. Female A. pseudococci provided with vetch survived 4 days longer compared with water only. Buckwheat had no effect on the average longevity of A. pseudococci. Anagyrus pseudococci offspring production increased by 132% and 152% when females were provided either vetch or buckwheat, respectively, when compared with water. There was no significant difference in parasitoid longevity or fecundity between plant species. Buckwheat increased the percentage of female A. pseudococci offspring by 15% and 19% when compared with water and vetch, respectively.

Leidyula floridana (Leidy, 1851) (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Veronicellidae), also known as Florida leatherleaf slug, has long been known to be a pest of ornamental plants in southern Florida, and of food crops in the Caribbean region. Its geographic range is expanding, and it also has become an intermediate host for the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Chen, 1935) (Strongylida: Metastrongylidae), which can cause meningoencephalitis in humans and other primates if ingested. Thus, it is increasingly important that we understand its biology and management. We determined that about 50% survived more than 18 mo under laboratory conditions. It attained a maximum mean weight of about 13.4 g after 18 mo, but individuals as large as 28.5 g were occasionally obtained in our cultures. It burrowed in the soil or sought shelter during the daylight hours. Slugs began egg production when 3–7 g in weight, and deposited clusters of about 45 oval eggs in or atop the soil. Eggs measured about 7.4 mm in length and 4.8 mm in width, and commonly were produced by slugs 150–350 days after hatching. Older slugs, for the most part, seemed to be post-reproductive. Eggs hatched after about 2 weeks of incubation at 26°C. Slugs burrowed into moist soil (≥ 50% of soil moisture capacity) in preference to drier soil. When newly hatched slugs were fed various potential foods, they grew well on some vegetables and weeds, but not all. The ornamental plants evaluated were less suitable, as were miscellaneous materials such as mushrooms and animal feces. However, most materials allowed the slugs to survive for over 30 d, and if they were provided with suitable food thereafter, they commenced rapid growth. Larger slugs readily consumed the host plants suitable for growth of young slugs, and consumed measurable quantities of about 80% of the plant species presented. Thus, this species is very resilient, and many organic materials will allow them to survive protracted periods. The amount of leaf tissue consumed per day by this slug increased with size (age) until attaining a mean slug weight of about 8 g, then the rate of consumption tapered off. In the case of Romaine lettuce, average foliage consumption peaked at about 15–20 cm² per day. The relative consumption rate (cm²/g/day) declined with age throughout development. We tested 4 commercial snail and slug bait products for comparative effectiveness. The metaldehyde-, iron phosphate-, and sodium ferric EDTA-containing baits all induced significant levels of mortality, though the metaldhyde-containing bait induced mortality more quickly and resulted in a higher level of mortality. All 3 of these baits arrested foliage consumption. The orthoboric acid bait did not induce mortality or affect consumption, apparently because the bait substrate of this product was not eaten by the slugs. Neem oil, which has been reported to be a phagostimulant for the snail Zonitoides arboreus, did not affect consumption of orthoboric acid bait or foliage.

The Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a pest of agricultural and horticultural crops. It is a species complex consisting of 34 cryptic species. For the distinction of these cryptic species molecular data is extensively used, but corroboration of these with life history traits has been inadequate. In the present study life history traits of 3 cryptic species Asia I, Asia II-1 and Asia II-7 were compared to verify whether biology data of these coincide with molecular data and genetic identities. The results revealed that developmental periods of Asia I, Asia II-1 and Asia II-7 groups ranged from 23.65 to 25.75 days and these were longer in Asia I than Asia II. Survivorships were nearly equal in all these varying from 68.23 to 69.12% with the variations being statistically insignificant. However, the durations of the preoviposition period, egg stage, fourth instar and longevity were observed to be significantly varying (P ≤ 0.001). Multivariate analysis of the life history parameters through principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first 4 principal components (PCs) account for 49.5% of total variation. Separate clusters were observed for the Asia I, Asia II-1 and Asia II-7 with slight overlapping. Overall 70% of the classifications got correctly attributed through canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) and the clustering confirmed the groups revealed by principal component analysis (PCA). These clusterings were reconfirmed in the genetic identity of the 3 cryptic species Asia I, Asia II-1 and Asia II-7 determined through molecular characterization. Thus this study adds to the knowledge on the life history traits of the B. tabaci and its cryptic species complex in India.

