bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five new Species of Spathius (Hym. Bracon.)
Authors: Wilkinson D. S.
Published: July 2009

Since a fairly extensive collection of the Braconid genus Spathius, largely comprised of bred series of new species, had lately been received for identification by the Imperial Institute of Entomology, and since there were various species in the British Museum awaiting description, it was considered opportune that I should attempt some sort of revision of this comparatively little worked but nevertheless quite interesting group : it is hoped to publish my results shortly. In the meanwhile, however, the following descriptions are presented since most of these names are required at an early date for inclusion in a paper on the biology of these parasites.
Methods of photographing living Insects
Authors: Nicholson A. J.
Published: July 2009

When teaching Entomology under University conditions, it is difficult to avoid giving students the impression that the principal, and perhaps the only, function of an entomologist is the examination of insect-corpses in great detail. Some years ago, when appointed lecturer on Entomology at the University of Sydney, I was faced with the problem of how to deal with this difficulty. Eventually I came to the conclusion that the only satisfactory solution of the problem was to obtain photographs of living insects with which to illustrate lectures, for it is almost impossible to arrange for students actually to handle more than a very small number of living insects. As the number of suitable photographs which have been published is small and quite inadequate for lecturing purposes, I found it necessary to take the photographs myself.
On the Oviposition of Tomaspis saccharina, Dist. (Rhynch., Cercop.), an Insect Pest of Sugar-cane in Trinidad
Authors: Pickles Alan
Published: July 2009

Tomaspis saccharina, Dist., is a Cercopid bug which infests the cane-fields of Trinidad in vast numbers during the wet months of the year. Corresponding with the successive generations, there are three, and sometimes four nights or broods of adults, each of which causes severe damage to the cane. This damage, or “ froghopper blight,” as it is locally called, is a result of the feeding activities of the adult on the foliage, and is characterised by a progressive discoloration of the leaves, leading to death of the affected leaf and, in severe cases, to the death of the cane. In either event, growth of the plant is more or less severely checked and the adverse effect on yield is usually of a very significant nature.
Parasites of the Wheat-stem Sawfly,Cephus pygmaeus, Linnaeus, in England
Authors: Salt George
Published: July 2009

For a number of years the western grass-stem sawfly,Cephus cinctus, Norton, has been accounted one of the major insect pests of wheat in Western Canada. Originally a grass-feeder, it began to attack wheat about the beginning of the present century, at first only occasionally and at the edges of fields in Manitoba, later much more commonly and with a very wide distribution throughout the wheat-growing areas of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. While this sawfly was confined to native grasses it was held in check by two principal factors (Criddle, 1922) : shortage of grass stalks suitable for oviposition, and parasites. When, however, it began to attack wheat, both of these restraints were evaded. In the first place the wheat fields provided an abundance of host-plants. In the second place, the natural parasites of the sawfly did not move with it into the grain fields—whether they are unaware of the presence of their host in wheat plants or are unable to attack it in that situation is unknown.
Colonisation in Canada of Collyria calcitrator (Hym. Ichn.), a Parasite of the Wheat-stem Sawfly
Authors: Smith C. W.
Published: July 2009

In response to the expressed desire of Mr. Arthur Gibson, Dominion Entomologist, to introduce European parasites to aid in controlling the Western Wheat-stem Sawfly, Cephus cinctus, a shipment of 15,000 wheat stubs containing parasitised Cephus pygmaeus was forwarded to Canada from the Farnham House Laboratory, Farnham Royal, Bucks, England, in the early spring of 1930. This stubble was received at the Dominion Parasite Laboratory, Belleville, Ontario, and was there held in cold storage until reshipped to Western Canada, where the parasite, Collyria calcitrator, was to be liberated.
The Causes and Implications of Hunger in Tsetse-flies
Authors: Jackson C. H. N.
Published: July 2009

1. Tsetse-flies have been divided into four stages of hunger by their external appearance. These stages have been correlated with the internal appearance determined by dissection. It was found that the fat-bodies became maximally developed shortly after a meal, and thereafter diminished rapidly in bulk. Hunger of flies in samples is expressed as the Mean Hunger Stage (M.H.S.).

2. Flies in different stages of hunger showed different behaviour in the field. Thus hungry flies usually attacked head-upwards, replete flies, if attacking, tending to adopt a head-down attitude. Most replete flies preferred to settle on the ground, or on objects other than the members of the catching party. Hungry flies were the most persistent followers.

3. The true habitats and feeding-grounds of Glossina morsitans, G. swynnertoni, and G. palpalis are described, so far as they are known to the writer.

4. Confirmation of the feeding-ground theory was obtained for G. swynnertoni by an analysis of the to-and-fro movements of marked flies.

