Entomology Commons^™

Mp: 766 Roadside Rights-Of-Way As Pollinator Habitat: A Literature Review, Brianne Du Clos

Miscellaneous Publications

Pollination of crops and naturally-occurring flowering plants is a critical ecosystem service provided by managed and unmanaged animal pollinators. Insects are the most studied pollinators, particularly managed honey bees, unmanaged wild bees, and butterflies. Bees and butterflies thrive in early-successional habitat featuring grasses, exposed soil, wildflowers, and shrubs, which is consistently found within transportation and utility rights-of-way (ROW). However, intensive management of ROW can reduce the amount of high-quality pollinator habitat; such practices include frequent mowing, broadcast herbicide use, and planting non-native cool season grasses. Here, we review peer-reviewed academic and non-peer reviewed gray literature describing ROW management practices and …

Simpson (Geddes W.) Records, 1920-2001, Special Collections, Raymond H. Fogler Library, University Of Maine

Finding Aids

Geddes Wilson Simpson received an A.B. in zoology from Bucknell University in 1929 and an A.M. in insect morphology from Cornell University in 1931. In 1935 he completed a Ph.D. in economic entomology at Cornell.

In 1931, Simpson joined the staff of the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Maine. As a research entomologist, he gained national recognition for his work on aphids, especially those affecting potato plants. In 1952, Simpson was named professor of entomology at UMaine. He remained in that position until his retirement in 1974. For many years he was editor of the Potato Association …

Mr448: Bees And Their Habitats In Four New England States, Alison C. Dibble, Francis A. Drummond, Anne L. Averill, Kalyn Bickerman-Martens, Sidney C. Bosworth, Sara L. Bushman, Aaron K. Hoshide, Megan E. Leach, Kim Skyrm, Eric Venturini, Annie White

Miscellaneous Reports

Bees are crucial to pollination in unmanaged ecosystems and some crops, and their roles are increasingly understood in four states in the Northeastern U.S., abbreviated “NNE” in this paper: Maine (ME), Massachusetts (MA), New Hampshire (NH), and Vermont (VT). The four states have in common many native bee and plant species, forest types, and natural communities. They share drought events and risk of wildfire (Irland 2013). They are exposed to many of the same major storms (e.g., hurricanes, Foster 1988), pollution events (Hand et al. 2014), and effects ascribed to climate change (Hayhoe et al. 2008). Beekeeping enterprises (the western …

Mp763: Without Benefit Of Insects: The Story Of Edith M. Patch Of The University Of Maine, K. Elizabeth Gibbs

Miscellaneous Publications

A biography of noted entomologist Edith M. Patch, focusing on her time and research at the University of Maine

Tb206: Biodiversity Of The Schoodic Peninsula: Results Of The Insect And Arachnid Bioblitzes At The Schoodic District Of Acadia National Park, Maine, Donald S. Chandler, David Manski, Charlene Donahue, Andrei Alyokhin

Technical Bulletins

Bioblitzes have become a popular approach to involve scientists and the public in studying biodiversity. They reinforce the idea that natural areas are resources of scientific and educational value and are a way of engaging the public in experiencing the natural world. A bioblitz is typically conducted over a 24-hour period in a targeted area, with the goal of documenting the presence of as many species as possible. Scientists and “weekend naturalists,” along with other individuals who enjoy being in the field, are asked to attend bioblitzes as volunteers to help in finding and identifying as many species as possible. …

Mp759: Grower Survey Of Organic Pest Management Practices For Wild Blueberries In Maine With Case Studies, Andrew C. Files, David Yarborough, Frank Drummond

Miscellaneous Publications

This report describes the results of a survey of all known organic blueberry growers in Maine conducted in December 2006. The survey included questions ranging from acreage owned and/or managed to market outlets to pruning techniques to educa­tion level of grower to methods of learning new information and was part of a larger, interdisciplinary project addressing organic pest-management strategies for lowbush blueber­ries.

