bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The possible use of methyl 4-methylpyrrole-2-carboxylate, an ant trail pheromone, as a component of an improved bait for leaf-cutting ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) control
Authors: Robinson S. W. , Cherrett J. M.
Published: July 2009

A trail pheromone, methyl 4-methylpyrrole-2-carboxylate (M4MP2C), of Atta texana (Buckley) was tested in the laboratory as a possible component of attractive poison bait for the leaf-cutting ants A. cephalotes (L.), A. sexdens (L.) and Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich). For all three species, M4MP2C when impregnated onto paper discs increased pick-up of the discs. It also increased pick-up by Atta sexdens of a citrus-pulp bait. The addition of M4MP2C made them easier to find, although at high concentrations it was repellent. It did not affect the average number of ant investigations before the bait was picked up. The pheromone remained on citrus-pulp bait in active concentrations for approximately four days. To test -the effect of M4MP2C as a foraging stimulant for A. cephalotes, an apparatus was constructed in which the ants passed in single file over a transparent section of the trail where they were counted with a photoelectric cell. When bait impregnated with M4MP2C was placed on the foraging table, large increases in activity were recorded away from the nest but only small increases were recorded in the nest and at the nest entrance. When air containing M4MP2C vapour was injected into the fungus chamber, an increase in activity was recorded at the nest entrance, but this increase was not repeated when known amounts of the pheromone impregnated onto baits of filter-paper discs were added directly to the fungus chamber. It is suggested that factors other than M4MP2C are also involved in the stimulation of foraging activity. The experiments suggest that M4MP2C could play some part in the formulation of an attractive bait for the control of leaf-cutting ants.
The use of serology in evaluating invertebrate prey-predator relationships : a review
Authors: Boreham P. F. L. , Ohiagu C. E.
Published: July 2009

Several methods, including the use of serology, are available for evaluating prey-predator relationships. Two basic methods involving precipitation and agglutination reactions have been utilised, both of which depend on the production of specific antisera with high titres. A critical account is presented of methods of preparing antisera, with particular reference to the amount of antigen required, the route of inoculation and testing antisera, together with a review of the five precipitation and two agglutination techniques available. The main limitations of serological methods are tje specificity of the arrtisera and the difficulties in quantifying results unless assumptions are made as to the number of prey eaten at each feed. Details of studies employing serological techniques to identify the predators of specific prey and the food od invertebrates are given intwo tables. The value of serological techniques is discussed in relation to the ecology of invertebrates by considering, as examples, te insect fauna on broon (Sarothamnus scoparius), predation of mosquitoes and the food of triclads. Errors in the quantification of predation may occur by including positive reactions resulting from carrion feeding or material ingested acidentally on plants by phytophagous arthropods.
Olfactory responses of the leaf-cutting ants Atta cephalotes (L.) and Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the laboratory
Authors: Littledyke M. , Cherrett J. M.
Published: July 2009

The leaf-cutting ants Atta cephalotes (L.) and Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich) were tested in a moving-air olfactometer for their responses to a variety of odours from leaves, fruit, flowers, essential oils, other ants and a fungus garden. The line of a foraging trail established in still air tended to loop downwind in the presence of a laminar air flow. The ants exhibited positive, negative and neutral responses to the test odours, confirming the existence of attractants and repellents in substrate materials. Neutral responses to the odours of several of the materials that were acceptable for cutting showed that arrestive materials were not necessarily attractive. Ants orientating towards the source of an odour often secreted a pheromone trail. Atta and Acromyrmex responded differently to several of the materials tested, and the responses to odours of young and old leaves were not totally consistent with the observed cutting preferences. Removal of wax from non-attractive leaves made them attractive. Both species responded negatively to lemon-oil odour, but some Acromyrmex workers showed a hostile response. A hostile response was also elicited by the odour from other ants. Fungus-garden odour elicited a positive investigatory response, and no response was shown to queen odour. Laden Atta workers did not respond to an odour that was attractive to unladen ants, and laden examples of Acromyrmex responded in small numbers to such odours. The addition of attractive chemicals to baits for the control of leaf-cutting ants would improve pick-up by making the bait particle easier to find.
A comparison of electric-trap and hand-net catches of Glossina palpalis palpalis (Robineau-Desvoidy) and G. tachinoides Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae) in the Sudan vegetation zone of northern Nigeria
Authors: Rogers D. J. , Randolph Sarah E.
Published: July 2009

A comparison was made of the efficiencies of catching parties with hand nets and electric back-pack and screen traps for the capture of Glossina palpalis palpalis (R.-D.) and G. tachinoides Westw. in northern Nigeria. Whilst there was little to choose between the various devices during standing catches, one electric back-pack caught up to four times as many G. palpalis as two men with hand nets during moving catches on fly-rounds. Two reasons for the observed variation in success rate of the catching party with hand nets are suggested, and estimates are made of the relative efficiencies of each method at capturing flies during a single traverse of a fly-round. The combined use of the electric back-pack and screen drawn immediately behind the back-pack wearer recorded the arrival height of the flies, whilst hand-net catches tended to reflect the heights at which the flies spent most of their time after arrival. There were differences between the sexes both in arrival height, perhaps related to differences in resting heights on the vegetation, and in the fat and haematin levels of flies caught in hand nets above and below the waist. High ambient temperature reduced the average height of the visits of both sexes to human bait. The relevance of the results obtained in this study to sampling tsets populations is discussed in relation to various seasonal changes in hand-net samples recorded in the literature.
The sequence of events in outbreaks of Austrosimulium pestilens Mackerras & Mackerras (Diptera: Simuliidae)
Authors: Hunter D. M.
Published: July 2009

