Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are considered among the most important pests all around the world. The total number of aphid species recorded in Argentina between 2003 and 2013 has risen from 200 to 237, which demonstrates the continuous introduction and discovery of new species in the territory. Therefore, faunistic studies should be conducted without interruption in areas of interest. The aim of this study was to establish if there were aphid species in Tucuman Province, Argentina that had not been recorded previously in the province. Aphids were collected with modified Moericke yellow water pan traps in potato crops during 2 seasons in 3 regions of Tucumán. Seventeen species, among the 47 species identified, and the genus Illinoia represent new records for the Province.

Aphids are recognized as important plant pests worldwide and they are major vectors of viruses. It is necessary to identify the aphid species in an agroecosystem in order to develop appropriate pest management strategies. The aim of this work was to determine the taxonomic diversity of aphid species present in potato crops in different agroecological regions of Tucumán, Argentina. Monitoring was done by 2 methods: modified Moericke yellow water traps were used for the alatae, while the apterae were collected directly from the plants. A total of 15,169 winged aphids were caught and 7,455 apterae colonizing the crop were collected. Fifty-six species were identified, 27 of which were present in all regions surveyed. Differences in species diversity between regions are discussed.

In contrast to most other North American fireflies that use flash dialogs for courtship, males of Phausis reticulata Say (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) (Fender 1966), often called blue ghost fireflies, glow as they fly slowly over the forest floor searching for flightless, neotenic females that are likewise bioluminescent. Recently, these Blue Ghost firefly displays have become increasingly popular as ecotourist attractions. Nevertheless, surprisingly little work has been done on P. reticulata courtship and mating behavior, and little is known of female oviposition patterns. Extensive field observations were conducted at 2 locations in Tennessee USA, leading to the description of new categories of male mate-searching search behaviors and nightly display activities. Spectrophotometric measures of bioluminescence were similar in both sexes (λ _max = 552 nm). There was a 3-fold variation in female body size, and size was correlated to the number of dorsal photic organs (3 to 9). Field experiments suggested that, in addition to their courtship glows, P. reticulata females might also emit a sex pheromone. Males were more likely to approach artificial lures that had a greater number of female-like light spots. Mean copulation duration was 7.9 ± SE 1.3 min and females oviposited an average clutch size of 31 eggs (n = 3; range 27–37). Females guard their eggs and this is described for the first time in any lampyrid. We present photographs of eggs and first instar larvae. These results indicate that the courtship signaling and mating biology of P. reticulata is more complex than previously thought, and we suggest future research.

Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br.; Schizaeles: Lygodiaceae), is among the most problematic invasive weeds in southern Florida, USA, where it smothers and displaces native vegetation. Chemical and mechanical control methods that target aerial fronds may not provide adequate control of L. microphyllum as underground rhizomes produce new fronds following treatment. Alternatively, biological control involves persistent feeding damage from introduced herbivores and may be an additional control measure for the management of the exotic weed. Herein, we hypothesized that high levels of persistent herbivory will reduce foliar biomass, kill underground rhizomes, and increase the number of other plant species. This hypothesis was tested over an 18 month period by placing 6 cages over L. microphyllum patches growing in a natural setting and repeatedly inoculating 3 of the cages with the Australian moth Austromusotima camptozonale (Hampson) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) while the remaining 3 caged patches served as untreated controls. Growth of L. microphyllum was markedly reduced in herbivore treated patches versus untreated controls. Rhizome density and growth also decreased in herbivorycages, where rhizomes stopped producing fronds within 12 months and destructive sampling at 18 months showed complete rhizome mortality within these patches. The number of species within patches, however, remained similar among herbivory and control treatments. These findings represent the first evidence that chronic herbivory by arthropods can kill L. microphyllum rhizomes.

Flowering plants added to agricultural environments can provide food, shelter and alternative hosts for natural enemies and so increase crop yields. However, these same resources might be exploited by certain pests. Twelve species of plants known to attract parasitic Hymenoptera and Tachinidae and candidates for conservation biological control were examined for their attractiveness to Lepidoptera, a largely herbivorous order. Interception traps (Malaise traps) were erected along the wooded margin of an agricultural field. Under these traps were placed plants with flowers and controls consisting of plants without flowers and/ or no plants. Trapped Lepidoptera were counted, their wing lengths (size) measured and when possible identified to family and species. Five of the 12 plant species in flower attracted greater numbers of Lepidoptera than their control(s), and the attracted moths tended to be relatively large species. Flower depth, but not width, was correlated to attractiveness as was floral area, but not plant height. Finally the relative capacity of plants to attract both natural enemies and selected herbivores was compared. Such comparisons are useful in choosing non-crop plants for inclusion in agro-landscape modifications.

Accurate and timely identification of invasive insect pests underpins most biological endeavors ranging from biodiversity estimation to insect pest management. In this regard, identification of thrips, an invasive insect pest is important and challenging due to their complex life cycles, parthenogenetic mode of reproduction, sex and color morphs. In the recent years, DNA barcoding employing 5′ region of the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (CO-I) gene has become a popular tool for species identification. In this study, we employed CO-I gene sequences for discriminating 151 species of thrips for the first time. Analyses of the intraspecific and intrageneric distances of the CO-I sequences ranged from 0.0 to 7.91% and 8.65% to 31.15% respectively. This study has revealed the existence of cryptic species in Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) for the first time, along with previously reported cryptic species such as Thrips palmi Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), T. tabaci Lindeman, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood. We are proposing, the feasibility of hosting an independent integrated taxonomy library for thrips and indicate that it can serve as an effective system for species identification, this approach could potentially play a key role in formulating effective insect pest management strategies.

We report the invasive fungivorous beetle Cis bilamellatus Wood (Coleoptera: Ciidae) from Chile for the first time, a species not previously known from any American country. We provide diagnostic characteristics for the species, including those of the male abdominal terminalia, as well as information on its host fungus and the known geographical record in the country.

The effects of various temperatures on the development and survival of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) fed on Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were studied, and some biological aspects among these predators were compared. On average, 70 nymphs of R. padi were added to each experimental unit with predator larvae and maintained at 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, or 32 °C. The duration (days) and survival (%) were measured for each immature stage of the two predator species. The developmental durations of all H. axyridis larval instars, the total larval stage, the pupal stage and total preimaginal stage were very long at 16 °C but shortest at 24 °C for the first, second and third larval instars and at 28 C for the fourth larval instar, the total larval stage and the total pre-imaginal stage. Both at 24 °C and 28 °C, 92% of H. axyridis completed the larva to adult cycle, whereas survival was significantly reduced in the 16 to 20 °C range. At the highest temperature (32 °C), 70% of H. axyridis did not reach adulthood. In the case of C. externa, the durations of development of all larval instars and the total larval stage became progressively shorter as the temperature increased from 12 to 20 °C. At still higher temperatures the developmental duration this insect remained almost constant. The predator completed the larval stage at all temperatures from 12 to 32 °C. However, at 12 and 16 °C, mortality of the larvae was greater than 88%, and 100% of the pupae perished. Although the lower threshold temperatures estimated for both predator species were very similar, the development period from larva to adult of H. axyridis was only 59% as long as that of C. externa. By comparing certain biological parameters including durations of development and survival rates of the two predator species, it is suggested that H. axyridis has intrinsic advantages over C. externa; however, additional factors must be considered when choosing the species of predator for biological control of R. padi on grass pastures in Brazil.

Specimens from Perileptus Schaum, 1860 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were collected from the Amanos Mountains of Turkey, and this genus was redescribed. Descriptions of Perileptus species are presented herein with zoogeographic, biological, and ecological observations. This is the first detailed study of Turkish Perileptus, and it provides the first records and information on Perileptus from the Amanos Mountains.