5. Considerable independent movement of flies was shown to occur in the absence of carriage on man or game. Some flies under such conditions travelled over 2 miles in 3 hours.
Mosquito Species breeding in “Test” Water Containers in West Africa
Authors: Philip Cornelius B.
Published: July 2009

Observations additional to those made by Dunn (1927) of Culicine mosquitos breeding in “ test ” water containers about a Compound in Southern Nigeria, near Lagos, are here reported for a period of the year (June to December) not covered in Dunn's study. Only the optimum type of container mentioned in Dunn's report (bamboo joints containing water and mango leaves) was employed, and these were placed in the same ten representative environmental situations. The numerical rank of infesting species differed significantly in the two studies only in the case of Culex decens, which dropped from third to last place, and of Aëdes africanus, which rose from tenth to sixth place. The total numbers of infestations in the former study were greater, but this is explainable on the basis of one or several variables, i.e., seasonal differences, elapse of time between studies, or less probably the fact that there were four containers instead of one at each station. The number of infestations at any one station has little relation to the number of resultant adults; there is a wide variation in these numbers.

An analysis of the occurrence of A. aegypti in containers and a discussion of certain bionomical information together with relative weather conditions are included. Brief data are also presented of the incidence of species at three additional stations, one in a centre of dense population (Lagos), one in a suburb (Ebute Metta), and the third isolated in dense “ bush.”
On the Biology of some Species of Longitarsus (Col., Chrysom.) living on Ragwort
Authors: Newton H. C. F.
Published: July 2009

It appears from the literature that the species of Longitarsus recorded from ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) or its ally the groundsel (S. vulgaris), are L. dorsalis, F., L. suturellus, Duft., L. senecionis, Bris., L. jacobaeae, Wat., L. ochroleucus, Marsh., and L. gracilis, Kutsch.; the last named species is also recorded by Bedel from Tussilago. In addition L. succineus, Foudr., has been associated with various composites, such as Eupatorium cannabinum and Chrysanthemum spp. but, apparently, never before with Senecio.
Results obtained with Polychlorides and Paradichlorobenzene against the Larvae of Polyphylla fullo, L., and Melolontha hippocastani, F.
Authors: Golovyanko Z. S.
Published: July 2009

The following is a summary of some experiments that were carried out in 1930, 1931 and 1932 on the sandy soils of Darnitza Forest Reserve (near Kiev) and Kruilov Forest Reserve (near Kremenchug), 112 plots, each covering an area of 100 square sazhen (70ft. by 70ft), having been used for the tests. The polychlorides were of two kinds: dark polychlorides, which had a less homogeneous structure and contained a smaller quantity of dichlorides, the amount of higher polychlorides being greater; and light-coloured polychlorides, which chiefly contained dichlorobenzenes and only relatively small quantities of chlorobenzene and higher polychlorides. In the experiments during 1931 and 1932 certain quantities of the chemical were applied to a given area, namely: 26,047 gm., 15,935 gm. and 13,026 gm. to an experimental plot of the size mentioned above. The chemicals were introduced into the soil at intervals of 28, 21 or 14 inches, the lines of the holes being also 28, 21 or 14 inches apart respectively.
Some African Sandflies
Authors: Theodor Oskar
Published: July 2009

This paper deals with a number of collections of African sandflies sent for identification by the Imperial Institute of Entomology and by Dr. P. A. Buxton of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. I have to thank Prof. S. Adler for putting some of this material at my disposal.
The Synonymy and Distribution ofChrysomyia rufifacies(Macq.), an Australian Sheep Blowfly
Authors: Holdaway F. G.
Published: July 2009

The Australian sheep “ blowfly ”Chrysomyia rufifacies, Macq., is shown by a study of chaetotaxy and the genitalia to be distinct fromC. albicepswith which it has been considered identical. A discussion is given of the composite genusChrysomyiaand the genera into which Séguy has recently divided it. The synonymy ofC. rufifaciesis given and also the distribution ofC. rufifacies, C. albicepsandC. putoria, the three species which Patton has considered synonymous.
Mosquitos breeding in Bromeliads, at Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Kumm Henry W.
Published: July 2009

Twenty-one collections of larvae and pupae from Bromeliads, growing in trees or on the ground, were made in São Salvador, the capital of the State of Bahia, Brazil. Four species of Microculex and one Sabethine were bred out. Of these, one new species and certain new forms are described. The new species is called Culex (Microculex) davisi in honour of Dr. Nelson C. Davis, at whose suggestion this study was first undertaken. Since no Aëdes (Stegomyia) aegypti were found, it would appear that Bromeliad breeding is probably of no importance from the standpoint of a yellow fever control campaign in this region.
Physiological Conditions of Cold-hardiness in Insects
Authors: Kozhantshikov I. W.
Published: July 2009

The results of the present investigation can be summarized as follows:—

1. Cold-hardiness in insects depends on the physiological state of the organism; the most resistant are the phases in diapause (prepupae of Croesus septentrionalis, eggs of Lymantria dispar, pupae of Acronyctinae); not so hardy are the caterpillars of Lasiocampa quercus stopped in their development and prepupae of Agrotis segetum; practically non cold-hardy are developing (or growing) insects, viz., the full-grown larvae of Calliphora erythrocephala, the growing caterpillars of Loxostege sticticalis and Agrotis segetum.

