Spider Mite Response, Agronomic Performance, And Stability Of A Urochloa Spp. Diversity Panel Under Field Conditions,
2026
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Spider Mite Response, Agronomic Performance, And Stability Of A Urochloa Spp. Diversity Panel Under Field Conditions, Adrian Mating’I Kimani, David Kariuki Muruu, Paula Espitia-Buitrago, Sylvia Henga, Catherine Muui, Frank Chidawanyika, Rosa Noemi Jauregui
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Spider mites (Oligonychus trichardti) are emerging as a major constraint to Urochloa forage productivity in East Africa; however, knowledge of genotypic variation and tolerance remains limited. Herein, 55 Urochloa genotypes were evaluated under field-infested and non-infested conditions across two seasons using an alpha-lattice design. Agronomic and physiological traits, including plant height (PH), tiller number (TN), the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), total dry weight (TDW), and mite damage indices (visual severity index (VSI) and stress tolerance index (STI)) were assessed. Infestation reduced biomass by 22.4% on average, with reductions of up to 45% in susceptible genotypes. Significant genotypic variation was …
Land-Use Changes Shape Mosquito Assemblages, Host-Feeding And Arbovirus Infection In Baringo County, Kenya,
2026
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Zoological Sciences, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Land-Use Changes Shape Mosquito Assemblages, Host-Feeding And Arbovirus Infection In Baringo County, Kenya, Caroline Getugi, Elizabeth Kokwaro, Anthony Nyamache, Inga Slothouwer, Gilbert Rotich, Rosemary Sang, Sandra Junglen, David P. Tchouassi
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Environmental transformation driven by human activity has profound implications for the ecology of mosquito vectors and the pathogens they transmit. This study investigated the influence of land-use change on mosquito assemblages, host-feeding patterns, and arbovirus infection across sylvatic-rural-peri-urban land-use types in Marigat subcounty, Rift Valley, Kenya. Adult mosquitoes were collected using CO₂-baited CDC light traps and BG-Sentinel traps across three sites: Kiborgoch conservancy (sylvatic), Ntepes village (rural) and Marigat town (peri-urban). Sampling was conducted during three sessions including September 2022, August 2023, and December 2023. The mosquitoes were morphologically identified to species, and indices of abundance, richness and diversity compared …
Developing A Range Prediction For The Imperiled Florida Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex Badius) Using Species Distribution Modeling,
2026
The University of Southern Mississippi
Developing A Range Prediction For The Imperiled Florida Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex Badius) Using Species Distribution Modeling, Noah Williamson
Honors Theses
The Florida Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex badius) was once widespread and commonplace throughout the sandhills of the Southeastern United States, providing key ecosystem services, such as seed dispersal and soil aeration. Over recent decades, however, Florida Harvester Ant populations have declined in some areas. Current literature postulates that Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA), and the insecticides used to manage them, as well as further human encroachment onto their habitat, all likely contributed to Florida Harvester Ant population declines. Thus, to better protect these organisms, pursue data-driven conservation efforts, and guide management practices, more information about their nest site selection, as well …
Organic Management Of Pillbugs And Sowbugs In Strawberries And Other Fruits,
2026
Utah State University
Organic Management Of Pillbugs And Sowbugs In Strawberries And Other Fruits, Briger Carey, Marion Murray, Emilie Demard, Jennifer R. Reeve
All Current Publications
Pillbugs and sowbugs are collectively known as isopods that typically feed on soil organic matter, but under certain conditions, they can be a pest of many young plants and berries. This fact sheet reviews identification, life cycle, damage, and organic management strategies for pillbugs and sowbugs.