Tb199: Ant–Homopteran Relationships: Relevance To An Ant Invasion In Maine, Katherine E. Mcphee, Eleanor Groden, Francis A. Drummond

Technical Bulletins

The richness and diversity of native ant species on Mt. Desert Island, Maine, have been reduced in areas infested with Myrica rubra (European red ant). In general, the success of invasive ant species has been attributed to interference and exploitative competition coupled with the ants’ opportunistic diets. In field experiments on Mount Desert Island, Maine, M. rubra discovered and recruited to baits faster than native ants. This study also showed that M. rubra displaced most native ant species from food resources (Garnas 2005). This, together with M. rubra’s aggressive defense of invaded territories, has led to fewer native ants in …

Tb192: The Use Of Glyphosate Herbicides In Managed Forest Ecosystems And Their Effects On Non-Target Organisms With Particular Reference To Ants As Bioindicators, Kerry F.L. Guiseppe, Francis A. Drummond, Constance Stubbs, Stephen Woods

Technical Bulletins

This publication reviews and synthesizes the results of many research studies designed to elucidate the ecological effects of the herbicide glyphosate used in forested landscapes. We have not intended our review to be an exhaustive review of all published studies (both laboratory and field investigations) concerned with faunal and floral glyphosate interactions and the environmental fate of glyphosate. We particularly focused on studies that had relevance to north temperate forest ecosystems and selected published investigations to incorporate into our review that cover a wide range of faunal and floral taxa that might be exposed to herbicides during applications.

Tb191: Conservation And Management Of Native Bees In Cranberry, Jennifer L. Loose, Francis A. Drummond, Constance Stubbs, Stephen Woods

Technical Bulletins

Threats to agriculturally important pollinators have serious implications for human beings. A loss of bees translates to less successful crop pollination, thus reduced yield and poorer quality fruits. Native bees have the potential to serve as commercial pollinators. A diverse pollinator complex comprised of both honey bees and native bees should result in stable pollination levels and should be resistant to threats such as disease, fluctuating honey and crop prices, and honey bee transportation costs. Adding the goal of native bee conservation to land management increases the ecological integrity of an ecosystem by conserving a unique biological interaction that is …

Tb190: Spider Predation In Agroecosystems: Can Spiders Effectively Control Pest Populations., Darlene Maloney, Francis A. Drummond, Randy Alford

Technical Bulletins

Recent trends in agriculture towards reduced pesticide use and ecological sustainability have lead to increased interest in spiders as potential biological control agents. Although the Chinese have augmented spider populations in field crops as a pest management strategy for centuries, much debate remains as to whether spiders will effectively control pest populations in U.S. agricultural ecosystems. This technical bulletin reviews the literature to describe the reduction of insect pest densities by spiders and the effects of pesticides on spiders. In addition to addressing the question of whether spiders can be effective biocontrol agents, the authors outline techniques to conserve and …

Tb176: Agrelation: A Computerized Decision-Making Tool For Coloraod Potato Beetle Population Management And Environmental Quality Concerns, Charles R. Ziegler, Francis A. Drummond, Darrell W. Donahue, Stewart N. Smith

Technical Bulletins

Many facets of Maine potato production have been simulated with computer models and expert systems. Given the ongoing improvement of computer technology and validation of past efforts, scientists can now combine several agricultural submodels into one holistic and user-friendly computer application. This bulletin reports on the development of one such application—Agrelation—aimed at modeling a portion of Maine potato production and management.

Tb172: Evaluation Of Entomopathogens For Biological Control Of Insect Pests Of Lowbush (Wild) Blueberry, Francis A. Drummond, Eleanor Groden

Technical Bulletins

To maintain the economic viability of Maine’s blueberry farms, to offer alternative pest control strategies in light of the implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, and to reduce the human health and environmental risks associated with pest management, these researchers have been researching biological control tactics. This technical bulletin outlines protocols and experimental design necessary for evaluation of entomopathogens targeted against the significant direct and indirect pests associated with lowbush blueberry.

Tb163: Insect Predation Of Seeds And Plant Population Dynamics, Jianxin Zhang, Francis A. Drummond, Matt Liebman, Alden Hartke

Technical Bulletins

This review provides a framework for understanding the mechanisms of insect seed predation, the diversity of insects that prey on seeds, and the ecological and evolutionary consequences of insect seed predation. Insect seed predation can play significant roles in reducing plant population growth, modifying intraspecific and interspecific competition, shifting spatial and temporal distribution, affecting species evolution, and plant community structure, both in natural and agricultural ecosystems.

