bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capture-recapture studies with mosquitoes of the group of Anopheles punctulatus Dönitz (Diptera: Culicidae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: Charlwood J. D. , Graves P. M. , Birley M. H.
Published: July 2009

Five capture-recapture experiments with three species of the group of Anopheles punctulatus Dönitz were undertaken in four villages in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. Females were collected in landing catches, blood-fed, marked with fluorescent powder according to time and location of capture, and released. Recaptures took place for 4–13 nights after release. A proportion of the recaptured mosquitoes was dissected for evidence of recent oviposition and gonotrophic age determination. Two models were developed to test a number of the assumptions that underlie the analysis of capture-recapture data from mosquitoes. Species abundance and numbers collected varied within and between villages, but marked mosquitoes dispersed at random within the mosquito population. No heterogeneity was found between indoor and outdoor biters of any of the three species. Survival rates were similar in all species. Significant differences were found in the duration of the oviposition cycle between species and village. This was 2·7–3·7 days for A. punctulatus, 2·4–3·2 days for A. koliensis Owen and 2·1–3·0 days for A. farauti Laveran. No differences were found in the duration of the oviposition cycle of nulliparous and parous females of A. farauti. Thus temporary pool breeders had a longer cycle than permanent pool breeders. This tended to be due to a delay in returning to feed rather than a delay in oviposition. It is concluded that differences between local environments exert a greater influence on the duration of the oviposition cycle than do species specific differences.
The eradication of Glossina palpalis palpalis (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Glossinidae) using traps, insecticide-impregnated targets and the sterile insect technique in central Nigeria
Authors: Takken V. , Oladunmade M. A. , Dengwat L. , Feldmann H. U. , Onah J. A. , Tenabe S. O. , Hamann H. J.
Published: July 2009

The integrated use of biconical traps, insecticide-impregnated targets and the sterile insect technique was developed for the eradication of Glossina palpalis palpalis (Robineau-Desvoidy) in a 1500-km2 area of central Nigeria. Six weeks or more of continuous removal trapping, using biconical traps, reduced the target tsetse population by more than 90% but failed to eradicate it. Males sterilized by irradiation from a 60Co source that were then released weekly induced significant sterility in target females and were successful in helping to eradicate the target population. A minimum ratio of 10:1 of sterile to wild males was required to achieve eradication in a central area of 300 km2. In marginal habitats, insecticide-impregnated targets were found adequate to control the tsetse population. The targets were also efficient as barriers to prevent reinvasion of the area. The combined effect of removal trapping and sterile male release is expected to eradicate G. p. palpalis from the entire study area.
The behaviour of Anopheles minimus Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae) subjected to differing levels of DDT selection pressure in northern thailand
Authors: Nustsathapana Suthas , Sawasdiwongphorn Phorn , Chitprarop Udom , Cullen J. R.
Published: July 2009

Anopheles minimus Theobald was studied in four villages that had experienced differing levels of DDT application during malaria control operations in the foothills of northern Thailand. During times of high population level, the behaviour of the mosquito was assessed with respect to man-biting indoors and outdoors and feeding from domestic bovids. Its responses in villages recently treated with DDT differed from those in villages that had not been treated for several years, so that the insecticide had little direct lethal effect. Furthermore, the influence of the insecticide on the behaviour of the insect was considerably longer than is the lethal effect of the chemical. There was a suggestion that the taxon A. minimus may include two or more morphologically-cryptic species.
The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for the identification of blood-meals of haematophagous insects
Authors: Service M. W. , Voller A. , Bidwell D. E.
Published: July 2009

A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was developed to detect blood-meals in insects and identify the host fed on. The test proved both sensitive and specific. Very small quantities of fresh blood (about 0·02 μl) can be detected; in practice, this enables blood in mosquitoes which are about three-quarters gravid to be identified. In trials in both Zambia and Britain, positive reactions were easily identified visually; consequently, this enabled the ELISA technique to be used as a routine field test. In addition to those of mosquitoes, blood-meals of a few Culicoides species were also successfully identified.
Phenology and field biology of the dung beetle onitis caffer Boheman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in southern Africa
Authors: Edwards Penelope B.
Published: July 2009

The biology and development of immature stages of summer (SR) and winter rainfall (WR) strains of Onitis caffer Boheman were studied in South Africa in a summer rainfall area (Pretoria). A pair of adult beetles buried up to 650 ml of dung from one dung pad, and females laid an average of 1 egg for every 62 ml of dung buried. Broods were buried at an average depth of 50 cm in watered soil and 24 cm in unwatered soil. Eggs laid in June (winter) hatched 10 weeks later. The third instar was reached by late October. WR larvae suffered higher mortality (82%) with the onset of summer rains than did SR larvae (53%). By the following June, 6% of surviving WR individuals had emerged as adults, 12% were adults in faecal shells and 82% were diapausing third-instar larvae. Of the SR individuals, 67% emerged by June and 33% were diapausing third-instar larvae. In a second experiment, two groups of broods of the SR strain of O. caffer of different ages were set out in the field in June. One group, equivalent to broods produced early in the season (March), entered diapause as third-instar larvae, and adults emerged the following autumn. The second group represented broods produced later in the season (May); the majority did not diapause, but adults also emerged the following autumn. A field population of SR adults of O. caffer was sampled for two years. Adults were first recorded at the end of February (late summer), and newly-emerged specimens were caught up until the end of April. Maximum numbers were recorded in late March to early April (autumn), and activity ceased in June-July (winter).
The isolation and inheritance of dieldrin resistance in the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Busch-petersen E. , Wood R. J.
Published: July 2009

