Entomology Commons^™

The Occurrence, Diversity And Blood Feeding Patterns Of Potential Vectors Of Dengue And Yellow Fever In Kacheliba, West Pokot County, Kenya, E. Chepkorir, M. Venter, J. Lutomiah, F. Mulwa, S. Arum, D. P. Tchouassi, R. Sang

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction: Yellow fever (YF) and dengue (DEN) viruses are important re-emerging mosquito-borne viruses sharing similar vectors and reservoirs. The last documented YF outbreak in Kenya occurred in 1992–95. However, YF virus is re-emerging in bordering countries including Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan with the potential for spread to the neighboring regions in Kenya. Dengue is endemic in Kenya with outbreaks being detected in various towns in the north and the coast. This study reports on the Aedes (Stegomyia) mosquito species occurrence, diversity, and blood feeding patterns, as means of measuring the risk of transmission of YF and DEN in Kacheliba …

A Scientifc Note On Validation Of Housekeeping Genes For The Primitively Eusocial Bee Euglossa Viridissima Friese (Apidae: Euglossini), S. Boff, A. Friedel, A. Miertsch, J. J.G. Quezada-Euán, R. J. Paxton, H. M.G. Lattorff

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Studies on the expression of genes in different contexts are essential to our understanding of the functioning of organisms and their adaptations to the environment. Gene expression studies require steps of normalization, which are done using the stable expression pattern of reference genes. For many different eusocial bees reference genes have been discovered, but not for the primitively eusocial Euglossini bees. We used available genomic resources of Euglossini species and the gene information of Apis mellifera Linnaeus to develop a set of reference genes for the primitive eusocial bee Euglossa viridissima Friese. We tested nine genes, in distinct developmental stages, …

Identification Of Microbiota Associated With The Ectosymbiotic Community Structure Of The Appalachian Brook Crayfish (Cambarus Bartonii), Matthew M. Cooke 6268927, Luke T. Fischer, Taylor Griffin, Sherrie Jeffers

Montview Journal of Research & Scholarship

Microbes play a significant role in ecosystems, effecting the vital functions of other organisms, interspecies relationships, and population sizes. Based upon previous research (Skelton et al., 2016), it has been hypothesized that crayfish symbionts (branchiobdellidans) play a significant role in regulating the amount of microbiota associated with the host. A growing body of knowledge is known regarding both the condition of gill fouling and the annelid worm’s symbiotic relationship with the crayfish (Skelton et al., 2016; Skelton et al., 2016). However, there is little to no evidence available concerning the bacteria’s role in the process (Skelton et al., 2016). Microbial …

Better Than Deet Repellent Compounds Derived From Coconut Oil, Junwei J. Zhu, Steven C. Cermak, James A. Kenar, Gary Brewer, Kenneth F. Haynes, Dave Boxler, Paul D. Baker, Desen Wang, Changlu Wang, Andrew Y. Li, Rui-De Xue, Yuan Shen, Fei Wang, Natasha M. Agramonte, Ulrich R. Bernier, Jaires G. De Oliveira Filho, Ligia M. F. Borges, Kristina Friesen, David B. Taylor

Entomology Faculty Publications

Hematophagous arthropods are capable of transmitting human and animal pathogens worldwide. Vector-borne diseases account for 17% of all infectious diseases resulting in 700,000 human deaths annually. Repellents are a primary tool for reducing the impact of biting arthropods on humans and animals. N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), the most effective and long-lasting repellent currently available commercially, has long been considered the gold standard in insect repellents, but with reported human health issues, particularly for infants and pregnant women. In the present study, we report fatty acids derived from coconut oil which are novel, inexpensive and highly efficacious repellant compounds. These coconut …

Acarine Biodiversity In Ecuador: Two New Species Of Endoparasitic Chiggers (Acarina: Trombiculidae) From Terrestrial Andean Anurans, Ricardo Guerrero, Mario Humberto Yánez-Muñoz

MANTER: Journal of Parasite Biodiversity

Two species of endoparasitic chiggers, Vercammenia neotropica n. sp. and Microtrombicula ecuadorensis n. sp., are described, both found in terrestrial anurans of the genus Pristimantis collected in the Andes of Ecuador. A new combination is proposed for Trombicula yorkei Sambon, 1928 as Microtrombicula yorkei (Sambon, 1928) n. comb., and Schoengastia lynni Ewing, 1942 is placed as incertae sedis. This is the first record of species of the genus Vercammenia in the Neotropical region.

