Entomology Commons^™

Genome-Wide Analysis Of The Interaction Between The Endosymbiotic Bacterium Wolbachia And Its Drosophila Host, Zhiyong Xi, Laurent Gavotte, Yan Xie, Stephen L. Dobson

Entomology Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Intracellular Wolbachia bacteria are obligate, maternally-inherited, endosymbionts found frequently in insects and other invertebrates. The success of Wolbachia can be attributed in part to an ability to alter host reproduction via mechanisms including cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), parthenogenesis, feminization and male killing. Despite substantial scientific effort, the molecular mechanisms underlying the Wolbachia/host interaction are unknown.

RESULTS: Here, an in vitro Wolbachia infection was generated in the Drosophila S2 cell line, and transcription profiles of infected and uninfected cells were compared by microarray. Differentially-expressed patterns related to reproduction, immune response and heat stress response are observed, including multiple genes that have …

Experimental Inoculation Of House Sparrows (Passer Domesticus) With Buggy Creek Virus, Kathryn P. Huyvaert, Amy T. Moore, Nicholas A. Panella, Eric A. Edwards, Mary Bomberger Brown, Nicholas Komar, Charles R. Brown

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

We performed experimental inoculations of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) with Buggy Creek virus (BCRV), a poorly known alphavirus (Togaviridae) vectored primarily by the swallow bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae: Oeciacus vicarius) that is an ectoparasite of the cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) and house sparrow. Viremias were detected by plaque assay in two of six birds on days 1–3 postinoculation; viremia was highest on day 2. Viral RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in blood of six of 12 birds ranging from day 1 to day 15 postinoculation. Infectious BCRV was detected in …

Donald Morgan Anderson 1930–2005, Raymond Gagne

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

‘‘By Golly’’ was Don’s strongest oath. He was a gentle, unassuming person, a conscientious scientist, and a dutiful colleague. Don passed away on his 75th birthday, Dec. 27, 2005, of congestive heart failure at a nursing home in western New York. He had retired in 1990 from his position as research entomologist in the Systematic Entomology Laboratory, USDA at the Natural History Museum in Washington, DC. Following his retirement he had worked every day of every other week at the museum, spending his alternate week in Hinsdale, New York. In Jan. 2002, while looking after his sister’s affairs in Wisconsin …

First Florida Records For Anovia Circumclusa (Gorham) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Noviini): A Natural Enemy Of Icerya Genistae Hempel (Hemiptera: Margarodidae), Juanita A. Forrester, Natalia J. Vandenberg

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

Lady beetles in the tribe Noviini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are well-known control agents for scale insects. The tribe consists of ~ 80 species divided among three genera, and is represented on every continent except Antarctica. Anovia Casey is native to North and South America, Novius Mulsant is restricted to Australia, and Rodolia Mulsant, while native to Australia, has been widely introduced to other regions of the world.

Environmental Conditions Affect Sperm Competition Risk In Japanese Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), Paul Switzer, Carissa Schoenick, Patrick Enstrom

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Males of many species guard their mates to prevent rivals from usurping paternity of the potential offspring. Environmental conditions, such as temperature, may affect a male’s ability to guard a female effectively and consequently the amount of sperm competition that occurs. We tested whether temperature and light affected mating behavior in laboratory experiments on the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, a species in which males guard females for minutes to many hours after mating. When tested in groups, under conditions of high temperature and high light, males guarded females for shorter periods of time and males and females both mated …

A New Chilean Species Of Cycloneda Crotch (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Coccinellinae: Coccinellini), Natalia J. Vandenberg, Guillermo González

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

Cycloneda pretiosa, new species is described from Lago Pirihueico in southern Chile The species is diagnosed and compared with both related and superficially similar species. Habitus and genitalic characters are illustrated. Geographical and temporal data are given. The new species is assigned to the Cycloneda germainii species complex and integrated into the key to species of this group (González and Vandenberg, 2006).

