Entomology Commons^™

New Country Records For Macroscython Granulosus Otto, 2016 (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae: Dromaeolinae: Dromaeolini), With Redescription Of The Female, Robert L. Otto, Jiří Háva

Insecta Mundi

New country records for Macroscython granulosus Otto, 2016 (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae: Dromaeolinae: Dromaeolini), a eucnemid known only from Laos and Thailand, are reported from China and Nepal. A redescription and images of the female are provided.

Genomic Analysis Reveals Hidden Species Diversity In Emesis Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae), Jing Zhang, Qian Cong, Jinhui Shen, Leina Song, Nick V. Grishin

Insecta Mundi

Genomic analysis of Emesis [Fabricius], 1807 (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae Grote, 1895) reveals species richness higher than anticipated. As a result, one subgenus, 22 species, and one subspecies are proposed as new (type species or type localities in parenthesis): Diogenia Grishin, new subgenus (Emesis diogenia Prittwitz, 1865), Emesis (Emesis) aerunda Grishin, new species (Peru: Rio Pachitea, Monte Alegre), Emesis (Emesis) bartica Grishin, new species (Guyana: Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Emesis (Emesis) fatimellina Grishin, new species (Brazil: Santa Catarina), Emesis (Emesis) panamella Grishin, new species (Panama: Darién), Emesis (Mandania) mandora Grishin, new species (Ecuador: …

Review Of Nealyda Dietz (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae: Apatetrinae) With Description Of A New Species From The Florida Keys, Sidney V. Bennett, James E. Hayden

Insecta Mundi

Nealyda grandipinella Bennett and Hayden, new species, is described from Big Pine Key, Florida, USA. Photographs of the adult and of male and female genitalia are provided for N. grandipinella and its congeners within the state of Florida. Nealyda Dietz (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is provisionally transferred from Anomologinae to Apatetrinae based on characters of the genitalia. The homology and terminology of the processes arising from the vinculum of gelechiid genitalia are explored. The potential host plant of the new species is discussed, along with other undescribed species of Nealyda.

First Record Of The Camphor Shot Borer, Cnestus Mutilatus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), In Massachusetts, Lawrence E. Barringer

Insecta Mundi

Cnestus mutilatus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is reported from Massachusetts, United States for the first time. Brief trapping information is provided.

Red Harvester Ants Pogonomyrmex Barbatus (Smith, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Do Not Distinguish Between Sorghum Head Mold Symptomatic And Asymptomatic Seeds, Lilly Victoria Elliott-Vidaurri, Hannah J. Penn, Robin A. Choudhury

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Red harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex barbatus (Smith, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), common in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, are known to gather seeds from areas around their nests and store the seeds inside their nests for later consumption. As these ants often nest in and near agricultural fields, some of these seeds may be from crops and may also be infected with fungal plant pathogens. These pathogens can degrade seed coats and may cause the seeds to rot within the ant nests, decreasing storage time and potentially spreading the pathogen to other stored seeds. We studied how head mold, a …

New Taxa Of Butterflies Supported By Genomic Analysis, Jing Zhang, Qian Cong, Jinhui Shen, Leina Song, Nick V. Grishin

The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey

Continuing with the genomic analysis of butterflies, we present a taxonomic update. As a result of this work, 3 genera, 6 subgenera, 16 species, and 2 subspecies are described as new. New genera and subgenera are (type species in parenthesis): Systasia Grishin, gen. n. (Hesperia zampa W. H. Edwards, 1876) and Asysta Grishin, gen. n. (Systasea microsticta Dyar, 1923) in Pyrgini Burmeister, 1878 and Alyco Grishin, gen. n. (Styriodes quota Evans, 1955) in Moncina A. Warren, 2008; Ocynthus Grishin, subgen. n. (Ocybadistes hypomeloma Lower, 1911) of Potanthus Scudder, 1872, Arrhona Grishin, subgen. n. (Padraona tranquilla …