Four geographical strains of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) were subjected as third-instar larvae to mass selection with dieldrin. Two strains, SOUTH and COSRIC, responded well but continued to show substantial heterogeneity in tolerance to the insecticide after 21 and 25 generations of selection, respectively. The technique was altered to single family sib selection, resulting in the isolation from the SOUTH strain of a dieldrinresistant strain (73) showing a more homogeneous response to the insecticide. By the same technique, a dieldrin susceptible strain (72/3) was isolated from the COSRIC strain. A decline in resistance was observed in the 73 strain between generations three and four, but the level subsequently increased again, without selection, reaching 68-fold in generation seven. It remained high for the next two years. No significant change was observed in susceptibility to dieldrin of strain 72/3; it remained highly susceptible. Resistance to solutions of technical dieldrin (96%) was shown to be mainly under the control of a single major autosomal gene, intermediate in dominance but with a modifying effect of the genetic background on the expression of the resistance gene. The resistance heterozygotes, segregating in backcrosses to susceptible individuals, were shown to be more resistant than expected, while in backcrosses to resistant ones they were more susceptible. A dose of 11 p.p.m. dieldrin was found to discriminate almost completely between heterozygous and homozygous-susceptible individuals among backcross progeny. In tests using a purer form of the insecticide (99·7%), a similar pattern of resistance was observed. The implications for genetic sexing in C. capitata are discussed.
Time series analysis of numbers of Lepidoptera caught at light traps in East Africa, and the effect of moonlight on trap efficiency
Authors: Taylor R. A. J.
Published: July 2009

A time series analysis of noctuid and sphingid moths caught at light traps in East Africa revealed the existence of sources of periodic variation in catch with three different wavelengths: lunar, annual and four-year. A comparison of catches of Spodoptera exempta (Walker) at different sites showed that site characteristics influence a light trap’s catch and confirmed the northward advance in flight period with season in the early part of the year. This species apparently goes through periods of increased abundance every four years. Of eight other species examined, all but one showed signs of a four-year cycle in abundance, although the peaks occurred in different years. Catches of all nine species were reduced by moonlight, but not equally. The size of the insect influenced its susceptibility to interference by moonlight. This was apparently mediated by the height of flight. High and low flying moths were more strongly influenced by moonlight than those at intermediate heights.
A review of the genusCryptolaemus(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with particular reference to the species resemblingC. montrouzieriMulsant
Authors: Booth R. G. , Pope R. D.
Published: July 2009

Cryptolaemus montrouzieriMulsant is a well-known and historically important predator of mealybugs. It is indigenous to eastern Australia, and has been introduced throughout the world for biological control. In contrast, the other members of the genus, including those which resembleC. montrouzieri, remain poorly known. The genusCryptolaemus, with seven previously described species, is redefined and two species-groups are recognized. The first, themontrouzierigroup, comprisingC. montrouzieri, C. affinisCrotch (Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and northern Queensland, Australia).C. wallaceiCrotch (Indonesia) andC. simplexBlackburn (northern Australia), is revised;C. crotchisp. n. (Indonesia) andC. sinestriasp. n. (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands) are described as new, andC. simplexis reduced to a subspecies ofC. montrouzieri. A key to these species is provided. The second group comprises two of the remaining species.C. subviolaceusCrotch andC. concinnusWeise, but lack of sufficient material precludes a revision of this group at present. The final species,C. engelhardiGorham. is transferred to the chilocorine genusBrumoidesChapin. Lectotypes are selected where appropriate.
Comparative biogeography and biology of the South American locust, Schistocerca cancellata(Serville), and the south african desert locust, s. gregaria flaviventris(Burmeister) (Orthoptera: Acrididae): a review
Authors: Waloff Z. , Pedgley D. E.
Published: July 2009

A comparison is made of the distribution, breeding, migration and population dynamics of Schistocerca cancellata (Serville) in South America and S. gregaria flaviventris (Burmeister) in southern Africa. The annual patterns of breeding and migration are strongly influenced by the weather and its seasonal variations. Breeding is confined to the summer rains, and outbreak regions lie in the driest parts of the distribution areas, where habitats are unstable but where high reproductive capacity allows the occasionally abundant rains to lead to plagues. The long dry season is passed in the mobile, downwind-displacing adult stage, survival being assisted by flexibility of rates of sexual maturation and of egg development. Some comparisons are made with S. gregaria gregaria (Forskål).
Identity of the South-East Asian cocoa moth, Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), with descriptions of three allied new species
Authors: Bradley J. D.
Published: July 2009

