When a corpse is found, typical questions of medico-criminal entomology involve: death time estimation or post-mortem interval determination and less frequently, the causes and place where death occurred. Entomological succession represents a powerful tool to calculate or deduce these parameters or questions. Sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from nine species of Diptera of forensic importance registered in GenBank were used in this study. Sequences were aligned and a consensus sequence deduced for each species. A pair of oligonucleotides was designed in high conserve regions that allowed theoretical and simultaneous the co-amplification of the nine species and within this segment we used restriction enzymes (Eco57MI and BscAI) that generate different electrophoretic patterns for each species. Tentatively, with the same pair of oligonucleotides, it is possible to amplify a segment of the COI gene of nine insects of forensic importance and using a simple combination of restriction enzymes, be able to identify them. It is a technique that can be used in any laboratory with basic equipment and is an economically affordable alternative.

As part of a biological control program for the invasive weed, Arundo donax L., several genotypically unique populations of the parthenogenetic stemgalling wasp, Tetramesa romana Walker (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), from Spain and France were released in an infested riparian zone along the Rio Grande from Brownsville to Del Rio, TX. An adventive population of the wasp of unknown origin with limited distribution in Texas was also discovered, evaluated, and released as part of the program. More than 1.2 million wasps representing the mixture of genotypes were aerially released from 2009 to 2011. Wasps dispersed from their original release locations and now have a continuous distribution along the Rio Grande from Brownsville to Del Rio, and have dispersed throughout most of Central Texas with satellite populations as far west as San Angelo (Tom Green County), north as far as Kaufman (Kaufman County), and east to Navasota (Grimes County). The most successful genotype (#4) represented 390 of the 409 wasps recovered and matched both an imported population from the Mediterranean coast of Spain and an adventive population established in Texas before the start of the biological control program. Several other European genotypes of the wasp released in the program apparently failed to establish. This result demonstrated the benefits of evaluating and releasing the maximum genetic diversity of the biological control agent in the introduced range. Abundance of T. romana on the Rio Grande from Laredo to Del Rio averaged 190% more in 2013–2014 compared to a similar study in 2008–2009 before release of the European wasps. A favorability index was developed that showed that conditions from 1969 to 1977 would have been adverse to the wasp; conditions after 2009 were more favorable. Climate matching predicts the wasp will disperse throughout the southern U.S. and Mexico.

Infestation by onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, was determined on transplants of onion (Allium cepa L.) received in Colorado during March and April from out-of-state sources (Imperial Valley, CA; near Phoenix, AZ; and southern Texas) during 2004 to 2008. In the 5 years of the study, 50 to 100% of the transplant lots sampled arrived infested with thrips. Among infested transplant lots, the overall number of thrips averaged 0.15 to 0.63 per plant, with as many as four per plant in some lots. T. tabaci was the dominant thrips species in all seasons and locations of transplant origin. In addition, 19 of 83 (23%) tested lots had plants positive for Iris yellow spot virus. Iris yellow spot virus and T. tabaci were detected in volunteer onion plants as early as 1 May, a few weeks after the summer onion crop was planted, suggesting a possible role of infected volunteer plants in perennation of the virus between onion crops. Iris yellow spot virus and T. tabaci were detected in many common weeds including blue mustard (Chorispora tenella (Pall.) DC), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), flixweed (Descurainia sophia Webb & Berth.), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola L.), and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) in early spring near onion fields in Colorado during 2006 to 2009. Confirmation that Iris yellow spot virus and Iris yellow spot virus-infective thrips overwintered in volunteer onions and some common winter annual and perennial weeds emphasizes that managing volunteer onions and weeds is important for management of iris yellow spot, in addition to planting transplants free of thrips and the pathogen.

Longevity, mobility, and dissipation of Termidor® SC termiticide/ insecticide (fipronil) at the highest recommended label rate (0.125%) was applied to sandy loam soil in greenhouse experiments to simulate field application. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to analyze soil and leachate samples at regular intervals for 12 months after treatment. The mean concentrations of fipronil from initial treated soil and leachate samples were 1,101.75 ± 24.21 µg/g and 0.00 ± 0.00 µl/liter, respectively. Fipronil was recovered from all soil samples throughout the study; however, no fipronil was found in leachate samples. At all post-treatment analyses the highest concentration of fipronil recovered was in the middle soil profile. Results of this study indicated that fipronil was bound to the soil, and there was little movement of the active ingredient within the soil profile.