Traps, lures, and trap/lure combinations were tested against the West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua Macquart (Diptera: Tephritidae). The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of possible trap/lure substitutes for the traditional McPhail glass trap baited with hydrolyzed protein, which is the trap/lure combination approved for monitoring this pest in Mexico. CeraTrap®, an enzymatically hydrolyzed protein, caught as many or more A. obliqua flies as McPhail traps baited with the chemically hydrolyzed protein, Captor®, or with the dry lure, Biolure. When fly densities were high, the average capture was 3 times greater for CeraTrap than for the other lures. Sex ratios were generally female-biased and similar among all lures tested. The CeraTrap lure was not replaced during the course of the experiment and good attraction and preservation of captured specimens were observed after one month of use. CeraTrap attracted more lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) than other lures. When commercial traps baited with liquid lures were evaluated under cage conditions, traps with lateral holes, such as Maxitrap and Tephri trap, captured more flies than traps with open bottom access. New commercial traps baited with CeraTrap were significantly more efficient than McPhail traps baited with hydrolyzed protein in hog plum (Spondias mombin L.; Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) but similar in mango (Mangifera indica L.; Sapindales: Anacardiaceae). We conclude that the CeraTrap lure is an efficient lure when used in combination with other inexpensive simple traps for monitoring this pest, including during periods of low population density.

Abiotic factors have dramatic effects on herbivore insect populations. However, little is known about the effects of the abiotic factor of shade on the mutualism between ants and Hemiptera (aphids, scales, mealy bugs, whiteflies, treehoppers, leafhoppers). The trophobiont leafhopper Dalbulus quinquenotatus DeLong & Nault (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is obligatorily tended by the ant Brachymyrmex obscurior Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on the basal leaves of gamagrass Tripsacum dactyloides L. (Poales: Poaceae). To better understand the effect of abiotic factors on this relationship, we conducted a comparative experiment to investigate the abundance of ants and leafhoppers (nymphs and adults) under shaded and full-sunlight conditions. We observed mutualism between D. quinquenotatus and B. obscurior on both shaded and non-shaded gamagrasses. Nevertheless, the greatest number of B. obscurior were found tending the greatest number of D. quinquenotatus on shaded T. dactyloides. Most of these leafhoppers were nymphs. Nymphs were observed in clusters on the basal leaves. On the other hand, ant-tended D. quinquenotatus adults were observed at similar frequencies on shaded and non-shaded gamagrasses. The adults were also seen on the basal leaves and produced honeydew, but were more mobile than the nymphs. Our results highlight the importance of abiotic factors in mutualism as well as the complex interaction between shaded plants, immature leafhoppers, and tending ants.

Paleonura saproxylica sp. nov. was discovered in the Cascade Range of Oregon State, where it can be observed in rotten logs of coniferous tree species. This new species has the most northly distribution within this mostly tropical and subtropical genus. It is most similar to 2 other North American species Paleonura, P. anops (Christiansen & Bellinger, 1980) and P. petebellingeri Palacios-Vargas & Simón Benito, 2007. These species differ in many chaetotactic features. The first record of the other saproxylic Paleonurini from North America, Galanura agnieskae Smolis, 2000, is also provided. This species was found in rotten logs in boreal balsam-fir-white birch forests of the Canadian province of Quebec.

Despite the promising acute and chronic toxicity of commercial acetogenin-based bioinsecticide formulations reported for different arthropod pests and their recent registration, we are unaware of any published study that examines the compatibility of these botanical derivatives with entomopathogenic fungi, which are important natural and applied biological control agents. We investigated the compatibility of Annona mucosa Jacq. (Magnoliales: Annonaceae) ethanolic seed extract (ESAM), an effective bioinsecticide previously characterized by its high acetogenin content, with 3 entomopathogenic fungal species, Beauveria bassiana (ESALQ-PL63 isolate), Isaria fumosorosea (ESALQ-1296 isolate) and Metarhizium anisopliae (ESALQ-E9 isolate) at various concentrations in different in vitro assays. The effects of the botanical insecticide varied according to the fungal isolate exposed, the biological variable analyzed, and the concentration used. However, based on the compatibility index adopted, ESAM was classified as compatible with the above 3 fungal species, except at the highest concentration tested (8,000 mg L^-1) for M. anisopliae, and it was therefore classified as moderately toxic in this case.

Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is an ectoparasitoid of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) a citrus pest and vector of huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease. First described from what is now Pakistan, the parasitoid has been introduced deliberately or inadvertently throughout Asia and the Americas wherever the psyllid now occurs. Interest in T. radiata for biological control of D. citri has grown in response to continued spread of ACP and HLB, and the evident searching and colonization capabilities of the parasitoid. Mass release is seen as a potential strategy to augment area wide management of D. citri, particularly where pesticides are not extensively used. Efficient mass rearing and eventual success of these programs will require the best possible information on biology of T. radiata including life history parameters, host relationships, sensory perception, environmental responses and genetics. Much early literature on T. radiata is in Chinese and therefore inaccessible to those not able to read the language. The present review covers the literature through 2014. The intent is to summarize what is known about biology of T. radiata to aid research efforts, with the objective of contributing to more effective biological control of this pest.

Three new species Orphilus kabakovi sp. nov., Orphinus (s. str.) kabakovi sp. nov., Ctesias (Decemctesias) mroczkowskii sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Demestidae) are described from Afghanistan. The habitus, antenna, genitalia are illustrated and compared with related species. The species Attagenus indicus Kalík, 1954 and Anthrenus (Anthrenodes) amoenulus Reitter, 1896 are newly recorded from Afghanistan. Morphological details with dorsal variability of Attagenus indicus Kalík, 1954 are illustrated for the first time. A revised list of the species from Afghanistan is given.

Drosophila suzukii and Drosophila melanogaster feed on various fruits, causing great economic losses. In order to find the optimum time for controlling D. suzukii and D. melanogaster, the daily rhythms of oviposition, egg hatch, pupation, adult eclosion, copulation, and feeding of these two pests were studied. We found the circadian rhythm of D. suzukii oviposition to have a single pattern with a peak from 20:00–24:00, while the peak oviposition of D. melanogaster was from 16:00–4:00 (the next day). Neither D. suzukii nor D. melanogaster showed a daily pattern of egg hatch; the single peak of egg hatch for D. suzukii occurred 24–32 h after oviposition, while that for D. melanogaster followed a bimodal pattern, with the first peak of egg hatch from 0–4 h after oviposition and the second from 32–36 h after oviposition. Pupation in D. suzukii showed a single peak from 8:00∼16:00, while in D. melanogaster pupation followed a bimodal pattern, with peaks from 4:00–8:00 and 12:00–20:00. Eclosion of of D. suzukii adults followed a unimodal pattern, and generally took place from 0:00–8:00, while that of D. melanogaster also showed a single peak, generally from 0:00–12:00. Meanwhile copulation of D. suzukii, which showed a bimodal pattern, was concentrated from 0:00–12:00 and 20:00–24:00 (the next day), while copulation of D. melanogaster showed a single peak, generally from 0:00–12:00. Both D. suzukii and D. melanogaster had a preference for feeding in light, and in a 24 h photoperiod the percentages of feeding insects were 80.8and 81.1, respectively.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and Drosophila melanogaster Meigen were studied in a laboratory at 25 °C, 60% RH and 16:8 h L:D. Stage-specific developmental times, reproduction, stage-specific survival rates, and adult sex ratios were recorded and organized in separate life tables for each species. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), the finite rate of increase (λ), the net reproduction rate (R0) and the mean generation time (T) were 0.12 day^-1, 1.13 day^-1, 27.57 offspring, and 28.04 days, respectively, for D. suzukii and 0.17 day^-1, 1.19 day^-1, 38.17 offspring, and 21.27 days, respectively, for D. melanogaster. The use of the age-stage, two-sex life table method to study D. suzukii and D. melanogaster yielded considerably more accurate and useful data than would have been obtained by using the female-only age-specific life table. These life tables can be used for population growth projections, designing mass-rearing programs, and for pest management.