Studies in Queensland showed that an outbreak of Austrosimulium pestilens Mack. & Mack. occurs if the water-level in a river rises enough to release eggs buried in the river-bed. Following such a rise, the larval development of A. pestilens was completed in 6–7 days in summer and 9–10 days in winter, and after a pupal period of 1·5–2 days in summer and 3 days in winter, adult eclosion began. Most flies emerging during the first 1–2 days were males, but females were slightly predominant later. A. pestilens emerged throughout the diel; at night there was a drop in the numbers emerging, and this was followed by a distinct early morning peak. Following a rapid rise and fall in river-levels, adult eclosion and mating occurred over a period of several days early in an outbreak, but after high river-levels of long duration, eclosion and mating occurred over a much longer period.
Radiolsotopes as metabolic labels forGlossina(Diptera: Glossinidae). II. The excretion of137Cs under field conditions as a means of estimating energy utilisation, activity and temperature regulation
Authors: Taylor P.
Published: July 2009

Males ofGlossina morsitansWestw. andG. pallidipesAust. labelled with radiocaesium (137Cs) were released in their natural habitat and later recovered on four occasions in the hot, hot wet and cold dry seasons in Rhodesia. The rate of excretion of the radioisotope was related to previous laboratory results to give estimates of activity, temperature regulation and energy utilisation in the field. It is considered that maleG. morsitansare unlikely to fly for more than a few minutes per day. The hunger cycle duration is estimated as 3·5–4 days forG. morsitansmales and 5·5 days forG. pallidipesmales. Temperature regulation within the range 23–27°C was exhibited by both species, especially in the winter.
Feeding habits of anophelines (Diptera: Culicidae) in 1971–78, with reference to the human blood index: a review
Authors: Garrett-Jones C. , Boreham P. F. L. , Pant C. P.
Published: July 2009

A synoptic view is given of the data amassed by WHO, with technical assistance from the Imperial College of Science and Technology, on the origins of blood-meals in Anopheles samples collected from 1971 to 1978. Attention is focused on the proportion of each sample found to contain human blood and on the problems of interpreting from this the human blood index or degree of biting-contact with man exhibited by vector populations. The difficulties of overcoming bias in sampling, which are formidable in unsprayed areas, are further compounded where the dwellings are treated with a slow-acting residual insecticide which knocks down many engorged mosquitoes before they can be collected from their daytime resting places. There is evidence to suggest that the host-selection patterns of those vectors which are ‘opportunistic’ feeders may be heavily influenced, even from village to village or from month to month, by the changing availability of alternative hosts, particularly cattle. This suggests in turn that the possibilities of manipulating the degree of mosquito-man contact by encouraging deflection to animals (zooprophylaxis) or by measures to afford a degree of personal protection should not be under-estimated by malaria strategists. It may sometimes be found less difficult to reduce the vector’s human blood index than it is to measure it, but in view of the epidemiological importance of this parameter, suggestions are put forward for improving entomological field practice in this area. They include a quantitative survey of the biotopes available to the mosquito population as diurnal shelters, a longitudinal survey of the densities of blood-fed females per biotope, and a survey of the numbers and the respective distribution of people and domestic animals available as hosts. The work-load entailed by such a thorough form of investigation, to be repeated where necessary at different seasons of the year, underlines the necessity to concentrate efforts on a small number of localities, carefully chosen for the malaria situations they represent and the vector populations they support. A large-scale blood-meal sampling programme, confined to these selected localities, is most likely in our estimation to yield information of value for controlling malaria vectors.
Dynamics of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) attacking cotton in the coastal plain of Israel
Authors: Gerling D. , Motro U. , Horowitz R.
Published: July 2009

The dynamics of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) were followed during two years in treated and untreated cotton fields in three locations in Israel. Two parasite species, Encarsia lutea (Masi) and Eretmocerus mundus Merc., were the only important natural enemies, but percentage parasitism did not rise with increase in the host population. The whiteflies reached peak populations at the end of the summer. Their distribution upon the plants was not uniform, rather, they tended to concentrate on a few leaves. The leaf bearing the maximal population was the sixth or seventh until mid-July. From then on, its location was variable according to the growth pattern of the foliage. Insecticide treatments, in particular with aldicarb, resulted in depression of both whitefly and parasite populations, but neither was exterminated.
Field studies on irradiated Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae) from a colony maintained on a Membrane-Feeding regimen
Authors: Weiss M. , Takken W.
Published: July 2009

