bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On some Rhynchota of economic importance from Colombia
Authors: Distant W. L.
Published: July 2009

The Imperial Bureau of Entomology have received the following six species of Rhynchota from Colombia, forwarded by Mr. M. T. Dawe, the Director of Agriculture, who reports two of them Trichocentrus sp., and Collaria oleosa as injurious to rice plantations, and the remaining four, Monalonion atratum, M. illustris, M. megiston, and M. collaris as damaging cacao pods. Of these Monalonions, two are here described as new species.
Insects injurious to vegetation
Authors: Fiske W. F.
Published: July 2009

In 1837 a commission established by the State of Massachusetts to conduct a botanical and zoological survey was instructed by Governor Everett in the following terms:—

“ It is presumed to have been a leading object of the Legislature, in authorizing this survey, to promote the agricultural benefit of the Commonwealth, and you will keep carefully in view the economical relations of every subject of your inquiry. By this, however, it is not intended that scientific order, method or comprehension should be departed from. At the same time that which is practically useful will receive a proportionately greater share of attention than that which is merely curious; the promotion of comfort and happiness being the great human end of all science.”
Termite (Isoptera) damage and control in tropical forestry with special reference to Africa and Indo-Malaysia: a review
Authors: Cowie Robert H. , Logan James W. M. , Wood T. G.
Published: July 2009

Termite damage is a major problem in tropical forestry especially where exotic tree species are used. Stressed tress are generally the most susceptible to attack. Dry-wood termites (Kalotermitidae) live and feed in dead wood but sometimes attack living parts of mature trees; generally, they are pests only in the humid tropics, causing local but sometimes serious damage. Coptotermes (Rhinotermitidae) causes more widespread and serious damage to mature trees, especially in Malaysia and Australia. The most serious losses (up to 100%), due predominantly to various Macrotermitinae (Termitidae) such as Macrotermes, Odontotermes and Microtermes, occur in young, exotictrees such as Eucalyptus in dry regions in Africa and India. Chemical control of dry-wood termites is not feasible; use of resistant trees is probably the only satisfactory strategy. Control of Coptotermes by various methods has been suggested; but only insecticide injection into nests within affected trunks (Australia) and destruction of nests with explosives prior to planting, followed by destruction of queens in subsequently located nests (Papua New Guinea), are effective and economically viable. Attack on seedings, especially by Macrotermitinae in Africa and India, can be prevented by the increasingly unacceptable persistent cyclodienes used as mound poisons or as a barrier around the roots preventing attack by subterranean species. Controlled-release formulations of otherwise non-persistent insecticides are being development but are expensive and not widely available. Many non-chemical measures have been suggested, but none has been rigorously evaluated; none will provide the almost complete protection afforded by cyclodienes. Biological control shows little promise. Use of resistant tree species and development of resistant varieties offers the only long-term solution, but until these are available there will be a need to continue using cyclodienes or rapidly to develop alternative control methods.
The effects of moonlight illuminance, temperature and wind speed on light-trap catches of moths
Authors: McGeachie W. J
Published: July 2009

A Robinson 125-W mercury-vapour light-trap was operated at an exposed site near Cranfield aerodrome, south-eastern England. The effects of moon-light, temperature and wind speed on light-trap catch were investigated. The dependent variable, In (catch +1), was compared with the independent variables moonlight illuminance, air temperature and wind speed, using multiple regression analysis. An algorithm was developed and used to estimate moonlight illuminance. Increases in mean illuminance and mean wind speed were associated with a decreased light-trap catch. Increases in mean temperature were associated with an increased catch. When the moth catch was broken down into individual families and species, other trends became apparent. Catches of noctuid moths were unaffected by variation in mean illuminance, although they were influenced by variation in mean temperature and mean wind speed. On the other hand, catches of crambine moths were very sensitive to fluctuations in mean illuminance and mean wind speed although unaffected by changes in mean temperature. The multiple regression equations were used to predict future light-trap catches. The correlations between observed and predicted In (catch +1) for (a) all moths, (b) noctuid moths and (c) crambine moths, were very good. It is suggested that the observed moonlight trend for crambine moths is a consequence of changing behaviour as moonlight illuminance changes rather than the alternative of changing light-trap effectiveness.
The three taro planthoppers: species recognition inTarophagus(Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Asche Manfred , Wilson Michael R.
Published: July 2009

The taro-feeding delphacid genusTarophagusis revised. Three species are recognized:T. colocasiae(Matsumura) stat. rev. & comb. n. with whichT. proserpina taiwanensisWilson is synonymized;T. persephone(Kirkaldy) with whichT. proserpinoides(Muir) andT. proserpina australisFennah are synonymized; andT. prosperpina(Kirkaldy). The three species are separated by characters of the male and female genitalia, and each has a different distribution in Asia and the Pacific. Only in Papua New Guinea are all three species sympatric. Earlier studies on biology and pest status are reviewed in the light of these investigations.
A simulation model describing the population dynamics and damage potential of the rose grain aphid, Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in the UK
Authors: Zhou X. , Carter N. , Mumford J.
Published: July 2009

Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) is occasionally a pest of cereals in the UK. A simulation model was developed to study its population dynamics and damage potential. The model was initiated by the aphid immigration as measured by 12·2-m suction trap samples and with temperature as the major driving variable. It was validated with field observations from three contrasting years, 1979, 1985 and 1986. The model accurately predicted aphid populations and yield loss in a major outbreak year (1979) but was less accurate when densities were lower (1985 & 1986). Possible reasons for these discrepancies are discussed.
Two new species of Digonogastra Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitic on Neotropical pyralid borers (Lepidoptera) in maize, sorghum and surgane
Authors: Wharton R. A. , Smith J. W. , Quicke D. L. J. , Browning H. W.
Published: July 2009

Digonogastra kimballi sp. n. and D. solitaria Wharton & Quicke sp. n. are described from Texas and Mexico. They attack stalk-boring pyralids in a variety of gramineous plants, including maize, sorghum and sugarcane. Known hosts are Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) and five species of Diatraea.
Mortality and life-tables of Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) compared on two host-plant species
Authors: Robertson Hamish G. , Hoffmann J. H.
Published: July 2009

The performance of Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) as a biological control agent of the cactus weeds Opuntia ficus-indica and O. aurantiaca was assessed by compiling life-tables for each host-plant, in both a summer and a winter generation, at a site in South Africa. Egg predation, mostly by ants, ranged from 54 to 74% and was significantly higher on O. aurantiaca than on O. ficus-indica. Larval mortality on O. aurantiaca was high during the summer generation (65%), possibly because of dehydration of cladodes. Survival on O. aurantiaca was 55 and 60% of that on O. ficus-indica in the summer and winter generations, respectively. Adult mortality, calculated from the life-tables, was 45 and 84% in the summer and winter generations, respectively. The most important components of mortality were natural enemies in the summer generation and weather-related factors in the winter generation. Host-plant-related mortality was not as great as was formerly supposed.
Oviposition by the banded fruit weevil, Phlyctinus callosus (Schoenherr) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in deciduous fruit orchards in South Africa
Authors: Barnes B. N. , Pringle K. L.
Published: July 2009

Oviposition sites of Phlyctinus callosus (Schoenherr) in an apple and a nectarine orchard in the South Western Cape, South Africa, were investigated. No eggs were found on the fruit trees, only in different fractions of the orchard floor, viz. in orchard weeds, leaf litter and soil. Significantly more oviposition took place in plant material on the orchard floor than in the top 20 mm of the soil. Microscopic dissection of samples of such plant material revealed that females prefer to oviposit in confined or hollow spaces in moist, live or decaying plant tissue on the soil surface or in weeds comprising the cover-crop. P. callosus females favoured certain weeds above others for oviposition. The dispersion pattern of eggs in the cover-crop was contagious. The implications of the observed ovipostion behaviour in terms of control strategy, and for exploitation in a monitoring system for this species, are discussed.
Comparison of lipid-free haemoglobin and stroma-contaminated haemoglobin diets for adults of Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Kapatsa G. , Spates G. E. , Sheffield C. L. , DeLoach J. R.
Published: July 2009

Adults of Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) that fed on stroma-contaminated haemoglobin plus bovine serum albumin had normal survival, fecundity and egg hatch. Feeding on haemoglobin from which the erythrocyte membrane strome had been removed, together with bovine serum albumin, reduced fecundity to zero. The addition of membrane ghost preparation to a lipid-free haemoglobin and bovine serum albumin diet restored the essential nutrients for normal fly fecundity. For normal reproduction therefore, S. calcitrans adults require erythrocyte stroma.
The taxonomy of New World microgastrine braconids (Hymenoptera) parasitic onDiatraeaspp. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Austin A. D. , Dangerfield P. C.
Published: July 2009

The taxonomy of species in the braconid subfamily Microgastrinae that parasitize the larvae ofDiatraeain the New World is reviewed and a brief diagnosis of each species provided.Apanteles fredisp. n. is described from Guatemala and its relationships discussed. Information on the distribution, host associations and range in variation of species is provided, along with a revised and illustrated key to facilitate their identification.
The use of 131I, 125I and aggressive behaviour to determine the foraging area of Hodotermes mossambicus (Hagen) (Isoptera: Hodotermitidae)
Authors: Van der Linde T. C. De K. , Hewitt P. H. , Van Der Westhuizen M. C. , Mitchell Jannette
Published: July 2009

Lucerne labelled with 131I or 125I was used to mark field colonies of the harvester termite Hodotermes mossambicus (Hagen) in South Africa. The foraging area was delineated by plotting the distribution range of radioactive workers collected on the soil surface over a period of up to 57 days. Foraging areas of single colonies varied between 0.5 and 3.1 ha. These areas were not necessarily the exclusive territory of a single colony. Inter-worker aggression assays confirmed these conclusions.
Identification, occurrence and pest status of Toxoptera odinae (van der Goot) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Africa
Authors: Martin J. H.
Published: July 2009

