bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive, developmental and nutritional biology of the tomato moth,Lacanobia oleracea(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) reared on artificial diet
Authors: Corbitt T. S. , Bryning G. , Olieff S. , Edwards J. P.
Published: July 2009

Several aspects of the biology of the tomato moth,Lacanobia oleracea(Linnaeus) were investigated when these insects were fed an artificial diet and kept under laboratory conditions. The six larval stadia occupied a total period of 35.6 days at 20°C and 65% r.h. Larvae of each stadium could be separated by their head capsule widths, but not weight ranges, which overlapped. Feeding studies carried out on larvalL. oleracearevealed instar dependent changes in the indices of food consumption and utilization. Larvae increased in weight from the fourth to sixth instar due to a combination of the increased efficiency with which ingested food was converted to body tissue, and increased food consumption by older larvae. Sixth (final) instar larvae exhibited three distinct behavioural phases; during one of these, the feeding phase, larvae consumed a greater amount of diet than either the fourth or fifth instars. The mean pupal period of non-diapausing pupae was 25 days. Pupal diapause was induced when larvae were reared under short day conditions. The male to female sex ratio of adult moths was 1:1.3. Mating generally began during the first scotophase after adult eclosion, and stopped soon after the start of the next photophase. Females usually mated only once, but males were capable of mating at least seven times. Oviposition normally commenced on day 2 of adult life, and the mean total egg production was 1186 eggs/female. Sex pheromone components were not present in solvent extracts of the pheromone glands of 20-day-old female pupae, but low levels were detected in pharate adults. A further increase in pheromone levels in newly-emerged moths was detected and, in isolated virgin moths, pheromone levels increased each day of adult life until day 9. Pheromone levels were significantly lower in two-day-old mated adult females, than in two-day-old virgins.
Effect of temperature on survival and rate of virogenesis of African horse sickness virus in Culicoides variipennis sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and its significance in relation to the epidemiology of the disease
Authors: Wellby Martin P. , Baylis Matthew , Rawlings Peter , Mellor Philip S.
Published: July 2009

Culicoides variipennis sonorensis Wirth & Jones and C. nubeculosus (Meigen) were orally infected with African horse sickness virus (AHSV) type 9 and subsequently incubated at 10, 15, 20 and 25°C (R.H. 80%±10%). A time course of infection rates and virus titres was recorded by assaying flies individually or in pools, and survival rates of flies were also estimated. Survival rates at 10, 15 and 20°C were very similar and 80–90% of flies remained alive after 14 days; at 25°C after the same period survival was reduced to 40%. None of the C. nubeculosus became persistently infected with AHSV, but the virus took longer to clear as the incubation temperature dropped. At temperatures of 10, 15, 20 and 25°C virus was undetectable on days 12, 8, 5, and 4 days post infection (dpi), respectively. In C. v. sonorensis both the infection rate and rate of virogenesis were related to temperature. At 25°C a maximum mean titre of 104.3 TCID50/fly was reached by 9 dpi and the infection rate remained between 60 and 80%. At 20°C virogenesis was slower and a maximum mean titre of 104.3 TCID50/fly was reached only after 23 days; the infection rate was also reduced to 50–70%. At 15°C there was an overall decline in virus titre with time, although between 12 and 15 dpi some pools of flies contained 103.0–104.0 TCID50/fly, demonstrating that virogenesis can occur. The infection rate at this temperature decreased dramatically to 0–15% after 9 dpi. At 10°C there was no detectable virogenesis and all pools tested at 13 dpi were negative. The apparent infection rate dropped to 0–5% between 13 and 35 days post infection. However, when surviving flies were then returned to 25 °C for 3 days the infection rate increased to 15.5%. It therefore appears that at low temperatures the virus does not replicate but infectious virus may persist at a level below that detectable by the usual assay systems. The implications of these findings for the epidemiology of AHS are discussed.
The sugarcane lophopid planthopperPyrilla perpusilla(Homoptera: Lophopidae): a review of its biology, pest status and control
Authors: Kumarasinghe N.C. , Wratten S.D.
Published: July 2009

The biology, damage and control of the sugarcane pestPyrilla perpusillaWalker are reviewed. The present systematic position, distribution and the range of alternative host plants are surveyed and the life cycle and the extent of damage caused by the pest are considered in detail. The factors influencing the abundance of the insect are discussed, with emphasis on their use in reducing the population of the pest. Much of the published data in this area is based on un replicated observations. However, potential biological control agents for the insect are evaluated with special reference to the most effective nymphal and adult ‘parasitoid’, the mothEpiricania melanoleuca(Fletcher). Many other potential biological control agents have received some study, but in most cases, little more than basic biological information on phenology and life cycle has been published. As considerable changes in chemical control practices over the past fifty years have occurred, these, together with other control methods such as agronomic, mechanical, cultural and host plant resistance approaches are discussed along with prospects for the future, sustainable control of the pest. Research areas which are in need of more work are identified: these are biological control and cultural practices. It is suggested that an integrated approach to future research should be made, incorporating at least host-plant resistance and predation.
Control of yellow stem borer,Scirpophaga incertulas(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) by mating disruption on rice in India: effect of unnatural pheromone blends and application time on efficacy
Authors: Cork A. , De Souza K. , Krishnaiah K. , Kumar D.V.S.S.R. , Reddy A. Ashok , Casagrande E.
Published: July 2009

