bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Euplectrus melanocephalus Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an ectoparasitoid of larvae of fruit‐piercing moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Catocalinae) from northern Queensland
Authors: Jones P , Sands DPA
Published: March 2003

Euplectrus melanocephalus is a gregarious, primary ectoparasitoid of larvae of the fruit‐piercing moth genus Eudocima Billberg (Noctuidae: Catocalinae). In northern Queensland, E. melanocephalus parasitised second‐ and third‐instar larvae of Eud. aurantia (Moore), Eud. cocalus (Cramer), Eud. fullonia (Clerck), Eud. iridescens (Lucas), Eud. jordani (Holland) and Eud. materna (L.). In the laboratory, E. melanocephalus also parasitised Eud. salaminia (Cramer) but failed to oviposit on larvae of two other noctuids, Erebus terminitincta (Gaede) (Catocalinae) and Spodoptera litura (F.) (Amphipyrinae). When parasitising Eud. materna, eggs of E. melanocephalus were deposited dorsolaterally on one of the first five abdominal segments of second‐ and third‐instar larvae. Fourth instars were occasionally parasitised when the density of parasitoids was increased, but successful development to adults was markedly reduced. Pupation took place between the leaf substrate and host. Female parasitoids provided with honey survived 21 days (range = 1–42) and deposited 112 eggs (range = 11–196), while development from egg to adult occupied 12–13 days at 25°C. The minimum temperature threshold for oviposition was 17.5°C, while minimum and maximum development thresholds for larvae were 18.5°C and 30°C, respectively. Studies on the parasitoid/host interactions of E. melanocephalus indicate that it is adapted principally to the larvae of Eudocima spp.
SamplingRhyparida nitidaClark (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and symptoms of their damage on sugarcane
Authors: Allsopp PG , Fischer TWA
Published: March 2003

Sampling statistics were determined for larvae, pupae and adults of the chrysomelidRhyparida nitidaassociated with sugarcane in Australia and for symptoms of their damage. Iwao’s patchiness regression was inappropriate for modelling the mean–variance relationships of the insect counts. Taylor’s power law was used to model these data and relationships were developed for counts of small, medium and large larvae, all larvae combined, pupae and adults. The mean–variance relationships of counts of live shoots and shoots killed by larvae ofR. nitidawere modelled using Iwao’s patchiness regression; Taylor’s power law was not appropriate to either data set. Relationships to determine sample sizes for fixed levels of precision and fixed‐precision‐level stop lines for sequential sampling of the different stages and live and dead shoots were also developed. Neither the ln(x + 1) transformation nor the Healy and Taylor transformation consistently standardised the mean–variance relationships of insect counts and the appropriate transformation should be selected on a case‐by‐case basis. Counts of both live and dead shoots were adequately transformed by the Iwao and Kuno transformation.
Cephalosphaera Enderlein, a genus of Pipunculidae (Diptera) new for Australia, with descriptions of four new species
Authors: Skevington Jeffrey H
Published: March 2003

Cephalosphaera Enderlein is a nearly cosmopolitan genus of big‐headed flies (Pipunculidae) which was previously unknown from Australia. Four species have now been found in Australia, all of them undescribed. New species in the subgenus Neocephalosphaera include: C. eukrenaina, C. parthenopipis and C. petila. Only one new species occurs in the nominate subgenus: C. prionotaina. Descriptions and a key to these species are presented.
A host list for Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Australia
Authors: Lambkin Trevor A
Published: March 2003

A provisional host list for spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus, in Australia is presented. A total of 104 plant species from 41 families is recorded from Torres Strait and Cape York Peninsula south to Weipa, Queensland. Just under half of these species are in the families Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae and Solanaceae. Agricultural species most at risk in Australia from attack by A. dispersus are the solanaceous vegetable crops grown in the dry tropics.
Life tables of the processionary caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich‐Schäffer (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae) at local and regional scales
Authors: Floater Graham J , Zalucki Myron P
Published: March 2003

A major ongoing debate in population ecology has surrounded the causative factors underlying the abundance of phytophagous insects and whether or not these factors limit or regulate herbivore populations. However, it is often difficult to identify mortality agents in census data, and their distribution and relative importance across large spatial scales are rarely understood. Here, we present life tables for egg batches and larval cohorts of the processionary caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich‐Schäffer, using intensive local sampling combined with extensive regional monitoring to ascertain the relative importance of different mortality factors at different localities. Extinction of entire cohorts (representing the entire reproductive output of one female) at natural localities was high, with 82% of the initial 492 cohorts going extinct. Mortality was highest in the egg and early instar stages due to predation from dermestid beetles, and while different mortality factors (e.g. hatching failure, egg parasitism and failure to establish on the host) were present at many localities, dermestid predation, either directly observed or inferred from indirect evidence, was the dominant mortality factor at 89% of localities surveyed. Predation was significantly higher in plantations than in natural habitats. The second most important mortality factor was resource depletion, with 14 cohorts defoliating their hosts. Egg and larval parasitism were not major mortality agents. A combination of predation and resource depletion consistently accounted for the majority of mortality across localities, suggesting that both factors are important in limiting population abundance. This evidence shows that O. lunifer is not regulated by natural enemies alone, but that resource patches (Acacia trees) ultimately, and frequently, act together to limit population growth.
Late immature mortality is the major influence on reproductive success of African black beetle, Heteronychus arator (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), in a Mediterranean‐climate region of Australia
Authors: Matthiessen JN
Published: March 2003