The identity and scientific name of the cocoa moth or cocoa pod borer, Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen), the major pest of cocoa in South-East Asia and generally recorded in the literature as Acrocercops cramerella, are clarified. Three previously unrecognized congeneric species are described and differentiated, viz. C. oceanica sp. n., C. sinensis sp. n. and C. litchiella sp. n. Wing pattern, male and female genitalia are figured for each species.
The control of migratory urge inaphis fabaescopoli (hemiptera: aphididae)
Authors: Kidd N. A. C. , Cleaver A. M.
Published: July 2009

Some flightworthy alate exules ofAphis fabaeScopoli reproduce before taking off while others do not. This difference in behaviour is influenced by crowding and has previously been taken as an indication of the urge to migrate, although it has never been conclusively demonstrated. In this study, the flight performance of those aphids depositing some nymphs before take-off (‘flyers’) was compared with those which did not (‘migrants’). In fact, no significant difference was found between migrants and flyers in any of the aspects of post-take-off flight or settling behaviour tested. In tethered flight, large alatae flew for longer than small ones, irrespective of their pre-flight reproductive behaviour. In free flight, however, large alatae flew for a shorter period before actively landing on a plant. Large alatae were also subsequently more reluctant to leave the plant than small alatae, spending more time in sedentary activities such as probing and less time preparing to take off. It is concluded, therefore, that migratory urge is related more to aphid size, a product of plant nutritive quality, than to take-off urge, as measured by pre-flight reproductive behaviour. However, as high population densities tend to occur when the nutritional quality of the host is declining, take-off urge and migratory urge are likely to be synchronized in the field.
A rapid radioimmunoassay for the detection of Mansonia antigen (Diptera: Culicidae): its potential use as a sensitive method for studying predator- prey relationships
Authors: Bailey Donald L. , Choate Angela L. , Lawman Michael J. P.
Published: July 2009

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) was developed that utilizes 125I-linked Protein A as a tracer to detect the presence of antibodies to an antigen of Mansonia larvae. Antiserum was made by periodic injections of ground gut of fourth-instar larvae of M. dyari Belkin, Heinemann & Page into a rabbit, bleeding the rabbit by cardiac puncture and separating the serum. Using the rabbit antiserum at various dilutions, the specificity of the antibody to Mansonia was examined in tests with seven other mosquito species of different genera. Although there was low-level cross-reactivity with all the other species, the differences in reactivity between those and Mansonia larvae ranged between 2·5 and 8·4-fold; therefore, positive identification was possible. Furthermore, one fourth-instar Mansonia larva could be detected within a predator (fourth-instar larvae of Toxorhynchites rutilus rutilus (Coquillett) 48 h after consumption using the RIA.
Distribution of the African armyworm,Spodoptera exempta(walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and the frequency of larval outbreaks in Africa and Arabia
Authors: Haggis Margaret J.
Published: July 2009

Spodoptera exempta(Walker) occurs very widely in Africa south of the Sahara and in south-western Arabia, and more intermittently in the eastern Indian Ocean and Pacific areas. Throughout its range, the extent and frequency of its attacks have increased markedly, especially in the last 10–15 years. In parts of Africa and in south-western Arabia it is now regularly a seasonally important pest; examples are given of monthly distribution maps of the frequency of its attacks in this region. Maps such as these provide a useful and wide-based perspective for those concerned with prediction, survey and control ofS. exemptain a more limited area and with little or no access to information from other territories. Year to year variations within the general patterns derived from many years' records are illustrated by the distribution of outbreaks in three recent seasons, in all of which there were outbreaks in at least seven countries of central and eastern Africa, in two years in Arabia, and in one year also in southern and western Africa.
The significance of proleg disruption by chlordimeform to sublethal control of larvae of Pieris brassicae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in the field
Authors: Blackwell Alison
Published: July 2009

The results of field trials in the UK are reported, investigating the hypothesis that the disruption of proleg clasping in lepidopteran larvae by sublethal doses of the formamidine pesticide chlordimeform contributes significantly to a control mechanism. Pieris brassicae (L.) was used as a model pest. Topically dosed third-instar larvae, placed on cabbage plants, became excited and many fell. Although the behavioural symptoms were reversible within 24 h, fallen larvae rarely re-established themselves on the plants. The ED50 halving the initial population was similar to the ED50 for proleg disruption, emphasizing the importance of the latter as a major cause of the former. Arthropod or bird predation was not shown to increase following chlordimeform treatment. However, inclement weather did enhance the detaching effect of treatment and also its delayed effects on larval development and survival.
Reproductive phenology of Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) (Coleoptera:Curculionidae) in northern New Zealand pastures
Authors: Barker G. M. , Prestidge R. A. , Pottinger R. P.
Published: July 2009

