bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer modelling of the migration of Simulium damnosum sensu lato (Diptera: Simuliidae) across the Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) area of West Africa
Authors: Johnson C.G. , Johnson R.P.C.
Published: July 2009

The number of wind-borne female Simulium damnosum Theobald sensu lato migrating across territory devoid of breeding populations (the Onchocerciasis Control Programme, OCP) were monitored daily at widely separated sites downwind. The seasonal curves of numbers recorded each day were remarkably similar in pattern at each site with little blurring (although numbers lessened as distance from source increased). The uniformity suggests that each daily batch of S. damnosum moved downwind en bloc with but a small proportion of laggards. To test this hypothesis, model curves were generated, with different proportions of daily laggards, from the data at each sampling site and compared by chi-squared tests with the observed curve at the next site downwind. It was found that, in general, those models that most closely resembled the downwind curves were those with the smallest proportion of laggards. Other aspects of the migration were also considered, notably the factors affecting loss of numbers as distance increased and the interaction between laggards and loss where it was shown that the greater the proportion of laggards the greater will be the daily loss.
An experimental study of the peridomestic distribution of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Quinnell Rupert J. , Dye Christopher
Published: July 2009

Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva), the vector of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL), is much more abundant in animal sheds than in houses on Marajó Island, Pará State, Brazil. This difference in abundance is known not to reflect host preference. We show here that it also cannot be explained in terms of variable trapping efficiency, or insecticide application, and we exclude animal sheds as important daytime resting sites. In experimental sheds, the number of L. longipalpis increased markedly with the openness of the walls, though artificially large aggregations of flies could be generated in closed houses by using caged flies and hosts as attractants. We conclude that L. longipalpis tend to congregate at sites outdoors, including animal sheds, because these are the places where leks can most easily form on abundant, stationary (sleeping) and accessible hosts. These results help to explain why the seroprevalence of Leishmania chagasi infection is generally much higher among dogs than humans. They also indicate that human exposure to sandfly bites varies with the quality of house construction.
Observations on the autumn migration of Nilaparvata lugens (Homoptera: Delphacidae) and other pests in east central China
Authors: Riley J. R. , Reynolds D.R. , Smith A.D. , Rosenberg L.J. , Xia-nian Cheng , Xiao-xi Zhang , Guo-min Xu , Ji-yi Cheng , Ai-dong Bao , Bao-ping Zhai , Hai-kou Wang
Published: July 2009

Radar, aerial netting and ground sampling were used to study the autumn migration of Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) in Jiangsu Province in east central China. Emigration of macropterous adults increased from late August until late September as the main rice crop matured and was harvested. In early and mid September, the resulting windborne migrations carried the planthoppers mainly towards the west, although the migration directions ranged (within the western sector) from south to north. By late September, however, displacements were predominantly to the south-west on the then prevailing north-east monsoon winds: migration was particularly rapid when the north-easterlies were reinforced by typhoons. Although in late September such movements to more southerly latitudes are essential for the survival of the planthoppers' progeny, we found no definite evidence for preferential emigration on winds blowing towards the south. There were, however, indications that when winds towards the north occurred, the duration of migratory flight was curtailed. Irrespective of any possible preference for migration on northerlies, a large proportion of the N. lugens population would normally be carried in an adaptive southwards direction, because the advent of the north-east monsoon occurs at a time when the number of flight-ready planthoppers approaches its peak.
The effect of temperature on oviposition, fecundity and egg hatch in the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Leather Simon R.
Published: July 2009

Over the temperature range 5° to 25°C, fecundity of Panolis flammea (Denis & Schiffermüller) showed a non-linear response, the optimal temperature for fecundity being 15°C. At 6°C females laid 17 eggs each whilst at 15°C they laid 166 eggs. Pre-oviposition period showed a significantly negative response, being shortest at 25°C (2.5 days). Adult longevity was significantly affected by temperature, being 20 days at 8°C and 6.8 days at 25°C. Egg hatch and development in the laboratory was linearly and positively related to temperature over the range of 2° to 20°C, ranging from 39.9 days at 5°C to 6 days at 25°C. The lethal limit for egg viability was 25°C. The theoretical threshold for egg development was calculated to be 2.79°C. Storage of eggs at temperatures of 2°C for periods in excess of 10 days had a significant effect on the percentage of eggs hatching. The significance of these findings in implementing control operations is discussed.
The current distribution and geographical origin of the scale insect pestCeroplastes sinensis(Hemiptera: Coccidae)
Authors: Ting-Kui Qin , Gullan Penny J. , Beattie G. Andrew C. , Trueman John W.H. , Cranston Peter S. , Fletcher Murray J. , Sands Don P.A.
Published: July 2009

