Parapantomorus fluctuosus (Boheman) and Pantomorus cinerosus (Boheman) (both Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are parthenogenetic broad-nosed weevils native to South America, and they damage citrus in Argentina and Brazil. The objectives of this contribution are to apply ecological niche modelling to compare the suitable areas of occurrence of these species with those of other parthenogenetic Naupactini distributed in similar areas, and to analyze their potential range in relation to the distribution of citrus groves, mainly in Argentina and Brazil. Pantomorus cinerosus and P. fluctuosus were predicted to be distributed in tropical and subtropical South America, Mexico, Central America, Cuba, southeastern USA (Florida), southern Africa, Madagascar, eastern Australia, and southern China. However, neither has colonized other countries outside the native range. The potential distribution of P. fluctuosus is broader than that of P. cinerosus, and the predicted areas of both species are partially coincident with main production areas of citrus in Argentina, Brazil, and throughout the world. Although ecological niche modelling is an effective tool for predicting the potential spread and colonization of weevils in distant cultivated areas, weevil establishment is most likely the result of multiple factors.

Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus Marshall (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), also known as the Sri Lankan weevil, is becoming a major pest of ornamentals and tropical fruit trees in the southern USA, including Florida. Recent findings of this species in Florida citrus groves justify research into its biology and ecology. We studied morphological and sexually dimorphic characters of this species as an aid to rapid separation of sexes for studies aiming to identify semiochemicals that may be of value in management. Female weevils collected from the field in southeastern Florida were significantly larger than males in length of head, abdomen, and overall length. Females, but not males, have a characteristic black-gray marking extending from the ventral mesosternum to the second abdominal segment. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed that females had fewer ovate-to-obovate scales in this region of characteristic black-gray marking, and more plumose scales compared with males. Host choice and oviposition studies showed that Sri Lankan weevils prefer peach plants over weeds or grasses in peach orchards. Electroantennogram recordings with different peach volatiles identified peach odorants that can elicit significantly higher antennal responses. Both male and female Sri Lankan weevil antennae were highly responsive to these volatiles. Behavioral assays in olfactometers are underway to identify those semiochemicals that could be used as attractants or disruptants.

Numerous weevil species are serious pests on agricultural crops in the Caribbean basin and the USA. These pests include native and exotic weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) species. Among them, some weevil species are easy to identify, and others need training and expertise in taxonomy in order to identify them properly. Commodity-based identification and training tools are extremely important and critical. For example, the citrus root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was established in the US nearly 50 yr ago, and costs millions of dollars annually in control attempts in Florida alone. Other species such as the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae); the South American palm weevil, Rhynchophorus palmarum (L.) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae); and the Jamaican weevil, Exophthalmus vittatus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), are potential threats to fruits, vegetables, and ornamental crops. Adults of these weevils display various coloration, and patterns of red, blue, black, green, yellow, orange, and white. Some species have more than 2 color forms; male and female weevils may show major variations in their morphological characters. Regulatory agencies at the local, regional, and international levels are strengthening collaboration on offshore mitigation of these pests. Strict enforcement of regulatory guidelines and procedures is being adopted at the ports of entry into the US. Indeed, training on the identification and screening of these species, and other potential crop pests, is critically important for food security in the region. Training and capacity building to design, develop, and deploy keys, tools, and resources are major components of successful implementation of digital identification tools. The team at the Center for Biological Control is part of the digital resource consortium building tools on invasive beetles on economically important crops. To build capacity in digital insect identification, we have not only modified the contents of graduate and undergraduate insect systematics curriculum, but also have trained numerous students in these new skills.

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) is an economically important, internally feeding pest of ornamental and fruit-producing palms in many subtropical regions. A related weevil, Rhynchophorus cruentatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), is an internally feeding palm pest in the southeastern USA. Acoustic methods for detection of early instars hidden in palms in field environments have been investigated for both species. Acoustic methods also have been used to examine the effectiveness of physical, biological, and other control treatments. This report addresses several physical, physiological, and behavioral factors that influence the spectral and temporal patterns of sounds produced by palm weevil larvae under different laboratory and field experiment conditions, which must be considered carefully in interpreting larval sound production. Such factors include the leakage of fluid from the palm tree tissues into tunnels scraped out by larvae as they move and feed within the tree trunk, as well as occurrences of molting between periods of feeding activity, and frequency-dependent damping that distorts signals as the distance between insects and sensors increases. Methods are discussed that combine effects of environmental, physiological, and behavioral variability to facilitate reliable interpretations of Rhynchophorus and other insect larval acoustic activity in hidden environments.