Integrating Ecophysiology And Omics To Unlock Crop Response To Drought And Herbivory Stress, Insha Shafi, Manish Gautam, Rupesh Kariyat

Entomology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction: Plants are constantly exposed to a diverse spectrum of environmental stressors that typically occur concurrently as multifactorial challenges, both spatially and temporally (Joshi et al., 2024). These stressors include abiotic stresses, such as drought, flooding, salinity, nutrient deficiencies, metal toxicity and extreme temperatures, as well as biotic pressures such as herbivory, pathogen attacks, and inter and intraspecific competition (Porter et al., 2020; González Guzmán et al., 2022). Drought and herbivory are arguably among the most critical factors that limit crop productivity in agricultural settings (Gautam et al., 2024), making it imperative to understand plant responses to their combined effects. …

Notes On North American Butterflies, 2, Harry Pavulaan, Janice E. Arndt

The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey

New natural history elements and distribution records of several North American butterflies are reported. While diversity and distribution of butterflies in North America are commonly believed to be fully known, the findings presented here show that much is yet to be learned of our butterfly fauna.

Nebline, November/December 2024

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Positive Insights Shared Regarding CHIME: Head Start University Partnership Project, Jaci Fogel

Diabetes Awareness: Small Changes, Big Impact, Kayla Colgrove

Recipe of the Month: Turkey Cranberry Meatballs, Kayla Colgrove

Commercial/ Noncommercial Pesticide License

Love Gardening? Become a Master Gardener!

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month

Upcoming Green Industry Conferences

Managing the Demands of Water & Wastewater Systems Can Make Gatherings More Enjoyable, Becky Schauerman

It’s Time to Plant Fall Cover Crops, John Nelson

A Quick Guide to Fleas, Kait Chapman

Heart of 4-H Award: Shane Cuttlers and Dena Noe

4-H Specialty Clubs Invite New Members

Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer …

Lupin Root Diseases - Diagnosis And Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Root, hypocotyl and stem base diseases can be significant problems in lupin crops, reducing stand density, plant vigour and yield. Root disease is present in nearly all narrow leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) paddocks but in the majority of paddocks has only a small impact on crop development. However, in paddocks where high levels of root rot occurs, plant establishment, seedling vigour and crop yield can be significantly affected.

When a root disease is present in a crop very little can be done to manage it in that cropping season. It is therefore vital that the cause is correctly identified to …

Chronologically Inappropriate Morphogenesis (Chinmo) Is Required For Maintenance Of Larval Stages Of Fall Armyworm, Xien Chen, Jinmo Koo, Surjeet Kumar Arya, Subba R. Palli

Entomology Faculty Publications

Broad complex (Br-C) and eip93F (E93) transcription factors promote insect metamorphosis from larva to pupa and from pupa to adult, respectively. Recently, chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis (Chinmo) has been proposed as a larval specifier in Drosophila melanogaster. However, whether Chinmo is required for larval maintenance in lepidopteran insects, the underlying mechanisms involved in maintaining the larval stage, and its interactions with the JH signaling pathway are not well understood. Here, we used a binary transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 system to knockout Chinmo and Kr-h1 (primary response gene in the JH signaling pathway) in the fall armyworm (FAW). Kr-h1 knockout induced premature metamorphosis only …

Repeated Shifts In Sociality Are Associated With Fine-Tuning Of Highly Conserved And Lineage-Specific Enhancers In A Socially Flexible Bee, Beryl M. Jones, Andrew E. Webb, Scott M. Geib, Sheina Sim, Rena M. Schweizer, Michael G. Branstetter, Jay D. Evans, Sarah D. Kocher

