bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mosquito Notes.—IV
Authors: Edwards F. W.
Published: July 2009

The intersting collection of Culicine mosquitos on which these notes are based was made during 1922 by Dr. H. P. Hacker, of the Malaria Bureau, Kuala Lumpur, Federated Malay States. Most of the material was obtained during an expedition to Cameron's Highlands, on the main range near Tapah, in September. A small amount of additional material from Ulu Gombak also yielded some specimens of interest.
Notes on some African Ceratopogoninae
Authors: Ingram A. , Macfie J.W.S.
Published: July 2009

Through the kindness of Dr. G. A. K. Marshall, of the Imperial Bureau of Entomology, and Mr. F. W. Edwards, of the British Museum, we have been enabled to examine the two small but interesting collections of African Ceratopogoninae which form the basis of this paper. We have attempted to determine or describe the majority of the specimens, but those belonging to the genus Forcipomyia we hope to deal with at some future time. Several species were represented by single or but few specimens, some of them damaged; further material is therefore much to be desired not only to confirm and complete the descriptions given, but also to determine the ranges of variation.
Observations on the Coccidae of the Madeira Islands
Authors: Green E. Ernest
Published: July 2009

The following notes are based, chiefly, on a collection of Coccidae, gathered by Prof. T. D. A. Cockerell and Mr. A. C. de Noronha during the winter of 1920–21.
An Apparatus for testing the Toxic Values of Contact Insecticides under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Tattersfield F. , Morris H. M.
Published: July 2009

An apparatus for determining the relative toxicities of contact insecticides is described in detail. It is so arranged that successive batches of insects are sprayed under conditions as similar as possible, so that on using various substances at different concentrations, the results are directly comparable.

The apparatus consists of a glass jar in the lid of which an atomiser is fixed. By means of compressed air at known pressure the atomiser throws a constant quantity of fine spray upon insects placed in a dish inside the jar. Photographs illustrating the details of the apparatus are given.

The method used in practice for the spraying of aphides in this apparatus is described, and examples are given in the form of a table and a graph of the type of results obtained when different concentrations of nicotine are sprayed upon apterous agamic females of A. rumicis.
Some Observations on the Variability of Locusta migratoria, L., in Breeding Experiments
Authors: Plotnikov V. I.
Published: July 2009

My breeding experiments on Locusta migratoria, L., in 1913−14 enabled me to establish that the progeny of this species sometimes belongs to the form which was previously regarded as a distinct species, L. danica, L., and in the same way, the latter insect may give rise to progeny that is typical of L. migratoria. These results have been used by B. P. Uvarov in developing his theory that the periodicity of locusts is due to a kind of irregular alternation of two phases, swarming (ph. migratoria) and solitary (ph. danica), respectively. I shall not dwell here on that theory or on the differences between the two phases, referring those interested in the subject to Uvarov's paper, but will describe further breeding experiments conducted during the year 1923 with a view to obtaining an idea as to what may be the factors that cause the variation in the species.
The Generic Types of the Diaspidae (Hemiptera).—Introduction
Authors: Ferris G. F.
Published: July 2009

In spite of the notable economic importance of the scale-insects and in spite of their extraordinary biological interest, all of which has generated a very considerable activity in their study, it cannot be said that the systematics of the group are in anything that even approaches a satisfactory condition.
Entomological Analyses of Trees
Authors: Trägårdh Ivar
Published: July 2009

In a previous paper, “ On the use of experimental plots when studying forest insects ” (Bull. Ent. Res. x, pt. 2, Jan. 1920), the author emphasised the necessity of using every effort in order to obtain accurate records of the degree of infestation and amount of injury of forest trees. During recent years the author has developed a method of recording and graphically illustrating the part played by different insects in killing a tree. This method having yielded very good results, he proposes here to bring it to the notice of other entomologists, especially those interested in forest insects.
A new Parasite of Bug Eggs (Proctotrypidae)
Authors: Girault A. A.
Published: July 2009

The following new species was reared from the eggs of a Pentatomid bug, Tectocoris lineola, F. (banksi, Don.), which attacks cotton. It occurred in company with Hadronotus nigricornis, Dodd, and was more abundant than that species.
Concerning the Nomenclature and Synonymy of certain Oriental and East African Bloodsucking Muscids (Diptera)
Authors: Austen E. E.
Published: July 2009

In his recently published paper “ Diptera of Medical and Veterinary Importance, I—Types of Older Authors in Continental Museums ” (Philippine Journ. Sci., xxvii, 2, pp. 177–200, June 1925), Major W.S. Patton (loc. cit., p. 189), writing of Haematobia nudinervis, Stein (Ann. Mus. Nat. Hung., xvi, 1, p. 150, 30 August 1918), states that this is the species hitherto known as Bdellolarynx sanguinolentus, Austen ; and that, since “ nudinervis was described a year before sanguinolentus,” Stein's name for “ this common Oriental bloodsucking muscid …” must henceforth be adopted. On the question of priority, however, Major Patton is in error. The description of Bdellolarynx sanguinolentus (Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (8), iii, p. 290) appeared in March 1909—nine and a half years earlier than that of Haematobia nudinervis, so that the latter designation is antedated by a fairly wide margin.
On a New Trichogrammatid (Hym., Chalcidoidea) Parasite of the Cotton Stemborer (Sphenoptera sp.)
Authors: Waterston James
Published: July 2009

