Entomology Commons^™

New Records Of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) For Arkansas With A Synopsis Of Previous Records, Joe A. Macgown, Jovonn G. Hill, Michael Skvarla

Midsouth Entomologist

Ten new state records of Formicidae are reported for Arkansas including Camponotus obliquus Smith, Polyergus breviceps Emery, Proceratium crassicorne Emery, Pyramica metazytes Bolton, P. missouriensis (Smith), P. pulchella (Emery), P. talpa (Weber), Stenamma impar Forel, Temnothorax ambiguus (Emery), and T. texanus (Wheeler). A synopsis of previous records of ant species occurring in Arkansas is provided.

Bed Bugs (Cimex Lectularius L.) In Mississippi: Survey Of The Scope, Extent, And Control Of The Problem, J. Goddard

Midsouth Entomologist

Bed bugs are blood-sucking insects which had nearly disappeared in developed countries until fairly recently, when a dramatic increase and spread of the insects began in the 1980s. Since then, bed bugs increasingly have been reported inside U.S. hotel rooms, dormitories, and apartments. In this study, entomologists at the Mississippi Department of Health, as well as licensed pest control personnel throughout the state, were queried for information about the scope and extent of bed bug infestations throughout Mississippi for the time period from 1 September 2010 through 28 February 2011. In addition, pest management personnel were asked to provide information …

Ecology And Management Of The Woolly Whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), A New Invasive Citrus Pest In Ethiopia, Difabachew K. Belay, Abebe Zewdu, John E. Foster

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Distribution and importance of woolly whitefly (Aleurothrixus floccosus) (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), was studied in Ethiopia with an evaluation of treatments against it. Results showed that the pest is distributed in most citrus-growing parts of the country equally infesting all types of citrus crops. Only one pupal parasitoid, Amitus sp., was recorded at Melkaoba. During 2006–2007, eight treatments gave better control of woolly whitefly compared with the control: endod (Phytolacca dodecandra L’Herit) berry extract, white oil 80%, neem oil, omo detergent soap, band application of gasoline, cyhalothrin (karate) 5% EC, selecron (profenofos) 500 EC, and rimon (novaluron) 10 EC. …

Zoos As Experiment Environments: Biology Of Larval And Adult Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), Holly Tuten

All Dissertations

Zoos are a unique environment where humans and animals are in close daily contact, potential mosquito habitats exist, exotic plants and animals are introduced regularly, and wild animals roam. Studies of mosquito behaviors in zoos will lead to a better understanding, both within and outside zoos, of disease transmission routes and mosquito biology. To investigate whether the unique assemblage of habitats in zoos affects mosquito behavior, I sampled larvae and adults in the Greenville Zoo and the Riverbanks Zoo, South Carolina, USA, from March 2008 to January 2011. The objectives of my study were to investigate mosquito oviposition behavior, blood-host …

Beneficial True Bugs: Damsel Bugs, Ricardo Ramirez, Ron Patterson

All Current Publications

Predatory insects can provide natural pest control by eating unwanted pests. This beneficial service is known as biological control. Predatory insects are one factor that maintains pest populations at non-damaging levels. By conserving and encouraging predatory insect populations, plants can be protected from pest attack and excessive damage.

European Earwig (Forficula Auricularia), Diane G. Alston, Andrew Tebeau

All Current Publications

The European earwig (Order Dermaptera, which means “skin wings” to describe their leathery wings) (Fig. 1) is native to Europe, western Asia, and parts of Africa. The common name “earwig” comes from a myth that the insect would climb into the ears of humans and chew into the brain, but this is false. The European earwig was first introduced into Utah in the early 1900s. Establishment and population growth have been remarkably successful in northern Utah.

Ozark Highland Cunaxidae (Acari: Prostigmata): Descriptions And Keys To Genera Found To Occur In The Region And A New Phylogenetic Hypothesis For The Family, Michael Joseph Skvarla

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fourteen genera of Cunaxidae (Acari: Prostigmata) are reported from the Ozark Highlands for the first time. Descriptions, diagnoses, and illustrated keys to genera and world species are given. Five new species are described and illustrated and an additional 6 known species are recorded from the region. The first rigorous phylogenetic hypothesis for Cunaxidae is presented. Based on morphology, it suggests the current subfamilial classification scheme does not reflect the evolutionary history of the family. Unfortunately, bootstrap values and resolution are low, suggesting the need for further indepth molecular analyses.

