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Entomology

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Wasps

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Development Of Cerceis Fumipennis For Biosurveillance Of The Emerald Ash Borer In The Northeast, Jennifer Lund Dec 2015

Development Of Cerceis Fumipennis For Biosurveillance Of The Emerald Ash Borer In The Northeast, Jennifer Lund

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One method being utilized for detection of the invasive emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (EAB) involves monitoring aggregations of the wasp Cerceris fumipennis for the presence of EAB in their collected prey. Currently there is little information published on its nest structure, phenology, and prey fidelity. The objectives of this research were to: i) monitor C. fumipennis male and female emergence, female prey collection, and number of colonies relative to the accumulation of degree-days (DD) throughout the summer; ii) better understand nest structure, phenology, and prey requirements of C. fumipennis; and iii) investigate C. fumipennis prey selection and fidelity. …


The Effects Of Clearcutting And Glyphosate Herbicide Use On Parasitic Wasps In Maine Forests, Kristopher J. Abell May 2007

The Effects Of Clearcutting And Glyphosate Herbicide Use On Parasitic Wasps In Maine Forests, Kristopher J. Abell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Parasitic wasps (parasitoids) play an important role as natural enemies of insects and contribute substantially to world biodiversity (May, 1988), yet they have received relatively little attention outside of agricultural settings. Clearcut harvesting and herbicide (glyphosate) application are frequent and widespread disturbances in Maine forests that drastically alter the local environment. Parasitoids are particularly susceptible to disturbance for several reasons: 1) they are vulnerable to small changes in environmental conditions, 2) they occupy a high trophic level, and 3) many are host specific. However, there may be potential benefits of disturbance such as increased food resources (floral nectaries) and increased …