bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a method for maintaining age-structured populations of house-flies, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), to study the evolution of insecticide resistance
Authors: Denholm I. , Sawicki R. M. , Farnham A. W. , White Jean C.
Published: July 2009

An inexpensive and versatile method for maintaining age-structured Musca domestica L. populations for studies on the evolution of insecticide resistance is described. Adult flies are kept in spacious aluminium cages in which age-structuring is maintained by the thrice-weekly addition of pupae bred from eggs collected from within the cages. The population size is regulated in a density-independent manner by constraining the input of pupae to that necessary to maintain the required equilibrium density of adults within a cage. Adult numbers are monitored by photographing from outside the cage flies settled on a grid etched on the rear wall, and by converting this grid count to an estimate of population size using a calculated regression line. Observed changes in fly numbers in a cage accorded well with those predicted by a computer model using empirical data on larval productivity, and the emergence and survivorship schedules of adult flies. Since a variety of insecticide control regimes can be applied within the cage, this system enables an adequate yet tractable simulation of selection for resistance by insecticides under field conditions.
A mark-release-recapture demonstration of host-preference heterogeneity in Anopheles minimus Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae) in a Thai village
Authors: Nutsathapana Suthas , Sawasdiwongphorn Phorn , Chitprarop Udom , Cullen J. R. , Gass R. F. , Green C. A.
Published: July 2009

Females of Anopheles minimus Theobald at a site in northern Thailand that were caught on man or domestic bovids and were released showed a significant tendency to return to the type of host upon which they were first caught (P = 0·03). From a total of 3526 individuals marked and released, 51 were recaptured. A simple explanation is that the taxon is in fact a mixture of two or more morphologically cryptic species, a suggestion already indicated by previous studies.
Taxonomic study of chalcidoid wasps (Hymenoptera) associated with gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on mango trees
Authors: Bouček Z.
Published: July 2009

The chalcidoid parasites associated with galls on mango leaves and branches caused by Cecidomyiidae (mainly Procontarinia spp. in India) are taxonomically treated and keyed out. They include ten species belonging to five families (plus one treated elsewhere). The following taxa are described as new: in Torymidae, Mangostigmus gen. n. for Neomegastigmus amraeus Kurian; in Ormyridae, Ormyrulus gibbus gen. et sp. n.; in Pteromalidae, Gastrancistrus (Mangistrus subgen. n.) cherryi sp. n.; and in Eulophidae, Aprostocetus sankarani sp. n., Mangocharis longiscapus gen. et sp. n. and Chrysonotomyia obesula sp. n. The name Gastrancistrus mangiferae Subba Rao is placed in synonymy under G. muneswari Yadav. Two probable new synonymies are suggested under Chrysonotomyia.
Susceptibility to topical applications of endosulfan and dieldrin in sprayed and unsprayed populations of Glossina pallidipes Austen (Diptera: Glossinidae) in Kenya
Authors: Turner D. A. , Golder T. K.
Published: July 2009

An investigation into the possible development of insecticide resistance in Glossina was carried out by comparing the susceptibility to topical applications of endosulfan and dieldrin between two populations of G. pallidipes Austen in Kenya, one from the Lambwe Valley, where there has been a long history of spraying operations, and the other from Nkruman which has never been sprayed. Dosage-mortality regression lines and LD50 and LD95 data showed that wild-caught, non-teneral males and females from Lambwe were significantly more tolerant of both insecticides than their counterparts from Nkruman, with the exception of males treated with dieldrin. The differences were insufficiently great, however, to be incontestable evidence for the development of resistance in the Lambwe strain, although there were no other obvious sources of variability between strains adequate to account for the differences in susceptibility.
Field and laboratory detection of the altered acetylcholinesterase resistance genes which confer organophosphate and carbamate resistance in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Hemingway J. , Smith C. , Jayawardena K. G. I. , Herath P. R. J.
Published: July 2009

A simple field method for direct detection of an altered acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-type organophosphate and carbamate resistance mechanism in individual insects was developed. The test will allow accurate differentiation by eye, on the basis of a colour change, of homozygous-susceptible and heterozygous or homozygous-resistant individuals. In initial field trials of this test in Sri Lanka, Anopheles nigerrimus Giles and Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles were shown to contain this type of resistance gene, while a further nine species of mosquito had no evidence of it. Frequencies of the altered AChE gene in A. nigerrimus were estimated to be higher than those of C. tritaeniorhynchus, where the gene was found in only one of three localities in the island. The implication of the increase in prevalence of the AChE resistance gene in mosquito populations is discussed.
Combined effect of natural enemies (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae & Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with different niche breadths in reducing high populations of red scale, Aonidiella Aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)
Authors: Samways M. J.
Published: July 2009

