bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descriptions of three species of Eretmocerus Haldeman (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) parasitising Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Australia based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: De Barro Paul J , Driver Felice , Naumann Ian D , Schmidt Stefan , Clarke Geoffrey M , Curran John
Published: March 2003

Morphological and molecular systematic investigations have confirmed the existence in Australia of three species of Eretmocerus Haldeman that parasitise either the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), or the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood). Two of the species Eretmocerus warrae sp. n. and Eretmocerus queenslandensis sp. n. are described. A third species is very similar to Eretmocerus mundus Mercet at both the morphological and molecular levels. However, Australian populations of E. mundus are distinct from those found elsewhere in being thelytokous, suggesting that the Australian populations are a distinct biotype; we refer to these Australian populations as E. mundus (Australian parthenogenetic form; APF) to reflect this distinction. The four gene regions investigated, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II, the nuclear ribosomal ITS region and the domain 2 and 3 expansion segments of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene gave separation of the species consistent with our morphological data. Studies of COII, ITS1, ITS2 and D3 indicate that these three species do not vary geographically within Australia. Field collections and laboratory studies confirm that E. queenslandensis and E. mundus (APF) parasitise only B. tabaci, while E. warrae parasitises only T. vaporariorum. Eretmocerus warrae was found across the southern half of Australia, E. mundus (APF) from northern New South Wales to northern Queensland, and E. queenslandensis in northern Queensland. The molecular data indicate that E. queenslandensis is conspecific with an undescribed Eretmocerus species from Hong Kong.
Nesting and life cycle of the Australian green carpenter bees Xylocopa (Lestis) aeratus Smith and Xylocopa (Lestis) bombylans (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae)
Authors: Steen Zeta , Schwarz Michael P
Published: March 2003

This paper expands on previous observations of Australian green carpenter bees by providing information about nesting substrates and the life cycle of Xylocopa (Lestis) aeratus and Xylocopa (Lestis) bombylans from more than 450 colonies from South Australia and New South Wales. Voltinism differs between the two species, but does not appear to vary within species from different locations, such as X. aeratus colonies on Kangaroo Island, South Australia and at Woy Woy, New South Wales. The architecture of nests (unbranched or branched) is related to the substrate diameter and may allow variation in social behaviour because different provisioning strategies can be used in the two nest types. Both species have some multifemale colonies for most of the year and this includes the brood‐rearing period. Differences in voltinism, nest type and the occurrence of multifemale colonies during brood production are likely to lead to variation in social organisation within and between species.
Insecticide resistance in Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a serious threat to Australian cotton
Authors: Herron Grant A , Powis Kevin , Rophail Jeanette
Published: March 2003

Populations of cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, were surveyed for insecticide resistance. Pirimicarb, organophosphate, endosulfan and pyrethroid resistance was identified. Aphis gossypii from New South Wales cotton‐growing districts were organophosphate and pirimicarb susceptible, whereas populations from similar districts in Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory displayed high to extreme resistance that was linked to control failure. New South Wales populations, however, were often endosulfan and pyrethroid resistant. Resistant A. gossypii have the potential to seriously impact on the Australian cotton industry and their resistance management is now incorporated into the resistance management strategy for Australian cotton.
Control strategies for the lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis (L.) (Collembola: Sminthuridae), and their effect on other species in irrigated lucerne in the Hunter dairying region of New South Wales
Authors: Bishop Alan L , McKenzie Harry J , Harris Anne M , Barchia Idris M
Published: March 2003

The lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis (L.), was shown to be capable of causing significant yield loss and reductions in percentage lucerne crown cover of stands of irrigated lucerne in the temperate‐type climate of the Hunter dairying region of New South Wales, an area previously considered unsuitable for lucerne flea establishment. Chlorpyrifos was used in tests of three control strategies, each of which effectively reduced lucerne flea numbers. Prophylactic sprays in autumn to prevent females of the second generation after aestivation from ovipositing gave protection for up to 3 months, but did not remove the necessity for later treatments. A single application of insecticide when lucerne flea was starting to cause severe damage was the most effective and economical control strategy but was difficult to time correctly. Some other pest and beneficial species were affected by the lucerne flea control strategies and this may have to be considered in pest management. Strategies for controlling lucerne flea were also capable of reducing numbers of redlegged earth mites, Halotydeus destructor (Tucker).
The genus Scaphoideus Uhler in Australia (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)
Authors: Fletcher Murray J , Semeraro Linda
Published: March 2003

The Australian leafhopper species of the genus Scaphoideus Uhler (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) are revised. Scaphoideus pristidens Kirkaldy is removed from synonymy with Scaphoideus festivus Matsumura, which does not occur in Australia. Two new species, Scaphoideus foshoi from New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory and Scaphoideus obscurus from Queensland and the Northern Territory are described and illustrated, as is Scaphoideus pristidens, and a key is provided for the separation of all three species. The retention of the Scaphoideini as a separate tribe within the Deltocephalinae is discussed.
Influence of petroleum‐derived spray oil aromaticity, equivalent n‐paraffin carbon number and emulsifier concentration on oviposition by citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)
Authors: Liu Zm , Beattie Gac , Hodgkinson M , Rose Ha , Jiang L
Published: March 2003