Two new Chinese Cryptocercus (Blattodea: Cryptocercidae) species, C. arcuatus sp. nov. and C. convexus sp. nov., are described together with photographs. This description includes the external structure of the adults and structures of the female genitalia. A comparative study of female genitalia was based on the 5 Chinese species in the family Cryptocercidae. Significant differences in female genitalia of Cryptocercidae are summarized. A key to these 5 species and a checklist of the species of Cryptocercus worldwide are provided.

Color and volatile stimulus preferences of Drosophila repleta (Patterson) Diptera: Drosophilidae), a nuisance pest of swine and poultry facilities, were tested using sticky card and bottle traps. Attractions to red, yellow, blue, orange, green, purple, black, grey and a white-on-black contrast treatment were tested in the laboratory. Drosophila repleta preferred red over yellow and white but not over blue. Other than showing preferences over the white control, D. repleta was not observed to have preferences between other colors and shade combinations. Pinot Noir red wine, apple cider vinegar, and wet swine feed were used in volatile preference field trials. Red wine was more attractive to D. repleta than the other volatiles tested, but there were no differences in response to combinations of a red wine volatile lure and various colors. Odor was found to play the primary role in attracting D. repleta.

Euxesta annonae Fabricius, E. eluta Loew, E. stigmatias Loew, and Chaetopsis massyla Walker (Diptera: Ulidiidae) are primary sweet corn pests in Florida. Few natural enemies of these flies are known. The pupal parasitoid Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae Rondani (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) was discovered in a laboratory colony of E. eluta and E. stigmatias, and its potential as a biological control agent was studied. Development times in fresh, chilled, and frozen E. eluta pupae were recorded. Fly larvae were allowed to dig into soil to pupate, and pupae covered by 2.5 cm of soil were presented to wasps to determine if P. vindemmiae could locate them. Finally, to evaluate susceptibility to insecticides commercially used in ear-stage sweet corn, adult parasitoids were caged on maize leaves treated with chlorpyrifos, methomyl, or zeta cypermethrin for 24 h. Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae completed development in normal, chilled, and frozen fly pupae in 15–17 days. None of the fly pupae covered by soil were parasitized. Chlorpyrifos and methomyl residues killed >95% of P. vindemmiae within 24 h. Zeta cypermethrin was slower acting, but resulted in 50% mortality after 24 h. Therefore, P. vindemmiae does not appear to be well suited as an effective biological control agent of maize-infesting Ulidiidae in sweet corn fields. This is the first known account of this cosmopolitan parasitoid attacking maize-infesting ulidiids.

Four species in the leafhopper genus Ishiharella Dworakowska from China (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) are reviewed, along with a new species, I. paradentata sp. nov. from southern China (Fujian, Jiangxi and Zhejiang Provinces). Ishiharella scitula Qin & Zhang, 2004 is treated as a junior synonym of I. iochoui Dworakowska, 1982. The generic characteristics are redefined. A detailed morphological description, illustrations and photographs are provided. A key to the known species of Ishiharella from China, based on male anatomy, is also given.

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), the vector of huanglongbing, has been found in several citrus areas of Mexico, apparently attacked by the fungus Hirsutella citriformis Speare (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae). As this entomopathogen could represent a potential agent of D. citri biological control in the country, we performed this study to characterize 7 strains of the fungus isolated from this insect. For the molecular characterization we used internal transcribed spacer sequences 1 and 2 (ITSs 1 and 2) and 28S rDNA. In the morphological description we determined size of reproductive structures in the strains as well as their blastospore production capacity. BLAST analysis of the ITSs sequences showed less than 91% and 72% of identity and coverage with Ophiocordyceps sinensis or H. citriformis; meanwhile, gen 28S sequences showed high identity (98–99%) and coverage (98–100%) with O. elongata (Petch) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora and O. coccidiicola (Kobayasi) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora. The phylogenetic analysis using 28S sequences demonstrated that the Mexican strains are closely related with H. citriformis; however, size of phialide and conidial diameter showed differences with dimensions reported for the species in the original description. Under dark conditions, 6 strains were able to produce mucilaginous colonies that contained blastospores; these structures caused 30.8–41.2% mortality in the target insect. The results suggest that Hirsutella strains isolated from D. citri in Mexico, correspond to H. citriformis. We found dimorphic capacity and variability in size of the reproductive structures of the fungus. This is the first report of ITSs and 28S sequences of H. citriformis obtained from strains isolated from D. citri

A list of 91 species of thrips from Guadeloupe and Martinique, including 28 new records, is provided. New data on the ecology of some species and additional records of parasitoids and predators of thrips are given. A list of plants is provided on which populations of thrips have been observed, in some cases, with the presence of immature stages and/or thrips feeding damage.

