Classification, Natural History, And Evolution Of The Epiphloeinae (Coleoptera: Cleridae). Part Iii. The Genera Parvochaetus, N. Gen., Amboakis, N. Gen., And Ellipotoma Spinola, Weston Opitz

Insecta Mundi

Abstract:
The checkered beetle genera Parvochaetus, n. gen. and Amboakis, n. gen. are described and the genus Ellipotoma Spinola is reviewed. Four new species plus P. linearis (Gorham), which represents a new combination, comprise Parvochaetus: P. albicornis, P. froeschneri, P. fucolatus, and P. sandaracus. Amboakis, a replacement name for the junior homonym Teutonia Opitz, involves four previously described species and 20 new species. The new species are A. anapsis, A. atra, A. barinas, A. binotonis, A. cauca, A.charis, A. epiomidia, A. erythrohapsis, A. funebris, A. incondita, A.katatonis, A. linitis, A.mica, A. micula, A. prolata, A. rudis, A. taruma, …

Discolomopsis Dominicana, A New Genus And Species Of Endomychidae (Coleoptera) From Dominican Amber, Floyd W. Shockley

Insecta Mundi

Discolomopsis, a new genus of Endomychidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea), is described and illustrated based on a fossil endomychid embedded in amber resin from the Dominican Republic. Discolomopsis dominicana sp. nov. is designated as the type species for the genus.

Combined Control Of Striga Hermonthica And Stemborers By Maize-Desmodium Spp. Intercrops, Zeyaur R. Khan, John A. Pickett, Lester J. Wadhams, Ahmed Hassanali, Charles A.O. Midega

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The African witchweed (Striga spp.) and lepidopteran stemborers are two major biotic constraints to the efficient production of maize in sub-Saharan Africa. Previous studies had shown the value of intercropping maize with Desmodium uncinatum in the control of both pests. The current study was conducted to assess the potential role of other Desmodium spp., adapted to different agro-ecologies, in combined control of both pests in Kenya. Treatments consisted of intercropped plots of a Striga hermonthica- and stemborer-susceptible maize variety and one Desmodium sp. or cowpea, with a maize monocrop plot included as a control. S. hermonthica counts and stemborer damage …

Host Preference Of The Chinch Bug, Blissus Occiduus, Thomas Eickhoff, Frederick P. Baxendale, Tiffany Heng-Moss

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The chinch bug, Blissus occiduus Barber (Hemiptera: Blissidae), is an important pest of buffalograss, Buchloë dactyloides (Nutall) Engelmann and potentially other turfgrass, crop, and non-crop hosts. Choice studies documented the number of B. occiduus present on selected turfgrasses, crops and weeds, and provided important insights into the host preferences of this chinch bug. Grasses with the most chinch bugs present included the warm-season turfgrasses B. dactyloides, zoysiagrass, Zoysia japonica Steudel, bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., and St. Augustinegrass , Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze. The other grasses tested, green foxtail, Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv, Kentucky bluegrass, Poa pratensis L., perennial …

Agroforestry: Sustaining Native Bee Habitat For Crop Pollination, Mace Vaughan, Scott Hoffman Black

Agroforestry Notes (USDA-NAC)

Over one hundred crop species in North America require a visit from an insect pollinator to be most productive. In the past, native bees and feral honey bees could meet the pollination needs of small orchards, tomato and pumpkin fields, and berry patches, because these farms were typically adjacent to areas of habitat that harbored important pollinators. Today, many farms are large and, at the same time, have less nearby habitat to support native pollinators. To ensure adequate pollination services, producers now rely on European honey bees. Research, however, shows that native bees can be important pollinators in agricultural fields …

Nebline, August 2006

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Kids Ag Discovery Zone at County Fair is Interactive Experience
Fun Facts About Farm Animals
Predicting the Last Irrigation for Corn, Milo and Soybeans
Effect of Increasing Energy Prices on Irrigation Costs
Fall is the Best Time to Stop Henbit
Pesticide Container Recycling Program
Add Mulches to Landscapes to Protect Plants from Temperature Changes
Water Trees During Drought
Woody Plants Under Stress
Penstemon, a Great Acreage Flower
Don’t Use Black Walnut Shavings for Animal Bedding
Are You Winning the “Fruit & Vegetable Bowl Game?”
Summertime Steak Salad Recipe
Top Ten Reasons to Eat At Home
President’s Notes — Alice’s Analysis …

Frozen Beetle Treats Are Environmentally Friendly, W. John Hayden

Biology Faculty Publications

At my rural household, the most vexatious insect pest has got to be the ubiquitous Japanese beetle. Native to Japan, these pests have infested most of eastern North America, with isolated infestations appearing in some western states. One reason that Japanese beetles are so bad is that they deliver a double-whammy: the larvae (grubs) consume roots and are particularly destructive of turf and pasture grasses while the adults consume leaves and flowers of a wide variety of plants, leaving behind skeletonized versions of the plant parts consumed.

