Entomology Commons^™

Short-Amplitude High-Frequency Wing Strokes Determine The Aerodynamics Of Honeybee Flight, Douglas L. Altshuler, William B. Dickson, Jason T. Vance, Stephen P. Roberts, Michael H. Dickinson

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Most Insects Are Thought to Fly by Creating a Leading-Edge Vortex that Remains Attached to the Wing as It Translates through a Stroke. in the Species Examined So Far, Stroke Amplitude is Large, and Most of the Aerodynamic Force is Produced Halfway through a Stroke When Translation Velocities Are Highest. Here We Demonstrate that Honeybees Use an Alternative Strategy, Hovering with Relatively Low Stroke Amplitude (≈90°) and High Wingbeat Frequency (≈230 Hz). When Measured on a Dynamically Scaled Robot, the Kinematics of Honeybee Wings Generate Prominent Force Peaks during the Beginning, Middle, and End of Each Stroke, Indicating the Importance …

Stemborers Associated With Smooth Cordgrass, Spartina Alterniflora (Poaceae), In A Nursery Habitat, W. H. White, D. Adamski, G. Fine, E. P. Richard, Jr.

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

Extensive ecological studies have been conducted on insects inhabiting native stands of smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora Loisel; however, this is not the case for insects found in smooth cordgrass in a nursery habitat. We investigated species composition and larval disposition among stemborers (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae and Crambidae) infesting stems of smooth cordgrass in nursery plots. One thousand and forty stems of smooth cordgrass were randomly selected in 2003 and examined for presence of stemborer larvae. Height of larvae on or within stem, height of stem from ground level to top-visible dewlap, and condition of the leaf-whorl were documented. Stemborers representing six …

Celastrina Serotina (Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae): A New Butterfly Species From The Northeastern United States And Eastern Canada, Harry Pavulaan, David M. Wright

The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey

A new light-venter Azure species, Celastrina serotina, is described from the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. The flight period of this univoltine spring species is interpolated (allochrony) between its sympatric congeners, C. lucia Auctorum (not Kirby) and C. neglecta (Edwards). In this regard it is similar to C. neglectamajor Opler & Krizek in the southern Appalachians and C. idella Wright & Pavulaan on the New Jersey coastal plain. In a significant portion of its range, C. serotina larvae feed on eriophyid mite-formed galls on the upper surface of Black Cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh. …

An Annotated Checklist Of The Tephritidae (Diptera) Of Florida, Bruce D. Sutton, Gary J. Steck

Insecta Mundi

A total of 73 species of tephritid flies has been recorded from Florida since the early 1800s. Of these, 7 species are considered to represent occasional waifs or accidental introductions from surrounding regions that are not known to have established populations in Florida; 6 are exotic pests which failed to colonize or were extirpated; and 7 species are represented only by early literature records and are considered dubious for the state. Thus, the tephritid fauna of Florida currently comprises a total of 53 species of which 1 species is precinctive to the state and considered to be endangered.

A Review Of Described Metacyrba, The Status Of Parkella, And Notes On Platycryptus And Balmaceda, With A Comparison Of The Genera (Araneae: Salticidae: Marpissinae), G. B. Edwards

Insecta Mundi

Parkella Chickering 1946 = Metacyrba F. O. P.-Cambridge 1901, n. syn.; Parkella venusta Chickering 1946 = Metacyrba venusta (Chickering 1946), n. comb.; Parkella fusca Chickering 1946 and Dendryphantes franganilloi Caporiacco 1955 = Metacyrba venusta (Chickering 1946), n. syn. The six valid described species of Metacyrba are diagnosed and re-illustrated to show previously unrecognized genitalic differences. Metacyrba similis Banks 1904 is resurrected as a subspecies, becoming Metacyrba taeniola similis Banks 1904, n. status. The female of Metacyrba pictipes Banks 1903 is described for the first time. Metacyrba arizonensis Barnes 1958 = Platycryptus arizonensis (Barnes 1958), n. comb., and Marpissa magna (Peckham …

The Scientific Name Of The Coffee Bean Weevil And Some Additional Bibliography (Coleoptera: Anthribidae: Araecerus Schönherr), Barry D. Valentine

