An annotated list of the aquatic invertebrates inhabiting water impounded in the leaf axils of Florida’s native epiphytic bromeliads is provided. Of the 22 species reported, 9 are yet undescribed. Of the 13 described species, 10 are believed to be native. Five of the native species and perhaps all of the undescribed species are precinctive (“endemic”). These invertebrate animals and their bromeliad host plants are at risk of extinction due to destruction of the host plants by Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), an invasive weevil.

Recent studies on the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), have demonstrated an increase in male mating competitiveness following exposure to particular plant structures or products, including the fruit and fruit-derived oil of orange trees, the bark and fruits of guava trees, and ginger root oil. Although it is not known which compound(s) was responsible for the enhanced mating success, all the performance-boosting substances tested thus far contain the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon a-copaene, and α-copaene tested alone was found to increase mating success in male medflies. As the concentration of α-copaene and other terpenes vary among plant species, it is not known whether exposure to α-copaene-bearing plants (or their derived oils) will universally influence the mating behavior of male medflies. The goal of this study was to describe the results of mating trials conducted after male exposure to 2 previously untested sources of α-copaene, manuka oil (from the New Zealand manuka tree) and mango fruits from cultivars in Hawaii and Guatemala. Mating trials conducted in field-cages revealed that exposure to manuka oil significantly increased the mating success of both wild males and mass-reared, sterile males. However, exposure to mangos had no effect on male mating performance in trials run in Hawaii or Guatemala. This latter result may have reflected the absence (or presence in very small amounts) of α-copaene in the mango cultivars tested or a particular mixture of compounds that diminished or blocked α-copaene’s effect on the male medflies.

The holotypes of Scirtothrips aguacatae, S. kupandae, S. manihotifloris, S. tacambarensis, and S. uruapaniensis were examined and compared with specimens of Scirtothrips perseae from Mexico, Guatemala, and California. The chaetotaxy of the pronotum and head of each of these 5 holotypes was found to fall within the range observed on specimens identified as S. perseae based DNA analyses and subsequent slide mounting and morphological examination of the body surface of specimens from which analyzed DNA was extracted. As a result of morphological examination and complementary DNA analyses, these 5 species are considered synonyms of S. perseae. This synonomy should reduce potential quarantine disputes over avocado imports from Mexico that could arise from concerns raised over the large number of Scirtothrips species previously considered as pests of avocados in Mexico that might inadvertently accompany imports.

A survey of the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), in cole crops in Massachusetts found that a Chinese strain of Cotesia rubecula (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), released in 1988, has spread and become the dominant parasitoid of this pest in central and western Massachusetts, with an average of 75% parasitism. The previously dominant parasitoid of this host, Cotesia glomerata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), has been displaced and is now present only at trace levels (<1% of total parasitism).

In its native Japan Neomusotima fuscolinealis Yoshiyasu feeds on and damages the leaves of Lygodium japonicum (Thunberg ex Murray) Swartz, an invasive weed in Florida and the southeastern U.S. Larvae and pupae of the moth were imported into the quarantine facility at the Florida Biological Control Laboratory, Gainesville, Florida, to establish a colony for preliminary host range studies and to define its lifecycle and reproduction parameters. Larvae of the moth did not feed significantly nor develop on 5 tested rare, native Florida ferns. The rare North American native climbing fern, Lygodium palmatum (Bernhardi) Swartz, however, supported complete development of N. fuscolinealis, and 6 continuous generations of the moth were reared on the fern. Because the rare L. palmatum and the invasive L. japonicum co-occur in the US, the release of N. fuscolinealis could result in the harm to L. palmatum, a risk that makes the moth unsuitable as a potential biological control of L. japonicum.

A new species of Parelbella is named and described. It is known from the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca, México, and may be endemic to the southern Sierra Madre Oriental.

