bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the flight of black-flies (Diptera:Simuliidae). II. Flight performance of three cytospecies in the complex of Simulium damnosum Theobald
Authors: Cooter R. J.
Published: July 2009

The flight performance of three cytospecies from the West African complex of Simulium damnosum Theo. was tested under controlled laboratory conditions. A total of 293 individuals (174 of S. squamosum (End.), 65 of a new form of the subgroup of S. soubrense Vajime & Dunbar and S. sanctipauli Vajime & Dunbar and 54 of S. sirbanum Vajime & Dunbar) was tested on 526 occasions, of which 380 involved sucrose-fed insects, 65 water-only-fed insects, of both sexes, from laboratory-emerged stock and 81 blood-fed, wild-caught females. A high percentage of tests resulted in flights. Frequency distributions of both flight duration and distance flown were skewed, more flights being of short than of long duration. Sucrose-fed females and females caught wild at human bait generally flew well. Insects given access to water only made short flights, but S. sirbanum flew fairly well under these conditions. The recorded maximum flight durations and distances were 262 min (in a male) and 5·25 km (in a female) in S. squamosum, 282 min (in a male) and 6·15 km (in a male) in S. soubrense/sanctipauli, and 186 min (in a female) and 5 27 km (in a female) in S. sirbanum, all from sucrose-fed groups. Some insects were flown on several days up to 11 days after emergence. Some insects made long flights on one day but not on others. Further long flights could be induced on the same day if the insect was allowed access to sucrose solution prior to retesting. These results are discussed in relation to previous findings from S. ornatum Mg. s.l. and to the migration potential of the important vectors of onchocerciasis in West Africa.
Sticholotis chittagongi sp.n. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a predator on aphids on Ziziphus in Bangladesh
Authors: Vazirani T. G.
Published: July 2009

Sticholotis chittagongi sp.n., reported as feeding on aphids infesting Ziziphus mauritiana in Bangladesh, is described. It is compared with S. amator Kapur from which it differs in size, shape of pronotum and male genitalic characters.
Bacterial odours as oviposition stimulants for Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), the Australian sheep blowfly
Authors: Emmens R. L. , Murray M. D.
Published: July 2009

Extracts from unsterile sheep fleeces seeded with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter cloacae or Bacillus subtilis equally stimulated oviposition by females of Lucilia cuprina (Wied.). However, with increasing length of incubation, significant differences emerged, the cultures of P. mirabilis, E. cloacae and B. subtilis becoming contaminated with increasing numbers of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the responses of the flies to the culture extracts becoming greater. The maximum number of eggs was laid over four–g day–old cultures. The response was highly significant for Proteus mirabilis and E. cloacae but not significant for B. subtilis. Although contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa appeared to be the cause of the increased oviposition, pure P. aeruginosa cultures did not elicit high responses. The response to cultures of P. aeruginosa was apparently enhanced by interactions with other bacteria.
Phycita melongenae sp.n. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) associated with eggplant in West Africa
Authors: Aina J. O.
Published: July 2009

A new species in the genus Phycita, the larva of which is a pest of eggplant in Nigeria and Senegal, is described and named P. melongenae sp.n. Notes on its biology and illustrations of the adult insect and genitalia of both sexes are given
Life–histories and host specificities of Ceutorhynchus geographicus (Goeze) and C. larvatus Schultze (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), potential biological control agents for Echium
Authors: Vayssières J. F. , Wapshere A. J.
Published: July 2009

The two weevils Ceutorhynchus geographicus (Goeze) and C. larvatus Schultze, which live and develop on Echium plantagineum (Boraginaceae) in the western Mediterranean regions, are potential biological control agents for this plant, which is an important weed in Australia. Adults bite holes in the leaves and petioles, but this damage is not great in comparison with that caused by their larvae, which mine the collar and root, causing massive necrosis and often the death of the plant. C. larvatus larvae are found especially in the aerial parts of the collar of the plant, while those of C. geographicus attack principally the rootstocks. Quarantine safety testing was based on plants selected by the criteria already used for the Echium leaf–miner Dialectica scalariella (Zell.), and it was confirmed that the two weevils would be safe and effective agents for the biological control of E. plantagineum in Australia.
Descriptions of Psectrosema spp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) reared from galls on Tamarix spp. in Pakistan, including four new species
Authors: Harris K. M.
Published: July 2009

Illustrated descriptions of galls, larvae, pupae and adults, with a diagnostic key, are given for five species of Psectrosema Kieffer (= Amblardiella Kieffer = Isosandalum Kieffer) collected from various species of Tamarix during field surveys of potential biocontrol agents undertaken by the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control in Pakistan. The genus Psectrosema is re-defined and the eleven species previously described from Europe, North Africa, India and Kazakhastan, USSR, are listed, mostly as new combinations. The five species recorded from Pakistan are P. manü nom. nov., stat. rev., comb. n. (= tamaricis Mani) from T. dioica; P. indicum sp.n. from T. indica; P. reticulatum sp.n. from T. hispida, T. androssowii and T. arceuthoides; P. unicornis sp.n. from T. dioica; and P. parvum sp.n. from T. indica.
An African ichneumonid (Hymenoptera) in Australasia
Authors: Fitton M. G. , Gauld I. D. , Roberts L. I. N. , Walker A. K.
Published: July 2009