In field and laboratory studies, mortality of African black beetle, Heteronychus arator, in the winter‐rainfall, Mediterranean‐type climate region of south‐western Australia was higher in the late immature stages during summer than in the early immature stages that occur during spring, a contrast to summer‐rainfall climatic regions. Greatest mortality occurred around the pupal stage in contrasting soil types, despite drying differences in summer and supplementary watering in some plots. Sampling of natural populations confirmed experimental results that mortality in late immature stages is the major factor limiting H. arator populations under a Mediterranean‐type climate. Inter‐generation increase in H. arator abundance was uncommon, explaining the consistent abundance typically observed between years in south‐western Australia. Random dispersal of newly emerged adults in autumn was inferred to restore uniformity in adult abundance between areas of varying favourability for immature survival.
Advenathrips inquilinus: A new genus and species of social parasites (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)
Authors: Morris David C , Mound Laurence A , Schwarz Michael P
Published: March 2003

Advenathrips inquilinusgen. et sp. n. produces colonies within pre‐existing colonies of an undescribed species ofDunatothripsMoulton onAcacia aneura, the widespread mulga trees of central Australia. TheDunatothripsadults construct domiciles by sewing together terminal phyllodes of theirAcaciahost, and within these domiciles they raise their brood in subsocial colonies.Advenathrips inquilinusenters establishedDunatothripscolonies, then lays eggs and raises its brood among those of its host, apparently without disrupting or displacing the host colony. This social parasitic, inquiline behaviour differs from that of previously described kleptoparasitic thrips species that are common in the domiciles of various thrips species onAcaciatrees in Australia.
Techniques used to determine the mating behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in relation to host plants
Authors: Kvedaras* Olivia L , Gregg Peter C , Socorro Alice P Del
Published: March 2003

This paper describes techniques to determine the mating success of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), and gives an example of the efficacy of the techniques in the field. Various wing‐clipping methods to immobilise female moths in mating tables were compared. The removal of the right fore‐ and hindwing was most effective. Wing‐clipped females were less likely to be mated than normal‐winged females. However, enough mating occurred for the wing‐clipped females to be used in field experiments. There was no consistent effect of age of females (2–5 days) or density (1, 2 or 3 per mating table) on mating success. Mating tables were used to determine the mating success of H. armigera in various crops in the Darling Downs, Queensland. A preliminary field experiment was conducted to investigate the mating success of H. armigera on cotton, non‐flowering and flowering sunflower and fallow land. Laboratory‐reared wing‐clipped virgin females aged 2–5 days were placed singly or in groups in mating tables in the crops 1 h prior to sunset. Dissection the following morning determined whether they had been mated. Moth abundance was assessed using light and pheromone traps. The preliminary field experiment showed that host plants did not significantly influence the chance of a female moth being mated, despite substantial variation in moth abundance between the crops.
Confirmation that Myzus antirrhinii (Macchiati) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) occurs in Australia, using morphometrics, microsatellite typing and analysis of novel karyotypes by fluorescence in situ hybridisation
Authors: Hales Dinah , Wilson Alex CC , Spence Jennifer M , Blackman Roger L
Published: March 2003

Aphids ascribable to Myzus antirrhinii (Macchiati) are shown to be widely distributed in Australia. This species is a member of the Myzus persicae group and confusion with the green peach aphid, M. persicae (Sulzer), is likely. We describe here investigations of some Australian clones of M. antirrhinii and extend the definition of the species to include observations on Australian specimens. We conclude that there is a cluster of Australian clones conforming morphometrically to M. antirrhinii when all characters are used. These clones include 11‐ and 12‐chromosome karyotypes that are not found in European or North American populations of M. antirrhinii. The novel chromosome rearrangements were investigated using fluorescence in situ hybridisation and were shown to be derivable from the typical 13‐chromosome karyotype of this species. Microsatellite analysis corroborates the distinction of M. antirrhinii from M. persicae. A microsatellite test for separating antirrhinii from persicae is suggested.
Immature stages of Australian Austrothaumalea Tonnoir and Niphta Theischinger (Diptera: Thaumaleidae)
Authors: Sinclair* Bradley J
Published: March 2003

The immature stages of Austrothaumalea denticulata Theischinger and Niphta collessi Theischinger are described. This is the first description of the immature stages of an Australian species of the former genus and the first description of the immature stages of Niphta Theischinger. Characters of the immature stages are compared among thaumaleid genera. The first case of parasitism upon immature stages of Thaumaleidae by Entomacis sp. (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupoidea: Diapriidae), is reported.
Effects of fruit abundance within a tree canopy on the behaviour of wild and cultured Queensland fruit flies, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Dalby‐Ball Geraldene , Meats* Alan
Published: March 2003