Xenobiotic Response In Drosophila Melanogaster: Sex Dependence Of P450 And Gst Gene Induction, Gaelle Le Goff, Frederique Hilliou, Blair Siegfried, Sam Boundy, Eric Wajnberg, Luc Sofer, Pascaline Audant, Richard H. Ffrench-Constant, Rene Feyereisen

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The effect of xenobiotics (phenobarbital and atrazine) on the expression of Drosophila melanogaster CYP genes encoding cytochromes P450, a gene family generally associated with detoxification, was analyzed by DNA microarray hybridization and verified by real-time RT-PCR in adults of both sexes. Only a small subset of the 86 CYP genes was significantly induced by the xenobiotics. Eleven CYP genes and three glutathione S-transferases (GST) genes were significantly induced by phenobarbital, seven CYP and one GST gene were induced by atrazine. Cyp6d5, Cyp6w1, Cyp12d1 and the ecdysone-inducible Cyp6a2 were induced by both chemicals. The constitutive expression of several of the inducible …

Analyses Of Cry1ab Binding In Resistant And Susceptible Strains Of The European Corn Borer, Ostrinia Nubilalis (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Herbert A.A. Siquiera, Joel Gonzalez-Cabrera, Juan Ferre, Ronald Flannagan

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Cry1Ab toxin binding analysis was performed to determine whether resistance in laboratory-selected Ostrinia nubilalis strains is associated with target site alteration. Brush border membrane vesicles were prepared using dissected midguts from late instars of susceptible and resistant strains (Europe-R and RSTT) of O. nubilalis. Immunoblot analysis indicated that three different proteins bound to Cry1Ab toxin and were recognized by an anticadherin serum. In a comparison of resistant and susceptible strains, reduced Cry1Ab binding was apparent for all three bands corresponding to cadherin-like proteins in the Europe-R strain, while reduced binding was apparent in only one band for the RSTT …

Biological Impact Of The Exotic Parasitoid, Diadegma Semiclausum (Hellen), Of Diamondback Moth, Plutella Xylostella L., In Kenya, Caleb Momanyi, Bernhard Löhr, Linus Gitonga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen) was introduced to Kenya from Taiwan for the control of diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella L., and released for the first time in July 2002. Seven and twelve months after release, field mortality studies using the cage exclusion method were conducted at two release sites (Werugha/Taita Hills and Tharuni/Central Kenya). Four treatments were applied: fully closed and partially open cages, both with and without glue applied to the base of the plants for the exclusion of crawling predators. During this time interval, parasitism of exposed larvae rose from 15 to 60% at Werugha and from 8 to …

Suitability Of Cultivated And Wild Crucifers For The Development Of Diamondback Moth, Plutella Xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), G. Ayalew, B. Löhr, C. K.P.O. Ogol, J. Baumgärtner

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The performance of the Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., on Ethiopian cultivated and wild crucifers was studied in the laboratory for two generations. Head cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. capitata L., was the most suitable host with the shortest developmental period and the highest reproductive potential. Both developmental period and life table statistics showed that the weed Erucastrum arabicum Fisch. and Mey was more suitable than some of the cultivated species. © 2006 Academic Journals Inc.

