bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corfu Phlebotomus (Dipt. Psychod.) found in Human Habitations
Authors: Stephanides Theodore
Published: July 2009

The first Phlebotomus of the year 1936 observed in Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece, was seen on 15th June. From that date these Diptera became rapidly more numerous (maximum towards the end of June and beginning of July) and disappeared fairly suddenly in the second half of September, not one being seen after the 21st of that month.
Investigations on the Cotton Bollworm, Heliothis armigera, Hübn. (obsoleta, Fabr.)
Authors: Parsons F. S.
Published: July 2009

Methods for the quantitative survey of the incidence of Heliothis armigera have been in continuous operation in the Barberton area of the Eastern Transvaal from 1929 to the present; since 1933 the Survey was operated similarly in Swaziland and Northern Natal.

It was accepted early that the bollworm situation in cotton, which primarily it was desired to ameliorate, depends largely upon the influences exerted by other food-crops of the insect grown prior to and in association with cotton, and the investigations were instituted with a view to acquiring the fullest information on the incidence, habits and reactions of H. armigera with respect to the chain of cultivated and natural food-plant situations existing under differing climatic conditions in the course of the year.

The present paper is the first of a series communicating the results of investigations which proceed in various directions from information supplied by the Cotton Pest Survey centred upon Barberton. The paper deals with the annual course of bollworm incidence as indicated, in the first instance, by egg counts taken twice-weekly, year by year, in examples of all food-plant situations according to methods of sampling and calculation devised here.
Air Transport, Insects and Disease
Authors: Whitfield F. G. Sarel
Published: July 2009

The increase of air transport and the potential dangers therefrom, together with the related problems are investigated.

The introduction of a malarial vector from one faunal region to another, and the effects thereof are discussed.

The literature of the epidemiology of yellow fever, particularly the work done on the insect vectors and the susceptible animals is reviewed, and the implications thereof in connexion with air transport are considered.

The air communications of the world are shown as a map; maps of Africa and South America showing the air routes and yellow fever areas are presented.

The control of air ports and aerodromes is discussed, in connexion with which the literature on the flight-range of insects, the dissemination of insects by wind, and insects and the upper air is reviewed.

A comparison is made between the insects collected from the terrestrial zone of the atmosphere and those from the upper air.

The work done upon insects found in aircraft is reviewed, and the results incorporated together with those from Khartoum in a “World List” table. The work done in Khartoum is described, and this, together with other workers' results, is analysed.

A comparison is made between insects found in the terrestrial zone, the upper air or “Plankton zone” and those found in aircraft.

The medical, veterinary and agricultural aspect of insects found in aircraft is discussed.

The control of insects in aircraft is considered and suggestions made for future research.
The African Species of Metaphycus, Mercet.
Authors: Compere Harold
Published: July 2009

Twenty-three species of Metaphycus from Africa are recognized in this paper, and of these, seventeen are described as new. The holotypes and allotypes of all new species are to be deposited in the British Museum and paratypes in the United States National Museum.
A Study of the Variation of Size within two Species of Aphides
Authors: Dicker G. H. L. , Pearce S. C.
Published: July 2009

At least 30 specimens of each form of Macrosiphum rubiellum, Theobald, and Aphis idaei, van der Goot, were collected, mounted and their principal organs measured.

Correlations were calculated between different parts on the right side and the conclusion reached that the ratios of lengths of organs were unstable characteristics of the species examined. High correlations were obtained between the same part on different sides of the body.

The mean values and standard errors are tabulated and a method given for assigning limits of variation within a species. The standard errors obtained were of the order of 7 per cent. of the mean.

The asymmetry, kurtosis and skewness of the distributions were calculated to test the effect of possible non-normality on the foregoing work.
On the Wing Forms of Anopheles funestus, Giles
Authors: Leeson H. S.
Published: July 2009

In a previous paper (Leeson 1937) it was shown that in East Africa there were variations in the wing markings of the type form of Anopheles funestus. It was further shown that larvae and pupae positively identified as typical A. funestus produced adults having these wing markings. Identification of the adults was confirmed by examination of pharyngeal armatures and male terminalia. The wing forms were then arranged in the following four groups:—
Group 1: dark area at base of costa uninterrupted, 3rd vein with a pale interruption. Group 2: dark area at base of costa uninterrupted, 3rd vein entirely dark. Group 3: dark area at base of costa interrupted by one pale spot, 3rd vein with a pale interruption. Group 4: dark area at base of costa interrupted by one pale spot, 3rd vein entirely dark.
On the Identity of Apanteles praepotens, Haliday (Hym. Bracon.)
Authors: Wilkinson D. S.
Published: July 2009

The information contained in this paper was prepared by me originally for inclusion in my forthcoming monograph on the palaearctic species of A panteles, but, in view of the economic importance of the hosts of this particular species, it was deemed advisable to publish it immediately.
Note on two Egg-parasites of Antestia lineaticollis, Stål
Authors: Ferrière CH.
Published: July 2009

During his researches on the insect pests of coffee and their parasites in Kenya Colony, Mr. R. H. LePelley has bred two interesting Chalcidoidea from the eggs of the coffee-bug, Antestia lineaticollis, Stål.
The Search for Parasites of White Grubs (Melolonthids) in Zanzibar, Algeria, Morocco and France
Authors: Moutia L. Andre
Published: July 2009

(1) An extensive survey covering a period of 18 months was carried out in Zanzibar, Algeria, Morocco and some parts of France with a view to obtaining parasites of white grubs for furthering the control of Phytalus smithi, Arrow, in Mauritius.

