The biological activity of 4 Mexican isolates (SeSIN6, SeSIN8, SeSLP6, and SeSLP8) of the homologous multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus SeMNPV and their effects on the development of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were studied. An exotic isolate of SeMNPV from the United States (SeUS2) was used as a reference. Early third-instar larvae were inoculated with 5 × 106 occlusion bodies per mL, resulting in 78% mortality for SeUS2 and approximately 90% mortality for each of the 4 Mexican isolates at 144 h post-inoculation. At 168 h postinoculation, 100% mortality was obtained in all cases. All of the isolates, including SeUS2, significantly reduced the body weights of S. exigua larvae compared with the control larvae; however, at 120 h post-inoculation, the differences among isolates were not significant. All of the isolates reduced the development time of third-instar S. exigua larvae (range: 1.2– to 1.6–fold) compared with the control larvae. An independent experiment was performed to determine production of occlusion bodies and mean time to death. Third-instar S. exigua larvae (15 h after molting) were inoculated with each isolate using the same concentration mentioned above. The occlusion body production rate was similar among all isolates. The isolates SeUS2, SeSLP6, and SeSLP8 yielded the fastest mortality (range: 187–191 h). Thus, the biological activities of the Mexican SeMNPV isolates were similar to the activity of the exotic isolate, indicating that these indigenous viruses are promising for the biological control of S. exigua in Mexico.

The insect fauna associated with the genus Heliconia (Heliconiaceae) is quite diversified and includes terrestrial and aquatic species. In plants with an upright inflorescence, the bracts may form phytotelmata. Insects are one of the main taxa that have adapted to phytotelmata environments, including species of Diptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Dermaptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, and Odonata, among other orders. The Coleoptera fauna associated with phytotelmata is poorly studied, and the objective of this study was therefore to determine the distribution of beetles in Heliconia bihai (L.) (Zingiberales: Heliconiaceae) bracts in cultivated and uncultivated areas in northeastern Brazil. In addition, we describe their functional relationships. With respect to the coleopteran assemblage, 6 families were found in both areas and 3 were found only in the uncultivated Heliconia. The most abundant and frequently occurring family in both areas was Hydrophilidae, represented by a single species, Pelosoma lafertei (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae). Staphylinidae were the second most abundant and the second most frequently occurring family. The detritivores were most abundant (6 species), followed by herbivores (3 species), and predators (2 species). Abundance and richness were higher in the uncultivated area. Temperature and pH were the main factors affecting the coleopteran assemblages. A high acidity indicates an environment rich in organic matter, the main food source in phytotelmata environments.

The economic impact of the greenhouse thrips, Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouché) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), has increased on Chilean avocados as a consequence of the high value of the crop and the increased injury to the fruit surface. The population dynamics, phenology, and patterns of aggregation of H. haemorrhoidalis was determined with the objective of rationalizing the use of pesticides using a therapeutic control approach. The study was conducted in 2 avocado fields during 2005 to 2007 in the Valparaiso Region of Chile. New colonies developed on the leaves and small fruits, reaching greatest numbers at the beginning of the winter months. Immature stages were greater in number than the adults during most of the production season. The spatial distribution was calculated using Taylor's power law, showing an aggregated pattern with indices of 1.46 and 1.53 on leaves and fruits, respectively. Pooled data were used to describe the relationship between population density and the proportion of infested leaves and fruit. In the case of a density of about 2 thrips per leaf or fruit, the proportion of infested samples was 0.8. Sample size curves were generated as a function of mean density of thrips with about 20 presence/absence samples needed to estimate densities of 0.5 thrips or more at a precision level of 25%.

