Four species of leaf beetles, Diorhabda spp, (Chrysomelidae), were introduced for biological control of saltcedar, Tamarix spp., an invasive small tree or shrub, in the US. In Texas, three species established at some sites but failed to establish or initially established but did not persist at other sites. Diorhabda larvae pupate in leaf litter on the soil surface and thus are exposed to ants and other soil-active predators. Predation by ants on Diorhabda pupa was evaluated as a potential factor in limiting establishment of Diorhabda populations at field sites in West Texas. Nighttime observations of pupae found that native ants represented 46-65% and pill bugs (Isopoda: Armadillidiidae) represented 8-51% of observed predation events. The predation rate of Diorhabda pupae by ants was significantly greater where red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, was present. When present, S. invicta was responsible for 93-100% of observed predation during the day. In the absence of S. invicta, native ants Monomorium spp., Crematogaster spp., and Formica perpilosa Wheeler were observed preying on Diorhabda pupae. Results suggested that predation by ants, especially red imported fire ant, could limit establishment of Diorhabda spp. released for biological control of saltcedar.

Winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L., is the most widely grown crop in Oklahoma and typically is planted in early autumn and harvested in June. Wheat often is infested by insect pests, the most important of which are cereal aphids. The objective of the research was to determine the relationship between parasitism rates of cereal aphids on plants in the wheat field border versus in the wheat field. Aphid abundance in borders and fields was assessed by D-vac suction sampling. Three parasitoid species were reared from cereal aphids on sentinel plants in field borders and wheat fields during the 2-year study. Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) was the most abundant species, followed by Aphelinus nigritus Howard and Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh). There was no significant correlation for any species between the number of individuals emerging from aphids on sentinel plants in field borders before wheat was planted to the number emerging from sentinel plants in borders after emergence of wheat plants (r ranged from -0.12 to 0.22). Nor was there correlation for any species for the number of individuals emerging from sentinel plants in field borders after emergence of wheat to the number emerging at the same time from sentinel plants in adjacent wheat fields (r ranged from -0.08 to - 0.07). In a habitat there were significant correlations among species for the number of individuals emerging from sentinel plants (r ranged from -0.08 to 0.94). While the same parasitoid species forage for aphids in field borders as for cereal aphids in wheat fields, parasitism levels in borders did not reflect amounts in adjacent fields. This suggested that the amount of activity of cereal aphid parasitoids at field borders had minimal relationship to the amount of activity and hence to parasitism of cereal aphids in adjacent wheat fields.

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) often is the dominant crop in agricultural landscapes on the Southern Great Plains. The greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), is a sporadic aphid pest on small grains in the region and capable of causing widespread destruction during outbreaks. Natural enemies such as parasitoid wasps (Braconidae), lady beetles (Coccinellidae), and green lacewings (Chrysopidae) are common in wheat fields and regularly prevent outbreaks of aphids. When natural enemies co-exist, and compete for common resources, intraguild predation can occur. Previous studies demonstrated that lady beetles readily feed on parasitized aphids but intraguild predation had negative consequences on survival, development, and adult body size of lady beetles. Green lacewings, especially Chrysoperla spp., significantly outnumber lady beetles in Oklahoma winter cropping systems, but effects of intraguild predation on parasitized aphids by green lacewings have not been studied. Feeding capabilities of first- and third-instar Chrysoperla rufilabris Burmeister and diet suitability were evaluated to determine if green lacewing larvae fed, survived, and developed on mummified greenbugs. C. rufilabris first and third instars readily fed on mummified greenbugs that were suitable for survival and development of the lacewings. Survival ratios, development times and adult weights of lacewings fed mummified greenbugs were similar to those fed aphid prey. The polyphagous green lacewing C. rufilabris seems well adapted for using nutritional resources of aphid prey and parasitoid competitors.

This review of hymenopteran parasitoids of stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Mexico includes 34 species of the families Bethylidae, Encyrtidae, Eupelmidae, Eurytomidae, and Scelionidae. Some of the species have been recorded parasitizing eggs of brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), in the United States of America.

