Entomology Commons^™

Relative Influence Of Host, Wolbachia, Geography And Climate On The Genetic Structure Of The Sub-Saharan Parasitic Wasp Cotesia Sesamiae, Antoine Branca, Bruno Le Ru, Paul André Calatayud, Julius Obonyo, Boaz Musyoka, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Laure Kaiser-Arnauld, Jean François Silvain, Jérémy Gauthier, Corentin Paillusson, Philippe Gayral, Elisabeth A. Herniou, Stéphane Dupas

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The parasitoid lifestyle represents one of the most diversified life history strategies on earth. There are however very few studies on the variables associated with intraspecific diversity of parasitoid insects, especially regarding the relationship with spatial, biotic and abiotic ecological factors. Cotesia sesamiae is a Sub-Saharan stenophagous parasitic wasp that parasitizes several African stemborer species with variable developmental success. The different host-specialized populations are infected with different strains of Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium widespread in arthropods that is known for impacting life history traits, notably reproduction, and consequently species distribution. In this study, first we analyzed the genetic structure of …

Host-Plant Specialization And Nesting Biology Of Anthidium Placitum (Megachilidae) In Northwest California, Christopher Pow

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Premise of the study: Although the study of bees and their pollination services has grown immensely in recent years, the natural history of most solitary bee species is still largely unknown. The goal of this study was to contribute to the natural history dossier of a late-season wool carder bee, Anthidium placitum Cresson (Megachilidae), by establishing which plants it uses as sources of nectar and pollen as well as documenting details of its flower-handling behavior, mating behavior, and nesting biology in northwestern California.

• Methods: Field observations were made at five sites in Del Norte, Humboldt, Siskiyou, and Trinity counties. …

Description Of Eniacomorpha Hermetiae Delvare Sp. N. (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Chalcididae) A Pupal Parasitoid Of Hermetia Illucens (L.) (Diptera, Stratiomyidae), And A Potential Threat To Mass Production Of The Fly As A Feed Supplement For Domestic Animals, Gérard Delvare, Robert S. Copeland, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Eniacomorpha hermetiae Delvare sp. n. (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae, Dirhininae), reared from pupae of black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera, Stratiomyidae), is described and illustrated from Africa and compared with other similar species newly considered as forming the ehrhorni species-group within Eniacomorpha Girault, 1915. The newly described parasitic wasp may have a negative impact on efforts to mass produce BSF in Africa as a feed supplement for domestic animals. Eniacomorpha is removed from synonymy under Dirhinus Dalman, 1818, revised status, for the Afrotropical species of Dirhininae previously placed in Dirhinus subgenus Pareniaca Crawford, 1913. A checklist of the 10 …

Sampling Adult Populations Of Anopheles Mosquitoes, Julie Anne A. Tangena, Alexandra Hiscox, Paul T. Brey

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

For the control and elimination of malaria, information on the local vector dynamics is essential. This information provides guidance on appropriate and timely deployment of vector control tools and their subsequent success. The data on the dynamics of local mosquito populations can be collected using many different Anopheles sampling methods. Dependent on the objectives, resources, time, and local environment, different traps and methods can be chosen. This chapter describes the sampling of adult populations, focusing on the important preparatory stages and some of the widely used sampling methods. The trapping methods discussed in this chapter are the human landing catch, …

Impact Of Selected Infrared Wavelengths On Inactivation Of Microbes On Rough Rice, Rebecca L. Bowie, Griffiths Atungulu, Abass Oduola, Shantae Wilson, Zeinab Mohammadi-Shad

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

Formation of harmful microbes and their associated mycotoxins on rough rice during storage presents negative socioeconomic impacts to producers and consumers. The objective for this study was to investigate the impact of treating rough rice with selected infrared (IR) wavelengths at different IR intensities and heating durations, followed by a tempering step for further inactivation of microbes (mold and bacteria) on the grain. Freshly-harvested long-grain, hybrid, rough rice (XL 745) with initial moisture content (IMC) of 18.4% wet basis (w.b.) was used. Two-hundred grams (200 g) samples of rice were treated at different IR wavelengths (λ), 3.2, 4.5, and 5.8 …