Two experiments showed that the effect of petroleum‐derived spray oil residues on oviposition by citrus leafminer is related to the number of carbon atoms in oil molecules but not to aromaticity and emulsifier concentrations. An nC25 medicinal‐oil fraction was more effective than nC17 and nC22 fractions. Efficacy of petroleum‐derived spray oils used as oviposition deterrents to control citrus leafminer is therefore related to timing of spray application, the amount of oil deposited on sprayed surfaces (dose) and the persistence of oil molecules on sprayed surfaces.
Within‐plant distribution of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs on irrigated soybean
Authors: Duffield Simon J , Chapple David G
Published: March 2003

The corn earworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and the native budworm (H. punctigera) are major pests of irrigated soybean in southern New South Wales and northern Victoria. Information on the within‐plant distribution of eggs is required to assist in the development of appropriate sampling techniques for these pests and to determine possible effects on the control achieved by insecticides. Field‐cage experiments were conducted to determine the within‐plant distribution of the eggs of both species throughout the development of a soybean crop. The distribution of eggs in the field was also recorded from commercial crops of soybean. The results indicate that the majority of eggs of both species are laid on fully expanded leaves in the top 20 cm of the crop canopy at all growth stages, except pod fill. This distribution resulted from a preference for leaves and the top of the canopy, combined with the dominance of leaves as potential oviposition sites. There was a strong preference for the lower surfaces of the leaves, with the upper surface rarely preferred. During the reproductive development of the crop, H. armigera exhibited a strong preference for the developing flowers and pods, while H. punctigera showed a preference only for fully developed pods. The preference for flowers and pods, combined with the increase in the proportional area of leaves in the lower regions of the canopy, led to a decrease in the proportion of eggs laid in the top 20 cm of the canopy as the crop developed. Although the two species tended to lay eggs on different plant structures, the vertical distribution of eggs within the canopy was similar. The results are discussed in terms of the development of appropriate sampling techniques and possible effects on insecticidal control.
Unexpected presence of larvae of Argentine stem weevil, Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in New Zealand pasture thatch
Authors: Goldson Stephen L , Proffitt John R , Baird David B
Published: March 2003

A study conducted in the summers of 1997–1998 and 1998–1999 in Canterbury, New Zealand, revealed that just under one‐third of the Listronotus bonariensis larval population was present in the ryegrass pasture thatch. Hitherto it had been assumed that a much smaller proportion of larvae existed in the thatch, typically in transit from tiller to tiller. Overall, neonate (non‐feeding) first‐instar larvae comprised 45% of the total larvae extracted from the tillers, whereas they made up only 8% of all the larvae extracted from the thatch. Conversely, 18% of the total fourth‐instar larvae were extracted from the tillers compared with 27% from the thatch. The frequencies of occurrence of the other instars in the tillers and thatch were intermediate between the neonate first‐instar larvae extremes. The lack of fit of the larval data to a simple ordinal categorical model indicated larval movement into the thatch after the first instar and net migration out of the thatch as late instars. A technique is presented whereby tiller and thatch larval populations can be extracted simultaneously. It is suggested that on the basis of this study, earlier L. bonariensis larval population data sets could be corrected to account for the thatch populations of larvae.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) pollen as a marker for studies of local movement in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Del Socorro Alice P , Gregg Peter C
Published: March 2003

Insect‐borne pollen can be a useful marker in studies of local and long‐range movement. We investigated the potential of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) pollen on Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) moths, as a tool for studying movement in this major pest species in the Darling Downs region, south‐eastern Queensland. Laboratory and field‐cage experiments were first conducted to investigate pollen acquisition and retention in moths. Almost all moths given access to sunflower acquired pollen in their proboscis. Pollen was retained in 92–100% of moths after 48 h, but it was retained only in 50% after 96 h under laboratory conditions. Moths that were allowed to feed on sunflower for 48 h in field cages had significantly higher pollen loads than those that were in the cage for 24 h. In mark‐capture studies, the proportion of moths that had pollen, as well as the mean pollen loads of moths, significantly declined with distance from the sunflower crop. Our results suggest that sunflower pollen is a transient marker in the field and may be a reliable marker only of recent (previous one or two nights) local movement of H. armigera moths.
Australian species ofAnachlorisMeyrick (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae): taxonomy, musculature of the male genitalia and systematic position
Authors: Schmidt Olga
Published: March 2003

The genusAnachlorisMeyrick, containing the speciesA. subochraria(Doubleday) andA. uncinata(Guenée) is reviewed, and a new speciesA. tofocoloratasp. n. is described and illustrated. Keys to species and distribution maps, as well as information about the biology ofA. uncinata, are provided. The skeletomuscular system of the male genitalia and the structure of the female genitalia ofHydriomena impluviata(Denis and Schiffermüller) from Europe are compared with those ofA. subochrariaandA. uncinatafrom Australia, suggesting thatAnachlorisdoes not belong to the tribe Hydriomenini. Additional study is necessary to establish its tribal position.
Factors affecting adult diapause initiation in the tropical butterfly Hypolimnas bolina L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Pieloor Michael J , Seymour Jamie E
Published: March 2003