The reproductive phenology of Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) in the north of North Island, New Zealand, was studied by dissection of adults collected at intervals from several sites. First-generation adults exhibited reproductive development and activity, followed by gonad atrophication and death. Most second-generation adults entered directly into oligopause in the autumn. Some early emergent weevils of this generation oviposited before onset of winter and reproductive dormancy. Oligopause was not intense, and reproductive maturity was gradually attained over the winter, with resumption of egg laying in early spring. These results are discussed in relation to population reproductive biology and survival.
Rastrococcus invadens Williams (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), a serious exotic pest of fruit trees and other plants in West Africa
Authors: Agounké D. , Agricola U. , Bokonon-Ganta H. A.
Published: July 2009

Rastrococcus invadens Williams has been the most important polyphagous pest of horticultural crops since 1982 in some West African countries. It originated in South-East Asia and was probably introduced on infested plant material. The pest has been reported up to 150 km north of the coast of Benin and 500 km north from the coast in Togo. Although the species is polyphagous, mango, citrus, breadfruit, banana, frangipani (Plumeria alba) and species of Ficus are among the most attacked hosts. Several indigenous natural enemies were identified, but their ability to regulate the populations of R. invadens is very low. The most important among the predators were the coccinellids Chilocorus nigrita (F.), Exochomus promtus Weise and E. troberti Mulsant and the lycaenids Spalgis spp. In Togo, an indigenous parasitoid, Anagyrus sp. ?nr aurantifrons Compere, has become adapted to the pest.
Local variation in the population dynamics of Glossina palpalis palpalis (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Glossinidae). I. Natural population regulation
Authors: Rogers David J. , Randolph Sarah E. , Kuzoe Felix A.
Published: July 2009

Based on data collected during regular, biconical trap sampling of Glossina palpalis palpalis (R.-D.) over two and a half years during and after two insecticide programmes in Ivory Coast, various analytical techniques were developed which allow the estimation of mortality rates and life-time fertility from ovarian age distributions of female flies. Data from trapping-out experiments were used to calculate the natural resilience of local populations. The results reveal that the dynamics of the populations showed considerable local variation, with two major types of sites. At those sites with large numbers of domestic pigs, the fly population was dense and showed a high degree of natural resilience and a low mean mortality rate, so that it could be selfsustaining through reproduction alone. At sites with few pigs, the fly population was scarce and showed a lower degree of natural resilience and a higher mean mortality rate such that the population could only be maintained by continuous input of immigrant flies. Studies of the natural dynamics of tsetse can be used to predict the likely effectiveness of alternative control schemes; fly mortality rates must be permanently increased in order to reduce fly numbers or infection rates to below some threshold for disease transmission.
Establishment in Australia of two insects for biological control of the floating weed Salvinia molesta
Authors: Room P. M. , Forno I. W. , Taylor M. F. J.
Published: July 2009

In attempts at the biological control of Salvinia molesta in Australia, the curculionid Cyrtobagous sp. was released at eight sites and became established at seven of them. At these seven sites, air temperatures ranged from less than 0°C to more than 45°C and the mean concentration of nitrogen in S. molesta ranged from 1·18 to 1·82% of dry weight. Establishment was effected by releasing 200 adults, and the shortest time for extensive damage to be caused to the weed was four months. Cyrtobagous sp. dispersed in undamaged S. molesta at rates of a few metres per month. The pyralid Samea multiplicalis Gn. was released, and became established, at three sites and spread at least 170 km north and south in 20 months. At the sites colonised, air temperatures ranged from less than 0°C to more than 45°C and the mean nitrogen concentration in Salvinia molesta ranged from 1·34 to 3·30% of dry weight. Establishment was effected by releasing 800 larvae, and the shortest time for extensive damage to be caused to S. molesta was three months. Contrasts in the biology and ecology of the two species of insects are discussed briefly as is competition between them for food. In late 1983, Cyrtobagous sp. had achieved control of S. molesta at five sites, while Samea multiplicalis had achieved control at none. It is suggested that S. multiplicalis might perform better in locations which experience maximum temperatures lower than those in the present distribution.
Two new species of Eurycoccus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Tamarix from Pakistan
Authors: Williams D. J.
Published: July 2009

Eurycoccus cuniculorum sp. n. and E. tamariscus sp. n., are described from Pakistan. They were collected on species of Tamarix during a survey of insect pests by the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control for possible natural enemies of Tamarix spp. that have become undesirable plants in the USA. The mealybugs live under the bark or in tunnels caused by other organisms and both species have unusual characters in the positions of the thoracic spiracles.
Studies on Amblypelta theobromae Brown (Hepteroptera: Coreidae) in Papua New Guinea. I. Descriptions of the immature and adult stages
Authors: Smith E. S. C.
Published: July 2009

Descriptions, illustrations and measurements of the egg, the five nymphal instars and the adult of Amblypelta theobromae Brown, a serious pest of cocoa on the mainland of Papua New Guinea, are presented. A key for the separation of the nymphal instars is provided.
Control of tick (Acari: Ixodidae) infestation by application of ear tags impregnated with acaricides to cattle in Africa
Authors: Young A. S. , De Castro J. J. , Kiza-Auru P. P.
Published: July 2009

