bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biology and phenology ofCecidophyopsis psilaspis(Acari: Eriophyidae) on Pacific yew (Taxaceae)
Authors: Marshall Valin G. , Clayton Marilyn R.
Published: April 2009

The biology and phenology of the yew big bud mite,Cecidophyopsis psilaspis(Nalepa, 1893), were studied on Pacific yew,Taxus brevifoliaNutt., in British Columbia, Canada. The mite showed the typical life cycle of eriophyoids on evergreen hosts, with all stases being present throughout the year. The numbers ofC. psilaspis, which colonized both vegetative and reproductive buds, peaked in May to August, with the lowest numbers in March and October and the highest numbers in June. Mite numbers differed among bud types, with averages following the sequence terminal buds = lateral buds > male reproductive buds > axillary buds > female reproductive buds > latent buds. Very few mites were found in latent buds except during bud formation, when other vegetative buds were unavailable. Reproductive buds were colonized mostly from May to July. There was no evidence of arrhenotoky inC. psilaspis, as the proportion of mites that were females ranged from 54% to 100%. Temperature and predation were considered the likely factors that determine population fluctuations. It was hypothesized thatC. psilaspisabundance increased following favorable spring temperatures and new food resources, whereas predation by other mite species and lower temperatures, which prolonged development, were responsible for the low numbers in March and October.
Comparative activity of three isolates of LdMNPV against two strains of Lymantria dispar
Authors: Ebling Peter M. , Otvos Imre S. , Conder Nicholas
Published: April 2009

Two newly identified geographic isolates of a nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV-H and LdMNPV-J) were evaluated against Disparvirus (LdMNPV-D), a baculovirus insecticide registered in Canada for the control of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)). Profiles of HindIII and EcoRI restriction enzyme digests of viral DNA from the three viral isolates are presented. Viral isolates were bioassayed using an inoculated diet plug method to determine the dose- and time-responses of second-instar larvae of both the European and Asian strains of gypsy moth. LdMNPV-D was found to be the most virulent isolate when tested against the European strain of gypsy moth, yielding an LD50 and an LD95 (estimates of the doses required to kill 50% and 95% of the test larvae, respectively) of 95 and 774 occlusion bodies (OBs), respectively. LdMNPV-H was the most virulent isolate when tested against the Asian strain, yielding an LD50 and an LD95 of 648 and 8540 OBs, respectively. Time-response data indicate that the three isolates differ little with respect to their speed of kill (ST50; estimate of the length of time required to kill 50% of the test insects) of either larval strain. These results indicate that both new isolates (LdMNPV-H and LdMNPV-J) should be investigated further for control of the Asian strain of the gypsy moth but not pursued for control of the European strain.
Effect of shading on trap nest utilization by hole-nesting aculeate Hymenoptera
Authors: Taki Hisatomo , Boone Jeffrey W. , Viana Blandina F. , Silva Fabiana O. , Kevan Peter G. , Sheffield Cory S.
Published: April 2009

For many years, trap nests have been used to study hole-nesting bees and wasps (aculeate Hymenoptera) and to monitor their diversity and abundance (Krombein 1967; Danks 1971; Godfrey and Hilton 1983; Frankieet al.1998). Trap nests are valuable for environmental assessment (Tscharntkeet al.1998) and for agriculture through improved pollination by bees (Bosch 1994; Stubbset al.1997; Hallett 2001) and biological control by wasps (Harris 1994). Frankieet al.(1988) indicated that shaded environments might be preferred habitats for some solitary bees that use tree holes for nesting. Shading could offer protection from natural enemies as well as wind, rain, and sunlight, resulting in stabilized humidity and temperature. As far as we are aware, ours is the first experimental study to consider the effect of shading of trap nests.
First report ofStrongygaster triangulifera(Diptera: Tachinidae) as a parasitoid of a cantharid beetle,Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus(Coleoptera: Cantharidae)
Authors: Reeves W.K. , O'Hara J.E.
Published: April 2009

Strongygaster(=Hyalomyodes)triangulifera(Loew) (Diptera: Tachinidae) is a small parasitic fly that is widely distributed in North America. It is most frequently reported as a parasitoid of adult Coleoptera, but there are scattered reports of parasitism within the Dermaptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, and Lepidoptera (Arnaud 1978; Purringtonet al.1990). Within the Coleoptera, species in the families Alleculidae, Bruchidae, Chrysomelidae, Cleridae, Coccinellidae, Curculionidae, Lampyridae, Meloidae, Nitidulidae, and Scarabaeidae have been reported as hosts (Gerding and Figueroa 1989; Purringtonet al.1990; Nalepaet al.1996). This is the first record ofS. triangulifera, and the first record of a tachinid, parasitizing a species of Cantharidae.
Biology of Pissodes yunnanensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a pest of Yunnan pine in southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Hongrui , Ye Hui , Haack Robert A. , Langor David W.
Published: April 2009