In a field study in eastern Tanzania, the behaviour of 4167 males and females of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westw. from a colony fed on equine blood through artificial membranes (Seibersdorf flies) was compared to that of 4065 flies from a colony fed on goats or rabbits (Tanga flies). All flies had been treated with 11·8 krad γ-irradiation, a sterilising does, in the late puparial stage in a saturated nitrogen atmosphere. Recapture rates were 5·66% for Seibersdorf and 4·50% for Tanga flies. Only 57% as many Tanga females were recaptured as compared to Seibersdorf females, but the Tanga females had a higher insemination rate. The age-distribution and dispersal of the recaptured flies of the males of both groups and of the females were similar. Laboratory studies showed that although there were no marked differences in fat reserves between males of the Tanga and the Seibersdorf strains, the Seibersdorf females had significantly more fat than the Tanga females.
The effect of model size and ox odour on the alighting response of Glossina morsitans Westwood and G. pallidipes Austen (Diptera: Glossinidae)
Authors: Hargrove J. W.
Published: July 2009

The number of tsetse visiting a black cylindrical model (designed to look like a small host animal) in the Zambesi Valley, Zimbabwe, was estimated by catching them on an expanse of electric netting placed next to the model. The number which alighted was found by electrocuting the flies on the surface of the model on other occasions when the netting was absent. About half the Glossina morsitans morsitans Westw. visiting a stationary small model (a black drum 57 cm long and 37 cm in diametter) in the absence of ox odour alighted on it, but virtually none of the G. pallidipes Aust. alighted. When the linear dimensions of the standard model were increased threefold, about 1·5 times as many tsetse visited its close vicinity. Of these, nearly all the G. morsitans and about one-third of the G. pallidipes alighted on the model. Four to seven times as many tsetse visited the models when the odour of one ox was dispensed near them. When odour was present, about 1·5 times as many tsetse visited the large model as visited the small one. Some 55–85% of G. morsitans visiting the small model in the presence of ox odour alighted, but only about 30% of the male and 20% of the female G. pallidipes alighted. The latter percentages increased to 53 and 62 when the large model was used. A smaller percentage of G. morsitans females landed on the large model in the presence of ox odour than in its absence. With mobile models, significantly more tsetse were taken if electric nets were appended fore and aft of the model. In the absence of electric nets, 2–30 times as many tsetse landed on the large model as on the small one, the effect being greater for female G. morsitans than for males and much greater for G. pallidipes than for G. morsitans. The percentage of visiting flies of both sexes and species that landed was greater when the large model was used.
A revision of the species ofSosylus(Coleoptera: Colydiidae) occurring in New Guinea
Authors: Pope R. D.
Published: July 2009

The genusSosylusincludes important natural predators and parasites of ambrosia beetles (Platypodidae). Nine species ofSosylusare recorded from New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya in Indonesia), and a key is provided for their identification. Five of the species,S. giluwesp. n.,S. hywelisp. n.,S. minusculussp. n.,S. morobensissp. n. andS. reflexussp. n., are described as new and one,S. erosus(Pasc.), is recognised as an extension to the known range of an existing species. New information is presented concerning the distribution and sexual dimorphism of the previously described species, and lectotypes are designated where necessary and feasible.
Patna rhizolineatasp. n. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) in Pakistan
Authors: Bradley J. D.
Published: July 2009

A pyralid moth belonging to the tribe Anerastiini, reared from larvae feeding in the rhizomes of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) in Pakistan, is described from the male and female and namedPatna rhizolineatasp. n. It is differentiated from the closely related Afrotropical speciesP. venatellaHmps. As a result of the comparative study of type material,P. brunneicostellaHmps.,Critonia sarcoidaHmps. andP. aulacodesMeyr. were found to be conspecific withP. venatellaand are placed as junior synonyms of it.
Notes on Anthocoridae (Heteroptera) with descriptions of two new species of economic importance from Africa
Authors: Ghauri M. S. K.
Published: July 2009

Orius amnesiussp. n., a predator ofMegalurothrips sjostedti(Tryb.) infesting cowpea, is described from the male and female from Nigeria. A sympatric species,Orius albidipennis(Reut.) was also attacking the pest.Wollastoniella gattisp. n., a predator of tetranychid mites on ornamental species ofSolanum, is also described from the male and immature examples from Kenya.O. amnesiusresemblesO. albidipennisand several other economically important and widely distributed species ofOriusfound in Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
The biology of false wireworms and their adults (soil-inhabiting Tenebrionidae) (Coleoptera): a review
Authors: Allsopp P. G.
Published: July 2009

Soil-dwelling tenebrionid larvae have developed in three evolutionary lines and are pests in all faunal regions. Description of and keys to most of the important species are available. However, revisional studies, on both adult and larval characters, are needed in many groups. The basic number of non-sex chromosomes appears to be 18, but the number and type of sex chromosomes are variable. Host ranges of both larvae and adults are usually extensive but usually only include plants. Development rates are related mainly to temperature, with life-cycles of one, two or three years. Larval development periods are rather long, and adults are long-lived. The number of instars is high, often above ten and frequently variable within a species. Sampling is best carried out by direct counts and pitfall trapping. In the species studied, mating follows a regular pattern and pheromones are involved. Species show definite temperature, moisture and soil-type preferences and these influence both spatial and temporal distribution. Recorded parasitoids include Diptera (mainly tachinids), Hymenoptera, mites, bacteria and fungi. Birds, carabids and a variety of other vertebrates are the main predators, but abdominal secretions and postural mechanisms provide some defence. Cultural control was formerly widely practised but has given way to chemical control.
Azygophleps albovittata Bethune-Baker (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) attacking groundnuts in northern Nigeria, with descriptions of the immature and imaginal stages
Authors: Carter D. J. , Deeming J. C.
Published: July 2009

