bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new genus, Mayawa, for the reception of Limotettix capitatus Kirkaldy (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) and descriptions of five new species of Mayawa
Authors: Fletcher MJ
Published: March 2003

A new genus, Mayawa, is created for the Australian leafhopper species Limotettix capitatusKirkaldy (1907). Mayawa capitata (Kirkaldy) is redescribed and five new species, Mayawa carolae, Mayawa facialis, Mayawa flava, Mayawa fusca and Mayawa neoflava are added to the genus. Illustrations of all six species are provided, as is a key for their separation. The genus is restricted to Australia and the species are primarily grass‐feeding.
Developmental changes in the caudal and lateral processes of larvae ofAspidomorpha deusta(Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)
Authors: McBride Judith A , Bach* Catherine E , Walker Glenn K
Published: March 2003

Caudal and lateral processes of larvae of the Australian tortoise beetleAspidomorpha deusta(Fabricius) were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The caudal process holds a movable faecal shield thought to be important in larval defence. First‐instar larvae have barbs on the caudal processes, whereas older larvae (second, third and fourth instar) lack barbs. Similarly, young larvae (first instar and second instar) have barbs on lateral processes. Barbs may help in the retention of the shield material. The lateral processes of first‐instar and second‐instar larvae carry spinules that terminate in complex structures thought to be touch sensitive.
Seasonal abundance of insect biocontrol agents ofMimosa pigrain the Northern Territory
Authors: Steinbauer Martin J , Edwards Penny B , Hoskins Megan , Schatz Tim , Forno I Wendy
Published: March 2003

Nine insect species endemic to tropical America have been released into the Northern Territory as biological control agents forMimosa pigraL. (Mimosaceae). To date, few studies have been published that quantify the abundance of these agents post‐release. Hence, populations of adult agents in three stands ofM. pigrawere monitored using Malaise traps. Trap catches frequently contained the lepidopteran agentsCarmenta mimosaEichlin and Passoa andNeurostrota gunniella(Busck).Neurostrota gunniella, which was first released in 1989, was the most abundant of all the agents caught, irrespective of the stand ofM. pigrawhere trapping was conducted. The three coleopteran agents (namelyAcanthoscelidesSchönherr spp.,Chlamisus mimosaeKarren andCoelocephalapionWagner spp.) were caught less frequently. Two recently released beetles,Chalcodermus serripesFåhraeus andSibinia fastigiataClark, were not caught. Trap catches ofAcanthoscelidesspp. were greatest during the late dry season with smaller catches during the mid‐ to late wet season.Chlamisus mimosaewas most abundant during the dry to dry–wet transition.Neurostrota gunniellawas generally most abundant during the dry season. The abundances ofCa. mimosaandCoelocephalapionspp. exhibited little seasonality. Malaise trapping is recommended as part of a long‐term monitoring program to quantify agent populations and their impact uponM. pigra.
Two new species of Sarcophaga (Sarcorohdendorfia) Baranov (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), parasitoids of Littoraria filosa (Sowerby) (Gastropoda: Littorinidae)
Authors: Pape Thomas , McKillup Stephen C , McKillup Ruth V
Published: March 2003

We provide descriptions of two species of sarcophagid flies seen attacking the intertidal snail Littoraria filosa (Sowerby 1832), which occurs on leaves and branches of mangroves in central Queensland, Australia. This is the first description of sarcophagid parasitoids of a marine snail. Sarcophaga megafilosia sp. n. and Sarcophaga meiofilosia sp. n. belong to the subgenus Sarcorohdendorfia Baranov 1938 and both are parasitoids of L. filosa. These two parasitoids cause considerable mortality of L. filosa, which is an annual in large patches of mangroves (where both flies are present), but a perennial in smaller, more isolated patches (where the larger fly is usually absent).
Male genitalia of Exeretonevra Macquart (Diptera: Xylophagidae): Structure, function and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Palmer Christopher M , Ovtshinnikova Olga G , Yeates David K
Published: March 2003

The search for phylogenetically informative, adult morphological characters to clarify the relationships of the xylophagid genus Exeretonevra with other members of the lower Brachycera has yielded few synapomorphies. In this study, the male genital musculature of Exeretonevra angustifrons Hardy is examined and compared with other members of the lower Brachycera to ascertain whether this data set can support the inclusion of Exeretonevra in the infraorder Xylophagomorpha. Most genitalic muscle complexes of Exeretonevra conform to the plesiomorphic brachyceran configuration, with those of the cerci, epandrium and hypandrium possessing some apomorphic features. Although larval morphology and molecular evidence conclusively place Exeretonevra in the Xylophagidae, the male genital musculature suggest an affinity with the superfamily Asiloidea (infraorder Muscomorpha). In particular, Exeretonevra is the only taxon outside the infraorder Muscomorpha with a third tergosternal muscle bundle M53 present. No synapomorphies of genital musculature support the inclusion of Exeretonevra within the Nemestrinidae, a placement that has been supported by previous authors. We show that changes in the plane of movement of sclerotised structures may be correlated with changes in muscle attachments. Phylogenetic conservatism and extensive homoplasy are features of the male genitalic musculature of lower Brachycera and Exeretonevra is no exception.
First record of a fig mite from the Australian Region: Paratarsonemella giblindavisi sp. n. (Acari: Tarsonemidae)
Authors: Walter David Evans
Published: March 2003

