Many scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), including species of great economic importance, are associated with plants of the genus Citrus in citrusproducing regions around the world. Revision and updating of lists of scale insect species based on field surveys contributes to improving their management and is an important tool for preventing their introduction into non-infested areas. The purpose of this study was to present an updated list of scale insect species in citrus orchards in São Paulo, Brazil. Samples were collected between Sep 2014 and Sep 2015, and between Sep 2016 and Jul 2017, from rural and urban areas and from nurseries in 27 municipalities in the principal citrus-producing regions in the state of São Paulo, known as the “citrus belt.” A total of 22 species in 6 families were identified: (1) Coccidae: Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, Coccus viridis (Green), Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner), Saissetia coffeae (Walker); (2) Diaspididae: Acutaspis scutiformis (Cockerell), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), Chrysomphalus aonidum (L.), Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard), Melanaspis smilacis (Comstock), Parlatoria cinerea Hadden in Doane & Hadden, Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas), Pinnaspis aspidistrae (Signoret), Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green), Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan), Unaspis citri (Comstock); (3) Lecanodiaspididae: Lecanodiaspis rugosa Hempel; (4) Monophlebidae: Icerya purchasi Maskell; (5) Ortheziidae: Praelongorthezia praelonga (Douglas), and (6) Pseudococcidae: Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), Leptococcus minutus (Hempel), Planococcus citri (Risso), and Pseudococcus cryptus Hempel. This is the first report of L. gloverii, P. nigra, P. aspidistrae, P. trilobitiformis, and P. cryptus on citrus in São Paulo, and of M. smilacis on Rutaceae host plants. Parlatoria ziziphi, S. articulatus, and U. citri were the most frequently observed species on the sampled plants, and they are among those that reached high levels of infestation throughout the collection period. A review of all scale insects associated with Citrus spp. in Brazil also is included.

This study evaluated the flight propensity of 6 isofemale lines of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) using a flight test developed as a quality control measure for mass reared Trichogramma wasps. The same isofemale lines were used in earlier work to determine fecundity in the laboratory and performance in the field. We used 5 isofemale lines from a Mediterranean climate, collected in Irvine, California, USA, and 1 isoline from a humid subtropical climate, collected in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The flight propensity was assessed with a short-range flight test of the different isofemale lines at 2 different relative humidity levels, 80% and 30%. Relative humidity (RH) affected only the isofemale line from Piracicaba, and about 30% fewer insects flew in high RH conditions compared with low RH conditions. Relative humidity conditions did not affect the California isofemale lines, which showed a flight propensity above 75% in both RH conditions. These results showed that for some lines, environmental conditions at the release sites might adversely affect the flight propensity. However, just the flight test method was not sensitive enough to discriminate the lines with different field performances.

Repellents and feeding deterrents are underutilized tactics for plant pest damage suppression. Here I report on laboratory and screenhouse studies that assessed a copper hydroxide-based fungicide as a chemical barrier to prevent the Cuban brown snail, Zachrysia provisoria (Pfeiffer, 1858) (Gastropoda: Pleurodontidae) from accessing plants and from feeding on foliage. This snail species is considered to be one of the most important molluscs affecting plants in Florida. Studies were conducted as a follow-up to previous research with different molluscs that demonstrated the potential usefulness of copper hydroxide formulated in a commercial fungicide as a repellent. Although the residue of copper hydroxide displayed repellency to Z. provisoria in laboratory studies, it did not effectively prevent snails from climbing the sides of pots to access plants in screenhouses. Addition of 2 spreader-stickers, Bonide Turbo® and Southern Ag®, to the copper hydroxide to enhance retention of the fungicide did not improve performance. However, when copper hydroxide was applied to pots and foliage, feeding on vegetation was significantly suppressed under screenhouse conditions. I attribute these results to better fungicide residue persistence on foliage than on plastic pots.