Insecta Mundi

The name Araecerus fasciculatus (DeGeer 1775) is resurrected for the coffee bean weevil, with the following synonyms: Bruchus cacao Fabricius 1775, Bruchus peregrinus Herbst 1797, Bruchus capsinicola Fabricius 1798, Anthribus coffeae Fabricius 1801, Amblycerus japonicus Thunberg 1815 (probably a synonym), Anthribus alternans Germar 1824, Phloeobius griseus of Stephens 1831, not Fabricius 1792, Cratoparis parvirostris Thomson 1858, Araecerus seminarius Chevrolat 1871, and Tropideres (Rhaphitropis) mateui Cobos 1954. Lectotypes are designated for A. fasciculatus, B. capsinicola, and A. alternans. A diagnosis distinguishes Araecerus from all 650 anthribid genera and a diagnosis for the species is as complete as possible with materials studied. …

Hexapod Herald - Vol. 17, No. 5, December 2005

Hexapod Herald and Other Entomology Department Newsletters

Contents:
Congratulations
Welcome
Farewell
Faculty News
Grad Student News
From the Office
Grants
Museum News
Publications
Travel
Condolences
Meet a Distance Student
This & That
Hexapod Herald Archives

Incidence Of Larval And Pupal Parasitoids Of Lepidoptera In Uganda With Special Reference To New Associations, I. Rwomushana, S. Kyamanywa, A. J. Ngi-Song, C. O. Omwega

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was introduced in Uganda in 1998 for the biological control of the old association cereal stemborer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). However there is little information on whether this parasitoid will attack new association Lepidoptera, which in turn may have implications on its efficacy on Ch. partellus. This study investigated the incidence of introduced Co. flavipes on Ch. partellus, and new association lepidopteran species and associated effects on its efficacy. Parasitism levels for Co. flavipes in several locations varied between 13.7-34.8% and 1.5-18.8% on Ch. partellus and new association hosts, respectively. Implications for biological control …

Variations In Races Of The Honeybee Apis Mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) In Kenya, S. K. Raina, D. M. Kimbu

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The three races of the honeybee Apis mellifera Linnaeus in Kenya (A. m. scutellata, A. m. monticola and A. m. litorea) differ from each other with respect to size, cubital index and abdominal colour banding pattern. These differences were used to assess the extent of interbreeding and hybridization between the races. This was verified on the basis of selected morphometric traits. Bee samples were collected from traditional log hives in seven geographical locations throughout Kenya ranging from lowland Mombasa in the coastal region to the highland Kinangop ranges. The length and width of the right forewing, length of proboscis, right …

The Effect Of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application To Maize And Sorghum On The Bionomics Of Chilo Partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) And The Performance Of Its Larval Parasitoid Cotesia Flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), N. Jiang, F. Schulthess

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Laboratory and field trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of plant species (maize, sorghum), plant age (young, middle, old) and four different nitrogen fertilization levels (N0-N3) on the bionomics of the invasive crambid Chilo partellus and the performance of its braconid larval parasitoid Cotesia flavipes. Plant N varied significantly between N0 and N1-N3, but the differences among the latter were not significant. Intrinsic rates of increase and net-reproductive rates of C. partellus followed the same trends: they were lowest with N0 and similar among the other treatments. On maize only, mortality of C. partellus and parasitism by C. flavipes …

Muscle Biochemistry And The Ontogeny Of Flight Capacity During Behavioral Development In The Honey Bee, Apis Mellifera, Stephen P. Roberts, Michelle M. Elekonich

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

A Fundamental Issue in Physiology and Behavior is Understanding the Functional and Genetic Mechanisms that Underlie Major Behavioral Shifts in Organisms as They Adopt New Environments or Life History Tactics. Such Transitions Are Common in Nature and Include the Age-Related Switch from Nest/hive Work to Foraging in Social Insects Such as Honeybees (Apis Mellifera). Because of their Experimental Tractability, Recently Sequenced Genome and Well Understood Biology, Honeybees Are an Ideal Model System for Integrating Molecular, Genetic, Physiological and Sociobiological Perspectives to Advance Understanding of Behavioral and Life History Transitions. When Honeybees (Apis Mellifera) Transition from Hive Work to Foraging, their …