(2) In Zanzibar the results of the survey showed that white grubs are of no great economic importance in clove plantations in this Island. Larvae of several species of white grubs were obtained, viz.: Entyposis impressa, Kolbe, Schizonycha spp., Anomala delagoa, Pèr., etc. ; these larvae are parasitised by the Dexiid fly, Microphthalma disjunctum, Wied. The percentage of parasitism at the time of the survey was from 0·10 to 0·53 per cent. Scoliids were not in great number ; the parasitism amounted to 0·6 per cent. Parasites of adult beetles were obtained on the following insects: Entyposis impressa, Kolbe, Schizonycha spp. and Anomala plebejus, Ol., the parasites being Pexopsis pyrrhaspis, Villen., and an Adapsilia, not yet determined. The parasitism on the above mentioned beetles varied from 1 to 9·7 per cent.
Second Survey of the Wood-destroying Insects in Public Buildings in Sweden
Authors: Trägårdh Ivar
Published: July 2009

In Vol. 29 (March, 1938) of this journal a short summary was given of the results achieved during an investigation of the wood-destroying insects in public buildings in the southern part of Sweden, Götaland. This survey has since that time been continued in Svealand, the middle part of Sweden, and in the following a short summary of the results will be given.
Immature Nutfall of Coconuts in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Phillips J. S.
Published: July 2009

The research work involved in this paper was financed by Messrs. Levers Pacific Plantations Pty., Ltd., of Sydney, and I wish to acknowledge the help and courtesy extended to me by so many members of their staff.
The Ptinidae of Economic Importance
Authors: Hinton H. E.
Published: July 2009

The work which has resulted in the following paper has been carried out in the Department of Entomology of the British Museum (Natural History), at the request of Professor J. W. Munro and on behalf of the Pest Infestation Laboratory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The critical material used has been mainly that already available in the British Museum, but it has been partly supplemented from Professor Munro's resources.
New injurious Curculionidae (Col.)
Authors: Marshall Guy A. K.
Published: July 2009

♂♀. Derm black, with dense sandy grey scaling, the elytra with a small brown spot at the base of the suture and often some indefinite brownish markings elsewhere; underside grey.
New Species of Euplectrini (Hym. Chalcidoidea) from Europe, Africa and Asia
Authors: Ferrière CH.
Published: July 2009

Among the large family of the Eulophidae (Chalcidoidea), the Euplectrini are closely related to the Elachertini and form with them the subfamily Elachertinae. In common with the genus Elachertus, Spin., they have antennae with a 4-jointed funicle, complete parapsidal furrows, often longitudinal furrows on the scutellum and a petiolated abdomen. They are, however, easily distinguished by the large size of the spurs of the hind tibiae, the longest being generally more or less as long as the first two tarsal joints together.
The Economy of a Tsetse Population
Authors: Jackson C. H. N.
Published: July 2009

This short paper summarises and discusses the entomological results obtained from marking experiments done with Glossina morsitans at Kakoma, Tabora, Tanganyika Territory, from July 1938 to May 1940. The first eighteen months' data and results have been given in full elsewhere (Jackson, 1941) and the mathematical treatment explained. The marking experiments occupied three days weekly, and covered an area of 16 square miles of annually fired woodland and seasonal swamp; a similar area was observed in the same way for a year in country protected against fire, and in addition a number of special experiments to check results were carried out. The climate and situation of Kakoma have already been described (Jackson, 1937) for the year 1935; from that year until April 1938, smaller scale routine marking experiments were carried on with few interruptions, so that there is available a fairly complete body of data collected over nearly five and a half years.
Capsid Pests of Cacao in Nigeria
Authors: Golding F. D.
Published: July 2009

The Capsid bugs, Sahlbergella singularis, Hagl., S. theobroma, Dist., and Helopeltis bergrothi, Reut., have been recognised as pests of cacao in the Gold Coast for more than 30 years7,8. Whilst there has never been any divergence of opinion as to the major status of Sahlbergella as pests of cacao, this does not appear to be true of Helopeltis. Patterson (see various reports of the Gold Coast Department of Agriculture,17, 18, 19, 20) considered Helopeltis to be a major pest and indicated that damage to shoots, as well as to pods, is frequent; whereas Cotterell3 describes H. bergrothi as a minor pest of cacao and states that “damage to herbaceous shoots is of very rare occurrence.” In 1939 Cotterell6 reported that he had found another Capsid (? Bryocaropsis sp.) to be comparatively widespread on cacao around Tafo.
New African and Oriental Species of Microdus, Nees, from known Hosts (Hymenoptera, Braconidae)
Authors: Nixon G. E. J.
Published: July 2009

In this paper four new species are described and two already known ones are discussed. The justification for bringing forward new species in a genus whose Old World members are in a state of great disorder lies in the fact that their hosts are known and are Lepidopterous pests of economic importance.