The mechanism responsible for initiation of reproductive diapause was explored in a population of the butterfly Hypolimnas bolina from the Australian wet/dry tropics. Diapause occurred independently of temperature, and was initiated in females when larvae were reared under a short day photoperiod only (12 : 12 h). The dormancy status of males was unresolved, with sperm present throughout the year, a strategy that may enable them to take advantage of unpredictable female activity. The diapause response in females was modified by the weight of developing larvae, with pupae below a critical weight threshold (0.72 g) failing to enter diapause as adults, regardless of the photoperiod experienced during development. Even above the weight threshold, 100% diapause did not occur, with a small number of females (18%) developing directly, regardless of weight and photoperiod. This facultative diapause strategy may allow individual females to take advantage of the unpredictable timing of tropical seasons.
Systematics and biology of the Australian species of Balaustium von Heyden (Acari: Erythraeidae)
Authors: Halliday RB
Published: March 2003

The presence of Balaustium medicagoense Meyer and Ryke (Erythraeidae) in Australia is confirmed. Australian specimens previously identified as Balaustium murorum (Hermann) are shown to belong to B. medicagoense Balaustium medicagoense has been regarded as a beneficial predator in southern Australia, but it can also be a significant pest of cereal crops. It appears to have been introduced into Australia from South Africa. Some species previously described as Balaustium are transferred to Abrolophus, as Abrolophus newmani (Womersley) comb. n., Abrolophus glauerti (Womersley) comb. n., Abrolophus littorale (Womersley) comb. n., Abrolophus brevum (Womersley) comb. n., and Abrolophus ripicola (Womersley) comb. n.
Galerucella placida Baly in Australia (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)
Authors: Reid Chris AM
Published: March 2003

The Asiatic chrysomelid Galerucella placida Baly is identified in Australia for the first time. It is a senior synonym of Adimonia mastersi Blackburn (syn. n.), described from New South Wales, a species that has also been placed in Hoplostines Blackburn, Poneridia Weise and Pyrrhalta Joannis. Galerucella placida feeds on Persicaria Mill. in near‐coastal south‐east Australia. The species is diagnosed and a key is provided for the group of genera to which it belongs in Australia. The genus Atysa Baly is newly recorded from Australia and a new combination noted: Poneridia elegans (Blackburn), from Hoplostines Blackburn. A lectotype is designated for Adimonia mastersi Blackburn.
Mesostigmatid mite fauna of Jenolan Caves, New South Wales (Acari: Mesostigmata)
Authors: Halliday RB
Published: March 2003

The present study shows the results of a survey of the mesostigmatid mites found in and around the Jenolan Caves. Five new species are described: Proctolaelaps holmi (Ascidae), Athiasella caverna, Athiasella stefani, Geogamasus fornix (Ologamasidae) and Pachylaelaps hades (Pachylaelapidae). Four species are recorded from Australia for the first time: Geholaspis mandibularis (Berlese) (Macrochelidae), Pachyseius humeralis Berlese (Pachylaelapidae), Veigaia pusilla (Berlese) and Veigaia serrata Willmann (Veigaiidae). These four species did not occur in apparently suitable habitats outside the Caves. It is possible that they were introduced into Australia by human activities. Eleven other species previously known from Australia are also recorded. None of these species show any special morphological adaptations to the cave habitat.
Susceptibility to ivermectin of larvae of Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Levot Garry W , Sales Narelle
Published: March 2003

A toxicological survey of 74 Australian field populations of Lucilia cuprina
was used to describe the range of responses of first‐instar larvae to ivermectin
in an in‐vitro bioassay. All populations were susceptible with only a 4‐fold difference between the least and most tolerant populations at the LC50 level. The frequency distribution of LC50s was normally distributed around the mean of 9.8 μg/L. The data recorded will provide a susceptible baseline for resistance monitoring when ivermectin is again released for the control of flystrike on sheep.
Potential for mating between Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and Bactrocera neohumeralis (Hardy) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Pike Nathan , Meats Alan
Published: March 2003

We conducted a series of mating experiments in the laboratory and in a glasshouse to examine male calling and the potential for mating between Bactrocera tryoni
and B. neohumeralis. Males of each species do make presumed courtship calls,
but at entirely discrete periods and regardless of the presence of other males or
females. Despite this, assortative mating tests in the glasshouse demonstrated the
potential for rare interspecific matings. When F1 hybrids were included
in these assortative mating tests they commonly mated with B. neohumeralis
during the middle of the day and with B. tryoni at dusk. Hybrids may facilitate bidirectional gene flow between these species.
Does habitat modification affect oviposition by the salt marsh mosquito, Ochlerotatus vigilax (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae)?
Authors: Dale Pat ER , Chapman Heather , Brown Michael D , Ritchie Scott A , Knight Jon , Kay Brian H
Published: March 2003