The antennae are eight-jointed, viz., scape, pedicel, two ring joints, and four in the club. The second ring joint is very minute, and as it lies practically within the base of the club, its presence is demonstrable only in slowly dehydrated preparations. The number of the major sensoria on the club segments is probably a generic character. In the ♀ this appears to be 1.1.2.3, and in the ♂ 1.1.1.2. The following details of chaetotaxy would also seem to be of generic value : mesoscutum with four stout bristles (one posterolaterally and one in front) ; one on parapside before the tegula and another on the invading portion of the axilla ; scutellum four bristles ; metanotum 2.2 (very minute) ; propodeon two (minute) behind the spiracle.
Some Effects of Electric Current on Mosquito Development
Authors: MacGregor Malcolm E.
Published: July 2009

In connection with further experiments concerned with the significance of the pH of natural and other waters and the relative suitability or unsuitability to the development of the larvae of certain mosquito species, electric currents have been used to alter the pH readings, thus avoiding the necessity of adding extraneous acids or alkalis to bring about this alteration.
Notes on the Genus Chrysops (Diptera, Tabanidae)
Authors: Stackelberg A.
Published: July 2009

1. Chrysops amurensis, Plsk. 1910 (=C. binoculatus, Szilady, 1917).

In the type of C. amurensis, Plsk., which is in the Zoological Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the colouration cannot be considered as having attained its full development. The wings are somewhat indefinitely tinged, but there is a fairly distinct preapical spot ; it is rather narrow, and is separated from the main dark part of the wing by a large pellucid portion, curving into the marginal cell ; in shape and position this incurvation is similar to that of C. dissectus, Lw., and C. ricardoae, Plsk. All other features, such as the shape and size of the facial calli, the relative proportions of the different joints of the antennae, and the colour of the abdomen, are similar to those of C. binoculatus, Szil., as given in Szilady's description. The slight difference between the figures given by Pleske and Szilady in the shape of the central spot of the second tergite of the abdomen is probably due to greasing of the lateral parts. Szilady's figure presents the more normal pattern.
A New Species of Triphleps (Heteroptera, Anthocoridae) preying on the eggs of Heliothis obsoleta, H. S., in Queensland
Authors: China W. E.
Published: July 2009

A new species of Triphleps has been received by the Imperial Bureau of Entomology from Mr. E. Ballard, who reports it as attacking the eggs of Heliothis obsoleta, H.S., in Queensland. Although there are already forty-four species of Triphleps described from all parts of the world, this is the first species to be recorded from Australia. Garman & Jewett have previously (1914) reported Triphleps insidiosus, Say, as feeding on the eggs of H. obsoleta, H.S., in the United States.
A New Geometrid Moth attacking Deodars in India
Authors: Prout Louis B.
Published: July 2009

Ectropis deodarae, sp. n.

♂ 38–40 mm. Face rough-scaled. Palpus rather short, rough-scaled beneath. Tongue rather short and slender. Antenna with ciliation about 1, not or scarcely fasciculate. Thorax apparently not crested. Pectus densely hairy. Femora moderately hairy. Hind tibiae not dilated. Abdomen slender, not long. Head and body brown-grey, slightly paler beneath than above ; fore leg banded.
Theresia ampelophaga, Bayle, in Crimean Vineyards
Authors: Fedorov S. M.
Published: July 2009

Theresia (Procris) ampelophaga, Bayle, a moth of the family Anthroceridae (Zygaenidae) is one of the most important pests of the vine in various countries, but the existing accounts of its bionomics are very contradictory and not free from inaccuracies.
Notes on the Process of Digestion in Tsetse-flies
Authors: Lester H. M. O. , Lloyd Ll.
Published: July 2009

(1) The salivary glands of Glossina contain a powerful anticoagulin, which delays the clotting of blood of mammals, birds, reptiles and batrachians. It was found that when the salivary glands are removed from the living fly, it can still draw blood normally and may live long, but sooner or later large clots form in the narrow anterior portions of the alimentary tract, so that the fly can no longer feed and dies of starvation. The purpose of the anticoagulin is to prevent such clotting and blood coagulation in the crop.

(2) The proventriculus and first third of the mesenteron are themselves inert in relation to coagulation of blood, but as removed from the normal fly they contain the anticoagulin which is derived from the salivary secretion.

(3) The hinder part of the mesenteron contains a powerful coagulin, the purpose of which is to neutralise the anticoagulin and cause a rapid clotting, in order to retain the fluid meal in the proper region while draining and assimilation take place, probably also to save strain on the sphincter mesenteri and prevent the occasional loss of food through the anus.
A Revision of the Indo-Australian Species of the Genus Apanteles (Hym. Bracon.).—Part I
Authors: Wilkinson D. S.
Published: July 2009

The following paper is intended only as a preliminary revision of this large and exceedingly important group of parasites, and it is the outcome of some six months' work on a small portion of the large mass of material awaiting identification in the collections of the British Museum and of the Imperial Bureau of Entomology. The writer not only has had access to all the types which he required to see that had been deposited in the British Museum, but also was so fortunate as to have been able to arrange with the authorities of both the United States National Museum and the National Hungarian Museum for exchanges of cotypes where sufficiently long series were available, and consequently has been able to examine and include in his key all, or the large majority of, the species that have been described from the Indo-Australian region by Continental and American writers. It should be placed on record that, in addition, the National Hungarian Museum, when not in a position to exchange cotypes, was so good as to forward to the writer on loan the types themselves. With all this extremely kind co-operation, therefore, it has been possible to make this paper tolerably complete; and for purposes of comparison it has been thought desirable to include in the key numerous Palaearctic and Ethiopian species, the types and cotypes of which are to be found in the British Museum.
Comparing the Efficiency of Insect Traps
Authors: Williams C. B.
Published: July 2009

