bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field observations of tsetse flies (Glossina spp. (Diptera: Glossinidae)) with new odour-baited trapping devices
Authors: Mhindurwa A.
Published: July 2009

Three new trapping devices (Ml, M2 and M3 traps) were tested and compared with current trapping devices (the F3 and the Epsilon traps) for tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) in Zimbabwe. The most effective was the M3 trap which caught 80% and 73% more male and female G. morsitans Westwood and 110% and 39% more male and female G. pallidipes Austen, respectively. The mean catch for the standard Epsilon trap which was not so effective was six male G. morsitans, 24 female G. morsitans, 76 male G. pallidipes and 199 female G. pallidipes.
Remote sensing of rainfall by satellite as an aid to Oedaleus senegalensis (Orthoptera: Acrididae) control in the Sahel
Authors: Burt P.J.A. , Colvin J. , Smith S.M.
Published: July 2009

The Senegalese grasshopper, Oedaleus senegalensis (Krauss) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), is a major grasshopper pest of subsistence crops in the West African Sahel. In northern Mali, O. senegalensis spends the dry season in the egg stage in the soil and eclosion is triggered by the first rains which usually occur in May and June. Satellite imagery potentially enables rainfall, and hense O. senegalensis eclosion, to be monitored over much wider areas than those possible for ground-based observers. In 1990 and 1991, rain-gauge networks were set up at Mourdiah, northern Mali, and for each storm event, rainfall and Meteosat infra-red data were collected. The coldest convection clouds (< -70°C) produced rain 93.1% (n = 15) of the time, whereas warmer cloud (>- 10°C) produced rain only once (n = 61). The relationship between minimum cloud temperature and log transformed rainfall data was negative and highly significant (P < 0.0005). The maximum rain-gauge separation for reliable point measurements of rainfall was 8 km. Simulated rainfall experiments showed that O. senegalensis eclosion is influenced both by soil type and by the quantity of water added to the soil. A grasshopper survey after the first rain in 1994 showed that 8 mm of rain was sufficient to cause eclosion 9 days later. The implications of these results for improved O. senegalensis control are discussed.
Orientation by gravid Australian sheep blowflies, Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae), to fleece and synthetic chemical attractants in laboratory bioassays
Authors: Eisemann C.H.
Published: July 2009

Gravid females of Lucilia cuprina (Wiedeman) in a laboratory cage orientated positively to samples of fleece. Newly-wetted fleece was significantly more attractive than dry fleece, an effect resulting from the action of water on the fleece and not just addition of water vapour to the volatile fleece kairomones. Fleece contaminated with serous exudate, resulting from myiasis by L. cuprina, was much more attractive than wet, uncontaminated fleece from the same sheep. Kairomones from wetted fleece consistently augmented the attractive effects of 2-mercaptoethanol and indole in separate experiments, and of hydrogen sulphide (released from saturated aqueous sodium sulphide solution) in one trial out of three, but not overall. It is suggested that volatile fleece kairomones play a part in eliciting orientation to sheep by gravid L. cuprina. Fleece kairomones may augment the efficacy of kairomones released by putrefactive conditions in the fleece, which are known to predispose sheep to fly strike. They may also provide an input which helps to retain L. cuprina populations in the sheep’s peridomestic precinct.
Effects of field-weathered residues of insect growth regulators on some Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) of economic importance as biocontrol agents
Authors: Hattingh Vaughan , Tate Bruce
Published: July 2009

Use of the insect growth regulator (IGR) pyriproxyfen (Nemesis®) for the control of red scale Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera: Diaspididae) on citrus in southern Africa has led to extensive disruption of the biocontrol of cottony cushion scale Icerya purchasi Maskell (Homoptera: Margarodidae) provided by the coccinellids Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant) and other indigenous Rodolia spp. Similar effects on field populations of Chilocorus nigrita (Fabricius), a coccinellids predator of A. aurantii, have also been observed. The adverse effects of field-weathered residues of IGRs on the fecundity and egg viability of the coccinellids C. nigrita and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant were determined in a laboratory bioassay. Residues of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analogue, and two chitin synthesis inhibitors, buprofezin (Applaud®) and triflumuron (Alsystin®), were tested. Exposure to residue-bearing leaves did not affect the number of eggs laid by Chilocorusnigrita, but a complete, or near complete failure of eggs to hatch ensured when adults were exposed to either 3, 7 or 19 week old weathered residues from a single application of pyriproxyfen or triflumuron. Three week old residues of buprofezin had the same effect, but both 7 and 19 week old residues no longer significantly reduced egg viability. Adults of both C. nigrita and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri commenced laying viable eggs within 20 days of being separated from all residue-bearing leaves. One week old residues of pyriproxyfen and triflumuron both significantly reduced progeny production by C. montrouzieri. Ten week old triflumuron residues were still detrimental to this species but pyriproxyfen residues of the same age were not. It was concluded that IGRs are not compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) for citrus in southern Africa, where coccinellid biocontrol agents play an important role.
A new species of scuttle fly (Diptera: Phoridae) that is a pest of oyster mushrooms (Agaricales: Pleurotaceae) in India
Authors: Mohan S. , Mohan S. , Disney R.H.L.
Published: July 2009