The cossid moth Azygophleps albovittata Bethune-Baker is recorded for the first time as a pest of groundnuts in northern Nigeria. This is the first food-plant record for the species and, as groundnuts were only introduced into Africa 400 to 500 years ago, there must be at least one indigenous host-plant. The larval, pupal and imaginal stages are described and figured. Attacks by larvae of this moth appear to be confined to crops on sandy and gravelly soils, as groundnuts grown on lateritic soils at Samaru are not affected. Larvae cause massive damage to the crown of the plant, but attacks are highly localised and never affect more than 20% of plants. As larvae diapause throughout the dry season, crop rotation may prove to be an effective means of control.
Toxares deltiger (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) parasiting the cereal aphid, Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in southern England: a new host-parasitoid record
Authors: Powell W.
Published: July 2009

Sixty-seven per cent of parasitoid mummies which developed from Metopolophium dirhodum (Wlk.) collected in wheat fields at Rothamsted, southern England, in 1979 were of Toxares deltiger (Hal.), a species previously unrecorded from cereal aphids. T. deltiger formed only 1% of samples when parasitoid mummies were collected directly from cereals in the field. Laboratory observations of the parasitoid indicate that affected aphids probably leave the host-plant prior to death and mummy formation.
The identity of a suspected vector of coconut lethal yellowing disease in Jamaica and notes on Caribovia intensa (Walker) (Homoptera: Cicadelloidea)
Authors: Ghauri M. S. K.
Published: July 2009

Specimens of a leafhopper from Jamaica, previously thought to be Osbornellus bimarginatus (DeLong) and which is suspected of being the vector of lethal yellowing disease of coconut, were found to belong to a new species. This is described as O. dabeki sp.n. and compared with related species. Genitalia of the male of Caribovia intensa (Wlk.), hitherto unknown, is described, and this species is compared with and shown to be distinct from C. coffeacola (Doz.).
Interspecies attraction studies in three species of Callosobruchus and in Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
Authors: Rup P. J
Published: July 2009

Interspecies attraction studies in four species of bruchids (Callosobruchus analis (F.), C. chinensis (L.), C. maculatus (F.) and Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boh.)) showed that only males were attracted by the females of other species except in C. maculatus, the males of which were also attracted by males of Z. subfasciatus. C. chinensis showed no attraction towards any other species and none was attracted to it. On the other hand, C. maculatus males were attracted by females of C. analis and Z. subfasciatus and vice versa. C. analis and Z. subfasciatus showed no attraction towards each other.
The effect of temperature and hosts on the population dynamics of Neoaliturus fenestratus (Herrich-Schäffer) (Hemiptera: Euscelidae)
Authors: Klein M. , Raccah B.
Published: July 2009

The population dynamics of the leafhopper Neoaliturus fenestratus (H.-S.) was studied at two temperatures (20 and 25°C) and on a summer host-plant (safflower) and a winter host-plant (Chrysanthemum segetum).

The life-span, reproduction and computed rates of increase were established, and it was found that the leafhopper performed best on safflower at 25°C. Delayed mating induced longer survival in both sexes. C. segetum, the winter host-plant, enabled long maintenance of the insect, although markedly reducing its rate of reproduction. The implication of these findings for the seasonal cycle of the leafhopper is discussed.
A portable suction trap for sampling small insects
Authors: Wainhouse D.
Published: July 2009

A suction trap for sampling small insects in areas without mains electricity is described. The traps were operated from two 25-ampere-hour 12-V batteries connected in parallel, giving an average airflow of 329–355 m3/h over a 12-h period. The trap was used successfully to catch first-instar larvae ofCryptococcus fagisugaLdgr. in a beech forest in England.
On the biting activities of some anthropophilic Amazonian Simuliidae (Diptera)
Authors: Lacey L. A. , Charlwood J. D.
Published: July 2009

