Xenomyrmex floridanus Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is a small arboreal ant known only from peninsular Florida and the West Indies. Xenomyrmex floridanus colonies nest in plant cavities, particularly in hollow twigs and dead branches. I compiled and mapped >100 site records for X. floridanus, documenting the earliest known records for the 4 geographic areas where it occurs: peninsular Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, and Jamaica. Records of X. floridanus range from Gainesville, Florida (29.7°N) in the north to Pedro Cross, Jamaica (18.9°N) in the south. Xenomyrmex floridanus shows striking evolutionary convergences in morphology and behavior with Monomorium floricola (Jerdon) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), an Old World tramp ant species that has spread worldwide through human commerce. Both species are tiny, thin, and short-legged, a morphology that allows them to nest in very narrow plant cavities. In addition, both are slow moving and have an exceptional ability to cling to surfaces, a capacity that probably allows them to avoid being blown out of trees, even in high winds. Monomorium floricola has invaded Florida and the West Indies, where it may negatively impact X. floridanus populations. In red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle L.; Rhizophoraceae) in southeastern Florida, I found that X. floridanus is the most common native ant and M. floricola is the most common exotic ant.

We present the catalogue of species of Collembola of the Coleção de Referência de Fauna de Solo at the Universidade Estadual da Paraíba (CRFS/ UEPB), including 6 holotypes of species of the Isotogastruridae, Lepidocyrtidae, Neanuridae, and Sminthuridae families. Four species are newly recorded in Brazil: Arrhopalites caecus (Tullberg, 1871) Börner, 1906; Lepidocyrtus neofasciatus Wray, 1948; Folsomides famarensis Fjellberg, 1993; Sminthurides aquaticus (Bourlet, 1842) Folsom, 1896; and 1 genus, Neelus Folsom, 1896.

Several species of invasive fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among the most damaging pests of agricultural crops in the world. Detection of these pests relies primarily on traps baited with male-specific lures. Traps with protein food baits are also employed to attract females, but these baits are fairly weak, and there is considerable interest in developing more powerful lures for female tephritids. Recently, a plug that emits cucumber volatiles was developed as a lure for cucurbit-infesting species, and a recent field study showed that traps baited with these plugs attracted more females of the Australian cucurbit pest Bactrocera cucumis (French) than traps containing a protein bait. The objective of the present study was to gather additional data regarding captures of a closely related species, the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), in traps baited with a torula yeast and borax (TYB) solution (a standard food lure) compared with traps baited with the cucumber volatile (CV) plug. Data collected from 5 locations on Oahu, Hawaii, showed that traps baited with the TYB solution captured significantly more melon flies than traps baited with the CV plugs. At 4 sites, where hosts were scattered, melon fly captures were relatively low, and males were trapped in significantly greater numbers than females in both TYB- and CV-baited traps. At the remaining site, hosts were very abundant, melon fly captures were high, and females were trapped in significantly greater numbers than males in both TYB- and CV-baited traps. Possible explanations for the superior performance of TYB-baited traps are discussed.

Attraction of tephritid fruit flies to light and its role in fly biology and management have received little attention. Here, the objective was to show that western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), is attracted to white light in the presence and absence of ammonia, an olfactory cue used with traps. Laboratory tests were conducted inside a 0.23 m3 cage with a halogen or light-emitting diode (LED) bulb hung ~2 cm above a trap with or without an ammonium carbonate lure; flies were released in the cage opposite from the light. Fly captures on yellow or clear traps with white light from both bulb types were greater than on controls, and greater at higher than lower light intensities whether ammonia was present or not. Adding heat without additional light near traps did not increase captures, indicating light rather than heat from bulbs attracted flies. In the field, light from LED and halogen bulbs did not enhance fly captures on ammonia-baited yellow traps, but light from halogen bulbs did enhance captures when there was no ammonia, although captures were lower than when ammonia was added. Results show that bright white light is attractive to R. indifferens and suggest orientation towards it may induce behaviors that positively affect fly fitness, such as mating and foraging. However, stronger light-associated stimuli than those used here may be needed to enhance fly captures on ammonia-baited traps under field conditions.

Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is endemic to the lowland Andean region of South America and considered a quarantine pest of cucurbits by most tropical and subtropical countries outside of the infested region. Despite its regulatory significance, the only phytosanitary treatment available is a generic phytosanitary irradiation dose of 150 Gy that is accepted for all Tephritidae but that was developed without any data on radiotolerance of A. grandis. The objectives of this research were to determine the most cold-tolerant developmental stage of A. grandis and to estimate a time period required for a phytosanitary cold treatment in zucchini squash, Cucurbita pepo L. (Cucurbitaceae). The most cold-tolerant developmental stage of A. grandis in fruit was the 3rd instar, and the time required for a phytosanitary cold treatment in zucchini squash when treated at a minimum of 1.0 °C was estimated at ~23 d. This indicates that A. grandis is approximately as cold tolerant as the most cold-tolerant Anastrepha species known, i.e., Anastrepha ludens (Loew). However, in small-scale testing, no survivors were found at 14 d (n = 340) and the estimated time of 23 d needs to be confirmed by large-scale testing before it should be used commercially. As statistical estimates of extreme values (>99.9%) are not very reliable, and data from 3rd instars did not fit the model well, large-scale testing should be initiated at a treatment time <23 d to not result in an excessive commercial treatment dose.

We present the first records of species of Entomobryidae and Paronellidae (Collembola) from the Caribbean island of Nevis, from leaf litter collections on Mt. Nevis. We report 6 genera and 7 species, of which Dicranocentrus icelosmarias sp. nov. and Metasinella radkei sp. nov. are described as new. Evaluation of the dorsal chaetotaxy of D. icelosmarias sp. nov. suggests a closer affinity of Dicranocentrus to Heteromurus than to Orchesella. We provide a new interpretation of the homology of the dorsal chaetotaxy in Metasinella based on analysis of M. radkei sp. nov. The 6 genera reported here are widely distributed in the Greater Antilles, and the species composition shows a combination of endemics with affinities to other Antillean species (Dicranocentrus sp., Lepidocyrtus sp., Metasinella sp., Trogolaphysa sp.), species widespread throughout the northeastern Antilles (Entomobrya linda Soto-Adames), and adventive Neotropical species (Lepidocyrtus nigrosetosus Folsom, Seira brasiliana [Arlé]).

The insect male accessory glands/ejaculatory duct (MAG/ED) are important tissues of the male reproductive system. The MAG/ED's functions in reproduction have been well studied in Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) but remain largely unknown in the important agricultural pest Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). In the present study, we re-assembled the transcriptome datasets of B. dorsalis's fat body, testis, and MAG/ED and compared these tissue-specific transcriptomes. Clean reads from these transcriptome data sets were de novo re-assembled and clustered into 31,782 unigenes (average 922 bp). In total, 21,306 unigenes were functionally annotated by Blasting against online databases. Comparative transcriptomic analysis identified numerous genes that were identified with the expressed tissue-bias patterns. Some MAG/ED-specific genes potentially involved in spermatozoa motility and capacitation (e.g., perlucin, glucose dehydrogenase, lipase), mating regulation (pheromone-binding protein—related protein), and immunity (lectin) were identified in B. dorsalis. The expressions of some of these genes were further validated by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction at transcriptional level. All of these identifications will help us to explore the physiological regulation of mating and reproduction in B. dorsalis in the future.

Chinese tallowtree, Triadica sebifera (L.) Small (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae), is an invasive weed from southern China that is invasive in the Gulf states of the southeastern USA. One significant factor that contributes to the success of this weed has been the lack of herbivore species attacking it in the invaded range. However, the leafminer species Caloptilia triadicae Davis (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) was discovered feeding on Chinese tallowtree in Florida in 2008 and has now been found throughout much of the plant's invaded range. We monitored the seasonal abundance of C. triadicae populations and their associated parasitoids over 2 yr in Florida. Populations of C. triadicae peaked in Jun and Jul in 2013 and 2014. Parasitism averaged about 3.3% of larvae and pupae, with a peak of 12%. The most abundant parasitoid species was Goniozus sp. (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) (76% of all parasitoid individuals reared) and, second, Brasema sp. (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) (18% of parasitoids). Due to specific niche requirements and the apparent exploitation of leaf mines by these parasitoid species, it is doubtful they will attack species being considered for biological control of Chinese tallowtree.

