The German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Blattodea: Blattellidae), is a serious pest in residential housing with control administered mainly through application of pesticides. Integrated pest management (IPM) involves a combination of strategies aimed at reducing pest populations. Over a 27 mo study period, we determined levels of German cockroach populations in rural manufactured residential homes: before IPM implementation (Pre-IPM), the period when residents were educated on IPM strategies (IPM-education), and during education and insecticide application (IPM-education plus bait). Sanitation level in the IPM-education phase (2.8) was significantly different from that in the Pre-IPM phase (3.9) and was accompanied by a decrease in trap catch. Sticky and jar traps were deployed in kitchen areas to assess levels of infestation. Trap catch from all participants during the 3 phases was significantly different. Mean cockroach catch per participant per trap was 20.5 ± 4.1 during Pre-IPM, 13.2 ± 2.2 during IPM-education, and 3.9 ± 0.7 during IPM-education plus bait treatment. During the last 3 mo of the study, the population level declined by 86% when compared with that during the Pre-IPM phase. Victor Roach®pheromone sticky traps captured more cockroaches (19.2 ± 1.9) than jar traps (7.2 ± 1.1), accounting for 73% of cockroaches captured. Traps caught more nymphs than adult cockroaches. Trap catch was unevenly distributed, with the highest (34%) catch occurring around refrigerators. We conclude that the inclusion of education of residents in German cockroach IPM programs will make implementation and sustainability of cockroach control more efficient.

Spotted knapweed, Centaurea stoebe L. (Asteraceae), is an invasive perennial forb that has become economically and ecologically damaging in North America. The weevil Larinus minutus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a biological control agent of invasive knapweeds, was introduced to 37 sites in northwest Arkansas since 2008 as part of a biological control program for spotted knapweed. In 2011 and 2012, 25 of these release sites were surveyed to monitor how L. minutus infestation rates changed in relation to distance and time from release. The initial L. minutus introductions at these sites occurred from 2008 to 2011. Transects were used from the point of initial weevil introduction to establish sampling quadrats in which capitula were collected to document weevil presence and infestation rates. The mean maximum distance of weevil colonization and mean local abundance (within the first 50 m from the release point) were calculated in relation to time (yr) since release. Five sites had >10 quadrats in both sampling years and were analyzed with an exponential decay function to model localized population growth and spread. Annual increases in mean local abundance and maximum distance of colonization were observed. These results were substantiated by localized growth (at 3 sites) and spread (at 2 sites) that occurred at the 5 sites analyzed with the exponential decay function. These findings suggest that in years following L. minutus introduction, assuming similar release strategies and environmental conditions, consistent increases in weevil infestation rates and spread from the release site may be expected in about half the sites at which populations establish.

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is considered one of the most important pests of soybean, Glycine max L. (Merrill) (Fabaceae), in Brazil and worldwide. Although chemical control still represents the principal strategy used to control this insect, less aggressive strategies such as the use of resistant genotypes stand out as potentially efficient alternatives for integrated pest management programs. This study aimed to evaluate the possible occurrence of tolerance to B. tabaci biotype B in the ‘KS-4202’ soybean genotype, which is already recognized as tolerant to Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the United States. The ‘Conquista’ Brazilian cultivar was used as a susceptible control. In a greenhouse, plants (stages V3–V4) of both genotypes were individualized and subjected to 6 patterns of infestation: 1) uninfested and without chemical control; 2) infested and without chemical control; 3) infested and sprayed at 15 d after infestation (DAI); 4) infested and sprayed at 30 DAI; 5) infested and sprayed at 45 DAI; and 6) infested and sprayed at 60 DAI. The study was performed in a completely randomized design with 6 replications for each pattern of infestation. We evaluated the following parameters of productivity: number of pods per plant, dry weight of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, dry weight of seeds per plant, and dry weight of biomass per plant. A 2-by-2 factorial bioassay was carried out to evaluate the plant responses to whitefly feeding, with 5 replications for each combination. The factors were 2 soybean genotypes (‘KS-4202’ and ‘Conquista’) and 2 levels of infestation (0 and 25 pairs), with 4 collection dates of leaflets (7, 14, 21, and 28 DAI). The protein contents and enzyme activities (dismutase superoxide, peroxidase, and polyphenoloxidase) were also determined for each collection date. Whitefly infestation had a negative effect on the weight of seeds and dry weight of biomass of ‘Conquista’ plants for even the shortest period of infestation (15 d). In contrast, for ‘KS-4202’, there was no difference in the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, or dry weight of biomass between infested (15, 30, 45, and 60 d) and uninfested plants. Our results demonstrated that the ‘KS-4202’ genotype is tolerant to B. tabaci biotype B feeding. However, studies are still necessary to better understand the causes of this tolerance because the main factors of tolerance found in this genotype are not the oxidative enzymes studied here.

The pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis [L.]; Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is one of the most important pests in populated areas around the world where food and water are abundant. In this study, the repellency of the essential oils from Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) (turmeric) and Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (Lauraceae) (litsea) to the pharaoh ant was evaluated. For the tests, the area choice method was used, and 0.1 mL of essential oil at 1 of 3 concentrations (10,000 ppm, 1,000 ppm, and 100 ppm) was applied on a half disc of filter paper to obtain a final concentration of 31.4 µg/cm², 3.1 µg/cm², and 0.3 µg/cm². The same volume of mixture but without essential oil (distilled water dimethyl sulfoxide Tween-20®) was used as a control. The repellency of the oils was tested with and without availability of food to the ants, with the food consisting of small maize kernels. Both oils repelled ants with and without the availability of food at a concentration of 10,000 ppm. Turmeric oil showed a higher repellency than litsea oil in both the absence and presence of food. Furthermore, with food present, the repellency of turmeric oil increased whereas that of litsea oil decreased. The minimum percentages of repellency recorded for turmeric and litsea oils were >80% and >70%, respectively. This study demonstrated that the oils from these plants have a strong repellent effect on pharaoh ants in laboratory tests. Further studies are needed to determine the concentrations of these oils that can be used effectively for ant control in buildings and in open fields.

One of the most troublesome pests of snap beans is the American serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae). Growers commonly use abamectin, spinosad, and cyromazine to manage L. trifolii populations; however, the biological insecticide azadirachtin and the fungus Isaria fumosorosea Wize offer promising alternatives. We tested the effectiveness of these five insecticides for controlling L. trifolii under field conditions in southern Florida. Abamectin and spinosad were generally the most effective for reducing L. trifolii mines, larvae, and/or pupae. Cyromazine and azadirachtin were less effective than abamectin or spinosad, although better than I. fumosorosea or the untreated control. Isaria fumosorosea was the least promising treatment; however, it still performed better than the control in reducing L. trifolii mines, larvae, and/or pupae. As pesticide effectiveness increased, differences in numbers of mines, larvae, and pupae appeared to be reduced among the 5 dates that pesticides were sprayed. Overall, mines appeared to be more effectively controlled 1 to 2 d after treatment than after 7 d, whereas larvae and pupae were controlled equally throughout the period. The pesticides employed can be classified into 3 general groups based on modes of action: abamectin and spinosad (disrupters of insect neural and muscular systems), cyromazine and azadirachtin (disrupters of molting), and I. fumosorosea (invades the insect, produces a toxin, and halts feeding). Pesticides with at least two modes of action were each able to provide effective control. Alternating pesticides may therefore control L. trifolii while limiting the development of resistance in L. trifolii populations.

This is the first report of Macrosteles near severini Hamilton (Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae), an invasive leafhopper, in Florida. The leafhopper was first detected in watercress in Florida in 2014. This leafhopper transmits the phytoplasma watercress aster yellows, which can cause significant yield losses. Insecticide trials were carried out in the spring of 2014 to compare the efficacy of buprofezin, flonicamid, flupyradifurone, sulfoxaflor, and tolfenpyrad, none of which were registered for use on watercress at the time of testing, with the grower standards of imidacloprid and spirotetramat, for management of M. nr. severini. All treatments except flonicamid resulted in statistically lower numbers of leafhopper nymphs than the untreated control after 3 or fewer applications. Efficacy data from this trial was provided in support of the registration of sulfoxaflor for watercress. Buprofezin and tolfenpyrad also demonstrated efficacy, and each possesses a mode of action that is distinct from imidacloprid and spirotetramat. In addition, flonicamid, sulfoxaflor, and tolfenpyrad demonstrated efficacy against Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), an aphid pest of watercress.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith & Abbot) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous insect pest affecting multiple crops. Fall armyworm in corn is managed with insecticides and corn hybrids expressing insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt). The early detection of insect resistance is important for making appropriate management decisions and for implementing integrated pest management and insect resistance management recommendations. The objective of this study was to estimate susceptibility of fall armyworm populations to the Cry1F Bt insecticidal protein, emphasizing collections from locations where fall armyworm overwinters in the U.S. Fall armyworm neonates were exposed to artificial diet treated with increasing Cry1F concentrations, and mortality and growth inhibition were evaluated after 7 d. Differences in Cry1F susceptibility between the most susceptible and the most tolerant field populations were 2- and 6-fold for 2012 and 2013, respectively. These results are consistent with other susceptibility studies of Bt toxicity in other species although reduced susceptibility in one population collected from Florida may suggest resistance development.

Baits were used to investigate the toxicity of methanol extracts from the fern Pronephrium megacuspe (Thelypteridaceae) on workers of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The methanol extract of P. megacuspe had toxic effects on workers. With macrergates, the LC50 values of the methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction were 524.0 and 145.9 μg/g, respectively, after 48 h of treatment and 362.5 and 99.0 μg/g, respectively, after 72 h of treatment. With micrergates, the LC50 values of the methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction were 321.9 and 90.0 μg/g, respectively, after 48 h of treatment and 235.4 and 79.1 μg/g, respectively, after 72 h of treatment. NMR spectral data revealed that the isolated compound from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of methanol extract was phenol-3-O-beta-D-glucoside. The LC50 values of this compound with macrergates after 48 and 72 h were 21.6 and 9.7 μg/g, respectively. Similarly, the LC50 values of this compound with micrergates after 48 and 72 h were 3.4 and 2.4 μg/g, respectively. A low dose of methanol extract and ethyl acetate fractions of P. megacuspe, and of phenol-3-Obeta-D-glucoside diminished the walking and grasping abilities of S. invicta micrergates and macrergates.