Quantitative observations on the biting activities ofSimulium simplicicolorLutz andS. sanguineumKnab s.1. at Aripuanã, Mato Grosso, Brazil, andS. guianenseWise andS. sanguineums.1. at Uru´, Par´, were made during the wet and dry seasons between June 1978 and August 1979. The species demonstrated characteristic attacking patterns regardless of abundance or environmental conditions.S. simplicicolor,S. guianenseandS. sanguineums.1. at Uruá demonstrated bimodal biting patterns with early morning and late afternoon peaks.S. sanguineums.1. at Aripuanã, however, bit throughout the day with three peaks of activity. Evidence is presented for circadian control of the biting patterns which are subject to modification by exogenous factors outside of an optimal range.S. simplicicolorseemed to be most affected by light intensity, whereas the other species were affected by variable combinations of light, temperature and humidity depending on the species and population. Physiological age sometimes also modified biting activity inS. simplicicolor. This variable was not studied in the other species.S. simplicicolorandS. guianensepreferred biting man on the legs andS. sanguineums.1. at Uruá preferred the upper torso, butS. sanguineums.1. at. Aripuanã did not demonstrate a consistent preference for sites above or below the waist. Average engorgement times for all of the populations except the Uruá population ofS. sanguineums.1. were between 4·3 and 5·3 min.
Diapause and laboratory breeding of Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead and Phlebotomus ariasi Tonnoir (Diptera: Psychodidae) from southern France
Authors: Ready P. D. , Croset H.
Published: July 2009

Observations are reported on diapause and laboratory breeding of Phlebotomus perniciosus Newst. and P. ariasi Tonnoir, the two phlebotomine sandflies incriminated as vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in southern France. Previous field studies had suggested that both species are univoltine in southern France, but the present laboratory investigations showed that diapause is obligatory for neither species. Temperature (both species) and photoperiod (P. perniciosus) were found to affect diapause-induction, and diapause was commonly determined before the overwintering stage (the fourth-instar larva). The results showed that P. perniciosus can be mass-reared for at least three uninterrupted generations each year if it is maintained at 28°C in LD 17:7. Further investigations are needed if P. ariasi is also to be bred in sufficient numbers for epidemiological experiments; its colonisation was prevented primarily by low fertility, and attempts at forced insemination were unsuccessful.
The role of carbon dioxide in host-finding by mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): a review
Authors: Gillies M. T.
Published: July 2009

From a critical review of the literature, it is concluded that the role of carbon dioxide in host-seeking by mosquitoes comprises two distinct actions. Firstly, it acts as an ‘attractant’, orientation towards the host being mediated by kinesis and optomotor anemotaxis. When tested in the absence of moving air currents, orientation to the source is not possible and only the kinetic or ‘activating’ effect is manifested. Moreover, in the absence of other host factors, sustained flight takes place only in response to intermittent pulses of carbon dioxide; this response is not elicited in uniformly permeated airstreams. Secondly, carbon dioxide has a combined action with warm moist convection currents at close range and with odour factors at a distance from the host.
Overlapping and copulation between the wet- and dry-season generations of Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) at Nsukka, Nigeria
Authors: Iheagwam E. U.
Published: July 2009

At Nsukka in south-eastern Nigeria, nymphs of the wet-and dry-season generations of Zonocerus variegatus (L.) overlapped, both in time (January to March) and in space. Contrary to some previous suggestions, adults of the two generations also overlapped (mid-May to end-July), and copulation occurred between individuals of both sexes in the laboratory.
The flight capabilities of laboratory and tropical field populations of the brown planthopper,Nilaparvata lugens(Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Baker P. S. , Cooter R. J. , Chang P. M. , Hashim H. B.
Published: July 2009

The duration of flight byNilaparvata lugens(Stål) of tropical origin from field and laboratory populations was studied. Field insects (from the third generation on rice) flew longer and more readily than laboratorybred insects. The longest recorded flight, of 10·75 h, was by a female from the field. Laboratory-reared insects performed poorly even after only one generation in the laboratory. Flights that were started in the morning lasted longer than those started in the afternoon. Lift production varied between individuals and during a continuous flight. Individuals flying for over 150 min tended to produce more lift for a longer proportion of the flight than those flying for less than 10 min. The pattern of lift production appeared to be similar in successive flights, except in those following very long flights when the insect appeared to be exhausted. There was no tendency for the first flight to be the longest. Up to 28% loss of body weight was recorded (in a flight lasting 512 min) during flight. The results indicate that individuals from tropical field populations ofN. lugenshave the capacity for long range migration.
An account of cassava mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) with a description of a new species
Authors: Cox Jennifer M. , Williams D. J.
Published: July 2009

The literature on the history and biology of the cassava mealybug in AfricaPhenacoccus manihotiMatile-Ferrero is reviewed, and reports on the search for natural enemies of this species in the Neotropics for biological control purposes are summarised. Further records of the distribution ofP manihotiin Africa are presented. A new closely-related species ofPhenacoccus, P. herrenisp. n., which causes distortion to cassava in the Neotropical Region is described, and a key is provided to separate it fromP. manihotiand from a similar species from the Neotropical Region,P. surinamensisGreen, which apparently does not occur on cassava.P. surinamensisis redescribed and illustrated.
Population fluctuations of the African armyworm, Spodoptera exempta (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in Outdoor Cages in Kenya
Authors: Persson B.
Published: July 2009

