Entomology Commons^™

Genetic Variation And Inheritance Of Diapause Induction In Two Distinct Voltine Ecotypes Of Ostrinia Nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Cengis Ikten, Steven R. Skoda, Thomas E. Hunt, Jaime Molina-Ochoa, John E. Foster

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), displays a larval diapause in response to short photoperiods and is adapted to a variety of local conditions throughout North America. Hence, the effective photoperiod inducing larval diapause will differ among geographic ecotypes. This study considers the inheritance of photoperiodic larval diapause induction by hybridization and backcrossing two latitudinally distinct ecotypes of the European corn borer collected between 41° N, 96° W and 48° N, 96° W and under a range of photoperiods representative of their respective locations: from 14:10 to 16:8 (L:D) h. The ecotype adapted to a bivoltine habitat (southeastern …

Field Introgression Of Diabrotica Barberi And Diabrotica Longicornis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Based On Genetic And Morphological Characters, Laura A. Campbell, Thomas L. Clark, Pete L. Clark, Lance Meinke, John E. Foster

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Diabrotica barberi Smith & Lawrence and Diabrotica longicornis (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are considered to be sister species, and it has been proposed that the two species may hybridize under field conditions. The objective of this study was to examine genetic and morphological characters of D. barberi and D. longicornis for evidence of field introgression. Both species were collected from sympatric and allopatric areas. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms and morphological characters (color and head capsule width) were used to examine variation within and among populations of D. barberi and D. longicornis. Relatively little of the overall …

Evaluation Of Buffalograss Leaf Pubescence And Its Effect On Resistance To Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), Jennifer M. Johnson-Cicalese, Frederick P. Baxendale, Terrance P. Riordan, Tiffany Heng-Moss, Lisa Baird

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Considerable progress has been made in improving the turfgrass characteristics of buffalograss, Buchloë dactyloides (Nutt) Engelm, a native North American grass species with low maintenance requirements (Riordan et al., 1993). Two mealybugs, Tridiscus sporoboli (Cockerell) and Trionymus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) have emerged as buffalograss pests (Baxendale et al., 1994). Mealybugs have been associated with buffalograss stands throughout Nebraska (Baxendale et al., 1994), as well as in Texas and Arizona. Unfortunately, the Pseudococcidae are poorly described and species identification requires extensive specimen preparation (Ferris, 1950, 1953). Buffalograss mealybugs have an oblong, pale purple-grey, membranous body, ranging in length from 0.2 …

Contact And Fumigant Toxicity Of A Botanical-Based Feeding Deterrent Of The Stable Fly, Stomoxys Calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae), Junwei J. Zhu, Andrew Y. Li, Sara Pritchard, Khanobporn Tangtrakulwanich, Frederick P. Baxendale, Gary Brewer

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), has been considered one of the most serious biting flies of confined and pastured livestock. The economic losses caused by the stable fly to the cattle industry in the United States exceed $2 billion annually. Current practices for managing stable flies using insecticides provide only marginal control. Insecticide resistance has also been recently reported in stable flies. The present study reports the use of plant-based insecticides, for example, essential oils, as alternatives for managing this fly pest. The toxicity of several plant essential oils and selected ingredient compounds was evaluated by contact and fumigant …

A Single Major Qtl Controls Expression Of Larval Cry1f Resistance Trait In Ostrinia Nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) And Is Independent Of Midgut Receptor Genes, Brad S. Coates, Douglas V. Sumerford, Miriam D. Lopez, Haichuan Wang, Lisa M. Fraser, Jeremy A. Kroemer, Terrence Spencer, Kyung S. Kim, Craig A. Abel, Richard L. Hellmich, Blair D. Siegfried

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an introduced crop pest in North America that causes major damage to corn and reduces yield of food, feed, and biofuel materials. The Cry1F toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) expressed in transgenic hybrid corn is highly toxic to O. nubilalis larvae and effective in minimizing feeding damage. A laboratory colony of O. nubilalis was selected for high levels of Cry1F resistance ([12,000-fold compared to susceptible larvae) and is capable of survival on transgenic hybrid corn. Genetic linkage maps with segregating AFLP markers show that the Cry1F resistance trait is controlled by …

Comparative Susceptibility Of Ostrinia Furnacalis, Ostrinia Nubilalis, And Diatraea Saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) To Bacillus Thuringiensis Cry1 Toxins, S. Y. Tan, B. F. Cayabyab, E. P. Alcantara, Y. B. Ibrahim, Fangneng Huang, Erin E. Blankenship, Blair D. Siegfried