An experiment is described in which three light traps were tested for relative efficiency by having three locations in a wood and moving the traps each day so that over a period of three nights each trap had been once in each position. The actual number of moths caught were converted to a logarithmic scale and the mean log. (i.e., log. of the geometric mean catch) was used for comparison. By analysis of variance it is possible to show what portion of the differences between the catches is due to the difference between the locations, to the difference between the nights, and the difference between the traps.
A new Gall Midge (Dipt., Cecidomyidae) predaceous on the Flour Mite, Tyroglyphus farinae (Deg.)
Authors: Barnes H. F.
Published: July 2009

Owing to the courtesy of Miss H. Dombrowski (E. V. Dombrovskaya) of the Zoological Institute of the Academy of Science, Leningrad, U.S.S.R., it is now possible to describe a sixth species of gall midge belonging to the genus Trisopsis Kieffer. Males, females and larvae of this species were received from Russia in April, 1937. The larvae had been found during the previous winter preying on the Flour Mite, Tyroglyphus farinae (Deg.) during laboratory observations on the predaceous mite, Cheyletus eruditus (Schr.), which had been kept with the flour mites in paraffin wax cells at the Institute for Plant Protection, Leningrad (Sorokin, 1938).
Death of Turkeys from Attack by Simulium griseicolle Becker in the Northern Sudan
Authors: Garside J. S. , Darling H. S.
Published: July 2009

Simuliid flies are a well known feature of riverain land in the northern Sudan during months of low Nile. They have been discussed in detail by Lewis (1948). Two species occur, Simulium damnosum Theobald, and S. griseicolle Becker. The former is larger and darker in colour. The latter is smaller with characteristic grey shoulders and is usually much more numerous. S. damnosum bites humans readily, especially round the ankles. S. griseicolle is usually less effective in its attempts to bite humans but susceptible persons may be badly bitten. It commonly attacks the head and shoulders and may cause great irritation by invading the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Temporary protection for up to four hours can be obtained by rubbing the skin with di-methyl phthalate which acts as a repellent against both species.
The Effect of Relative Humidity on the Activity of the Tropical Rat FleaXenopsylla cheopis(Roths.) (Siphonaptera)
Authors: Smith Alec
Published: July 2009

1. The reactions ofXenopsylla cheopisRoths, to uniform and alternative relative humidities have been investigated.

2.X. cheopisaggregates in the dry side of the alternative chamber. There is an indication that the intensity of aggregation increases with increase in percentage difference between the alternatives and that it is also high when the alternatives are high in the scale.

3. Locomotor activity and speed of movement increase with rise in relative humidity.

4. Males kept at 90 per cent. relative humidity for five days aggregate intensely in the drier of the alternatives 65 and 85 per cent. R.H. Similar fleas kept five days at 70 per cent. relative humidity react weakly.

5. There is greater activity after five days' exposure to 90 per cent. relative humidity than after exposure to 70 per cent. R.H. for fhe same duration.

6. One concludes that high activity in wet air contributes towards aggregation in the dry side and that the intensity of aggregation is affected by the difference in activity which occurs in the fleas at different relative humidities.

7. The intensity of aggregation to the alternatives 80 and 90 per cent. relative humidity is unaffected by sex, or by the remains of a blood meal.

8. A high klino-kinesis may occur inX. cheopis.

9.Nosopsyllus fasciatusreacts in the same way asX. cheopisto uniform and alternative humidities, but there is no evidence of a high klino-kinesis.

10. When a roll of lint is dropped into a vessel infested withX. cheopisthe number which jump on to it increases with relative humidity. The number which jumped on to a month-old rat did not show a clear relationship to humidity. Relatively more females than males jumped on to the roll of lint and rat.

11. A colony of 25 buck rats was infested withX. cheopis. In relation to size of flea population the flea index increases with rise in relative humidity. The proportion of each sex on a rat, to its respective number in the bedding material, does not appear to bear a simple relationship to humidity.

12. Humidity receptors are not confined to the distal three segments of the maxillary palps if indeed there are any there.
Observations on Mating Scars in Glossina palpalis (R.-D.)
Authors: Squire F. A.
Published: July 2009

Attention is again drawn to the presence of mating scars in G. palpalis. They vary in degree and are caused by the superior claspers. The function of the inferior claspers is described and a function for the vermiform appendices is suggested. Flies mated under certain laboratory conditions may fail to develop scars, for reasons given. There are no mating scars in the two other tsetse-flies found in Sierra Leone, viz., G. longipalpis and G. fusca owing to the character of the claspers in those species. For this reason it is likely that the scars are confined to flies of the palpalis group. A suggestion is made concerning the physiology of the production of the scars and attention is called to their bionomic importance. The results of spermatheca dissections of unscarred and scarred females are tabulated. From these it is concluded that the absence of mating scars provides a fairly reliable index of the rate of emergence at any particular time.
Further Observations on the Biting-habits of Tabanidae in Uganda
Authors: Haddow A. J.
Published: July 2009

The biting habits of Chrysops centurionis Austen and its distribution in Uganda are discussed. This species is everywhere arboreal and mainly crepuscular. The absence of loiasis in man in Uganda is, it is suggested, due to differences between the biting habits of this species and those of the known vectors, C. silacea Austen and C. dimidiata Wulp, which are closely allied to C. centurionis.