Mexico is a center of New World crop origins with many insect species associated with the wild crop relatives, some of which have become pests of cultivated plants. Many of these indigenous pests of Mexico are weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and some represent potential quarantine pests. In the present work, we present some of the most important species of weevils considered as crop pests, which are presently restricted primarily to Mexico with the potential to invade other regions. We also present species of weevils exotic to Mexico, considered by national quarantine authorities to be possible threats to Mexican agriculture. Potential quarantine weevil pests for avocado include Conotrachelus aguacatae Barber, Conotrachelus perseae Barber, Heilipus lauri Boheman, Heilipus albopictus Champion, and Copturus aguacatae Kissinger (all Coleoptera: Curculionidae). For guava, species include Conotrachelus dimidiatus Champion and Conotrachelus copalensis Salas-Araiza and Romero-Nápoles (both Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Weevil pests reported with quarantine importance for sugar cane are Sphenophorus incurrens Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), Apinocis angustus (Casey), and Apinocis subnudus (Buchanan) (both Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The weevil Rhyssomatus nigerrimus Fåhraeus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) recently has been observed damaging soybeans in northern and southern Mexico. Cactophagus spinolae Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) is a generalist cactus pest. Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) is a well-known pest of cultivated and wild agaves. Several species of Epicaerus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) have been reported on various crops in restricted areas including, among others, Epicaerus operculatus (Say) on garlic, and Epicaerus cognatus Sharp (both Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on potato. Amphidees latifrons (Sharp) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been reported from apples in localized regions of northern Coahuila. Weevils exotic to Mexico of quarantine concern are Naupactus cervinus Boheman, Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) (both Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae).

Alien (exotic) insects threaten trees, landscapes, and ecosystem stability. Bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are saproxylic beetles that spend most of their life cycles under bark, and often are introduced to new locations through wooden packing materials used in international trade. This project reports the identification of 4 alien species reared on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. Bait branches from 41 trees were exposed to saproxylic beetles in a mosaic of old growth and secondary forest. The branches yielded 6,578 scolytines in 33 species. Four of these were alien species: Coccotrypes cyperi Beeson, Premnobius cavipennis Eichhoff, Xylosandrus crassiusculus Motschulsky, and Xylosandrus morigerus Blandford (all Coleoptera: Curculionidae). At least 1 of the alien species, Premnobius cavipennis, was the most abundant scolytine, represented by 1,476 individuals, and it emerged from almost half of the trees sampled. It was reared from the plant families Lecythidaceae, Sapotaceae, and Fabaceae. Most individuals emerged from bait branches in old growth forest, and were disproportionately abundant at canopy stratum. Only 46 individuals of the economic pest X. crassiusculus were reared from bait branches. Two of the 4 alien scolytines were reared commonly from branches in old growth forest, even though mature forest typically resists invasions of alien species. Unfertilized females can disperse and found colonies by mating with haploid sons, and intra-colony mating promotes rapid population growth; therefore, these life history traits facilitate invasion.

The cowpea curculio, Chalcodermus aeneus Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was first described from samples collected by Chevrolat in Mexico in 1837. Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Fabaceae), has nothing to do with the original hosts of this curculio species, because cowpea is from the Old World, specifically Africa, and C. aeneus has never been reported in the Old World. Cowpea curculio has been reported as a major pest of cowpea in the southeastern USA for well over a century. The distribution of C. aeneus in the US in 1910 was reported to be in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Missouri. Outside of the US, C. aeneus is found in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Peru. This curculio causes tremendous damage to cowpea, so much so that it can render cowpea production unsustainable in a curculio-infested region. Recent deficiencies in viable commercial insecticide controls have led to repeated collapses of acreage in Georgia. In experiments reported here, as much as 60% yield loss occurred with only moderate C. aeneus infestations. Heavy curculio pressure shut down cowpea production in our test, even with fairly effective foliar insecticides. Fortunately, C. aeneus is not easily transported in cowpea shipments around the world because it reproduces only in green pods, from which it leaves to pupate in the soil before the grain dries. This curculio can be quarantined effectively from large scale movement via shipping due to its reproductive biology, but spreads easily via a land to cowpea crop “bridge.” In the southeastern US, research efforts are underway to identify means to reduce the overwintering populations, with the goal of regional eradication sometime in the future.

Successful invasion of a species into novel, marginal areas often requires the ability to face different ecological characteristics than those prevailing in its native environment. In insects, one of the factors that affect invasiveness is the reproductive system. Unisexuality provides advantages because a single specimen can initiate a new population. Unisexual reproduction precludes breakup of genetic combinations that promote ecological specialization, although it may limit evolutionary potential for colonization. In order to assess the importance of the reproductive mode in the colonization ability of the weevils that are native to South America, we compared 1 bisexual and 2 parthenogenetic species that expanded their ranges in the last 2 centuries. First, for parthenogenetic species we tested clonality of the sample. Second, we proposed central and marginal areas through phylogeographic and habitat modeling analyses, and identified the pathways of dispersal for each species. Bisexual Naupactus xanthographus (Germar) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) expanded its range westward to areas with similar environmental constraints than in its native ecosystem. Conversely, parthenogenetic Naupactus leucoloma Boheman and Naupactus cervinus Boheman (both Coleoptera: Curculionidae) invaded other continents where they had low to null predicted habitat suitability. While a single clone of N. cervinus successfully established around the world in areas with apparently adverse conditions, clones of N. leucoloma expanded their range to areas only moderately suitable. We conclude that parthenogenesis is a driver in these particular species for colonization of marginal habitats. However, N. cervinus also would have pre-existing adaptations that allowed it to establish in areas with apparently low potential to survive.

Pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a most serious pest of peppers in North Florida. To analyze A. eugenii infestation levels on jalapeño peppers as a reference for effectively controlling pepper weevil, we investigated infestation and population dynamics of A. eugenii, and influence of plant direction, layer, and spacing in open fields in North Florida. The results showed that adult pepper weevil infestation started in late Apr when plants started to produce buds and flowers. Three infestation peaks were recorded on 9 Jun, 24 Jul, and 11 Sep. The second peak showed the highest infestation level (14.6 ± 2.7 infested fruits per plant). The density curve of A. eugenii larvae within fruits lagged about 2 to 4 wk behind the curve of infestation level in the field. Three peaks occurred on 10 Jul, 21 Aug, and 25 Sep. Fruits on the eastern part and top third of pepper plants had the lowest infestation levels, as did plants spaced 40 cm apart. This study, focusing on the preferred locations of A. eugenii, will help improve sampling technique and pest management applications, and thus enhance the effectiveness of pesticide application, and ultimately reduce ecological damage.

In recent years, fruit flies (Drosophila spp.: Drosophilidae) have become an increasingly serious problem for cherry production in northern China. In this study, we examined the species composition and dynamics of fruit flies in cherry orchards using lure-baited traps placed at different heights, and in 3 different cherry cultivars, from Apr through Sep 2014 to 2016 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. The total number of fruit flies increased from yr to yr. Four species were captured: Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, Drosophila hydei Sturtevant, and Drosophila immigrans Sturtevant (all Diptera: Drosophilidae). The dominant species was D. melanogaster, with 66.7% of the total captured, followed by D. suzukii (29.7%). Drosophila hydei and D. immigrans accounted for only 3.0 and 0.6%, respectively, and for these last 2 species, no peak period in abundance was observed. In general, Drosophila spp. appeared in Apr, and peaked around mid-Jul. Over the 3 yr span of the study, peak fruit fly abundance occurred later each yr, being at the end of Jun in 2014, and in the middle of Jul in 2015 and 2016. There were significant differences in the number of Drosophila species among cherry cultivars, as well as in the number of Drosophila trapped at different heights. The cultivar maturing in the middle of the season (cv. ‘Van') attracted the most fruit flies. The optimal height for trap placement was at 1 m above ground level, which is recommended as a standard height for Drosophila spp. population monitoring.

The leafcutter ant Acromyrmex rugosus Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is considered a pest of several crops. In this study we investigated the morphology of the ovary and spermatheca of A. rugosus queens. The ovary is meroistic polytrophic with 12 ovarioles per ovary. Each ovariole has a short terminal filament, a germarium, and a long vitellarium with growth follicles. The nurse chamber near the germarium is larger than the egg chamber. The follicular cells surrounding the egg chamber are cuboidal, with a well-developed nucleus, whereas those surrounding the nurse chamber are flattened. The oocyte increases in volume along the ovariole toward the lateral oviduct. Oocytes have multiple accessory nuclei. Mature oocytes have cytoplasm rich in yolk granules. The reservoir epithelium of the spermatheca shows morphological differences, with both columnar and flattened cells. The spermathecal gland has elongated and acinus-like cells.

Sugar cane stem borers, Diatraea spp. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), are the most important pests affecting sugar cane in Colombia. To date, the use of egg parasitoids such as Trichogramma exiguum Pinto & Platner (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), and larval parasitoids such as Billaea claripalpis Wulp and Lydella minense Townsend (Diptera: Tachinidae) have been the principal biological control approaches for pest management. However, a pest outbreak of Diatraea tabernella Dyar in the northern Cauca River Valley demonstrated that conventional control measures are insufficient, and that new pest control methods must be sought. Field evaluations were made using 2 sources of Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): a commercial colony maintained in the laboratory, and a colony recovered from previous field releases (field-refreshed). Three releases of the parasitoid were made, each release consisting of 4 g of C. flavipes cocoons (about 4,000 wasps) per ha. The results from both sources of C. flavipes were compared with check plots where no releases were made. Larvae of D. tabernella were collected 2 different times (45 d and 75 d after the first release) and observed in laboratory. The proportion of larval parasitism ranged between 0.32 and 0.55, with no significant differences between sources of C. flavipes. Parasitism differed significantly from the check plots, where the proportion of larval parasitism was less than 0.1. Our results indicate that wasps from the check plots experienced an increase in the number of cocoons and wasps per parasitized larva between the first and the second larval collection. The high levels of parasitism in fields where C. flavipes was released resulted in a reduction of up to 65% in the percentage of bored internodes, demonstrating the potential of this natural enemy to effectively control D. tabernella. Changes in the number of progeny per parasitized larvae (cocoons and wasps) in the check plots can be explained as the increase of parasitoids in an area under the influence of nearby releases, and the subsequent effects of multiple parasitism. In addition, comparisons between the 2 parasitoid sources indicate higher biological efficiency in the field-refreshed plots expressed in an increase in adult longevity between the first and second collection times.

Sugar cane production in the subtropical area of southern Brazil displays a different profile of growing conditions compared to other regions, and the population dynamics of both insect pests and their natural enemies are poorly documented. Monthly surveys were conducted in a subtropical sugar cane production area (29.003467°S, 53.235349°W) of Brazil. Samples were collected in a 15 ha field from Feb 2013 to Jan 2015, and the insects found on plants and inside culms were tabulated. The sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) was found during all stages of plant development. These borers were most abundant during the cooler mo, when they reached a high level of infestation. The sugarcane mealybug, Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), was found during most mo, but infestation levels were highest in Mar. The pink spittlebug, Mahanarva fimbriolata (Stål) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), and sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), were found mostly in warmer mo, and associated with higher accumulations of rainfall. The infestations by M. fimbriolata were below levels of economic damage, whereas M. sacchari infested up to 100% of the plants. The natural enemies observed were the parasitoid Billaea claripalpis (Wulp) (Diptera: Tachninidae) and the predators Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Doru lineare (Eschscholtz) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae). Their population dynamics clearly showed host/prey dependence. These results contribute to the monitoring and management strategies of pests in sugar cane grown in the subtropical conditions of southern Brazil.

