bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some East African Species ofLygus, with Notes on their Host Plants
Authors: Taylor T. H. C.
Published: July 2009

In my recent paper on “Lygus simonyi, Reut., as a Cotton Pest in Uganda”*, I referred in the introductory notes to the fact that I had studied the male genitalia and other characters of about 20 species ofLygusin order to determine reliably all specimens collected in the course of the field work on which I was then engaged. In the present paper all of these species are described. Only a few of them occur commonly on cotton, and only one, which must now be calledL. vosseleri, Popp., is a major pest of cotton, but the others were encountered, in most cases very frequently, in connection with an investigation of the alternative host plants of the cotton-frequenting species, and two are common on coffee (withL. coffeae, China, which belongs to a different group of species and is therefore not included here). Some of them bear a very close resemblance toL. vosseleriand often occur with it on the same plants and in the same localities; consequently considerable confusion had existed previously as to the identity of the various species collected.

In connection with field work it is often necessary to identify large numbers of specimens rapidly and without adequate facilities for the examination of genitalia. Consequently, the object of my study of the external genitalia of the males was not only to separate the species on the basis of these structures but also to test by means of them the reliability for diagnostic purposes of the few differences, such as those of colour and markings, that occur in both sexes and are readily visible with a hand lens. I concluded that the male genitalia afford the best characters for determination whenever they can be examined, but that colour and markings can suffice in both sexes for this purpose, despite the great variation which occurs in most species. The only other characters that are of value for the separation of species, within the group with which I have dealt, are size and (occasionally) length of rostrum. There is, in fact, a remarkable uniformity throughout this species group, so that in the absence of males or of facilities for examining genitalia, determination must depend upon a combination of a few simple characters, two of which, colour and markings, are variable, often difficult to describe, and can be utilised satisfactorily only after experience has been gained of many species and specimens from numerous localities and plants.

The species described in this paper constitute what may be called thesimonyigroup ofLygusand have the following features in common:—

1. A smooth, semi-shiny appearance (never very shiny because of slight pubescence and minute punctation).

2. The whole of the dorsal surface, including the hemelytra, and also the ventral surface, rather sparsely covered with very fine, short decumbent hairs directed backwards.

3. The whole of the dorsal surface, including the hemelytra, indistinctly and minutely punctate; the scutellum and (to a lesser extent) the pronotum very slightly rugose transversely.
The Use of Bamboo Pots to indicate Aëdes Prevalence
Authors: Hocking K. S.
Published: July 2009

1. The method used is founded on those of Dunn (1927) and Harris (1942).

2. Results are given for 1943, 1944 and 1945 from areas in Kenya, Tanganyika and Madagascar.

3. An attempt is made to interpret these results in the light of the theoretical meanings of the Pot Index and the House Larval Index. This demonstrates that these two indices together can be used to assess the fluctuations in an Aëdes population and hence the efficiency of control measures.

4. Finally, the practical value of the Pot Index is discussed.
An arsenic-resistant Tick and its Control with Gammexane Dips
Authors: Whitnall A. B. M. , Bradford B.
Published: July 2009

During the past 30 years, at least seven species of injurious insects are known to have evolved strains that are more difficult to kill with recognised chemical insecticides than are the normal populations of these pests.

In 1939 it was reported from the East London area that farmers were experiencing difficulty in controlling the one host blue tick, B. decoloratus, by regular dipping in the recognised 7-day strength arsenical wash. Field observations confirmed this.

A technique for treating ticks in the laboratory is discussed in detail. This technique has been put to exhaustive test and some 15,000 adult female blue ticks have been subjected to in vitro treatments with remarkably consistent results.

Experiments are discussed that suggest that arsenic kills ticks by contact. It is further claimed that by using the technique described it has been possible to furnish proof that an arsenic-resistant strain of B. decoloratus does exist in South Africa. It would seem that when once the arsenic-resistant tick has established itself on any farm, the continued dipping of cattle in arsenical washes results in an unintentional artificial selection of those varieties within the tick population that are resistant to arsenic. Continued dippings in arsenic thus aggravate the position and some insecticide other than arsenic should be used to combat this arsenic-resistant strain of B. decoloratus.

Gammexane was experimented with and it is shown that 0·005 per cent. is sufficient to kill adult females of the arsenic-resistant tick and could be taken as a basis for further experiments. Oil base preparations and water suspensions of Gammexane are twenty times more toxic to the tick than are dust preparations.
The Biology and Control of the Pea Moth, Laspeyresia nigricana, Steph.
Authors: Wright D. W. , Geering Q. A.
Published: July 2009

The Pea Moth, Laspeyresia nigricana, Steph., is one of the principal pests of garden and field peas in Great Britain. Its larvae feed within the pods causing considerable damage to the developing seeds and giving to their contents a veryunsightly appearance. The insect is widely distributed in England and, according to Meyrick (1927), occurs in Scotland as far north as the Clyde. It is most prevalent, however, in the southern part of England, where in the pea growing counties of Lincoln, Essex and Kent it frequently causes severe losses. It is widely distributed in central and southern Europe while in North America it has spread, since its introduction, to all the main pea producing areas and has become a major pest.
A new Species of Erythroneura from Fiji (Homoptera, Jassidae)
Authors: Evans J. W.
Published: July 2009

Length, 2·9 mm. General coloration pale yellow. Width of head, across the eyes, 0·7 mm. Tegmen with a brown marking as shown in fig. 1b. Male genitalia as in fig. la.

