Entomology Commons^™

Lilac-Ash Borer, Ryan S. Davis, Taun Beddes, Jay B. Karren

All Current Publications

The lilac-ash borer (Podosesia syringae), belongs to a group of insects known as the clear-winged moths. The wings of most sesiid moths in have at least partially transparent wings (devoid of the colored scales that coat most moth and butterfly wings).

Functional Genomics Tool: Gene Silencing In Ixodes Scapularis Eggs And Nymphs By Electroporated Dsrna, Shahid Karim, Emily Troiano, Thomas N. Mather

Faculty Publications

Background

Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods responsible for transmitting a wide variety of disease-causing agents, and constitute important public health threats globally. Ixodes scapularis is the primary vector of the Lyme disease agent in the eastern and central U.S. RNAi is a mechanism by which gene-specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) triggers degradation of homologous mRNA transcripts. Here, we describe an optimized protocol for effectively suppressing gene expression in the egg and nymphal stages of I. scapularis by electroporation.

Results

The genes encoding the putative Phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂), cytoplasmic Cystatin, Syntaxin-5, β-Actin and Calreticulin were targeted by delivering the dsRNA …

The South American Dung Beetle Genus Ennearabdus Lansberge (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Eucraniini), Federico C. Ocampo

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The South American endemic dung beetle genus Ennearabdus Lansberge is revised. Description, diagnosis and illustrations are presented for the only known species of the genus, E. lobocephalus (Harold). A lectotype is designated for Onthophagus lobocephalus Harold, the type species of Ennearabdus. The biology, biogeography, conservation status, and distribution based on the predictive distribution model of E. lobocephalus are also discussed.

A Revision Of The Argentinean Endemic Genus Eucranium Brullé (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) With Description Of One New Species And New Synonymies, Federico C. Ocampo

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The South American genus Eucranium Brullé has been revised and now includes six species: E. arachnoides Brullé, E. belenae Ocampo new species, E. cyclosoma Burmeister, E. dentifrons Guérin-Méneville, E. planicolle Burmeister, and E. simplicifrons Fairmaire. Eucranium pulvinatum Burmeister is a new junior synonym of Eucranium arachnoides Brullé, and Eucranium lepidum Burmeister is a new junior synonym of E. dentifrons Guérin-Méneville. The following lectotypes and neotypes are designated: Eucranium pulvinatum Burmeister, lectotype; Eucranium planicolle Burmeister, lectotype; Psammotrupes dentifrons Guérin-Méneville, neotype; and Eucranium lepidum Burmeister, neotype. Description of the genus and new species, diagnosis and illustrations, and distribution maps are provided for …

A Revision Of Ganaspidium Weld, 1952 (Hymenoptera, Figitidae, Eucoilinae): New Species, Bionomics, And Distribution, Matthew L. Buffington

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

The New World eucoiline genus Ganaspidium is revised. Species in this genus are parasitoids of some of the most pestiferous species of leaf-mining Agromyzidae (Diptera), including the notorious Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess). The following new species are described: Ganaspidium didionae, G. eldiablo, G. fl emingi, G. kolmaci, and G. konzaensis. Ganaspidium navajoe (Miller), comb. n., is recognized as junior synonym of G. pusillae Weld (syn. n.). Ganaspidium nigrimanus (Kieff er) and G. utilis Beardsley are removed from synonymy, and together with G. hunteri (Crawford), are now in Banacuniculus Buffington. Species of Ganaspidium are recorded from a wide geographic …

Revision Of The Genus Ambracius Stål, 1860 (Heteroptera: Miridae: Deraeocorinae: Clivinematini), With Descriptions Of Three New Species, Paulo Sérgio F Ferreia, Thomas J. Henry

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

The clivinematine genus Ambracius Stál is revised and the three new species Ambracius alineae from Venezuela, A. liviae from the United States (Texas), and A. rudybuenoi from Panama are described and illustrated. The previously known species Ambracius capucinus (Reuter), A. dufouri Stál, A. mexicanus Carvalho, A. pallescens (Distant), A. rubricosus (Distant), and A. vittatus Carvalho are redescribed. A key to species is provided to aid in identification.

Catalog Of The Coreidae, Or Leaf-Footed Bugs, Of The New World, Richard J. Packauskas

Fort Hays Studies Series

Studies on the New World Coreidae have languished for more than a century. Neglect of these often large, abundant, and occasionally economically important bugs has been due, I believe, to the lack of means to identify them. Most literature treating the New World Coreidae has been restricted to the North American fauna, except for the recent efforts of Brailovsky (1975 to 2007).