Single applications of slow-release pheromone formulations were used to control yellow stem borer,Scirpophaga incertulasWalker, by mating disruption in two trials on rice in India. The first trial compared the efficacy of two formulations containing 1:10:1 and 1:10:0 ratios of (Z)-9-hexadecenal, (Z)-ll-hexadecenal and (Z)-9-octadecenal, components of theS. incertulaspheromone, and a commercially-available formulation, Selibate CS, containing the relatedChilo suppressalisWalker pheromone, a 1:10:1 blend of (Z)-9-hexadecenal, (Z)-ll-hexadecenal and (Z)-13-octadecenal, with farmers' practice plots treated with insecticides. Pheromone trap catches indicated that in each of the pheromone-treated plots the catches of male moths were reduced by up to 98% compared with catches in the insecticide-treated plots suggesting that pheromone-mediated communication was disrupted. Larval damage ranged from 5.7 to 8.1% white heads (WH) in the insecticide-treated plots compared to a significantly reduced range of 2.1 to 2.4% WH in the pheromone-treated plots. There was no significant difference between the damage estimates recorded for each of the different pheromone treatments. A second trial compared the effect on efficacy of applying the two-component pheromone formulation on different dates, 9–12 and 39–44 days after transplanting. Both pheromone treatments gave significantly lower levels of WH damage compared to equivalent insecticide treated plots; 1.8, 2.0, and 6% respectively. In both trials rice grain yields increased by between 5 and 12% in pheromone-treated plots compared to insecticide treated plots, which was due, at least in part, to the cumulative effect of reduced stem borer damage in both the tillering and reproductive stages of the crop cycle. The formulations exhibited pseudo-zero order release rates with field lives of between 70 and 90 days.
Comparative status of insecticide resistance in theHelicoverpaandHeliothisspecies (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of south India
Authors: Jadhav Deepak R. , Armes Nigel J.
Published: July 2009

Helicoverpa armigera(Hübner),H. assultaGuenée andHeliothis peltigera(Denis & Schiffermüller) were collected as mixed populations from safflower and the wild hostDatura metel, from Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India, in 1992 and 1993, and their toxicological responses to insecticides determined. BothHelicoverpa armigerastrains were highly resistant to cypermethrin, fenvalerate, endosulfan and quinalphos insecticides, based on resistance ratios relative to laboratory reared susceptible strains. There was no evidence of resistance development inH. assultaandHeliothis peltigerato the same chemicals. Light trap data collected from 1974 to 1987 showed thatHelicoverpa armigerawas at least 100 × more abundant than the other two species over most of the cropping season. Peak catches ofH. assultaandHeliothis peltigerawere confined to defined times in the season, corresponding with the flowering and fruiting periods of their respective host plants; August-October forHelicoverpa assultaand November-December forHeliothis peltigera. Helicoverpa armigeraon the other hand, because of its high polyphagy on commercial and wild hosts, was abundant between August and April. Resistance has not developed inH. assultaandHeliothis peltigerain southern India, probably because of their restricted host range, limiting exposure to insecticides.
The design of target barriers for tsetse flies, Glossina spp. (Diptera: Glossinidae)
Authors: Muzari M.O. , Hargrove J.W.
Published: July 2009

Two small-scale experiments were carried out to test the effectiveness of narrow target barriers against re-invasion by Glossina pallidipes Austen and G. m. morsitans Westwood. The barriers consisted of either one or two lines of targets, with the targets placed at distances of c. 16 m apart within the lines. At this spacing the targets are so close together that a fly could scarcely fail to see at least one target as it crossed the barrier. Nonetheless, in both cases, flies penetrated the barriers with probability c. 10% as judged by catches in odour-baited traps on either side of the barrier. Narrow barriers, even at very high target density, are ineffective against tsetse invasion. This accords with previous theoretical predictions and mark-recapture studies, and suggests that wider barriers are needed for the prevention of re-invasion of cleared areas by tsetse.
Summer diapause in Chrysolina hyperici and C. quadrigemina (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in relation to biological control of St John's wort, Hypericum perforatum (Clusiaceae)
Authors: Schöps K. , Syrett P. , Emberson R.M.
Published: July 2009

The success of the chrysomelid beetles, Chrysolina hyperici (Forster) and C. quadrigemina (Suffrian), used widely for biological control of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) seems to depend on the synchronization of their phenologies with climate. The factors governing the termination of diapause in the field and laboratory were assessed in New Zealand. Before summer diapause, C. hyperici made up more than 70% of adult beetles in the field. Both species entered summer diapause at the beginning of January, but C. quadrigemina terminated diapause 3–4 weeks earlier (early March) than C. hyperici. Both male and female C. quadrigemina and male C. hyperici adults became sexually mature during summer diapause but C. hyperici females still had immature ovaries. Females of C. quadrigemina began laying eggs immediately after summer diapause but females of C. hyperici did not oviposit until more than 2 weeks after they terminated diapause in late March. In the laboratory summer diapause was terminated in both species by short day length, not by simulated rainfall, contradicting previous assumptions that autumn rainfall is the critical factor. The demonstrated differences in phenology are reflected in different overwintering strategies for the two species. Because C. hyperici overwinters in the egg stage, this species will be a more successful biological control agent of St John's wort in countries with cold winters than C. quadrigemina, which overwinters in the more vulnerable larval stage. However, in countries with mild winters C. quadrigemina is more successful in controlling St John's wort than C. hyperici, since it has a developmental lead with its larvae feeding and growing during the winter.
Effects of intercropping on maize stemborers and their natural enemies
Authors: Skovgård Henrik , Päts Peeter
Published: July 2009