Banisia myrsusalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Thyrididae) has been regarded as the most damaging pest of sapodilla, Manilkara zapota (L.) van Royen (Sapotaceae), in Florida, where it causes extensive damage to blooms. Two commercial sapodilla groves were surveyed for lepidopteran eggs and larvae affecting floral buds and mature flowers. All collected specimens were raised in the laboratory until adult emergence. A careful revision of reared individuals and specimens deposited in institutional collections since 1990 brought into question the identity of Banisia species affecting sapodilla in southern Florida. Specimens initially identified as B. myrsusalis are herein re-identified as Banisia argutula Whalley, based on female and male genitalic characters. Total DNA was extracted from 2 specimens raised in the survey and the COI gene sequence determined and deposited in GenBank. Larvae of B. argutula were observed chewing holes in the base of floral buds or mature flowers, entering the flower, and consuming all floral structures except the sepals. A single larva would tend to clump several flowers and floral buds together by using silk. Larvae could also fold leaves or bore into the fruit and could complete their immature development feeding on folded leaves, flowers, or inside a fruit. In contrast, B. myrsusalis is reported as strictly a leaf-folder. Banisia myrsusalis was found to be a minor part of the sapodilla pest complex. Banisia argutula was the dominant sapodilla borer in southern Florida.

Insect infestation can adversely affect tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.; Solanaceae) development and yield. Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are a serious pest of tomato, and are spreading to areas where they were not previously found. This study was undertaken to determine if tephritid fruit flies were present, which species were most abundant, how tomato cultivars responded, and what amount of damage occurred in the Eastern Himalayas of India during May 2014 and 2015. Mature and ripe fruit (n = 20) per cultivar were picked at random from 12 cultivars at weekly intervals to assess percentage of infestation, fly species composition, larval infestation, pupal mortality, adult emergence, and sex ratio during 2 seasons. Seasonal fluctuation of male adults of Zeugodacus tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in tomato was studied by installing 3 modified clear traps, made from plastic bottles, that were baited with 0.5 mL Cue-lure and the insecticide dichlorovos 76% EC (Nuvan^®). Survey and subsequent identification confirmed the presence of Z. tau in tomato in the Himalayas of India. This is the first report of the insect in the province, and of population outbreaks resulting in serious damage to tomato in India. Among fruit fly species present on tomato, Z. tau was more abundant (71.4–96.4%) in all geographical regions of Mizoram, India, than were Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi), B. dorsalis (Hendel), and B. latifrons (Hendel), which ranged from 3.6 to 28.6%. The highest percentage of infestation was in Champhai (72.7 ± 6.7%) and Kolasib (80.7 ± 3.5%) and the lowest in Mamit (14.7 ± 4.8%) and Serchhip (19.3 ± 4.7%). Cultivar influenced pupal mortality and adult emergence of Z. tau. Seasonal fluctuation of Z. tau males on tomato varied; the greatest numbers were trapped during May and Dec. Occurrence of Z. tau at high population densities was associated with high levels of damage and could lead to high economic losses in tomato fruit production.

Adult tephritid fruit fly females require protein sources for adequate egg production, and ammonia and its derivatives serve as volatile cues to locate protein-rich food. The attractiveness of beer waste and the commercially available baits Nu-Lure^® Insect Bait, Buminal^®, and Bugs for Bugs^® Fruit Fly Bait with and without ammonium acetate or ammonium carbonate to males and females of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and B. cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) was quantified in semi-field cage studies in Hawaii. Evaluations also compared the relative attractiveness of the baits to that of the standard bait GF-120^® NF Naturalyte^® Fruit Fly Bait. Our findings indicate that ammonium carbonate did not exert any effect on the response of B. cucurbitae or B. dorsalis to the protein baits evaluated and that the addition of ammonium acetate to beer waste and to the commercially available bait Bugs for Bugs^® can improve bait attractiveness in particular to females of B. cucurbitae. Beer waste laced with ammonium acetate performed as well as the standard fruit fly bait GF-120^®. There were variations in the level and type of response between B. cucurbitae and B. dorsalis, and such variability was dependent upon the type of bait being evaluated. For example, there were several instances where baits lacking ammonium acetate (e.g., beer waste and Nu-Lure^® for B. cucurbitae; Buminal^® for B. dorsalis) were as attractive as GF-120^®. Results are discussed in light of potential applications associated with the use of beer waste as a low-cost, readily available material for fruit fly monitoring and suppression.