Pissodes yunnanensis Langor et Zhang, a pest of Yunnan pine, Pinus yunnanensis Franchet, in southwestern China, occurs at elevations of 2200–2800 m. These weevils infest Yunnan pine trees less than 20 years old but prefer trees 8–10 years old. Oviposition occurs mainly along the upper trunk on current-year and 1-year-old growth and occasionally on the upper lateral branches. Weevil feeding often kills the leader, which results in stem forking and crooking. At times, after 2–3 years of consecutive severe infestation, tree mortality occurs. In southwestern Yunnan Province, adults of this univoltine weevil emerge from infested stems from mid-April to mid-July. Eggs appear in late June, first-instar larvae in early July, and fourth-instar larvae in late March of the next year. First- and second-instar larvae feed in the phloem, and third-instar larvae move to the sapwood or pith, where they overwinter. In March, larvae resume feeding and development. Fourth-instar larvae excavate pupal chambers (chip cocoons) in the outer sapwood or pith, and pupation occurs from late March to late May. Optimal development of eggs and pupae occurs at 25 °C in the laboratory. Parasitism is the main cause of mortality in P. yunnanensis, accounting for 2%–25% of mortality among third- and fourth-instar larvae and 5%–10% among pupae.
Revision of the East Asian Plagiophorus amygdalinus species group (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae, Cyathigerini)
Authors: Sugaya Hiroshi
Published: April 2009

The amygdalinus species group is formed for one new East Asian species of the genus Plagiophorus Motschulsky, P. amygdalinussp. nov. from Taiwan. The amygdalinus group is unique in that sternite IX is not externally visible in the male.
Structure, behavior, and the life cycle of an aquatic firefly, Luciola substriata, in China
Authors: Xinhua Fu , Nobuyoshi Ohba , Vencl Fredric V. , Chaoliang Lei
Published: April 2009

The aquatic firefly Luciola substriata Gorham, 1880 (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) was first discovered in mainland China in 2000. The larvae of L. substriata inhabit ponds and lakes rich in aquatic vegetation. We recorded L. substriata feeding on two species of aquatic snails, Lymnaea stagnalis (L., 1758) (Basommatophora: Lymnaeidae) and Gyraulus convexiusculus (Hutton, 1849) (Basommatophora: Planorbidae). Three predators of fireflies were also recorded for the first time: the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Decapoda: Cambaridae), the crab Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne-Edwards, 1853 (Decapoda: Varunidae), and the grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus (Valenciennes in Cuvier et Valenciennes, 1844) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae). Egg incubation averaged 11 days at an ambient temperature of 20–25 °C. The prepupal stage of L. substriata lasted 6.2 days, and the pupal stage lasted 4.4 days. The imaginal period lasted from May to September. Courtship light-flashing activity peaked 1 h after sunset. The light spectrum of responsiveness of L. substriata was 425–603 nm, with a peak responsive emission at 504 nm. In addition, we have described and illustrated the morphology of L. substriata.
First North American records of Batrachedra pinicolella (Lepidoptera: Batrachedridae), a Palearctic needleminer of spruces
Authors: Maier Chris T.
Published: April 2009

Batrachedra Herrich-Schäffer, 1853 (Lepidoptera: Batrachedridae) is a widespread genus with species concentrated in tropical areas. This genus of about 140 described species has been put in several lepidopteran families, most recently in the Batrachedridae (Hodges 1999; Koster 2002). Batrachedra has 25 Nearctic species (Hodges 1983; Koster 2002), 17 Neotropical species (Becker 1984), 6 Palearctic species (Koster 2002), and 29 Australian species (Edwards 1996). Additional species occur in other areas such as Indonesia (Baringbing 1986). Here I report that the Palearctic species Batrachedra pinicolella (Zeller, 1839) is established in Connecticut, United States of America. Until now the range of the species was restricted to European countries and the far eastern Palearctic region (Riedl 1969, 1996; Bolov and Sinev 1990). The disjunct Asian populations may represent accidental introductions.
Review of the Nearctic species of the Holarctic subgenusArgutor(Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: Bousquet Yves , Webster Reginald
Published: April 2009

On the basis of colour of the legs and structural details of the pronotum and male genitalia,Pterostichus commutabilis(Motschulsky)auct. is shown to be composite, consisting ofP. commutabilisandPterostichus praetermissus(Chaudoir), the latter name therefore being removed from synonymy with the former name. Dot maps show that the geographical ranges of these two species overlap extensively in northeastern North America, but the range ofP. commutabilisextends farther north and west (to eastern British Columbia and eastern California), whereas the range ofP. praetermissusextends farther south (to northern Florida). A third species of the Holarctic subgenusArgutorDejean living in North America is the PalaearcticPterostichus vernalis(Panzer), whose Nearctic range is confined to southern Quebec and northermost Vermont. This taxonomic treatment includes a key distinguishing adults of these three species, and each species is characterized morphologically, geographically, and ecologically (in terms of habitat).
Release and establishment studies in Manitoba, Canada, of Aphidius smithi (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae), a parasitoid of Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Wylie H.G. , Matheson F.O. , Uddin M.J. , Holliday N.J.
Published: April 2009

Aphidius smithi Sharma et Subba Rao, an aphidiid parasitoid of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), was imported into Manitoba, Canada, and over 104 000 adults were released at four sites in 1983–1987. The parasitoid reproduced and overwintered at the 1983 release site and possibly at a second site at which it was released in 1984, and reproduced at two other sites at which it was released in 1985–1987. The parasitoid was found in 1985 up to 11 km from the 1983 release site. Additional studies in 2001 indicated the presence of low densities of A. smithi near one of the 1985 release sites. Although the parasitoid is established, it occurs at densities too low to have an agriculturally useful effect on the pest.
Description of a new genus and two new species of cutworm moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Lafontaine J. Donald , Troubridge James T.
Published: April 2009