Forty strains of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Baciliales: Bacillaceae) that were isolated from corpses of Hemiptera were assessed against Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), an aphid that is considered one of the most destructive pests affecting the agricultural economy. Seventeen strains were significantly different from the control according to the LSD test (α = 0.05). They caused mortality rates ranging from 64.4 to 88.9% at 10 ng/μL total protein concentration, and from 71.1 to 91.1% at 100 ng/μL total protein concentration. The virulence (LC50) of these 17 strains was calculated, and 5 strains showed the highest virulence (GP777 = 10.63 ng/μL, HD1 = 9.10 ng/μL, GP528 = 7.86 ng/μL, GP402 = 7.12 ng/μL, and GP300 = 6.88 ng/μL). These strains have the potential to be used as an alternative to control M. persicae under field and covered conditions.

The hydrilla tip mining midge, Cricotopus lebetis Sublette (Diptera: Chironomidae), is a biological control agent of the invasive aquatic weed hydrilla, Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle (Hydrocharitaceae). Mass rearing of the midge for augmentative releases can be compromised by competition from the adventive hydrilla leafcutter moth, Parapoynx diminutalis Snellen (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The objective of this study was to evaluate the biorational pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis (subspecies kurstaki) (Btk) for reducing competition by the moth in laboratory colonies of the hydrilla tip mining midge. Dose response bioassays with Btk were completed with both species to determine the minimum concentration that kills the moth without affecting midge production. Adult moth emergence was significantly reduced at concentrations of 2.0 mL Btk per 3.8 L of well water. A concentration of 0.2 mL Btk per 3.8 L of well water also reduced the number of emerging moths by 50%. However, midge development declined, although not significantly at the higher 2.0 mL Btk concentration compared with the control. Therefore, concentrations of 0.2 or 2.0 mL Btk per 3.8 L of well water would be appropriate for controlling competition by P. diminutalis in C. lebetis colonies. The lower concentration (0.2 mL Btk) would be appropriate for maintenance control due to its minimal impact on the midge. However, a severe infestation of P. diminutalis might justify the higher concentration of 2.0 mL Btk for maximum impact on the moth. Implementing selective pest management strategies in a biological control agent colony can help increase production and improve the quality of the insects.

Juvenile hormone (JH) plays an important role in regulating growth, development, and reproduction of insects. Three key enzymes, namely, JH esterase (JHE), JH epoxide hydrolase (JHEH), and JH diol kinase (JHDK), are involved in JH degradation. In this study, we identified the full-length cDNAs of the 3 genes BdJHEH2, BdJHEH3, and BdJHDK encoding JHEH and JHDK from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to investigate mRNA expression profiles of these 3 genes in various development stages and tissues, and in response to both 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and starvation. Both BdJHEH2 and BdJHDK were highly expressed during the larval—pupal transition, whereas BdJHEH3 was mainly expressed in the early 3rd instars. All 3 genes were highly expressed in 7-d-old and 10-d-old adults, but exhibited sex-specific expression patterns. BdJHEH2 was highly expressed in fat body, whereas BdJHEH3 and BdJHDK were most abundant in Malpighian tubules. In response to 20E exposure, the 3 genes were significantly up-regulated at various time points compared with the control. However, the transcript levels of BdJHDK decreased significantly during the initial exposure to 20E. After starvation treatment, expression of BdJHEH2 and BdJHEH3 significantly decreased, whereas BdJHDK was up-regulated. No significant change was observed after feeding resumption. These 3 genes have distinct roles in regulating growth and development of B. dorsalis.

Troglobius albertonoi sp. nov. (Collembola: Paronellidae: Cyphoderinae) from the Brazilian Amazon is described and illustrated. The shape of the mucro and unguis resemble those of T. ferroicus Zeppelini, Silva & Palacios-Vargas, recently described from Brazil, but the chaetotaxy is distinct. This is the 4th species of the genus and the 3rd from Brazil. Variation within the genus Troglobius of the dorsal chaetotaxy and the geographic distribution are discussed, and an identification key to the species is provided. Troglobius albertonoi sp. nov. is the only known epigeous species of the genus.

The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is an important invasive pest of ash (Fraxinus) trees in North America. Two larval parasitoid species, Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Spathius agrili Yang (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and 1 egg parasitoid species, Oobius agrili Zhang and Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), were introduced into the United States in 2007 as part of a classical biological control program. We conducted field studies to assess the flight phenology of introduced and native parasitoids of emerald ash borer in central Michigan from 2011 to 2013 by using sentinel logs. Parasitism rates of sentinel A. planipennis eggs by O. agrili fluctuated throughout the season from 0 to 22% in 2011 and 0 to 6% in 2012. Flight phenology of O. agrili adults varied between years, and discrete generations were not apparent. Rather, O. agrili adults were generally continually present over a 3 mo period each year. Parasitism rates of sentinel A. planipennis larvae by T. planipennisi and the North American native Atanycolus spp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), respectively, ranged from 0 to 5% and 33 to 77% in 2011, from 0 to 69% and 0 to 27% in 2012, and from 0 to 53% and 0 to 46% in 2013. Phenology of adult flight of both T. planipennisi and Atanycolus spp. was inconsistent between years. Development of nondestructive methods to determine when stages of A. planipennis suitable for parasitism are present in combination with the use of sentinel logs to observe parasitoid phenology as described here will enhance the ability to evaluate the impacts of parasitoids on emerald ash borer.