Three populations of Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) were studied on orange trees at two sites in the hot Transvaal lowveld in South Africa. The first two were on the same trees, which had severe scale in the tree crowns and a low infestation in the bottoms. The third population, at a second site, was high and relatively evenly-spread over the whole tree. In previous years, the parasitoids Aphytis africanus Quednau and A. melinus DeBach had been unable on their own to reduce the high scale populations. Once a certain scale density level on the tree framework had been breached, a proportionately large number of susceptible scales escaped parasitism and reached the gravid female stage, which is invulnerable to attack. The ineffectiveness of parasitoids in these circumstances, resulting partly from their narrow niche breadth, was compounded by peak numbers only being reached late in the season. By this time, the large number of adult scales had already rendered the fruit unmarketable. In both sites, the predator Chilocorus nigritus (F.) was introduced and the trees also received commercial applications of petroleum oil. In one site, this oil treatment was restricted to the tree crowns. Although overall parasitism of vulnerable stages was relatively unaffected by these abiotic and biotic controlling factors, there was a shift to increased percentage parasitism of the virgin female away from the other susceptible stages. In addition, it was confirmed that the broad attack niche provided by C. nigritus, which preys on all developmental stages of the scale, readily complements parasitoid activity and can be of major economic importance.
Egg to adult survival of the bush fly, Musca vetustissima Walker (Diptera: Muscidae), in irrigated pastures when flood-caused mortality is prevented
Authors: Matthiessen J. N. , Hayles L.
Published: July 2009

Survival of Musca vetustissima Walker from egg to adult in nutritious cattle dung from pasture irrigated during the dry south-western Australian summer was measured in the field. When drowning was prevented by placing dung on a low embankment, survival was high for only the first two months of the fly season, which included the first month of the five-month irrigation period. Substantial emergence of wild M. vetustissima adults from naturally- infested dung occurred only around that time. Survival was so low during the last four months of irrigation, even in the absence of mortality caused by drowning, that irrigated pasture areas in south-western Australia are unlikely to have significantly greater potential for breeding of M. vetustissima than non-irrigated pastures during most of the summer.
Bush fly,Musca vetustissimaWalker (Diptera: Muscidae), control in relation to seasonal abundance of scarabaeine dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in south-western Australia
Authors: Ridsdill-Smith T. J. , Matthiessen J. N.
Published: July 2009

Seasonal patterns of abundance ofMusca vetustissimaWalker and scarabaeine dung beetles were measured at Busselton in south-western Australia for two years before and three years after, the introduction and establishment of two species of summer-active dung beetles,Oniticellus pallipes(F.) andOnthophagus binodis(Thunberg). Previously, only a single winter-active native dung beetle species,O. feroxHarold, occurred in this area. The mean dry weight of dung beetles trapped in December (early summer) was unaffected by the establishment of the additional species, and fly populations remained high. In January, however, dung beetle dry weight increased more than 60-fold andM. vetustissimaabundance fell to 12% of its previous value, essentially halving the duration of major fly problems in the area. Virtually no flies emerged from cattle dung after December, when dung beetle activity reduced egg-adult survival ofM. vetustissimato only 0·5%. It is proposed that betterM. vetustissimacontrol could be achieved in much of south-western Australia by introducing additional dung beetle species that are abundant in November and December.
The effect of host-plant and delayed mating on the fecundity and lifespan of the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): their influence on population dynamics and relevance to pest management
Authors: Leather S. R. , Watt A. D. , Barbour D. A.
Published: July 2009

Adult females of Panolis flammea (Denis & Schiffermüller) in the laboratory laid more eggs on some provenances of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) than on others, even when offered no choice. Their preoviposition period was inversely related to the suitability of the host for larval growth and development. The shorter the preoviposition period the greater the number of eggs that were laid. Delayed mating resulted in reduced fecundity and reduced egg fertility. Female moths lived longest on those hosts on which they oviposited most. Oviposition preferences were correlated with the ratio of the two monoterpenes α- and β-pinene within the host-plants. The effects of provenance, delayed mating and adult mortality were demonstrated through a simulation model; the effect of delayed mating was particularly marked when adult survival was poor. Egg production in the field in Scotland varied from 30 to 123 eggs per female, but this variation could largely be explained by spring temperature. It was concluded that this relationship was due to the influence of temperature on mating and egg laying. The relationship between temperature and egg production forms a basis for predicting damaging levels of Panolis flammea from either pupal or adult numbers. The effects of provenance and delayed mating demonstrate that the frequency of P. flammea outbreaks in the UK may be reduced by the planting of less preferred lodgepole pine provenances and by mating-disruption methods.
Phenacoccus avenae Borchsenius (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) from the Netherlands and Turkey, intercepted at quarantine on bulbs, corms and rhizomes of ornamental plants
Authors: Williams D. J. , Miller Douglass R.
Published: July 2009

Phenacoccus avenae Borchsenius, a mealybug described originally from beneath the leaf sheaths of a grass in Armenia, USSR, has been intercepted at quarantine in the Netherlands. USA and England on bulbs, corms and rhizomes of ornamental plants from Turkey. The mealybug, however, has never been recorded from Turkey although it probably exists there on monocotyledons. It is redescribed and illustrated here to facilitate identification at quarantine stations, and a list is given of its host-plants in the families Gramineae, Amaryllidaceae, Iridaceae and Liliaceae.
The genetics of hybrid sterility between subspecies of the complex ofGlossina morsitansWestwood (Diptera: Glossinidae)
Authors: Rawlings P.
Published: July 2009