Potential barrier materials (diatomaceous earth, hydrated lime, sulfur, fumed silica, wood ash) and chemical repellents (2 essential oil-based sprays) were evaluated for their efficacy to prevent herbivory by the Florida leatherleaf slug, Leidyula floridana (Leidy, 1851) (Gastropoda: Veronicellidae) by placing a band of material around the plant tissue or by direct application to foliage. Hydrated lime and sulfur effectively prevented foliage damage compared with the other 3 materials when presented as barriers. Dusting or sprinkling these barrier materials on foliage generally did not inhibit feeding by slugs, but sprinkling hydrated lime or wood ash onto foliage significantly reduced herbivory. Two commercially available essential oil formulations were evaluated for their effectiveness at repelling L. floridana. Pure ‘N’ Natural Snail & Slug Away (a cinnamon oil-based product) was quite effective whereas Slug & Snail Defense (containing cedar oil, pine oil, peppermint oil, and white pepper) was ineffective. Contact toxicities of barrier materials and essential oil products were assessed, and compared with a metaldehyde-based bait (Corry's Slug and Snail Pellets), an iron phosphate-based bait (Ecosense Slug and Snail Pellets), and a sulfur-based bait (Ortho Bug-getta Snail and Slug Killer2). Mortality of slugs was high when slugs were exposed to metaldehyde, hydrated lime, and the cinnamon oil-based spray. Iron phosphate bait, sulfur bait, and fumed silica were less effective but provided some reduction in herbivory. Soil moisture adversely affected efficacy of barrier materials, significantly compromising functionality relative to dry soils. Water uptake from soil by barrier materials was positively correlated with foliage consumption but pH was negatively correlated. Because of the negative correlation of pH with consumption, the negative effects of soil moisture on barrier effectiveness, and the rapid physiological response of slugs to some materials, these barrier materials are perhaps better considered to be physiochemical barriers rather than physical barriers.

The feeding responses of the predatory stink bugs Euthyrhynchus floridanus (L.) and Podisus maculiventris Say (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to the kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Hemiptera: Plataspidae), as prey were studied in the laboratory. Euthyrhynchus floridanus was 20 to 40% more efficient than P. maculiventris at feeding on M. cribraria adults with or without the soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), as alternative prey. All life stages of both predators preferred to feed on M. cribraria compared with C. includens. Each predator killed an increasingly greater number of prey as prey density increased but predation did not continue to increase when 4 to 5 M. cribraria were present at the same time. The maximum limit in number of prey killed was probably imposed by predator satiation in conjunction with prey defense mechanisms. Our study demonstrated that E. floridanus is a potential biocontrol agent for M. cribraria. However, more testing is necessary to determine the impact of this predator in the field.

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are soft-bodied insects that infest a variety of ornamental plants, and early instars are almost undetectable to the human eye. Because the cryptic mealybugs can cause significant damage quickly, plant cuttings often are preventively dipped into pyrethroidbased insecticides. Dips differ widely, however, in their phytotoxicity, effectiveness in killing mealybugs, and operational efficiency and cost. Therefore, to assess the efficacy of alternative dips, tests were conducted on biorational products for controlling the Madeira mealybug, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, on coleus plants, Plectranthus scutellarioides, var. ‘Big Red Judy’ L. (Lamiaceae). Initially, phytotoxicity was evaluated using different concentrations and exposure times for dips containing Natur'l oil, dish detergent, Wetcit®, or Vapor Gard®. The highest concentrations of these products for which phytotoxicity could be tolerated were 1%, 1%, 0.1%, and 0.1%, respectively, in 30 s dips. Based on the results, these concentrations were used in dips to evaluate their effectiveness in eliminating mealybugs. The most effective biorational product, Natur'l oil, then was compared with the commercial standard synthetic pyrethroid, Mavrik Aquaflow® (22.3% tau-fluvalinate). Both products killed > 90% of the nymphs within 14 d when applied as a 1% aqueous mixture for 60 s. Thus, Natur'l oil could be used instead of the pyrethroid as a dip to remove Madeira mealybugs from coleus cuttings.

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an important insect pest of sorghum and sugarcane crops throughout the United States and Mexico. In 2013, its capacity for crop destruction of these 2 commodities amounted to millions of dollars. Currently, no artificial diets are available that can be used for in vitro screening of potential bioactive substances toxic to this aphid species. The objective of our work, reported herein, was to evaluate liquid artificial diets for use in such in vitro screening bioassays. We evaluated a diet originally developed for the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer [Hemiptera: Aphididae]) and another for the whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii Bellow and Perring [Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae]). Melanaphis sacchari did not survive on the M. persicae diet, whereas about 46% survived on the whitefly diet that contained 30% sucrose and 5% yeast extract during the 10 d trial. Further tests then were conducted to determine if sucrose alone at concentrations of 15, 30, and 50% would be a sufficient artificial diet. We found that M. sacchari survival at 10 d post ingestion was greatest (87%) when the diet contained 30% sucrose alone. This solution represented the best diet option for use for in vitro toxicological screening bioassays for the sugarcane aphid.