Species inhabiting Brazilian coastal sand dunes (restingas) may feature a number of adaptations in their development and survival in these physical stressful environments. The present study determined the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on the assemblage of grounddwelling ants in a sand dune ecosystem of the Santa Catarina coastal plain in Brazil. Both linear and quadratic models were significant, but the quadratic model fitted the obtained data better. Furthermore, we also found a relationship between plant species richness and distance from the ocean only by using the quadratic model. Ant species richness was correlated with plant species richness, litter and vegetation coverage. Different environmental factors associated with plant species richness may have influenced the ant species richness by increasing the diversity and amount of available resources. The vegetation may also offer protection from higher temperatures by providing shade, a humid microclimate and a source of water, which is a limiting factor in sand dune environments. Our results showed the importance of plant species richness, and soil cover by litter and plants as local characteristics determining ant species richness in sand dunes. Further studies should explore additional habitat components, such as biotic interactions, as determinants of ant species richness.

The analysis of sequence variation in the mitochondrial and ribosomal regions has been shown to provide an efficient method for the identification of species in a wide range of animal taxa. In order to assess its effectiveness in the discrimination of genetic groups of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) species complex, populations from ten cotton cultivars were analyzed. MtCOI, and ITS1 sequences were evaluated to find out the genetic diversity through phylogenetic methods, viz., maximum likelihood and network neighbor-net analysis. Analysis of mtCOI-1 or barcoding region did not reveal significant variation. On the contrary, the mtCOI-II region revealed the presence of three B. tabaci genetic groups or subgroups corresponded with the global data. However, the ITS1 region could not discriminate these groups of the species complex. Our results indicate that more than the barcoding and ITS1 regions, mtCOI-II region or 3′ end of the gene will be more appropriate for the identification of variations among the populations of B. tabaci species complex.

The cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a pest that threatens native Opuntia spp. in North America. Control tactics developed and implemented against this invasive pest successfully eradicated the moth in Mexico and on barrier islands in the United States. However, with the cancellation of the regional management program in the United States, no control tactics are being implemented to mitigate the expansion of the moth's geographical range. Hence, an integrated approach including biological control is proposed to regulate the population of C. cactorum in North America. Field surveys of the recently described parasitoid, Apanteles opuntiarum Martínez & Berta, were carried out within the C. cactorum native range in Argentina, and laboratory studies were conducted to develop a parasitoid rearing protocol. Apanteles opuntiarum was the most common parasitoid of C. cactorum and their field distributions were similar. In the laboratory, the parasitoid's reproductive success was maximized when one or two female wasps were exposed to 30 host larvae within a 500 ml container. Laboratory reared females were less successful at parasitizing hosts than field collected females. In spite of the success achieved with laboratory rearing, male bias was observed throughout the experiments. Because this bias might be related to the presence of the reproductive parasite Wolbachia, both laboratory colony and field collected individuals were screened and Wolbachia was detected. This study provides useful field and laboratory information on (1) laboratory rearing techniques for A. opuntiarum; (2) developing host specificity test protocols for studies under quarantine conditions; and (3) selecting parasitoid populations that best match the climatic conditions present in the C. cactorum invaded areas of North America.

The papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), highly polyphagous and now widespread, was discovered in Mengla County, Yunnan Province, China. The present study is aimed at confirming the identity of P. marginatus in mainland China based on its morphology and using molecular methods. Mitochondrial genes for cytochrome oxidase I (CO-I) were sequenced from 2 samples of P. marginatus. Homologous DNA sequences of P. marginatus, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and Coccus viridis (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) - as an outgroup -were downloaded from Gen Bank. The morphology of putative P. marginatus specimens was examined using the same specimens as were subsequently used for the molecular study. Key morphological traits are described and illustrated. A 746 bp fragment of the CO-I was analyzed for the identification of P. marginatus. A phylogenetic tree was generated with the DNA sequences of all the mealybug species used in this study. The tree included 2 distinct clades: one consisting of the samples of P. marginatus and the other consisting of P. solenopsis. The phylogenetic tree and the sequences indicated that P. marginatus collected on papaya had 99% similarity with the other 3 accessions found through the BLAST search. Identification information may help strengthen quarantine programs to protect agroforestry production and maintain the ecological balance in China.

Mutualism between ants and honeydew-producing hemipterans is a common phenomenon in ecosystems, and interactions between ants and hemipterans have been extensively studied. The invasive solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), and the ghost ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum (F.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), are widely distributed in China. Previous studies showed that the ghost ant can promote the fitness of the invasive mealybug when natural enemies of the mealybug are excluded. In this study, we investigated the interactions between the ghost ant and the invasive solenopsis mealybug when the mealybug's natural enemies were included. Our results indicated that the honeydew produced by mealybugs facilitated colony growth of the ghost ant significantly more than by allowing them to feed on the mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Tending by the ghost ant increased mealybug survival on the plants when six-spotted zigzag lady beetle larvae, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), were present. Both lady beetle adults and the mealybug parasitoid, Aenasius bambawalei Hayat (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), showed strong avoidance responses to ghost ants. The fecundity of lady beetle adults and the hatching rate of their eggs were significantly reduced by ghost ants. Also ghost ant tending appeared to negatively affect parasitoid performance. The number of mummified mealybugs on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Malvales: Malvaceae) in the presence of ghost ants was significantly less than the number without ants.

Leuronota fagarae Burckhardt (Hemiptera: Psylloidea), an exotic psyllid described from South America, was first observed in 2001 on a citrus relative Zanthoxylum fagara (L.) Sarg. (Sapindales: Rutaceae) in southern Florida. Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) is principal vector of the bacteria ‘Candidatus Liberibacter spp.’ causal agent of huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease. Both vector and disease are now well established in Florida and also reported throughout the Americas and Asia. The host range of D. citri is limited to citrus and some rutaceous relatives. Additional vectors and host plants could accelerate spread of HLB in citrus and threaten endangered species such as Zanthoxylum coriaceum A. Rich. and Zanthoxylum flavum Vahl. Experiments were conducted to evaluate adult survival, reproduction and nymphal development of psyllids on 3 Citrus and 4 Zanthoxylum species as well as orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata (Syn. M. exotica) (Sapindales: Rutaceae), a common ornamental and preferred host of D. citri. Leuronota fagarae in single male—female pairs at 24 °C lived an average 4–47 days, 4–12 fold longer on Zanthoxylum spp. (except Z. flavum) than on citrus. Longevity averaged 42–47 days on Z. coriaceum, Z. clava-herculis and M. paniculata and 17–35 days on Z. fagara. Average longevity on C. sinensis, C. x. paradisi and C. reticulata was 4–8 days. Longevity of D. citri in single pairs on C. sinensis, C. x. paradisi, C. reticulata, Z. fagara, Z. flavum, Z. coriaceum and Z. clava- herculis at 24 °C averaged 3–29 days and in cohorts on the hybrid rootstock ‘Swingle’ citrumelo and Z. fagara at 27 °C averaged 52–78 days. Longevities of L. fagarae and D. citri on all hosts appeared to be sufficient to acquire and transmit the causal pathogens. However, L. fagarae reproduced only on Z. fagara and D. citri reproduced only on citrus and M. paniculata, indicating that HLB spread on the inappropriate hosts would be inefficient, because acquisition of the bacteria by nymphs is much more efficient than by adults. Nevertheless, adaptation to hosts presently inappropriate for reproduction could increase over time. Field monitoring of citrus and Zanthoxylum spp. for both psyllid species and HLB is warranted in order to maintain effective plans for vector and disease management. The susceptibility of Zanthoxylum spp. to HLB pathogens and ability of D. citri and L. fagarae to acquire and transmit these pathogens are under investigation.