Crosses were made between the three subspecies of the complex ofGlossina morsitansWestwood and the hybrid females backcrossed. Hybrid female fecundity was highly ‘reactive’ to foreign male genes when the mother wasG. morsitans centralisMachado compared with the reciprocal crosses and backcrosses. Hybrid F1males were unable to inseminate females successfully, and although in nearly a quarter of the dissections sperm was transferred to the uterus, it did not migrate to the spermathecae. Heterozygosity between the X- and Y-chromosomes and most of the autosomes led to high frequencies of sterile males, but homozygosity between the X- and Y-chromosomes could still yield 30–50% sterility. Successive backcrosses of hybrid females betweenG. m. morsitansandG. m. centralisto the latter subspecies continued to increase the frequency of fertile males. Interactions between X-chromosome and autosomal gene seemed to be responsible for hybrid male sterility, and the number of sterility genes involved appeared to be very few. Crosses involvingG. morsitans submorsitansNewstead generally agreed with those between the other two subspecies, but the distortion in the sex ratio of emergent adults limited the application of the data to this subspecies. Competition experiments using sterile hybrid males and fertile males in population cages (30 cm cube) showed that suppression was possible, especially when the ratio of sterile:fertile males was 2:1. The value of stetile hybrid males in tsetse control programmes and the evolution of reproductive isolation in the complex is discussed.
Effects of temperature and host-plant on regulation of glasshouse mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) populations by introduced parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)
Authors: Tingle C. C. D. , Copland M. J. W.
Published: July 2009

Introduction of parasitoids gave improved biological control of Planococcus citri (Risso) in a large glasshouse stocked with a variety of ornamental plants, supplementing that achieved by the predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant. Following parasitoid release, there was evidence of pest population regulation on guava and coffee bushes with reduced and stabilized mealybug numbers and stable percentage parasitism. The mean temperature during one sampling period was significantly correlated with the percentage parasitism two months later, indicating that temperature has a major impact on parasitoid efficiency. Leptomastidea abnormis (Girault) was responsible for about 90% of the parasitism observed; the remainder was by Leptomastix dactylopii Howard. The effects of supplementary inoculative releases of Leptomastidea abnormis were variable, but resulted in increased percentage parasitism only when the number released contributed significantly to those already established. No evidence of pest population regulation was found on Aristolochia or Passiflora vines nor on potted Gesneriaceae plants of the genera Streptocarpus and Saintpaulia. Peak mealybug populations on these last plants coincided with periods of new growth, fruiting or flowering. Host-plant quality thus seems to be a major factor inducing mealybug outbreaks.
The seasonal breeding rate of Glossina tachinoides Westwood (Diptera:Glossinidae) in peridomestic agroecosystems of the Nsukka area, Nigeria
Authors: Madubunyi L. Chuka
Published: July 2009

Females of Glossina tachinoides Westwood captured three-hourly in biconical traps deployed from 16.30 to 18.30 h weekly in three peridomestic agroecosystems in southern Nigeria from April 1984 to March 1987, were dissected and classified as nulliparous, pregnant, aborted or parous-but-not-pregnant. In all three tsetse populations, the monthly pregnancy rate ranged from 76 to 94% and the abortion rate from 3 to 8% throughout the year. No seasonal or locational differences or evidence of seasonal increase, reduction or cessation in breeding were demonstrated. A significant difference between years with respect to monthly abortion rate during the wet season was possibly due to changes in vegetation structure which is dependent on crop types. It is concluded that the low population density and pattern of seasonal fluctuation in apparent density of G. tachinoides in these peridomestic agroecosystems are due to causes other than seasonal differences in its breeding rate.
A shoot-fly, Atherigona ramu sp. n. (Diptera: Muscidae), attacking sugarcane in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Pont A. C.
Published: July 2009

The shoot-fly Atherigona ramu sp. n. is described from Papua New Guinea. It was reared from sugarcane at the agronomy centre of Ramu Sugar Ltd, Gusap, Papua New Guinea, and is also known from other parts of Papua New Guinea.
Notes on Insect Pests in Antigua
Authors: Ballou H. A.
Published: July 2009

The principal object of my visit to Antigua, during December 1912, was to study an outbreak of the twig borer of limes which had been reported by the Superintendent of Agriculture from two localities in the island.

At the time of my visit, owing to recent pruning, there were only occasionally infested branches to be seen, but these were in sufficient number to enable me to form a very good opinion of the nature of the attack and of the general habits of the insect.