The importance of Toxoptera species as agricultural pests is briefly discussed, along with the recent discovery in Africa of T. odinae (van der Goot). Banana is recorded as an unusual new host-plant record, and a table of other hosts is presented. The genus Toxoptera is defined and a key to species given.
Human helminth parasite burdens on cyclorrhaphan flies (Diptera) trapped at an aboriginal settlement in Malaysia
Authors: Sulaiman Sallehudin , Sohadi Abdul Rahim , Jeffery John
Published: July 2009

The human helminth parasite burdens on cyclorrhaphan flies was studied in an aboriginal settlement in Malaysia in 1987–88. Chrysomya megacephala (F.), which formed 79.5% of total fly population trapped in this settlement, had eggs of the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides, the pinworm Trichuris trichiura and hookworm (Necator americanus and/or Ancylostoma duodenale) on the external body surface and gut lumen. There was a close correlation between monthly rainfall and the mean numbers of C. megacephala caught per two trap-hours. Eggs (but no larvae) of the parasites were found on flies when the monthly rainfall and the C. megacephala population were relatively high, in April-June 1987, October-November 1987 and March 1988. Human helminth eggs were also isolated from C. rufifacies (Macquart) and Hemipyrellia tagaliana (Bigot), being recorded from the latter in Malaysia for the first time.
Susceptibility baselines for DDT metabolism and related enzyme systems in the sandfly Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: El-Sayed S. , Hemingway J. , Lane R. P.
Published: July 2009

DDT metabolism in Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) was investigated and compared to that in DDT-resistant and susceptible strains of Culex quinquefasciatus Say and Anopheles gambiae Giles with the objective of establishing baselines for sandfly studies. P. papatasi produced eight metabolites of DDT, with DDE predominating, as in the two mosquito species. Both oxidases and glutathione transferases were found to be involved in DDT metabolism in insecticide-susceptible adults of P. papatasi. The activity level of glutathione transferases and the reduced and oxidized difference spectra of cytochrome P-450 were measured spectrophotometrically. The level of glutathione transferase activity in P. papatasi was lower than that in susceptible C. quinquefasciatus adults when expressed in terms of the activity per milligram of soluble protein but, in contrast, the cytochrome P-450 was slightly higher in both the reduced and oxidized states.
An airborne radar technique for studying insect migration
Authors: Hobbs S. E. , Wolf W. W.
Published: July 2009

An airborne radar system able to measure insect density profiles and the orientation of individual insect targets was developed using standard components. Using the system, typical moth targets, with a radar cross-section of 1 cm2, can be detected to a range of about 1 km. Signals from 48 separate height bands, each 15 m deep, are recorded on three analogue data channels. Analogue outputs related to aerial population per hectare can be viewed in real-time. Signals recorded during recent field work show an inclined layer over a track length of 30 km, with target orientation profiles at two positions along the layer. The strongest orientation occurred in regions of wind shear. Airborne entomological radar powerfully complements existing techniques by virtue of its mobility, providing unique opportunities to study the spatial organization of migration, to track features as they develop and to survey large areas.
Field responses of tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) to odours of men, lactic acid and carbon dioxide
Authors: Vale G. A.
Published: July 2009

The numbers of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westw. and G. pallidipes Aust. attracted to odour at a distance were studied by catches in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia from an electrocuting net near a stationary odour source. Also, the numbers of flies attracted to an ox and the proportion of flies engorging on it when it was sprayed with L-lactic acid were assessed from the numbers of fed and unfed flies caught by a pair of nets around the penned bait. The body odour of men depressed by up to four-fifths the numbers attracted to ox odour from a distance. Lactic acid, which was shown to occur on human skin, produced a similar effect, and when sprayed on an ox it reduced by about half the proportion of attracted flies that engorged. Human breath was mildly attractive, due largely or entirely to its content of carbon dioxide.
A New Genus and Species of Jassidae injurious to Maize in Kenya Colony, E. Africa
Authors: China W. E.
Published: July 2009

The following description is based on material submitted for determination by the Imperial Bureau of Entomology.
The Banana Fruit-scarring Beetle (Colaspis hyperchlora, Lef.)
Authors: Gowdey C. C.
Published: July 2009

During recent years banana plantations in some parts of tropical America have suffered somewhat severely from attacks of a Eumolpid beetle, Colaspis hyperchlora, Lefevre (1878). This species has up to now been recorded from the following countries : Colombia (type locality), British Guiana, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, British Honduras and Mexico.

The egg is pale lemon-yellow in colour, becoming brownish as the embryo approaches maturity, and broadly oval in shape with one end slightly more acute than the other ; length, 1·2 mm. The larva is whitish, with the head somewhat amber-coloured, the body being slender and hairy ; length, 1–1·5 mm. The pupa is dirty yellow, becoming darker as the adult becomes ready to emerge.

The eggs are deposited singly or in clusters varying in number from 5 to 45, in cavities gnawed by the female in the leaf-sheath of bananas near the crown just above the surface of the ground, on the surface roots in natural depressions or in cavities made by the female, and on the surface roots of the old “ mats.” The duration of the egg stage is from 7 to 9 days.