Results from studies to improve mass rearing production of the parasitoid Aphytis melinus De Bach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) are presented. Parasitoid production was carried out following standard commercial procedures using an alternative host, Aspidiotus nerii Bouché (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), infesting Cucurbita moschata (Duchesne) (Cucurbitaceae), butternut squash. We found that the initial number of A. melinus adults introduced into rearing cages to start production and the scale/parasitoid ratio in those cages profoundly influenced future parasitoid production. We also observed that scale parasitism was positively correlated with the production of parasitoid adults, but this relationship was negatively correlated if > 2.6 parasitoids per d, per cm², were used in the cages to start parasitism. Supplemental honey (provided on the squash surface) had no clear impact on parasitoid production or survival, but improved host parasitism. Approximately 47% of the host scale population on squash was parasitized, with another 43.1% of the population recorded as dead. We found that ≤ 10 host scales per cm² on squash was an adequate density for mass production purposes.

In 1999, Anticarsia gemmatalis nucleopolyhedrovirus (AgMNPV) was introduced into a major soybean-growing region in Tamaulipas, Mexico, for control of its lepidopteran host, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The virus introduction proved to be highly successful in controlling this agronomically important pest. In order to determine the genotypic diversity and insecticidal traits of Mexican AgMNPVs, we obtained 30 field-collected isolates from Tamaulipas State. Five distinct variants (genotypes 1–5) were identified from plaques replicated in A. gemmatalis larvae by examination of restriction profiles using HindIII. Initial screening indicated that none of the variants, or co-occluded mixtures of variants in different proportions, was more pathogenic than the 30 field isolates mixture or a reference variant from Brazil (AgMNPV-2D). Mean occlusion body production also was similar among genotype variants, the mixture of 30 field isolates and AgMNPV-2D treatments, but was significantly reduced in 1 co-occluded mixture. Speed of kill also was similar among variants (except genotype 1) and their mixtures. Lethal concentration metrics indicated that these results were unlikely due to selection of variants with reduced pathogenicity during the plaque purification process. We conclude that the mixture of 30 field isolates most likely would prove suitable for use as a biological insecticide in the soybean-growing region of Mexico.

Parasitoids, both primary and secondary (hyperparasitoids), of Hypogeococcus spp. mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are reviewed to report results of the surveys in the New World conducted during 2009 to 2017 for prospective natural enemies of the Harrisia cactus mealybug, Hypogeococcus sp., which is devastating native cacti in Puerto Rico and threatening cacti in the adjacent Caribbean islands. Five species of Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) are recorded as primary parasitoids of Hypogeococcus spp., including the newly described Leptomastidea hypogeococci Triapitsyn sp. n., which is the only species of the genus Leptomastidea García Mercet in the New World where the clava of the female antenna is contrastingly white. Genetic analysis of the individuals of L. hypogeococci from Argentina, Brazil, and Puerto Rico (USA) corroborates the morphological data that the same species occurs in South America, the Caribbean islands, and Florida (USA). A key to the New World species of Leptomastidea is given and taxonomic notes are provided on its other known species in the Neotropical region. Leptomastidea antillicola Dozier, syn. n. from Puerto Rico is synonymized under L. abnormis (Girault). Based on the presented molecular data, Anagyrus ciomperliki Triapitsyn syn. n. (Encyrtidae), originally described from Puerto Rico, is synonymized under A. quilmes Triapitsyn, Logarzo & Aguirre, where the known distributional range is expanded to also include Brazil. Anagyrus cachamai Triapitsyn, Logarzo & Aguirre, A. lapachosus Triapitsyn, Aguirre & Logarzo, and A. quilmes are newly recorded from Paraguay. The previously unknown male of Prochiloneurus argentinensis (De Santis) (Encyrtidae) is described from Misiones Province of Argentina, and that of P. narendrani Noyes & Triapitsyn is described from Mona Island, Puerto Rico. So far, Anagyrus cachamai and A. lapachosus are considered to be the primary target species for introduction from Argentina and Paraguay into Puerto Rico for the biological control of Harrisia cactus mealybug. The holotype of Anagyrus tanystis De Santis from Buenos Aires, Argentina, host associations are unknown, and is illustrated to facilitate its recognition from other congeneric species.

