The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a serious pest of palm in many subtropical and tropical regions of the world. Traps baited with aggregation pheromones are important management tools used to control this weevil. The daily flight activity patterns of the red palm weevil in Saudi Arabian date palm orchards were observed using smart traps (STs) with a catch period of 3 h (8 periods daily). Conventional bucket traps (CTs) were used for comparison. The capture efficiency of the STs was not significantly different from that of the CTs. A circular statistics analysis showed that the time of adult capture in the STs was nonrandom and indicated mainly diurnal activity; few adults were captured at night. The STs revealed differential activity between the sexes. The female activity pattern exhibited 2 strong peaks at 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 7 PM, and the 2nd peak was significantly higher than the 1st peak. The male activity pattern showed 3 peaks at 7 to 10 AM, 1 to 4 PM, and 4 to 7 PM with no significant differences among the peaks. Males initiated activity before the females. The number of adults captured by STs was positively correlated with the time of sunrise and wind velocity, negatively correlated with the time of sunset and the ambient temperature, and not significantly correlated with the relative humidity. Although these patterns were consistent during the study period, they differed from a variety of other patterns reported in European and Southern Asian environments, which suggests that R. ferrugineus has evolved considerable behavioral flexibility in coping with harsh environmental conditions typical of hot arid date production areas in Saudi Arabia. Knowledge of R. ferrugineus daily activity patterns in local field environments can help managers optimize the timing of pesticide applications and other control activities.

Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a gregarious parasitoid of a wide variety of lepidopterans including melonworm, Diaphania hyalinata L. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), pupae in the field. The latter is a key pest of Cucurbitaceae; it primarily damages their leaves and secondarily their fruit, and it reduces the productivity of the plants. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the age of D. hyalinata pupae on the development of T. diatraeae. Diaphania hyalinata pupae aged 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h were individualized and exposed to eight 48-h-old T. diatraeae females for 24 h. The emergence and parasitism rates, sex ratios, and longevities of T. diatraeae males and females were found to be similar with D. hyalinata pupae of different ages. The number of progeny, width of the head capsule, and duration of the life cycle (egg to adult) of T. diatraeae decreased with the increasing age of D. hyalinata pupae. Importantly, the number of parasitoid progeny per host pupa and size of the parasitoid adults were larger when 24-h-old host pupae were parasitized than when 48- to 144-h-old pupae were parasitized. Trichospilus diatraeae was very effective in parasitizing D. hyalinata pupae of ages ranging from 24 to 144 h.

Records of Heteroptera collected at butterfly traps baited with fish or shrimp carrion during collecting trips to Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are presented. Traps consisted of a cylinder of net fabric (about 35 cm diameter × 75 cm length) attached on the top and bottom to square pieces of wood slightly larger than the diameter of the cylinder. The bait usually consisted of locally available fish or shrimp that were cut into small pieces and placed in a container with water and a little soil and allowed to putrefy for several days to a week or more before use. The Heteroptera collected consisted of 91 species and 1,712 specimens in the following families: Alydidae, Coreidae, Cyrtocoridae, Lygaeidae, Miridae, Pentatomidae, Reduviidae, Rhopalidae, Rhyparochromidae, and Scutelleridae. We collected 1,356 males and 356 females at these traps, but most of the sex bias occurred in the Scutelleridae. Although sex bias was variable by family, a bias towards females generally occurred except for the Scutelleridae. Most of the species collected at these traps were not collected at the location using other collecting methods, so collecting at butterfly traps increased the number of taxa obtained at each location. Butterfly traps baited with fish or shrimp carrion should be considered as an additional collecting tool for biodiversity studies or general collecting.

Five new species of Phyllophaga of northwestern Mexico are described: P. (Listrochelus) balacachiana sp. nov. from tropical thorny forests of northern Sinaloa and southern Sonora; P. (Listrochelus) tascatensis sp. nov. from pine and oak forests of northern Sinaloa and southwestern Chihuahua; P. (Listrochelus) choixiana sp. nov. from tropical deciduous forest of northern Sinaloa; P. (Listrochelus) reyesolivasi sp. nov. from pine and oak forest of southwestern Chihuahua; and P. (Phyllophaga) collaroides sp. nov. from pine and oak forests of northern Sinaloa and southwestern Chihuahua. Illustrations of diagnostic characters and comments on the differences from similar species are included.

