Hitchhiking Or Hang Gliding? Dispersal Strategies Of Two Cereal-Feeding Eriophyoid Mite Species,
2021
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
Hitchhiking Or Hang Gliding? Dispersal Strategies Of Two Cereal-Feeding Eriophyoid Mite Species, Agnieszka Majer, Alicja Laska, Gary Hein, Lechosław Kuczyński, Anna Skoracka
Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications
Dispersal shapes the dynamics of populations, their genetic structure and species distribution; therefore, knowledge of an organisms’ dispersal abilities is crucial, especially in economically important and invasive species. In this study, we investigated dispersal strategies of two phytophagous eriophyoid mite species: Aceria tosichella (wheat curl mite, WCM) and Abacarus hystrix (cereal rust mite, CRM). Both species are obligatory plant parasites that infest cereals and are of economic significance. We investigated their dispersal success using different dispersal agents: wind and vectors. We hypothesised that in both mite species the main mode of dispersal is moving via wind, whereas phoretic dispersal is …
The Dynastine Scarab Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae:
Dynastinae) Of Chile,
2021
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Dynastine Scarab Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) Of Chile, Brett C. Ratcliffe, Ronald D. Cave, José Mondaca
Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications
The eight species of dynastine scarab beetles that occur in Chile are reviewed. Keys, descriptions, geographic distributions, monthly adult activity, notes on natural history, illustrations, and distribution maps are provided for all species. The erroneous records of 16 dynastine species reported from Chile are reviewed and clarified. The monotypic genus Chiliphileurus Endrödi, 1977 is reduced to junior synonymy with Eophileurus Arrow, 1908, and its only species, Chiliphileurus tuberculatus Endrödi, 1977, follows as a new junior synonym of the Asian Eophileurus cingalensis Arrow, 1908.
A New Species Of Hope, 1837 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae:
Dynastinae: Oryctini) From Peru,
2021
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A New Species Of Hope, 1837 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Oryctini) From Peru, Brett C. Ratcliffe, Jochen-P. Saltin
Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications
Megaceras sarecagem Ratcliffe and Saltin is described as a new species from Oxapampa in the Pasco Region of Peru. A description, diagnosis separating it from similar species, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided.
Solifuge (Camel Spider) Reproductive Biology: An Untapped Taxon For Exploring Sexual Selection,
2021
Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
Solifuge (Camel Spider) Reproductive Biology: An Untapped Taxon For Exploring Sexual Selection, Alfredo V. Peretti, David E. Vrech, Eileen Hebets
Eileen Hebets Publications
The exploration of new and diverse animal groups in the study of sexual selection is both necessary and important to help better understand broad patterns and test sexual selection hypotheses regarding the evolutionary origins and maintenance of reproductive tactics and associated traits. Solifuges are, in this matter, an exceptional group and very little explored from the sexual selection point of view. At first glance, mating is apparently quite simple and conserved within this arachnid order, but solifuge reproductive behavior is unique among arachnids and more diverse than previously thought. In particular, these voracious animals appear to exhibit high sexual conflict, …
Spiders (Araneae) Collected As Prey By The Mud-Dauber Wasps
Sceliphron Caementarium And Chalybion Californicum (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) In Southeastern Nebraska1,
2021
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Spiders (Araneae) Collected As Prey By The Mud-Dauber Wasps Sceliphron Caementarium And Chalybion Californicum (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) In Southeastern Nebraska1, Tyler B. Corey, Earl Agpawa, Eileen Hebets
Eileen Hebets Publications
Predator diets represent a potential interaction between local prey availability, prey antipredator defenses, and predator foraging behavior. Female spider-specialist muddauber wasps (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) collect spiders and provision them intact, but paralyzed, to their developing larvae, providing a unique means of quantifying the diversity and abundance of prey that they capture. Mud-dauber wasps are hypothesized to be a major source of selection on antipredator defenses in web-building spiders, and the spiny and thickened abdomens of female spiny orb-weaving spiders (Araneae: Araneidae) are hypothesized to function as antiwasp defenses. We inventoried spider prey from nests of the mud-dauber wasps Sceliphron caementarium (Drury) …
Macroinvertebrate Responses To Hydrological Variation In Experimental Wetlands.,
2021
Georgia Southern University
Macroinvertebrate Responses To Hydrological Variation In Experimental Wetlands., Sergio A. Sabat-Bonilla