Ceroplastes sinensisDel Guercio is a pest of commercial citrus in Australia and has been recorded from New Zealand, southern Europe, northern Africa, North America and Mexico. Its distribution is mainly temperate and it is more restricted climatically than previously believed. Uncertainty concerning the place of origin ofC. sinensishas thwarted previous attempts at biological control. In the present study, a novel and cost-effective approach using cladistic estimates is demonstrated to determine the place of its origin. Cladistically derived phylogenies are commonplace for many organisms, but the method has not been used before to predict the area of origin of a cosmopolitan pest. Cladistic analysis of the wax scales predicts a native range forC. sinensiswithin Central or South America. This prediction appears to have been confirmed by the recent discovery of heavily parasitized individuals ofC. sinensisin Argentina. The cladistic analysis also allows prediction of the geographical origin of three other widespread wax scale speries:Ceroplastes ceriferus(Fabricius) may be of Neotropical origin,C. rubensMaskell andC. rusci(Linnaeus) are probably native to the Afrotropical region. The approach used has wide implications because the native areas of many other economically important pests are still unknown or uncertain.
Evidence of the establishment of Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in continental Africa
Authors: Omwega C.O. , Kimani S.W. , Overholt W.A. , Ogol C.K.P.O.
Published: July 2009

Cotesia flavipes Cameron has been released several times in Africa for biological control of gramineous stem borers. Establishment has been reported on the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Réunion and Madagascar, however, several attempts to introduce C. flavipes into continental Africa are reported to have failed. Recently, several cocoon masses of C. flavipes were recovered from south-western Kenya where the parasitoid was never released. Identifications of the parasitoids from south-western Kenya were based on morphological characters, allozyme frequencies, and mating experiments with laboratory populations of C. flavipes. It is hypothesized that C. flavipes became established from individuals escaping from a laboratory colony maintained in south-western Kenya in 1991.
The population dynamics of the white peach scale and its parasitoids in a mulberry orchard in Campania, Italy
Authors: Pedata P.A. , Hunter M.S. , Godfray H.C.J. , Viggiani G.
Published: July 2009

White peach scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti) (Homiptera: Diaspididae), was a serious pest of mulberry until it was the subject of a successful biological control programme in Italy at the turn of the century. Since the 1950s it has returned as a sporadic pest of commercial peach and, more recently, kiwi fruit orchards. We sampled white peach scale in an unmanaged mulberry orchard in coastal Campania over a 17 month period to measure the impact, relative abundance, and interactions of the parasitoids in the absence of pesticides. Sampled scales were dissected, and the immature stages of the parasitoids identified. Mean densities of white peach scale varied with month from 3–15/9 cm2 on primary (interior) branches and 15–100/1.5–2 m secondary (exterior) branch. The generalist ectoparasitoid Aphytis proclia (Walker) was most abundant, followed by two specialist endoparasitoids, Encarsia berlesei (Howard) and Pteroptrix orientalis (Silvestri) (all Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). Primary parasitism also varied with month from 25–85% on primary branches and 20–90% on secondary branches. Parasitism on primary branches was inversely density-dependent, but was densityindependent on secondary branches. Low levels of superparasitism were generally observed in E. berlesei and P. orientalis (0–6%), but were higher in A. proclia (0–21%). Multiple parasitism of hosts by E. berlesei and A. proclia was fairly common (up to 24% of E. berlesei immatures were found sharing a host with A. proclia), and A. proclia was the probable winner of within-host competitions. The hyperparasitoid Azotus perspeciosus (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) parasitized late pre-imaginal instars of all three primary parasitoid species. There was no significant difference in hyperparasitism of the three primary parasitoid species, but the rate of hyperparasitism was inversely related to the total density of primary parasitoids.
Effects of plant age, leaf age and virus yellows infection on the population dynamics of Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae) on sugarbeet in field plots
Authors: Williams C.T.
Published: July 2009

Field experiments in which clip-caged apterae of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae) were monitored on sugarbeet revealed that leaf age, plant age and infection of the host with beet yellows closterovirus (BYV) had very large effects on aphid performance (development, reproduction and survival). On healthy plants performance was much better on young, expanding heart leaves than on older leaves. Performance on senescent leaves was poor. When apterae were kept on young heart leaves all their lives (by moving clip-cages to younger leaves every 4 days) there was a strong negative relationship between aphid performance and plant age (measured as plant leaf number at birth). On plants inoculated with BYV apterae showed large improvements in performance. These occurred so rapidly that nymphs born at the time of virus inoculation could benefit as much as those born later. The sizes and between-leaf distributions of M. persicae populations which developed from standard numbers of colonists on whole plants in cages were consistent with the results of the clip-cage experiments. Alatae were less sensitive than apterae to differences in plant and leaf age. Implications of the results for BYV epidemiology and control are discussed.
The Effect of Mercury Vapour on the Eggs of Calandra granaria (L.) (Col., Curculionidae)
Authors: Richards O. W.
Published: July 2009

1. To determine the percentage hatch of Calandra granaria eggs, the grain containing them should be kept for 6–10 days at 25°C. after a two-day oviposition period.

2. Pretreatment of grain with mercury vapour makes no difference to the fertility of eggs afterwards laid in it.

3. At 25°C. 99 per cent. of the eggs are sterilised in 24 hours and 87 per cent. in 8 hours, using what probably approaches the saturated vapour.