Type ♂ from Suva, Fiji, collected by R. A. Lever 14. viii. 1943, on bean.

According to Mr. Lever, E. leveri is a vector of a leaf-crinkle on leaves of Madagascar beans (Phaseolus Iwnatus) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in Fiji.
The Mosquitos of the Jebel Auliya Reservoir on the White Nile
Authors: Lewis D. J.
Published: July 2009

The mosquitos of the reservoir area have been studied mainly with the object of planning suitable methods of controlling malaria. This paper is an account of the work done so far.

The diversity of conditions in the area, which is of such length that it has been divided into three sections, is described with special reference to the river and reservoir levels, predacious fishes, breeding places of mosquitos and water plants among which mosquitos breed.

The mosquito fauna of the area is described and observations on the breeding places and adult habits of the principal species are recorded. The large proportion of “ripe” females among Anophelines dissected is noted.

The probable effects of the reservoir conditions on the mosquitos are discussed.

Notes are given on certain species, and the relation of A. rufipes and A. pharoensis to malaria are discussed from circumstantial evidence. The former is provisionally regarded as a vector.

Control measures are described with particular reference to A. funestus (in the south), A. gambiae and A. rufipes, the latter being a vector of malaria expensive to control in the larval stage. The value of insecticidal dusts in the area is discussed.
The Type of Phlebotomus mascittii Grassi (Diptera, Psychodidae)
Authors: Hertig Marshall
Published: July 2009

Examination of Newstead's specimen has confirmed the substantial accuracy of his description and drawings, with the exception of the genital pump. The form of the aedeagus alone leaves no possibility of confusion with P. perniciosus, of which there has been available an adequate series of Italian specimens for comparison. The view of Adler and associates that the sixth spines are aberrant is thoroughly reasonable. P. mascittii is therefore an easily recognizable species, as to the male, from existing descriptions and drawings, and represented by the sole known cotype in the British Museum, which is hereby designated the lectotype.

The question of the distinguishing characters of the female is bound up with the whole matter of the identity of P. mascittii and P. larroussei. The evidence already published, involving both males and females, certainly constitutes a strong case for the identity of these two species. There may be cited: (a) the character of the wing venation which seems to be constant in both sexes; (b) the general agreement as to the male genitalia; (c) the fact that one of Saccà's specimens was caught within a few hundred metres of the type locality and the others in the same city. In the absence of any contrary evidence there is no reason to doubt the soundness of the view shared by Saccà and Parrot that these two species are identical.
The Introduction of Physonota alutacea Boheman (Col., Cassid.) into Mauritius
Authors: Williams J. R.
Published: July 2009

A campaign to control the weed, Cordia macrostachya (Jacq.) Roem. & Schult. (Boraginaceae) by biological means is in progress in Mauritius (Williams, 1948). This hardy perennial shrub was accidentally introduced from Central America in the last decade of the nineteenth century. It is today a serious pest of nearly all land of agricultural value which is not intensively cultivated (Wiehe, 1946).
Mosquito Control: An Investigation of natural surface Films in Relation to the Spreading of larvicidal Oils upon Water
Authors: Toms B. A.
Published: July 2009

The spreading of larvicidal oils is hindered by the presence of natural films upon the surface of standing water. The film pressure, which measures the resistance offered to the spreading of oil, can be determined in the field by a simple method depending on the use of standard spreading liquids.

It seemed reasonable to suppose that by making tests on the waters at many different places it should be possible to estimate the optimum spreading properties required in a larvicidal oil before its distribution began in a particular district. An attempt to do this was made in a part of the Gold Coast in 1944 and the investigation showed that in that region, and at that time, the spreadability of an oil with spreading pressure equal to 30 dynes/cm., approximately, would have been adequate for larvicidal purposes. It was also found that the natural films, which could be either visible or invisible, were of two physical types distinguishable as “uniform” and “non-uniform” according to the observed variation of the film pressure at a single site.
Pupation Habits of Sheep Blowflies in Relation to Parasitism by Mormoniella vitripennis, Wlk. (Hym., Pteromalid.)
Authors: Ullyett G. C.
Published: July 2009

The depth and habits of pupation, shown by the three main species of sheep blowflies (Lucilia sericata, Chrysomyia chloropyga, and C. albiceps) are discussed in relation to parasitism by the Pteromalid, Mormoniella vitripennis.

Experimental series showed that the majority of Lucilia larvae pupate in situations which are inaccessible to the parasite, a result which agrees with field observations; whereas the two species of Chrysomyia have a large proportion of their pupal populations exposed freely to attack by the parasite. The degree of protection thus sought by the larvae appears to be directly proportional to the suitability of the puparia of the species as hosts for the parasite.