In south India the cultivated oyster mushroom Pleurotus citrinopileatus Singer, which is treated as a subspecies of P. cornucopiae (Paul, ex Pers.) Rolland by some authors, is attacked by larvae of the phorid fly Megaselia tamilnaduensis Disney sp. n. The larvae feed on the mycelium. When more than 3% of the area of the surface of 2.5 kg cylindrical mushroom beds had been damaged the subsequent yields of sporophores fell from 400–500 g to 200–350 g. The new species is described and biological data are summarized.
Relationships between feeding habits and fecundity of Helopeltis theivora (Hemiptera: Miridae) on cocoa
Authors: Muhamad R. , Way M.J.
Published: July 2009

The characteristics of feeding lesions and the relationship between cocoa pod size/age and surface area were determined as a basis for examining in detail the effects of pod age on feeding and oviposition by Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse. In no-choice and choice experiments in the field, adults made few feeding lesions on the youngest cherelles and, given a choice, made many fewer on full size, ripe yellowing pods than on old cherelles and growing pods. Old cherelles and growing pods were equally attractive based on numbers of feeding lesions per cherelle or pod, but in terms of available surface area for feeding there were more on the cherelles. These distinctions in feeding choice are even more striking for oviposition, with no eggs laid on young cherelles and old pods, and old cherelles/young pods strongly preferred on a per cherelle or pod basis, and especially per unit area of surface. It is suggested that the female chooses to oviposit on relatively old cherelles and young pods because its nymphs may benefit by feeding during a nutritious growing phase of pod development. It is also significant that eggs are rarely laid on ripe pods on which newly hatched nymphs cannot survive, nor are they laid on young cherelles, most of which, unlike the oldest, will die from cherelle wilt. The female lays a large proportion of eggs within, or very close to, feeding lesions, including those made earlier by males. Yet, this does not benefit egg viability. Males did not make feeding lesions on previously laid eggs.
Readjustment of the malaria vector control strategy in the Rusizi Valley, Burundi
Authors: Smits A. , Coosemans M. , Van Bortel W. , Barutwanayo M. , Delacollette Ch.
Published: July 2009

Based on a longitudinal survey performed in 1982–1983, a vector control strategy was implemented from 1985 onwards in a malarial-dense area of Burundi. One annual round of indoor spraying with malathion greatly reduced both the parasite load and the parasite rate in the population until 1989. However, from 1990 to 1993, a progressive resurgence of malaria was observed in most villages. For the present study, two villages were selected on the basis of their differential response to house spraying. In the village of Mulira surrounded by rice fields, the excellent results observed in the past have been followed by recent increases in parasite rates. In the village of Murengeza, also located in the rice growing area but near a river, the spraying had less impact. The inoculation rate was found to be similar in both villages, but the transmission peak occurred at the end of April in Mulira, and two months earlier in Murengeza. Indoor spraying with lambdacyhalothrin was carried out on 26 April 1993, one month too late according to the strategy intended. As no sporozoite mosquitoes were observed during the six months following spraying, this strategy should be maintained but, in villages near rivers, the application should commence much earlier, in mid-January. Anopheles gambiae Giles sensu stricto (Diptera: Culicidae) and A. funestus Giles were found to be very endophilic species, whereas the dominant A. arabiensis. Patton was highly exophilic. Therefore it is recommended that treatments should not only be applied to human dwellings but also to other structures such as animal sheds, kitchens, etc, shown by earlier studies to be resting sites of A. arabiensis. This study underlines the need for regular reassessment in vector control programmes.
The Control of the Carrot Fly (Psila rosae, Fab.) (Diptera) with DDT.
Authors: Wright D. W. , Ashby D. G.
Published: July 2009

(1) The proprietary emulsion “Guesapon ”, containing 5 per cent. DDT, gave an unsatisfactory control of carrot fly damage on a plot scale.

(2) Treatment of the carrot foliage with this emulsion was more effective than treatment of the soil.

(3) A I per cent. emulsion of DDT applied to carrot foliage in the field gave 100 per cent. mortality of carrot flies in the laboratory for 26 days after treatment and showed marked toxicity after a further 38 days.

(4) The DDT spray deposits were very, resistant to treatment with water and remained active after death of the foliage. They were also very toxic and lasting on potato foliage.

(5) Deposits given by ½ per cent. and I per cent. DDT emulsion were similar in toxicity and persistence. The ½ per cent. is, however, slower in action.

(6) From a treated surface the carrot fly is able to acquire a lethal dose of DDT in a very short time, probably by absorption through the feet.

(7) Emulsions containing ½ per cent. and I per cent. DDT applied to carrot foliage under cages in the field both gave 95 per cent. kill of carrot flies for a month after application. The treatments also gave a high kill of other insects.

(8) Soil samples showed that the larval population and the damage was much lower in the treated than in untreated cages.

(9) In a field trial 2⅓ acres of carrots were treated with ½ per cent. DDT emulsion at about 50 gals. an acre.

(10) Sweeping showed a rapid decline in abundance of flies after treatment and high mortalities were observed. These features did not occur on neighbouring untreated carrots.