We evaluated 4 types of plastic packaging containing whole wheat grains for damage to packaging in the form of scratches (damage through which insects cannot enter packages), holes (damage through which insects can enter packages), and penetrations (insects entering the packaging through holes) by Trogoderma granarium (Everts) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) during the third and fourth instars. The plastic packaging used in this study was opaque polyethylene (high density), polypropylene, transparent polyethylene (low density), and polyvinylchloride with thicknesses of 0.021, 0.023, 0.026, and 0.036 mm, respectively. After 90 d, damage (scratches) was common with polypropylene and transparent polyethylene packaging, less so with opaque polyethylene, and no damage was found with polyvinylchloride packaging. Holes were more frequent in polypropylene, followed by opaque polyethylene, but none in the other forms of packaging. Insect penetrations were more frequent in opaque polyethylene, followed by polypropylene, but none in other forms of packaging. We also determined the number of damaged grains, weight of damaged grains, number of undamaged grains, weight of undamaged grains, weight of frass, and percent weight loss of grains caused by insects in the aforementioned types of packaging, and compared this with a fifth treatment consisting of open (unpackaged) grains infested by T. granarium larvae. We found that there was more damage to grain, greater weight loss of damaged grain, greater weight of frass, and higher percentage of weight loss of grains in unpackaged wheat, followed by opaque polyethylene and polypropylene, but not in transparent polyethylene or polyvinylchloride packaging. Microphotography after 90 d to measure the lengths of openings showed the maximum lengths in scratches and holes in opaque polyethylene, followed by polypropylene, although scratches in transparent polyethylene did not have openings for measurement. Following this, the types of packaging that were resistant to damage, i.e., transparent polyethylene and polyvinylchloride, were evaluated further for phosphine fumigation efficacy in terms of mortality of T. granarium. Fumigation results showed that in 24 h more larval mortality occurred in transparent polyethylene than in polyvinyl chloride, making transparent polyethylene overall a better foodstuff packaging material for protection from T. granarium.

Newly eclosed larvae of Cactoblastis cactorum Berg (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) contain their activity to an arena formed at the base of their eggstick, marked with a mandibular gland pheromone. Laboratory and field studies were undertaken to determine if these pre-excavation aggregations, essential to their successful penetration of the host plant, could be disrupted with mandibular gland extract causing the incipient colonies to perish. Cladodes or whole plants were sprayed with the pheromone, obtained by extracting macerated caterpillars in hexane, hexane only, or left unsprayed, and the survivorship of caterpillars that eclosed from eggsticks attached to the cladodes recorded at a later date. In 4 separate experiments, the average survivorship of C. cactorum larvae from cohorts on cladodes sprayed with the extract (15%) differed markedly from survivorship of caterpillar cohorts on cladodes treated with the solvent only (84%) or left untreated (80%). This differential mortality was attributed to the elicitation of the independent dispersal of the caterpillars by the mandibular gland pheromone and their failure to reaggregate in numbers sufficient to mount a successful attack on the host plant. The potential for managing pest populations of caterpillars employing this target-specific alternative to conventional pesticides is discussed.

The development of cultivars resistant to tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), are very limited in Pakistan and other parts of the world because of the lack of good sources of resistance for breeding. Insect-resistant cultivars would be beneficial to decrease the indiscriminate use of pesticides on tomato crops. Seven wild tomato accessions, including Solanum galapagense Darwin & Peralta, Solanum pimpinellifolium L., Solanum cheesmaniae (Riley) Fosberg, and a susceptible check (Solanum lycopersicum L.) (all Solanaceae), were evaluated for resistance to tomato fruit borer based on oviposition preference and feeding in the choice and no-choice bioassays. In the oviposition preference test, S. cheesmaniae (VI037240) and S. galapagense (VI063174) recorded the lowest mean number of eggs, 4.40 and 7.00 per plant, respectively. The highest mortality of H. armigera larvae (90%) was recorded on S. pimpinellifolium (VI030462) compared to the susceptible check (15%). The lowest pupal weight (89.67 mg) resulted from S. galapagense (VI063174), but it was not significantly different from the S. pimpinellifolium and S. cheesmaniae accessions. Among all tested accessions, S. pimpinellifolium (VI030462) was found to be highly resistant to H. armigera based on larval mortality, pupal weight, and pupation percentage. These results can pave the way to enhance the resistance in cultivated tomato varieties to control this notorious fruit borer.