2. The difference in the cold-hardiness of these three groups depends on the specificity of their cellular respiration. Growing insects show in their cellular respiration the prevalence of oxydases, the activity of which is connected with characteristics of their cellular structures; in cold-hardy insects the cellular respiration is closely connected with the anoxybiotic processes caused by the dehydrases; their activity is not bound up with the structural elements of the cells, but is closely connected with the presence of non-saturated fat-acids (Dixon, 1929; Meldrum, 1934) peculiar to insect fats.

3. The respiration of growing or developing insects is entirely and rapidly destroyed by narcotics, cyanide and low temperatures; the effect of these agents is due to the destruction of the cellular structures. The respiration of cold-hardy insects is characterised by its definite thermostable part and is also resistant to narcotics (or cyanide, Bodine, 1934). Destroying the cellular structures does not affect that respiration. Cold-hardiness increases with the increase of the percentage of thermostable respiration.

4. Freezing of the protoplasmic water causes the death of an insect only in the absence of thermostable respiration. Many insects in diapause (characterised by a high percentage of thermostable respiration) can be frozen without any lethal effect (Pyrausta nubilalis, Croesus septentrionalis, Lasiocampa quercus). It is clear that the freezing of the free protoplasmic water cannot be considered as an obligatory cause of “ anabiosis.”

5. The quantity of fat does not show any direct connection with thermostable respiration and cold-hardiness in insects. It is probable that the important factor is the quality of the fats, namely, the rôle of non-saturated fat-acids. The increase of cold-hardiness in insects after dehydration can be connected with the changes in cellular respiration; the same can be said regarding the general connection of the water content of the protoplasm and cold-hardiness.
The Life-history and Growth of the CockroachBlatta orientalis, Linn.
Authors: Qadri M. A. H.
Published: July 2009

The life-history ofBlatta orientalishas been studied from the time of the deposition of the ootheca by the female till the nymphs of the third generation emerge,viz., through two embryonic and one post-embryonic lives.

The cockroach passes through one pronymphal and six nymphal stages and moults seven times after its exit from the ootheca.

The post-embryonic growth, including the increase of the antennal and cercal joints, and the modification of the external genitalia, is described. It has been shown that nymphs of various instars and their sexes can be distinguished, especially with the help of the genitalia, the number of cercal joints, and the growth of the wing-rudiments.

The average time taken by 27 nymphs to mature at 27·5C. is 279 days. The males mature earlier than the females and also die before the latter.

The formation and structure of the spermatophore are described and also the exact mode of copulation, including the use of various parts of the male genitalia.

The ootheca is deposited with special care by the female in that she digs a pit with the help of her mandibles and the fore legs and covers the ootheca afterwards. The nymphs emerge without the help of the female and the latter does not take any care of the ootheca after it has been safely deposited.
A Report on some miscellaneous African Encyrtidae in the British Museum
Authors: Compere Harold
Published: July 2009

The Encyrtidae reported upon in this paper are mostly Coccid-inhabiting species, received by the Imperial Institute of Entomology from various collectors in Africa and forwarded by Dr. C. Ferrière for identification. The species of Microterys, Metaphycus, and Anicetus will be reported upon in separate papers at a later date, All holotypes and allotypes are deposited in the British Museum; paratypes will be deposited in the United States National Museum.
Male accessory secretions, their use and replenishment in Glossina (Diptera, Glossinidae)
Authors: Pollock J. N.
Published: July 2009

The male accessory glands of Glossina austeni Newst. contain an apical secretion—a dense, opaque, whitish secretion at the apical end of the gland, and a diffuse secretion—a bulkier, more mobile, translucent, whitish secretion occupying nearly all the remainder of the gland. There is also a plug of clear solidified accessory material preventing the outflow of secretions from the resting gland. By immersing the whole accessory gland in a saline medium at pH 2·2, and then transferring the specimen to distilled water, the apical secretion can be separated manually from the rest of the gland, as an apical body. Measurements of the apical body in virgin male flies show that the apical body increases in width according to the equation: Age ≐ constant Χ width 2.5, but individual deviations from this relation were considerable. Immediately after mating the apical body is long and thin; recovery to approximately the resting condition is complete after 48 h, but, on average, mated males have thinner apical bodies than virgin males of the same age. The use of apical secretion measurements to assess mating frequency under field conditions might be possible if adequate samples of males were available.
The responses of tsetse flies (Diptera, Glossinidae) to mobile and stationary baits
Authors: Vale G. A.
Published: July 2009

