Entomology Commons^™

Species Groups Of Traumatomutilla André (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae), Kevin A. Williams, Pedro R. Bartholomay, Márcio Luiz De Oliveira

Insecta Mundi

Females of Traumatomutilla André (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) are organized into 14 species groups; 136 of the 138 Traumatomutilla taxa known from females were studied. Of these species groups, only the inermis species group was adequately established and diagnosed in the literature (Casal 1969). The remaining newly established species groups are as follows: americana, auriculata, bellica, bifurca, diabolica, gemella, indica, integella, juvenilis, quadrinotata, tabapua, trochanterata, and vitelligera. Diagnoses and lists of included species are provided for each species group. Eighty-three new country records are provided for 49 species.

Annotated World Bibliography Of Host Plants Of The Melon Fly, Bactrocera Cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae), Grant T. Mcquate, Nicanor J. Liquido, Kelly A. A. Nakamichi

Insecta Mundi

The melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a widespread, economically important tephritid fruit fly species. Bactrocera cucurbitae infests fruits and vegetables of a number of different plant species, with many host plants in the plant family Cucurbitaceae, but with additional hosts scattered across many other plant families. Although thought to be native to India, its distribution has spread throughout many countries in Oriental Asia, into a number of Pacific Island nations, and into Africa. The documented introductions into countries outside its native distribution show that this species could establish in other countries where it does not presently occur, …

The Plecoptera Of Panama. I. The Stonefly Fauna Of Mount Totumas Cloud Forest And Biological Reserve, Including A New Country Record, Brian J. Armitage, Bill P. Stark

Insecta Mundi

The Republic of Panama currently has 21 recorded species of stoneflies, all in the genus Anacroneuria (Plecoptera: Perlidae). Herein, we record five species of this genus from the Mount Totumas Cloud Forest and Biological Reserve, in the upper reaches of the Río Chiriquí Viejo watershed. One of these species, A. plutonis (Banks), represents a new country record for Panama. These results are part of an ongoing effort to characterize the aquatic insect fauna of Panama, and to evaluate that country’s major watersheds.

Myrmeconycha New Genus: The Fi Rst Myrmecophilous Fl Ea Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini), A. S. Konstantinov, A. K. Tishechkin

Insecta Mundi

The first myrmecophilous flea beetle genus (Myrmeconycha Konstantinov and Tishechkin, new genus) with four new species (M. erwini Konstantinov and Tishechkin, new species – Ecuador, M. gordoni Konstantinov and Tishechkin, new species – Brazil, M. pakaluki Konstantinov and Tishechkin, new species – Panama, and M. pheidole Konstantinov and Tishechkin, new species – Costa Rica) is described and illustrated. It is compared with flea beetles of the subtribe Disonychina (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) and may be easily differentiated based on the external and internal features, which include the waxy surface of the head and pronotum, reticulated surface of …

A New Species Of Madoniella Pic (Coleoptera: Cleridae) From Chiapas, Mexico, Jacques Rifkind, Weston Opitz

Insecta Mundi

Opitz (2011) revised the New World clerid genus Madoniella Pic, and recognized 74 species. We describe and illustrate Madoniella fitzgeraldae, new species (Coleoptera: Cleridae), recently discovered in Chiapas, México.

Southeast Farallon Island Arthropod Survey, Jeffrey Honda, Bret Robinson, Michael Valainis, Rick Vetter, Jaime Jahncke

Insecta Mundi

Effective island conservation depends on thorough biodiversity surveys and species assessment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in coordination with Point Blue Conservation Science undertook a two-year insect survey of the Farallon Islands, California, in order to catalog current insect and spider species on the island and to gather information that will be used to examine prey dynamics to aid in the conservation of the endemic salamander Aneides lugubris (Hallowell). The report lists 11 insect orders representing 60 families, 107 genera and 112 insect species on Southeast Farallon Island. Holometabolous orders were the most represented on the island with Coleoptera …

Identifi Cation Of A New Species Of Aphis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Based On Distinct Morphology Rather Than Dna Barcoding, Doris Lagos-Kutz, D. J. Voegtlin, Glen Hartman