Nine types of plastic ear tags impregnated with organophosphorus, amidine or synthetic pyrethroid compounds were applied to both ears of groups of five Maasai zebu cattle in Narok District, Kenya, and grazed together with five untagged cattle to which no acaricides were applied. Most of the tag types gave highly efficient control of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann attaching to the head and ears of the cattle, which lasted up to 160 days after application and often completely prevented tick engorgement. All the chemical groups were effective. The most effective tag was a combination of amitraz and permethrin which gave better control than either chemical on its own. Control of Boophilus decoloratus (Koch), Amblyomma cohaerens Dönitz, A. variegatum (F.) and R. evertsi evertsi Neumann attaching to the bodies of cattle was less effective, although most of the tags exerted some effect. Rainfall appeared to reduce the degree of control by the tags. A role for such impregnated ear tags for the control of cattle ticks in Africa is suggested.
Control of the oriental fruit moth, Cydia molesta (Busek) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), at a district level by mating disruption with synthetic female pheromone
Authors: Vickers R. A. , Rothschild G. H. L. , Jones E. L.
Published: July 2009

Mating disruption of Cydia molesta (Busck) was attempted by treating, with pheromone, all orchards in a small but discrete peach-growing district in New South Wales for two successive years. In the final year of the trial, two former control orchards were also treated with pheromone. The efficacy of the treatment was examined by monitoring fruit and shoot damage, male captures in pheromone traps, captures of both sexes in feeding lures, mated status of wild females and numbers of immature stages in trap bands. It was concluded that mating disruption was a viable alternative to conventional insecticides.
Radar and opto-electronic measurements of the effectiveness of Rothamsted Insect Survey suction traps
Authors: Schaefer G. W. , Bent G. A. , Allsopp K.
Published: July 2009

Radar methods have been extended to measure the aerial density of small insects. Results obtained during an outbreak of the cereal aphid Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) in south-eastern England were compared with simultaneous suction trap catches to study the sensitivity of trap effectiveness to windspeed. Two traps were studied: the Rothamsted Insect Survey trap (12·2-m) and a standard aerofoil trap. The Survey trap effectiveness is moderately sensitive to windspeed, decreasing exponentially by a factor of two for each 2·4 m/s (5 knots) of average windspeed. The two trap sensitivities did not differ significantly, but both results are very significantly different (P>0·001) from the published predictions, which were based upon a comparison of catches from suction traps and a combination of a rotary (whirligig) net and a tow net. These differences are discussed. The average catching rate is about 40% of that of an ideal trap. Seven-day catches could vary by a factor of 0·5—2·0 from average due to prolonged periods of extra strong or light winds. Systematic windspeed gradients can corrupt suction trap studies of insect dispersal in relation to vertical density profiles, diurnal flight patterns and geographical distribution. Absolute calibration of the aerofoil trap was achieved by using the remote-sensing IRADIT infra-red system to measure the aerial density of aphid-size insects near to the trap inlet in very light winds; the effectiveness was not statistically different from unity, and the Survey trap is expected to perform similarly.
Introduction and spread of the cassava green mite,Mononychellus tanajoa(Bondar) (Acari: Tetranychidae), an exotic pest in Africa and the search for appropriate control methods: a review
Authors: Yaninek J. S. , Herren H. R.
Published: July 2009

Mononychellus tanajoa(Bondar), a spider mite new to Africa, was discovered on cassava in Uganda in 1971. This exotic mite of Neotropical origin has since spread to 27 countries, causing an estimated 13–80% reduction in cassava yield. The history of its introduction and spread in Africa is reported, and present knowledge on the taxonomy, biology, ecology and pest status of the mite, and the evolution of strategies to control it are reviewed. While attempts have been made to controlM. tanajoa, it remains a serious pest in most areas. The prospects for classical biological control as an appropriate control strategy are discussed.
A new genus and species of Braconinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitic on Diatraea sp. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) from Ecuador
Authors: Quicke Donald L. J.
Published: July 2009

The braconine Palabracon diatraeaphilus gen. et sp. n. is described and illustrated from a unique female collected in Ecuador. The new species was reared as a parasitoid of an undetermined species of Diatraea.
A preliminary study of variation and inheritance of life-history traits and the occurrence of hybrid vigour inSitobion avenae(F.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Newton Chris , Dixon A. F. G.
Published: July 2009

Clones ofSitobion avenae(F.) collected in southern England in 1983 and 1984 were subjected to sexual-inducing conditions in the laboratory (12 L:8 D photoperiod at 15°C and/or 8 L:16 D photoperiod at 12°C). Most clones were continuously parthenogenetic under these conditions; some clones produced males only (androcyclic), and the same behaviour was observed under field conditions in the autumn of 1983. In contrast, over 90% of the clones collected from Scotland in 1984 were holocyclic (i.e. cyclically parthenogenetic). Fundatrices from intra- and interclonal matings were obtained. Those from interclonal matings were significantly more fecund than fundatrices from intraclonal matings. Examination of the descendants of these fundatrices indicated that both life-history strategy and migratory tendency were genetically-determined.
Movement and impact of Trichogrammatoidea cryptophlebiae Nagaraja (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in citrus orchards after inundative releases against the false codling moth, Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Newton Philip J.
Published: July 2009