In Rhodesia, field studies were made of the initial attraction of G. morsitans morsitans Westw. and G. pallidipes Aust. to mobile and stationary baits, using flight traps which surrounded baits or which were placed in the densest part of the attracted swarm. With stationary baits, many flies were attracted by host odour and visual stimuli assisted final orientation. With mobile baits, many flies were attracted by visual stimuli alone; odour did not increase attraction. With both mobile and stationary baits, there was no indication that major hosts are much more effective than minor ones as initial attractants, although stationary men were exceptionally poor baits, for G. pallidipes especially. The sex and species compositions of catches from stationary baits other than men were representative roughly of the inactive population—70% females of both species, and a roughly 1:4 ratio of G. morsitans to G. pallidipes. The sex and species compositions of catches from all mobile baits were biased—40% female G. morsitans, 60% female G. pallidipes, and a roughly 2:1 species ratio. Nearly all flies attracted to stationary baits were hungry whereas 10–25% of both sexes visiting mobile baits had fed recently. The use of a variety of electrocuting devices showed that compact persistent responses and alighting reactions of attracted flies were evident more for males than for females, more for G. morsitans than for G. pallidipes, more near model animals with host odour than near odourless models, more near models than near men, and more with tenerals and hungry non-tenerals than with recently fed flies. Men with mobile baits depressed greatly the alighting reactions and with stationary baits men inhibited greatly the initial attractions. Both effects of men were greater with females than with males and greater with G. pallidipes than with G. morsitans. Men were recognised by their upright appearance and odour. Only desperately hungry flies probed men whereas less-hungry flies probed an ox with men. Food-seeking flies of differing nutritional state were not shown to distinguish between mobile and stationary baits. Although the results support the conventional view that mating and feeding functions in the response to hosts occupy distinct phases of the hunger cycle, it seems necessary to modify the conventional view by placing more emphasis on the role of mobile baits as food sources and by envisaging a definite mate-seeking response by mature females.
Timing of production of a sex pheromone by females of Stegobium paniceum (L.) (Coleoptera, Anobiidae) and factors affecting male response
Authors: Barratt B. I. P.
Published: July 2009

Females of Stegobium paniceum (L.) produce a sex pheromone to which only males are attracted. Live females 4–5 days old attract males which first respond when they are 5–6 days old. Females extracted in diethyl ether showed the presence of pheromone immediately after eclosion (0 days) but secretion is delayed until 3–4 days just before emergence from the pupal cocoon (4–5 days). Mated females show a slight reduction in pheromone content and mated male response is significantly reduced, as is the response of males previously exposed to a pheromone extract. A series of pheromone concentrations ranging from 0·0005–l female equivalents was assayed, and the threshold level of male response estimated at about 0·0004 female equivalents.
The survival of the eggs of Austrosimulium pestilens Mack. & Mack. (Diptera, Simuliidae)
Authors: Colbo M. H. , Moorhouse D. E.
Published: July 2009

Eggs of Austrosimulium pestilens Mack. & Mack, were separated from sandy loam deposits in river beds in Queensland by washing the deposit through a 64·5 mesh/cm plankton sieve; the eggs were then picked off the surface of the sieve. Viable eggs were recovered only from permanently wet deposits; deposits above the water table contained only empty egg shells or dead eggs. Since eggs are laid directly into the water, their distribution in the river bed is related to its topography and the degree of scour and fill. Eggs stored in the laboratory in wet river deposits were still viable after 2½ years of storage, but died rapidly when exposed to relative humidities of 96% or less. Only a few eggs hatched from samples of riverbed deposits in water following up to four days' agitation with compressed air.
An analysis of geographical variation in the parasitoid Rhyssa persuasoria (L.) (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Spradbery J. P. , Ratkowsky D. A.
Published: July 2009

Studies were made of populations of adult Rhyssa persuasoria (L.) from various geographical regions. Morphometric analyses were based on the relative size of 32 maculae on various sclerites and the colour of the coxae and legs. Size was determined by measuring the wing length and thorax length. Various statistical procedures were applied to these data and also the ratios of wing length: maculation, and thorax length: maculation in an attempt to distinguish races of R. persuasoria from different localities. Regression analysis, analysis of variance and classification procedures separated some populations from others, the results of the different analyses being in broad agreement with each other. Within each population, maculation was typically linear, smaller specimens having relatively small maculae. Some sexually dimorphic differences were also demonstrated. There were two major geographical groupings: S.W. European and North African (W. France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco) and the remainder. There were some geographical differences within the remaining populations although all had links with one or more adjacent populations. The degree of maculation was shown to be related to the colour and texture of host-tree species, populations with low maculation scores being associated with tree species having dark, fissured bark and vice versa. It is suggested that degree of maculation is an expression of cryptic colouration, providing camouflage from predators. Determinations of heat-coma temperature for male R. persuasoria from climatically different areas showed that the response to high temperature differed between populations and was correlated with the temperature of the locality of origin. These differences between strains were apparent after several months of identical conditioning and are probably genetically based.
Reassessment of sampling relationships for Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Australian cotton
Authors: Dillon Gina E. , Fitt Gary P.
Published: July 2009