Inferring Food Web Structure To Identify Seasonal And Longitudinal Patterns In Ogeechee River Invertebrate Communities, Julien Marc Buchbinder

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Understanding how the structure and function of aquatic communities vary across space and time is essential for proper management of freshwater ecosystems. Current management relies on rapid biomonitoring using metrics of community structure, but metrics that incorporate ecosystem processes and functions are only just beginning to see use in assessment and management. Food webs inferred from known species interactions have been proposed as a method of incorporating function into bioassessment without expending extra effort or sacrificing the cost-effectiveness of current monitoring schemes. To apply food webs in biomonitoring, it is first necessary to understand how communities and food webs vary …

Effects Of The Juvenile Hormone Mimic Nc-184 On The Development Of The Reproductive Organs And Mating Behaviour Of Nymphs Of The Desert Locust, Schistocerca Gregaria (Orthoptera: Acrididae), Satoshi Hiroyoshi, Elizabeth Kokwaro, Sai Mettupalli, Takayuki Mitsunaga, Shigemi Yagi, Gadi V.P. Reddy

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The insect growth regulator NC-184, a juvenile hormone mimic, prevents moulting to the adult stage in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Male nymphs treated in the penultimate or fi nal nymphal instar with NC-184 exhibit precocious mating behaviour in the fi nal instar. We examined whether this chemical affects the development of the internal reproductive organs of crowded nymphs. In treated males, both accessory glands and seminal vesicles were underdeveloped, and no sperm was found in the seminal vesicle, whereas these organs in control individuals had greatly increased in size 10 days after treatment, when all the …

Association Of Phlebotomus Guggisbergi With Leishmania Major And Leishmania Tropica In A Complex Transmission Setting For Cutaneous Leishmaniasis In Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya, Barrack O. Owino, Damaris Matoke-Muhia, Yasser Alraey, Jackline Milkah Mwangi, Johnstone M. Ingonga, Philip M. Ngumbi, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Daniel K. Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background Phlebotomus (Larroussius) guggisbergi is among the confirmed vectors for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) transmission in Kenya. This scarring and stigmatizing form of leishmaniasis accounts for over one million annual cases worldwide. Most recent CL epidemics in Kenya have been reported in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where the disease has become a public health issue. However, little is known about the factors that drive its transmission. Here, we sought to determine the occurrence, distribution and host blood feeding preference of the vectors, and to identify Leishmania species and infection rates in sandflies using molecular techniques. This information could lead to a better …

Entomological Assessment Of Dengue Virus Transmission Risk In Three Urban Areas Of Kenya, Sheila B. Agha, David P. Tchouassi, Michael J. Turell, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Rosemary Sang

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Urbanization is one of the major drivers of dengue epidemics globally. In Kenya, an intriguing pattern of urban dengue virus epidemics has been documented in which recurrent epidemics are reported from the coastal city of Mombasa, whereas no outbreaks occur in the two major inland cities of Kisumu and Nairobi. In an attempt to understand the entomological risk factors underlying the observed urban dengue epidemic pattern in Kenya, we evaluated vector density, human feeding patterns, vector genetics, and prevailing environmental temperature to establish how these may interact with one another to shape the disease transmission pattern. We determined that (i) …

Perception And Awareness Of Insects As An Alternative Protein Source Among Fish Farmers And Fish Feed Traders, G. Ssepuuya, C. Sebatta, E. Sikahwa, P. Fuuna, M. Sengendo, J. Mugisha, K. K.M. Fiaboe, D. Nakimbugwe

