bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rearing the wheat stem sawfly on an artificial diet
Authors: Macedo Tuilo B. , Macedo Paula A. , Peterson Robert K.D. , Weaver David K. , Morrill Wendell L.
Published: April 2009

The wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), is an insect pest in dryland wheat cropping systems in the southern Canadian Prairies and the northern Great Plains of the United States (Morrill 1997). Yield losses caused by C. cinctus are due to reduced head weight (Holmes 1977; Morrill et al. 1992) and lodging, which decreases harvest efficiency. Estimates of yield losses in Montana alone are about US$25 million per year.
A new genus and species of Epicriidae (Acari, Mesostigmata) from eastern North America
Authors: Moraza María L.
Published: April 2009

A new genus,Adenoepicriusgen. nov., is described, withAdenoepicrius magnussp. nov.from Canada designated as type. Also described areA. oconnorisp. nov.(New York, Ontario),A. curtipilussp. nov.(Virginia), andA. virginianussp. nov.(West Virginia). A key to species based on adult females is provided.
A comparison of three methods to estimate species richness of saproxylic beetles (Coleoptera) in logs and high stumps of Norway spruce
Authors: Wikars Lars-Ove , Sahlin Erik , Ranius Thomas
Published: April 2009

The amount of dead wood in forests has decreased owing to modern forest practices, and many species associated with this habitat are currently threatened. In Sweden during the last decade, naturally downed logs have been retained and, at clearcuts, high stumps have been artificially created to maintain saproxylic (dead wood dependent) insects. We tested how much these types of dead wood are used by sampling saproxylic beetles in dead wood of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.; Pinaceae) in managed forests in central Sweden. To analyse how surveys should be conducted in these kinds of studies, we compared three methods over an entire growing season. We found that the relationship between the type of dead wood and species richness was statistically significant when we used bark sieving and emergence traps, but not when we used window traps. It is impossible to ascertain whether beetles collected with window traps are related to the type of dead wood on which they are found and, therefore, such traps are less useful in studies of specific substrates. The yield from sieving was highest in spring and autumn, whereas species richness in window trap samples peaked in June and July and that in emergence traps peaked from May to July. With emergence traps we collected, on average, about twice the number of species over the whole season as we did by sieving on a single occasion in the spring. Both emergence trapping and sieving reveal what is present in individual pieces of dead wood, but these methods sample partly different faunas. We found fewer species on artificially created high stumps (on clearcuts); however, these stumps seem to be useful for some red-listed species.
Role of vision throughout the flight initiation sequence of the Colorado potato beetle
Authors: Boiteau Gilles
Published: April 2009

The role of vision in the flight initiation sequence of the Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), was assessed by comparing the behavioral sequences and frequencies of takeoffs of untethered and tethered beetles with and without vision. Results showed that vision plays a critical role in the successful completion of the launch and the maintenance of lift for the adult Colorado potato beetle. The sequence was interrupted immediately before or during the lifting of the mesothoracic legs or before the launch for most blind beetles. Liftoffs of untethered beetles over a 1-h period in a flight chamber were reduced significantly, by 77%, in blind beetles compared with normal beetles. In addition, the preponderance of upward (dispersal) flights following successful liftoffs of normal beetles was replaced by a preponderance of downward (short) flights for blind beetles. Blind beetles that did not have to launch themselves because they were tethered initiated flight as frequently as tethered normal Colorado potato beetles. The duration and repeatability of flights initiated by tethered blind Colorado potato beetles were also similar to those of flights initiated by tethered normal Colorado potato beetles in a stationary environment. Together, the results of the tests with untethered and tethered beetles indicate that vision is a key factor during flight launching and for flight continuation.
Sap beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in managed and old-growth forests in southeastern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Zeran Rebecca M. , Anderson Robert S. , Wheeler Terry A.
Published: April 2009

Nitidulid beetles were sampled from old-growth and mature managed hemlock-hardwood forest stands in southeastern Ontario, Canada. Large-area flight-intercept traps and trunk-window traps were operated for 22 weeks in 2003 and yielded 2129 nitidulid beetles representing 30 species. Species richness was similar in both forest types but relative abundance was higher in managed stands. Other diversity measures (rarefaction-estimated species richness, Fisher's α, Simpson's index) were all higher in old-growth stands, and managed stands were separated from old-growth stands in cluster analyses based on overall species diversity. These results were strongly influenced by the dominance of Glischrochilus quadrisignatus (Say) in two managed stands; removal of that species from analyses resulted in higher species diversity in managed stands and no distinct separation of forest types in cluster analyses. Indicator species analysis showed that G. quadrisignatus and Pallodes pallidus (Palisot de Beauvois) were strongly associated with managed stands. Glischrochilus sanguinolentus (Olivier) was collected more frequently in trunk-window traps than in flight-intercept traps and data suggested a possible association of this beetle with old-growth stands. Pallodes pallidus and Cychramus adustus Erichson, both known to feed on fleshy white fungi, displayed a clear division in seasonal abundance peaks, suggesting that resource partitioning may be occurring.
Attraction of femaleUranotaenia lowii(Diptera: Culicidae) to frog calls in Costa Rica
Authors: Borkent Art , Belton Peter
Published: April 2009