The occurrence of the African ichneumonine Ctenochares bicolorus (L.) in Australia and New Zealand as a parasite of the crop pest Chrysodeixis chalcites (Esp.)/C. eriosoma (Dbd.) is reported. The advent of the species to Australasia is discussed in relation to the known distribution and host associations of the genus.
Survival of some aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) predators with special reference to their parasites in England
Authors: Dean G. J.
Published: July 2009

Studies in southern England on aphids in cereals and adjacent wasteland included observations on the survival of aphid-specific predators (Coccinel-lidae and Syrphidae) and the more polyphagous Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.), with particular reference to their parasites. Counts were made of all the predator stages found on samples of shoots in each plot and, in wheat only, collected with a vacuum sampler. All stages of predators seen were collected and reared in the laboratory to estimate mortality and parasitism rates. Overwintering survival outdoors of Coccinella septempunctata L. was studied in partly sheltered and exposed netting cages over dense ground cover. At least 90% of predator eggs hatched in the laboratory, and no parasites were reared from them or from larvae. In cereals, there were significantly fewer larvae than eggs of Coccinellidae, probably because of cannibalism, whereas eggs and larvae of Chrysoperla carnea and Syrphidae (mainly Episyrphus balteatus Deg.) occurred in similar numbers. Unlike Coccinellidae, however, there were fewer cocoons of C. carnea and syrphid pupae on the shoots than expected. Since larval mortality was apparently small, it is suggested that many larvae pupate in the soil. Two parasite species emerged from coccinellid pupae and one from the adults, compared with two species from C. carnea cocoons and nine species from syrphid pupae. Parasitism rates were usually small (25%). More individuals of Coccinella septempunctata survived overwinter in partly sheltered than in exposed cages.
Electrophoretic study of enzymes from cereal aphid populations. I. Electrophoretic techniques and staining systems for characterising isoenzymes from six species of cereal aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Loxdale H. D. , Castañera P. , Brookes C. P.
Published: July 2009

One–dimensional slab polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic techniques, staining systems and isoenzyme banding patterns for 14 soluble enzymes separated from crude homogenates of individuals of six species of cereal aphids (Sitobion avenae (F.), S. fragariae (Wlk.), Metopolophium dirhodum (Wlk.), M. festucae (Theo.), Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and R. maidis (Fitch)) are described. The value of the techniques and banding patterns to taxonomic and population genetic studies of these and other aphid species are briefly discussed. With the six species, it was possible to separate the different genera as well as individual species within genera. The enzymes found to be most useful for inter–generic and/or -specific separations were adenylate kinase (AK), esterase (EST), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH), hexokinase (HK), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), peptidase (PEP), phosphatase (PHOS), phosphoglucomutase (PMG), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SORDH), whilst glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (α-GPD), malic enzyme (ME) and peroxidase (POD) were of relatively little taxonomic use. There were no banding pattern differences between the various morphs of S. avenae (first to fourth-instar nymphs, apterous and alate adults using the 14 enzymes.
Control of hatching time of eggs of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Chapman R. F. , Bernays E. A. , Woodhead S. , Padgham D. E. , Simpson S. J.
Published: July 2009

In the field in India, most eggs of Chilo partellus (Swinh.) hatched in the morning soon after first light. Laboratory experiments show that in continuous light hatching occurs after 250 hour-degrees of development above 12°C from the time at which the head capsule darkens (blackheading). Hatching may be advanced by a lights-on stimulus or retarded by darkness, and these effects account for the extensive hatching at dawn. Hatching is not entrained by a circadian rhythm. The significance of hatching at this time of day is discussed.
Aspects of the ecology of siricid woodwasps (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) in Europe, North Africa and Turkey with special reference to the biological control of Sirex noctilio F. in Australia
Authors: Spradbery J. P. , Kirk A. A.
Published: July 2009

Collections of siricid-infested coniferous trees were made in 150 localities in 19 European countries, Turkey and North Africa to obtain parasites and parasitoids of siricids for use in the biological control of Sirex noctilio F. in Australia. During this work, information was obtained on the distribution and biology of 8 siricid species (S. noctilio, S. cyaneus F., S. juvencus L., Urocerus augur (Kiug), U. gigas. (L.), U. sah (Mocs.), U. fantoma (F.), Xeris spectrum (L.)) and 7 parasitoids (Rhyssa persu.asoria (L.), R. amoena. Gray., Pseudorhyssa maculicoxis (Krchb.), Megarhyssa emarginatoria (Thnb.), Ibalia leucospoides leucospoides (Hochenw.), I. rufipes drewseni Borries, Odontocolon geniculatum. (Krchb.)). Data are presented on distribution, flight periods and sexratios (determined from emergence records), factors leading to the susceptibility of timber to siricid infestation and the types of timber and host tree species infested. Levels of parasitism by the various parasitoid species, determined from emergence records, are given. Localities are assigned to bioclimatic categories, and their siricid and parasitoid species are classified in relation to the climatic criteria. The ecological status of S. noctilio is discussed in relation to its establishment in Australia.
The use of ageing techniques to evaluate the effects of aerial spraying against Glossina morsitans centralis Machado (Diptera: Glossinidae) in northern Botswana
Authors: Davies J. E.
Published: July 2009