Molecular methods that rely on microsatellite markers have been developed for population genetic studies and diagnostics of tephritid pest species such as the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Whereas many of these markers are tested to see if they are within the Hardy—Weinberg equilibrium, very few markers developed for pest species are tested to ensure the selected alleles behave according to the laws of Mendelian inheritance. Fifteen previously developed microsatellite markers were examined for Mendelian inheritance. Nine parental groups consisting of a laboratory reared parent and a wild type parent and their respective progeny were examined. In total, 174 flies, consisting of 90 males and 84 females, were analyzed. Seventy-seven segregation ratio tests were performed to determine if any departures from expected Mendelian inheritance occurred. Representatives from each of the observed alleles were cloned and sequenced. Troubleshooting was performed on loci that did not conform to expected Mendelian inheritance ratios to confirm the cause and improve laboratory procedures. Issues observed included incomplete adenylation at the 5′ end in Ccmic3, the presence of artifactual bands leading to false calls in Ccmic25, and monomorphic alleles in Ccmic7. Only 1 locus, Ccmic25, deviated from Mendelian expectations after protocol optimization in the form of a detected transmission ratio distortion leading to excessive heterozygosity. Finally, 1 locus, Ccmic9, showed evidence of allelic homoplasy.

Mexican avocado producers face phytosanitary barriers that limit the ability to ship avocados to foreign markets due to concerns about invasion by unwanted pests. The principal regulated pests are the big avocado seed weevil, Heilipus lauri Boheman; the small avocado seed weevils Conotrachelus aguacatae Barber and C. perseae Barber; the branch borer weevil, Copturus aguacatae Kissinger (all Coleoptera: Curculionidae); and the avocado seed moth, Stenoma catenifer Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae). In Mexico, distribution information of these pests is largely based on a slow integration of the geographic data. This study was conducted to determine the potential distribution of these 5 insect pests in Mexican avocadogrowing areas by using the maximum entropy algorithm. Distributional data of these insects were obtained from scientific literature, databases, and field collection, and incorporated into the MaxEnt model using 19 global climatic variables and elevation data. Distributional models for Mexico, and geographic interaction with avocado-growing areas of the country, were calculated. Conoctrachelus aguacatae, C. perseae, Copturus aguacatae, and H. lauri showed similar environmental suitability patterns in Mexico, with a potential distribution from central to southern Mexico. High suitability was projected principally in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and surrounding biogeographic provinces. Stenoma catenifer exhibited an irregular environmental suitability pattern, with preference for western Mexico. Altitude, isothermality, and seasonality of precipitation were the variables that most influenced potential distribution of analyzed species. Geographic interaction with avocado-growing areas ranged from wider (Conoctrachelus aguacatae, C. perseae, Copturus aguacatae, and S. catenifer) to narrow or irregular (H. lauri), but the last species has the potential to invade new geographic areas. For the first time, the geographic distribution of these 5 insect pests was determined based on environmental suitability and their geographic interaction with avocados. These data could support development of management strategies throughout the country, and help focusing surveys and control tactics.

The taxonomy of Reticulitermes Holmgren (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in China is problematic and in need of revision. Most Chinese Reticulitermes species were described in the 1980s and 1990s, and have never been studied since then. In this study, morphological characteristics including coloration, pilosity, shape, and morphometric characteristics of Reticulitermes dichrous Ping and Reticulitermes guangzhouensis Ping were compared. In addition, a portion of the ribosomal RNA large subunit 16S (16S rRNA) and the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) genes from different populations of the 2 species were sequenced and analyzed. Morphological comparisons revealed the similarities between the 2 species in both discrete and morphometric characteristics. In the molecular phylogenetic trees inferred from COII and 16S rRNA genes, all of the examined populations of the 2 species clustered into a common clade with a high bootstrap value. Based on the morphological comparisons and the molecular analyses, it is proposed that R. dichrous is a junior synonym of R. guangzhouensis.

Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an economically important pest of common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae), in the tropics and subtropics. The larvae are cryptic and spend most of their development time inside the bean seeds. Their presence is almost imperceptible except for circular emergence holes created by the last instar larvae in preparation for their exit as adults. We considered a hypothesis that readily available acoustic detection devices can be used to detect larvae and adults in stored beans. Laboratory experiments were conducted in an anechoic chamber to characterize the sounds of movement and feeding and estimate whether they could be distinguished from background noise in storage environments. The larvae produced low-amplitude insect sound impulses frequently occurring in trains (bursts) of 2 or more impulses (mean = 3.6). The adults produced lower-amplitude impulses, although at a higher rate than the larvae, and there were significantly fewer impulses per burst. These features of the acoustic signals were useful for real-time detection of A. obtectus infestation and discrimination from background noise in stored common beans in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of such technology in the future, especially if its costs can be reduced further, may contribute to efforts to alleviate hunger and poverty in the region.

The biology of the widely occurring but poorly known terrestrial snail Allopeas gracile (Hutton, 1834) (Gastropoda: Subulinidae) was determined, emphasizing food relationships. Isolated snails reproduced without cross fertilization. These snails deposited small clusters of eggs (3–7 per d) totaling about 20 per mo once oviposition commenced (after about 50 d). The snails grew rapidly for 50 d, attaining a mass of about 25 mg, then grew more slowly, eventually attaining a mass of about 50 mg after 250 d. Hatching occurred over a wide range of temperatures. The mean duration of the egg stage decreased from 18.7 to 8.0 d as the temperature increased from 19.5 to 32.0 °C. Allopeas gracile was omnivorous, feeding on green plants (vegetables, weeds, and flowers), fungi (cultivated mushroom and sooty mold), and animal matter (dead cockroaches and earthworms), but not decaying vegetation (tree leaves). Although this species is omnivorous, many plants allowed only maintenance, not fostering rapid growth. These small snails consumed only about 1.5 cm2 per d of favored food (lettuce) at maturity, and considerably less of most plants offered. This invasive snail does not seem to be destined to be a significant pest except perhaps under restricted circumstances.

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is a major pest of citrus crops worldwide. A large number of insecticides have been used to manage D. citri in Florida. Therefore, insecticide resistance could become an important problem facing citrus production. Monitoring insecticide susceptibility in populations of D. citri and providing a technique to use as an early warning is needed so citrus producers can modify chemical control strategies for this pest in Florida. The objective of this study was to develop a simple and fast tool to determine insecticide resistance in D. citri and apply it to commercial citrus production in Florida. LC50 and LC95 estimates were determined for 8 commonly used insecticides on a susceptible laboratory population of D. citri 24 h after treatment in a residual contact bottle assay. Five to 7 concentrations of each insecticide were tested. The LC50 values (and 95% fiducial limits) ranged from 0.06 (0.02–0.26) to 0.80 (0.26–2.46) ng/μL for each insecticide tested. Exposure time—mortality indices were determined for 0, 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 ng/μL concentrations of each insecticide in a laboratory susceptible strain. Knockdown was assessed after 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 min. Complete knockdown (100.0%) occurred within 60 min for dimethoate, fenpropathrin, imidacloprid, bifenthrin, and flupyradifurone at the 10,000 ng/μL concentration. For spinetoram, 86.7% knockdown occurred within 120 min at 10,000 ng/μL. For sulfoxaflor and cyantraniliprole, 44.0 and 42.6% knockdown, respectively, occurred within 120 min at 1,000 ng/μL. We also developed a bottle bioassay to survey field populations of D. citri for insecticide resistance in central Florida. Exposure time—mortality indices developed in the laboratory were used to assess susceptibility of 1 laboratory and 4 field populations of D. citri after 15, 30, 50, 75, 90, 105, and 120 min of exposure at the 10,000 ng/μL concentration of various insecticides. Little to no evidence of resistance was detected for bifenthrin, dimethoate, imidacloprid, and fenpropathrin in central Florida. Our investigation demonstrated that a bottle bioassay is suitable for assaying insecticide resistance in D. citri adults under laboratory and field conditions. It should be a flexible tool for rapid testing of insecticide resistance in possible cases of insecticide failure. Its simplicity should allow trained professionals to rapidly monitor for insecticide resistance in commercial settings where “hot spots” of D. citri populations may occur.