We studied the life cycle of the broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae), on 2 cultivated jute species (Corchorus olitorius L. and Corchorus capsularis L.; Malvales: Malvaceae) and 5 wild species (Corchorus aestuans L., Corchorus pseudo-olitorius Islam & Zaid, Corchorus fascicularis Lamarck, Corchorus tridens L., and Corchorus trilocularis L.) under laboratory conditions. Results showed that the egg incubation period, larval and nymphal durations, and adult male and female longevities of P. latus varied significantly on different jute species. The larval period (mean ± SD) was significantly shorter (57.00 ± 2.07 h) on C. olitorius than on C. fascicularis, C. aestuans, and C. tridens (68.00 ± 1.58 to 72.00 ± 1.30 h). The phenol content was greatest in C. trilocularis (61.92 ± 1.91 μg/g), and it was 16.26 ± 1.34 μg/g and 20.45 ± 1.43 μg/g in C. olitorius and C. capsularis, respectively. The polyphenol oxidase content was smallest in C. capsularis (0.99 ± 0.10 μg/mL) as compared with 2.38 ± 0.15 μg/mL in C. fascicularis. The protein content in the wild species was significantly less than in the cultivated species. In the wild species, the peroxidase content varied from 3.93 ± 0.17 to 7.08 ± 0.16 μg/mL, and it was 3.23 ± 0.12 to 3.70 ± 0.14 μg/mL in the cultivated species. The leaf biochemical constituents of jute species were correlated with mite life stages and incidence. The larval period and adult female longevity had significantly negative correlations with polyphenol oxidase content and positive correlations with protein content. The greatest mite population was observed on C. olitorius, and the smallest mite population was observed on C. trilocularis, at 50 d after sowing. The mite populations increased on all the jute species except C. trilocularis at 50 d after sowing. Based on the duration of life stages, the present study showed that among the 7 species of jute, the cultivated C. olitorius was the most suitable host for broad mites. It is evident that biochemical leaf constituents have an important role in the growth and buildup of mite pests in these crops. On the basis of the relative resistance and susceptibility of the jute species, appropriate interspecific crosses may provide a platform for developing resistant varieties for broad mite management.

Through global trade, spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), a native of Southeast Asia, has spread to at least 3 other continents since 2008. Initial reports of the fly in new regions often are associated with damage in agriculture fields, but the fly may be present in the landscape for years before populations reach a level at which they become a pest in fruit production. In 2012, spotted wing drosophila was reported in blueberry fields in eastern Tennessee, USA, for the first time. In order to determine whether the fly was established in middle Tennessee, we conducted landscape surveys over 2 yr in the middle of the state's ornamental nursery industry where many fruit and ornamental hosts of the fly are grown. Red and yellow colored traps baited with yeast solution were placed in 17 locations of the 5-county nursery production region of middle Tennessee. Traps were monitored weekly for 8 wk in 2013 and 9 wk in 2014. Flies were caught at all 17 locations in 2013 and 16 of 17 locations in 2014. First activity was delayed 3 wk and total captures were 77% lower in 2014 relative to the previous year, likely due to high mortality of overwintering flies resulting from unusually cold winter temperatures in the region. No statistical differences were detected between trap colors in the landscape or between total captures of each sex, despite a trend for more female than male captures by the end of the season. Beginning Feb 2014, we also sampled weekly from a single yellow monitoring trap suspended within a plot of mixed-species dogwood trees (Cornus spp.; Caryophyllales: Cornaceae) for nearly 1 yr. Adult D. suzukii consistently were caught from late Jul until mid-Dec when the first frost occurred. Our surveys confirm that spotted wing drosophila is well established in the middle Tennessee nursery production region, despite no concurrent reports of damage by local small-fruit producers in the region.

The last larval instar of Alaus melanops LeConte, 1863 (Coleoptera: Elateridae) is described. Morphological characters of the larva such as general morphology of antenna, frons, clypeus, mandible, maxillolabial complex, lacinia and galea, maxillary palp, labium, and abdominal terga are documented and discussed. Data on the natural history and distribution are provided.

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an economically important agricultural pest globally that costs growers billions of dollars to control. Given the pest status of B. tabaci and its propensity for invasiveness, a detailed work to resolve the prevalence of B. tabaci genetic groups is warranted. Hence, we analyzed mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I sequences from 71 samples of B. tabaci to determine the prevalence of genetic groups on various host plants in India. Results revealed the prevalence of the 4 previously existing genetic groups, namely Asia-I, Asia-II-7, Asia-II-8, and Middle East Asia Minor-1 (MEAM-1), and of a new group called Middle East Asia Minor-K, which is genetically close (92.6%) to MEAM-1.