Physiological Status Of Male And Female Popillia Japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Affects Mating And Grouping Behavior, Natasha Tigreros, Rashmi Jadhav, Katelyn A. Kowles, Britto P. Nathan, Paul Switzer

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Because mating may be costly, sexually active males or females are predicted to be in relatively good physiological condition and may preferentially direct their mating behavior toward relatively high-quality mates. We tested this hypothesis in Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica Newman), a pest species in which males and females may be either isolated or in aggregations while feeding on host plants. We examined male size and lipid content and female size and egg load with respect to both their pairing status and whether they were isolated or in aggregations. Males that were paired had the highest lipid levels, and single, isolated …

Physiological Status Of Male And Female Popillia Japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Affects Mating And Grouping Behavior, Natasha Tigreros, Rashmi Jadhav, Katelyn Kowles, Britto Nathan, Paul Switzer

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Because mating may be costly, sexually active males or females are predicted to be in relatively good physiological condition and may preferentially direct their mating behavior toward relatively high-quality mates. We tested this hypothesis in Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica Newman), a pest species in which males and females may be either isolated or in aggregations while feeding on host plants. We examined male size and lipid content and female size and egg load with respect to both their pairing status and whether they were isolated or in aggregations. Males that were paired had the highest lipid levels, and single, isolated …

Nebline, January 2010

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Tips for Positive Interactions with Tweens

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

Annual Report Special Pullout Section

Insectigator: Bug Or Insect – Do You Know The Difference?, Kerry Elsen

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

The Insectigator encourages families to go outside and investigate wildlife around them. It provides an opportunity for youth to explore and investigate the natural world we live in. It was created for beginning entomologists, especially those between 8 and 11 years old. It can also be used with younger youth with an adult. Anyone who has an interest in insects is encouraged to use this manual, regardless of age. Clubs can use the manual and contents for club activities or project demonstrations. Youth are encouraged to do their investigation in groups and share their findings with other club members. Fair …

Illustrated Beetles Of Quail Ridge Reserve, Ann Donohue

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Introduction

The Quail Ridge Reserve is part of the University of California Natural Reserve System and is located in Napa County on a peninsula at the southern end of Lake Berryessa. The reserve is composed of land owned by the US Bureau of Land Management, US Bureau of Reclamation, Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservation, California Department of Fish and Game, and UC Regents. The University NRS continues to expand on the reserve as private property owners become willing to sell parcels, thereby increasing the size of this amazing protected wildlife and ecological study site.

Vegetation on Quail Ridge consists primarily of …

A Review Of The Blaesiina (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae, Gymnetini), Brett C. Ratcliffe

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The two genera comprising the subtribe Blaesiina (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Gymnetini) are reviewed. Each genus contains two species, with Blaesia Burmeister occurring in southern South America and Halffterinetis Morón & Nogueira occurring in northern Mexico. Descriptions, keys, distributions, biology, and illustrations are provided. The biogeography of the Blaesiina is discussed with a hypothesis to explain the current disjunct distributions. I provide a new state record for Halffterinetis gonzaloi Morón & Nogueira in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Synopsis Of The Aroid Scarabs In The Genus Peltonotus Burmeister (Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae, Cyclocephalini) From Sumatra And Description Of A New Species, Mary Liz Jameson, Stanislav Jakl

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

We provide a synopsis of the Sumatran species in the scarab beetle genus Peltonotus Burmeister (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Cyclocephalini), describe a new species of Peltonotus from Sumatra, and describe the male of P. cybele Jameson & Wada from Sumatra (previously known only by the female holotype). To enable identification, we include a key to the five Sumatran species of Peltonotus, comparative images and diagnoses for all species, and temporal and geographical distributions.

Micropsephodes Bahamaensis, A New Species Of Anamorphinae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea: Endomychidae) From The Bahamas, With A Key To The New World Genera Of Anamorphinae, Floyd W. Shockley

Insecta Mundi

A new species of anamorphine endomychid, Micropsephodes bahamaensis Shockley is described from a small series of 3 specimens collected on North Andros Island in the Bahamas. Besides being the only species known from the Bahamas, M. bahamaensis is readily recognizable from its congeners based on its much larger size, more elongate habitus and features of the galeae and maxillary palpomere IV. Keys to the known species of Micropsephodes and to the adults of the genera of Anamorphinae that occur in the Western Hemisphere are provided.