4. At 10°C., the sterilisation for periods of 24, 48, and 72 hours is 44, 87 and 93 per cent. respectively.

5. At 25°C., mercury vapour will penetrate at least 30 cm. of grain in 2 days. At 12°C., mercury vapour will penetrate at least 90 cm. of grain in 7 days.
The Biology of Red Bollworm, Diparopsis watersi (Roths.) in northern Nigeria
Authors: Geering Q. A. , Baillie A. F. H.
Published: July 2009

The red bollworm attacking cotton in Nigeria has recently been shown to be Diparopsis watersi (Roths.), distinct from D. castanea Hmps., the southern African species previously assumed to be that occurring on cotton throughout Africa. Earlier work on cotton pests, including Diparopsis, in southern Nigeria (1664) is briefly reviewed, and the discovery and definition of the problems of cotton pests in northern Nigeria is outlined, and the climatic and agricultural background of the northern areas described.

The main object of the present work, centred at Samaru, was to determine; the annual cycle of activity of Diparopsis in northern Nigeria. The methods employed are described. The insect passes the dry season in diapause as a pupa in the soil. In late May or June, emergence from these pupae commences, but this is completely interrupted during July-September. In October, after the end of the rains, emergence recommences, and the main attack occurs on the crop during October and November. The proportion of pupae entering diapause rises rapidly from mid-October onwards, and activity ceases in early December.

When diapause pupae were incubated at controlled (86°F.) or indoor air (74–86°F.) temperatures, emergence was unimodal, extending from June to October, with the peak in July or August, respectively. It is concluded that the bimodal emergence in the field is caused by waterlogging, or some other factor restricting aeration of the soil during July-September, when the emergence from diapause pupae is interrupted

Trials of dates of sowing laid down at Samaru and Daudawa showed that early sowings, made in mid-June or early July, may suffer heavier bollworm attack than those made in mid- or late July. The earlier sowings nevertheless outyielded later ones. It is suggested that this results from their benefiting from a longer growing season, in which a greater production of fruiting points more than offsets greater losses from bollworms and other insects.

Elimination of ratoon and standover cotton would prevent breeding by the early emergence of moths from diapause pupae, and consequent red-bollworm attack on early sowings of cotton.

The possibility of producing a unimodal emergence from diapause pupae is worth further attention. This might be achieved by altering the soil conditions during July-September, and if successful would result in the main crop escaping almost entirely any attack by Diparopsis.

There appear to be no fundamental differences biologically between Diparopsis castanea and D. watersi, as illustrated by previous work reported from South Africa and Nyasaland, and the observations recorded here.
Studies concerning the Uptake of Contact Insecticides.
Authors: Lewis C. T.
Published: July 2009

The anatomy of the tarsi and pretarsi of Phormia (Protophormia) terraenovae (R.-D.); Glossina palpalis (R.-D.) and Musca domestica L. is described with particular reference to structures possibly concerned in the action of deposits of contact insecticides. The numerous setae which cover the tarsal segments are distributed in a pattern which is common to all three species. Long spines situated at the distal extremity of each segment are the points of contact with which a fly engages a surface, and which take the thrust as the fly walks. Proximal to the primary spines are two ventral rows of chemoreceptors, protected from mechanical damage by smaller spines. In addition there are lateral and dorsal rows of bristles.

Contact chemoreceptors, which have been identified by experiment, are present in large numbers on the tarsi of P. terraenovae and M. domestica. Each chemoreceptor is a differentiated hollow seta possessing an extremely thin frontal membrane of cuticle, in which a lipoid layer appears to be incorporated and through which a lipoid-soluble insecticide might readily penetrate to the sensory neurocytes.

Receptors of this type are also present on the tarsi of G. palpalis, though tsetse flies have not been reported to possess a tarsal gustatory sense.

The pulvilli of all three species are entirely filled with viscous endocuticle and possess neither nerves, sense organs nor gland cells. The pulvilli are probably less important sites of penetration of insecticide from deposits than are the tarsel chemoreceptors, articulating membranes of setae, and intersegmental joint membranes.

Measurements of nerve diameters at different parts of the tarsi are used to interpret the results of Fisher (1952) concerning the action of DDT applied to limited areas of M. domestica. It is concluded that the relative toxicity of DDT at different parts of the body may be correlated with the number of sensory nerve fibres passing close to the site of penetration, but not with the number of sensory end organs directly affected.
Field Observations on the Cacao Mirids,Sahlbergella singularisHagl. andDistantiella theobroma(Dist.), in the Gold Coast. Part III. Population Fluctuations
Authors: Williams G.
Published: July 2009

For both of the important cacao Mirids,Sahlbergella singularisHagl. andDistantiella theobroma(Dist.), there is a well-marked annual population cycle. Numbers are at their lowest in March and, although showing fluctuations from month to month, remain low until July. After this period, there is an increase in numbers to a peak level which may be bimodal, an earlier peak corresponding with the maximum numbers on pods and a later peak on stems alone in January or February. This is followed by an abrupt drop in the dry season to the minimum values of March.

The period of increasing numbers is, at first, associated with the presence of more cacao pods but evidence is given to prove that Mirid increase is nor determined by pod increase but that both reflect the action of some common cause. The final peak population is associated with the symptoms of seasonal blast, but although Mirid numbers beneath the canopy are at their maximum at this time, there is no corresponding increase in the resident canopy population, the blast symptoms being produced by a transient population of adults from the sub-canopy levels.

Even at their highest the numbers of Mirids are small compared with most crop pests, the normal maximum being of the order of 1,000 per acre in mature stands of cacao.

