In the present study, the nest architectural patterns, elemental analysis and their behavior were carried out in three wasp species: Vespa velutina (Lepeletier), Polistes flavus (Cresson) and Sceliphron formosum (Smith) from the different localities of the Mansehra, Pakistan. The V. velutina nest was completely closed except for one opening for entry or exit with 1–10 layers of hexagonal cells inside the nest. The nests of P. flavus were found among bunches of leaves of trees with 1–5 layers and hexagonal cells same as in V. velutina. Nests of the S. formosum were pitcher-shaped, found in muddy places, and consisted of 1–10 cells. Social behavior of wasps showed strong foraging, defensive behaviors, pseudo-attack, subsequent erratic flight, wing buzzing, mandibular pecking, abdominal pumping and abdominal twisting with highly developed parental care. It was concluded that the behaviors of these 3 wasp species was highly developed as compared with other insects.

The distribution and extent of parasitism of Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on stem borer species attacking maize and sorghum were assessed in three zones of northeastern Ethiopia. Cotesia flavipes was found to be the key larval parasitoid of cereal stem borer species in all areas surveyed. This parasitoid has been introduced into several African countries for the control of Chilo partellus in maize and sorghum, but it has never been released in Ethiopia. The survey results indicated that the distribution and extent of parasitism of Cot. flavipes followed the distribution and severity of its suitable host, C. partellus. A Cotesia flavipes parasitism rate of between 33% and 82% was recorded in sub-moist warm (lowland) AEZs of all zones. In contrast, a parasitism rate of less than 6% was recorded in moist, cool highland areas where Busseola fusca was the predominant species. Cotesia flavipes caused lower rate of parasitism on stem borers in maize (up to 72%) than that of sorghum (up to 82%) in the three zones. In summary, high rates of parasitism of Cot. flavipes were recorded in lowland areas where C. partellus was the dominant borer species and low rates of parasitism were recorded in highland areas where B. fusca was the predominant species. Cotesia flavipes caused the highest parasitism (82%) on C. partellus. This result verified that Cot. flavipes contributed to the reduction of C. partellus population in lowlands, regardless of the zone, and its rate of parasitism varied between crop stages, crop types, elevations, host, and host stages. Findings of this study have particularly relevant information on the contribution of Cot. flavipes to the population reduction of stem borers, time or stage of its occurrence in relation to host stages and crop stages, and its distribution in relation to the availability of a suitable host across each zone. In conclusion, this larval parasitoid plays an important role in reducing stem borer populations and can be used as one component of integrated stem borer management in northeastern Ethiopia.

To combat animal diseases, we propose that Xenopsylla cunicularis Smit (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), a specific flea of the European wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus L. (Lagomorpha), can be used to carry a vaccine into wild rabbit populations to protect them against lethal diseases. Oryctolagus cuniculus is widespread throughout Europe, but X. cunicularis occurs naturally only in drier areas of Morocco, Spain, and southwestern France, raising questions about the flea's general use and the subsequent risk of uncontrolled proliferation outside its natural distribution. To evaluate this risk, fleas were released in five experimental enclosures containing rabbits (four in northern France and one in southwestern France as a control). Approximately one year later, adult and immature fleas were recovered from rabbits and warrens. The climate during the experiments was recorded and warren substrate granulometry was defined. Our results showed that northern France is not suitable for persistence of X. cunicularis because low temperatures reduce flea development and high rainfall all over the year keeps the soil damp, which is asphyxic for fleas, even on a sandy substrate. These implantation trials suggest that uncontrolled proliferation and permanent establishment of fleas are unlikely in northern France.

Population dynamics of the Mediterranean fruit fly was studied along Montenegro seacoast. Tephri traps baited with 3 component female-biased attractants were used in 11 different localities to monitor the fruit fly population in commercial citrus orchards, mixed-fruit orchards, and in backyards. From 2008–2010, the earliest captures were recorded no earlier than July. In 2011, the first adult fly was detected in mid-June. Low captures rates were recorded in July and August (below 0.5 flies per trap per day; FTD) and peaked from mid-September to the end of October of each year. Our results indicate fluctuation of fly per trap per day depending on dates of inspection and locality, with significant differences in the adult population density. A maximum population was always reached in the area of Budva-Herceg Novi with an FTD of 66.5, 89.5, 71.63, and 24.64 (from 2008–2011 respectively). Fly activity lasts from mid-June/early-July to end December, with distinct seasonal variation in the population.

The present study presents the results of farmers’ field surveys of the sweetpotato butterfly, Acraea acerata Hew., and the two African sweetpotato weevils, Cylas puncticollis Boheman and C. brunneus F. infestation and damage. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) occurrence and distribution of A. acerata and Cylas spp. as well as infestation and losses in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.), and (ii) the occurrence and abundance of parasitoids of A. acerata in the Lake Albert Crescent (LAC) agro-ecological zone of Uganda. Field surveys were conducted in 240 sweetpotato fields in eight subcounties in Masindi and Buliisa districts at the end of each of the two cropping seasons of 2012 (March to May and September to November). A. acerata and Cylas spp. occurred in 17% and 90% of the fields, respectively. A. acerata did not occur in two subcounties of Buliisa district. A. acerata infestation was low, with up to two and four larvae per plant in the first and second cropping season, respectively, causing minor defoliation of up to 4.1% of the sweetpotato plant. Larvae of Cylas spp. caused root yield losses of up to 56.5% and 47.5% in the first and second cropping seasons, respectively. Parasitism rates of A. acerata larvae ranged from 0.0% to 15.1% in season 1 and 0.0% to 6.3% in season 2. Out of a total of 1020 larvae collected, 8.43% were found to be parasitized. Parasitoids occurred in 56% of fields infested by its host. Charops spp. was the main parasitoid. It was evident that Cylas spp. were more prevalent than A. acerata in the LAC agro-ecological zone of Uganda. Conservation of A. acerata natural enemies may contribute to better management of this pest. Urgent attention for management of Cylas spp. is required.