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Predicted increases in the frequency of intense storms and periods of severe drought due to climate change represent a threat to wetland macroinvertebrate communities through alterations to the hydrological regime. I used experimental ponds to assess the effects of water permanence (i.e., duration of flooding) on the communities of aquatic macroinvertebrates. I predicted that permanent ponds would harbor higher diversity of longer-lived taxa whereas temporary ones will favor colonization by quick turnover, short-lived taxa and support lower consumer diversity. Results show differences in macroinvertebrate communities between permanent and temporary ponds can be mostly explained by hydrology and the amount of …
The Influence Of Resting Metabolic Rate And Environment On Tonic Immobility In A Parasitoid Wasp (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae),
2021
Northern Illinois University
The Influence Of Resting Metabolic Rate And Environment On Tonic Immobility In A Parasitoid Wasp (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), Ryan D. Morris
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
The effects of RMR (resting metabolic rate) and environment on tonic immobility were examined in the parasitoid wasp Spalangia cameroni (Order Hymenoptera: Family Pteromalidae). Tonic immobility (TI) is described as a state that an organism enters wherein they fall onto their back or side and become immobile for a period of time when disturbed. This state can last for several seconds to a few hours, depending on the organism in question. The organism may be aware during this period of time but unable to move. Female wasps were subjected to experimental treatments that involved manipulation of their environment, specifically, cold …
Black Soldier Fly Larval Meal In Feed Enhances Growth Performance, Carcass Yield And Meat Quality Of Finishing Pigs,
2021
Wageningen University & Research
Black Soldier Fly Larval Meal In Feed Enhances Growth Performance, Carcass Yield And Meat Quality Of Finishing Pigs, S. Y. Chia, C. M. Tanga, I. M. Osuga, A. O. Alaru, D. M. Mwangi, M. Githinji, T. Dubois, S. Ekesi, J. J.A. Van Loon, M. Dicke
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Using black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae as a novel protein source substituting fishmeal (FM) in animal feeds is globally gaining momentum. BSF can be reared on agro-industrial residues. However, incorporating BSF larval meal (BSFLM) into finisher pig diets has received inadequate attention. This study evaluated the effects of replacing dietary FM with BSFLM on growth, carcass traits and meat quality of finisher pigs. A control diet (including FM: 0% BSFLM) was compared with four dietary levels of replacement of FM with BSFLM at 25, 50, 75 or 100%. Forty hybrid pigs (crossbreeds of purebred Large White and Landrace) …
An Overview Of Antimicrobial Compounds From African Edible Insects And Their Associated Microbiota,
2021
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
An Overview Of Antimicrobial Compounds From African Edible Insects And Their Associated Microbiota, Cynthia M. Mudalungu, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Segenet Kelemu, Baldwyn Torto
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
The need for easily biodegradable and less toxic chemicals in drug development and pest control continues to fuel the exploration and discovery of new natural molecules. Like certain plants, some insects can also respond rapidly to microbial infections by producing a plethora of immune-induced molecules that include antibacterial and antifungal peptides/polypeptides (AMPs), among other structurally diverse small molecules. The recent recognition that new natural product-derived scaffolds are urgently needed to tackle life-threatening pathogenic infections has been prompted by the health threats posed by multidrug resistance. Although many researchers have concentrated on the discovery of AMPs, surprisingly, edible insect-produced AMPs/small molecules …
Regional And Seasonal Activity Predictions For Fall Armyworm In Australia,
2021
Cesar Australia
Regional And Seasonal Activity Predictions For Fall Armyworm In Australia, James L. Maino, Rafael Schouten, Kathy Overton, Roger Day, Sunday Ekesi, Bosibori Bett, Madeleine Barton, Peter C. Gregg, Paul A. Umina, Olivia L. Reynolds
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Since 2016, the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, has undergone a significant range expansion from its native range in the Americas, to continental Africa, Asia, and in February 2020, mainland Australia. The large dispersal potential of FAW adults, wide host range of immature feeding stages, and unique environmental conditions in its invasive range creates large uncertainties in the expected impact on Australian plant production industries. Here, using a spatial model of population growth and spread potential informed by existing biological and climatic data, we simulate seasonal population activity potential of FAW, with a focus on Australia's grain production regions. Our …
Lepidopteran Granivory Reduces Seed Counts In A Rare Species Of Riparian Scour Prairies,
2021
Bucknell University
Lepidopteran Granivory Reduces Seed Counts In A Rare Species Of Riparian Scour Prairies, Cheyenne Moore, Angela J. Mcdonnell, Scott Schuette, Christopher T. Martine
Faculty Journal Articles