Such aspects of mortality as could be studied from field observations are described. There is a steady loss during nymphal life, more dying during the later stages because these last longer. Parasitism, food supply and predation appear to be the main controlling factors, but, of these, only predation is examined quantitatively. Mantids, ants and Reduviids kill between 16 per cent. and 21 per cent. of the nymphs with which they are associated and the proportion of Mirids killed by such predators increases as the number of Mirids increases. Predation plays an important part in the natural controla of Mirid populations but, although optimum conditions for predation exist in Mirid pockets, economic control is not effected.

The use of ants as a Mirid control measure is examined and rejected. Infestation of healthy trees by ants does not protect nearby attacked trees and the association between ants and healthy trees is due to the colonisation of such trees as the only ones suitable in an area subject to Mirid damage. A single instance is quoted whereOecophylla longinoda(Latr.) appeared to exert a control but only at a level where the ants were so numerous as to constitute a hazard to humans in the plot.

A final discussion of the three papers of the series is included to focus attention upon those aspects of Mirid biology which need immediate investigation. These include an evaluation of the loss caused by Mirids and the need for experimental work to determine the effect of physical factors on Mirids. Suggestions are made for sampling which could be employed in any future field observations.
Aircraft Applications of Insecticides in East Africa. IX.—Further Experiments on the Deposition in open Country of a coarse Aerosol released from an Aircraft
Authors: Yeo D.
Published: July 2009

Further experiments have been carried out to investigate how a coarse aerosol, released from a low-flying aircraft, is deposited upon the ground in open country. The aerosol had a mass median diameter of approximately 80 microns, and was produced by a boom-and-nozzle apparatus.

The aircraft height was 65 ft. It is shown that the rate of deposition is related to the degree of atmospheric turbulence, of which a simple and easily measured parameter is given. The rate of deposition is greatest when there is a large temperature inversion and a low wind speed.

A comparison is made with previous work where the aircraft height was 30 ft. Within the limits investigated, an increase in aircraft height reduces the deposits near the line of emission, but does not greatly affect the total amount that deposits within 150–200 seconds of production of the aerosol.
Pupation and Emergence in Aëdes taeniorhynchus (Wied.)
Authors: Nielsen E. T. , Haeger J. S.
Published: July 2009

A series of field observations and rearing experiments were carrried out in Florida to gain information on the duration of the larval stage and the time of day of pupation and emergence of the salt-marsh mosquito, Aëdes taeniorhynchus (Wied.).

The technique adopted in a series of experiments is described.

It was found that the duration of the larvel stage is dependent on several factors of which water temperature is probably the main factor. Hunger was also shown to be important either through lack of food or overcrowding. Larvae which later became male adults pupated before those which became female imagines.

The period of maximum pupation is determined by the distribution of light and darkness, 83 per cent. of all pupation taking place during the evening periods, 15 to 24 hours after experimental midnight, and 48 per cent. in the period just after sunset, 18 to 21 after experimental midnight. The tendency to pupate around sunset is thought to have just as much accelerating as retarding effect on the larval development.

Temperature is considered to be the only factor of importance in determining the duration of the pupal stage which varies from 61 hours at 20·8°C. to 45 hours at 25·5° and 37 hours at 29°.

Both in nature as well as under controlled conditions in the laboratory it was found that, for a large number of larvae hatched simultaneously, the emergence of adults usually lasts three or fours days, with a maximum at the same hour on each of these days. The period of emergence is proportional to the duration of the post-embryonic development and may under unfavourable conditions last weeks.

Maximum emergence of imagines has been found to occur at various times of the day. This is as should be expected since the hour of pupation is fixed to a certain period of the day, and the duration of the pupal stage is solely dependent on the temperature.

The difference in the duration of pupation in males and females is very small but owing to the rather marked sexual difference in the duration of the larval stage, 129 hours for males against 145 for females at 29°, there is a preponderance of males during the first emergence maxima and of females in the last.

It is concluded that if the temperature of the water in which the larvae are living in the field is known, it should be possible to predict at what hour of the day the emergence maxima will take place.
Gall-midge Larvae as Endoparasites, including the Description of a Species parasitising Aphids in Trinidad, B.W.I.
Authors: Barnes H. F.
Published: July 2009

A review of the available information concerning gall midges as endoparasites shows that only three species in two genera have been described.

Endaphis perfidusKieffer is a parasite of apterousDrepanosiphum platanoides(Schr.) (Aphididae) in Lorraine and England. Although on several occasions larvae ofEndaphissp. have been found in England, the Netherlands and Germany parasitising other Aphids, practically no information additional to that supplied by Kieffer has beeen published. In only one instance besidesE. perfidushas the adult midge been reared and figured,i.e., Endaphis(cf.perfidusKieffer) inMacrosiphum jaceae(L.) onCarduusin Germany.

Endopsylla agilisde Meijere is a parasite of wingesPsylla foersteriFlor (Psyllidae) in the Netherlands. The bionomics of what is almost certainly the same species, parasitisingP. maliraceperegrinaFoerst. on hawthorn (alsoP. pyricolaFoerst. andP. melanoneuraFoerst.) andP. mali(Schmidb.) on apple, respectively, have been studied in Scotland and Germany.