Alastriagen. nov. is described, and Callierges tropicalis Schaus is transferred to the genus. Alastria chicosp. nov. is described from western North America and Alastria machosp. nov. is described from Costa Rica. We provide illustrations of the adults and genitalia of all three species, as well as the male genitalia of two related genera, Nedra Clarke and Actinotia Hübner.
The importance and use of taxon sampling curves for comparative biodiversity research with forest arthropod assemblages
Authors: Buddle Christopher M. , Beguin Julien , Bolduc Elise , Mercado Alida , Sackett Tara E. , Selby R. Duncan , Varady-Szabo Hirondelle , Zeran Rebecca M.
Published: April 2009

For over three decades, the importance of taxon sampling curves for comparative biodiversity studies has been repeatedly stated. However, many entomologists (both within Canada and worldwide) continue to publish studies without standardizing their data to take sampling effort into account. We present a case study to illustrate the importance of such standardization, using the collection of spiders (Araneae) by pitfall traps as model data. Data were analyzed using rarefaction to represent one example of a taxon sampling curve, and by a variety of traditional diversity indices to describe alpha diversity. Raw species richness and single-index diversity measures (Shannon–Wiener, Simpson's, and Fisher's α) provided contradictory results. Rarefied species richness standardized to the number of individuals collected enabled more accurate comparisons of diversity and revealed when sampling was insufficient. Focusing on arthropods occurring in forested ecosystems, we also examined the use of taxon sampling curves in current literature by reviewing 133 published articles from 14 journals. Only 26% of the published articles in our review used a taxon sampling curve, and raw species richness and the Shannon–Wiener index of diversity were the most commonly used estimates. There is clearly a need to modify how alpha diversity is measured and compared for arthropod biodiversity studies. We recommend the abandonment of both raw species richness and single-index measures of diversity, and reiterate the need to use rarefaction or a related technique that allows for meaningful comparisons of species richness while taking into account sampling effort.
Trois nouvelles espèces du genre Aphis de l'Espagne
Authors: Prieto Francisca García , Nafría Juan M. Nieto
Published: April 2009

Three new European species of the large genus Aphis L., 1758 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are described: Aphis jacetanasp. nov., which lives on Pimpinella saxifraga L. (Apiaceae) in the Pyrenees, Aphis orocantabricasp. nov., which lives on Gentiana lutea L. (Gentianaceae) in the Cantabrian Mountains, and Aphis zamoranasp. nov., which lives on Frangula alnus Miller (Rhamnaceae) on the northern Iberian plateau. We provide identification keys for Aphis species living in Europe on host plants of the families Apiaceae, Gentianaceae, and Rhamnaceae.
Floral resource use and interactions betweenApis melliferaand native bees in cucurbit crops in Yucatán, México
Authors: Pinkus-Rendon Miguel Angel , Parra-Tabla Víctor , Meléndez-Ramírez Virginia
Published: April 2009

Despite the importance of native pollinators in agricultural systems, little is known about the potential competitive interactions among them or the way they exploit crops' floral resources. This study determines the temporal use of floral resources by, and interspecific interactions between, native bees andApis melliferaL. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in experimental plots of squash,Cucurbita moschata(DuchesneexLam.) DuchesneexPoir. (Cucurbitaceae), and watermelon,Citrullus lanatus(Thunb.) (Cucurbitaceae). General and specific niche overlap analyses were done to determine whether temporally differential use of floral resources occurred. Direct displacement interactions at the floral level were quantified. The species with the greatest abundances werePeponapis limitarisCockerell (Apidae),Partamona bilineataSay (Apidae), andA. mellifera. Overall, the niche overlap analyses in both crops suggested that floral resources are not used simultaneously by different bee species. Winner events during aggressive encounters suggested a hierarchy among bee species, withA. melliferabeing one of the species with more winner encounters in both crops. It is suggested that those deciding whether or not to introduceA. melliferainto crops should consider whether the abundance of native bee species is sufficient to ensure efficient fruit production.
Geographic distribution and ecology of two species ofOrsillus(Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) associated with cones of native and introduced Cupressaceae in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Rouault Gaelle , Cantini Raffaella , Battisti Andrea , Roques Alain
Published: April 2009

In the Mediterranean Basin, two species of true seed bugs in the genusOrsillusDallas,O. maculatusFieber andO. depressusMulsantetRey, share the exploitation of seed cones of Cupressaceae for feeding and reproduction and may carry spores of the pathogenic fungusSeiridium cardinaleSutton & Gibson, responsible for the cypress bark canker disease. We compared the life history of the two species. A total of 89 cone collections carried out in 10 Mediterranean countries confirmed thatO. maculatusis most closely associated withCupressus sempervirensL., although it may also infest some otherCupressusL. species and, more rarely, species ofChamaecyparisSpach.Orsillus depressusappears to be less host-specific, being capable of feeding and ovipositing on most of the native and exotic species ofJuniperusL.,Cupressus, andChamaecyparis. OnC. sempervirens, the abundance of eachOrsillusspecies follows an inverted longitudinal gradient along the Mediterranean Basin, probably corresponding to the pathway of introduction of this tree species from its native eastern range towards western Europe. The dominance ofO. maculatusprogressively decreases from east to west, whereasO. depressusbecomes dominant in the Iberian Peninsula. By contrast,O. depressusis the dominant seed bug on other Cupressaceae all over Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. In the area in whichC. sempervirenshas been introducted, bothOrsillusspecies may live on the same tree, but morphological variability of both adults and nymphs often hinders accurate identification of the species. Based on frequency distribution, the relative length of the rostrum compared with that of the body seems to be a diagnostic character for specific identification of nymphs of the last two instars.
Description of the larva ofTelebasis digiticollis(Odonata: Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: Novelo-Gutiérrez Rodolfo , Gómez-Anaya José Antonio
Published: April 2009