Two new microleafhopper genera, Keumiata Qin & Dietrich gen. nov. and Flaviata Lu & Qin gen. nov. are described based on 2 new species, K. orientalis Qin & Dietrich sp. nov. and F. variata Lu & Qin sp. nov. from southwest China and Thailand. Both new genera are assigned to the typhlocybine tribe Empoascini. A key to the known genera of the tribe from China is provided and the differences between each new genus and closely related genera are discussed.

Three new species, Minettia (Frendelia) decussata sp. nov., Minettia (F.) longifurcata sp. nov. and Minettia (F.) hupingshanica sp. nov., are described and illustrated from southern China. A key to separate the known species worldwide is presented, along with a taxonomic list of species. The type materials of the new species are deposited in the China Agricultural University, Beijing, China (CAUC).

Date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L. (Arecales: Arecaeae) is the most important crop of the Arabian Peninsula. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is among the top 3 date producing countries of the world estimated to have over 400 date palm cultivars of which 25 are important and yield 1.3 million tons of dates annually. The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a key pest of date palm in the Middle East. We studied the mechanisms of resistance against RPW in 7 major date palm cultivars of the Al-Ahsa oasis in Saudi Arabia viz. ‘Khalas’, ‘Sheshi’ , ‘Reziz’, ‘Khasab’, ‘Hatmi’, ‘Shahal’ and ‘Gaar’ by determining the extent of attraction of female RPW adults to fresh palm volatiles emitted from date palm frond tissue through four-arm choice olfactometer assays. Further, we assessed the degree of antixenosis and antibiotic effects if any by evaluating the number of eggs laid (oviposition), per cent egg hatch and larval tunnelling in these cultivars. Results revealed that the popular date palm cultivar ‘Khalas’ had the least antixenotic effect on female RPW adults where a high degree of attraction to palm tissue volatiles was recorded, which was statistically similar to the cultivars ‘Reziz’, ‘Sheshi’ and ‘Hatmi’. The cultivars ‘Khasab’, ‘Shahal’ and ‘Gaar’ exhibited high degree of non-preference (antixenosis). Further, ‘Reziz’ registered the highest egg lay by RPW and was statistically onpar with the cultivars ‘Khalas’ and ‘Sheshi’. Similar and non-significant values for egg hatch and larval tunnelling in the cultivars tested indicate no antibiotic effects against RPW in the 7 date palm cultivars. Since over 50% of the area in the Al-Ahsa oasis is under the cultivar ‘Khalas’ with several new plantations in the susceptible age of less than 20 years, RPW is likely to pose a major challenge to date farmers of the region in the years to come.

Studies were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions to evaluate the effect of the predator, Zelus longipes (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) on mortality of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) as well as its effect on the specialized parasitoid, Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). All tested life stages of Z. longipes consumed significantly more D. citri adults than nymphs. Zelus longipes nymphs were only effective as predators of D. citri adults at a predator density of 8 individuals (or specimens) per arena. The mortality of D. citri nymphs caused by Z. longipes adult females was higher at the densities of 2 or more predators per arena. All densities of male and female adult Z. longipes resulted in mortality of nearly all the T. radiata adult parasitoids offered. The importance of intraguild predation and possible interference with T. radiata are discussed.

The pink rice stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major rice pest in China and elsewhere in Asia. While low winter temperatures are a major environmental constraint on the survival of most insect species, the mechanism of S. inferens' cold tolerance in winter remains unknown. In this study, we elucidated the cold tolerance characteristics of S. inferens collected in the field from Oct 2012 to Apr 2013. The cold tolerance of overwintering larvae was found to vary significantly. Maximum S. inferens cold tolerance was observed in larvae collected on 30 Jan 2013. However, the SCP (supercooling points) of larvae did not vary insignificantly, with a mean of -6.80 °C. Before 9 Mar 2013, larval water content stabilized at the mean low level of 63.5 %, but subsequently rose significantly, to 75.2%. Low molecular weight sugars and polyols, closely related to freeze tolerance strategy, increased from low levels to their peaks in Jan (glycerol, 359.8 µg/g; trehalose, 20.5 mg/g; fructose, 69.8 µg/g; glucose, 377.3 µg/g; myo-inositol, 59.6 µg/g), after which levels declined. This study demonstrates that the Yangzhou population of S. inferens is freeze-tolerant.

The present study of collembolan fauna is based on collections made during Aug-Sep 2008 from Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, as a part of the “Cold Desert Expedition” of Zoological Survey of India. Ladakh, which means “land of many passes”, is in northwestern India, bordering on China (Xinjiang and Tibet), and on its northwest it borders on Pakistan. The collembolans were collected from different parts of Ladakh district. The collections were mainly made through aspirators from leaf litter, mosses, under stones, a flower garden, agricultural fields, an embankment of a river, wetland and sand dunes. For the genera Corynothrix and Himalanura, an artic-alpine disjunction was found. Lepidocyrtus (Allocyrtus) lepidornatus was referred for a third time after 2 previous references from Philippines and Borneo. Seven new species belonging to Entomobryidae family are described: Entomobrya diskitensis sp. nov., E. ladakhi sp. nov., E. choudhurii sp. nov., E. mehtai sp. nov., Himalanura baijali sp. nov., Seira nidarensis sp. nov. and S. hazrai sp. nov.

The genus Stachyotis (Lepidoptera, Yponomeutoidea, Plutellidae) is reviewed by re-description of the type species, Stachyotis epichrysa Meyrick from Sri Lanka and description of a new species, S. chunshengwui sp. nov. from China. These 2 congeners are distinguished from each other in their forewing patterns and male genitalia. The diagnostic features of Stachyotis are proposed from the forewing venation, structures of the second sternite and the tergites, and the male genitalia. A possible association of Stachyotis and Orthenchesgroup is discussed.

Sap-sucking insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha and Thysanoptera: Thripidae) collected in Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi were identified. From 28 samples collected on 9 crop and ornamental host-plant species, 21 species of sap-sucking insects were identified, 12 (57%) of which were new island distribution records. This suggests that the Indonesian insect fauna has not been documented for a long time. The new distribution records are: from Java, Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard) (Diaspididae); from Sumatra, Clavaspidiotus apicalis Takagi (Diaspididae); and from Sulawesi, Coccus hesperidum L. (Coccidae), Saissetia coffeae (Walker) (Coccidae), Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Diaspididae), Hemiberlesia palmae (Cockerell) (Diaspididae), Lepidosaphes tokionis (Kuwana) (Diaspididae), Microparlatoria fici (Takahashi) (Diaspididae), Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley) (Diaspididae), Icerya aegyptiaca (Douglas) (Monophlebidae), I. pulchra (Leonardi) (Monophlebidae) and Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard) (Thripidae). Clavaspidiotus apicalis could become a potentially invasive pest of citrus.

The genus Euhybus has only 6 known species in the Oriental Region, which are distributed in Guangdong and Taiwan of south China and in southern Tibet of southwestern China. Here this genus is reported in Shaanxi Province of Northwest China for the first time. One species, Euhybus qinlingensis sp. nov., is described as new to science. A key to the known species in China is provided.

A new tropiduchid genus of the tribe Eporini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Tropiduchidae) is described from Yunnan Province, China: Paraepora Chang & Chen gen. nov.. Three new species: P. bifurca Chang & Chen, sp. nov., P. cultellata Chang & Chen, sp. nov. and P. tegula Chang & Chen, sp. nov., are described and illustrated. A checklist and key to the genera in tribe Eporini, and a key to species of the genus Paraepora are given.

A description, a habitus photograph and illustrations of the diagnostic characters of Aloconota elongata Lee & Ahn, sp. nov. are provided. Diagnostic characters of Aloconota Thomson are presented. Systematic position of Aloconota and Paraloconota Thomson are briefly discussed.

