Entomology Commons^™

Epidemiological Inferences Of The Impacts Of Winter Ticks On Moose Health, Krishna S. Woerheide

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The North American Moose (mooz in Anishinaabemowin, Ojibwe language, Alces alces), a culturally significant subsistence species for the Anishinaabe people, faces population decline due to calf predation, pathogen transmission, and parasitism by the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus), all exacerbated by climate change. This study explores the impact of winter tick infestations on moose health, with a focus on natural mineral seeps as potential transmission hotspots in moose habitats within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation (Gichi Onigaming), on Isle Royale National Park (Minong), and within the 1854 Ceded Territory (greater northeastern Minnesota) - ancestral and present homelands of …

Integrating Genomic And Phenomic Breeding Tools For Wheat Stem Sawfly Resistance In Hard Winter Wheat, Sydney E. Graham

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The wheat stem sawfly (WSS; Cephus cinctus) is an insect pest that affects wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the Northern Great Plains. This pest causes stem cutting that makes the plants susceptible to lodging and results in up to 30% yield loss. The primary management strategy for producers is utilizing host plant resistance, for which the main trait is stem solidness. This trait increases the pith thickness and provides resistance to the WSS by increasing larval mortality and reducing stem cutting. While stem solidness is largely controlled by a known major gene (SSt1), the phenotypic expression is also …

Maggot Mass Effect On The Development And Survival Of Forensic Blow Flies, Akomavo Fabrice Gbenonsi

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Forensic entomology scientists use blow flies' developing patterns to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI). However, larval aggregations produce metabolic heat, resulting in complex microclimates that may change growth timetables. This study investigates how larval density and associated temperature changes affect the development and survival of two forensically essential blow fly species, Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vicina.

This study examined how larval density and associated thermal profiles affect the development of both blow fly species. Using a split-plot design, we tested four larval densities at 25°C and 30°C, with temperature gradients measured via thermocouple at four mass positions three times …

Mapping Mosquito Habitats With Girl Scouts: A Citizen Science Approach Using The “Mosquito Mission: Scout & Report!” Worksheet, Claire A. Klein

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Mosquitoes, though small, impact millions around the world by being significant vectors of diseases. The search for effective mosquito control efforts is ongoing, however, there is a gap in community involvement with a focus on recognizing and reducing potential breeding areas. Public engagement is a cornerstone of effective mosquito control. This honors thesis investigates the implementation of the Mosquito Mappers program with an original Girl Scout worksheet, “Mosquito Mission: Scout & Report!” This worksheet, which utilizes NASA’s GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper app, enables the Girl Scouts to contribute to real-time environmental monitoring. By guiding Girl Scouts through an inquiry-based …

Notable Hesperiidae Collected By Kilian Roever In Arizona, Usa, Jing Zhang, Qian Cong, Jinhui Shen, Leina Song, Nick V. Grishin

The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey

Genomic analysis of Hesperiidae specimens collected by Kilian Roever in Arizona, USA, and deposited in the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity (Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, Florida, USA) confirms several published state species records, reveals that Cecropterus (Murgaria) markwalkeri Grishin, 2023, Telegonus (Telegonus) misitra (Plötz, 1881), and Epargyreus cruza Evans, 1952 have been found in Arizona with sequenced specimens representing first confirmed USA records of these three species, and allows us to discover new taxa Cecropterus (Murgaria) roeveri Grishin, sp. n. and Lerema (Lerema) ochrius occidus Grishin, ssp. n. This …

Commonly Encountered Insect Pests Of Virginia, Angel Almaas

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Foreword

The goal of this pamphlet is to provide an outline of over 50 commonly encountered pest species that occur in Virginia. Care was given to represent each category of pest. This is by no means an exhaustive list of insect pests in Virginia. However, the profiles chosen are reflective of data from insect inventories performed on military bases in coastal Virginia (Fort Eustis, Langley Air Force Base, and Camp Pendleton), sampling from counties in central Virginia, insect species diversity surveys performed in northern Virginia, annual species counts of vector surveillance data from the Virginia Department of Health, and information …

A Comprehensive Catalog Of The Important Insects Found Within The Usa's National Parks, Raven Patrick

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

To fulfill the Masters in Entomology Masters Project requirement, I chose to focus on creating a list of the important insects found within the National Parks of the United States. Important insects, although subjective, was grouped into four categories for my project: Keystone Insect Species, Invasive Insect Species, Insect Species of Conservation Concern, and Culturally Significant Insect Species. Keystone insects include those that are important parts of ecosystems and who which without would cause a significant upset to the food web. Invasive insect species includes those that are introduced into parks accidentally, usually through anthropogenic means, and are causing ecological …

