Entomology Commons^™

Culicoides Latreille And Leptoconops Skuse Biting Midges Of The Southwestern United States With Emphasis On The Canyonlands Of Southeastern Utah (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), Robert A. Phillips

Insecta Mundi

Leptoconops Skuse and Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) biting midges are serious pests of mammals, birds, and reptiles and important vectors of viruses, protozoans, and filarial nematodes. Their collection became an important adjunct to mosquito surveillance using light-baited and CO2-baited suction traps in Grand County, Utah, United States, during 1999–2016. During 2017–2020, collecting was expanded to California, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and other parts of Utah using an ultraviolet light suction trap. As a result, five species of Leptoconops and 59 species of Culicoides, representing Leptoconops subgenera Holoconops Kieffer and Leptoconops Skuse, Culicoides subgenera Amoss­ovia Glukhova, Beltranmyia …

Reprogramming Of Sorghum Proteome In Response To Sugarcane Aphid Infestation, Sajjan Grover, Juan Betancurt Cardona, Prince Zogli, Sophie Alvarez, Michael J. Naldrett, Scott E. Sattler, Joe Louis

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Sugarcane aphid (SCA; Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner) is a key piercing-sucking pest of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) that cause significant yield losses. While feeding on host plants, complex signaling networks are invoked from recognition of insect attack to induction of plant defenses. Consequently, these signaling networks lead to the production of insecticidal compounds or limited access of nutrients to insects. Previously, several studies were published on the transcriptomics analysis of sorghum in response to SCA infestation, but no information is available on the physiological changes of sorghum at the proteome level. We used the SCA resistant sorghum genotype SC265 for …

Larval Habitats, Species Composition And Distribution Of Malaria Vectors In Regions With Autochthonous And Imported Malaria In Roraima State, Brazil, Nathália Coelho Vargas De Almeida, Jaime Louzada, Maycon Sebastião Alberto Santos Neves, Thiago M. Carvalho, Júlio Castro‑Alves, Teresa Fernandes Silva‑Do‑Nascimento, Ananias A. Escalante, Joseli Oliveira‑Ferreira

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Library Materials

Background: Malaria control requires local action. Assessing the vector diversity and abundance provides information on the local malariogenic potential or risk of transmission. This study aimed to determine the Anopheles species composition, habitats, seasonal occurrence, and distribution in areas with autochthonous and imported malaria cases in Roraima State.

Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted from January 2017 to October 2018, sampling larvae and adult mosquitoes in three municipalities of Roraima State: Boa Vista, Pacaraima and São João da Baliza. These areas have different risks of malaria importation. Four to six mosquito larval habitats were selected for larval sampling …

Natural History Of The Guatemalan Copper Iophanus Pyrrhias (Godman And Salvin, 1887) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) In Guatemala, José Monzón-Sierra, Gregory C. Ballmer

The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey

Abstract

Detailed information including photographs about the natural history of Iophanus pyrrhias (Godman and Salvin 1887) in Guatemala is presented. Information includes geographic and altitudinal distribution and phenology. We reconfirm the immatures stages use Muehlenbeckia tamnifolia (Kunth) Meisn., 1841 (Polygonaceae) as the host plant.

Reusmen

Se presenta información detallada incluyendo fotografías de la historia natural de Iophanus pyrrhias (Godman y Salvin 1887) en Guatemala. La información incluye distribución geográfica y altitudinal y fenología. Confirmamos que los estados inmaduros se alimentan de Muehlenbeckia tamnifolia (Kunth) Meisn., 1841 (Polygonaceae).

Invasive Plants Watch List: 2022, Allison Zach

Nebraska Invasive Species Program

The purpose of the weed watch list is to collect data on the distribution of invasive plants found in various Nebraska counties. Counties were divided up into ‘ecoregions’ based on the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission’s Legacy Plan (map of regions below). The plants in the watch list have been identified based on their invasiveness in surrounding states and their increasing range in Nebraska. Data collected on watch list plant species distribution has been used to support the listing or delisting of noxious weeds. Plant species in the weed watch list are categorized based on early detection and rapid response …