An experiment was conducted to manage the eggplant (brinjal) shoot and fruit borer Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), the leafhopper Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), and the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) during kharif, the southwest monsoon season (Jul-Oct), in 2010 and 2011 at an experimental farm at the Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The experiment consisted of 7 different treatments with brinjal or eggplant ‘Pusa Kranti’, Solanum melongena L. (Solanales: Solanaceae), as the main crop and coriander, marigold or mint as intercrops, along with a border crop (maize or cowpea) acting as refuge crops. Treatment T1 (maize as border crop and coriander as intercrop) harbored the smallest cumulative mean leafhopper population (6.90 insects per 3 leaves per plant) and the next to smallest mean whitefly population (9.64 insects per 3 leaves per plant) during monsoon season of 2010 and 2011. Treatment T3 (maize as border crop and marigold as intercrop) was second best in reducing the leafhopper population (7.27 insects per 3 leaves per plant), while it was the best treatment in reducing the whitefly population (8.36 insects per 3 leaves per plant). The sole crop (T7) harbored the largest whitefly (20.17 insects per 3 leaves per plant) and leafhopper (12.61 insects per 3 leaves per plant) populations among the 7 treatments. The lowest mean percentage fruit infestation was recorded from treatment T1 (by number: 27.72; by weight: 27.81). All the treatments involving intercrops showed significantly lower percentage fruit infestation by L. orbonalis than eggplant alone (T7, control), which showed 37.73% infestation by number of fruits and 38.13% by weight of the fruits. The greatest mean number of coccinellids (1.25 per plant) and largest Shannon-Wiener indices were recorded from treatment T1 (maize and coriander). The smallest mean number of coccinellids (0.37 per plant) and smallest Shannon-Wiener indices were recorded from the sole crop control, T7. Various plant volatiles present in the intercrop were identified by the thermal desorption technique. Twenty one volatile compounds were present in coriander, 7 in marigold, and 18 in mint. The current state of knowledge of the behavioral effects (repellency, attractancy, no effect) of each chemical with respect the various herbivorous insects and natural enemies is summarized and this information will facilitate quantitative studies on how different pest and beneficial insects respond to plant volatiles in polycultures.

Previously 3 Chinese species of the genus Xanthochlorus (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) were known to occur in Shaanxi and Henan. Here this genus is newly reported from Tibet with one new species, Xanthochlorus tibetensis sp. nov. This finding extends the distribution of the genus in Asia to the Himalayas. Relationship of the new species with the known ones is discussed. A revised key to the Chinese species of Xanthochlorus is presented.

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae), a highly destructive pest in citrus groves around the world, has developed resistance to many registered acaricides. Hexythiazox is a selective miticide that has been widely used to control citrus mites in a variety of crops. Forty-six cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase genes related to general pesticide resistance in other insect species were obtained from the transcriptomes of the hexythiazox-resistant (RR) and hexythiazox-susceptible (SS) strains of P. citri and divided into 4 clans, 15 families and 24 subfamilies. Sequence analyses of each CYP resulted in detection of 3 mutationsin the CYP307A1 gene (841-A to C, 1395-T to C, 1491-T to C) that differed between the 2 strains. Only the change at an amino acid position (278-lysine to glutamine) resulted in a sense mutation. One SNP site was also detected in CYP381A2 (40-A to T) causing a sense amino acid mutation (14-threonine to serine). Seven of these P450s belonged to the CYP2 clan, CYP3 clan and CYP4 clan based on digital gene expression (DGE) library sequencing with a |log₂ ratio| value greater than 2, but there were no significant differences revealed by qRT-PCR analysis. This study provides essential information for future research on the hexythiazox-resistance mechanism of P. citri. More methods are needed to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of resistance to hexythiazox in P. citri.