During a large-scale air-spray trial using endosulfan against Glossina morsitans centralis Machado in the Okavango Delta area of Botswana, a programme of ageing all flies caught on fly-rounds was undertaken. The aim was to evaluate closely the effect of repeated sprays on the population and especially to determine the origin of the small residual population that often remains after spraying. Ageing males by the wing-fray method indicated that none survived the spraying. Ageing females by ovarian dissection showed that (a) no breeding occurred between sprays, (b) one pupal period was just covered by four spray applications, (c) the residual population was composed of females that had survived the spraying and (d) all survivors had been pregnant at the time of treatment. Dissections also showed a very low rate of insemination between sprays, but the few females that survived spraying were all inseminated. Larval and pupal periods under natural conditions of fluctuating temperature are discussed together with methods of improving air spraying results by eliminating pregnant females.
Ecological studies of ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Zambia. IV. Some anomalous infestation patterns in the northern and eastern regions
Authors: Macleod J. , Mwanaumo B.
Published: July 2009

The tick infestation patterns observed during 1966–73 are described for wild animals and cattle on the northern plateau of north-eastern Zambia, the eastern plateau and the intervening Luangwa valley. The seasonal periodicity of adultAmblyomma sparsumNeum., as observed on buffalo, was similar to that ofA. variegatum(F.). Five major depart ures from the patterns of infestation previously found in the Central Province were observed.Boophilus decoloratus(Koch) was partially or totally replaced on cattle byB. microplus(Can.).Rhipicephalus appendiculatusNeum. although present on wild fauna in the valley, was absent from cattle on the eastern plateau.R. evertsiNeum. was absent from much but not all of the northern plateau and occurred in very low numbers only on the cattle of the eastern plateau, yet was present on the wild fauna of the Luangwa valley.Hyalomma marginaturn rufipesKoch was practically absent from cattle on the northern and the eastern plateaux and from the wild fauna, except buffalo, of the valley;H. truncatumKoch was abundant on cattle on the northern plateau and on the wild fauna of the valley, but on the eastern plateau cattle it occurred in low numbers only.A. pomposumDön, was found on cattle in one area of the northern plateau, the only specimen ofAmblyomrnaon that particular herd. These anomalous findings are discussed in relation to the situation elsewhere in Zambia and in neighbouring territories.
Analysis of colour variations in feral, peridomestic and domestic populations of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: VandeHey R. C. , Leahy Sister M. G. , Booth K. S.
Published: July 2009

Samples of 25 African populations of Aedes aegypti (L.) were examined for variations in scale-colour pattern of palps, halteres, abdominal tergites and metatarsi and in larval body colour. A colour index based on these characters showed domestic populations to be paler than populations found in forests. Classification of phenotypic and genotypic variations in the amount of pale scaling on palps, halteres and, especially, tergites revealed statistically significant differences between some of the populations. Although it was impossible to identify individual mosquitoes, population samples could be identified according to subspecific designations as A. a. formosus (Wlk.) and A. a. aegypti.
Prevention by soil mulching of the spread of tomato yellow leaf curl virus transmitted by Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Israel
Authors: Cohen S. , Melamed-Madjar Venezia
Published: July 2009

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), which is transmitted by Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is a very destructive disease of tomato i Israel. Soil mulching with yellow polyethylene sheets delayed the spread of the disease for at least 20 days. In laboratory and field experiments, B. tabaci was found to be more attracted to yellow polyethylene than to straw or to aluminum- or blue-coloured polyethylene. A combined treatment of mulching with yellow polyethylene sheets and 1% sprays of azinphos-methyl starting 20 days after germination was the most effective in preventing the spread of TYLCV.
The relative attractiveness of donkeys, cattle, sheep and goats to Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood and G. pallidipes Austen (Eiptera: Glossinidae) in a middle-veld area of Rhodesia
Authors: Boyt W. P. , MacKenzie P. K. I. , Pilson R. D.
Published: July 2009

The comparative attractiveness to Glossina morsitans morsitans Westw. and G. pallidipes Aust. of donkeys, cattle, sheep and goats in the presence of wild game was examined during two investigations in a middle-veld area of Rhodesia. Host preferences were assessed by the identification of blood-meals collected in the grazing area. Both cattle and donkeys provided a high proportion of the diet. Sheep and particularly goats were fed upon to a minor degree. The significance of the findings is discussed in relation to tsetse control.
A revision of the Anomaloninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) Melanesia. I. The genera Anomalon Panzer to Aphanistes Foerster
Authors: Gauld I. D.
Published: July 2009

A key is provided to the eight genera of Anomaloninae occurring in Melanesia. The Anomaloninae are endophagous parasites of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera larvae. The Melanesian species of Anomalon Panzer, Trichomma Wesmael,Heteropelma Wesmael, Therion Curtis, Pseudanomalon Szépligeti, and Aphanistes Foerster are keyed and discussed. A total of 21 species is recognised of which 11, Trichomma cheesmanae sp. n., T. pacificum sp. n., Heteropelma hirsutum sp. n., Therion unguiculum sp. n., A phanistes nexus sp. n., A. luscus sp. n., A. limulus sp. n., A. dnopherus sp. n., A. paupus sp. n., A. sedlaceki sp. n. and A. anaxeussp. n., are described. An Australian species, Anomalon, morleyiGauld, is recorded from Melanesia for the first time. Trichomma elegantulum Turner is placed as a junior synonym of T. clavipes Krieger.
Some effects of weather and moonlight on light-trap catches of the army-worm, Spodoptera exempta (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), at Muguga, Kenya
Authors: Douthwaite R. J.
Published: July 2009