Nebline, January/February 2022

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

2021 Extension Highlights

Your Trusted Educational Resource

4-H Programs Engaged 24,313 Youth

A New Year, A New You, A Renewed Community by Emily Gratopp

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month

Extension’s 2022 Master Gardener Training, Two Sites Available

Upcoming Green Industry Conferences

ProHort Lawn & Landscape Update

2022 Pesticide Applicator Trainings

Crop Production Clinics In-Person and Zoom

Heart of 4-H Volunteer Award: Phil Wharton and Jenny DeBuhr

Watch Chicks Hatch on Egg Cam

4-H Rabbit Show, March 19

Dog Club Accepting New Members, Starts Jan. 10

4-H Club Gives Youth With Special Needs Opportunity to Show Lambs

4-H Announcements …

Art Exhibition: The Curious World Of Insects, Paula M. Courtney

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

This exhibition is a gallery of original mixed-media paintings by Paula M. Courtney intended to generate curiosity and appreciation for the field of entomology. It is human nature to fear what we do not know or understand. Art can be an effective catalyst for awareness creation and inspiration towards further education. Subjects depicted within these works of art were carefully selected with a goal of maintaining interest in an audience with emotions ranging from neutral to strong dislike towards insects and arachnids. This exhibition as a whole is designed to bridge the gap between a negative perception of insects and …

An Overview Of Integrated Pest Management In Greenhouse Systems, Kateri Cavanagh

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Greenhouses are technological advancements that have existed since the first century. Human life and the field of agriculture have greatly improved with their invention. However, greenhouses come with their own set of challenges. One of the biggest issues with greenhouse systems is the presence of large pest populations. This is due to the ample food and water supply along with the relative stability of greenhouses. Pests in greenhouses are usually dealt with through the application of chemical pesticides. However, integrated pest management (IPM) is gaining traction for use in greenhouse systems. This overview will cover the history of greenhouses and …

Conserving Urban Insects: A Toolkit For Landscape Professionals In The Intermountain West, Sierra Laverty

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Purpose of this Toolkit This toolkit is a resource for landscapers, landscape archi tect s and designers, urban foresters, growers. staff in public gardens, parks, nurseries and other ornamentaL horticulture professionals. It is intended for those interested in conserving non pest insects in urban and suburban environments.

Why urban and suburban areas? Insects are critical not only to natural and agricultural ecosystems. but also to urban ecosystems. Urban environments are characterized by a patchwork of habitat "islands" including home gardens, university campuses, urban parks and farms, vacant lots, cemeteries, arboreta, and botanicaL gardens [1). These habitat islands are the focus …

A Survey Of Insects Collected From Wild Flowering Plants At One Site In Michigan, Bryan W. Shields

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

The goal of this project was to document the wild flowering plants and the insect diversity present during a one season survey of an unmanaged habitat. Adult insects were collected from June to September 2020. A total of 58 families from 9 orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Mantodea, Neuroptera, Odonata, Orthoptera) of insects were collected or observed. The insects collected were from multiple functional groups including: fungivores, herbivores, nectarivores, pollinavores, and predators. The type and number of insect orders as well as the number of functional groups suggests that insect diversity was attained at the time of this survey. …

Insects Of Decay: An Illustrative Series In Forensic Entomology, Britaney Hight

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

This is an illustrative series of selected insects involved with forensic entomology. All illustrations are original hand-drawn works, completed with colored pencils, pen and ink where needed, and colored pencil paper. Each illustration is paired with a summary that includes basic biology and ecology, and their importance to the field of forensic entomology. Preferred collection and preservation methods were also included with each summary. This project can be used in outreach and teaching applications.

Coleoptera 6 Creophilus maxillosus - Hairy Rove Beetle 7 Dermestes maculatus - Hide Beetle 9 Euspilotus spp - Hister Beetle 11 Necrobia rufipes - Red-legged Ham …

Table Of Contents, Taxonomic Report Of The International Lepidoptera Survey, October 1, 1998–December 20, 2022, International Lepidoptera Survey

The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey

Table of contents for all issues of the Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey from October 1, 1998 (volume 1, issue 1) through December 20, 2022 (volume 10, issue 10).