Spodoptera exempta (Wlk.) was reared for one year at three locations in Kenya: Msabaha on the coast, Nairobi, and Mbita Point on Lake Victoria. The potential yearly number of generations was 15·8 at Msabaha, 6·6 at Nairobi and 13·1 at Mbita Point. Average developmental time from egg deposition to adult emergence was 23·1, 54·9 and 27·8 days, respectively. The longest, 77·3 days, was recorded in Nairobi and the shortest, 19·4 days, at Msabaha. The survival rate varied little seasonally at the coast but was erratic inland, with some generations failing and others very successful. Larvae offered a choice of maize and stargrass (Cynodon dactylon) showed a preference for stargrass. Survival was higher on stargrass than on maize but the developmental time was longer. Mortality was highest in the larval stage. In all generations and at all locations, death was usually caused by a nuclear polyhedrosis virus. There was a positive relationship between larval mortality and rainfall, and a negative one between larval mortality and sunshine. Mating was restricted to after midnight. Females oviposited and then mated during the same night. Peak egg-laying took place before midnight, with a smaller peak at about 02·00–04·00 h.
The relative abundance of the hymenopterous parasites attacking Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) and Sitobion avenae (F.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on cereals during 1973–79 in southern England
Authors: Dean G. J. , Jones Margaret G. , Powell W.
Published: July 2009

In studies in southern England, the relative abundance of the hymenopterous parasites attacking Metopolophium dirhodum (Wlk.) and Sitobion avenae (F.) differed between their hosts, between years (1973–79) and on whether they were assessed using field or laboratory-reared mummies. Species of the complex of Aphidius uzbekistanicus Luzhetzki were usually the commonest parasites, especially from mummies of M. dirhodum, while Aphidius picipes (Nees) was less common and tended to attack mainly S. avenae; Toxares deltiger (Hal.) was common only in 1979. Species of hyperparasites emerged most frequently from mummies of M. dirhodum, except for Dendrocerus carpenteri (Curt.), which emerged most often from S. avenae.
Estimating absolute densities of the bushfly, Musca vetustissima Walker (Diptera: Muscidae), using West Australian blowfly traps
Authors: Vogt W. G. , Woodburn T. L. , Crompton G. W.
Published: July 2009

Catches of Musca vetustissima Wlk. in West Australian blowfly traps containing week-old baits were consistently greater (4·5–24·1 times higher) than in traps with fresh baits. Recovery of marked flies within 26·5h of release showed mean dispersal distances of 1·5 ± 0·7 km for males and 1·6 ± 0·6 km for females under favourable weather conditions (mean air temperature 28·8°C and mean wind speed 5·5 m/s). The recovery rate of males (1·3%) and females (1·0%) over this period indicates the feasibility of using single mark-release experiments to estimate absolute fly densities. It is shown that estimates having a 95% probability of being within ± 10% of the true population density could be achieved by the release of 39 000 marked flies.
Ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea) of Ethiopia. I. Distribution, ecology and host relationships of species infesting livestock
Authors: Pegram Rupert G. , Hoogstraal Harry , Wassef Hilda Y.
Published: July 2009

In a survey of adult ticks infesting livestock in Ethiopia, 33 species and subspecies were identified. The distribution and abundance of each are discussed in relation to ecology (altitude, climate and vegetation).Amblyomma variegatum(F.) is the most widespread and abundant tick parasitising cattle.A. cohaerensDön. is common on cattle in wetter western habitats but is replaced byA. gemmaDön. in drier eastern areas.A. lepidumDön. occupies intermediate habitats. The distribution ofBoophilus decoloratus(Koch) is similar to that ofA. variegatum. Hyalomma truncatumKoch andH. marginatum rufipesKoch are both common except in extremely arid and humid zones.H. anatolicum anatolicumKoch,H. anatolicum excavatumKoch,H. dromedariiKoch,H. erythraeumTonelli-Rondelli, andH. impeltatumSchulze & Schlottke are usually associated with camels in semi-arid areas of eastern Ethiopia.Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsiNeum.,R. sanguineus(Latr.) group andR. simusKoch do not display marked ecological preferences. East of the Rift Valley in semi-arid areas below 2000 m,R. pulchellus(Gerst.) is abundant on cattle and camels.R. longicoxatusNeum. andR. pravusDön. inhabit drier localities, butR. lunulatusNeum. occurs only in wetter western areas. Species taken infrequently wereA. nuttalliDön.,A. sparsumNeum.,B. annulatus(Say),Haemaphysalis aciculiferWarb.,H. leachii(Aud.),H. parmataNeum.,H. spinulosaNeum.,Hyalomma marginatum marginatumKoch,H. marginatum turanicumPom.,H. puntHoogst., Kaiser & Pedersen,Ornithodoros savignyi(Aud.),R. longusNeum.,R. muhsamaeMorel & Vassiliades, andR. senegalensisKoch. The seasonal dynamics of the common species and observations on their relationships to tick-borne diseases of man and domestic animals are discussed.
The relative abundance of the mealybug vectors (Hemiptera: Coccidae and Pseudococcidae) of Cocoa swollen shoot disease in Ghana
Authors: Bigger M.
Published: July 2009