Observations On The Biology Of The South African Checkered Beetle Aphelochroa Sanguinalis (Westwood) (Coleoptera: Cleridae), Jonathan R. Mawdsley, Hendrik Sithole

Insecta Mundi

The checkered beetle Aphelochroa sanguinalis (Westwood) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) is found in savanna and woodland ecosystems of southern and eastern Africa. During surveys for insect floral visitors in the Skukuza Ranger District of Kruger National Park, South Africa, we encountered adults of Aphelochroa sanguinalis on flowers of two tree species, Acacia grandicornuta Gerstner and Acacia tortilis (Forsskal) Hayne (Fabaceae). These two tree species flower in the early rainy season (November-December) and have small white flowers in small round ball-shaped clusters. Adults of Aphelochroa sanguinalis were not found on flowers of 14 other tree species with different floral structures which were flowering …

Natural History Of Belonuchus Nordmann Spp. And Allies (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) In Heliconia L. (Zingiberales: Heliconiaceae) Flower Bracts, J. H. Frank, R. Barrera

Insecta Mundi

Adults, and in some species larvae, of several members of Belonuchus Nordmann (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) and a few related genera seem to be to various degrees consistently associated with flower bracts of the genus Heliconia (Zingiberales: Heliconiaceae). They are predators and eat various dipterous and lepidopterous larvae in that habitat. Adults of at least Belonuchus cephalotes (Sharp) and Odontolinus fasciatus Sharp are able to immerse completely in water to capture larvae and/or pupae of mosquitoes (Culicidae).

Adults and larvae of Belonuchus satyrus Erichson, and adults of B. cacao Blackwelder and B. rufipennis (F.) were found in water-filled flower bracts of …

Mecidea Longula Stål (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae: Mecideini) Is Established In South Florida, Joseph E. Eger, Jr., Thomas T. Dobbs

Insecta Mundi

A Caribbean species of Mecidea Dallas, M. longula Stål, apparently established in south Florida, is reported from the United States for the first time. Specimens were first collected in February 2008 in a light trap operated in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Collections in that trap have continued through the present. Searches near the trap location resulted in several specimens being taken from smutgrass, Sporobolus indicus (L.), an exotic grass now established throughout much of the southeastern United States. The three North American species of Mecidea are keyed and illustrated. In addition to the Florida locality, M. longula is reported for the …

A New Chilean Species Of Brontoliota Thomas (Coleoptera: Silvanidae: Brontinae: Brontini), Michael C. Thomas

Insecta Mundi

Brontoliota lawrencei Thomas, new species, is described and illustrated from Chile, and the Chilean silvanid fauna is discussed.

Preliminary Report On The Myrmeleontidae (Neuroptera) Of Paraguay, Lionel A. Stange

Insecta Mundi

Ten species of antlions are confirmed as present in Paraguay and seven additional species are suspected to be present there. All of the species are found also in Argentina and Brazil except for Eremoleon pulchra (Esben- Petersen) which is endemic to Paraguay. A key to the adults is provided as well as distributional data for Paraguay with two new country records (Ameromyia dimidiata Navás and Austroleon dispar (Banks)).

Resumen. Se documentan diez especies de Myrmeleontidae en Paraguay con otras siete especies conocidas de países limítrofes probablemente también presentes en Paraguay. Todos las especies están presentes también en Argentina y …

Phma, A Ph-Sensitive Gfp Reporter For Cell Engulfment In Drosophila Embryos, Tissues And Cells, Elane Fishilevich, James A. J. Fitzpatrick, Jonathan S. Minden

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Engulfment of apoptotic cells by phagocytosis ensures the removal of unwanted and defective cells. We developed a genetically encoded marker for cell engulfment, pHMA, which consists of the pH-sensitive derivative of GFP, pHluorin, fused to the actin-binding domain of Moesin. In healthy cells of Drosophila embryos and cultured cells, pHMA resides at the cell cortex. In dying cells, pHMA loses its cortical localization and reports a modest decrease in pH. In embryos, the dying cells lose their apical contacts, then move basally and are ultimately engulfed by neighboring cells or macrophages. The cell corpse material is strongly acidified soon after …

Sugar In Moderation: Sugar Diets Affect Short-Term Parasitoid Behaviour, Danielle Lightle, Mario Ambrosino, Jana C. Lee