Nebline, March/April 2025

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Be Groundwater Aware in Your Day-to-Day Life! Becky Schuerman

National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 9-15, 2025

National Nutrition Month: Food Connects Us, Alyssa Havlovic

Recipe of the Month: Wild Vegetable Salad, Alyssa Havlovic

Prepare Your Landscape’s Spring Game Plan, Sarah Browning

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month, Mary Jane Frogge

2025 GROBigRed

Embracing the Puddle: The Joy of Rainy Day Outdoor Play, Hayley Jackson Perez

Agronomic Practices to Reduce Nitrate Losses to Groundwater, John Nelson

Ethan & Morgan Gabel Attend National 4-H Congress

4-H Horse Teams at Nationals

Teen Council 4-H’ers Team Up to Lead Overnight Lock-in

Heart of …

Too Much Of A Good Thing: Lessons From Compromised Rootworm Bt Maize In The Us Corn Belt, Ziwei Ye, Christina Difonzo, David A. Hennessy, Jinhua Zhao, Felicia Wu, Shawn P. Conley, Aaron J. Gassmann, Erin W. Hodgson, Bryan Jensen, Janet J. Knodel, Bradley Mcmanus, Lance J. Meinke, Andrew Michel, Bruce Potter, Nicholas J. Seiter, Jocelyn L. Smith, Joseph L. Spencer, Kelley J. Tilmon, Robert J. Wright, Christian H. Krupke

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Widespread use of genetically engineered maize targeting the corn rootworm complex (Diabrotica species) has raised concerns about insect resistance. Twelve years of university field trial and farm survey data from ten United States Corn Belt states indicate that maize hybrids expressing toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt maize) exhibited declining protection from rootworm feeding with increased planting while pest pressures simultaneously decreased. The analysis revealed a tendency to overplant Bt maize, leading to substantial economic losses; this was particularly striking in eastern Corn Belt states. Our findings highlight the need to go beyond the “tragedy of the …

Nebline, January/February 2025

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

2024 Extension Highlights

4-H Engaged 34,177 Youth

Nebraska Extension’s Strategic Direction

Reflflection, Growth and Whole-Person Wellness for 2025. Emily Gratopp

Recipe of the Month: Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, Emily Gratopp

Extension’s 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Begins Soon

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month

Upcoming Green Industry Conferences

ProHort Lawn and Landscape Update

2025 Pesticide Applicator Trainings

Crop Production Clinics

Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women

At Ag Literacy Festival, Students Learn How Agriculture Impacts Their Daily Lives

Managing Hard Water, Becky Schuerman

Don’t Let Fungus Gnats Bug You and Your Plants, Kait Chapman

2025 Lincoln …

Correction On The Status Of Nematodes Pavidus Horn, 1886 (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae: Dromaeolinae: Dromaeolini), With Redescriptions Of Two Species From The Southeastern United States And The Caribbean, Robert L. Otto

Insecta Mundi

The status of Nematodes pavidus Horn (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae), in relation to Nematodes punctatus LeConte and Nematodes teres Horn is being questioned after Muona (2000) revised the family in the Nearctic region. Investigations into the status of N. pavidus included explorations of the histories among these three species and examining images of the types through the Museum of Comparative Zoology’s website. It has been confirmed that Muona erred by synonymizing N. pavidus with N. teres before transferring both N. punctatus and N. teres to Dromaeolus Kiesenwetter. A correction has been made by transferring N. pavidus …

Blue Exoskeleton, Aridity, And Thermoregulation In Some Western Nearctic Spider Wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae), Frank E. Kurczewski

Insecta Mundi

Several Nearctic spider wasp genera and subgenera in the subfamily Pompilinae (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) in the arid western United States and northern Mexico are characteristically blue, violet, or purple in color: Aporus Spinola; Plectraporus Bradley; Chelaporus Bradley; Psorthaspis Banks; Chalcochares Banks; Evagetes Lepeletier; and Allochares Banks. Other genera and subgenera of Pompilinae in western United States and northern Mexico have one or more bluish or violaceous species: Episyron Schiødte; Notiochares Banks; Pompilinus Ashmead; Anoplius Dufour; Hesperopompilus Evans; Ammosphex Wilcke; and Arachnospila Kincaid. In California, 27/79 (34.2%) species of Pompilinae are blue, violet, or purple. The number of blue, violet, or purple …

New State And Adult Host Records For Species Of Anthaxia Degeer And Melanophila Eschscholtz (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) In The Western United States, Richard L. Westcott, Luc Leblanc

Insecta Mundi

New state records are provided for one species of Anthaxia (Haplanthaxia) Reitter, six species of Anthaxia (Melanthaxia) Richter, and one species of Melanophila Eschscholtz (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in the Western United States. One new adult host record is provided for Anthaxia (Melanthaxia) aeneogaster Gory and Laporte, two are provided for Melanophila atropurpurea (Say), and one for Phaenops intrusa (Horn).