Botanical-based miticides, such as neem oil, are used in organic and conventional agronomic production as part of chemical rotation plans to suppress pest mite populations. Other plant-based compounds such as nootkatone (a component of essential oils distilled from grapefruit, Citrus paradisi Macfayden (Rutaceae), and Alaskan yellow cedar, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis [D. Don] Spach [Cupressaceae]), also may serve as effective organic miticides in crop production systems. We report on a lignin-encapsulated (LE) nootkatone formulation (previously effective at repelling ticks) that was evaluated as a miticide against the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). At an application rate of 1 g/L AI, LE nootkatone caused 85% mortality of spider mites in the absence of silk webbing, but only 12% mortality when webbing was present. Another component of Alaskan yellow cedar oil, carvacrol, was added at a rate of 1 ml/L to the LE formulation. Spider mite mortality to this formulation, with webbing present, increased to 81%. Although the LE nootkatone and carvacrol combination exhibited phytotoxicity, it does have potential as a miticide. However, more work is needed to reduce the phytotoxicity of current formulations.

Detection of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), relies heavily on traps baited with trimedlure, a male-specific attractant. Originally used as a liquid, trimedlure is now dispensed from solid polymeric plugs that reduce volatilization and increase the effective field longevity of the lure. Many of the previous bioassays that measured trimedlure longevity were conducted in Hawaii and adopted a simple “50% rule” for trimedlure plug replacement, i.e., trimedlure plugs should be changed out when their attractiveness (trap captures of male medflies) drops below 50% that observed for fresh trimedlure liquid. The goal of the present study was to assess the field effectiveness of trimedlure plugs in Florida and apply standard statistical analyses to the trapping data. Sterile marked male medflies were released in a citrus orchard with traps containing 3 trimedlure treatments: 2 mL fresh liquid, 2 g fresh plugs, or 2 g plugs aged for intervals of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 wk. A single release of approximately 40,000 males was performed for each of the weathering intervals. Weathered trimedlure plugs were as effective as fresh lures when aged 6 wk or less, but catch was significantly reduced for plugs weathered 8 or more wk. At 8 to 12 wk, remaining trimedlure content per plug was ≤ 0.4 g. Ancillary field trials in Hawaii compared male medfly captures in traps baited with fresh 2 or 3 g trimedlure plugs, or 2 or 3 g plugs weathered for 6, 8, or 10 wk. Two and 3 g plugs weathered for 6 wk were as attractive as fresh lures, but 3 g plugs were more effective than 2 g plugs at the longer weathering intervals. Results are compared with prior studies, and implications for medfly management strategies are discussed.

This paper describes the anatomy of the female reproductive system of the agave weevil, Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhall (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae). This insect is considered a primary pest of agave (Agave spp.) (Asparagaceae) and tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) (Asparagaceae) in Mexico. Developmental biology and ovarian maturation of laboratory-reared S. acupunctatus fed a meridic diet was compared with individuals fed tuberose bulbs. Ovarian maturation was classified according to ovariole and follicle differentiation, as well as the presence of follicular relics. This classification yielded 1 parous and 3 nulliparous stages. We found that ovarian maturation was delayed for those weevils fed the meridic diet compared with those fed tuberose bulbs. Also, the greatest number of ovarian follicles occurred in individuals fed tuberose bulbs; however, this relationship changed with the age of the insect. Proximal length and follicular area also varied according to age and type of diet. We believe that the ovarian developmental stages described here for S. acupunctatus could be a useful method to monitor parity status of field populations when assessing the effectiveness of control programs for this weevil pest.