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a polyphagous insect with natural resistance to insecticide; various strategies have been used for its control. Novel compounds derived from N-oxide have low toxicity to humans but are biologically activity against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and even insects. Five N-oxide derivatives (QX1, QX2, QX3, QX4, and QX5) were evaluated through diet and spray assays to determine toxic activity and most-effective administration route in three Mexican populations of S. frugiperda. Larvae were collected from fields of maize, Zea mays L., in three regions of Mexico: Mante, Tamaulipas (Northeast); Durango, Durango (Northwest); and Tapachula, Chiapas (Southern). The three Mexican populations were sensitive to QX5 (benzofuroxan N-oxide derivative) that when ingested killed 100% of larvae, and had variable sensitivity to quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives that negatively affected growth of larvae. Ingested QX2, QX3, and QX4 most inhibited growth (54–64%) of the Mante population. QX3 most inhibited growth (almost 90%) of the Tapachula population, and Q1 inhibited growth of 91% of the larvae in the Durango population. With topical application, all compounds killed less than 10% of the larvae, and only QX2 and QX3 inhibited growth of 31% of fall armyworm larvae from the Durango population. Benzofuroxane killed most and quinoxalines caused variation in growth inhibition of fall armyworm larvae; in both cases, ingestion was most effective in killing larvae. The benzofuroxan N-oxide derivative might have good potential for development of safer and more effective insecticides against this pest.

A native strain of Heterorhabditis indica Poinar, Karunakar & David nematode from Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, was identified by sequencing internal transcribed spacer regions of ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Assays against immature sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), used four strains of nematodes: Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar Guatemala strain, H. bacteriophora Chiapas strain, a commercial product Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (Koppert®), and the H. indica native strain from Sinaloa. All strains at concentrations of 1,000, 750, 500, and 250 infective juveniles per milliliter, without significant differences among them, killed 70 to 95% of B. tabaci biotype B nymphs on leaves of tomato, Solanum lycopersicum (Mill), under laboratory conditions. This study is the first report of a native H. indica strain in Mexico, which is proposed as a biological control agent against B. tabaci.

Silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Aleyrodidae), potato/ tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Sulc. (Triozidae), and western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thripidae), are insect pests of economic importance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and other solanaceous vegetables in México. Soil is the main reservoir for many entomopathogenic fungi known as biological control agents important for IPM, but only a few strains obtained from soil have been used against insect pests. In this study, the biological activity of two native isolates of entomopathogenic fungi (from soil at Chihuahua, México), was evaluated against immatures of the three insect pests in a laboratory. Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) (Bb-CIAD1) isolate was more virulent than the Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Socorin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) (Ma-CIAD1) isolate. Mortality based on mycosis varied significantly 8 days after inoculation. The number of immature insects infected by fungi was correlated with spore concentration. Beauveria bassiana (Bb-CIAD1) and M. anisopliae (Ma-CIAD1) had LT₅₀ values of 5.6–6.4 and 5.3–6.5 days, respectively. The results indicated that psyllids, thrips, and whiteflies were susceptible to the native fungal isolates with potential as microbial control agents. Based on the results, we suggest the native isolates of entomopathogenic fungi from soil could be used as biological control agents of many other insect pests.

A new Nearctic species of the fungus gnat genus Dziedzickia Johannsen was discovered in western Michigan. One adult male flew to a Malaise trap in an ecotone between swamp and second-growth forest dominated by black ash (Fraxinus nigra Marshall), paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marshall), red maple (Acer rubrum L.), and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrhart). Adult females and juveniles of Dziedzickia michigana Taber remain unknown.

Immature stages of the tigerwing butterfly, Mechanitis menapis doryssus Bates (1864), were collected during 10 days of fieldwork southwest of the city of Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. Three species of host plants were identified as belonging to the genus Solanum L. (Solanaceae), all of them new records for Ithomiini host plants in Mexico, and two of them were new reports for the species. The life cycle of the tigerwing is described and observations were made of its immature stages and adult morphology. The morphological data collected provide evidence that verifies the taxonomic status of the subspecies and adds useful characteristics for phylogenetic analysis of the genus Mechanitis.

The life cycle of Optatus palmaris Pascoe was determined in laboratory. Observations were done from August 2011 to July 2012. Alimentary habits and fluctuations of eggs, larvae, and adults were observed under field conditions. Studies were done in Compostela, Nayarit, Mexico. Optatus palmaris completed its life cycle in 216 days; egg 5 days, larva 73 days, pupa 25 days, and adult in 112 days. Adults were observed during the day and night doing damage to fruit ready to be harvested. Density per fruit ranged between 0.1 to 0.2 adult producing a percentage of 68 to 79 damaged fruits and an affected area of 38 to 98%.