The larvae feed on the young roots, gnawing the soft epidermal tissues of the older roots, into which they tunnel. The duration of the larval stage is from 20 to 22 days.
Larva of Aedes (Ochlerotatus) pulchritarsis, Rond., var. stegomyina, Stack. & Montch., nov., from Turkestan
Authors: Montchadsky H. S.
Published: July 2009

So far as I know the larva of Aëdes pulchritarsis has not yet been described. Meanwhile, some of the peculiarities of its external anatomy and biology are worth recording.

The adults that I have bred from these larvae have been kindly determined by Mr. A. A. Stackelberg and described in his “ Revision of the Mosquitos of U.R.S.S.” With his kind permission I take the liberty of citing the description of this new variety from his manuscript.
Collembola injuring Leaves of Mangold Seedlings
Authors: Davies W. Maldwyn
Published: July 2009

During investigations on the economic position of Collembola a significant attack on mangolds by one species of this group occurred at Rothamsted in the classical mangold field known as Barn Field. The particular species involved was Bourletiella hortensis, Fitch (pruinosus, Tullb.). Although the economic position of Collembola has not, as yet, been fully established, this member of the order can claim priority in the list of previously reported economic species. The first British record of injury probably by this species is that of Miss Ormerod in 1894, when she reported leaf damage to turnips in Scotland. Since then British records include as host-plants sweet peas, beans, radishes, lettuce, mangolds and soy beans. Reports from America confirm the economic position of this species, and in Canada Macnamara states “ the list of plants it is known to injure reads like an index to a seedsman's catalogue : beans, beet, cabbage, cantaloupes, carrots, clover, corn, cucumber, kale, lettuce, mangolds, onions, peas, potatoes, radishes, rye, spinach, squash, tobacco, tomatoes, turnips, violets, watermelons, wheat, wild cucumber.”
The South American Boll-worm of Cotton (Sacadodes pyralis, Dyar)
Authors: Withycombe C. L.
Published: July 2009

In 1925 a brief generalised account was given of the biology of Sacadodes pyralis, Dyar, a Noctuiid moth that appeared likely to prove to be a serious pest of cotton, should the cultivation of this crop be taken up on a large scale in Trinidad. Previously little attention appears to have been paid to the potential danger, which the writer considers to be very real.

Sacadodes is not only very closely allied to Diparopsis castanea, Hampson, the Sudan bollworm, but it is also remarkably similar to that insect both in the general facies of all stages (Plates xxi and xxii) and in its bionomics.
Some Insects associated with Cotton in Papua and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea
Authors: Ballard E.
Published: July 2009

In the following paper is given a list of cotton pests of Papua and New Guinea, with some notes on distribution and behaviour. The list makes no pretensions to being complete, but might prove useful in the event of cotton-growing being extended in that region.

In August 1925, instructions were received to accompany Mr. G. Evans, C.I.E., then Director of Cotton Culture to the Queensland Government, on a tour of cotton areas potential and actual in Papua and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea.

We sailed from Brisbane on 13th August and returned on 30th October. Of the short time at our disposal some 40 odd days were spent at sea. In consequence, the time available for collecting entomological material was not as much as might have been desired.
Methods for collecting Parasites of Earwigs
Authors: Davies W. Maldwyn
Published: July 2009

It is widely known that the biological method for the control of insect pests is receiving considerable attention from Economic Entomologists at the present day. One of the insects against which this method is being tried is the common earwig (Forficula auricularia), which is a very serious pest of orchards, etc., in such countries as New Zealand where it it has been accidentally introduced from Europe.

Through co-operation between the Imperial Bureau of Entomology, Rothamsted Experimental Station, and the Cawthron Institute, Nelson, attempts have been made to control the earwig in New Zealand by the introduction of two Tachinid flies that are parasitic on it, Digonochaeta setipennis, Fln., and Rhacodineura antiqua, Meig. These flies are obligatory parasites, being entirely dependent on this particular host for the completion of their life-cycle, and they are lethal in effect. The larvae having emerged from their dead or moribund host, soon pupate, and it is in the pupal stadium that these insects can most conveniently be transmitted in cold storage. Mr. A. M. Altson, of the Imperial Bureau of Entomology, was in charge of this work in England in 1924 and 1925, but, unfortunately, owing to ill-health he was obliged to give it up. In the autumn of 1926, at the request of Dr. Tillyard, it was decided to forward a further batch of parasitic puparia to New Zealand. For this purpose large quantities of earwigs had to be captured in the field, and transferred to cages in the laboratory, in order that the parasites which emerged from the earwigs could be collected.
The Introduction of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Muls., into Egypt
Authors: Hall W. J.
Published: July 2009

The activities of the Australian Ladybird beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Muls., are too well known to need recapitulation. It is sufficient to say that it has been introduced into many countries with a greater or lesser degree of success, generally for the control of “ mealy-bugs.”