Lepidonella is a small genus of scaled Paronellidae comprising 12 species distributed mainly across the Ethiopian, Oriental and Australian biogeographic regions. Most species are poorly described by current standards and little is known about their dorsal chaetotaxy. Previous observations of the chaetotaxy of the second and third abdominal segments led to suggestions that Lepidonella may be more closely related to Lepidocyrtus than to other paronellids, thus rendering Paronellidae polyphyletic. Here we describe the complete dorsal chaetotaxy of the Neotropical species, Lepidonella incerta (Mari Mutt, nec Handschin), and Lepidonella zeppelinii sp. nov., to evaluate the position of Lepidonella among genera of scaled Paronellidae. The abundant, largely undifferentiated chaetotaxy of L. incerta and L. zeppelinii sp. nov. suggests a basal position for Lepidonella among scaled Paronellidae. Putative synapomorphies of the chaetotaxy of the head and metathorax supporting the monophyly of Lepidonella lead us to conclude that most similarities in chaetotaxy between New World Lepidonella and Lepidocyrtus represent symplesiomorphies. We also conclude that Paronellidae s. lat. (i.e., including Cyphoderinae) is derived from an Orchesellinae or Heteromurini-like species and is sister to Entomobryinae. In addition, we describe L. zeppelinii sp. nov. from Brazil, the first member of the genus described for South America, we propose a new name, L. marimuti n. name, for L. incerta (Mari Mutt), which is a junior homonym of L. incerta (Handschin), transfer to the genus Trogolaphysa two species previously assigned to Lepidonella, and provide an identification key to the species of Lepidonella of the world.

A survey of the richness, abundance and species composition of Sphingidae (Lepidoptera) was performed in a fragment of Atlantic Rainforest at the Serra do Japi Biological Reserve, Municipality of Jundiaí, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Sampling was done monthly, on 2 consecutive nights, from Dec 2011 to Oct 2012, totaling 264 hours of sampling effort. The hawkmoths were attracted by a light trap. Our results were compared with data from a survey of Sphingidae carried out in another fragment of Atlantic Rainforest, i.e., at the Boraceia Biological Station, Municipality of Salesópolis, São Paulo. Richness estimators, rarefaction curves and rank/abundance plots were used to describe the assemblage sampled in this study and to compare it with the data set from Boraceia. We collected 462 specimens, members of 3 subfamilies, 5 tribes, 18 genera and 39 species. Callionima parce (Fabricius) was the most abundant species, comprising 33% of the individuals. Orecta lycidas (Boisduval), an under-sampled species in the Atlantic Rainforest, was recorded for the first time in the area of Serra do Japi. The assemblage showed lower species richness and evenness than the assemblage at Boraceia, probably due to differences in climate, vegetation and size of the forest fragment in which the reserves are situated. Nevertheless, our results emphasize the importance of the Serra do Japi Biological Reserve for the fauna of Lepidoptera of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest.

We provide the first documented occurrence of the woodrat bot fly, Cuterebra americana successfully completing larval development from the roof rat, Rattus rattus. We also document the pupal development time and atypical host damage from this infestation.

A spine was observed in the hind wings of male coffee berry borers, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), although it was not present in all males. Females do not exhibit the spine. The function of the spine remains unknown although one possibility is that it might have had a stridulatory role in acoustic communication.

The use of particle film technology has not been documented previously to protect cacao (Theobroma cacao L.; Malvales: Malvaceae) against insect feeding. Laboratory assessment of the use of local kaolin against the cacao mirid bug, Helopeltis collaris Stal (Hemiptera: Miridae), revealed a highly positive and statistically significant repellence of this insect pest on kaolin-treated cacao pods. This result warrants follow up field studies to evaluate further the potential of kaolin clay to control cacao pests in the Philippines.

Citrus growers, researchers, and policy makers are commonly interested in knowing the rate of CLas pathogen infection in populations of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in Florida and elsewhere. Given that HLB is widespread across Florida, a common presumption is that nearly 100% of D. citri are currently carrying the pathogen. We investigated this presumption and found that instead, in 2014 — nearly a decade after HLB was officially detected in Florida — the rate of CLas infection in populations of D. citri varies widely between commercial citrus growing locations. Across the state, infection rates ranged from 37.5 to 100%, with an average of 68.8% (SD 25.3%). We suggest that there may be yet unknown factors responsible for the lower rates of infection found at certain sites, particularly in South Florida, that may be useful for management of this disease when determined. Our future goal is to identify the potential factors that affect CLas infection rates within field populations of D. citri across Florida under varying management practices and geographical locations.