Endopsylla endogena(Kieffer) was found parasitising the larva ofStephanitis pyri(F.) (Tingidae) in Portugal but has not been recorded again.

A fourth species,Pseudendaphis maculans, gen. et sp. n., that parasitises various Aphids in Trinidad, has now been described.

Indications are given of the whereabouts of any existing types or other specimens of all the known endoparasitic gall midges.
A new Toxoptera species from Rutaceae in Hong Kong (Homoptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Martin J. H.
Published: July 2009

Toxoptera victoriae sp. n. is described from Hong Kong. The economic importance of the genus Toxoptera is discussed. Separate keys are provided to adult and first instar larvae of the species of Toxoptera.
Effects of temperature on development and seasonality of Eudocima salaminia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in eastern Australia
Authors: Sands D. P. A. , Schotz M. , Bourne A. S.
Published: July 2009

The durations for development for immature stages of the fruit piercing moth, Eudocima salaminia (Cramer), were determined at constant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 27°C and at ambient temperatures at a field site in southeastern Queensland over a 16 month period. At constant temperatures average heat requirements for: 50% eclosion of eggs were 62.4 day-degrees above 11°C, development of larvae to pupation were 246 day-degrees above 12°C, development of pupae to eclosion were 233 day-degrees above 12°C. For each stage there was no difference between day-degrees calculated at constant temperatures or at those in the field indicating no diapause in the immature stages. For adults, temperatures below 16°C during the activity period after dusk prevented feeding, mating and oviposition. Failure of E. salaminia to overwinter in south-eastern Australia in most years, was explained by the effects of low temperatures on egg hatch, larval, pupal and adult survival, reduced adult feeding, mating and cessation of oviposition.
Local variability in the life cycle of the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (Homoptera: Aphididae) in western France
Authors: Simon J. C. , Blackman R. L. , Le Gallic J. F.
Published: July 2009

To study life cycle variability in Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus), the responses to short days (L:D 10:14) of 70 clones were tested at two temperatures (10°C and 15°C) in the laboratory. Three clones originating from spring populations on the primary host, bird cherry (Prunus padus), were holocyclic, producing gynoparae and then males in the second generation under experimental conditions. Of the other clones, all originating from Gramineae, 78.5% were anholocyclic and 21.5% androcyclic (male-producing) at 15°C, but at 10°C only 12.7% were anholocyclic, 82.6% were androcyclic, and 4.7% showed an ‘intermediate’ response (i.e., some of the alate females produced both sexual and parthe-nogenetic offspring). There was considerable interclonal and inter-individual variation in the numbers of males produced by androcyclic clones. These results are discussed in relation to field studies on R. padi in Britanny, which indicate that 1. primary hosts are rather rare, but nevertheless commonly develop spring infestations; 2. anholocyclic genotypes are regularly decimated every few years by severe winters. It appears that the preponderance of androcyclic clones is important for the maintenance of life cycle variability.
An Account of some Anopheline Mosquitos found in British North Borneo, with description of a New Species
Authors: Ropes Richard
Published: July 2009

During the course of three years' estate medical work in British North Borneo, ample opportunity was found for studying the local mosquitos, and I publish the few following notes in the hope that they may be of use to other workers in Borneo.
Notes on Phlebotomus, with descriptions of New Species
Authors: Newstead R.
Published: July 2009

In this paper four new species of Phlebotomus are described, three from Africa and one from the Malay States, and the differential characters and affinities of seven other known species are described and illustrated. Three specimens, including one of P. minutus, Rond., and two of P. papatasii (Scop.), have been observed to possess supernumerary spines on the superior claspers: a remarkable and apparently hitherto unrecorded phenomenon in this genus. In several instances fresh data are given as to the geographical distribution of these insects, and an endeavour has been made to clear up some confusion with regard to certain closely allied species.
The effect of a reduction in expired carbon dioxide on the attractiveness of human subjects to mosquitoes
Authors: Snow W. F.
Published: July 2009

The attractiveness, to mosquitoes, of human subjects breathing normally and wearing a breathing apparatus which removed 95·5% of expired carbon dioxide were compared in the field. Significantly fewer mosquitoes approached the subject with a reduced carbon-dioxide output. Species differences were apparent in the degree of reduction of mosquitoes at the bait, as measured by the ratio of numbers attracted to subjects without and with the breathing apparatus. From the results of trials in the Gambia, West Africa, this ratio gave values of 0·67 for Mansonioides spp., 0·46 for Anopheles gambiae Giles/A. melas Theo. and 0·19 for Culex thalassius Theo., while complementary work in southern England gave a value of 0·34 for Aedes cantans (Mg.)/Ae. annulipes (Mg.). A reduced carbon-dioxide output had no effect on the proportion of mosquitoes attempting to feed once within close range of the host. These findings confirm that carbon dioxide is a long- or medium-range attractant.
Catches of tsetse (Glossina spp.) (Diptera: Glossinidae) from traps and targets baited with large doses of natural and synthetic host odour
Authors: Hargrove J.W. , Holloway M.T.P. , Vale G.A. , Gough A.J.E. , Hall D.R.
Published: July 2009