Although studies have shown enhancement of insects, birds, and plants in organically managed agroecosystems, information on arthropod diversity and abundance in conventional and organic sugarcane farms is scarce. This research was conducted to analyze and compare the diversity and abundance of edaphic arthropods in organic and conventional sugarcane by using pitfall traps. The study was conducted during 2 growing seasons in Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil. In total, 13,244 individuals belonging to 190 morphospecies were collected. In the conventional system, 4,964 specimens were collected, representing 122 morphospecies distributed in 15 orders and 50 families. In the organic system, 8,280 individuals were captured, representing 142 morphospecies in 13 orders and 45 families. Ants of the genera Pheidole Westwood, Dorymyrmex Mayr, Camponotus Mayr, and Crematogaster Lund (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) were predominant. Higher abundance and richness of arthropods (especially predators and omnivores) were found in the organic than the conventional system, which could be important in regulating key pests of sugarcane. Our results show that the organic management in sugarcane increased the abundance and diversity of arthropods.

Tapinoma litorale Wheeler (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is a small, inconspicuous New World ant that nests in plant cavities, particularly in epiphytes and hollow grass stems and twigs. Recently, T. litorale was included on a list of exotic ant species established in North America, introduced through human commerce. We compiled and mapped >240 site records for T. litorale, documenting the earliest known records for 19 geographic areas, including many with no previously published records: Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, San Andrés Island, Trinidad, the Turks & Caicos Islands, and Venezuela. Records for T. litorale ranged from 8.5°N to 29.1°N, spread broadly around the circum-Caribbean region: peninsular Florida, the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. The earliest records of T. litorale come from Florida, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, and there is no notable distributional gap between Florida and the West Indies. This pattern does not support the proposition that T. litorale populations in North America are exotic. Tapinoma litorale workers resemble ghost ants, Tapinoma melanocephalum (F.), an Old World tramp species that has been spread around the world through human commerce. Tapinoma melanocephalum also nests in plant cavities and potentially may compete with T. litorale in areas where it invades.

Tamarixia radiata (Waterson) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a specialist parasitoid of late-instar nymphs of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Liviidae), a vector of the causal agent of huanglongbing disease of citrus (Sapindales: Rutaceae). Tamarixia radiata is mass reared; however, parasitism levels following inundative releases have remained relatively low. One possible explanation for the low parasitism levels is the lack of sugar resources available for adult wasps in targeted release landscapes, such as abandoned commercial citrus groves and residential areas. Establishing nectar plants can be an effective means of increasing nutritional resources in targeted sites for biocontrol agents. Some eulophids forage effectively only on fully exposed nectaries, i.e., those unobstructed by other floral parts. Therefore, care must be taken to select plants that possess nectary architecture compatible with parasitoid morphology and foraging ability. A series of laboratory studies were undertaken as a first step to determine the potential for T. radiata to obtain sugar from natural sources in target landscapes. Following contact with a sugar spot on filter paper, the wasps engaged in stereotypical zigzagging movements, demonstrating that contact with sugar induced arrestment and induction of localized searching behavior. Tamarixia radiata fed on sugars found in nectar (sucrose, glucose, fructose) and honeydew (melizitose, raffinose), indicating that it should feed well on both nectar and honeydew resources. At the highest concentration tested (1 M), it preferred sucrose and melizitose, whereas at the lowest concentration tested (0.1 M), it preferred sucrose and glucose. There was no preference among sugars when tested at the 0.5 M concentration. Choice tests with wasps previously exposed to scented sucrose solution showed that the wasps were stimulated and attracted by nectar odor and could learn to associate a particular odor with the presence of nectar. Observations conducted with starved wasps on freshly cut sprigs of nectar plants showed that foraging success was highest on extrafloral nectaries and flowers with exposed nectaries. The wasps readily located the extrafloral nectaries on snap bean and cowpea, and fed on them for the majority of the observation periods. Likewise, they quickly located the fully exposed nectaries in the inflorescences of euphorbiaceous plants, such as Euphorbia heterophylla L. (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae). Foraging success declined in flowers with nectaries that were only partially exposed; the wasps' movements were deterred by floral parts or trichomes that obstructed the nectary. The wasps were unable to obtain nectar from composites and other plants with hidden nectaries. Overall, the results of these laboratory evaluations showed that T. radiata responds to sugars and chemical cues associated with nectaries and is capable of foraging on extrafloral nectaries and flowers with exposed nectaries.