Inundative releases of the indigenous egg parasitoid Trichogrammatoidea cryptophlebiae Nagaraja were made against Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Meyrick) in two sweet orange orchards in the Transvaal lowveld, South Africa. The rate of parasitism was raised to similar levels in the two release areas, but there was a significant decrease in crop damage in only one of them. Although the larval population was twice as large in a control orchard, the losses there were compensated for by a larger total crop. Three explanations for the different performances of the parasitoids are examined. Movement away from release areas was not apparent. Rates of parasitism at the tops or bottoms of trees or at the four cardinal aspects were not significantly different overall but should have been to compensate for the linear increase in numbers of host eggs with height, and the larger numbers on the warmer northern and eastern sides of trees. Parasitism was higher at the tree tops than at the bottoms in the orchard that lost the least fruit. The stochastic processes governing host-egg distribution on fruit were also important. Pest density was higher in the release areas than the control, and eggs were distributed more contagiously in the orchard with the most crop loss.
Natural enemies and their impact on Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) populations
Authors: Aalbersberg Y. K. , Westhuizen M. C. Van Der , Hewitt P. H.
Published: July 2009

The influence of natural enemies on the population growth of Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) in wheat fields in eastern South Africa was investigated. Since the natural enemies were not present in the initial stages, the apparent mortality observed must have been due to other causes. During the logarithmic phase of aphid population growth, predators, in particular the coccinellid Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), had a slight inhibitory effect on growth. During the decline phase of the aphid population, the potential population size was reduced by as much as 52% by predation. The most abundant parasitoids, Aphidius colemani Viereck and Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh), had a negligible effect. Although natural enemy populations showed functional responses to increases in Diuraphis noxia numbers, they did not prevent the latter from attaining and exceeding economic injury levels.
The Rothamsted Insect Survey ‘12-metre' suction trap
Authors: Macaulay E. D. M. , Tatchell G. M. , Taylor L. R.
Published: July 2009

Suction traps sampling at a height of 12·2 m have been operated by the Rothamsted Insect Survey since 1964 to monitor the aerial movement of aphids and other insects. Many variants of the trap have evolved in other countries due to the lack of a detailed published description. A standard for a low maintenance structure of the ‘12-metre' suction trap now being adopted by the Rothamsted Insect Survey and some other users is described. This should lead to better uniformity and comparability of data from such traps.
Invalid estimates of rate of population increase from Glossina (Diptera: Glossinidae) age distributions
Authors: Sickle J. Van
Published: July 2009

Several published reports have presented estimates of the rate of increase, r, based on sampled ovarian age distributions from Glossina populations throughout Africa. These estimates are invalid, because an age distribution sampled at one point in time can be equated to a survivorship curve only if r = 0. When such a survivorship curve and a corresponding fecundity schedule are then used to estimate r via the Euler-Lotka equation, the result is a value of r near zero, regardless of the population's true rate of increase. Synthetic sampling from a hypothetical tsetse population confirmed that estimates computed in this fashion are entirely the products of sampling error. Valid estimates of r can sometimes be obtained from an age distribution, using an alternative method, but such estimates are highly sensitive to sampling errors in the distribution.
Notes on Scale-Insects (Coccidae).—Part I
Authors: Newstead R.
Published: July 2009

During the past few months a large amount of Coccid material has been submitted to me for identification through the Imperial Bureau of Entomology. A large proportion of the species came from Uganda where they were collected by the Government Entomologist, Mr. C. C. Gowdey ; smaller collections were also received from other parts of Africa, including Zanzibar ; and from Barbados from Mr. John R. Bovell, Superintendent of Agriculture. Nearly all of the new species which have so far come to hand are described in this paper ; and records and descriptions of other species are also given where it has been thought desirable to do so.
On the bionomics of the Sandflies (Phlebotomus) of Tokar, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan
Authors: King Harold H.
Published: July 2009

The following observations were made during eighteen days spent at Tokar in October and November, 1912. Only a limited amount of time could be given to the work of searching for the breeding places of sandflies, but it is thought that possibly these very brief notes may be of some interest to those engaged in similar research elsewhere.