A detailed description and illustrations of the larva ofTelebasis digiticollisCalvert, 1902 are provided. A comparison with other larvae of the genus is made.Telebasis digiticollisis distinguished by 1 premental seta, 6–7 setae on the labial palp, a well-developed and convex ligula, 7–8 spiniform setae on the lateral margins of the prementum, and forceps-like male gonapophyses. The larva ofT. digiticollisis more like that ofT. boomsmaeGarrison, 1994 than like other larvae of the genus. Larvae were found living in a lagoon densely covered by aquatic phanerogams such asEichhorniasp. (Pontederiaceae) andTyphasp. (Typhaceae).
Is leaf or sheath antibiosis involved in the resistance of maize composite EPS12 to Sesamia nonagrioides?
Authors: Butrón A. , Ordás B. , Revilla P. , Sandoya G. , Ordás A. , Malvar R.A.
Published: April 2009

The pink stem borer (PSB) (Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre, 1827; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is the main insect pest of maize (Zea mays L., Poaceae) in the Mediterranean area. Maize varieties partially resistant to PSB have been identified, but few studies have documented the mechanisms of resistance involved. The objectives of this research were to study the levels of leaf and sheath antibiosis of a maize population, EPS12, and determine whether antibiosis improved over the selection process for less stalk tunneling. A hybrid check and two Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) hybrids were also examined. Several bioassays were carried out in a control chamber to evaluate antibiosis of maize leaves and sheaths against PSB larvae. Leaf antibiosis was significantly higher for EPS12 than for the hybrid check and sheath antibiosis was low for all non-Bt hybrids studied. We conclude that leaf and sheath antibiosis was not significantly improved during the selection process. Future efforts should look for other possible mechanisms of resistance, such as stem rind antibiosis.
Separation of three common hover fly predators of woolly apple aphid based on the exochorionic sculpturing of eggs
Authors: Short Brent D. , Bergh J. Christopher
Published: April 2009

The woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann, 1802) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a cosmopolitan, indirect pest of cultivated apple, Malus domestica (Borkh.) (Rosaceae), (Baker 1915) that can colonize both the roots and arboreal portions of trees and adversely affect the growth, vigor, and productivity of the host (Weber and Brown 1988; Brown and Schmitt 1990; Brown et al. 1991, 1995). Historically, the solitary endoparasitoid Aphelinus mali (Haldeman, 1851) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) has been considered the most important biological control agent for E. lanigerum in many, but not all, apple-growing regions (Yothers 1953; Nicholas 2000). The role of arthropod predators in regulating woolly apple aphid populations, particularly early in the growing season, has long been recognized (Dumbleton and Jeffreys 1938; Bodenheimer 1947; Nicholas 2000; Mols and Boers 2001) but has not been adequately addressed (Asante 1997).
Ovarian development and lipid reserves are affected by mating delays in three species of Anthocoris (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)
Authors: Horton David R. , Lewis Tamera M. , Neven Lisa G.
Published: April 2009

Mating is necessary to bring about ovarian maturation in females of Anthocoridae and related taxa (Cimicidae). The objectives of this study were to determine how forced delays in mating affect extent and rate of oocyte development, duration of the preoviposition period, and levels of lipid reserves in three species of Anthocoris. Extent of oocyte development by unmated females differed among the three species. In unmated A. tomentosus, the basal oocyte failed to show any increase in size with increasing female age, whereas oocytes in unmated A. nemoralis and A. whitei exhibited some growth beginning 2 days after eclosion. One consequence of these differences among species is that a forced delay in mating (of 3 or 10 days) had less of an effect on A. whitei and A. nemoralis than on A. tomentosus, in terms of the length of the preoviposition period measured from the time of mating. Mated females of A. nemoralis and A. whitei grew larger oocytes than unmated females within 2 days of mating, whereas the same phenomenon took 4 days in A. tomentosus. Embryos became visible in the eggs of mated A. nemoralis and A. whitei 2–3 days after mating, compared with 5 days after mating for A. tomentosus. Mature eggs with egg caps were visible within 3, 4, and 6 days after mating for A. nemoralis, A. whitei, and A. tomentosus, respectively. In all three species, unmated females 10 days after eclosion had significantly higher levels of lipids allocated to nonreproductive tissues than similarly aged females that had been mated on the day of eclosion, suggesting that there was a trade-off between allocation of resources to eggs and allocation to somatic reserves.
The effects of urbanization on ant assemblages (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) associated with the Molson Nature Reserve, Quebec
Authors: Lessard Jean-Philippe , Buddle Christopher M.
Published: April 2009