Temperate fruit flies in the genus Rhagoletis (Diptera: Tephritidae) have narrow host ranges relative to those of tropical fruit flies, suggesting they will not attack or are incapable of developing in most novel fruit. We tested the hypothesis that apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), and western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran, whose normal hosts belong to the Rosaceae, will not attack or develop in mango (Mangifera indica L.; Anacardiaceae) and other non-rosaceous tropical fruit. Of fruits hung in infested apple trees, at least 49% of apples (n = 77) produced R. pomonella puparia, whereas only 1% of mangoes (n = 291) and 0% of papayas (Carica papaya L.; Caricaceae) and 8 other tropical fruit produced puparia. In laboratory tests in 1.9 L containers, 33% of apples (n = 131), 7% of mangoes (n = 118), and 7% of papayas (n = 14) produced R. pomonella puparia; adult flies also eclosed from puparia from mango and papaya. Females of R. pomonella landed approximately 4 to 9 times more often on apple than mango. When exposed to R. indifferens in laboratory tests in 1.9 L containers, 6% of mangoes (n = 32) and 0% of papayas (n = 23) versus 33 to 73% of sweet cherry, plum, and nectarine, and 0% of peach (all Prunus species; Rosaceae) produced puparia; no eggs were detected in mango and papaya. Contrary to our hypothesis, larvae of R. pomonella and R. indifferens were capable of developing in some tropical fruit under laboratory conditions. How findings here relate to fly quarantines versus basic fly biology is unknown and needs further study.

Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) feeding preference and performance on soybean tissue types is poorly understood. We assessed preference by looking at feeding behavior and resulting performance of 2nd and 4th instar H. zea larvae on leaves, flowers, and pods in no-choice and choice assays. Consumption indices were calculated and observed feeding behaviors were used to indicate preference; survival, growth rate, and larval body mass were recorded as measures of performance. Second instars performed better when fed leaf tissue than when fed other tissue types. In no-choice assays, 32% of 2nd instars that fed exclusively on newly emerging trifoliates reached the pupal stage, and 50% of those that fed exclusively on fully emerged leaf trifoliates survived to pupation. Early instar survival was poor (ranging from 0 to 3%) on all other tissue types, including flowers, stems, and pods. However, when given a choice of tissue types throughout their larval lifetime, 2nd instars preferred to feed on newly emerging trifoliates and early developing pods, consuming on average 51 and 38%, respectively, of each tissue type. In no-choice assays, 4th instars performed best on pods with fully developed seeds; however, when presented with a choice throughout their lifetime, late instars did not feed at a higher rate on any single tissue type. If H. zea exhibits similar behavior under field conditions, information on preference can be used to inform management practices and may aid in the development of conventionally bred and transgenic varieties.

Coenosia attenuata Stein (Diptera: Muscidae) is a predatory fly that feeds on other insects and can be used as a potential biological control agent. This insect is native to southern Europe; however, it has been distributed naturally to various continents, including North and South America, and is reported herein for the first time in Mexico. The flies were found preying on whiteflies, psyllids, fungus gnats, leaf miners, and vinegar flies in greenhouses with organic vegetable production.

We documented the appearance and elevated abundance of the uncommon dingy purplewing butterfly, Eunica monima (Stoll) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), and pronounced herbivory on its host plant Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. (Burseraceae) shortly after island-wide rat (Rattus rattus [L.]; Muridae) removal from Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico. We confirmed the species as E. monima by using both molecular and morphological analyses of larvae and adults. This is a first-time record of E. monima for the island of Desecheo, one of relatively few documented appearances in Puerto Rico during the last 100 yr, and an uncommon documentation of an outbreak of this species in the Caribbean. Although experimental manipulation would be needed to identify the cause of the E. monima population outbreak, we discuss possible cause-and-effect scenarios.

Anaphes chrysomelae (Bakkendorf) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) was obtained from field-collected eggs of Chrysolina herbacea (Duftschmidt) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Mentha spp. (Lamiaceae) in Adana, Hatay, and Uşak provinces in Turkey. Until now, A. chrysomelae has been found only in Italy. With this study, Turkey is the second country in the world where A. chrysomelae is known to occur. This is the second Anaphes species known from Turkey, and one of more than 20 species of Mymaridae reported so far from Turkey.