Ethanol-extracted essential oils from sweet flag Acorus tatarinowii Schott (Acoraceae), cow parsnip Heracleum hemsleyanum Diels (Apiaceae), and wild asparagus Stemona japonica (Blume) Miq. (Stemonaceae) were examined for their contact and fumigant toxicity and oviposition deterrent potential against Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions during Oct to Dec 2015. To determine fumigant toxicity, adult whiteflies were tested in airtight glass jars containing essential oil on filter paper. Mortality rates were recorded after 2, 4, 6, and 8 h of exposure. Essential oil from A. tatarinowii was the strongest toxicant, with mortality rates of 20.4, 37.1, 73.3, and 98.8%, respectively, followed by S. japonica and H. hemsleyanum. To test contact toxicity, females were released in a cage containing tomato leaves treated with essential oil in the laboratory, and females were released in a cage containing tomato plants sprayed with essential oil in the greenhouse. Mortality rates were examined after 6, 12, 18, and 24 h in the laboratory and after 24 and 48 h in the greenhouse. Leaves were examined for oviposition immediately after the last recording. Essential oils from A. tatarinowii showed the most insecticidal and anti-oviposition activity for all recording times in both the laboratory (41.3, 56.9, 85.6, and 95.6% mortality, respectively) and the greenhouse (58.3 and 80.8% mortality, respectively), followed by H. hemsleyanum and S. japonica. Based on our study, all 3 essential oils possess contact and fumigant toxicity and anti-oviposition properties against female whiteflies.

Phytophagous stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are primary pests in most fruit, vegetable, grain, and row crops worldwide. Pheromones have been identified and synthesized for several species of economically important stink bug pests. When yellow pyramid traps are baited with lures containing these pheromones, significantly more stink bug adults are captured in the field than without lures. Our specific objective for this study was to examine the attractiveness of the Euschistus aggregation pheromone, methyl (E,Z)-2,4-decadienoate (MDD), to stink bug nymphs by using yellow pyramid traps baited and not baited with MDD lures in peanut fields and alongside pecan and peach orchards. At orchard locations, captured nymphs were predominantly Euschistus servus (Say) followed by E. tristigmus (Say), E. ictericus (L.), and Thyanta custator custator (F.). In peanut, E. servus, E. tristigmus, and Chinavia hilaris (Say) nymphs were caught in traps. Nymphal capture of E. servus, E. tristigmus, and C. hilaris was significantly higher in traps with MDD lures than in non-baited traps demonstrating that these nymphs were attracted to the synthetic aggregation pheromone. Pyramid traps baited with aggregation pheromone can be used as monitoring tools to assess the presence and seasonal development of certain stink bug pest species on crop and non-crop host plants and perhaps to predict timing of dispersal into and/or out of a crop.

Details of the variation in the pronotal chaetotaxy among the type specimens of Frankliniella williamsi Hood and Frankliniella spinosa Moulton (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are provided. We reject the recent revalidation of F. spinosa and conclude that the corn thrips, F. williamsi, is a single, variable species.

Parasitoids are the main component of biological control of Lepidoptera defoliators in forested areas, and the densities of host insects can affect the efficiency of these natural enemies. The aim of this work was to study the biology and parasitism of Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) at various densities of females on individual pupae of Thyrinteina arnobia Stoll (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), the major Lepidoptera pest in eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) plantations in Brazil. Thyrinteina arnobia pupae were exposed to P. elaeisis females at various parasitoidto-host ratios: (1:1, 3:1, 6:1, 9:1, 12:1, 15:1, 18:1, and 21:1), with 12 replications. The parasitism (81.8%) and emergence (100%) rates of P. elaeisis on T. arnobia pupae were highest with 15 ovipositing females per host. The life cycle (egg to adult) of P. elaeisis was shortest (19.8 ± 0.5 d) at a ratio of 21:1. The largest production of P. elaeisis per T. arnobia pupa was obtained at the ratios of 15:1 (298.4 ± 5.0) and 18:1 (287.4 ± 4.3). The female sex ratio of parasitoid offspring was highest (0.97 ± 0.01) with a parasitoid-to-host ratio of 12:1. The density of 15 P. elaeisis females per T. arnobia pupa was the most appropriate one for providing high parasitism (81.8%), emergence (100%), and progeny (298.4 ± 5.0) of this parasitoid.

Aphid parasitoids are important components in biological control of aphid populations in a variety of crop systems. Aphidius avenae Haliday and Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are key biological control agents for Sitobion avenae (F.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), which causes serious damage to wheat worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate their parasitic potentials focusing on their thermal biological characteristics in a temperate area. Based on supercooling temperature recording techniques, the freezing point, minimum temperature for walking, and the temperature for activity recovery after chill coma of A. gifuensis females (−19.8, −5.1, and 5.9 °C, respectively) were significantly lower than those of A. avenae (−18.1, −3.3, and 7.8 °C, respectively). The results showed that A. gifuensis had lower temperature tolerance compared with A. avenae, illuminating that it could take precedence in suppressing population growth of S. avenae when aphid colonies were still small in early spring.

Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a common parasitoid of aphids including the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). To maximize the use of A. gifuensis for biological control of M. persicae, the functional response of A. gifuensis using M. persicae as a host was determined at 4 constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) and 20 host densities (5, 10, 15, increased incrementally by 5, to a maximum of 100) on a 6-leaf sweet pepper plant (30 cm in height) over a 24 h period. Roger's random parasitoid equation (RRPE) and Holling's disc equation (HDE) were used to fit the data. The results showed that functional responses at all temperatures were type II, and the instantaneous attack rate (a) in both models increased as temperature increased from 15 to 25 °C and then decreased at 30 °C. The highest instantaneous attack rate (a) for A. gifuensis was at 25 °C for the 2 models, 1.3203 ± 0.0415 d^-1 for HDE and 4.295e 03 d^-1 for RRPE. The handling time (T_h) for A. gifuensis by HDE was between 0.0105 ± 0.0002 d at 20 °C and 0.0214 ± 0.0009 d at 30 °C and by RRPE was between 1.265e-02 ± 3.808e-04 d at 20 °C and 0.0218 ± 0.0010 d at 30 °C. Aphidius gifuensis achieved its highest parasitism rate at medium temperatures. The results from this study showed that A. gifuensis performed best at 20 °C, suggesting that this parasitoid will be more effective as a biological control agent for M. persicae when the temperature is under 30 °C.

As part of our routine surveillance for arboviruses transmitted by Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Yucatán State, México, we regularly monitor the mosquito fauna that occurs in the region. In this study, immature and adult mosquitoes were collected at 60 study sites (including residential premises, churches, tourist areas, cemeteries, forested areas, and garbage dump sites) in Yucatán State from Jul 2014 to Dec 2015. In total, 4,062 larvae, 344 pupae, and 3,812 adults representing 7 genera and 27 species were collected. Three species had never before been identified in Yucatán State, and these are Aedes (Ochlerotatus) euplocamus Dyar & Knab, Aedes (Protomacleaya) podographicus Dyar & Knab, and Culex (Culex) declarator Dyar & Knab. The identification of these 3 species brings the current total of mosquito species recognized in Yucatán State to 52 (with 11 genera). Many of the mosquitoes collected in this study were temporally and spatially associated with Ae. aegypti.

Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a troublesome pest of agronomic, vegetable, fruit, and ornamental crops. Scirtothrips dorsalis dispersal and monitoring were evaluated under field and greenhouse conditions in Homestead and Apopka, Florida, in 2007. A field test examined dispersal from Knock-Out® rose, Rosa ‘Radrazz’ (Rosaceae), onto green buttonwood, Conocarpus erectus L. (Combretaceae), and ‘Emerald Green’ schefflera, Schefflera arboricola Forst & Forst ‘Emerald Green’ (Araliaceae). Fewer adults were caught in traps set north, east, or south than west of rose plants corresponding to the average wind direction. Scirtothrips dorsalis flights increased during the morning to early afternoon, peaked about 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST, then decreased to almost no flights by 8:00 p.m. Warmer temperature and lower humidity corresponded to more adults caught per hour with most flights occurring after the accumulation of 300 degree-hours. ‘Emerald Green’ schefflera was preferred over, or may have been less repelling than, green buttonwood. Yellow sticky-card traps were most effective when placed downwind of suspected host plants, and field sites may need more traps per unit area and longer exposure periods than greenhouse sites. These findings may help managers to better monitor and manage S. dorsalis.

Pseudoponera stigma (F.) and Pseudoponera gilberti (Kempf) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are closely related Neotropical ants, often misidentified due to their morphological similarities. These species also share behavioral and ecological characters. In this study, we examined cytogenetic approaches as a tool to aid identification of P. stigma and P. gilberti. Both numerical and morphological karyotypic variations were identified based on different cytogenetic techniques. The karyotype formula of P. stigma, 2K = 10M 4SM differs from that of P. gilberti, 2K = 10M 2SM, and the CMA3 /DAPI- sites also differ, allowing both species to be distinguished by chromosomal characters.

Atanycolus cappaerti Marsh & Strazanac (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a native North American parasitoid that has been found parasitizing late instars of the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), a serious invasive pest of ash trees (Fraxinus species; Oleaceae). In this study, we determined the longevity, weekly oviposition rate, realized lifetime fecundity, diapause pattern, and development time of A. cappaerti for late instars of A. planipennis larvae at 25 ± 1.5 °C, 65 ± 10% RH, and a 16:8 h L:D photoperiod in the laboratory. Our study showed that adults of A. cappaerti had a median survival time of 9 to 11 wk, and females lived approximately 2 wk longer than males. The weekly progeny production by female parasitoids peaked at 3 wk after emergence, with a mean of 5.4 progeny per female. Throughout their life span, females produced a mean (± SE) of 28 (± 3.07) progeny. Atanycolus cappaerti larvae molted 5 times to reach the 6th instar in silk cocoons in a median of 8.3 d. Approximately 43% of the 6th instars continued development to adult wasps and the rest diapaused. The median development time from eggs to adults for non-diapaused parasitoids was 20 d. For diapausing A. cappaerti, however, the development stopped when larvae entered obligatory diapause in 6th instars. The median time for diapause-terminated larvae to adults was 28 d after being chilled for 2 to 4 mo at 2 to 4 °C. These findings provide critical information on the biology and life history of A. cappaerti that is important to the development of a potential mass-rearing protocol for augmentative biocontrol of A. planipennis.

Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) is a positive sense, single-stranded RNA virus that has considerable potential as a self-sustaining or classical biocontrol agent against the invasive fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) because it can cause substantial mortality in colonies of this species. Based on extensive host specificity tests with other ants, we predicted that SINV-3 would not infect the honey bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Nevertheless, because of the economic importance of honey bees, it was necessary to confirm this prediction before proceeding with field release of SINV-3 into regions where it does not yet occur. To test our prediction, we 1) examined field bees for the presence of the virus, 2) conducted specific searches of the GenBank databases for sequences (amino acid and nucleotide) with identity to SINV-3, and 3) inoculated laboratory groups of honey bees with large doses of SINV-3. SINV-3 was not detected in field bees or in GenBank libraries associated with honey bees, Apoidea, or non-host Insecta generally. Western blot analysis for SINV-3 capsid proteins showed that viral proteins were not produced in inoculated honey bees, but were produced in inoculated fire ants. Furthermore, qPCR analysis revealed no significant increase in SINV-3 quantity in honey bees, beyond the inoculating dose, whereas virus quantity dramatically increased over time in inoculated fire ants. Based on these results, we conclude that field release of SINV-3 as a biocontrol agent against red imported fire ants in regions without the virus would pose little or no threat to honey bees.

Cogongrass, Imperata cylindrica (L.) Palisot de Beauvois (Cyperales: Poaceae), is a serious invasive weed in the southeastern USA. Surveys for potential biological control agents of cogongrass were conducted in Asia and East Africa from 2013 to 2016. Several insect herbivores were found that may have restricted host ranges based on field collection data and life histories. Stemborers in the genus Acrapex (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were collected from cogongrass in Tanzania, Uganda, and Japan. In the Philippines, larvae of Emmalocera sp. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Chilo sp. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were found boring in cogongrass. Cecidomyiid midges were found in both Japan and Indonesia. A Japanese midge identified as a Contarinia sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) caused deformation of the stem, whereas the Indonesian midge Orseolia javanica Kieffer & van Leeuwen-Reijinvaan (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) induced the formation of a basal stem gall. Previous research suggested that the host range of O. javanica was restricted to cogongrass.

Stilt-legged flies play an important ecological role in the process of decomposition of organic matter and, on occasion, in the biological control of insects. Currently, there are 46 known species of Taeniaptera Macquart (Diptera: Micropezidae), and their occurrence is reported in various environments throughout the tropics. In contrast, population information on their temporal and spatial distribution is scarce in areas of the Cerrado biome in Brazil, where habitats are highly disturbed and fragmented by agricultural practices and, therefore, the abundance of the group may change. This study assessed abundance of Taeniaptera species in habitats associated with farmland, and determined the change in abundance throughout the year. The stiltlegged flies were sampled in various habitats, namely, organically produced vegetable crops, fallow areas, agroforestry, and native vegetation associated with 4 farms located in the Federal District. In each habitat, one Malaise trap was installed, which remained in place for 72 h, at 14 d intervals, from Mar 2012 to Feb 2013. In total, 486 individuals were collected and identified as members of the species T. lasciva (F.), T. annulata (F.), and Taeniaptera sp. The mean abundance of flies was highest in vegetable crops when compared with other habitats, and the abundance was relatively steady throughout the year. Among the habitats sampled, vegetable crop systems were the most suitable habitats for conserving Taeniaptera species.

Establishing their initial colony is probably the most critical moment in the life of leaf-cutting ants. The non-establishment is connected to abiotic and biotic factors, and the high mortality rates of initial colonies are possibly associated with entomopathogenic or antagonistic microorganisms to the symbiotic fungus present in the soil, hosted by these ants. Fire in the vegetation, depending on the intensity, is known to cause significant changes to the soil physical, chemical, and microbiological properties. The impact of a fire in savannah vegetation (Cerrado) on the establishment of early colonies of Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) was evaluated. For this end, two areas were selected, one where there had been an accidental fire, and a contiguous one with the same size and vegetation characteristics without burning. In these areas and in soil collected in the same areas and stored in the laboratory, females recently fertilized in the nuptial flight were placed to excavate the soil and establish their colonies. Post-fire changes in the soil chemical and microbiological properties were quantified and correlated successfully in the establishment of new colonies of this leaf-cutting ant. Under field conditions, the females of A. sexdens rubropilosa did not show preference for which areas to excavate: the ones that had been burned or the ones that were unburned; under this condition, no colony survived according to the evaluation performed 120 d after the nuptial flight. Under laboratory conditions, the majority of the females excavated the soil, whether it had been burned or not. However, the establishment of initial colonies was significantly higher in soils collected far from the surface and in areas that had not directly been affected by the fire, showing a negative effect of fire on colony establishment under laboratory conditions.

The corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is one of the most important pests of corn, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), in Latin America. We assessed the seasonal and vertical distribution of D. maidis in corn fields in Brazil, in addition to describing the effect of 2 types of yellow traps positioned at 2 heights on the capture of this leafhopper. Sampling was conducted using yellow pan traps and yellow sticky cards throughout the cropping period, in both the rainy and dry seasons. The population of D. maidis in the dry season was much larger than in the rainy season. During both the rainy season and dry seasons, the greatest abundance of D. maidis was observed at 77 d post emergence of the corn, which corresponded to physiological maturity. Greater numbers of insects were captured with yellow cards than with pan traps, at both heights and in both cropping seasons. Also, more insects were captured at the 1.5 m than at the 0.5 m sampling height. The corn leafhopper was able to maintain significant populations throughout the phenological cycle of corn, but was especially numerous in the dry season. Knowledge of the seasonality of D. maidis aids in understanding how population dynamics may change with cropping seasons.