B843: The Ecology, Economics, And Management Of Potato Cropping Systems: A Report Of The First Four Years Of The Maine Potato Ecosystem Project, A. Randall Alford, Francis A. Drummond, Eric R. Gallandt, Eleanor Groden, David A. Lambert, Matt Liebman, Michele C. Marra, Jeffrey C. Mcburnie, Gregory A. Porter, Bacilio Salas

Bulletins

The bulletin reports on the first four years of the Maine Potato Ecosystem Project, a long-term, multidisciplinary study of alternative crop management strategies. The study site is a 15-acre tract on the northern boundary of the University of Maine's Aroostook Farm in Presque Isle, Maine, divided into 96 main plots that are grouped into four blocks. Each block is an area where soil survey data show similar soil characteristics. Thus, given the same production inputs, the crop output is expected to be the same on each plot within a block. Within each block there are 24 plots to which the …

Tb160: The Horse Flies And Deer Flies Of Maine (Diptera, Tabanidae), L. L. Pechuman, Richard Dearborn

Technical Bulletins

The distribution of Maine Tabanidae is of special interest because of the number of species with more southern ranges which reach their northeastern limit in Maine. A few northern species reach their southern limit in the state. This paper includes all of the species known or likely to be found in Maine with specific localities by county for the more unusual species and for species not found throughout the state.

Tb151: The Balsam Gall Midge--An Economic Pest Of Balsam Fir Christmas Trees, E. A. Osgood, R. L. Bradbury, F. A. Drummond

Technical Bulletins

This technical bulletin summarizes all previous published research on the balsam gall midge. Also included are new data on the effect of late bud burst on midge oviposition and the degree of population regulation of the gallmaker by its inquiline.

B837: New Approaches To Chemical Control Of White Pine Weevil Damage, John B. Dimond, Richard L. Bradbury

Bulletins

There has been little recent research on control of damage by the white pine weevil, and available insecticides have been few and have become obsolete. Tests in Canada suggested that the insect growth-regulating chemical diflubenzeron was effective, and we have successfully repeated those tests in Maine using several formulations of Dimilin and several ground application systems. Aerial trials have not succeeded; the probable reasons for their failure are discussed. We present a general description of the weevil and its damage, approaches to control of damage, and specific recommendations for use of ground applications of Dimilin, which has recently become registered …

Tb148: Alternative Forage Plants For Native (Wild) Bees Associated With Lowbush Blueberry, Vaccinium Spp., In Maine, C. S. Stubbs, H. A. Jacobson, E. A. Osgood, F. A. Drummond

Technical Bulletins

To determine potentially suitable alternative food sources for important native bee pollinators of blueberry, the primary objectives of the present research were (1) to compile the published North American nectar, pollen, and flower records; (2) to analyze the pollen loads of native bees associated with Vaccinium spp. in Maine; and (3) to survey distribution and abundance patterns of native bee populations in Maine blueberry fields.

Tb147: Simulating The Development Of Mexican Bean Beetle Immature Stages, Epilachna Varivestis Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), On Dry Beans, Yuqing Fan, Francis A. Drummond, Eleanor Groden

Technical Bulletins

A computer model was developed to simulate and predict the phenology of Mexican bean beetle (MBB), Epilachna varivestis Mulsant, populations on dry beans, Phaseolus vulgaris. Time-varying distributed developmental rates of the egg, four larval instars, and pupal stages were simulated with degree day models, based on a standardized cumulative probability distribution function from a range of constant temperature experiments. Predictions from the simulation model provided a good fit to the observed constant temperature data and field experiments. Using temperature data in the form of daily maximums and minimums, the model can be used to predict the occurrence of immature MBB …

Tb142: Mayflies Of Maine: An Annotated Faunal List, Steven K. Burian, K. Elizabeth Gibbs

Technical Bulletins

The purpose of this study is to determine the composition and distribution of the mayfly fauna and to reference all pertinent taxonomic, ecologic, and biologic data.

Tb133: Experimental Stream Application Of B.T.I. For Human Nuisance Black Fly Management In A Recreational Area, K. Elizabeth Gibbs, Rhonda J. Boyer, Brian P. Molloy, Dorothy A. Hutchins

Technical Bulletins

Biting and swarming black flies are abundant in Maine and can cause serious discomfort to humans, especially in recreational areas where their presence may substantially decrease satisfaction in outdoor activities. In 1985, 1986 and 1987 a series of experimental applications of B.t.i. was made on property owned by the Sugarloaf Mountain Corporation. The 198 5 study determined the persistenc e o f B.t.i. in stream and river water and the concentration necessary to achieve >90% mortality in black fly larvae. It also indicated that B.t.i. had no detectable impact on non-target organisms. In 1986 and 1987 the objective was to …

Tb130: Sequential Sampling In Surveys Of Overwintering Larvae Of Spruce Budworm, Choristoneuera Fumiferana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), J. B. Dimond, Henry Trial Jr.