Insecta Mundi

Aphis elena Lagos-Kutz and Voegtlin, sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is described from specimens collected in Illinois, USA, on the North American native plant, Pycnanthemum virginianum (L.) T. Dur. & B.D. Jacks. ex B.L. Rob. & Fernald (Family: Lamiaceae). Both apterous and alate viviparae are described and illustrated, and a dichotomous key is provided to apterous and alate viviparae of the six species of Aphis that have been recorded on plants in the family Lamiaceae in North America. Neighbor-joining analysis of cytochrome oxidase 1 (Cox1) indicated a close relationship of the new species with Aphis monardae Oestlund, which also …

Two New Species Of Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) From Colombia, Antonio Santos-Silva, Juan Pablo Botero

Insecta Mundi

Taeniotes antonkozlovi Santos-Silva and Botero, new species (Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Monochamini) and Amphelictus antonkozlovi Santos-Silva and Botero, new species (Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae, Cerambycini, Sphallotrichina) are described from Colombia.

Population Dynamics Of The Wheat Curl Mite (Acari: Eriophyidae) During The Heading Stages Of Winter Wheat, Anthony J. Mcmechan, Gary Hein

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella Keifer) is the only known vector of three viruses in wheat—Wheat streak mosaic virus, Wheat mosaic virus, and Triticum mosaic virus. The economic impact of this disease complex is linked to the presence of suitable hosts prior to winter wheat maturing in early summer and the movement of wheat curl mite from wheat to oversummering hosts prior to wheat harvest. Previous research has documented the prevalence and density of mite populations on maturing wheat heads; however, these studies were limited to a few late stages of wheat. A study was conducted …

Record Breaking Achievements By Spiders And The Scientists Who Study Them, Stefano Mammola, Peter Michalik, Eileen Hebets, Marco Isaia

Eileen Hebets Publications

Organismal biology has been steadily losing fashion in both formal education and scientific research. Simultaneous with this is an observable decrease in the connection between humans, their environment, and the organisms with which they share the planet. Nonetheless, we propose that organismal biology can facilitate scientific observation, discovery, research, and engagement, especially when the organisms of focus are ubiquitous and charismatic animals such as spiders. Despite being often feared, spiders are mysterious and intriguing, offering a useful foundation for the effective teaching and learning of scientific concepts and processes. In order to provide an entryway for teachers and students—as well …

Rag1 Soybean Photosynthetic Response To Biotype 2 Aphid Colonization And Feeding, Katy Hillard

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Over the past ten years, the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), has been one of the principal insect threats to commercial soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., production in the United States. Resistance genes identified from native soybean have been incorporated into commercial varieties to provide protection against aphid feeding damage. The biology of the pest lends itself to rapid buildup of biotypes capable of overcoming host plant resistance. Single gene resistance sources have displayed low levels of durability against aphids. The first aphid resistant commercial soybean line released in the United States contained the Rag1 gene, which was …

Interdependent Relationships And Biodiversity, Lena Teselle

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

This project is a composite of three Next Generation Science Standard(NGSS) aligned lessons aimed at middle school science students. Three E-Learning modules have been developed and uploaded to www.DiscoverEntomology.comto supplement the classroom lessons in a flipped model, whereby students complete the online lesson prior to attending class, application of concepts are explored through activity. Over the course of five to six class sessions and a field trip, students will build their understanding of interactions within ecosystems, the interdependent relationships that form between and among organisms, and the importance of biodiversity, using insects as model study subjects. This project serves to …

Use Of Baited Attract And Kill Stations As Ipm Alternative To Control Invasive Drosophila Suzukii Matsumura (Spotted Wing Drosophila), Timothy Lampasona

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

The newly invasive Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Spotted Wing Drosophila, SWD) is an economically significant pest of berries and other small fruit in the Northeast United States. Methods of controlling this insect typically consist of frequent sprays of conventional insecticide, often with long pre-harvest intervals. This experiment is intended to determine the efficacy of a unique Attract and Kill (AtK) design using super-absorbent gelatinous media saturated with highly attractive SWD bait adhered to durable netting, sprayed regularly with a range of insecticides. Our lab and field studies determined that presence of AtK stations treated with insecticides placed in vicinity of raspberries …