Cephalotes varians (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) recently was included on a list of adventive ants established in North America. Published and unpublished records of C. varians from >100 sites reveal that it has an apparently continuous distribution through the Bahamas, Cuba, and southern Florida. Records of C. varians from South America, Central America, and Trinidad appear to be based on misidentifications, and there is therefore no justification for regarding C. varians as adventive in Florida.

A series of 15 species described from specimens collected from the leaves of mango trees at a single site in Mexico are newly placed as synonyms of the California citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). These species were originally discriminated based on differences in the precise placement of setae in the median area of the pronotum, and this chaetotaxy is here recognized as variable within populations of this thrips from various sites in California and Mexico. Preliminary results from molecular analysis of 2 genes, CO1 and 28S-D2, indicate that there is variation at the molecular level between populations of S. citri. However, this variation is not sufficient to support new species designations, and no consistent morphological divergence between these populations was detected.

Orchid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossini) are abundant and important pollinators of Neotropical forests, but orchid bee diversity is still poorly known in much of Mesoamerica, particularly in cloud forests. This paper presents results of a 2012 to 2013 survey of orchid bee diversity in Cusuco National Park, a cloud forest environment in northwest Honduras. Orchid bees were collected using insect nets at bait stations with chemical attractants. Bait stations were located at 68 sample sites throughout the park. We collected 4,293 orchid bees representing 24 species and 4 genera. One species, Euglossa imperialis Cockerell, accounted for 67.6% of the total individuals collected. A substantial easterly range extension was established for Eufriesea pallida (Kimsey). Our study provides the first intensive inventory of cloud forest orchid bee diversity in the region. Furthermore, it provides baseline data for future studies of orchid bees in a key biodiversity area that is threatened by human population growth and associated land use changes.

Rice, Oryza sativa L. (Poaceae), is one of the world's most important food crops. Among the insects that damage rice grains, the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is the most important species. The objective of this study was to identify rice varieties with resistance to S. oryzae as measured by grain feeding damage and S. oryzae reproduction. The rice varieties evaluated were obtained from the germplasm bank of the National Center of Research Rice and Beans, Embrapa, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized with 3 replications and 22 treatments (varieties). The varieties Bonança, Esmeralda, and Rio Verde had the antibiosis and/or antixenosis type of resistance, providing high rates of mortality, low rates of adult emergence, and low rates of grain consumption by S. oryzae. The varieties Pepita and Progresso were susceptible, with a high rate of S. oryzae adult emergence and grain consumption. The presence or absence of a fissure in the grain was a major morphological characteristic determining susceptibility or resistance to S. oryzae in rice varieties.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumara) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), the spotted wing drosophila, is a global pest of soft fruits now rearable on a standard D. melanogaster (Meigen) diet containing the fly's own natural food: soft-skinned berries. The techniques tested here can save 40% of cultures from microbial contamination that develops after combining artificial food sources (e.g., standard drosophila media) with unsterilized host plant material (berries). A suitable ratio for mixing dietary ingredients for a vial or test-tube rearing system includes, by weight, 1 part berry tissue for oviposition, 1.5 parts dry diet media for carbohydrate, 7 parts clean water for moisture, and ∼5 grains (0.8 mg) of dry yeast for protein. One or two blackberry or blueberry fruits used by spotted wing drosophila as edible oviposition substrates doubled and tripled pupal and adult production in standard 68 mL culturing vials. To prevent mold from spoiling the diet, the exocarp of berries was sterilized in an 80 or 90% ethanol bath at room temperature for ∼5 min, followed by a thorough rinsing with deionized water to remove residual alcohol, which can be acutely toxic to D. suzukii, a highly ethanol-intolerant species. Sterilized fruit and a larger fly population in vials disrupted the growth of microbial biofilms capable of suffocating adults. Identical body size in reared adults and locally caught wild flies of D. suzukii substantiates nutritional similarity between the fruit-media-based diet and the fly's own natural food (i.e., whole berries). Triethylamine (50%), a common fly anesthetic, was acutely toxic to D. suzukii adults but not to D. melanogaster adults.

Coccophagus funiculatus Myartseva sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), reared from the soft scale genus Toumeyella (Hemiptera: Coccidae), is described, and the aphelinid species associated with Toumeyella species in the New World are discussed and compared.

Adventive and potentially pestiferous species are a constant threat to the agriculture of Florida. Fiorinia externa Ferris (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), the elongate hemlock scale, is a recent but persistently intercepted pest of Fraser fir and related species grown out-of-state and imported annually into Florida as cut Christmas trees. Although this and a second species, Hemiberlesia ithacae (Ferris) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), the hemlock scale, may not become established in Florida on native or cultivated hosts, the risk remains and illustrates the importance of continued vigilance against pest species incursion.

This study shows the potential of Amazonian isolates of Metarhizium Sorokin to control immatures of Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae), a quarantine pest present in Brazil. Our results reveal the effectiveness of an isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin to control immatures of B. carambolae, suggesting the potential for direct application of this isolate onto the soil to reduce populations of the pest.