During a survey of frog-biting corethrellid midges in Costa Rica, we collected 79 femaleUranotaenia lowiiTheobald, mosquitoes known to bite frogs, from seven lowland localities using the recorded calls of a frog. The calls of male barking tree frogs,Hyla gratiosaLeConte, were repeated about once per second, lasted about 0.15 s, and had a fundamental frequency near 450 Hz. We suggest that this frequency is within the range of acoustic sensitivity of the female mosquito antennae. Males of several families of Nematocera use sound to detect flying females of their own species, but we believe ours is the first observation of female mosquitoes being attracted by the sound of a host.
A taxonomic study of Isometopinae from China, including Myiomma qinlingensis sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae)
Authors: Qi Baoying
Published: April 2009

The Chinese fauna of the mirid subfamily Isometopinae is examined. Fifteen species of Isometopinae are recorded from China, belonging to the genera Isometopus Fieber, Letaba Hesse, Myiomma Puton, and Sophianus Distant. The known species are reviewed in detail, including their citations, distributions, and host plants. Information about type material and the description of a new species, Myiomma qinlingensissp. nov., are given. Keys to the Chinese genera and species are given.
Notes on the Neotropical species of Synergus (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae), with description of a new species from Colombia
Authors: Nieves-Aldrey Jose Luis
Published: April 2009

Notes are given on the five species of Synergus Hartig, 1840 recorded from Central and South America, including a key for their identification. A new species, S. colombianussp. nov., is described from Colombia. The new species is an inquiline of an unidentified cynipid gall on Quercus humboldtii Bonpl. (Fagaceae). Synergus colombianus is the first Synergus species recorded from Colombia and the most southerly record of this genus in the Neotropical region. The new species is closely related to S. cultratus Ritchie et Shorthouse, 1987, S. filicornis Cameron, 1883, and S. nicaraguensis Díaz et Gallardo, 1998, but differs from these species in characters that are discussed in the text.
Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on the flowers of a dioecious plant,Dioscorea japonica(Dioscoreaceae)
Authors: Mizuki Inoue , Osawa Naoya , Tsutsumi Tadaaki
Published: April 2009

The genusDioscoreaL. (Dioscoreaceae) is widely distributed throughout Africa and Asia and includes 500 to 650 species (Burkill 1960; Miège and Lyonga 1982), almost all of which are dioecious (Terauchi 1990). Pollination of species in this genus has received little attention because many of the cultivated species are propagated vegetatively from tubers. Insect visitors to flowers have been reported for two species,D. alataL. from India (Abraham and Nair 1990) andD. rotundataPoir. from Nigeria (Pitkin 1973; Segnouet al.1992; Bournier 1994).Dioscorea japonicaThunb. is found throughout Japan, Korea, and China (Ohwi and Kitagawa 1983), but insect visitors to the flowers have not previously been reported. We investigated the insect visitors to flowers ofD. japonicabecause the insect fauna associated with one species of a genus often differs from that associated with other species of the genus and may vary within a single species between different geographic regions (Kobayashiet al.1999).
Damage to common plumbing materials caused by overwintering Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Bates Sarah L.
Published: April 2009

The western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann (Hemiptera: Coreidae), is a polyphagous pest of coniferous trees (Hedlin et al. 1981). Native to western North America, the seed bug has expanded its range to include eastern Canada and the United States (McPherson et al. 1990; Gall 1992; Marshall 1992; Ridge-O'Connor 2001; Bates 2002) and was recently introduced into Europe (Taylor et al. 2001). Both adults and nymphs feed by inserting their stylets into cones and digesting the contents of developing seeds, and they can cause serious economic losses in high-value seed orchards (Strong et al. 2001; Bates et al. 2002; Bates and Borden 2005).
Review of the Chinese leafhopper genus Paralaevicephalus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) with descriptions of two new species from China
Authors: Dai Wu , Zhang Yalin , Hu Jian
Published: April 2009

The four species from China of the genus Paralaevicephalus Ishihara, 1953 are reviewed; among them, two species, P. longistylussp. nov. and P. gracilipenissp. nov., are described. Paralaevicephalus prima (Rao, 1989) is reported for the first time from China. The genus Khasiana Rao, 1989 (Deltocephalinae: Paralimnini) is synonymized with Paralaevicephalus Ishihara, 1953 syn. nov. A key is given to distinguish the species, and illustrations of genitalia are provided.
Taxonomic study of the Oriental genus Amurta (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Typhlocybini), including A. bimaculata sp. nov. and A. upunctata sp. nov.
Authors: Zhang Yalin , Huang Min
Published: April 2009

A taxonomic study of the Oriental genus Amurta Dworakowska, 1977 is given. Five species are considered, one of which is reported for the first time in China, and two species, Amurta bimaculatasp. nov. and A. upunctatasp. nov., are described. All species are listed and a key for their separation is given.
The genusEucatopsof Costa Rica (Coleoptera: Leiodidae, Cholevinae, Eucatopini)
Authors: Peck Stewart B. , Cook Joyce
Published: April 2009