The effects of wind speed, wind direction, strong moonlight and rainfall on hourly light-trap catches of adult Spodoptera exempta (Wlk.) made at Muguga, Kenya, between January and June in 1970 and 1971 were investigated. The highest catches occurred in winds of 2–3 m/s, but generally, fewer moths were caught as wind speed increased. In totally dark hours the geometric mean catch at wind speeds of 5–6 m/s was about one-tenth that at 0–1 m/s. The relationship between catch and wind speed changed between January and June. Wind direction and change in direction were not significantly related to catch. The geometric means of catches made in strong moonlight were about one-tenth those in total darkness at comparable wind speeds. Rainfall was associated with higher catches in seven out of eight months, but the differences were significant in only two months. Recognition of the association between light winds and large numbers of S. exempta should assist forecasting, but a fuller understanding of the relationship between light-trap catch and population requires a method of population assessment that is independent of the effects of weather and moonlight.
A revision of the Anomaloninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) of Melanesia. II. The genera Perisphincter Townes and Agrypon Foerster
Authors: Gauld I. D.
Published: July 2009

The eleven Melanesian species of the genera Perisphincter Townes and Agrypon Foerster, endophagous parasites of Lepidoptera larvae, are revised, and a key to them is given. One species of Perisphincter, P. toxeres sp. n., and six species of Agrypon, A. augrhantum sp. n., A. ambomum sp. n., A. celenellum sp. n., A. rhamphidum sp. n., A. apistum sp. n. and A. phlogeum sp. n., are described. A. nigricans Szépligeti is placed as a synonym of A. caliginosum (Tosquinet).
Utilisation of food by Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Orthoptera: Pyrgomor phidae)
Authors: McCaffery A. R. , Cook A. G. , Page W. W. , Perfect T. J.
Published: July 2009

Individuals and groups of adults of Zonocerus variegates (L.) were fed on various food-plants. Somatic growth, maturation and reproduction were all faster in group-fed insects than in isolated ones. Dry-season insects grew faster and produced greater numbers of egg pods than did wet-season ones. Short-winged insects developed faster than long-winged ones. Zonocerus that fed on cassava (Manihot esculenra) had a shorter somatic growth period and produced greater numbers of egg pods than insects that fed on any other foods. Cassava-fed Zonocerus had a greater efficiency of conversion of digested food to body substance, particularly during oocyte growth, than similar insects given other foods. Food plants such as Citrus and A spilia were inefficiently utilised, and often compensatory increases in consumption occurred. The success of the large dryseason population of Zonocerus in southern Nigeria is probably due to the increase in cassava cultivation.
The effect of host odour concentration on catches of tsetse flies (Glossinidae) and other Diptera in the field
Authors: Hargrove J. W. , Vale G. A.
Published: July 2009

Flies attracted to odours from 500 to 11 500 kg of livestock were captured using electrified netting in the Zambesi Valley, Rhodesia. Catches of maleGlossina morsitansWestw., Tabanidae, Stomoxyinae and non-biting muscids reached maximum levels at odour concentrations produced by only 500–3500 kg of livestock, but catches of femaleG. morsitans and both sexes of G. pallidipes Aust. increased over the whole range of concentrations tested. With the maximum dose of odour, up to 7100 tsetse were caught in 3 h. The proportion of tenerals in catches of Glossina was not affected by odour concentration. Daily catches of Giossina were positively correlated with daily maximum temperatures. The maintenance of large catches of flies for 60 days and the indication that larger catches are possible suggest the feasibility of employing odour-baited traps for tsetse control.
The influence of repellent materials and aphid extracts on settling behaviour and larviposition ofMyzus persicae(Suizer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Griffiths D. C. , Greenway A. R. , Lyoyd Susan L.
Published: July 2009

When incorporated into an artificial diet or painted on the surface of the membrane containing the diet, solutions of the insect repellent GD 880 (2-methyl-2-(octylamino)-1-propanol) killed aphids, whilst extracts of neem seeds (Azadirachta indica) or extracts of the bodies ofMyzus persicae(Sulz.) deterred settling and larviposition of apterous adults. The deterrent effect occurred even when the painted membrane was covered by a similar but untreated membrane. When applied in culture solutions to the roots of young kale plants, GD 880 and extracts of neem influenced aphids on the foliage only at concentrations that visibly affected plant growth, but neem extract (and to a lesser extent GD 880) decreased aphid colonisation when painted on kale leaves at non-damaging concentrations.
Colonisation of twelve species of Eucalyptus by Phoracantha semipunctata (F.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Malawi
Authors: Powell W.
Published: July 2009

Felled logs of twelve species of Eucalyptus were exposed simultaneously to attack by Phoracantha semipunctata (F.) in Malawi. Colonisation was assessed by counting the number of larval feeding channels on the surface of the sapwood. The level of colonisation varied significantly between different tree species. E. fastigata and E. paniculata were much more heavily colonised than any of the other species. Possible factors contributing to this variation in susceptibility are discussed. The more susceptible species should be the most efficient for control operations involving the use of trap trees.
Pest status of the crazy ant, Anoplolepis longipes (Jerdon) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in the Seychelles
Authors: Haines I. H. , Haines J. B.
Published: July 2009