Resumen

Dos especies de ácaros endoparásitos, Vercammenia neotropica n. sp. y Microtrombicula ecuadorensis n. sp., son descritas, ambas encontradas en anuros terrestres del género Pristimantis …

Evaluation Of A Lignin-Encapsulated Nootkatone Formulation Against Tetranychus Urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), Karla M. Addesso, Paul A. O'Neal, Shannen Leahy, Kevin Trostel, Robert W. Behle

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Botanical-based miticides, such as neem oil, are used in organic and conventional agronomic production as part of chemical rotation plans to suppress pest mite populations. Other plant-based compounds such as nootkatone (a component of essential oils distilled from grapefruit, Citrus paradisi Macfayden (Rutaceae), and Alaskan yellow cedar, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis [D. Don] Spach [Cupressaceae]), also may serve as effective organic miticides in crop production systems. We report on a lignin-encapsulated (LE) nootkatone formulation (previously effective at repelling ticks) that was evaluated as a miticide against the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). At an application rate of 1 g/L …

Nebline, September 2018

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Septic systems need regular maintenance to function properly

Food & Health

Farm & Acreage

Pests & Wildlife

Horticulture

Early Childhood

4-H & Youth

and other extension news and events

Wild, Native Bees And Managed Honey Bees Benefit From Similar Agricultural Land Uses, Elaine Evans, Matthew Smart, Dan Cariveau, Marla Spivak

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Although both managed and unmanaged bees are important pollinators of crops and wild plants, efforts to address questions about landscapes that best support pollinators often focus on either wild pollinators or honey bees. This study examined if there was concordance between the success of wild bee communities and managed honey bee colonies at sites varying in floral availability and disturbance level in a predominantly agricultural landscape. We also determined which agricultural land uses best supported wild bee communities. The study area in the state of North Dakota in Northern Great Plains in North America is home to understudied native bee …

Endophytic Effects Of Aspergillus Oryzae On Radish (Raphanus Sativus) And Its Herbivore, Plutella Xylostella, Bo Tong Sun, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Xiao Feng Xia, Jun Hui Chen, Xin Ai, Yang Tang, Qian Wang, Bo Wen Feng, Mark S. Goettel, Min Sheng You

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Main conclusion: We provide evidence that Aspergillus oryzae not only acts as an endophyte in Raphanus sativus, but also works as a plant growth promoter and provides some protection against its herbivore, Plutella xylostella affecting its feeding rate, mortality and fitness parameters, thereby contributing to the pest population suppression. Seed inoculation of radish seeds with the fungus Aspergillus oryzae allowed its establishment as an endophyte promoting plant growth and negatively affecting fitness parameters of its major herbivore, diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. Endophytic fungi may contribute to the growth of their host plants and enhance resistance to herbivores and diseases. We …

Confirming World-Wide Distribution Of An Agriculturally Important Lacewing, Chrysoperla Zastrowi Sillemi, Using Songs, Morphology, Mitochondrial Gene Sequencing, And Phylogenetic Reconstruction, Zoe Mandese

Honors Scholar Theses

The Chrysoperla carnea-group of green lacewings is a cryptic species complex. Species within the group are morphologically similar, yet isolated from one another via reproductive mating song. Chrysoperla zastrowi, a species within the carnea-group, is currently described with a distribution ranging from South Africa to the Middle East and India. However, recent collections of carnea-group lacewings from Guatemala and California were preliminarily identified as Chrysoperla zastrowi based upon similarities in their vibrational courtship songs. This analysis aims to place six specimens, collected by collaborators in Guatemala, Armenia, Iran, and California, into a pre-existing phylogeny of the …

Nurudea Zhengii Ren, A New Species Of The Rhus Gall Aphids (Aphididae: Eriosomatinae: Fordini) From Eastern China, Zhu-Mei Ren, Xu Su, Carol D. Von Dohlen, Jun Wen

Biology Faculty Publications

A new Rhus gall aphid species Nurudea zhengii Ren, sp. nov. collected from the Mountain Qixing in Shangrao County, Jiangxi Province, China is described and illustrated from alate viviparous female. The new species differs from the other Nurudea species in the length and proportion of antennal segments, the structure of antennal secondary sensilla, and the flower-like shape of the galls that are formed on its primary host. Its primary host plant is Rhus hypoleuca, whereas other Nurudea species are on R. chinensis.