The genusEucatopsPortevin, 1903 was previously known by 20 described species, all from South America. In this paper we describe 13 new species from Costa Rica, all in the subgenusEucatops: Eucatops(Eucatops)andersonisp. nov.;E.(E.)antennatussp. nov.;E.(E.)apterussp. nov.;E.(E.)dentatussp. nov.;E.(E.)femoratussp. nov.;E.(E.)globosussp. nov.;E.(E.)magnussp. nov.;E.(E.)minutussp. nov.;E.(E.)montanussp. nov.;E.(E.)osasp. nov.;E.(E.)paramontanussp. nov.;E.(E.)solisisp. nov.; andE.(E.)tenuisaccussp. nov.Some of the species are also reported from neighboring Nicaragua or Panama.
Spatial and temporal distribution of winged aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) frequenting blueberry fields in southwestern British Columbia and implications for the spread of Blueberry scorch virus
Authors: Raworth D.A. , Chan C.-K. , Foottit R.G. , Maw E.
Published: April 2009

Alate aphids were sampled in five fields of commercial blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum L. (Ericaceae), during 2001 and 2002 using yellow tile, green tile, and Tremclad® yellow water traps. Eighty-seven species were identified among a total of 7722 alatae. Several of the species are known virus vectors, including Aphis fabae Scopoli, Brachycaudus helichrysi (Kaltenbach), Hyalopterus pruni (Geoffroy), Hyperomyzus lactucae (L.), Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Rhopalosiphoninus staphyleae (Koch), and Rhopalosiphum padi (L.). The number of species caught varied with year, and the number of species and the total number of alatae varied with field, trap colour, and season. More species were caught in 2001 than in 2002, in yellow than in green traps, and in the summer than in the spring or the autumn, and more alatae were caught in Tremclad® yellow traps than in yellow or green tile traps, and in the autumn than in the spring or the summer. However, numerous interactions limit generalizations. Analyses of the data for individual species revealed similar patterns and interactions. The effects of year, field, trap colour, and season varied with species. Given nonpersistent virus transmission and the large numbers of alatae caught of species that are known virus vectors, there is considerable potential for spread of Blueberry scorch virus by migrant aphids. Field- or area-specific and season-specific control strategies could be developed once the virus vector status of the different species is known. In addition, given the number of significant interactions observed in the data, there is a need to investigate alternative, generalized approaches to reducing virus transmission rates, such as applying whitewash or kaolin particle film to blueberry leaves.
On the misidentification of chalcid (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) parasitoids of the cabbage seedpod weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in North America
Authors: Gibson Gary A.P. , Baur Hannes , Ulmer Bryan , Dosdall Lloyd , Muller Franck
Published: April 2009

Previous identifications in North America ofTrichomalus perfectus(Walker, 1835) andMesopolobus morys(Walker, 1848) (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae), the principal chalcid parasitoids of the cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictusMarsham, 1802) in Europe, are shown to be misidentifications ofTrichomalus lucidus(Walker, 1835) andMesopolobus(Xenocrepis)moryoidessp. nov., respectively.Necremnus duplicatusGahan, 1941 (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) is synonymized formally underNecremnus tidius(Walker, 1839)syn. nov., confirming a previous, tentative synonymy. Both sexes ofN. tidius,M. moryoides, andT. lucidusare illustrated and compared with those of similar species using macrophotography and scanning electron microphotography. Hypotheses are offered to explain why the principal chalcid parasitoids of the cabbage seedpod weevil differ between North America and Europe and how the three treated species came to be in North America.
Population development of the green peach aphid and beneficial insects in potato fields in British Columbia
Authors: Kabaluk J.T. , Vernon R.S. , Henderson D.
Published: April 2009

Using 4 years of potato monitoring data containing insect counts, population development of the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae (Sulzer)) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), ladybird beetles (Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) and Coccinella septempunctata L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and hymenopterous aphid parasitoids is described and used to consider revisions to current sampling plans. Depending on the year, field monitoring for aphids commenced between early May and early June. Aphid populations typically increased after 1 July and fluctuated until the end of the monitoring period (September). Winged M. persicae began to appear in sweep-net samples in late May, well in advance of the detection of aphids in visual samples. Aphid counts from field edge and interior sample sites were correlated and edge population levels were slightly and significantly greater than interior levels over the period 10 June – 14 July in 2 of the 4 years analyzed, suggesting a mild but inconsistent edge effect approaching mid season. Using an action threshold of 1 aphid/leaf to restrict the aphid-mediated spread of potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), the earliest whole-field action threshold was exceeded during 18–24 June in 1997. Using an action threshold of 10 aphids/leaf to address aphid-induced yield loss in fields not at risk to PLRV, the earliest whole-field action threshold was exceeded during 16–22 July in 1997. Therefore, monitoring for aphids can begin much later than the time it is currently commenced. A case is presented for monitoring only the edges of potato fields for an action threshold of 10 aphids/leaf, as interior samples rarely exceeded this action threshold when edge samples were below. This would further reduce the effort in sampling potato fields for aphids. Population development of ladybird beetle adults and larvae showed peaks occurring at different times during the growing season, depending on the year. Parasitism of aphids by hymenopterans occurred at low to moderate levels throughout the growing season (13% of total aphids in visual samples, on average), with peak parasitism appearing toward the end of the growing season in each year.
Assessing capture techniques for ground beetles
Authors: Dávalos Andrea , Blossey Bernd
Published: April 2009