Larvae of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) cause severe economic loss to crucifer vegetables in Pakistan. Studies were conducted from 2007 to 2010 to identify and assess the abundance of parasitoids attacking P. xylostella in commercial, insecticide-treated cauliflower fields in southern Pakistan. In total, 6 parasitoid species were found attacking larvae and pupae of P. xylostella. These included the larval parasitoid Cotesia plutellae Kurdjumov (Hymenoptera: Braconidae); Cotesia sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae); Diadegma sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae); a larval-pupal parasitoid Oomyzus sokolowskii Kurdjumov (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae); a pupal parasitoid Diadromus collaris Gravenhorst (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae); and a pupal parasitoid, Brachymeria excarinata Gahan (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae). Cotesia plutellae provided 2.3 to 52.2% parasitism, followed by O. sokolowskii with 2.1 to 6.7% parasitism. The average parasitism caused by Cotesia sp. was < 5%. The remaining parasitoids were scarce with < 0.5% parasitism. Additional studies on parasitism by O. sokolowskii showed that there was a significant positive correlation between P. xylostella pupal weight and the number of parasitoids emerging from a pupa. More than 50% of P. xylostella parasitized pupae supported 6 to 10 O. sokolowskii adults per pupa. Efforts should be undertaken to preserve these natural enemies through cultural practices and the use of soft insecticides to allow them to function more effectively in an integrated pest management program.

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardaceae), native to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, is one of the most invasive weeds in Florida. In its native range, at least 4 psyllid species of the genus Calophya (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) are associated with it. All 4 species are monophagous and constitute a likely monophyletic group that induce pit galls, usually on the upper leaf surface. Here we revise the taxonomy of these species, 2 of which are described as new, viz. C. lutea sp. nov. and C. praestigiator sp. nov. Morphological differences between the 4 species are detailed and relevant structures are figured. Keys for adults and the fifth instars are provided for the identification of the 8 species known to induce pit galls on Schinus species.

The teak skeletonizer, Eutectona machaeralis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a primary pest of teak trees in plantations and natural forests. However, the biology of this pest is not well studied. We investigated adult emergence, calling behavior, and circadian rhythm of sex pheromone production of this moth in the laboratory. Adult emergence only occurred during scotophase, when females emerged faster than males. Females initiated sexual calling behavior starting 1 d after emergence. This behavior then peaked on the second day of emergence. Sex pheromone release peaked 7 h into scotophase, wherein 2-d-old females elicited the strongest male antennal response to this substance. Our results provide a basis for future investigations of E. machaeralis sex pheromone production that may lead to development of novel methods to control this forestry pest.

The wing shape of butterflies can be used as a character to measure individual butterfly and population-level differences in adult forms. We conducted a geometric morphometric analysis of wing shape for Speyeria diana (Cramer & Stoll 1777) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), a species currently threatened by extirpation across portions of its range. We photographed and digitized 243 pinned S. diana specimens from natural history museums in North America and Europe to compare wing shape and size across the historical and current distribution. We used principal components analysis (PCA) to compare variation in landmarks on forewings and hind wings. We used the principal component scores in a multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) to test for differences, and interactions, between male and female specimens, eastern and western specimens, low and high elevation specimens, and specimens collected before and after 1950. We found significant differences between wing shape in male and female specimens, with male forewings being narrower and more elongated, possibly making them well suited for patrolling behavior. Female forewings were more rounded and wider, possibly reflecting their life history, because much of their life is spent on the forest floor in search of oviposition sites. We found significant regional differences in male forewing shape, reflecting the long-term geographic and genetic separation between these groups. We also found significant differences in female forewing shape between low and high elevation sites. Speyeria diana female forewings from high elevation populations were narrower than low elevation populations, indicating that these females may be more mobile than those from low elevations with wider forewings. There were no effects of yr since capture of specimens. The wing shape of western populations of S. diana appears to be adapted for low dispersal, supporting other recent findings that also indicate western populations of S. diana are both spatially and genetically isolated. We conclude that the future of S. diana will require the thoughtful preservation of well-connected high elevation habitats, especially in the western distribution where dispersal is more limited than in the east.

Three new gall-maker species of Lopesia Rübsaamen, 1908 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) found in the Brazilian Cerrado ecoregion (Brazilian savanna) in Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso State, and Atlantic Forest in Ubatuba, São Paulo State, are described in this paper. Larvae, pupae, males, females, and the galls of the new species and are described and illustrated.