The introduction of this beneficial insect into Egypt may present certain features of interest to other workers in spite of the fact that there is a great deal yet to be done. Series of experiments have been designed to elucidate certain points, but owing to the departure of the writer from Egypt these have been left to others to carry out. A detailed account of this work had been planned for a later date, but in the circumstances it may be as well to place on record what has been done up to the present time.
On some Aphides infesting Tulips
Authors: Davidson J.
Published: July 2009

During 1925–1926 a number of tulip bulbs and iris corms infested with Aphides were received from various sources, as well as Aphides from growing tulips. These species were reared and observations made on the progress of the infestation on tulips. It is evident that one species Anuraphis tulipae (B. de Fonsc.) is a serious pest of stored bulbs, especially tulips, and another species, Rhopalosiphoninus tulipaella (Theo.), may also be of importance in this respect. Since these two species are not well known, it may be desirable to give detailed drawings of the species together with some notes on the observations made. It is hoped that the complete life-cycles and alternative food-plants of these species may be traced later.

In addition to the two species mentioned above, Macrosiphum gei (Koch) and Myzus persicae (Sulz.) were also found infesting tulips.
A Note on Simulium bancrofti, Taylor, with the Description of a new Species of Simulium (Dipt.)
Authors: Taylor Frank H.
Published: July 2009

Simulium bancrofti, Taylor (Plate V, figs. 1–5).

Head : Width of the frons slightly less than half that of the whole head ; antennae short, about two-thirds the width of the head ; first three segments cyathiform, the first slightly broader than long, a little less than half the length, and slightly more than half the width of the third ; second segment one-third longer than wide ; segments 4–7 inclusive approximately the same length ; the fourth a little wider than segments 5–7, which are all of about the same width ; penultimate longer than 4–7 individually ; apical segment moderately long and somewhat cone-shaped. Palpi five-jointed ; first joint cyathiform, with an apical row of four bristles, the two outer ones longer than the second segment ; the latter oblong, its sides nearly parallel, also with an apical row of bristles of about the length of the inner two on the first segment ; first and second segments together half the length of the third, the latter somewhat obovate, tapering slightly distally ; fourth almost pear-shaped, tapering basally, shorter than the third (11 : 14) ; fifth fusiform, tapering to a blunt point at both extremities and very little longer than the third, with a few scattered hairs, especially on its apex. Legs : fore femora and tibiae dilated ; first tarsal joint tapering very slightly at its base, a little more than half the length of the tibia (27 : 46), outer edge with a dense fringe of spinules, except on its basal fifth, apex with a stout spine on its outer apical angle ; base of second joint narrower than apex, lower surface with numerous spinules, especially on the distal two-thirds, apex with two stout spines, one on either side ; third and fourth joints cyathiform, the former one-third longer than the latter ; fourth with a deep median depression for almost half the length of the tarsus, forming the socket of the fifth ; third joint with numerous spinules on its distal two-thirds and an apical row of moderately long spines, the outermost the longest ; fourth joint sparsely covered with fairly long hairs, apex with four long, stout bristles, two on either side of the base of the fifth joint ; the latter pear-shaped, a little more than twice the length of the fourth, with a few fairly long hairs on its distal half ; claws short, almost straight, not toothed. Mid leg with the tibiae dilated, with a long, stout, external, apical spine ; first tarsal joint not dilated, a fringe of spinules along its outer margin and a few scattered ones over its ventral surface ; second joint with the spinules on the outer margin increasing in length and stoutness apically ; third joint similar to that of fore leg and without spinules ; fourth and fifth similar to those of fore leg ; joints 2 to 5 distinctly hairy.
Studies in African Tachinidae (Diptera).—II
Authors: Curran C. H.
Published: July 2009

In several previously published papers dealing with African Diptera I have described a number of species belonging to the genus Sturmia, Desvoidy, but up to the present time have not had sufficient material available to warrant the preparation of a key to the species, nor have I had an opportunity of studying the species in sufficient detail to decide upon characters of value in their classification. However, since many species were reared and it was desirable to have names for them in order that they might be used in reports by various Entomologists in Africa, a number of the species were described, and it has since been possible to make considerable progress in the study of the whole. As a result a key to the species belonging to this genus is now presented, and it is hoped that it will be of assistance in identifying the representatives of this difficult group.

It is further hoped that arrangements may be made in the near future for the publication of a key to the genera of the Tachinidae, since it is obvious that with the very large number of genera described, the description of an additional genus, or even of new species in old genera, conveys little of the true relationships of the forms described and merely adds to the difficulty of making determinations.
Observations on the Oviposition of Aëdes aegypti, Linn., in Relation to Distance from Habitations
Authors: Dunn Lawrence H.
Published: July 2009

During the past few months the writer conducted observations to determine, first, if Aëdes aegypti preferred places of oviposition within habitations or those located outside with natural shelter near by, and, second, the distance from human habitations at which this species may breed. These investigations were carried out in, or near, the compound of the West African Yellow Fever Commission at Yaba, near Lagos, Nigeria.
Notes on Cotton-stainers (Dysdercus) in the Sudan
Authors: Cowland J. W. , Ruttledge W.
Published: July 2009

From the above it will be seen that in the writers' opinion, based it must be admitted on but a single year's observations, the three species of Dysdercus (D. fasciatus, D. nigrofasciatus and D. superstitiosus) occurring in the northern rain-cotton belt of the Sudan are essentially associates of the tebeldi and are not as yet other than accidental pests of cotton. By this is meant that there is no definite migration from the tebeldi to cotton, nor are wandering adults greatly attracted by cotton. The dispersal of a proportion of the adults composing a colony on a tebeldi is the natural effort on the part of the species to establish itself on other tebeldis. Emigrants from a colony that in the course of their wanderings chance on cotton may remain to breed. It is possible that when cotton has been grown in the district on a large scale for some years, the bugs, unless they are kept in check, may develop the habit of migrating definitely from the tebeldis to the cotton and, later in the season, from the cotton back to the tebeldis.