Because of this difference in pupation habits, a large proportion of the Lucilia population which survives the competition for food and the predatory attacks of C. albiceps on the carrion will produce adult flies; whereas the more exposed C. albiceps and C. chloropyga populations will be further reduced and in a proportionate manner by parasitism. This explanation is put forward as one of the main reasons for the comparative success shown by field populations of Lucilia and the unexpectedly small field populations observed in the case of C. albiceps.

It is pointed out that this phenomenon is a disadvantage where natural control of the primary flies is concerned since C. albiceps is an important controlling factor in larval populations of Lucilia.
An Arsenic-resistant Tick and its Control with “Gammexane” Dips.—Part II
Authors: Whitnall A. B. M. , Bradford B.
Published: July 2009

The rapid spread of the single host arsenic-resistant blue tick, B. decoloratus, a transmitter of piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis, seriously affected a large and important cattle ranching area in South Africa.

Biological tests, using the laboratory technique described in an earlier paper, enabled the most effective “Gammexane” preparations to be rapidly selected from numbers of experimental dips. The technique was also employed as a supplement to chemical analyses of dip wash samples where only the total hexachlorocyclohexane and not gamma isomer was estimated. Twenty-thousand adult female ticks were used in these in vitro tests. Oil emulsions seemed more active than dispersible powders or pastes, but all tests indicated that 50 parts per million “Gammexane” should satisfactorily control the tick in the field.

Laboratory tests with larvae of the blue tick showed that “Gammexane” had a persistent action and was very toxic to this stage of the tick. Excellent control of
larval ticks could be anticipated in the field.

In vitro tests indicated that “Gammexane” was effective against the two- and three-host ticks, R. evertsi, R. appendiculatus, A. hebraeum, H. silacea and Hyalomma spp., but hand dressing and shorter dipping intervals might be necessary to control these ticks in the field. The sheep paralysis tick, I. pilosus, seemed to be resistant to “Gammexane” but was readily killed by arsenic.
Responses of Pests to Fumigation. III.—The Fumigation of Wheat containing Calandra spp.(Curculionidae) with three Fumigants, under Reduced Pressure
Authors: El Nahal A. K. M.
Published: July 2009

Wheat of three moisture contents was fumigated with ethylene oxide, methyl bromide and hydrogen cyanide. Both chemical and biological assays were used to follow the changing distribution of the fumigant when applied with sustained vacuum, in a vacuum fumigation with simultaneous admission of air and fumigant, or at atmospheric pressure.

As these various factors were altered, in a multifactorial experiment, the changes in the fumigant distribution were also recorded chemically, and then analysed statistically. Changes in the mortality of both species of Calandra, either buried in a one-cwt sack of wheat or in the free-space, were estimated so that that part of the changes which was associated with the altered fumigant distribution was segregated by a covariance analysis and the remainder formed an estimate of the direct influence of the experimental Conditions on the susceptibility of the weevils to the fumigants.

When either ethylene oxide or methyl bromide is used as a fumigant for wheat, vacuum fumigation with simultaneous admission of air and fumigant gives results, in terms of the control of Calandra spp., which are almost indistinguishable from those obtained at atmospheric pressure under comparable conditions. When hydrogen cyanide is the fumigant, atmospheric fumigation is superior, quite apart from the capital expense and other practical disadvantages of fumigations at reduced pressures.
Responses of Pests to Fumigation. IV.—The responses of Calandra spp. to Reduced Pressures
Authors: El Nahal A. K. M.
Published: July 2009

The direct action of reduced pressures, in the absence of any fumigant, on C. oryzae and C. granaria have been investigated in glass chambers of about 1 litre capacity. C. oryzae is sufficiently sensitive to make the direct effect of reducing the pressure within the range 2 to 10 cm. mercury of some practical importance, but C. granaria is more resistant. Mortality of both species increases for exposure periods of up to 8 hr. and for increased temperatures from 20°C. to 28°C. A large part of the observed mortality must be associated with enhanced water-loss from the insects at reduced pressures, as little response occurs when the atmosphere is kept saturated with water-vapour.
Studies on Theraptus sp. (Coreidae); the Cause of the Gumming Disease of Coconuts in East Africa
Authors: Way M. J.
Published: July 2009

Theraptus sp. is widespread in the coastal region of British East Africa where it severely damages developing coconut fruits.

The female may lay over 100 eggs. There are five nymphal instars and, in the field, it is probable that about nine generations are produced each year.

Damage to coconuts is similar to that caused by Amblypelta cocophaga China in the Solomon Islands. Female coconut flowers and young nuts may be destroyed by a single feeding puncture. Damaged 10–16-week-old nuts may reach maturity but are undersized and often distorted by lesions from which gummy material exudes.
The Relationship between certain Ant Species with particular Reference to Biological Control of the Coreid, Theraptus sp.
Authors: Way M. J.
Published: July 2009

In the coastal region of British East Africa three ant species, Anoplolepis custodiens, A. longipes and Pheidole punctulata may destroy the ant Oecophylla longinoda which is a valuable predator on the coconut pest Theraptus sp. (Coreidae). The three first-named species do not prey on Theraptus, which may severely damage palms occupied by them.

Nesting habits of the three ant species and their behaviour towards O. longinoda and certain other insects are described.

