Entomology Commons^™

Shaping The Tools Of Battle : Sexual Selection, Contest Dynamics, And Weapon Divergence In The Asian Rhinoceros Beetle Trypoxylus Dichotomus, Jillian F. Del Sol

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Exaggerated weapons of sexual selection often diverge more rapidly and dramatically than other body parts, suggesting that relevant agents of selection may be discernible in contemporary populations. I examined the ecology, reproductive behavior, and strength of sexual selection on horn length in five recently diverged beetle populations that differ in relative horn size. I show that mating system ecology differs between these locations and corresponds with the local strength of contemporary selection on horn length. Comparisons of ecological conditions and selection strength across populations offer a critical first step towards meaningfully linking mating system dynamics, selection patterns, and diversity in …

Effects Of Climate Variability: A Long-Term Perspective On Leaf Litter Processing In The Ogeechee River, Jose A. Sanchez

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a rise in temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns for the 21^st century. These changes are expected to lead to a higher frequency of extreme events such as drought and floods which lead to the alteration of the hydrology, communities, and processes of freshwater ecosystems. Leaf litter decomposition in stream ecosystems is an important component of the energy and nutrient cycle representing a food source for aquatic organisms. This has made it a tool for assessing long term responses to disturbance due to changes in the assemblage of macroinvertebrates that …

Investigating The Role Of Coyotes, Canis Latrans, In The Spread Of Parasites And Arthropod-Borne Diseases In Georgia, Usa., Ansleigh Banks

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In order to analyze the role of coyotes, Canis latrans, as hosts of parasites and arthropod-borne diseases in the state of Georgia, USA, 38 coyotes representing 18 counties and multiple geographic regions of the state were dissected and analyzed for the presence of Dirofilaria immitis, intestinal parasites, ectoparasites, and tick-borne illnesses. Mosquitoes from the locations which the coyotes originated were trapped and analyzed for the presence of D. immitis larvae. In compliance with IACUC guidelines, coyotes were obtained from individuals who had previously hunted or trapped the coyotes for leisure. Parasites were identified based on morphological features with the use …

Insect Profiles, Eric Honerlaw

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Profiled species: Aerial Yellow Jacket • American Carrion Beetle • Black Imported Fire Ant • Blue Mud Dauber • Camel Cricket • Case Making Clothes Moth - Done • Colorado Potato Beetle • Dark Eyed Fruit Fly • Downy Yellow Jacket • Eastern Treehole Mosquito • European Hornet • Evergreen Bagworm • Four-Lined Silverfish • Fruit Fly • German Yellow Jacket • Gray Silverfish • Great Golden Digger Wasp2 • Ground Yellow Jacket • Hister Beetle • Kissing Bug • Larder Beetle • Larger Yellow Ant • Lesser House Fly • Margined Blister Beetle • Masked Hunter • Mason Bee …

New Biotechnological Approaches To Insect Pest Management And Crop Protection; Gene Editing Approach (Crispr-Cas System)., Anastacia Books

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Since its introduction into the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program over 20 years ago, the biotechnological approach for insect pest management, starting with transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), appeared to have revolutionized the concept of genetic manipulation approach in insect pest management and crop protection. Transgenic (Bt) crops have offered great benefits in insect management for crop protection but soon after its implementation, the technology started facing the major issue of insect resistance, leading researchers to start pursuing advancements in newer biotechnological approaches to insect pest management, such as Gene Editing (the RNA interference (RNAi); Gene Drives …

Buggin Out: Entomology 101 For High School Juniors And Seniors, Jonathan Wischmeyer

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Introduction I have been teaching Biology and Environmental Science for the past 20 years here at Summit High School. Over that time I have incorporated insects into some of my teaching practices where it was appropriate. As I have worked my way through the Entomology program at UNL I have found myself wanting to utilize insects more as educational tools.

Materials, Methods and Discussion The purpose of this final project is to design a semester worth of entomology curriculum for high school juniors and seniors attending Summit High School in Breckenridge Colorado. This class would be an elective with the …

Teaching Insetcs: A Four Lesson Plan To Introduce Insects To Kids, Heather Wilkins

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

This teaching guide is meant to be flexible for grades, time, and scope. The lesson plan is designed for grades 2 – 3, but with additional materials can be expounded on for higher grades or simplified for lower grades. It can be used by utilizing all the suggested materials, assignments, and supplements, or can be easily pared down if say you can’t find a book or don’t have internet access for videos. It is a compilation of videos, books, printable pages, interactive activities, and experiments to teach children using fun and interesting methods. It approaches insects with methods for kinetic, …

Mapping Insect Diversity In An Urban Landscape: Plants By Genus And Attracted Insect Families, Shelley Rekte

