bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A revision of the North American species of Brachylomia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Xyleninae) with descriptions of four new species
Authors: Troubridge James T. , Lafontaine J. Donald
Published: April 2009

The North American species of Brachylomia Hampson, 1906 are revised and four new species (B. cascadiasp. nov., B. obscurifasciasp. nov., B. pallidasp. nov., and B. sierrasp. nov.) are described. The monotypic genus Lomilysis Franclemont, 1937 is synonymized with Brachylomia. Epunda onychina Guenée, 1852, which is currently placed in Brachylomia, is reclassified as a senior synonym of Egira alternans (Walker, [1857]), but Epunda onychina, not being associated with any known species in more than 150 years, is treated as a nomen oblitum, so Egira alternans is a nomen protectum under provisions of Article 23.9.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Adults and genitalia of Nearctic species of Brachylomia are figured.
Two remarkable species of Phtheiropoios (Phthiraptera: Gyropidae) from Tucumán Province, Argentina
Authors: Castro Dolores del Carmen , Cicchino Armando
Published: April 2009

This study deals with two species of the genus Phtheiropoios, redescribing P. tucumanus Cicchino, 1990, previously known from five specimens collected on Ctenomys tucumanus Thomas, 1900, and describing P. inaequalissp. nov. from C. tuconax Thomas, 1925, both from different localities in Tucumán Province, Argentina. Diagnostic features for the new species include proportion of the male forficula, male external genitalia, and counts of setae and body measurements in both sexes. Brief comments on the morphological affinities of these species with other species of Phtheiropoios, and a key to males of all species of the genus Phtheiropoios known to parasitize rodents of the genus Ctenomys, are included.
The elements of seasonal adaptations in insects
Authors: Danks H.V.
Published: April 2009

The many components of seasonal adaptations in insects are reviewed, especially from the viewpoint of aspects that must be studied in order to understand the structure and purposes of the adaptations. Component responses include dispersal, habitat selection, habitat modification, resistance to cold, dryness, and food limitation, trade-offs, diapause, modifications of developmental rate, sensitivity to environmental signals, life-cycle patterns including multiple alternatives in one species, and types of variation in phenology and development. Spatial, temporal, and resource elements of the environment are also reviewed, as are environmental signals, supporting the conclusion that further understanding of all of these seasonal responses requires detailed simultaneous study of the natural environments that drive the patterns of response.
Revision of the genusPhylloclusia(Diptera: Clusiidae: Clusiinae)
Authors: Lonsdale Owen , Marshall Stephen A.
Published: April 2009

The Oriental clusiine genusPhylloclusiaHendel, 1913 is redefined and revised, with four new species (P. hendelisp. nov.,P. darlingisp. nov.,P. nigroscutellumsp. nov., andP. lanceolasp. nov.) described from Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.Phylloclusiais established as the sister genus to the Japanese, Afrotropical, and AustralianTetrameringiaMcAlpine, 1960 on the basis of newly recognized male and female genitalic synapomorphies. An identification key and illustrations for the six species ofPhylloclusiaare provided.
The Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) of Prince Edward Island: new records and further lessons in biodiversity
Authors: Majka Christopher G. , McCorquodale David B. , Smith Mary E.
Published: April 2009

The long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae) of Prince Edward Island are surveyed. Records of 28 species of cerambycids new to the province are provided, increasing the known fauna of this family on the island to 38 species. One species,Pogonocherus penicillatusLeConte, is removed from the list of the province's fauna. Additionally, one exotic species,Rhopalophora tenuis(Chevrolat), is reported as intercepted from merchandise imported from Mexico. This fauna is examined in relation to its distribution within the province, biogeographical components, island biogeography, the composition of the regional fauna, the impact of anthropogenic activities, and adventive species. All these provide lessons to improve our understanding of the biodiversity of the province.
Effects of an azinphos-methyl runoff event on macroinvertebrates in the Wilmot River, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Authors: Purcell Lisa A. , Giberson Donna J.
Published: April 2009

High levels of azinphos-methyl (0.4–0.8 µg/L) were detected in the Wilmot River, Prince Edward Island, Canada, following runoff from an agricultural field after a heavy rainfall on 19 July 2002. Benthic macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity were sharply lower in samples collected 1 d after the event compared with samples collected in the same manner in July or October 2001. The greatest effects were noticed on the aquatic insects, whose abundance declined from >10 000 individuals per 3-min kick sample in July 2001 to <900 individuals per 3-min kick sample in July 2002. One family of Diptera, one family of Plecoptera, and three families of Trichoptera disappeared entirely from the study reach after the runoff event, and several other families were severely depleted in number. This led to low taxonomic similarity values between the communities before and after the runoff event and a change relative to reference streams on PEI. Examination of biological metrics (including indices such as % EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, or Trichoptera), % chironomids, % burrowers, etc.) confirmed that aquatic insects were more heavily targeted by the insecticide than non-insect invertebrates. This resulted in a shift in the community towards non-insect taxa that were better able to avoid or tolerate this type of pollution.
Native parasitoids ofDalbulus elimatusandDalbulus maidis(Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in winter crops of central Mexico
Authors: Moya-Raygoza Gustavo
Published: April 2009