On The Paratypes And Distribution Of Hemipeplus Quadricollis Pollock, 1999 (Coleoptera: Mycteridae: Hemipeplinae): Does It Occur In Peru?, Sajan Kc

Insecta Mundi

Hemipeplus quadricollis Pollock, 1999 (Coleoptera: Mycteridae: Hemipeplinae), was originally described from Rondonia State, Brazil, as its type locality, with 10 paratypes: eight from Brazil (Rondonia State) and two from Peru (Madre de Dios and Loreto departments). However, one of the paratypes from Peru (Madre de Dios) was later identified as a cryptic species, Hemipeplus pseudoquadricollis KC and Pollock, 2025. This raises questions about the single remaining paratype from Peru—whether the species truly occurs in Peru—and how many of the paratypes of H. quadricollis are actually H. quadricollis. In this study, all seven remaining paratypes of H. …

A New Species Of Allotriopsis Champion From Guatemala (Coleoptera: Elateridae), E. R. Fuller

Insecta Mundi

Abstract

Allotriopsis schusteri Fuller (Coleoptera: Elateridae), new species, is described from cloud forest habitat in Zacapa Department, Guatemala, and compared with Allotriopsis nasalis Champion from Quezaltenango Department, Guatemala.

Resumen

Se describe Allotriopsis schusteri Fuller (Coleoptera: Elateridae), nueva especie, del hábitat del bosque nuboso en el departamento de Zacapa, Guatemala, y se compara con Allotriopsis nasalis Champion del departamento de Quezaltenango, Guatemala.

Checklist Of The Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) Of Panama, Alfredo Lanuza-Garay, Miguel A. Monné

Insecta Mundi

Abstract

A checklist of the Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) of Panama is provided, including 1,031 species and subspecies distributed in 433 genera, 63 tribes and subtribes, and five subfamilies. In addition, provincial distribution data are provided for each species. The following new country records for Panama are reported: Ischioloncha lineata Bates, 1885 (Panama and Colon Province) (Lamiinae: Apomecynini), Oncideres macra Thomson, 1868 (Panama and Panama Oeste Province), Oncideres minuta Thomson, 1868 (Panama province, San Blas Comarca), Oncideres ochreostillata Dillon and Dillon, 1952 (Barro Colorado Island) (Lamiinae: Onciderini). A new province record is presented for Rileyellus panamensis Wappes and Santo-Silva, 2020 (Darien Province) …

Three New Species Of Lepidocyrtus Bourlet (Collembola: Entomobryidae) From Florida, Usa, And Descriptive Notes On Lepidocyrtus Floridensis Snider, Felipe N. Soto-Adames, Emily Jenks, Kathryn M. Daly

Insecta Mundi

Abstract

In North America, the genus Lepidocyrtus Bourlet (Collembola: Entomobryidae) is represented by 18 species, but only three (L. floridensis Snider, L. millsi Snider, and L. pallidus Reuter) have been reported from Florida. We investigated species diversity in leaf litter samples from counties in the north-central and southern part of the state, as the reportedly low species diversity in Florida may be due to under-sampling. As a result, in this contribution we describe three species of Lepidocyrtus new to science: L. bobwoodruffi Soto-Adames, Jenks and Daly, new species, L. brambilae Soto-Adames, Jenks and …

Descripción De Una Nueva Especie De Tetralicia Harrison (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) De Petén, Guatemala, José Francisco García-Ochaeta, Vicente Emilio Carapia-Ruiz

Insecta Mundi

Resumen

Se describe una nueva especie de Aleyrodidae, Tetralicia dubeyi Carapia-Ruiz y García-Ochaeta nueva especie, fue encontrada en el envés de las hojas de Hamelia patens Jacq. (Rubiaceae) en San José, Jobompiche, Petén, Guatemala. Esta nueva especie es incluida en el grupo abnormis del género Tetralicia Harrison. Se ilustran con fotografías las estructuras morfológicas del pupario, se discute la relación con especies cercanas y se proporciona una clave para la identificación de los grupos y especies del grupo abnormis.