O. longinoda has been exterminated in the limited areas occupied by the two Anoplolepis species. P. punctulata is widespread and is usually common in areas occupied by O. longinoda and is also present, though relatively less common, in A. longipes areas.

The distribution of the Anoplolepis species, particularly A. custodiens, is correlated with sandy soils bearing a sparse ground vegetation. Where there are heavy soils or a thick ground vegetation of grasses and creepers the Anoplolepis species are absent and O. longinoda is usually present. It is suggested that the Anoplolepis species are limited by the relatively low temperature of soils shaded from sunlight by thick vegetation.
An Experiment on the Control of Tsetse (Glossina palpalis R.-D.) in High Forest of West Africa
Authors: Nowosielski-Slepowron B. J. A.
Published: July 2009

Kumasi is a rapidly expanding township of about 80,000 inhabitants. This has led to an extensive building programme which has followed the ridges in the vicinity of the town, leaving the valleys in between potentially dangerous isolated habitats of Glossina. The danger from these isolated habitats is enhanced by the large numbers of itinerant labourers.

The topography of the town and its surroundings is hilly; the vegetation is of semi-deciduous rain forest type, but with very thick secondary bush along most of the valleys in which the farms had been abandoned.

The climate is remarkably equable with the rainfall showing periodicity but the percentage relative humidity is high and even throughout the year.

The experimental clearing of an isolated habitat of Glossina in the Dechem valley was commenced in July 1950 and finished in March 1951. The clearing was of a discriminative nature, with cutting, stumping and burning of a strip of bush up to 20 ft. high and 250–300 yards wide along the stream, and a high reduction of fly population was achieved. This reduction was such that further clearings were planned.

The reduction in fly population was assessed from fly-boy catches and from trap catches. These records showed that rainfall affected the catches.

At the time of writing, about a sixth of the protective clearings planned around Kumasi have been completed, the fly population being reduced between about 80 per cent. and complete eradication.
Tests for Insecticide-resistance in Lice, Mosquitos and House-flies
Authors: Busvine J. R. , Harrison C. Mary
Published: July 2009

Between December 1947 and May 1949, six colonies of body lice from various sources were cultured in the laboratory. Three of the strains originated from natural infestations in England and the others came from laboratory cultures in Hamburg, Basle and Tunis. After being bred for at least one generation in the laboratory, these lice were subjected to a standard test for resistance to DDT. Only one strain showed any evidence of abnormal resistance; this was the strain from Tunis where it had been laboratory-cultured for over 12 years.

Colonies of Aëdes aegypti from Karachi, Poona and Delhi were being cultured at the Virus Research Institute, Lagos, together with a local Nigerian strain. Extensive tests showed no difference in average susceptibility of the four strains to DDT, though there was some evidence of differences in the spread of resistance through the various populations.

A colony of A. aegypti was started with larvae taken from Ilaro, a Nigerian town which had been regularly sprayed with BHC for 2½ years. Comparative tests showed no difference in resistance to γ BHC between this colony and a laboratory culture at the Malaria Service Laboratory, Lagos.

Colonies of house-flies were initiated and maintained at Lagos. Tests with insecticides gave the following results:

(a) M.d. vicina from Ilaro were much more resistant to γ BHC than similar flies from Yaba, near Lagos, or M.d. domestica from England.

(b) The M.d. vicina from both Lagos and Ilaro were considerably more resistant to DDT than M.d. domestica from England. This is surprising, as no DDT-spraying has been done at Ilaro and, so far as can be ascertained, virtually none in Lagos.

(c) The M.d. vicina flies from Lagos were considerably more susceptible to γ BHC and dieldrin than M.d. domestica from England. M. sorbens was much more susceptible to γ BHC and to DDT. These differences could be explained by the smaller average sizes of the two susceptible species.
A simple Method of making permanent Microscope Mounts of Mosquito Larvae
Authors: Gibbins E. G.
Published: July 2009

For the mounting of mosquito larvae a fluid medium which combines the qualities of fixing, clearing, and preserving offers many advantages over those of a semi-solid consistency. The objection to using a fluid mountant is the difficulty of rendering the preparation permanent. To overcome this difficulty a search was made for a simple and effective method.
The Queensland Species of Calliphora subgenus Neopollenia
Authors: Hardy G. H.
Published: July 2009

An effort to ascertain the specific status of described Australian Calliphorine flies was started in 1922, when some conceptions of synonymy gathered from various sources were published by Johnston & Hardy. In 1925, Patton gave his opinions concerning the identity of the species after examining many types in Europe. In 1926, I drew attention to discrepancies that were at that time apparent in Patton's views, and gave further information that had accrued during the three previous years. In 1927, Bezzi revised the genus over a wide area, and his paper covering the Indo-Australian species is the outstanding contribution in so far as many genera previously proposed are reviewed. There followed in the same year a paper by Malloch on specific characters, which paper is highly suggestive and constructive, but unfortunately some of the species of earlier authors are incorrectly determined; and, indeed, this defect is noticeable throughout the series of papers referred to above, many names being perhaps wrongly placed as synonyms or species needlessly redescribed as new.
New Thysanoptera from South Australia
Authors: Morison Guy D.
Published: July 2009