We investigated the use of wooden boards to sample ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and compared their efficacy with that of single pitfall traps and two modified pitfall traps (barrier and grouped traps). Carabid captures and species richness were similar between wooden boards and single pitfall traps, but higher in barrier and grouped traps. Although captures were higher in the modified pitfall traps, no method was consistently superior or capable of capturing all carabid species recorded at our study site. A distinct advantage of wooden boards is their ease of installation and maintenance and the fact that they can be left in remote areas for extended periods of time, eliminating the need to visit areas to open traps (if livetrapping is the desired outcome). These time savings and reduced site disturbance may make wooden boards an alternative to single pitfall traps.
The linden bark borer (Lepidoptera: Agonoxenidae) infesting European linden in Nova Scotia
Authors: Majka Christopher G.
Published: April 2009

The Holarctic genusChrysoclista(Lepidoptera: Agonexenidae) consists of very distinctive, small, brightly coloured moths whose larvae bore in the bark of deciduous trees. There are seven species worldwide including three found in Europe, two found in the Caucasus, and two Nearctic species,C. cambiella(Busck, 1915) andC. villela(Busck, 1904). In addition, the Palearctic speciesC. linneella(Clerck, 1759) has been introduced to North America (Karsholt 1997).

In Europe,C. linneellais found across most of the continent, in all of the Baltic and Fennoscandian countries, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, Rumania, Russia (Karsholt and Razowski 1996), Turkey, and Ukraine (S. Koster, personal communication).
Effect of pea flour and pea flour extracts onSitophilus oryzae
Authors: Hou Xingwei , Taylor Wes , Fields Paul
Published: April 2009

Protein-rich pea flour is an antifeedant and a repellent and is toxic to the rice weevil,Sitophilus oryzae(L.), but its mode of action is not known. Results showed that protein-rich pea flour had no fumigant effect on adult survival or offspring production ofS. oryzae. In a contact experiment, immobilized weevils were fed every other day and had their abdomens brushed with protein-rich pea flour or wheat flour on the alternate days. Insects treated with protein-rich pea flour had an average longevity of 9.6 days, which was significantly shorter than that for insects treated with wheat flour (11.3 days) or brushed controls (17.6 days). These results suggest that toxins from the protein-rich pea flour may be able to penetrate the insect cuticle. Midguts from weevils fed protein-rich pea flour, a pea flour extract, or a mixture of pea peptides contained numerous bubbles. Midgut tissues in these treated adults were injured, as shown by dual staining with the fluorescent dyes calcein AM and propidium iodide. The volume of the bubbles increased rapidly when insects were fed protein-rich pea flour or pea flour extract. There were no bubbles found in the midguts ofS. oryzaethat fed on wheat kernels or wheat flour.
Effects of fire return rates on traversability of lodgepole pine forests for mountain pine beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) and the use of patch metrics to estimate traversability
Authors: Barclay Huge J. , Li Chao , Benson Laura , Taylor Steve , Shore Terry
Published: April 2009

Monte-Carlo simulation was used to examine the effects of fire return rates on the equilibrium age structure of a one-million-hectare lodgepole pine forest (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Wats.; Pinaceae) and yielded a mosaic of ages over the one million hectares for each fire regime modelled. These mosaics were used to generate mosaics of susceptibility to mountain pine beetle (MPB) (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, 1902) attack. This susceptibility was related to the age distribution to calculate the mean susceptibility of the forest. Susceptibility maps were produced for two timber supply areas in British Columbia, as well as for the whole of B.C. In addition, we defined a quality, called traversability, that describes the ability of a beetle population to disperse across a landscape according to defined rules of susceptibility and maximum distance for dispersal through unsuitable habitat. Using each of 40 combinations of susceptibility classifications and dispersal limits, the landscape was categorized as traversable or non-traversable. This represents the suitability of a landscape to the unimpeded spread of an incipient beetle population. It was found that (i) long fire cycles yield an age structure highly susceptible to beetle attack; (ii) fire suppression reduces the frequency of fires and yields an age structure highly susceptible to beetle attack; and (iii) harvesting one age class reduces the mean susceptibility to MPB attack, and this reduction decreases with increasing harvest age and increasing fire cycle length. When fires were limited in size to less than 100 ha, the area was always traversable. For larger fires, traversability declined, and for the largest fires (up to one million hectares), the area was often not traversable. Harvesting reduced the mean susceptibility and traversability, often substantially. Traversability was calculated for the whole of B.C. in blocks of about one million hectares using B.C. Ministry of Forests and Range inventory data for the year 2000. The area most traversable was the area around Tweedsmuir Park and the Lakes Timber Supply Area, where most of the present outbreak of MPB is centred. FRAGSTATS patch metrics were calculated for each of the simulations and were related to traversability using discriminant analysis. This analysis was then applied to the B.C. inventory; the concordance was high, with 93.3% of conditions being correctly classified.
Diapause and voltinism in western and 2-year-cycle spruce budworms (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and their hybrid progeny
Authors: Nealis V.G.
Published: April 2009