We compared the lethal and sublethal effects of 2 novel Betaproteobacteria-based insecticides (Burkholderia spp. strain A396 as Venerate® XC; Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 as Grandevo® WDG) for suppression of 2 polyphagous insect pests of world-wide importance: green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and Madeira mealybug, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). In laboratory and screenhouse tests, the insects were exposed to residues applied by leaf dipping, or by spraying the insects and foliage. These novel products also were compared to a well-established product, spirotetramat (Movento® 240 SC). Spirotetramat was generally effective for suppression of both species of insects, and Burkholderia (Venerate) induced mortality levels that made it competitive with spirotetramat. Chromobacterium subtsugae (Grandevo) was less satisfactory, inducing only moderate levels of mortality in both species. Reproduction by aphids surviving exposure to Burkholderia was slightly affected, whereas C. subtsugae did not affect reproduction. New Betaproteobacteria-based insecticides show promise for a useful role in suppressing important insect pests such as M. persicae and P. madeirensis.

Phytosanitary treatments approved by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) generally are applicable worldwide without regard for the country of origin of the exported commodity. However, circumstantial evidence suggests that quarantine pests may vary in tolerance to phytosanitary treatments by geographic area. If different populations of the same pest species do vary significantly in tolerance to treatments, schedules in the IPPC phytosanitary treatment standard may need to be region-specific instead of globally applicable. This issue has delayed approval of some temperature treatment schedules. The availability of various tephritid colonies at the Insect Pest Control Laboratory of the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/International Atomic Energy Agency, at Seibersdorf, Austria, is an ideal opportunity to compare species and populations of tephritids for multiple factors including tolerance to phytosanitary treatments. This research compares 3 populations of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) (China, Kenya, and Thailand) for tolerance to vapor heat treatment (47 °C and 95% RH for 150–180 min) in mangoes. Although differences were observed at sub-lethal doses, they became non-significant at levels of control required for phytosanitary treatments, indicating that vapor heat treatments may be broadly applicable geographically.

Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a serious pest of soybean in North America. Plant resistance is a valuable tool for the management of this pest, and a better understanding of the interactions between aphid and soybeans expressing varying levels and different categories of resistance can assist in the development of aphid resistant or tolerant genotypes. The electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique was used to evaluate the feeding behavior of A. glycines (biotype 1) on 4 soybean genotypes: (1) ‘Dowling’ (contains Rag1 gene and exhibits antibiosis); (2) PI 200538 (contains Rag2 gene and exhibits antixenosis); (3) KS4202 (exhibits tolerance); and (4) ‘SD76RR’ (susceptible to aphid). Aphids spent shorter periods in the sieve element phase on ‘Dowling’ and exhibited a greater number of pathway phases, non-probing events, and a longer time in nonprobing events in PI 200538 and ‘Dowling.’ For ‘SD76RR’ and KS4202, aphids demonstrated more sustained phloem ingestion, spent shorter time in non-probing events, and exhibited fewer pathway phases and potential drops. These results indicate that resistance factors are present in the phloem of ‘Dowling.’ For PI 200538, it is suggested that antixenotic factors are involved in resistance to A. glycines. Because KS4202 is tolerant to biotype 1 of A. glycines, the suitability of this genotype was expected already. This study provides important data that contribute to the understanding of how soybean aphids (biotype 1) feed on soybean genotypes with various aphid resistant genes and categories. In addition to assisting in the distinction between resistance categories, these results are useful in soybean breeding programs focusing on developing genotypes with greater resistance to insects.