The effects of maize–cowpea intercropping on three lepidopteran stemborers (Chilo partellus(Swinhoe)C. orichalcociliellus(Strand) andSesamia calamistisHampson) and their natural enemies were studied in Kenya. Oviposition was not affected by intercropping, but significantly fewer larvae and pupae were found in the intercrop. Egg parasitism was significantly higher in the intercrop reaching as high as 80% and was positively density dependent. Larval and pupal parasitism remained between 3 and 20%, but neither of these were affected by intercropping or host density. The main predators, ants and wandering spiders, were not augmented by intercropping, but an inverse relationship in abundance was found between these two predator groups. It is concluded that maize intercropped with cowpea has only limited potential as a method of controlling the key pests in maize.
The Host-animals of Glossina morsitans at Daga-Iloi
Authors: Weitz B. , Jackson C. H. N.
Published: July 2009

Blood smears from 378 examples of Glossina morsitans Westw. from the Daga-Iloi fly-round were tested by serological methods, including a new test involving the inhibition of agglutination of tanned red blood cells.

About half the feeds were derived from wart-hog or bushpig, though these apparently formed only some ten per cent, of the ungulate mammals present.
The Arthropod Population of the Soil under Elephant Grass in Uganda
Authors: Salt George
Published: July 2009

Six soil samples from elephant-grass leys at Kawanda, Uganda, gave collections representing a population of 87,147 arthropods per sq. metre in the top 12 in. of soil.

Six samples from adjacent cultivated ground gave collections representing a population of 26,150 arthropods per sq. metre.

These numbers are compared with the population of arthropods found in the soil of grazed pastures in East Africa.

The greater population under elephant grass is attributed to the presence of a crumb structure and to the protection afforded by elephant grass against insolation.

It is suggested that the nitrogen contained in these soil arthropods, especially that locked up in the chitin and sclerotin of their skeletons, is part of the nitrate that becomes available some weeks or months after elephant-grass leys are cultivated.
Studies on Aqueous Suspensions of Insecticides. Part V. The Sorption of Insecticides by Soils
Authors: Barlow F. , Hadaway A. B.
Published: July 2009

It is suggested that if the vapour of an insecticide is rapidly adsorbed by a substrate the rate of volatilisation of the molecules of insecticide particles lying on the substrate is greatly increased. This explains the rapid loss of effectiveness of wettable powders on some soils. After the insecticide has been sorbed it is concentrated at and near the treated surface but afterwards slowly diffuses inwards. This diffusion reduces recoveries of insecticides from surface scrapings.

DDT can be recovered quantitatively from Uganda mud blocks 12 months after sorption is complete. Therefore, on this mud at least, catalytic decomposition does not occur.

A test has been devised for measuring the sorptive capacities of soil samples for non-polar vapours. It indicates if a soil is highly active but those with lower or negligible activities do not give a good correlation.

A survey of 18 soils from different parts of the world suggests that rapid inactivation of an insecticide by sorption should be expected on any red lateritic soil. Generally, others are inert or show only low activity.

Attempts to reduce or abolish the sorptive powers of Uganda soil have not been successful and the only effective method known at present is to limewash the walls before spraying. Pretreatment with a size solution also stops sorption but, unlike limewashing, at the same time reduces the efficiency of a subsequently applied wettable powder.

Finally, work by various authors on the inactivation of insecticides on mud surfaces is reviewed.
The Effect of Photoperiod and Temperature on Reproduction in Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) and on the Forms produced
Authors: Kenten Joyce
Published: July 2009

The effect of photoperiod and temperature on the production of the various forms of Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) has been studied. In this study apterous virginoparous females were exposed throughout their lifetime to two photoperiods (8 hr./24 hr. and 16 hr./24 hr.) and six different temperatures. At each of the temperatures the apterae (parent Aphids) received one of four treatments of photoperiod, i.e., (1) 8 hr./24 hr. photoperiod throughout their whole life; (2) 8 hr. /24 hr. photoperiod during the period from birth until the last (imaginal) moult (nymphal period), followed by 16 hr./24 hr. photoperiod from the last (imaginal) moult until death (the adult period); (3) 16 hr./24 hr. throughout life; (4) 16 hr./24 hr. during the nymphal period followed by 8 hr./24 hr. during the adult period. The offspring produced by the various parents were collected at successive intervals, and their form determined.