Discovery of citrus greening disease or Huanglongbing in Brazil and Florida has elevated the vector psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), to key pest status in both regions. Detected in Puerto Rico within 3 years of first detection in Florida, the psyllid appeared to be relatively scarce in the Island’s limited citrus and alternate rutaceous host, orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata. Monthly surveys were conducted at 4 locations during 2004 through 2005 to evaluate citrus flushing patterns, psyllid densities, and prevalence of parasitism by Tamarixia radiata. Although low levels of D. citri are known to be established in the high, cool areas of Adjuntas, a total lack of psyllids at the particular study location was attributed to scarcity of flush except for a short period in Feb. Greatest and most prolonged production of new flush, highest psyllid numbers, and greatest incidence of parasitism occurred at Isabela, the most coastal location and the only one with irrigated citrus. Favorable climate and irrigation resulted in prolonged availability of new foliage needed to maintain populations of psyllids and consequently its parasitoid. There, apparent parasitism of late instars was estimated to average 70% and approached 100% on 3 different occasions. Tamarixia radiata also was found parasitizing psyllid nymphs in orange jasmine at the rate of 48% and 77% at Río Piedras and San Juan, respectively, approaching 100% on 5 occasions during spring and summer. The corresponding decline in infestation during peak flush in spring and later in the year could indicate that T. radiata made important contributions to the regulation of D. citri populations at these locations. Better understanding of factors favoring high parasitism rates in Puerto Rico could lead to more effective biological control of D. citri in other citrus producing areas.

A species new to science, Tingidoletes praelonga Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), was recently discovered preying on the avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae (Heidemann) (Heteroptera: Tingidae), in Florida, USA. A new genus is described to receive the new species.

The genus Acroleucus Stål from México is revised. Two new species A. calvatus and A. tensus are described and illustrated. New distribution records are presented, as well as comments on the host plants for some of the species. A revised key to Mexican species is included.

Bionomics of the proconiine sharpshooter Oncometopia tucumana Schröder (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from northern Argentina is reported. Leafhoppers were monitored during the entire season in a citrus orchard in Horco Molle, Tucumán Province, and also sampled in Jujuy and Salta Provinces. The sharpshooters were found from spring to late fall; they overwinter as adults and females do not lay eggs from Apr to Oct. Oncometopia tucumana is polyphagous, 12 plants in 11 families were recorded as its hosts for the first time. Egg masses of O. tucumana were attacked by 3 parasitoid species, Gonatocerus annulicornis (Ogloblin), G. metanotalis (Ogloblin), and G. tuberculifemur (Ogloblin) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), that collectively produced egg mortality close to 60%. Gonatocerus annulicornis was the main egg parasitoid, emerging from nearly 80% of the parasitized eggs.

The aim of this research was to identify the existence of different Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (FAW) host strains in Argentina, and to determine their behaviors in the presence of different mortality factors. Populations belonging to these strains were tested with the pesticides chlorpyriphos and cypermethrin, transgenic corn germplasms expressing Cry proteins 1Ab or 1F, and an indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis strain. The relation of these strains with the host plant species and crop utilization, subsistence or commercial ones, is discussed. The response to the assayed insecticides, Bt transgenic corn and Bt suspension was diverse, showing wide variability in mortality rates. This research validates the need of intensive studies relating resistance phenomena with the differential behavior of the host strains inhabiting Argentina. Host plant and crop utility is not a determinant for the identity of the colonizing strain, so molecular identification of the strains is highly recommended before study of any aspect of the FAW in Argentina.

A new species of ant, Solenopsis enigmatica, is described from 2 dealate queens and 3 workers collected from nests of Pheidole antillana Forel in rainforest on the island of Dominica, West Indies. The queen of S. enigmatica is similar to that of another inquiline, S. phoretica Davis and Deyrup, known only from 1 queen collected in Florida. The 2 species differ in mandibular dentition and other ways. Worker S. enigmatica do not closely resemble those of other known species. They lack clypeal carinae, have short antennal scapes, and have long, coarse hairs arising from conspicuous punctures. The presence of workers suggests that S. enigmatica might be a temporary nest parasite, but many questions remain about the relationship of this species to its host.