(11) These effects lasted for some 21 days after treatment and a marked reduction of larval population and damage resulted.
A rapid field Method for assessing the spreading Power of anti-malarial Oils
Authors: Adam N. K.
Published: July 2009

It is essential that an oil used for killing mosquito larvae on the surface of stagnant water should cover the whole surface completely with a spread film. Only if the oil spreads completely over the surface can it be certain of reaching all the larvae, penetrating into their respiratory system, and so killing them. Although practically all oils (except the most highly refined mineral oils) will spread on clean water surfaces, most stagnant waters have surfaces so contaminated by surface films, visible or invisible, that their surface tension is reduced much below that of clean water. This hinders, or completely prevents, spreading of oils of low spreading power which would spread on clean water. Therefore, other things being equal, an oil with a high spreading power is preferable to one with a low spreading power; indeed an oil with a low spreading power may, in practice, be of little or no use. A simple method of determining spreading power is thus of considerable importance.
The Identity of a Mealybug Vector of “Swollen Shoot” Virus Disease of Cacao in West Africa
Authors: Hall W. J.
Published: July 2009

A new mealybug injurious to cacao in the Gold Coast was described by Laing in 1944 under the name of Pseudococcus exitiabilis (Bull. ent. Res., 35, p. 91). It was said that it had been reported by the collector, Mr. H. E. Box, to be one of the Coccid vectors of the “Swollen Shoot” virus disease of Cacao. This was later confirmed by Box (Nature, 155, 1945, p. 608).
Ceylon Euplectrini (Hym.)
Authors: Gadd C. H.
Published: July 2009

Ferrière (1941) in his study of the Euplectrini (Chalcidoidea, Eulophidae) has described three yellow species from Ceylon, all parasites of nettle grubs (Limacodidae) from tea, and has erected three genera to accommodate them. They are Neoplectrus maculatus (1940), Platyplectrus natadae (1941), and Metaplectrus thoseae (1941). In April, 1944, the writer obtained two females from Thosea cervina, and at first sight they were thought to be Metaplectrus thoseae, but closer examination showed them to differ from Ferrière's description in several important respects. In order to ascertain their systematic position the following brief study of Ceylon specimens was under taken.
Two new Species of Miridae (Hemiptera-Heteroptera)
Authors: Miller N. C. E.
Published: July 2009

Specimens of the first of the new species here described were received by the Commonwealth Institute of Entomology from Mr. G. Swaine, Entomologist to the Department of Agriculture, Tanganyika Territory, who reported it as injurious to shoots and young fruits of the cashew nut, Anacardium occidentale L., and of the second through the British Museum (Natural History) from Mr. G. S. Dun, Senior Entomologist, Division of Plant Industry, New Guinea.
Xyleborus morstatti Hag. (Coleoptera, Scolytidae), a Shot-hole Borer attacking Avocado Pear in the Seychelles
Authors: Brown E. S.
Published: July 2009

Xylebrous morstatti Hag. is a shot-hole borer which is well known as a pest of coffee. It has also been recorded from avocado pear (Persea americana) in Fiji, and is here reported attacking the same tree in the Seychelles, where it appears to be too scarce so far to do any serious damage.

The infestations and nature of the damage on avocado pear are described and illustrated, and the recorded geographical distribution of the insect is summarised.

A method of insecticidal control is described which, on the small scale on which it was carried out, appears to have been successful.
Distribution, life history, host specificity and suitability of an undescribed Chrysolina species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for the biological control of Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Compositae)
Authors: Adair R. J. , Scott J. K.
Published: July 2009

In host specificity tests using 81 plant species from 27 families, an undescribed Chrysolina sp. completed its development only on Chrysanthemoides monilifera, a serious weed of native vegetation in Australia. Minor exploratory feeding, mostly by adults, occurred on 35 plant species. The Chrysolina sp. is restricted to the eastern Cape Province of South Africa where it occurs on Chrysanthemoides m. pisifera, a subspecies not yet recorded in Australia. Chrysanthemoides m. monilifera and C. m. rotundata, both naturalized in Australia, were accepted as hosts by Chrysolina sp., but adult emergence was lower on the latter subspecies. A climate comparison between a site location for Chrysolina sp. and stations within the Australian distribution of Chrysanthemoides monilifera has identified potential release sites that may be suitable for the insect. Chrysolina sp. was approved for release in Australia in 1989 and releases were initiated in 1990.
Effect of the stem borer Eldana saccharina (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on the yield of maize
Authors: Bosque-Pérez N. A. , Mareck J. H.
Published: July 2009

Field experiments were conducted in the dry season of 1985–86 and the first and second rainy seasons of 1986 at Ibadan, Nigeria, to assess the level of damage and yield reductions caused by Eldana saccharina Walker to maize. Grain weight per plant in artificially infested plots was up to 36% lower than grain weight per plant in insecticide-protected plots. Artificially infested plots had significantly lower 100-grain weight than insecticide-protected ones. The regression coefficient obtained from covariance analysis revealed that 100-grain weight decreased by 0.125 g for each unit increase in the percentage of the stem tunnelled. Infestations of E. saccharina were found to increase significantly the incidence and severity of stalk rots.
Ovarian development in females of the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) fed on sheep faeces and the effect of ivermectin residues
Authors: Cook David F.
Published: July 2009