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and H. punctigera (Wallengren) are major pests of cotton in Australia. The density of eggs and larvae of these species are sampled regularly throughout the growing season to assess the need for insecticidal control. A sampling system now widely used is based on binomial sampling combined with a series of conversion relationships developed as part of the SIRATAC computer based pest management system established in the early 1980s. A three year study was initiated to reassess the binomial sampling conversion relationship in the light of changed agronomic practices and new cotton varieties. New relationships were established to predict the mean number of Helicoverpa spp. present, based upon the number of infested plants found within a sample. Relationships are reported for the sampling of whole plants and the sampling of the terminal (top 20 cm) portion of cotton plants only. These new relationships will be incorporated into entomoLOGIC, a personal computer based pest management system now released to replace SIRATAC.
Age-grading in blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) by ovariolar morphology
Authors: Gryaznov A.I.
Published: July 2009

A method for physiological age determination in blackflies is described from studies on Simulium equinum (Linnaeus), S. ornatum Meigen, S. erythrocephalum (De Geer), and S. nigrum (Meigen) in Russia, and S. vittatum (Zetterstedt), and S.verecundum-venustum supercomplex in Canada. The method uses neutral red to stain the ovariolar structures which indicate preceding gonotrophic cycles. Two different processes can occur in the ovariole during the gonotrophic cycle: egg development with ovulation, or degeneration of a terminal follicle. Egg-sacs are resorbed and form zones of granulation which accumulate in the ovariole at each gonotrophic cycle. Following degeneration of the terminal follicle, a follicular relic (═gonotrophic dilatation) forms. The sum of zones of granulation plus follicular relics in each ovariole can indicate the number of completed gonotrophic cycles. However the number of follicular relics alone does not correspond to the number of preceding gonotrophic cycles and cannot reliably be used for determination of the parity of a female. Female flies collected in nature were categorized as: nulliparous; 1-parous; or multiparous. In multiparous females, most ovarioles have no more than two zones of granulation or a combination consisting of one zone of granulation and a follicular relic. Females in this category are considered to be 2-parous. In some ovarioles of parous females the germarium and terminal follicles were found to have disappeared.
Spatial distribution of flying Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in a rice warehouse
Authors: Ho S.H. , Boon K.S.
Published: July 2009

The vertical and horizontal distribution of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) in a rice warehouse was studied using flight traps hung around selected stacks of bagged rice. Traps hung at 4 m or higher from the floor caught more T. castaneum than other insect species in the warehouse. At 6 m height, the traps caught mainly this species and were easy to maintain. The horizontal distribution pattern of T. castaneum sampled at 6 m was not homogeneous. The factors influencing distribution are discussed.
Parasitoids of the African stem borer, Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in South Africa
Authors: Kfir Rami
Published: July 2009

Eighteen parasitoids were recorded from the African stem borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller), on maize and grain sorghum, in Delmas and Cedara, South Africa. In Delmas, larval parasitism on both crops fluctuated below 20% with occasional peaks of 40–60%. In Cedara, larval parasitoids were active throughout the season with peaks of 75% and 60% parasitism during January and March-April, respectively on the ratoon crop, and 20% in May on the crop. Pupal parasitism peaked in Cedara at 100% during February-March, and at 80% during November, when parasitoids attacked pupae that formed after B. fusca larvae had emerged from diapause and pupated. In Delmas activity by pupal parasitoids was negligible. The egg parasitoids, Telenomus busseolae Gahan (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) and Trichogrammatoidea lutea Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), were rare. The larval parasitoid, Cotesia sesamiae (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), was active throughout the season and was by far the most abundant, emerging from about 90% of parasitized larvae. Its cocoons were often attacked by Aphanogmus fijiensis (Ferrière) (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae). Second in abundance among the larval parasitoids was Bracon sesamiae Cameron (Braconidae) whose cocoons were attacked in turn by Eurytoma braconidis Ferrière (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae). Eurytoma braconidis was reared also from cocoons of Euvipio sp. and Aleiodes sp. (both Braconidae). All other larval parasitoids were rare. Procerochasmias nigromaculatus (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was the most abundant pupal parasitoid. Trichogrammatoidea lutea, Glyptapanteles maculitarsis (Cameron) (Braconidae) and Odontepyris transvaalensis (De Buysson) (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) have not been recorded before from B. fusca. Some considerations and proposals for introductions of parasitoids into South Africa against B. fusca are discussed.
Feeding activities of Cicadulina mbila (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) on different host-plants
Authors: Mesfin T. , Den Hollander J. , Markham P. G.
Published: July 2009

The probing activities of the most important leafhopper vector of maize streak virus, Cicadulina mbila (Naudé) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) were studied on different host-plants. Host preference was determined by giving the insects a choice of six plants, Digitaria sanguinalis, Zea mays, Zea perennis, Paspalum conjugatum, Oryza sativa and Saccharum officinarum (all Gramineae). Cicadulina mbila showed a strong preference for D. sanguinalis. Histological examination of plant tissues for salivary sheaths was used to reveal the preferred tissue. Cicadulina mbila tended to ingest from the phloem of its preferred hosts, and switch to mesophyll or xylem tissue on less preferred hosts. The suitability of each host was assessed by measuring the weight gain and amount of honeydew produced on each host by newly emerged adult females. Both parameters were greatest on the preferred host. Probing behaviour was also monitored electronically by recording the different waveform patterns produced when insects were probing, ingesting or not probing on the selected hosts. Cicadulina mbila probed less frequently, ingested longer and spent less time in non-probing activities on its preferred host, D. sanguinalis, although these responses were similar on maize and sugarcane. Rice induced poor probing responses and altered behaviour. This interpretation of the waveforms was supported by histological examination. As maize streak virus (MSV) is not found in phloem sieve elements, prolonged ingestion from sieve cells would not account for efficient acquisition from maize, which would require ingestion from other types of cells. D. sanguinalis was the host in which most ingestion from the phloem occurred, but it is the poorest source of MSV.
Smicronyxspecies (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), economically important seed predators of witchweeds (Strigaspp.) (Scrophulariaceae) in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Anderson D. M. , Cox M. L.
Published: July 2009