Individual flies of Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) were observed on potted orange trees bearing zero, one or six fruit. Results showed that behaviour depended not only on fruit abundance, but also on the sex of the fly and whether the fly was cultured or wild. Female wild flies responded to higher fruit abundance by visiting more leaves and hence tended to scan trees more thoroughly. In addition, spending more time per leaf resulted in a significant trend to spend more time per tree with increasing abundance of fruit. Taken together, these responses would be expected to lead, in natural circumstances, to an increased probability of finding fruit and a tendency to accumulate in fruiting rather than non‐fruiting trees. Male wild flies tended to spend longer in trees with fruit, but this was primarily due to them spending more time per leaf rather than visiting more leaves. This response in the natural environment would be expected to lead to the accumulation of males in the same kind of places that accumulated females. Neither sex of cultured flies responded differentially to trees with differing amounts of fruit. They visited leaves at a rate similar to that of wild flies of either sex that were in trees with no fruit. However, they tended to spend much longer per leaf, thus spending more time per tree than wild flies in any of the treatments. If released sterile flies (used in sterile insect technique) behaved in a similar manner, then they would not tend to accumulate preferentially in fruiting trees as wild flies are expected to do. The pertinence of these findings to fruit stripping and spot spraying is also discussed.
Emergence trapping of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in brackish forest habitats in Maroochy Shire, south‐east Queensland, Australia, and a management option for Verrallina funerea (Theobald) and Aedes procax (Skuse)
Authors: Ryan Peter A , Kay Brian H
Published: March 2003

This study details the use of emergence traps with sticky adhesive to capture adult mosquitoes emerging from brackish water pools located in almost impenetrable swamp oak and tea‐tree forests in Maroochy Shire, south‐eastern Queensland. Twenty emergence traps were set weekly for 12 weeks between March and June 1998, during which time a total of 825 adult mosquitoes were collected. Aedes procax (Skuse) (55%) was the most abundant species, followed by Verrallina funerea (Theobald) (16%) and Culex halifaxii Theobald (9%). Emergence of Ve. funerea was greatest after tidal inundation of pools with brackish water, whereas Ae. procax emerged in greatest numbers following heavy rainfall. As there are significant areas of swamp oak and tea‐tree forest in Maroochy Shire and an increasing pressure for urbanisation in adjacent areas, the aerial application of persistent
S‐methoprene formulations is considered the most appropriate option for control.
Biological effects of azadirachtin on Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) fed on cotton and artificial diet
Authors: Ma De‐Ling , Gordh Gordon , Zalucki Myron P
Published: March 2003

Neonates and second instars of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) were fed for 4 days on potted cotton plants (Gossypium hirstum L.) sprayed with formulated neem (Azadiracta indica A. Juss.) extract (3% azadirachtin emulsifiable concentrate). High mortality of larvae was observed on both treated plants and controls. Surviving larvae were transferred to an untreated artificial diet to assess the physiological effects caused by postdigestion of azadirachtin‐treated cotton. Growth retardation, including reduced larval and pupal weight and prolongation of development occurred in all treatments. Growth inhibition by azadirachtin was dose‐dependent. Physiological effects found in larvae fed on the artificial diet included difficulty in moulting between various instars, formation of larval–pupal intermediates and abnormal pupae. The present study indicates a potential for field control of H. armigera by using neem. High losses of larvae while feeding on cotton in controls are discussed.
Predation by the assassin bug Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in the laboratory
Authors: Grundy Paul , Maelzer Derek
Published: March 2003

The predatory capacity of the Australian assassin bug Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker) was measured in the laboratory using a predation arena. Each juvenile instar of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Nezara viridula (L.) was presented as prey to each P. plagipennis instar to provide a series of predator/prey combinations. The number of insects killed or eaten by each predator instar was recorded for each predator/prey combination. The rate of predation on both prey species increased exponentially with predator development. First‐ and second‐instar P. plagipennis were limited in their ability to capture prey larger than second‐instar H. armigera and third‐instar N. viridula. Third‐, fourth‐ and fifth‐instar P. plagipennis were able to prey on the widest spectrum of prey instars. None of the P. plagipennis nymphal stages were capable of preying on fifth instars of either H. armigera or N. viridula. The data suggest that nymphs of P. plagipennis have the potential to be used as an augmentative biological control agent against these pests.
Pheromone‐trapping of Carpophilus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in stone fruit orchards near Gosford, New South Wales: Fauna, seasonality and effect of insecticides
Authors: James David G , Faulder Richard J , Vogele Beverley , Moore Christopher J
Published: March 2003