Ornamental horticulture is the commercial exploitation of fresh or preserved species that satisfy the visual tastes of consumers. This report compares the alpha and beta diversity associated with the myrmecofauna of ornamental crops of zingiberaceae, heliconias, and palms with different agricultural management practices and a remnant of forest in Ixtaczoquitlán, Veracruz, Mexico. A total of 965 ant workers belonging to 37 species, 25 genera, 16 tribes, and seven subfamilies was collected. Richness, diversity and evenness of species decreased significantly as the degree of management and agricultural intensification increased. The myrmecofauna composition from the forest was significantly different from that found in the three ornamental crops. The impact of ornamental horticulture on biodiversity may be due to farm management. Excessive use of agrochemicals generates local loss of species diversity. Ornamental crops with low intensification of agricultural management could represent a habitat that offers resources and conditions to different ant guilds and other invertebrates.

Two-month cumulative populations of Tetranychus urticae Koch in greenhouse rose (Rosa sp.) cultivars showed the following incidence (from lower to higher): Latin® < Polar Star® < Peokubo® < Leonidas® < Royal Bacara® < Haylander® < Ben Hur®. However, when populations were calculated as mite/day/leaf (A/D/H) we found the following sequence: Latin® < Peokubo® < Polar Star® < Leonidas® < Royal Bacara® < Haylander® < Ben Hur®. In addition, we did not find correlation between secondary metabolites of tepenes and tannins. However, Latin® and Peokubo® cultivars showed a negative correlation with terpenes and tannins. This suggest that Ben Hur®, Haylander®, Royal Bacara®, Leonidas® and Polar Star® cultivars allow broadly the development of T. urticae, meanwhile Latin® and Peokubo® cultivars were more tolerant to T. urticae because of the presence of terpenes and tannins. On the other hand, Abamectin is the active ingredient most commonly applied in rose cultivars at a rate of 500 ml per hectare at US$120.00 per application with two applications biweekly. Thus, the resistant varieties resulted in savings of US$240.00 and low establishment of T. urticae. Moreover, it keeps rose quality suitable for local and national markets.

This is the first report of the presence of the Mexican mealybug (Phenacoccus gossypii) in cultured tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), at different sites in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Tarragon is a perennial herb that has important economical and gastronomic value. The Mexican mealybug is disseminated through vegetative buds contaminated with eggs, larvae, or adults. To control it, several insecticides of different toxicological groups are used; however, their efficacy is low and this option compromises the organic production of this herb. Therefore, we developed a new technique using in vitro culturing of tarragon that does not contain the Mexican mealybug at any life stage, used for greenhouse production. However, it is relevant to mention that further research is needed to obtain the best biocontrol strategies to reduce the risk of new colonization of the Mexican mealybug in tarragon.

The genus Codatractus Lindsey, 1921 (Hesperiidae: Eudaminae) includes 17 taxa; three are endemic to México (C. yucatanus, C. cyledis, and C. uvydixa). The genus is distributed in the Neotropical and southern Neartic region, from southern Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, across Mexico and Central America, to relatively dry regions of Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. We analyzed the geographical distribution of the genus, as correlated with climatic and physiographic factors, based on records from collections, literature, web sites, and field research. Results showed that the greatest number of species occur between 15 and 21°, below the Tropic of Cancer, between 0–1800 m, and are associated with dry forest. The greatest concentration of species occurs in the Balsas Depression and Mexican Pacific Coast. The distribution, diversity, and degree of endemism indicate the genus diversified in Mexico.

We described and compared the chorion morphology of 22 species in 12 genera of the subfamily Coliadinae, collected from 80 females in Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador. Their characterization and ilustration include the main structural features of the eggs: colors, shapes, sizes, and diversity of ornamentation or reticula; possibly from the most widespread in Pieridae (polygon grid) to the derivatives Coliadinae (with the formation of axes and ribs relatively reduced number). We describe for the first time microreticulum associated with the macroreticulum.

On 17 June 2014, large aggregations of Epicauta polingi Werner 1943 (Coleóptera: Meloidae) were observed feeding on the leaves and stems of mountain laurel, Sophora secundiflora (Ortega) Lag. ex DC.; and guajillo, Acacia berlandieri Benth. (Fabaceae). After examination of the existing literature it was determined that these two plants represented new host records for E. polingi.