Nebline, November/December 2005

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Community Food Programs Help Limited-Resource Families Eat Healthy
NEP Teaches People How to Stretch Their Food Dollar
Get Involved in the Fight Against Hunger
Free Soybean Cyst Nematode Sample Kits Available
Don’t Forget to Winterize Your Underground Sprinkler System
Agricultural Tax Planning for 2005
Nebraska Arboretum Speakers Bureau
Setting Goals for Your Small Farm
Prepare Horses For Winter
Improve Nebraska Woodlands in Late Fall and Winter
“Woody Florals” Acreage Insights Clinic, Nov. 10
Prevent Soil Erosion
Thanksgiving — the Tradition Continues
Ginger Citrus Rice Recipe
FREE Healthy Desserts Presentation, Nov. 15
$tretch Your Food Dollar with Leftover Turkey
President’s Notes …

Differential Immersion Survival By Populations Of Cicindela Hirticollis (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae, Mathew Louis Brust, William Wyatt Hoback, Kerri Farnsworth Skinner, Charles Barry Kinsley

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

In the past 20 yr, populations of Cicindela hirticollis Say (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) that inhabit river shorelines have declined dramatically. These habitats have routinely flooded in winter and spring historically, but they have been altered by damming and controlled water releases for irrigation and power generation. We tested the ability of C. hirticollis larvae from two river and one bayshore population to survive immersion in severely hypoxic water. This is the first report of population-level differences among insects in immersion survival and likely relates to exposure to different flooding regimes. The larvae from the Chesapeake Bay population survived ≈3 d of …

Biodemography Of A Long-Lived Tephritid: Reproduction And Longevity In A Large Cohort Of Female Mexican Fruit Flies, Anastrepha Ludens, James R. Carey, Pablo Liedo, Hans-Georg Müller, Jane-Ling Wang, Damla Senturke, Lawrence G. Harshman

Lawrence G. Harshman Publications

Age of sexual maturity, daily and lifetime reproductive rates, and life span were recorded in a laboratory cohort of Mexican fruit flies consisting of over 1100 females maintained individually. The results revealed that, relative to the medfly, the Mexfly is slower maturing (14 vs 17 days), more fecund (1400 vs 650–1100 eggs/female), and longer lived (50 vs 35 days). The results reinforced the generality of several earlier findings on the medfly including the deceleration of mortality at older ages and the weakness of the correlation between the rate of egg laying at early ages and both subsequent reproduction and remaining …

Nebline, October 2005

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Students Prepare for Careers at UNL College of Ag and Natural Resources
CASNR’s “Ensuring Your Future Guarantee”
Check Out UNL and CASNR
Drying Gourds
Deep Watering Trees in Fall can Prevent Winter Drying Injury
Gladiola Fall Care
Storing Vegetables
Farmer Question: How Can I Reduce Energy Costs When Drying Grain?
Avoid Pasture Damage During Fall Grazing
Food Safety 101: USDA Offers Tips for College Students
One-Dish Rosemary Chicken and White Beans Recipe
Healthy Desserts Presentation, Nov. 15
Breakfast Power
How Healthy is Your Home? Be Aware of Indoor Air Pollutants
President’s Notes — Janet’s Jargon
FCE News & Events
Household …

Resistant Turfgrasses For Improved Chinch Bug Management, Tiffany Heng-Moss, Frederick P. Baxendale, Robert C. Shearman, Thomas E. Eickhoff

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Researchers at the University of Nebraska evaluated selected cool- and warm-season turfgrasses for resistance to chinch bugs in the Blissus complex, and documented the presence of multiple chinch bug resistance in these turfgrasses.

Greenhouse and field screening studies were initiated to search for cool- and warm-season turfgrasses with resistance to chinch bugs in the Blissus complex. Several warmseason turfgrasses (buffalograss, zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass) with resistance to the western chinch bug have been identified.

Studies are currently underway to investigate the biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying resistant turfgrasses. This information is fundamentally important for formulating plant breeding strategies, and subsequently developing …

The Symmetry Of Longevity, Lawrence G. Harshman, Hans-Georg Müller, Xueli Liu, Yue Wang, James R. Carey

Lawrence G. Harshman Publications

We tested the hypothesis that relatively symmetrical flies live longer. Vein measurements on the left and right wings from the same individual were used to characterize bilateral symmetry in relationship to age-specific survival in defined cohorts. A longitudinal cohort study supported the hypothesis of a correlation between bilateral symmetry and longevity. For another type of experiment, wings were removed from females and males at approximately the beginning of adult life. Thus, there would be no effect of wings per se on adult survival. These wings were measured to characterize bilateral asymmetry, and the day of death of each dewinged individual …