Four main forms of offspring were produced: apterous and alate virginoparae, males and oviparae. In addition, a subsidiary form of the apterous virginoparae was obtained, which had sensoria on the hind tibiae.
Systemic Insecticides for the Control of Insects transmitting Swollen-shoot Virus Disease of Cacao in the Gold Coast
Authors: Hanna A. D. , Judenko E. , Heatherington W.
Published: July 2009

The swollen-shoot virus of cacao is transmitted in the Gold Coast by mealybugs, of which Pseudococcus njalensis Laing is the most important, and these are tended by ants of the genus Crematogaster, which build carton tents over the colonies, thus affording them protection against contact insecticides. An account is given of an investigation which was carried out at Tafo, Gold Coast, between 1950 and 1953, of the possibility of controlling mealybugs and thus the spread of the virus, by the use of systemic insecticides. Dimefox, schradan, paraoxon and parathion were tested, although the two last are not strictly systemic in action.
Host distribution, larviposition behaviour and generation time ofSarcophaga penicillata(Diptera: Sarcophagidae), a parasitoid of conical snails
Authors: Coupland James B. , Baker G.
Published: July 2009

Host characteristics, hyperparasitism, larviposition behaviour and generation time ofSarcophaga penicillataVilleneuve a parasitoid of the conical snail,Cochlicella acutaMüller (Mollusca: Helicidae) in southern France are described. Only snails which aestivated on vegetation were found to be parasitized byS. penicillata. Sarcophaga penicillatapreferredC. acutawhich were both significantly higher off the ground and larger in size than the population averages. Of the 2768 snails collected at the study site, 4% (112) were parasitized byS. penicillata, of which 36.6% (41) failed to emerge while 34% (38) were hyperparasitized. The predominant hyperparasite wasNovitzkyanus cryplogasterBouček (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) which was responsible for 79% (30) of the hyperparasitism. LarvipositingS. penicillatawere observed to fabricate a hole in the epiphragm of resting snails in which they deposited one larva. After larviposition, femaleS. penicillataremained with the freshly parasitized snail a mean time ± SE of 25.2 ± 10.3 min. It is suggested that this may be an adaptive response to avoid superparasitism. The mean generation time ofS. penicillatawhen reared in the laboratory was 18 days, indicating that more than six generations are possible during summer in the south of France. During winter,S. penicillataenters diapause in the pupal stage within a host snail for up to 6 months. The possible utility ofS. penicillataas a biological control agent of introduced conical snails is discussed.
Spodophagus, a new genus of Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera), for an important parasite of Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Madagascar
Authors: Delvare Gérard , Rasplus Jean-Yves
Published: July 2009

Spodophagus, gen. n. (Pteromalidae: Pteromalinae), is described to include the single species S. lepidopteraecomb. n., which was originally described from Madagascar by Risbec (1952) in the genus Oxyglypta. A lectotype is selected for O. lepidopterae, and the species is redescribed and illustrated. This pteromalid is a parasitoid of Spodoptera littoralis, an important pest, which is resistant to several classes of insecticides in Madagascar. Spodophagus lepidopterae is thus a potential agent for the biological control of Spodoptera spp. in Africa and elsewhere.
Analysis of the reproductive potential of diploid males in the waspDiadromus pulchellus(Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: El Agoze M. , Drezen J. M. , Renault S. , Periquet G.
Published: July 2009

In the ichneumonid waspDiadromus pulchellus(Wesmael), diploid males may regularly be produced in laboratory populations by inbreeding. They are viable, produce diploid sperm and are equally capable of multiple inseminations as are haploid males. Their spermatozoa are also able to penetrate the oocyte. Progeny sired by diploid males are essentially haploid sons with only a few daughters. The sons are normal haploid individuals, produced in a frequency significantly higher than in crosses between females and haploid males. The daughters are normal diploid females probably resulting from the fertilization of an oocyte by an exceptional haploid sperm rarely produced by diploid males. Triploid individuals were not observed and their absence was correlated with the high mortality observed during the first developmental stages. The death of these individuals is discussed in the light of the phenomenon of superparasitism to explain the increase in the frequency of sons produced in crosses with diploid males. Despite their viability, their ability to produce sperm and their normal potential insemination, diploid males ofDiadromus pulchellusare therefore almost sterile.
Life history and life tables of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on English cucumbers
Authors: Gaum Wilma G. , Giliomee J. H. , Pringle K. L.
Published: July 2009

The life history of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) was studied at six different temperatures on English cucumbers, cv. Pepinex. Life tables constructed indicate that the highest population growth rate (rm) and net reproduction rate (R0) occur at 30°C and the lowest at 15°C, where the population remains nearly stable. Generation time (T) was the shortest at 30°C and increased as temperature decreased. At 30°C oviposition increased, females matured and reproduced earlier and the time specific fecundity (mx) was higher than at lower temperatures. Adult longevity was shortest at 30°C and longest at 15°C. The threshold value for development was determined as 9.4°C. Average duration of each developmental stage and the sex ratio at six different temperatures are given.
Impact of the mineral composition and water content of excised maize leaf sections on fitness of the African armyworm,Spodoptera exempta(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Janssen J. A. M.
Published: July 2009