Breeding experiments and rearing under variable controlled conditions have revealed that western and 2-year-cycle spruce budworms (Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman and C. biennis Freeman, respectively) from British Columbia, Canada, and their hybrid progeny have the inherent capacity for a variable number of diapause events and hence voltinism. While all crosses have at least one diapause, variability in the relative frequency of a second diapause is determined by genetic traits modified by the photoperiod and, to a lesser extent, temperature experienced during the larval stages. Second diapause appears fixed in C. biennis but is facultative and most frequent at short photophases (12L:12D) in C. occidentalis. Hybrids and backcrosses had responses intermediate to the parental responses under all environmental conditions. The occurrence of a facultative third diapause in all crosses underlines the inherent capacity for flexibility in voltinism in these species. These results are discussed in the context of past, present, and future distributions of alternative life cycles in closely related species.
A rearing apparatus and diet for the aquatic firefly Luciola leii (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)
Authors: Fu Xinhua , Nobuyoshi Ohba , Zhang Ying , Lei Chaoliang
Published: April 2009

An artificial rearing apparatus for the aquatic firefly Luciola leii Fu and Ballantyne is described, consisting of two small rearing boxes placed inside a larger outer box, a choice of diet, and a suitable substrate for oviposition. Larvae feeding on crushed prey snails (Gyraulus convexiusculus Huton and Lymnaea stagnalis (L.)) showed moderate growth, while those feeding exclusively on muscle of the snail Bellamya purificata Heude grew the best, with a pupation rate of 71%, adult emergence rate of 88.7%, larval duration of 203 days, and pupal duration of 5.1 days. Larvae feeding on fish meat (Carassius auratus L.) and pork meat did not rear well, having lower pupation rates (11% and 5.5%, respectively) and lower emergence rates (54.5% and 54.5%, respectively). Analysis of the three species of aquatic snails, isolated fish meat, and isolated pork meat revealed that the concentrations of amino acids in a protein sample of B. purificata were higher than those in samples of the other two snails, G. convexiusculus and L. stagnalis, but less than those in samples of the fish and pork meat. It is concluded that the rearing apparatus and the diet, which affects water quality, are important factors in the successful rearing of the aquatic firefly L. leii.
Phylogenetic framework for Dioryctria (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae) based on combined analysis of mitochondrial DNA and morphology
Authors: Du Yanli , Roe Amanda D. , Sperling Felix A.H.
Published: April 2009

Coneworms of the genus Dioryctria Zeller are important lepidopterous pests of conifer cones throughout the Holarctic region. Seventy-nine Dioryctria species are currently recognized and arranged into 11 species groups, but a globally unified classification of these species groups has not been attained. We surveyed 14 Dioryctria species belonging to 7 species groups recognized as being taxonomically problematic. Mitochondrial DNA sequences and morphological characters were used to resolve relationships among and within species groups and species. Sequences were obtained for 2.3 kb of the mitochondrial COI + COII genes and related to 52 morphological characters. Parsimony analyses of separate and combined data showed that (i) the five included Chinese species (D. abietella (Denis and Schiffermüller), D. rubella Hampson, D. nr. rubella, D. magnifica Munroe, and D. yiai Mutuura and Munroe) were distinct from the North American taxa, and their relationships were interspersed among Nearctic and European species; (ii) three of the four species groups represented by more than one species formed robust, well-supported clades (abietella group, sylvestrella group, and zimmermani group) for both mtDNA sequences and morphology; (iii) mtDNA and morphology gave conflicting interspecific and intergroup relationships for the auranticella, schuetzeella, ponderosae, and baumhoferi groups; (iv) all eight species for which more than one specimen was sampled were characterized by discrete clusters of mitochondrial DNA haplotypes, and mtDNA divergences among species in the same species group were generally less than those among species in different species groups; and (v) combining mtDNA data with morphological data increased support for most nodes in the phylogeny, with morphological characters providing support for species groups and mtDNA being essential for distinguishing species within species groups. This study demonstrates the value of a combined analysis of both mtDNA and morphological characters and establishes a phylogenetic framework for broader and more comprehensive studies of Dioryctria species.
Changes in the bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of an old field site in southern Ontario, revisited after 34 years
Authors: Grixti Jennifer C. , Packer Laurence
Published: April 2009

We investigated changes in a wild bee community by repeating a detailed historical study of bee biodiversity in Ontario. In 1968 and 1969 (period 1), an inventory of bee species was taken from an old field habitat in southern Ontario. We resampled the bee fauna in 2002 and 2003 (period 2), following the same methods. Bee species richness, diversity, and evenness were significantly greater in period 2, and this was observed in all functional guilds except wood-nesting, pollen specialist, and nonnative bees. In period 2, a total of 150 bee species were found (2002, 98 species; 2003, 143 species), whereas in period 1, a total of 105 species were found (1968, 98 species; 1969, 76 species). Although 90 bee species collected in period 1 were re-collected in period 2, bee community composition was remarkably different between periods, with an estimated community similarity of only 7.5%. Changes in the bee fauna, specifically the increase in the proportions of pollen specialist and wood-nesting bees, might be best explained by changes in the habitat as a result of succession over the intervening 34 years. We compare and contrast our findings of bee community change with the published literature and discuss the possible factors driving the change.
Molecular divergence betweenGryllus rubensandGryllus texensis, sister species of field crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
Authors: Gray D.A. , Barnfield P. , Seifried M. , Richards M.H.
Published: April 2009