This study demonstrates that only a proportion of Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) females, which have fed exclusively on sheep dung collected from spring improved pastures, are able to mature a complement of oocytes at the cost of high resorption. Fifty percent of females developed mature oocytes after 11 d of continuous feeding on sheep dung. After 14 d feeding, 80% of females had matured an average of 143 eggs. Females given ad lib access to sheep's liver developed mature oocytes within 2–3 d feeding, producing an average of 223 eggs. Results show that sheep dung is a resource used by L. cuprina adults, but by itself appears to be a poor source of protein for field females to mature oocytes. Females given continuous access to dung collected from sheep 18 h after being drenched with ivermectin, were virtually unable to develop oocytes beyond the resting stage after 10 d feeding. Female adults in particular, became distended with fluid over successive days feeding and both sexes suffered significantly higher mortality compared with adults fed on untreated sheep dung. Knowledge on the feeding frequency and amounts of sheep dung ingested by L. cuprina adults may enable an assessment of the potential for manipulation of ivermectin treatment in a control strategy.
Tick (Acarina: Ixodidae) infestations on zebu cattle in northern Uganda
Authors: Kaiser M. N. , Sutherst R. W. , Bourne A. S.
Published: July 2009

Tick populations were observed on zebu cattle (Bos indicus) over an 18 month period at Patiko in northern Uganda. Monthly collections were made of all stages of ticks from five cattle and six sheep (Ovis aries). Collections of adults of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann were also made from the ears of about 30 cattle on several occasions. The species recorded on cattle, in order of decreasing abundance, were R. appendiculatus, Amblyomma variegatum (Fabricius), Boophilus decoloratus (Koch) and R. evertsi evertsi Neumann. Far fewer ticks were collected from the sheep. The adults of R. appendiculatus were randomly distributed over the herd. There was a distinct seasonal incidence of R. appendiculatus and A. variegatum on their hosts, which could be related to rainfall and to the emergence of new cohorts during the long rainy season. In addition, adult females of R. appendiculatus were collected daily off the ears of cattle at Entebbe following an infestation with 200 adult males and females. Measurements of the growth of the ticks were used to define the sizes of ‘standard’ ticks which would complete engorgement in the following 24 h. Such ticks provide a means of sampling to estimate the number of ticks engorging daily. Comparison of the frequency distributions of each stage and species in the Patiko collections were then used to infer the sizes of standard ticks for other species.
Preliminary Notes on Egyptian Mosquitos
Authors: Gough L. H.
Published: July 2009

The mosquito fauna of Egypt appears to have received very little attention hitherto, and very few species have been recorded from this country up to the present.

The following list of species is based chiefly on the collection of the Ministry of Agriculture, and is supplemented by references to species recorded by other observers but not taken by us. The synonymy used is that proposed by Mr. F. W. Edwards in his papers:—“ The African Species of Culex and allied Genera ” (Bull. Ent. Res., ii, p. 241, 1911); “ Further Notes on African Culicidae ” (Bull. Ent. Res., iv, p. 47, 1913); “ Key for determining the African Species of Anopheles ” (Bull. Ent. Res., iii, p. 241, 1912), excepting where the contrary is stated.
A study of the host relations of Halictophagus pontifex Fox (Strepsiptera), a parasite of Cercopidae (Hem., Aphrophorinae), in Uganda
Authors: Greathead D. J.
Published: July 2009

The relations of the Strepsipterous parasite Halictophagus pontifex Fox to seven species of its Cercopid (Aphrophorinae) hosts were studied at a grassland site in Uganda. Dissections of weekly samples of the Cercopids collected by sweeping showed that the duration of the life-cycle of H. pontifex is 30–40 days. The parasite is found only in adult hosts which can support as many individuals (up to 7) in Poophilus costalis (Wlk.) as can develop in the space available in the body cavity. Both the maximum number of parasites per host and the rate of parasitism are related to the volume of the host. Parasitism arrests development of the ovaries of female hosts; they may reproduce after emergence of male parasites but not after exhaustion of females because of reinfection by triungulins. Graphical and regression analysis of the population data (no. individuals/1 000 sweeps) show that, for P. costalis, parasitism by H. pontifex is density dependent and the chief regulating factor. Rainfall 58–64 days before sampling also was correlated with P. costalis density, but multiple regression analysis showed it to be insignificant.
Preliminary studies on the control of the coconut stick insect, Graeffea crouanii (Le Guillou), with systemic insecticides
Authors: Stelzer M. J.
Published: July 2009

An attempt to control Graeffia crouanii (Le Guillou) with systemic insecticides injected into the trunk of coconut palms indicated a high potential for monocrotophos and dicrotophos. The fronds of 15-year-old palms treated with 6–7·5 ml active ingredient per palm were toxic to adult females for up to 16 weeks, and make a second treatment unnecessary. An analysis of coconuts from palms treated with monocrotophos (6 ml a.i.) showed no significant residues in the nut water or meat.
A new species of Hispaniella Mercet (Hym., Aphelinidae) from Diaspid scales in Uganda
Authors: Hill Dennis S.
Published: July 2009