Biorational methods (Trichogramma, methoxyfenozide, and spinetoram), conventional control (chlorpyrifos ethyl), and no control were used against pecan nut casebearer, Acrobasis nuxvorella Neuzing, in pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh) K. Koch), orchards in the Comarca Lagunera region of Coahuila and Durango, Mexico, during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. Effects of different management strategies were evaluated on the abundance of A. nuxvorella and damage caused to nuts, as well as abundance, diversity, and rate of parasitism. From April through June both seasons, sexual pheromone traps were used to monitor A. nuxvorella. A sample of 310 panicles from 31 randomly selected trees (10 per tree) was taken to estimate damage by first (May) and second (July) generations of A. nuxvorella each year. The effect of management type on moth abundance and percentage of damage to panicles were analyzed. In 2016 and 2017, management type significantly affected moth abundance. With contrast tests in 2016, significant differences in damage were detected only in the second generation between orchards treated with methoxyfenozide and those treated with spinetoram. In 2017, all management types were statistically similar. In general, spinetoram was most effective in controlling the borer. Parasitism in 2016 was 7.7% for the check and 2.7% in larvae with spinetoram. In 2017, 6.6% of larvae of the check were parasitized, and 2.0% of larvae in the orchard where Trichogramma and methoxyfenozide were used. The most abundant parasitoids were Apanteles epinotiae Viereck (45.4%) and Goniozus nephantidis Muesebeck (31.8%). Parasitoid Macrocentrus instabilis Muesebeck was a new record for the State of Durango, Mexico.

Adults of the Braconidae family were collected in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchards of the Sierra de Arteaga, Coahuila. Ten subfamilies (Alysiinae, Aphidinae Blacinae, Braconinae, Brachistinae, Doryctinae, Euphorinae, Microgastrinae, Opinae, and Rogadinae) and 12 genera (Opius Wesmael, 1835; Blacus Nees, 1818; Bracon Fabricius, 1804; Apanteles Foerster, 1862; Diaeretiella Stary, 1960; Dinotrema Foerster, 1862; Meteorus Haliday, 1835; Leluthia Cameron, 1887; Aleiodes Wesmael, 1838; Triaspis Haliday, 1835; Diospilus Haliday, 1833; and Microctonus Wesmael, 1835) were identified. The Dinotrema and Leluthia genera were reported for the first time for Coahuila State.

A survey of 18 green spaces in Downtown Dallas, TX yielded 19 species of ants. A new record for Texas was collection of Nylanderia wojciki Trager at 13 sites. Other species collected included Paratrechina longicornis Latrielle, Pheidole lamia Wheeler, Hypoponera opacior Forrel, and Strumigenys louisianae Roger. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, was the only species collected at all sites.

The influence of indirect competition on insect communities is not well understood. We studied how the fitness of a gregarious lepidopteran species, fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury), is affected by another gregarious caterpillar species, western tent caterpillar, Malacosoma californicum (Packard). Fall webworm and tent caterpillars both feed on chokecherry, Prunus virginiana L., and create silken structures in which they reside until just prior to pupation. Preliminary observations suggested that predators and parasitoids reside in tent caterpillar tents after tents have been abandoned by the caterpillars, thus increasing the presence of enemies near tents. We hypothesized that when reared near tent caterpillar tents, fall webworms are less fit because of increased predation from nearby enemies (enemy-mediated competition). We tested our hypothesis at two field sites by placing fall webworm larvae in the field with or without a tent caterpillar tent nearby. We compared differences in survival rates, parasitism rates, and fitness between the larvae reared with and without tents nearby. At one field site, webworm larvae near tent caterpillar tents disappeared ∼30% faster than did larvae without tents nearby. Although survival or fitness did not differ significantly between larvae reared with or without tents nearby, distance separating fall webworm larvae from a tent caterpillar tent might be important. Our results suggested that enemy-mediated competition might affect the fitness of fall webworm larvae and should be investigated further.

Terrestrial insects associated with shrubs at Pawnee National Grassland in northeastern Colorado and Comanche National Grassland in southeastern Colorado were identified to family or genus with some taxa to species. Six species of grassland shrubs were sampled using a funnel-bucket method each month from June-September 2014 and 2015. Insect diversity and abundance differed between the grasslands. Chrysomelidae, Cicadellidae, Cleridae, Formicidae, Meloidae, and Miridae were abundant at Pawnee National Grassland, primarily from four-winged saltbush (Atriplex canescens) (Pursh.) Nutt). Acrididae, Aphididae, Chrysomelidae, Cleridae, Coccinellidae, Formicidae, Lygaeidae, Miridae, and Reduviidae collected from sandsage (Artemisia filifolia Torr.), four-winged saltbush, rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa (Pallas ex. Pursh), greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Hook) Torr.), skunkbush (Rhus trilobata Nutt.), and one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma (Engelm.) were abundant at Comanche National Grassland.