The peculiar biting-cycle of another Tabanid, Haematopota nefanda Edw., is described briefly.

Short notes on the biting habits and distribution of some other Uganda Tabanids are given.
The Gall Midges of St. John's Wort (Hypericum spp.), with Descriptions of two new Species
Authors: Barnes H. F.
Published: July 2009

Characters are given whereby the gall midges attacking St. John's Wort (Hypericum), a noxious weed, may be distinguished.

Four species, Dasyneura hyperici (Bremi), D. serotina (Winnertz), Macrolabis marteli Kieffer and Zeuxidiplosis giardi (Kieffer), inhabit leaf galls in Europe.

One species, Dasyneura toweri Felt, inhabits the flowers in the U.S.A. Three species, Contarinia hyperici, sp. n., Clinodiplosis hyperici, sp. n. and Lestodiplosis (Coprodiplosis) sp., live in the unopened flowers in Europe.

Two species, Lasioptera virginica Felt and Cecidomyia ? triadenii Beutenmüller, are recorded as attacking the stems in the U.S.A. The latter is a name given merely to a gall.

Four species, Geocrypta braueri (Handlirsch), G. hypericina (Tavares) (perhaps a synonym of G. braueri), Trisopsis hyperici Tavares and Lestodiplosis (Coprodiplosis) hyperici (Tavares), live in underground galls in Europe.

Descriptions of Contarinia hyperici, sp. n. and Clinodiplosis hyperici, sp. n. are given.
Biological Observations on some Thynnids of Western Patagonia
Authors: Lloyd D. C.
Published: July 2009

During a survey for whitegrub parasites, six Thynnid species were found in parts of western Patagonia and studied in varying degrees of detail.

Definite host records are established for Elaphroptera scoliaeformis (Hal.), E. (Paralycus) sp. near nigripennis (Smith) and Pseudelaphroptera brevipilosa Durán, which are solitary external parasites of the mature larvae of Aulacopalpus pilicollis (Fairm.) (Rutelinae), Macrosoma glacialis (F.) (Melolonthinae) and Adioristus acuminatus Hust. (Curculionidae), respectively.

No adult feeding was observed during the mating flight of E. scoliaeformis and E. sp. near nigripennis, but pairs of P. brevipilosa and Ornepetes semicincta Turner fed extensively on flower heads of Umbelliferae. Some evidence is presented suggesting that at the conclusion of the mating flight the winged males tend to return the apterous females to the sites where they picked them up.

Hosts are permanently paralysed and malaxated before eggs are laid on them. The eggs of the two Elaphroptera species are placed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the host, on the mid-ventral line of abdominal segments two to seven. In the case of P. brevipilosa, the egg is lightly cemented by its caudal end at an angle of about 45 degrees to the host surface, the attachment being near the spiracular line of the host and between the third thoracic and sixth abdominal segments.

There are five larval instars. The larvae do not normally move over the host surface. In the first four instars feeding is by suction, but the fifth-instar larva tears a hole in the host in the region of the earlier feeding punctures. The film of liquid with which the larva is bathed is produced from its posterior extremity and is not exuded from the feeding puncture. Cocoons of two types may be recognised, corresponding to the sexes, the female type being the shorter and of more rigid construction.

E. scoliaeformis, E. sp. near nigripennis, and P. brevipilosa have a single generation a year. The period from egg deposition to cocoon formation is generally covered in three weeks, and at least nine months are spent in the cocoon as a mature larva or prepupa. Adults probably live up to two months.

The only natural enemies observed were a Bombyliid of the genus Acrophthalmyda and a Carabid predator, Cnemacanthus sp., attacking the cocoon stages of E. sp. near nigripennis. The adult of this Thynnid is also attacked by a mimicking Asilid fly, Lycomya germainii Big.

The function of the mating flight and the economic value of members of the Thynnidae as controlling agents for Scarabaeid pests are briefly discussed.
DDT Resistance in an Italian Strain of Musca domestica L.
Authors: Harrison C. Mary
Published: July 2009

1. Flies of 9–10 and 16–19 days old were more susceptible to DDT than 4–5-day-old flies. Female flies were less susceptible than males, and large flies less susceptible than small flies to residual deposits of DDT. It is clearly important that flies used in comparative toxicity tests should be standardised for age, sex and size.

2. The strain Torre in Pietra was 3·6 times more resistant to dry deposits of DDT on Essex board than the Roma strain, but this resistance declined after culturing the strain in the laboratory for 22 generations.

3. The DDT-resistant strain (Torre in Pietra) was as susceptible as the non-resistant (Roma) strain to deposits of γ BHC on Essex board but was slightly resistant to pyrethrins.

4. The DDT resistance of the Torre in Pietra strain was increased readily by selection, yet a similar selection with DDT on the Roma strain was unsuccessful. This failure in the Roma strain may be due to the purity of the stock.
The Identification of the Larvae of Anopheles stephensi Liston and Anopheles superpictus Grassi in Iraq
Authors: Pringle G.
Published: July 2009

An investigation on the taxonomy of A. stephensi and A. superpictus larvae in Iraq is reported upon.