Urbanization causes the fragmentation of natural habitats into isolated patches surrounded by anthropogenic habitats. Fragment size and the intensity of human disturbance have been shown to affect both composition and diversity of arthropod communities, but most groups have been understudied. We investigated effects of urbanization on ant assemblages (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in and around the Molson Reserve, a preserved maple-beech forest surrounded by residential properties near Montréal, Quebec. We studied how local ant assemblages differed in terms of composition, abundance, and species richness, depending on whether they were situated in the interior forest, in adjacent residential backyards, or at the edge between these two habitats. We also compared an intact forest interior with a younger and moderately disturbed forest (“buffer zone”) between the urban matrix and the interior forest. Few differences were detected between the buffer zone and the intact forest interior. Extrapolated estimates of species richness suggest that it is lowest in the forest interior and highest in urban zones. Community composition, as investigated with ordination analysis, revealed a clear difference between the fauna of urban sites and the fauna of edges and forest interiors, and analyzing the relative abundance of ants showed residential backyards to contain the most ants. Urban assemblages were characterized by several competitively dominant species, including one introduced or “tramp” species. The occurrence of aggressive and dominant species in urban sites and at the edges of the Molson Reserve could potentially interfere with the dispersal and immigration of ground-dwelling arthropods and negatively affect local diversity or community composition in isolated forest reserves in urban centres.
A bumblebee new to the New World: Bombus distinguendus (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Williams Paul H. , Thomas Jennifer C.
Published: April 2009

Bombus (Subterraneobombus) distinguendus Morawitz, 1869 is recorded from Attu Island, in the western Aleutian archipelago, and is recognised as a species new to both the Alaskan and the New World faunal lists. Colour variation and food plants are described and a key to females of Nearctic Subterraneobombus species is provided.
Effects of temperature acclimation and age on movement of Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) adults in response to temperature gradients
Authors: Jian Fuji , Jayas Digvir S. , White Noel D.G.
Published: April 2009

Adult Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) were reared at 30 °C or acclimated to 15, 25, or 35 °C for different periods (2 days or 1, 2, or 5 weeks). Populations 1 day old, 1, 5, 10, or 20 weeks old, or of mixed age were held in 10 cm × 10 cm × 100 cm wheat columns (14.5% ± 0.2% moisture content) with a temperature gradient (10 °C/m, 25–35 °C) or a constant temperature (25 or 30 °C) for 1, 6, or 12 days; movement and distribution were then determined. Acclimation to 25 °C for a short time (less than 2 days) did not influence adults' response to temperature in the wheat column. Adults acclimated to 15 and 35 °C responded differently to temperature in the wheat column, preferring temperatures above 30 and 35 °C, respectively. Increasing the duration of the acclimation to 15 or 35 °C resulted in higher aggregation. Acclimation temperature might be more important than exposure time for influencing insect behaviour. During their movement in the wheat columns, adults were also acclimated to the tested temperatures, and they did not always stay in a warmer area if the "cold" area was warmer than 25 °C. Adults that were 1 day old had a lower response (i.e., less movement) to temperature gradients than the older insects. Among the older insects, the response to temperature gradients did not decrease with increasing age, even at 20 weeks.
Potential of ethyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate for monitoring activity of codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in eastern North American apple orchards
Authors: Trimble R.M. , El-Sayed Ashraf M.
Published: April 2009

In Ontario apple orchards, the amount of synthetic codling moth (Cydia pomonella (L., 1758)) sex pheromone, E,E-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol (0.01–10.0 mg) used to bait traps significantly affected the mean total numbers of moths captured, whereas similar mean total numbers of moths were captured in traps baited with different amounts of pear-derived kairomone, ethyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate (0.01–10.0 mg). The attractiveness of kairomone-baited traps was not increased by using greater amounts (100 and 1000 mg) of this compound. The attractiveness of the pheromone was not enhanced by the addition of kairomone. Similar patterns of adult male seasonal activity were observed when using pheromone-baited traps and kairomone-baited traps. The potential usefulness of kairomone-baited traps in the integrated management of C. pomonella in Ontario apple orchards is discussed.
Demographic studies ofOomyzus incertus(Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a larval parasitoid ofHypera postica(Coleoptera: Curculionidae), treated with four organophosphorous insecticides
Authors: Sabahi Qodrat , Talebi Khalil
Published: April 2009

The alfalfa weevil,Hypera postica(Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), can severely damage the first cutting of alfalfa,Medicago sativaL. (Fabaceae), in much of Iran. The pest has been parasitized by several parasitoids includingOomyzus incertus(Ratzeburg) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a gregarious larval endoparasitoid. This wasp can parasitize up to 30% of weevil larvae in alfalfa fields in northern Iran. It produces three to four generations per year, and the female prefers the fourth instar of the host for oviposition. Each female lays 2 to 22 eggs per host, which hatch within 47–60 h. The life cycle is completed in about 2 weeks, upon pupation inside the host. This species is predominantly present during the summer months in alfalfa fields (Streams and Fuester 1967).
Larval respiratory systems of two anthomyiid flies, Delia radicum and Delia antiqua (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)
Authors: Biron D.G. , Coderre D. , Fournet S. , Nénon J.P. , Le Lannic J. , Boivin G.
Published: April 2009