A New Holcocera Clemens, 1863 (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) Associated With Leguminous Plants From The Brazilian Cerrado, David Adamski, Cibele S. Ribeiro-Costa

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

Holcocera cerradicola, n. sp., is described from the Brazilian cerrado in Parana´ . Adults were obtained from field-collected larvae from fruits of two leguminous plant species, Bauhinia holophylla Steud (Caesalpinioideae) and Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (Mimosoideae). These observations represent the first documented association between Holcocerini and Leguminosae. A photograph of the holotype and illustrations of wing venation and male and female genitalia are provided.

Description Of Khamul, Gen. N. (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eurytomidae), With A Hypothesis Of Its Phylogenetic Placement, Michael W. Gates

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

Khamul n. gen., a distinctive eurytomid in the subfamily Eurytominae is described from the Neotropics based upon the type species, K. erwini, n. sp. A hypothesis of its phylogenetic placement within Eurytominae is presented, and four new species are described: K. erwini, K. gothmogi, K. lanceolatus, and K. tolkeini. Diagnostic features are included to distincguish this taxon from other eurytomines and a key to species presented. Its biology is unknown, but label data indicate walking stick eggs ( sp.; Phasmatodea: Prisopodidae) as a possible host.

Review Of What Wasp Is That?, Matthew L. Buffington

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

The digital revolution is in the midst of changing the very nature of systematic entomology. The discipline has been wrenched from the confines of traditional paper outlets for the dissemination of data through the brave new world of the internet, on-line journals and email attachments. At the root of this renaissance, however, there exists a need for the expertise, experience and basic courage of high-quality researchers to continue probing the Earth for the unusual, the spectacular, and the unbelievable.

Seed Predators Of Canada Milk-Vetch And Their Parasitoids, Arvid Boe, Paul J. Johnson

Native Plant Focused Publications

Canada milk-vetch (Astragalus canadensis L.), North America’s most widespread species of Astragalus, is important for herbivores and granivores in natural ecosystems but suffers heavy seed losses to bruchids and curculionids. Our objectives were: (1) compile a species inventory and describe life histories of insects associated with seed production in Canada milk-vetch, and (2) determine frequencies of pod predation and primary parasitism in Canada milk-vetch. The seed predators were Acanthoscelides perforatus (Horn) and Tychius liljebladi Blatchley. Frequency of pod predation varied between two plant populations (46 and 70%) and between A. perforatus (37 %) and T. liljebladi (21 %). The primary …

Environmental Conditions Affect Sperm Competition Risk In Japanese Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), Paul V. Switzer, Carissa A. Schoenick, Patrick C. Enstrom

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Males of many species guard their mates to prevent rivals from usurping paternity of the potential offspring. Environmental conditions, such as temperature, may affect a male’s ability to guard a female effectively and consequently the amount of sperm competition that occurs. We tested whether temperature and light affected mating behavior in laboratory experiments on the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, a species in which males guard females for minutes to many hours after mating. When tested in groups, under conditions of high temperature and high light, males guarded females for shorter periods of time and males and females both mated …

Seven New Species Of Elaphidiini (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) From The Dominican Republic With Taxonomic Notes, New Country Records, And A Key To Elaphidion Audinet-Serville From Hispaniola, Steven Lingafelter

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

Seven new species, two new combinations, two new synonyms, and four new country records of Elaphidiini longhorned woodborers (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from the Dominican Republic are presented. Elaphidion compressipenne Fisher is transferred to Ceresium Newman as C. compressipenne (Fisher), new combination. Callidium lucidum Olivier is transferred to Metaphrenon Martins as M. lucidum (Olivier), new combination. A neotype (USNM) is designated for Elaphidion fullonium Newman, and Elaphidion confusum Fisher is a new synonym of that species. Elaphidion pilosum Fisher is a new synonym of Anelaphus mutatum (Gahan). Nesiosphaerion testaceum (Fisher), Anelaphus crispulum (Fisher), and Elaphidion androsensis Fisher are recorded for …

Discovery: The Student Journal Of Dale Bumpers College Of Agricultural, Food And Life Sciences - Volume 9 2008, Several Authors

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

No abstract provided.