Ambrosia beetles in the Euwallacea nr. fornicatus complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) vector Fusarium spp. fungi pathogenic to susceptible hosts, including avocado, Persea americana Mill., (Lauraceae). Previous survey traps in Florida avocado groves indicated significant beetle populations in several groves with minimal observed beetle activity, suggesting an external beetle source. A natural area near one such grove revealed E. nr. fornicatus colonization of wild tamarind, Lysiloma latisiliquum (L.) Bentham (Fabaceae). A survey of the natural area was conducted to understand the role that natural areas might play in E. nr. fornicatus ecology in southern Florida. Headspace volatiles from rasped avocado and L. latisiliquum bark were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) to identify potential attractants. Genetic analysis confirmed that these beetles and their symbiotic fungi are of the same complex that attacks Florida avocado. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis indicated that avocado is high in α-copaene (a known attractant of E. nr. fornicatus), but this kairomone is lacking in L. latisiliquum. Host diam and ht were examined for potential influence on colonization behavior. Albizia lebbeck (L.) Bentham (Fabaceae) and an unknown shrub also were observed to be suitable hosts. Concurrent with this study, a nearby grove of soursop, Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), was found to have infestations of E. nr. fornicatus. Euwallacea nr. fornicatus populations are increasing in Florida and other cultivated and native trees are potentially at risk. Further research is warranted to better understand the ecology of this emerging pest and the chemical cues used for host location.

Ornamental plants provide valuable services that benefit people and the environment. Herbivorous insects, particularly invasive pests with little resistance from natural enemies or plant defenses, damage plants and reduce the beneficial services they provide. Reduced-risk insecticides are valuable tools to selectively reduce target pests and protect plants while presumably conserving natural enemies. Herein, we conducted 2 separate tests of a new reduced-risk insecticide, cyantraniliprole, and industry standards for the control of Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), a damaging invasive insect pest of ornamental plants. We also evaluated each insecticide's compatibility with Orius insidiosus Say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), an important natural enemy of S. dorsalis. During laboratory evaluations, we found that spinosad was superior in acute toxicity to S. dorsalis and compatibility with O. insidiosus. Cyantraniliprole was consistently moderately toxic to S. dorsalis and O. insidiosus under lab conditions. In the field study, we found that all reduced-risk insecticides had no detectable effect on natural enemy abundance. Cyantraniliprole provided the best plant protection, with 70% less damage than the untreated control. Importantly, the effect of cyantraniliprole on S. dorsalis and plant protection depended on the application rate, such that the lowest rate tested did not reduce damage. This study demonstrates IPM tactics for managing an important invasive pest with a combination of chemical and biological control. As non-target effects of commonly used insecticides are becoming better understood, safer tools are needed to protect beneficial organisms, ornamental plants, and their services.

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a generalist feeder that is known to successfully feed and breed on a variety of fruits and vegetables in the tropical and subtropical zones of Asia. Recently, the northward extension of B. dorsalis has been reported, and this geographic range increase relates to both climate changes and the rapid development of domestic and international trade and travel. However, it has not been possible to determine the origin of this pest, which is trapped in north China. In this study, traps baited with the sex attractant methyl eugenol were used to collect B. dorsalis in Beijing, China. With these traps B. dorsalis populations were sampled at the same time in 5 different latitudes of China and used to determine the distribution of δ²H stable isotope values. The relationship between rainwater and the B. dorsalis δ²H stable isotope values at these sites was modelled, which then could be used to hypothesize the population origin of B. dorsalis trapped in Beijing, China. The results showed that δ²H stable isotope values for B. dorsalis from Beijing were not consistent with that of the rainwater in Beijing, but rather were consistent with the results obtained from Fuzhou in southeast China. Bactrocera dorsalis trapped in Beijing was not a resident population, and may have come from South China. The fruit and vegetable trade may have vectored the fly northward in China. Our results also showed that δ²H stable isotope technology is a promising strategy for tracing the population origins of invasive fruit flies.