The effects of intraplant variation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and wafer content within maize plants on fitness of the African armyworm,Spodoptera exempta(Walker), were studied in three experiments by using an excised leaf system. Maize plants were phosphorus deficient in one of the experiments. Various leaf categories were distinguished differing in age and position on the plants. Leaf sections on which caterpillars fed were daily refreshed. Changes in the four plant variables measured, due to the excision and subsequent placement of the leaf sections in the excised leaf system for one day, were small and mostly insignificant. Highly significant differences were found between the composition of the various leaf categories in all three experiments. In all experiments, the nitrogen concentrations ranged from 2.4 to 4.5%, phosphorus from 0.1 to 1.3%, and potassium from 1.4 to 4.8% dry weight, while water content varied from 83 to 90% fresh weight. Of all insect fitness parameters observed, only larval growth rate was consistently and significantly affected by leaf category. Fecundity was strongly correlated with pharate adult weight. Only phosphorus was significantly and positively correlated with larval fresh weight, especially in the experiment with phosphorus deficient plants. Multiple regression models revealed that in all experiments a significant proportion of variation in larval fresh weight between leaf categories could be explained by the four plant variables. However, only phosphorus was included in all models. When all leaf categories used in the three experiments were considered simultaneously, the importance of phosphorus for larval growth rate in these experiments was again evident. The variation in nitrogen, potassium and water appeared to be of little or no significance. The consequences of these findings for outbreak development ofS. exemptaare discussed.
Phoridae (Diptera) as pests of cultivated oyster mushrooms (Agaricales: Pleurotaceae) in India
Authors: Johal Kuldip , Disney R. H. L.
Published: July 2009

In India the cultivated oyster mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer is attacked by the larvae of two species of Phoridae, Megaselia pleurota Disney sp. n. and M. scalaris (Loew). The new species is described. Biological data and damage symptoms are reported for both species. Serious economic damage is also caused by a bacterium associated with M. scalaris. The identities of the two Megaselia species, previously reported attacking this fungus, are called into question.
Resistance of selected melon lines to the carmine spider mite Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Acari: Tetranychidae)–field and laboratory experiments
Authors: Mansour Fadel , Shain Z. , Karchi Z. , Gerson U.
Published: July 2009

The resistance of two melon lines (CHI-7 and BUS-7) selected for resistance to the carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval), and of the susceptible line (NY), was studied under field and laboratory conditions. Significant differences among lines were observed at different growth stages. Throughout the season, the resistant lines had reduced populations of mites, 35–100% lower on CHI-7 and 25–100% lower on BUS-7, compared with the susceptible line NY. Laboratory evaluation of antibiosis to the mite at different plant growth stages showed that on CHI-7 and BUS-7 mite fecundity was reduced by 29–60% and 43–83%, respectively.
Geographic variability and wing plasticity inSitona sulcifrons(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Pavlíček Tomáš
Published: July 2009

Genetic variability in four polymorphic loci and variation in phenotypic plasticity in relation to the relative size of wings, were compared and contrasted among eight local populations ofSitonasulcifronsThunberg from the Czech and Slovak republics. The distances between localities from which samples were taken were between 49 and 492 kilometres. The results demonstrated that: 1. The variability between populations was 5.5% and the other 94.5% of the total variability was realized within populations. 2. Significant differences in allozyme frequencies among populations existed when distances were more than 100 km. A similar trend was also found in variability of relative wing size in males among populations when distances were more than 200 km. 3. Overall, a significant deficiency of heterozygotes in relation to Hardy-Weinberg predictions existed from all samples. The results support the idea that, at least inagricultural areas, gene flow inS. sulcifronsdoes not seem to be strong enough to stabilize one large interbreeding population in distances over 100 kilometres.
Classification of tsetse flies Glossina spp. (Diptera: Glossinidae) by gas chromatographic analysis of cuticular components
Authors: Carlson D.A. , Milstrey S.K. , Narang S.K.
Published: July 2009

Gas liquid chromatography (GC) was used to analyse the cuticular alkanes of 26 species and subspecies of tsetse flies (Glossina spp.). Unique interspecific and intraspecific (males vs. females) chromatographic patterns were observed. Solvent extraction of dried museum specimens and fresh specimens were equally successful, and left specimens undamaged. GC peaks were used as characters with one of five character states per peak, to show phenetic relationships among species by sex using a UPGMA algorithm, using 23 peaks for males and 40 peaks for females. Comparisons among species of the morsitans group often agreed with recognized morsitans group classification using morphological techniques, with G. austeni Newstead being somewhat aberrant. Glossina tachinoides Westwood was less closely related to others in the palpalis group than previously described using morphology. Eleven members of the rarely studied fusca group were also classified by this methodology.
The reproductive maturity and mating status of Helicoverpa armigera, H. punctigera and Mythimna convecta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) collected in tower-mounted light traps in northern New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Coombs M. , Del Socorro A. P. , Fitt G. P. , Gregg P. C.
Published: July 2009