As a result it is suggested that 90 per cent. of the larvae of these species can be separated on the relative length of the filaments of the abdominal palmate hairs.
Upwind flight responses of tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) (Diptera: Glossinidae) to acetone, octenol and phenols in nature: a video study
Authors: Brady John , Griffiths Nigel
Published: July 2009

Video observations were made of tsetse flies (mainly Glossina pallidipes Austen) as they approached, responded to and left a vertical (1 m square) black target in odour plumes of acetone, or a 4:1:8 mixture of octenol:propylphenol: methylphenol, or acetone plus this “4:1:8” mixture, or in no odour. No differences in mean flight speed or turn size in any of these situations were detected. With the odour source 5 m upwind of the target, the flight tracks of tsetse arriving at and leaving the target were significantly biased towards upwind, highly so when 4:1:8 was present, marginally so in acetone alone. With the source 10 m upwind, the same biases were still present but weaker. Circling flights around the black target were more frequent in acetone plus 4:1:8 than in no odour (26% vs 15%), but in either odour alone were only just significantly more than in no odour. Upwind turning at the target was more frequent (25% vs 17%) in acetone alone that in no odour (though not in 4:1:8 alone). It is concluded that 4:1:8 elicits an upwind anemotactic response comparable in strength to that in CO2, and that acetone elicits a similar response more weakly, but may be more involved in potentiating visual responses.
Distinguishing the females ofPhlebotomus (Synphlebotomus) martiniandP. (S.) celiae(Diptera: Phlebotominae), vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebre-Michael T. , Lane R. P.
Published: July 2009

The inability to distinguish the females of East AfricanSynphlebotomusspp. (P. martiniParrot,P. vansomerenaeHeisch, Guggisberg & Teesdale andP. celiaeMinter) was a major constraint on epidemiological studies of visceral leishma niasis (VL) in the region. An intensive morphometric study of two sympatricSynphlebotomusspp. (P. martiniandP. celiae) in a VL focus of southern Ethiopia based on both isofemale broods and wild-caught parent specimens (identified by their male progenies) showed that laboratory-bred females were separable by eight morphological characters, but only two (labrum length and labrum length/wing length ratio) successfully distinguished the wild-caught parent females of the two species; the latter were used to identify wild-caughtSynphlebotomusfemales from southern Ethiopia (Aba Roba) during subsequent epidemiological studies. A further difference between the two species was seen in the length of the spermathecal ducts.
A field trial of pyriproxyfen-treated targets as an alternative method for controlling tsetse (Diptera: Glossinidae)
Authors: Hargrove J. W. , Langley P. A.
Published: July 2009

A juvenile hormone mimic (pyriproxyfen) was used with odour-baited targets to assess its suitability for controlling tsetse flies (Glossina spp.). In August 1991, 41 odour-baited targets identical to those used with insecticide in tsetse control operations, were each treated with 4 g of pyriproxyfen and deployed near Rekomitjie Research Station, Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe, in a 12.3 km2 block of woodland habitat of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood and G. pallidipes Austen. After three months, emergence rates from puparia of the two species collected in the block fell to 34% and 20% of control levels; 50 and 70%, respectively, of puparia of the two species collected were found, on dissection, to show arrested development. Changes in mean ovarian age and wing-fray category in the tsetse population during the trial were due partially to the pyriproxyfen and partially to high mortality, in the larval/pupal stages and in young adult flies, which occurs each year in the hot/dry season. Chemical analysis of cloth samples indicated that after four months 68–85% of the pyriproxyfen had been lost, a large proportion apparently dripping off the bottom of the target. If the technical problem of persistence can be solved pyriproxyfen could substitute for pesticides in target-based tsetse control operations.
The identification and characterization of resistance in wild species of Arachis to Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Stevenson Philip C. , Blaney Wally M. , Simmonds Monique J. S. , Wightman John A.
Published: July 2009

Fourteen wild species of Arachis (Leguminosae) were investigated under field and laboratory conditions to evaluate their effect on the survival and development of the larvae of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius). All of the species studied were observed to be resistant compared to the susceptible control, Arachis hypogaea (genotype TMV2). Overall, the mortality and development of larvae recorded in the field were similar to those recorded for larvae on excised leaves of the same species in the laboratory. When neonate larvae were exposed to excised leaves of A. batizogaea, A. kemph-mercadoi, A. appresipila, A. paraguariensis, A. stenophyla and A. villosa mortality was greater than 94% compared to less than 20% on TMV2. Third stadium larvae lost weight when exposed to both field plants and excised leaves of eight of the wild species, whereas larvae feeding on TMV2 gained weight. When third stadium larvae were fed pulped leaves they gained more weight than when exposed to intact leaves, except in the case of A. chacoensis and Arachis spp. 30007. A penetrometer was used to determine the relative toughness of the leaves. The leaves of most of the wild species were shown to require a greater biting effort for feeding than the leaves of TMV2. There was a negative correlation between toughness of whole leaves and larval development. Observations of larval behaviour indicated that, overall, larvae were deterred from feeding on the leaves of the wild species. Diets containing the chemical extracts of dried leaves of A. kemph-mercadoi, A. paraguariensis, A. appresipila, A. chacoensis, A. glabrata and A. pseudovillosa resulted in low larval weight gain. The physical quality of the leaves and foliar chemicals are implicated as being responsible for the observed resistance. The implications and potential applications of these results are discussed.
Predicting the abundance of the blowflyLucilia sericata(Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Wall R. , French N. P. , Morgan K. L.
Published: July 2009