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Transgenic corn hybrids that express toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are highly effective against the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), and the closely related Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Since the registration of Bt corn hybrids in the U.S. in 1996, there has been a great deal of information generated on O. nubilalis. However, relatively little information exists for O. furnacalis. To help determine whether the information generated for O. nubilalis can be leveraged for decisions regarding the use of transgenic Bt corn against O. furnacalis, experiments were designed to determine whether the pattern of sensitivity …

Characterization Of Olfactory Sensilla Of Stomoxys Calcitrans And Electrophysiological Responses To Odorant Compounds Associated With Hosts And Oviposition Media, K. Tangtrakulwanich, Han Chen, Frederick P. Baxendale, Gary J. Brewer, J. J. Zhu

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae), are economically important biting flies that have caused billions of dollars in losses in the livestock industry. Field monitoring studies have indicated that olfaction plays an important role in host location. To further our understanding of stable fly olfaction, we examined the antennal morphology of adults using scanning electron microscopy techniques. Four major types of sensillum were found and classified as: (a) basiconic sensilla; (b) trichoid sensilla with three subtypes; (c) clavate sensilla, and (d) coeloconic sensilla. No significant differences between male and female flies in abundances (total numbers) of these sensillum types …

Identification Of A Novel Aminopeptidase P-Like Gene (Onapp) Possibly Involved In Bt Toxicity And Resistance In A Major Corn Pest (Ostrinia Nubilalis), Chitvan Khajuria, Lawrent L. Buschman, Ming-Shun Chen, Blair D. Siegfried, Kun Yan Zhu

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Studies to understand the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) resistance mechanism in European corn borer (ECB, Ostrinia nubilalis) suggest that resistance may be due to changes in the midgut-specific Bt toxin receptor. In this study, we identified 10 aminopeptidase-like genes, which have previously been identified as putative Bt toxin receptors in other insects and examined their expression in relation to Cry1Ab toxicity and resistance. Expression analysis for the 10 aminopeptidase-like genes revealed that most of these genes were expressed predominantly in the larval midgut, but there was no difference in the expression of these genes in Cry1Ab resistant and susceptible strains. …

Interactions Of Transgenic Bacillus Thuringiensis Insecticidal Crops With Spiders (Araneae), Julie A. Peterson, Jonathan Lundgren, James D. Harwood

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Genetically modified crops expressing insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have dramatically increased in acreage since their introduction in the mid-1990’s. Although the insecticidal mechanisms of Bt target specific pests, concerns persist regarding direct and indirect effects on non-target organisms. In the field, spiders may be exposed to Bt toxins via multiple routes, including phytophagy and pollenivory, consumption of Bt-containing prey, and soil exudates in the detrital food web. Beyond direct toxicity, Bt crops may also have indirect impacts, including pleiotropic and preymediated effects. Here, we comprehensively review the literature and use meta-analyses to reveal that foliar spider abundance is …

Environmental Impact And Cost Benefit Analysis Of Biological Control Application, Jaime Molina-Ochoa, John E. Foster

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The implications and interactions of the application of biological control agents in the environment, as well as the risks included by the introduction of exotic natural enemies are briefly reviewed. Description of the role of resistance or quality of the host plant to insect pests, and their interaction with biocontrol agents is provided. A need to increase applications or find new alternatives and environmental impact towards non target insects, and the real cost of its use against the benefits is discussed.

Male Field Crickets Infested By Parasitoid Flies Express Phenotypes That May Benefit The Parasitoids, Oliver M. Beckers, William E. Wagner

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Parasites can cause changes in the phenotypes of their hosts that may benefit the parasite, the host, or both. To understand the evolutionary dynamics of host–parasite interactions it is necessary to first examine the effect of parasitic infestation on the host phenotype and whether the host or parasite benefits from these changes. The fly Ormia ochracea parasitizes the variable field cricket, Gryllus lineaticeps, and it uses male song to locate hosts for its lethal larvae. Adult flies preferentially orient to male songs with faster and longer chirps. We tested the effect of larval infestation on two types of host traits. …

Ixodes Affinis (Acari: Ixodidae) In Southeastern Virginia And Implications For The Spread Of Borrelia Burgdorferi, The Agent Of Lyme Disease, Robyn M. Nadolny, Chelsea L. Wright, Wayne L. Hynes, Daniel E. Sonenshine, Holly Gaff

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Ixodes affinis Neumann is a hard-bodied (ixodid) tick known to be a competent vector for Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, and agents of other human diseases (Keirans et al. 1999). Ixodes affinis has been reported in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina and throughout coastal North Carolina (Clark et al. 1998, Harrison et al. 2010). Harrison et al. (2010) indicated that I. affinis was established throughout the coastal plain of North Carolina up to the Virginia border and suggested that I. affinis might occur in Virginia.