A Beginner's Guide To Arthropod Id, Kristen A. Lewis

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Classification > Morphological Identification > Images

Spiders and Scorpions; Sow Bugs; Millipedes, Centipedes & Pauropods; Proturans, Springtails & Diplurans; Bristletails & Silverfish; Mayflies; Dragonflies & Damselflies; Grasshoppers, Crickets & Katydids; Walkingsticks; Rock Crawlers; Gladiators; Earwigs; Stoneflies; Web-Spinners; Zorapterans; Mantids; Cockroaches; Termites; Bugs, Aphids, Scale Insects, Hoppers, Cicadas, Psyllids & Whiteflies; Thrips; Barklice & Booklice; Lice; Beetles; Alderflies, Dobsonflies, Antlions, Lacewings, Mantidflies & Fishflies; Ants, Bees, Wasps & Sawflies; Caddisflies; Butterflies, Skippers & Moths; Fleas; Scorpionflies & Hangingflies; Twisted-Winged Parasites; Flies & Mosquitoes; References

Preliminary Survey Of Insect Communities On Carrion In The Keweenaw Peninsula, Mi In Early Summer, With A Focus On Dipterans, Tess A. Peterson

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Community composition and successional information about insect communities on carrion have value in forensic entomology. Local scale data is essential for providing accurate inferences about the timing and conditions of a death based on insect presence. Insects (primarily Diptera) were collected from beef liver in the month of June, 2021, at mixed hardwood and wetland sites in Houghton County, Michigan for the purpose of establishing preliminary information on insect communities present on carrion in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Key dipteran groups were Calliphorids from the genera Calliphora, Lucilia, and Phormia (Diptera: Calliphoridae), which were present at high proportions …

Biological Control Of Pests, Colin Park

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Biological Control of Pests

1: What is it?!?

2. History

3.Closer looks: Insect pests –IPM –Classical/weeds -Biodiversity

Insects As Indicators Of Climate Change: A Literature Review, Amy Catalano

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has consistently predicted rising global temperatures since it began reporting in 1988. Researchers have noted that climate extremes have been identified beginning in the 1990s and are apparent in various climate indicators. The most recent IPCC reports show that the rate of warming has sped up considerably, and that global warming will increase from pre-industrial levels by 1.5 degrees Celsius in the next 30 years, and possibly by 2 degrees C if considerable mitigation efforts are not put in place (IPCC, 2021). By 2017 global temperatures had already increased by about 1 degree …

Instrumental Insemination Of Honey Bees Short Course, Cory Stevens

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

My MS project is a practical and comprehensive training module for the advanced breeding technique of instrumental insemination of honey bee queens. Instrumental insemination allows for control over mating. Honey bee queens typically mate with 15-20 different drones in the air, making specific trait selection quite difficult. II is invaluable for concentrating specific traits in breeding stock, especially host pest resistance. The commercial bee industry has become overly reliant on chemical solutions to control varroa mites in their IPM programs. With recent evidence of mite resistance to popular miticides, breeding for host resistance is critically important to sustain the industry. …

A Review Of The Repellency Properties Of Pyrethrins, Gary Frazier

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Pyrethrum is an insecticide created from the dried flower heads of plants in the genus Chrysanthemum. The six compounds responsible for the insecticidal activity are collectively known as pyrethrins, and are known individually as Pyrethrin-I, Pyrethrin-II, Cinerin-I, Cinerin-II, Jasmolin-I, and Jasmolin-II. Of these compounds, Pyrethrin-I is best known for mortality, and Pyrethrin-II is best known for knockdown activity (Sisay et al. 2001). These compounds are voltage gated sodium-ion channel disruptors acting on nerve cells. The inside of nerve cells is negative relative to the outside at rest. It is due to an imbalance between ions on either side of the …

Rnai For Western Corn Rootworm Management: Lessons Learned, Challenges, And Future Directions, Molly Darlington, Jordan D. Reinders, Amit Sethi, Albert L. Lu, Partha Ramaseshadri, Joshua R. Fischer, Chad J. Boeckman, Jay S. Petrick, Jason M. Roper, Kenneth E. Narva, Ana M. Vélez

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is considered one of the most economically important pests of maize (Zea mays L.) in the United States (U.S.) Corn Belt with costs of management and yield losses exceeding USD ~1–2 billion annually. WCR management has proven challenging given the ability of this insect to evolve resistance to multiple management strategies including synthetic insecticides, cultural practices, and plant-incorporated protectants, generating a constant need to develop new management tools. One of the most recent developments is maize expressing double-stranded hairpin RNA structures targeting housekeeping genes, which triggers an RNA interference (RNAi) …

