Entomology Commons^™

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

Hexapod Herald - Vol. 30, No. 3, August 2018

Hexapod Herald and Other Entomology Department Newsletters

Contents: Congratulations -- Department Buzz -- Hutchins Nominated for USDA Undersecretary - Welcome -- Student News -- Publications -- Blast from the Past -- Grants

Bee Attractiveness Data, Bernadette Maria Mach, Daniel A. Potter

Entomology Research Data

Urban and suburban landscapes can be refuges for biodiversity of bees and other pollinators. Public awareness of declining pollinator populations has increased interest in growing plants that provide floral resources for bees. Various publications and websites list “bee-friendly” plants, but such lists are rarely based on empirical data, nor do they emphasize flowering trees and shrubs, which are a major component of urban landscapes. We quantified bee visitation to 72 species of flowering woody landscape plants across 373 urban and suburban sites in Kentucky and southern Ohio, USA, sampling and identifying the bee assemblages associated with 45 of the most …

The Mayfly Newsletter, Donna J. Giberson

The Mayfly Newsletter

The Mayfly Newsletter is the official newsletter of the Permanent Committee of the International Conferences on Ephemeroptera.

Bee Assemblages Data, Bernadette Maria Mach, Daniel A. Potter

Entomology Research Data

Urban and suburban landscapes can be refuges for biodiversity of bees and other pollinators. Public awareness of declining pollinator populations has increased interest in growing plants that provide floral resources for bees. Various publications and websites list “bee-friendly” plants, but such lists are rarely based on empirical data, nor do they emphasize flowering trees and shrubs, which are a major component of urban landscapes. We quantified bee visitation to 72 species of flowering woody landscape plants across 373 urban and suburban sites in Kentucky and southern Ohio, USA, sampling and identifying the bee assemblages associated with 45 of the most …

Molecular Survey For The Honey Bee Trypanosome Parasites Crithidia Mellificae And Lotmaria Passim, Mary-Kate Williams

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Honey bee populations have been fluctuating within recent years. No one cause has been attributed to colony fluctuations due to the theory that multiple stressors interact with one another to impact colony health. Consequently, microorganisms such as internal parasites of honey bees have been understudied as a contributor to colony health decline.

Molecular diagnostics were utilized to detect the presence of two honey bee trypanosome parasites, Crithidia mellificae and Lotmaria passim, in managed and feral honey bee populations from eight states in the United States (USA). Because studies on trypanosome infections are lacking in the USA, it is important to …

Characterization Of The Natural Enemy Community, With Emphasis On Entomopathogens, For Management Of Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica Virgifera Virgifera) In West Central Nebraska, Camila Oliveira-Hofman

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae),the western corn rootworm (WCR), is a major pest of corn (Zea mays L.) in the United States and Europe. WCR management options comprise mainly transgenic hybrids, insecticide applications and crop rotation. WCR is highly adaptable to management practices and field-evolved resistance to transgenic corn, insecticides and crop rotation in the United States Corn Belt has been reported. Therefore, the motivation for this project was to look into alternative options for WCR management. The goal of this dissertation is to characterize the natural enemies from irrigated commercial cornfields in Nebraska and examine their …

Gut Symbiont Viability In Honey Bees Exposed To Agrochemical Stressors, Bryant Justin Gabriel

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The honey bee gut microbiome is essential for protecting this pollinator against abiotic and biotic stressors, including the prevention of harmful gut parasites and pathogens. Previous studies have not only demonstrated a linkage of bee gut dysbiosis to increased immunodeficiencies and pathogen sensitivities, but also report the maladaptation of the gut microbiome in bees exposed to agricultural and apicultural chemistries. There are few techniques available that allow for a simple and reliable analysis of the relative proportions of live and dead gut microbes in bees exposed to these chemistries. Previous techniques for measuring gut symbiont dysbiosis are temporally limited by …

Assessment Of Granulovirus, Spinosad, And Mating Disruption For Controlling Cydia Pomonella L. [Lepidoptera: Tortricidae] In Organic Coastal California Apple Orchards, Raven Lukehart

Master's Theses

Codling moth, Cydia pomonella[Lepidoptera: Tortricidae], is a major entomological pest of apples, pears, and walnuts cross the world (Pajac et al. 2016). Female codling moths lay eggs on the apple exocarp and larvae burrow within the fruit causing economic losses to fruit growers.Organic apple orchards in San Luis Obispo, CA currently have three codling moth, Cydia pomonella,control options commercially available including granulovirus (CpVG), spinosad, and mating disruption. In field tests on apple (Malus), we compare percent fruit injury between treatments of granulovirus (2.43 oz/ha Cyd-X® organically approved, Certis USA, Columbia MD), spinosad (4.05 oz/ha Entrust® Naturalyte® …

Effects Of Neem On Plasmatocyte Counts In Galleria Mellonella Larvae, Michael Anthony Fenske

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) has been called the tree of the 21^st century, due to its many beneficial properties. This research studies the effects of neem products on plasmatocytes of Galleria mellonella larvae challenged by injections of Sumi ink. Counts of circulating plasmatocytes increased in response to the ink within 4 hours. Concurrent injections of neem essential oil reversed this process in a dose-dependent manner. Methanolic extracts of neem essential oil had similar effects on counts of circulating plasmatocytes mobilized by ink injections. Aqueous extracts from neem bark did not have effects on plasmatocyte counts. Comparative …

Knowledge Of Pollinator Conservation And Associated Plant Recommendations In The Horticultural Retail Industry, Carter M. Westerhold, Samuel E. Wortman, Kim Todd, Douglas Golick

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Pollinating insects are integral to the health of all terrestrial ecosystems and agriculture worldwide. Urbanization can greatly reduce nutritional resources and habitat for pollinators. However, these losses can be mitigated through targeted landscape practices, such as planting nectar- and pollen-rich plants and managing pollinator habitat in urban areas, especially home landscapes. As homeowners attempt to conserve pollinators through horticultural practices, they often seek the advice and guidance of horticulture retail employees. The knowledge horticulture employees have about pollinators and the recommendations they provide to customers is largely unknown. A nationwide survey was developed and distributed with the objectives to 1) …