We assess the degree of sequence divergence in the maternally inherited mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase I (COI) and cytochromeb(CytB) genes between two sister species of field crickets,Gryllus rubensScudder, 1902 andGryllus texensisCade and Otte, 2000. We analyzed 1460 base pairs from 10 individuals of each species; individuals were sampled from areas of both allopatry and sympatry. Overall average pairwise mitochondrial sequence divergence between species was 1.4% ± 0.1% (mean ± SD); however, there was almost an order of magnitude more divergence in COI (2.59% ± 2.25%) than in CytB (0.35% ± 0.24%).Gryllus texensisappears to harbor a much greater level of genetic variation than doesG. rubens. Phylogenetic trees constructed from these sequences show reasonable separation of species; however, sequences are not reciprocally monophyletic. Gene tree polyphyly may reflect recent species-level divergence and (or) interspecific gene flow. The pattern of sequence divergence and genetic variation in these taxa is consistent with allopatric or peripatric speciation in Pleistocene glacial refugia in the southeastern (G. rubensancestral lineage) and southcentral United States (G. texensisancestral lineage).
Simple technique to increase the sensitivity of probe traps in detecting Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) in stored wheat
Authors: Mohan S. , Sivakumar S.S. , Venkatesh S.R. , Raghavan G.S.V.
Published: April 2009

An approach to enhance the performance of probe traps in detecting Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) adults in stored wheat is described. The repellent property of protein-enriched pea flour is exploited to increase the efficiency of the probe trap by treating the stored grain with the flour. The enhancement in performance of the traps was evaluated by placing the traps in wheat grains treated with protein-enriched pea flour at concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10% (w/w) and observing the number of adult beetles trapped in comparison with the trap catch in untreated wheat. The traps kept in wheat treated with protein-enriched pea flour caught more beetles than traps placed in untreated wheat. The practical implications of this work are discussed with reference to sampling for C. ferrugineus.
Timing of egg hatch by early-season codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) predicted by moth catch in pear ester- and codlemone-baited traps
Authors: Knight A.L. , Light D.M.
Published: April 2009

The use of the timing of moth catch in traps to predict the start of egg hatch by first-generation codling moth,Cydia pomonella(L.), in apple,Malus domesticaBorkh. (Rosaceae), was evaluated with ethyl (E,Z)-2,4-decadienoate (pear ester) and (E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol (codlemone) lures. Two sets of paired traps baited with either lure were placed in each of seven orchards and checked daily during the spring flight in 2000 and 2001. Rearing of field-collected eggs and sampling of fruit for injury were used to estimate the date of first egg hatch. Moth catch in traps baited with codlemone and pear ester occurred approximately 144 and 105 degree-days prior to the start of egg hatch, respectively. The effectiveness of using the timing of sustained moth catch in traps baited with these lures as a biological reference point (Biofix) to predict the start of egg hatch when traps were checked every 3–4 d was evaluated in 11 orchards from 2000 to 2002. The calendar date for the start of sustained moth catch in traps baited with either lure varied widely among orchards and years. Significant differences in mean cumulative degree-days from first sustained moth catch until egg hatch were found among male moth catch in codlemone-baited traps and total and female moth catch in pear ester-baited traps. Adjusting the Biofix based on daily temperature thresholds significantly changed the cumulative degree-days required until egg hatch only for female moth catch. No significant differences were found in the accuracy of predicting the date of egg hatch using either the codlemone or pear ester lure or by adjusting the Biofix date using daily temperature thresholds. The cumulative degree-day totals required from Biofix until egg hatch had the lowest variability when the Biofix was (i) based on the sustained catch of female moths in a pear ester-baited trap and (ii) adjusted with a temperature threshold for moth activity.
Developing action thresholds for codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with pear ester- and codlemone-baited traps in apple orchards treated with sex pheromone mating disruption
Authors: Knight A. L. , Light D.M.
Published: April 2009

Traps baited with either ethyl (E,Z)-2,4-decadienoate (pear ester) or (E,E)- 8,10- dodecadien-1-ol (codlemone) (Pherocon® CM-DA™ and Megalure CM™ lures, respectively) were used to develop action thresholds for codling moth (Cydia pomonella (L.)) in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.; Rosaceae) orchards treated with sex pheromones for control of this pest. Studies were conducted in 102 orchards treated with 500–1000 ISOMATE®-C PLUS dispensers per hectare during 2000–2002. Pairs of traps were placed within two 1.0-ha plots within each orchard. Fruit injury was assessed at mid-season and prior to harvest in each plot. The numbers of female and total moths caught in pear ester-baited traps and male moths caught in codlemone-baited traps were used to develop action thresholds. Thresholds were based on the minimum cumulative number of moths per trap in ≥95% of traps in unsprayed plots with no fruit injury. Specific thresholds were established for the first insecticide spray targeting the start of egg hatch and for the first and second moth flights. The proportion of plots with mid-season fruit injury that had cumulative moth catches below the action threshold at first spray and at second moth flight was determined using the established action threshold and thresholds reduced incrementally to ≥1 moth per trap. Moth catches below the threshold at first spray were less common in plots with high levels of fruit injury (>0.3%) than in plots with low levels of fruit injury and more common with codlemone-baited traps than with pear ester-baited traps. An action threshold of ≥1 moth in a pear ester-baited trap at first spray eliminated the error in predicting fruit injury in plots at mid-season. Conversely, a high proportion of traps baited with either lure failed to predict low levels of fruit injury at harvest in unsprayed plots regardless of the cumulative moth threshold used during the second moth flight.
The Palearctic species Bembidion femoratum and Amara communis (Coleoptera: Carabidae): new records and notes on modes of introduction to North America
Authors: Majka Christopher G.
Published: April 2009