Hispaniella africana sp. n. is described from material reared from Inchoaspis dentilobis (Newst.) (Horn., Diaspididae) attacking Sapium ellipticum (Euphorbiaceae) in Uganda. This is the first record of the genus from tropical Africa.
Two new species of Cyrtorhinus Fieber (Hem.-Het., Miridae) from East Africa and Madagascar
Authors: Ghauri M. S. K.
Published: July 2009

Cyrtorhinus rectangulus from Kenya and C. caricisoides from Madagascar are described as new. A key is given for the eight species of Cyrtorhinus.
Morphological diversity and toxicity of delta-endotoxin produced by various strains of Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Attathom Tipvadee , Chongrattanameteekul Wiboon , Chanpaisang Jariya , Siriyan Ratchanee
Published: July 2009

Local isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis were isolated from infected rice stemborers, soils, rice bran and rice mill dust. Of 83 isolates serotyped by B. thuringiensis H-antisera, 13 serotypes were identified. Those serotypes were assigned to B. thuringiensis of subspecies canadensis, galleriae, kenyae, kurstaki, neoleonensis, aizawai, alesti, entomocidus, tochigiensis and tolworthi. Three serotypes, 3a:3c:3d, 5a:5b/21 and 17/27, were unnamed and portend to be new subspecies. Morphological studies of delta-endotoxin or crystal protein of each subspecies showed significant differences in size and shape. Bipyramidal crystals, spherical and cuboidal crystals and the combinations of these structures were observed. Toxicity of sporulated cultures and isolated crystal proteins of B. thuringiensis strains to five species of economically important insects were determined using diet incorporation bioassays. Extracted crystal proteins from certain B. thuringiensis subspecies were highly toxic to some insect species. These have the potential of providing alternative strategies for utilizing B. thuringiensis for controlling insects.
Contarinia maculipennis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a polyphagous pest newly reported for North America
Authors: Gagné Raymond J.
Published: July 2009

A gall midge recently found on Dendrobium orchids in Florida, USA, is identified as Contarinia maculipennis Felt. The identification is based on anatomical similarity to a polyphagous species originally described from Hawaii but which now appears to be from south-east Asia. Contarinia maculipennis is redescribed and compared to Contarinia solani (Rübsaamen) and C. lycopersici Felt, two species with which it has been confused in the literature.
Comparative life history studies of Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on cucumber
Authors: van Rijn Paul C.J. , Mollema Chris , Steenhuis-Broers Greet M.
Published: July 2009

Shortly after its invasion into Europe, the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), became a more severe pest of greenhouse crops than the onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman. To test whether this differential pest status was due to a larger capacity of population increase, a comparative life history study was carried out on cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Corona). Experiments at 25°C showed that the egg-to-egg period of F. occidentalis was shorter, but its peak ovipositional rate was lower and its offspring sex ratio more male biased. These differences resulted in a slightly lower intrinsic rate of population increase (rm) for F. occidentalis than for T. tabaci (0.166 vs. 0.176/day). It was shown experimentally that between 15 and 28°C, developmental rate of F. occidentalis is linearly related to temperature, with a theoretical threshold temperature similar to the value reported for T. tabaci (10.9 vs. 11.5°C). It is argued that the rm-value of F. occidentalis will not be higher than that of T. tabaci for any temperature within this range. Alternative explanations for the difference in pest status between the two thrips species are discussed.
On some Species of Cacodmus, a Genus of BedBugs (Clinocoridae)
Authors: Rothschild N. C.
Published: July 2009

In the Entomologists' Monthly Magazine, (2) xxiii, p. 85 (1912), I described as Cacodmus ignotus, sp. nov., a female without locality and compared it with Cacodmus villosus, Stål. The Imperial Bureau of Entomology has lately received from Uganda a pair of a Cacodmus, taken from a bat by Mr. C. C. Gowdey, which differs so little from the specimen described as ignotus, that I consider the two examples to belong to that species.
Two Pests of Mahogany in Nyasaland
Authors: Ballard E.
Published: July 2009

Mahogany trees are attacked by two caterpillars which inflict a large amount of damage every year. One of these, Heteronygmiu leucogyna, Hmp. (Lymantriidae), eats the leaves, while the other, Mussidia albipartalis, Hmp. (Pyralidae), bores under the bark, causing much deformity of young trees and the formation of corky excrescences, accompanied by the exudation of resin.
The responses of Glossina pallidipes and G. longipennis (Diptera: Glossinidae) to odour-baited traps and targets at Galana Ranch, south-eastern Kenya
Authors: Baylis M , Nambiro C. O
Published: July 2009