The reproductive condition and mating status of female Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), H. punctigera (Wallengren) and the mating status of the armywormMythimna convecta (Walker), trapped in tower-mounted light traps were studied over a four and a half year period, from November 1985 to December 1989. The traps were mounted on towers (40 and 50 m high) in two geographically distinct sites, one located at Point Lookout and the other at Mt Dowe both in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. At the Point Lookout site, 132 females of H. armigera and 366 of H. punctigera were examined and of those, 88.7% and 89.9% were unmated and immature, respectively. Most of the remaining females of both species were mature and mated. Of the matedH. armigerafemales, 78.6% carried only a single spermatophore, the remainder having either two or three spermatophores. Most of the matedH. punctigerafemales (97.1%) carried only a single spermatophore and the remainder had no more than two. Females ofM. convectawere predominantly (97.1%) unmated. At the Mt Dowe siteH. punctigeraadults were predominant and all 44 females of this species examined were unmated and non-gravid. Pre-reproductive flight byHelicoverpaspp. andM. convectais considered as an important component of the life-history strategies of these insects. Flexibility in the timing and spacing of reproductive effort is seen as enabling colonization of heterogeneous environments.
Antifeedant and insecticidal activity of compounds fromPseudowintera colorata(Winteraceae) on the webbing clothes moth,Tineola bisselliella(Lepidoptera: Tineidae) and the Australian carpet beetle,Anthrenocerus australis(Coleoptera: Dermestidae)
Authors: Gerard P.J. , Perry N.B. , Ruf L.D. , Foster L.M.
Published: July 2009

Extracts of the leaves of the New Zealand native treePseudowintera colorata(Raoul) showed insecticidal and antifeedant activity against the webbing clothes moth,Tineola bisselliella(Hummel), and antifeedant activity against the Australian carpet beetle,Anthrenocerus australis(Hope). Assay-directed fractionation showed that two sesquiterpene dialdehydes, polygodial and 9-deoxymuzigadial, were responsible for these activities. Both compounds had similar antifeedant and insecticidal activity at rates from 3 to 0.4 mg/g wool in bioassays.
The effects of odours and target colour on landing responses of Glossina morsitans morsitans and G. pallidipes (Diptera: Glossinidae)
Authors: Green C.H.
Published: July 2009

A laboratory bioassay was developed to allow blind testing of panels of odours for their effect on target-orientated behaviour of tsetse (Glossina spp.) in the laboratory. Landing responses of G. m. morsitans Westwood on black and blue targets were increased up to four-fold in the presence of carbon dioxide, but no significant effect of any other odours could be demonstrated. 2-methoxy phenol gave an apparent increase in landing behaviour in the laboratory, but this substance diminished rather than increased landing of G. pallidipes Austen and G. m. morsitans on targets in the field, as well as repelling tsetse from the target vicinity. Black, blue and red targets elicited strong landing behaviour in male G. m. morsitans in the laboratory, and white and yellow targets elicited little or none, whether carbon dioxide was present or not. In the field, high ultraviolet reflectivity increased landing behaviour of G. pallidipes, but only when there was a proportion of transmitted light through the target. Ultraviolet reflectivity always reduced overall attraction of tsetse to a single-coloured target. Two-coloured targets incorporating ultraviolet-reflecting white cloth obtained strong landing on the white panels, but caught fewer flies overall than all-black, or blue-and-black targets.
Soil nutrient availability in a primary outbreak area of the African armyworm, Spodoptera exempta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in relation to drought intensity and outbreak development in Kenya
Authors: Janssen J. A. M.
Published: July 2009

To explain differences between years in outbreak development of the African armyworm, Spodoptera exernpta (Walker), in eastern Africa, the availability to host-plants of soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was studied in a primary outbreak area during the first month after the start of the short rainy season in relation to the drought intensity during the preceding year. The weather-soil-plant interactions observed during four successive years (1988–1991) indicated that nitrate levels, especially in soils not extremely poor in organic carbon and total nitrogen, can differ greatly between years in re sponse to differences in drought intensity and rainfall pattern. These resulted in large differences (i.e. up to 2.0% dry wt.) in organic nitrogen levels in leaves of host-plants of S. exempta. Phosphorus and potassium levels in soils and host-plants showed no consistent relationship with the weather pattern over the years and in general their differences between years were relatively small. The occurrence of S. exempta during the first two months after the start of the short rainy season was well associated with plant nitrogen levels in the primary outbreak area: outbreaks developed only in years with at some locations organic nitrogen concentrations of almost 5% in young grasses. If fitness of S. exempta is strongly dependent on the organic nitrogen content of its food within the range encountered in this study, weather conditions during the long dry season might indirectly explain the observed differences in subsequent outbreak development via their delayed effect on host-plant nitrogen levels.
Parthenium pollen induced feeding by Zygogramma bicolorata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) (Compositae)
Authors: Jayanth K.P. , Mohandas Sukhada , Asokan R. , Visalakshy P.N.Ganga
Published: July 2009

Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of Mexican origin, introduced for biological control trials against the weed Parthenium hysterophorus (Compositae), was found to feed on the tender leaves of the related plant sunflower (Helianthus annuus Linnaeus) at a few places in Kolar district in Karnataka State, India. The insects in these populations exhibited variability in feeding response to sunflower under laboratory and field conditions. The sesqueterpene lactone parthenin, specific to P. hysterophorus, was found to induce feeding by the adults of Z. bicolorata on treated sunflower leaves within six hours, as compared to 4–7 days on untreated leaves. Further investigations resulted in the novel finding that dusting of parthenium pollen, or smearing its extract which contains parthenin, on sunflower leaves also induced feeding responses in adults. Parthenium pollen was detected on sunflower leaves growing in close proximity to the weed stand, suggesting that this could be one of the factors influencing variability in the feeding behaviour of Z. bicolorata.
The detection of predation byAbax parallelepipedusandPterostichus madidus(Coleoptera: Carabidae) on Mollusca using a quantitative Elisa
Authors: Symondson W. O. C. , Liddell J. E.
Published: July 2009