The most promising line of attack appears to be that of destroying, so far as possible, the colonies on the tebeldis during the active breeding season.

The writers' thanks are due in particular to Mr. G. F. March, Inspector of Agriculture, who in a variety of ways has rendered them the greatest assistance in their work.
Two new Simulium from Kashmir
Authors: Edwards F. W.
Published: July 2009

The two new species described below were included in collections sent to the Imperial Bureau of Entomology by Dr. P. A. Buxton, of the London School of Tropical Medicine, having been obtained in Kashmir by Major Stevenson in 1926, and again in 1927. The same collections contain examples of a third species of Simulium which appears indistinguishable from the European S. equinum (L.) Edw. Examples of this species had previously been obtained in Kashmir by Mr. F. J. Mitchell.
On a Lycaenid Butterfly attacking Pineapples in Trinidad, B.W.I.
Authors: Harris W. Victor
Published: July 2009

The pineapple is a plant indigenous to Central America and, it is believed, Trinidad also. In this part of the world its cultivation has developed on commercial lines only in Cuba and Porto Rico, and to a lesser extent in Jamaica, with small areas in other islands, particularly Martinique.

There have been of late indications of an increased interest in the possibilities of fruit production on a large scale in Trinidad, the pineapple being among the favoured fruits. For this reason the pest dealt with below assumes a greater importance than it otherwise would, though the usual freedom of this plant from pests focuses attention on any new one found.

In October 1926, young fruit on the plots of the St. Augustine Experiment Station of the local Department of Agriculture were found to be exuding gum and showing signs of insect attack. Though at the time there was few fruits, it being too early for the main crop, a high proportion of these was found to be damaged. It was reported that many fruits had been rendered unsaleable during the previous season by a similar attack.
Mosquito Notes.—VII
Authors: Edwards F. W.
Published: July 2009

The variation of A. mauritianus was discussed long ago by Alcock (Jl. Lond. Sch. Trop. Med., i, pp. 89–93, 1912), who concluded that the differences observed were due to mere individual variation. In my key to African Anopheles (Bull. Ent. Res., iii, p. 250, 1912) I suggested that an East and a West African form might be distinguished by the amount of white on the hind tibia and first tarsal segment. Careful study of more extensive material has shown that this generalisation cannot be maintained, but that there are four varieties of the species which can be rather easily distinguished, and fortunately the published names can be applied to them. Diagnoses of these varieties have been given by Miss A. M. Evans in her recently published guide to the African Anophelines (Memoir No. 3, New Series, Liverpool Sch. Trop. Med., Oct. 1927), but the definitions are somewhat expanded in the notes below, and a further account of the distribution is given. The variations are certainly of more than individual significance, because they show a distinct tendency to localisation, and bred series from one place do not exhibit much variation. On the other hand, I do not consider that there is more than one species, because no differences are apparent in the male hypopygium; I have mounted specimens of each of the four varieties and find them all to agree rather closely with Christophers' description and figure. In one point, however, Christophers' account seems to be at fault: the mesosome has always two or three pairs of distinct leaflets, the longest of which are nearly one-third as long as the tube.
Wheat Blossom Midges (Cecidomyidae, Diptera). Differences between Contarinia tritici (Kirby) and Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin)
Authors: Barnes H. F.
Published: July 2009

It is highly regrettable that in the past whenever Cecidomyid or midge larvae have been found in ears of wheat the presumption has been that the species concerned was the wheat midge, and it was therefore recorded as Contarinia tritici (Kirby).
A new species ofDicraeusLoew (Diptera: Chloropidae) attacking millet in West Africa, and its related species
Authors: Deeming J. C.
Published: July 2009

A new species of the genusDicraeuswas observed in numbers ovipositing on the heads of rain-fed millet in Upper Volta. In Senegal, it was reared in field trials from heads that had been exposed for one week following onset of flowering, the highest infestation being in heads that flowered during the first two weeks in October. In Nigeria, larval feeding lesions and withering were observed in seeds from individual inflorescences containing pupae. The species is described asD. pennisetivorasp. n. from the adults of both sexes, puparium and third-instar larva. A further three African species that are closely related to it are described from adult material alone, and the characters of the adult terminalia of two further closely related but already described species are given. The six species are keyed. There being no previous description of the larva of any species of this genus, the larva is likened to those of other chloropid genera. The generic diagnosis is modified. It is suggested that within this genus the structure of female terminalia determines the structure of male terminalia, in which case subgenera based upon characters of male terminalia are purely artificial.
The vertical distribution of flying mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) near an area of irrigated rice-fields in the Gambia
Authors: Snow W. F.
Published: July 2009