Pest Management: The Historical Management And Developed Resistance Of Western Corn Rootworm, Insect Resistance Management, And The Future Of Control, Mollie Mcmahon

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte, is a corn pest in the United States that has demonstrated overwhelming success an overcoming pest management strategies. Whether it is cultural, chemical, or transgenic control, western corn rootworm has managed to adapt, develop resistance, and create chaos among farmers and agriculture industries. Insect Resistance Management is a component of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Excellence Through Stewardship global organization. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates resistance through laws and regulations and with the help of other government organizations. The goal is to delay resistance, extend trait durability, and protect the environment …

Entomophagy: Insect And Arthropod Grub!, Buddy Roper

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Recipes:

Appetizers………………………………. 3

Entrees………………………………….. 27

Desserts…………………………………. 44

Recipe Sources…………………………. 56

Discussion and PowerPoint slides attached below as supplemental file

Increased Insertion Number Leads To Increased Sperm Transfer And Fertilization Success In A Nursery Web Spider, Alissa G. Anderson, Eileen Hebets

Eileen Hebets Publications

Across animals, a male's fitness is largely dictated by his ability to fertilize eggs; and there exists a plethora of male adaptations associated with increasing fertilization success. In the nursery web spider, Pisaurina mira, males restrain females prior to and during copulation by wrapping them with silk. Previous research demonstrates that copulatory silk wrapping reduces a male's chance of being sexually cannibalized and increases the number of sperm transfer opportunities (termed insertions) that a male can achieve within a mating. While avoiding cannibalism provides an obvious survival benefit to males, the impact of insertion number on male fitness remains …

A New Genus And New Species Of Brachynemurini From Ecuador (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Brachynemurini), Robert B. Miller, Lionel A. Stange

Insecta Mundi

A new genus, Dejunaleon Miller and Stange, is described with two new species: Dejunaleon loja Miller and Dejunaleon maculosus Stange (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Brachynemurini). A key to species is provided as well as distributional data. A description of the larva of Dejunaleon loja is given. A key to genera of the tribe Brachynemurini is provided based on larvae and adults.

Se describe un género nuevo, Dejunaleon Miller y Stange, de Ecuador con dos especies nuevas: Dejunaleon loja Miller y Dejunaleon maculosus Stange (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Brachynemurini). Se provee una clave para las especies con datos sobre sus …

Modeling Microorganism Transmission With Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches: An Inquiry Activity, Hillary Guzik, Kessler Mccoy-Simandle

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Students will test Madagascar hissing cockroach’s capacity as a vector for transmission of microorganisms. By comparing a cockroach exposed to human contact (handled by students) and a cockroach with limited exposure (not handled), students can assess the ability of cockroaches to transmit microorganisms from one location (hands) to another (agar plate where the microorganism will be grown). This will allow students to determine if the Madagascar hissing cockroach, the classroom pet, is a potential vector for microorganisms. Students then will be able to question and relate the concept of insects and objects as vectors for common pathogen transfer.

Transcriptional Analysis Of Defense Mechanisms In Upland Tetraploid Switchgrass To Greenbugs, Teresa Donze-Reiner, Nathan A. Palmer, Erin D. Scully, Travis J. Prochaska, Kyle G. Koch, Tiffany Heng-Moss, Jeffery D. Bradshaw, Paul Twigg, Keenan Amundsen, Scott E. Sattler, Gautam Sarath

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Background: Aphid infestation of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) has the potential to reduce yields and biomass quality. Although switchgrass-greenbug (Schizaphis graminum; GB) interactions have been studied at the whole plant level, little information is available on plant defense responses at the molecular level.