Populations of the blowflyLucilia sericataMeigen in sheep pastures were monitored for three years (1990–1992) using sticky targets. A simulation model, developed previously from detailed analyses of the effects of temperature on the component stages of the life-cycle ofL. sericata, was used to predict the pattern of seasonal abundance expected during these years at the temperatures observed. After inclusion of the effects of temperature over each catching interval, the model was able to explain 67%, 52% and 49% of the variance in catch in 1990, 1991 and 1992, respectively. The model was validated by using regression coefficients and constants derived from data collected over previous years to predict the expected catch in the following year. Up to 50% of the variance in catch was explained by this analysis. The results confirm value of the day-degree modelling approach for this blowfly species and suggest that such predictive models may play an important role in the development of strategic control for flystrike prevention.
Pheromone disseminating structures in tergites of male phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Ward R. D. , Hamilton J. G. C. , Dougherty M. , Falcao A. L. , Feliciangeli M. D. , Perez J. E. , Veltkamp C. J.
Published: July 2009

Following the examination of 53 Lutzomyia spp., seven Phlebotomus spp. and five Sergentomyia spp. (Diptera: Psychodidae) new observations are recorded on the presence of pheromone disseminating structures on the tergites of male phlebotomine sandflies. Descriptions are given of 11 of the species which include structures such as simple cuticular pores in craters, pores with emergent spines, and mammiform papules with or without spiny processes. Pheromone papule distribution on the tergites of Lutzomyia pessoai (Coutinho & Barretto) is plotted and gas chromatography and GC-mass spectroscopy have been used to demonstrate the presence of a diterpene compound similar to a sexual attractant pheromone observed in some L. longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva) populations.
Metamorphosis behaviour and regulation in tsetse flies (Glossinaspp.) (Diptera: Glossinidae): a review
Authors: Žďárek J. , Denlinger D. L.
Published: July 2009

This review examines the recent literature on tsetse (Glossinaspp.) metamorphosis behaviour and its regulation. The behavioural events associated with metamorphosis are highly specific and most occur only once during the life of the fly. The review begins with the larva's commitment to metamorphosis and then discusses the behaviour associated with parturition, wandering of the third instar larva, pupariation, pupation and adult eclosion. While certain aspects of tsetse metamorphosis behaviour are common to the higher Diptera, the peculiar reproductive strategy of tsetse has dictated many modifications. Most notable of the tsetse peculiarities are the larva's late commitment to metamorphosis, the contribution by the mother in deciding the onset of the wandering period, the brevity of the wandering period, the involvement of the nervous system in co-ordinating puparial tanning, the tight pack aging of the pupa within the puparium, the long duration of pharate adult development, and the great expansion of the body that occurs following eclosion. A final section discusses the potential for disrupting tsetse metamorphosis.
The Development of Eggs ofSchistocerca gregaria(Forskål) in Relation to Water
Authors: Shulov A.
Published: July 2009

The course of embryonic development ofS. gregariaunder controlled conditions of temperature and humidity is described, with special attention to the water requirements of the developing egg. The development of the egg is interrupted if contact water is lacking and is resumed when the egg is moistened. This occurs at the stage of late anatrepsis, which is the stage at which the embryo of some other locusts and grasshoppers undergoes diapause.
The large-scale Control of the Cotton Jassid in the Gezira and White Nile Areas of the Sudan
Authors: Snow O. W. , Taylor J.
Published: July 2009

The damage caused by the Cotton Jassid to the Egyptian-type cottons in the Gezira and White Nile areas of the Sudan is very considerable. Realisation of this fact has been greatly aided by chemical control of the pest in small-scale experiments, followed by large-scale work with tractor-drawn sprayers and with helicopters fitted with spraying equipment. This paper deals primarily with examination of available records pertaining to the cotton crops in the four seasons from 1946/47 to 1949/50, preceded firstly by an introduction which emphasises the importance of yield records in the appraisal and interpretation of losses from pests, and secondly by an account of certain aspects of the pest in the Gezira Scheme.

Large-scale spraying to control the pest started in the Gezira in the crop season 1945/46; yield increases from about 1,250 feddans (acres) sprayed with 0·1 per cent. DDT emulsion were very satisfactory. In succeeding seasons increasing areas were sprayed; in 1947/48 spraying was extended to the cotton farms along the White Nile between Khartoum and Kosti; in 1949/50 the total area sprayed in the Sudan was over 150,000 feddans. Material and also methods and dates of application varied considerably.
Parasites of the Frit-fly,Oscinella frit(L.), in eastern North America
Authors: Simmonds F. J.
Published: July 2009

An account is given of an investigation made of the life-histories ofOscinella fritand its parasites in Ontario, Canada, with a view to the possible introduction of suitable parasites into England. The various Chloropid species associated withO. fritin North America are discussed.

The life-history of the frit-fly in Ontario is similar to that in England except wheat, not oats, is attacked, and that there appears to be no regular grain-infesting generation, but the insect is never a major pest in Canada.