The green lacewing, Mallada basalis (Walker) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), has a broad prey range and effective searching abilities. Because rearing procedures based on natural or factitious foods for the larvae of this economically important predator are often time consuming and/or expensive, the main objective of our study was to develop an artificial diet suitable for mass rearing. We analyzed the development, survival, longevity, and reproduction of M. basalis (F1 generation) fed 3 artificial diets. These diets were formulated based on those of Chrysoperla sinica Tjeder and Chrysopa pallens (Rambur) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). All 3 of the diets contained chicken egg, beer yeast powder, sucrose, trehalose, vitamin C, and potassium sorbate. The first artificial diet (AD1) also contained honey and distilled water. AD2 also included pupal hemolymph of the Chinese oak silk moth (Antheraea pernyi Guérin-Méneville; Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), and AD3 also included whole A. pernyi pupae, which had been blended into all of the ingredients. The 2nd instars reared on AD3 required 2.91 d to develop to 3rd instars, which was significantly less time than the 3.69 d required on AD2. However, 3rd instars reared on AD1 required 4.48 d to develop to the pupal stage, which was significantly shorter than 3rd instars on AD2 and AD3 at 6.92 and 5.68 d, respectively. The development time of pupae in the AD3 treatment was 8.18 d, which was significantly shorter than that of pupae in the AD1 and AD2 treatments at 9.05 and 10.00 d, respectively. There were significant differences in adult longevity among the 3 diets, and these longevities in the AD1, AD2, and AD3 treatments were 39.40, 4.75, and 30.11 d, respectively. The oviposition period was significantly longer for females reared on AD1 (22.70 d) than for females reared on AD3 (5.25 d). The oviposition rate and total number of eggs laid from AD1 (16.41 eggs/day and 476.67 eggs, respectively) were significantly greater than those from AD3 (3.11 eggs/day and 19.75 eggs respectively). Females reared on AD2 laid no eggs. There were significant differences in egg hatch and pupation rates among the 3 diets. The egg hatch and pupation rate were largest on AD1, i.e., 100.0% and 63.3%, respectively, whereas they were the least on AD2, i.e., 53.33% and 16.19%, respectively. There were significant differences in hatch rates from newly laid eggs (F2 generation) between AD1 and AD3, i.e., 70.4% and 63.0%, respectively. We found that M. basalis was able to develop and reproduce when fed artificial diets AD1 and AD3. However, AD1 was much better than AD3. The development and reproduction of M. basalis fed AD2 were unacceptable. AD1 contained twice the amount of chicken egg compared with AD2 and AD3, and egg yolk is known to be a high-quality component of diets for entomophagous insects. The diet AD1 was also the only one that contained honey. All the 3 diets contained trehalose, which can be a partial substitute for insect components. Our findings may contribute to the mass production of this economically important predatory green lacewing.

Eucalyptus cloeziana F. Muell. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) and the tropical almond Terminalia catappa L. (Myrtales: Combretaceae) are widely cultivated in urban and forest areas of many countries where biological control is the most-preferred method to control insects. Aximopsis sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) is reported for the first time in Brazil in a new group of lepidopteran hosts. Individuals of this species emerged from the pupae of Thyrinteina arnobia arnobia Stoll (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) and Thagona tibialis Walker (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) that developed from larvae defoliating E. cloeziana and T. catappa plants on the campus of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV) in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Aximopsis sp. was identified by comparing it with species of this group as described for the Neotropical region. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), France. Twenty new pupae each of Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) were held individually in test tubes with a drop of honey as food and 3 mated Aximopsis sp. females for 2 d. Aximopsis sp. parasitized 20% of the T. molitor pupae but none of the A. gemmatalis pupae. The duration of the life cycle (egg to adult), parasitism and emergence rates, total individuals emerged from each pupa, sex ratio, length of the body and width of the head capsule, and the longevities of Aximopsis sp. males and females that emerged from parasitized T. molitor pupae were evaluated. The duration of the life cycle of Aximopsis sp. was 14 ± 2 d. An average of 62 ± 5 Aximopsis sp. individuals emerged from each T. molitor pupa, and their sex ratio was 0.96 ± 0.02. The total number of parasitoids that emerged was 248 individuals. Measurements of characters of progeny Aximopsis sp. females (n = 10) and males (n = 5), respectively, were as follows: body length: 3.50 mm (2.40-3.80 mm) and 1.99 mm (1.97-2.02 mm); head capsule width: 0.63 mm (0.58-0.72 mm) and 0.48 mm (0.46-0.51 mm), and longevity: 6 ± 1 d and 4 ± 1 d. These results open prospects for investigations of biological control of pests with this natural enemy.