The types are in the British Museum.
Some Insects of economic Importance in Seychelles
Authors: Vesey-Fitzgerald Desmond
Published: July 2009

Notes on insects in the Seychelles have appeared from time to time during the last thirty years in the annual reports of Seychelles Department of Agriculture. These records are now mostly lost; it is therefore the object of the present contribution to place on record such minor pests as have been collected during 1936–1939 inclusive, and have been determined by the Imperial Institute of Entomology.
The Distribution of Cimex lectularius in Towns in England and Wales
Authors: Matheson Colin
Published: July 2009

A brief historical account of Cimex lectularius in England is followed by an analysis of numerical data regarding infestation in twenty-three towns in England and Wales. The data indicate that in the majority of cases the degree of infestation increases along with the order of magnitude of the town ; one or two exceptional cases are discussed. Comparison of the figures for inland towns and seaports suggests, though more data are desirable, that a low degree of infestation is common in the former whereas the majority of the latter show a moderate or heavy infestation.
Restoration of meiotic stability following artificial hybridisation and selection in Teleogryllus (Orth., Gryllidae)
Authors: Hogan T. W. , Fontana P. G.
Published: July 2009

As part of a research project directed at the genetic control of Teleogryllus commodus (Wlk.) in Australia, hybridisation studies have been carried out between T. commodus and the sibling species T. oceanicus (Le Guillou). A cytological examination of a hybrid strain (male progeny of T. commodus × T. oceanicus backcrossed to T. oceanicus) was made in the F4 generation when meiotic stability had been reached. The karyotype was very similar to that of T. oceanicus, suggesting that only those combinations in which the chromosomes were structurally homologous to T. oceanicus survived. But the stridulation pattern of the hybrid males, intermediate between that of the two parental species, and a consistent sex ratio of 2:1 in favour of the males, indicate profound genetic differences from T. oceanicus. These effects are attributed to introgression, with chromosomal material from T. commodus being incorporated in the T. oceanicus genome as an outcome of the initial hybridisation of the two species.
Description of a new species and genus of Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera) parasitic on Pachydiplosis oryzae (Wood-Mason) (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae)
Authors: Rao B. R. Subba
Published: July 2009

The genus Obtusiclava, allied to Homoporus Thomson, is erected for the new species O. oryzae, a larval–pupal parasite of Pachydiplosis oryzae (Wood-Mason) in India and Ceylon.
Anopheles hispaniola, Theobald, 1903 (Dipt., Culicid.) from the Emirate of Transjordan
Authors: Lumsden W. H. R.
Published: July 2009

During a general survey of malaria in Transjordan, which was carried out in the summer and autumn of 1942, the Anopheline here discussed was found to be widely distributed and often common. It was first seen as an adult female, then considered to be Anopheles (Myzomyia) turkhudi, Liston, 1901, brought from Amman, Transjordan, in May 1942 by Capt. H. F. West, R.A.M.C. It is of value to describe the present material and compare it with such descriptions of the other members of the turkhudi group as are available to me at the moment, though it is considered that in no respect does it differ widely enough from A. (M.) hispaniola, Theobald, 1903, to be accorded more than varietal rank within that species.
The Bionomics of the Neotropical Cornstalk Borer,Diatraea lineolata, Wlk. (Lep., Pyral.) in Trinidad, B.W.I.
Authors: Kevan D. Keith McE
Published: July 2009

The genus of Pyralid (Crambid) moths to whichDiatraea lineolatabelongs is one of considerable size, containing fifty-one described species from the New World (Box, 1931, 1935a), and together with the Old World genusProceraswhich, according to Tarns (1942), should be regarded as distinct fromDiatraea, includes a fairly large number of major pests of cultivated grass crops in both hemispheres, the most notorious beingD. saccharalis(sugar-cane moth-borer).
Air Temperature Records as a Guide to the Date of Hatching of the Nymphs of Austroicetes cruciata, Sauss. (Orthoptera)
Authors: Andrewartha H. G.
Published: July 2009

Most of this paper is occupied with the description of a method for evaluating the influence ol temperature, recorded in the field, on the rate of development of the eggs of a grasshopper (Austroicetes cruciata). When the conventional methods of temperature summation were used, important errors were introduced because:—

(a) The temperature in the environment of the insect may be different from the temperature in the meteorological screen.

(b) The arithmetic mean of the maximum and minimum temperature may not be an adequate estimate of the true mean temperature for the day.

(c) The relationship between temperature and the rate of development of the organism over the range of temperature used, was not linear.

(d) Development may proceed for less than 24 hours of each day.
New injurious Curculionidae from Africa (Col.)
Authors: Marshall A. K.
Published: July 2009

♂♀. Derm black, with uniform dense grey scaling that has a coppery reflection.