A census of the mealybug vectors of cocoa swollen shoot disease was made weekly on 238 Amazon cocoa trees at the Cocoa Research Institute, Tafo, Ghana, between 1971 and 1976. The six species encountered were ranked in descending order of abundance: Planococcoides njalensis (Laing), Planococcus citri (Risso), Phenacoccus hargreavesi (Laing), Ferrisia virgata (Ckll), Pseudococcus concavocerarii James, P. calceolariae (Mask.). Planococcoides njalensis occurred at a much higher density on infested trees than other species but was found on fewer trees than either Planococcus citri or Phenacoccus hargreavesi. Over 13-week periods the probability of finding a mealybug on a particular tree was 0·87 for Planococcus citri, 0·77 for Phenacoccus hargreavesi, 0·36 for F. virgata, 0·32 for Pseudococcus concavocerarii, 0·23 for Planococcoides njalensis and 0·05 for Pseudococcus calceolariae. The results suggest that the first four species are more mobile than Planococcoides njalensis and could be more important in the spread of disease than has previously been supposed.
Megaselia Sandhui sp.n. (Diptera: Phoridae), a Pest of Cultivated Mushrooms in India
Authors: Disney R. H. L.
Published: July 2009

Megaselia sandhui sp. n. is described from specimens of the adult male, female and pupa infesting cultivated mushrooms in India. It is closely related to the other species of Megaselia known to be pests of cultivated mushrooms.
Sterilisation of Glossina Palpalis Palpalis (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Glossinidae) by beta irradiation
Authors: Hamann H. J. , Iwannek K. H.
Published: July 2009

The sterilising effect of 90Sr β-radiation was tested against males and females of Glossina palpalis palpalis (R.-D.) 1–6 days old. The flies were exposed to doses ranging from 2 to 40 krad at a dose-rate of l·09 × 103 rad/min. The optimal sterilising dose for the males was about 7·5 krad. Females that mated with males that had been exposed to this dose failed to produce larvae although the sperm of the treated males was motile. There was no relation between dose and length of life at doses from 2 to 10 krad but at higher doses survival was greatly reduced. Females survived irradiation better than males.
Glossina (Diptera: Glossinidae) population growth rates
Authors: Ryan L.
Published: July 2009

Differences in population growth rates, r, and net reproductive rates, R0, are shown between Glossina palpalis gambiensis Vanderplank, G. palpalis palpalis (R.-D.), G. morsitans morsitans Westw., G. morsitans centralis Machado, G. pallidipes Aust. and G. fuscipes fuscipes Newst. from field-collected data and laboratory colonies. The relationships of these population parameters with temperature are shown as well as the temperature-dependence of T, the cohort generation time. Two rapid methods for estimating r from R0 knowing the mean temperature, and a more accurate rapid method of calculating r direct from the capacity for increase, re, were developed from these data. The stable age-structure, C, calculated from these data was used to show that the laboratory-derived age-specific fecundity, mx, is 22% higher than in the field. The difference is probably due to natural abortion in the field and the better nutritional status of laboratory-reared flies. Deviation from the stable age-structure is shown to be an indication of the sample bias and population equilibrium. The relationships of these parameters to the state of a given population and to optimal timing of control efforts are considered.
Distribution of Glossina (Diptera: Glossinidae) in Mali
Authors: Goodwin J. T. , Ashton D. R. , Olson J. K. , Cisse A. , Ba A.
Published: July 2009

Based on the results of field surveys carried out between May 1977 and June 1981, the distributions of Glossina morsitans submorsitans Newst., G. palpalis gambiensis Vanderplank and G. tachinoides Westw. in Mali are presented and compared with previously reported information. The distributions of both G. m. submorsitans and G. p. gambiensis were found to be greater than previously reported, whereas that of G. tachinoides was found to be less. The apparent northern limits of both G. m. submorsitans and G. p. gambiensis are at approximately 14°20′N but that of G. tachinoides is at only about 13°10′N. No specimens of G. longipalpis Wied., previously reported from Mali, were captured.
Adult development in the Australian plague locust,Chortoicetes terminifera(Walker) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Hunter D. M.
Published: July 2009

In the field in eastern Australia, adult females ofChortoicetes terminifera(Wlk.) underwent stages of body growth, fat accumulation and then egg maturation. Rainfall, and the resulting condition of the feed, determined the speed of development through the stages. If feed was dry, development was slow and stages could be suppressed; but even with feed that was only ‘dry-green’ locusts grew normally, accumulated fat, and then matured eggs after migration. If lush green pasture occurred following rain on the adults, they persisted and soon began to mature eggs. Thus females oviposit in the area where they hatched only if pastures there are lush green, thus ensuring some food for their offspring.
The effects of natural enemies on the growth of Lantana in Brazil
Authors: Winder J. A. , Harley K. L. S.
Published: July 2009

Observations were made over a two-year period on the growth and natural enemies of Lantana tiliaefolia and L. glutinosa growing naturally at nine sites covering different climatic areas of Paraná State, south Brazil. Lantana was found to be subjected to continuous attack by insects and/or fungi throughout the year, with different species causing damage at different times. Temperate-climate sites had a more diverse complex of insects and a greater intensity of attack than warmer-climate sites. Shrubs in sites which suffered severe insect attack, especially during the previous season, flowered and fruited significantly less than those which had suffered only light attack. Differential weighting of the principal phytophagous insects demonstrated that feeding by insects of some groups may be more damaging than that by others. The relevance of the results to the search for biological agents for control of lantana in Australia is discussed.
A light-trap with upwardly directed illumination and temporal segregation of the catch
Authors: Taylor J. , Padgham D. E. , Perfect T. J.
Published: July 2009