The attack on a lime branch apparently always begins on a small twig. I am not able to say whether the twig on or in which the egg is laid is dead or dying at the time of egg-laying ; but in every instance of attack observed by me, both in the field and in specimens forwarded, the twig has been found entirely eaten out, the dead interior connecting with the tunnel in the larger branch from which the twig springs. This branch is always more or less girdled by the tunnel of the grub. The girdling seems to be the first thing done by the grub after completing the destruction of the smaller twig and it results in the death of the branch beyond the point of the girdle. The tunnel does not circle the twig in such a manner as to cut it off completely, but the direction is rather in a spiral, so that as the injury to the branch becomes more and more felt, it breaks down and is usually left hanging. The entire grub and pupa stages are passed within this branch, the adult beetle only issuing from the dead branch some time after emerging from its pupal condition.
On a new species of Mymaridae from Trinidad
Authors: Waterhouse Charles O.
Published: July 2009

Clear pale lemon yellow. The antenna with the 4th to 9th joints very pale grey. Third joint very small, a little longer than broad, about half the length of the second joint. Fourth joint rather slender, the length of the 2nd and 3rd taken together. The fifth about one-quarter shorter, about the same width. The 6th, 7th and 8th subequal, about the same length as the 5th but rather broader. Wings hyaline, with a very slight shadow below the vein, very nearly nine times as long as the greatest width (·525 × ·06 mm., approximately). Marginal cilia moderately strong, the longest ·132 mm. There is a line of hairs running along the middle of the wing from the apex of the vein to near the apex of the wing ; between this and the front margin there is another line of about twelve hairs, rather irregular, and there are a few hairs irregularly placed in the apical area. Between the central line and the hind margin there is an irregular line of about eight hairs, but they are not the same on both wings. Hind wings free from surface hairs, except three or four at the extreme apex. The posterior cilia moderately stout, except the first three or four, the longest about ·1 mm.
On the Biology of Dysdercus howardi, Ballou. II. The Effect of continued Inbreeding on the Life History
Authors: MacGill Elsie I.
Published: July 2009

1. A number of generations of Dysdercus howardi, Ballou, bred in the laboratory between 1932 and 1934 are compared with a similar number of generations bred from 1940 to 1941.

2. There is found to be no significant difference in the length of the life-cycle in the two periods.

3. There is a significantly greater number of adult female insects in the earlier generations of D. howardi (eleven generations).

4. In the later generations there is a higher percentage of infertile eggs. The difference between the two groups of insects is highly significant.

5. There is no significant difference in the percentages of nymphs becoming adult in the two periods.

6. The differences in the numbers of adult insects and in the sex ratios obtained in 1932–34 and 1940–41 are found to be non-significant (twelve generations).
Description, Bionomics and Control of the Giant Mealybug, Drosicha stebbingi, Green (Homoptera: Coccidae)
Authors: Rahman Khan A. , Latif M. Abdul
Published: July 2009

The giant mealybug, Drosicha stebbingi, Green, which occurs in Northern and Central India, was described for the first time in 1900. Observations on its life-history and control have been made by Stebbing (1899–1903) at Dehra Dun, Lefroy (1908) and Dutt (1925) at Pusa, Richards & Sharma (1934) at Cawnpore, and Misra & Rao (1938) at Benares. Savage (1914) investigated the respiratory system of the female. Hingston (1929) made observations in Central India. Beeson (1941) has briefly recapitulated its life-history and control. Though it has thus been the subject of investigation by a number of workers since 1900, the information so far collected is far from complete. No effective control has yet been devised, for the existing methods of combating it are directed towards preventing the fertilised females from descending the trees and entering the soil to oviposit, and this is after the damage has been done. Its habits, which have an important bearing on its control, have not yet been fully studied, and the present investigations were, therefore, undertaken in 1938. The results are presented in this paper.
Notes on Coccid-infesting Chalcidoidea—I
Authors: Waterston James
Published: July 2009

Amongst some insects bred this year from Lecanium viride on coffee in Mauritius, and forwarded to the Imperial Bureau of Entomology for identification by M. d'Emmerez de Charmoy, were two species of Chalcids belonging to the genera Diversinervus, Silv. (1915) and Tetrastichus, Hal. (1843) respectively. The former, which appears to differ considerably from the genotype, is here described as a new species ; the latter so closely agrees with Tetrastichus sicarius, Silv., that I have not thought it advisable to propose a new name. My best thanks are due to Professor Silvestri for his kindness in examining preparations of both species.
Ten new African Haematopota
Authors: Edwards F. W.
Published: July 2009

A small number of Haematopota from the Congo were recently sent for determination to the British Museum by M. E. Roubaud of the Pasteur Institute. Among these were specimens of an interesting new species of the H. pertinens group, and as M. Roubaud was kind enough to say that the type of this species might be deposited in the British Museum, I undertook to describe it, including at the same time, at Dr. G. A. K. Marshall's request, descriptions of a few of the numerous unrecorded African species of this genus in the collections of the British Museum and the Imperial Bureau of Entomology.
Notes on Coccidae occurring in the Seychelles Islands, with descriptions of new species
Authors: Green E. E.
Published: July 2009

The new species, described below, have been received from Mr. R. Dupont, Superintendent of Botanic Stations in the Seychelles.

Aspidiotus (Chrysomphalus) ansei, sp. nov. (fig. 1).

Female puparium irregularly circular or broadly ovate ; flattish or moderately convex. Very pale brownish ochreous, semitransparent ; pellicles darker, central. Diameter averaging 1·45 mm.

Male puparium smaller and more distinctly ovate ; pellicle nearer one extremity. Length 1 mm.