Head separated from rostrum by a narrow bisinuate stria; frons depressed below the level of the eyes and separated from them by a deep incision on each side, obliquely striolate and with a deep median sulcus; eyes moderately convex, extended sharply backwards for about one-third of their length, the orbit not projecting on the hind margin. Rostrum very slightly longer than its basal width, widest at base, gradually narrowing for two-thirds its length and thence more rapidly; dorsum broadly depressed, with longitudinally confluent punctures and a fine median carina. Antennae piceous; scape slightly exceeding hind margin of eye; funicle with joint 1 nearly twice as long as 2,3–7 subequal, about as long as broad and slightly widening distally. Prothorax nearly twice as broad as long, unusually flat, being only gently convex transversely, widest at the strongly arcuate base, the angles of which project laterally, with the sides almost straight and rapidly converging anteriorly, the apical margin being deeply sinuate on each side behind the eyes; dorsum flat longitudinally in the middle, densely squamose, each scale covering a minute granule. Elytra ovate, broader in ♀, widely sinuate at base, which is marginate, with the lateral angles projecting outwards and forwards, and the sides sinuate behind the angles; the dorsal outline moderately convex, sloping at the base; the shallow striae containing close deep punctures, which show through the scaling though partly covered and disappear behind, where the striae become deeper; intervals almost flat, with minute inconspicuous recumbent setae. Legs piceous, with dense concolorous scaling and their lower edges with a fringe of stiff erect setae; front tibiae compressed, with the outer edge carinate and the external apical angle produced laterally, the spines on the apical margin much reduced; hind tibiae with the inner face flattened and sinuate on the apical half, the corbels bare and ascending the dorsal edge more than usual, with the upper end angulate. Venter squamose laterally, but clothed elsewhere with dense stiff suberect setae.
Studies on the Ecology of the Levant House Fly (Musca domestica vicinaMacq.).
Authors: Feldman-Muhsam B.
Published: July 2009

Cow dung was found to be suitable for breedingM. domestica vicina.

The dependence of the duration of development on the temperature was investigated for all stages of development and could be suitably expressed by the formula of an equilateral hyperbola.

Adult longevity was studied under various conditions of temperature and humidity. The maximum length of life in captivity was found to be 106 days, the average being 20–30 days. As the temperature rises, longevity decreases. Above 20°C, life is longest at a relative humidity of 42–55 per cent., whereas below 20°C., a lower humidity (30–40 per cent. R.H.) is favourable.

Fertility was studied from the point of view of size of individual egg hatches and the frequency of oviposition.

The mean number of eggs deposited by a female fly per day of adult life does not depend on the duration of adult life and does not change considerably during life.
Fumigation as a Method of controlling the Body Louse, Pediculus humanus corporis, De Geer. Parts I and II.
Authors: David W. A. L.
Published: July 2009

A method for fumigation experiments has been worked out, and preliminary tests on 21 substances are reported. The dosage-mortality relationships of about 10 of these arc being worked out in some detail, while six have been chosen for practical tests. It is hoped to make reports on these two aspects later.
Biology ofhylurdrectonus araucariaeSchedl (Coleoptera, Scolytidae), a pest of hoop pine plantations in New Guinea
Authors: Gray B. , Lamb K. P.
Published: July 2009

Hylurdrectonus araucariaeSchedl is a major pest in hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) plantations at Bulolo and Wau in Papua New Guinea, establishing itself in nests inside the branchlets. The length of the excavation is proportional to the age of the nest. Colour changes in infested branchlets reflect changes in colony composition and in excavation activity as the colony ages; the branchlet eventually dies and falls off and severely infested trees lose much of their foliage. Data from field observations between 1967 and 1972 show that there are 5–10 overlapping generations ofH. araucariaein a year. The life-cycle takes place wholly within the branchlet, except for a brief period of flight or walking by the adult when seeking new nesting sites. The eggs incubate for 5–15 days, larvae take 10–25 days, pupae 10–15 days, and the immature adult 2–10 days; the adult may live 60 days or more. The colony composition is fairly stable in heavily infested areas throughout the year, except during drought. Colony composition and size vary from branchlet to branchlet or from tree to tree, but are more similar on trees with a similar stage of infestation. No significant natural enemies were found.
The Chondrilla gall midge, Cystiphora schmidti (Rübsaamen) comb. n. (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae). I. Taxonomy and description
Authors: Harris K. M.
Published: July 2009

The taxonomic status of the Chondrilla gall midge, Cystiphora schmidti (Rübsaamen), is discussed and new generic and specific synonymy is established in the genus Cystiphora. Male, female and larval characters of C. schmidti are described and illustrated on the basis of specimens made available from recent studies of this species in Europe as part of a project to implement biological control of Chondrilla juncea in Australia.
The activity of some pyrethroids, DDT and lindane in smoke from coils for biting inhibition, knockdown and kill of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae)
Authors: Chadwick P. R.
Published: July 2009