Heraclides anchisiades capys (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), Citioica anthonilis (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), and Methona themisto (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) are tree and shrub pests commonly found in urban areas. The parasitism capacity of Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was evaluated on pupae of these lepidopteran pests as well as on 2 commonly used alternative hosts, Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The number of parasitoids produced per mg of host pupal biomass was significantly greater on H. anchisiades capys and T. molitor compared with the other 3 lepidopteran species. The mean number of parasitoids emerging per host pupa was also significantly more on H. anchisiades capys compared with C. anthonilis, M. themisto, A. gemmatalis, or T. molitor. All host species tested in this study show the potential to be used in mass rearing P. elaeisis in the laboratory. However, the lower parasitism and emergence of P. elaeisis on H. anchisiades capys pupae suggests that this lepidopteran pest may not be a suitable host for this parasitoid in the field.

Predatory stinkbugs such as Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) have been mass-reared in the laboratory and released for use in integrated pest management programs. However, the rearing of this natural enemy may not coincide with pest outbreaks in the field, which indicates the need for techniques to manipulate the life cycle of the predator. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different temperatures on the development and other biological characteristics of the stinkbug predator P. nigrispinus. Six temperatures were used (13, 17, 21, 25, 29, and 33 °C ± 0.2 °C), and the following parameters were evaluated: duration of egg and nymphal stages; survival rate of the nymphal stages and newly emerged adults; adult longevity; number of eggs per female; pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods; and adult weight. At 4 temperatures it was possible to obtain survival at all nymphal stages. Longer adult longevity, pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods were obtained at 17 °C. However, the number of eggs, weight, and size were negatively affected by this cooler temperature. Temperatures of 21 and 25 °C were the most appropriate for the development of the predator; however, the temperatures 17 and 29 °C allowed delay or acceleration of the predator's life cycle, thereby facilitating release of the predators when they are needed in the field for biological suppression of pests.

The African-derived honey bee, Apis mellifera scutellata L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), is reported to be somewhat resistant to the parasitic mite Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Mesostigmata: Varroidae). However, this parasitic mite is considered a danger to honey bee colonies around the world and is reported to have negative effects in Brazil as well. Climate and altitude can affect the infestation levels of this mite. However, the impact of climate and altitude on Varroa infestation rates in Africanized honey bee is not well known; therefore, the goal of this study was to assess environmental effects on Varroa and honey bees in Brazil. We sampled 193 colonies across Bahia state during the Brazilian winter period, also collecting climatic information (rainfall and temperature) and altitude data for each apiary location. We used several statistical tests, such as Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson's correlation, and canonical discriminant analysis to evaluate the possible influence of the environmental variables on Varroa infestation levels. Varroa destructor was present in 94% of the samples, with the colonies showing infestation levels (proportion of infested bees per sample) ranging from 0 to > 20%. We found that weather and altitude in Neotropical areas have moderate degrees of influence on V. destructor infestation rates in Africanized honey bees. Colonies of Africanized honey bees located in areas with greater rainfall and lower altitude can have greater mite presence and infestation levels than in warmer, higher areas. Beekeepers in the lower, wetter areas should monitor their colonies regularly to detect the presence, and avoid increase, in mite infestation rates.

The repeated application of synthetic insecticides has the potential to induce insecticide resistance. Plant extracts are a good source of bioinsecticides, as these extracts often have several bioactive compounds, thus reducing the occurrence of resistance. The genus Trichilia (Meliaceae) is distributed widely in Mexico and it is a sustainable source of bioactive compounds because their bark is shed annually and may be collected without harming the tree. This research evaluated the effect on mortality, weight, larval and pupal duration, fecundity, and fertility of Copitarsia decolora Guenée (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) when fed with a diet supplemented with different concentrations of hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and aqueous extracts of the Trichilia americana Sessé & Moc., Trichilia hirta L., and Trichilia havanensis Jacq. (Meliaceae) bark. All the extracts provoked a dose-response effect on the variables evaluated. The hexane extract of the 3 species was lethal to the larval stage, with the hexane extract of T. americana being the most toxic of the 3 species, followed by that of T. hirta. The aqueous extract of T. hirta displayed an insecticidal effect on the early instars. The ethyl acetate extracts of T. americana and hexane extracts of T. hirta inhibited growth and induced mortality. The extracts reduced fecundity and fertility of the insect. Extracts of T. americana reduced reproductive potential to a greater extent than did T. hirta and T. havanensis. This research suggests that bark extracts of T. americana, T. hirta, and T. havanensis are a sustainable source of biomolecules.