Studies were conducted at sites in south‐east Queensland, Australia, to investigate the effect of habitat modification for mosquito control on the distribution of eggshells of the salt marsh mosquito, Ochlerotatus vigilax (Skuse). Modifications were
mainly runnelling, but an Open Marsh Water Management (OMWM) site and a grid‐ditched
site were also included. There were two separate experimental designs: one was data
collected Before and After (BA) modification and the other was for other sites with
a Treatment and Control (TC) experimental design. For the BA data, there were significant
reductions in eggshells after modification. Eggshells were generally fewer after
modification in areas which were close to unrestricted tidal flushing. A sandy substrate
and vegetation changes which resulted in reduced Sporobolus virginicus or
mixed Sporobolus and Sarcocornia quinqueflora also contributed to the effect. In the TC experiment, there was no effect of modification at the runnelled site, eggshells were fewer at the OMWM site, but there were more eggshells at the grid‐ditched site. There was some general indication that recent oviposition activity was reduced in sites that had been modified, evidenced by a relatively small proportion of young (dark coloured) eggshells.
Field response of sugarcane cultivars to sugarcane soldier fly, Inopus rubriceps (Macquart) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Samson Peter R
Published: March 2003

Abstract Ten commercial sugarcane cultivars were planted in 10 replicate plots in each of three field trials in southern Queensland, to evaluate their response to the sugarcane soldier fly Inopus rubriceps. Trials were monitored for three harvests. Numbers of soldier fly larvae differed slightly between cultivars, but probably not enough to prevent the development of damaging populations. Weights of larvae were the same on all cultivars, suggesting that antibiosis was not involved. The effect of soldier fly on performance of cultivars in each trial was examined by regression of number of ratoon shoots and subsequent number and weight of mature stalks and crop yield on larval density during summer−autumn within each crop class. Where statistically significant relationships were detected in ratoons, each increase in soldier fly density of 100 m−2 was associated with a yield reduction of 1.2−6.4 tonnes cane ha−1, or 3−8% of the expected yield of uninfested plants. In most analyses, the slopes of regressions were the same for all cultivars, indicating no differential response to soldier fly infestation among the cultivars tested.
Revision of the Trichosirocalus horridus (Panzer) species complex, with description of two new species infesting thistles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Ceutorhynchinae)
Authors: Alonso‐Zarazaga Miguel A , Sánchez‐Ruiz Manuel
Published: March 2003

Abstract The Trichosirocalus horridus (Panzer) species complex is defined and revised and two new sibling species are described and figured: T. briesei (type locality: San Esteban de Gormaz, Soria, Spain) and T. mortadelo (type locality: Canberra, Australia, introduced). The existence of these siblings could explain the different food preferences observed between the different populations or strains of the supposed single species T. horridus.
Differences in egg parasitism of Chrysophtharta agricola (Chapuis) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) by Enoggera nassaui Girault (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in relation to host and parasitoid origin
Authors: Nahrung Helen F , Murphy Brendan D
Published: March 2003

Abstract The first instances of egg parasitism of Chrysophtharta agricola, a pest of eucalypt plantations, are recorded. Enoggera nassaui was found parasitising C. agricola egg batches in Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales and Victoria: this is the first record of this parasitoid species from Victoria. One instance of Neopolycystus sp. parasitising C. agricola eggs in Victoria was also recorded. Parasitism of egg batches by E. nassaui ranged from 0 to 55% between five geographical populations collected in mainland Australia (n = 45), and from 0 to 2% between two populations collected in Tasmania (n = 300). For mainland sites at which parasitism was recorded, parasitism rates within sites differed significantly from either population in Tasmania. Reciprocal exposure experiments using one Tasmanian (Florentine Valley) and one parasitised mainland (Picadilly Circus, ACT) population were conducted in the laboratory to examine whether these different parasitism rates were attributable to egg or parasitoid origin. Parasitoids from the ACT parasitised C. agricola eggs of both origins more successfully than parasitoids from Tasmania, with up to 65% wasp emergence compared with 33% from Tasmania. Parasitoid origin significantly affected the number of wasps that emerged from exposed batches, but not the total loss from parasitism.
Ratio‐dependent parasitism with Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) on egg rafts of Nezara viridula (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): effect of experimental variables and compatibility of ‘ratio’ and ‘Holling’ models
Authors: Meats A , Pando MS Castillo
Published: March 2003