Native parasitoids of the adult Mexican corn leafhopper,Dalbulus elimatus(Ball), and corn leafhopper,Dalbulus maidis(Delong and Wolcott), are described and their rates of parasitism on maize,Zea maysL., common barley,Hordeum vulgareL., and sorghum,Sorghumbicolor(L.) Moench (Poaceae) in central Mexico are determined. The survey was conducted throughout an annual cycle, with sampling of the previous season's crops when they were available. Leafhoppers showing evidence of parasitism were reared individually in the laboratory to obtain adult parasitoids. AdultD. elimatuswere parasitized on winter maize, barley, and sorghum by the flyEudorylas subopacus(Loew) (Diptera: Pipunculidae) and the waspGonatopus bartlettiOlmi (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae), whereas adultD. maidiswere parasitized by these fly and wasp parasitoids on winter maize only. The highest rates of parasitism ofD. elimatusbyE. subopacuswere 57.4% on maize, 39.6% on barley, and 48.8% on sorghum. The highest rate of parasitism ofD. maidisbyE. subopacuswas 20.4% on maize. In contrast, the highest rates of parasitism ofD. elimatusbyG. bartlettiwere 9.4% on maize, 2.7% on barley, and 25.8% on sorghum. The highest rate of parasitism ofD. maidisbyG. bartlettiwas 7.1% on maize. These results indicate that winter crops are habitats ofE. subopacusandG. bartlettiduring the winter season. This is the first report ofD. elimatusandD. maidisbeing parasitized byE. subopacusand ofD. elimatusbeing parasitized byG. bartletti.
Predicting the seasonal development of the yellowheaded spruce sawfly (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) in eastern Canada
Authors: Régnière Jacques , Lavigne Dan , Dupont Alain , Carter Nelson
Published: April 2009

Degree-day phenology models for the yellowheaded spruce sawfly,Pikonema alaskensis(Rohwer), were developed from data sets collected in infested plantations of black spruce,Picea mariana(Mill.), and white spruce,P. glauca(Moench) Voss, in New Brunswick and Quebec, Canada, between 1995 and 1999. The models describe the relationships between degree-day accumulation (above −1 °C, from 1 April) and cumulative adult emergence, capture in pheromone traps, the dates of appearance of first adult, egg, and larva, and the relative frequency of successive larval stages. The models predict adult emergence with a precision of ±2 days and male catch in pheromone traps with a precision of ±1.6 days. The first adult, first egg, and first larva occurred after 527 ± 42, 660 ± 52, and 725 ± 18 degree-days above –1 °C, respectively, and the dates of these events are predicted within ±1.8 days. The dates of 50% occurrence of the successive instars are predicted within 4.5 days of observed dates, and the date of peak 2nd instar is predicted within ±3.6 days.
Rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in yellow birch-dominated stands of southeastern Quebec, Canada: Diversity, abundance, and description of a new species
Authors: Klimaszewski Jan , Langor David , Savard Karine , Pelletier Georges , Chandler Donald S. , Sweeney Jon
Published: April 2009

Rove beetle assemblages from forest dominated by yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt. (Betulaceae)) at two sites in southeastern Quebec were characterized in terms of composition, diversity, and relative abundance. In total, 143 species were collected over two seasons (June–August of 1999 and 2000). In the pretreatment year (1999), 88 species were found in uncut stands. In the post-treatment year, 116 species were found in treated (by patch harvesting and ground scarification) and control plots combined. Sixty-one species were common to the two sites, 27 species captured in the 1999 season were not recaptured in the 2000 season, and 55 additional species were captured in 2000. There are 23 new distribution records for Quebec, and one species, Atheta (Dimetrota) pseudomodesta Klimaszewski, sp. nov., is described. New bionomics data on relative abundance, seasonality, and the utility of different trapping methods are presented. Assemblage composition is compared with that of a red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg. (Pinaceae)) forest in New Brunswick.
Review of the species of Trichomalus (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) associated with Ceutorhynchus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) host species of European origin
Authors: Muller Franck J. , Baur Hannes , Gibson Gary A.P. , Mason Peter G. , Kuhlmann Ulrich
Published: April 2009

Six species of Trichomalus Thomson were reared as parasitoids of Ceutorhynchinae hosts in Europe during surveys in 2000–2004. Trichomalus rusticus (Walker) is treated as a valid species, resurrected from synonymy under T. lucidus (Walker), and T. lyttus (Walker) is transferred from synonymy under T. lucidus and newly placed in synonymy with T. rusticus. Illustrated keys to females and males are given to differentiate the six species (T. bracteatus (Walker), T. campestris (Walker), T. gynetelus (Walker), T. lucidus, T. perfectus (Walker), and T. rusticus) except for males of T. bracteatus and T. gynetelus. A lectotype female is designated for T. rusticus. Trichomalus campestris is newly recorded as a parasitoid of Ceutorhynchus cardariae Korotyaev. Implications of the host-parasitoid associations recovered by the surveys are discussed relative to introduction of species to North America for classical biological control.
The larva ofAeshna williamsoniana(Odonata: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae)
Authors: Novelo-Gutiérrez Rodolfo
Published: April 2009