La aplicación repetida de insecticidas sintéticos tiene el potencial de inducir resistencia a los insecticidad. Los extractos de plantas son una buena fuente de bioinsecticidas, ya que estos extractos a menudo tienen varios compuestos bioactivos, lo que reduce la apariencia de resistencia. El género Trichilia (Meliaceae) está ampliamente distribuido en México y es una fuente sustentable de compuestos bioactivos ya que su corteza se desprende anualmente y puede recolectarse sin dañar el árbol. Este trabajo evaluó el efecto sobre la mortalidad, peso, duración de larvas y pupas, fecundidad y fertilidad de Copitarsia decolora Guenée (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) al ser alimentadas con una dieta suplementada a diferentes concentraciones de extracto hexánico, acetato de etilo, acetónico, metanólico y acuoso de corteza de Trichilia americana Sessé & Moc., Trichilia hirta L., y Trichilia havanensis Jacq. (Meliaceae). Todos los extractos provocaron un efecto de dosis respuesta sobre las variables evaluadas. El extracto de hexano de las 3 especies fue letal para el estadio larval, siendo el extracto de T. americana el más tóxico de las 3 especies seguido por el de T. hirta. El extracto acuoso de T. hirta ocasionó un efecto insecticida en los primeros instares. Los extractos de acetato de etilo de T. americana y hexano de T. hirta inhibieron el crecimiento y provocaron mortalidad. Los extractos redujeron la fecundidad y la fertilidad del insecto. Los extractos de T. americana redujeron el potencial reproductivo en mayor medida que T. hirta y T. havanensis. Esta investigación sugiere que los extractos de corteza de T. americana, T. hirta, y T. havanensis son una fuente sustentable de biomoléculas.

Lepidoptera defoliators can be very damaging to eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate how plant age, the number of rotations, the tree growth rate (m3 of wood per ha per yr), the distance of native vegetation strips from the eucalyptus plantations, and the width of these strips affect the population dynamics of Lepidoptera defoliators in eucalyptus crops. The survey of the lepidopteran species was conducted fortnightly from Sep 1992 to Aug 1994 using light traps in Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake (Myrtaceae) plantations in 4 areas of the Brazilian Amazon region. In total, 1,049, 1,096, 1,020, and 853 Lepidoptera species with 4,413, 3,457, 3,226, and 2,222 individuals and 11, 11, 11, and 10 species of primary pests were recorded. The primary pest species were represented by 272, 772, 963, and 411 individuals, corresponding to 1.1, 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2% of the species and of 6.2, 22.3, 29.8, and 18.5% of the individuals collected in the 4 areas, respectively. Eupseudosoma aberrans Schaus (Arctiidae), Eupseudosoma involuta Sepp (Arctiidae), Nystalea nyseus Cramer (Notodontidae), Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Geometridae), Stenalcidia grosica Schaus (Geometridae), and Thyrinteina arnobia Stoll (Geometridae) were the most abundant and represent 83.2% of primary pests species. The number of individuals of the primary pest species were not correlated with plant age, the number of rotations, the distance of native vegetation strips from the eucalyptus plantations, and the width these strips, but the total number of individuals of defoliating Lepidoptera had an inverse correlation with the growth rate (m3 of wood per ha per yr) of eucalyptus plants.

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.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosphilidae) is an important pest that causes damage to fruits of over 60 plant species. Drosophila suzukii oviposits on ripe fruit, while D. melanogaster oviposits on decaying fruit. Therefore, these species occupy separate ecological niches. To provide a better understanding of the alcohol tolerance between these 2 species and explore the relationship of ecological niche differences and alcohol tolerance, ethanol and acetaldehyde content was examined in red grapes infested by D. melanogaster and D. suzukii. We assessed mortality and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity levels for 2 Drosophila species exposed to ethanol. The study results showed that ethanol content gradually increased as the fruit decayed while being infested by Drosophila. The ethanol content was higher in the presence of D. melanogaster than in the presence of D. suzukii. In the mortality experiment, the LC₅₀ of D. melanogaster adults was approximately 8.0% following exposure to ethanol for more than 6 h, while it was only 2.7% in D. suzukii. Moreover, D. melanogaster adults and larvae all had higher ADH and ALDH activity than D. suzukii exposed to ethanol. Our results suggest that D. melanogaster and D. suzukii may occupy different ecological niches due to their discrepancy in tolerance to environmental ethanol, which is mainly regulated by ADH and ALDH.