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The perception of key players in the fish farming sector towards the use of insects is important for their acceptance to adopt insects as an alternative protein source to the expensive fish meal. Perception was established through a cross-sectional study of 208 fish farmers and 71 fish feed traders and/or processors conducted in Gulu, Tororo and Masaka districts in Uganda, using descriptive, Chi-square, correlation and factor statistical analysis of the data collected. Males dominated the fish farming and fish feed trading and/or processing enterprises. Youths were involved to almost the same extent as adults. Fish farmers majorly practiced pond fish …

Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis Of Amino Acids In Biological Tissues: Applications In Forensic Entomology, Food Authentication And Soft-Biometrics In Humans, Mayara Patricia Viana De Matos

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In this work we demonstrate the power of compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) to analyze proteinaceous biological materials in three distinct forensic applications, including: 1) linking necrophagous blow flies in different life stages to their primary carrion diet; 2) identifying the harvesting area of oysters for food authentication purposes; and 3) the ability to predict biometric traits about humans from their hair.

In the first application, we measured the amino-acid-level fractionation that occurs at each major life stage of Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) blow flies. Adult blow flies oviposited on raw pork muscle, beef muscle, or chicken liver. Larvae, pupae …

Development Of A Remotely Activated Field Sprayer And Evaluation Of Temperature And Aeration On The Longevity Of Steinernema Riobrave Entomopathogenic Nematodes For Treatment Of Cattle Fever Tick-Infested Nilgai, John A. Goolsby, Diana Cantu, Alejandro Vasquez, Alexis Racelis

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

A remotely activated field sprayer was developed for application of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema riobrave (Cabanillas, Poinar, and Raulston) for eradication of the southern cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini) infesting free-ranging nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in South Texas. The battery powered sprayer is activated by sonic sensors that detect movement of nilgai through fence crossings. An onboard computer operates the sprayer pump and aerator that oxygenates the solution of nematodes. Several types of aeriation, agitation, and cooling were tested to prolong the viability of the nematodes in water. Continuous aeration extended the longevity of S. riobrave to more than two …

Description Of A New Species Of Melanesiandra Santos-Silva Et Al. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Parandrinae) Found In Vanuatu, Shunsuke Kakinuma

Insecta Mundi

Melanesiandra anatomensis Kakinuma, new species (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Parandrinae), found in Aneityum Island (Vanuatu), is described and illustrated. An updated key is presented to separate the six known species of the genus.

Descripción De Una Especie Nueva Y Dos Nuevos Registros De Paraleurolobus Sampson Y Drews (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) De Guatemala, José Francisco García Ochaeta, Oscar Ángel Sánchez-Flores

Insecta Mundi

Se describe Paraleurolobus evansi García-Ochaeta y Sánchez-Flores sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) de Guatemala. Se comentan los caracteres diferenciales de esta especie con sus congéneres. Se incluye una clave para determinar las especies de Paraleurolobus Sampson y Drews, y se reportan por primera vez para Guatemala a P. chamaedoreae Russell y P. imbricatus Sampson y Drews.

Paraleurolobus evansi García-Ochaeta y Sánchez-Flores sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is described from Guatemala. Differential characters between this and related species are discussed. A key is included to identify Paraleurolobus Sampson y Drews species, and P. chamaedoreae Russell and P. imbricatus Sampson y Drews are reported …

New Tribes, Overview And Checklist Of Neotropical Cladonotinae (Orthoptera: Caelifera: Tetrigidae), Daniela Santos Martins Silva, Oscar J. Cadena-Castañeda, Marcelo Ribeiro Pereira, Fernando Campos De Domenico, Carlos Frankl Sperber

Insecta Mundi

The Cladonotinae (Orthoptera: Caelifera: Tetrigidae) are a peculiar tetrigid taxon characterized by a relatively widened fascial carina on the frontal costa. This group currently has a doubtful taxonomic status since this is the only character shared by its members. Here, we provide an overview of the Cladonotinae reported from the Neotropical region (29 species, three of them fossils), based on the morphological examination of the specimens housed at several museums. We show that Neotropical Cladonotinae share more characteristics, which strengthen its taxonomic status, and propose two new tribes: Choriphyllini n. trib. and Mucrotettigini n. trib. We propose the new combination …