I am indebted to the Imperial Institute of Entomology and to Mr. F. Laing, of the British Museum, for submitting to me for classification a small collection of Thysanoptera from Dr. J. Davidson, of the Waite Agricultural Research Institute, Glen Osmond, South Australia. The specimens reached me well preserved in alcohol, in tubes each labelled “S. Australia, Adelaide, month-1929, Dr. J. Davidson, from lucerne, rose-bushes, etc.” All measurements in this paper are in μ.
Four Moths of the Family Limacodidae injurious to Coconut Palms
Authors: Tams W. H. T.
Published: July 2009

Of the four moths dealt with in this paper, three are known to damage coconut palms in Celebes, and the fourth behaves similarly in the Gold Coast. Three of the species are here described as new. The opportunity has been taken to figure the larvae as well as the imagines of the Celebes species, and to include figures of Orthocraspeda catenatus, Snellen, of which two larvae and a pair of imagines were received with the other Celebes material. The short descriptions of the larvae are taken, with slight modifications, from Mr. A. Reyne's letter which accompanied the specimens. All the material concerned has been generously presented to the British Museum (Natural History) by the Director of the Imperial Institute of Entomology.
Contributions to the Bionomics of Glossina morsitans
Authors: Jackson C. H. N.
Published: July 2009

1. Fly rounds and reconnaissances about Sambala have indicated the following types of fly community: (a) Compact “female centres” characterised by frequent passage of game, and showing high apparent female percentage and often apparent concentration of fly; (b) “spread centres” over larger areas believed to be comparable in function to true, compact “female centres”; (c) “male areas” spread over large areas of Berlinia-Brachystegia and sometimes other kinds of wooding, where the apparent female percentage is low; (d) areas where fly is scarce.

2. Investigation of these phenomena by field experiments and other methods has led to the conclusion that the “female centres” and “spread centres” are most probably feeding-grounds of fly, and that the “male areas” are its home.

3. It is difficult to draw reliable conclusions from fly-rounds on the apparent variations of fly numbers in time, in relation either to season or to movements of game.
On Sandflies from Persia and Palestine
Authors: Adler S. , Theodor O. , Lourie E. M.
Published: July 2009

The distribution and bionomics of the species of Phlebotomus in N.W. Persia are described.

The distribution of Leishmania in this area and the possible relations of sandflies to it are discussed.

Observations on the quite distinct and well-defined hours of activity of the different species are recorded.

P. chinensis is recorded from Persia for the first time.

The diagnosis of the female of P. caucasicus is established.

P. wenyoni, sp. n., P. kandelaki, Schour., and P. perniciosus var. tobbi, var. n., are described.

A simple method of breeding sandflies while travelling is described.

P. perniciosus var. tobbi was infected by feeding on cultures of L. donovani of Mediterranean origin.

P. caucasicus was infected by feeding on cultures of L. tropica.
Observations on the Influence of Temperature and Humidity on the Bionomics ofDysdercus cingulatus, Fabr.
Authors: Mehta Dev Raj
Published: July 2009

It is being recognized that for a satisfactory solution of many of the wider problems of Applied Entomology, a study of insect ecology is of paramount importance. It is expected that a knowledge of the factors which influence distribution and abundance of insects will arm economic entomologists better in their warfare against pests. Just recently, Lathrop (1923), Shelford (1927), Buxton (1929), Uvarov (1929), Gryse (1929), and others have shown the importance of meteorological phenomena affecting the development, distribution, and activities of insects. Although our knowledge of the two factors so far studied—temperature and humidity—is far from being complete, still the results so far obtained have proved to be of considerable value. Indeed, instances of the practical application of such knowledge are already available. From his studies on the effects of temperature on household insects, Howard (1896) has shown that cold storage provides an effective control of these pests. Pierce (1916) has correlated the relative advance and retreat of the fall army-worm,Laphygma frugiperda, S. & A., with changes in temperature. He maintains that a proper fixation of the zone of effective temperatures may make it possible to alter the sowing time of winter crops to avoid damage from this insect. Barber (1925) explains the decrease of the European corn-borer,Pyrausta nubilalis, Hübn., during certain years on the basis of adverse environmental conditions. A. Howard (1921), from his observations in India, states that there exists a definite relationship between termite activity and soil temperature.
The Campaign against Aspidiotus destructor, Sign., in Fiji
Authors: Taylor T. H. C.
Published: July 2009

Aspidiotus destructor is a well-known pest of several tropical crops, mainly coconuts and bananas, and is present in most tropical countries. In Fiji it was a serious menace to the copra industry, and attempts to control it by biological means were made in 1920, when parasites were introduced from Tahiti ; in 1927, when other parasites were introduced from Java ; and in 1928, when predators were imported from Trinidad. The introductions made in 1920 and 1927 proved of no economic value, but the predators from Trinidad completely suppressed the pest in 1928 and 1929, and have controlled it most satisfactorily ever since.
Some Notes on the Biology and Physiology of the Sheep Blowfly,Lucilia sericata, Meig
Authors: Evans A. C.
Published: July 2009

1. The increase in weight of flies of both sexes is followed on several diets. Unfed flies and flies fed on water alone or on meat and water lose weight. Males fed on meat, sugar and water, or on sugar and water, increase in weight rapidly during the first day of adult life and then lose weight until they die. Females fed on sugar and water increase in weight rapidly for the first day and then more slowly until the twelfth day, when they commence to lose weight until death occurs. A similar rapid increase in weight on the first day occurs in females fed on meat, sugar and water, but a second period of rapid increase occurs between the fourth and sixth days. The first period corresponds to the growth of the imaginal fat-body and the second to the growth of the ovaries. The percentage dry weight of flies fed on meat, sugar and water and on sugar and water increases rapidly at first but then decreases slowly until death occurs.