An approximately 220 bp fragment of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) was screened as a diagnostic trait of Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and other pest fruit fly species in the genus Anastrepha. The majority (96%) of the sites in this fragment were invariant among the test species, but A. suspensa can be separated from other species by using 2 diagnostic characters. Similarly, A. ludens (Loew) and A. obliqua (Macquart) can be distinguished from other species based on 1 fixed character each. There is evidence of intraspecific ITS2 variation in 5 species tested, consistent with species complexes and incomplete homogenization through the process of concerted evolution.

The occurrence of beneficial and pest arthropods collected from buckwheat companion plantings on a blueberry and a vegetable farm in north Florida was characterized. Similarity of arthropod diversity at the family level was intermediate (Sørensen index = 0.59). Significantly more pollinators and parasitoids but fewer pests were collected at the blueberry than the vegetable farm. The blueberry farm, therefore, achieved the goal of using companion plants to selectively enhance the impact of natural enemies. This goal was not accomplished at the vegetable farm because relatively large numbers of tarnished plant bugs and other pests attracted to the buckwheat were not controlled by the natural enemies.

We report, for the first time, the occurrence and development of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in fruits of Acca sellowiana (Berg) Burret (Myrtaceae). Although fruits of A. sellowiana present hard and thick skin, damage caused by another insect pest, Conotrachelus psidii Marshall (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), may have enabled fruit infestation by D. suzukii.

Here, we report on the first state and county record of Euschistus quadrator Rolston (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Washington County, Mississippi. The species has been documented from Honduras to Virginia primarily on soybean, cotton, various row crops, fruit, and non-crop hosts. The local impact on agricultural crops in the area is unknown. The lack of E. quadrator sightings in Mississippi compared with the frequency of occurrence in literature from Louisiana is of interest. Weather patterns may have contributed to the range expansion. Future efforts to educate growers and consultants on identifying key characteristics of the various Euschistus species common in the southeastern United States may reveal an even larger distribution of E. quadrator in the state and region.

We present the circuitry design and plans of a photogate and accompanying Arduino board with coding for a data recording program used with a flight mill apparatus. These are being used to test the flight capacity of Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) under various environmental conditions.

Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a generalist predator commercially available for augmentative biological control of pest insects in a variety of crop and orchard systems. It is exposed to a wide variety of micronutrients based on the soil type, plant, and insect prey items consumed. Bioaccumulation of selenium by adult females of P. maculiventris fed insectary-reared Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larval prey was not statistically significant. However, adult females of P. maculiventris collected from the field that had been feeding primarily on alfalfa weevils (Hypera postica Gyllenhal; Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and those fed an artificial diet, showed significant bioaccumulation of selenium. This is the first report of biomagnification of a trace element across 3 trophic levels involving P. maculiventris.

The agave weevil, Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), is the main insect pest on maguey grown for mezcal beverage production in Guerrero, Mexico. We studied the effectiveness of several food attractants in pheromone-baited traps for capturing S. acupunctatus in mezcal maguey plantations. All of the tested food attractants synergized the response of the agave weevil to synthetic aggregation pheromone traps. Adding papalote maguey tissue, ripe banana, or ripe pineapple fruit increased the number of captured weevils in pheromone-baited traps. However, it is easier, cheaper, and more practical to use ripe banana or pineapple fruit as the bait attractant than using the agave tissue.

The habitat and adult host plants of 3 Ocoaxo species (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) are reported for the first time. In addition, their possible link to a disorder of forest pines we called “pine decline” in Mexico is discussed. The distribution of Ocoaxo varians (Stål), Ocoaxo assimilis (Walker), and Ocoaxo near fowleri (Lallemand) is described based on museum collection specimens and field collections performed during 2015.

The introduced bee species Euglossa dilemma Bembé & Eltz (Hymenoptera: Apidae) continues to spread south and west of its 2003 introduction in Broward County, Florida. This study confirms its presence in Monroe County, and additional new internet records from 2012 to 2016 have found it present in Collier and Lee counties on the west coast of Florida. Soapy water pan traps and blue vane traps were found to be effective in sampling this species, which had previously only been collected with baited traps.

Chalcodemus bicolor Fiedler (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is the most recent pest in Brazilian Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) plantations. Sampling in 2011 for parasitoids of this weevil recovered 4 Hymenoptera species, 3 in the genus Euderus (Eulophidae), comprising 98.4% of specimens, and Eurydinoteloides sp. (Pteromalidae). This is the first report of natural enemies of C. bicolor.