The life-histories of the following six species of parasites are described :Hexacolasp. n.,Polyscelissp. n.,Loxotropasp.,Cyrtogastersp.,Callitula bicolorandSpalangia drosophilae. Other hosts from which these parasites have been reared include Chloropids associated withO. fritin wheat, namelyO. carbonaria, O. soror, O. minorandMeromyza americana.

A brief account is given of the control exerted by these parasites on the population of frit-fly in Ontario and a comparison is made between the Canadian and English parasite complexes. From this it is concluded thatS. drosophilaemight exert some control of frit-fly if introduced into England.
A new Anoplonyx destructive to Larch in Britain (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae)
Authors: Benson Robert B.
Published: July 2009

All the leaf-feeding sawflies on Larix in Britain belong to the Nematine Tenthredinidae. Up till a few years ago, the most notorious recorded in this country was Pristiphora erichsonii (Hartig), though local attack of P. wesmaeli (Tischbein) and P. laricis (Hartig) have also occured. These are also the chief Tenthredinid enemies of larch on the European continent, where the genus Anoplonyx has apparently never occured in sufficiently large numbers to cause economic damage. In Britain, where larch is not a native tree, the sawflies attacking its leaves are all restricted to it and so must have been introduced into the country.
The Mosquitos of Aitutaki, southern Cook Islands
Authors: Laird Marshall
Published: July 2009

Aëdes (Stegomyia) polynesiensis Marks, Culex (Culex) pipiens fatigans Wiede-mann and Culex annulirostris Skuse were collected at Aitutaki, Southern Cook Islands, during a brief visit in 1958. Possible means of introduction of these mosquitos are discussed.
Some Notes on the Life-history and Habits of Theraptus sp. (Coreidae)
Authors: Tait E. M.
Published: July 2009

The life-history and bionomics of the Coreid bug, Theraptus sp., which causes premature nutfull of coconuts in Zanzibar, were studied in the laboratory and in the field.

From the various experiments carried out it is concluded that:—

The development of the insect from the egg to the adult took from 26–39½ days depending on temperature and the food available.

The average length of life of the female is 45 days during which time she may produce over 100 fertile eggs.

The primary host-plant of Theraptus is the coconut palm, but the bug readily infests mango, guava, cinnamon and cacao trees when they are fruiting.

The pest will attack and develop successfully on nuts from the newly emerged to the mature ones.

Agents which exert a measure of biological control include the tree-nesting ant, Oecophylla longinoda (Latr.), an internal Strepsipteran parasite, an unidentified Reduviid, two unidentified Hymenopterous egg-parasites and possibly some small ant species which prey on the eggs. Of these, only the ant, O. longinoda, is capable of giving complete protection to the palm which it occupies.
Some Experiments in Cross-breeding of the Coreid Bug, Theraptus sp.
Authors: Tait E. M.
Published: July 2009

Theraptus sp. from Zanzibar, Pemba and Tanganyika have been inter-bred.

Individuals of the F1 generation are fertile, but a partial sterility in some crosses may exist.

It is concluded that there is only one species but possibly three varietal strains.
Further Trials with Parathion Dusts against Eurygaster integriceps Put. (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)
Authors: Talhouk A. S.
Published: July 2009

Experiments were carried out in Syria with parathion dusts for the control of Eurygaster integriceps Put. on wheat to ascertain the best time to apply the dust and the most suitable rate of application using a 6 h.p. dusting machine mounted on a “ jeep ”.

A field experiment is described in which a dust containing 0·75 per cent. parathion was applied under a drag-sheet to three plots of wheat at rates of 40, 20 and 10 kg. per hectare, respectively. The insects onthe wheat were mostly in the first three instars and the population was assessed by making 100 hand sweeps with a net at both 60 hours and 70 hours after treatment on each plot. The effect of treatment when compared with a control plot was to reduce the insect population in the three plots by 98·4 per cent., 83 per cent. and 65 per cent., respectively.

A further field experiment on a larger scale was carried out in an area in which plots of wheat were interplanted with plots of barley. In this case, the great majority of the insects were fourth-stage nymphs or adults. Five plots of wheat were treated with a dust containing 0·8 per cent. parathion at a rate of 35 kg. per hectare without using a drag-sheet. In two of the plots which were dusted in calm weather, about 89 per cent. control was obtained, in the other plots the effectiveness of the dusting was appreciably reduced by wind.

A cage containing 1,406 live specimens was placed, prior to dusting, in one of the plots of the latter experiment (dusted under calm conditions) and 6¾ hours after treatment all were dead. In the control only two specimens out of a total of 239 originally caged were found dead 24 hours later.
The Melon Stem-borer,Apomecyna binubilaPascoe (Coleoptera: Lamiinae) in the Sudan
Authors: Pollard D. G.
Published: July 2009

The larva ofApomecyna binunilaPasc. is a stem-borer of cucurbits in South Africa and the Sudan. In the latter country its known distribution lies between the 12° and 20° parallels of latitude. A description of the morphology of adult, larve and pupa is given. Observations on the life-history reveal a very short development period of approximately 35 days from oviposition to adult emergence. The host range is restricted to sweer and water melon. Damage is only serious where larval populations are high and the vascular tissues are destroyed. With smaller infestations (two to three larvae per 10 cm. of stem) vascular continuity is not seriously interrupted. Reference is made toIphiaulaxsp. (BRACONIDAE), the first record of a parasite from this beetle. The larva is parasitic on larvae ofApomecyna.
Aircraft Applications of Insecticides in East Africa. VI.—Applications of a coarse Aerosol containning DDT to control the Tsetse Flies, Glossina morsitans Westw., Glossina swynnertoni Aust. and Glossina pallidipes Aust.
Authors: Hocking K. S. , Yeo D. , Anstey D. G.
Published: July 2009

An experiment is described where applications of a coarse aerosol were made to savannah woodland containing the tsetse flies, Glossina moritans Westw., G. swynnertoni Aust. and G. pallidipes Aust.