On Mahé in the Seychelles, Anoplolepis longipes (Jerd.) is a pest, mainly because of the nuisance it causes to man and domestic animals but also because it increases the numbers of sap-feeding insects and the occurrence of sooty mould on plants. The most important sap insect associated with sooty mould on citrus and cinnamon was Ceroplastes rubens Mask., the numbers of which sometimes increased a hundredfold in the presence of A. longipes, and up to 90% of leaves were infected with sooty mould. The rapid population expansion of the ant on Mahé prior to 1973 has since slowed down, and infestations in some areas have diminished, possibly because of a decreasing source of protein. Movement of ant-infested material has initiated secondary infestations, which are difficult to eradicate once established. The ant is not considered a threat to conservation as differences between the fauna in infested and uninfested areas tend to be quantitative rather than qualitative. Attempts to eradicate the ant on Mahé would be costly and inappropriate. The use of toxic baits and sprays is recommended only where ants become a domestic nuisance, threaten productivity or reach Other islands in the Seychelles group.
Feeding cycles and flight activity in field populations of tsetse (Diptera:Glossinidae)
Authors: Randolph Sarah E. , Rogers D. J.
Published: July 2009

Published laboratory measurements of the levels of fat and haematin inGlossinafollowing a blood-meal were used to develop a prediction of the relationship between fat and haematin during the course of the feeding cycle. The fat-haematin relationship appears to be nearly linear over the later part of the feeding cycle. Data from three field studies onG. morsitansWestw.,G. swynnertoniAust. andG. fuscipesNewst. were analysed in the way suggested by the prediction, and the observed rates of fat depletion were used to estimate flight activity of male flies towards the end of each feeding cycle. Results forG. palpalis(R.–D.) andG. tachinoidesWestw., obtained in other studies with new electric sampling devices as well as by men with hand nets, illustrated particularly clearly the fat-haematin relationship over the whole of the feeding cycle. This was made possible by the electric traps catching more flies nearer to the start of their feeding cycle than the men with hand nets. A comparison between the different areas suggested that the fat level may trigger the onset of feeding behaviour inGlossina.
Attraction to mammals of male Mansonia (Mansonioides) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: McIver S. B. , Wilkes T. J , Gillies M. T
Published: July 2009

Field experiments were conducted in the Gambia, West Africa, on the density of mosquitoes approaching animal baits (two goats). Using an array of ramp-suction traps arranged radially around baits, it was found that the density of Mansonia males was significantly greater at a distance 3 m from the bait than at distances of 7 and 15 m. By contrast, catches of Culex and Anopheles males were no higher at 3 m than at greater distances. It is concluded that Mansonia males, but not males of the other genera studied, are attracted to mammals from at least 3 m. Catches of Mansonia females were greater at 3 and 7 m than at 15 m, indicating that they are attracted to hosts from a greater distance than the males. This behaviour facilitates mate-finding by bringing the sexes together in the vicinity of the host.
Effects of diflubenzuron on a field population of the coconut black-headed caterpillar, Nephantis serinopa Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), and its parasite, Parasierola nephantidis (Muesebeck) (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), in India
Authors: Sundaramurthy V. T.
Published: July 2009

Diflubenzuron was applied once at 2·5–20 g a.i. in 10 litres of water to coconut palms infested with larvae of Nephantis serinopa Meyr. in Tamil Nadu, India. The entire field population of larvae was eliminated within 14 to 18 days, depending on the dose. The mortality due to moulting inhibition in larvae treated in the field and then brought into the laboratory ranged from 77·4 to 88·8%. The higher the dosage, the higher was the inhibition of transformation to the pupal and adult stages. Diflubenzuron also apparently had an antifeedant effect on the larvae. The compound directly or indirectly affected the development of Parasierola nephantidis (Mues.), a parasite of N. serinopa. The preference of female parasites for parasitising host larvae and oviposition in and the number of progency produced from a single host larva that had been treated with diflubenzuron in the field were significantly reduced. The percentage of normal adults produced from treated parasite larvae ranged from 17·3 to 43·0% as against 99·1% from untreated larvae. Treatment of mature parasite larvae directly with diflubenzuron in the laboratory affected development and caused morphological deformities in the adults.
Notes on an economically important species of Temelucha Foerster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and a preliminary key to Australian species
Authors: Gauld I. D
Published: July 2009

Temelucha minuta (Morl.), a common parasite of Phthorimaea operculella (Zell.), is redescribed with emphasis on features enabling it to be separated from other species of Temelucha. T. clausa Kerrich is placed as a junior synonym of T. minuta. The known geographical range of the parasite is expanded to include Cyprus, Australia and India. A provisional key is given to the Australian species of Temelucha, and notes are given on their distribution and hosts. T. verimaculata (Cam.) is placed as a junior synonym of T. australiensis (Szépl.).
Mating behaviour of females ofGlossina pallidipesAusten (Diptera: Glossinidae)
Authors: Jaenson T. G. T
Published: July 2009