Phylogeographic Structure Of Teretrius Nigrescens (Coleoptera: Histeridae) Predator Of The Invasive Post Harvest Pest Prostephanus Truncatus (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)., B. A. Omondi, J. Van Den Berg, D. Masiga, F. Schulthess

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The invasive larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) is the most important pest of farm-stored maize in Africa. It was introduced into the continent from Mesoamerica in the late 1970s and by 2008 had spread to at least 18 countries. Classical biological control using two populations of the predator Teretrius nigrescens Lewis achieved long-term and cost effective control in warm-humid areas, but not in cool and hot-dry zones. The present study investigated the phylogenetic relationships between geographical populations of the predator. Ten populations of T. nigrescens were studied using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR), sequence analysis of …

Parasitism Of Lepidopterous Stem Borers In Cultivated And Natural Habitats, Duna Madu Mailafiya, Bruno Pierre Le Ru, Eunice Waitherero Kairu, Stéphane Dupas, Paul-André Calatayud

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Plant infestation, stem borer density, parasitism, and parasitoid abundance were assessed during two years in two host plants, Zea mays (L.) (Cyperales: Poaceae) and Sorghum bicolor (L.) (Cyperales: Poaceae), in cultivated habitats. The four major host plants (Cyperus spp., Panicum spp., Pennisetum spp., and Sorghum spp.) found in natural habitats were also assessed, and both the cultivated and natural habitat species occurred in four agroecological zones in Kenya. Across habitats, plant infestation (23.2%), stem borer density (2.2 per plant), and larval parasitism (15.0%) were highest in maize in cultivated habitats. Pupal parasitism was not higher than 4.7% in both habitats, …

Dissemination Of Entomopathogenic Fungi Using Busseola Fusca Male As Vector, Nguya K. Maniania, Elizabeth Ouna, Peter Ahuya, Brigitte Frérot, Anne Emmanuelle Félix, Bruno Le Ru, Paul André Calatayud

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The stem borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller), is an important pest of maize Zea mays L. and sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) in eastern and southern Africa. To control this pest, biological control methods including the use of entomopathogenic fungi are being considered. The pathogenicity of one isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. and one isolate of Beauveria bassiana Bals. (Vuill.) were first tested on different developmental stages of B. fusca including eggs, neonate, 2nd and 3rd-instar larvae. Both fungal isolates were pathogenic to all the stages tested. However, differences in mortality were observed among larvae that hatched from treated egg masses. …

Oviposition Preferences Of The African Wild Silkmoth, Gonometa Postica Walker (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) On Different Substrates, Ken O. Fening, Esther N. Kioko, Jones M. Mueke, Suresh K. Raina

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Gonometa postica Walker (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) is currently being utilised for commercial wild silk production in Eastern Kenya. The oviposition preferences of female G. postica on four substrates in a net-sleeved cage was studied in the laboratory in the long and short rainy seasons in 2007 for two generations, i. e. early (late March to April) and late flights (late September to October) of the moth. The first generation moths laid the highest number of eggs on net sleeves followed by plastic pot, twigs and wooden plank, whereas the second generation moths preferred wooden plank and net sleeves over the plastic …

Evaluation Of Species Distribution Model Algorithms For Fine-Scale Container-Breeding Mosquito Risk Prediction, C. Khatchikian, Florencia Sangermano, D. Kendell, T. Livdahl

Geography

The present work evaluates the use of species distribution model (SDM) algorithms to classify high densities of small container-breeding Aedes mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) on a fine scale in the Bermuda Islands. Weekly ovitrap data collected by the Department of Health, Bermuda for the years 2006 and 2007 were used for the models. The models evaluated included the algorithms Bioclim, Domain, GARP (genetic algorithm for rule-set prediction), logistic regression and MaxEnt (maximum entropy). Models were evaluated according to performance and robustness. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate each model's performance, and robustness was assessed according …

Biological Control Of The Black Cutworm, Agrotis Ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), And Endophyte Mediated Tritrophic Interactions In Turfgrass, Andrea Jeanne Bixby-Brosi

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Components of successful pest management programs must be complementary and not antagonistic. This project examined interactions between natural enemies of the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), an important turfgrass pest, and host plant resistance by endophytic grass.