Tetranychus ogmophallos Ferreira & Flechtmann (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an emergent pest in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. [Fabaceae]) and an important pest of forage peanut (A. pintoi Krapov. & W.C. Greg. [Fabaceae]). The susceptibility of T. ogmophallos to Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikof) Sorokin (Clavicipitaceae) was evaluated under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In the laboratory, adult T. ogmophallos females were treated with B. bassiana and M. anisopliae using a Potter's tower, and in the greenhouse, bio-insecticides were applied on infested peanut plants. Both fungal suspensions containing 108 conidia per mL caused greater mortality in adult T. ogmophallos females. At 7 d after treatment under laboratory conditions, B. bassiana resulted in 100% mortality and M. anisopliae almost 100% mortality. Bio-insecticides substantially reduced the mite population density under greenhouse conditions when applied to infested peanut plants, with mite populations reduced 84% and 92% by B. bassiana and M. anisopliae, respectively. Under greenhouse conditions, the increase in the number of mites per plant observed at 15 d after treatment suggests the need to repeat the entomopathogen application. Our results demonstrate that B. bassiana and M. anisopliae are promising biological agents to control T. ogmophallos. The practical application of this work for managing T. ogmophallos population on peanut crop is discussed.

Bean flower thrips, Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a serious pest of cowpea in Hainan province, China. In this study, the predation functional response and life table parameters of the minute pirate bug, Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), feeding on M. usitatus were measured in the laboratory. The functional response of O. sauteri to increasing M. usitatus density was described by Holling's disc equation, and the maximum predation rate was 45.3 over 24 h. The intraspecific interference of O. sauteri was significant with increasing O. sauteri density. Orius sauteri was able to complete its life cycle feeding on M. usitatus, with an intrinsic rate of increase (r) of 0.16 and fecundity of 95.4 eggs per female. Female and male minute pirate bugs consumed an average of 304.7 and 104.0 thrips over their lifetimes, respectively. These results show O. sauteri to be a potential biological control agent in the integrated pest management of M. usitatus.

The Chinese citrus fly, Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the most destructive pest in many citrus orchards of south central China. Methyl eugenol and cuelure, 2 potent male lures that are effective for capturing related species, are believed not to attract this species. Limited knowledge is available about the effectiveness of attractant traps for this pest. A field trial was carried out to determine the efficacy of 8 attractant traps to B. minax. The study was conducted during the adult occurrence season in an orchard of navel orange, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Rutaceae), in Zhijiang County, Hunan Province, China, in 2016. To link the efficacy of these attractant traps with the pest population, fruit infestations in the orchard also were investigated. As expected, this study confirmed that methyl eugenol and cuelure were not attractive to B. minax. Green-colored sticky spheres trapped significantly more flies and males than methyl eugenol and cuelure-baited traps. On average, ammonium acetate putrescine trapped more females than males, but it was not statistically better than any of the other tested attractant traps. Fruit infestation rates by B. minax ranged from 0.7 to 11.1% in the replicates. Judging by the results of trapping and actual field infestation, it appears that trap effectiveness of the 8 attractant traps was low. A more potent attractant trap is needed, especially for early detection of the pest.

The small decapitating fly, Pseudacteon bifidus Brown and Morrison (Diptera: Phoridae), is a parasitoid of the tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata (F.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). This fly is of interest as a potential self-sustaining biocontrol agent because tropical fire ants are invasive pests throughout the world's tropics, especially on islands of the Pacific. The objective of this study was to develop methods for mass rearing P. bifidus and to study related aspects of its biology. The flies used in this study were collected near the Nueces River north of Catarina, Texas, USA. We found that P. bifidus parasitizes minor workers with an average head width of 0.71 ± 0.10 mm (0.59–1.15, range). The sex ratio of adult flies was moderately skewed to males (58:42%), with males slightly more likely to emerge from the smallest hosts and females from the largest ones. The average generation time was 30 d at 27.6 °C. Average larval development time was 14 d at 27.6 °C, but the pattern was highly skewed with a mode of 11 d and about 15% of individuals in a long tail of slow developing larvae, which extended out to at least 41 d. Male pupae emerged faster than female pupae (0.8 d, 23.5 °C). Unlike other Pseudacteon species, adult females were not ready to oviposit until 8 to 24 h after eclosure. We were able to rear 9,500 ± 2,800 flies per generation primarily by modifying preexisting rearing procedures (1) to provide adults access to water and sugar water so they could live longer, (2) by extending access to hosts for 1 to 2 extra d, and (3) by avoiding reuse of host colonies with poor rates of parasitism. Labor costs were decreased by rearing in discrete generations and the use of an attack box with automatic temperature, humidity, lighting, and mechanical controls that allowed flies to emerge, mate, and parasitize hosts without the need for constant management. The success of these rearing efforts provided a foundation for subsequent studies of P. bifidus host specificity and host suitability.