Abstract Egg rafts of Nezara viridula were exposed to the parasitoid wasp Trissolcus basalis in experimental arenas to establish the relationship of the rates of attack and parasitism to various combinations of arena size, parasitoid density, host density and parasitoid‐to‐host ratio. Arena sizes were varied in the ratio 1:9:63, with the largest having a search area of 1.44 m2. Parasitoid and host densities were varied over a 27‐fold range. The parasitoid‐to‐host ratios used were 1:1, 3:1 and 6:1. Finding time was related to a constant factor (flight propensity), rather than to the difficulty of finding (density of hosts). Initial attack rates were therefore related only to parasitoid numbers (or density), even at the lower densities and ratios. Parasitism rates (a function of attack rate per host) were thus also strongly related to parasitoid to host ratio, regardless of densities used and arena sizes. Even reducing host density, while keeping time and parasitoid density constant, increased the parasitism rate. A ratio model for parasitism rate was therefore compatible with the data but the more explicit Holling ‘disc’ equation was also compatible because handling time was sufficiently large to make it sensitive to the ratio of parasitoids to hosts for the densities used. We conclude that the two models would predict different results if the density of host egg rafts was in a range below one per square metre.
New status, species, distribution records and phylogeny for Australian mandibulate Chironomidae (Diptera)
Authors: Cranston Peter S , Edward Don HD , Cook Lyn G
Published: March 2003

Abstract All life‐history stages of the Australian Podonominae (Chironomidae) genus Archaeochlus Brundin are revised, providing evidence for recognition of a separate clade, named here as Austrochlus Cranston. Based on molecular and morphological evidence, the clade contains two additional species: Austrochlus parabrundini Cranston, Edward and Cook sp. n. is described from Western Australia where its granite outcrop seepage habitat and geographical range is almost identical to that of the type species Austrochlus brundini Cranston, Edward and Colless (n. comb); Austrochlus centralaustralis Cranston, Edward and Cook sp. n. is described from ephemeral seepage/flows in the MacDonnell and James Ranges of central Australia. Molecular studies reported here confirm species distinctions, relationships to African taxa, and basal relationships within the Chironomidae. Modelled distributions provide evidence for range restriction by seasonal rainfall patterns.
Are tree trunks habitats or highways? A comparison of oribatid mite assemblages from hoop‐pine bark and litter
Authors: Proctor Heather C , Montgomery Kay M , Rosen Kate E , Kitching Roger L
Published: March 2003

Abstract Oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) are among the most diverse and abundant inhabitants of forest soil and litter, but also have species‐rich assemblages on bark and in the canopies of trees. It is unclear whether the trunk of a tree acts simply as a ‘highway’ for movement of mites into and out of the canopy, or whether the trunk has a distinctive acarofauna. We compare oribatid assemblages from the trunk bark of hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) with those from litter collected beneath the same trees. A 1.0 by 0.5 m area of bark was sampled from three trees at each of five sites using a knockdown insecticide. A 1‐L sample of leaf litter was collected as close as possible to the base of each sampled tree. Mites were extracted using Tullgren funnels, identified to genus and morphospecies, and counted. Assemblages were almost 100% distinct, with only one oribatid morphospecies (Pseudotocepheus sp.) collected from both litter and bark. Litter had a higher taxon richness than bark in total and per sample, but oribatids made up a greater percentage of the acarofauna in the bark samples. We had expected that the more consistent physical substrate of bark would be reflected in greater similarity of oribatid faunas on trunks than in litter; however, the opposite proved to be the case. We conclude that hoop‐pine trunks are habitats rather than highways for oribatid mites. Based on the observed higher turnover among bark faunas, tree trunks may represent habitat islands whose colonisation by particular oribatid species is more stochastic than that of the more continuous ‘sea’ of litter.
Control of Ichneumonoptera chrysophanes (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) by mating disruption in persimmons
Authors: Vickers Richard A
Published: March 2003

Abstract A ca 0.62 ha block of 480 persimmon trees at Woombye, Queensland, was treated with the pheromone of Ichneumonoptera chrysophanes emitted from polyethylene dispensers placed at a rate equivalent to 1480/ha early in September 2000. A second block of 219 trees was left untreated and served as the control. The technique was assessed using traps to measure the ability of I. chrysophanes males to locate synthetic pheromone baits, and by the incidence of fresh damage detected during December and June surveys of a minimum of 67 trees in each block. Pheromone release rates were determined approximately weekly by measuring the amount of pheromone remaining in a sample of 10 dispensers suspended within the treated block. A second orchard at Amamoor, Queensland, was partly treated with pheromone applied at a similar rate, but was monitored only in terms of trap catch. No assessments were made of damage levels. Mean pheromone‐release rates ranged from 15.8 to 1.6 mg/ha/h. Over the entire period of the trial, from 8 September 2000 to 27 June 2001, no males were caught in any of the 12 traps in the pheromone‐treated block of the Woombye orchard, while 944 were caught in the five traps in the untreated block. The proportion of trees with fresh damage was significantly higher in the untreated block (0.188 and 0.567; December and June surveys, respectively) than in the treated block (0.027 and 0.205), although there was no significant difference between treatments in the mean number of strikes/infested tree in either survey. In the Amamoor orchard no moths were caught in any of the 32 traps in the treated blocks, compared with a total of 303 in the 13 traps in the untreated block.
Visual mate‐searching behaviour in the evening brown butterfly, Melanitis leda (L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Kemp Darrell J
Published: March 2003