In Zimbabwe, catches of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood and G. pallidipes Austen, at an odour source produced by up to 60 tonnes of cattle, fell by 90% from April to October 1987. With the time effect removed, the catches were: positively correlated with daily maximum temperature; up to twice as high with a trap as with an electrified target; and unaffected by the presence of an incomplete ring of electrified netting (11.5 m diameter) around the catching site. Catches increased as a power of bait mass in accord with the theory of odour dispersal. The power was ca. 0.32–0.44 for G. pallidipes, ca. 0.15 for post-teneral G. m. morsitans, 0.67 for Stomoxyinae and 0.48 for non-biting muscids. Earlier results from dose-response studies accord with the new model. Tsetse catches were 1.7–4.5 times higher with 20 tonnes of cattle as bait than with a synthetic simulate of this dose, consisting of carbon dioxide, acetone, butanone, octenol and phenolic residues. Important olfactory components thus remain to be identified. Trap efficiency for G. m. morsitans rose from 10–20% to 40% with increasing bait mass between 0 and 5 tonnes; thereafter bait mass had no effect. Increased efficiencies were also seen in Stomoxyinae (5 to 60%;) and in post-teneral G. pallidipes (45 to 70–80%). Increases in catch for bait mass greater than five tonnes were due to increased attraction rather than increased efficiency. Targets were 60–66% efficient for G. pallidipes, regardless of dose; for G. m. morsitans the efficiency was ca. 54% when unbajted and 24–35% when 60 tonnes of cattle were used as bait. The probability that G. pallidipes landed on the cloth part of the target, rather than colliding with the flanking nets, increased as the square of the bait mass for both sexes—from 0.11 to 0.22 for males and from 0.06 to 0.15 for females. There was no effect of bait mass on landing probability for G. m. morsitans and no difference between the sexes; ca. 11% of the catch landed on the cloth portion of the target. Efficiency and landing behaviour were independent of climate and season.
Trioza vitreoradiata, a New Zealand jumping plant louse (Homoptera: Psylloidea), causing damage to Pittosporum spp. in Britain
Authors: Martin J.H. , Malumphy C.P.
Published: July 2009

Trioza vitreoradiata (Maskell), a native of New Zealand, has recently been noted feeding on Pittosporum spp. (Pittosporaceae) in south-western Britain, where it causes damage to windbreaks and nursery plants. Its economic impact and nomenclatural history are discussed, and modifications to published keys to adults and nymphs of British Psylloidea are suggested to enable its recognition.
DDT-resistance inAnopheles gambiae(Diptera: Culicidae) from Zanzibar, Tanzania, based on increased DDT-dehydrochlorinase activity of glutathione S-transferases
Authors: Prapanthadara La-aied , Hemingway Janet , Ketterman Albert J.
Published: July 2009

DDT-resistantAnopheles gambiaeGiles from Zanzibar, Tanzania, had increased levels of DDT-dehydrochlorination compared to a DDT-susceptible strain. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are responsible for conversion of DDT to DDE in both the susceptible and resistant strains. Sequential column chromatography, including Q-Sepharose, S-hexylglutathione agarose, hydroxylapatite and phenyl Sepharose, allowed the partial purification of seven GSTs. All seven GSTs possessed different degrees of DDTase activity. There was an eight-fold increase in total DDTase activity in the resistant compared to the susceptible enzymes. Characterization with three substrates, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene (DCNB) and DDT, revealed the different substrate specificity for each isolated GST indicating different isoenzymes. GST Va possessed 60% of total DDTase activity suggesting that it contributed most to DDT-metabolism in this insect species. The DDTase activity of the GSTs in both strains ofA. gambiaewere found to be correlated with the GST activities toward DCNB. Preliminary studies on DDT-resistant and susceptibleA. gambiaeshowed that both DDT-resistance and the increased levels of GST activity were stage specific which suggested that different GSTs may be involved in DDT-resistance in adults and larvae ofA. gambiae.
The effect of the green ant, Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), on insect pests of cashew trees in Australia
Authors: Peng R. K. , Christian K. , Gibb K.
Published: July 2009

The influence of green ants, Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius), on insect pests of cashew, Anacardium occidentale Linnaeus, in tropical northern Australia was investigated using field surveys and field observations. Oecophylla smaragdina was abundant in the native vegetation of the area, and it was a dominant predator when found in cashew plantations. Oecophylla smaragdina significantly reduced the numbers of the four most important species of insect pests (Helopeltis pernicialis Stonedahl, Malipatil & Houston, Penicillaria jocosatrix (Guenée), Amblypelta lutescens (Distant) and Anigraea ochrobasis Hampson) on cashew trees, and trees with higher numbers of O. smaragdina produced higher quality nuts than trees with fewer numbers of O. smaragdina. Other ant species also reduced pest numbers, but not as much as O. smaragdina. The possibility of using O. smaragdina to control insect pests of cashew in the future is discussed.
The Respiratory System of Monophlebus stebbingi, var. octocaudata
Authors: Savage Robt. E.
Published: July 2009

Monophlebus stebbingi, Green, var. octocaudata, Green, is a large Coccid belonging to the sub-family Monophlebinae. It is found on Mango, Jack Fruit, and species of Ficus, in India, but having, for a Coccid, a long life-history—being but single-brooded—it is rarely a pest. Climatic conditions govern the production of large numbers of individuals, so that outbreaks are irregular, occurring at intervals of a few years.
Population dynamics and foraging behaviour ofDiaeretus leucopterus(Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and its potential for the biological control of pine damagingEulachnusspp. (Homoptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Murphy S.T. , Völkl W.
Published: July 2009