The first-instar larvae of Delia radicum (L.) and Delia antiqua (Meigen) enter host plants to feed in galleries. These galleries can be filled by a liquid resulting from the putrefaction of the host. In this study, we show that D. radicum and D. antiqua larvae have a metapneustic respiratory system in the first instar and an amphipneustic respiratory system in the second instar, as observed in the majority of cyclorrhaphous Diptera. In addition, we observed four spatulate, ramified structures on the postabdominal spiracles in all three larval instars. We propose that these structures facilitate gas exchange (CO2 and O2), especially in the first-instar larvae when they feed in liquid-filled galleries.
Colonization of cut branches of five coniferous hosts of the pitch canker fungus byPityophthorusspp. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in central, coastal California
Authors: Erbilgin Nadir , Storer Andrew J. , Wood David L. , Gordon Thomas R.
Published: April 2009

Pitch canker of pines (Pinusspp.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii(Mirbel) Franco) (Pinaceae) is caused by the fungusFusarium circinatumNirenbergetO'Donnell. In California, infections byF. circinatumoccur largely through wounds caused by insects. Field experiments were initiated to determine whether the colonization activities of twig beetles,Pityophthorusspp. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), could explain the incidence of pitch canker on Monterey pine (P. radiataD. Don), Bishop pine (P. muricataD. Don), ponderosa pine (P. ponderosavar.ponderosaDougl.), knobcone pine (P. attenuataLemm.), and Douglas-fir. Asymptomatic branches were cut from each of four pairs of tree species (Monterey–Bishop, Monterey–ponderosa, Monterey–knobcone, Monterey–Douglas-fir) at four sites and attached to the lower canopy of both heterospecific and conspecific host trees (total of four combinations per pair). After 10 weeks, branches were collected and placed in rearing tubes in the laboratory. Emerging insects were identified and placed on aFusarium-selective medium. Monterey, Bishop, and ponderosa pines were more heavily infested byPityophthorusspp. than Douglas-fir and knobcone pine. Furthermore, morePityophthorusbeetles emerged from Monterey pine branches placed in Monterey pine canopies than from Monterey pine branches placed in Bishop or ponderosa pine canopies, indicating that reduced emergence (colonization) was caused by the hetero specific host. Relatively fewer insects emerged from sites containing either Monterey and knobcone pines or Monterey pine and Douglas-fir.Fusarium circinatumwas not isolated from emergingPityophthorusspp. Susceptibility of the five host species, based on mean lesion lengths resulting from mechanical inoculations, varied significantly. The longest lesions were on Monterey pine and the shortest were on ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. The low incidence of pitch canker on Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine in nature compared with that on Monterey, Bishop, and knobcone pines may be explained by the low colonization by twig beetles and the greater resistance of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine to this disease, compared with the other three hosts.
Threading a needle with reinforced thread: intromission in Ceratitis capitata (Diptera, Tephritidae)
Authors: Eberhard William G.
Published: April 2009

The intromission of the male's long, flexible, threadlike phallus into the female's similarly long, thin, S-shaped vagina in tephritid flies is mechanically challenging. The male of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824), folds the basal portion of his phallus back on itself, inserts the folded portion into the female, and then gradually unfolds his phallus inside her vagina. The site of the fold in the phallus gradually moves distally, deeper into the female, dragging the distal portion of the phallus into her vagina. At the same time, the male pulls the tip of the female's ovipositor distally with his surstyli, straightening her vagina. The male uses his phallapodeme and asymmetrical syntergosternite to periodically clamp and release portions of his phallus that have not yet entered the female. Once the entire distal portion of the male's phallus is inside the female, he unfolds it and then moves its distal tip even deeper, reaching the inner end of her copulatory bursa. Straightening movements of the phallus due to increases in fluid pressure probably supply at least part of the force that drives the phallus into the female.
Evaluation of foliar and seed treatments for control of the cabbage seedpod weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in canola
Authors: Cárcamo H.A. , Dosdall L.M. , Johnson D. , Olfert O.
Published: April 2009

Caged assays and field tests were used to evaluate the effectiveness of organophosphorus, pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, and biologically derived insecticides for reducing populations of the cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham), a new pest of canola in Canada. Complete mortality of caged weevils occurred 48 h after treatment with disulfoton, deltamethrin, carbofuran, oxydemeton-methyl, and chlorpyrifos. Under field conditions, using plots or large strips in commercial fields from 1998 to 2001, only deltamethrin and cyhalothrin-lambda (both pyrethroids) consistently reduced weevil densities, even at high population levels. Chlorpyrifos also significantly reduced weevil numbers and damage in some years, but results were variable and efficacy was too low to manage weevils under outbreak densities. Other insecticides such as spinosad provided moderate weevil control and may have a role in weevil management depending on their effect on beneficial insects relative to more efficacious insecticides. Treatment of canola seed with imidacloprid, lindane, or acetamiprid did not reduce weevil damage. Further research is needed to establish economic thresholds for C. obstrictus in canola, to assess the effect of insecticides on nontarget natural enemies of canola insect pests, and to assess the potential for integration of chemical agents with biological and cultural control strategies.
Association betweenDendroctonus valensand black stain root disease on ponderosa pine in the Sierra Nevada of California
Authors: Owen Donald R. , Wood David L. , Parmeter John R.
Published: April 2009