2. The disappearance of the pupal fat-body cells and the growth of the imaginal fat-body on several diets is described. It is suggested that the inclusions of the pupal fat-body cells are transferred to the rapidly growing imaginal fat-body.

3. The hypothesis is put forward that the abdominal air-sacs in flies of the Muscid type have but little respiratory function and are chiefly concerned in

(a) preserving the increased volume of the newly-emerged fly ;

(b) providing ample space within the abdomen for growth of the imaginal fat-body in the male and for the fat-body and ovaries in the female, both of which organs increase greatly in size.
Survey of the Wood-destroying Insects in Public Buildings in Sweden
Authors: Trägårdh Ivar
Published: July 2009

Some years ago the Entomological Department of the Swedish Forest Experiment Station was requested to undertake the investigation of the timber-destroying insects in Government buildings in Sweden. In order to obtain a preliminary survey of the amount of damage caused by these pests an illustrated leaflet containing short descriptions of the insects and their galleries was issued and, together with a detailed questionnaire and a circular letter, sent to about 7,000 persons. Altogether 2,148 reports were returned, 990 of which gave detailed information often accompanied by samples of wood for identification.
Stenobracon nicevillei, Bingh. (Hym. Brac.), a natural Enemy of the Sugar-cane White Moth Borer (Scirpophaga)
Authors: Cherian M. C. , Israel P.
Published: July 2009

Sugar-cane is subject to the attack of a number of insect pests of which the moth borers—Diatraea sticticraspis, Hmps., D. venosata, Walk., Scirpophaga auriflua, Zell. and S. rhodoproctalis Hmps.—are the most serious. During the course of our investigations on Scirpophaga, seven larval parasites, viz., Elasmus zehntneri, Ferr., Stenobracon nicevillei, Bingh., S. deesae, Cam., Iphiaulax famulus, Bingh., Goniozus sp. n., Rhaconotus scirpophagae, Wilkn., and a new species of Rhaconotus have been noted. A paper on “ Studies on Elasmus zehntneri, Ferr., a parasite of the sugar-cane moth borer (Scirpophaga) ” by the authors has already been published. The present paper gives detailed information on the habits and life-history of Stenobracon nicevillei and its efficacy in controlling the pest.
The Behaviour and Mortality of Anopheles maculatus and Culex fatigans in experimental Huts treated with DDT and BHC
Authors: Wharton R. H.
Published: July 2009

Experimental huts fitted with window traps, of the same basic design as those described by Thomson (1948), modified for Malayan conditions, were used in studying the behaviour and mortality of A. maculatus in relation to DDT and BHC. Other species of Anophelines formed a large proportion of the human bait trap catch but rarely entered the huts.

In untreated huts, A. maculatus fed at all hours of the night with a peak between 9 p.m. and midnight. The large majority left before 8 a.m. in search of outdoor resting places, at least 50 per cent. before dawn. It appeared that attraction to light was the strongest, but not the only factor influencing exit from the huts.

Large numbers of Culicines (mostly Culex fatigans) were recovered. In untreated huts about 80 per cent. were blood fed ; 28 per cent. were in the window traps.

DDT (33 per cent.) and BHC (“ Gammexane P530 and P520 ”) water dispersible powders were tested.

An application of 100 mg. DDT and 20 mg. γ BHC (P530) per sq. ft. was unsuccessful, due in part to the small numbers of mosquitos recovered. No conclusions are drawn from the results.

DDT at 200 mg. and BHC (P520) at 40 mg. γ isomer per sq. ft. were both effective for at least 12 to 16 weeks against A. maculatus. With DDT, 63 per cent. initial, and 83 per cent. 24-hour corrected mortalities were recorded over 16 weeks. With BHC, though the initial mortality dropped from 100 per cent. in weeks 1–4 to 19 per cent. in weeks 12–16, the 24-hour mortality, almost 100 per cent. for weeks 1–10, was still 88 per cent. for weeks 12–16.

DDT apparently had little effect on the feeding of A. maculatus ; with BHC there was a reduction in the percentage fed.

DDT was relatively non-lethal to C. fatigans, but had a marked irritant effect driving them into the light trap and the biting rate was reduce to 45 per cent. BHC killed all C. fatigans which entered for 2 weeks but most of its toxic effects were lost by the eighth week. The biting rate was reduced to 27 per cent. for weeks 1 to 8 and the majority of mosquitos were recovered in the light trap.

Ants, cockroaches, spiders, etc., were found to affect the number of mosquitos recovered and special precautions had to be taken against losses.