The Palaearctic pine aphids,Eulachnus agilis(Kaltenbach) andEulachnus rileyi(Williams) have both been introduced into other continents where they have been reported causing damage to economically important pines. In Euorpe, they are attacked by the specialist parasitoidDiaeretus leucopterus(Haliday) which has been suggested as a possible biological control agent. Here we report on several aspects of the ecology of the parasitoid, conducted onE. agilisin Germany in 1993–94, to provide a more scientific basis for judging its potential for use in biological control. Parasitism of all instars in the field rarely exceeded 10% and was independent of host density. A high percentage of parasitized aphids were hyperparasitized. Measurements of the impact over 16 weeks in a greenhouse-release experiment showed that parasitism rates increased from 2 to 19% but were insufficient to suppress the aphid population below a damaging level. There was evidence of a density-dependent response. Studies on foraging behaviour showed that female parasitoids searched pines by quite extensive walks. There was no relationship between the number of aphids per tree and number of ovipositions, and the mean number of ovipositions per female per tree was 2.5 ± 0.4 eggs. The majority (55.1%) of encountered aphids did not respond to the parasitoids. However, female parasitoids attacked a much higher proportion of aphids that did respond but oviposition success on this group was poor. The number of aphid-infested needles on seedlings increased significantly owing to the parasitoid's foraging activity. On the basis of these results, it is suggested thatD. leucopterusis only likely to be of benefit in biological control if used in conjunction with other complementary natural enemies.
Hymenopterous parasitoids associated with the bagworms Metisa plana and Mahasena corbetti (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) on oil palms in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Kamarudin Norman H. , Walker Annette K. , Wahid Mohd. Basri , LaSalle John , Polaszek Andrew
Published: July 2009

In Peninsular Malaysia, 18 species of hymenpterous parasitoids were reared either from the oil palm bagworms, Metisa plana Walker and Mahasena corbetti Tams, or from their parasitoids. Both Metisa plana and Mahasena corbetti share the common parasitoids Goryphus bunoh Gauld, Aulosaphes psychidivorus Muesebeck, Brachymeria carinata Joseph, Narendran & Joy, Eupelmus catoxanthae (Ferrière), Eurytoma sp., Sympiesis sp., Tetrastichus sp., and Aphanogmus thylax Polaszek & Dessart. Other parasitoids are associated with only one of the bagworm species: Paraphylax varius (Walker), Dolichogenidea metesae (Nixon), Elasmus sp., Nesolynx flavipes Ashmead, Pediobius anomalus (Gahan), Pediobius imbreus (Walker) and Teleopterus sp. from M. plana; and B. lasus (Walker), B. lugubris (Walker) and P. elasmi Ashmead from Mahasena corbetti. A key to species is included and a table summarizing the host range and distribution records are listed from the Indo-Australasian region.
Influence of moonlight on light-trap catches of the malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies (Diptera: Culicidae) in central India
Authors: Mishra Neeru Singh A.K. , Curtis C.F. , Sharma V.P.
Published: July 2009

A significant effect of moon phase on light-trap catches of Anopheles species was observed during a longitudinal study carried out in a forested belt of Madhya Pradesh, India, inhabited by tribal people. However, moon phase does not seem to have any effect on the proportion of adult Anopheles culicifacies Giles in the total catch, or the parity rate in this species, which is the vector responsible for perennial transmission of malaria in the area.
An Experiment on the Feeding Habits of Glossina swynnertoni (Dipt.)
Authors: Jackson C. H. N.
Published: July 2009

During July and part of August 1929 an experiment was carried out at Sambala (Western Kondoa), Tanganyika Territory, designed to show that : (i) Hungrier flies marked in Berlinia- Brachystegia woodland left that type for the supposed feeding-grounds (“ female centres ”) earlier than repleter flies ; (ii) conversely, repleter flies remained within the woodland longer than hungrier flies ; (iii) hungrier flies in the supposed feeding-grounds remained in them for the first few days ; and lastly (iv) repleter flies in these situations returned to the Berlinia-Brachystegia woodland to remain there until later.
Descriptions of some new Formosan Coccidae (Rhynchota)
Authors: Takahashi R.
Published: July 2009

The present paper deals with a further nine species of Diaspinae which are new to science. I desire to express here my sincere thanks to Mr. E. E. Green for his invaluable assistance in working out my material.
Further Notes on the Food-plants of Nigerian Insects
Authors: Golding F. D.
Published: July 2009

In 1927 the writer published a paper entitled “ Notes on the food-plants and habits of some Southern Nigerian Insects,” compiled from observations made between 1922 and 1925 ; the present paper contains additional data obtained since 1925.
Some new injurious Phytophaga from South Africa
Authors: Bryant G. E.
Published: July 2009

Rhembastus pomorum, sp. n. (fig. l).