Fifteen species of parasitoids emerged from 6 species of scale insects, all are recorded for the first time in Maranhão State, Brazil. A total of 20 coccoid/parasitoid associations were found, 5 of which are new host records for the parasitoid species: Coccus hesperidum (L.) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) with Arrhenophagus chionaspidis (Aurivillius) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae); and Praelongorthezia praelonga (Douglas) (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae) with Aenasius sp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Encyrtus aurantii (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Aprostocetus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Signiphora sp. (Hymenoptera: Signiphoridae).

Strepsiptera are a small order of obligately endoparasitic insects. Adult females are neotenic and never leave their host, instead bearing motile young that seek out their own insect hosts to infect. Males eclose without killing their hosts. In their 4-h adult lifespan, they fly off to search for mating opportunities, assisted by unconventional eyes with few, but large, ommatidia. Such distinctive features make Strepsiptera interesting in their own right, but also offer an opportunity to better understand evolutionary innovation. Unfortunately, Strepsiptera also are minute, reclusive, and difficult to obtain, severely reducing the study thereof, especially species not infecting solitary bees or social wasps. Here we describe methods for the successful capture of a strepsipteran species. We placed an ultraviolet light trap among Spartina alterniflora Loisel (Poaceae) shoots to attract adult male Elenchus koebelei Pierce (Strepsiptera: Elenchidae) in salt marshes in the southeastern United States. In 72 d of sampling, 488 adult males were captured between 30 min before and 15 min after sunrise. None arrived more than 63 min before or 36 min after sunrise. The majority of E. koebelei were caught at wind speeds ranging from 0 to 10 km/h; however, a light breeze of about 1.5 km/h appears to be preferred. The highest daily catches occurred when the temperature was between 23 and 26 °C. No Strepsiptera were caught at temperatures below 17 °C. With 521 adult male E. koebelei caught in a single light trap, our results show this little-known parasite may be reliably obtained, enhancing opportunities for further study.

The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliv.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a highly damaging pest of palm trees worldwide. The infestation is highly concealed in nature. Hence, a highly sensitive and reliable early detection technique needs to be applied in the field for identification and treatment of the infested date palms to curtail further infestation. We have recently reported the differential proteomic analysis of the date palm stem tissues associated with the red palm weevil infestation. In this study, we examine the response of date palm infested with red palm weevil based on the leaf proteome expression changes detected using two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) followed by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF). We observed qualitative and quantitative proteome differences between the control and weevil-infested date palm samples. The red palm weevil infestation induced specific responses attributable to weevil feeding, relative to artificially wounded trees (which were used as a control). Differential proteomics led to the identification of 32 red palm weevil infestation-specific protein spots (P ≤ 0.05 having ≥ 1.5-fold modulation) that were further subjected to mass spectrometer analysis for identification and characterization. Proteins involved in plant stress and plant defense, photosynthesis, carbohydrate utilization, and protein degradation were affected in infested plants. The differentially expressed red palm weevil infestation-specific peptides can be used as biomarkers for the identification of early infestation with this insect in date palm trees. Moreover, our study demonstrates the potential use of proteomic strategies in diagnosing phyto-infestation caused by insect pests, diseases, and perhaps even for variety selection.

Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the principal quarantine pests in Colombian fruit production. Studies have shown that the nominal species is a complex of cryptic species and that the more common biological entity that exists in Colombia, the “Andean morphotype,” is a species, different from others on the continent. The bioecological information available for this morphotype is scarce, yet it is essential for establishing integrated pest management programs and for defining the insect's quarantine status. Knowledge of the pest's population structure, whether biological, genetic or morphological, is a valuable tool in making management decisions. The goal of this study was to gain information on the phenotypic structure of the Colombian populations of this species complex through the morphometric study of the eggs, larvae, and adults. Populations of A. fraterculus s.l. from 2 fruit species widely known as hosts for this insect (coffee, Coffea arabica L. [Rubiaceae], at medium altitudes; feijoa, Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) [Myrtaceae]) at high altitudes) were collected at 9 Colombian localities from the south of the country (Nariño) to the northeast (Santander). Adults were obtained from the collected fruits, which were then used to rear insects in feijoa fruits. Significant variables were selected using a discriminant analysis, and the differences between the populations were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance. The variability of each significant variable was studied with a Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis. The morphological variables studied were 21 for adult females, 7 for adult males, 24 for third-instar larvae, and 2 for the eggs. Intraspecific variability was found in the Colombian populations of the A. fraterculus Andean morphotype. In populations from higher altitudes, the adults and larvae are larger, whereas the eggs are smaller, compared to populations from lower altitudes. Variability might have a genetic component and be due to the limited movement of the individuals, which may favor the application of management activities in selected areas.

Cardiophorus carinatus Mathison and Douglas sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Elateridae) is described from the Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem of Florida, USA. In addition, C. robustus LeConte, 1853, is rediscovered in North America from Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island.

Bedellia somnulentella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Bedelliidae) is a specialist Convolvulaceae pest. Its larvae damage host plants by mining young and mature leaves. This is the first report of B. somnulentella in the Brazilian territory. This pest was observed on young and mature Ipomoea batatas (L.) (Solanales: Convolvulaceae) leaves in Diamantina, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. This insect alters the leaf appearance due to its mines, changing the leaf color to yellowish-brown, which reduces the photosynthetic area. The presence of B. somnulentella in Brazil makes it necessary to include this insect in pest monitoring programs in sweet potato plantations.

Curculionid beetles are significant pests of avocado trees (Persea americana [Lauraceae]). Adults of Heilus freyreissi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are reported for the first time on avocado trees, feeding on the tender lateral branches, the central leaf vein, inflorescences, peduncles, and fruits at the beginning of development. These injuries were consistently associated with symptoms of anthracnose disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum sp. Thus, infestation of this insect may be of great economic significance in avocado production, because of its ability to attack various plant organs as well as it being a vector of the pathogen Colletotrichum sp.

Mallodon dasystomus Say (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Prioninae) is a pest of hardwood trees in the southern United States that recently began attacking trees in avocado groves in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The larvae feed hidden inside the tree, and adult attractants have not been commercialized; consequently, this species is difficult to find in field environments. It was of interest to consider the potential use of insect acoustic detection devices to help survey the magnitude and locations M. dasystomus populations in commercial avocado groves so that the extent of their economic damage could be estimated. An insect acoustic detection system was tested in 2 avocado groves on 11 trees suspected of harboring infestations. Four infested trees were identified and 6 were correctly classified as uninfested. One uninfested tree was classified as infested, possibly due to the occurrence of wind during signal recording. The use of acoustic methods to detect M. dasystomus can be of benefit in estimating its economic damage to the Florida avocado industry already facing losses from laurel wilt, caused by Raffaelea lauricola, Harrington, Fraedrich, and Aghayeva (Ophiostomataceae), vectored by redbay ambrosia beetle Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (Ploetz et al. 2017), and Fusarium (Hypocreaceae) dieback, vectored by Euwallacea nr. fornicatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (Carrillo et al. 2016; Kendra et al. 2017).

Saissetia miranda (Cockerell & Parrott) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) was collected on leaves and stems of mahogany seedlings, Swietenia macrophylla King (Meliaceae), produced under greenhouse conditions in Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil. This is the first report of this scale insect in Brazil and S. macrophylla as a host. Morphological characteristics of S. miranda and comparisons with similar species also are presented.