Reproductive modes and daily fecundity of Aenasius bambawalei Hayat (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), were elucidated in this experiment. Aenasius bambawale reproduced mainly by gamogenesis and occasionally by arrhenotokous parthenogenesis. Aenasius bambawalei females allocated far more energy sources to their own survival than to reproduction during the mid and late portions of the ovipositional period. Therefore, newly emerged adult parasitoids should be chosen for mass rearing and for use in the biological control of P. solenopsis.

Dicyphus agilis Uhler (Hemiptera: Miridae) is reported for the first time in Colombia as a predator of aphids. This study describes the external morphology and genitalia of the most prominent structures of males and females of D. agilis, which are necessary to differentiate this species from others with phytophagous habits in Colombia.

Previous molecular operational taxonomic unit (MOTU) survey work with diplogastrid dauers from the abdominal glands of adult female soil-dwelling andrenid bees in Turkey had suggested commensal relationships between species of the genus Andrena and a new species of Koerneria and several species from an unidentified nematode clade near “Mononchoides” (based upon comparisons with GenBank at the time). We used reverse taxonomy on dauer nematodes from Andrena optata from Turkey to successfully culture, morphotype, and sequence adult nematodes that fully matched Pristionchus maupasi and one of the MOTUs previously isolated as dauers from the abdominal glands of A. limata and A. flavipes, and previously designated as belonging to the clade near “Mononchoides.” This study demonstrates the value of reverse taxonomy for resolving MOTU identification issues as the depth of the reference sequence database increases and successful cultures or environmental samples of adults are made available for morphotypic and genotypic comparisons. In addition, it has helped expand our knowledge of the potential host range and biogeographical distribution of P. maupasi which was originally thought to be relatively host specific on scarab beetles, and has raised questions about the chemical ecology of dauers for this species in the wild.

We provide the first survey of collembolan fauna of the archipelago Fernando de Noronha (Brazil) with 36 new records of species for the archipelago and a genus Calvatomina Yosii, 1966) and a subgenus (Setogaster Salmon, 1951) new for Brazil. Moreover the following is proposed replacement name: Collophora terrabrasilis nom. nov. for Collophora brasilis Zeppelini & Brito (2013).

In the laboratory, immature Kukulcania hibernalis (Hentz 1842) (Araneae: Filistatidae) exhibited a combination of isometric and positively allometric growth during the first 32 wk of life according to 9 measures of body size. When given an array of artificial holes to use as nest sites, spiders age 2, 8, and 24 wk tended to select holes proportionate to their body sizes. These findings raise the question of whether populations of K. hibernalis in the wild are constrained by the limited availability of suitably sized nest sites.

The ultrastructure and development of new stylets was studied in pre-molting first instar nymph of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Two oval-shaped masses of cuboidal hypodermal cells, located in the cephalic region, had long extensions that ended with developing pairs of mandibular and maxillary stylets, apparently coiled around these masses. A new structure, probably composed of softer cuticle, was found on the ventral side of each developing stylet suggesting that this structure may work as a mold during formation of the new stylets. Other organs of 1st instar nymphs, including the filter chamber and bacteriome, are also ultrastructurally described.

Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitizes the larvae, pupae and adults of Diatraea saccharalis, and therefore seems to be a suitable candidate for the biological control of D. saccharalis in commercial sugarcane in Brazil and other industries where this stem borer is an important pest. The aim of our study was to analyze the biological characteristics of this natural enemy on sugarcane borer. The research was conducted in the Laboratory of Entomology/Biological Control (LECOBIOL) at the “Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias” of the “Universidade da Grande Dourados (UFGD)” in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Ten of each of the following life stages: 24-h old egg masses, fifth instar larvae, pupae and adults of D. saccharalis were isolated and exposed to parasitism by seven T. howardi parasitoids females. Parasitism rates by T. howardi of the adult, fifth instar larva and pupal stages of D. saccharalis were 2%, 56% to 68%, respectively. Emergence rates of 14%, 100% and 100% were recorded for adult, fifth instar larvae, and adults, respectively. The duration of each life cycle (egg to adult) of T. howardi on the pupae, fifth instar larvae and adults of D. saccharalis were 20 ± 0.03, 27.00 ± 0.01, 33 ± 0.00 days, respectively. Fecundity and the female-based sex ratio of T. howardi were greatest in the pupae of D. saccharalis, at 70.44 ± 5.22 and 0.85 ± 0.41, respectively. Parasitism and the emergence of T. howardi from the fifth instar larvae, pupae and adults of D. saccharalis revealed the ability of this natural enemy to establish itself in culture, even in the absence of host pupae.