Technical Bulletins

A sequential sampling system for classifying infestation levels of overwintering larvae of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana, (Clemens), is described. Sequential tables for critical densities of larvae on balsam fir and red spruce are presented for 70%, 80%, and 90%, confidence intervals. The system is based on data collected in Maine and uses a maximum of 6 branches, 3 from fir and 3 from spruce. Simulations illustrating error rates and effort saved using the system are discussed.

Tb129: Chemical Control Of Balsam Gall Midge Paradiplosis Tumifex Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), R. L. Bradbury, E. A. Osgood

Technical Bulletins

This study was undertaken to test new insecticides for control of the balsam gall midge and to determine effectiveness of later insecticide application in order to expand the effective period for control.

Tb128: Beauveria Bassiana For Control Of Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) In Maine, R. H. Storch, J. F. Dill

Technical Bulletins

Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuill. (Bb), a fungal pathogen of the Colorado potato beetle has been used to control CPB in Europe. Preliminary studies in the United States gave promising results for CPB control by using the fungus. Based on these studies, a three-year pilot program was initiated to evaluate the potential for using Bb o control the Colorado potato beetle in the U.S. We report herein on the results obtained in southern Maine from using this mycoinsecticide to control the beetle.

Tb124: Chemical Control Of Balsam Twig Aphid, Midarus Abietinus Koch (Homoptera: Aphididae), R. L. Bradbury, E. A. Osgood

Technical Bulletins

This study was initiated to provide Christmas tree growers with a selection of insecticides capable of effective control of balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus Koch) on balsam fir. Low rates of active ingredients were tested to assure minimal environmental impact and reduced chemical costs

Tb123: Experimental Application Of B.T.I. For Larval Black Fly Control: Persistance And Downstream Carry, Efficacy, Impact On Non-Target Invertebrates And Fish Feeding, K. Elizabeth Gibbs, Francis C. Brautigam, Constance S. Stubbs, Larry M. Zibilske

Technical Bulletins

In the summer of 1985 a field experiment was conducted in the Sugarloaf area of Maine on the use of B.t.i. to reduce the numbers of black fly larvae in the Carrabassett River and a tributary stream. The objectives were to determine the rate of application necessary to produce an acceptable reduction in black fly larvae, to study the fate and persistence of B.t.i. in a stream following application, to determine the impact of B.t.i. on the abundance and drift of non-target stream insects and on the feeding success and diet composition of fishes in the treated streams.

Patterns Of Tree Mortality During An Uncontrolled Spruce Budworm Outbreak In Baxter State Park, 1983, Akira Osawa, Charles J. Spies Iii, John B. Dimond

Technical Bulletins

A forest inventory of Baxter State Park, Maine, was done during the summer and fall of 1983 to study the patterns of mortality in balsam fir and in the red-black spruce complex during an uncontrolled spruce budworm outbreak. The volume of trees that died during the outbreak was estimated at 40% of the original quantity. Fir mortality was consistently greater than that of spruce. The percentage mortality of spruce was always greater in the higher elevation zone than in the lower elevation zone. Percentage mortality of fir and spruce showed inconsistent patterns in relation to the proportion of hardwood species …

Tb115: Growth And Development Of The Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa Decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Fed Foliage Of Three Solanum Species, A. A. Melville, R. H. Storch, R. J. Bushway, A. R. Alford

Technical Bulletins

The purpose of this study was to compare growth and development of CPB larvae fed Solanum chacoense and Solanum demissum with those reared on S. tuberosum.

Tb114: A List Of The Lepidoptera Of Maine--Part 2: The Microlepidoptera Section 2 Cosmopterigidae Through Hepialidae, Auburn E. Brower

Technical Bulletins

The third volume in the Lepidoptera of Maine series. This one focusing on the Microlepidoptera, Cosmopterigidae through Hepialidae.

Tb113: A Field Test Of Mating-Suppression Using The Spruce Budworm Sex Pheromone, J. B. Dimond, D. G. Mott, W. P. Kemp, J. H. Krall

Technical Bulletins

Spruce budworm sex pheromone was dispersed from aircraft over forest land in Maine in late June, 1980. A major goal was to sample pheromone concentrations in air to determine whether the formulation would provide the steady, sustained release of chemical believed required for interfering with the mating process of the moths. Since pheromone was going to be applied for purposes of analyses of air, we believed we should also study some behavioral effects on spruce budworm populations. The principal body of data involved the ability of male budworm moths to orient to point sources of pheromone in pheromone-treated and untreated …