The town of Tokar is situated about eighteen miles from the port of Trinkitat on the Red Sea and some fifty-eight miles south-east of Suakin. It is the centre of a cotton-growing area comprising between 30,000 and 40,000 acres watered by the flood-river (or khor) Baraka. This khor comes down in flood during the months of July and August and spreads over the plain. As soon as the land is dry enough it is cleaned and almost the whole of it sown to cotton. A few heavy rainstorms usually occur during the months of October, November and December, and cotton picking extends from the latter month till May. The soil is alluvial, and on drying cracks vertically to a depth of several feet, and also horizontally, forming shale-like plates of varying thicknesses. There are scarcely any trees and only a moderate number of low bushes.
Note on an entomological store-box suitable for use in the Tropics
Authors: King Harold H.
Published: July 2009

The following is a description of a modified and improved form of the store-box described by Mr. H. Maxwell-Lefroy in Parasitology, vol. iv, p. 174 :—

In Khartoum, where the shade temperature is sometimes 116° F., boxes of the type in use at Pusa were found to be unsuitable. The tops and bottoms of many of them split, while the paraffin wax became too soft to hold the cork carpet in position. The type of box which I am now using and which is proving very reliable, differs from the Pusa box in two respects. Instead of being made entirely of teak, the top and bottom are of three-ply wood, and the cork carpet instead of being bedded in paraffin wax is held in position by glue. In all other respects it resembles the Pusa box, the cork carpet being enamelled white above and covered with a mixture of 80 per cent. paraffin wax (melting point 136° F.) and 20 per cent. naphthaline, melted and run in when the glue has become firm.
Third report on Glossina investigations in Nyasaland
Authors: Lamborn W. A.
Published: July 2009

I remained in the proclaimed area till 6th August 1915, then returning to the vicinity of Monkey Bay for the purpose of endeavouring to establish artificial breeding places on a large scale.

While in the proclaimed area I took the opportunity of completing my survey of the distribution of Glossina morsitans, especially in the neighbourhood of Rifu and Kuti described by Dr. Shircore (Bull. Ent. Res., v, p. 87) as “primary centres 1 and 2,” which I had been unable to examine last season before the advent of the rains. As in the case of “ centres 3 and 4,” at Nyansato and Lingadzi respectively, I have not been able to find that the fly is sufficiently localised, even when the dry season is far advanced, as to render feasible any attempt to control it by prophylactic clearing of the bush. In the Rifu district there is a range of rocky hills and high ground running more or less parallel to the lake, with corresponding modification of the soil, so that a zone of scrub has sprung up, from half a mile to two miles in width, consisting very largely of thorn bush, among which are a few big trees. Towards the north this gradually dwindles, to be replaced by the borassus palms usually growing in the sandy ground along the Lake shore, and towards the south it gradually widens out and becomes continuous with the Kuti bush some five miles distant. Throughout its whole extent the fly was plentiful.
The Lathridiidae of economic Importance
Authors: Hinton H. E.
Published: July 2009

The work which resulted in this paper was 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.
Notes on Glossina longipennis and its Breeding-places
Authors: Lewis E. Aneurin
Published: July 2009

Glossina longipennis is a species of tsetse-fly of which very little is known beyond its general distribution. In Kenya Colony, it inhabits extensive areas of the sparsely populated districts in the north and east. It extends across the coastal hinterland and penetrates into Tanganyika, where it is found in the Pare-Usambara belt (Potts, 1937). The species also occurs in a somewhat isolated belt in the vicinity of the lower Southern Uaso Nyiro in the Masai Reserve and continues into the Sonjo-Natron fly-belt of Tanganyika Territory.
Two injurious Species of Phytophaga (Halticinae) from the Ivory Coast
Authors: Bryant G. E.
Published: July 2009

All the described species of Poëphila have come from West Africa. Jacoby, in describing Crepidodera zambiensis in 1899, considers that it should be placed in a separate genus, and I now place it in Poëphila. It is very close to his two species, P. costatipennis and fulvipes. These three species have the elytra blue. Including the new species now described, the genus contains five species.
New and little known West African Miridae (Capsidae) (Hemiptera Heteroptera)
Authors: China W. E.
Published: July 2009

The following descriptions are based on material collected by Mr. H. E. Box in the Gold Coast, during his work on insect pests of the cocoa plantations, and submitted to me for identification by the Imperial Institute of Entomology. Owing to war-time difficulties in obtaining various scientific journals, it is not always possible to make certain that a species is undescribed, so that although Mr. Box has collected several others which may be new, they have not been described here for that reason. The species now dealt with, however, are of particular interest either from the point of view of new distribution or from remarkable structure or striking colouration. Type specimens are preserved in the British Museum.
On the genus Phlebotomus—Part III
Authors: Newstead R.
Published: July 2009

Phlebotomus major, var. chinensis, var. n.

This variety differs from the description of P. major given by Annańdale by the relatively greater length of the proximal segment of the superior claspers, and, also in the male, in having the second, third, and fourth segments of the palpi of equal length. There are also slight colour differences in both sexes, but little importance can be attached to such a variable character.
Sarcophaga froggatti, sp. n.—a new sheep-maggot fly
Authors: Taylor Frank H.
Published: July 2009

Some two years ago Mr. E. V. Hines, of Winton, Queensland, sent me some fly-maggots which were attacking the sheep on his station. On breeding them out it was seen that they were referable to two different genera—Pycnosoma and Sarcophaga.

Specimens were later submitted to Mr. E. E. Austen, of the British Museum (Nat. Hist.), who informed me that they were Pycnosoma rufifacies (Macq.) and a Sarcophaga which was probably a new species.