Traps baited with synthetic aggregation pheromones of Carpophilus hemipterus (L.), Carpophilus mutilatus Erichson and Carpophilus davidsoni Dobson and fermenting bread dough were used to identify the fauna and monitor the seasonal abundance of Carpophilus spp. in insecticide‐treated peach and nectarine orchards in the Gosford area of coastal New South Wales. In four orchards 67 178 beetles were trapped during 1994–1995, with C. davidsoni (82%) and Carpophilus gaveni (Dobson) (12.2%) dominating catches. Five species (C. hemipterus, C. mutilatus, Carpophilus marginellus Motschulsky, Carpophilus humeralis (F.) and an unidentified species) each accounted for 0.2–3.2% of trapped beetles. Carpophilus davidsoni was most abundant during late September–early October but numbers declined rapidly during October, usually before insecticides were applied. Spring populations of Carpophilus spp. were very large in 1994–1995 (1843–2588 per trap per week). However, despite a preharvest population decline of approximately 95% and 2–11 applications of insecticide, 14–545 beetles per trap per week (above the arbitrary fruit damage threshold of 10 beetles per trap per week) were recorded during the harvest period and fruit damage occurred at three of the four orchards. Lower preharvest populations in 1995–1996 (< 600 per trap per week) and up to six applications of insecticide resulted in < 10 beetles per trap per week during most of the harvest period and minimal or no fruit damage. The implications of these results for the integrated management of Carpophilus spp. in coastal and inland areas of south‐eastern Australia are discussed.
Gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) of Australian cypress‐pines, Callitris spp. (Cupressaceae), with descriptions of three new genera and three new species
Authors: Kolesik Peter
Published: March 2003

Three new species of gall midges associated with two gall types on Callitris trees in Australia are described and one species is redescribed. Three new genera are erected for two of the new and the redescribed species: Mesodiplosis, Callitridiplosis and Gladiodiplosis. Mesodiplosis callitridis gen. et sp. n. produces a trivalvate, capsule‐like branch shoot gall on Callitris endlicheri (Parl.) F. M. Bailey, Callitris glaucophylla Joy Thomps. & L. A. S. Johnson and Callitris gracilis R. T. Baker. Callitridiplosis jana gen. et sp. n. produces a rosette‐like male flower gall on C. glaucophylla and C. gracilis. Both gall types additionally accommodate two inquiline gall midges, Dasineura callitridis sp. n. and Gladiodiplosis frenelae (
Skuse ). The galls were found to be common and potentially capable of restricting the reproduction and growth of the trees. The new genera belong to the supertribe Cecidomyiidi. Keys to adults of Australian genera of Cecidomyiidi and species of the genus Dasineura are given.
Contact dermatitis associated with the brown‐legged mite, Aleuroglyphus ovatus (Troupeau) (Acari: Acaridae), in Australia
Authors: Geary Merilyn J , Knihinicki Danuta K , Halliday R Bruce , Russell Richard C
Published: March 2003

Aleuroglyphus ovatus was found to be responsible for a case of contact dermatitis. Exposure to this mite could be a possible cause of allergy among employees of the grain industry. Aspects of the mite’s biology and medical importance are summarised.
Oriini (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) new to Australia
Authors: Postle Anthony C , Steiner Marilyn Y , Goodwin Stephen
Published: March 2003

Two new species of Orius Wolff, O. gracilis sp. n. and O. dendrophilus sp. n., and the male of O. chadwicki Woodward and Postle are described from Australia. In addition, the genus Montandoniola Poppius, represented by M. moraguesi (Puton) and M. sawtellense sp. n., is recorded from Australia for the first time. These species are incorporated into a revised key to the Australian Oriini which, until now, has been represented only by Orius spp. The potential of these and other Australian anthocorids as biological control agents is discussed.
Distribution of Drosophila serrata Malloch (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Australia with particular reference to the southern border
Authors: Jenkins Nicole L , Hoffmann Ary A
Published: March 2003

The distribution of the fly Drosophila serrata Malloch in Australia was characterised in light of the increasing use of this species as an evolutionary model system. A synthesis of previous collections suggested that D. serrata was limited to the eastern and northern coastal areas, with a southern border approximately 200 km north of Sydney and that this species utilised a wide range of resources as breeding sites. Additional collections suggested that the southern border changed seasonally, shifting some 270 km to Wollongong in late summer and autumn. Simulations using CLIMEX implicate cold stress in limiting the southern distribution.
Age‐related site fidelity in the territorial butterfly Hypolimnas bolina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Kemp Darrell J
Published: March 2003

The males of many territorial animals exhibit significant interindividual variation in site fidelity. A general prediction from theoretical models is that site fidelity should increase as a function of male age. In this study, I investigated the relationship between age and site fidelity in the territorial nymphalid butterfly Hypolimnas bolina (L.). A total of 144 males from a population in tropical Australia were captured and marked over two seasonal rounds in 1998. Sampling of the subsequent fidelity of these marked individuals provided two related lines of evidence in support of the age‐based prediction. First, older males were more likely to be resighted at their territories on at least one occasion following their capture and marking. Second, the subsequent site fidelity of the group of males that was resighted at least once was related to age, with older males showing greater average fidelity. Both results were consistent across seasons. Taken in concert, these findings strongly support the hypothesis that fidelity is linked to age in this territorial butterfly. At this stage it is not possible to distinguish between increased competitive ability and increased motivation for fidelity as the underlying cause of this relationship.
Flower constancy of the stingless bee Trigona carbonaria Smith (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)
Authors: White Daniel , Cribb Bronwen W , Heard Tim A
Published: March 2003