Tarsonemid mites in the tribe Tarsonemellini have been found in figs or phoretic on fig wasps or fruit bats in the Neotropics, Africa and Asia. Here, the first known Australian fig mite, Paratarsonemella giblindavisi sp. n., is described from adult females and males collected from within the syconia of Ficus virens from St Lucia, Queensland. The male of Paratarsonemella is described for the first time and is found to have a unique fusion of the femur, genu, tibia and tarsus of leg IV.
Host‐plant resistance in sugarcane to pink ground pearls, Eumargarodes laingi Jakubski (Hemiptera: Margarodidae): Confirmation and further screening of clones
Authors: Allsopp Peter G , McGill Norman G , Stringer Joanne K
Published: March 2003

The response of 11 commercial cultivars and nine experimental clones of sugarcane to the margarodid Eumargarodes laingi Jakubski were evaluated over the plant (first harvest) and two successive annual ratoon harvests in a field trial in southern Queensland. Clones varied in the number of cysts developing on the roots with the lowest numbers on Q147, Q135 and Q182 and the highest on Q124, Q141, Q184 and 85S1247. The effect was similar over the three crops and indicates the presence of antibiosis and/or antixenosis. Clones also varied in cane and sugar yields and sugar content, with Q136, Q135, Q155, Q147 and Q124 giving the highest cane and sugar yields and 87S7364, 87S7367, 85S1247, Q141 and Q184 giving the lowest. Deviations from a general relationship between number of cysts and yield suggest that clones such as Q136, Q124 and Q155 have tolerance to E. laingi. Good concurrence in the ranking of clones between harvests and between this trial and previous work indicates that the resistance is stable and could be selected for on the basis of data from 1 or 2 years.
Establishment and distribution of the rubber vine moth, Euclasta whalleyi Popescu‐Gorj and Constantinescu (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), following its release in Australia
Authors: Mo Jianhua , Treviño Mariano , Palmer William A
Published: March 2003

Between 1988 and 1991, more than 115 000 adults and larvae of the Madagascan moth Euclasta whalleyi were released in Queensland for the control of rubber vine, Cryptostegia grandiflora (Roxb.) R. Br. Establishment of the insect was not confirmed until 1995, when populations were found around Charters Towers. Surveys were subsequently made in 1995 and 1996 to assess the establishment of the insect at release sites and to estimate the distribution of the insect as a result of dispersal. Euclasta whalleyi has now established widely throughout all major infestations of rubber vine in Queensland and no further release of the insect is considered necessary. The present distribution of the moth confirmed CLIMEX predictions of its ecoclimatically favourable range in Australia being the entire area infested with rubber vine and beyond. The insect was also found on the related native vine Gymnanthera oblonga (Burm. F.) P. S. Green that had previously been identified as a potential host during host‐specificity testing. Euclasta whalleyi provided another example of the delayed appearance of establishment of some introduced biocontrol agents. This suggested that surveillance should be carried out for a number of years, and possibly decades, after the release of an agent that is assumed not to have established.
Lectotype designation and description of the Tasmanian blowfly Calliphora dispar Macquart 1846 (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Norris KR
Published: March 2003

The type series of Calliphora dispar Macquart comprises a male and female, which are clearly members of different species. The male is here designated the lectotype. Recent material representing both sexes is used to prepare descriptions and illustrations of the terminalia are given. The species is viviparous and the cephalopharyngeal skeleton of the first larval instar is illustrated.
Evaluation of insecticides for the control of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on soybean, and the implications for field adoption
Authors: Duffield Simon J , Jordan Sydney L
Published: March 2003

Seven insecticides were evaluated against first‐, third‐ and fifth‐instar Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) larvae using a leaf‐disc bioassay of field‐treated soybean. Significant differences were detected in age‐specific mortality, time to effect (LT50) and field persistence of the insecticides tested. With the exception of trichlorfon, the mortality of first‐instar larvae was similar in the different treatments to the commercial standard, methomyl. The mortality of third‐ and fifth‐instar larvae in the spinosad and chlorpyrifos treatments was also similar to that in the methomyl treatment, while the age‐specific mortality of the insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis and nucleopolyhedrovirus declined more rapidly, resulting in low mortality to fifth‐instar larvae. The LT50 of the biological‐based products were significantly greater than those of the conventional products. Only chlorpyrifos showed significant activity 1 week after treatment. The results suggest the need for a user education program to highlight the likely differences in the field performance of the newer biological‐based products compared with the conventional chemicals with which growers are familiar.
Distribution of the ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) fauna in the canopy of the mangrove tree Sonneratia alba J. Smith in northern Australia
Authors: Nielsen Mogens Gissel
Published: March 2003