Abstract As in most animals, male butterflies are generally the more proactive sex with respect to seeking out mating opportunities. In most cases, males conduct their search sometime between mid‐morning and mid‐afternoon, but a few species are active only before dawn or after sunset. These crepuscular species offer a good opportunity to study how males deal with markedly different visual and thermal conditions. Here, I present data from a 5‐month behavioural study of male Melanitis leda (Nymphalidae) at a mate‐encounter site in tropical Australia. Males of this species defended perching locations along a forest edge in a similar manner to other diurnally active territorial nymphalids. They generally arrived at these sites after sunset and arrived earlier on evenings that darkened earlier. Actively mate‐locating males were only seen at the site during a 25−35 min evening period, during which ambient light levels ranged between 50 and 2600 lux. Only 27% of marked territory residents were recorded again at their location of capture, but fidelity in this ‘resighted’ group ranged up to 23 days. A sample of males, captured under ambient temperatures of 24.0−27.2°C, maintained a mean thoracic excess of 8.25 ± 0.73°C, but did not appear to ‘shiver’ in the manner of other crepuscular species. Males courted conspecific females and one mating was observed. This species is an excellent candidate for further research into the evolution of mating tactics in crepuscular butterflies.
Relationship between age and colour of hatched eggshells of Ochlerotatus vigilax (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) on an Australian saltmarsh
Authors: Turner Paul A
Published: March 2003

Abstract The presence of aedine mosquito eggshells in soil has recently been used to delineate oviposition patterns in coastal wetlands. However, the colour of eggshells may reveal information about the oviposition activity of mosquitoes that is not evident from the density and distribution of eggshells alone. This study describes the rate of colour change of newly hatched eggshells of Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) vigilax, the common saltmarsh mosquito. In March 1996, eggshells were buried in soil of five mosquito‐breeding sites on Kooragang Island, NSW. Eggshells were graded by colour using Munsell® soil‐colour charts. Seventy‐five percent of newly hatched eggshells were black and 25% were dark brown in colour. Black eggshells faded quickly to lighter shades of brown, so that none were recovered 20 months after commencement of the study. Eggshells faded to a median of dark brown after 13 months and medium brown after 2 years. In another study, significant differences in colour frequency between existing saltmarsh and two recently created oviposition sites were found; the latter site being characterised by numerous black and dark‐brown eggshells and very few light‐brown eggshells. The results suggest that active and inactive oviposition sites may be identified using the frequency distribution of eggshell colours based on large numbers of eggshells, whereas the colour of individual eggshells only coarsely reflects age since eclosion.
Spatial distribution of vectors of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus on Russell Island, Moreton Bay, Queensland
Authors: Jeffery Jason AL , Ryan Peter A , Lyons Scott A , Thomas Paula T , Kay Brian H
Published: March 2003

Abstract We used a network of 20 carbon dioxide‐ and octenol‐supplemented light traps to sample adult mosquitoes throughout Russell Island in southern Moreton Bay, south‐east Queensland. Between February and April 2001, an estimated 1365 564 adult female mosquitoes were collected. In contrast to an average catch of 9754 female mosquitoes per trap night on Russell Island, reference traps set on Macleay Island and on the mainland returned average catches of 3172 and 222, respectively. On Russell Island, Ochlerotatus vigilax (Skuse), Coquillettidia linealis (Skuse), Culex annulirostris Skuse and Verrallina funerea (Theobald), known or suspected vectors of Ross River (RR) and/or Barmah Forest (BF) viruses, comprised 89.6% of the 25 taxa collected. When the spatial distributions of the above species were mapped and analysed using local spatial statistics, all were found to be present in highest numbers towards the southern end of the island during most of the 7 weeks. This indicated the presence of more suitable adult harbourage sites and/or suboptimal larval control efficacy. As immature stages and the breeding habitat of Cq. linealis are as yet undescribed, this species in particular presents a considerable impediment to proposed development scenarios. The method presented here of mapping the numbers of mosquitoes throughout a local government area allows specific areas that have high vector numbers to be defined.
Drosophilidae (Diptera) of Australia's Northern Territory: ecology and biogeography
Authors: Van Klinken Rieks Dekker , Walter Gimme H , Ross Michael K
Published: March 2003

Abstract  The drosophilid fauna is well documented in eastern Australia but is poorly known in other parts of the continent. This paper summarises what is known of this fauna in the Northern Territory (NT), and includes results from banana trapping in the humid and arid zones. The 42 recorded species include species that breed in fruit, fungi and/or flowers, and a larval predator of scale insects. Drosophilids occur in all three major climate zones (humid, semiarid and arid) but predominate in the humid zone. Banana‐attracted species in the humid zone (wet‐dry tropics) were common in all sampled habitats: urban, rainforest and open woodland. They included predominantly urban and/or rainforest species. Of the species collected in open woodland, some are likely to be breeding there, whereas others may have been intercepted during movement across the area. The semiarid fauna is a depauperate version of that found in the humid region. Only three species have been recorded in the arid region: an endemic arid specialist, and two cosmopolitan species (D. simulans and D. melanogaster) in urban Alice Springs. Overall, the NT drosophilid fauna represents a depauperate version of that found in eastern Australia, probably because of climatic factors and natural barriers to range expansion. There is little evidence of regional endemism, with probably only one (and at most three) species endemic to the NT, and no evidence of independent, natural dispersion from nearby Indonesia.
New peculiar entedonine genus (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) from Western Australia
Authors: Gumovsky Alex V
Published: March 2003