The Palearctic species Amara communis (Panzer) and Bembidion femoratum Sturm were both first reported from North America in 1992. Since that time a sizeable number of additional specimens of both species have been found, which substantially expands their known range on the continent. These records are summarized herein. The possible modes of introduction of both species are discussed within the context of other introduced insects, particularly those first found in Atlantic Canada. In the case of A. communis, the many coastal localities where it occurs would seem to indicate that it was introduced in association with transatlantic marine traffic, possibly the shipment of dry ballast. In the case of B. femoratum, the mode of introduction is less clear. Possible associations with nursery stock, dry ballast, and the movement of aircraft are all discussed.
Spruce beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) parasitoids: cephalic morphology of larvae and a key to species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Pteromalidae)
Authors: Wesley Julia , Williams Daryl J.M. , Langor David W. , Spence John R.
Published: April 2009

Cast exuviae from final-instar larvae of four species of hymenopterous parasitoids of Dendroctonus rufipennis (Kirby, 1837) were examined for diagnostic characters. The head capsules of Bracon tenuis Muesebeck and Walkley, 1951, Coeloides rufovariegatus (Provancher, 1880), Roptrocerus xylophagorum (Ratzeburg, 1844), and Dinotiscus dendroctoni (Ashmead, 1894) each displayed unique combinations of characters allowing discrimination among species. Head capsules are illustrated, and a key to species is presented.
Population structure and phylogenetic relationships ofCeutorhynchus neglectus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Laffin R. D. , Dosdall L. M. , Sperling F.A.H.
Published: April 2009

Ceutorhynchus neglectusBlatchley is a weevil that is native to, and widely distributed in, North America. It has life-history characteristics similar to its alien invasive congener,Ceutorhynchus obstrictus(Marsham), the cabbage seedpod weevil. Our study was undertaken to compare the population structure ofC. neglectusin North America to that ofC. obstrictus, which, in contrast, was introduced only recently to North America and might be expected to have a simpler population structure. We also compared the population structure ofC. neglectusto that ofPissodes strobi(Peck), which is known to possess high levels of intraspecific variation and is also a Nearctic weevil. We sequenced a 790-bp fragment of mtDNA (cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene) and a 117-bp fragment of nuclear DNA (internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1)). Nested clade analysis inferred contiguous range expansion and restricted gene flow with isolation by distance. Analysis of molecular variance also supported restricted gene flow between geographically distant populations. However, within-species variation inC. neglectuswas lower than that for other weevil species includingC. obstrictus. We also examined DNA divergences and phylogenetic relationships among 10 species ofCeutorhynchususing parsimony analysis of a 2.3-kb fragment of mtDNA (COI–COII) and a 541-bp fragment of nuclear DNA (elongation factor 1α).
New and little-known species of feather mites (Acari: Analgoidea: Pteronyssidae) from birds in North America
Authors: Mironov Sergei V. , Galloway Terry D.
Published: April 2009

In this paper, we review the pteronyssid feather mites of the genera Pteronyssus Robin, Scutulanyssus Mironov, and Stenopteronyssus Faccini and Atyeo found in the course of an investigation into ectoparasites of birds in Canada. Five new species of feather mites are described: Pteronyssus sphyrapicinussp. nov. from the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius (L.); Stenopteronyssus proctoraesp. nov. from the Northern Flicker, Colaptes auratus (L.); Scutulanyssus progneisp. nov. and Scutulanyssus subissp. nov. from the Purple Martin, Progne subis (L.); and Scutulanyssus petrochelidonissp. nov. from the Cliff Swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (Vieillot). New host records are provided for Pteronyssus picoides Černy and Schumilo from the Downy Woodpecker, Picoides pubescens (L.), and for Scutulanyssus obscurus (Berlese) from the Cliff Swallow; Pteronyssus brevipes Berlese and Scutulanyssus hirundicolus Mironov are formally recorded in North America for the first time; and Pteronyssus centurus McDaniel and Price is reported for the first time in Canada, from Lewis' Woodpecker, Melanerpes lewis (Gray). Scutulanyssus tyrrelli (Canestrini) is reported for the first time in Manitoba from the Tree Swallow, Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot). Keys are provided for all species of Pteronyssus and Scutulanyssus found in North America.
Generic diagnoses within a closely related group of genera:Brechmorhoga,Gynothemis,Macrothemis, andScapanea(Odonata: Libellulidae)
Authors: Garrison Rosser W. , von Ellenrieder Natalia
Published: April 2009