The distribution and density of the ant fauna in the canopy of the mangrove tree Sonneratia alba J. Smith were investigated in Darwin Harbour, Australia. Ten ant species were found on Sonneratia but on the experimental trees only Camponotus sp. A, Crematogaster sp. A, Tetraponera punctulata Smith and Tapinoma spp. occurred at high densities. Camponotus sp. A was by far the most common species and is only known from Sonneratia. Samples of Sonneratia branches were taken at 1‐m intervals from 4 to 10 m above the lowest astronomical tide (LAT) level. A total of 278 nest chambers was dissected from the branches and the contents identified and counted. All observed nests were inferred to have been excavated by Camponotus sp. A queens, which were often observed excavating small cavities in the green shoots. The nest chambers were all small (5.2 ± 0.6 cm), normally covering only one internode, and the mean number of workers of Camponotus sp. A per nest was only 15.9. Chambers have only one small entrance, which can be blocked by a major worker or the queen with their head during high tide. The percentage of twigs hollowed out and inhabited by ants ranged from 2% at 4–5 m to more than 25% higher than 9 m above LAT. Queens were never observed in internodes that were more than 1 year old, although workers and brood were present. It is therefore assumed that the queens die shortly after colony founding and that the workers take over reproduction through some sort of thelytokous parthenogenesis.
Seasonal phenology of the gall‐making fly Fergusonina sp. (Diptera: Fergusoninidae) and its implications for biological control of Melaleuca quinquenervia
Authors: Goolsby John A , Makinson Jeffrey , Purcell Matthew
Published: March 2003

A gall‐making fly, Fergusonina sp., is under study as a potential biological control agent of Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S. T. Blake, an invasive weed in Florida, USA. The seasonal phenology of Fergusonina sp. and its host M. quinquenervia was studied over 2 years in northern New South Wales and south‐eastern Queensland. Fergusonina sp. populations followed an annual cycle, with gall numbers peaking in August/September. Gall density was strongly correlated with leaf bud density and temperature, but not rainfall. Comparison of climates in Australia across the native range of Fergusonina sp. with the climate of Miami, Florida, predicts that climate should not be a limiting factor in its establishment. The fly/nematode complex of Fergusonina/Fergusobia sp. is compared with other gall‐making agents used in biological control programs. Galls are formed from primordial leaf bud and reproductive structures of the plant and have many of the attributes of a moderately powerful metabolic sink. High gall densities could potentially suppress seed production and reduce the vigour of the tree, which would make this insect species an effective biological control agent of M. quinquenervia.
Egg parasitoids of Australian Coreidae (Hemiptera)
Authors: Naumann Ian D , Steinbauer Martin J
Published: March 2003

Ten microhymenopteran species are recorded as parasitoids of the eggs of coreid bugs in Australia: Chrysochalcissa olivacea Girault (Torymidae) from Amorbus biguttatus Stål and Pternistria bispina Stål; two species of Anastatus Motschulsky (Eupelmidae) from Mictis profana (F.), Amorbus alternatus Dallas, Amblypelta lutescens lutescens (Distant) and an unidentified coreid; Xenoencyrtus hemipterus (Girault) (Encyrtidae) from Amorbus obscuricornis (Westwood) and Gelonus tasmanicus (Le Guillou); Ooencyrtus caurus Huang and Noyes (Encyrtidae) from A. lutescens lutescens;Centrodora darwini (Girault) (Aphelinidae) from an unidentified coreid; and four species of Gryon Haliday (Scelionidae) from Aulacosternum nigrorubrum (Dallas), A. lutescens lutescens, Amorbus rubicundus Stål, Mictis caja Stål, M. profana and an unidentified coreid. Alternate hosts and biological control prospects are discussed.
Status of the Ariphron generic group (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae): A critical review
Authors: Brown Graham R
Published: March 2003

The Ariphron genus group is revised. The work of Kimsey is reviewed and emended including diagnoses, species lists by original combinations, distributions, a phylogenetic analysis and a key to the genera Ariphron Erichson, Tachynomyia Guérin, Tachynoides Kimsey and Tachyphron Brown. Takyomyia Kimsey is discussed and synonymised with Tachyphron, and Tachynoides is redefined. All species of Takyomyia are transferred to Tachyphron, except T. flavopicta Ritsema, which is transferred to Tachynoides, as is Ar. pauseris Montet. A lectotype is designated for Ar. pauseris. Phymatothynnus pygidiophorus Turner is transferred to Ariphron, Ar. bicolor propodealis Rohwer is synonymised with Ar. bicolor Erichson, and Ta. subfragilis Turner is removed from synonymy with Ta. evelinae Turner. Within the genus Tachynomyia, Ag. spinolae Guérin and T. fervidus Erichson are returned to synonymy with Ta. abdominalis Guérin, Aelurus vulpinus Smith (as T. schoberi Dalla Torre) and Ae. senex Smith (as T. schroederi Dalla Torre) are removed from synonymy with Ae. dentatus Smith, and Ae. dentatus and T. kaltenbrunneri Dalla Torre are returned to synonymy with Ta. punctatus Smith. The male of Ae. incanus Smith is designated as the lectotype and is considered a synonym of Ta. moerens (Westwood), while the paralectotype female is considered to be Ta. punctatus. The taxonomic decision to transfer Tachypterus albopictus Smith, Tachypterus australis Saussure, Tachypterus fasciatus Guérin, Ae. fulvifrons Smith, Ta. nitens Saussure and T. wieseri Dalla Torre to the genus Tachynomyia by Kimsey is not accepted. Kimsey’s claims to have newly synonymised Ar. rigidulus Turner with Ar. bicolor Erichson, T. fervidus Erichson with Agriomyia abdominalis Guérin, and Ae. pilosulus Smith with T. adustus Smith, are not accepted.
Mating behaviour and alternative oviposition sites for male eggs in the heteronomous hyperparasitoid Coccophagus gurneyi Compere (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)
Authors: Parkes GT , Walter GH
Published: March 2003