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

This project was based on observations at my residence located in the 68510 zip code of Lincoln, Nebraska. Keeping a journal of observations beginning April 26, 2019 and ending on September 28, 2019, I made entries at least twice a week. I often observed the area more than twice a week to check for different insects than what had been journaled. Journal entries were usually made during late morning to mid-afternoon, as this timeframe seemed to provide the most insect activity. Incidental observations were usually made early morning, and late afternoon to evening. In general, populations of insect families were …

High School Arthropod Display Case, Daniel Taylor

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Background: I teach at a high school in Northfield, Minnesota. I love teaching kids science and getting them excited about it. Unfortunately, I currently only teach chemistry and there are almost no elective science classes at our high school. I would love to get students interested in learning about entomology with me or on their own. Few students have ever been exposed to insect in a positive light ever before.

I have had some success at our school with entomological engagement. Each year during the zoology unit I go in to the biology classes as a “guest lecturer” and give …

Association Of Phlebotomus Guggisbergi With Leishmania Major And Leishmania Tropica In A Complex Transmission Setting For Cutaneous Leishmaniasis In Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya, Barrack O. Owino, Damaris Matoke-Muhia, Yasser Alraey, Jackline Milkah Mwangi, Johnstone M. Ingonga, Philip M. Ngumbi, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Daniel K. Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background Phlebotomus (Larroussius) guggisbergi is among the confirmed vectors for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) transmission in Kenya. This scarring and stigmatizing form of leishmaniasis accounts for over one million annual cases worldwide. Most recent CL epidemics in Kenya have been reported in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where the disease has become a public health issue. However, little is known about the factors that drive its transmission. Here, we sought to determine the occurrence, distribution and host blood feeding preference of the vectors, and to identify Leishmania species and infection rates in sandflies using molecular techniques. This information could lead to a better …

Entomological Assessment Of Dengue Virus Transmission Risk In Three Urban Areas Of Kenya, Sheila B. Agha, David P. Tchouassi, Michael J. Turell, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Rosemary Sang

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Urbanization is one of the major drivers of dengue epidemics globally. In Kenya, an intriguing pattern of urban dengue virus epidemics has been documented in which recurrent epidemics are reported from the coastal city of Mombasa, whereas no outbreaks occur in the two major inland cities of Kisumu and Nairobi. In an attempt to understand the entomological risk factors underlying the observed urban dengue epidemic pattern in Kenya, we evaluated vector density, human feeding patterns, vector genetics, and prevailing environmental temperature to establish how these may interact with one another to shape the disease transmission pattern. We determined that (i) …

More Than "Push" And "Pull"? Plant-Soil Feedbacks Of Maize Companion Cropping Increase Chemical Plant Defenses Against Herbivores, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Ethan Bass, Tim Luttermoser, Katja Poveda, Charles A.O. Midega, Zeyaur R. Khan, André Kessler

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Plants can alter nutritional availability, structure, and chemistry of the soil they grow in. These soil changes can positively or negatively influence the growth and metabolism of other plants that co-occur or grow later in the conditioned soil. Plant-soil feedbacks could affect community interactions and dynamics but also be applied in sustainable agriculture to promote plant growth and resistance to pests. In this study, we use a maize companion cropping system, commonly known as "push-pull," as a model to investigate soil-mediated effects of functional biodiversity, on maize plant growth, and resistance against insect herbivores. We grew maize in soils collected …

Relative Influence Of Host, Wolbachia, Geography And Climate On The Genetic Structure Of The Sub-Saharan Parasitic Wasp Cotesia Sesamiae, Antoine Branca, Bruno Le Ru, Paul André Calatayud, Julius Obonyo, Boaz Musyoka, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Laure Kaiser-Arnauld, Jean François Silvain, Jérémy Gauthier, Corentin Paillusson, Philippe Gayral, Elisabeth A. Herniou, Stéphane Dupas

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The parasitoid lifestyle represents one of the most diversified life history strategies on earth. There are however very few studies on the variables associated with intraspecific diversity of parasitoid insects, especially regarding the relationship with spatial, biotic and abiotic ecological factors. Cotesia sesamiae is a Sub-Saharan stenophagous parasitic wasp that parasitizes several African stemborer species with variable developmental success. The different host-specialized populations are infected with different strains of Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium widespread in arthropods that is known for impacting life history traits, notably reproduction, and consequently species distribution. In this study, first we analyzed the genetic structure of …

Effects Of The Juvenile Hormone Mimic Nc-184 On The Development Of The Reproductive Organs And Mating Behaviour Of Nymphs Of The Desert Locust, Schistocerca Gregaria (Orthoptera: Acrididae), Satoshi Hiroyoshi, Elizabeth Kokwaro, Sai Mettupalli, Takayuki Mitsunaga, Shigemi Yagi, Gadi V.P. Reddy