Adult female broadly rounded in front, narrowed and bluntly pointed behind. Margins of abdominal segments moderately produced. Pygidium (fig. 1) with six well developed prominent rounded lobes, the median pair indented on each side, the two lateral lobes more conspicuously indented on the outer side. Squames. long and deeply fimbriate : two in each of the median and first lateral spaces, three in the second lateral space, and three beyond the outer lateral lobe, followed immediately by a stout marginal prominence, beyond which the margin is slightly cristate for a short distance. Spines few, small and inconspicuous. Paraphyses, four on each side, elongate, conspicuous. Anal orifice near the extremity. Circumgenital glands in four groups: upper laterals with 3 to 4 pores, lower laterals with 2 to 3. Oval dorsal pores in two series on each side. Numerous long slender ducts communicating with the dorsal and marginal pores. Length, 1 mm.
A new weevil attacking pine-apples in Jamaica
Authors: Marshall Guy A. K.
Published: July 2009

Mr. A. H. Ritchie, Government Entomologist of Jamaica, has recently sent home specimens of a large black weevil which he has found doing serious damage to pine-apples in that island. The insect proves to be a new species of Metamasius, of the sub-family Calandrinae, and I have much pleasure in naming it after its discoverer.
Notes on Culicidae, with descriptions of new species
Authors: Edwards F. W.
Published: July 2009

A. (Coelodiazesis) plumbeus, Hal.

The life-history of this species has recently been fully described by Christophers (Ind. Jl. Med. Res., iii, Jan. 1916, p. 489) from larvae obtained in tree-holes in the neighbourhood of Simla. It is somewhat surprising that a species of Anopheles should have such a wide range, especially since tree-breeding mosquitos are usually more local in their distribution than other kinds. I believe, however, that Christophers was perfectly correct in his conclusion that A. barianensis, James, is the same species as A. plumbeus, Hal.
Solubility of the scale of Lepidosaphes ulmi, Linn
Authors: Maulik S.
Published: July 2009

The object of this short communication is to state the result of an enquiry into the solubility of the incrustation of the mussel scale-insect which is destructive to the bark of various cultivated trees, particularly of the apple tree. The control of this pest by means of insecticides to a large extent depends upon getting access to the insect by dissolving the scale with which it covers itself soon after it settles down on the bark for the rest of its life. Whatever may be the development of the insect, unless the scale can be dissolved, at least at its point of contact with the bark, no great result can be expected from the application of insecticides.
The Anopheles of Malaya—III. A new variety of A. albotaeniatus, Theo
Authors: Stanton A. T. , Hacker H. P.
Published: July 2009

Anopheles albotaeniatus was described by Theobald from specimens taken in Perak, Federated Malay States (Mon. Cul. iii, p. 88, 1903). It has also been recorded from the Malay Peninsula by Leicester (Stud. Iust. Med. Res., iii, pt. 3, p. 34, 1908) and Strickland (Bull. Ent. Res. iv, p. 140, 1914), from British North Borneo by Roper (Bull. Ent. Res. v, p. 147, 1915) and from Sumatra by Schüffner and Swellengrebel (Geneesk. Tijd. Ned. Ind. liv, p. 160, 1914) and Stanton (Ind. Jour. Med. Res. iii, p. 252, 1915). It is an uncommon species in the Malayan region and has not so far been met with outside it.
Revisionary notes on the New World genera of cercopid froghoppers (Homoptera: Cercopoidea). II
Authors: Fennah R. G.
Published: July 2009

Many tomaspidine froghoppers are pests of crops in South America, and their current taxonomic position frequently does not reflect their true affinities. In this second revisionary contribution, certain generic features of Tiodus, Iphirhina, Tunaima and Urubaxia are described and compared, and 2 species are transferred to Maxantonia, 3 to Tunaima, 1 to Kanaima, 1 to Prosapia and 5 to Mahanarva. Huaina gen. n., Choconta gen. n. and Tiodus rufescens sp. n. are described. Monecphora fortunata Lall. is suppressed under Kanaima vittata (Wlk.), and Maxantonia scita (Wlk.) is recalled from synonymy with Monecphora quadrifasciata (Lep. & Serv.).
The effect of diet on the life-span and egg maturation of caged adult sheep headflies, Hydrotaea irritans (Fallén) (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Berlyn A. D.
Published: July 2009

A method for maintaining adults of Hydrotaea irritans (Fall.) in captivity in groups, pairs or singly, is described. Male flies lived about half as long as females. Plies required carbohydrate and water for survival. A 50% honey solution, a 50% sucrose solution, thistle flowers and aphid honeydew all met the energy requirements of H. irritans, unlike blood, serum, milk, sweat, dung and mucus. The number of eggs matured was greatest on a diet of carbohydrate with blood or serum. Fewer eggs developed in flies given a diet of carbohydrate with milk, and very few on a diet of carbohydrate with horse sweat, cow sweat, dung or mucus. No eggs were matured by females fed on carbohydrate alone. All males had active spermatozoa whether or not they were fed on blood, but females were only inseminated after both they and the males with which they were kept had been given blood. The insemination rate was low at 13·3%. Females required more than one blood-meal, but not more than one every third week, in order to develop the maximum number of eggs.
Effects of age on calling behaviour of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis) (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Kanno H.
Published: July 2009