Abstract Clypecharis gen. n. is described for a new species C. rostrifera sp. n. from Western Australia. The new genus is characterised by the unique shape of the lower face, which is produced into a peculiar forked rostrum, and by the elongate mandibles situated in a ‘crossbill"s beak’ position. The flagellum of the new species is shortened and clavate. Its segments are very closely approximated, with the two‐segmented funicle hardly distinguishable from the three‐segmented clava. The morphological peculiarities of Clypecharis and its possible relationships with other entedonine genera are discussed.
Effect of agronomic factors on the spatial distribution of greyback canegrub, Dermolepida albohirtum (Waterhouse) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), in sugarcane in the Burdekin River Irrigation Area
Authors: Ward Andrew L
Published: March 2003

Abstract A series of studies were undertaken examining the factors that impact on the spatial distribution of greyback canegrub infestations in sugarcane in the Burdekin region of Queensland. Historic records of damage by greyback canegrub showed that sugarcane blocks planted or harvested earlier than surrounding blocks were more likely to be damaged than blocks planted or harvested later. The derived hypothesis that sugarcane height may be the primary determinant of where damage occurs was confirmed in field studies. The tallest sugarcane blocks at the time of oviposition consistently had the highest grub populations. There was no difference in the distribution of damage between the cultivars Q96 and Q117 and the age of these crops also had no impact. The finding that sugarcane height is the primary determinant of where damage occurs on Burdekin farms opens the possibility of using it as a tool to manipulate where canegrubs oviposit and the development of a range of associated cultural control strategies.
Two new egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) of the wood borer Agrianome spinicollis (Macleay) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a pest of pecans in eastern Australia
Authors: Schmidt Stefan , Noyes John S
Published: March 2003

Abstract Baeoanusia xanthopleuron sp. n. and Avetianella coombsi sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) are described from New South Wales and Queensland. Photomicrographs are provided to illustrate morphological characters of both species, and their systematic position is discussed on the basis of their morphology and biology. Both species are egg parasitoids of the wood borer Agrianome spinicollis (Macleay), an important pest of pecans in eastern Australia.
Review of the Australian aphrophorid spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae)
Authors: Liang Ai‐Ping , Fletcher Murray J
Published: March 2003

AbstractA review of the Aphrophoridae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopoidea) occurring in Australia has revealed closer links between the Australian fauna and those of the Pacific region than were previously acknowledged. A key to the Australian genera is provided along with a diagnosis for each genus and a list of described Australian species with notes on each. Taxonomic changes proposed are:NeoaphrophoraChina synonymised withAnyllisKirkaldy;EurycercopisKirkaldy synonymised withInterocreaWalker;Aphrophora rufiventrisWalker andPhilagra vittataMetcalf and Horton synonymised withPhilagra parva(Donovan). New combinations proposed are:Amarusa australis(Jacobi) (fromEoptyelus);Anyllis tiegsi(China) (fromNeoaphrophora);Interocrea nigrofasciata(Kirkaldy) (fromEurycercopis);Interocrea regalis(Lallemand) (fromClovia);Liorhina loxosema(Hacker) (fromClovia). To provide a single reference point for the species and, for species described byHacker (1926)andJacobi (1928), to validate apparent holotype intentions by those authors, lectotypes are designated for:Ptyelus homochrousHacker;Eurycercopis nigrofasciataKirkaldy;Clovia regalisLallemand;Clovia loxosemaHacker;Philagra concolorHacker;Philagra fulvidaHacker;Philagra recurvaJacobi. The probable whereabouts of the type specimen ofPhilagra parva(Donovan) are discussed. The origin of the holotype ofNovaphrophara tasmaniaeLallemand is discussed; the Australian record is almost certainly incorrect.
The regeneration ecology of Kunzea ericoides (A. Rich.) J. Thompson at Coranderrk Reserve, Healesville
Authors: SINGER RUTH J. , BURGMAN MARK A.
Published: March 2003

The spatial structure, age structure and population dynamics of the shrub Kunzea ericoides (A. Rich.) J. Thompson were investigated at Coranderrk Reserve, near Healesville, Victoria, Australia. The shrub is known to be invasive in many areas and, although indigenous to the reserve, has greatly increased its population size and distribution within the reserve in the past 30 years. Dendrochronology showed a constant relationship between age and stem diameter for K. ericoides in the reserve. The spatial structure of the variable stem diameter was investigated by the use of spatial correlograms and results suggested that K. ericoides is spreading via the formation of discrete clumps and gap‐phase regeneration. The two main populations in the reserve recruited continuously in time but patchily in space. A simple statistical model for size–frequency data showed that K. ericoides is expanding faster in some areas of the reserve than others. The trend of expansion of K. ericoides may be irreversible. Intensive management of Coranderrk Reserve will be required if K. ericoides is to be controlled and the conservation value of the reserve maintained.
Population dynamics of three Neotropical small mammals: Time series models and the role of delayed density‐dependence in population irruptions
Authors: COATES MAURICIO , JAKSIC FABIAN M.
Published: March 2003