New Distributional Record Of Dacus Persicus (Diptera: Tephritidae), A Biocontrol Agent Of Calotropis Procera (Apocynaceae), From Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan,
2026
Center for Insect Farming and Entomological Entrepreneurship (CIFEE), Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
New Distributional Record Of Dacus Persicus (Diptera: Tephritidae), A Biocontrol Agent Of Calotropis Procera (Apocynaceae), From Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan, Muhammad Adnan Bodlah, Imran Bodlah, Aleena Kanwal, Alishbah Mohsin, Ayesha Younas, Muhammad Tariq Siddique, Hafiz Muhammad Zia Ullah Ghazali, Muhammad Salman Yousafzai
Journal of Bioresource Management
The tephritid species Dacus persicus Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae) exhibits strict host specificity to Calotropis species and is known as a destructive seed feeder of Calotropis procera. During field surveys, D. persicus larval stages were obtained from infested fruits of C. procera whereas adults were collected through sweep net sampling. This study documents the occurrence of D. persicus from southern district of Punjab, thereby extending its known distribution within the province beyond previous records from northern Punjab. Adult’s specimens were reared from field collected fruits and net-sweeping. Adults were identified based on detailed morphological examination of external characters and female …
Seasonal Activity Pattern Of Ambrosia Beetles In Southeast Virginia,
2026
Old Dominion University
Seasonal Activity Pattern Of Ambrosia Beetles In Southeast Virginia, Umme H. Akter, Sajrim Chowdhury, Deborah A. Waller
Knowledge and Creativity Expo
Ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are wood-boring insects that influence forest ecosystems through fungal symbioses, rapid host colonization, and invasive species dynamics. Despite their ecological importance, seasonal activity patterns remain poorly characterized in southeastern Virginia. This study integrates field trapping and statistical modeling to examine species-specific seasonal activity across two forested sites in Norfolk, Virginia. Beetles were monitored using ethanol and essential oil-baited bottle traps alongside ethanol-soaked bolt traps. Overall abundance peaked in April, indicating strong early-season emergence. Ethanol-baited traps captured 3-7 times more beetles than essential oil traps, and negative binomial generalized linear models confirmed bait type as a significant …
Trapping Ambrosia Beetles (Curculionidae) With Ethanol-Soaked Tree Bolts In Southeastern Virginia.,
2026
Old Dominion University
Trapping Ambrosia Beetles (Curculionidae) With Ethanol-Soaked Tree Bolts In Southeastern Virginia., Sajrim Chowdhury, Umme H. Akter, Deborah A. Waller
Knowledge and Creativity Expo
Native and invasive ambrosia beetles infest a wide variety of tree species in southeastern Virginia and cause significant damage. We investigated trapping ambrosia beetles by using ten different tree species as lures. One objective of the study was to determine the most effective lure for each species of ambrosia beetle related to tree species and the diameter of the bolt. Sections of tree limbs of two different diameters and 25cm in length were soaked in ethanol and hung from trees in several natural locations, both near water and away from water. Beetles attracted to the lures bored into the bolts …
Louisiana Species Of The Genus Xestia Hübner And The Genus Agnorisma Lafontaine,
2026
International Lepidoptera Survey
Louisiana Species Of The Genus Xestia Hübner And The Genus Agnorisma Lafontaine, Vernon Antoine Brou Jr., Charlotte Dozar Brou
The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey
We address three species of the genus Xestia Hübner recorded for the state of Louisiana: Xestia dilucida (Morrison), Xestia elimata (Guenée) and Xestia c-nigrum (Linnaeus), and we also address new state capture records for Agnorisma badinodis (Grote) and Agnorisma bollii in Louisiana.
Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus Occidentalis),
2026
Utah State University
Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus Occidentalis), Emilie Demard
All Current Publications
This fact sheet provides information on the western conifer seed bug, including native range, life cycle, plant hosts, symptoms and damage, and management options.
Is The Long-Horned Grasshopper Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) A Novel, Nutritious, Functional, And Safe Alternative Food Product? A Review,
2026
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.
Is The Long-Horned Grasshopper Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) A Novel, Nutritious, Functional, And Safe Alternative Food Product? A Review, Margaret Kababu, Collins Mweresa, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Geoffrey Ssepuuya, Karlmax Rutaro, Nicodemus Matojo, Faith Nyamu, Robert Mbeche, Sevgan Subramanian, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus Tanga
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) is among the most widely consumed edible insect in Eastern and Central Africa, where it contributes to both household nutrition and income generation. As a nutrient-dense food source, it offers a promising alternative to curb food insecurity and malnutrition. Despite this, the consumption and use of the grasshopper is limited to its seasonal availability when it is collected from the wild. Coupled with this, is limited evidence on its domestication despite research advances to optimize conditions for mass production. This review was conducted to highlight research advances and gaps on production, processing, nutritional profile, and …
Identification And Full Genome Sequencing Of Previously Unknown Sandfly-Borne Phleboviruses Using A Newly Established Capture-Based Next-Generation Sequencing Approach,
2026
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.