Four designs of trap, all made from identical material, were compared at Galana Ranch, south-eastern Kenya, as sampling devices for Glossina pallidipes Austen and G. longipennis Corti. The NG2G and Epsilon traps caught more than twice as many female G. pallidipes as the biconical trap, and the F3 was intermediate. A similar, pattern was observed for males, although the differences were smaller, and not significant. The NG2G, Epsilon and F3 traps all caught approximately twice as many male and female G. longipennis as the biconical trap. Acetone (500 mg/h) significantly increased trap catches of G. pallidipes, and there was a synergism between acetone and 4-methylphenol (0.8 mg/h). There was little or no effect with 1-octen-3-ol (0.8 mg/h). Acetone, 1-octen-3-ol, and 4-methylphenol all increased trap catches of G. longipennis, and there were no synergisms among them. Cow urine (850 mg/h) increased the catches of both species in traps baited with acetone and 1-octen-3-ol, although not significantly for G. longipennis. There was no effect with 3-methylphenol (0.8 mg/h). The addition of 3-propylphenol to traps baited with acetone, 1-octen-3-ol and 4-methylphenol had no effect on the catches of either species. For G.pallidipes, a combination of acetone, 1-octen-3-ol, 4-methylphenol and 3-propylphenol was calculated to have a catch index of 6–8 over unbaited traps, a value lower than that reported for Zimbabwe and Nguruman, Kenya, and greater than that reported for Somalia. The catches of G. longipennis were approximately three times higher on electrified targets than in F3 traps, although there was no difference in the catch of G. pallidipes.
Padaukia - a new genus of jumping plantlice (Homoptera: Psylloidea) attacking economically important species of Pterocarpus (Leguminosae)
Authors: Hollis D , Martin J.H
Published: July 2009

The genus Padaukia is newly described in the family Psyllidae. Its systematic relationships are discussed; seven species are included, five of which are newly described: P. cuanzae sp. n., P. javana sp. n., P. kino sp. n., P. macrocarpae sp. n. and P. usambarensis sp. n. An identification key is provided. Three species are known to attack economically important species of timber trees of the legumious genus Pterocarpus in tropical Asia.
Taxonomy of the Telenomus busseolae species-complex (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) egg parasitoids of cereal stem borers (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Pyralidae)
Authors: Polaszek Andrew , Ubeku Jackson A. , Bosque-Perez Nilsa A.
Published: July 2009

Morphological studies of different populations of what was previously considered to be a single species, Telenomus busseolae Gahan, revealed a complex of three distinct species. A total of four species were found to belong to this complex, all of which are egg parasitoids of stem boring Lepidoptera belonging to the closely related noctuid genera Busseola and Sesamia, with a single record from the pyralid stem borer genus Coniesta. All these host genera are of major economic importance as cereal pests. Two of the four Telenomus spp. are fully sympatric with regard to distribution, hosts and oviposition period. Two species, Telenomus isis and Telenomus nagarajae, are described as new.
Induction of inherited sterility in the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) by substerilizing doses of ionizing radiation
Authors: Seth R.K , Reynolds S.E
Published: July 2009

Male pupae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (Linnaeus), were exposed to γ–radiation from a 60Co source. This treatment induced mortality and malformations in the emerging adult insects. The incidence of these adverse effects of radiation declined with increasing pupal age at the time of treatment. Within any one age class, the effects of radiation treatment increased with increasing dose. When 16 d old pupae were irradiated, the resulting adult male insects exhibited adverse effects on mating behaviour and fertility when tested against unirradiated females. These effects were dose dependent in the range 0–30 krad. The major cause of reduced fertility was the failure of eggs to hatch. These eggs mostly showed no sign of embryonic development. F1 progency of moths given substerilizing doses of radiation showed significantly elevated larval mortality, pupal and adult malformations, and a slightly prolonged developmental period, but nevertheless a high proportion of the F1 insects survived to adults. The sex ratio of the F1 generation was markedly skewed in favour of males. When F1 insects, male or female, were mated with normal insects of the opposite sex, they were significantly less fertile than the irradiated parental (P1) generation. The F1 male moths transferred spermatophores to normal females only slightly less well than normal males, but the F1 females were much less successful than controls in mating with normal males. Examination of spermathecae of normal females mated with F1 males showed that both eupyrene and apyrene spermatozoa were successfully transferred from the spermatophore in all cases where the P1 insects had received 10 krad, but there was a slight reduction in the cases of higher doses. There was a dose-related decline in the number of eggs laid per mated female, and a dose-related reduction in hatching rate for the matings of both male and female F1 insects, but the effect on males was more severe than on females. The longevity of both F1 males and F1 females was reduced. The reduction in fertility of the F1 insects was in part due to a reduction in the number of eggs laid, but also to an increase in the number of eggs which failed to hatch. In contrast to the P1 generation, the reduction in hatching success of eggs laid by F1 insects was due mostly to the death of partly developed embryos.
Influence of temperature on larval defecation and its use in estimating canopy population size of pine sawflies (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae)
Authors: Simandl J.
Published: July 2009

The frequency of defecation in relation to constant0/simulated outdoor temperatures and larval age (instar) was examined under laboratory conditions in four species of pine sawflies (Diprionidae): Gilpinia frutetorum (Fabricius), Diprion pini (Linnaeus), D. similis (Hartig) and Macrodiprion nemoralis (Enslin). Defecation interval and total faecal production was regular under higher constant temperatures (higher production in younger instars, second and third) and production significantly decreased under varying air temperatures during the same period (24 hours) when larvae of younger instars were influenced more by lower temperatures. The influence of larval age (instar) on faecal production was insignificant if larvae were exposed to varying temperatures during 24 hours. Faecal production and temperature were positively correlated in each of the four species and instars tested, as well as in total (all the test species and instars combined). Implications of the results for estimating canopy larval density by frass-drop measurements in the field are briefly discussed.
Seasonal abundance and distribution of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), the two spotted spider mite, on cotton in Australia and implications for management
Authors: Wilson L.J , Morton R
Published: July 2009