Entomology Faculty Publications

Comparative genomic studies of social insects suggest that changes in gene regulation are associated with evolutionary transitions in social behavior, but the activity of predicted regulatory regions has not been tested empirically. We used self-transcribing active regulatory region sequencing, a high-throughput enhancer discovery tool, to identify and measure the activity of enhancers in the socially variable sweat bee, Lasioglossum albipes. We identified over 36,000 enhancers in the L. albipes genome from 3 social and 3 solitary populations. Many enhancers were identified in only a subset of L. albipes populations, revealing rapid divergence in regulatory regions within this species. Population-specific enhancers …

European Wasp: Declared Pest, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

The European wasp is one of the worst wasps in the world — harmful to people, outdoor lifestyles, and horticultural and agricultural industries. Early detection of wasp activity is critical to prevent the wasp establishing in Western Australia (WA). This is achieved via collaboration between residents, businesses, industry, and government.

European Wasp Information For Local Government, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

The department’s European wasp surveillance and eradication program is a yearly campaign, aimed at detecting the presence of this destructive pest as early as possible so that nests can be found and eradicated.

The continued success of European wasp surveillance and eradication program relies on surveillance in metropolitan Perth and regional areas, strong community awareness, and participation between residents, business owners, community groups, industry, and government.

An Overview Of Tsetse Fly Repellents: Identification And Applications, Olabimpe Y. Orubuloye, Njelembo J. Mbewe, David P. Tchouassi, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W.W. Pirk, Baldwyn Torto

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Tsetse flies are vectors of the parasite trypanosoma that cause the neglected tropical diseases human and animal African trypanosomosis. Semiochemicals play important roles in the biology and ecology of tsetse flies. Previous reviews have focused on olfactory-based attractants of tsetse flies. Here, we present an overview of the identification of repellents and their development into control tools for tsetse flies. Both natural and synthetic repellents have been successfully tested in laboratory and field assays against specific tsetse fly species. Thus, these repellents presented as innovative mobile tools offer opportunities for their use in integrated disease management strategies.

Ipydisp V2 Alias Dudutracker: A Web-Based Version, Komi Mensah Agboka, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Samira A. Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

This study presents the updated version v2 of IpyDisp named DuduTracker which improves on the window-only-requirement of IpyDisp. The updated version is web-based that can be used in alternative operating systems like Ubuntu, Mac, Linux, and others. The update's effectiveness was also evaluated using a survey involving a diverse range of users including students, data analysts, and academic researchers from different age groups, geographical locations, and computer literacy levels. Areas for future enhancement were identified, primarily focused on making the software responsive to various screen types and improving certain interface aspects.

Tritrophic Interactions Mediated By Zoophytophagous Predator-Induced Host Plant Volatiles, Bashiru Adams, Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf, Baldwyn Torto, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The zoophytophagous mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis and the ectoparasitoid Stenomesius japonicus are important biological control agents for several agricultural pests including the invasive leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta, a destructive pest of Solanaceous crops especially tomato in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about how feeding by N. tenuis can influence the tritrophic interactions in the tomato plant. Here, we tested the hypothesis that N. tenuis phytophagy would influence the tritrophic olfactory interactions between the host plant tomato and pest, predator, and parasitoid. In olfactometer assays, P. absoluta females and N. tenuis adults were both attracted to constitutive volatiles released by the …

Determining The Impact Of Lethal Temperature And Relative Humidity When Combined With Various Insecticide Classes Against A Bed Bug (Cimex Lectularius) Population., Bandana Shrestha

LSU Master's Theses

Common bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are obligatory blood-feeding pests that have adapted well to survive in challenging environmental conditions. Known for their high tolerance to dehydration, low water loss, and high critical thermal maximum, they have become difficult to manage. Environmental factors, particularly temperature and humidity, play a significant role in their survival. However, with growing resistance to insecticides, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are now essential for effective bed bug control. A key strategy in IPM involves combining insecticides with heat treatments. This method aims to overcome the limitations of heat treatment alone, as bed bugs may …

Yellow Crazy Ant, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are believed to be native to west Africa or Asia. They are not present in Western Australia (WA) and are prohibited.