The larva ofAeshna williamsonianaCalvert, 1905 is described in detail, illustrated, and compared with other larvae of the genus and family. It is distinguished from its congeners by its granular integument, body mostly lacking hairlike setae, cerci with a row of spiniform setae along the lateroexternal margins, and dorsomedial margin of female epiproct with a row of spiniform setae. It does not particularly resemble any other larva ofAeshnaor related genera described to date. The larval habitat is described for the first time.
Global review of some Anthroleucosomatidae (Diplopoda: Chordeumatida) with description of a new millipede genus from the Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Ćurčić B.P.M. , Makarov S.E. , Tomić V.T. , Mitić B.M.
Published: April 2009

The millipede Perunosoma trojanicagen. nov., sp. nov. is described on the basis of specimens from the Prekonoška Pećina Cave in southeast Serbia. Scanning electron micrographs of the gonopods and legs are presented. Comparative photomicrographs of the closely related genus Serbosoma Ćurčić and Makarov, 2000 are also presented. The central part of the anterior gonopods in these genera can be species-specific and provide grounds for initial recognition of species. The Anthroleucosomatidae occupy three disjunct areas globally: one on the west coast of North America, the second in Asia, and the third in Europe. The North American anthroleucosomatid fauna is composed of one monotypic genus, while the Asian one includes six genera with seven species and the much more diverse European anthroleucosomatids include 14 genera with 39 species.
Repeatability of sperm size in outbred and inbred Scathophaga stercoraria (Diptera: Scathophagidae)
Authors: Bernasconi G. , Ward P.I. , Hellriegel B.
Published: April 2009

Variability in male gametic traits can depend on several genetic and environmental factors such as developmental instability as a consequence of inbreeding, developmental noise during spermatogenesis, or age- or condition-dependent changes in allocation to sperm cells. Variation in sperm size is particularly evident in species that produce more than one sperm morph but also occurs among males in sperm-monomorphic species. Both discrete and continuous sperm size variation have been implicated in male fertilization success when the sperm of several males directly compete for fertilization of the same set of ova. In this study, we investigated among-male variation in sperm length in field-collected, outbred male Scathophaga stercoraria (L.) flies, as well as in flies from the same natural population that had been subjected to 15 and 16 generations of inbreeding under laboratory conditions. Among-male variation in sperm length was significant and repeatable over subsequent matings in both inbred and outbred flies. We conclude that sperm length can be used as an individual male marker in sperm competition studies and that significant repeatability of sperm length supports heritability for this trait.
Replacement name for Eupithecia deserticola (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Eupitheciini)
Authors: Ferris Clifford D. , Mironov Vladimir G.
Published: April 2009

The name Eupithecia deserticola McDunnough, 1946 is a junior secondary homonym of Tephroclystia deserticola Turati, 1934, now included in the genus Eupithecia Curtis. The replacement name Eupithecia jamesi Ferris and Mironov is proposed.
Immature stages of Galagete protozona (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Autostichidae) from the Galapagos Islands: description and notes on biology
Authors: Schmitz Patrick , Landry Bernard
Published: April 2009

The morphology of the larva and pupa of Galagete protozona (Meyrick), an endemic of the Galapagos Islands, is described and illustrated. The immatures were observed feeding within droppings of the land iguana Conolophus subcristatus (Gray) (Iguanidae) on the island of Fernandina in 2005.
Resistance to cabbage seedpod weevil among selected Brassicaceae germplasm
Authors: Cárcamo H. , Olfert O. , Dosdall L. , Herle C. , Beres B. , Soroka J.
Published: April 2009

Brassicaceae germplasm (Brassica napusL.,Brassica rapaL.,Brassica juncea(L.) Czern.,Brassica carinataA. Braun,Sinapis albaL.,Camelina sativa(L.) Crantz,Crambespecies) with cultivar development potential for the prairies was evaluated for resistance to cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus(Marsham) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)) infestation under field conditions in southern Alberta from 2001 to 2005. Relative susceptibilities were as follows:B. rapaandB. napus>B. juncea=B. carinata>S. alba. Although some of the germplasm evaluated varied within species in terms of glucosinolate profile, erucic acid level, oil content, and plant height, none of these factors appeared to influence the degree ofC. obstrictusdamage. A subset of this germplasm was also evaluated in the greenhouse. Although the canola speciesB. rapasustained the highest level of damage in the field tests, it was similar to otherBrassicagenotypes in the greenhouse. All lines ofS. albawere virtually immune to weevil attack in both field and greenhouse tests, regardless of glucosinolate profile, suggesting that other factors confer resistance in this species. Synchrony of crop development with weevil activity in the field explains some of the variability in damage observed among genotypes and illustrates the importance of combining field and greenhouse studies when assessing resistance.
Mitochondrial DNA variation in two invasive birch leaf-mining sawflies in North America
Authors: MacQuarrie Chris J.K. , Langor David W. , Sperling Felix A.H.
Published: April 2009

Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II genes were sequenced for two invasive alien birch (BetulaL. [Betulaceae]) leaf-mining sawflies,Profenusa thomsoni(Konow, 1886) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) andScolioneura betuleti(Klug, 1816) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae), accidentally introduced from Europe to North America. Ten North American and two European populations ofP. thomsoniwere sampled. As no genetic variation was observed for this parthenogenic species in Europe or North America, there is no evidence that this species was introduced more than once into North America. A single Canadian population of putativeS. betuletiwas genetically characterized and compared with populations ofS. betuletiandScolioneura vicinaKonow, 1894 in Europe to resolve the species identity of the introduced Canadian population. Three haplotypes were present in European material but only one haplotype was represented in material collected in Canada. The haplotype in the Canadian population occurred in bothS. betuletiandS. vicinain Europe. Thus, this preliminary genetic work cannot provide certain identity of the Canadian species. Moreover, there was no significant genetic difference between putativeS. betuletiandS. vicinain Europe, leading us to suggest thatS. vicinamay not be reproductively isolated fromS. betuleti, despite ecological differences.
Life history of the northern mayfly Baetis bundyae in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada, with updates to the list of mayflies of Nunavut
Authors: Giberson Donna J. , Burian Steven K. , Shouldice Michael
Published: April 2009

Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) were collected from 35 sites (streams and tundra ponds) across southern Nunavut in 2002–2005. Nine mayfly species were previously reported for Nunavut: Acentrella feropagus Alba-Tercedor and McCafferty, Acerpenna pygmaea (Hagen), Baetis bundyae Lehmkuhl, B. flavistriga McDunnough, B. foemina McDunnough, Diphetor hageni (Eaton) (Baetidae), Ephemerella aurivillii (Bengtsson) (Ephemerellidae), Leptophlebia nebulosa (Walker) (Leptophlebiidae), and Metretopus borealis (Eaton) (Metrotopidae). We add 7 species to this list, bringing the total to 16: Ameletus inopinatus Eaton (Ameletidae), Acentrella lapponica Bengtsson, Baetis hudsonicus Ide, B. tricaudatus Dodds, Heptagenia solitaria McDunnough (Heptageniidae), Rhithrogena jejuna Eaton (Heptageniidae), and Parameletus chelifer Bengtsson (Siphlonuridae). Based on numbers collected, the dominant mayfly family was Baetidae. Baetis bundyae was the most common mayfly collected, particularly in coastal areas, where larvae were found in permanent and temporary streams and in small or shallow tundra ponds. Larvae hatched 2–3 weeks after ice-out and developed rapidly in 2.5–4 weeks, emerging as adults by early August. All populations containing larvae that were large enough to sex showed female-biased sex ratios, suggesting parthenogenesis. A combination of freeze-tolerant eggs, good dispersal ability, and probable parthenogenesis is probably responsible for the success of Baetidae across the Arctic.
Taxonomic review of the leek moth genusAcrolepiopsis(Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae) in North America
Authors: Landry Jean-François
Published: April 2009

The North American species ofAcrolepiopsisare reviewed and include six described species:A. assectella(Zeller),A. californicaGaedike,A. heppneriGaedike,A. incertella(Chambers),A. leucoscia(Meyrick), andA. reticulosa(Braun).Acrolepiopsis liliivoraGaedike is considered a junior synonym ofA. californica(new synonymy).Acrolepiopsis assectella, commonly known as the leek moth, is a recently invasive alien species in North America and a pest of the plant genusAllium, including leek, onion, garlic, and related cultivated plants. A key to species based on adults is provided, diagnostic characters including male and female genitalia are illustrated, and geographical distribution, host plants, and larval feeding pattern and damage (where known) are given. Diagnostics and illustrations are presented also forA. sapporensis(Matsumura); known as the Asiatic onion leafminer, it is very similar toA. assectellaand is an invasive alien species present in Hawaii, though not in North America. Adult diagnostic characters of the genusAcrolepiopsis, the family Acrolepiidae, and the superfamily Yponomeutoidea are also provided and illustrated. DNA barcoding data (short sequences of the mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase I gene) obtained for five of the six species revealed interspecific differences averaging 8.1%, whereas intraspecific variation was ≤ 0.16%, and provided unequivocal species separation matching morphology-based identifications.
Response of Pityophthorus puberulus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to pheromones and terpenes
Authors: Brauner A.M. , de Groot Peter
Published: April 2009

In field studies conducted to improve trapping programs for the white pine cone beetle, Conophthorus coniperda (Schwarz), a twig beetle, Pityophthorus puberulus (LeConte), a common associate of eastern white pine, Pinus strobus L. (Pinaceae), in seed orchards, was also captured. In these experiments, P. puberulus was attracted to traps containing the sex pheromone pityol with or without the monoterpenes (−)-α-pinene and (−)-β-pinene, but attraction to traps was inhibited when S-(−)-limonene was present. We speculate that limonene may play an important role in host recognition and suitability, by indicating a resource suitable for C. coniperda but unsuitable for P. puberulus.
Garden substrate preparation behaviours in fungus-growing ants
Authors: Mangone D.M. , Currie C.R.
Published: April 2009