Oil from seed of many Cuphea (Lythraceae) species is abundant in medium-chain fatty acids (C₈-C₁₄). The fatty acids are valuable to industry and obtained from petrochemicals and tropical plants. Cuphea could provide a valuable temperate plant source of fatty acids, but there are agronomic limitations to commercial production. Many Cuphea spp. are entomophilous, so finding suitable pollinators will enhance development of the crop. In the study, the pollinating ability of three insects, honey bee, Apis mellifera L.; bumble bee, Bombus bimaculatus Cresson; and horned-face bee, Osmia cornifrons (Radoszkowski), were tested on Cuphea lanceolata W.T. Aiton and Cuphea ignia A. DC in insect-proof cages in the field. Based on harvested seed weight, the honey bee was an efficient pollinator of C. lanceolata with significantly more seed produced (40.9 g) than the no-pollinator check (9.8 g). The honey bee was not significantly different than the bumble bee (20.7 g) or O. cornifrons (25.6 g). The honey bee also was an efficient pollinator of C. ignia, with significantly more seed produced than any other pollinator. Bombus spp. are excellent pollinators of Cuphea, but our results indicated B. bimaculatus was an inefficient pollinator of C. ignia in field cages.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a preferred host of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae), with larvae primarily feeding on developing leaves and ear tissue. The fall armyworm is resistant to several classes of insecticide and Bt-maize grown in certain areas. Native sources of plant resistance to the pest are available for public use, but new sources of resistance need to be discovered and developed. The objective for this study was to test maize germplasm collected from Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, for resistance to leaf feeding by fall armyworm. Plants were grown in the field and artificially infested at a high level. Scores of damage by fall armyworm feeding on leaves at 7 and 14 days differed significantly for the 13 maize genotypes tested. Scores at 14 days for Saint Croix Group 1 (5.8), Saint Croix Group 3 (5.6), Saint Croix 2 (5.6), and Saint Croix 7 (6.0) were moderately resistant and not significantly different from one another. Individual plants in the populations were variable for resistance to leaf feeding, and scored between 4 and 7. It should be possible to select within the populations for greater resistance to damage by fall armyworms feeding on leaves.

Nuclear polyhedrosis viruses have been labeled for use as microbial insecticides in agronomically-important crops in the U.S. since the 1970s. New products developed from viral isolates of different species in the heliothine genera Helicoverpa, Heliothis, and Chloridea have been introduced to the market and are receiving renewed attention for controlling heliothine pests. Two laboratory assays were used to evaluate comparative activities among the first nuclear polyhedrosis viruses registered in the U.S. and two commercially-available baculovirus products for controlling bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and tobacco budworm, Chloridea virescens (F.). Based on comparisons of LC₅₀s of formulated products from laboratory overlay assays at 7 days, Gemstar was 2.4 and 3.7 fold less active than Elcar against bollworm and tobacco budworm, respectively. Heligen was 2.9 and 7.1 fold more active than Elcar against bollworm and tobacco budworm, respectively. However, once corrected for concentration of polyhedral occlusion bodies, susceptibility of bollworm did not differ to any of the three products tested. Tobacco budworms were more susceptible to Heligen than Gemstar in laboratory overlay assays following correction for differences in concentration of polyhedral occlusion bodies, which might be caused by interrelatedness of the species with the Old World bollworm. No discernable difference in death of bollworms or tobacco budworms was detected among the greatest labeled rate of any formulated microbial insecticide sprayed on leaves of non-Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) at 14 days and percentage of pupation at 20 days post-treatment. Although the activity of wild-type baculovirus has changed little during the past four decades, use of the products should be encouraged whenever possible. Potential ecological benefits of preserving beneficial insects and reducing selection for resistance to insecticides should be promoted as long as effectiveness and costs are reasonable.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal activity of native entomopathogenic fungi and neem extract on Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) attacking maize (Zea mays L.). The treatments were the following: Metarhizium robertsii J.F. Bisch., Rehner & Humber and Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc at 1 × 10⁸ spores ml^-1 and 15% vegetable oil, neem extract in two combinations of 4% mass per volume, commercial insecticide, and a control without application. Response variables were incidence of S. frugiperda, severity of leaf damage, and grain yield. M. robertsii was most effective because of low incidence of S. frugiperda and severity of leaf damage; as leaf damage increased, grain yield decreased. Therefore, a high severity by insect attack can significantly decrease grain yield. It was observed that during the autumn-winter cycle the S. frugiperda incidence was lower, compared to the spring-summer cycle. M. robertsii decreased S. frugiperda incidence in both cycles.

The Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman), is a major insect pest widely distributed in northwestern Mexico. The pest affects the common bean postharvest, causing losses of 25-40%. One alternative to synthetic insecticide for controlling the pest is use of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.), which by secreting hydrolytic enzymes is able to infect adults of Z. subfasciatus. In this study, strain B. bassiana code B02 with greatest pathogenicity was selected from 10 native strains. Proteolytic and chitinolytic activity were measured to determine the enzymes involved during the infection process. All strains showed pathogenicity, killing 100-70% of the insects with TL₅₀ of 1.3-3.7 days. No adults emerged when insects were treated with strain B02 because of the effect of proteases and chitinases. Subsequently, the proteins induced during infection were analyzed by SDS-PAGE, and molecular weight ranged from 23.5-101.0 kDa. Proteolytic activity was 0.05 to 2.08 U ml^-1, and chitinolytic activity was 46 and 449 U ml^-1 in non-inducing and induction media, respectively, after 72 hours, indicating the enzymes could increase virulence of the fungus against the insect pest.

Comparative efficacy of infective juveniles of Steinernema riobrave Cabanillas, Poinar, and Raulston (355 strain), S. carpocapsae (Weiser) (All strain), S. feltiae Filipjev (SN strain), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (VS strain), H. indica Poinar, Karunakar, and David (HOM1 strain), and H. floridensis Nguyen, Gozel, Koppenhöfer, and Adams (K22 strain) were evaluated against engorged adult females of the multi-acaricide resistant Yucatan strain of Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini). Engorged female ticks were exposed to different concentrations of infective nematode juveniles (1,250, 2,500, and 5,000 per Petri dish) for 72 hours. Effects on mortality, egg mass weight, reproductive index, percentage inhibition of oviposition, and hatching percentage were assessed. A dose-dependent mortality response was recorded in ticks for all entomopathogenic nematodes except S. feltiae. Minimum LC50 (95% CL) values of 3,180.2 (2,957.9-3,419.3) and 490.9 (462.1-521.5) nematodes per dish were calculated for S. riobrave and H. floridensis, respectively. Each entomopathogenic nematode (except S. feltiae) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the reproductive index of the engorged ticks, and the effect was dose-dependent because greater concentrations resulted in maximum reduction. No effect on egg hatchability was recorded in groups exposed to infective juveniles. Results demonstrated that some entomopathogenic nematodes also have acaropathogenic activity. S. riobrave and H. floridensis might be used as part of an integrated approach to control R. microplus resistant to various classes of acaricides.

Survival of the nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar and Steinernema glaseri (Steiner) Wouts, Mracek, Gerdin & Bedding formulated in oil emulsions of avocado (Persea americana Mill.), castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.), and mamey (Mammea Americana L.), in concentrations of 30 and 50% with 50 ± 5 and 100 ± 10 infective juveniles per milliliter were evaluated. H. bacteriophora and Steinernema websteri (Cutler & Stock) in P. americana to 30% were applied to adults of Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal in doses of 500 and 1,000 ± 10 infective juveniles per insect. Most H. bacteriophora in oil emulsions of 30 and 50% of P. americana survived for 96 hours, 41.5 and 25.5%, respectively. In bioassays, the dose of 1,000 ± 10 infective juveniles of H. bacteriophora in oil emulsion of P. americana to 30% was 100% effective in killing S. acupunctatus 72 hours after being applied. S. websteri survived 120 hours. Formulation of entomopathogenic nematodes in vegetable oils improved survival and effectiveness over S. acupunctatus in a laboratory.

