Entomology Commons^™

Hexapod Herald - Vol. 30, No. 1, February 2018

Hexapod Herald and Other Entomology Department Newsletters

Contents: Welcome - Congratulations - Faculty News - Gamma Sigma Delta Awards - Publications - Blast from the Past - Baxendale Retirement Reception

Nebline, February 2018

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Teaches Limited-Resource Families Through Peer Education

Food & Health

Farm & Acreage

Pests & Wildlife

Horticulture

Early Childhood

4-H & Youth

and other extension news and events

In Their Own Words: The Significance Of Participant Perceptions In Assessing Entomology Citizen Science Learning Outcomes Using A Mixed Methods Approach, Louise I. Lynch, Jenny Dauer, Wayne A. Babchuk, Tiffany Heng-Moss, Doug Golick

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

A mixed methods study was used to transcend the traditional pre-, post-test approach of citizen science evaluative research by integrating adults’ test scores with their perceptions. We assessed how contributory entomology citizen science affects participants’ science self-efficacy, self-efficacy for environmental action, nature relatedness and attitude towards insects. Pre- and post-test score analyses from citizen scientists (n = 28) and a control group (n = 72) were coupled with interviews (n = 11) about science experiences and entomological interactions during participation. Considering quantitative data alone, no statistically significant changes were evident in adults following participation in citizen science when compared to …

Datasets For Mapping Pastoralist Movement Patterns And Risk Zones Of Rift Valley Fever Occurrence, Gladys Mosomtai, Magnus Evander, Charles Mundia, Per Sandström, Clas Ahlm, Osama Ahmed Hassan, Olivia Wesula Lwande, Moses K. Gachari, Tobias Landmann, Rosemary Sang

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals. It is caused by RVF virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. The data presented in this article propose environmental layers suitable for mapping RVF vector habitat zones and livestock migratory routes. Using species distribution modelling, we used RVF vector occurrence data sampled along livestock migratory routes to identify suitable vector habitats within the study region which is located in the central and the north-eastern part of Kenya. Eleven herds monitored with GPS collars were used to estimate cattle utilization distribution patterns. We used kernel density estimator to produce …

Investigation Of Cry3bb1 Resistance And Intoxication In Western Corn Rootworm By Rna Sequencing, Leslie Catherine Rault, Blair D. Siegfried, Aaron J. Gassmann, Haichuan Wang, Gary J. Brewer, Nicholas J. Miller

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The western corn rootworm (WCR) Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte is a major pest of corn that has evolved resistance to transgenic maize that produces insecticidal Cry toxins. The specific mode of action of Cry3Bb1 and mechanism of resistance in WCR are unknown. This study compared gene expression between Cry3Bb1-susceptible and Cry3Bb1-resistant WCR neonates, in the presence and absence of Cry3Bb1. RNA-Seq data were analyzed to identify differentially expressed transcripts between strains of WCR, providing candidate transcripts for resistance to Cry3Bb1. Constitutive and Cry3Bb1-induced differences between strains caused the differential expression of 608 transcripts after 8 hr. Differentially expressed transcripts between …

Coleopteran Communities Associated With Forests Invaded By Emerald Ash Borer, Matthew B. Savage, Lynne K. Rieske

Entomology Faculty Publications

Extensive ash mortality caused by the non-native emerald ash borer alters canopy structure and creates inputs of coarse woody debris as dead and dying ash fall to the forest floor; this affects habitat heterogeneity; resource availability; and exposure to predation and parasitism. As EAB-induced (emerald ash borer-induced) disturbance progresses the native arthropod associates of these forests may be irreversibly altered through loss of habitat; changing abiotic conditions and altered trophic interactions. We documented coleopteran communities associated with EAB-disturbed forests in a one-year study to evaluate the nature of these changes. Arthropods were collected via ethanol-baited traps on five sites with …

Eight-Legged Encounters—Arachnids, Volunteers, And Art Help To Bridge The Gap Between Informal And Formal Science Learning, Eileen Hebets, Melissa Welch-Lazoritz, Pawl Tisdale, Patricia Wonch Hill

Eileen Hebets Publications

Increased integration and synergy between formal and informal learning environments is proposed to provide multiple benefits to science learners. In an effort to better bridge these two learning contexts, we developed an educational model that employs the charismatic nature of arachnids to engage the public of all ages in science learning; learning that aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas associated with Biodiversity and Evolution). We created, implemented, and evaluated a family-focused, interactive science event—Eight-Legged Encounters (ELE)—which encompasses more than twenty modular activities. Volunteers facilitated participant involvement at each activity station and original …

Resistance In 27 Rice Cultivars To Sugarcane Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), F. Correa, C. L. T. Silva, A. P. Pelosi, A. C. S. Almeida, E. A. Heinrichs, J. A. F. Barrigossi, F. G. Jesus