The action of smoke from smouldering mosquito coils against Aedes aegypti(L.), Anopheles stephensi List. and Culex pipiens fatigans Wied. was studied. Smokes from lindane or DDT coils did not inhibit biting of guinea-pigs by Ae. aegypti or A. stephensi nor did they cause knockdown. The pyrethroids (allethrin, pyrethrins, bioallethrin and S-bioallethrin in that order) were increasingly effective in knocking down and killing C. p. fatigans and Ae. aegypti, and their bite-inhibiting activity on Ae. aegypti and A. stephensi increased in the same sequence. Pyrethrins were inferior to allethrin for knockdown of A. stephensi. Smoke from a bioallethrin coil inhibited Ae. aegypti from probing and taking blood from man. Tests in a cylinder of 0·034 m3 and a room of 25 m3 suggested approximate relative potencies of 1:2:4 for allethrin, bioallethrin and S-bioallethrin, the bite-inhibitory and knockdown actions being closely associated. Use of gauze-ended test cages reduced the range of relative potencies. The discussion suggests that the sequence of effects exerted by smoke on a mosquito entering a room is deterrency, expellency, interference with host finding, bite inhibition, knockdown and, eventually, death.
Biology of and rearing technique for Sturmiopsis parasitica (Curr.) (Diptera, Tachinidae), a parasite of graminaceous borers in Africa
Authors: Nagarkatti Sudha , Rao V. P.
Published: July 2009

Sturmiopsis parasitica (Curr.), an important larval pupal parasite of graminaceous borers in Africa south of the Sahara, was collected from Sesamia spp. and Eldana saccharina Wlk. in Ghana. Puparia were shipped to the CIBC station at Bangalore, where a rearing technique, using field-collected borers as hosts, was devised. At 26°C the larval period was 12–14 days, prepupal period 12 h, and the pupal period 12–19 days. In its 3–4 week life span a male could successfully inseminate 4–5 females, which each produced 500–900 maggots after a gestation period of 18–19 days. In the laboratory Sturmiopsis parasitica successfully parasitised Chilo auricilius Dudgn., C. partellus (Swinh.), C. infuscatellus Sn., C. sacchariphagus indicus (Kapur) and Sesamia inferens (Wlk.); it did not parasitise Tryporyza nivella (F.) or Corcyra cephalonica (Stnt.) and was only once recovered from Galleria mellonella (L.). Its potential as a biocontrol agent against graminaceous borers in the tropics is considered high.
Demonstration of differential domesticity of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera, Culicidae) in Africa by mark-release-recapture
Authors: Trpis Milan , Hausermann Walter
Published: July 2009

Samples of Aedes aegypti (L.) larvae were collected in domestic, peridomestic and feral habitats in the Rabai area, Kenya, and reared in the laboratory. Newly emerged mosquitoes, 2000 from each habitat, were marked with fluorescent pigments and released in a peridomestic habitat in Shauri Moyo village. Of the 407 mosquitoes recaptured in landing-biting collections on man inside houses, 83% were domestic, 15·5% were peridomestic and 1·5% were feral. These various recapture rates indicate the existence of three behaviourally distinct populations of A. aegypti: domestic, peridomestic and feral; they also indicate that the mosquitoes' ability to enter houses is a genetically controlled behavioural trait.
Two new sibling species of Gryon Haliday (Hymenoptera, Scelionidae), egg parasites of blood-sucking Reduviidae (Heteroptera)
Authors: Masner Lubomir
Published: July 2009

Two species of Gryon Haliday, parasites on eggs of blood-sucking Reduviids, are described, namely G. triatomae sp.n. from Singapore and India, reared from eggs of Triatoma rubrofasciata (De Geer) and Linshcosteus sp., and G. linshcostei sp.n. from India from eggs of Linshcosteus sp. The species differ in biological attributes but are not separable by morphology; with G. insularis (Ashmead) they form the insularis-group.
The genus spodoptera (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) in Africa and the Near East
Authors: Brown E. S. , Dewhurst C. F.
Published: July 2009

A history of the changes in nomenclature within the genus Spodoptera is outlined. A key to the imagines of the eight species occurring in Africa and the Near East is presented, together with keys to the larvae and pupae of most of these species, including all those of economic importance in this region, as well as brief notes for identifying the eggs of six species. For each species, a separate account is given of its taxonomic features and affinities, general world and more detailed African distribution, as well as host-plants, including those of economic importance, and its vernacular names. The subspecies Spodoptera leucophlebia malagasy Viette, recorded only from the Malagasy Republic, has been raised to full specific status, and should now be known as Spodoptera malagasy Viette, stat. n.
Variations in the amino acids of haemolymph protein in females of Glossina austeni Newst. (Diptera, Glossinidae) during the reproductive cycle
Authors: Tobe S. S. , Langley P. A. , Whitehead D. L.
Published: July 2009

The amino acids of the haemolymph proteins of female Glossina austeni Newst. have been analysed at selected times during the first two pregnancy cycles by automatic amino acid analysis. The most prominent amino acids were glutamate, aspartate, lysine and leucine, with these amino acids accounting for almost 50% of the total amino acid residues. The molar percentage of all 16 amino acids observed varied only slightly throughout the pregnancy cycles. The amino acids of the perchloric acid-precipitable fraction of the gut contents of third-instar larvae (considered to be equivalent to milk secretion) have also been analysed and differ considerably from the haemolymph proteins, with glutamate and phenylalanine particularly prominent. Because of their low content of aromatic amino acids, the haemolymph proteins are not regarded as an important store of these compounds.
Observations on the reproductive biology ofAedes (Ochlerotatus) fryeri(Theo.) (Diptera, Culicidae)
Authors: Smith Stephen M. , Corbet Philip S.
Published: July 2009