Attractants are sought for trapping of Polistes spp. paper wasps when they are pestiferous. The serendipitous capture of Polistes metricus Say and Polistes bellicosus Cresson in traps baited with a wine/vinegar mixture for spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) prompted experiments to determine the nature of the wasp response. Both wasp species were captured in subsequent field tests in traps baited with the same mixture of wine plus vinegar, and not in unbaited traps. Polistes bellicosus responses to wine, vinegar, ethanol (as a major volatile of wine), and acetic acid (as a major volatile of vinegar) were evaluated using a Y-tube olfactometer. In the olfactometer, P. bellicosus wasps were attracted to wine and not to vinegar. They also preferred wine alone to wine with vinegar, and were attracted to ethanol. Female wasps were deterred by acetic acid. In field tests comparing traps baited with wine, vinegar and a combination of the 2 materials, P. bellicosus and Polistes fuscatus (Fab.) were captured in traps baited with wine, but were not trapped with vinegar. The inclusion of vinegar with wine did not improve bait attractiveness in the field. We conclude that the paper wasp response to the D. suzukii bait of wine plus vinegar was largely the result of the wasp response to wine. This work constitutes the first demonstration of an attractive bait that can be used to trap P. bellicosus and P. metricus in situations where they are pestiferous, and suggests a potential source of a chemical attractant based on wine volatiles.

The spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris (Say), is an important biological control agent of agricultural and forest pests; and it preys on eggs and larvae of lepidopteran and coleopteran species. Genetic variability among field samples collected from Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Florida and established laboratory colonies was examined using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism-Polymerase Chain Reaction (AFLP-PCR). Four AFLP primer pairs generated a total of 340 molecular markers for evaluation. Results from Analysis of Molecular Variance showed that the majority of the genetic variation occurred within populations (individuals from each sample site). Nei's method indicated reduced genetic diversity in laboratory populations compared to field populations. No major differences or deficiencies were apparent among the field samples from different areas or among the laboratory reared samples. We conclude that field populations are panmictic and laboratory reared spined soldier bug could be useful as biological control agents in the field.

The genus Neophyllomyza Melander (Diptera: Milichiidae) is recorded from China with the following 3 species as new to science: N. luteipalpis sp. nov., N. lii sp. nov., and N. tibetensis sp. nov. A key to the known species of Neophyllomyza from China is presented.

The wide geographic range of Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Mexico and its ability to use various taxonomically unrelated host plant species suggests that this species has considerable evolutionary potential and represents a high risk pest. The genetic diversity and structure of A. ludens populations from 7 Mexican states (Chiapas, Yucatán, Morelos, Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas and Durango) were investigated. Flies were collected as larvae from infested citrus fruits in each state, and sent as pupae to the Genetic Sexing Laboratory at the “Moscafrut ” facility in Metapa, Chiapas, where adults emerged and were used in isoenzymatic analysis. Genetic diversity was estimated based on expected and observed heterozygosity, mean number of alleles and polymorphism obtained from allelic and genotypic frequencies of 6 enzyme loci revealed in cellulose acetate. Expected heterozygosity (H_e) ranged from 0.199 to 0.330, and percentage of polymorphic loci (P) was between 50 and 67%. We found a high level of inbreeding (F_is = 0.393, F_it = 0.456) and moderate genetic differentiation among populations (F_st = 0.105). A negative correlation was found between elevation and H_e. We conclude that A. ludens populations are genetically diverse with moderate levels of differentiation. Genetic structure could not be attributed to the geographic distance among populations. Differentiation could be the result of natural selection associated with the colonization process. Genetic drift and pest management practices may have contributed to this differentiation to a lesser extent.

There is an urgent need to use environmentally safe pesticides, which do not sneak into human food or animals and then back at him and damage the environment. The photosensitizers, such like hematoporphyrin dihydrochloride (HpD), a nontoxic chemical has an ability to harm the target pest when mixed with suitable baits. When exposed to light, the ingested HpD triggers the destruction of the midgut and inhibits the defensive enzymes, viz acetylcholine esterase (AchE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione- S-transferase (GST). In the current study, HpD was investigated as photoinsecticide against 3^rd larval instar and adults of a myiatic fly, Parasarcophaga argyrostoma (Robineau- Desvoidy) (Sarcophagidae: Diptera). Third instar larvae and adults were fed baits containing 5×10^-2, 5× 10³, 5× 10^-4, 5× 10^-5, and 5× 10^-6 ppm of HpD. Mortality ratios were recorded at different post treatment sunlight exposure periods. The biochemical study of the impact of one median concentration, 5× 10^-4 ppm, proved its ability to cause damage that may be beyond repair for some defensive enzymes. In addition, fatal histopathological changes were detected in the midgut epithelium. The study showed that, HpD could be an excellent pesticide against the larvae and adults of the myiatic flies.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious pest of grain, row, and vegetable crops throughout much of the world, although it is currently not established in the United States. USDA-APHIS and the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey program are charged with the responsibility to monitor for this insect pest. The adult stage is the easiest to monitor using pheromone-baited traps. Traps must be easy to handle, portable and cost effective so that they can provide high quality specimens for identifiers. This study was conducted from spring through the fall in 2010 and 2011 to compare the trapping efficacy and cost-effectiveness of 4 pheromone-baited traps for male Helicoverpa moths. Over 11,600 Helicoverpa moths were captured, all identified as the corn earworm, H. zea (Boddie). The Pherocon® 1C “sticky” trap generally captured the fewest number of males, while equal numbers of moths were captured in a wire cone, Scentry^TM Heliothis, and Universal (Unitrap) Moth “bucket” trap when moderate populations were present. Wire cone traps performed statistically better when high populations were present. The sticky traps captured the highest number of non-target insects, most being ants, flies, and beetles. Overall, the average corn earworm per trap vs. cost ratio for bucket traps was higher than the other traps, suggesting that more moths per dollar would be captured using these traps.

Non-host plants that are intercropped with crops can either repel or attract pests, and in some cases achieve pest management. Three aromatic plant species, ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum L.; Asterales: Asteraceae), French marigold (Tagetes patula L.; Asterales: Asteraceae) and summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.; Lamiales: Lamiaceae), were intercropped in ratios of 1:1 or 1:1:1 in an organic apple orchard to investigate the community characteristics and dynamic changes in densities of the Tortricidae species Adoxophyes orana Fisher, Spilonota lechriaspis Meyrick and Acleris fimbriana Thunberg and their natural enemies in 3 vertical strata of the orchard. Intercropping aromatic plants in the orchard increased the densities of natural enemies belonging to the Trichogrammatidae, Ichneumonidae and Braconidae and reduced the rates of increase and the densities of the tortricid species relative to the control. A correlation analysis of the densities of pest species and the densities of parasitoids indicated that the reduction in some tortricid species was related to the densities of certain natural enemy species. We concluded that intercropping with aromatic plants in apple orchards can increase the biological control of tortricid pests.

Cocoa swollen shoot virus disease is an important virus disease of cocoa occurring mainly in West Africa. Mealybugs are known to be vectors of the pathogen, Cacao swollen shoot virus. Since recent outbreaks in Côte d'Ivoire, studies have been undertaken on different aspects of the disease. During 2013, surveys were conducted to identify mealybug species infesting aerial parts of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.; Malvales: Malvaceae) trees at various sites and the samples were authoritatively identified using morphological characters. A species new to Africa, Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel & Miller (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), was found at 2 localities in Côte d'Ivoire, i.e., Buyo (Soubré county) and Gbalékro (Agboville county). Hosts of this polyphagous mealybug belong to 47 plant families and include banana, eggplant, Hibiscus spp., potato, sweet pepper and tomato. Virus transmission by P. jackbeardsleyi has not been recorded, but it belongs to the same genus as P. maritimus (Ehrhorn), which transmits Little cherry virus 2 to sweet cherry, and P. longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti), which transmits Grapevine A trichovirus (GAV) to grapevine and Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV) to cocoa. The introduction and establishment of P. jackbeardsleyi in Africa may have a considerable impact on both commercial and subsistence agriculture.