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is considered one of the most important crops in the world, and the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is among the key pests damaging the crop in the Americas. The objective of this work was to identify rice genotypes as a source of resistance to D. saccharalis. Rice plants were infested in the greenhouse and subsequently evaluated for damage, larval weight and survival, and stem size. The cultivars “Bonança,” “Caripuna,” “IR 42,” “Canela de Ferro,” “SWA Norte,” “BR IRGA 409,” “Pepita,” “Serra Dourada,” “Araguaia,” “Xingú,” “Tangará,” and “Soberana” showed antibiosis, antixenosis, or …

Interspecific Competition Between Egg Parasitoids: Native Fopius Caudatus And Exotic Fopius Arisanus, In Ceratitis Cosyra, Miriam Frida Karlsson, Espérantos O. De Souza, Pascal M. Ayelo, Joseph Ayomidé Zannou, Gbelidji Souvenir Blaise Mègnigbèto, Aimé H. Bokonon-Ganta

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Tephritidae fruit flies are parasitized by Braconidae wasps, of which some are used in biological control programs. Releases of exotic parasitoids might affect, or be affected by, native species exploiting a common host. We studied interspecific competition between the native African parasitoid Fopius caudatus (Szépligeti) and the exotic Asian parasitoid Fopius arisanus (Sonan) (both Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in African native Ceratitis cosyra Walker (Diptera: Tephritidae). Wasp behaviour on infested fruits and dissection of fruit fly eggs assessed acceptance, oviposition performance and suitability for egg development, parasitism, and effect of parasitism by heterospecific species. While F. arisanus outcompeted F. caudatus in parasitization …

Influence Of The Host Plant On The Encyrtid Aenasius Bambawalei, A Parasitoid Used To Control The Cotton Mealybug, Phenacoccus Solenopsis, In Pakistan, Hayat Badshah, Farman Ullah, Paul André Calatayud, Hidayat Ullah, Bashir Ahmad

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae) is a highly polyphagous pest of fruits, vegetables, crops and ornamentals in Pakistan. Biological control approach by using Aenasius bambawalei Hayat (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) has been developed recently to control this pest. However, the efficiency of this parasitoid is variable according to the locality and the plants on which P. solenopsis is feeding. In this context, this experiment investigated under field and laboratory conditions the influence of the host plant of P. solenopsis on the parasitism success and the female fitness of A. bambawalei, Five plant species, commonly found to be host of P. …

Responses Of The Ambrosia Beetle Xylosandrus Compactus (Coleoptera: Curculionidea: Scolytinae) To Volatile Constituents Of Its Symbiotic Fungus Fusarium Solani (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae), James Peter Egonyu, Baldwyn Torto

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Xylosandrus compactus is a polyphagus pest that cultivates a symbiotic fungus Fusarium solani in tunnels of host plants for food and is a major threat to coffee production in East Africa. We hypothesized that the female X. compactus, which is the only sex capable of flying to attack its hosts, is attracted to volatiles from F. solani. We investigated responses of females to volatiles released by fungal cultures and bioactive components identified in the fungal volatiles. In Y-tube olfactometer assays, ~68% of females were attracted to volatiles emitted from F. solani over clean air. Bioactive compounds were identified in the …

Molecular Gut-Content Analysis Reveals High Frequency Of Helicoverpa Zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Consumption By Orius Insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) In Sweet Corn, Julie A. Peterson, E. C. Burkness, James D. Harwood, W. D. Hutchison

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Management of corn earworm Helicoverpa zea in sweet corn grown for processing can be challenging due to the lack of effective transgenic and chemical control options. However, biological control by generalist predators can provide a significant impact on pests in this cropping system. One of the most ubiquitous predators of H. zea and other lepidopterans is the insidious flower bug, Orius insidiosus. This small hemipteran has been observed as an important mortality agent of H. zea in several cropping systems, but the strength of the trophic connection between these species has not been documented in sweet corn. Molecular gut-content …

Additions And Corrections To The Stoneflies (Plecoptera) Of Iowa, U.S.A., Dennis P. Heimdal, Michael W. Birmingham

The Great Lakes Entomologist

(exerpt)

Until recently, Iowa’s stonefly fauna was poorly documented. Heimdal et al. (2004) published a comprehensive report on stonefly distributions within the state, reporting seven families and 43 species. Five species, Allocapnia pygmaea (Burmeister) (Capiniidae), Leuctra tenuis (Pictet) (Leuctridae), Amphinemura linda (Ricker) (Nemouridae), Nemoura trispinosa Claassen (Nemouridae), and Soyedina vallicularia (Wu) (Nemouridae), were recommended for state protection because of their limited distribution within Iowa. Four species, Amphinemura delosa (Ricker), Isogenoides doratus (Frison) (Perlodidae), I. krumholzi (Ricker), and I. varians (Walsh), had limited distributions, but were not listed because their observed habitat preferences appeared common or were difficult to sample and …

First Record Of Harpalus Ochropus Kirby (Coleoptera: Carabidae) From Minnesota And The Conterminous United States, Foster Forbes Purrington, Richard M. Maxey

The Great Lakes Entomologist

(excerpt)

The epigeal ground beetle Harpalus ochropus Kirby (Coleoptera: Carabidae) has been reported from Alaska and across Canada from British Columbia into Quebec (Bousquet and Larochelle 1993). It is local and rarely collected. Gandhi et al. (2005) surveyed for carabids extensively for several years along the Gunflint Trail and adjacent Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northeastern Minnesota.