Yellow crazy ants were first observed in Australia in the early 1900’s on the Cocos-Keeling Islands and Christmas Island, where they have now caused a massive decline in the population of iconic red crabs. More recently, they have been recorded in Queensland, the Northern Territory (NT), and New South Wales (NSW).

Adopt-A-Trap To Help Detect European Wasps, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Early detection of European wasp is important to prevent the spread and establishment of nests, and the Adopt-a-trap program is a key part of annual European wasp surveillance.

The department intensively traps the highest risk areas of the state, but the Adopt-a-trap program can extend surveillance beyond these areas and into the regions to enhance community surveillance.

The trapping method used in the Adopt-a-trap program is very successful in catching European wasps. They address the wasps’ sense of smell and foraging habits to find food. Trapped wasps are useful in alerting us to the presence of a nearby nest — …

Argentine Ants, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are small, brown, and notorious worldwide for being one of the most difficult and costly ants to control, as it can involve ongoing and repetitive use of residual, contact insecticides. The ants are established in Western Australia (WA).

Electric Ant (Little Fire Ant), Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

The electric ant (Wasmannia auropunctata), also known as little fire ant, is a tiny, gold-brown coloured ant, and one of the world's most invasive pests. Electric ants prey on and compete with other insects and can displace large numbers of native animals, ants, and other insects.

They affect human health and lifestyle, can inflict painful stings on humans and wild and domestic animals, can blind pets, damage the environment, and have the potential to severely affect agricultural industries.

The electric ant is native to Central and South America and was first detected in Australia in 2006 in Queensland, where there …

New Country Records And Annotated Checklist Of Non-Dacini Tephritidae (Diptera) In Bangladesh, M. Aftab Hossain, Allen L. Norrbom, Luc Leblanc, Md. Forhad Hossain, Kajla Seheli

Insecta Mundi

Tephritidae (Diptera) were sampled in Bangladesh between 2019 and 2023 by hand-collecting on bamboo shoots and using traps separately baited with 2-component BioLure (ammonium acetate and putrescine) or torula yeast. We report here results of our surveys that yielded 1,907 specimens of 20 species belonging to subfamilies or tribes other than Dacini. New species occurrence records for Bangladesh include Acroceratitis bimacula Hardy, A. parastriata David and Hancock, Galbifascia soalia (Séguy), and Xanthorrachis annandalei Bezzi (Dacinae, Gastrozonini), Felderimyia fuscipennis Hendel, Ptilona conformis Zia, and Tritaeniopteron tetraspilotum Hardy (Phytalminae, Acanthonevrini), Adrama apicalis Shiraki, Euphranta flavothoracica (David, Hancock and Sachin), and an …

First Record Of Molorchus Minor (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) In North America, Marc F. Digirolomo, Michael J. Bohne

Insecta Mundi

We report the first documented occurrence of the Palaearctic longhorn beetle Molorchus minor (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) based on specimens collected from bycatch of a bark and ambrosia beetle early detection trapping program in Massachusetts, USA. Diagnostic characters are discussed, and a modified key is presented to facilitate species identification of the genus in North America.

New Insights And Comparative Morphology Of The Rare Western Palearctic Species Ochodaeus Montanus Fuente, 1912, And Its Closest Relative, O. Inermis Reitter, 1893 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Ochodaeidae), Jean-Bernard Huchet, José Luis Lencina Gutierrez

Insecta Mundi

Abstract

The combined study of Ochodaeus montanus Fuente, 1912 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Ochodaeidae) type material and recently collected specimens from the southeastern Iberian Peninsula provided evidence for the description of new specific morphological characters, and to clarify recurring mistakes present in the literature. A comparative study between O. montanus and its closest representative, O. inermis Reitter, 1892, was completed. An updated distribution map of O. montanus as well as a bilingual identification key for the four taxa occurring within the Iberian Peninsula is given.