The taxonomy of three species ofSmicronyxthat are potential biocontrol agents of witchweeds (Strigaspp.) in West Africa is revised. The two most abundant species are identified asSmicronyx(Afrosmicronyx) umbrinusHustache and S.(Smicronyx) guineanusVoss. A third species is described asSmicronyx (Afrosmicronyx) dorsomaculatusCox,sp. n.Diagnostic descriptions and a key, to separate adults of the three species from each other and fromSharpia bellaFaust, are presented. Mature larvae of the threeSmicronyxspecies are separated through a key and diagnoses. A lectotype is selected forSmicronyx umbrinus. All available host and distribution data are summarized for each species.
Mating combinations of control and ivermectin-fed dung flies Neomyia cornicina (Diptera: Muscidae): effects on mating behaviour, oviposition and ovarian development
Authors: Gover Jane , Strong Les
Published: July 2009

The dung fly Neomyia cornicina (Fabricius) fed on either control dung or dung containing 0.15 μg g−1 ivermectin were mated in the following combinations: (a) control male × control female, (b) control male × ivermectin-fed female, (c) ivermectin-fed male × invermectin-fed female and (d) ivermectin-fed male × control female. Frequency and duration of mating attempts by males during 10 min mating trials were significantly higher when males were placed with control females, irrespective of male treatment. There was no significant difference between groups in the frequency and duration of all other behaviours observed. There was a significant effect of mating combination on the percentage of females that laid eggs, with most laying in groups where females were controls (groups a and d). There was also significant effect of mating combination on the time to first oviposition, with control females mated with control males (group a) laying earliest. Egg batch size was unaffected by treatment group. At the end of the experiment, all females were dissected and the number, size and yolk content of the terminal oocytes were measured. There was no effect of treatment group on any of these parameters. Results of this study indicate that female exposure to ivermectin was of greater importance than male exposure in altering male mating behaviour and reducing fecundity. Ivermectin in cattle dung could therefore lower reproductive output of this species even when only one of a pair was exposed to the drug.
Biosystematics of theCotesia flavipesspecies complex (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): morphometrics of selected allopatric populations
Authors: Kimani-Njogu Susan W. , Overholt William A. , Woolley James , Walker Annette
Published: July 2009

Morphometric studies of allopatric populations of theCotesia flavipesspecies complex representing three putative species;C. flavipesCameron,C. sesamiae(Cameron) andC. chilonis(Matsumura), were conducted. Sixteen characters were measured. Principal component analysis separated the complex into three somewhat overlapping groups that corresponded well with previous concepts of the species. Canonical variate analysis separated the complex into three distinct clusters with populations from Africa together, populations from Asia and the Neotropics forming a second cluster, and material from China and Japan forming a third cluster. The Mahalanobis squared distances between the three clusters were nearly equal. Results support recognition of three species in theC. flavipescomplex.
The effect of constitutive resistance in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and Scots pine (P. sylvestris) on oviposition by three pine feeding herbivores
Authors: Trewhella K. E. , Leather S. R. , Day K. R.
Published: July 2009

The acceptance of different provenances or seed origins of lodgepole pine Pinus contorta and Scots pine P. sylvestris as suitable oviposition sites was found to vary as a function of both tree age and insect species. Experiments on seedling lodgepole pine revealed that the pine sawfly, Neodiprion sertifer Geoffroy (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae), and the larch bud moth, Zeiraphera diniana Guennée (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), preferred more southerly provenances of lodgepole pine. The pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea Denis & Schiffermüller (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), however, preferred more northerly provenances. On mature lodgepole pine however, P. flammea exhibited a host change, preferring the more southerly provenances. Neodiprion sertifer showed a similar preference on both seedling and mature provenances. The results of this study suggest that some provenances of lodgepole pine become more resistant to attack by P. flammea as they mature, while others become more susceptible. This may be related to the feeding, strategies of the two insects: P. flammea larvae feed on current year foliage while N. sertifer feeds only on previous year foliage. It is possible that the mechanism for chemical defence of new shoots changes as the trees mature, and to a varying degree in different provenances, while defence of the previous years foliage remains unchanged. Results also indicate that odour alone as opposed to odour plus visual stimulation may invoke different ovipositional behaviour in N. sertifer.
Geographic variation within populations of Panolis flammea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Britain
Authors: Wainhouse D. , Jukes M. R.
Published: July 2009