The aphelinid parasitoid Coccophagus gurneyi Compere has unusual sex‐related host relationships. Females are diploid and develop internally within mealybugs Pseudococcus calceolariae (Maskell). Males, in contrast, are haploid and hyperparasitic, developing on primary parasitoid larvae within the mealybugs. Furthermore, males have been claimed to be capable of either internal or external development, depending on the precise site of deposition of the haploid egg. This diversity of developmental pathways could indicate the existence of a sibling‐species complex. We therefore quantified the mating and ovipositional behaviour of C. gurneyi, for comparison with that of an undescribed sibling species. We also checked whether the females deposit male eggs in alternative sites. The pattern of mating was found to be typical of mating behaviour in Coccophagus spp. and was consistent among all mating pairs, suggesting that the colony comprised one species. Further, the mating behaviour was significantly different from that of the undescribed sibling species. The site of male egg deposition varied and is apparently dictated by two factors; whether the mealybug is parasitised and, if so, the size of the parasitoid it contains. If the mealybugs were unparasitised or if the parasitoids within the mealybugs were small (< 0.53 mm), male eggs were deposited within the mealybug haemocoel. If the parasitoids were large (> 1.05 mm), male eggs were deposited within the parasitoids. These results support the claim of alternate host relationships and developmental pathways within males of C. gurneyi.
The walkeriana species‐group of Euhesma Michener (Hymenoptera: Colletidae: Euryglossinae)
Authors: Exley Elizabeth M
Published: March 2003

The walkeriana species‐group of iridescent Euhesma bees is described with the following nine species considered new: E. allunga, E. banksia, E. bronzus, E. dongara, E. lobata, E. spinola, E. sybilae, E. viridescens and E. xana. Two new synonymies are proposed: E. mica (Cockerell) with E. neglectula (Cockerell), and E. halictoides (Rayment) with E. latissima (Cockerell). A key enables the separation of species, and distributions are mapped.
Pest risk assessment of insects in sea cargo containers
Authors: Stanaway Mark A , Zalucki Myron P , Gillespie Peter S , Rodriguez Claudina M , Maynard Glynn V
Published: March 2003

A survey of the floors of 3001 empty sea cargo containers in storage was undertaken to estimate the quarantine risk of importing exotic insect pests into Australia, with special reference to pests of timber. More than 7400 live and dead insects were collected from 1174 containers. No live infestations of timber‐feeding insects were recorded, but feeding damage detected in one floor indicates a low risk of importing colonies of timber pests in containers. The survey collection of dead insects demonstrates that containers are regularly exposed to economically important quarantinable insects, including timber pests (bostrichids, curculionids, cerambycids, siricids and termites), agricultural pests (including Adoretus sinicus, Adoretus sp., Carpophilus obsoletus and Philaenus spumarius), and nuisance pests (vespids and Solenopsis sp.). Stored product pests were found in more than 10% of containers. The assessment of pest risk associated with shipping containers is discussed in terms of the quantity and quality of opportunities for exotic insects to establish via this pathway.
Lysiphlebus Förster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) in Australia
Authors: Carver Mary , Franzmann Bernard
Published: March 2003

Records are provided of the aphidiine parasites of aphids, Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) and L. testaceipes (Cresson), parasitizing species of Aphis Linnaeus, Rhopalosiphum Koch and Toxoptera Koch in eastern Australia. Both species of Lysiphlebus were imported into Australia in 1982 for purposes of biological control, evidently with little or no initial success. Lysiphlebus testaceipes, however, has been reared in abundance in eastern Australia since 1997. A brief account is given of the history of the parasites in Australia and the possible provenance of recently collected material is discussed. Characters to distinguish between the two species are provided.
Endemism and cryptogenesis in ‘segmented’ mites: A review of Australian Alicorhagiidae, Terpnacaridae, Oehserchestidae and Grandjeanicidae (Acari: Sarcoptiformes)
Authors: Walter David Evans
Published: March 2003

Endeostigmata are early derivative acariform mites, fossils of which are known from the Devonian. Extant species bear numerous plesiomorphies, the most striking being remnant opisthosomal segmentation. Also, many are all‐female parthenogens with broad geographical distributions. Many of the species reported in the present study may represent clones of ancient Gondwana species. Before the present study only a handful of endeostigmatans had been reported from Australia. A key to the families of Endeostigmata is provided in the present paper, along with a review of the Australian fauna of the families Alicorhagiidae (new record), Grandjeanicidae (new record), Oehserchestidae (new record), and Terpnacaridae. Terpnacarus gibbosus (Womersley) is redescribed. A report of the first records of the cosmopolitan parthenogens Alicorhagia usitata Theron et al., Alycosmesis palmata (Oudemans), Stigmalychus veretrum Theron et al., Terpnacarus carolinaensis Theron, and Oehserchestes arboriger (Theron) in Australia is provided, along with a description of the new species Grandjeanicus theroni (Grandjeanicidae). Terpnacarus variolus Shiba and T. glebulentus Theron are junior synonyms of T. gibbosus.
Meiotic karyotypes and structure of testes in males of 17 species of Psyllidae: Spondyliaspidinae (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) from Australia
Authors: Maryańska‐Nadachowska Anna , Taylor Gary S , Kuznetsova Valentina G
Published: March 2003