Agrotis ipsilon nucleopolyhedrovirus (AgipMNPV) was examined as a bio-insecticide for controlling A. ipsilon in turfgrass. Fresh (1-week-old) AgipMNPV residues killed 76−86% of neonates hatching from eggs on golf course tees, however, residual control of implanted larvae lasted no more than a few weeks. Combinations of AgipMNPV with adjuvants, such as optical brightener and lignin, failed to accelerate or extend …

A Taxonomic Revision Of The New World Hypoponera Santschi, 1938 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Shawn Thomas Dash

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The New World taxa of the pantropic ant genus Hypoponera (Ponerinae: Ponerini) is revised for the first time. The 55 previously recognized taxa have been evaluated using morphological and, when possible, ecological and biogeographical data to resolve taxon validity and species limits. Currently I recognize 42 species of Hypoponera , a number of which are new. I propose the following taxonomic outline: Hypoponera agilis (Borgmeier), Hypoponera aliena (F. Smith), Hypoponera antoniensis (Forel) stat. nov., Hypoponera apateae sp. nov., Hypoponera capilosa sp. nov., Hypoponera clinei sp. nov., Hypoponera clavatula (Emery) [= fiebrigi (Forel) syn. nov., = neglecta (Santschi) syn. nov.], Hypoponera …

Lack Of Rhythmicity In The Honey Bee Queen: An Investigation Of Temporal Behavioral Patterns In Apis Mellifera Ligustica., Jennifer N. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Little is known about the behavioral patterns of honey bee queens. To determine if mated honey bee queens possess diel rhythmicity in behavior, we observed them in glass-sided observation hives using three types of observation regimes: focal studies consisting of 2-hour and 24-hour continuous observations as well as scan-sampling of multiple queens. All behaviors (active: walking, inspecting, egg-laying, begging for food, feeding, and grooming self; inactive: standing) occurred at all times of day and night, but no queen showed consistent diel rhythmicity in any of the individual behaviors. There were no consistent diel differences in active versus inactive behaviors or …

Control Of Cuticle Sclerotization In Two Species Of Tsetse Fly Larvae (Diptera: Glossinidae), David L. Whitehead

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The presence of ecdysteroids during the larval life cycle and in the abdomens and ovaries of pregnant tsetse flies was established using radioimmunoassay. The hormone titre rises on day 9 of the larval life cycle 2-3 days after the hardening of the polypneustic lobes, mouthparts, phragma and anus. How initiation of tanning of the cuticle of the polypneustic lobes and later the puparium of tsetse fly is regulated is discussed as these events are separated in time by several days. It would seem to be unlikely that the pyrokinin neuropeptide, which is responsible for initiating the events that lead up …

A Re-Examination Of Diplectrona Modesta Banks 1908 (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) Using Morphological And Molecular Techniques, Lauren Harvey

All Theses

Diplectrona modesta Banks 1908 (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) is a common inhabitant of streams across eastern North America. This species is well known and used often in biomonitoring studies. Experts in the field have long noted the morphological variation in larval head color and patterns as well as the species presence in many different types of habitats, such as springs, seeps, streams, and some small rivers. This study examines the species both morphologically and molecularly using mitochondrial and nuclear genes in order to determine if the species is a complex of several species or one highly variable species. DNA sequencing using the …

The Role Of Peroxidase In The Defense Response Of Buffalograss To Chinch Bugs, Anh Hoang

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In recent years, buffalograss, Buchloë dactyloides (Nuttall) Engelmann has gained popularity as a turfgrass because of its low maintenance requirement, drought tolerance, and limited pests and diseases. Within the last decade, however, the western chinch bug Blissus occiduus Barber has emerged as important pest of buffalograss. Considerable progress has been made toward identifying buffalograsses with resistance to the western chinch bug and understanding the mechanisms of the resistance. It has been hypothesized that chinch bug-resistant buffalograsses can effectively detoxify the elevated levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) through enhanced activity of ROS-scavenging enzymes, while ROS accumulates in the susceptible plants …