We tested the constancy of floral choice by Trigona carbonaria Smith in a garden by examining, using a scanning electron microscope, the composition of the pollen loads of individual foragers over time. Constancy was tested on three levels. Within a single trip, 88% of the samples examined comprised pure pollen loads (97% or more of one pollen type). Within a single day, 88% of bees visited the same species across trips sampled. Across 2 and 3 days, 82% and 73%, respectively, of individual bees foraged on a single pollen type. The majority of the remaining bees collected only two species of pollen. This pattern is consistent with that of other highly social bees. It enhances the pollinator efficacy of these insects by increasing the chances of pollen being transferred to stigmas of the same plant species. This increases the ecological importance of these bees and their value in crop pollination.
Distribution and ecology of the lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis (L.) (Collembola: Sminthuridae), in irrigated lucerne in the Hunter dairying region of New South Wales
Authors: Bishop Alan L , Harris Anne M , McKenzie Harry J
Published: March 2003

The lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis (L.), is shown to be a pest of irrigated lucerne in the summer‐rainfall, temperate‐type climate of the Hunter region in New South Wales, an area previously considered unsuitable for its establishment. Main activity occurred at average temperatures ≤ 13–15°C, resulting in five generations per season. Establishment and activity were closely related to irrigation. Eggs hatched throughout summer but populations failed to develop. It was unclear if diapausing eggs, the progressive hatching of non‐diapausing aestivating eggs or both helped the species survive to form viable populations in winter. Early activity was detected from catches of very small nymphs (< 0.3 ± 0.14 mm) in pitfall traps, which preceded lucerne flea presence as small nymphs (< 0.82 ± 0.15 mm) on plants by approximately 2 weeks following irrigations or major rainfall. Predators and grazing by dairy cattle had no effect on lucerne flea numbers. Significant relationships were established between the lucerne flea and several plant growth and damage factors.
Sex pheromone components of the clearwing borer, Carmenta chrysophanes (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae): Provisional identification and field tests
Authors: Vickers Richard A , Rumbo Eric R
Published: March 2003

Sex pheromone components of the clearwing moth, Carmenta chrysophanes (Meyrick), were identified empirically in field tests as (Z,Z)‐3,13‐octadecadien‐1‐OAc and (Z,Z)‐3,13‐octadecadien‐1‐ol. Neither component, on its own, was attractive. In trials comparing six binary blends whose acetate contents ranged from 70 to 95%, most moths were caught in traps baited with a 90:10 ratio of acetate : alcohol. Differences between mean catches using the six blends were not significant at P < 0.05, but there was a significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) between mean catch and the proportion of acetate over the range tested. Gas‐chromatography analyses of pheromone glands revealed the presence of an 18‐carbon diene acetate and an 18‐carbon diene alcohol in a ratio of 88:12.
Two new species of Diaphyta Bergroth with notes on the genus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: McDonald FJD
Published: March 2003

Diaphyta fulvescens (Dallas), Diaphyta pulchra (Dallas), Diaphyta rosea Bergroth and Diaphyta tasmani (Distant) are partly redescribed. Diaphyta evansorum sp. n. and Diaphyta richardsi sp. n. are described from Western Australia. Periboea rufofulva Jensen‐Haarup is synonymised with Diaphyta tasmani. A key to species of Diaphyta is given.
Minimising mortality in field and pot experiments using Heteronyx piceus Blanchard (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) eggs and larvae
Authors: Ward Andrew L , Rogers D John
Published: March 2003

The establishment of experimental populations of scarab larvae using eggs and early instar larvae has proven to be difficult for many researchers. Despite this, little work has been published examining ways to optimise establishment under artificial conditions. In this experiment, we examined the effect of shade and irrigation on the establishment of Heteronyx piceus Blanchard larvae introduced into pots as eggs and first‐, second‐ and third‐instar larvae to optimise artificial infestation techniques. The most important factor affecting larval establishment was the life stage introduced. Establishment of eggs and first instars was very low, with only 21% of eggs and 11% of first‐instar larvae establishing. In contrast, 82% of second‐instar larvae and 84% of third‐instar larvae established successfully. The addition of shade marginally improved overall survival from 45% in the unshaded pots to 53% in the shaded pots. However, most of this increase was in the eggs and first instars. Irrigation did not improve survival. These results suggest that when introducing scarab larvae to field or pot experiments, second‐ or third‐instar larvae should be used to maximise establishment. The provision of shade and supplementary irrigation is optional.
Review of the carrion beetles of Australia and New Guinea (Coleoptera: Silphidae)
Authors: Peck Stewart B
Published: March 2003

Keys, distribution maps and bionomic summaries are given for the five described species of large carrion beetles (Silphidae) known from Australia and the island of New Guinea. The genera Nicrophorus Fabricius and Diamesus Hope entered Australasia from the north. The Australasian genus Ptomaphila Kirby and Spence has three species and these show a southern or trans‐Antarctic sister‐group relationship to Oxelytrum Gistel of the Neotropical Region. The Australian species are mostly distributed in forest or scrub habitat within 300 km from the coastline. A phylogeny of Ptomaphila indicates that P. ovata Portevin of New Guinea is most plesiotypic, that P. perlata Kraatz of eastern Australia is intermediate, and that P. lacrymosa (Schreibers) of southern Australia is most apotypic.
Larval hosts of Australian Drosophilidae (Diptera): A field survey in subtropical and tropical Australia
Authors: Van Klinken Rieks Dekker , Walter Gimme H
Published: March 2003