The effects of age on calling behaviour of virgin females of Chilo suppressalis (Wlk.) were investigated. The results show clearly that patterns of calling varied with age. The frequency of calling was high in females up to 4 or 5 days after emergence and thereafter decreased rapidly. The number of calling bouts increased slightly in older moths. Bout length became longer with increasing age. The total duration of calling, therefore, increased gradually with age. On average, calling began 3 h 49 min after light-off on day 1, but thereafter, the time of start became earlier each day by 10 to 40 min per day. It seems that the change of calling patterns with age is correlated with increased reproductive maturity of females.
Toxic bait for the control of Anoplolepis longipes (Jerdon) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Seychelles. I. The basic attractant carrier, its production and weathering properties
Authors: Haines I. H. , Haines J. B.
Published: July 2009

The formulation and weathering properties of toxic bait developed for the control of Anoplolepis longipes (Jerd.) in the Seychelles is described. The bait, based on a carrier of sieved coir waste (available locally), was designed to simulate the protein requirements of the ant colony and incorporated yeast extract as a major attractant. It was easy to produce and remained attractive to ants in the field for at least a week under normal weather conditions. The bait could be stored for more than two weeks under ambient conditions in the Seychelles at 23–35°C and 60–95% RH or for about 10 weeks under air-conditioning at 22–29°C and about 60% RH.
Seasonal variation in the population density of larvae of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) (Acari: Ixodoidea) in Jamaican pastures
Authors: Rawlins S. C.
Published: July 2009

A study was made of the seasonal variation in population density of larvae of Boophilus microplus (Can.) in four locations in Jamaican pastures where the mean annual precipitation ranged from 59 to 222 cm. Variations in population density were related to rainfall. Generally, four months of heavy rains in August to November preceded significant increases in B. microplus populations in December to February. This was followed by a reduction then another slight increase, resulting in a bimodal pattern of activity. Although populations fell to very low levels by the end of the dry season, only in one focus were they depleted to undetectable levels.
Within-plant distribution of Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar) (Acari: Tetranychidae) on cassava: effect of clone and predation on aggregation
Authors: Braun A. R. , Guerrero J. M. , Bellotti A. C. , Wilson L. T.
Published: July 2009

A presence-absence sampling procedure is presented which relates the proportion of leaves infested with the mite Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar) at a given node of cassava to the mean number of mites per leaf at that node. The procedure incorporates Taylor's variance-mean density relationship, taking into account mite aggregation behaviour. Aggregation of M. tanajoa was greater in plants where mite predators were excluded, on a resistant (CG5-79) rather than a susceptible cassava clone (MCol 22) and on leaves arising from the lower nodes rather than the higher ones. The implications of the effect of mite mortality factors on aggregation are discussed.
Spatial patterns and sequential sampling plans for melolonthine larvae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in southern Queensland sugarcane
Authors: Allsopp P. G. , Bull R. M.
Published: July 2009

The within-row dispersion characteristics of larvae of Antitrogus mussoni (Blackburn), A. parvulus Britton, Lepidiota crinita Brenske, L. negatoria Blackburn, L. noxia Britton and L. picticollis Lea in sugarcane were determined in studies in southern Queensland, Australia. The Poisson distribution, negative binomial distribution, Iwao's regression model and Taylor's power law analysis were used to determine the relationship between mean and variance of larval counts. All methods examined showed that the larvae were slightly aggregated. Taylor's power law generally gave equivalent or better fits to the population dispersion compared with the other models. The power law relationship for L. picticollis differed from those of the other five species, and a common relationship for those five species was determined. Relationships to determine sample sizes for fixed levels of precision and fixed-precision-level stop lines for sequential sampling were developed for both L. picticollis and the other five species. There were functional relationships between the variance and mean of untransformed population counts for all species, and the suitability of transformation functions is discussed.
Factors determining the pest status of the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalo-siphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in Europe: a study and review
Authors: Leather S. R , Walters K. F. A , Dixon A. F. G
Published: July 2009

The biology and pest status of Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) in Europe are critically reviewed. New data are presented and the temporal occurrence of the aphid and its host-plants considered. In Britain, R. padi is a pest mainly because of its ability to transmit virus diseases, in particular barley yellow dwarf virus. In other European countries, especially in Scandinavia, R. padi is a pest in its own right. Predator and parasite complexes in Britain and Finland are compared and contrasted. The occurrence of R. padi as a pest of cereals in Europe is compared with that of Sitobion avenae (F.) and Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker). It is postulated that the great abundance of the primary host of R. padi, bird cherry (Prunus padus), and the spring planting of cereals in colder climates such as in Finland are major factors contributing to the differences in pest status of this aphid between Britain and in Scandinavia.
The millipede parasitoidPelidnoptera nigripennis(F.) (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) for the biological control of the millipedeOmmatoiulus moreleti(Lucas) (Diplopoda: Julida: Julidae) in Australia
Authors: Bailey Peter T.
Published: July 2009