In a previous study, laboratory trials indicated that 9 strains and species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) were pathogenic against larvae of Diaprepes abbreviatus in an Oxisol from Puerto Rico. In this study we tested the efficacy of 5 species/strains of EPN in an Oxisol under greenhouse conditions. The nematodes were applied at 100 infective juveniles per cm2 to 19-L pots containing a high clay-content Oxisol (69% clay) and 3 seedlings of Litchi chinensis. All treatments significantly reduced the mean proportion of D. abbreviatus larvae surviving (ranging from 0 to 36%) compared to survival in untreated controls (ranging from 80 to 86%). This suggests that EPNs might be suitable to play a role in integrated pest management strategies against D. abbreviatus in tropical soils with high clay content.

Scirtothrips dorsalis is a serious exotic pest that has recently become established in the continental United States. It is of major concern to regulatory agencies because it has a wide host range and high reproductive potential. A weather-based mapping tool, NAPPFAST, was used to predict potential establishment of S. dorsalis in North America. The analysis was based on a degree-day model and cold temperature survival of S. dorsalis. The results demonstrated that S. dorsalis could potentially produce up to 18 generations and was likely to survive in the southern and western coastal plains of the United States. It is concluded that S. dorsalis is likely to be a serious economic pest in the southern United States. Additional maps and information are available at the web site ( http://www.nappfast.org).

Silwet L-77, an organosilicone adjuvant, was used to enhance coverage of an entomopathogenic fungus in field trials conducted in a central Florida citrus research grove. The results indicated that Silwet L-77, by itself, was toxic to nymphs of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). Laboratory bioassays were conducted to confirm the toxicity of the adjuvant to eggs, nymphs, and adults of D. citri. Silwet L-77 at 0.05% (500 ppm) killed all nymphs, but was not as effective against eggs and adults. However, Silwet L-77, when combined with a reduced rate (one-tenth the lowest label rate = LLR) of imidacloprid, killed >90% of eggs and adults in laboratory tests. In a subsequent field trial, the combination of Silwet L-77 and one-tenth the LLR of imidacloprid gave good control of nymphs, but exhibited weak residual toxicity to adults when compared to imidacloprid at the LLR. Additional trials were then conducted with Silwet L-77 and Kinetic, another organosilicone adjuvant, alone and in combination with different rates of imidacloprid or abamectin using potted citrus trees in the greenhouse. Combining Silwet L-77 or Kinetic with one-fourth or one-half the LLR of imidacloprid killed as many eggs, nymphs, or adults as the LLR of imidacloprid. The combination of Silwet L-77 or Kinetic with one-fourth or one-half the LLR of abamectin killed as many eggs and nymphs as the LLR, but did not control adults as well. The results are discussed in terms of managing the Asian citrus psyllid in Florida now that citrus greening disease is endemic.

The neotropical bee Centris nitida Smith has naturalized in southeastern Florida and in Sarasota on the Gulf coast. This furry yellow and black bee has been confused with the closely related C. lanosa Cresson, a native bee restricted to northern Florida and the American Southwest and adjacent Mexico. Female C. nitida are smaller than those of both C. lanosa and C. errans Fox, a furry brown-colored native Centris which is sympatric with C. nitida in southern Florida. The 3 Centris bees now occurring in Florida are readily separated by their distinctive facial markings. Female C. nitida have a vertical black line in the middle of the clypeus. Centris nitida is a polylectic, oil-collecting bee observed to visit flowers of 28 species in 10 plant families, including 8 oil reward flower species in the Malpighiaceae, and 10 species of buzz pollinated flowers in the Fabaceae and Solanaceae in Florida. Centris nitida may have environmental impacts through pollination of selected native, ornamental and invasive plants, as well possible competition with the sympatric native C. errans through common usage of oil reward flowers.

A new genus Pectinimura Park (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae) is described, based on the type species, Pectinimura montiatilis sp. nov. Three additional species, P. crassipalpis, P. batubatuensis, and P. crinalis are described from Thailand or the Philippine Islands. A key to species of the genus is given, with illustrations of wing venation, and the male genitalia and female genitalia when available.