Chromosome numbers and sex‐determining systems of 16 species in 10 genera of Australian Psyllidae: Spondyliaspidinae (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) are presented. This is the first comprehensive karyological study for the Spondyliaspidinae. Karyotypes were: 2n = 11 (10 + X) for males of Australopsylla sp., Boreioglycaspis melaleucae (Moore), Cardiaspina albitextura Taylor, Creiis sp., Platyobria lewisi Taylor and Spondyliaspis plicatuloides (Froggatt); 2n = 9 (8 + X) for Blastopsylla adnatariae Taylor, Blastopsylla moorei Taylor, Cardiaspina retator Taylor, Cryptoneossa sp. (near triangula Taylor), Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore; and 2n = 7 (6 + X) for Anoeconeossa communis Taylor, Anoeconeossa sp. (communis group), Anoeconeossa sp. (fuscipennis group), A. unicornuta Taylor and Creiis vulgaris Taylor. The chromosome number 2n = 7 is the lowest recorded for any Psylloidea. The number of testicular follicles and arrangement of spermatocyte cysts (spermatocysts) in the follicles of each species, and of an additional species, Ctenarytaina sp. are described. Aspects of the karyology and morphology of the male reproductive system of each of the 17 species in 11 genera of Spondyliaspidinae are discussed in terms of recent shifts in spondyliaspidine classification and of the phylogenetic position of the Spondyliaspidinae within the Psylloidea.
Meiotic karyotypes and structure of testes in males of 12 species of Psyllidae: Acizziinae, Carsidaridae and Triozidae (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) from Australia
Authors: Maryańska‐Nadachowska Anna , Kuznetsova Valentina G , Taylor Gary S
Published: March 2003

The structure of the internal reproductive system of males of 12 Australian species of Psylloidea is described. These are Acizzia loranthacae Taylor, A. acaciaebaileyanae (Froggatt) and two undescribed species of Acizzia Heslop‐Harrison (Psyllidae: Acizziinae), Protyora sterculiae (Froggatt) (Carsidaridae), Aacanthocnema dobsoni (Froggatt), three undescribed species of Trioza Förster, Schedotrioza apicobystra Taylor, S. distorta Taylor and S. multitudinea (Maskell) (Triozidae). Chromosome numbers were determined for all but the last three species. All species karyotyped had diploid chromosome numbers of 2n = 25 (24 + X) in males. Aspects of the karyology and morphology of the male internal reproductive system are discussed, and some comments on the placement of the Australian psylloid fauna within the higher classification of the Psylloidea are presented.
Distribution and sampling of adults of Rhabdoscelus obscurus (Boisduval) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and their damage in sugarcane
Authors: Sallam Mohamed N , Garrad Steven W
Published: March 2003

Sampling statistics and spatial distribution were determined for adults of the sugarcane weevil borer, Rhabdoscelus obscurus, and for their damage in cane fields. Insect counts were obtained from split‐cane traps and pheromone‐baited traps. Counts of damaged internodes per stalk were also obtained from the same plots. Density and variance estimates of the three variables were fitted to Taylor’s power law, which provided significant regression in all three cases (R2 > 0.86). Spatial distributions of weevil borers as well as damage symptoms were clumped, which may explain the patchy nature of infestation in cane. Analysis of within‐plant distribution of damage showed that older internodes at the base of the stalk were more frequently infested than younger ones. Optimal sample sizes were determined for split‐cane and pheromone traps and damaged stalks. Sequential sampling plans and fixed‐precision level stop lines for the three parameters were also determined.
Abundance of Helicoverpa (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) pupae under cotton and other crops in central Queensland: Implications for resistance management
Authors: Sequeira Richard V , Playford Christina L
Published: March 2003

Planting of refuge crops and post‐harvest cultivation of soil in winter are key elements of resistance management strategies (RMS) for Bt‐transgenic (Ingard®) and conventional cottons in southern Queensland and New South Wales. As part of a larger project to examine the feasibility of growing Ingard® in central Queensland (CQ), field assessments were conducted during the 1996–97 growing season to examine the adequacy of the southern Bt‐cotton RMS under local environmental conditions. The suitability of cotton and a number of other field crops as refuges for Bt‐cotton was assessed in terms or their relative Helicoverpa pupal productivity. The practicality and potential effectiveness of post‐harvest cultivation under CQ conditions were also assessed. Field assessments show that pigeon pea has the greatest potential as a refuge for Bt‐cotton. Unsprayed cotton, sorghum and maize also produced substantially high pupal densities and hence are suitable refuge options, but they will require larger areas to be planted relative to pigeon pea. Post‐harvest cultivation in cotton fields is largely ineffective for resistance management under CQ conditions. A Bt‐cotton RMS for CQ is proposed. The CQ strategy includes refuge crop options contained in the southern strategy and the use of late season trap‐crops of pigeon pea as an alternative to post‐harvest cultivation.
Seasonal variation in larval‐instar head‐capsule sizes of Argentine stem weevil, Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Goldson Stephen L , McNeill Mark R , Proffitt John R , Baird David B
Published: March 2003