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The insect growth regulator NC-184, a juvenile hormone mimic, prevents moulting to the adult stage in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Male nymphs treated in the penultimate or fi nal nymphal instar with NC-184 exhibit precocious mating behaviour in the fi nal instar. We examined whether this chemical affects the development of the internal reproductive organs of crowded nymphs. In treated males, both accessory glands and seminal vesicles were underdeveloped, and no sperm was found in the seminal vesicle, whereas these organs in control individuals had greatly increased in size 10 days after treatment, when all the …

Description Of Eniacomorpha Hermetiae Delvare Sp. N. (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Chalcididae) A Pupal Parasitoid Of Hermetia Illucens (L.) (Diptera, Stratiomyidae), And A Potential Threat To Mass Production Of The Fly As A Feed Supplement For Domestic Animals, Gérard Delvare, Robert S. Copeland, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Eniacomorpha hermetiae Delvare sp. n. (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae, Dirhininae), reared from pupae of black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera, Stratiomyidae), is described and illustrated from Africa and compared with other similar species newly considered as forming the ehrhorni species-group within Eniacomorpha Girault, 1915. The newly described parasitic wasp may have a negative impact on efforts to mass produce BSF in Africa as a feed supplement for domestic animals. Eniacomorpha is removed from synonymy under Dirhinus Dalman, 1818, revised status, for the Afrotropical species of Dirhininae previously placed in Dirhinus subgenus Pareniaca Crawford, 1913. A checklist of the 10 …

Sampling Adult Populations Of Anopheles Mosquitoes, Julie Anne A. Tangena, Alexandra Hiscox, Paul T. Brey

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

For the control and elimination of malaria, information on the local vector dynamics is essential. This information provides guidance on appropriate and timely deployment of vector control tools and their subsequent success. The data on the dynamics of local mosquito populations can be collected using many different Anopheles sampling methods. Dependent on the objectives, resources, time, and local environment, different traps and methods can be chosen. This chapter describes the sampling of adult populations, focusing on the important preparatory stages and some of the widely used sampling methods. The trapping methods discussed in this chapter are the human landing catch, …

Perception And Awareness Of Insects As An Alternative Protein Source Among Fish Farmers And Fish Feed Traders, G. Ssepuuya, C. Sebatta, E. Sikahwa, P. Fuuna, M. Sengendo, J. Mugisha, K. K.M. Fiaboe, D. Nakimbugwe

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The perception of key players in the fish farming sector towards the use of insects is important for their acceptance to adopt insects as an alternative protein source to the expensive fish meal. Perception was established through a cross-sectional study of 208 fish farmers and 71 fish feed traders and/or processors conducted in Gulu, Tororo and Masaka districts in Uganda, using descriptive, Chi-square, correlation and factor statistical analysis of the data collected. Males dominated the fish farming and fish feed trading and/or processing enterprises. Youths were involved to almost the same extent as adults. Fish farmers majorly practiced pond fish …

Analysis Of A Fragmented Mitochondrial Genome In A Chewing Louse, Geomydoecus Aurei, Alexandra Cleone Place

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A typical animal mitochondrial genome consists of a single circular chromosome with 37 genes (Shao et al. 2015). Atypical mitochondrial genomic arrangements have been found in some lice species, including some species with minichromosomes with only a single protein-coding or ribosomal RNA gene (Cameron et al. 2011). Mitochondrial genome data from two species of chewing lice from pocket gophers have been reported to date. For both species, Geomydoecus aurei and Thomomydoecus minor (order Phthiraptera, suborder Ischnocera, family Trichodectidae), the cox1 gene occurs on a small (less than 2,000 base-pair [bp]) minichromosome (Pietan et al. 2016).

Eight additional mitochondrial chromosomes of …

The Effects Hot Water Kill Time Has On Dna Degradation And Str Profiling From Lucilia Sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Crop Contents, Nicholas Alexander Haas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

he use of entomological specimens as a source of forensic DNA evidence has been studied since the late 20th century. Currently as it stands, to preserve both the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI) and DNA evidence within fly larvae, two standards of preservation exist. For mPMI, the use of hot water kill with near-boiling water is used to fix larvae size for accurate age estimation. For DNA evidence, the standard technique of preservation is submersion in 70% ethanol. To help reduce the number of standard preservation techniques for practitioners, this study assessed the feasibility of the hot water kill preservation technique …

Colony Breeding Structure Of Reticulitermes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) In Northwest Arkansas, Allen Szalanski