A Friend Unmasked: Notes On Chauliognathus Pensylvanicus (Coleoptera: Cantharidae) And The Nature Of Natural History, Andrew H. Williams

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Data from field observations from 1992 through 2006 and from museum specimens of adult Chauliognathus pensylvanicus (DeGeer) from Wisconsin are presented here, with information from the literature. Beetles were found using flowers of 183 species in 29 families growing outside cultivation in Wisconsin and in every Wisconsin county. All evidence supports the characterization of C. pensylvanicus as a prairie insect that also lives in other, early successional plant communities.

Patch-Scale Movement Dynamics In The Iowa Grassland Butterflies Speyeria Cybele And Megisto Cymela (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), David Courard-Hauri, Ashley A. Wick, Lindsey K. Kneubuhler, Keith S. Summerville

The Great Lakes Entomologist

An understanding of the movement dynamics of invertebrates can be critical to their conservation, especially when managing relatively small, isolated habitats. Most studies of butterfly movement have focused on metapopulation dynamics at relatively large spatial scales, and the results from these studies may not translate well for patchy populations within a single nature preserve. In this work we use individual mark and recapture (IMR) methods to follow the movements of two species of butterfly, Megisto cymela (Cramer) and Speyeria cybele F. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) within a 240 hectare forest and grassland preserve in central Iowa, USA. Significant redistribution was seen in …

Anoplophora Glabripennis Within-Tree Distribution, Seasonal Development, And Host Suitability In China And Chicago, Robert A. Haack, Leah S. Bauer, Rui-Tong Gao, Joseph J. Mccarthy, Deborah L. Miller, Toby R. Petrice, Therese M. Poland

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Established populations of the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), were first reported in the United States in New York in 1996, Illinois in 1998, and New Jersey in 2002. A federal quarantine and an eradication program were implemented in 1997, involving tree surveys and removal of infested trees. We recorded the number of A. glabripennis life stages found at several locations along the main trunk and major branches of naturally infested trees in China (species of Populus, Salix, and Ulmus) and Chicago, Illinois (species of Acer, Fraxinus, and Ulmus) during 1999 to 2002. Typically, …

Variation In Detecting Schinia Indiana And Schinia Lucens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) In Wisconsin, Ann B. Swengel, Scott R. Swengel

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Schinia indiana (Smith) and Schinia lucens (Morrison) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are diurnal moths and are well camouflaged when perched on flowers of their larval food plants: Phlox pilosa L. (Polemoniaceae) and Amorpha(Fabaceae), respectively. We recorded 264 S. indiana in diurnal surveys of 28 units of 15 sites in Jackson County, WI, and 25 units of 5 sites in Burnett County, WI, from 23 May (2006) to 15 June (1994). The longest flight periods in single years were 21 days in 1994 and 17 days in 2006. Abundance of individuals was significantly greater when phlox flowering was prepeak and peak, compared …

Compensatory Feeding And Growth Responses Of Papilio Glaucus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) Larvae Reared In Darkness., Jennifer Muehlhaus, J. Mark Scriber

The Great Lakes Entomologist

The goal was to determine the potential impact of photoperiod on feeding behavior and larval growth rates. Larvae from six different families of the eastern swallowtail butterfly, Papilio glaucus L. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) were placed into 3 different photoperiod regimes (long days at 18:6 h, short days at 12:12 h, and total darkness at 0:24 h, all at 27°C) as neonate first instars and reared to pupation. The initial 11 days reflected very slow growth of the larvae in darkness (only half the weight of the long day larvae). No differences in survival at 4 days or 11 days or until …

Variation In Diel Activity Of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Associated With A Soybean Field And Coal Mine Remnant, Jason E. Willand, Kenneth W. Mccravy

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Diel activities of carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae) associated with a coal mine remnant and surrounding soybean field were studied in west-central Illinois from June through October 2002. A total of 1,402 carabids, representing 29 species and 17 genera, were collected using pitfall traps. Poecilus chalcites (Say) demonstrated roughly equal diurnal and nocturnal activity in June, but greater diurnal activity thereafter. Pterostichus permundus (Say), Cyclotrachelus seximpressus (LeConte), Amara obesa (Say), and Scarites quadriceps Chaudoir showed significant nocturnal activity. Associations between habitat and diel activity were found for three species: P. chalcites associated with the remnant and edge habitats showed greater diurnal activity …