Three traps (TOCCI, TOCCIA, and container) lured with synthetic aggregation insect pheromone and food attractant, were evaluated in the capture of Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) under field conditions on mezcal agave in Guerrero, Mexico. TOCCI and TOCCIA traps were the most efficient for capturing migrant adults. Most of the captured specimens were females, so these traps can reduce future populations of this insect.

Lotmaria passim Schwarz (Trypanosomatidae) is a recently described trypanosome parasite of honey bees in the continental United States, Europe, and Japan. We developed a multiplex PCR technique using PCR primers specific for L. passim or Crithidia species to distinguish L. passim from C. mellificae Langridge and McGhee. We report the presence of L. passim in Hawaii and American Samoa for the first time. More importantly, this multiplex PCR will be a useful diagnostic technique for screening honey bee samples for the presence of this pathogenic trypanosome.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) was first collected in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in Mar 2016, in the municipality of Ervália, from an organic strawberry field. In Brazil, this pest was first recorded in the southernmost region, in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina states. Drosophila suzukii's arrival to Minas Gerais State, about 1,500 km north from its first record, should alarm the growers, the research community, and the authorities, because this region is the main strawberry production region in Brazil and is now susceptible to large increases in production losses caused by this invasive species. The lack of alternative effective management tools for D. suzukii, besides traditional chemical sprays, makes this pest an important area of study. Future research should focus on finding strategies that match with different local growing systems and edaphoclimatic conditions.

The thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), which is native to Brazil, is a candidate for classical biological control of the invasive Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), in the USA. This paper corrects errors of omission about the history of the Brazilian peppertree biological control program in Florida and several misstatements about the identity of the thrips in previously published literature.

Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an emerging invasive tree pest, but its native distribution remains incompletely known because minimal records have been published from China. We report the distribution of E. fornicatus in China from records in the National Zoological Museum of China and from our own samples, including the first family-level host records in the Actinidiaceae, Oleaceae, and Pinaceae. We also report a parasitoid of E. fornicatus from Guizhou, China, and two fungi associated with E. fornicatus: a putatively new Fusarium sp. belonging to the monophyletic Ambrosial Fusarium Clade and an anamorphic hypocrelean fungus, Sarocladium strictum.

This study investigated the use of emergence traps to assess densities of Laricobius nigrinus Fender (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), in an area of release and establishment. Results indicate that traps effectively collect emerging adults and allow systematic population estimates of L. nigrinus. The incorporation of this method in future monitoring efforts could enable population estimates across the release range of L. nigrinus, thereby enhancing the evaluation of establishment and long-term persistence of this predator.

The following procedures provide a framework for rearing Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The insects were cultured in slightly modified, commercially available bug dorms. A diet of organic beans, organic carrots, organic sunflowers seeds, and water was replaced on the maintenance days of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to maximize freshness of the food. Egg masses were collected and bug dorms were cleaned on maintenance days as well. Adult density affected the number of egg masses laid per female and female survival in this protocol. Densities greater than 2 mating pairs per bug dorm significantly reduced egg mass production per female and led to shortened adult female longevity.

This study demonstrated that Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) can be mechanically transmitted among colonies of fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by scavengers like the house cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), which readily eat dead infected fire ant workers without becoming infected themselves.

We conducted a study to assess the potential differences in the abundances of hymenopteran parasitoids among cardinal directions. Experiments were conducted on scale insect-infested willow oak trees in the urban landscapes of South Carolina and Virginia. The parasitoids captured on yellow sticky cards deployed at the cardinal directions of the trees were identified and counted. We found that there were no significant differences in scale insect and parasitoid abundances among cardinal directions, and parasitoid abundances were weakly correlated with scale insect densities. The results suggest that 1 yellow sticky card could be deployed per tree, regardless of tree quadrant, to sufficiently sample for parasitoid abundance.

We examined the suitability of Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as prey for a native antlion, Myrmeleon crudelis Walker (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae), in south Florida. We found that average growth rate was significantly lower and mortality was significantly higher for M. crudelis larvae fed S. invicta workers than for M. crudelis larvae fed Dorymyrmex bureni (Trager) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) workers. Thus, S. invicta appears to be unsuitable prey for M. crudelis and may have a negative impact on M. crudelis and other ant predators in areas where it invades.

The uncommon Cyrtocoris egeris Packauskas & Schaefer (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) was collected in 2015 and 2016 in Francisco Beltrão Co. (26.07°S, 53.05°W), Paraná State, and in Mato Castelhano Co. (28.27°S, 52.18°W), Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. They fed and reproduced on plants of the Brazilian orchid tree, Bauhinia forficata Link (Fabaceae) and aggregated on branches. In the laboratory, nymphs did not develop on stems of seedlings of B. forficata or on a mixture of foods commonly used to rear stink bugs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the number of larval instars for Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). We reared 385 larvae under laboratory conditions and measured the width of the larval head capsules from digital images. Data were analyzed using the Hcap program and Dyar's rule. Analysis of the frequency distribution showed the existence of 4 distinct peaks. The mean Dyar's constant was 1.42, where the relationship between the natural logarithm of the head capsule widths and the number of larval instars resulted in a near-perfect geometric growth for each instar. The excellent fit of the data to a linear model suggests that there was nearly no overlap among the 4 instars in the head capsule measurements, making it possible to distinguish the 4 instars of H. lauri accurately.