The host-colonization behavior of the red turpentine beetle,Dendroctonus valensLeConte (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), was investigated in stands of ponderosa pine,Pinus ponderosaP. & C. Lawson (Pinaceae), with black stain root disease in the central Sierra Nevada of California. By felling live trees, we found that trees with pitch tubes produced during the initiation of tunneling byD. valenshad a significantly higher incidence of black stain root disease, caused byLeptographium wagenerivar.ponderosum(HarringtonetCobb), than trees without pitch tubes. Trees with the mostD. valenspitch tubes had the greatest likelihood of being diseased. Additionally, observations over a 3-year period revealed that trees withD. valenspitch tubes had a significantly higher mortality rate than trees without pitch tubes. Infection byL. wageneriwas confirmed for most of the trees that died, and death typically did not occur without mass attacks by the western pine beetle,D. brevicomisLeConte, and (or) the mountain pine beetle,D. ponderosaeHopkins. Trees with the mostD. valenspitch tubes had the highest mortality rate. An experiment was conducted to compare the attraction ofD. valensand other insects to wounded-diseased, wounded-symptomless, and unwounded trees. MoreD. valens,Spondylis upiformisMannerheim (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), andHylastesspp. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) were attracted to wounded trees than to unwounded trees. Catches of these beetles on wounded-diseased trees were not significantly different from catches on wounded-symptomless trees.
Successional patterns of diversity in insect fauna on carrion in sun and shade in the Boreal Forest Region of Canada, near Edmonton, Alberta
Authors: Hobischak Niki R. , VanLaerhoven Sherah L. , Anderson Gail S.
Published: April 2009

We examined the successional community of insect fauna on exposed carrion in shade and sun in the Boreal Forest Region of Canada, near Edmonton, Alberta, over a 3-year period. This paper focuses on results obtained in the final year of study. Recently killed pigs (Sus domesticus L.) were clothed and placed in direct sunlight or shade on 18 and 20 May 1999. There was no difference in start time or duration of decomposition stages between the two habitats. Species abundance differed between the sun and shade habitats for Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau-desvoidy) larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Necrobia sp. adults (Coleoptera: Cleridae), Catops basilaris Say adults (Coleoptera: Leiodidae), Onthophagus nuchicornis (L.) adults (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), Heterosilpha ramosa (Say) adults and larvae (Coleoptera: Silphidae), Creophilus maxillosus (L.) adults (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), and Ontholestes cingulatus (Gravenhorst) adults and larvae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). The orders Diptera and Coleoptera were important components of all communities and had the greatest diversity at both the family and the species level throughout succession. Overall species abundance within families was greater in the sun habitat than in the shade. Similar species dominated the sun and shade carcasses during early succession, but dominance was not clearly evident later in succession.
Preharvest sampling plan for larvae of the wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), in winter wheat fields
Authors: Nansen Christian , Payton Mark E. , Runyon Justin B. , Weaver David K. , Morrill Wendell L. , Sing Sharlene E.
Published: April 2009

The wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton, is the most important insect pest of dryland wheat, reducing both harvest efficiency and head weight. When wheat lodged (flattened) by C. cinctus is straight-cut, harvest efficiency is affected in three ways: (1) lodged stems are difficult to collect with the combine, so mature wheat is lost; (2) the combine has to operate more slowly to collect as many of the lodged stems as possible; and (3) there is increased risk of damage to the combine due to lowering of the combine header to recover lodged stems. An alternative harvest method is to swath the wheat before lodging occurs and place it in windrows prior to combining. When swathing is used, harvest efficiency is not affected by the C. cinctus infestation level; however, this type of harvesting is more expensive and labor-intensive than straight- cutting. Thus, swathing should be used only when the crop is heavily infested by C. cinctus, while straight-cutting should be used when the level of C. cinctus infestation is lower. Adapting harvesting practices to the C. cinctus infestation level requires a sampling plan that can reliably and cost-effectively predict the infestation level in a given field. In this study, we (i) evaluate the relationship between sampling effort along field edges and precision of the estimated average infestation level in 6 wheat fields, and (ii) generate a Gaussian regression analysis of the infestation level up to 200 m into 18 wheat fields using two variables, distance from the edge and average infestation level at the edge, as explanatory variables. We conclude that little additional precision for estimates of infestation level is gained by collecting more than 10 samples along field edges. We also conclude that the average C. cinctus infestation level along field edges can be used successfully to predict infestation levels up to 200 m into winter wheat fields. The proposed sampling should be implemented about one month before harvest to provide growers with enough time to make logistical preparations for harvest.
Seasonal abundance and prey selection of the nymphs of three sympatric species of Sympetrum (Odonata: Libellulidae) in an intermittent pond
Authors: Febria Catherine M. , Magnusson A. Katarina , Williams D. Dudley
Published: April 2009

Odonates are obligate predators (Pritchard 1964), and the composition of their diet is reflective of their microhabitat and effectiveness in detecting and capturing prey (Griffiths 1973; Thompson 1978). In an intermittent woodland pond in southern Ontario, Canada, three species of Sympetrum (Odonata: Libellulidae) were found to coexist: S. internum Montgomery, S. costiferum (Hagen), and S. obtrusum (Hagen). Sympetrum species spend most of their life cycle in the aquatic stage and consume prey at all nymphal stadia (Pritchard 1964; Corbet 1999). They overwinter in the egg stage, hatch in early spring, and typically emerge in late June to late July (Walker and Corbet 1975). To better understand the role of coexisting Sympetrum nymphs in this intermittent pond environment, and to evaluate potential mechanisms behind their coexistence, we collected seasonal abundance and body size data for 2 years and analyzed gut contents of each species. In addition, we experimentally tested the prey selection and predatory rate of two different size classes of Sympetrum nymphs and two of their potential competitors, Lestes sp. (Odonata: Lestidae) and Acilius sp. (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae), in laboratory microcosms.
Evidence for kairomones used by the egg parasitoid Anaphes victus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) when searching for its host
Authors: Cournoyer M. , Boivin Guy
Published: April 2009