The mating behaviour of females ofGlossina pallidipesAust. from Kibwezi Forest, Kenya, was investigated in the field and in the laboratory. Field studies showed that very few tenerals were inseminated, that most nulliparous females become inseminated after the first blood-meal and that of females caught on a moving vehicle the majority of recently fed nulliparae were not inseminated while most non-teneral nulliparae with little or no residual blood-meal were inseminated. This suggested a mate-seeking behaviour by uninseminated, non-teneral nulliparae. Field data indicated that multiple insemination occurs in some nulliparae. In the laboratory, few females were receptive until 4–5 days old, which conforms to the field data. Peak receptivity in virgins was reached about nine days after eclosion, when more than 90% copulated. Receptivity in virgins decreased from about two weeks after eclosion. Females permitted one copulation a day between days 0 and 13 copulated, on average, 1·4 times; 38% copulated twice and 2% three times. Receptivity in virgins was higher than in non-virgins, suggesting that one or more components of the copulation affect receptivity.
Life-span and fecundity of adult rice leaf folders, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), on sugar sources, including honeydew from the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Waldbauer G. P. , Marciano A. P. , Pathak P. K.
Published: July 2009

Adults of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Gn.), a widely distributed pest of rice, were found to require an exogenous source of sugar, life-span and fecundity being greatly increased in the laboratory when sugar was available. Their sources of sugar in the field are not known, but evidence is presented which shows that in the laboratory they can utilise the honeydew produced by Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), a common pest of rice.
A revision of the genus Monacon Waterston (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Perilampinae), parasites of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Platypodidae)
Authors: Bouc˘ek Z.
Published: July 2009

The chalcidoid wasps of the genus Monacon develop as parasites of the larvae of ambrosia beetles (mainly Platypodidae) in the tropical forests of the Old World. Their known hosts are reviewed. A key is given to species, which are treated in two groups, according to geographical region: first the Indo-Australian species, then the African ones. The previously known Indo-Australian species come from India and Bangladesh (two), North Borneo (one) and the Philippines (one), and another 14 are here described as new: two from Sri Lanka, two from Burma, two from West Malaysia, one from both West Malaysia and the Philippines, two from the Philippines only, four from Papua New Guinea only and one from both Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. Three African species were previously known from Zaire; one of them has now been found also in Uganda. Three species are described as new: one from Uganda, one from both Uganda and Nigeria and one from Kenya.
The incidence of Heliothis armigera (Hübner) and H. punctigera Wallengren (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on cotton and other host-plants in the Namoi Valley of New South Wales
Authors: Wardhaugh K. G. , Room P. M , Greenup L. R
Published: July 2009

Four years of light-trap and crop survey data from the Namoi Valley of New South Wales are presented for Heliothis armigera (Hb.) and H. punctigera Wllgr. These suggest there are four generations a year. The associated seasonal sequence of major host-plants supporting successive generations, appeared to be: H. armigera—wheat; pre-flowering cotton; flowering cotton and sorghum; sorghum, flowering cotton and sunflowers; and H. punctigera—lucerne, linseed and medics; pre-flowering cotton; flowering cotton, sunflowers and soyabeans; lucerne, linseed and medics; pre-flowering cotton. On host-plants common to both species, a change in dominance from H. punctigera to H. armigera occured as each summer progressed. Suggested causes are: seasonal changes in the availability of host-plants, favouring H. armigera over H. punctigera; insecticide resistance in H. armigera; and the competitive superiority of H. armigera. Large numbers of H. armigera in cotton appeared to be related to: warm springs, which favoured moth emergence during the period of wheat anthesis; the incomplete control of infestations within cotton itself, leading to the development of resident populations; and the influx of moths from other host-plants, especially sorghum, during the latter half of the season.
Defoliation and consequent crop loss in cassava caused by the grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) in southern Nigeria
Authors: Page W. W. , Harris J. R. W. , Youdeowei A.
Published: July 2009

Severe defoliation of cassava by Zonocerus variegatus (L.) can occur every year during the dry season in southern Nigeria, but the effect of such defoliation on tuber yield was not known. Experiments simulating different forms of damage and direct observation on damage by Z. variegatus indicated that tuber yield is reduced significantly by defoliation only towards the end of the dry season after natural leaf regeneration has begun, when its effect is to delay regeneration so that damaged plants lag behind those which are undamaged. Continuous defoliation over six weeks at the end of the dry season caused a mean crop loss of 63%, and simulated debarking a mean loss of 49%. Z. variegatus confined in plots until the end of the dry season caused a mean loss of 36%, losses being less than those caused by simulated defoliation because cropping took place sooner after the end of defoliation. Defoliation during the dry season caused no significant crop loss when damage occurred before leaf regeneration at the beginning of the following wet season. Monitoring of natural defoliation by Zonocerus in successive years showed there were considerable differences in amount and timing. It is concluded that crop loss due to Zonocerus damage is significant only occasionally despite defoliation occuring every year.
Studies on disruption of sexual communication in the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), with microencapsulated gossyplure or its component Z, Z-isomer
Authors: Flint H. M. , Merkle J. R.
Published: July 2009