Among Neotropical ants, the genera Acromyrmex and Atta are of great importance because they include the major agricultural pest species. Regarding the genus Atta, considered one of the most derived of the tribe Attini, cytogenetic data exists for 5 taxa that present 2n = 22 chromosomes; however, information regarding banding patterns is only available for Atta colombica. Cytogenetics has contributed to several aspects related to the family Formicidae, in particular to the understanding of its evolution. Therefore, the aim of this study was to increase the cytogenetic data on Atta sexdens rubropilosa, Atta laevigata and Atta bisphaerica belonging to populations in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The 3 species were characterized as having 2n = 22 chromosomes with a karyotypic formula of 2n = 18m 2sm 2st. Using the C-banding technique, small heterochromatic markings were observed in the centromeres of most of the chromosomes. The presence of GC-rich blocks in the interstitial region on the long arm of the fourth pair of metacentric chromosomes was indicated by CMA₃ fluorochrome. The data from this study enabled a comparison with Acromyrmex striatus, a phylogenetically close species possessing the same chromosome number as the Atta species studied in this work, although clear differences were evident in the morphologies of 2 chromosome pairs and in the distribution and composition of heterochromatin. These results show the constancy of the chromosome number, morphology and banding pattern for the species studied, highlighting the importance of measuring the chromosomes to enable accurate comparison and using banding techniques to compare species of genera with a conserved chromosome number.

The objective of this study was to analyze the development, reproductive parameters and consumption capacity of Harmonia axyridis, using Cinara atlantica as food. The average time of egg incubation was 3 d, duration of larval instars was 3.5, 2, 2.2 and 4.1 d, respectively, and duration of the pupal stage was 5.8 d. Longevity was 85.6 d and the life cycle lasted 107.2 d. Egg viability was 92.7% and all stages had 100% survival. Adults consumed, on average, 1.892 aphids. Pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods lasted 6.8, 44.3, and 32.9 d, respectively. Fertility was 633.2 eggs per female. Each instar consumed, on average, 19.4, 24.8, 49.7 and 188.9 aphids, respectively. The life table results, together with biological data, indicated that Harmonia axyridis is an efficient predator of C. atlantica, having high fertility, egg viability, rapid development and high levels of predation.

A new species of Callirhytis Förster 1869 (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) is described from Panama: Callirhytis cameroni sp. nov. Callirhytis cameroni is the first species of genus Callirhytis ‘sensu lato’ recorded from the Neotropical region. The new species induces galls on Quercus salicifolia Neé (Fagaceae, sect. Lobatae). The diagnostic characteristics, gall description, distribution and biological data of the new species are given.

Two new species, Sensillonychiurus pseudogeminus sp. nov. and Sensillonychiurus zhuajiensis sp. nov., are reported from Heilongjiang Province, China. S. pseudogeminus sp. nov. is very similar to the S. geminus Pomorski & Sveenkova 2006, but it can recognized by shorter unguiculus, longer anal spines and presence of sternal parapseudocelli on Abd. II and Abd. IV instead of pseudocelli. Sensillonychiurus zhuajiensis sp. nov. can easily be distinguished from other known congeners by its peculiar dorsal pso formula (32/144/44453).

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive pest causing significant agricultural losses in the USA, particularly among USDAcertified organic agricultural operations that are prohibited from using synthetic pesticides. Recent research indicates that for optimal development, nymphs of H. halys require gut microbial symbionts that are acquired from the egg mass. This research investigated the impact of ‘compost teas,’ biologically-active organic matter emulsions that are commonly applied as foliar sprays for pathogen management in organic agriculture, on H. halys during early stages of development. We compared H. halys development after misting egg masses and neonates with reversed osmosis water (control), or with a 50/50 mixture of compost teas derived from poultry manure and mushroom waste. The compost tea treatment significantly affected hatch (%) for egg masses of H. halys that were treated initially within 24–30 h of deposition, resulting in a 13% reduction in hatch, as compared to the control. Furthermore, significant 2-fold increases in mortality were found for 1st and 2nd instars in the compost tea group, as compared to those in the control group. For egg masses initially treated later (i.e., 2–3 days after deposition), the compost tea treatment resulted in a significant 3-fold increase in mortality (%) for 1st instars, compared to the control. These findings suggest that compost tea holds potential for developing an organic management tactic for H. halys and warrant future investigation of potential underlying mechanisms, including antagonistic interactions with microbial gut symbionts and antibiotic compounds that could penetrate the egg chorion.

Two new species of springtails (Symphypleona: Sminthuridae), Pararrhopalites sideroicus sp. nov. and Pararrhopalites palaciosi sp. nov. are described. The species come from very different environments, the first is a cave dweller in iron caves and the other comes from tropical Atlantic forest leaf litter. They were found only from type localities, in Southeastern and Northeastern Brazil respectively. An identification key is provided for all members of the genus.

A new species of Thespieus Godman, 1900 (Hesperiidae, Hesperiini), Thespieus maacki sp. nov., is described from high altitude grasslands on Araçatuba Mountain peak, Tijucas do Sul, Paraná, Brazil. Similar habitats surrounding the type locality were also sampled, but this species was never recorded elsewhere. The most similar species Thespieus caraca Evans, 1955 is also illustrated and compared, in order to provide clear diagnostic characters for species identification.

Management of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) in Florida tomato involves destroying inoculum sources, using reflective mulches to repel the vector, growing TYLCV-tolerant varieties, and using insecticidal control. Three new insecticides with distinct modes of action were evaluated for management of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and the whitefly-transmitted TYLCV. Chemicals were applied in paired combinations during the first 5 weeks after transplanting. Flupyradifurone (Sivanto) and cyantraniliprole (Cyazypyr™) are systemic insecticides that can be applied to soil or foliage and pyrifluquinazon is a translaminar material for foliar application. In order to determine optimal combination of chemicals with different modes of action for early-season whitefly control and virus suppression, systemic materials were soil-applied at-plant followed by foliar applications of a material with a distinct mode of action. Dinotefuran (Venom) was included as a standard at-plant material for comparison. Field trials were carried out using a split plot design with insecticide programs as main plot treatments which were split into plots covered under a floating row cover for the first 2 weeks after planting or left uncovered. The intention of the row cover treatment was to compare the degree of protection offered by at-plant treatments when the crop was exposed to virus immediately after transplanting to exposure two weeks after transplanting, and to determine if any at-plant treatment were comparable to mechanical exclusion of the vector. In fall 2012, when virus pressure was moderate, end of season virus incidence was lower than the untreated control in all chemical treatments except dinotefuran drench alone or followed by cyantraniliprole. Percentage virus in these 2 treatments were not significantly different from the untreated plots as of 5 weeks after transplanting in both fall trials (2012 and 2013). During both fall trials, percent virus was numerically lowest each week in either the flupyradifurone or flupyradifurone followed by pyrifluquinazon treatments, although the differences from other treatments were not always statistically significant. In spring 2013, when virus pressure was negligible, yield was higher in plots treated with dinotefuran followed by cyantraniliprole than in other treated plots, with the exception of flupyradifurone followed by cyantraniliprole. Row cover treatments were only partially successful, and did not indicate that any at-plant treatment was comparable to mechanical exclusion of the vector. Integration of new materials into insecticide recommendations and resistance management plans for Florida tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production are discussed.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.; Fabaceae) is essential for argentinean agricultural development, but diseases like “witches´; broom«, caused by the ArAWB phytoplasma, are limiting factors for the production of this crop. Insects that visit alfalfa have been poorly studied. The treehopper, Ceresa nigripectus Remes Lenicov (Hemiptera: Membracidae) is very frequent in alfalfa crops; ArAWB was detected in several individuals of this treehopper, but the ability of this species to transmit the pathogen has not yet been demonstrated. The Membracidae family is a poorly studied group in Argentina. No data on the biology of C. nigripectus are available, and therefore the aim of this contribution is to provide information on its behavioral and biological parameters as a first step toward its control. The studies were conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Ceresa nigripectus populations were maintained on healthy alfalfa plants; the treehoppers were checked daily, the occurrence of molts was noted, and diverse aspects of nymphal and adult behavior were also recorded. A life table was built combining the observational data from 7 cohorts. Oviposition sites were characterized by dissecting plants and through staining methods. Ceresa nigripectus could complete its life cycle entirely by using only alfalfa as a host. Females do not tend their broods. Eggs are laid individually and rarely 2 or 3 were found in the same slit. Eggs were located in the stems, in the nodes (in the axils of the leaves) or in the internodal space, between the epidermis and cortical tissues. The pre-ovipositional period was about 6 days, and the average duration of the egg stage was 20 days. The duration of nymphal period was variable, between 32 to 63 days, with a mean of 45 days. Two periods of high mortality were recognized, i.e., in the first instar, and during the second week of the adult stage. Longevity of adults averaged 61 days, but some individuals survived up to 202 days; females lived longer than males. In laboratory colonies, the sex ratio was about 1.3:1 females:males. All the developmental stages of the treehopper were tended by the ant Camponotus punctulatus Mayr. Data regarding behavioral aspects and new distributional information are also provided.