Transcriptional Response Of Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera) To Differential Nutritional Status And Nosema Infection, Farida Azzouz-Olden, Arthur G. Hunt, Gloria Degrandi-Hoffman

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Bees are confronting several environmental challenges, including the intermingled effects of malnutrition and disease. Intuitively, pollen is the healthiest nutritional choice, however, commercial substitutes, such as Bee-Pro and MegaBee, are widely used. Herein we examined how feeding natural and artificial diets shapes transcription in the abdomen of the honey bee, and how transcription shifts in combination with Nosema parasitism.

Results: Gene ontology enrichment revealed that, compared with poor diet (carbohydrates [C]), bees fed pollen (P > C), Bee-Pro (B > C), and MegaBee (M > C) showed a broad upregulation of metabolic processes, especially lipids; however, pollen feeding promoted more functions, and …

The Effects Of Juvenile Exposure To Sub-Lethal Concentrations Of Pesticides On The Adult Reproductive Biology Of The Male Southern House Mosquitoe, Culex Quinquefasciatus, Shiloh Dean Judd

LSU Master's Theses

Mosquitoes transmit pathogens capable of causing significant diseases, the worst of which can permanently disfigure or kill. Mosquito control efforts can be strengthened by better understanding all aspects of mosquito biology, but there is deficient information regarding sperm production in male mosquitoes. Understanding the sperm production and capacity of vector species may reveal new control strategies.

The goal of this research was to determine if larval exposure to sub-lethal concentrations, defined as killing less than half of the sample population, of pesticides negatively impacts the adult male reproductive health of the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say. This study quantified …

Cover Pages

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Cover pages for TGLE Vol. 51 Nos. 1 & 2

Cover Art

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Cover art for TGLE Vol. 51 Nos. 1 & 2

Tgle Vol. 51 Nos. 1 & 2 Full Issue

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Full issue for TGLE Vol. 51 Nos. 1 & 2

Novel Prey Record For Scymnus Caudalis Leconte And First Records Of Four Other Species Of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) In Wisconsin, U.S.A., Louis S. Hesler, Jedidiah Nixon

The Great Lakes Entomologist

New prey and distribution records are presented for five species of lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Scymnus (Pullus) caudalis LeConte is recorded for the first time preying on Aphis asclepiadis Fitch (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Four other lady beetle species are newly recorded in the state of Wisconsin, U.S.A: Diomus amabilis (LeConte), Diomus terminatus Say, Scymnus (Pullus) uncus Wingo, and Hyperaspidius wolcotti (Nunenmacher). The new state records represent minor to moderate extensions of previously known geographic distributions for these species. In addition, the records emphasize the importance of processing uncurated zoological specimens to provide information about the prey of particular species and to …

Dragonfly (Odonata: Corduliidae, Macromiidae, Gomphidae, Aeshnidae) And Damselfly (Odonata: Calopterygidae) Exuviae Observed At Record Heights In Pinus Strobus And Picea Abies Canopies, Madison M. Laughlin, Jonathan G. Martin, Patrick J. Liesch, Erik R. Olson

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Most odonate species do not typically climb higher than 50 cm when choosing an emergence support. We observed multiple species of odonate nymphs using trees as emergence supports at heights greater than 50 cm and up to 4, 6.9, and 14.6 m for Calopteryx maculata (Ebony Jewelwing), Somatochlora minor (Ocellated Emerald), and Didymops transversa (Stream Cruiser), respectively. These heights represent the greatest heights ever documented for odonate nymphs emergence supports. Our research suggests that some species (S. minor; D. transversa) appear to have a greater affinity for climbing to great heights during emergence than others (Dromogomphus spinosus …