The vertical distribution of flying mosquitoes beside an area of dry-season irrigated rice-fields was investigated at Bansang in the Gambia. Suction traps were set up at seven levels (0·1, 0·25, 0·5, 1·0, 2·1, 3·9 and 7·9 m) over a dry open field. Vertical distribution profiles were of two types. In the first, mosquito density decreased progressively with height and 80% or more of the total were taken below 1 m. Mosquitoes token included Anopheles gambiae Giles s. l., A. pharoensis Theo., Culex antennatus (Becker), C. ethiopicus Edw., C. neavei Theo. and Mansonia spp. Although the largest catches of A. rufipes (Gough) were taken in the lowest traps, this species Showed a tendency to a bimodal vertical distribution profile during. the early part of the night. In the second type, in which mosquitoes were frequent at all heights, C. poicilipes (Theo.) was the sole example. For the more common species at least, flight altitude declined with increasing wind speed. For a few categories of mosquitoes, flight levels decreased as the night progressed, but the presence of moonlight, or its absence, had no demonstrable effect.
The sheep headfly, Hydrotaea irritans (Fallén) (Diptera: Muscidae): biology of immature stages in the soil
Authors: Robinson J.
Published: July 2009

Sampling in Northumberland, England, and southern Scotland of pasture soils, the major larval habitat of Hydrotaea irritans (Fall.), showed larvel densities of between 0 and 30/m2; 15 different sites were examined, and all produced larvae. Larvae were found from September until June, larvael development continuing in the soil for about eight months. A study of the distribution within a single field that larvae were not confined to the wooded margins but occurred in significant numbers throughout the field. Higher numbers of larvae were present in the soil beneath cow pats than in the open field, but the proportion relative to the total population is small. Larvae prey was predominantly dipterous and coleopterous larvae. Pupation took place in the top 5 cm of pasture soil during May and lasted until late June. Emergence of adults took place from June until late July; males and females emerged over the same period
Description of the larva ofOryctes monoceros(Olivier) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from the Seychelles
Authors: Bedford G. O.
Published: July 2009

The third-stage larva ofOryctes monoceros(O1), a pest of coconut palms, collected in the Seychelles Islands is described and illustrated, and a key is provided to distinguish larvae of this species from those ofO. boas(F.) andO. gigasLap., all of which coexist in parts of Africa.
Observations on the biology ofLonchoptera luteaPanzer (Diptera: Lonch-opteridae) from cereal crops
Authors: Jones Margaret G.
Published: July 2009

In studies in southern England in 1967–77, the numbers ofLonchoptera luteaPanz. in cereal crops, such as winter wheat, fluctuated from year to year, depending on an adequate supply of food, provided by decaying litter, for the larvae and on sufficient rainfall to keep the soil surface moist during May and June. Much sunshine was unsuitable for larval growth. The larvae fed mainly on fungal spores and were able to breed in wheat litter in the laboratory. In years when many crop plants were attacked by shoot borers such asDelia coarctata(Fall.) andOscinelta frit(L.),L. luteawas more numerous than when there were few. Although in most years more males than females appeared in emergence traps, more females than males were caught by sweeping and in light- and suction traps.
The Bionomics of the Bulb Mite, Rhizoglyphus echinopus, Fumouze & Robin
Authors: Hodson W. E. H.
Published: July 2009

The foregoing observations and experimental work clearly indicate that the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus echinopus, is not a primary pest of the narcissus. At the same time there is every indication that the mite does bring about the destruction of bulbs originally damaged by other organisms or by mechanical means, which would normally recover from their original injuries. Further, the mites can undoubtedly carry fungus spores from bulb to bulb. It is therefore very desirable that every effort should be made to reduce the mite population in bulb-growing areas to a minimum. This can be effected by careful attention to the points enumerated under the heading of control measures.
Two new Parasites of Tirathaba rufivena, Walk., in Malaya
Authors: Wilkinson D. S.
Published: July 2009

As Tirathaba rufivena, Walk., is proving to be one of the important minor pests of coconuts in the Federated Malay States, some attention has recently been paid to the parasites of this Pyralid moth.
A Note on the Larva and Pupa of Taeniorhynchus (Mansonioides) africanus (Dipt., Culicidae)
Authors: Connal S. L. M. Summers
Published: July 2009

In the grounds of the Medical Research Institute at Yaba, near Lagos, some 200 yards north-east of the laboratories there is a swamp, roughly circular, its diameter being about 20 yards. Until the present year, since first coming under observation in 1908, it has been definitely a pond, formerly used for watering cattle; small in the dry season, it sometimes assumed the dimensions of a lake in the rainy season. While it was a pond it harboured at least three different kinds of fish, and except for a few Anopheline larvae on rare occasions it was not a suitable breeding-place for mosquitos owing to the activities of the fish.
Pupal Parasites of Holcocera pulverea, Meyr. (Lep.), an Enemy of the Lac Insect
Authors: Mahdihassan S.
Published: July 2009