Ribosomal protein S23 (RPS23) constitutes the ribosomal binding site for mRNA in the 40S initiation complex, and appears to be involved in initiating the translation of messenger RNA into protein (translation step). In this study, a full-length of RPS23 cDNA was cloned from the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.) (Blattodea: Blattidae) by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approaches. The full-length cDNA of the P. americana RPS23 (PaRPS23) was of 615 bp, containing a 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of 116 bp, a 3′ UTR of 67 bp with a poly (A) tail, and an open reading frame of 432 bp encoding a polypeptide of 143 amino acids with the predicted molecular weight of 16.03 kDa and estimated isoelectric point of 10.47 (NCBI accession number: KJ472479). BLAST analysis revealed that amino acids of PaRPS23 shared identity with Graphocephala atropunctata (Signoret) 99%, (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) 99%, (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Pediculus humanus corporis L. 98%, (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae), Riptortus pedestris (F.) 98%, (Hemiptera: Alydidae), Biphyllus lunatus (F.) 98%, (Coleoptera: Biphyllidae), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) 97%, (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), and Drosophila yakuba Burla 97%, (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and so on. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that PaRPS23 could be detected in all the tested tissues, in which the relative expression levels were 1.2-, 17.9-, 7.3-, 5.6- and 2.2-fold higher in the ovary, head, thorax, leg and gut than in the testis, respectively. The results provided some important base data for further functional studies in P. americana, and the information may also help to understand the evolution of ribosomes in insects.

The psyllid Trioza aguacate Hollis & Martin (Hemiptera: Triozidae) causes deformation of leaves and young shoots of avocado. In recent years, population densities of this pest in avocado orchards have increased. The objectives of this study were to determine seasonal fluctuations of the populations of eggs, nymphs, and adults of T. aguacate, how these fluctuations are related to the incidence of avocado vegetative shoots, temperature and rainfall at 3 different altitudes in Michoacan, Mexico, i.e., 2,130 m, 1,860 m and 1,293 m. In addition, we attempted to determine the spatial distributions of nymphs and adults found on avocado vegetative shoots. We sampled the populations of adult and immature T. aguacate every 20 days from Jan 2012 to Jul 2013. To estimate population densities, 9 trees were selected in each orchard, and the trees were distributed in the form of a cross. From each replicate of trees, 4 shoots were randomly collected, and the eggs and nymphs were counted on them. Adults counts were obtained from yellow traps established at the 4 cardinal points in each tree. During the same period, young vegetative shoots, temperature and rainfall were recorded. The results showed that this psyllid was not present at all in the orchard located at the low altitude level of 1,293 m. The psyllid was present at the medium altitude site from Jan to Jun, and from Dec to Jun at the high altitude site. All of the development stages were most abundant from Mar to May, when avocado vegetative shoots were most abundant in both years. The abundance of eggs and nymphs showed a positive relationship with young vegetative shoots, a negative relationship with rainfall, and the eggs showed a positive relationship with temperature. The incidence of adults was strongly related with spring budding, but not significantly correlated with temperature. Both nymphs and adults had an aggregated spatial distribution.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of commercially available bioinsecticides based on Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, i.e., Biometha WP Plus^® (M. anisopliae), Biovéria G^® (B bassiana), Boverril WP^® (B. bassiana), Metarril WP^® (M. anisopliae), and Metiê WP^® (M. anisopliae) on the pupae and adults of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) at concentrations of 1 × 10⁹, 5 × 10⁹, and 10 × 10⁹ conidia mL^-1. This braconid is released to control the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis. In the completely randomized first experiment with each commercial product, 10 C. flavipes female adults were held individually in disposable cups, which contained a 9-cm² sugarcane leaf that had been treated with the one of the entomopathogenic fungal products. The mortality of C. flavipes females was assessed at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h after treatment. In the second experiment, the same treatments were applied to C. flavipes pupae, because the latter can be exposed when the fungal products are applied to sugarcane to control various pests. In the second experiment we assessed the emergence of adults from treated pupae, the capacity of these adults to parasitize Diatraea saccharalis caterpillars, numbers of progeny of these C. flavipes, longevity of C. flavipes males and females, total adults emerged, and the percent emergence and longevity of males and females of the F1 generation. The mortality levels of C. flavipes pupae and adults were not affected by the 2 Entomopathogenic fungi. Therefore the use of Beauveria bassiana and M. anisopliae to protect sugarcane is compatible with the use of C. flavipes to suppress D. saccharalis.

Stenoma impressella Busck (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) is an important oil palm pest and its life history and life table parameters were studied at various temperatures, from 16 °C to 40 °C. Females and males developed successfully into adults between 20 °C and 36 °C. However, no eggs were found at 10 °C and all the adults died after exposure to 40 °C. The developmental time from egg to adult was higher (170.5 days) at 15 °C and lower (76.6 days) at 35 °C. Therefore, temperature has a strong effect on the development of S. impressella from 15 °C to 35 °C. The reproductive period varied between 15–35 °C with 6.82 to 3.24 days for pre-oviposition, 17.5 to 4.89 days for oviposition, and 5.29 to 0.82 days for the postoviposition period. Female longevity was longer than that of the male, at all temperatures. The population growth parameters of S. impressella net reproductive rate (R₀), intrinsic rate increase (r_m), finite increase rate (λ), mean generation time (T) and doubling time (D) were significantly affected by temperature. Temperature affects S. impressella populations by reducing or increasing their possible occurrence in the palm trees. The effect of temperature on the development, survival and reproduction of S. impressella can be useful for predicting its long-term population fluctuation as an invasive pest of oil palm plantations.

Examination with a binocular microscope of adults of Rhyssomatus subtilis Fielder (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) revealed distinct differences between the sexes in the foreleg, which permits their differentiation with complete accuracy. In the female the profemual process is weak, subacute, angulate and the protibia has an uncus and mucro. In the male the profemur process is strong, curved, subacute, tooth-like and lacks an protibia uncus.