The two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a pest of cotton in Australia yet has received little attention. To develop sampling strategies for pest management the seasonal abundance and intra-crop distribution of T. urticae on cotton was studied. T. urticae colonized cotton crops at seedling emergence in October. Populations declined through November/December then increased progressively thereafter, at varying times and rates. Higher initial infestation levels were correlated with earlier, potentially more damaging, mite outbreaks. Survival of T. urticae through November/December appears crucial in determining the extent to which this potential is realized. Nodes 3 to 5 below the terminal were most heavily infested and should be used as the sampling unit for mites. The within plant distribution of T. urticae was unaffected by cotton variety or insecticide applications. T. urticae was more abundant on the edges of fields than in the interior early in the season (October and November) indicating colonization from an external source. The edge effect diminished with time, suggesting a lack of continuous colonization. The only exceptions to this pattern occurred when T. urticae migrated from senescent maize crops into the nearby cotton crops in early January. A simple sampling technique, based on the presence or absence of mites on leaves was developed for pest management purposes.
Baseline determination and detection of resistance to imidacloprid in Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Cahill Matthew , Gorman Kevin , Day Sara , Denholm Ian , Elbert Alfred , Nauen Ralf
Published: July 2009

Adult Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) were tested with imidacloprid in a bioassay method using systemically treated cotton leaves. The method was simple, robust and repeatable and provided baseline data for a laboratory and a number of recently collected field strains. The LC50 for imidacloprid susceptible strains was calculated to be 1.7 ppm and a concentration of 16 ppm determined as diagnostic for imidacloprid resistance. Ten strains of B. tabaci collected from the Almeria region of Spain showed significantly less mortality at the diagnostic dose than the susceptible strains. The intensive use of imidacloprid in the Almeria region is considered the reason for the occurrence of resistance in this locality. Resistance to organophosphates, pyrethroids and endosulfan in B-type and non-B type B. tabaci did not confer resistance to imidacloprid.
The effect of the cibarial armature on blood meal haemolysis of four anopheline mosquitoes
Authors: Chadee Dave D. , Beier John C. , Martinez Raymond
Published: July 2009

The cibarial armatures ofAnopheles albitarsisLynch Arribálzaga,A. aquasalisCurry,A. bellatorDyar & Knab andA. homunculusKomp are described for the first time. Ten to 15 minutes after blood feeding, higher levels of blood haemolysis were observed amongA. bellator(14.9%) andA. homunculus(14.0%) mosquitoes which possessed type C cibarial armatures than amongA. albitarsis(3.3%) andA. aquasalis(3.2%) which possessed type B cibarial armatures. In contrast, there were no significant differences among the four species in levels of extra-erythrocytic haemolysis when measured immediately and after one hour. The blood processing physiology observed for the four anopheline species is discussed at the enzymatic, mechanical and taxonomic levels as it relates to innate vector competence.
Genetic estimates of dispersal ability in the leucaena psyllid predatorCurinus coeruleus(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): implications for biological control
Authors: Follett Peter A. , Roderick George K.
Published: July 2009

The leucaena psyllid,Heteropsylla cubanaCrawford, can devastate plantings ofLeucaena leucocephala(Leguminosae), an economically important tree species in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Australia, India, Africa, and elsewhere. The predatory beetle,Curinus coeruleusMulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), has been introduced into many of these areas from Hawaii for biological control of the psyllid. In this study, collections ofC. coeruleuswere made from 11 populations on four islands in the Hawaiian archipelago to determine population structure and estimate levels of gene flow. Over all populations, a measure of population subdivision, θ was 0.095, and the estimate ofNem, the average migration rate, was 2.4. θ values for the individual islands were 0.02, 0.12, 0.24 and 0.05 for Kauai, Hawaii, Maui, and Oahu, respectively. Estimated levels of gene flow between populations were not correlated with geographic distance, therefore isolation by distance does not appear to be an important process structuringC. coeruleuspopulations. Gene flow estimates can be used to characterize dispersal capabilities in insects or other organisms released for biological control. In this case, the inferior dispersal ability ofC. coeruleuslikely limits its rapid widespread establishment during release programmes.
Autosterilization of the house fly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) in poultry houses in north-east India
Authors: Howard Julia , Wall Richard
Published: July 2009