Comparative Efficiency Of Six Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Traps, David B. Taylor, Dennis Berkebile

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Five adhesive traps and the Nzi cloth-target trap were compared to determine their trapping efficiency and biases for stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae). Two configurations of the BiteFree prototype trap, constructed of polyethylene terephthalate, were most efficient for trapping stable flies, whereas the EZ trap was least efficient. The two Alsynite traps, Broce and Olson, were intermediate to the BiteFree prototype and EZ traps. All adhesive traps collected a ratio of approximately two males for each female. Approximately 50% of the flies collected on the adhesive traps, both male and female, were blood fed, and 20% were vitellogenic. …

Nebline, July 2006

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Regularly Test Private Well Drinking Water for Safety
Approved Water Testing Laboratories
Nebraska Forest Service Expert Discovers Pine Wilt Treatment
Easier Gardening
Odorous House Ant
Chiggers Not a Health Concern, But Can Make Outdoor Activities Uncomfortable
Ants in the Lawn
Bats Under Porches, Patios
Prepare to Plant Alfalfa in August
Pesticide Container Recycling Program
Apply Manure Before Seeding Alfalfa
UNL Researcher Needs Alfalfa Fields With Pocket Gophers
Planting Vegetables for Fall
Methods of Drying Flowers
Measuring Distance
Caring for Animals When Gone
Spider Mites Common Problem on Trees, Other Plants
$tretch Your Food Dollar with Fruits and Vegetables
Red, White …

Coordinated Diabrotica Genetics Research: Accelerating Progress On An Urgent Insect Pest Problem, Thomas W. Sappington, Blair D. Siegfried, Thomas Guillemaud

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Diabrotica spp. (western, northern, and Mexican corn rootworms) represent the main pest complex of continuous field corn, Zea mays (L.), in North America. The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, also has become the main pest of continuous corn in Central and Southeastern Europe since its introduction near Belgrade 15–20 years ago, and it represents a major risk to Western Europe. It has already caused economic losses in Eastern Europe, and Western countries such as France have committed large expenditures for containment and/or eradication.

Rootworm larvae feed on corn roots, and damaged plants are more susceptible to drought and …

Effects Of Aphid (Homoptera) Abundance And Surrounding Vegetation On The Encounter Rate Of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), Chrysopidae (Neuroptera), And Nabidae (Hemiptera) In Alfalfa, James C. Kriz, Stephen D. Danielson, James R. Brandle, Erin E. Blankenship, Geoff M. Henebry

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Predaceous insect encounter rate was measured in 21 southeast Nebraska alfalfa fields through weekly sweep net sampling during 2002-03. The most frequently encountered predaceous insect families were Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), Nabidae (Hemiptera), and Chrysopidae (Neuroptera). The study used multiple regression analysis to examine the effect of aphid abundance and the surrounding vegetative patch composition on predaceous insect abundance. In 2002, Hippodamia parenthesis Say was encountered more frequently in fields with lower aphid abundances, and Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville, Coccinella septempunctata L., and Nabis americoferus Carayon were encountered more frequently in fields with higher aphid abundances. In 2003, Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer was encountered …

Validity Of Western Bean Cutworm Growing Degree Day Model In Iowa, Bryon Van Ballegooyen

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Objective The goal of this project was to determine the validity of the western bean cutworm, Richia albicosta (Noctuidae), growing degree day (GDD) model developed at the University of Nebraska with western bean cutworm flight and weather data collected in Iowa. The completed project will show if the current GDD model holds up when compared with data collected in Iowa from 2003 to 2005. The project will also show if more data needs to be collected and analyzed to further test the current GDD model.

Outcomes The outcomes of the project show that the previously developed GDD model for western …

Does A Specialist Parasitoid Adapt To Its Host On A New Host Plant?, A. Roßbach, B. Löhr, S. Vidal

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The host plant expansion of a diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (DBM) strain to snowpea (Pisum sativum L.) raised the question whether a specialist parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum (DS) could be conditioned to locate and parasitize its host on the new host plant. In a specialist parasitoid a behavioural change towards a plant outside the normal host plant range of its host due to developmental experience is not expected. The responsive behaviour, parasitism rates and fitness of three subsequent DS generations were investigated on the snowpea-strain of DBM. After three generations of DS on the pea 62.5% of females chose an …

Two Species Of Cecidomyiidae Predacious On Citrus Rust Mite, Phyllocoptruta Oleivora, On Florida Citrus, Raul T. Villanueva, Raymond Gagne, Carl Childers

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

Larvae of two undescribed species of Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) were found preying upon Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) (Acari: Eriophyidae) on Florida citrus. Identifications to genus were made from adults reared in the laboratory. The two species had distinctive larval coloration. One larval type was completely yellow and was identified as Feltiella n. sp., while the second larval type had an orange color with a transverse white band close to the mouthparts. The latter cecidomyiid was identified as belonging to a genus near Lestodiplosis in the broad sense. Feltiella n. sp. (n = 17) and the species near the genus Lestodiplosis ( …