Limited information on sex pheromone recognition by tea moths, Ectropis obliqua Prout (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), exists for this economically important pest of tea (Camellia sinensis L.; Theaceae). Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs), a sub-family of odorant-binding proteins, control transportation of pheromone molecules that may contribute to the discrimination of sex pheromone components. It has been reported previously that EoblPBP1 gene (a pheromone binding protein of E. obliqua) is highly expressed in antennae of the male moth. Based on this information, a reliable model of EoblPBP1 was constructed by homology modeling using the enantiomers of Z3Z9-6,7-epo-18:Hy docked into the hydrophobic cavity of the model. Docking results suggested similar binding affinities of this enantiomer to EoblPBP1. However, electroantennogram and field trapping experiments of E. obliqua males revealed that response to Z3Z9-(6S,7R)-epo-18:Hy was significantly greater than the opposite configuration, and suggested enantiomeric discrimination could occur on sex pheromone receptors of this species of tea moth.

In the last 20 yr, the production of nanoparticles has increased, although their effects on organisms and the environment are not well understood. This research evaluated the transfer of cerium oxide (nano-CeO₂) nanoparticles in a terrestrial trophic chain formed by the producer Nicandra physaloides (L.) Gaertn. (Solanaceae) and a primary consumer, green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a generalist insect pest. Nicandra physaloides plants were treated by foliar spraying with nano-CeO₂ (25 nm) aqueous suspensions (1, 10, 100, and 1,000 mg Ce L^-1) and fed to the green peach aphid (M. persicae). The survival and fecundity of insects were evaluated. Microprobe X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to verify the presence of Ce in plants and insects. It was possible to verify Ce in the oral cavity and digestive system of aphids fed on leaves previously treated with nano-CeO₂ (1,000 mg CeL^-1). Despite the transfer of Ce in this terrestrial trophic chain, the nanoparticles did not reduce survival and fecundity of aphids.

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae) are among the principal phytophagous insects of fruit and vegetables. Their larvae feed on the pulp or seeds of fruits to complete their development, which favors the entry of pathogens and early fall of the fruits, damaging fruit production. The objectives of this research were to determine the richness of fruit fly species and their associations with their host fruits in the Serra da Bodoquena National Park (Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil) and surrounding areas. To obtain the fruit fly species from their hosts, monthly collections of fruits were made. Leaf samples were prepared and identified by botanists. The collected fruits were transported to the Laboratório de Insetos Frugívoros, where they were counted and weighed. The species of fruit flies were identified, and their trophic interactions with their hosts analyzed. Thirty-nine plant species from 29 plant families were collected. Twelve fruit species were hosts to fruit fly larvae. The survey resulted in the recovery of 1,476 larvae and 968 adult fruit flies. Among the adults, 878 were Tephritidae and 90 Lonchaidae. Nine species from the genus Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) and 3 from Neosilba (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) were obtained. These are the first reports for Anastrepha serpentina (Wiedemann), Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann), and Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) (all Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting fruits of Eugenia myrcianthes Nied (Myrtaceae); Anastrepha striata Schiner (Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting Jacaratia spinosa Aubl. (Caricaceae); Anastrepha zenildae Zucchi (Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess) O. Berg. (Myrtaceae); Neosilba glaberrima (Wiedemann) and Neosilba zadolicha McAlpine & Steyskal are recorded for the first time infesting Persea americana Miller (Lauraceae), and Neosilba certa (Walker) (all Diptera: Lonchaeidae) infesting Chrysophyllum gonocarpum (Mart. & Eichler) Engl. (Sapotaceae), Anastrepha barbiellinii Lima (Diptera: Tephritidae) is recorded for the first time infesting Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) in Mato Grosso do Sul State.

The endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) can be reared with the alternative host Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Host storage at low temperatures can regulate parasitoid production and demand in biological control programs. The life cycle (egg to adult), parasitism and emergence percentage, number of parasitoids emerged per host pupae, sex ratio, and longevity of the T. howardi offspring per T. molitor pupa were evaluated after low temperature storage of this host for different periods, and its immature (pupae) in T. molitor pupae for 5 periods at 10.3 °C. Tenebrio molitor pupae stored at 0.5 ± 0.09 °C and 2.7 ± 0.11 °C for 10 and 20 d, respectively, were adequate to produce T. howardi. The biological characteristics of this parasitoid were better with T. molitor pupae stored at 0.5 ± 0.09 °C and 2.7 ± 0.11 °C for 10 and 20 d. Tetrastichus howardi immature (pupae) can be stored in T. molitor pupae for 10, 20, 30, 60, and 90 d at 10.3 °C, preferably in pupae of this host for 10 d to produce the adults of this parasitoid for biological control programs. These results contribute to overcoming 1 of the difficulties encountered in the mass production of parasitoids. Therefore, the conservation of T. molitor pupae in low temperatures can be used to increment of population of T. howardi in mass production for pest control programs.

We investigated the effect of land use on the occurrence of termites during the rainy season in the southern Amazon region. We used Termitrap^®-style cardboard baits to sample the termites in soils dominated by Marandu (Urochloa brizantha cv. ‘Marandu' (Rich.) Webster; Poaceae) grassland, Mombasa (Panicum maximum cv. ‘Mombasa’ Jacq.; Poaceae) grassland, coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner; Rubiaceae), soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.; Fabaceae), or native forest. Five plots were randomly distributed in each area, and each plot contained 9 termite baits. At 45 d after introduction of the traps, the termites were collected, the species were identified, and the level of infestation (percentage of traps with termites) was determined. The areas with Mombasa, coffee, and native forest displayed the highest levels of termite infestation: 35.55, 29.36, and 23.47%, respectively. The areas cultivated with soybean and Marandu had lower levels of infestation: 2.50 and 2.22%, respectively. The baits seemed to be effective at monitoring the species Heterotermes tenuis (Hagen) and Nasutitermes sp. (both Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae).