In Pennsylvania Baptisia australis var. australis is found along only four waterways: the Allegheny River, Youghiogheny River, Clarion River, and Red Bank Creek. Because of its limited distribution and small number of extant populations, the species is considered state-threatened in Pennsylvania. In addition, the riparian prairie habitat that Pennsylvania Baptisia australis var. australis is restricted to is also in decline and considered vulnerable. Because of these conservation concerns, insights into the natural history of the taxon in the state is valuable and will inform conservation efforts. Field surveys and fruit collections along the Allegheny River and herbarium collections were used …
Naturally Occurring Compounds With Larvicidal Activity Against Malaria Mosquitoes,
2021
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Naturally Occurring Compounds With Larvicidal Activity Against Malaria Mosquitoes, Trizah K. Milugo, David P. Tchouassi, Reginald A. Kavishe, Rhoel R. Dinglasan, Baldwyn Torto
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit Plasmodium parasites that cause human malaria. Currently, vector control is the most widely deployed approach to reduce mosquito population and hence disease transmission. This relies on use of insecticide-based interventions including Long-lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) where scale-up has contributed to a dramatic decline in malaria deaths and morbidity over the past decade. Challenges to their effective use include the emergence and spread of insecticide resistance by malaria vector populations coupled with the inability to curb outdoor transmission. Under these situations, use of larvicides through larval source management (LSM) can complement these …
The Importance Of Store Hygiene For Reducing Post-Harvest Losses In Smallholder Farmers’ Stores: Evidence From A Maize-Based Farming System In Kenya,
2021
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
The Importance Of Store Hygiene For Reducing Post-Harvest Losses In Smallholder Farmers’ Stores: Evidence From A Maize-Based Farming System In Kenya, Kobia J. Makinya, John M. Wagacha, Judith A. Odhiambo, Paddy Likhayo, Kukom Edoh-Ognakossan, Tadele Tefera, Adebayo Abass, Christopher M. Mutungi
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Knowledge of the role of hygiene in reducing food loss in farm stores is limited among extensionists, researchers, and farmers. Store hygiene practices during post-harvest handling and storage of maize were assessed using a cross-sectional survey of 342 farmers, with regular follow-up of 40 farmers’ stores over seven months to measure losses caused by insects, and to score the hygiene levels using a standard checklist. Fractional Response Model was used to evaluate the associations between hygiene practices and the losses. Farmers stored their produce in sacks (98.2%) kept in outside granaries (60.1%), or rooms in dwelling houses (39.9%). Co-storage with …
Affordable Processing Of Edible Orthopterans Provides A Highly Nutritive Source Of Food Ingredients,
2021
KU Leuven
Affordable Processing Of Edible Orthopterans Provides A Highly Nutritive Source Of Food Ingredients, Forkwa Tengweh Fombong, John Kinyuru, Jeremiah Ng’Ang’A, Monica Ayieko, Chrysantus Mbi Tanga, Jozef Vanden Broeck, Mik Van Der Borght
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Edible orthopterans (grasshoppers, crickets, and locusts) are major delicacies, especially across sub-Saharan Africa. Their promotion as food ingredients is increasingly gaining momentum. This study evaluates the nutritional profiles of three widely consumed orthopterans: Gryllus bimacu-latus, Locusta migratoria, and Schistocerca gregaria after blanching and oven-drying. All three species had high protein (65.3, 54.2, and 61.4% on a dry matter (DM) basis for G. bimaculatus, L. migratoria, and S. gregaria, respectively) and fat contents. Oleic (22.9–40.8%) and palmitic (26.1–43.0%) were the two most abundant fatty acids. All essential amino acids (in mg/100 g protein) were present, with glutamic acid (120–131), alanine (90.2–123), …
A Review Of The Molecular Mediators Of Host-Baculovirus Interactions In Lepidoptera,
2021
University of Northern Iowa
A Review Of The Molecular Mediators Of Host-Baculovirus Interactions In Lepidoptera, Olivia Crouse
Honors Program Theses
Iowa farmlands occupy approximately 85% of its 35.7 million acres, and Iowa leads the United States in corn and soybean production, with an estimated 2.58 billion and 502 million bushels of corn and soybean produced in 2019, respectively. This successful trend in annual yields has span forty plus years and been consequential to the simultaneous implementation of agricultural- and science-based practices. Genetically modified corn and soybean crop varieties express genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which encode insecticidal proteins that protect, with high specificity, against insect pests. While researchers continue to study the molecular mechanism(s) of Bt extensively, alternative environmentally safe …
Transcriptional Regulation Of Duox-Dependent Reactive Oxygen Species Production Against Bacterial Infection In The Gut Of Cat Fleas (Ctenocephalides Felis).,
2021
Georgia Southern University
Transcriptional Regulation Of Duox-Dependent Reactive Oxygen Species Production Against Bacterial Infection In The Gut Of Cat Fleas (Ctenocephalides Felis)., Ryne W. Maness