Developing And Evaluating A Pollination Systems Knowledge Assessment In A Multidisciplinary Course, P. Citlally Jimenez, Doug Golick, Brian A. Couch, Jenny Dauer

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Background: Although pollinators play an integral role in human well-being, their continued global decline reflects the need to provide and evaluate general pollinator knowledge to promote their conservation. Enhancing learners’ understanding of the complexity inherent in pollination systems within the science classroom may help them make more informed decisions regarding pollinator conservation actions. By measuring conceptual understanding of pollination systems, science educators can identify learners’ knowledge needs and inform their teaching in science classrooms. Based on previously developed theoretical frameworks describing pollination systems knowledge, we created and evaluated a new instrument to assess pollination systems and conservation actions knowledge. The …

Wheat Transcriptomic Responses To Extended Feeding By Wheat Curl Mites, Lise Pingault, Tran Kim Ngan Luong, Joe Louis, Gary Hein

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The economic importance of wheat and its contribution to human and livestock diets has been already demonstrated. However, wheat production is impacted by pests that induce yield reductions. Among these pests, wheat curl mite (WCM, Aceria tosichella Keifer) impacts wheat all around the world. WCM are tiny pests that feed within the whorl of developing leaves, and their feeding causes leaf curling by preventing them from unfurling. The curling of the leaves provides a protective niche for the WCM. Additionally, WCM are also the vector of serious viruses in wheat. Little is known regarding the impact of the WCM on …

Opposing Effects Of Myzus Persicae-Induced Lipase 1 And Jasmonic Acid Influence The Outcome Of Arabidopsis Thaliana–Fusarium Graminearum Interaction, Syeda T. Alam, Sujon Sarowar, Hossain A. Mondal, Ragiba Makandar, Zulkarnain Chowdhury, Joe Louis, Jyoti Shah

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Fusarium graminearum (Fg) is an important fungal pathogen of small grain cereals that can also infect Arabidopsis thaliana. In Arabidopsis, jasmonic acid (JA) signalling involving JASMONATE RESISTANT 1 (JAR1), which synthesizes JA-isoleucine, a signalling form of JA, promotes susceptibility to Fg. Here we show that Arabidopsis MYZUS PERSICAE-INDUCED LIPASE 1 (MPL1), via its influence on limiting JA accumulation, restricts Fg infection. MPL1 expression was up-regulated in response to Fg infection, and MPL1-OE plants, which overexpress MPL1, exhibited enhanced resistance against Fg. In comparison, disease severity was higher on the mpl1 mutant than the wild type. JA content was …

Death Scene Insect Succession In Nebraska: A Guidebook, Erin Bauer, Larry Barksdale, Emma Sidel, Justine Laviolette

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Insect behavior can be helpful to law enforcement in determining time of death, manner of death, location, and environment related to human or other animal victims found at a death scene. They may also provide clues about other aspects associated with an investigation (i.e., fly specks, suspect DNA). The study of how insects and related arthropods can aid in legal investigations is known as forensic entomology. Although this includes both civil applications, such as urban (i.e., maggots in mortuaries or insect structural damage) or stored product (i.e., illness from food contamination) entomology, this manual focuses on criminal applications, such as …

Reduced Susceptibility Of Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica Virgifera Virgifera Leconte) Populations To Cry34/35ab1‑Expressing Maize In Northeast Nebraska, Jordan D. Reinders, Lance J. Meinke

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The western corn rootworm (WCR; Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) is a significant pest of maize (Zea mays L.) across the United States Corn Belt. Transgenic maize hybrids expressing insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been used to manage WCR since 2003. Widespread resistance to Cry3Bb1 (and associated cross-resistance to mCry3A and eCry3.1Ab) has placed increased selection pressure on Cry34/35Ab1 in single-protein and pyramided transgenic maize hybrids. Data on the susceptibility of Nebraska WCR populations to Cry34/35Ab1 has not been published since 2015 and plant-based bioassays conducted in 2017–2018 confirmed resistance to Cry3Bb1 + Cry34/35Ab1 maize, suggesting resistance …