The results suggested that BHC when freshly applied acts as a repellent to mosquitos.

Mansonia uniformis was shown to be susceptible to both DDT and BHC residual deposits.
Notes on Insects associated with Pinus radiata in New Zealand
Authors: Gourlay E. S.
Published: July 2009

In 1932, Clark investigated the exotic and indigenous insect relationships with Pinus radiata in New Zealand, recording six species in the former group and 19 in the latter. Three previously unrecorded insect associations are now added to this list.
The Movement of Grain Weevils through Grain
Authors: Howe R. W.
Published: July 2009

The movement of weevils in a mass of grain was investigated using metal pipes 4 ins. in diameter. These grain columns were broken down into samples. It was found that the predominant movement of weevils was towards the bottom.

The major factor affecting movement was tightness of packing but although tight packing restricts movement it does not prevent oviposition. Small insects move more easily in grain than bigger ones and also show a greater tendency to move downwards. Increase of moisture content which increases the amount of airspace also increases the ease of insect movement.

The results of experiments giving the weevils a choice of moisture content were somewhat contradictory. This is partly due to the choice of the weevil being affected by the humidity it experienced prior to the test and partly due to the moisture choice being overridden by the greater attraction of the end of the grain column. On the whole, however, damper grain appears to be preferred to dry grain.

In the field, owing to the tighter packing, movement is likely to be more restricted than in these experiments. The tight packing will prevent much of the downward penetration of weevils observed in these experiments but some such movement may occur on the walls and posts. Where insects are originally placed in the centre of a bulk of grain they will often be immobile but will lay eggs and be liable to cause heating. It is clear that the insects will tend to move toward the edges of the bulk and remain there.
Contact Activity and Real Toxicity of some Iodo-Nitrobenzene Compounds
Authors: Krijgsman B. J. , Lingbeek Tita
Published: July 2009

Experiments have been carried out on the insecticidal action of p-, m- and o-iodo-nitrobenzene and their dichlorides. The real toxicity of these substances was estimated with the micro-injection method of Dresden, the contact action with the petri-dish method of Krijgsman & Berger. The real toxicity of the p- compounds appeared to be somewhat higher than that of their isomers. The dichlorides showed a somewhat higher toxicity than the other compounds. The contact action of the p- compounds is much higher than that of their isomers. This is caused by considerable differences in permeation velocity. The position of the iodine atom affects the permeation velocity very considerably but has much less influence on the real toxicity. It is suggested that the enhanced effect of the p- position on the permeation velocity is a general rule.

P-iodo-nitrobenzenedichloride shows such a high permeation velocity that it must be considered as a promising contact insecticide despite the fact that its real toxicity is low as compared with several other modern insecticides.
The Haemagogus Mosquitos of Brazil
Authors: Kumm Henry W. , Cerqueira Nelson L.
Published: July 2009

Four species of Haemagogus have been found in Brazil, the commonest and most widely distributed being H. spegazzinii.

Keys and diagrams are given to facilitate the identification of the Haemagogus of this country.

Two of the proven vectors of sylvan yellow fever, H. capricornii and H. spegazzinii, can be distinguished one from another only by their male terminalia.
Field Observations on the Activity of Pheidole
Authors: Kemp P. Belinda
Published: July 2009

A method is described for observing the numbers of ants foraging on the surface of of the ground by attracting them to baits of raw meat. The general area is described briefly and sites were selected for the work in three types of country.

A total of 50 baits were laid on each site in July and October. Pheidole sculpturata and P. crassinoda were the most abundant ants found on the baits. These were active mainly in the morning and evening, fewer ants were found at midday during the dry season. Comparing the numbers collected on the baits, more Pheidole were found in July than in October, and in July more ants were found on the unburnt grey soil sites than elsewhere. On the red soil sites there was a difference between burnt and unburnt country only in October, when more ants were found on the red soil in unburnt country. Pheidole is compared with three other genera of ants commonly found on the baits.

The food of Pheidole is mainly grass seeds ; some reference is made to the supply of grass seeds in different types of country and the relation between this and the numbers of foraging ants.
The Mosquitoes of Bwamba County, Uganda VIII.—Records of Occurrence, Behaviour and Habitat
Authors: Haddow A. J. , van Someren E. C. C. , Lumsden W. H. R. , Harper J. O. , Gillett J. D.
Published: July 2009

At the time of writing, 1949, field work on mosquitoes has been carried on in Bwamba County, western Uganda, for a period of ten years, with very few intermissions. The topography and vegetation of this area have been described elsewhere (Haddow, 1945a). The main effort has centred round the search for forest vectors of yellow fever, but much work has also been done in native plantations, huts, etc. While genera such asAëdes and Taeniorhynchus have, inevitably, required special attention, records of all mosquitoes encountered have been kept throughout the investigation, whether or not they seemed likely to be involved in the local epidemiology of yellow fever. Certain sections of the work have already been published (Mahaffy & others, 1942; Haddow, 1945a, 1945b, 1945c, 1946 and 1948; Haddow & others, 1947; Haddow & Dick, 1948; Haddow & Mahaffy, 1949), but a great part of it has not as yet been submitted.
Piperonyl Butoxide as a Constituent of Heavy-oil Sprays for the Control of Stored Product Insects. I.—Piperonyl Butoxide as a Synergist for Pyrethrum and its Effect on the Persistence of Pyrethrum Films
Authors: Hewlett P. S.
Published: July 2009

Laboratory experiments showed that piperonyl butoxide (PB) is a powerful synergist of pyrethrins in Shell oil P31.