Onciderini Thomson, 1860 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) Types Of The Museum Für Naturkunde - Leibniz Institute For Evolution And Biodiversity Science, Berlin (Zmhb), Eugenio H. Nearns, Francisco E. De L. Nascimento

Insecta Mundi

The primary types of Onciderini Thomson, 1860 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) of the Museum für Naturkunde - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin (ZMHB), Germany, are catalogued and illustrated. Data on the original combination, current name, gender, and type locality are verified and presented. There are 16 primary types of Onciderini including four in Oncideres Lacordaire, 1830 and three in Trestonia Buquet, 1859. Of the 16 primary types, seven were described by Ubirajara R. Martins, four by Wilhelm Ferdinand Erichson, and three by Ernst Friedrich Germar.

New Data On The Taxonomy And Distribution Of Philippine Ochodaeidae And Description Of A New Species From Central Visayas (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea), Jean-Bernard Huchet

Insecta Mundi

The status of the taxon Ceratochodaeus Huchet, 2017 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea), initially described as a subgenus of Nothochodaeus Nikolajev, 2005, is reconsidered and raised to generic level. New information on the distribution of Ceratochodaeus eliotti (Huchet, 2014), new combination, in the Philippine archipelago is provided. Ceratochodaeus darlingi Huchet, a new species from Negros island, Central Visayas (region VII), is described and illustrated.

The Exotic Agrilus Cyanescens (Ratzeburg) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Is Discovered In Oregon, Richard L. Westcott, Wyatt Williams, Amy Grotta

Insecta Mundi

In two separate occurrences, graduates of the Oregon Forest Pest Detector program discovered the exotic Agrilus cyanescens (Ratzeburg) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Portland, Oregon, damaging a backyard shrub, Lonicera involucrata (Rich.) Banks ex Spreng. (Caprifoliaceae). Although first detected in the USA 99 years ago, the known occurrence nearest to Oregon is in Utah.

New Larval Host Records For Tortricidae (Lepidoptera) From An Ecuadorian Andean Cloud Forest, John W. Brown, Lee A. Dyer, Santiago Villamarin-Cortez, Danielle Salcido

Insecta Mundi

A biological inventory focused on plant-caterpillar-parasitoid associations at Yanayacu Biological Station, Ecuador, yielded 81 adult specimens of Tortricidae (Lepidoptera: Tortricoidea) representing 42 species in 13 genera. Based on this material, new host records are presented for species in the following genera: Lypothora Razowski, 1981; Inape Razowski, 1988; Orthocomotis Dognin, 1905; Paraptila Meyrick, 1912; Runtunia Razowski and Wojtusiak, 2008; Transtillaspis Razowski, 1987; Xoser Razowski and Pelz, 2003; Argyrotaenia Stephens, 1852; Anacrusis Zeller, 1877; Sisurcana Powell, 1986; Amorbia Clemens, 1860; Paramorbia Powell and Lambert, 1986; and Episimus Walsingham, 1892. Tortricids were reared from 46 plant species representing 24 plant families, with Piperaceae, …

First Record Of Xysma Dominicum Antropov, 1995 (Hymenoptera: Pemphredonidae) In Puerto Rico, The Antilles, And Notes On The Nesting Behavior, Julio A. Genaro

Insecta Mundi

Xysma dominicum Antropov (Hymenoptera: Pemphredonidae) is recorded for the first time in Puerto Rico. It was found nesting in vertical banks in dry forest habitat in Guánica, Ponce. Notes about the nesting behavior are presented. The female, previously unknown, is described and illustrated.

Se registra por primera vez a Xysma dominicum Antropov (Hymenoptera: Pemphredonidae) para Puerto Rico. La especie fue encontrada nidificando en paredes verticales, en el bosque seco de Guánica, Ponce. Se presentan notas sobre la conducta de nidificación. Se describe e ilustra a la hembra, previamente desconocida.