An Inventory Of Cicadellidae, Aphrophoridae, And Delphacidae (Hemiptera) In The Alvar Grasslands Of The Maxton Plains, Michigan, Max W. Spencer, James P. Dunn, Evan M. Szymczak

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Alvars are rare grassland communities found in the North American Great Lakes Region consisting of thin mineral soil over limestone bedrock and act as refugia for many unique and threatened endemic species. Few studies have catalogued Hemiptera species present in the alvars of the Maxton Plains on Drummond Island, MI. We aimed to add to these species lists, compare species diversity between alvar sites with varying levels of exposed bedrock, and test if an unpaved limestone road running through our sample sites influenced Hemipteran populations. We collected several prairie endemic species of Cicadellidae (Hemiptera), including a new record for the …

Pentatomidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Captured On Purple Prism Traps Deployed For Detection Of Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus Planipennis) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) In Minnesota, Daniela T. Pezzini, Mitch Haag, James Walker, Robert L. Koch

The Great Lakes Entomologist

The observation of bycatch from insect trapping programs, though often considered bothersome, may hold value for ecological and taxonomic studies. In Minnesota, a large trapping survey consisting of pheromone-baited purple prism traps, has been conducted for early detection of Agrilus planipennis, the emerald ash borer. Stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), which are pests of increasing importance in the North Central U.S., were observed to be captured by these traps. The objective of this study was to use trap bycatch from the A. planipennis traps for further documentation of the abundance and diversity of Pentatomidae in Minnesota. In 2011 and 2012, 4,401 …

Intercepted Silvanidae [Insecta: Coleoptera] From The International Falls, Mn [Usa] Port-Of-Entry, Gary D. Ouellette

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Silvanidae species recorded in association with imported commodities, at United States ports-of-entry, have not been comprehensively studied. The present study examines the species of beetles of the family Silvanidae intercepted during agricultural quarantine inspections at the International Falls, MN port-of-entry. A total of 244 beetles representing two subfamilies, three genera, and four species of Silvanidae were collected between June 2016 and June 2017. Taxa were associated with 13 imported commodities and recorded from seven countries of origin. A substantial proportion (97.4%) of the records included Silvanus lewisi Reitter and Ahasverus advena (Waltl), two cosmopolitan species associated with dried stored products …

Development And Testing Of A Standardized Method To Estimate Honeydew Production, Melinda L. Moir, Michael Renton, Benjamin Hoffmann, Mei Chen Leng, Lori Lach

Biosecurity Research Articles

Honeydew production by Hemiptera is an ecologically important process that facilitates mutualisms and increases nutrient cycling. Accurate estimates of the amount of honeydew available in a system are essential for quantifying food web dynamics, energy flow, and the potential growth of sooty mould that inhibits plant growth. Despite the importance of honeydew, there is no standardized method to estimate its production when intensive laboratory testing is not feasible. We developed two new models to predict honeydew production, one based on insect body mass and taxonomic family, and one based on body mass and life stage. We tested the accuracy of …

The History Of Bees By Maja Lunde, Kirsten Schuhmacher

The Goose

Book review of Maja Lunde's The History of Bees.

Japanese Beetles’ Feeding On Milkweed Flowers May Compromise Efforts To Restore Monarch Butterfly Habitat, Adam M. Baker, Daniel A. Potter

Entomology Faculty Publications

The eastern North American migratory population of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) is in serious decline. Habitat restoration, including adding millions of host plants to compensate for loss of milkweed in US cropland, is a key part of the international conservation strategy to return this iconic butterfly to sustainable status. We report here that Popillia japonica, a polyphagous, invasive beetle, aggregates and feeds on flowers of Asclepias syriaca, the monarch’s most important larval food plant, reducing fruiting and seed set by >90% and extensively damaging milkweed umbels in the field. The beetle’s ongoing incursion into the monarch’s …

Double-Stranded Rna Binding Protein, Staufen, Is Required For The Initiation Of Rnai In Coleopteran Insects, June-Sun Yoon, Kanakachari Mogilicherla, Dhandapani Gurusamy, Xien Chen, Shankar C. R. R. Chereddy, Subba R. Palli