Fungus-growing ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: tribe Attini) engage in mutually beneficial symbioses with fungi (Basidiomycota) that serve as their main food source. The leaf-cutters (genera Acromyrmex Mayr and Atta Fabricius), the most derived attine ants, employ elaborate nest-hygiene behaviours, including substrate preparation. By preparing substrate prior to its incorporation into the fungus garden, workers facilitate the physical breakdown of leaf material while reducing the abundance of potentially harmful microbes that contact their fungal mutualist. Despite its importance in ant fungiculture, substrate preparation has not been investigated in other genera of fungus-growing ants. We examined substrate-preparation procedures used by five genera of fungus-growing ants (Apterostigma Mayr, Cyphomyrmex Mayr, Trachymyrmex Forel, Acromyrmex, and Atta) representing most of the phylogenetic range of the Attini. Behavioural observations revealed that all five genera engage in substrate-preparation behaviours. Furthermore, these behaviours vary by genus, with Trachymyrmex, Acromyrmex, and Atta engaging in more elaborate preparation behaviours than the other genera. Additionally, we found that during substrate preparation, leaf-cutting ants inoculate leaf fragments with actinomycetous bacteria. These filamentous bacteria are known to produce antibiotics that suppress fungal pathogens, which suggests that inoculation with the bacterial mutualist during substrate preparation helps protect the fungus gardens of leaf-cutter ants from these parasites. Our finding that substrate-preparation behaviours occur across the phylogenetic range of attine ants suggests that these behaviours are a critical component of successful fungiculture by ants.
The effect of exposure to conspecifics on restlessness in the parasitoid waspNasonia vitripennis(Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: King B.H.
Published: April 2009

When habitat quality is variable, there should be strong selection for the ability to detect and respond to the variation. Adult females of the parasitoid waspNasonia vitripennis(Walker) are known to increase their restlessness (the proportion of time in locomotion) both during and after exposure to a poor quality host. Doing so provides a mechanism for leaving a poor host and potentially finding a better host. This study examined whether restlessness also changes in response to competition as indicated by the presence of adult conspecifics. Both restlessness and the probability of dispersing across an inhospitable environment were greater when a female was with another female than when she was alone. However, restlessness did not remain elevated after the other female was removed. In contrast with females, restlessness of males did not increase either during or after exposure to other males, and the probability of dispersing across an inhospitable environment was unaffected by the presence of another male. The difference between females and males may be related to differences in dispersal ability and in the abundance and distribution of hosts versus mates.
Factors influencing aestivation inLaricobius nigrinus(Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predator ofAdelges tsugae(Hemiptera: Adelgidae)
Authors: Lamb A.B. , Salom S.M. , Kok L.T.
Published: April 2009

Laricobius nigrinusFender is being reared for release as a biological control agent for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA),Adelges tsugaeAnnand. HWA is an introduced insect lethal to hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis(L.) Carr. andT. carolinianaEngelm.) in the eastern United States. In nature, the predator (Laricobius nigrinus) and its prey (HWA) undergo a dormant period in the summer (aestivation). In the laboratory, the aestivation ofL. nigrinushas not been synchronized with that of HWA, resulting in significant predator mortality. Four factors (genetics, temperature, photoperiod, and moisture) were investigated for their effects on aestivation inL. nigrinus. Both the number of individuals and the time at which they emerged from aestivation were measured in response to these factors. Temperature was the most important cue for termination of aestivation, and photoperiod was a modifying factor. High temperature and long day length delayed emergence and high moisture levels resulted in greater emergence but did not affect emergence time. Genetics, as represented by broods, was not a major factor in aestivation termination. These results have led to improvement in rearingL. nigrinus, since emergence from aestivation can now be synchronized with the active period of HWA. Increased success in rearing has expedited field releases ofL. nigrinusin the eastern United States.
Orius insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) in the lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada,
Authors: Gillespie David R. , Quiring D.M.J.
Published: April 2009

Populations of Orius spp. were surveyed in the lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia, to determine whether O. insidiosus Say, a non-indigenous species, had established in the region as a result of being released inside greenhouses for biological control of pests. Field collections over 8 years revealed a low incidence of O. insidiosus (10 specimens, <1% of total Orius spp. collected). Numbers in collections did not increase, and collection localities did not become more widespread over the 8 years of survey. Competitive exclusion and temperature and diapause thresholds are discussed as possible mechanisms limiting the establishment of this otherwise widespread North American species.
Ontogeny, variation, and synonymy in North AmericanCybaeusspiders (Araneae: Cybaeidae)
Authors: Bennett Robert G.
Published: April 2009