Genetic Variability Of The Stable Fly, Stomoxys Calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) Assessed On A Global Scale Using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism, Kathleen M. Kneeland

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, is a cosmopolitan pest of livestock and humans. It is a major pest in livestock facilities, where exist excellent breeding sites such as spilled feed mixed with manure. The pestiferous nature and painful bite cause stress to cattle and other animals. Cattle perform avoidance behaviors such as bunching together, standing in water, tail swishing, ear flicking and leg stamping. The stress and avoidance behaviors result in reductions in weight gain or milk production, with an estimated annual economic loss of > $1billion. Therefore, the development of more efficient control methods would benefit the global economy, …

Development Of Environmental Tools For Anopheline Larval Control, Susan S. Imbahale, Collins K. Mweresa, Willem Takken, Wolfgang R. Mukabana

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Malaria mosquitoes spend a considerable part of their life in the aquatic stage, rendering them vulnerable to interventions directed to aquatic habitats. Recent successes of mosquito larval control have been reported using environmental and biological tools. Here, we report the effects of shading by plants and biological control agents on the development and survival of anopheline and culicine mosquito larvae in man-made natural habitats in western Kenya. Trials consisted of environmental manipulation using locally available plants, the introduction of predatory fish and/or the use of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) in various combinations. Results: Man-made habitats provided with shade …

Nebline, July 2011

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Urban Agriculture is a Growing Trend

Farm Views

Horticulture

Food & Fitness

Home & Family Living

Environmental Focus

Urban Agriculture

4-H & Youth

Community Focus

Extension Calendar

Nutrition Education Program

Family and Community Education (FCE) Clubs

and other extension news and events

Frequency Of Extended Diapause In Nebraska Populations Of Diabrotica Barberi Smith And Lawrence, Ryan W. Geisert

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study was conducted to measure the frequency of extended diapause in populations of the northern corn rootworm, Diabrotica barberi Smith and Lawrence from eastern Nebraska. Adult D. barberi collections were made during late summer 2008 and 2009 from eight sites each year (seven sites were consistent over years). Eggs were obtained from 12-20 females per site and were held on moist soil under appropriate temperature profiles to facilitate egg survival, diapause development, and diapause termination within and among years. Percentage egg hatch was recorded after the first and second year for the 2008 collection and after the first year …

General Concepts Of Biological Control, Diane G. Alston

All Current Publications

“Balance of Nature.” Virtually all pest populations are affected by natural enemies to some extent. In many cases, natural enemies are the primary regulating force of the pest populations. Natural controls include effects of natural enemies (predators, parasites, pathogens), other biotic (living) factors such as food availability and competition, and abiotic (non-living) factors such as weather and soil

Important Components Of A Successful Pest Management Program, Diane G. Alston

All Current Publications

Before deciding to take any pest control action, be sure you have correctly identified the pest (insect, mite, disease, weed, vertebrate, etc.). Proper pest identification is essential for determining if control is necessary and for selection of the best suited control options.

Ultra-Prolonged Activation Of Co2-Sensing Neurons Disorients Mosquitoes, Stephanie Lynn Turner, Nan Li, Tom Guda, John Githure, Ring T. Cardé, Anandasankar Ray

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Carbon dioxide (CO2) present in exhaled air is the most important sensory cue for female blood-feeding mosquitoes, causing activation of long-distance host-seeking flight, navigation towards the vertebrate host 1 and, in the case of Aedes aegypti, increased sensitivity to skin odours2. The CO2 detection machinery is therefore an ideal target to disrupt host seeking. Here we use electrophysiological assays to identify a volatile odorant that causes an unusual, ultra-prolonged activation of CO2-detecting neurons in three major disease-transmitting mosquitoes: Anopheles gambiae, Culex quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti. Importantly, ultra-prolonged activation of these neurons severely compromises their ability subsequently to detect CO2 for …

Hexapod Herald - Vol. 23, No. 4, June 2011

Hexapod Herald and Other Entomology Department Newsletters

Welcome

Congratulations

Publications

Grants

Meet and Off-Campus Student

Travel

Student News

Condolences

Nebline, June 2011

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Lower Platte South Natural Resources District Trails in Lancaster County Offer Recreation & Education

Farm Views

Horticulture

Food & Fitness

Home & Family Living

Environmental Focus

Urban Agriculture

4-H & Youth

Community Focus

Extension Calendar

Nutrition Education Program

Family and Community Education (FCE) Clubs

and other extension news and events

Wide-Scale Application Of Bti/Bs Biolarvicide In Different Aquatic Habitat Types In Urban And Peri-Urban Malindi, Kenya, Joseph M. Mwangangi, Samuel C. Kahindi, Lydiah W. Kibe, Joseph G. Nzovu, Peter Luethy, John I. Githure, Charles M. Mbogo

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Larval control is a major component in mosquito control programs. This study evaluated the wide-scale application of Bti/Bs biolarvicide (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis [Bti] and Bacillus sphaericus [Bs]) in different aquatic habitats in urban and peri-urban Malindi, Kenya. This study was done from June 2006 to December 2007. The urban and peri-urban area of Malindi town was mapped and categorized in grid cells of 1 km2. A total of 16 1-km2 cells were selected based on presence Community Based Organization dealing with malaria control within the cells. Each of the 16 1-km2 cells was thoroughly searched for the presence of …