Abstract

A new species of Aleyrodidae, Tetralicia dubeyi Carapia-Ruiz y García-Ochaeta new species, was found on the underside of the …

Habitat Definition For Pepsis Elegans Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae: Pepsinae), Frank E. Kurczewski

Insecta Mundi

Recent (2024) photographs of Pepsis elegans Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae: Pepsinae) females searching through plant litter disclosed no clues about its nesting behavior or host spider. However, coupled with geographic site locations, they reveal important habitat information. The various site locations are specifically defined as part of the Eastern Temperate Forests Level I Ecoregion of North America, numerous Level III Ecoregions of the Continental United States, several United States Forest Type Groups, and natural habitat designation of mesic open woodland.

A Taxonomic Note On Lecanium Vaccinii Macrocarpum Nomen Dubium Status, Rhys J. L. Campo, Barbara D. Denno, Douglass R. Miller

Insecta Mundi

Lecanium vaccinii macrocarpum Goethe, 1884 (Hemiptera: Coccidae) is a subspecies of which the original description is inconsistent with its current taxonomic placement, and its recorded synonymy with other species is questionable. The original type material is likely lost or destroyed. For these reasons, L. vaccinii macrocarpum is proposed to be treated as nomen dubium.

New Host Record Of Dahlibruchus Bridwell, 1931 On Cultivated Dahlia Cav. In Mexico And Description Of Two New Species (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), Jesús Romero Nápoles

Insecta Mundi

Dahlibruchus Bridwell is a genus in the family Bruchidae (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea) and all species have as host plants species in the genus Dahlia Cav. (Asteraceae). Usually they arrive on hosts when flowers appear and start feeding on nectar and pollen; later females lay eggs on bracts, and a few weeks later the adults emerge. Presently, the genus Dahlibruchus contains three species. The description of two new ones (Dahlibruchus castroi, new species and Dahlibruchus ruizi, new species) brings this number to five. A key to all species is presented. Dahlibruchus conradti Bridwell is recorded for the first …

Descriptions Of Four New Species Of Leptophloeus Casey (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) From The United States, Michael C. Thomas, Kyle E. Schnepp

Insecta Mundi

Four new species of Leptophloeus Casey (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) are described: L. barbarus Thomas and Schnepp is described from Florida; L. glacialis Thomas and Schnepp is described from Alaska; L. peregrinus Thomas and Schnepp is described from Hawaii; and L. shoshone Thomas and Schnepp is described from Wyoming. Diagnoses and figures are provided for the new species.

A Review Of The Genus Necydalis Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) From North America With Proposed Subgeneric Reclassification, Daniel Heffern, Tatsuya Niisato, Ronald Alten

Insecta Mundi

All North American species of Necydalis Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are removed from the nominotypical subgenus with species allocated into four subgenera: Neodalis Niisato new subgenus, Heterodalis Niisato new subgenus, Mesodalis Niisato new subgenus and Necydalisca Plavilstshikov, 1936. Neodalis and Heterodalis are endemic to the Nearctic, whereas Mesodalis and Necydalisca also occur in the Palearctic. Necydalis (Neodalis) copei Niisato, Heffern and Alten new species is described from Nevada, USA. Necydalis californica Linsley, 1940 new status is elevated from a subspecies of N. diversicollis Schaeffer, 1932 to full species status. Male terminalia of all species are …

Living A Lie: The Truth Behind Isohydnocera Curtipennis (Newman) And Other Historically Confused Species Of Phyllobaenus Dejean, With The Description Of The New Genus Neohydnocera (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Clerinae: Hydnocerini: Hydnocerina), John M. Leavengood Jr.

Insecta Mundi

Taxonomic changes in the New World Hydnocerina (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Clerinae: Hydnocer­ini) at the species and genus level are presented. Phyllobaenus suturalis (Klug, 1842) and Hydnocera limbata Spinola, 1844 are designated junior synonyms of P. pallipennis (Say, 1825), new synonymy. Phyllobaenus nigrescens (Schaeffer, 1909) is designated a junior synonym of P. verticalis (Say, 1835), new synonymy. Iso­hydnocera curtipennis (Newman, 1840), P. lineaticollis Spinola, 1844, and Clerus brachypterus Klug, 1842, are re-established as junior synonyms of P. verticalis (Say, 1835), status reinstated, and I. curtipennis is accordingly reassigned to Phyllobaenus Dejean as P. curtipennis …

The First Species Of Prococcophagus Silvestri (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) From America North Of Mexico, Zachary Lahey, Alvin M. Simmons, Sharon A. Andreason

Insecta Mundi

Prococcophagus tobiasi (Myartseva) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is newly recorded from the state of Florida. This represents the first record of the genus Prococcophagus Silvestri in the United States. Amendments are made to the original description based on the newly collected specimens, and the species is placed in the context of the genus based on a phylogenetic analysis of 28S rDNA. The status of the specimens comprising the type series is discussed and notes are made on the unusual coloration exhibited by living specimens.