Pelidnoptera nigripennis(F.) is a parasitoid of the millipedesOmmatoiulusspp. in Portugal. It is univoltine. The adults lay eggs on their hosts during the spring in southern Portugal, and the first-instar larva penetrates through the soft tissue of the millipede. The parasitoid spends the summer as a firstinstar larva, kills the host during the autumn when in the third instar and overwinters in the pupal stage.P. nigripennisoccurs in habitats of low bushes, but not in open grasslands. The female searches for prey by day. The maximum rate of parasitism recorded in this study was 20%. In laboratory specificity studies, 15 species of millipedes from five families were exposed toP. nigripennis, but only julid millipedes were successfully parasitized. Synchronization of the life-cycle in the laboratory with the seasons of the southern hemisphere was achieved by inducing pupation five months prematurely after cooling to 10°C.
A revision of the genusChaetorelliaHendel (Diptera: Tephritidae) including a new species associated with spotted knapweed,Centaurea maculosaLam. (Asteraceae)
Authors: White Ian M. , Marquardt Kirsten
Published: July 2009

Chaetorellia acrolophisp. n. is associated with some European species of the subgenusAcrolophusofCentaurea. It is a potential biocontrol agent of someAcrolophusspecies that are adventive noxious weeds in North America.Ch. acrolophisp. n. is described, and a key is provided to all nine species. The confirmed host-plants, knapweed, starthistles and related plants, belong to the generaCentaurea, CarthamusandChartolepis(Asteraceae), and these are listed. Available biological data are reviewed, and some details of egg, larval and pupal morphology are described. Host-plant choice tests and canonical variates analysis were used to justify the separation of some species and to help identify some populations. The following nomenclatural changes are made (junior synonyms in brackets):Chaetorellia conjuncta(Becker) is removed from synonymy withCh. succinea(Costa);Ch. hexachaeta australisHering is raised to specific status;Ch. hestiaHering (=Ch. nigropictaHering);Ch. loricata(Rondani) (=Ch. maraHering andCh. loricata septentrionalisHering). Questionable synonyms include:Ch. australisHering (?=Trypeta hexachaetaLoew);Ch. hestia(?=T. vittataRondani);Chaetostomella cylindrica(Robineau-Desvoidy) (?=Tephritis algiraMacquart, which is removed fromChaetorellia).
Combinations of applications of a chitin synthesis inhibitor and inundative releases of egg parasitoids against the false codling moth, Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), on citrus
Authors: Newton Philip J.
Published: July 2009

A commercial trial of different strategies for suppressing damage by Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Meyrick) to citrus was made in the Transvaal lowveld, South Africa. Different regimes tested were applications of the chitin synthesis inhibitor teflubenzuron at 60 mg a.i./litre and ca 30 litres/tree, inundative releases of the egg parasitoid Trichogrammatoidea cryptophlebiae Nagaraja, and a combination of the two. One objective was to examine whether application of the insecticide earlier in the season than usually recommended would enhance the subsequent impact of parasitoids, native or released. It was found that parasitoid releases throughout the season (1.3 million/ha in total) produced the best overall reduction in damage by C. leucotreta. This was due largely to their better performance than that of any other strategy early in the season. Their impact in the later part of the season was not significantly different from that of release programmes which had begun at a later stage (0·6 million/ha). Very early applications of the teflubenzuron had no apparent impact on crop losses and did not enhance the impact of subsequent parasitoid releases to a significant degree. Teflubenzuron application at a recommended time later in the season was the most successful short-term approach, but its overall impact on crop loss was diminished by damage during the unprotected period before its application. A more appropriate management programme against C. leucotreta might therefore be to combine inundative releases of parasitoids early in the season with later applications of teflubenzuron if economic thresholds show they are required. The two approaches should not be concurrent since parasitoid activity was suppressed by the chitin synthesis inhibitor.
The collection of aerosol droplets by resting tsetse flies, Glossina morsitans Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae)
Authors: Johnstone D. R. , Cooper J. F. , Dobson H. M. , Turner C. R.
Published: July 2009

Insecticidal aerosols dispersed from aircraft are used in control measures against Glossina spp., and the interpretation of spray monitoring data in terms of the likely effect on the flies requires some knowledge of variation of the collection efficiency of the flies under a range of appropriate conditions. A low speed wind tunnel was used to measure the collection efficiencies of the various component parts of an adult of G. morsitans Westwood when at rest on cylinders simulating the branches and twigs of the natural habitat. The wind speed range was from 0·25 to 1·5 m/s and monodisperse droplets 10, 15, 20 and 25 μm in diameter were used. Although certain body zones exhibited very high apparent collection efficiencies (primarily due to interception), the average overall efficiencies varied from as low as 0·8% for 10-μm droplets at 0·25 m/s up to 22% for 25-μm droplets at 1·5 m/s.
Observations on the foraging behaviour of the harvester termite, Hodotermes mossambicus (Hagen) (Isoptera: Hodotermitidae)
Authors: Duncan F. D. , Hewitt P. H.
Published: July 2009