Aedes (Ochlerotatus) fryeri(Theo.) was found developing in saline pools on the coastal margins of coral islands near Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Females were autogenous in the first ovarian cycle and anautogenous in the second ovarian cycle. The existence of autogeny was confirmed by examination of females reared from field-collected pupae and of the age structure of the population of females landing and biting. All females receiving carbohydrate and most females receiving only water as adults exhibited autogeny; only parous females were caught attempting to take blood. Water-fed females (and to a lesser extent, carbohydrate-fed females) showed a high incidence of follicular regression in the first gonotrophic cycle. The possible adaptive significance of autogeny inA. fryeriis briefly discussed.
The influence of moonlight on catches of insects in light-traps in Africa. III. The effective radius of a mercury-vapour light-trap and the analysis of catches using effective radius
Authors: Bowden John , Morris Marjory G.
Published: July 2009

Using the inverse square law, estimates can be made of the distances at which illumination from a light-trap is equal to that from background sources. From these distances an index of trap radius can be constructed which can be considered as a measure of trap potential. Between new moon and full moon trap radii vary, depending upon the times of the night at which the trap may be operating, in ratios from about 10:1 to 15:1. A comparable index of light-trap catches can be calculated which allows catches to be examined in relation to changing radius of the trap. Analysis of a series of catches in Uganda and Ghana shows that many species are more abundant than expected in periods of moonlight, particularly at and near full moon, the biggest difference between new moon and full moon being about 10:1 for Marasmia trapezalis (Gn.), whereas the Isoptera, Bostrychidae and Spodoptera triturata (Wlk.) are 3–4 times more frequent at full moon. The ratios between catch at new moon and catch at full moon suggest that the primary determinant of catch is the frequency with which insects cross the boundary of a region of influence whose size is determined by a radius of equal energy. Deductions about the pattern of insect activity through a lunation, and nightly, and the general agreement between curves describing the change in radius of the trap and those of trap catches suggest that changes in catch over a lunation can be explained by changes in the effectiveness of the trap. When corrections are made to allow for such changes, all taxa show some increase in numbers in moonlit periods and in many taxa this increase is substantial. Correction of catches should take account of flight periodicity and this periodicity should, if possible, be confirmed by methods independent of light-traps.
An artificial diet with improved acceptability to three strains of Myzus Persicae (Sulz.) (Hemiptera, Aphididae)
Authors: Griffiths D. C. , Greenway A. R. , Lloyd Susan L.
Published: July 2009

A laboratory-reared British strain of Myzus persicae (Sulz.) did not readily accept the artificial diet that has been used to maintain North American strains. All components of this diet were re-tested in factorial tests and a modified diet was developed which contained increased amounts of alanine, leucine, phenylalanine, serine, folic acid, calcium pantothenate and pyridoxine, while omitting arginine, glutamic acid, histidine, tryptophan, valine, ascorbic acid, choline chloride, nicotinic acid and riboflavin. This diet, although less adequate nutritionally than the original diet, could maintain M. persicae for several weeks and more than two generations. It was readily accepted by aphids with few deaths in the first generation, so that it should be more suitable than the Californian diet for bioassay of systemic insecticides and for studies on substances that might influence aphid behaviour.
Factors affecting the phenology of the first brood of the sugar-cane froghopper Aeneolamia varia saccharina (Dist.) (Homoptera, Cercopidae) in Trinidad
Authors: King A. B. S.
Published: July 2009

The size and occurrence of the first brood of adults of Aeneolamia varia saccharina (Dist.) are examined in relation to the pattern of egg eclosion and rainfall. The proportion of eggs hatching within a month of oviposition in the laboratory (short-period eggs) decreased from over 90% in August to less than 20% in January, but the incubation periods of the remaining, long-period eggs were longest in those laid during October and November. The overall hatching distributions tended to be bimodal with most eggs hatching during the early months of the year under moist conditions at 26°C. Dry soil conditions delay eclosion, and eggs obtained from fields during the dry season and then incubated under moist conditions tended to hatch at the normally expected time of the first rains in May. The numbers of eggs expected to produce the first brood, computed from laboratory hatching data and estimates of the numbers and fecundities of froghoppers during the second, third and fourth broods, were less than the actual numbers sampled just before the first rains. There was a close relationship between the first rainfall of over one inch within 48 h and adult emergence 27 and 34 days later, and 85% of field egg populations in May had hatched and/or died by the week after the first rains. However some variation in the date of their occurrence accounted for non-synchrony of first broods over the region. The numbers of diapause eggs in fields sampled during the dry season failed to give a good predictive relationship with first brood adult populations, probably because of density dependent mortality of eggs or hatchling nymphs.
Resistance in Blattella germanica (L.) (Orthoptera, Blattidae): the effect of propoxur selection and non-selection on the resistance spectrum developed by diazinon selection
Authors: Collins W. J.
Published: July 2009