Study On Weight Loss And Moisture Regain Of Silk Cocoon Shells And Degummed Fibers From African Wild Silkmoths, Addis Teshome, S. K. Raina, F. Vollrath, J. M. Kabaru, J. Onyari, E. K. Nguku

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

A study was conducted to determine weight loss and moisture regain properties of silk cocoon shells, shell layers and degummed fibers of the four African wild silkmoths Anaphe panda, Argema mimosae, Epiphora bauhiniae and Gonometa postica and compare with the industry standard mulberry silkmoth, Bombyx mori. No. significant difference was observed between the moisture regain of the wild silk fibers after degumming. However, there were significant differences in weight loss and moisture regain between cocoon shells as well as shell layers. E. bauhiniae had the lowest weight loss and moisture regain of 23.19 and 5.64%, respectively while G. postica had …

Phylogenetics, Species Boundaries And Timing Of Resource Tracking In A Highly Specialized Group Of Seed Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), Gael J. Kergoat, Bruno P. Le Ru, Gwenaelle Genson, Corinne Cruaud, Arnaud Couloux, Alex Delobel

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Though for a long time it was hypothesized that the extraordinary diversity of phytophagous insects was better explained by a synchronous pattern of co-diversification with plants, the results of recent studies have led to question this theory, suggesting that the diversification of insects occurred well after that of their hosts. In this study we address this issue by investigating the timing of diversification of a highly specialized group of seed beetles, which mostly feeds on legume plants from the tribe Indigofereae. To that purpose, a total of 130 specimens were sequenced for six genes and analyzed under a Bayesian phylogenetic …

La Producción De La Calabaza De Verano Dentro Del Túnel Alto, Dan Drost

All Current Publications

Se puede cultivar con éxito la calabaza de verano en el túnel alto y puede ser un cultivo vegetativo valioso que diversifica las operaciones agrícolas de tamaño pequeño y de tiempo parcial. El cultivo de la calabaza de verano en el túnel alto hace posible la producción del cultivo unas 4 a 6 semanas antes de y 6 semanas después de las calabazas cultivadas al aire libre. Al añadir su producción a la de otras verduras en el túnel alto, la calabaza de verano aumentará las oportunidades del marketing, mejorará el flujo de fondos y complementará otros cultivos del túnel …

Induced Resistance Studied In Maize With The Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) And The Chemical Inducer Actigard, Stephen D. Danielson

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Induced resistance has been defined as the "qualitative or quantitative enhancement of a plant's defense mechanisms against pests in response to extrinsic physical or chemical stimuli." (Kogan and Paxton, 1983). Physical stimuli can include infection by a pathogenic organism (Jorgensen et al, 1996; Morris et al, 1998) and feeding by insects (Felton and Eichenseer, 1999). Chemical stimuli include such organic compounds as salicylic acid (Hammerschmidt and Smith-Becker, 1999), jasmonic acid (Staswick and Lehman, 1999), and the commercially available Actigard® 50WG (Tally et al., 1999) (Syngenta Crop Protection, P.O. Box 18300, Greensboro, NC 27419). Actigard® 50WG is registered in the U.S. …

Los Cocoideos (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea) Presentes En La Cordillera De Guaniguanico, Pinar Del Río, Cuba, Y La Relación Con Sus Hospedantes, Nereida Mestre Novoa, Avas Hamon, Greg Evans, Takumasa Kondo, Pedro Herrera Oliver, Arturo Hernández Marrero, Ana Abraham Alonso

Insecta Mundi

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar las especies de cocoideos (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea) presentes en Sierra del Rosario y Sierra de los Órganos, Cordillera de Guaniguanico, provincia de Pinar del Río; así como, obtener la relación de sus plantas hospedantes. Se revisaron las Colecciones Zoológicas del Instituto de Ecología y Sistemática (CZACC), Cuba, las publicaciones cubanas sobre cocoideos y ScaleNet, que es una base de datos de los cocoideos del mundo. Se realizó una representación cartográfica de las localidades de recolección sobre un mapa a escala de 1:250000, utilizando el programa MapInfo Professional Versión 4.5. Se hallaron 53 especies …

A New Species Of Parochodaeus Nikolajev From The Southwestern United States (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Ochodaeidae, M. J. Paulsen

Insecta Mundi

A new species of Parochodaeus Nikolajev (Scarabaeoidea: Ochodaeidae) with extremely small adults is described from west Texas, P. pixius Paulsen. The species is compared with the sympatric P. biarmatus (LeConte), to which it is most similar in size.