After conidia of Hirsutella citriformis Speare produced on potato dextrose agar or rice (Oryza sativa L.) were harvested and dried, the shelf-life was evaluated after storage at room temperature. Viability and pathogenicity of conidia against Diaphorina citri Kuwayama adults also was determined. Most conidia germinated on agar at 72 hours (93.7-98.7% for INIFAP-Hir-2 and INIFAP-Hir-7 strains, respectively). Most conidia on rice were produced after 14 days of incubation -- 1.47-1.97 × 10⁷ per gram by INIFAP-Hir-5 and INIFAP-Hir-7 strains, respectively. To evaluate shelf-life of conidia produced on rice, germination was evaluated at 0 days of storage and 72 hours of incubation on agar. Results were similar to that by conidia cultivated on agar (97.7-93.0%), germination percentage decreased over time once dried and stored; after 1 week, germination decreased to 5.7-16.0%, and 30 days later, the decrease was 17.4-34.0%. Conidia produced on agar or rice did not differ significantly in pathogenicity. Results confirmed it was possible to increase production of H. citriformis conidia in rice, maintaining pathogenicity with less overall processing time.

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, was detected in March 2006, on citrus plants in the residential area of Ciudad Obregon Sonora. A year later, it was observed at Guaymas and Hermosillo, Sonora. Since its discovery at Ciudad Obregon, surveys determined its regional dispersal to commercial plantations of Citrus. In 2010, an area-wide strategic management plan was established to keep abundance of Asian citrus psyllid to a minimum and lessen risk of establishment of Huanglongbing in the State of Sonora. The plan was successful in keeping abundance of Asian citrus psyllid low with no Huanglongbing detected on commercial citrus plants. The plan is based on coordinated effort and mandatory actions in commercial plantations including weekly surveys by yellow sticky traps and stem-tap sampling, two area-wide insecticide applications during the dormant stage (February-March) and again in the fall (September-October), as well as in-season sprays when sampling reveals hot spots. Citrus plants in rural and residential areas also are monitored and sprayed to reduce abundance of Asian citrus psyllids in the region. Results of the area-wide management plan were considered satisfactory 12 years since first detection of Asian citrus psyllid at Sonora. Abundance of Asian citrus psyllids was reduced almost 90% area-wide and no plants with Huanglongbing were detected in surveys of commercial orchards. In 2015, infected psyllids were detected in rural and residential areas of Southern Sonora. Aggressive action was implemented to control Asian citrus psyllids and eliminate at-risk citrus plants. Further surveys and laboratory PCR analysis for Huanglongbing did not show any other infected insects or citrus plants in the area. However, in 2016 infected Asian citrus psyllids were detected in residential areas of Guaymas. Similar measures were taken to eliminate Asian citrus psyllids and potentially infected citrus plants. All infected trees were Mexican limes, Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle, a common backyard tree in Mexico. Key components of the systems approach were cooperation of growers, coordinated control actions, and interactions with plant-protection authorities, researchers, and government support. However, migratory influx of bacterialiferous adult psyllids from Southern Baja California and Sinaloa remains a high risk for introduction of Huanglongbing to Sonora.

Considering the tremendous impact of temperature on development and fecundity of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), this paper aimed to evaluate effects of warm-temperature treatments on the physiological metabolism of B. cucurbitae. The physiological metabolism of B. cucurbitae, specifically hydroxyproline, malondialdehyde, acetylcholinesterase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidation capacity, and peroxidase were analyzed with six indices through 25°C-1 hour treatment, 37°C-1 hour treatment and 45°C-1 hour treatment. Results indicated that superoxide dismutase, acetylcholinesterase, malondialdehyde, and hydroxyproline activity increased significantly with temperature. The indices reached maximum values after the 45°C 1-hour treatment, respectively, 465.7 (u/gf·wt), 0.4 (µmol/min/g f·wt), 14.8 (µmol/g f·wt), and 0.5 (µg/ml). Total antioxidation capacity and peroxidase maintained stability and activity, respectively, 55.3 (FRAR Ag f·wt) and 31.2 (U/mg protein) after the 45°C 1-hour treatment. Results of the study will help in further studying reproduction and regulatory networks at warm temperatures and increase lethal effect under hot temperature. Short-term, warm conditions have become more frequent because of climate change. The specific influence of short-term, extremely warm temperatures on insect pests should receive more research attention.