Three New Cecidogenous Palaeomystella Fletcher (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Momphinae) Associated With Melastomataceae In Brazil, Victor O. Becker, David Adamski

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

Three new cecidogenous Palaeomystella Fletcher (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Momphinae) associated with Melastomataceae in Brazil. Three new cecidogenous Palaeomystella Fletcher (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Momphinae), described herein, induce galls on stems and leaves of Melastomataceae species. They include: Palaeomystella tibouchinae sp. n., on Tibouchina barbigera (Naudin) Baillon, P. oligophaga sp. n., on Macairea radula (Bonpland) de Candolle and M. thyrsiflora de Candolle, and P. henriettiphila sp. n., on Henriettea succosa (Aublet) de Candolle. Adults, including male and female genitalia, larva, pupa, and galls are illustrated and described in detail.

A Revision Of Australian Thrasorinae (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) With A Description Of A New Genus And Six New Species, Matthew L. Buffington

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

A new genus of Thrasorinae (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is described from Australia, and includes specimens reared from an unidentified Ophelimus species (Eulophidae: Ophelimini) on Eucalyptus cinerea (Myrtaceae). Mikeius, new genus, includes six species: M. berryi sp. n., M. gatesi sp. n., M. grandawi sp. n., M. hartigi (Girault) n. comb., M. neumanni sp. n. and M. schauffi sp. n.; M. hartigi is designated as the type species of Mikeius. Thrasorus Weld is revised, and the description of T. schmidtae sp. n. is provided, as well as a redescription of T. pilosus Weld. All records to date indicate that species of …

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

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

No abstract provided.

Biology Of Dendroctonus Murrayanae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) In Idaho And Montana And Comparative Taxonomic Notes, Malcolm M. Furniss, Sandra J. Kegley

Entomology Papers from Other Sources

We studied the biology of Dendroctonus murrayanae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta Douglas, in Idaho and Montana. The beetle was not a primary agent of tree mortality. Susceptible host trees were physically damaged, had thin foliage, or were otherwise predisposed to infestation. Beetles attacked individual trees, not in groups, near ground level and at low density. Life stages and their behavior are described. Egg galleries were constructed upward and usually had short spurs. Mating occurred in the egg gallery. Eggs were laid in an elongated group, not in niches, in a shallow excavation along only one …

A Biotic Survey And Inventory Of The Dynastine Scarab Beetles Of Mesoamerica, North America, And The West Indies: Review Of A Long-Term, Multicountry Project, Brett C. Ratcliffe, Ronald D. Cave

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

This biotic inventory will document the species-level diversity of dynastine scarabs, their spatial and temporal distributions, ecological preferences, and biology. The long term, multi-country research project explores a biotically megadiverse region that is seriously at risk from deforestation, environmental homogenization, invasive species, and urban sprawl. Objectives of this survey are: 1) to understand the biodiversity of dynastine scarab beetles in Mesoamerica; 2) disseminate this information in print and electronic forms; 3) train students, parataxonomists, and collection managers in the study area about dynastine taxonomy and identification, care of collections, dissemination of information, and conservation; and 4) assemble authoritatively identified voucher …

The Pholcid Spiders Of Micronesia And Polynesia (Araneae, Pholcidae), Joseph A. Beatty, James W. Berry, Bernhard A. Huber

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

Records of pholcid spiders from Micronesia and Polynesia are presented, along with records from Indonesia and parts of Melanesia. Nineteen species representing eleven genera are included. An illustrated key for Pacific pholcids is provided. Two species and one genus are not yet known from Micronesia or Polynesia, but are included in the key because they may occur there. Seven species are widespread synanthropic or anthropophilic species, two species are widespread native species, and nine species are endemics of one or several neighboring islands. Distribution maps include only specimens we have seen, not literature records.

First Come, First Serve: “Sit And Wait” Behavior In Dung Beetles At The Source Of Primate Dung, Jennifer Jacobs, Ines Nole, Susanne Palminteri, Brett C. Ratcliffe

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) compete intensively for dung resources, and most species forage in the understory. Here, we describe the unique behavior of one dung beetle species, Canthon aff. quadriguttatus (Olivier), associated with two species of monkeys from Peru. We observed this beetle species on the genital and anal regions of the brown titi monkey, Callicebus brunneus (Wagner), and subsequently falling with dung as the monkeys defecated. The same association was also observed with the bald-faced saki monkey, Pithecia irrorata irrorata (Gray). Using the “sit and wait” at the source behavior, C. quadriguttus may arrive first at the dung …

An Entomologist's Life In The Pest Management Industry, Harvey Haggard

Midsouth Entomologist

No abstract provided.