Nebline, June 2006

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Bio-Fuels Can Help Bridge Energy Gap: Nebraska in Ideal Position to be Supplier of Biofuels
When to Harvest Bromegrass Hay
Sample Your Hay to Get Accurate Nutrient Analyses
Moving Round Hay Bales Can be Dangerous
Pumping Water for Ponds
Controlling Pests with Home Remedies
What Does Work: Boric Acid and Borates
More Home Remedies Debunked
Protect Stored Winter Clothing from Insect Damage
Getting Past the Nutrition Headlines
Bone Appetit Banana Smoothie Recipe
Walk Nebraska!
President’s Notes — Alice’s Analysis
Household Hints: Storing Summer Swimsuits
FCE News & Events
Summer Energy Saving Tips
Are You Ready for Sun’s Rays?
How White …

Hexapod Herald - Vol. 18, No. 3, June 2006

Hexapod Herald and Other Entomology Department Newsletters

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

Effect Of Bacillus Thuringiensis Cry3bb1 Protein On The Feeding Behavior And Longevity Of Adult Western Corn Rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Timothy M. Nowatski, Xugou Zhou, Lance J. Meinke, Ty Vaughn, Blair Siegfried

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The first transgenic corn hybrids expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry3Bb1 protein to control corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) larvae were registered for commercial use in 2003. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Cry3Bb1 protein in combination with a cucurbitacin bait on adult feeding and longevity of both organophosphate-resistant and -susceptible western corn rootworms, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In choice and no-choice tests, possible repellency to the Bt protein was quantified by comparing beetle consumption of cellulose disks treated with three concentrations of Bt in combination with a feeding stimulant (Invite EC) to disks treated …

The Effect Of Temperature And Humidity On The Bionomics Of Six African Egg Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), A. Kalyebi, W. A. Overholt, F. Schulthess, J. M. Mueke, S. Sithanantham

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The life table statistics of six native Kenyan species/strains of Trichogramma and Trichogrammatoidea were established using a factitious host Corcyra cephalonica, Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), at eight different temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 28, 30, 32 and 35°C) and two humidity levels (40-50 and 70-80%). The objective was to select insects with superior attributes for augmentative release against lepidopteran pests in horticultural crops. Both temperature and humidity affected developmental time and life table parameters of the parasitoids but temperature played a more critical role. Developmental time was inversely related to temperature. The intrinsic and finite rates of increase increased with temperature …

Contribution Of Natural Food Sources To Reproductive Behaviour, Fecundity And Longevity Of Ceratitis Cosyra, C. Fasciventris And C. Capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), A. Manrakhan, S. A. Lux

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The influence of food sources comprising the natural diet on the reproductive behaviour, fecundity and longevity of three African fruit flies Ceratitis cosyra (Walker), C. fasciventris (Bezzi) and C. capitata (Wiedemann) was investigated. Three natural food sources, varying in protein and sugar content, were evaluated. These included bird droppings (farm chicken), aphid honeydew and guava (Psidium guajava L.) juice. For C. fasciventris and C. capitata, flies fed on a protein-rich diet displayed higher frequency of calling, mating and oviposition than flies fed on a protein-poor diet, whilst for C. cosyra, quality of diet significantly influenced the mating behaviour of the …

Effect Of Jatropha Gossypiifolia Leaf Extracts On Three Lepidoptera Species, J. Arnubio Valencia, Brigitte Frérot, Herve Guénego, Diego F. Múnera, Maria Fátima De Sá Grossi, Paul André Calatayud

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Leaf extracts of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae) contain compounds that are toxic to insects. In this study, these extracts were tested against larvae of three lepidopteran species, Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which are important pests of maize in Africa, Europe and Mediterranean countries, respectively. Leaf extracts were shown to be highly toxic to neonate larvae of B. fusca and O. nubilalis quickly after they were ingested. In contrast, no effect was found on fourth instar O. nubilalis and a low level of toxicity was observed on neonates of …

Odonates At The Clark County Wetlands Nature Preserve: A Look At Habitat And Relative Abundance, Erin Jolley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to identify the various species, relative abundance and habitat of dragonfly and damselfly larvae at the Clark County Wetlands Park Nature Preserve (WPNP). An accurate assessment of these insects can be useful in interpreting potential indications of environmental problems at the Wetlands. From this data, necessary improvements can be made to the dragonfly habitat as well as the habitat of other surrounding organisms. Habitat identification is considered especially important because it is "structured by instream and surrounding topographical features, and is a major determinant of aquatic community potential" (Southwood, 1977). For purposes of this …