The leaf miner Lasioptera donacis Coutin (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a biological control agent of the invasive weed, Arundo donax L. (Poaceae), that was approved for release in the U.S. and Mexico. Pupae are preferred for shipment of living material to quarantine facilities. There is a question of whether emerged females would carry conidia of a potential mutualist fungus, and in particular the saprophyte Arthrinium arundinis, from the pupa or if they would have to acquire the conidia exclusively from the plant to start the oviposition process. We artificially smeared leaf-sheaths of growing plants with A. arundinis before being exposed to female midges, and maintained these host plants until the pupal stage of the midge developed. Polymerase chain reaction methods were applied to detect A. arundinis and any other potential fungi in these pupae. Only 9% of the pupae were infested by fungi or yeast, predominantly belonging to the genus Sarocladium, but not A. arundinis, confirming that the newly emerged females are free of this fungus and will have to acquire conidia present on the leaf-sheath for successful oviposition. We also tentatively tested by PCR for the presence of parasitic nematodes in these pupae. More than 42% of the pupae were shown to be infested specifically by T. gyraloura. Such high infection rate calls for developing methods to eliminate this parasite or to find a parasitefree native population prior to release of L. donacis adults in North America for biological control of A. donax.

Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), the sugarcane aphid, is an invasive species in the United States. This species is a threat to crops of economic importance including sorghum and sugar cane. Therefore, monitoring dispersal of this pest is necessary to document its geographic expansion. Based on trap catches obtained from the Midwest Suction Trap Network during 2015 to 2017, sugarcane aphids arrived late in the growing season as far as northern Wisconsin. We will continue to monitor the dispersal of this aphid species through the Midwest Suction Trap Network in order to provide information to researchers, extension agents, and producers regarding this agronomically important pest.

The use of non-conventional insecticides and entomopathogenic fungi to control adult mosquitoes is increasing; however, the current methods are designed to evaluate the insecticidal action of the active ingredient. We describe the bioassay method to evaluate the effect of non-conventional insecticides and entomopathogenic fungi to control mosquitoes using the Potter tower. Twenty d after application, entomopathogenic fungi produced a proportion of mortality of 0.49 to 0.82, while non-conventional insecticides produced 100% mortality from 15 min after application. Our results showed that this bioassay could provide basic information on the effect of different non-conventional insecticides and entomopathogenic fungi on adult mosquitoes.

Typical baculovirus infection symptoms were observed in Chrysodeixis includens Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae from a laboratory rearing in Tucumán, Argentina. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the occurrence of polyhedral occlusion bodies displaying a heterogeneous morphology. Amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of conserved polyhedrin, lef-8 and lef-9 genes identified the pathogen, for the first time in Argentina, as a variant of Chrysodeixis includens nucleopolyhedrovirus (ChinNPV). The biocontrol potential of this new isolate is worthy of future research.

We report the natural occurrence of M. rileyi in larval A. gemmatalis and T. ni in soybean producing regions of Altamira, Tamaulipas, and Pánuco, Veracruz, Mexico, during Aug through Dec 2017. A total of 380 M. rileyi-infected A. gemmatalis larvae were collected from Altamira and Pánuco. In each municipality, only 1 larval T. ni was found infected with the fungus. In Oct, the greatest number of A. gemmatalis larvae infected by M. rileyi was recorded from both municipalities.

Larvae of Eumerus mucidus (Diptera: Syrphidae) are reported for the first time as boring channels in the fresh tubers and shoots of the holoparasitic plant Cistanche armena (K. Koch) M.V. Agab. (Orobanchaceae), causing damage and breakage. Field surveys conducted in southern Armenia in May 2016 and Jun 2017 revealed infestations of C. armena with the larvae of E. mucidus in 1 locality in Ararat province, near Khor Virap, in semi-desert habitats. A single Cistanche plant was parasitized by several Eumerus larvae, and 20 to 30% of the total population was infested. This is the first record of E. mucidus outside Egypt and Israel.