The toxicity of PB alone to different species of insects was determined. Tribolium castaneum was resistant to direct sprays of PB in P31, but appreciably susceptible to films : the toxic action of the films on this species was unusually delayed. Ptinus tedus and Calandragranaria were resistant to films, but C. oryzae somewhat susceptible.

In view of claims that PB makes pyrethrum films more persistent, an experiment specifically designed to reveal such an effect was carried out. This failed to show that PB makes the films any more persistent.

A formula was obtained giving the approximate pyrethrin equivalent of different pyrethrin-PB mixtures applied to T. castaneum as films on filter paper. It was shown, however, that the pyrethrin equivalent of a given pyrethrin-PB mixture could differ according to the method of application and according to the species of test insect.
Food-plants of Citrus Leaf-miner (Phyllocnistis citrella Stn.) in the Punjab
Authors: Latif Abdul , Yunus Ch. Muhammad
Published: July 2009

The Citrus Leaf-miner (Phyllocnistis citrella) has been recorded from plants belonging to several widely differing botanical families.

It is shown that the true food-plants of this pest are the various species of Citrus and Aegle marmelos.

Elephant lemon (Citrus medica), which has comparatively succulent leaves, is the most susceptible species of Citrus, whilst lime (C. aurantiifolia), with its comparatively thick and coarse leaves, is the least susceptible. Aegle marmelos is not of any importance as the attack in this case is negligible.

C. medica should be excluded from citrus orchards as it is of least economic importance, and is highly susceptible to attack. C. limonia, which is usually grown as a hedge around gardens, provides an undisturbed breeding ground for the pest and should as far as possible not be planted around citrus plantations.
Probable Insect Vectors of Yellow Fever Virus, from Monkey to Man, in Bwamba County, Uganda
Authors: Lumsden W. H. R.
Published: July 2009

The habits and habitations of the natives in the Bwamba lowlands, Uganda, are briefly described.

A series of catches designed to assess the relative importance of the various species of biting insect and of various routes of transference in the transmission of yellow fever virus from the monkey population of the forest to the nearby human population is reported.

The microclimate in a native hut is discussed.

The species of biting insect encountered are listed, the results of the catches given, and the relative importance of the different species and routes assessed by means of indices.

It is concluded that yellow fever virus is most likely to be transferred to the native population by A. (S.) simpsoni in plantations, the infection in this insect being derived from forest monkeys which raid the plantations for food.
The Selection and Rearing of Leaf-eating Insects for Use as Test Subjects in the Study of Insecticides
Authors: Way M. J. , Smith P. M. , Hopkins B.
Published: July 2009

A number of leaf-eating insects have been studied with the object of selecting species suitable for rearing in the laboratory.

Four species have proved satisfactory for large-scale rearing throughout the year. These arePlutella maculipennis, Plusia gamma, Diataraxia oleraceaandPhaedon cochleariae. A number of species possess certain disadvantages : (1) apparently obligate diapause (Mamestra brassicae, Sphinx ligustri). (2) The same as (1) with the additional disadvantage of lack of food-plant in winter (Lymantria dispar). (3) Uncertain copulation and oviposition (Pieris brassicae). When available, these species may be reared satisfactorily in large numbers.

Mesographe forficalis, Xanthorhoë fluctuata, Lema melanopaandCrioceris asparagihave been reared in relatively small numbers. They possess certain disadvantages but should be satisfactory for large scale rearing at any rate during some part of the year.

At present laboratory rearing ofPhlogophora meticulosa, Agrotis segetum, Triphaena pronuba, Aclypea opacaandAthalia colibriis considered impracticable. A number of leaf-eating species, particularly Hymenoptera, which appear to possess suitable qualities for laboratory rearing, have not yet been obtained and studied in the laboratory.

Particular attention has been paid to factors influencing development of leaffeeding insects with the object of determining the conditions under which healthy stocks of uniform resistance can be maintained. The results of experiments on the effect of food-plant, temperature, humidity and illumination are described. Studies on the factors influencing diapause in the various species are mentioned. Descriptions, are given of the rearing techniques that have been developed.
The Discovery of the early Stages ofSimulium neaveiin phoretic Association with Crabs and a Description of the Pupa and the Male
Authors: McMahon J. P.
Published: July 2009

The breeding-place ofSimulium neaveiRoub. has remained undisclosed, despite many attempts to discover it, ever since Dr. S. A. Neave first collected the females in 1911. In May of that year Neave made collections near the Yala River, Kenya, and in November of the same year caught more specimens in Western Ankole, Uganda. Roubaud described and named the species in 1915. Dry in 1921 captured some specimens feeding on man at Ngoina, near Kericho, Kenya, and made the important observation that the local natives connected the fly with the occurrence of a chronic skin disease in this district which has since been identified as onchocerciasis.