Roads are common in natural landscapes and can have significant impacts on wildlife. Most studies have focused on vertebrates and primarily addressed the negative impacts of roads. However, roadside margins have the potential to support habitat for some taxa, such as pollinating insects. The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in roadside vegetation management affect butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea) and floral resources. Specifically, we investigated how mowing frequency affects both the abundance and mortality of butterflies and the abundance and species richness of herbaceous plants in bloom along highway margins. Three different mowing treatments were applied to sections of highway margin in Florida, USA: no mowing, mowing every 6 wk, and mowing every 3 wk. Butterfly and floral resource data were gathered at regular intervals for 6 mo during the peak growing season, from late spring through early fall. Correlations between floral species richness and abundance and butterfly abundance were calculated. The mowing treatment had a significant effect on floral resources, with the 3 wk treatment yielding the lowest abundance and species richness. The mowing treatment alone did not have a significant effect on any butterfly variable, but the mowing treatment*time interaction had a significant effect on live butterfly abundance. The no-mow treatment yielded the greatest numbers of live butterflies from late summer into early fall. This study suggests that reducing mowing during peak seasonal butterfly activity can increase butterfly numbers. Future studies in different regions would benefit from considering the effects of time of year of mowing in addition to the frequency.

We analyzed the morphological and genetic variation of the Asian citrus psyllid nymphal ectoparasitoid Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in 2 regions of Mexico, in the northeast (represented by the states of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas) and the west (represented by the states of Colima and Michoacán). We found that the morphological variation of the specimens lay mainly in body color traits. The morphometric study indicated that in comparison with females, males presented heterogeneity, and it was concentrated in the state of Colima. Despite the morphological variation found in the species, it was not exclusively associated with any of the geographical regions. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of 2 haplotypes (H1 and H2), which were the same found in previous research among strains introduced to Florida. Haplotype H2 was found in both studied regions and more frequently than haplotype H1, which was collected only in the northeast (Tamaulipas state), suggesting possible points of gene flow between Mexico and the USA. Our results have implications for the extensive use of T. radiata in biological control programs of the Asian citrus psyllid.

Sample collections of Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) were taken from 20 islands of the West Indies and evaluated for the presence of key pathogens and parasites of this invasive pest ant. We hypothesized that bottleneck events during the introduction of this ant species in the West Indies would have resulted in populations devoid, or nearly so, of natural enemies. Monogyne and polygyne social forms were found throughout the islands surveyed with monogyny being more prevalent (65%) compared with polygyny (35%). Among 254 samples, only 25 (~10%) tested positive for the presence of pathogens or parasites. The microsporidian Kneallhazia solenopsae was the most prevalent pathogen detected; it was found in 20 colonies. A second microsporidian species, Vairimorpha invictae, was shown to be present in a polygyne sample collected from St. Croix—the first detection of this pathogen outside South America. Similarly, Solenopsis invicta densovirus (SiDNV) was detected in one polygyne sample from Anguilla. SiDNV is not found in S. invicta U.S. populations, so this detection also represents the first geographic discovery outside of South America. Two species of Pseudacteon decapitating flies were found to have dispersed into the Bahamas. Utilization of the islands of the West Indies for release, establishment, and impact assessment of S. invicta natural enemies is discussed.

The non-native emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), threatens extirpation of susceptible ash (Fraxinus species; Lamiales: Oleaceae) in North America. Cerceris fumipennis Say (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae), a ground-nesting wasp that preys on Buprestidae in eastern North America, is used as a survey tool for the emerald ash borer in the northeastern U.S. and Canada. The recent detection of the emerald ash borer in Louisiana provides an opportunity to complement trapping surveys with the use of C. fumipennis, but knowledge of C. fumipennis in the region is lacking. From 2011 to 2014, we conducted searches at 155 sites and located C. fumipennis aggregations at 25% (n = 39) of these sites; 36% (n = 14) of these were located at forest harvests, an aggregation habitat not previously reported in the literature. We collected 1,559 buprestids representing 35 species from 2 aggregations in Louisiana between May and Aug 2012. Buprestid collections at these aggregations and observations of C. fumipennis activity at a 3rd aggregation indicated the number of buprestid species and individuals collected declined significantly from May to Jul. We collected significantly more Agrilus difficilis Gory (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in the afternoon than morning hours and observed similar diurnal patterns among other buprestid species during the early weeks following aggregation activation. We also discuss evidence suggesting a portion of the regional C. fumipennis population is bivoltine. Although A. planipennis was not collected during this study, our results suggest that C. fumipennis is a feasible sampling tool and a useful addition to ongoing emerald ash borer surveys in the region.

Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are economic pests of cotton and soybean. This study was conducted to examine predation on stink bugs by arthropod predators in cotton and adjoining soybean habitats. Gut-content analysis based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect stink bug deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in predators collected from both crops over a 5 wk period. Nezara viridula (L.), Euschistus servus (Say), Chinavia hilaris (Say), and Euschistus quadrator Rolston were detected on soybean and cotton. Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood) and Thyanta custator custator (F.) were detected only on soybean whereas Euschistus tristigmus (Say) was detected only on cotton. Over both crops, 13 predators screened positive for a variety of stink bug species DNA by PCR analysis: Geocoris punctipes (Say) and Geocoris uliginosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Geocoridae), Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (cotton), and Scymnus sp. (cotton) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Oxyopes salticus Hentz and Peucetia viridans (Hentz) (cotton) (Araneae: Oxyopidae), Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), Mecaphesa asperata (Hentz) (Araneae: Thomisidae), Zelus renardii Kolenati (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), and Notoxus monodon (F.) (cotton) (Coleoptera: Anthicidae). In soybean, the percentage of G. punctipes and G. uliginosus screening positive for N. viridula was high, 87.3%, whereas the percentage screening positive for E. servus was moderately high, 60.3%. In cotton, the percentage of N. viridula DNA in gut-contents of O. insidiosus was high, 91.6%. Detection of P. guildinii and/or T. c. custator DNA in predators in cotton and of E. tristigmus DNA in predators in soybean demonstrated predator dispersal between soybean and cotton. In soybean, the percentage of P. guildinii DNA in gut contents of G. punctipes, G. uliginosus, and O. insidiosus, including those individuals in cotton that dispersed from soybean, was high. We conclude that a complex of arthropod predators prey on a complex of stink bugs in both cotton and adjoining soybean while foraging in and between these crops.

The aroma of various plant essential oils has been shown to enhance the mating competitiveness of males of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Laboratory observations revealed that male medflies show strong short-range (<10 cm) attraction to tea tree oil (TTO hereafter) derived from leaves of the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betch) Cheel (Myrtales: Melastomataceae). The present study was undertaken to i) compare the attractiveness of TTO with that of trimedlure (the male lure routinely used in detection surveys) in field and field cage tests and ii) assess the influence of TTO exposure on male mating success under conditions of varying dose, duration of post-exposure (i.e., pre-test) interval, and access (contact possible or not) to the TTO source. Results showed that TTO-baited traps captured 50% as many males as trimedlure-baited traps in field cages but only 8% as many males as trimedlure-baited traps in the open field. Males exposed to pure TTO or dilutions of 50% and 5% TTO in hexane had higher mating success than non-exposed control males in tests conducted 1 d after exposure. TTO-exposed males also had a mating advantage when tested 3 d after exposure and when physical contact with the TTO source was prevented. In an additional experiment, TTO exposure was found to enhance the mating competitiveness of mass-reared, sterile males in competition against wild males for copulations with wild females in tests conducted 1 or 3 d after exposure.

Southeast Florida is considered part of the Caribbean archipelago and a biodiversity hotspot for conservation priorities, with many endangered species precinctive to the Lower Peninsula. The tropical butterfly Eumaeus atala (Poey) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) is currently found in Southeast Florida, the Caribbean, Cayman Islands, and Cuba, but was once considered probably extinct in Southeast Florida, where it has made a significant population increase during the past 30 yr. The State of Florida lists E. atala as imperiled, based on the species' ephemeral and cyclic abundance, isolated extant populations, reduced and highly fragmented habitat, and vulnerability to stochastic weather events. The objective of this captive-rearing intensive study was to fill gaps related to E. atala's overall biology and ecology in order to assist recovery efforts. Life history was studied under controlled environmental conditions to document the life span, reproduction, and development. Longevity proved to be much greater than previously recorded, reproductive behavior supports increased genetic cross-over, and conservation efforts point toward the need for continued monitoring of fragmented populations. Results may help in the design or improvement of management practices for E. atala and other imperiled pine rockland species.

In recent years, biological methods have been used widely for controlling stem-boring pests in forests. In this study, the larvae of Xylotrechus rusticus (L.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) were infected with 4 strains of 2 species of Beauveria (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). Larval detoxifying and protective enzyme activities were measured at different times after infection. The results showed significant differences in the pathogenicity of the 4 strains. The most virulent strain, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv) Vuill. strain BbCC01, caused 93.3% mortality, with an estimated LT50 of 4.69 d. The detoxifying and protective enzyme activities in larvae infected with strain BbCC01 changed significantly. To resist the infection, the activities of the detoxifying enzymes (carboxylesterase, glutathione S-transferase, and acetylcholinesterase) first increased and then slowly decreased. The activities of the protective enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase) showed a similar trend. The enzyme activities peaked at 72 to 96 h post-infection. In this study, the B. bassiana strain BbCC01 proved to exhibit high virulence towards X. rusticus larvae. This research provides important information regarding the biological control of X. rusticus and elucidates the patterns of detoxifying and protective enzyme activities in the susceptible larvae.

The papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a polyphagous pest that damages many tropical crops. It is a native of Central America and spread to the Caribbean region and South America in the 1990s; since then it has accidentally been introduced to some islands in the Pacific region and some countries in Africa and Asia. We recorded its presence in China for the first time in 2013 from Guangdong Province and Yunnan Province in southern and southwestern China, respectively. Our genetic analysis revealed that only 1 haplotype of P. marginatus has been recorded in all of Asia, including China, reflecting the very recent invasion of P. marginatus in Asia. This study also includes a summary of the global geographical distribution of P. marginatus.

Nymphs of Euschistus (Mitripus) convergens (Herrich-Schaffer) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are described using light and scanning electron microscopy. In the 1st instar, the integument and the lateral margins of the body are smooth, the dorsal abdominal scent glands bear a rounded peritreme with cuticular valve, and the evaporatorium surface bears pointed projections. From the 2nd to the 5th instars, the integument surface is granulated, the lateral margins of the body are serrated, the dorsal abdominal scent glands bear a spout-shaped peritreme with a cuticular valve, and the evaporatorium surface is reticulated. The overall morphology of E. convergens nymphs resembles the morphology of nymphs of other Euschistus species.

Brevipalpus mites (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) carrying citrus leprosis virus are considered serious quarantine pests. The objective of this research was to clarify the effectiveness of commonly used fruit cleaners, soaps, waxes, and mechanical brushing techniques (alone and in combination) on removal and/or mortality of mites (percentage of density reduction) from infested citrus fruits. Six bioassays were conducted with infested lemons, Citrus limon (L.) Burm.f. (Sapindales: Rutaceae), using non-virulent Brevipalpus yothersi Baker as a model species. In each bioassay, all stages (eggs, nymphs, and adults) of B. yothersi were recorded before and after treatment. Results indicated that none of the treatments provided 100% reduction of all stages of mites, as would be required for quarantine treatments. In general, mite reduction following single treatments (soap rinse, brushing, or waxing alone) was not significantly different from reduction obtained with a water drench control. However, several combination treatments were successful in achieving ~90% reduction of mites, particularly those that included application of a food-grade wax coating. Therefore, a combination of treatments, including a soap wash and mechanical brushing followed by a wax coating, may be the most effective method to achieve significant reduction of all stages of Brevipalpus mites from infested citrus.

Trachymyrmex jamaicensis (André) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) is a rarely encountered fungus-growing ant known only from the West Indies and South Florida. I compiled and mapped >100 site records for T. jamaicensis, documenting the earliest known records for 15 geographic areas (countries, U.S. states, and major West Indian islands). Populations of T. jamaicensis have an essentially continuous range from the island of St. Vincent in the south (13.1°N) to Florida and the Bahamas in the north (up to 27.0°N). Almost all records from Florida come from the Florida Keys, south of 25.5°N; there are only 2 records of T. jamaicensis from mainland Florida. Based on the scarcity of records of T. jamaicensis in Florida, the Florida Committee on Rare Endangered Plants and Animals (FCREPA) officially designated T. jamaicensis as rare species.

Spanish moss, Tillandsia usneoides (L.) (Poales: Bromeliaceae), is widely distributed in the southeastern United States. A diversity of arthropod species from numerous taxa are known to inhabit this common epiphytic plant. Thysanoptera species inhabiting Spanish moss were sampled monthly over the course of a year from trees in 4 different genera and included 10 species of thrips from 8 genera and 3 families represented. Breeding populations of predatory Karnyothrips (Phlaeothripidae) were common in Spanish moss during all months of the year. The adults of 2 phytophagous species of Frankliniella (Thripidae) were common in the spring months, but only a few larvae were collected over the course of the year. The adults of other species collected were: Heterothrips quercicola J. C. Crawford (Heterothripidae); Chilothrips pini Hood, Neohydatothrips variabilis (Beach), and Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard) (Thripidae); and Hoplandrothrips pergandei Hinds and Liothrips ocellatus Hood (Phlaeothripidae). Although a diverse group of phytophagous thrips species inhabited Spanish moss, there was little evidence that it was a host. It may simply have been a temporary shelter with no other biological significance. The predatory thrips were abundant probably feeding on the diverse group of small arthropods that inhabit Spanish moss.