Two strains of Blattella germanica (L.) were developed from a laboratory colony that was resistant to diazinon, propoxur, pyrethrins, lindane and DDT due to selection with diazinon. One strain was reared for nine generations without selection; the other strain was selected with propoxur for 14 generations; selection of the parent strain with diazinon was continued. Resistance to all five insecticides was stable for nine generations in the unselected strain, indicating fixation of the recessive genetic factor for diazinon and propoxur resistance and the incompletely dominant factor(s) for pyrethrins, lindane and DDT resistance. Diazinon and propoxur were equally effective as selecting agents for increasing resistance to diazinon, propoxur and pyrethrins and maintaining resistance to lindane and DDT. Resistance to diazinon and propoxur is probably due to a single recessive factor which attained genetic fixation by selection with diazinon. Cross-resistance to pyrethrins, lindane and DDT, also fixed by diazinon selection, is not due to heterotic effects but may be the pleiotropic action of the diazinon-resistance gene or due to a separate genetic system. The practical implications of this research are discussed.
The larvae of some Ixodid ticks (Acarina) from the eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Arthur Don R.
Published: July 2009

The larvae of ten species of Ixodid ticks are described, particular emphasis being placed on the setation of the capitulum and palps, and a key is provided to the larvae of 14 species from the eastern Cape Province of South Africa that are common, economically important or difficult to separate. Important characters are illustrated in 62 scanning electron micrographs.
Effect of chemical element deficiencies in nutrient solutions on the reproduction of Aceria sheldoni (Ewing)(Acarina, Eriophyidae)
Authors: Sternlicht M. , Regev S. , Goldenberg S.
Published: July 2009

Pomello and lemon seedlings kept for different time periods in various nutrient solutions were examined for their degree of infestation with Aceria sheldoni (Ewing), the citrus bud mite. Chemical analyses indicated that seedling leaves and buds had a higher nitrogen content in a potassium-free solution, and a lower nitrogen content in a nitrogen-free solution, when compared with their respective contents in a standard solution; in buds these differences were also shown by certain amino acids. Infested seedlings kept in a potassium-free solution had significantly more mites than those kept in a nitrogen-free solution, and the latter had significantly fewer mites than those kept in a standard solution. No increase in mite populations was noted on seedlings kept in high-nitrogen solutions. The relationship between the levels of potassium, nitrogen, magnesium and manganese and the mite population is discussed. No effect on mite reproduction was noted when sodium or calcium was used as a substitute for potassium.
Trap catches of the coconut rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae) in New Britain
Authors: Bedford G. O.
Published: July 2009

The trend in the relative populations of Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) in two areas of the Gazelle Peninsula, New Britain, was studied by trapping adults searching for breeding sites. In a high rainfall area with 10-year-old palms and many possible breeding sites, there was a large initial population of beetles which declined over the next three years with the gradual disappearance of the breeding sites; weekly catches were higher when the undergrowth in the trapping area was slashed, and to some extent also at new moon; catches were depressed by heavy rain. The ♂/♂ sex ratio was 0·31; all females had mated and had mature eggs in the lower ends of the oviducts. These results were compared with those from a low rainfall area with 70-year-old palms and dispersed breeding sites. Catches were generally lower; they showed no long term trend and were not related to slashing or weekly rainfall, but were inversely related to the number of rainy days per week.
Control of oriental fruit moth (Cydia molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)) with synthetic female pheromone
Authors: Rothschild G. H. L.
Published: July 2009

Field trials were undertaken in Victoria and New South Wales, Australia, to discover whether synthetic sex pheromone, cis-8-dodecenyl acetate, could be used to control the oriental fruit moth, Cydia molesta (Busck), in peach orchards by the disruption technique. When pheromone was released at rates exceeding 5 mg/ha h from polyethylene capillary tubes males were generally unable to locate synthetic pheromone sources or live virgin females. By maintaining a constant rate of release per unit area it was possible to reduce the number of dispensers from one per 50 m2 to one per 400 m2. There was no significant difference in disruption when pheromone was released from tree crowns at 3·5 m or lower down at 1·5 m. Shoot and fruit damage from trials in commercial orchards suggested that pheromone treatments were as effective as a full seasonal schedule of insecticide applications in reducing damage.
Quantitative evaluation of the feeding of the carmine spider mite Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisd.) (Acari, Tetranychidae)
Authors: Hazan A. , Gerson U. , Tahori A. S.
Published: July 2009

Faecal pellet production by Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisd.) was recorded at different temperatures (19, 24, 30, 35°C) and relative humidities (0% to 100%); at all temperatures pellet production was greater under dry than under wet conditions. A feeding index based on faecal pellet production and the proportion of adults surviving each day showed that the optimal conditions for the mite were 24°C and 38% r.h. Pellet production increased under continuous light and, under any particular set of conditions, was closely correlated with the numbers of eggs laid. It is concluded that faecal pellet production can be used as a measure of feeding within a given set of conditions provided it is supplemented and checked by other data.
The vertical distribution of some West African mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) over open farmland in a freshwater area of the Gambia
Authors: Gillies M. T. , Wilkes T. J.
Published: July 2009