The distribution of head‐capsule widths of larvae of the Argentine stem weevil, Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel), was analysed using an extensive database and the results were compared to those in other publications. The study confirmed that there are four larval instars, but revealed that their size ranges can vary widely from season to season and/or generation to generation. Indications were that larval stage to larval stage first summer generation larvae tended to be larger than those in the second generation. Generally, Dyar’s Rule applied to all data sets, although the third‐to‐fourth‐instar ratio was sometimes below the mean value of 1.393; this was possibly related to observed sexual differences in size of L. bonariensis. The conformation to Dyar’s Rule resulted in first‐instar head‐capsule size being a predictor of subsequent mean instar stadia sizes. Possible reasons for the observed differences in L. bonariensis head‐capsule widths between seasons and generations are discussed.
Effect of body size on fecundity of Childers canegrub, Antitrogus parvulus Britton (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Logan David P , Allsopp Peter G , Zalucki Myron P
Published: March 2003

Actual and potential fecundity for Childers canegrub, Antitrogus parvulus Britton, was influenced by the size of females, with the largest females laying the most eggs. Actual or realised fecundity for A. parvulus averaged 18 eggs per female, about half of potential fecundity. Actual fecundity was significantly related to elytron length in a group of laboratory‐reared beetles, but not for a group of field‐collected beetles. Size was related to potential fecundity for four out of four groups of females collected from emergence traps in the field and for one of two groups reared in the laboratory from field‐collected late‐instar larvae. As females lay a single batch of eggs, beetle size may be important in the population dynamics of A. parvulus. Populations of A. parvulus with small beetles are potentially less likely to persist and expand than populations with relatively large females.
Diagnoses and immature stages of some AustralianTanytarsusvan der Wulp (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Ekrem Torbjørn
Published: March 2003

Descriptions of immature stages and complete diagnoses ofTanytarsus barbitarsisFreeman,Tanytarsus fuscithoraxSkuse, Tanytarsus semibarbitarsusGlover andTanytarsus formosanusKieffer as well as diagnoses of adult males ofTanytarsus nichollsiGlover, Tanytarsus subinextentusGlover, Tanytarsus inextentusSkuse, andTanytarsus paskevillensisGlover are given.Tanytarsus dyceiGlover is shown to be a synonym ofTanytarsus formosanus. All species are potential members of theTanytarsus mendax, Tanytarsus gregarius, Tanytarsus eminulusorTanytarsus lugensspecies groups, but only three species fit the group diagnoses.
Megninia casuaricola sp. n. (Acari: Analgidae), the first feather mite from a cassowary (Aves: Struthioniformes: Casuariidae)
Authors: Proctor Heather C
Published: March 2003

A new species of mite from the family Analgidae, Megninia casuaricola sp. n., is described from the feathers of a southern cassowary, Casuarius casuarius (L.). Until now, cassowaries were among the few terrestrial birds thought to be without feather mites. The new species of mite is readily distinguished from other described species of Megninia Berlese by the lack of vertical setae (vi) in all stages, poorly developed tibial spurs on legs I and II, and elongate and deeply incised terminal lobes in the male. Megninia species are primarily associated with galliform birds, but are also known from Coliiformes, Cuculiformes and Columbiformes. Feather mites have now been collected from most living genera of ratites (Struthio L., Rhea Brisson, Apteryx Shaw, Casuarius Brisson, but not Dromaius Vieillot). Host ranges and phylogenetic affiliations of these mites do not support the common belief that ratites represent a primitive palaeognathous lineage; rather, they agree more readily with the hypothesis that ratites are descendants of relatively recent neognathous birds.
Baseline laboratory bioassay data for spinosad against populations of Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Levot Garry W , Rothwell Jim T , Sales Narelle
Published: March 2003

Spinosad was an effective larvicide against the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia
cuprina. A survey of 41 field populations indicated no cross‐resistance to spinosad from existing organophosphate resistance. The data presented serve as baseline data for future resistance surveys.
New gall‐inducing species of ormocerine pteromalid (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae: Ormocerinae) described from New Zealand
Authors: Berry Jocelyn A , Withers Toni M
Published: March 2003

Nambouria xanthops Berry and Withers, a new species of ormocerine pteromalid
reared from galls on Eucalyptus nicholii Maiden and Blakely, Eucalyptus
glaucescens Maiden and Blakely, Eucalyptus cinerea F. Muell. ex Benth.
and Eucalyptus viminalis Labill. (Myrtaceae), is described from New Zealand.
Nambouria xanthops is presumed to be introduced accidentally from Australia.
The placement of this new species in the genus Nambouria Boucek is discussed.
Biology of the gumleaf skeletoniser, Uraba lugens Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in the southern jarrah forest of Western Australia
Authors: Farr Janet D
Published: March 2003

The biology of Uraba lugens Walker, gumleaf skeletoniser (GLS), in the southern
jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Smith) forest of Western Australia is
examined with respect to: (1) distribution of egg rafts and larvae in the host canopy;
(2) survival on different food plants; (3) phenology; (4) mortality; and (5) fecundity.
Limited preference for height was found for eggs and larvae within the jarrah canopy.
Both jarrah and marri (Corymbia calophylla (Lindl.) K.D. Hill and L.A.S. Johnson)
were intermediate hosts within the host range for GLS when compared with more preferred
hosts from eastern Australia. A simulation model, used to determine phenology, showed
GLS to be bivoltine in Perth and univoltine in the southern jarrah forest near Manjimup,
with capacity for the univoltine form to change to a bivoltine cycle following two
consecutive warm winters. Six parasitoids were isolated from populations in south‐west
Western Australia. The eulophid Euplectrus sp. and an unknown mortality agent were the predominant causes of the population decline in 1988, following an outbreak during 1982–88. Fecundities were significantly different between the outbreak and non‐outbreak periods. Furthermore, fecundity for the southern jarrah forest population was significantly higher than measured fecundities of bivoltine South Australian populations.
New genus and five new species of heat‐tolerant tiphiid wasps from Western Australia (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae: Thynninae)
Authors: Kimsey Lynn S
Published: March 2003