4-H Entomology Camp In Mississippi, M. Williams, J. Guyton, D. W. Held, C. Collison

Midsouth Entomologist

During the winter and early spring of 1994 a group of entomologists were brainstorming about ways to introduce entomology to young people. The result was the first 4-H Entomology Camp.

A 1 (1): 1 Atmosphere, C. J. Peterson

Midsouth Entomologist

In his 1995 novel Microserfs, Douglas Coupland describes what it means to be “one-point-oh”: the first to do something really new and cool. In the book, Coupland’s computer coder characters leave the security of software giant Microsoft to start a new company and launch their own new and cool software; a version 1.0. The same atmosphere of one-point-oh can apply to the launch of a new journal. Perhaps it can be called a Volume 1, Number 1, Page 1 atmosphere, or 1(1):1. How exactly that should be pronounced in a cool one-point-oh way I’ll leave up to you. Either way, …

A Survey Of Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Species And Social Forms Across Four Counties In East-Central Mississippi, T. O. Menzel, D. C. Cross, J. Chen, M. A. Caprio

Midsouth Entomologist

Molecular technology allows researchers to definitively identify red imported fire ants as either monogyne or polygyne based on the alleles present at the single gene Gp-9. This technique has not previously been applied to hybrid individuals of the red and black imported fire ants. Specimens were collected from 81 imported fire ant colonies from 27 locations over a four county area within the imported fire ant hybrid zone in east-central Mississippi. Gas chromatograph analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons and venom alkaloids was used to determine the species or species hybrid status of all colonies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to …

Cryptic Habits: The Hidden Lives Of Midsouth Entomologists, C. J. Peterson, Joe Macgown

Midsouth Entomologist

No abstract provided.

Mississippi Soybean Insect Losses, F. R. Musser, A. Catchot

Midsouth Entomologist

soybean, yield loss, pest management

The Regulatory Corner: Stopping Exotic Species Introductions, Harry Fulton

Midsouth Entomologist

This article hopefully will serve as an introductory article to highlight the "regulatory world of entomology" and to educate and keep entomologists in the Southeast updated on regulatory activities throughout the United States.

Abstracts Of The 54th Annual Meeting, October 25 - 26, 2007, Scott J. Hutchins

Midsouth Entomologist

No abstract provided.

Supplementary Material: Agonistic Signals Received By An Arthropod Filiform Hair Allude To The Prevalence Of Near-Field Sound Communication, Roger D. Santer, Eileen Hebets

Eileen Hebets Publications

SUPPLEMENTARY METHODS
(i) Analysis of behaviour
(ii) Stimulator design

SUPPLEMENTARY RESULTS
(i) Typical contest behaviour
(ii) Additional data on ALV positioning relative to the receiver
(iii) Electrophysiological control experiments
(iv) Analysis of phase-locking

SUPPLEMENTARY REFERENCES

Includes 3 figures and 1 table.

Resource Heterogeneity Moderates The Biodiversity-Function Relationship In Real World Ecosystems, Jason M. Tylianakis, Tatyana A. Rand, Ansgar Kahman, Alexandra-Maria Klein, Nina Buchmann, Jörg Perner, Teja Tscharntke

Entomology Papers from Other Sources

Numerous recent studies have tested the effects of plant, pollinator, and predator diversity on primary productivity, pollination, and consumption, respectively. Many have shown a positive relationship, particularly in controlled experiments, but variability in results has emphasized the context-dependency of these relationships. Complementary resource use may lead to a positive relationship between diversity and these processes, but only when a diverse array of niches is available to be partitioned among species. Therefore, the slope of the diversity-function relationship may change across differing levels of heterogeneity, but empirical evaluations of this pattern are lacking. Here we examine three important functions/properties in different …