I take this opportunity of extending my cordial thanks to Mr. Austen for his kindly assistance.
The limitations of kerosene as a larvicide, with some observations on the cutaneous respiration of mosquito larvae
Authors: Macfie J. W. Scott
Published: July 2009

Of all the measures designed to effect a reduction in the number of mosquitos “ oiling,” or the application of kerosene in one form or another to collections of water in the neighbourhood, is I suppose the favourite. The popularity of this measure is no doubt an indication of its general efficiency, and as it is a remedy that can and should be employed by the individual as well as by the Sanitary Authorities, it has become familiar to every dweller in the tropics. This familiarity has, I believe, led to an exaggerated confidence in its efficacy.
Further observations on possible mosquito vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) of yellow fever on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria
Authors: Lee V. H.
Published: July 2009

As in previous limited entomological studies carried out toward the end of the 1969 yellow fever epidemic on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria, the vector mosquito was not identified, additional observations were made in April, June, August-September and October 1970. In the three study areas selected, each the scene of yellow fever cases in 1969, special attention was given to the larval habitats and adult biting cycles of five species of Aedes (Stegomyia). Holes in the broken or cut stems of Euphorbia kamerunica, a plant commonly used as hedge in rural settlements, proved to be well utilised by larvae of Ae. aegypti (L.), Ae. africanus (Theo.) and Ae. luteocephalus (Newst.), the latter species being the most abundant. Collections of adults on human bait, mainly from 12.00 to 21.00 h, showed that species of this subgenus comprised between 70 and 89% of all mosquitoes captured in June-October. Ae. luteocephalus always predominated, followed by Ae. aegypti, then Ae. vittatus (Big.), Ae. africanus and Ae. simpsoni (Theo.). Ae. aegypti was found not to be a domestic, household-inhabiting species in the study areas. The indications are that Ae. simpsoni is not strongly anthropophilic on the plateau. Two arboviruses, UgMP 359 and a member of the Bunyamwera group, were isolated, from Ae. (Aedimorphus) dentatus (Theo.) and Anopheles funestus Giles, respec tively; no isolations were made from 2033 adults of Stegomyia.
Studies on the age-composition of samples ofAnopheles darlingiRoot (Diptera: Culicidae) in Brazil
Authors: Charlwood J. D. , Wilkes T. J.
Published: July 2009

The Polovodova ageing technique was applied to females ofAnopheles darlingiRoot in the northern part of Mate Grosso, Brazil, in April 1978; 1·5% of the females had oviposited at least four times and were old enough to be potential vectors of malaria. The oldest female dissected had oviposited six times. The mosquito has a resting period of at least 24 h between oviposition and the next blood-meal. There was a pronounced peak of biting activity, consisting largely of nulliparous females, at dawn and dusk.
The identity of Empoasca dolichi Paoli (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and descriptions of new species of Empoasca from light-traps near crops in Malawi and Nigeria
Authors: Ghauri M. S. K.
Published: July 2009

The identity of Empoasca dolichi Paoli, a serious pest of beans and other crops in Africa, was confused. While processing a collection of leafhoppers from Malawi, E. dolichi was found mixed with other species. The identity of E. dolichi was established with reference to its type material, and two new species and a new subspecies of Empoasca from Malawi and two new species from Nigeria are described. New characters that might help specific identification and show the relationships of groups of species are also illustrated and described.
Laboratory studies on the potential of three insect growth regulators for control of the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae)
Authors: Jordan A. M. , Trewern M. A. , Bořkovec A. B. , DeMilo A. B.
Published: July 2009

Experiments were carried out to determine the effects of the insect growth regulators (IGRs), diflubenzuron and two of its analogues, on adult female Glossina morsitans morsitans Westw. The most effective method of dosing was by topical application, and less pronounced effects followed tarsal contact with treated surfaces and contact during mating with treated males. The compounds had no effect on female length of life or the number of offspring produced, but following topical application at 0·5 μg/female or above, most offspring produced throughout reproductive life (more than 100 days) failed to pupariate. Little difference was detected between the effects of the three IGRs tested. Following the application of diflubenzuron to oviparous insects, egg hatch is inhibited; it is suggested that in the larviparous tsetse fly such compounds act by inhibiting the biosynthesis of chitin at the time of pupariation. IGRs show promise as potential agents for the control of Glossina in the field, and the quantities required would probably not exceed the quantities of insecticides used in current operations against tsetse flies.
Description of a new eupelmid parasite (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) of cockroaches in India
Authors: Bouček Z
Published: July 2009

Anastatus umae sp. n., a parasite in the oothecae of two Indian species of cockroaches, mainly of Neostylopyga rhombifolia (Stoll), is described. It is assigned to Cladanastatus subgen. n. of Anastatus, based mainly on the branched antennae in the male and on some less conspicuous characters of the female. Eupelmus leithi Wlk., another Indian species, is transferred to Anastatus. In addition, two other parasites of Indian cockroaches, Tetrastichus hagenowii (Ratz.) and T. asthenogmus (Wtstn.), which were confused as a single species, T. hagenowii, in the synopsis of the cockroaches and their parasites by Roth & willis in 1960, are separated.