Results: The global transcriptomic response of switchgrass cv Summer to GB was monitored by RNA-Seq in infested and control (uninfested) plants harvested at 5, 10, and 15 days after infestation (DAI). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in infested plants were analyzed relative to control uninfested plants at each time point. DEGs in GB-infested plants induced …

Method Development For Monitoring Bean Leaf Beetle, Cerotoma Trifurcata (Forster) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Susceptibility To Thiamethoxam Seed Treatments On Soybeans, Chelsea L. Tietjen, Thomas Hunt, Daniel D. Snow, David A. Cassada, Blair D. Siegfried

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The increased use of thiamethoxam seed treatments for controlling pests such as the bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), suggests the need for methods to measure and monitor the development of resistance to thiamethoxam. The objectives of this study were to develop a bioassay method that can be used to monitor bean leaf beetle susceptibility to thiamethoxam, and to quantify the relative concentrations of thiamethoxam and clothianidin in early growth stage soybean tissue treated with thiamethoxam as a seed treatment. Overwintered and F1 bean leaf beetles were collected from alfalfa and soybean fields and used in excised soybean …

Yield Response Of Tolerant And Susceptible Soybean To The Soybean Aphid, Lia Marchi-Werle, Renata Ramos Pereira, John C. Reese, Thomas Hunt

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is the most economically important soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] pest of North America. Multiple studies have identified soybean expressing antibiosis and/or antixenosis; however, soybean tolerance remains underexplored. Tolerance to soybean aphid injury was previously identified in soybean KS4202. This research examined the yield response of KS4202 infested with soybean aphid at specific plant stages and identified at what plant stage tolerance initiates. A preliminary study evaluated the yield parameters of the tolerant genotype at low (4000– 5500 cumulative aphid-days [CAD]) and high aphid pressure (7500–8500 CAD) at different growth stages (V1, V3, …

Reproductive Status Of Drosophila Suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Females Influences Attraction To Fermentation-Based Baits And Ripe Fruits, Katharine A. Swoboda-Bhattarai, Douglas R. Mcphie, Hannah Burrack

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is an invasive species that is a devastating pest of soft-skinned fruit crops. Although much effort has been directed toward developing traps and attractants to monitor for D. suzukii, current monitoring tools do not reliably predict fruit infestation. The objective of this study was to determine if D. suzukii females at different developmental stages are differentially attracted to monitoring traps with fermentation-based baits and ripe fruits. Females were collected on the surface of traps, within traps, and on ripe fruits during three experiments at field locations in North Carolina, USA, and were dissected to determine their reproductive …

Dr. Kenneth P. Pruess Obituary, Robert J. Wright, Marion D. Ellis

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Dr. Kenneth P. Pruess, age 84, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died 11 December 2016. Kenneth was Professor of Entomology Emeritus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was born 21 June 1932 in Troy, Indiana, to Elmer and Clara (Grass) Pruess. Kenneth graduated from Purdue University in 1954 and earned his M.S. in Entomology in 1955 and Ph.D. in 1957, both from The Ohio State University. His dissertation was titled “Studies on the Clover Root Borer, Hylastinus obscurus (Marsham).” He married Neva Currie on 15 June 1963. He worked at the University of Nebraska’s North Platte Experiment Station from 1957–1965, Entomology Department …

Performance Of Seed Treatments And In-Furrow At-Plant Insecticides For Protection Against Cry3bb1-Resistant Western Corn Rootworm, 2015, Jonas Victor De Macedo,, Kayla A. Mollet, Julie A. Peterson

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The western corn rootworm is an important pest of corn that can compromise yield by feeding on plant roots during its larval stage. WCRW management has been complicated by the development of resistance in some regions, including Nebraska, to transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) traits, particularly the protein Cry3Bb1, which confers cross-resistance to mCry3A. A field trial was established to evaluate the efficacy of neonicotinoid seed treatments in combination with in-furrow insecticides on a corn hybrid expressing mCry3A Bt proteins against corn rootworm in an area with a history of rootworm resistance. The trial was conducted in a farmer’s field in …

Influence Of Calcareous Soil On Cry3bb1 Expression And Efficacy In The Field, David S. Wangila, Arnubio Valencia, Haichuan Wang, Blair D. Siegfried, Lance Meinke

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Greater than expected injury by western corn rootworm (WCR) (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) to Cry3Bb1 expressing maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) has been reported in southwestern Nebraska. Affected areas of some fields are often associated with high pH calcareous soils where maize growth is poor and iron chlorosis is common. As part of a comprehensive study to understand potential causes of unexpected injury, experiments were conducted during 2013 and 2014 to ascertain whether the calcareous soil conditions and associated poor maize growth negatively affect the expression of Cry3Bb1. Quantitative determination of Cry3Bb1 protein expression levels in root tissues …