Seven applications were made, each at a nominal dosage of 0·25 lb. of technical DDT per acre and 0·25 gallons of solution per acre. The applications in any particular part of the treaed woodland covered an interval of 90 days, or rather more than two pupal periods.

The coarse aerosol was produced by emitting the insecticidal solution under pressure through fine nozzles fitted to a boom. It had a mass median diameter of approximately 60 microns, and droplet dismeters varied from a few microns to approximately 200 microns.

The population of G. pallidipes was so drastically reduced that it has subsequently dies out. The reduction of G. morsitans was approximately 95 per cent. The differences between the reductions are attributed mainly to differences between the ease with which the three species can be killed. It is pointed out that this is not necessarily equivalent to differences in susceptibility.

Comparisons are made with previous experiments, and the different results of the various experiments are difficult to explian satisfactory. The increased cover in savannah areas during the leafy period may have reduced the effectiveness of the applications, and the total periods covered by the various series of applications were probably also important. Random effects, leading to ineffective treatments, may also be important.

Costs are discussed.
Mosquitos breeding in Tree Cavities in Queensland
Authors: Hamlyn-Harris R.
Published: July 2009

Beattie & Howland's recent studies of the bionomics of some tree-hole mosquitos emphasize the importance of the food factor, total organic nitrogen, and the apparent lack of correlation between hydrogen ion concentration and larval incidence. In Queensland mosquitos selecting such breeding-places are with a few exceptions distinctly arboreal, and the presence of domestic mosquitos in tree-cavities is dependent upon proximity to human habitations. It is a curious fact that when this is the case both Aëdes argenteus and Culex fatigans will breed in smaller accumulations of water than Aëdes notoscriptus does.

Appended herewith are the results of a recent survey made in midsummer of trees situated within the Brisbane Area of 385 square miles. Pine trees and gum trees do not lend themselves to the production of cavities and therefore offer very little opportunity for breeding.

The poincianas hold the highest actual percentage, but on account of the far greater number of figs containing potential breeding cavities, the latter constitute a greater actual menace. The amount of water contained in each cavity varies considerably with the time of year.
A new Species of Erythroneura (Homoptera, Jassoidea) injurious to French Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in the Sudan
Authors: China W. E.
Published: July 2009

Erythroneura lubiae, sp. n.

Colour :—Pale green covered with a whitish pruinosity ; middle of pronotum and apices of tibiae, tarsi and ovipositor of ♀, slightly darker green ; a spot at middle of apical margin of pronotum and a broad stripe down middle two-thirds of scutellum, opaque white. Eyes dark greenish grey, apex of rostrum brown. In some female specimens the head and pronotum are uniformly greenish yellow and the white spots are obsolete. Tegmina more or less hyaline, the veins, clavus, brachial and suprabrachial areas, sub-opaque, suffused with pale green or greenish yellow ; the membrane infuscate towards apex and along inner margin ; claval commissure very narrowly and extreme inner margin of membrane beyond apex of clavus, dark brown ; costal plaque distinct, pallid. Wings whitish hyaline, faintly infuscate towards apex, veins white. Abdomen pale whitish green, basal tergite and anal segment greenish yellow. Tibial spines white.

Structure :—Ocelli absent ; head as wide across eyes as pronotum across humeral angles (47 : 47) ; seen from above slightly less than half as long in middle as wide between eyes (13 : 27), only slightly longer than length at eye (13 : 11) ; face (including clypeus) about 2·25 times as long as wide between antennae (50 : 22) ; frons three times as long as clypeus (36 : 12), which is apically sub-angulate. Pronotum about half as long as wide across humeral angles (23 : 47).
A Comparison of the immature Stages of Eumerus tuberculatus, Rond., and Syritta pipiens, Linn. (Syrphidae)
Authors: Hodson W. E. H.
Published: July 2009

The larval stages of two species of Syrphid flies, namely, Eumerus tuberculatus and E. strigatus, are frequently found in rotting narcissus bulbs, in iris and tulip, and in vegetable roots, such as parsnip. The writer has shown that frequently the decay, at least in the narcissus, is directly attributable to the presence of these larvae and that they must therefore be considered to be primary pests. It was further shown that, contrary to current opinion, the predominant species at the time of writing was E. tuberculatus. In passing it may be recorded that this predominance has, in each subsequent year, become more marked, until at the present time E. strigatus has ceased to rank as a bulb pest, at least in South-West England, Holland, and probably the Irish Free State. The larvae of the two species are very similar to one another, and it has not been found possible to separate the species, with any great degree of accuracy, during the immature stages. In the adult form, as shown by Collin, separation is easily effected. In the course of experimental work with these flies a third, and superficially somewhat similar Syrphid, namely Syritta pipiens, L., was frequently bred from decayed narcissus bulbs.