Identification And Full Genome Sequencing Of Previously Unknown Sandfly-Borne Phleboviruses Using A Newly Established Capture-Based Next-Generation Sequencing Approach, Edwin O. Ogola, Inga Slothouwer, Gilbert Rotich, Anne Kopp, Armanda D. Bastos, Caroline Getugi, Julia Melchert, Terence C. Jones, Dorcus C. Omoga, Rosemary Sang, Baldwyn Torto, David P. Tchouassi, Sandra Junglen
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses cause febrile illness and neuroinvasive disease in humans. While infections are reported in the Mediterranean region, the discovery of previously unknown phleboviruses in sandflies from Kenya suggests a wider geographic distribution. Detection and characterization of novel phleboviruses are often hindered by low-quality and low-viral-load samples. We developed a capture-based target enrichment next-generation sequencing approach that showed a 99%-100% fold enrichment of viral genomes from primary material and provides a robust tool for generating complete genomes of both known and previously unknown viruses. From a collection of 15,652 sandflies in Kenya, we recovered seven complete coding sequences of Embossos, …
Three Butterfly Genera Across The Central Texas Suture Zone,
2026
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Three Butterfly Genera Across The Central Texas Suture Zone, Qian Cong, Jing Zhang, Jinhui Shen, Leina Song, Nick V. Grishin
The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey
Genome-scale analyses of butterfly specimens across the Central Texas Suture Zone revealed that several taxa currently treated as subspecies exhibit genomic differentiation similar to that observed between species. Further investigation and genomic sequencing of additional specimens from across the ranges of these taxa support this conclusion and result in the following changes to nomenclature and taxonomy. Two new subspecies of Nymphalidae Rafinesque, 1815 are described: Asterocampa louisa monterra Grishin, ssp. n. (type locality in Mexico: Nuevo León) and Asterocampa clyton plana Grishin, ssp. n. (type locality in USA: Texas, Denton Co.). The following taxa are recognized as species, not subspecies: …
Michigan Tech’S Insect Collection: An Important Historical Resource In The Upper Peninsula,
2026
Michigan Technological University
Michigan Tech’S Insect Collection: An Important Historical Resource In The Upper Peninsula, Thomas E. Panella, Tara L. Bal
The Great Lakes Entomologist
Regional insect collections can be valuable resources when covering under-represented areas, unique time periods, or unique collectors. Houghton and Baraga County Michigan are two predominantly forested counties in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan. The main campus for Michigan Technological University is based in Houghton, MI with a forestry field campus in Baraga County that was acquired in 1954. The university has had forest entomology research in some capacity at least since the 1930’s with faculty, students, and members of the community preserving and submitting various specimens in the decades since then, making it a unique collection demographically. The collection …
Dawn To Dusk Division Of Monarda Fistulosa Foraging Time By Bumble Bee Species (Bombus Spp.) And Likelihood To Return The Next Day,
2026
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Dawn To Dusk Division Of Monarda Fistulosa Foraging Time By Bumble Bee Species (Bombus Spp.) And Likelihood To Return The Next Day, Elise Bernstein, Clara Costello, Mary Yang, Rosa Weinand, Noah Sullivan, Maya Cintorino, Charlie Vang, Miller Johnson, Ahmed Hussein, Gaochong Vang, Rashad Bowen, Kristen Gresl, Elaine Evans
The Great Lakes Entomologist
There is a growing public interest in increasing pollinator habitat in urban areas. Monarda fistulosa is a commonly planted perennial species chosen for pollinator habitats of various sizes, from residential gardens to large-scale prairie restoration projects. Previous research has confirmed a preference for M. fistulosa among various bee species. We monitored and marked bumble bees visiting M. fistulosa over a 14-hour period, seeking to understand the daily pattern of bee visitation. We also observed bumble bees on the following day to determine the probability of marked individual bumble bees continuing to forage on M. fistulosa or to switch to a …
New Records Of The American Bumble Bee, Bombus Pensylvanicus, In Michigan,
2026
Michigan State University
New Records Of The American Bumble Bee, Bombus Pensylvanicus, In Michigan, Sharron Z. Miller, Logan M. Rowe, Lillyanna Widdicombe, Robert P. Jean, Rufus Isaacs
The Great Lakes Entomologist