Because the detectability of host eggs is low, egg parasitoids rely on infochemicals other than those from the host egg itself, such as host plant synomones (Nordlund 1994; Meiners et al. 2000) and adult host kairomones (Nordlund et al. 1983; Nordlund 1994; Colazza et al. 1999; Meiners et al. 2000). Egg kairomones are used only in the final stages of host selection (Kainoh et al. 1982; Strand and Vinson 1982, 1983; Nordlund et al. 1987; Meiners et al. 2000; Takasu and Nordlund 2001).
Effect of spatial scale on habitat use of Bolitotherus cornutus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Teichert Sonja , Bondrup-Nielsen Soren
Published: April 2009

The habitat of Bolitotherus cornutus Panzer consists primarily of sporophores of the shelf fungus Fomes fomentarius (L.:Fr.) J. Kickx fil. Each sporophore is discrete and often several are present on a single dead log or standing snag, especially of paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.). An exploratory approach was used to examine habitat use at three scales (the single sporophore, a single log supporting up to several sporophores, and a group of logs supporting sporophores) by modeling incidence of adult B. cornutus. Sporophore volume and decay were important for the beetles at all scales. Patches containing a variety of states of sporophores from alive to dead and decomposing are probably most suitable to B. cornutus. Results are compared with those for the related European beetle Bolitophagus reticulatus (L.), which is similar ecologically and also occupies F. fomentarius sporophores.
Spatiotemporal distributions of wheat stem sawfly eggs and larvae in dryland wheat fields
Authors: Nansen Christian , Macedo Tulio B. , Weaver David K. , Peterson Robert K.D.
Published: April 2009

The wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), is the most serious insect pest of dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; Poaceae) in the southern Canadian Prairies and the northern Great Plains of the United States. We characterized the spatial distribution pattern of C. cinctus eggs and larvae throughout the adult flight period in three dryland winter wheat fields in Montana. Cephus cinctus females laid eggs in wheat stems until a few weeks before wheat maturity, and most wheat stems received only one egg. Wheat stem samples collected along the field edges represented 12%–16% of the samples but 40%–95% of the infested stems. The highest numbers of C. cinctus eggs and larvae found in a single wheat stem were 16 and 4, respectively. On a field scale, both C. cinctus eggs and larvae were significantly aggregated along field edges in most of the sampling events. A comparison of indices of aggregation revealed that C. cinctus larvae were significantly more spatially aggregated than C. cinctus eggs. Based on our spatiotemporal analysis, we speculate that the majority of the eggs are initially laid along field edges, and ovipositing C. cinctus females do not distinguish between previously infested and uninfested wheat stems. Gradually, these eggs hatch and the larvae begin feeding; at the same time, the later emerging C. cinctus females oviposit farther into the wheat fields. One explanation is that ovipositing C. cinctus females avoid stems containing feeding larvae. The analysis of the temporal changes in the spatial distribution patterns of C. cinctus eggs and larvae is discussed in the context of possible integrated pest management strategies.
Review of the genus Leptagrion in Venezuela with new synonymies and descriptions of a new genus, Bromeliagrion, and a new species, B. rehni (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: De Marmels Jürg , Garrison Rosser W.
Published: April 2009

Type material of poorly known taxa currently placed under the genera Leptagrion Selys and Telagrion Selys is reviewed, illustrated, and correctly associated with currently known specimens in collections. The following changes are made: Leptagrion beebeanum Calvert and Leptagrion fernandezianum Rácenis are placed and keyed in a new genus, Bromeliagrion De Marmels gen. nov.; Bromeliagrion rehni Garrison sp. nov. is described from Ecuador. The following synonymies are proposed: Leptagrion auriceps St. Quentin is a junior synonym of Leptagrion macrurum (Burmeister); Leptagrion autazensis Sjöstedt is a junior synonym of Aeolagrion flammeum (Selys); Leptagrion? rufum Selys is a junior synonym of Anisagrion inornatum (Selys); and Leptobasis tenax St. Quentin is a junior synonym of Telagrion longum Selys.
Seasonal occurrence and within-field distribution of Lygus lineolaris on buckwheat in Manitoba
Authors: Wise I.L. , Elliott B.G. , Mostafa A.M.
Published: April 2009

Plant bugs, species of the genus Lygus Kelton (Hemiptera: Miridae), damage many crops in western Canada (Kelton 1980; Wise and Lamb 1998; Wise et al. 2000). Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), L. borealis (Kelton), and L. elisus Van Duzee are the most common species in the eastern prairie of Canada (Schwartz and Foottit 1992). Manitoba is the leading producer of buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (Polygonaceae), in North America, growing about 15 000 ha annually (Canada Grains Council 1999). Plant bug adults are known to oviposit (Painter 1927) and feed on buckwheat (Bugg and Ellis 1990), but little is known about their ability to develop on this crop. The objectives of the study were to determine (i) the species of plant bugs on buckwheat, (ii) their ability to develop on buckwheat, and (iii) the distribution of plant bugs within commercial fields of buckwheat in Manitoba.