We monitored dispersing coffee berry borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), with easily-manufactured, alcohol-baited funnel traps and quantified associated berry infestation on 8 coffee farms in 2 regions in Caldas, Colombia. Flight activity and damage to berries was highest in the 2–3 months after the main harvest (Jan through Mar) and was greater in large farms, where insecticides were used, compared with small farms where efficient and frequent cultural control was implemented. The use of traps and attractants will help farmers track CBB populations and localize efforts to control this pest.

I found Bagnalliella mojave Hood (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) restricted to small, isolated Yucca brevifolia Engelmann (Liliales: Agavaceae) that likely compete less for soil moisture and have high leaf water-contents.

The Formosan subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus Shriaki; (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), is a major pest that is spreading throughout the southeastern United States. Morphological identification of worker specimens is not possible using available taxonomic keys based on morphological traits. A multiplex PCR protocol was developed that can differentiate the Formosan subterranean termite from other termite species in a single PCR reaction. This multiplex PCR protocol simplifies previous molecular diagnostic techniques.

Field surveys revealed that in south Florida the recently established Mikania micrantha Kunth (Asterales: Asteraceae: Eupatorieae) had a lower diversity of monophagous insect herbivores compared to the native Mikania spp. or Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob. (Asterales: Asteraceae: Eupatorieae). In addition, Mikania micrantha served as a host for pests of agricultural and ornamental crops in Florida.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an economically significant pest of sorghum and maize. Laboratory bioassays are often conducted for convenience and for fall armyworm confinement but as the number of entries and replications increase, the replenishing of fresh tissue daily and the cleaning of insect diet cups or petri dishes becomes laborious. The current study was conducted to determine if agar plates, used to retain leaf moisture, supplemented with benzimidazole, a fungicide that delays leaf senescence and retards fungicide growth, can be used to assess fall armyworm feeding on fresh maize and sorghum leaf tissue with minimal labor. We conducted 2 trials consisting of 3 cultivars of maize with known resistance or susceptibility to fall armyworm feeding, and 4 cultivars of sorghum that are parents of existing mapping populations. The top 2 (whorl) leaves were removed from 36–37-day old plants, 7.6 cm long pieces of leaf were excised, and each piece was placed on a benzimidazole agar plate. One larva per plate was placed on the leaf tissue; the plate was sealed with Parafilm and placed in an incubator for 7 days. Average larval weights for Trial 1 were significantly different than Trial 2 after 7 days, and thus each trial was analyzed separately. For both trials, the larvae that were fed susceptible maize line ‘AB24E’ had weights that were significantly greater than larvae fed resistant maize lines ‘Mp708’ and ‘FAW1430’. No significant differences in weight were observed for fall armyworm larvae fed on the 4 sorghum lines except for those larvae fed ‘Collier’ in Trial 2, which had weights significantly greater than larvae fed the other 3 sorghum cultivars (Entry 22, ‘Honey Drip’, ‘AN109’). Thus, the benzimidazole agar plate method is an easy and effective method for assessing fall armyworm feeding on maize and sorghum, and thus can be used to identify maize and sorghum germplasm lines with resistance to fall armyworm.

We deeply regret that the name of BERNIE DOMINIAK was misspelled In Florida Entomologist 97(4), December 2014 on page 1660 of in the cited reference of Gilchrist et al. 2006 in the following article MOLINA-NERY, MAYRA C., LORENA RUIZ-MONTOYA, C. SILVIA ZEPEDA-CISNEROS AND PABLO LIEDO—Genetic Structure of Populations of Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Mexico. Florida Entomol. 97(4): 1648–1661.