Field observations on the foraging behaviour of Hodotermes mossambicus (Hagen) showed that workers did not exhibit any marked preference for a particular grass species in a degraded savanna area in the north-western Orange Free State, South Africa. Two commercial baits, with carbaryl and sodium fluosilicate as their active ingredients, are used for H. mossambicus control; these baits were shorter, heavier and wider than the natural plant material collected by the workers. Thus, they are probably not transported as readily into the nest as the natural food. Minor workers were observed to be mainly responsible for transporting plant material, while the major workers were primarily responsible for cutting it. Observations on laboratory colonies indicated that workers collected litter first and thereafter harvested a tussock of grass from the top downwards. Foraging stopped once the tussock had been trimmed to a height of approximately 3 cm.
Economic importance of Characoma stictigrapta Hampson, a lepidopterous (Noctuidae) pest of cocoa in Ghana
Authors: Akotoye N. A. K.
Published: July 2009

Damage by larvae of Characoma stictigrapta Hmps. to cocoa in Ghana was investigated. The noctuid caused serious damage to vegetative parts and pods, and this damage was found to be aggregatory and to fluctuate throughout the year. The abandoned tunnels of the larvae were invaded by other cocoa invertebrates as well as by blackpod fungus, Phytophthora palmivora, a serious cocoa disease, which damages about 19% of the crop annually.
The Cyprus Processionary Caterpillar (Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni, Tams)
Authors: Wilkinson D. S.
Published: July 2009

Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni, Tams, is known only in Cyprus, where it abounds, attacking all species of pine, but chiefly Pinus halepensis, Mill.

In the plains the adults emerge from the end of August to the beginning of October. The eggs are laid, shortly after emergence, in cylindrical masses round pine needles, the masses averaging 150 eggs. Only one mass is laid by each female. The incubation period is about 45 days.

The five larval instars are described, as well as the differences in the habits and nests in the various instars. The length of the larval life varies from 116 to 173 days. Only in the fourth do larvae remain in the same nest throughout the instar, as they frequently migrate, moving in single file to new feeding grounds, and there construct a new nest. Six such migrations have been observed for one colony during its three earlier instars.

Pupation, which commences in the plains about the middle of March, takes place in the ground in silken cocoons at a depth of ¼ to 3 inches, the pupal life lasting all through the hot weather.

Altitude considerably influences the life-history—the greater the altitude the earlier the emergence of the adult and the later the pupation of the fully-grown larvae, with consequent alterations in the length of the larval periods.

Of the checks, two species of Chalcid egg-parasites have been shown to occasion a parasitism of over 17 per cent., and three species of Tachinid larval parasites sometimes to occasion a parasitism of at least 30 per cent. There is also an Ichneumonid larval parasite. This latter aestivates in the pupa of its host ; the Tachinids leave their larval hosts and pupate in the nest of the processionary.

Re-afforestation in Cyprus, both natural and artificial, being an urgent necessity, this processionary is of great economic importance, as stands of young trees suffer very heavily from its attacks, one colony of larvae being sufficient to strip and, if the late rains fail, to kill a small tree. The writer considers, however, that control is possible by encouraging the parasites and predators, methods for which are outlined.
Mosquitos bred from Dry Material taken from Holes in Trees
Authors: Dunn Lawrence H.
Published: July 2009

An investigation of the breeding habits of the yellow fever mosquito, Aëdes aegypti, Linn., in West Africa was begun in December 1925. This was undertaken for the purpose of ascertaining if the selection of breeding-places of this mosquito in Africa differs from that in the Western Hemisphere, and, if so, to learn if this difference is sufficient to be of material importance in yellow fever control work.

Since it was believed that breeding in tree-holes constituted a problem worthy of investigation, it was decided to make a survey of the rot-holes and fork-hollows in trees in the vicinity of Lagos, in the Southern Province of Nigeria. This survey was begun on 8th December 1925, shortly after the rainy season had passed and the dry season had set in. However, after inspecting a number of trees, the fact became evident that this was not a propitious time of the year for finding larvae in such places, since practically all of the holes were without water, and their contents, consisting of leaves and débris, were dry.

This early drying of the material in the holes drew my attention to the probability of mosquito eggs remaining in the holes, surviving the drought of the dry season and producing larvae with the beginning of the rains. In furtherance of this question, an examination of the dry holes was then began, and material collected from all those that were suitable. The term “ suitable ” in this sense signifies that the hole was in a living tree—of a formation to contain water, for a short time at least—that the aperture was of sufficient size to allow the débris to be removed and the inside of the hole scraped, and that the contents were dry. The distance of the trees from habitations, their location in open areas or thick bush, the height of the holes from the ground, the exposure of the holes to the sun, or the amount of débris contained caused no discrimination to be made.
The Influence of some Physical and Chemical Conditions of Water on May-fly Larvae (Cloëon dipterum, L.)
Authors: Pruthi Hem Singh
Published: July 2009

Numerous experiments have been performed to study the specific effect of hydrogen ion concentration, CO2 and oxygen content of water on may-fly larvae, which warrant the following conclusions :—

1. While hydrogen ion concentration is a factor of great significance, the carbon dioxide pressure is of greater importance and should afford a very reliable index of the suitability of water as a habitat for true aquatic insects.

2. May-fly larvae, and presumably other insects as well, can stand a very low concentration of oxygen, below 1·0 cc. per litre. In view of the fact that in nature oxygen content seldom goes down to such a low figure, insects should not, as a rule, die of lack of oxygen.