We report recent detections of the American bumble bee, Bombus pensylvanicus (De Geer) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), in 16 counties of Michigan, USA. This bee species is currently listed as state endangered in Michigan. The current report provides an update on the distribution of B. pensylvanicus in Michigan from collections made between 2020 and 2024, including detections from at least 21 locations in the Lower Peninsula, expanding the known distribution in this state. These samples were from four pollinator survey projects with records from photographs and collections and two online participatory science programs where users uploaded photographs of this species while verified …
Assessing The Performance Of A 3d Printed Pennsylvania-Style Black Light Moth Trap,
2026
Michigan State University
Assessing The Performance Of A 3d Printed Pennsylvania-Style Black Light Moth Trap, Christopher B. Brown, Eva S. Conley, Peter White
The Great Lakes Entomologist
Passive light traps have long been a popular method used for trapping moths and other night-flying insects. Recent changes in the availability of equipment necessitate the development of accessible and effective alternatives for insect monitoring. This study assesses the performance of a 3D-printed Pennsylvania-style black light moth trap compared to the formerly available commercial BioQuip trap and investigates the impact of funnel size on catch rates. Our 3D-printed trap was compared to the BioQuip trap over ten trap-nights in Central Michigan. Results indicate that commercial BioQuip traps consistently captured significantly more moths than the 3D-printed prototype. An additional experiment evaluating …
Initial Changes In Ground Beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Species Assemblages Near Seasonal Ponds Surrounded By Forests Under Different Harvesting Practices,
2026
USDA Forest Service
Initial Changes In Ground Beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Species Assemblages Near Seasonal Ponds Surrounded By Forests Under Different Harvesting Practices, Robert A. Haack, Toby Petrice, Robert E. Acciavatti, Robert L. Davidson, Brian J. Palik
The Great Lakes Entomologist
Seasonal ponds often form after spring snowmelt in forests of the Great Lakes region. Although such seasonal ponds are common, few US states set buffer-width guidelines to protect them when harvesting the adjacent upland forest. The objectives of this study were to determine if the carabid beetle assemblages near seasonal ponds differed from those in the adjacent upland forests prior to any logging, and then if these assemblages changed in response to various levels of tree harvesting within and adjacent to the 15-m-wide buffers that surrounded the seasonal ponds. The traps were placed within the buffers at about 7.6 m …
Geography Of Periodical Cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) In Portions Of Northeast Illinois And Northwest Indiana,
2026
Independent researcher
Geography Of Periodical Cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) In Portions Of Northeast Illinois And Northwest Indiana, Carl A. Strang
The Great Lakes Entomologist
Brood XIII periodical cicadas (Magicicada Davis) in DuPage County, Illinois, emerged in 2024 in an area that extended as much as 10.6 km beyond the edge of the previous main emergence in 2007. The implied dispersal of gravid females is greater than has been reported elsewhere and may reflect adaptation to a historical landscape of scattered wooded islands within a matrix of prairie. A series of four-year-early emergences in northeast Illinois, first described in print in 1969 and subsequently occurring prior to each succeeding main emergence, was quantified for the first time in 2020. The largest densities of singing …
Biology, Phenology, And Host Range Of A Seed-Feeding Weevil, Ceutorhynchus Constrictus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), A Biological Control Agent For Garlic Mustard, Alliaria Petiolata, In North America, Ghislaine Cortat, Hariet L. Hinz, Esther Gerber, Elizabeth J. Katovich, Mary E. Marek-Spartz, Roger L. Becker, Robert S. Bourchier, Danielle Fife
The Great Lakes Entomologist
Ceutorhynchus constrictus Marsham is a seed-feeding weevil and potential biocontrol agent of the invasive plant garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara & Grande (Brassicaceae), in North America. Ceutorhynchus constrictus is native to Europe, has a single generation per year and eggs are laid into developing seeds within the seedpods of bolting garlic mustard plants. Females use their prolonged rostrum to bore holes through seedpods into the developing seed, deposit a single egg and then cover the opening with secretion. Larvae feed on ripening seeds and progress through three instars before exiting seedpods in late June, to pupate and overwinter in …
Cover Art For Tgle Vol. 58 Nos. 3 & 4,
2026
Valparaiso University
Cover Art For Tgle Vol. 58 Nos. 3 & 4
The Great Lakes Entomologist
Cover Art for TGLE Vol. 58 Nos. 3 & 4