Entomology and Plant Pathology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Termites, as social insects, have a complicated life cycle in which the colony breeding structure, that is the number of and origin of reproductives in a colony, can vary in relation to age and environmental factors. In this study, we used genetic methods to characterize the breeding structure of three species of Reticulitermes from three sites in northwest Arkansas and compared two habitats: undeveloped, forested sites and developed, agricultural sites. We found 57.1% of R. flavipes (Kollar) in northwest Arkansas (n = 28) were simple families, 39.3% were extended families and 3.6% were mixed families. Similarly, for R. hageni Banks …

Molecular Survey For The Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera L.) Trypanosome Parasites Crithidia Mellificae And Lotmaria Passim, Allen Szalanski

Entomology and Plant Pathology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Honey bee populations in the United States have been fluctuating in recent years. Although this has not been attributed to any one cause, recent studies have shown that multiple interactions among mircoorganisms may contribute to their decline. Several honey bee internal parasites have been overlooked as probable causes of decline; these include two different species of trypanosomes Crithidia mellificae and Lotmaria passim. Both parasites have been understudied in honey bee populations and could contribute to population disease dynamics. This study explored a molecular diagnostic survey for C. mellificae and L. passim using multiplex-PCR. Honey bee samples from both feral and …

Vector Tick Transmission Model Of Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis, Tais Berelli Saito, Jeremy Bechelli, Claire Smalley, Shahid Karim, David H. Walker

Faculty Publications

Many aspects of rickettsial infections have been characterized, including pathogenic and immune pathways and mechanisms of rickettsial survival within the vertebrate host and tick vector. However, very few studies are focused on the complex pathogen–vector–host interactions during tick feeding. Therefore, our objective was to develop a tick transmission model of the spotted fever group of rickettsial infections to study the initial events in disease development. The most appropriate strain of mouse was identified for evaluation as a transmission model, and the course of infection, bacterial levels, histopathologic changes, and antibody response during tick transmission in mice infested with Amblyomma maculatum …

Development Of A Remotely Activated Field Sprayer And Evaluation Of Temperature And Aeration On The Longevity Of Steinernema Riobrave Entomopathogenic Nematodes For Treatment Of Cattle Fever Tick-Infested Nilgai, John A. Goolsby, Diana Cantu, Alejandro Vasquez, Alexis Racelis

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

A remotely activated field sprayer was developed for application of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema riobrave (Cabanillas, Poinar, and Raulston) for eradication of the southern cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini) infesting free-ranging nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in South Texas. The battery powered sprayer is activated by sonic sensors that detect movement of nilgai through fence crossings. An onboard computer operates the sprayer pump and aerator that oxygenates the solution of nematodes. Several types of aeriation, agitation, and cooling were tested to prolong the viability of the nematodes in water. Continuous aeration extended the longevity of S. riobrave to more than two …

Bait Stations For Control Of Mexican Fruit Flies (Anastrepha Ludens), First Year, Hugh E. Conway, Guadalupe Garcia, Pedro Rendón, Christopher J. Vitek

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

The Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Mexfly), is a pest of economic importance with the potential to cause millions of dollars in damage to citrus and other fruits. This chapter presents the first-year results from a three-year field study (2014–2017) conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of bait stations with Spinosad embedded in a wax matrix to control Mexfly. Spinosad is produced by a naturally occurring bacteria, Saccharopolyspora spinosa, and is considered an organic insecticide acceptable for use by organic growers. The flies feed on the wax matrix, and the Spinosad acts as a stomach poison killing the flies. Each …

Characterization Of Lipids And The Protein Co-Products From Various Food Sources Using A One-Step Organic Solvent Extraction Process, Alleda Rose

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Traditional lipid extraction methods are labor intensive and time-consuming so interest in one-step methods using various organic solvents are gaining in popularity. Extraction efficiency depends heavily on the solvents used yet comparisons between different solvents are lacking. Defatting techniques are commonly used to concentrate crude protein and may be useful for enhancing protein content in food sources. The objective of this research was to 1) determine the lipid extraction efficiencies of hexane (H), 3:2 hexane-isopropanol (HI), chloroform (C), 2:1 chloroform-methanol (CM), and methyl-tert-butyl-ether (MTBE) using a one-step organic solvent lipid extraction method on whole insect, egg yolk, and krill powders …

High Resolution Modeling Of Tick Density And Detection Of Rickettsia Spp. In Dermacentor Spp. Ticks At Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Wa, Justin L. Donahue

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

The tick species Dermacentor andersoni and Dermacentor variabilis are known vectors of pathogens. One such pathogen is the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The detection of this bacterium in ticks at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (TNWR) indicates a potential risk to human health. In order to follow up on this discovery, we had two separate objectives. First we developed a high resolution predictive map for Dermacentor spp. distribution across the public use area of TNWR. To do so, 50m transects (27 in total) were established across the public use area. Ticks were collected weekly within the …