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), has been considered one of the most threatening pests of coconut, banana, and other monocotyledonous plants. It now has been reported from several Brazilian states, but little is known about its current distribution in the southern half of Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution of R. indica and the associated predatory mites in mid-southern Brazil, and to determine the possible southern limit to its distribution in the country. It was found in the Federal District and in 49 municipalities of 9 states, of which the southernmost was Iporã, Paraná State (24.007222°S, 53.698333°W). The majority of the surveyed sites south of Iporã had higher altitude than this municipality and surveyed sites immediately north of it. Thus, sites south of Iporã seem ecologically unsuitable to R. indica, most probably because of the low temperature in the winter. Eighteen species of predatory mites were found in association with R. indica, all of which belong to the order Mesostigmata, and 14 of which belong in the family Phytoseiidae. However, they are not R. indica-specific, as most have been reported from coconut (and other plants) in Brazil and elsewhere, regardless of the occurrence of R. indica.

California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is an economically important pest of citrus. In many cases, California red scale pest management is based on pheromone trap captures of males during their flight period. In California, where this study was conducted, California red scale pheromone traps are deployed from Mar until the end of Oct, at densities of 2 to 4 traps per 4 ha. Therefore, monitoring for California red scale represents a significant time expenditure for orange growers, and improved monitoring tools would be beneficial. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of 2 California red scale trap designs during a 7-mo-long field study conducted in a commercial navel orange grove. In particular, we compare trap captures, and the occurrence of management thresholds, between a double-sided California red scale trap and a single-sided California red scale trap, both baited with commercial California red scale lures. The single-sided California red scale trap was incorporated into an internet-of-things platform designed for automated or remote monitoring. Mean trap captures, the occurrences of management thresholds, and the seasonal phenology of capture were similar between both trap types. Importantly, the proportion of traps reaching management thresholds were not significantly different between trap types. These results suggest that both trap types can be used in a similar fashion to monitor California red scale in commercial settings using currently recommended monitoring guidelines.

The ecological characteristics and adaptation of social Vespidae to artificial environments needs to be studied to evaluate the impact of these natural enemies on biotic communities and food webs. The community composition and efficiency of collection methods of social wasps were studied in 3 transects in an urban fragment of Atlantic Forest in the Municipal Lajinha Park in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Social wasps were captured by actively searching (visual observation) and with traps baited with fruit juices every mo for 1 yr. The diversity index of social wasps was higher with active searching than with trapping. Social wasps were more abundant in the rainy season. Forest fragments and urban areas constitute refuge sites for social wasps. Mischocyttarus sp. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) was the most successful species in the anthropogenic environment studied.

BAM-FX® is a bioavailable mineral system that helps in moving necessary mineral ions to the site of deficiency in a plant system, resulting in increased vigor of plants. In the present study, this product was evaluated for its potential effect on improving management of sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci [Gennadius]; Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) (biotype B) and thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in tomato. Seven treatments were evaluated, 4 containing BAM-FX, without N-P-K fertilizer, applied either by soil drench or foliar application, with or without pesticide application. Two treatments included standard N-P-K fertilizer, without BAM-FX application, with or without pesticide application. An additional treatment included BAM-FX, N-P-K fertilizer, and pesticide application. The study was conducted in research plots at the Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, in Homestead, Florida, USA, during 2 vegetable growing seasons in 2014 and 2016. Plants treated with BAM-FX had significantly lower incidence of sweetpotato whitefly compared to the control plants without BAM-FX and pesticides. Mean numbers of sweetpotato whitefly eggs and nymphs also were lower significantly in plants treated with BAM-FX than the non-treated control. Mean numbers of melon thrips adults (Thrips palmi Karny; Thysanoptera: Thripidae) were consistently fewer in BAM-FX plus pesticide treated plots than the N-P-K treated plots. Mean numbers of common blossom thrips (Frankliniella schultzei Trybom; Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and western flowers thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis [Pergande]; Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in BAM-FX treated plants did not differ from the N-P-K treated plots. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus incidence was significantly lower in BAM-FX treated plots than the untreated control plots. Application of pesticides and BAM-FX in combination with N-P-K reduced tomato yellow leaf curl virus on a majority of the sampling dates. However, tomato chlorotic spot virus incidence was inconsistently lower in all BAM-FX and N-P-K treated plots compared to the untreated control. Plant height, width, and fruit numbers were significantly higher in N-P-K treated plants compared to BAM-FX treated plants. BAM-FX alone did not increase the mean numbers of fruits, but it increased fruit production when used in a program with N-P-K and effective pesticides. Nutrient levels in the leaves of treated plants were within the normal range. However, BAM-FX showed potential in reducing sweetpotato whitefly and melon thrips and their transmitted viruses, which should be explored to improve pest management programs in tomato and other vegetable and ornamental crops.

Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) is the most important stink bug species that feeds on maize in South America, and it is frequently controlled with chemical pesticides. As an alternative, more sustainable management strategies can be applied, among which the egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) stands out. However, T. podisi can have the undesired effect of parasitizing the predator and biocontol agent Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Therefore, the study of T. podisi parasitism on eggs of both D. melacanthus and P. nigrispinus is of theoretical and practical interest. Individual 48-h-old parasitoids were offered a card with host eggs. Parasitism was allowed for 24 h at 25 ± 2 °C. Afterwards, the eggs were exposed to temperatures of 15, 20, 25, or 30 ± 2 °C to test the effects of temperature on the development of immature stages of the parasitoid (egg-to-adult period, emergence (%), and sex ratio). In addition, eggs were offered on a daily basis to parasitoid females exposed to 15, 20, 25, or 30 ± 2 °C. Parasitism was allowed for 24 h before eggs were replaced with fresh ones (≤ 24 h) and stored at 25 ± 2 °C until emergence. This allowed us to study the effects of temperature on adult parasitism capacity (daily parasitism, accumulated percentage of parasitism, parental female longevity, and total number of parasitized eggs per female). Our results show that temperature significantly influenced duration of the egg-to-adult period, emergence, sex ratio, total number of parasitized eggs, and parental female longevity of T. podisi on both host species. Development time of the parasitoid was reduced with increasing temperature. Emergence above 80% was observed at temperatures of 20 and 25 °C in eggs of D. melacanthus, and at 20, 25, and 30 °C in eggs of P. nigrispinus. In both hosts, the ratio of females (sex ratio) was highest at the lowest temperature (15 °C). In both host species, daily parasitism and total number of parasitized eggs decreased with time, and longevity of females was inversely proportional to an increase in temperature. These results allow us to conclude that extreme temperatures of 15 and 30 °C are not favorable for T. podisi parasitism, even though parasitism was still observed. Therefore, in regions where those extreme temperatures are common, additional studies are necessary to explore the need for a higher number of parasitoids for successful field releases. Even though the release of T. podisi in the field may negatively impact the predator P. nigrispinus, it is problaly still safer than the use of chemical insecticides, which would be the alternative measure to T. podisi in the control of stink bugs.

While fireflies are most renowned for their bioluminescent signals, several species also have been shown to possess UV and blue-induced fluorescence. In a field study, we used a sentinel prey approach to investigate whether this trait might serve as an aposematic function in chemically defended fireflies. We also examined and provide the first detailed description of green and red patterns of blue light-induced fluorescence in the adults and larvae of Ellychnia corrusca (L.) (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). We placed artificial prey models with and without fluorescent markings in a forested area of Belmont, Massachusetts, USA, where they were exposed to natural predators. Clay models were styled to resemble Photinus fireflies, the most common firefly genus in this area, and a close relative of Ellychnia. The field study was conducted from Oct through May in Belmont, Massachusetts; this is the period when adults of the diurnal non-luminescent firefly E. corrusca are overwintering on trees. We observed considerable seasonal variation in attack rates, and marks on the clay models indicated they were attacked by avian, mammal, and arthropod predators. However, no difference was seen between fluorescent and non-fluorescent models in predator attack rates. This suggests that fireflies' fluorescent markings do not serve as an aposematic signal, at least for the predator guild active in New England woodlands.

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a pest recently invading maize in India. Studies were conducted in southern India from Jun to Aug 2018 to identify and assess the abundance of natural enemies attacking S. frugiperda. In total, 5 species of larval parasitoids, 3 predators, and 1 entomopathogen were found attacking larvae of S. frugiperda. The larval parasitoids were Coccygidium melleum, Campoletis chlorideae, Eriborus sp., Exorista sorbillans, and Odontepyris sp. Three predators, Forficula sp., Harmonia octomaculata, and Coccinella transversalis, and 1 entomofungal pathogen, Nomuraea rileyi, were recorded. The average parasitism caused by C. chlorideae was found to be 2 to 3%, whereas the remaining parasitoids showed negligible parasitism. Nomuraea rileyi recorded 10 to 15% larval infection in Aug. Three parasitoids, Coccygidium melleum, Eriborus sp., and Odontepyris sp., were reported for the first time attacking S. frugiperda. Efforts should be undertaken to identify more natural enemies and to preserve the existing ones, through ecofriendly practices and judicial use of pesticides, allowing them to function effectively.

Larvae of the subfamily Hemileucinae possess urticating bristles capable of inducing stinging in humans. The objective of this report was to describe Solanum lycocarpum Saint Hilaire (Solanaceae) as a natural host of Leucanella memusae (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Hemileucinae) larvae in Brazilian mountain grasslands. Individuals of L. memusae complete their life cycle feeding on leaves of S. lycocarpum, and have the potential to migrate to agricultural crops in the region of Diamantina, Minas Gerais State.

Empoasca kraemeri Ross & Moore (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is a phytophagous species widely found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This species is associated with several agricultural crops, where they are established due to food supply and favorable developmental conditions. The objective was to record the occurrence and damage caused by E. kraemeri in sweet potato germoplasm in Diamantina, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Physical injuries were caused by E. kraemeri penetrating the stylet into the phloem of the plant, creating chlorotic spots on the leaves with posterior necrosis. This insect has the potential to cause severe damage. Thus, it is important to include E. kraemeri in integrated pest management programs for the sweet potato.