Antlions Of Hispaniola (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae), Robert B. Miller, Lionel A. Stange

Insecta Mundi

Twelve extant species of antlions are known from Hispaniola including four new species (Eremoleon petrophila, Eremoleon phasma, Purenleon nunezi, Purenleon woodruffi) and one new genus (Peruveleon). Five New World species are transferred into Peruveleon resulting in new combinations: Peruveleon bruneri (Alayo), Peruveleon camposi (Banks), Peruveleon dolichogaster (Navás), Peruveleon dorsalis (Banks), Peruveleon indiges (Walker). Vella fallax haitiensis Smith is considered a new synonym of Vella eggerti Esben-Petersen. Descriptions and records for the species are provided as well as keys to the adults and larvae. The larvae of eleven species were found and reared.  

Resumen. Se documentan …

Additions To The Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) Of The Cayman Islands, J. H. Frank, J. Klimaszewski, D. S. Chandler

Insecta Mundi

In 1947, 20 species of Staphylinidae were reported from the Cayman Islands as a result of an Oxford University expedition there in 1938 which made extensive use of a light trap. The list is here expanded to 62 spe­cies based on collections by R. R. Askew, G. E. Ball, E. A. Dilbert, B. K. Dozier, E. J. Gerberg, P. J. Fitzgerald, M. C. Thomas, and R. H. Turnbow since 1970, all of whom also used light traps except for a collection or two by flight intercept trap.

Fitness Of Diabrotica Barberi, Diabrotica Longicornis, And Their Hybrids (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Laura A. Campbell, Lance J. Meinke

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Diabrotica barberi Smith & Lawrence, the northern corn rootworm, and Diabrotica longicornis (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), are currently recognized as closely related chrysomelid species. Hybridization has been proposed to occur between them, although the viability of hybrids has never been tested. The objective of this study was to assess life-history parameters of D. barberi,D. longicornis, and their hybrids under laboratory conditions to examine the potential for field hybridization. D. barberi and D. longicornis were collected in allopatry and were used to create lab colonies. Parental species were crossed to obtain F1 hybrids, F2 hybrids, and backcrosses to either parental species. …

Plasmodium Falciparum Transmission And Aridity: A Kenyan Experience From The Dry Lands Of Baringo And Its Implications For Anopheles Arabiensis Control, Albert O. Mala, Lucy W. Irungu, Josephat I. Shililu, Ephantus J. Muturi, Charles M. Mbogo, Joseph K. Njagi, Wolfgang R. Mukabana, John I. Githure

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: The ecology of malaria vectors particularly in semi-arid areas of Africa is poorly understood. Accurate knowledge on this subject will boost current efforts to reduce the burden of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to describe the dynamics of malaria transmission in two model semi-arid sites (Kamarimar and Tirion) in Baringo in Kenya. Methods: Adult mosquitoes were collected indoors by pyrethrum spray collections (PSC) and outdoors by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps and identified to species by morphological characteristics. Sibling species of Anopheles gambiae complex were further characterized by rDNA. PCR and enzyme-linked …

Population Dynamics Of Stored-Product Insects At A Rice Mill In Northeast Arkansas, Amanda Lea White

Student Theses and Dissertations

The flight activity, seasonal and spatial distributions, and effects of fumigations on the lesser grain borer [Rhyzopertha dominica (F.)], warehouse beetle [Trogoderma variabile (Ballion)], cigarette beetle [Lasioderma serricorne (F.)], and Indianmeal moth [Plodia interpunctella (Hûbner)] were examined at a rice mill in Northeast Arkansas from June 2008 to October 2010. Stored-product insect activity was monitored using pheromone-baited glue traps (N = 99) on the exterior walls or fences around the perimeter and each major building of interest on the property. The warehouse beetle was the most abundant species which comprised 72.3% of all stored-product insects captured. The warehouse beetle showed …

Heartworm In Canines: Trends In Rhode Island Shelter Populations, Kelsey L. Mckenna

Senior Honors Projects

Heartworm in Canines

Kelsey McKenna

Faculty Sponsor: Darlene Jones, DVM, Animal Science

Each year thousands of dogs in the United States become infected with heartworm, which is caused by Dirofilaria immitis. D. immitis is a parasite that is transmitted to dogs via a bite by an infected mosquito. Nine of the seventy competent mosquito species reside in Rhode Island. The true incidence of D. immitis is unknown. Current incidence maps are derived from data generated at veterinary clinics and do not include shelter dogs. The objective of this study is twofold: to determine the prevalence of D. immitis in …

Nebline, May 2011

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Nature, Gardening & Science Come Together in the Butterfly Garden

Farm Views

Horticulture

Food & Fitness

Home & Family Living

Environmental Focus

Urban Agriculture

4-H & Youth

Community Focus

Extension Calendar

Nutrition Education Program

Family and Community Education (FCE) Clubs

and other extension news and events