Description Of The Female Of Hologymnetis Reyesi Gasca And Deloya (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Gymnetini), With New State Records For Mexico And A Bilingual Key To The Species Of Hologymnetis Martínez, Brett C. Ratcliffe, Hector Jaime Gasca-Alvarez, Cuauhtemoc Deloya

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The female of Hologymnetis reyesi Gasca and Deloya is described and illustrated for the first time based upon specimens from Estado de México, Mexico, new state record. The species is also herein reported from the state of Guerrero, new state record. A bilingual key in Spanish and English to all the species of Hologymnetis Martínez is presented and accompanied by maps showing distributions for all species in the genus.

Population Growth Rate Of Dry Bulb Mite, Aceria Tulipae (Acariformes: Eriophyidae), On Agriculturally Important Plants And Implications For Its Taxonomic Status, Agnieszka Kiedrowicz, Brian G. Rector, Suzanne Lommen, Lechosław Kuczyński, Wiktoria Szydło, Anna Skoracka

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Dry bulb mite (DBM), Aceria tulipae, is an economically important mite with a worldwide distribution and a broad host range. As a generalist, it is the most important eriophyoid mite attacking bulbous plants such as garlic, onion and tulip. To date, DBM has been recorded on host plants belonging to the families Liliaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Melanthiaceae and Asparagaceae. However, a precise understanding of DBM host range is lacking as it is largely based on casual records of mites on plants, some of which may include accidental hosts. Moreover, the possible existence of cryptic species has not been considered. In this …

Effect Of Metarhizium Anisopliae (Ascomycete), Cypermethrin, And D-Limonene, Alone And Combined, On Larval Mortality Of Rhipicephalus Sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae), Omar Francisco Prado-Rebolledo, Jaime Molina-Ochoa, Roberto Lezama-Gutierrez, Luis Jorge Garcia-Marquez, Yureida B. Minchaca-Llerenas, Eduardo Morales-Barrera, Guillermo Tellez, Billy Hargis, S. R. Skoda, John E. Foster

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The effect of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae Ma14 strain, D-limonene, and cypermethrin, alone and combined, on the mortality of Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille larvae was evaluated. Eight separate groups with 25 tick larvae were inoculated with the fungus, cypermethrin, and D-limonene, and four groups were used as untreated controls. The groups were inoculated with serial dilutions of each treatment material: for example, conidial concentrations were 1 x 10¹, 1 x 10², 1 x 10³, 1 x 10⁴, 1 x 10⁵, 1 x 10⁶, 1 x 10⁷, and …

Microbial Communities Associated With Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Larvae And Their Developmental Substrates, Erin Scully, Kristina Friesen, Brian Wienhold, Lisa M. Durso

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Bacteria are essential for stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)) larval survival and development, but little is known about the innate microbial communities of stable flies, and it is not known if their varied dietary substrates influence their gut microbial communities. This investigation utilized 454 sequencing of 16S and 18S amplicons to characterize and compare the bacterial and eukaryotic microbial communities in stable fly larvae and their developmental substrates. The microbial community of the third-instar stable fly larvae is unambiguously distinct from the microbial community of the supporting substrate, with bacterial communities from larvae reared on different substrates more similar …

A Comparison Of Honey Bee-Collected Pollen From Working Agricultural Lands Using Light Microscopy And Its Metabarcoding, M. D. Smart, R. S. Cornman, D. D. Iwanowicz, M. Mcdermott-Kubeczko, J. S. Pettis, M. S. Spivak, C. R.V. Otto

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Taxonomic identification of pollen has historically been accomplished via light microscopy but requires specialized knowledge and reference collections, particularly when identification to lower taxonomic levels is necessary. Recently, next-generation sequencing technology has been used as a cost-effective alternative for identifying beecollected pollen; however, this novel approach has not been tested on a spatially or temporally robust number of pollen samples. Here, we compare pollen identification results derived from light microscopy and DNA sequencing techniques with samples collected from honey bee colonies embedded within a gradient of intensive agricultural landscapes in the Northern Great Plains throughout the 2010–2011 growing seasons. We …