Gel electrophoresis was used to study isoenzyme variation in Panolis flammea Denis Schiffermüller from a total of eight forest sites in England and Scotland dominated by either Scots or lodgepole pine. Four polymorphic loci (esterase, malate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase) were examined in adult moths. Most of the genotype frequencies conformed to Hardy-Weinberg expectations. An estimate of standardized gene frequency variance (Fst=0.109 ±0.032) indicated that there was significant genetic differentitation between populations. There was in addition a latitudinal cline in allele frequency at the 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase locus. The possible role of variation between P. flammea populations in contributing to regional differences in pest status is briefly discussed.
Natural transmission of Trypanosomiasis (T. pecorum group) in the absence of Tsetse-fly
Authors: Jack Rupert W.
Published: July 2009

The opinion that trypanosomiasis of the T. pecorum type is, under favourable conditions, transmissible amongst domestic stock through the agency of blood-sucking flies other than Glossina has been expressed by several observers.
A new Thrips damaging Orchids in the West Indies
Authors: Williams C. B.
Published: July 2009

The thrips described below has recently been a source of considerable damage to orchids grown for ornamental purposes in Trinidad, West Indies. Up to the present it has not been found on wild orchids and it is possible that it is not indigenous to this island. A large number of orchids are brought over from Venezuela and it may have been imported with them from that country.
In the Belgian Congo
Authors: Gahan C. J.
Published: July 2009

Tragocephala maynei, sp. nov.

T. nobili (Fab.) affinis, sed differt capitis medio haud vittato, elytris prope basin non transversim fasciatis. Capite inter antennas sat lato fere piano, margine antica frontis genarumque et macula pone oculum coeruleis; prothorace utrinque ante tuberculum lateralem ochreo-fulvo fasciato, basi lateraliter coerulescente; elytris nigro-velutinis, utrisque maculis quatuor ochreo-fulvis notatis: macula prima ad latus paullo pone humerum, secunda transversa et tertia parva rotunda obliquiter positis pone medium, quarta transversa paullo ante apicem; macula infra humerum, puncta postero-laterali, et macula minuta ad suturam vix ante apicem coerulescentibus; corpore inferiore pedibusque coerulescentibus, nigro fasciatis et maculatis; antennis (♀) paullo pone medium elytrorum transeuntibus, scapo ad apicem angustim cicatricoso; prosterno sat lato, antice verticali et transversim truncato, mesosterno antice late rotundato; femoribus brevibus subclavatim incrassatis.
Fertility and Toleration of low Temperature inEuchalcidia caryobori, Hanna (Hymenoptera, Chalcidinae)
Authors: Hanna A. D.
Published: July 2009

During my work on the life-history of the Chalcid,Euchalcidia caryobori, Hanna (Hanna 1933), which parasitises the pupae and the late larval stages of the Bruchid,Caryoborus pallidus, Oliv., infesting senna pods, great difficulty was experienced in obtaining the material. Infested senna pods arrive in London from the Sudan between June and August. Any pods arriving after or before that are not usually infested to any considerable extent. To guard against this lack of material, a large supply of parasitised and unparasitised pupae of the Bruchid was obtained when available by sifting the senna pods and keeping them in large glass jars at a constant temperature of 27°C. The Chalcid soon emerges and deposits its eggs through the cocoon on the unparasitised pupae of the Bruchid and feeds on peeled sultanas placed on a cardboard tray on top of the material and moistened every day. The sultanas were changed every three days to avoid fermentation.
The Effect of intermittent Starvation upon the Development of Larvae of the Meadow Moth (Loxostege sticticalis, L.)
Authors: Skoblo J. S.
Published: July 2009

1. When studying the effect of intermittent starvation upon the length of development of the larval phase it is necessary to carry out experiments with each stage separately. Ignoring this factor and carrying out experiments on the larval phase as a whole results in serious errors.

2. The shorter the periods of feeding and consequently the longer starvation periods during each 24 hours the stronger their effect upon the length of development of each stage.

3. More than 50 per cent. of larvae fed only for 2 hours a day and starved for 22 hours accomplish their complete metamorphosis and produce moths that are fully capable of living.

4. The length of development of each stage depends upon the feeding regime during the previous stage. Using the same starving regime, development of the last stage is the longer the earlier the stage at which larvae were subjected to this regime.

5. At different stages of development larvae react differently to the same starvation regime. Thus starving for 12 hours a day increases the duration of the development of the 3rd stage by 104 per cent. ; that of the 4th stage does not increase at all, while the development of the 5th stage increases only by 31 per cent.

6. Nature of food greatly influences the length of development under conditions of intermittent starvation. Starving for 8 hours a day when feeding larvae on wormwood results in greater increase of development than starving for 12 hours a day when feeding on goose-foot.