In Asia, the pine sawyer beetle Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is the most important vector of the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Steiner and Buhrer (Aphelenchida: Parasitaphelenchidae), the causal agent of pine wilt disease, and the ectoparasitoid Scleroderma guani Xiao et Wu (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) is the most important natural enemy of this pest. Efficient host location is critical to parasitoid fitness, and chemical cues are key factors guiding the host searching process. This study was conducted to elucidate the odor cues guiding host location in S. guani and the impact of previous host experience on this behavior. Tests were conducted in which S. guani oriented to different odor resources associated with M. alternatus and its habitat, and components of these volatiles were analyzed with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Orientation to various odors also was investigated using adult S. guani subjected to different adult experiences. Female S. guani could easily distinguish M. alternatus larvae from other odor resources. Hydrocarbons were the main components of volatiles derived from M. alternatus larvae and were absent in volatiles from wood and frass associated with M. alternatus larvae. Female S. guani oriented most strongly to 1st and 3rd instars of M. alternatus. Prior experience of host odor without oviposition decreased orientation of S. guani towards the host, and the host used for rearing had no impact on subsequent odor orientation by adult S. guani. Volatile hydrocarbons emanating from host larvae might be the key to host location by adult S. guani, and experience with hosts appears to reinforce behavioral responses. The present results may be useful references for improving augmentative biological control using S. guani against M. alternatus and other forest pests.

Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) is an important insect pest of cotton and other crops, but the species also feeds on some insect pests. In this study, the effect of 5 food condition treatments, including corn kernel, cotton leaves, eggs of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a combination of corn H. armigera eggs, and of cotton leaves H. armigera eggs, on the biological parameters of A. lucorum was evaluated in the laboratory. Mixed foods (e.g., corn H. armigera eggs) significantly increased nymphal survival, prolonged adult longevity, and improved female fecundity. The survival rate of nymphs with only H. armigera egg was the lowest, and development times with cotton leaves were the longest. Under mixed food conditions, nymphs preyed on more eggs in the combination with cotton leaves than with corn. These results indicate that A. lucorum does have a certain ability to prey on H. armigera eggs, but that during the growth and development of A. lucorum, plant food is still necessary for development.

The phenology and survival of beech scale, Cryptococcus fagisuga Lindinger (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), were investigated in part of its native range (Caucasus Mountains, Georgia) and in an invaded area (Massachusetts, USA). Despite nearly identical growing seasons (as measured by cumulative day-degrees), the scale was found to be bivoltine in the Caucasus Mountain region but univoltine in Massachusetts. In Georgia, scales overwintered as adults, whereas in Massachusetts, 1st instar crawlers were the overwintering stage. In Massachusetts, protective cages increased scale survival over a year-long period, but the effect was not great and was presumed to be due to exclusion of generalist predators, not specialized natural enemies. There was no effect of caging on survival in Georgia, and no support was found for the hypothesis that specialized natural enemies might exist in the scale's native range that might be imported for biological control of the pest in the United States. Rather, it appears that selection for resistance in American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrhart; Fagales: Fagaceae) may offer the best chance to restore healthy stands of American beech in North American forests.

Anastrepha serpentina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the least studied of the pestiferous Neotropical tephritid flies despite its propensity to attack several commercial fruit crops, mainly in the Sapotaceae (Ericales). Few studies have been performed to improve monitoring traps and lures specifically targeted at this species. Management currently is achieved by using the hydrolyzed protein lure (Captor® with borax) and a Multilure® trap in combination with chemical control measures. Here, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of other commercial lures and traps for monitoring purposes in sapodilla orchards. The efficacies of 3 commercial lures, namely, Captor (chemically hydrolyzed protein) borax, CeraTrap® (enzymatically hydrolyzed protein), and Biolure® (dry lure based on ammonium acetate and putrescine), were compared in 2 independent experiments. In a 1st experiment, CeraTrap caught twice as many A. serpentina flies per trap per day as Captor borax. In a 2nd experiment, trapping efficacy of CeraTrap and Biolure was similar, and both lures caught more A. serpentina flies per day per trap than Captor borax. No significant differences in the capture of A. serpentina were observed among a Multilure trap, a Tephi Trap®, or a simple polyethylene bottle trap, when baited with CeraTrap. This study contributes with additional information on the response of A. serpentina to commercial lures, showing that CeraTrap could represent an effective alternative to monitor this pest using simple and cheap polyethylene bottle traps.

A new species of ant, Myrmecina cooperi sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmecinae) is described and illustrated from specimens collected in Florida and Alabama, USA. This species is characterized by its small size (under 2 mm length), shagreened gastral tergites, and a strong ventral protrusion on the underside of the postpetiole. It is presently known from a small area in the Florida Panhandle and adjacent Alabama. Habitus illustrations and an identification key are provided for the 3 eastern species of Myrmecina.