The drosophilid fauna in Australia offers an important study system for evolutionary studies. Larval hosts are unknown for most species, however, and this imposes serious limits to understanding their ecological context. The present paper reports the first systematic, large‐scale field survey of potential larval hosts to be conducted, in order to obtain an overview of the host utilisation patterns of Australian drosophilids. Potential hosts (mostly fruit and fungi) were collected from different vegetation types in northern and eastern Australia. Host data were obtained for 81 drosophilid species from 17 genera (or 28% of the known fauna). Most genera were restricted to either fruit or fungi, although Scaptodrosophila spp. and Drosophila spp. were recorded from fruit, fungi, flowers and compost, and Drosophila spp. also emerged from the parasitic plant Balanophora fungosa. There was no evidence that use of either fruit or fungi was correlated to host phylogeny. Drosophilids emerged from hosts collected from all sampled vegetation types (rainforest, open forest, heath and domestic environments). Vegetation type influenced drosophilid diversity, both by affecting host availability and because some drosophilid species apparently restricted their search for hosts to particular vegetation types.
The fruit fly fauna (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae) of Bougainville, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
Authors: Drew Richard Ai , Romig Meredith C
Published: March 2003

The Bougainville, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu dacine fauna is revised and 12 new species are described: Bactrocera atrabifasciata, B. fuscipennula, B. hamaceki, B. hollingsworthi, B. naucleae, B. neoxanthodes, B. obliquivenosa, B. pacificae, B. parafroggatti, B. peneobscura, B. unitaeniola, Dacus taui. Two new synonymies are established: Bactrocera honiarae Drew = Bactrocera confluens (Drew); Dacus varipes Malloch = Bactrocera quadrisetosa (Bezzi). Information is given on attractant records, geographical distributions and taxonomic relationships. A key to species is also provided.
Interspecific crosses of Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and Bactrocera jarvisi (Tryon) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the laboratory
Authors: Cruickshank Leanne , Jessup Andrew J , Cruickshank David J
Published: March 2003

F
1 progeny from the cross between two species of Australian fruit flies, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and Bactrocera jarvisi (Tryon), mated with each other in the laboratory to produce viable F2 offspring. F1 and F2 hybrids were morphologically distinct from their B. tryoni and B. jarvisi parents.
Geographic variation in host instar and species preference of Microplitis demolitor (Wilkinson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) towards two of its native hosts, Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Seymour Jamie E , Jones Rhondda E
Published: March 2003

Ovipositing females of the parasitoid Microplitis demolitor discriminated between larvae of two major Australian lepidopteran pest species, Helicoverpa armigera (corn earworm) and Helicoverpa punctigera (native budworm). Parasitoid populations from different geographical locations differed in their host preferences. The pattern of variation showed consistent change of preference with latitude and suggested that evolution of this preference may be driven by the hosts’ local abundance and seasonal phenology. Microplitis demolitor showed a strong preference for second‐ and third‐instar host larvae over all other host larval instars. This preference probably represented a compromise between the improved host survivorship provided by older larvae and the low risk of injury to the ovipositing parasitoid when attacking younger larvae.
Parasitism and predation of the lantana leafmining beetles Octotoma scabripennis Guérin‐Méneville and Uroplata girardi Pic (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Hispinae) in Australia
Authors: Broughton Sonya
Published: March 2003

Surveys of lantana were conducted during 1994–1996 at Gatton, Samsonvale, Beenleigh and Sherwood in south‐east Queensland. These showed that the lantana leafmining beetles Uroplata girardi Pic and Octotoma scabripennis Guérin‐Méneville are attacked by generalist predators, mostly spiders, and one parasitoid, Sympiesis sp. n. near aburiana (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Sympiesis near aburiana is a larval ectoparasitoid, attacking all hispine instars including the pupae, although more parasitoids were collected from second and third instar larvae. Parasitism levels differed with the sampling method used, with higher estimates obtained from destructive samples. Estimates of parasitism levels ranged from 0 to 44% for U. girardi and 0–100% for O. scabripennis. Although parasitism alone is unlikely to reduce hispine populations, parasitism coupled with larval death due to unknown causes could impact on overwintering larvae.
Field test of a model of migration of moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in inland Australia
Authors: Gregg Peter C , Socorro Alice P Del , Rochester Wayne A
Published: March 2003

A migration of Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren), Heliothis punctifera (Walker) and Agrotis munda Walker was tracked from Cameron Corner (29°00´S, 141°00´E) in inland Australia to the Wilcannia region, approximately 400 km to the south‐east. A relatively isolated source population was located using a distribution model to predict winter breeding, and confirmed by surveys using sweep netting for larvae. When a synoptic weather pattern likely to produce suitable conditions for migration developed, moths were trapped in the source region. The next morning a simulation model of migration using wind‐field data generated by a numerical weather‐prediction model was run. Surveys using sweep netting for larvae, trapping and flush counts were then conducted in and around the predicted moth fallout area, approximately 400 km to the south‐east. Pollen carried on the probosces of moths caught in this area was compared with that on moths caught in the source area. The survey data and pollen comparisons provided evidence that migration had occurred, and that the migration model gave accurate estimation of the fallout region. The ecological and economic implications of such migrations are discussed.
Effect of epicuticular wax on adhesion of psyllids to glaucous juvenile and glossy adult leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labillardière
Authors: Brennan Eric B , Weinbaum Steven A
Published: March 2003