Spatially Targeting Culex Quinquefasciatus Aquatic Habitats On Modified Land Cover For Implementing An Integrated Vector Management (Ivm) Program In Three Villages Within The Mwea Rice Scheme, Kenya, Benjamin G. Jacob, Josephat Shililu, Ephantus J. Muturi, Joseph M. Mwangangi, Simon M. Muriu, Jose Funes, John Githure, James L. Regens, Robert J. Novak

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Continuous land cover modification is an important part of spatial epidemiology because it can help identify environmental factors and Culex mosquitoes associated with arbovirus transmission and thus guide control intervention. The aim of this study was to determine whether remotely sensed data could be used to identify rice-related Culex quinquefasciatus breeding habitats in three rice-villages within the Mwea Rice Scheme, Kenya. We examined whether a land use land cover (LULC) classification based on two scenes, IKONOS at 4 m and Landsat Thematic Mapper at 30 m could be used to map different land uses and rice planted at different …

Nebline, May 2006

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Bed Bug CSI: Investigating Bed Bug Infestations in Lincoln
2006 Perennial Plant of the Year
Cannas in the Garden
Ornamental Grasses for the Landscape
Can People Treat for Bed Bugs Themselves?
Everything Homeowners Need to Know About Termite Control Workshop, May 18
Controlling Ticks
Spring Cleaning? Take Advantage of Household Hazardous Waste Collections
Building a Bat House
Fertilizing Grass Pastures and Hay Lands
What is an Acre?
Butterfly Gardens
Family Skills and Desires
Control of Perennial Weedy Grasses
Maintaining Your Birch Tree
$tretch Your Food Dollar by $pending $mart
Saucy Pasta & Veggie Frittata Recipe
Calories Expended in Common Physical …

Searching Response Of A Wandering Spider To Potential Cues Associated With Lepidopteran Eggs, Rosa Isela Ruiz

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Cheiracanthium inclusum (Hentz), a wandering spider, has been frequently observed feeding on the eggs of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), an important cotton pest. Wandering spiders are known to feed mainly on mobile prey, thus mechanisms used by these spiders to locate sessile prey remain understudied. Vibratory and visual are among the main cues used by spiders to identify prey. However, other sensory modalities such as chemoreception may be used but are poorly understood. This study investigated the types of cues utilized by C. inclusum to locate and identify H. zea eggs as prey. Results show that C. inclusum responds positively to …

Comparative Pollen Foraging Of Africanized And European Honeybees In A Non-Agricultural Environment, Ruben Ruiz

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

With the advent of the Africanized honeybee, ways to differentiate it from the European honeybee have been greatly sought in attempts to better understand the role of Africanized bees in pollination. Pollen collecting strategies for both honeybee subspecies have been explored in attempts to exploit their pollinating capabilities. This project examined pollen collected by honeybees from feral and managed European and Africanized colonies in a relatively isolated site. Paired European and Africanized honeybee colonies were used to obtain pollen foragers. Through acetolysis (series acidified Acetic Anhydride washings); the collected pollen from the individual foragers was treated and observed with light …

Phylogenetic Approach To The Study Of Triatomines (Triatominae, Heteroptera) = Abordagem Filogenética Em Triatomíneos (Triatominae, Heteroptera), Ester Tartarotti, M. T. V. Azeredo-Oliveira, C. R. Ceron

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Library Materials

Abstracts

Triatomines are insects belonging to the Hemiptera order, Heteroptera suborder, Reduviidae family and Triatominae subfamily. All members of this subfamily are hematophagous. Triatomines evolved from Reduviidae predators and they are probably polyphyletic in origin. The combination of anatomical, physiological and ethological factors observed in this group, as well as the plesiomorphic and apomorphic characters that differentiate the five tribes and fourteen triatomine genera reinforce the polyphiletic hypotesis. However if we consider the five groups of triatomines, the Rhodniini, Cavernicolini, Bolboderini, Linshcosteini and Alberproseniini tribes constitute monophyletic groups, while the Triatomini tribe is considered polyphyletic. The New World is the …