Entomology Faculty Publications

RNA interference (RNAi) is being used to develop methods to control pests and disease vectors. RNAi is robust and systemic in coleopteran insects but is quite variable in other insects. The determinants of efficient RNAi in coleopterans, as well as its potential mechanisms of resistance, are not known. RNAi screen identified a double-stranded RNA binding protein (StaufenC) as a major player in RNAi. StaufenC homologs have been identified in only coleopteran insects. Experiments in two coleopteran insects, Leptinotarsa decemlineata and Tribolium castaneum, showed the requirement of StaufenC for RNAi, especially for processing of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to small interfering …

Revision Of Zosteragathis Sharkey Of Thailand (Hymonoptera, Braconidae, Agathidinae, Agathidini), Michael J. Sharkey, Eric G. Chapman

Entomology Faculty Publications

Based on cladistic analyses recently conducted by Sharkey and Chapman, the genus Zosteragathis Sharkey is revised. Twenty-two species are reported from Thailand, three previously described species, Z. samensis, Z. contrasta and Z. nuichuaensis, and 19 new species, i.e., Z. chaiyaphumensis, Z. eukos, Z. hinensis, Z. hongensis, Z. inthanonensis, Z. krachanensis, Z. lampangensis, Z. lampooensis, Z. luangensis, Z. ngamensis, Z. perknos, Z. petchaburiensis, Z. phahompokensis, Z. phuphanensis, Z. sakaeratensis, Z. sakonensis, Z. samensis, Z. surinensis, Z. taemensis, Z. tonensis. …

Post-Treatment Effects Of Infrared Radiation On Rough Rice Germination And Lesser Grain Borers (Rhyzopertha Dominica (F.)), Rachel Marie Hampton

Student Theses and Dissertations

Infrared radiation (IR) has been shown to effectively dry grain while eliminating stored-product insects. Little has been done to examine IR’s effect on rice germination or insect development. Two studies were conducted using XL745 (hybrid) and CL152 (pureline) rice cultivars dried with three IR intensities (2.15, 2.83, and 10.84 kW/m2). Control samples were dried in an environmental chamber (0 kW/m2). Rice was germinated for 14 days. An IR intensity of 10.84 kW/m2 reduced germination, shoot and primary root lengths compared to lower intensities. Lesser grain borers (LGB), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), were placed on treated rough and brown rice for 50 …

Quantifying Plant Soluble Protein And Digestible Carbohydrate Content, Using Corn (Zea Mays) As An Exemplar, Carrie A. Deans, Gregory A. Sword, Paul A. Lenhart, Eric Burkness, William D. Hutchison, Spencer T. Behmer

Entomology Faculty Publications

Elemental data are commonly used to infer plant quality as a resource to herbivores. However, the ubiquity of carbon in biomolecules, the presence of nitrogen-containing plant defensive compounds, and variation in species-specific correlations between nitrogen and plant protein content all limit the accuracy of these inferences. Additionally, research focused on plant and/or herbivore physiology require a level of accuracy that is not achieved using generalized correlations. The methods presented here offer researchers a clear and rapid protocol for directly measuring plant soluble proteins and digestible carbohydrates, the two plant macronutrients most closely tied to animal physiological performance. The protocols combine …

Crop Pests And Predators Exhibit Inconsistent Responses To Surrounding Landscape Composition, Daniel S. Karp, Julie A. Peterson, 155 Other Co-Authors

Faculty Publications: Department of Entomology

The idea that noncrop habitat enhances pest control and represents a win–win opportunity to conserve biodiversity and bolster yields has emerged as an agroecological paradigm. However, while noncrop habitat in landscapes surrounding farms sometimes benefits pest predators, natural enemy responses remain heterogeneous across studies and effects on pests are inconclusive. The observed heterogeneity in species responses to noncrop habitat may be biological in origin or could result from variation in how habitat and biocontrol are measured. Here, we use a pest-control database encompassing 132 studies and 6,759 sites worldwide to model natural enemy and pest abundances, predation rates, and crop …

Nebline, August 2018

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Nutrition Education Kits developed by Extension help LPS students learn about nutrition and physical activity

Food & Health

Farm & Acreage

Pests & Wildlife

Horticulture

Early Childhood

4-H & Youth

and other extension news and events

Special pullout section: Lancaster County Super Fair 2018 Schedule & Map