Microencapsulated gossyplure or its component Z,Z-isomer were applied to 0·04-ha field plots in Arizona for disruption of sexual communication in adults of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund.). In an initial efficacy test, the materials were placed on cotton plants in 50-μl drops by hand at a rate of 3·7 g a.i./ha (24 690 drops/ha). Trap catches were reduced by averages of 92 and 81% for the Z,Z-isomer or gossyplure treatments, respectively, during a one-week test period. Mating in mini-mating stations was reduced by 100 and 91% for Z,Z-isomer and gossyplure treatments, respectively. In a further test, sprays were applied using a Micron Herbi 77 hand-held spinning disc applicator that was calibrated to deliver 1·97 × 108 spray droplets/ha (about 250 μm in diameter and 0·01 μl/drop). The spray and drop methods were used to apply rates of 2·5 or 12·3 g a.i./ha of both materials to 0·04-ha field plots. The 12·3 g/ha rate of microencapsulated materials was necessary to give about 90% reductions in trap catches for the 9–12–day test periods. Gossyplure and its Z,Z-isomer gave similar reductions in catches when the same rates and method of application were used. However, comparisons of results for 50-μl drops vs. spray indicated that the drops generally resulted in significantly lower trap catches than sprays at the 2·5 g/ha dose rate. The results indicate that spray application of microencapsulated gossyplure or its Z,Z-isomer have potential for communication disruption of P. gossypiella.
Crossing relationships among seven members of the group ofAedes scutellaris(Walker) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Meek S. R. , MacDonald W. W.
Published: July 2009

A rickettsia-free (aposymbiotic) stock ofAedes polynesiensisMarks (POLY-A) was crossed with (a) three symbiont-infected stocks ofA. polynesiensis(POLY-S from Samoa and POLY-N and POLY-T from Fiji), (b)A. pseudoscutellaris(Theo.) (PSE) from Fiji, (c)A. alcasidiHuang (ALC),A. scutellaris katherinensisWoodhill (KATH),A. s. malayensisColless (MAL) andA. s. scutellaris(Wlk.) (SCUT), which occur to the west of Fiji and (d) an aposymbiotic stock ofA. cookiBelkin (CO) from Niue. It was bidirectionally compatible with CO, but in all other crosses compatibility was high when POLY-A was the male parent and very low when it was the female parent. Backcross data suggested that the crossing type was maternally inherited. ALC and KATH were bidirectionally compatible; both were virtually incompatible with POLY-S and PSE, compatible with SCUT when the latter was the female parent, and compatible with CO when the latter was the male parent. POLY-S females were moderately compatible with a third Fijian stock ofA. polynesiensis(POLY-V), and POLY-N and POLY-V were compatible with PSE. If, as inCulex pipiensL., rickettsia-like symbionts are responsible for cytoplasmic incompatibility, then aposymbiotic males should cross successfully with symbiont-infected females, whereas the reciprocal cross should be unsuccessful. Since PSE, MAL and SCUT contain symbionts, their crossing relationships are consistent with the hypothesis. However, ALC and KATH appear to be aposymbiotic and their crossing relationships conflict with the hypothesis. There is little evidence of behavioural barriers to mating between species, but whereas male hybrids of two eastern species were capable of normal insemination, male hybrids between western and eastern species gave very low insemination rates. The egg-hatch rates from backcrosses of female hybrids between western and eastern species to the parents were reduced.
Laboratory and field evaluation of cocoa progenies for resistance to mealybug vectors (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) of swollen shoot virus
Authors: Firempong S.
Published: July 2009

Resistance of cocoa to Planococcoides njalensis (Laing) was assessed in the laboratory in Ghana by rearing the mealybug from birth until death on seven cocoa progenies, and determining survivorship, duration of reproduction, gross reproductive rate and live weight. Field evaluation was by sampling both P. njalensis and Planococcus citri (Risso) on the tree trunks and in terminal buds. Progenies 85D/176A × M7/537 and T12/116 × T62/977 were judged the most resistant using the parameters determined in the laboratory. The resistance factor is attributed to antibiosis. The mealybug populations in the field did not show any significant differences among the progenies, but the trend followed the laboratory results. It is suggested that the laboratory method reported here is adequate in assessing resistance, has the advantage of being faster than the field technique and can be used in combination with existing methods for assessing cocoa progenies for resistance to the virus disease.
Egg parasitoids of hemipteran pests of cowpea in Nigeria and Tanzania, with Special reference to Ooencyrtus patriciae Subba Rao (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) attacking Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stål (Hemiptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Matteson P. C.
Published: July 2009

Egg parasitoids attacking economically important pod-sucking Hemiptera on cowpea were collected in Nigeria and Tanzania. The three coreid hosts, Anoplocnemis curvipes (F.), Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stål and C. elongata Sign., and the two alydid hosts, Mirperus jaculus (Thnb.) and Riptortus dentipes (F.), form a pest complex that attacks grain legumes across Africa. Parasitoids attacking eggs of C. tomentosicollis were monitored on farmers' fields at a locality in northern Nigeria. Parasitism rose from low initial levels to maxima of 62% in 1978 and 51% in 1979. This mortality did not keep host populations below the economic injury level. The egg parasitoid complex of C. tomentosicollis was dominated by the scelionid Gryon gnidus (Nixon), while the encyrtids Ooencyrtus patriciae Subba Rao and O. kuvanae (How.) parasitised a large proportion of host eggs at times. Small numbers of Gryon fulviventris (J. C. Crawford) and the eupelmids Anas tatus spp. were reared. Observations on the biology and behaviour of O. patriciae are presented. This species occurred in both Tanzania and Nigeria and attacked all hosts studied. Rearings of all these parasitoids and also another species of Gryon, a species of Baeus and two species of Telenomus from eggs of the five species of Hemiptera are reported.
Diapause and overwintering of the carrot fly,Psila rosae(F.) (Diptera: Psilidae)
Authors: Burn A. J. , Coaker T. H.
Published: July 2009