Based on examination of most species ofBrechmorhoga,Gynothemis,Macrothemis, andScapanea, these four genera are rediagnosed, resulting in the following taxonomic changes:Brechmorhoga archboldi(Donnelly, 1970)comb. nov.,Gynothemis pumila(Karsch, 1890)comb. nov.,Macrothemis heteronycha(Calvert, 1909)comb. nov., andMacrothemis calliste(Ris, 1913)comb. nov.The male ofM. callisteis described and illustrated for the first time.
Resistance to Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in a Canadian spring wheat cultivar
Authors: Wise Ian L. , Lamb Robert J. , McKenzie Ronald I.H. , Whistlecraft Jay W.
Published: April 2009

The Canadian spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; Poaceae) cultivar ‘Superb’ was less susceptible to damage by Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), than the spring wheat cultivars ‘AC Barrie’, ‘AC Foremost’, ‘McKenzie’, ‘AC Domain’, and ‘Glenlea’ in Manitoba. The partial resistance of ‘Superb’ was similar, at the seedling stage, to that of ‘Guard’, which possesses the resistance gene H18. Females laid eggs readily on all cultivars, providing no evidence for antixenosis, but few larvae developed on seedlings of ‘Superb’ and ‘Guard’, showing that antibiosis against larvae is the mechanism of resistance in these seedlings. In the field, where infestation of spring wheat takes place about 4 weeks after the seedling stage, ‘Guard’ continued to show high levels of resistance, but ‘Superb’ was less resistant, although still more resistant than highly susceptible cultivars. Infested stems of ‘Superb’ and ‘Nordic’ were less likely to break than infested stems of other cultivars, showing that these two cultivars are partially tolerant to infestation. Infested stems of ‘Guard’ and other cultivars showed high levels of stem breakage and are intolerant. Yield losses due to infestation by Hessian fly were mostly caused by the breakage and falling over of infested stems, which prevented the seeds on these stems from being harvested. Infested stems of all susceptible cultivars that remained standing at harvest had lower seed masses and fewer seeds per spike than uninfested stems, which contributed to yield loss. ‘Grandin’, a parent of ‘Superb’, is the probable source of resistance in ‘Superb’, but the pedigree of ‘Grandin’ provides no clue as to the gene(s) involved. The partial antibiosis and tolerance expressed by ‘Superb’ is sufficient to reduce losses to Hessian fly by 65% in comparison with a susceptible cultivar such as ‘AC Barrie’. ‘Superb’ is the first Canadian spring wheat cultivar identified to have an agronomically useful level of resistance to Hessian fly.
On the genus Baaora (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from China, with descriptions of five new species
Authors: Huang Min , Zhang Yalin
Published: April 2009

A taxonomic study of the genus Baaora Dworakowska in China is reported. Seven species are treated, one of which is reported for the first time in China, and five new species, B. dworakowskaesp. nov., B. apicimaculatasp. nov., B. fuscasp. nov., B. nigritergitasp. nov., and B. aberrantasp. nov., are described and illustrated. A checklist of all Chinese species and a key to distinguish them are provided.
Zachvatkinibates(Acari: Oribatida: Mycobatidae) of North America, with descriptions of sexually dimorphic species
Authors: Behan-Pelletier Valerie M. , Eamer Barbara
Published: April 2009

The oribatid mite genusZachvatkinibates, found in littoral, forest canopy, and forest litter habitats, includes some species showing distinct sexual dimorphism in the octotaxic system of dermal glands, and others lacking this dimorphism. Three new species in this genus are described on the basis of adults, each of which shows species-specific sexual dimorphism:Z. nortonisp. nov.andZ. schatzisp. nov.from beach debris in British Columbia, Canada, andZ. shaldybinaesp. nov.from the littoral in eastern and northeastern Canada. We discuss the association of sexual dimorphism with the littoral habitat of species in this genus and, more generally, the expression of sexually dimorphic porose areas in Ceratozetoidea. We revise the diagnosis for the genusZachvatkinibatesand present a revised key for adults ofZachvatkinibatesspecies of North America north of Mexico.
Analysis of grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) population surveys in Saskatchewan: 1972–2004
Authors: Olfert O. , Giffen D. , Hartley S.
Published: April 2009

Grasshopper population forecasting and monitoring methods in western Canada have traditionally been linked to pest control decisions primarily by providing warnings of the likelihood of crop damage. Risk to crops is categorized as very light (1–4 grasshoppers/m2), light (>4–8 grasshoppers/m2), moderate (>8–12 grasshoppers/m2), severe (>12–24 grasshoppers/m2), or very severe (>24 grasshoppers/m2). A summary of grasshopper infestation by risk category indicated that in 29 of 33 years, infestations warranted ratings of severe or very severe, with the majority of these infestations occurring in the 1980s. Infestations involving the two categories severe and very severe encompassed about 84 900 and 85 600 km2 of agricultural land during the two largest infestations in 1985 and 2002, respectively. Keeping grasshopper populations below economic thresholds through preventative measures is the goal of integrated pest management. To determine when control measures are warranted, producers are asked to monitor grasshopper populations and estimate the number of grasshoppers per square metre. Economic thresholds provide guidance in making a decision as to whether control is warranted in different crops. Using economic thresholds as a guide, this study identified the eco-districts most at risk of crop damage within each of four major eco-regions of Saskatchewan. Overall, risk was highest in five eco-districts of the Mixed Grassland Eco-region. These findings provide guidance for the agriculture industry in relation to grasshopper management and for future survey programs in relation to targeting regions of the province most at risk from grasshoppers.