The potential of carabid beetles as natural control agents of slugs was investigated using a quantitative indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The crop contents of two species,Abax parallelepipedus(Piller & Mitterpacher) andPterostichus madidus(Fabricius) collected between May and December 1990, were analysed using an anti-mollusc haemolymph antiserum. The mass, immunological reaction and calculated mollusc content of each beetle crop was determined. Mollusc content was calculated as ‘fresh mollusc equivalent’, and the probable quantities of degraded material present are discussed in relation to predator and prey species. 89.5% ofA. parallelepipedusand 42% ofP. madiduswere found to contain mollusc proteins. Although approximately the same proportion of male and femaleA. parallelepipedustested positive, females contained greater quantities of mollusc remains. Approximately 39% of male and 45% of femaleP. madidustested positive, and overall female crops contained significantly more material. The calculated amount of mollusc remains found in females was also greater. Over time, the immunological reactivity ofA. parallelepipeduscrop samples varied significantly. However, when crop weight was taken into consideration, the calculated quantity of mollusc found in strongly reacting samples was not significantly different between months in either species. Neither the immunological response nor the quantity of mollusc remains varied over time inP. madidus, although significant differences were found in overall crop weights. A significant correlation was found between the proportion of mollusc in beetle crops and crop mass inA. parallelepipedus, but not inP. madidus. Correlations between soil temperatures and crop mass, immunological reactivity and mollusc content were not significant in either species. The improved methods of quantifying predation from ELISA data, employed in this study, were an important part of a larger on-going investigation of the role of predation in slug population dynamics within agricultural systems.
Aulacaspis (Homoptera: Diaspididae) on sugarcane and other Saccharum spp. (Gramineae)
Authors: Williams D.J. , Watson Gillian W.
Published: July 2009

A brief review is given of species of Coccoidea found on sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) in the island of New Guinea. A key and comments on all the species of Aulacaspis that have been recorded on sugarcane and other Saccharum spp. throughout the world is presented. The scale insect Aulacaspis neoguineensis Williams & Watson sp. n. is described from specimens on sugarcane intercepted at Washington, DC, USA from Papua New Guinea because it is a potential pest of sugarcane. It is compared with A. madiunensis (Zehntner), a closely-related species often injurious to sugarcane in southern Asia, Australia and Africa.
The Larval and Pupal Stages of the Bibionidae
Authors: Morris Hubert M.
Published: July 2009

Several species of Bibionidae are very common in the adult state during the spring and early summer in Britain, but their larvae seem to have been very little studied. The latter frequently occur in large numbers together, and are from time to time reported to have caused damage to various crops.
Notes on the Myiasis-producing Diptera of Man and Animals
Authors: Patton W. S.
Published: July 2009

Myiasis has been defined by Austen as follows:—“There remains yet a third category of flies, chiefly belonging to the great Family Muscidae, the larval stage of which is sometimes actually passed in the living human body, the presence of the larvae in the various organs and tissues, and the disorders or destruction of tissue caused thereby, being comprehensively known as Myiasis.” It will be noted that this definition only refers to the larval stages of flies, but as the eggs, and in one case at least, pupae and adults, may be found in the human body, and as myiasis is a common condition in many animals, the definition may now be amplified as follows:— The condition or conditions, resulting from the invasion of the tissues and organs of man and other animals by all the stages of the Diptera.
A Revision of the Mosquitos of the Palaearctic Region
Authors: Edwards F. W.
Published: July 2009

For some years after the intensive study of mosquitos began in tropical countries, surprisingly little interest was taken in the European species, particularly those of Northern Europe. Ficalbi had published his monographic revision in 1896–99, but from then until 1914 very little further had been done; the adults were assumed to be more or less known, though very few of the larvae had been described. Since 1914, however, a great deal of work has been done all over Europe, bionomic as well as systematic, and considerable advances have been made in every branch of our knowledge of these insects.
X-ray detection of Contarinia sorghicola (Coq.) larvae and pupae in sorghum spikelets
Authors: Harris K. M.
Published: July 2009

A simple X-ray method for detecting sorghum midge (Contarinia sorghicola (Coq.)) larvae and pupae in infested spikelets of grain sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) is described and illustrated. Undamaged ovaries were easily and accurately detected in the radiographs, but the detection of spikelets that had been attacked by midge was less accurate. Diapause larvae showed up clearly in the radiographs but pupae often produced indistinct images, possibly because they were dead. X-ray examination therefore tended to underestimate midge infestation. It is concluded that this radiographic technique is less accurate than dissection, but might be used for rapid general field surveys and for in vivo observations of larval development within infested spikelets.
On the identity of Caryedon pallidus (Olivier) (Col., Bruchidae), and the description of two new Caryedon spp.
Authors: Southgate B. J.
Published: July 2009