Ontogeny, interspecific homogeneity, and intraspecific variability of female genitalic and other characters of North AmericanCybaeusL. Koch spiders are described and used to resolve taxonomic problems in the genus. Ontogenetic changes in spermathecal duct morphology occur as females mature and age. Three distinct ontogenetic stages are described: pre-epigynum/pre-vulva, subadult / teneral adult, and mature adult. Concordant with aspects of sexual selection theory, closely related females may be morphologically indistinguishable. ManyCybaeusspecies exhibit a wide range of body size. Within single species, ontogenetic stages and outlier size classes have been described as separate species. Species with similar females have been lumped under one name. Based on this, 10 new synonyms are proposed for North AmericanCybaeus:C. adenoidesSchenkel =C. grizzlyiSchenkel;C. chaudiusExline andC. hatchiExline= C. shoshoneusChamberlin and Ivie;C. exlineaeChamberlin and Ivie =C. bulbosusExline;C. hystrixChamberlin and Ivie =C. cribelloidesChamberlin and Ivie;C. janusChamberlin and Ivie =C. eutypusChamberlin and Ivie;C. marinensisChamberlin and Ivie andC. angelusChamberlin and Ivie =C. consociusChamberlin and Ivie; andC. olympiaeExline andC. tiusChamberlin and Ivie =C. reticulatusSimon. In addition, four old synonyms are rejected:C. grizzlyiSchenkel andC. adenoidesSchenkel ≠C. adenesChamberlin and Ivie;C. patritusBishop and Crosby andC. silicisBarrows ≠C. giganteusBanks.
The Mantispidae (Insecta: Neuroptera) of Canada, with notes on morphology, ecology, and distribution
Authors: Cannings Robert A. , Cannings Sydney G.
Published: April 2009

Morphological, biological, and distributional data are presented for the four Canadian species of Mantispidae. A key for the identification of these species is provided. Climaciella brunnea (Say) is the most frequently collected Canadian species, occurring in southern British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Dicromantispa interrupta (Say) comb. nov. is given as a new combination for Mantispa interrupta Say; it is recorded in southern Ontario and Quebec. Dicromantispa sayi (Banks) occurs only in extreme southwestern Ontario. Leptomantispa pulchella (Banks) inhabits the dry Okanagan Valley of British Columbia; it is also known from Ojibway Prairie, Windsor, Ontario. The presence of the latter two species in Canada is published for the first time.
A new genus of Oedemopsini (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Tryphoninae) with a key to the genera of the tribe
Authors: Bennett Andrew M.R.
Published: April 2009

Scudderopsisgen. nov.is described from New Guinea (type species:Scudderopsis baiyerensissp. nov.). This monobasic genus is placed in the tribe Oedemopsini. A diagnosis and key are provided to distinguishScudderopsisfrom the other 11 genera in the tribe.
Revision of the New World lygaeoid genus Epipolops (Heteroptera: Geocoridae: Pamphantinae: Epipolopini), with descriptions of five new species
Authors: Henry Thomas J.
Published: April 2009

Five new species of the Neotropical geocorid genus Epipolops are recognized, raising to 14 the number of known species. The new species E. angelaesp. nov., E. kathrynaesp. nov., E. scudderisp. nov., E. slaterisp. nov., and E. thomasisp. nov. are described, the identity of E. mucronatus Distant is clarified, and the nine previously known species are diagnosed and redescribed. Photographs, scanning electron photomicrographs, outline illustrations of all pronota and hemelytra, and an identification key are provided to help distinguish species.
New records of ptyctimous mites (Acari: Oribatida) from the Nearctic Region
Authors: Niedbała Wojciech
Published: April 2009

New records of the ptyctimous mites from the Nearctic Region are given. The new material includes 27 species of ptyctimous mites. The geographical distributions of seven species are more extensive than previously known.
A new species of ptyctimous mite (Acari: Oribatida) from the Nearctic Region
Authors: Niedbała Wojciech
Published: April 2009

A new species of Oribotritiidae,Oribotritia paracarolinaesp. nov., is described from Canada and a key is given for Nearctic species ofOribotritiaJacot.
New genera and species of feather mites of the family Gabuciniidae (Astigmata: Pterolichoidea) from New World raptors (Aves: Falconiformes)
Authors: Mironov S. V. , Proctor H. C. , Barreto M. , Zimmerman G.
Published: April 2009

We describe four new species of feather mites of the family Gabuciniidae collected from Accipitridae and Falconidae (Falconiformes) from South and North America. Three of these belong to new genera,Metagabuciniagen. nov. with one new species andProaposolenidiagen. nov.with two new species. We also describe one new species of the genusAposolenidiaGaud and Atyeo. The new species and host records areAposolenidia striatasp. nov.from the pearl kite,Gampsonyx swainsoniiVigors,Metagabucinia caracaraesp. nov.from the red-throated caracara,Ibycter americanus(Boddaert),Proaposolenidia accipitrissp. nov.from the Cooper’s hawk,Accipiter cooperii(Bonaparte), andProaposolenidia elanoidessp. nov.from the swallow-tailed kite,Elanoides forficatus(Linnaeus).Aposolenidia,Metagabucinia, andProaposolenidiaconstitute a morphologically distinct group within the Gabuciniidae. This “Aposolenidiagenus group” is characterized by the following features: bases of epimerites of legs I and II inflated, ball-shaped, heavily sclerotized, and connected by sclerotized dorsolateral bridges; tarsi of legs I and II with dorsal walls strongly thickened and dorsobasal part of tarsus I inflated. Members of this group coexist on falconiforms with other gabuciniid taxa that exhibit longer and more extensively sclerotized bodies, such as the generaAetacarusGaud and Atyeo,HieracolichusGaud and Atyeo, andRamogabuciniaGaud and Atyeo.
Trophic interactions between three species of cereal aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and spring wheat (Poaceae): implications for pest management
Authors: Migui Samuel M. , Lamb Robert J.
Published: April 2009