In the heteroblastic plant Eucalyptus globulus, the glaucous juvenile leaves are coated in epicuticular wax that is relatively absent on the glossy adult leaves. The adhesion of three psyllid species (Ctenarytaina eucalypti Maskell, C. spatulata Taylor and Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore) to glossy adult leaves, adult leaves to which the juvenile leaf wax was added, glaucous (‘waxy’) juvenile leaves, and ‘de‐waxed’ juvenile leaves was compared. Wax reduced adhesion of all three species but C. spatulata and G. brimblecombei were most affected. Unlike the other two species, C. eucalypti could consistently climb the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of vertically inclined ‘waxy’ juvenile leaves. Ctenarytaina spatulata and G. brimblecombei were able to climb the ‘waxy’ juvenile leaves only by clinging to protruding veins of abaxial leaf surfaces. Psyllid adhesion to adult leaves was reduced when juvenile leaf wax was transferred to glossy adult leaves. These results are consistent with previous findings that juvenile leaves are resistant to C. spatulata and G. brimblecombei but are susceptible to C. eucalypti. Observations under light microscopy suggested that the tarsi of C. eucalypti are better adapted for adhering to the epicuticular wax‐coated surfaces than those of the other two species. Ctenarytaina eucalypti used all legs to adhere to flat surfaces while the other species used only the front two pairs of legs. All three psyllid species had adhesive pulvilli on their basal tarsomeres; but C. eucalypti had eight and 11 times more total pulvillar area per unit of body weight than did C. spatulata, and four and five times more total pulvillar area than did G. brimblecombei, for males and females, respectively. Based on the ‘foot prints’ of the psyllids on soot‐coated glass, C. eucalypti caused less exfoliation than the other two species when walking.
Artificial infestation of sorghum spikelets with eggs of Stenodiplosis sorghicola (Coquillett) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) by water injection
Authors: Hardy Adam T , Franzmann Bernard A , Sutherland Mark W
Published: March 2003

A technique for artificially infesting sorghum spikelets with eggs of sorghum midge is described and compared with natural oviposition achieved in a glasshouse cage trial. This technique was developed to facilitate antibiosis resistance related studies of midge biology, and to overcome the reduced and inconsistent oviposition achieved in sorghum lines that contain ovipositional‐antixenosis resistance. Injecting an aqueous suspension of exactly two midge eggs between the glumes of individual sorghum spikelets using a micropipette produced consistent, low egg densities across five lines of varying resistance (0.8–1.2 eggs per spikelet; 50–70% infestation), while water injection of four to six eggs per spikelet in the same lines produced high and consistent egg densities (two to three eggs per spikelet; > 80% infestation). In contrast to both of the water‐injection treatments, natural oviposition within the same five lines produced inconsistent egg densities, even when midge densities were adjusted to account for the variable levels of ovipositional antixenosis present in each line (one to four eggs per spikelet; 40–80% infestation). A bioassay was also conducted to determine the effect of suspending midge eggs in water on egg hatch, neonate survival and fitness. Aqueous suspensions of midge eggs stored for 4 h at room temperature produced 79% egg hatch. However, aqueous egg suspensions refrigerated at 4°C for 1–7 days reduced egg hatch (41–64%), lowered larval longevity and reduced maximum movement of neonate larvae. No eggs hatched after 14 days of refrigerated storage.
Insect and host‐tree species influence the effectiveness of a Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis‐based insecticide for controlling chrysomelid leaf beetles
Authors: Beveridge Natasha , Elek Jane A
Published: March 2003

Laboratory trials were conducted to examine the role of insect and host‐tree species on the effectiveness of the bioinsecticide Novodor® [Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis (Btt)]. Novodor® was sprayed onto Eucalyptus nitens foliage to compare its effect on larvae of two eucalypt leaf beetles, Chrysophtharta bimaculata (Olivier) and Chrysophtharta agricola (Chapuis) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Novodor® caused higher mortalities of first and second instars of C. agricola than of C. bimaculata larvae at similar application rates. Novodor® sprayed onto foliage of two host‐tree species, E. nitens and Eucalyptus regnans, resulted in mortality of C. bimaculata first and second instars 18% and 104% higher, respectively, on E. regnans than on E. nitens foliage. They ate an average of 39% less and were half an instar less developed after 7 days feeding on unsprayed E. regnans than E. nitens foliage. Spraying with Novodor® further reduced foliage consumption by an average of 50% and developmental stage by half an instar for both tree species and larval instars. The present study demonstrated that biological factors may influence the performance of insects and the effectiveness of a bioinsecticide application, so that extrapolation of results from any host or insect species to other host or insect species needs to be applied with caution.
New records and a revised checklist of the Australian clearwing moths (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)
Authors: Kallies Axel
Published: March 2003