First Report Of Corn Leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) In The Usa Midwest Suction Trap Network, Doris M. Lagos-Kutz, Isabel Plasencia, Christopher H. Dietrich, Joseph Laforest, Brian Mccornack, Erin Hodgson, Raul T. Villanueva, Nicholas J. Seiter, Anthony M. Mcmechan, Michael S. Crossley, Steven J. Clough

Insecta Mundi

Corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (DeLong and Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is native to Central and South America, but invasive in the United States. This species is a threat to corn, Zea mays L., one of the main crops of economic importance in the US, because it is also a vector of three pathogens responsible for corn stunt diseases complex: corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS), maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP), and maize rayado fino virus (MRFV). Therefore, monitoring the dispersal of this pest is necessary to document its geographic expansion and anticipate the incidence of corn stunt disease. Based on trap catches obtained …

Distributional Records Of False Click Beetles (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae) From Western North Carolina, John M. Leavengood Jr., Robert L. Otto, Mary Kait Brown

Insecta Mundi

Two new state records (North Carolina) and eight total species of false click beetles (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae) are reported from a survey site in western North Carolina. Updated distributions are provided for each species.

Tetraleurodes Gilli (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae), A New Whitefly Species On Quercus L. From California, Natalia Von Ellenrieder

Insecta Mundi

Abstract

A new species of Tetraleurodes Cockerell (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae), T. gilli, occurring on Quercus L. (Fagaceae) in California is described and illustrated based on its puparium, adults, and nymphs. The puparium of the new species can be recognized from that of other black whiteflies devoid of dorsal wax that occur on oaks by the combination of a filamentous marginal wax fringe as wide as a third to full width of puparium, cephalothoracic setal formula 1 0 1 1, longitudinal suture margined by tubercles, presence of eyespots, a concentric dorsal submarginal fold, ventral spinules medially to legs decreasing …

All For One And One For Gall: Getting Kids Excited About Plant-Insect Interactions, Natalie D. Tessicini

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Insect biodiversity is on a decline globally. In order to care about insects, the population must know about them. Creating interest starts with young children and students, using age-appropriate resources and lesson plans. Ensuring that future generations are curious about entomology and not driven away from it is integral to building a future where the public protects the environment. I will add to the available tools by creating my own non-fiction children’s book on under-explored entomology topics.

Integrated Pest Management: State Infrastructure Status After 50 Yr Of Federal Support (1973 To 2023), Daren S. Mueller, Laura C. Iles, Carol L. Pilcher, Adam J. Sisson, Roger Magarey, Ryan Adams, Wanda I. Almodovar, Diane Alston, Patrick Beauzay, Ricardo Bessin, Mandy Bish, Mary Burrows, Alejandro Calixto, Rakesh Chandran, Jed B. Colquhoun, Mary Concklin, Amy J. Dreves, Peter C. Ellsworth, Paul D. Esker, James J. Farrar, Alfred Fournier, Daniel Frank, Kelly Hamby, George Hamilton, Anthony Hanson, Ann Hazelrigg, Natalie Hein-Ferris, David Held, James Jasinski, Heather M. Kelly, David Kerns, Miranda Kersten, Lauren Kerzicnik, Janet Knodel, Glen Koehler, Heidi Kratsch, Christian H. Krupke, Norman C. Leppla, Erin Lizotte, Casey Matney, Rebecca A. Melanson, Frannie Miller, Marion Murray, David Owens, Diane Plewa, Francis P. F. Reay-Jones, Silvia I. Rondon, Tom A. Royer, Philip A. Rozeboom, Hilary A. Sandler, Scott P. Schell, Marissa Schuh, Timothy Seipel, Danesha Seth Carley, Ashfaq Sial, Raghuwinder Singh, Damon L. Smith, Tim Stock, Glenn Studebaker, Adrianna Szczepaniec, Lisa Tewksbury, John Tooker, Adam J. Varenhorst, Amber Vinchesi-Vahl, Doug Walsh, Desiree Wickwar, Robert J, Wright, Simon Zebelo

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Integrated pest management uses a variety of tools coupled with historical, current, and projected information for economical pest protection of crops and other resources while accounting for risk to humans and the environment. Following the 1972 US Federal IPM Policy, funding for integrated pest management programming has continued for 50+ years. However, multifaceted changes during this time have significantly affected state-level integrated pest management infrastructure, prompting a comprehensive survey to assess conditions, limitations, and growth potential of US integrated pest management programs. A survey was sent to 50 US states and 3 territories with integrated pest management programs in November …