Systematics And Molecular Phylogeny Of Two African Stem Borer Genera, Sciomesa Tams & Bowden And Carelis Bowden (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), P. Moyal, B. Le Ru, D. Conlong, D. Cugala, B. Defabachew, T. Matama-Kauma, B. Pallangyo, J. Van Den Berg

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Currently, the systematics of the African noctuid stem borers of the subtribe Sesamiina, which include major pests of cereals, is confused. In addition, their ecology is poorly known, as are the factors influencing their evolution. In this paper, we address these shortcomings for two genera of the Sesamiina, Sciomesa Tams & Bowden and Carelis Bowden. Mixed Bayesian phylogenetic analysis, which included their host plants and two mitochondrial genes, showed the genus Sciomesa to be polyphyletic. Two new genera were created, Pirateolea and Feraxinia. The genus Carelis proved to be paraphyletic and was subdivided into two sub-genera. The genera Sciomesa, Carelis …

Historical Biogeography Of Velvet Ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) In The North American Deserts And Arid Lands, Joseph S. Wilson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

For centuries, scientists have been intrigued by the high amount of biodiversity that is found in the deserts of North America. Recently, several studies have investigated the causes of the high diversity found in desert-dwelling mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. These studies have found that many of these organisms seem to have diversified in response to the same historical events. Little work has been done, however, on diverse desert-dwelling insect groups. In this dissertation, I investigate the patterns of genetic diversity in four groups of nocturnal wasps called velvet ants. I compare the patterns of genetic diversity to the historical events …

Cell Lines Having Enhanced Cell Longevity And Protein Expression, Bruce Allen Webb, Jeremy Kroemer

Entomology Faculty Patents

It is the object of the current invention to provide methods and compositions relating to the expression of vankyrin proteins in cell lines to increase their viability, longevity and capacity for protein production. The inventors have discovered that the expression of P-ank-1 and I²-ank-3 proteins in cell culture has increased the cells' longevity and capacity for endogenous and/or heterologous target protein production. Specifically, the present invention relates to the enhanced expression of endogenous and/or heterologous target proteins/polypeptides in recombinant cells that are also expressing P-ank-1 and/or I²-ank-3 protein compared to expression host cells that are not …

Nebline, November/December 2010

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Garbology 4-H School Enrichment

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

Africanized Honey Bee, Erin W. Hodgson, Cory A. Stanley, Alan H. Roe, Danielle Downey

All Current Publications

African honey bees (Apis mellifera scutellata) are native to sub-Saharan Africa and were introduced in the Americas to improve honey production in the tropics. These African honey bees were accidentally released and began to interbreed with European honey bees (Apis mellifera ligustica), the most common subspecies used for pollination and honey production in the United States (Fig. 1). As a result, the hybrid offspring are called “Africanized” because of their shared characteristics. Africanized honey bees are about the same size, shape and color as European honey bees (Fig. 2), and a genetic analysis must be used to distinguish one from …

A Taxonomic Revision Of Camptocerus Dejean (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), Sarah M. Smith, Anthony I. Cognato

Insecta Mundi

The Neotropical ambrosia beetle genus Camptocerus Dejean was revised. Monophyly of the genus was tested using 66 morphological characters in a cladistic analysis. Camptocerus was recovered as monophyletic and 31 species were recognized. Six new synonyms were discovered: C. auricomus Blandford 1896 (= C. striatulus Hagedorn 1905), C. inoblitus (Schedl) 1939 (= C. morio (Schedl) 1952), C. niger (Fabricius) 1801 (= C. tectus Eggers 1943), C. opacicollis (Eggers) 1929 (= C. infidelis Wood 1969; = C. uniseriatus Schedl 1972), C. suturalis (Fabricius) 1801 (= C. cinctus Chapuis 1869). Two species were removed from synonymy: C. charpentierae Schedl and C. hirtipennis …

Biological Control Of Rubber Tree Lace Bug By Endophytic Parasitoid In Brazil, Rodrigo Souza Santos Rss

Entomology Papers from Other Sources

The rubber tree is a plant cultivated with the purpose of extraction of the natural rubber (latex), being an important segment of the Brazil economy. Among the main curses that attack the culture, he stands out the tingid, Leptopharsa heveae Drake & Poor (Hemiptera: Tingidae) and among their main natural enemies they stand out the lace wings, the mushroom Sporothrix insectorum and the egg parasitoid Erythmelus tingitiphagus (Soares) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae). The objective of the work was to report the potential of this natural enemy use, as auxiliary in programs of integrated handling of this pest of rubber plantations. The study …