Bauhinia variegata (Fabaceae), an exotic tree used in urban forestry and landscaping in Brazil, is predisposed to damage by phytophagous insects, especially under stress conditions. The mealybug Praelongorthezia praelonga (Douglas 1981) (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae) is a generalist pest. Here we report damage and potential mortality of B. variegata trees by P. praelonga in the urban environment at Montes Claros municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. This insect damages the host directly through feeding, and indirectly by supporting growth of sooty mold over the leaves. A total of 17 B. variegata trees were surveyed in a main street of Montes Claros during 2016 and 2017. Praelongorthezia praelonga was observed in 41.2% of the trees in 2016, including 23.5% of them with the crown completely attacked, 11.8% with two-thirds of the crown attacked, 5.9% of them with one-third of the crown attacked, and the remaining without injuries. Apis mellifera L. and Trigona spinipes (F.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were associated with this pest outbreak, feeding on the honeydew secreted by the mealybugs. The presence, damage severity, and mortality of B. variegata trees by P. praelonga suggest a possible phytosanitary threat by this mealybug in urban forestry.

Genetic traits in Poncirus trifoliata (Rutaceae) are known to confer resistance to colonization by the Asian citrus psyllid, but field surveys indicated these traits were not expressed in any of 24 simple hybrids between P. trifoliata and sweet orange. No resistance to colonization by the psyllid was observed in 14 other types of P. trifoliata hybrids. Three citrumelo hybrids appeared to be resistant in 1 survey, but in another survey, none of 6 citrumelos exhibited resistance. Interestingly, colonization was somewhat reduced on a hybrid with P. trifoliata in the pedigree of both parents, suggesting the possibility that traits suppressing oviposition may be recovered through similar crosses.

Prickly pear cactus pads of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) (Cactaceae) are cultivated in Mexico for fresh consumption. We report that Loxomorpha flavidissimalis (Grote) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), the cactus webworm, was observed recently in farms in Morelos and has expanded its distribution south from its previously known distribution of northern to central Mexico. Female and male genitalia are fully illustrated to facilitate identification. The cactus webworm represents an additional potential pest to cultivated prickly pear cactus in central Mexico.

An agave bug Caulotops distanti Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae) is considered a potential pest of agaves in Guerrero, Mexico. Specimens were collected on the leaves of mezcal agave (Agave vivipara L., and Agave cupreata Trel & Berger) (Asparagaceae) in plantations in Quetzalapa, Huitzuco de los Figueroa, Guerrero, Mexico. This is the first report C. distanti attacking Agave cupreata and A. vivipara. Observations on damage and feeding symptoms of this plant bugs are presented.

After the first record of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Brazil in 2013, this insect pest was able to spread through several Brazilian regions. This power of dissemination is probably linked to the invasive biology and polyphagous habit that D. suzukii has shown in several countries, including Brazil. In this study, we recorded the infestation of acerola fruits (Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. Ex. DC) (Malpighiaceae) by D. suzukii and discuss its status as a potential pest of this fruit.

Brazil recently began commercial cultivation of macadamia nuts, making it necessary to identify the insect pests attacking them in order to develop a pest management program. This study reports the occurrence of lepidopteran borers in macadamia fruits of orchards from the municipality of Jaboticabal, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Sampling was performed biweekly by visually searching for attacked fruits. The nuts collected had circular holes caused by lepidopteran larvae. The borers identified were Elaphria hypophaea (Hampson) (Noctuidae), Gymnandrosoma aurantianum (Lima) (Tortricidae), and Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Pyralidae), which occurred in the stages of fruit formation and growth, ripe fruits, and dropped fruits, respectively. This is the first record of E. hypophaea as a macadamia fruit borer worldwide, and the first record of G. aurantianum and E. ceratoniae as macadamia fruit borers in Brazil.

Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouché, 1833) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), the greenhouse thrips, is reported here for the first time damaging strawberry leaves and sepals (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.; Rosaceae) in the world. Two natural enemies were observed preying on the species: Hyaliodocoris insignis (Stål, 1860) (Heteroptera: Miridae) and Orius insidiosus (Say, 1832) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae).

There is an extensive history of mole cricket integrated pest management (IPM) research in Florida, USA (Kerr et al. 2014; Mhina et al. 2016), much of which has incorporated acoustic trapping as a monitoring tool. The acoustic trap design described in this report provides a method for surveying 2 Neoscapteriscus mole cricket species relatively autonomously at low cost, which can facilitate future efforts to study the biology, ecology, and distribution of invasive mole crickets (e.g., Walker 1988). In a broader context, however, there remains considerable need to reduce the costs and simplify the technology of these and other traps based on inexpensive microcontroller platforms, not only for Neoscapteriscus species, but also for other pests that mate based on either acoustic or vibrational communication (Mankin 2012).

The Florida predatory stink bug, Euthyrhynchus floridanus L. (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a generalist predator native to North America that feeds on a broad range of lepidopterous and heteropterous key pests in a great diversity of crops and non-crop situations. Feeding tests conducted in the laboratory to determine the most susceptible stage of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), to third nymphal instar, and male and female E. floridanus, indicated that this predator has great potential for biological control of H. halys nymphs and adult stages.