The susceptibilities of genetically diverse Canadian spring wheats, Triticum aestivum L. and Triticum durum Desf., to three aphid species, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), and Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), were investigated. Trophic interactions measured as changes in biomass of aphids and wheat plants were used to quantify levels of resistance, components of resistance, and impact of aphids on yield. Plants in field cages were infested with small numbers of aphids for 21 days at heading. These plants were usually more suitable for the development of S. avenae and S. graminum than of R. padi. Partial resistance, measured as seed production by infested plants as a proportion of that by a control, varied from 11% to 59% for different aphid species and wheat classes when all wheat plants were infested at the same stage. Cultivars within wheat classes responded similarly to each of the aphid species. None of the wheat cultivars showed agriculturally effective levels of antibiosis. The specific impact of each aphid species and wheat class varied from 5 to 15 mg of plant biomass lost for each milligram of biomass gained by the aphids. Canadian Western Red Spring wheat had a lower specific impact and therefore was more tolerant to aphids than the other two classes, but not tolerant enough to avoid economic damage at the aphid densities observed. Plants did not compensate for feeding damage after aphid feeding ceased, based on the higher specific impacts observed for mature plants than for plants that were heading. The interactions between aphids and plants show that current economic thresholds probably underestimate the damage caused by cereal aphids to Canadian spring wheat.
Pentanota meuseli (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) erroneously recorded from North America
Authors: Klimaszewski Jan
Published: April 2009

Pentanota meuseli Bernhauer was erroneously reported from Alaska, based on a misidentification of a specimen of Neothetalia sp. near N. columbiana Klimaszewski, and is here removed from the list of genera and species occurring in North America. A lectotype and a paralectotype are designated for the species from the only two existing original Bernhauer specimens. External and genital illustrations are provided to avoid identification problems in the future.
The role ofPityophthorusspp. as vectors of pitch canker affectingPinus radiata
Authors: Sakamoto Joyce M. , Gordon Thomas R. , Storer Andrew J. , Wood David L.
Published: April 2009

The fungusFusarium circinatumNirenberg and O’Donnell (Hypocreaceae) causes pitch canker, a disease affecting pines worldwide. In California, many native insect species have been implicated in transmission ofF. circinatum. This study showed that two twig beetle species,Pityophthorus setosusBlackman andPityophthorus carmeliSwaine (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Corthylini), can make wounds on healthy Monterey pine (Pinus radiataD. Don (Pinaceae)) branches that are suitable for infection by the pitch canker pathogen. Because these two species are not known to engage in maturation feeding and the observed wounds were not associated with tunneling, we hypothesize that the wounds reflect “exploratory tasting” to assess the suitability of the substrate for colonization. This behavior would help to explain how twig beetles can serve as wounding agents on healthy host branches, which are not amenable to colonization by these insects. We tested two specific hypotheses: (1) two native species ofPityophthoruscan create wounds onF. circinatum-contaminated trees that are sufficient for development of disease; and (2) the efficiency with whichF. circinatuminfects beetle wounds is affected by relative humidity. Under growth-chamber conditions, bothPityophthorusspecies indulged in exploratory behavior that caused wounds suitable for development of pitch canker. Field experiments did not confirm a significant effect of beetle activity on infection frequency, perhaps because of an overall low infection rate due to low temperatures. Experiments conducted under controlled conditions documented a significant effect of relative humidity on the success rate of twig beetle-initiated infections.
Effects of diapause duration on postdiapause performance of spruce budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) during mass rearing on artificial diet
Authors: van Frankenhuyzen Kees , Ebling Peter , Dedes John , Pitt Doug
Published: April 2009

The spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), has an obligatory winter dormancy period that lasts up to 10 months in the field. In the Great Lakes Forestry Centre rearing facility, neonate larvae spin hibernacula in cheesecloth, which is then stored at 2 °C for between 20 and 30 weeks. Although dormancy survival and synchrony of postemergence development are highest when larvae are stored in the cold for 16–35 weeks, it is not known how cold-storage duration affects spruce budworm performance once diapause has been completed. We exposed approximately 9250 second-instar larvae (belonging to three rearing cohorts) to 2 °C for 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, or 37 weeks and monitored various postdiapause performance variables. Increasing cold storage from 16 to 25 weeks or more resulted in small (approximately 10%) increases in dormancy survival and larval development rates (from second instar to pupation), a larger (up to 23%) increase in pupal mass and realized fecundity (number of eggs laid per female), and an increase of at least 25% in late-instar survival (from fifth instar to pupation). The only variable that was negatively affected was the pupal survival, but the decrease was relatively small. Therefore, storing diapausing larvae for at least 25 weeks optimizes postdiapause performance variables that are important for mass-rearing efficiency.
Growth-pattern variation in two species of Rheumatobates (Heteroptera: Gerridae) with different degrees of sexual dimorphism
Authors: Iglesias M.S. , Crespo F.A.
Published: April 2009