Abstract Thynnine wasps are a dominant part of the Australian insect fauna. They are parasites of soil‐dwelling scarab‐beetle larvae. These wasps are found during the spring and summer months and some are active during the hottest hours of the summer day. The new genus Beithynnus, from Western Australia, is one of these heat‐tolerant groups. The genus is based on the new species B. sulfureus, and four additional new species, B. amplus, B. moorensis, B. multimaculatus, and B. tinkeri.
Larva and pupa of Cyphopisthes descarpentriesi Paulian (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Ceratocanthidae) and their phylogenetic implications
Authors: Grebennikov Vasily V , Ballerio Alberto , Scholtz Clarke H
Published: March 2003

Abstract Pupae and mature larvae of the Australian ceratocanthid beetle, Cyphopisthes descarpentriesi Paulian 1977, are described and extensively illustrated. This is the sixth species of the family for which immature stages are known and the first from the Australian region. Unlike other ceratocanthid larvae described before, those of Cyphopisthes Gestro lack stridulatory teeth on the middle and hind legs and any trace of a frontoclypeal suture on the cranium. Reduced one‐segmented labial palpi in Cyphopisthes are unique in Scarabaeoidea. Monophyly of the family is not corroborated by larval characters. Absence of spiracular closing apparatus in larvae is reported in the family for the first time. Like pupae of Ceratocanthus White and Germarostes Paulian, those of Cyphopisthes have thoracic projections, but their shape and location are different. Spiracles are found on abdominal segments 2−4 of pupa; that on segment 2 differs in colour and location from the others.
Common names for Australian ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Andersen Alan N
Published: March 2003

AbstractMost insects do not have common names, and this is a significant barrier to public interest in them, and to their study by non‐specialists. This holds for even highly familiar insect groups such as ants. Here, I propose common names for all major native Australian ant genera and species‐groups, as well as for many of the most abundant and distinctive species. Sixty‐two genera, 142 species‐groups and 50 species are given names. The naming system closely follows taxonomic structure; typically a genus is given a general common name, under which species‐group and species names are nested.
Host specificity of the rubber vine moth, Euclasta whalleyi Popescu‐Gorj and Constantinescu (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Pyraustinae): field host‐range compared to that predicted by laboratory tests
Authors: McFadyen Rachel E Cruttwell , Vitelli Marie , Setter Catherine
Published: March 2003

Abstract The moth Euclasta whalleyi was introduced into Australia in 1988 for the biocontrol of its host plant, rubber vine Cryptostegia grandiflora, despite test results predicting it might also attack the related native vine Gymnanthera oblonga. Ten years after release, the moth is widespread and damaging on rubber vine, but there is no attack on G. oblonga, except when it is growing in close association with rubber vine plants. The implications of ‘false positives’ in host‐specificity testing are discussed.
Vector competence of Coquillettidia linealis (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) for Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses
Authors: Jeffery Jason AL , Ryan Peter A , Lyons Scott A , Kay Brian H
Published: March 2003

Abstract Coquillettidia linealis is a severe pest on some of the Moreton Bay islands in Queensland, Australia, but little is known of its breeding habitats and biology. Because of its high abundance and its association with Ross River (RR) and Barmah Forest (BF) viruses by field isolation, its vector competence was evaluated in the laboratory by feeding dilutions of both viruses in blood. For RR, Cq. linealis was of comparable efficiency to Ochlerotatus vigilax (Skuse), recognised as being a major vector. Results were as follows for Cq. linealis and Oc. vigilax, respectively: dose to infect 50%, 102.2 and <101.7 CCID50/mosquito; 88% and 90% disseminated infection at 4 days postinfection; transmission at 4 days with rates of 68−92% and 25−60%. For BF dose to infect 50%, 102.7 and 102.0; disseminated infection rates on first transmission day (day 6), 40% and 70%; transmission rates of 8−16% and 0−10%. As a capillary‐tube method was used rather than suckling mice to demonstrate transmission, transmission rates may be underestimates. This, the first study of the vector competence of Cq. linealis in Australia, demonstrates that this species deserves control on the southern Moreton Bay islands.
Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a predacious ladybird new in Australia
Authors: Franzmann Bernard A
Published: March 2003

Abstract The originally Palaearctic but now widespread coccinellid Hippodamia variegata was recorded for the first time in Australia at Gatton, Queensland, in November 2000. Since then, it has been recorded preying on 12 different aphid species and a psyllid, on a variety of crops, weeds and ornamental plants. Within a year of its discovery, it had been recorded within a distance of 800 km north and south and 500 km west of the original collection point. Collection and observation records are presented.
Development of Trichogramma australicum Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in Helicoverpa (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) host eggs
Authors: Jarjees Ekhlass A , Merritt David J
Published: March 2003