Relationships Of Intercropped Maize, Stem Borer Damage To Maize Yield And Land-Use Efficiency In The Humid Forest Of Cameroon, A. Chabi-Olaye, C. Nolte, F. Schulthess, C. Borgemeister

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Stem borers are the most important maize pests in the humid forest zone of Cameroon. Field trials were conducted in the long and short rainy seasons of 2002 and 2003 to assess the level of damage and yield reductions caused by stem borers in monocropped maize and in maize intercropped with non-host plants such as cassava, cowpea and soybean. The intercrops were planted in two spatial arrangements, i.e. alternating hills or alternating rows. All intercrops and the maize monocrop were grown with and without insecticide treatment for assessment of maize yield loss due to borer attacks. The land-use efficiency of …

Fitness Consequences Of Anopheles Gambiae Population Hybridization, David M. Menge, Tom Guda, Daibin Zhong, Aditi Pai, Goufa Zhou, John C. Beier, Louis Gouagna, Guiyun Yan

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: The use of transgenic mosquitoes with parasite inhibiting genes has been proposed as an integral strategy to control malaria transmission. However, release of exotic transgenic mosquitoes will bring in novel alleles along with parasite-inhibiting genes that may have unknown effects on native populations. Thus it is necessary to study the effects and dynamics of fitness traits in native mosquito populations in response to the introduction of novel genes. This study was designed to evaluate the dynamics of fitness traits in a simulation of introduction of novel alleles under laboratory conditions using two strains of Anopheles gambiae: Mbita strain from …

An Electronic Checklist Of The New World Chafers (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae), Arthur V. Evans, Andrew B. T. Smith

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Suggested citation:
Evans, A. V. and A. B. T. Smith. 2005. An Electronic Checklist of the New World Chafers (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae). Version 1. Electronically published, Ottawa, Canada. 344 pp.

PDF file, 345 pages

Environmental Hypoxia Influences Hemoglobin Subunit Composition In The Branchiopod Crustacean Triops Longicaudatus, J. A. Guadagnoli, A. M. Braun, S. (Stephen) P. Roberts, C. L. Reiber

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a Highly Conserved Protein that Provides a Vital Link between Environmental Oxygen and its Use And/or Storage within an Organism. While Ubiquitous among Vertebrates, Hb Occurs Frequently in Invertebrate Phyla as Well. Many Arthropod Species Use the Copper-Binding Pigment Hemocyanin, But Unique in This Phylum Are the Branchiopod Crustaceans, Which Express Hb. Branchiopod Hb Concentration and Structure Are Exquisitely Sensitive to Environmental Oxygen Availability. Hemoglobin Concentration and Oxygen-Binding Affinity Increase with Decreasing Oxygen Tension in Daphnia, Artemia and Triops. the Change in Binding Affinity is Attributed to Differential Hb Subunit Expression in Daphnia and Artemia But Remains …

Synopsis Of Scarab Beetle Tribe Valgini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) In The New World, Mary Liz Jameson, Katharine A. Swoboda

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Two genera and Þve species of valgine scarabs (Cetoniinae: Valgini) are found in the New World, including the introduced European species, Valgus hemipterus L.. Valgus mexicanus Cazier is transferred to the genus Dasyvalgus Kolbe, and characters that support this transfer are discussed. Based on shared morphological characters, Valgus minutus Casey and V. serricollis Fitch are synonymized with V. canaliculatus (Olivier). Neotypes are designated for V. serricollis Fitch and Cetonia canaliculata Olivier.Akey to the genera and species of New World Valgini is provided. Species are redescribed and information about geographic and phenology, biology, and larvae is provided.