Oblong-ovate, metallic dark blue ; clypeus, antennae and legs fulvous ; prothorax finely and remotely punctured ; elytra finely punctate-striate, with the interstices glabrous. Length, 4 mm.
New Chalcidoid Egg-parasites from South Asia
Authors: Ferrière Ch.
Published: July 2009

Acroclisoides indicus, sp. n. (fig. l).

♂. Head and thorax dark metallic green ; abdomen with bluish reflections ; the short petiole black, the 2nd segment brown or more or less yellow. Antennae brown, scape and pedicel yellow. Mandibles yellowish with dark teeth. Tegulae and legs yellow, only the anterior and posterior coxae (except tip of posterior) green.
On the Anatomy of the Larva of Laccifer lacca, Kerr (Hem. Coccidae)
Authors: Misra Awadh Behari
Published: July 2009

In order to follow the changes appertaining to the post-embryonic development of the larva of the Indian lac-insect of the genus Laccifer a knowledge of its external

and internal anatomy was a desideratum. A study of its external and internal anatomy was, therefore, undertaken in order to obtain a knowledge of its organography, and the following account is based on the results of such a study.
The Effect of Climate on the Migrations and Breeding of Locusta migratorioides in Nigeria
Authors: Lean Owen B.
Published: July 2009

The locust infestation in Nigeria, from December 1929 to April 1931, is studied in relation to the climate and the following preliminary conclusions are made.

1. Humidity, precipitation and wind are the relevant climatic elements. Temperature does not seem of importance.

2. It is considered that the area of dispersal is limited by the humidity factor. With very few exceptions swarms remain where the mean relative humidity (9 a.m., L.M.T.) is not more than 85 per cent. and not less than 40 per cent., while most swarms are found where the humidity is from 60 per cent. to 80 per cent.

3. This humidity belt is similar to the area covered by three main types of vegetation and the swarms move across the belt according to the humidity changes.

4. Movement along the belt is largely caused by the prevailing wind.

5. Breeding does not commence after the dry season until the humidity rises to 60 per cent. and the degree of wetness, calculated from the monthly rainfall, reaches 2. Breeding does not occur if the humidity is above 80 per cent.

6. Through the dry season the adults seem unable to live much more than 22 weeks, and if optimum breeding conditions are not reached within that period death may occur.

7. Breeding towards the end of the rainy season follows some 11 to 15 weeks after the locusts become adult, so long as the humidity is not more than 80 per cent., and high humidity may cause a diapause.

8. Suitable local conditions during the dry season may allow a third breeding season.

These conclusions may be utilised in the following ways :—

1. To delimit the total area likely to be infested.

2. To forecast when the different zones will be infested by flying swarms.

3. To forecast whether and when breeding is likely to occur in each locality.

4. To check whether unidentified swarms were of this species of locust.

5. To test the possibility of one suspected breeding ground having been infested from another.
Notes on the Breeding of Nomadacris septemfasciata (Orth., Acrid.) on the Shores of Lake Chad
Authors: Lean Owen B.
Published: July 2009

The writer was engaged on control measures against hopper bands of the Migratory Locust, Locusta migratorioides, R. & F., along the western (Nigerian) shore of Lake Chad from the middle of August to the end of October 1930.
Morphological variation in spring migrants ofMyzus persicae(Sulz.) (Hemiptera, Aphididae): comparison of alatae from peach and mangold
Authors: Woodford J. A. T. , Lerman P. M.
Published: July 2009

Spring migrants ofMyzus persicae(Sulz.) may be produced either by parthenogenetic aphids derived from fertilised eggs laid on the primary host, or by parthenogenetic aphids overwintering on secondary hosts. Five variates, based1 on eight morphological characters of alateM. persicae, are examined to investigate how to distinguish between alatae derived from populations that have overwintered by these two means. No single variate is adequate to identify correctly all specimens, although two of them, number of abdominal tubercles, and shape of the fenestra in the central abdominal patch, may each correctly assign as many as 90%.
Effects of juvenoids on the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) (Diptera, Tephritidae)
Authors: Daoud D. S. , Sehnal F.
Published: July 2009

Screening of 38 selected juvenoids on Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) revealed that several aromatic compounds, mostly ethers of 6,7-epoxygeraniol and of 6,7-epoxycitronellol, inhibited hatching when administered to freshly laid eggs as 0·1% acetone solution. Application of juvenoids within 24 h before and after puparium formation caused disturbances in imaginal differentiation. Treated insects developed either into pupa-adult intermediates failing to emerge or into defective adults whose fecundity was severely decreased. Both earlier and later applications of juvenoids were less effective. The most active compound in topical assay on fully grown larvae was ethyl 10,11-epoxy-5-oxa-3,7,11-trimethyl-2-dodecenoate, which inhibited emergence of 50% of treated insects at 0·01 μg/specimen and caused external deformities in 50% of emerged adults at 0·00001 μ/g/specimen. Four other aliphatic compounds (methyl 11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,6-dodecadienoate; ethyl 11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2-dodecenoate; isopropyl 3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoate; and isopropyl 11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2, 4-dodecadienoate) and l-ethyl-4[(6,7-epoxy-3,7-dimethyloctyl)oxy] benzene were about five times less active. A concentration of 33 parts /106 of ethyl 10,ll-epoxy-5-oxa-3,7,11-trimethyl-2-dodecenoate in larval food caused deformities in 60% of emerged adults.