Autosterilizing devices, composed of 20×50 cm rectangles of white polyester cloth, baited with 50% w/v sucrose and impregnated with 10% suspension concentrate of the chitin synthesis inhibitor triflumuron, were suspended in two caged-layer poultry houses on a 6 ha farm near Bhubaneswar, Orissa Province, in north-east India. Populations of Musca domestica Linnaeus declined significantly over 6 weeks in houses in which the triflumuron-treated targets had been deployed. Following the removal of the targets from these houses, the M. domestica populations subsequently increased. No comparable changes were observed in a control poultry house in which an equal number of targets, dosed with 50% w/v sucrose only, were suspended. Laboratory evaluation of the sugar-baited triflumuron targets confirmed that exposure of the strain of M. domestica present in the poultry manure to triflumuron-treated targets reduced egg hatch to less than 1%. There was no decline in the quantity of triflumuron present on targets during their 6 week exposure in the poultry houses, as shown by gas chromatography. Furthermore, a laboratory bioassay demonstrated no decrease in the potency of the chemical over the exposure period. However, the quantity of sugar present on targets decreased significantly after only 3 weeks exposure. However, populations in the treatment houses were not eliminated and immigration from surrounding houses may have reduced the effectiveness of the technique. The results are discussed in relation to the use triflumuron-treated targets as a practical autoster-ilizing system for house fly control in livestock production systems.
Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I in tetranychid mites: a comparison between molecular phylogeny and changes of morphological and life history traits
Authors: Navajas Maria , Gutierrez Jean , Lagnel Jacques , Boursot Pierre
Published: July 2009

Spider mites, Tetranychidae, represent one of the most cosmopolitan and economically important groups of terrestrial arthropods; however, many aspects of their evolutionary relationships remain uncertain. We sequenced part of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in 20 species of phytophagous mites belonging to nine genera and two families (Tetranychidae and Tenuipalpidae), including several agricultural pests. As eported in insects, the sequences were extremely rich in A + T (75% on average), especially in the third codon position (95%). However, one of the genera we studied had a significantly lower A + T content (69% on average, 78% in the third codon position), showing that base composition can change substantially over short periods of time. Most interspecific differences were transversions and their number increased steadily with the number of non-synonymous differences, while the number of transitions remained constant. The phylogeny based on COI sequences was inferred using the maximum likelihood method. The results are compatible as a whole with the traditional classification based on morphological characters, but call for some minor taxonomic revisions. Some morphological characters and life history traits (mode of reproduction, adaptation to the host plant) were also analysed within this phylogenetic framework. At the family level, one can see a trend towards thelytoky becoming rarer compared to the general mode of reproduction of the group, arrhenotoky. There is also an evolutionary tendency towards a more complex mode of life, with the production of silk webs and correlated changes of the locomotion apparatus. However, in the Tetranychidae there seems to have been convergent evolution of these morphological characters together with independent development of a common adaptation to this mode of life in different genera.
Taxonomic problems in the Aphanogmus hakonensis species complex; (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae) common hyperparasitoids in biocontrol programmes against lepidopterous pests in the tropics
Authors: Polaszek Andrew , Dessart Paul
Published: July 2009

Morphological studies of different populations of what was previously considered to be a single species, Aphanogmus hakonensis Ashmead, revealed the presence of a complex of species which are extremely difficult to distinguish without detailed studies of male genitalia. Several of these species have been misidentified during biological control programmes or parasitoid surveys. These misidentifications are corrected, and two new species, Aphanogmus captiosus and Aphanogmus thylax are described. The hakonensis-complex is diagnosed. As far as is known, all species are hyperparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae via various hymenopteran or dipteran primary parasitoids.
A new species of Brachymeria (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), parasitic on the cocoa husk borer, Cryptophlebia encarpa (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Malaysia
Authors: Ubaidillah Rosichon
Published: July 2009

Brachymeria encarpaesp. n. is described from Malaysia. This species was reared from an important pest of cocoa pods, the cocoa husk borer, Cryptophlebia encarpa (Meyrick), and may be of potential use as a biological control agent.
Two new Species of Malayan Rhynchota
Authors: Miller N. C. E.
Published: July 2009

Specimens of the two Coreid bugs described below were submitted by the Entomological Division of this Department to the Imperial Institute of Entomology for determination and were returned shortly afterwards with the intimation that both were new to science.
Notes on the Biology of Laphygma exempta, Walk., and L. exigua, Hbn. (Lep., Noctuidae)
Authors: Taylor John Sneyd
Published: July 2009

The following notes are the result of investigations carried out at Barberton, in the Eastern Transvaal.
A Contribution to the Study of the Natural Control of Gorse
Authors: Chater E. H.
Published: July 2009

In order to investigate the possible means of controlling introduced plant pests, the course that has been considered advisable to follow has been that of a general biological survey of the particular species under its native conditions and, so far as is possible, a comparison between this and a similar survey in the country to which it has become introduced. Such a survey should include the following aspects :—

Germination of seed : Normal percentage germination, germination of fresh and old seed, dormancy, “ hard ” seed, effect of varying external conditions or previous treatment upon germination of hard seed (if present). Seed reserves in soil ; continuous or discontinuous germination.

Establishment of seedlings : Effect of grass, leaf debris, bare soil, etc. ; root development ; causes of mortality.

Flowering : Periods of flowering, number of flowers ; mode of pollination.

Seeds and dispersal : Number of seeds, manner of dispersal, mortality before germination.

Relation to plant communities.

Relation to climate and soil types.

Geographical distribution.

Relation to insects : Insects found on the plant at different seasons ; nature and extent of damage to vegetative parts, flowers and fruits.
Notes on the Larvae of some South African Anophelines
Authors: De Meillon Botha
Published: July 2009

Puri has divided the Indian Anopheline larvae into two divisions and four groups according to the character of the pleural hairs. The following is a study of the larvae of some South African Anophelines on the same lines.