The taxonomic status of Caryedon pallidus (Olivier) is discussed and its identity related to a species found in West Africa breeding in seeds of Cassia obtusifolia. Specimens of Caryedon breeding in Cassia senna from the Nile basin are shown to be a distinct species. This, and a further species from Armenia, both of which had been previously misidentified as Caryedon pallidus, are described as new.
On the taxonomy of two Diaspididae (Homoptera, Coccoidea) from Hong Kong
Authors: Williams D. J.
Published: July 2009

Insulaspis pinea Borchsenius, originally described from North Korea on Pinus sp., is redescribed from specimens collected in Hong Kong on Pinus taeda. A key is presented of all known Insulaspis species on Coniferae. The second species of Thysanofiorinia is described as new from Nephelium sp. (lychee) from specimens collected in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
A new species of Abgrallaspis Balachowsky (Homoptera, Coccoidea, Diaspididae) from a nursery in England causing leaf-spotting on orchids
Authors: Williams D. J.
Published: July 2009

Abgrallaspis pictor is described as new from specimens collected on Cymbidium sp.in a nursery in England. It damages the plants by causing leaf-spotting. The orchid plants were collected in North India in 1968.
Notes on the ecology of Seychelles mosquitoes
Authors: Lambrecht Frank L.
Published: July 2009

Entomological investigations preliminary to a filariasis study were carried out over a period of eleven months in fourteen islands of the Seychelles group. Thirteen species of mosquitoes were found in collections of larvae from over 700 breeding places and occasional hand-catches of adults. These were: Aedes aegypti (L.), Ae. albopictus (Skuse), Ae. albocephalus (Theo.), Ae. (Skusea) sp. n., Ae. vigilax vansomerenae Mattingly ' Brown, Culex pipiens fatigans Wied., C. scottii Theo., C. simpsoni Theo., C. stellatus van Som., C. wigglesworthi Edw., Uranotaenia browni Mattingly, U. nepenthes (Theo.) and U. pandani (Theo.). Mansonia (Mansonioides)uniformis (Theo.), previously reported from the islands, was not found during the present survey.
Control Measures in 1948–50 against Insects attacking Groundnuts stored at Kano, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Howe R. W. , Hayward L. A. W. , Cotterell G. S.
Published: July 2009

The control methods used to protect new-crop groundnuts stored in Kano against insect attack are described.

The main method used was the spraying of aqueous suspensions of DDT directly on to the sacking of piles stored in the open and on the walls of warehouses before the nuts were stacked. The solutions were applied with a slow-moving orchard power sprayer, and 50 per cent, wettable powder applied at the rate of 360 mg./sq. ft. was found satisfactory. The BHC wettable powder applied at about 12 mg./sq. ft. was cheaper and equally as good and has now been found safe. Treatment markedly reduced the Tribolium population but had little effect on Trogoderma. Sprays of oil solutions were little used and were not very satisfactory.
The Spraying of Bags of Cocoa Beans with a Macrodosage of DDT against Ephestia and Tribolium
Authors: Smith K. G.
Published: July 2009

The surfaces of bags containing fumigated cocoa were sprayed with the macrodosage of 956 mg./sq. ft. DDT applied as a 5 per cent, suspension of wettable powder in water.

After exposure to an infestation of Ephestia cautella and Tribolium castaneum, no appreciable effect was obtained in preventing an attack by E. cautella, though the larvae appeared to choose unusual pupation sites on the surface of the bags. T. castaneum were rapidly affected and prevented from entering into the sacks.
The Shinyanga Game Destruction Experiment
Authors: Potts W. H. , Jackson C. H. N.
Published: July 2009

Game animals were shot in an isolated area of some 600 sq. miles over a period of about five years. The density of animals was originally in the neighbourhood of 10 to the sq. mile.

This density is very low compared with densities recorded from national parks, and examination of the evidence available shows that the Tanganyikan bushland is understocked with game.

As the result of the shooting in the present experiment, two species of tsetse fly, G. morsitans and G. swynnertoni, were exterminated, and a third, G. pallidipes, was either exterminated or very heavily reduced. Experimental cattle then remained healthy in the area for 11 months, after which they were removed.

This result was achieved in spite of considerable invasion of the area by cattle, particularly intense at a late period when such an alternative source of food might have been expected to be particularly valuable to the tsetse.

There was evidence that the fat, residual dry weight and size of the flies decreased, but there was no apparent effect on mean age or the proportion of females in the catches, nor apparently did the flies turn to avian blood.

The cost was £50 per sq. mile; but this figure would be very much greater in normal practice, with areas not isolated from the rest of the fly belt.

Game destruction is not recommended except in isolated areas of manageable size; discriminative clearing of the habitats, even at initially greater cost, is preferable as offering a more lasting solution.
The recorded Distribution of Ornithodoros moubata (Murray) (Acarina)
Authors: Leeson H. S.
Published: July 2009

The tick, Ornithodoros moubata, was named by Murray in 1877 as Argas moubata; his specimens came from Angola (Portuguese West Africa), where twenty years earlier, Livingstone had noticed that such ticks were common in native huts; but Murray's description was “quite useless” (Nuttall & others, 1908) and it was Pocock (1900) who first published a recognizable description of the species and distinguished between 0. moubata and 0. savignyi (Audouin).