The construction and functioning of a light-trap designed to catch only insects in flight at a height of greater than 5·5 m is described. The trap segregates the catch into hourly samples throughout the night.
Species diversity and abundance of Dacus (Diptera: Tephritidae) in five ecosystems of Penang, West Malaysia
Authors: Keng-Hong Tan , Soo-Lam Lee
Published: July 2009

Dacus dorsalis Hend. infested eleven, D. cucurbitae Coq. five and D. umbrosus F. two of the eighteen common fruits and vegetables grown in Penang, West Malaysia. D. tau (Wlk.) infested bacang (Mangifera foetida), D. caudatus F. chilli (Capsicum annuum) and D. frauenfeldi Schin. water guava (Eugenia javanica), together with D. dorsalis. Pomelo (Citrus grandis) was found infested for the first time by D. cucurbitae. No flies were trapped using Capilure and trimedlure as baits. Cue-lure attracted D. caudatus, D. cucurbitae, D. frauenfeldi, D. occipitalis (Bez.) and D. tau. Methyl eugenol attracted D. dorsalis and D. umbrosus. Dorsalure was less attractive to D. caudatus and D. dorsalis than cue-lure and methyl eugenol, respectively, but it was equally attractive to D. frauenfeldi as cue-lure. Using traps baited with cue-lure or methyl eugenol in five ecosystems, the highest numbers of males of D. dorsalis, D. umbrosus, D. frauenfeldi and D. caudatus trapped were from a village, on a vegetable farm for D. cucurbitae, and D. occipitalis was only caught in a forest. Analysis showed that for each species of Dacus the difference between ecosystems was highly significant. The few examples caught in grassland were probably migrants.
Schistocerca piceifrons (Walker) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), the swarming locust of tropical America: a review
Authors: Harvey A. W.
Published: July 2009

Schistocerca piceifrons (Wlk.) is the swarming locust of tropical America. It has until recently been confused with closely related species and has usually been misidentified as S. paranensis (Burm.). The biological information that can definitely be attributed to this species is reviewed and is supplemented with some original observations. The invasion area of the locust includes Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador and Peru. Permanent populations are known from the Yuc´tan Peninsula, northern Honduras, the Pacific coast of Central America and the highlands of Peru. There are two subspecies, S. piceifrons piceifrons, known from Mexico and Central America, and S. piceifrons peruviana Lynch Arrib., from Peru. S. piceifrons exhibits phase polymorphism in nymphal colouration and adult morphometrics. The femur length/maximum head width (F/C) ratio is most effective in separating the phases. There are two generations a year. Immature adults of the second generation survive the dry season. Its habitat is subclimax mosaic communities in areas where the natural vegetation is dry tropical woodland. Plagues are believed to have originated when swarms formed in the permanent breeding areas. Records of susceptible crops and natural enemies are given, and the behaviour of hopper bands is described.
Integration of insect sterility and insecticides for control of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae) in Tanzania. I. Production of tsetse flies for release
Authors: Williamson D. L. , Baumgartner H. H. , Mtuya A. G. , Warner P. V. , Tarimo S. A. , Dame D. A.
Published: July 2009

A colony of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westw. was established in the laboratory in Tanga, Tanzania. After being expanded to the planned level of 60 000 flies, the stabilised colony was used to support a field trial using surplus males that were sterilised and released. The production system consisted of an adaptation of the in vivo rearing techniques developed at the Tsetse Research Laboratory, England. Goats were hosts for 90 % of the production; the balance was fed on rabbits. Techniques were developed to standardise the pupal off-take from stabilised colonies in each of three separate insectary units. Puparia were collected daily and kept separately until 52% emergence had occurred; these emerging flies, mostly females, were used to replenish the stock colony as needed. Further eclosion was prevented by chilling the remaining puparia (mostly males) quickly at 4°C and then storing at 10 ± 1°C for up to four days prior to irradiation and shipment to the field. About 68 % of the males produced were available for sterilisation. During the 15-month period of production in support of the field experiments, 1·3 million puparia were produced; 0·6 million of these puparia were released at a production cost of $220 per thousand.
Integration of insect sterility and insecticides for control of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae) in Tanzania. II. Methods of sterilisation, transportation and release of sterilised males
Authors: Williamson D. L. , Baumgartner H. H. , Mtuya A. G. , Gates D. B. , Cobb P. E. , Dame D. A.
Published: July 2009

Surplus puparia from a colony of about 50 000 females of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westw. provided males for sterilisation and release in an experimental assessment of the sterile insect technique in Tanzania. Excess males were stored late in the puparial stage at 10 ±1°C for up to four days prior to being irradiated at ambient temperatures in a nitrogen atmosphere with 11·8 krad in a radioactive caesium (137Cs) source. Puparia chilled at 8 ± 1°C were transported to the field release area twice weekly for manual release. At the release sites, the adults emerged synchronously within 60 min and were automatically marked as they crawled through sand containing fluorescent powder.