Several Miridae (Hemiptera) species have been identified as useful predators for biological control of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). There is interest in determining the effects of different diets on Tupiocoris cucurbitaceus (Spinola) (Hemiptera: Miridae) in order to facilitate their breeding and use in biological control. Given that mirids can be both phytophagous and zoophytophagous, the developmental time, mortality, survival, feeding and fecundity of this species on tomato and tobacco leaves with and without the addition of T. vaporariorum or Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs were studied. To determine embryonic duration, T. cucurbitaceus was allowed to oviposit on tobacco plants for 24 h at 26 °C, 83% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 h L:D. The time of onset of the first instar nymphs was recorded. Subsequently, these nymphs fed on different diets on 9 cm × 1.5 cm plates under the same environmental conditions. Results showed that diet influences the duration of development in T. cucurbitaceus, with nymphal stadia being shorter and the adult stadium being longer when fed prey than when not fed prey. With the addition of prey, nymphal mortality was generally lower and adult survival was higher. The high consumption of T. vaporariorum eggs by T. cucurbitaceus suggests the need for subsequent studies on the latter for inclusion of this species in biological control programs in greenhouses.

Hussain & Nath (1927) stated that 9 species of parasitoids attack nymphs of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in Punjab Province of Pakistan. Foreign exploration for natural enemies of D. citri over Mar 2011 to Mar 2013 in Punjab Pakistan resulted in the collection of 3,675 parasitoids representing at least 13 different species. However, just 2 species of primary parasitoids, Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) (55% of collected specimens) and Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Shafee, Alam & Agarwal) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) (28% of collected material) attacked D. citri nymphs and 5 species of hyperparasitoids attacked the immature stages of these two primary parasitoids. The remaining 11 parasitoid species that were identified likely attacked unnoticed insect species that co-infested foliage with D. citri nymphs. We conclude that Hussain & Nath (1927) overestimated the number of primary parasitoids attacking D. citri nymphs in Punjab Pakistan.

Research on the diversity and abundance of taxa pollinators at the community level are essential to know aspects of their biology, ethology, ecology and the impacts on reproduction and plant diversity. Bees have an important role in providing pollination, which is essential to plant reproduction. The objective of the study was to document the diversity and abundance of bee pollinators, with emphasis in Megachilid species, in 2 unmanaged apple orchards, located in Cuauhtémoc and Guerrero, Chihuahua, México. Both orchards had similar conditions, with intermediate levels of adjacent natural/semi-natural habitat. In 2010, 2011 and 2012, special wood nesting traps for capturing Osmia spp. were installed. Four species of solitary pollinator bees of Osmia genus were captured, of which the most represented was Osmia sp.1, with 323 specimens, followed by Osmia sp.2 with 84 specimens, O. lignaria Say with 11 specimens and 3 specimens of O. integra Cresson. Also, other species of bees and wasps visitors of plants with flowers were found such as Trachusa sp., Anthidium spp., Megachile pugnata Say, Heriades carinatus Cresson, Xylocopa sp., Bombus sp., Ancistrocerus tuberculocephalus (Saussure) and Vespula sp.

This is the first report of Abacarus doctus Navia & Flechtmann in El Salvador and the second report of this species in the world. Morphological variability between Salvadoran population and the type material is pointed out and detailed studies are suggested to allow a better understanding of this variability with regard to Eriophyoidea systematics. Field observations on A. doctus infestations in El Salvador are presented, and the need for further studies of its status as a pest in El Salvador and on its possible occurrence in other sugarcane-producing countries in Central America are elaborated.

Here we report for the first time the occurrence of Hylettus seniculus Germar 1824 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) boring Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis Morelet (Pinaceae) trunks. Damage by this insect were evaluated from August to Dec 2008 and 2009 by cutting a tree per month from 5 groups of trap trees (5 plants per group) stressed with systemic herbicide. The damage by H. seniculus on trap trees P. caribaea var. hondurensis indicates that prolonged storage of pine logs in the field should be avoided.

The flight activity of the rugose spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin; Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) peaked in the morning after dawn. There were significantly more whiteflies captured on sticky traps on the east side than on the west side of the plants between 6:00–10:00, which showed that this whitefly was strongly and positively phototactic during that time of the day. This whitefly displayed a second but smaller peak of flight activity in the evening near dusk.

With the goal of increasing the known myrmecofauna of the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico, specimens were collected in soil and shrub vegetation using different collecting techniques. Seventeen species belonging to 14 genera, 10 tribes and 5 subfamilies are reported for the first time increasing the total number of species known to occur in Tlaxcala to 20, genera to 17, and tribes to 12. These results demonstrate the scarcity of knowledge regarding the myrmecofauna of Tlaxcala state. Systematic sampling is recommended to further the knowledge of species inhabiting this region of Mexico.

Several species of insects diminish the value of black walnut, which is considered a valuable economic and environmental tree species. Because imidacloprid has been used successfully against pests of other host plants, we investigated how it would impact larvae of the walnut husk maggot, Rhagoletis suavis (Loew), on black walnuts. Thus, the objective of this project was to document the concentration levels of imidacloprid and olefin-imidacloprid, an insecticidal metabolite of imidacloprid, within the walnut husk maggot larvae dwelling within the nut husk of fly-infested mature black walnut trees. CoreTect, a pellet formulation of imidacloprid, was applied to the soil surrounding mature black walnut trees in spring of 2011. Concentrations of both imidacloprid and olefin-imidacloprid were assessed in walnut husk maggot tissue using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Both imidacloprid and olefin-imidacloprid were detected in walnut husk maggot larvae from both the lower (11.72 ppb) and upper (9.25 ppb) strata. Olefin-imidacloprid concentrations in larvae were significantly lower in the lower stratum compared with the upper stratum, while the opposite was true when assessing concentration levels of imidacloprid. Olefin-imidacloprid concentrations were significantly lower than imidacloprid concentrations within each stratum. Populations of walnut husk maggot were significantly lower in treated trees compared to control trees indicating that imidacloprid, applied as a soil pellet, reduced populations of the walnut husk maggot.

Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky, 1854, an extremely damaging pest originating in Asia, is recorded the first time as a new genus and species for the Turkish longhorned woodborer beetle fauna.

Fifteen of the 22 differentially expressed proteins in the spermathecae of virgin and inseminated females of the leaf cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa were tentatively identified. The profile of expressed proteins of the spermatheca differed significantly between virgin and fertilized females. Data from this study should contribute to the elucidation of the roles of these various proteins in prolonged storage and maintenance of viable spermatozoa within the female.

Collembola found in nests of Mayaponera constricta and Neoponera inversa ants are recorded for the first time. Cyphoderus was the commonest springtail genus in nests of both ant host species. The occurrence of Sphaeridia serrata in ant nests is recorded for the first time. Two other springtails (Proisotoma minima and Pseudosinella sp.), which were less abundant, were also found in these nests. Data about distribution of springtail species in nests of ants in Brazil are given, as well as new records of springtail species in Brazil.

A Toxic Sugar Bait (TSB, active ingredient 1% boric acid) was evaluated against Aedes taeniorhynchus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the laboratory and the field at St. Augustine, Florida. The laboratory component was comprised of plants located in known Ae. taeniorhynchus resting areas, i.e., black mangrove (Avecennia germinans L.) and yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria Ait.). The results indicated that TSB sprayed on black mangrove and yaupon holly cuttings at 48 h resulted in significant mortality of resting Ae. taeniorhynchus, compared with the mortality of mosquitoes in the control group under the laboratory conditions. Also, the field studies indicated a significant reduction in mosquito populations after TSB was applied on plants.

We present the first record of Rhizophora mangle (Malpighiales: Rhizophoraceae) as a host of Acalles sablensis Blatchley, 1920 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cryptorhynchinae) in the Ramsar site No. 1602 of the Mangroves and Wetlands of Tuxpan. The presence was recorded of dead Rhizophora mangle propagules that presented perforations in the bark. Beetles of the family Curculionidae was found within the propagules and identified as Acalles sablensis. This species has previously only been recorded in Cape Sable and Chokoloskee, Florida, USA, in 1920 and 1922 in dead branches of Sideroxylon celastrina (Kunth) T. D. Penn (Ericales: Sapotaceae) (Blatchley 1920, 1922). This study represents the first report of this curculionid species in Mexico.