Three New Species Of Cyclocephala (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) From Amazonian Peru And A Checklist Of Cyclocephala Species In Peru, Fernando Paz, Brett C. Ratcliffe, Luis Figueroa

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The following new species of Cyclocephala Dejean, 1821 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Cyclocephalini) are described from Peru: C. mateoi Paz & Ratcliffe, C. ukuku Paz & Ratcliffe, and C. hylaea Ratcliffe & Paz. A description, diagnosis, geographic distribution, notes on natural history, and illustrations are provided for each new species. Six Cyclocephala species are reported for the first time from Peru: C. emarginata Endrödi, 1964, C. guianae Endrödi, 1969, C. kuntzeniana Höhne, 1923, C. malyi Dupuis, 2014, C. ovulum Bates, 1888, and C. sylviae Dechambre, 1995. An updated, annotated list of the 81 Peruvian species of Cyclocephala is provided.

Increased Signal Complexity Is Associated With Increased Mating Success, Noori Choi, Matt Adams, Kasey Fowler-Finn, Elise Knowlton, Malcolm Rosenthal, Aaron Rundus, Roger D. Santer, Dustin J. Wilgers, Eileen Hebets

Eileen Hebets Publications

The evolution of complex signals has often been explored by testing multiple functional hypotheses regarding how independent signal components provide selective benefits to offset the costs of their production. In the present study, we take a different approach by exploring the function of complexity per se. We test the hypothesis that increased vibratory signal complexity— based on both proportional and temporal patterning—provides selective benefits to courting male Schizocosa stridulans wolf spiders. In support of this hypothesis, all of our quantified metrics of vibratory signal complexity predicted the mating success of male S. stridulans. The rate of visual signalling, which is …

Description Of The Courtship And Copulation Behaviours Of The Wall Spider Oecobius Concinnus (Oecobiidae), Diego Solano-Brenes, Laura Segura-Hernández, Gilbert Barrantes

Eileen Hebets Publications

Courtship and copulation behaviours are yet scantily described in many spider families, and this lack of information limits our understanding of the evolution of such behaviours within and across families. Here, we provide a detailed description of both courtship and copulation behaviour for Oecobius concinnus Simon, 1893. A striking characteristic of the male courtship is the construction of a tubular web (mating web) in which most courtship and copulation occurs. This web likely functions to restrain the female in a reduced space and as a substrate for male pheromones. The courtship consists of a complex web of interactions between both …

Seek, Picture Insect, Google Lens: An Analysis Of Popular Insect Identification Apps Using Photos Of Realistic Quality, Morgan Manderfield

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Photo-based identification apps for mobile devices have grown in popularity across many fields of organismal biology. While studies have shown that these apps show promise in fields such as botany and ornithology, there is much skepticism surrounding their accuracy and usefulness in entomology. While providing these apps with photos of high quality will undoubtedly lead to the highest accuracy rates, often users submit photos of average quality, e.g., in poor lighting, out of focus, from far away, etc. To quantify realistic accuracy rates of photo-based insect identification apps, this study analyzed three popular apps – Seek, Picture Insect, and Google …

“One Bug, Two Bug, Good Bug, Bad Bug”, Ivy Grob

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic strategy for the management of pest species. It is a framework that relies on scientifically informed decisions to identify and remediate a pest problem in a way that minimizes harm to the environment, human health, and the economy (Dara, 2019). The term pest is broadly defined not just as a nuisance, but as any organism that has detrimental effects to a resource or public health and that exists at a population level that exceeds a threshold of economic damage. This encompasses invertebrates (such as insects, nematodes, and mites), vertebrates, plant pathogens, diseases, and …

Counting Butterflies In Yosemite: A Guide For Beginners, Christine Melvin

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Entomology is the study of insects. Insects are the most numerous animal group on the planet and therefore the field of entomology is further divided based upon insect groups. Butterflies and Moths belong to the insect group Lepidoptera. An entomologist who studies butterflies and/or moths is called a Lepidopterist. Butterflies are a special group of insects because they are not only studied by entomologists, but they are also studied by people called citizen scientists. Citizen science is the casual participation in gathering of data about anything relating to science. Anyone who uses the app iNaturalist is a citizen scientist because …