New records of clearwing moths (Sesiidae) from Australia are presented.Trilochana smaragdinaDiakonoff 1954was known only from a single female from West Papua (Irian Jaya). This species is redescribed here on the basis of a series of males recently collected in Queensland. It is the first record of the tribe Sesiini and the genusTrilochanafor Australia. Males of another species,Nokona carulifera(Hampson 1919) comb. n., have been found for the first time at the same locality and are also characterised here.Nokona coracodes(Turner 1922) comb. n. is restored from synonymy. The genusPseudosesiaFelder 1861is redefined and restored from synonymy withParanthreneHübner [1819]. An updated checklist of the Sesiidae of Australia is presented.
Species composition and population studies of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Mildura district in the Murray Valley of southern Australia
Authors: Wishart Elwyn
Published: March 2003

The adult mosquito population in the Mildura area was surveyed weekly from November to April in 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 using CO2
baited light traps. A total of 43 039 mosquitoes were trapped, which included 23
species from 5 genera. Ochlerotatus sapiens Marks and Anopheles amictus
Edwards had not previously been recorded in Victoria. A number of other species had
not been recorded in earlier studies of the area. Culex annulirostris Skuse
was the dominant species. During the spring, summer and autumn of 1999–2000,
Ochlerotatus camptorhynchus (Thomson) was trapped in higher numbers than had been seen in earlier studies. The implications for arbovirus transmission are discussed in relation to the range and number of species trapped.
Synopsis of the Tenthredinidae (Hymenoptera) in Australia, including two newly recorded, introduced sawfly species associated with willows (Salix spp.)
Authors: Naumann Ian D , Williams Margaret A , Schmidt Stefan
Published: March 2003

Two species of tenthredinid sawflies associated with willows are recorded from Australia for the first time: Pontania proxima (Lepeletier), which forms galls
on Salix fragilis Linnaeus in Tasmania, and Amauronematus viduatus
(Zetterstedt), which defoliates Salix babylonica Linnaeus in south‐eastern New South Wales. A key to the five introduced and three endemic species of Tenthredinidae known from Australia is provided. Notes on biology and distribution are given for all species.
New genus and two new species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) damaging buds on Eucalyptus in Australia
Authors: Kolesik Peter , Taylor Gary S , Kent Deborah S
Published: March 2003

Two new gall midges whose larvae damage leaf and branch buds of eucalypts in Australia are described and a new genus, Eucalyptodiplosis Kolesik (Cecidomyiidi: Cecidomyiini)
is erected to contain them. The infested buds are deformed and do not develop further.
Eucalyptodiplosis germinis Kolesik was found on Eucalyptus cosmophylla
F. Muell. and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. in natural bush vegetation in
South Australia. Eucalyptodiplosis mcintyrei Kolesik is a potential pest of
Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden in plantation forests in New South Wales with the potential to cause economically significant damage in young tree plantations. The basic biology of the midges is described and a key to adults of currently known Australian genera of the supertribe Cecidomyiidi is presented.
Effect of parasitism by Trichopsidea oestracea Westwood (Diptera: Nemestrinidae) on the susceptibility of Phaulacridium vittatum (Sjöstedt) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) to infection by Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum Driver and Milner
Authors: Milner Richard J , Baker Graeme L , Cliff Alan D
Published: March 2003

In two laboratory bioassays of the mycoinsecticide Metarhizium anisopliae
var. acridum against field collected wingless grasshoppers, Phaulacridium
vittatum, parasitism by the nemestrinid, Trichopsidea oestracea, did not increase the susceptibility of the grasshoppers to the mycoinsecticide. A statistical analysis showed that the parasitised grasshoppers were significantly less susceptible. The fungus also did not infect the parasitic nemestrinid larvae. These data suggest that treatment with the mycoinsecticide would have a benign effect on the parasitic stage of this important parasite, the treatment not changing the ratio of parasitised and unparasitised hosts in post‐treatment populations.
Nepenthacarus, a new genus of Histiostomatidae (Acari: Astigmata) inhabiting the pitchers ofNepenthes mirabilis(Lour.) Druce in Far North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Fashing Norman J
Published: March 2003

A new genus and species,Nepenthacarus warreni, is described from adults, deutonymphs, protonymphs and larvae collected from the fluid‐filled pitchers ofNepenthes mirabilis(Lour.) Druce in northern Queensland, Australia.
Further investigations into the efficacy of Neomolgus capillatus (Kramer) (Acarina: Bdellidae) as a predator of Sminthurus viridis (L.) (Collembola: Sminthuridae) in Tasmania
Authors: Ireson John E , Holloway Richard J , Chatterton Wade S , McCorkell Bruce E
Published: March 2003

Efficacy data collected from dairy pastures in northern and north‐eastern Tasmania showed that the addition of the spiny snout mite, Neomolgus capillatus, into
the established predator complex resulted in effective control of autumn populations
of the lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis, at all study sites. Mean reductions
in S. viridis density of about 93% were recorded. However, the control
of spring populations of S. viridis was variable and less effective. Although
mean density reductions of approximately 86% were recorded, N. capillatus
and other mite predators became active too late in the season to prevent S. viridis
reaching damaging levels. These results support those of a previous study conducted
in far north‐western Tasmania, indicating that the variation in seasonal efficacy
of N. capillatus is the same throughout Tasmanian dairy pastures.