Two invasive fruit flies, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura and Zaprionus indianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae), recently have become established, and are expanding their range in the Neotropics. This research documents the range expansion of these species in southeastern Brazil, where they were found infesting cultivated blackberries and strawberries in the highlands of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Drosophila suzukii also was found associated with rotting Psidium cattleianum, and for the first time associated with papaya at sea level. Drosophila suzukii and Z. indianus may further affect establishment and production of important soft fruit crops and papaya in this region of Brazil. Management methods for fruit production in this Brazilian region need to be improved to avoid damage and further spread of D. suzukii.

Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a major pest of bushberries, caneberries, and other thinskinned fruits around the world. Current control programs rely solely on the use of frequent insecticide applications. Entomopathogenic fungi have shown some efficacy for tephritid fruit flies and D. suzukii. In this study, formulated products BotaniGard ES (Beauveria bassiana), and PFR-97 20% WDG (Isaria fumosorosea) were evaluated for efficacy on adult D. suzukii in laboratory fruit-dip studies. Blueberry fruits were dipped in high and low label rates of each fungal suspension before exposure to D. suzukii. Mortality was assessed at 24, 48, 72, and 168 h (1 wk) after D. suzukii release. After 1 wk exposure, the remaining live flies, dead flies, and fruit were removed from containers. The live flies were discarded whereas dead flies were placed in separate containers and checked for mycosis after 1 wk. Fruits were placed in small solo cups with lids and checked after 2 wk for emergence of D. suzukii. The high rate of BotaniGard ES caused significant mortality after 24 h and both rates of BotaniGard ES reduced emergence from fruit compared with the control. BotaniGard ES may be useful in rotation with other effective compounds, but further research under field conditions is needed to confirm this finding.

Phytonemus pallidus was found in organic strawberry crops in 2 municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais. The sparse information about this pest in the country indicated that P. pallidus had been observed previously only on grapes in southern Brazil. The presence of this pest in the country is relatively new, although in the USA and in some European countries it is already well known due to the economic losses it causes. The report of the occurrence of this herbivore, as well as the affected crops, is essential for the official institutions to take appropriate measures to prevent dispersion to other states. Future studies should be directed to the search for effective alternatives for the management of this pest, because currently there are no insecticides registered for control in Brazil. An alternative that could be considered is biological control.

The Japanese orange fly, Bactrocera tsuneonis (Miyake) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most destructive pests of citrus. The pest has formerly been recorded in Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan, Taiwan, and Yunnan in China. Here, we report the first occurrence of B. tsuneonis in Guangdong, the southernmost province of mainland China. The adults were trapped from late Apr to late Sep in 2016. A total of 27 adults (13 males and 14 females) of B. tsuneonis were captured.

The spread and oviposition of Ophraella communa LeSage (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) adults on Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asterales: Asteraceae) were affected by wind direction. The densities of adults and eggs were the highest on plants located in the direction from which the wind blew. Our results suggest that oviposition preference of O. communa adults may be more dependent on the odors emitted by host plants than on their color.

Field surveys conducted in Poland in Sep and Oct 2017 revealed infestations of the parasitic plant Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel (Orobanchaceae), also known as branched broomrape, by larvae of the monophagous fly Phytomyza orobanchia Kalt. (Diptera: Agromyzidae). A single broomrape plant could be infested by 1 to 10 larvae of P. orobanchia, and 70 to 80% of the broomrape population was infested. This fly is one of the most effective biological control agents of broomrape. Also, a single female of an alien species of drosophilid, Chymomyza amoena (Loew) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), was observed in 1 locality in Sandomierz County, near Szewce, Poland.

Campsomeris dorsata is a hymenopteran scoliid that is endemic to South America, Central America, and parts of the West Indies. It has been used as a biological control agent in the past in Puerto Rico, Mauritius, and Florida to aid in reducing coleopteran pests in sugar cane agricultural systems. The status of C. dorsata's establishment in Florida has been unknown since intentional introductions to sugar cane fields occurring during the 1930s. We surveyed primarily coastal sites throughout the state of Florida and captured 91 females ranging from Osceola County to Miami-Dade County (north vs south) and from Broward County to Collier County (east vs west). The results from this study show that C. dorsata is well established in these areas of Florida, and might still be an important biological control agent of white grubs in sugar cane as well as turf production and maintenance.