7. All factors influencing the development of the larval phase result in decreasing the weight of the pupae. Decrease in weight of pupae is the greater the longer the starvation periods and the earlier larvae were subjected to starvation effect. Nature of food also highly affects the weight of pupae.

8. Intensity of feeding during feeding periods of starving larvae does not decrease as compared to control. With very strongly starving larvae intensiveness of feeding even increases.

9. There is no direct proportion between the quantity of excrement passed, that is amount of food consumed and the weight of pupae. The longer the development, the more there are feeding periods and consequently the more excrement passed. Owing to the lengthening of development the most part of substances consumed are spent on vegetative functions ; therefore there cannot exist direct connection between the number of excrement passed and the weight of pupae.
A new Species of Thysanoptera from S. India (Taeniothrips cardamomi, sp. nov.)
Authors: Ramakrishna Ayyar T. V.
Published: July 2009

During a recent study of some insect and other pests of the cardamom plant in two or three tracts in South India, a new species of thrips was noted doing some appreciable damage to cardamom capsules on an estate in the Anamalai Hills, and this is described below.
The Biology of Microplectron fuscipennis, Zett. (Chalcid.), a Parasite of the Pine Sawfly (Diprion sertifer, Geoff.)
Authors: Morris K. R. S. , Cameron E.
Published: July 2009

Cocoons of Diprion sertifer, Geoffr., containing nearly eight millions Microplectron fuscipennis, Zett., were collected in Europe in 1934 and despatched to Canada for the control of the Spruce Sawfly, Diprion polytomum, Htg.

This parasite is widely distributed throughout Europe as a primary parasite of several species of pine sawflies of the genus Diprion.

A full account of the biology and a detailed description of the various stages is given.

In the laboratory it was reared in large numbers on the cocoons of D. polytomum from Canada.

Its chances of success in Canada depend on its acclimatisation and the accessibility and quantity of host material. Its tremendous fecundity and rapid rate of increase are greatly in its favour.
On the Identity of Lygus simonyi, Reut., and Lygus vosseleri, Popp., in Kenya and Uganda
Authors: China W. E.
Published: July 2009

For some years economic entomologists in Kenya and Uganda have recognised two species of Capsids of more than usual importance. Lygus simonyi, Reut., was a pest on coffee in Kenya, and Lygus vosseleri, Popp., was injurious to cotton in Uganda. The species were originally identified from the keys and descriptions of B. Poppius in his “Die Miriden der Äthiopischen Region” (Acta. Soc. Sci. Fenn. 41, no. 3, 1912, & 44, no. 3, 1914). This monograph although indispensable to anyone working on the systematics of the African Capsidae, is on the whole rather unsatisfactory. The illustrations are few and far between, the genera are often based on relative and overlapping characters and the specific differentiations are vague. It is not suprising therefore that the original determination of the coffee Capsid now proves to be incorrect. Thanks to the courtesy of Dr. Richard Frey, of the University Zoological Museum, Helsingfors, and Dr. Max Beier, of the Natural History Museum, Vienna, I have now been able to examine type material of these two species.
Hemipterous Predators of the Weevils Cosmopolites and Odoiporus
Authors: China W. E.
Published: July 2009

This paper is based on material submitted for identification by the Imperial Institute of Entomology and received from Mr. G. H. Corbett, Government Entomologist of the Federated Malay States.
The bactericidal Properties of Excretions of the Maggot ofLucilia sericata
Authors: Simmons S. W.
Published: July 2009

The excretions of the blowfly maggot,Lucilia sericata, have been found to contain a potent bactericide, and the technique for the collection of this material is given. There is evidence that other insects besides the one investigated may also produce this substance.

The active principle is not destroyed by autoclaving at 10 pounds' pressure for 20 minutes and desiccation does not inactivate it.

The bactericidal action of the substance was demonstrated by tests on seven species of bacteria, most of which are of aetiological importance in osteomyelitis and other suppurative infections. The lethal action against such organisms seems to be an important factor in the good results obtained with maggot therapy.

The work seems to open a field in which interesting investigations could be conducted with possibilities of producing other new and useful disinfectants from living organisms.
Acarine and Nosema Diseases of Honeybees in Britain, 1925–47
Authors: Morison Guy D. , Jeffree E. P. , Murray L. , Allen M. Delia
Published: July 2009

Between 1925 and 1947, 9,929 samples of bees from Great Britain were examined for acarine and Nosema diseases. There was a significantly lower incidence of acarine disease in English samples than in Scottish ones, but a somewhat higher incidence of Nosema disease in England than in Scotland was not significant. A decrease in the incidence of acarine disease over the 22 years was highly significant in both England and Scotland, although the rate of decrease was not significantly different between the two countries.

The average incidence of acarine disease during each month of the year was at its lowest in April, May and June, while Nosema disease reached its maximum in these three months and fell to a minimum in the autumn. Data on the seasonal incidence of Nosema disease in an apiary in Scotland between 1948 and 1953 show a similar distribution to that for Great Britain. Eesults on the incidence of both diseases throughout the year are compared with those of other authors, and possible reasons for the seasonal fluctuations are discussed.