Nebline, September 2005

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Now is a Good Time to Start a 4-H Club!
Spotlight on a New 4-H Club: Happy Hearts
4-H Kick Off, Sept. 20
Harvesting and Storing Apples
Garden Plants with Silver Foliage
Holiday Plants, Will They Bloom Again?
Swarming Midges near Capital Beach
Hands-On Termite Applicator Training, Sept. 28 & 20
Itch Mites Increasing in Oak Galls: Be Prepared for a Possible Itch Mite Outbreak
Pollution Prevention Participation
Harvest Safety Reminders
Women in Agriculture Conference Sept. 15–16
Prepare Bins Before Harvest to Maintain Grain Quality and Value
Scrap Tire Collection
Resting Pastures — the Key to More Productive Pastures
Upcoming …

Hexapod Herald - Vol. 17, No. 4, September 2005

Hexapod Herald and Other Entomology Department Newsletters

Contents:
Congratulations
Welcome
Farewell
Faculty News
Student News
From the Office
Grants
Museum News
Publications
Travel
Condolences
This & That
Hexapod Herald Archives

First Report Of Diaphorina Citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) In Costa Rica, William Villalobos, David Hollis, Carolina Godoy, Carmen Rivera

Insecta Mundi

The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Psyllidae)) and the African citrus psyllid (Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio) (Triozidae)) are two of the most serious pests of citrus in the world (Hoy and Nguyen 1998). The Asian citrus psyllid is usually found crowded on the lower sides of leaves, with the head almost touching the surface and the body raised almost to a 30 degree angle. The greatest activity of this psyllid occurs simultaneous with new citrus growth (Frank 1998). The Asian psyllid causes leaf distortion and curling in young tender growth due to direct feeding damage and toxic …

First Records Of Acrotaphus Fuscipennis (Cresson) And Of A. Tibialis (Cameron) From The United States (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), Julieta Brambila, Charles C. Porter

Insecta Mundi

Abstract:
Acrotaphus fuscipennis (Cresson), distinctive because of its black wings and bright red body, is recorded for the first time from the United States. It was reared from araneid spiders collected in Florida, which constitutes the first host record for this species. Acrotaphus tibialis (Cameron), collected in Texas, is also recorded for the first time in the United States. New U.S. localities are given for A. wiltii (Cresson). A key is provided for the identification of the three species of Acrotaphus in United States. The adults of all three species and the cocoon of Acrotaphus fuscipennis are illustrated.

Resumen:
Acrotaphus …

A New Species Of Pharaxonotha (Coleoptera: Erotylidae), Probable Pollinator Of The Endangered Cuban Cycad, Microcycas Calocoma (Zamiaceae), Ramiro Chavez, Julio A. Genaro

Insecta Mundi

Abstract:
The new species Pharaxonotha esperanzae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea: Erotylidae: Pharaxonothinae) is described. It feeds on the pollen of the endangered Cuban cycad Microcycas calocoma (Miq.) A. DC. and breeds in its male cones. Its potential role as a pollinator of Microcycas is discussed.

Resumen:
Se describe la especie nueva: Pharaxonotha esperanzae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea: Erotylidae: Pharaxonothinae). Ésta se alimenta del polen del cicadal cubano amenazado Microcycas calocoma (Miq.) A.DC y se reproduce en su cono masculino. Se discute su papel potencial como agente polinizador.

The First Record Of Phidippus Bidentatus (Araneae: Salticidae) In The United States, G. B. Edwards

Insecta Mundi

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL A male of a neotropical jumping spider, Phidippus bidentatus F. O. P.-Cambridge 1901, was collected by John Scott Armstrong and his staff from a boll weevil trap in Cameron County, Texas. The recent revision of the genus Phidippus (Edwards 2004) gave the range of this species as central Mexico to northwest Costa Rica. In addition, the specimen has a character, namely the presence of a distinct cheliceral distal dorsal tubercle, that would make it key out in the second couplet of the key, along with Phidippus audax (Hentz) and P. regius C. L. Koch. However …

Spartocera Batatas (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Coreidae), Newly Established In Florida, Susan E. Halbert, Julieta Brambila

Insecta Mundi

Spartocera batatas (Fabricius) was found for the first time in the USA in Homestead, Florida, in 1995. Records from Brazil, British Guiana, Colombia, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Grenada, Jamaica, Martinique, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saba, and Venezuela also are reported. The bug can be a pest of sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas.

New Host Records Of Chewing Lice (Mallophaga) On Birds In Florida Iii, J. Adam Holt

Insecta Mundi

Here, I report some new county and Florida host records as well as two new U.S. host records for avian lice. County records for avian lice are less significant than the host records themselves. Considering that most avian lice are host specific, the county records should resemble the area the host would most likely be encountered. The main source of material for this publication has been the Marathon Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, with Kelly Grinter as the official curator and keeper. The center takes in about 90 different species of birds per year. The following is …