Caterpillars of the moth Holcocera pulverea, Meyr., along with those of Eublemma amabilis, Moore, do great damage to lac cultivation by feeding upon the living insects. Misra* and Imms & Chatterjee† have pointed out that H. pulverea may be found in even greater numbers than E. amabilis, though the predacious nature of the latter is more generally recognised. I have been able to confirm this observation with North Indian species of lac insects growing on Butea frondosa and Schleichera trijuga. However, in South India the wild species of lac, Lakshadia communis, at least in Mysore, is entirely free from the attack of H. pulverea, while Lakshadia mysorensis, the species commercially cultivated on Shorea talura, is never attacked by H. pulverea to the same extent that it is by Eublemma amabilis. With L. mysorensis this is partly due to H. pulverea being heavily parasitised. In the pupal stage this moth is attacked by the Chalcid, Eurytoma pallidiscapus, Cam. Imms & Chatterjee mention that only four examples of this parasite were reared by them during the entire course of their study, indicating its rare association with North Indian species of lac insects. In Mysore it is far from being scarce, which has enabled its life-history to be traced as a pupal parasite of H. pulverea. Fig. 1, a, shows a pupa of this moth from which a female, Eurytoma pallidiscapus, was reared on 14th November 1922.
A new Spray for Scale-insects on Citrus in Egypt
Authors: Barritt N. W.
Published: July 2009

Citrus trees in Egypt suffer very severely from the attacks of scale-insects, especially the black scale, Chrysomphalus aonidum, which, when unchecked in its ravages, renders the cultivation of this crop impossible.

The usual method of control is by fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas, which is conducted on a large scale by officers of the Ministry of Agriculture.
New parasitic Hymenoptera and Notes on other Species
Authors: Wilkinson D. S.
Published: July 2009

Eulimneria stellenboschensis, Cam.

Limnerium stellenboschense, Cameron, Trans. S. Afr. Phil. Soc., xv, 1904, p. 200.

♀♂. Black ; mandibles (except at apices), palpi, the four anterior coxae (except basally), trochanters and trochantins of the four anterior legs, the hind trochantins, tibial spurs of the four posterior legs, tegulae, costal veins at base, white or nearly so ; basal three-fourths of the hind tibiae (except for a darkish area above in basal fourth), very pale reddish testaceous, approaching white ; the bases of the four anterior coxae, the femora and the tibiae and tarsi of the four anterior legs, the hind tarsal joints basally, pale red tetaceous ; hind femora (except at apex above, which is blackish), 1st tergite above at extreme apex, 2nd tergite in apical fourth and to some extent laterally, 3rd tergite in the greater part (except discally at base), succeeding tergites at least at apex, red or red testaceous ; hind trochanters red, darkened above ; flagellum varying from white to red testaceous below, and from red testaceous to black above ; wings slightly infumated ; stigma and wing veins dark brown (except possibly towards the base of the wing), the stigma with a testaceous cloud basally.
Multiple Parasitism : Its Relation to the Biological Control of Insect Pests
Authors: Smith Harry S.
Published: July 2009

“ The condor lays a couple of eggs and the ostrich a score, and yet in the same country the condor may be the more numerous of the two ; the Fulmar petrel lays but one egg, yet it is believed to be the most numerous bird in the world. One fly deposits hundreds of eggs, and another, like the hippobosca, a single one ; but this difference does not determine how many individuals of the two species can be supported in a district.”—Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species.
A new Pest of Rice in South India
Authors: Krishna Ayyar P. N.
Published: July 2009

In July, 1926, a severe outbreak of a Hemipterous pest was reported from the village of Kattuputhur, in the Trichinopoly District, which threatened the total destruction of the standing paddy crop, and the writer was deputed to visit the locality, investigate the pest and advise suitable control measures. The present paper has been prepared with the object of presenting the results of the investigation made and the remedial measures tried.

The village of Kattuputhur is situated about three miles from Kattalai Railway Station and a mile and a half from the Cauvery River. The affected area is roughly about ten miles long with an average breadth of a mile and a half, and includes numerous villages around Kattuputhur. It is adjoined by a canal from the River Cauvery, giving a never-failing and plentiful supply of water, so that the crops of the area are no longer dependent on the monsoon. As the soil is fertile, intensive cultivation is carried on within this tract, paddy being the principal crop.
The Graphical Representation of Instar Records in a Regional Mosquito Survey
Authors: Marshall J. F. , Staley J.
Published: July 2009

Since the opening of the British Mosquito Control Institute, in August 1925, the mosquito control of Hayling Island (initiated in August 1920) has been carried on as part of the research work of the Institute's laboratory.

This work involves the routine examination of the different water-places of the Island throughout the year by an inspector who brings to the laboratory all specimens of mosquito larvae, etc., thus collected. These specimens are identified, recorded in the daily register and finally utilized in various ways ; the larvae remaining in the water-places being subsequently destroyed by appropriate means. The inspector's working year is therefore made up of “ collecting days ” and “ anti-larval days ” ; the time devoted to these two departments of the work being approximately the same.