The Cerrado Biome comprises many habitats, the most common being the savanna type. This biome presents an intense dry season that imposes difficulties on organism survival. The Cerrado's wet season is the period of greatest abundance and richness of species, including the Lepidoptera. In Brazil, most studies on Nymphalidae seasonality have been conducted in biomes other than the Cerrado. Thus, the pattern of the Nymphalidae seasonality in the Cerrado is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the temporal dynamics of these butterflies in both savanna and gallery forest habitats in the Cerrado, comparing our findings to those previously reported from other Brazilian biomes, and to discuss the effects of weather and habitat structure on temporal dynamics. Thirty bait-traps were distributed in 2 vertical strata (understory and canopy) in each habitat type (savanna and gallery forest; thus, 60 bait-traps were distributed during 6 d each month from Jul 2012 to Jun 2013. In total, 3,459 individuals of 62 species were captured. The transition between the wet and dry season presented the greatest abundance and species richness and was the period of lowest evenness in the Nymphalidae community. Two distinct assemblages were found in the savanna and gallery forest. Moreover, greater butterfly species turnover was found over time in the gallery forest than in the savanna habitat. These results highlight the importance of climatic seasons, plant phenology, and habitat structure as important predictors of the temporal dynamics of these butterflies in the Cerrado Biome. Furthermore, the floristic and structural distinctiveness of the savanna and gallery forest, and the biological requirements of the butterfly species, could explain a large portion of the species turnover observed in the gallery forest.

Honeydew produced by hemipterans mediates mutualistic interactions between ants and hemipterans. Previous studies demonstrated that the mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and the aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) produce abundant honeydew and attract a large number of tending ants. Ghost ants, Tapinoma melanocephalum (F.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), show a significant preference for mealybug honeydew over aphid honeydew. Although many studies have indicated that the honeydew produced by hemipterans plays an important role in ant—hemipteran interactions, we know little about what triggers ants' foraging preferences. Our results showed that the honeydew produced by both mealybugs and aphids contained fructose, sucrose, trehalose, melezitose, raffinose, and rhamnose. There were no significant difference in the concentrations of the various sugars between mealybugs and aphids, except sucrose. Xylose was present only in mealybug honeydew, and glucose was present only in aphid honeydew. We also found no substantial difference in the excretion frequency and the total weight of honeydew produced per 24 h between mealybugs and aphids. Ghost ants preferred sucrose. In addition, attractiveness of sucrose solutions increased significantly with increasing concentration. These results suggest that sucrose is the trigger for ghost ants' honeydew preference.

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is the most widely used parasitoid in biological control of Tephritidae programs around the world. Nevertheless, we have little information about the use of these parasitoids against Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). This study was conducted to evaluate the thermal requirements for the development of D. longicaudata in 2 of its hosts, A. fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Third instars of each fly species were exposed for 1 h to 50 couples of the parasitoid. Subsequently, the larvae were placed individually in glass jars maintained in chambers at temperatures of 15, 18, 21, 25, 28, and 31 °C, at 60 ± 10% RH and a photoperiod of 14:10 h L:D until the emergence of D. longicaudata. The rate of development of D. longicaudata, in both hosts, increased as temperature increased. The development period of egg-to-adult phases was used to estimate, by the hyperbola method, the lower development threshold (Dt) and the thermal constant (K) of D. longicaudata. Dt and K were, respectively, 7.83 °C and 322.58 degree days for individuals that developed in C. capitata, and 12.5 °C and 227.27 degree days for those that developed in A. fraterculus. Adult longevity was inversely proportional to temperature. The results indicated that D. longicaudata may not develop in Rio Grande do Sul in the winter, because it is very common that minimum temperatures in the months of Jun and Jul fall below the Dt. In the 4 fruit-producing regions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the average numbers of generations of D. longicaudata per year were estimated in A. fraterculus and C. capitata, respectively, as follows: Porto Alegre (11.16 and 13.12), Pelotas (7.97 and 10.89), Bento Gonçalves (6.99 and 10.05), and Vacaria (4.84 and 8.28).

Distribution and host data of Lonchaeidae species (Diptera: Tephritoidea) in the state of Amapá, Brazil, are presented. Adults of 10 species in the genera Neosilba, Dasiops, and Lonchaea were reared from 23 plant species in 18 families. Neosilba laura Strikis and Neosilba parapeltae Strikis are reported for the first time in the Amazon, and Dasiops inedulis Steyskal and Neosilba perezi Romero & Ruppel are reported for the first time in Amapá State. Additionally, 24 new host associations are documented.

There is an error in the article of Florida Entomologist 98(2): 456-463, i.e., Lahey, Zachary and Philip Stansly—An updated list of parasitoid Hymenoptera reared from the Bemisia tabaci species complex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). In Line 2 of Section Encarsia Förster (Chalcidoidea: Aphelinidae) on Page 459, the correct number of described species is 430 (not 450).

Furthermore, in Line 2 of Section Metaphycus Mercet (Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae) on Page 460, the order Hemiptera could be added in parentheses after the superfamily Coccoidea. Redundant listings of the genus names Encarsia and Eretmocerus in the 1st column of Table 1 could be deleted.