Mosquitoes flying at low levels over open farmland were sampled by means of electrical suction traps. These were set up at nine levels from ground level up to 6 m. From the vertical profiles obtained it was possible to recognise three patterns of behaviour: (1) a low-flying group with relatively very high densities below 1 m, comprisingMansonia (Man-sonioides)spp.,Aedesspp. and some species ofAnopheles; (2) an intermediate group with densities rather evenly distributed at the lower levels but declining above 2–4 m, comprisingA. funestusGiles,A. gambiaeGiles andCulex neaveiTheo.; (3) a high-flying group with catches at 6 m greater, or much greater, than at 1 m, composed ofC. antennatus(Becker),C. thalassiusTheo. andC. poicilipes(Theo.). For all species, catches after 23.00 h showed an increase in the proportion of mosquitoes taken in traps at the lower levels, this being most marked at ground level and 0·5 m. No influence of either moonlight or wind speed could be detected to account for this. Biting catches on human baits showed a generally similar pattern to suction-trap catches, although differences between baits at 1-m intervals at the higher levels were less than with unbaited traps.
Diagnostic allozymes for routine identification of adults of theAnopheles gambiaecomplex (Diptera, Culicidae)
Authors: Mahon R. J. , Green C. A. , Hunt R. H.
Published: July 2009

Natural populations of four species of theAnopheles gambiaecomplex occurring in southern Africa were sampled and individuals identified using ovarian polytene chromosomes (19 species A, 190 species B, 140 species C and 54A. merusDön.). The genotypes of these same insects were scored for three loci coding for non-specific esterases, and one locus coding for tetrazolium oxidase, after electrophoresis. There is no intra-specific variation at the tetrazolium oxidase locus; species A, B and C share a common allozyme andA. merusis unique. The relative gene frequencies for the 16 allozymes of the three esterase loci for each species give a minimum probability of correct identification of 0·9533 under the worst conditions of sampling,i.e., where samples consist of equal mixtures of species. In practice, resort to such probabilities is necessary only in the discrimination between species A and C. This system of identification is superior to the chromosome method because all adults, whether male or female, and at whatever stage of the gono-tropic cycle, are identifiable.
Influence of weather and nocturnal illumination on the activity and abundance of populations of Noctuids (Lepidoptera) in south coastal Queensland
Authors: Persson Bert
Published: July 2009

A light-trap separating hourly catches was operated on a pasture research station in south coastal Queensland for 18 months in 1972 and 1973. A total of 339 000 Noctuid moths was captured. Half of the catch comprised pest species. Weather and nocturnal illumination were recorded on the trapping site. Multiple regression analyses were performed on the raw data, and, for comparison, some pest species were reared under semi-field conditions for a year. Night temperature, night wind and nocturnal illumination, in that order, were the most important factors influencing catch. Temperature and wind were each responsible for about one-fifth of the variance in catch, nocturnal illumination for about one-tenth. Twenty per cent of the variance in catch cannot be ascribed to changes in local weather or illumination. Wind had a significantly stronger influence on males than on females all year round, temperature a significantly stronger one on females than on males in summer. This was probably due to differences in the vertical distribution of flight in the two sexes, females flying lower than males. Nocturnal illumination had a significantly stronger influence on females than on males; on females its influence was almost as strong as that of wind, increasing with rising temperature to be twice as strong in summer as in winter. Females were most abundant in the first part of the night, males in the second. Temperature, wind and moonlight maintain this nocturnal distribution which is probably endogenously controlled. Female flight is probably linked to oviposition, male flight to response to pheromone release from calling females. Heavy out-of-season rainfall had a negative effect on Noctuid populations in the area and strongly increased both larval and adult mortality. Temperatures and rainfall during the larval and adult periods equal to the corresponding long-term averages and totals create optimal conditions for the development of Noctuid populations. Strong indications of migration were found in autumn and spring of 1973. Many moths of different species probably entered the area during nights with wind convergence caused by the passage of cold fronts. Separate analyses on the most abundant pest species confirmed the results of the analyses on the total catch of Noctuids.
Climatic factors affecting the catches of potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella (Zell.) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) at a pheromone trap
Authors: Krambias A.
Published: July 2009

A pheromone trap fitted with an automatic recording device to separate hourly catches of males of Phthorimaea operculella (Zell.) is described. Field experiments in Cyprus showed that when the trap was baited with virgin females peak catches occurred shortly before or 1–2 h after sunset; catches increased with wind speed in the range 0·1—4·7 ms-1, decreased with higher relative humidities in the range 62–92%, and were not affected by temperature.
The effect of human presence on the behaviour of tsetse (Glossina spp.) (Diptera, Glossinidae) near a stationary ox
Authors: Hargrove J. W.
Published: July 2009

A method is described whereby tsetse visiting a stationary ox can be observed through a one-way glass screen in the presence or absence of man. Under the latter condition six times as many adults of Glossina pallidipes Aust. perch and feed on the ox. In G. morsitans Westw. most flies land in the head-down position and are unaffected by man's presence, but in the absence of man there is a four-fold increase in the number which land and feed in the head-up position. Calculations indicate that in the absence of man virtually all G. pallidipes adults attracted to the ox alight on it, and nearly all attempt to feed. Man's presence not only repels many tsetse completely but also inhibits the landing response of many of those that do approach the ox.