Abstract Morphological studies of development of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma australicum Girault in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), were conducted to provide benchmarks for assessing developmental rates in both natural hosts and artificial diets. Observations of living embryos and histological sections show that embryos proceed rapidly through cleavage and blastoderm formation and show a characteristic pinching or rotation 8 h after deposition. Eggs progressively increase in volume, primarily by increasing in diameter at the widest point. At 29 ± 1°C the duration of the egg stage is 22−24 h, the larval stage 27 h, the prepupal stage 50−52 h, and pupa 85 h. Larvae undergo dramatic shape changes as they ingest food but do not show signs of larval moults, reinforcing observations that there is only one larval instar. Criteria for staging the embryonic and postembryonic development in natural hosts will be used for future studies aimed at developing and refining artificial diets for Trichogramma.
Spider mites of sugarcane in Australia: a review of grass‐feedingOligonychusBerlese (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Beard Jennifer J , Walter David Evans , Allsopp Peter G
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn many areas of the world, spider mites are significant pests of sugarcane. Australia is currently fortunate in lacking the most destructive species, and usually suffers only sporadic damage. Herein, we provide a key to the genera of spider mites associated with sugarcane, review the most significant genus,OligonychusBerlese, and provide a key to the species of grass‐feedingOligonychusin the Australasian region. The speciesO. araneumDavis,O. digitatusDavis,O. grypusBaker and Pritchard,O. orthiusRimando, andO. oryzae(Hirst) are redescribed, while the AustralianO. zanclopessp. n. Beard and Walter from sugarcane and rice,O. turbellisp. n. Beard and Walter,O. ephamnussp. n. Beard and Walter andO. festucolussp. n. Beard and Walter from other grasses, are newly described. Previous records ofO. grypusin Australia appear to be misidentifications of what is described here as the new speciesO. zanclopes.
Control of woolly aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) (Hemiptera: Pemphigidae) on mature apple trees using insecticide soil‐root drenches
Authors: Nicholas Adrian H , Spooner‐Hart Robert N , Vickers Richard A
Published: March 2003

Abstract Woolly aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum, is an important pest of apples that infests both the aerial and root parts of the tree. Root colonies are protected from the pesticide sprays applied during the growing season and the climatic effects of winter. Consequently, root colonies are a major source of aerial re‐infestation in the following spring. Imidacloprid, the first of a new group of insecticides from the chloronicotinyl family, is known to provide excellent control of woolly aphid on trees up to 7‐years‐old when applied as a root soil drench. This study compared the effects of a single application of chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, pirimicarb or vamidothion, applied as a root drench over four growing seasons. A soil wetting agent was added to each chemical to improve soil saturation and penetration. Imidacloprid provided excellent control of woolly aphid on the trees that were 17‐years‐old at the start of the study and continued to do so for four seasons. Pirimicarb appeared to offer some suppression of woolly aphid during the first season but not in subsequent seasons, while chlorpyrifos and vamidothion failed to control woolly aphid in any season. The potential role for imidacloprid in IPM programs is discussed.
Ecophysiological effects of light quality and nitrate on seed germination in species from Western Australia
Authors: BELL DAVID T. , KING LAURA A. , PLUMMER JULIE A.
Published: March 2003

Germination occurs usually in response to multiple environmental cues. Seeds with the ecophysiological ability to simultaneously sense the previous presence of fire and appropriate levels of temperature, light and soil nitrate could restrict germination to postfire, winter and competition‐free microhabitats, where the potential for seedling survival is enhanced. Germination responses of 16 species with a range of life forms, fire responses and seed weights were determined under controlled conditions of 15°C temperature, a 12 h light cycle, exposure to 1 g L−1 nitrate solution, and six conditions of light quality (white, blue, yellow, red, far‐red light and darkness). Germination in Oenothera stricta, a weedy naturalized ephemeral, and two small‐seeded indigenous Asteraceae species of mulga woodlands, Leucochrysum fitzgibbonii and Craspedia sp., were enhanced by white, yellow or red light compared with germination achieved in the dark, or under far‐red or blue light. In red light, KNO3 further enhanced germination of these positively photoblastic species. The germination response of Trachyandra divaricata, a naturalized herb of sandy, seaside locations, and several native jarrah forest legumes (four Acacia species, Bossiaea aquifolium, Gompholobium marginatum and Sphaerolobium vimineum) proved to be negatively photoblastic. Of these seven negatively photoblastic herb and shrub species, exposure to KNO3 overcame the inhibition of light only in the resprouter species, Acacia lateriticola. In the serotinous, negatively photoblastic tree species, Corymbia calophylla and Eucalyptus marginata, KNO3 seemed to be required before the negative response to light exposure was recorded. A dose–curve experiment on two positively photoblastic and three negatively photoblastic species indicated that although KNO3 exposure affected germination in all species, different concentrations of KNO3 (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 g L−1) produced different levels of response. Detailed studies with additions of KNO3 (1 g L−1) and the growth hormone, gibberellic acid (GA3; 50 mg L−1), showed that increased germination percentages of the positively photoblastic species, Oenothera stricta, occurred in the light, but blocking endogenous gibberellic synthesis with paclobutrazol, or adding exogenous GA3 or KNO3 had no effect on the light‐induced germination levels. In the negatively photoblastic species Trachyandra divaricata, additions of KNO3 and GA3 had no influence on the germination inhibition induced by exposure to light nor did blocking endogenous GA synthesis. The 16 species growing naturally in Western Australia, Australia show a range of germination responses to environmental conditions, but depending on their natural habitat, the ecophysiology of each species appears to be optimized for subsequent seedling survival.