Psila rosae(F.) overwinters in Britain in both the larval and pupal stages. Overwintering pupae formed in October and November at soil temperatures of between 10 and 16°C entered diapause. A period of similar temperature in the laboratory during the prepupal stage also caused pupae to enter diapause. Overwintering larvae continued to feed and gain weight; they pupated in early spring at soil temperatures of 2–8°C but did not enter diapause. The sensitivity to diapause-inducing conditions decreased between November and March, associated with changes in developmental temperatures and pupal weight. The differential effects of temperature on larval, pupal and diapause development together serve to synchronise adult emergence from the overwintering population. The mechanisms which allow overwintering by a variable proportion of larvae and pupae also provide the opportunity for the development of a third generation of adult flies in October and November.
Anarsia achrasella sp.n. (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on sapodilla (Achras zapota) in northern India and Pakistan
Authors: Bradley J. D.
Published: July 2009

A gelechiid moth whose larvae attack the flower buds and young leaves of sapodilla (Achras zapota), known also as chicle gum, chiko or naseberry, in northern India and Pakistan is described and named Anarsia achrasella sp.n. Wing pattern, labial palpal and genitalic features of both sexes of the adult are figured, and the species is differentiated from the closely related Afrotropical A. pinnata Meyr.
The relationship between light- and suction-trap catches of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), and the adjustment of light-trap catches to allow for variation in moonlight
Authors: Bowden John
Published: July 2009

Analysis of catches of Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) in a light-trap and a suction trap at Rothamsted, southern England, showed that the light-trap catch varied as predicted from a model proposed to describe the functioning of a light-trap: catch = constant × , where W = trap illumination and I = background illumination. After adjustment to allow for changes in illumination during the flight period of C. carnea, the light-trap catch was very similar to the suction-trap catch. For C. carnea, a light-trap provides as unbiased a sample as a suction trap, but because of variation in trap effectiveness with variation in illumination, light-trap catches obscure changes in activity and abundance. Although similar studies are desirable to confirm this for other species, it is suggested that in light-trap studies catches should be adjusted to allow for changes in illumination during flight or trapping periods.
Ecological and genetic separation of three sympatric species ofAedes(Diptera: Culicidae) from the Kenya coast
Authors: Lounibos L. P. , Munstermann L. E.
Published: July 2009

Aedes ledgeriHuang,A. soleatusEdw. andA. calceatusEdw. of the group ofA. aegypti(L.) of the subgenusStegomyiacollected on the coast of Kenya are distinguished on the strength of ecological and genetic (isozyme) data. The preferred oviposition sites ofA. ledgeriandA. soleatuswere tree holes above ground level, whereasA. calceatusfavoured abandoned gastropod shells.A. ledgeriwas most abundant in ecotonal habitats andA. soleatusin undisturbed forest At least two diagnostic enzyme loci separated each of the three species pairs.
Comparison of ant community structure (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in citrus orchards under chemical and biological control of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii(Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)
Authors: Samways M. J.
Published: July 2009

Epigaeic ants were sampled by pitfall trapping in three South African citrus orchards supporting low levels of Aonidiella aurantii(Mask.). All three were similar except that chemical control of the scale was in progress in one, biological control in the second, while the third was in transition from chemical to biological control. Within-orchard variation was statistically zero at the chemical and biological control sites, both of which had constant species abundances and rank-abundance sequences throughout. Within the transition site, rank-abundance sequences were constant but species abundancies varied. Despite the statistical constancy of rank, within-orchard samples at the transition and chemical control sites varied in their dominant ants. The biological control site was dominated throughout by Pheidole megacephala(F.). Individuals of the dominant species made up between 59 and 69% of the total, and as the dominant species varied, this high figure suggested strong interspecific competition. Log-normal models were fitted to the site rank-abundance plots. The interquartile index, Q, was higher when based on an underlying log-series model (α) than on a log-normal one; it was about 2·0, which is low compared with most other studies. The total numbers of individuals and species of ants were higher in the biological control than chemical control orchard. Diversity, as measured by α or Q log-normalwas lowest in the chemical control site, medium in the biological controlone, and highest in the transition site. Between-site variation showedvariation in general ant abundance. As with the within-orchard results, those between orchards were relatively constant. Ant management in relation to community structure is critically appraised on the basis of limiting factors (especially abundance of honeydew as food for potentially dominant ants) and rank-abundance sequences.
Status and taxonomy of the Trioza (Bactericera) nigricornis Förster complex (Hemiptera: Triozidae)
Authors: Hodkinson I. D.
Published: July 2009

The taxonomic status of the western Palaearctic crop plant pests Trioza nigricornis Först., T. tremblayi Wagn. and T. brassicae Vasil'ev is discussed, and a related species T. trigonica sp. n. (of which the probable host-plant is carrot) is described. Each species is fully illustrated, and a key to them is provided.