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Fleas (Order Siphonaptera) are opportunistic blood feeders that parasitize a wide variety of mammals and birds. They also transmit bacterial pathogens that cause diseases in humans (e.g., murine typhus, flea-borne spotted fever, cat scratch disease, and plague). Because they acquire infectious pathogens while blood feeding, the flea gut is considered to be the initial site of infection. While immune responses have been well documented in other disease vectors, few studies have identified the immune mechanisms involved in defense of the flea gut. In other hematophagous insects, the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the immediate immune defense mechanism against …
Prevalence Of Asymptomatic P. Falciparum Gametocyte Carriage Among School Children In Mbita, Western Kenya And Assessment Of The Association Between Gametocyte Density, Multiplicity Of Infection And Mosquito Infection Prevalence.,
2021
University of Nairobi
Prevalence Of Asymptomatic P. Falciparum Gametocyte Carriage Among School Children In Mbita, Western Kenya And Assessment Of The Association Between Gametocyte Density, Multiplicity Of Infection And Mosquito Infection Prevalence., Victor A. Mobegi, Jeremy K. Herren, Abdoulie O. Touray, Fred Wamunyokoli, Hellen Butungi
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Background: Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriers are reservoirs for sustaining transmission in malaria endemic regions. Gametocyte presence in the host peripheral blood is a predictor of capacity to transmit malaria. However, it does not always directly translate to mosquito infectivity. Factors that affect mosquito infectivity include, gametocyte sex-ratio and density, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and host and vector anti-parasite immunity. We assess the prevalence of gametocyte carriage and some of its associated risk factors among asymptomatic schoolchildren in Western Kenya and to further analyse the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and mosquito infection prevalence. Methods: P. falciparum …
Τhe Complete Mitochondrial Genomes Of Ceratitis Rosa And Ceratitis Quilicii, Members Of The Ceratitis Far Species Complex (Diptera: Tephritidae),
2021
School of Biology
Τhe Complete Mitochondrial Genomes Of Ceratitis Rosa And Ceratitis Quilicii, Members Of The Ceratitis Far Species Complex (Diptera: Tephritidae), Elena Drosopoulou, Aristi Damaskou, Angeliki Markou, Sunday Ekesi, Fathiya Khamis, Aruna Manrakhan, Antonios A. Augustinos, George Tsiamis, Kostas Bourtzis
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Ceratitis FAR is an African species complex comprising insect pests of great economic interest and obscure species limits. Here, we report the mitochondrial genomes of two members of the FAR complex, namely Ceratitis rosa and the recently characterized Ceratitis quilicii. A phylogenetic analysis based on PCGs of available Tephritidae mitogenomes is presented. The current mitochondrial sequences from the FAR complex could contribute toward the resolution of phylogenetic relationships and species limits within this taxonomically challenging group, which is also an important issue for the development of environment-friendly and species-specific control methods, such as the sterile insect technique (SIT).
Effect Of Alternative Rearing Substrates And Temperature On Growth And Development Of The Cricket Modicogryllus Conspersus (Schaum),
2021
Makerere University
Effect Of Alternative Rearing Substrates And Temperature On Growth And Development Of The Cricket Modicogryllus Conspersus (Schaum), G. Ssepuuya, F. Sengendo, C. Ndagire, J. Karungi, K. K.M. Fiaboe, J. Efitre, D. Nakimbugwe
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
The increasing demand for animal protein in sub-Saharan Africa has led to insects being considered an alternative protein source for food and feed. In Uganda, chicken mash, containing fish meal as the protein source is commonly used to rear crickets. However, fishmeal is an expensive protein source that is also human food. This study therefore aimed at establishing an alternative preferred (consumed in the highest quantity) plant leaf diet for raising the Modicogryllus conspersus cricket, and the most suitable temperature for hatchability and egg development. The effect of (a) three diets (cassava leaves + cocoyam leaves + milk weed leaves; …
Microbial Contaminants In Wild Harvested And Traded Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper, Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) In Uganda,
2021
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Microbial Contaminants In Wild Harvested And Traded Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper, Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) In Uganda, S. Labu, S. Subramanian, F. M. Khamis, P. Akite, P. Kasangaki, M. Chemurot, C. M. Tanga, F. L.O. Ombura, J. P. Egonyu
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
This study investigated the relative abundance and identity of microbial contaminants of the edible long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) harvested from the wild and traded in informal markets in Uganda, to reveal high health risk points. Raw samples of whole R. differens were collected from wild vegetation, trapping sites and markets. Additionally, samples of plucked and deep-fried ready-to-eat R. differens were collected from the markets. The samples were cultured on standard media for microbial quantification, and pure cultures were characterised using molecular techniques. Bacterial and fungal counts in deep fried ready-to-eat R. differens were ~3 and 2-fold lower, respectively, than in …