Resumen

El estudio combinado del material tipo de Ochodaeus montanus Fuente, 1912 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Ochodaeidae) …

Insects All Around Us: A Four-Session Bug Club Lesson Plan For Grades 3-5 Covering The Biology And Importance Of Insects In Nebraska, Carolyn Almonte

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Insects are often overlooked in science curricula when talking about conservation due to the surrounding fear and disgust regarding insects. This disgust not only permeates the mindsets of students, but also teachers, which leads to a hesitance to incorporate an insect-based curriculum or club into a lesson. In response to this, I have created a four-session club curriculum that can be used across four two hour long sessions spread out across four weeks. The goals of this club are: to explain the key traits of insects and arthropods, differentiating the two groups; to explain and define the basic stages of …

Determination Of A New Spring-Flying Species Of The Pterourus Glaucus Complex (Papilionidae) In Southern New England, Harry Pavulaan

The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey

The Pterourus glaucus complex in three southern New England states is analyzed for cryptic speciation. What was historically considered to be one species, P. glaucus (Linnaeus, 1758), was recently split to separate P. canadensis (Rothschild & Jordan, 1906) at species rank (Hagen et al., 1991). Additionally, P. appalachiensis Pavulaan & Wright, 2002, was described as an Appalachian Mountain endemic. The western member of the complex, P. rutulus (Lucas, 1852), has frequently been considered a subspecies of P. glaucus (Scott, 1986; Tyler, Brown & Wilson, 1994), as was P. alexiares (Höpffer, 1866) (Tyler, Brown & …

Significance Of Honeybee Pollination In Increasing Seed Yield Of Trifolium Alexandrinum (Fabales: Fabaceae) And Its Impact On Economic Sustainability Of Smallholder Farmers, Muhammad Shoaib Tufail, Gaye L. Krebs, Alison Southwell, John Piltz, Peter C. Wynn, David F. Cook

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

A major limitation to producing high seed yields in berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is failure to set seed, predominantly due to lack of pollination. Despite the importance of berseem clover as a leading forage legume, the contribution of pollinators to seed set is scarce. In Pakistan, the honeybee population is declining mainly because of the extensive use of neonicotinoid pesticides and habitat fragmentation. This, combined with the region’s harsh environment and the use of inferior, locally bred genotypes, has resulted in low seed yields. Insufficient seed availability leads to limited forage supply, resulting in poor livestock nutrition, which …

The Ladybug, Alexandra M. Brisson

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Artist Statement

The Ladybug is a piece inspired by my wide-eyed youth. As a child, I was in awe of the ladybug's (Coccinellidae) iconic red elytra adorned with their contrasting black spots. I was also told that encountering a ladybug meant good luck and to make a wish, which fueled my fascination. As I began studying biology, I discovered that they play a crucial ecological role as voracious predators of aphids and other plant pests. Their contribution to natural pest control underscores their importance in agriculture and ecosystem balance. Ladybugs are valued allies, not only in the eyes of sustainable …

Fire And Ant Interactions Mediated By Honeydew And Extrafloral Nectar In An Australian Tropical Savanna, Fernanda M. P. Oliveira, Carlos H. F Silva, Melinda L. Moir, Inara R. Leal, Alan N. Andersen

Natural Resources Research Articles

Fire is a major disturbance affecting ecosystems globally, but its impact on mutualisms has received minimal attention. Here, we use a long-term field experiment to investigate the impact of different fire regimes on globally important ant–honeydew and ant–extrafloral nectar (EFN) mutualistic interactions in an Australian tropical savanna. These interactions provide ants with a key energy source, while their plant and hemipteran hosts receive protection services. We examined ant interactions on species of Eucalyptus (lacking EFNs) and Acacia (with EFNs) in three replicate plots each of burning every 2 and 3 years early in the dry season, burning late in the …