Social bees have been widely used as model systems for studying learning and memory. Much less is known about these phenomena in solitary bees, in spite of the fact that most bee species of the world are solitary. We explore the ability of the solitary blue orchard bee, Osmia lignaria Say, to learn and remember information when foraging. First we tested innate flower color preference using blue and white flower patches, and yellow and blue flower patches. The blue orchard bees showed a marked color preference for blue flowers in blue-white as well as in blue-yellow flower patches, even though all flowers provided the same reward. However, when white flowers offered the greater reward (either quality/molarity or quantity/volume) in blue-white dimorphic floral patches, the preference for blue readily decreased, which was not observed in control bees. Learning occurred more rapidly when a difference in reward volume rather than reward molarity was used. These results were approximately the same for males as for female bees. The information learned about flowers was retained for at least three hours.

Big-eyed bugs have been well documented as predators on a diverse group of arthropod prey in turfgrasses; however, little is known about the big-eyed bug species associated with buffalograss, or their feeding habits relative to the western chinch bug, Blissus occiduus Barber. This research documented that Geocoris uliginosus (Say) was the predominant big-eyed bug species associated with buffalograss, obtained information on its feeding behavior, and characterized predation rates. Laboratory studies documented G. uliginosus, as a predator of B. occiduus. While all life stages of B. occiduus were attacked by G. uliginosus, predation was greater on 1^st through 4^th instars than on 5^th instars or adults. Low 5^th instar and adult chinch bug mortality was likely the result of their larger biomass, as well as their superior size and strength compared to younger (1^st through 4^th instar) chinch bugs. The mean number of 1^st through 3^rd instar chinch bugs consumed by G. uliginosus at each evaluation period was higher than for 5^th instar or adult chinch bugs. Based on this research, chinch bug management decisions should take into consideration big-eyed bug densities, especially when the majority of B. occiduus are early (1^st–2^nd) instars.

The globose scale (GS), Sphaerolecanium prunastri Fonscolombe (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), is a principle pest of Prunus trees, but it is also found on other stone fruit trees in Isparta Province, Turkey. The parasitoid complex was studied in 2006 and 2007 and total of eight (five primary and three secondary) hymenopterous species were found associated with S. prunastri at the five sites studied, but not all species were recorded at all five sites. The most important primary species reducing GS population were Discodes coccophagus, Metaphycus silvestrii, Coccophagus spartanus and C. lycimnia (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Average percent parasitism at the five sites by primary parasitoid species was 27%. The level of total parasitism of S. prunastri was 71.4% in 2007 in Egirdir. The parasite complex was richer and percent parasitoid-caused mortality was higher at those sites that did not receive chemical treatment to suppress the host population. Seven of the eight species of parasitoids were recovered at Mehmet Tonge in 2006 and at Gonen in 2007.

The seasonal emergence periods from the soil of adult lesser chestnut weevil, Curculio sayi (Gyllenhal), was assessed for three years at a site in mid-Missouri using wire cone emergence traps. Two additional trap types, Circle and pyramid, were used to assess the timing of adult movement into the trees. The trap data indicated there were two distinct adult emergence periods, the first occurring in early-May and the second beginning late-August. This is in contrast to previous studies that have reported C. sayi as having only one seasonal emergence period (which occurs in the spring). Our study also examined the underground development of C. sayi. The data showed that, after leaving the chestnut, most larvae burrow to a soil depth of 7.5–15 cm where they remain for at least 19 mo, and that the weevils have an overall life cycle (egg hatch to adult emergence) of about 20–21 mo.

For a revision of the subgenera Patellapis (s. str.), P. (Chaetalictus) and P. (Lomatalictus) of the bee genus Patellapis Friese about 3000 specimens of more than 70 species were studied. We found that the original diagnoses of the subgenera based on a relatively small number of specimens and species are insufficient and need to be revised. The existence of intermediate species showing a mixture of characters and the morphological diversity within, as well between, the subgenera Patellapis (s. str.), P. (Chaetalictus) and P. (Lomatalictus) made an unequivocal definition of subgenera problematic. Based on material of various museum collections and our collecting activities in western South Africa the subgeneric limitations of Patellapis (s. str.), P. (Lomatalictus), and P. (Chaetalictus) were redefined. A set of characters and character combinations and a revised key to facilitate identification is presented. The study is a first step towards a better understanding of the subgeneric structure of Patellapis.

A new genus and species of the peculiar braconid wasp subfamily Masoninae is described and figured from a female preserved in Early Miocene (Burdigalian) amber from the Dominican Republic. Anoblepsis konokeraia Engel and Bennett, new genus and species, belongs to the tribe Masonini but differs from the hitherto only known genus, Masona van Achterberg. The genus is diagnosed and compared with its modern counterparts. Anoblepsis konokeraia is the third braconid species documented from Dominican amber and the second of the subfamily Masoninae.

Sixty-two species and subspecies of Tipulidae are reported from the Ouachita Highlands of Montgomery and Polk counties of Arkansas. Several constitute new regional records. Habitats at collection sites are briefly described. Dates of collection are provided for each species.

The twelve species of Eleodes (E. acutus (Say), E. c. obsoletus (Say), E. extricatus (Say), E. fusiformis LeConte, E. hispilabris (Say), E. longicollis (LeConte), E. nigrinus LeConte, E. obscurus (Say), E. opacus (Say), E. pimelioides (Mannerheim), E. suturalis (Say), and E. tricostatus (Say)) known to occur on grasslands of eastern Colorado, U.S.A. are reviewed. A key and diagnoses are presented allowing species separation.