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has resistance to many groups of synthetic insecticides. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) in combination with low-toxicity insecticides at low and high dosages to control fifth-instar larvae in bioassays. The use of S. carpocapsae chlorantraniliprole or spinetoram caused larvae mortality of over 90% at 72 h at the high dose and should be included as a least toxic strategy to control fall armyworm.

Conventionally, sampling for insects has been limited to the ground level or low altitudes. Recent progress in unmanned aerial vehicles has made it more feasible to use this technique for aerial sampling of insect populations. In this study, we developed a rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle with remote-controlled insect net openings that allows serial sampling at designated altitudes. A total of 21 flights using the unmanned aerial vehicle system captured 251 insects in 6 orders and 22 families at 5, 10, 50, and 100 m above rice fields in South Korea. The results of this study demonstrate that the aerial sampling can collect diverse pest and beneficial insects above rice fields and demonstrate a promising alternative to conventional sampling methods.

This paper describes the first record of the cosmopolitan moth Anatrachyntis badia on the native Florida cycad Zamia integrifolia, and discusses its possible pollination benefit for this threatened plant. This new record is interesting due to the highly toxic nature of these endangered plants as well as their strict reliance on insect pollination for reproduction. It suggests that associations between species of Anatrachyntis and members of the Cycadales may be more widespread than currently known.

The bean root aphid, Smynthurodes betae Westwood (Aphididae: Eriosomatinae: Fordini) is reported for the first time feeding on haustoria of branched broomrape, Phelipanche ramosa, (Orobanchaceae) a cropparasitic plant. Field surveys conducted in Poland revealed infestations of P. ramosa by nymphs and adult apterous females of a secondary-host generation of S. betae in 1 locality in Sandomierz County, near Szewce, Poland. Numerous nymphs of S. betae fed on broomrape sap, resulting in poor growth or dead shoots, and 10 to 20% of the total population of broomrape was infested. Potential use of this insect as a biological control method for invasive broomrapes requires further study.

This study reports possible parasitism of the spider Teudis sp. Pickard- Cambridge (Araneae: Anyphaenidae) by the parasitoid Semaeomyia sp. Bradley (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae) as a parasitoid. In Oct 2016, we collected fruits of the Senegalia tenuifolia (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae) that previously were bagged with voile fabric, at the campus of the Federal University of Lavras, at Lavras, Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. In 1 of the fruits, we observed an anyphaenid spider, Teudis sp., from which an individual of Semaeomyia sp. apparently had emerged. We suggest that this may be the first record of a host species for Semaeomyia and the first parasitism record of spiders by the family Evaniidae, which is widely known to parasitize cockroach egg sacs. Additional research is needed on this poorly known group of parasitoids.

Iphimeis dives Germar (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was recorded feeding on young and mature leaves of Inga edulis Mart. (Fabaceae) plants in the urban area of Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in Nov 2013 and Nov 2014 at the beginning of the rainy season. Iphimeis dives males and females were brought to the laboratory for species identification, and fecundity characteristics (the proportion of females laying eggs, number of eggs per mass, and the period of time required for an act of oviposition) were determined. Inga edulis is added to the host plant list for I. dives. Each female of this species deposited 69.2 ± 10.6 eggs in a single mass in 2.6 ± 1.1 d (± SE).

Phloeotribus pruni Wood (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) is reported for the first time associated with the collapse of peach (Prunus persica) trees in Coatepec de Harinas, State of Mexico, Mexico. One hundred percent incidence of collapsed trees was found in a 2 ha peach orchard. In 10 trees sampled, a mean number of 3.3 adults and 4 larvae per 25 cm2 of bark were found. Trees died 12 to 18 months after the onset of symptoms. The 100% incidence of attacked trees, and the tree death 12 to 18 months after the first detection of the insect, point out the importance of this pest.