Entomology Papers from Other Sources

The biological control potential of parasitic wasps in the field is expected to increase with the provisioning of sugar sources, which increase longevity and replenish carbohydrate reserves. Apanteles aristoteliae is an important parasitoid of Argyrotaenia franciscana, the orange tortrix, an economic pest in fruit crops. In the present study, the effect of sugar diet on the physiological status of A. aristoteliae is investigated in the laboratory, as well as the effects of nutritional status on short-term olfactory orientation and parasitism behaviour, and the association between olfactory orientation and immediate parasitism activity. Levels of glycogen, fructose, total sugars, proportional weight …

Pollen Interception By Linyphiid Spiders In A Corn Agroecosystem: Implications For Dietary Diversification And Risk-Assessment, Julie A. Peterson, Susan Romero, James D. Harwood

West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte

Dietary diversification, including consumption of plant tissues such as pollen, can enhance the fecundity of generalist predators, resulting in improved control of pest prey. Supplemental pollen feeding has been observed in many natural enemies, including sheet-web spiders (Araneae: Linyphiidae), which represent a major component of food webs in agroecosystems. Their horizontal, ground-based webs have the potential to intercept pollen grains during anthesis of crop plants, providing the opportunity for consumption of pollen to occur. In laboratory feeding trials, Frontinella communis and Tennesseellum formicum (Araneae: Linyphiidae) readily fed on pollen grains dusted on their webs, with 82 and 92% of spiders …

Diversity Of Interactions: A Metric For Studies Of Biodiversity, Lee A. Dyer, Thomas R. Walla, Harold F. Greeney, John O. Stireman Iii, Rebecca F. Hazen

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Multitrophic interactions play key roles in the origin and maintenance of species diversity, and the study of these interactions has contributed to important theoretical advances in ecology and evolutionary biology. Nevertheless, most biodiversity inventories focus on static species lists, and prominent theories of diversity still ignore trophic interactions. The lack of a simple interaction metric that is analogous to species richness is one reason why diversity of interactions is not examined as a response or predictor variable in diversity studies. Using plant-herbivore-enemy trophic chains as an example, we develop a simple metric of diversity in which richness, diversity indices (e.g., …

Contents, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Letter From The Dean, Michael Vayda

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Modeling Evolution Of Diabrotica Virgifera Virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) To Transgenic Corn With Two Insecticidal Traits, David W. Onstad, Lance J. Meinke

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Asimulation model of the population dynamics and genetics of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), was created to evaluate the use of refuges in the management of resistance to transgenic insecticidal corn, Zea mays L., expressing one or two toxin traits. Hypothetical scenarios and a case study of a corn hybrid pyramided with existing toxins are simulated. In the hypothetical situations, results demonstrated that evolution is generally delayed by pyramids compared with deployment of a single-toxin corn hybrid. However, soil insecticide use in the refuge reduced this delay and quickened the evolution of resistance. Results were sensitive …

Categorizing The Resistance Of Soybean Genotypes To The Soybean Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae), L. M. Pierson, Tiffany M. Heng-Moss, Thomas E. Hunt, J. C. Reese

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

We evaluated selected soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., genotypes during their reproductive stages for resistance to the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), under greenhouse conditions and documented the categories of aphid-resistant soybean. Two screening studies were performed to assess the level of resistance to the soybean aphid on six soybean genotypes during the reproductive stages of development. Significant differences in aphid damage ratings were detected among the soybean evaluated in the screening studies. Three genotypes (KS4202, K-1639-2, and K1621) were considered moderately resistant based on the assessed damage ratings. Two of these genotypes (K-1639-2 and KS4202), along with …

Degree-Day Requirements For Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Development In Eastern Nebraska, A. R. Stilwell, Robert J. Wright, Thomas E. Hunt, Erin E. Blankenship

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), is a serious, yet sporadic defoliator of alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., in Nebraska. A 2-yr study was conducted in 2005 and 2006 to test for variation in degree-day requirements by location in eastern Nebraska. Sampling took place along a latitudinal gradient in three regions of eastern Nebraska. Three fields were sampled in each region during the 2 yr of the study. Alfalfa weevil larval degree-day requirements were found to vary by latitude in eastern Nebraska. Alfalfa weevil larvae were discovered in southern regions after fewer developmental degree-days had accumulated than in fields in the …