It is widely believed that only precipitation levels (through increased primary production) determine irruptions of small mammals in semi‐arid areas of western South America. Nevertheless, density‐dependent factors may also drive population fluctuations. To test statistically these putative effects we analysed 11 years of population records on three sympatric species of small mammals at two different habitat types in north central Chile. We applied the classical diagnostic tools of time series analysis (the autocorrelation function: ACF) to the observed time series of three neotropical small mammals. We also used simple linear autoregressive time series models to reconstruct the endogenous dynamics of these populations. The analysis strongly suggests that population fluctuations of the three species have an important density‐dependent component, with the most irruptive species (Phyllotis darwini, Waterhouse 1837) displaying stronger second order population feedbacks than the other two (Akodon olivaceus, Waterhouse 1837 and Thylamys elegans, Waterhouse 1839). The latter two species showed direct density‐dependent feedbacks. We hypothesize that the frequent population outbreaks of P. darwini (and perhaps of other species) in semi‐arid regions of western South America, may be the result of population‐level (direct density‐ dependence) and community‐level processes (delayed density‐dependence), interacting with exogenous perturbations (rainfall and associated primary production).
Comparative seed germination ecology of Austrostipa compressa and Ehrharta calycina (Poaceae) in a Western Australian Banksia woodland
Authors: SMITH MARTIN A. , BELL DAVID T. , LONERAGAN WILLIAM A.
Published: March 2003

Austrostipa compressa, a native ephemeral of southwest Western Australia was stimulated to germinate under a range of temperatures, in the presence of light, and exposure to smoke‐water. This combination of environmental cues results in winter‐maximum germination in immediate postfire and disturbed‐soil environments of this Mediterranean‐type climate. In contrast, Ehrharta calycina, an introduced perennial grass from southern Africa that has invaded Banksia woodlands, germinated under a wide range of temperature and light conditions, but showed no promotive response to smoke‐water. Although A. compressa seeds tolerated heat shock better than E. calycina, the self‐burial mechanism of A. compressa seeds ensures protection from fire. High‐intensity fire could have a greater impact on E. calycina, as the seeds of this species tend to accumulate in the top of the soil profile where they are more susceptible to high temperatures. Although seeds of E. calycina are more susceptible to high temperatures, survival of mature individuals by postfire resprouting ensures continued survival in native woodlands. Estimates of soil seed bank densities showed extreme variability, but some recently burnt areas of the Yule Brook Botany Reserve contained up to 8000 seed m−2 of A. compressa and nearly 75 000 seeds m−2 of E. calycina. Viable soil seed bank densities of A. compressa are reduced with time‐since‐last fire, but areas of greater than 45 years since the last fire, still contained up to 119 seeds m−2. In both species, only about half their soil seed bank germinates following fire, thus ensuring the potential for later recruitment. Massive soil seed populations of E. calycina in native Banksia woodlands pose a major problem to management of this plant community type.
Seeds of the annual grasses Schizachyrium spp. as a food resource for tropical granivorous birds
Authors: Crowley Gabriel , Garnett Stephen
Published: March 2003

Seed dynamics of the annual tropical grasses Schizachyrium fragile (R. Br.) A. Camus, S. pachyarthron C. Gardner and S. pseudeulalia (Hosok.) S.T. Blake were studied with the aim of documenting fluxes in granivore food resources. In S. fragile, seed production began in the early dry season, and seed output was primarily influenced by seedling survival. Following seed‐fall, there were 651 S. fragile seeds/m2 (393 kernels/m2) and 1014 S. pachyarthron seeds/m2 (593 kernels/m2) across the study area, with a combined kernel biomass of 14.1 × 103 g/ha. Seed densities remained stable through the dry season, then declined rapidly after wet season rain. Initial wet season rains of up to 25 mm, 40 mm and 50 mm resulted in seed‐bank germination of < 5%, 57%, and 93%, respectively. Some seeds were buried by rain and resurfaced or germinated later, but about 30% was lost. Widespread and abrupt depletion of the seed‐bank is likely to occur at the start of about 8% of wet seasons on central Cape York Peninsula, leaving little seed, either for subsequent germination or as food for granivores. Burning early in the dry season, when most seeds were still on the plants, reduced seed densities by 85%. The proportion of seeds with sound kernels was reduced in areas burnt by dry season fires, both directly after the fires and, subsequently, as a result of preferential granivore activity. Areas burnt in the dry season were thus depleted of seed earlier than were unburnt areas. Food availability for granivores should therefore be optimized by fire regimes that include a range of burning histories, including fires in both early dry and early wet seasons as well as keeping other areas unburnt.