Growth patterns of Rheumatobates crassifemur crassifemur Esaki and R. bonariensis (Berg) were compared in a multivariate framework. Study of allometric coefficients in R. bonariensis showed sexual differences biased towards males in antennal and foreleg segments and biased towards females in body length and middle-leg segments. Multivariate allometric analysis of female growth patterns detected variation among species in those characters that are strongly modified in males of R. c. crassifemur. We show that sexual morphology diverges as of nymph V in R. c. crassifemur but only in the adults of R. bonariensis.
Erratum: External rostral characters for differentiation of sexes in the biological control agent Mecinus janthinus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Schat Marjolein , Sing Sharlene E. , Peterson Robert K.D.
Published: April 2009

Le charançon perceur de tiges, Mecinus janthinus (Germar), est un agent de lutte biologique classique bien établi et prometteur pour le contrôle d'une mauvaise herbe exotique invasive, la linaire à feuilles larges (Linaria dalmatica (L.) Mill.) (Scrophulariaceae). Dans cet article, nous présentons des caractéristiques du rostre faciles à identifier, permettant la différenciation, à faible grossissement, des sexes de charançons perceurs de tiges vivants. Ces caractéristiques peuvent être utilisées par des travailleurs possédant une formation minimale afin d'identifier correctement le sexe des charançons. Ceci permettra donc une détermination rapide de la proportion des sexes des populations sur le terrain, améliorant ainsi les délais de capture, puis de lâchers.
Effects of experimental harvesting on spider (Araneae) assemblages in boreal deciduous forests
Authors: Buddle Christopher M. , Shorthouse David P.
Published: April 2009

Two large-scale forestry experiments, in Quebec (Sylviculture et aménagement forestiers écosystémique (SAFE)) and Alberta (Ecosystem Management by Emulating Natural Disturbance (EMEND)), were established in the late 1990s to test the effects of alternative silvicultural strategies (e.g., partial cutting) on biodiversity in northern boreal forests. We collected spiders in pitfall traps 2 years after the application of partial-cutting treatments in deciduous stands at EMEND and 6 years after similar treatments in deciduous stands at SAFE. Although we are aware of the challenges imposed by disparate locations and whole-scale experimental methods, our objective was to compare the effects of partial cutting on spider assemblages (diversity and community composition), and in doing so, to formulate a few general statements. Overall, 98 species (6107 individuals) were collected from Alberta and 86 species (3414 individuals) from Quebec. Of these, 44 species were common to both regions. Ordination and indicator-species analyses revealed a distinct effect of geographic separation: the spider assemblages in deciduous stands within the boreal plains ecoregion of Alberta and the boreal shield in Quebec were distinct. However, the effects of partial cutting on spider assemblages within each project were similar: removal of 25%–33% of trees shifted a characteristic old-growth fauna toward one more typical of clearcuts. Indicator-species analysis also revealed the dominance of wolf spider (Lycosidae) species in clearcuts within both experiments and we present evidence that clear-cutting homogenizes spider assemblages. Old-growth forests contain spider faunas that are easily disrupted by moderate partial cutting. In the face of intense harvesting practices, managing for the maintenance of biodiversity and conservation of spider faunas in northern forests will require retention of old-growth forests.
Rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in northern Nearctic forests
Authors: Pohl Greg , Langor David , Klimaszewski Jan , Work Timothy , Paquin Pierre
Published: April 2009

Rove beetles are useful subjects for Nearctic forest biodiversity work because they are abundant, diverse, and easily collected, and have strong habitat affinities. Excellent identification keys exist for most groups, although there is a dearth of ecological and life-history information. There is considerable variation in species composition and abundance within the active summer season and in abundance from year to year. Community composition varies among larger geographical regions and to a lesser extent among forest types in more localized areas. Within the Nearctic boreal forest there are significant differences between beetle communities from the eastern and western portions. For the most part, the same species tend to dominate rove beetle communities in the western boreal forest. At the landscape level there are differences in rove beetle communities along successional gradients. In the boreal forest the communities of younger aspen-dominated and older conifer-dominated stands are somewhat distinct, with intermediate-aged stands containing a mix of the two communities. At the ecosite and microsite level there is significant variation, which remains poorly understood. Fire is the dominant mode of disturbance in the Nearctic boreal forest. It has a profound effect on rove beetles by destroying the forest communities and resetting the successional trajectory to the earliest stages. The burn pattern results in a patchwork of different communities at various stages in the successional cycle. In contrast to fire, forest harvesting does not directly destroy the rove beetle community, but to a large extent it destroys the forest habitat. This results in a unique rove beetle community characterized by a mix of forest species and open-ground specialists, and overall high diversity in this period of flux. In the years after harvesting, the rove beetle community goes through successional changes and becomes more similar to the forest community, but it skips the early postfire stage and proceeds along the successional trajectory more rapidly than after fire. In at least one forest type in western Canada, the post-fire and post-harvest communities, though similar, have not converged after 29 years. Other less direct effects of harvesting on rove beetles are a decrease in the proportion of the land base suitable for communities associated with older successional stages; alteration of forests by post-harvest site preparations and planting of exotic tree species; edge and fragmentation effects that are detrimental to the remaining forest surrounding harvested areas; and an influx of exotic arthropod species with affinities for disturbed sites. More information is needed on the habitat affinities of individual species. It is recommended that future work explore the effects of post-harvest forestry activities, fragmentation, and edges on rove beetles in forested habitats. As well, such studies should consider the effects on beetles of riparian zones and wetlands.