Current distribution records for Batrisodes texanus Chandler have become more refined since the species was federally listed as endangered in the United States almost 30 years ago. Distribution and range records are compiled from a variety of sources, including dedicated surveys of karst biota in various preserves in Williamson County, Texas, and karst feature investigations triggered by development requirements established for compliance with the Endangered Species Act. The species range is determined by factors not considered in current delineations generated in 1992 of karst fauna regions that serve as a model for de facto recovery units used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Current recovery unit delineations might inhibit official downlisting of species despite significant existing and planned conservation efforts. This untenable situation probably is the direct result of improper boundary placement between recovery units; the authors recommend modifying a single recovery unit boundary to better reflect the distribution of the species as determined by in situ field surveys. The authors recommend modifying the recovery unit system to include the entire range of the species within a single recovery unit.

Grain amaranth, Amaranthus L., is an emerging crop cultivated worldwide. One way in which resources from the amaranth crop could be exploited as an alternative to grain is to grow amaranth in the dry season, harvest only the leaves, and incorporate them into meals. In this environmental condition, insects associated with the amaranth crop are poorly known. Results showed that Diabrotica balteata LeConte, was the most abundant species with 44.90% of the relative abundance. Nine species of Brentidae, Chrysomelidae, Coccinellidae, and Melyridae associated with dry-season amaranth, Amaranthus hypochondriacus L., crop were first reported for Puebla State, Mexico.

Hesperolabops nigriceps Reuter feeds on cactus plants of the genus Opuntia (Caryophyllales: Cactaceae) and might damage production of prickly pear fruit and nopalitos -- tender pads of O. ficus-indica L. (Miller) eaten as a vegetable. Despite damage caused by the insect to Opuntia plants, there are no reports on its biology, which is essential for planning management strategies. This work studied biological aspects of H. nigriceps. Insects were collected southeast of Mexico City; copulating adults were placed on O. ficus-indica plants for oviposition of females, and the insects were observed to determine incubation time. Emergence of 80 nymphs from field cladodes was recorded, and they were placed individually in plastic cups and fed pieces of cladodes until they completed development. All insects were kept at 25 ± 2°C, 60 ± 10% relative humidity, and photoperiod of 14:10 light:dark hours. The developmental time of H. nigriceps was 305.09 ± 34.46 days; the embryonic phase was longest (268.84 ± 34.46 days). The species had five nymphal instars that lasted 36.25 ± 4.59 days, and adults lived 29.08 ± 11.89 days. Females lived longer than males, with a sex ratio of 1:1. A long incubation period was documented for the first time for the species, and particulars of biology are discussed.

Spiders are model systems for exploring proximate and ultimate questions about the evolution of vibratory signals. However, little is known of the sensory response characteristics of receivers, with one exception in Cupiennius spp. Spiders have vibration receptor organs called metatarsal organs on their legs. The organs contain aggregations of slit sensilla that respond to cuticular strain caused by substrate vibrations. Two neurons innervate each sensillum. How distal and proximal slit sensilla responded to male vibratory courtship components were shown. Neurons in isolated female legs were recorded extracellularly as a male courted nearby. Across 5 females, 9 slits were recorded in total. In one preparation, both distal and proximal slit responses to male vibratory courtship were captured. Altogether, distal slit responses captured primarily vibrations produced by male leg taps while proximal slit responses captured vibrations produced by male leg taps and drumming of pedipalps (male appendages used for sperm transfer). In addition, leg taps of variable amplitude elicited similar neural responses in all recorded slits. Compared to preparations in which female leg tarsi were immobilized, treatment preparations of movable female tarsi provided reliable neural responses to male courtship. Probing sensory processing features of females allows exploration into how male signals are encoded. Such work could inform how receiver sensory systems might influence the evolution of male signals.

New host records and observations of the process of oviposition for Diceroprocta bulgara (Distant) in Mexico are presented.

Five new species of Boletina Staeger fungus gnats were discovered in the eastern Lower Peninsula of Michigan in Huron National Forest. Boletina solituda Taber, Boletina speranza Taber, Boletina extensa Taber, Boletina pollexa Taber, and Boletina truncata Taber were collected in Malaise traps in swampy mixed pine and deciduous woods.

A critical goal today and for the future is reducing production costs to meet increasing food requirements of the growing world population. Economical, environmentally-conscious, and sustainable aquaculture is essential to meeting the burgeoning food needs. Tilapia are an important component of the global aquaculture industry; a major challenge for the industry is reducing the use of fish oil and fish meal in tilapia production, including with different alternative items such as insects. Sex-reversed juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) (n = 2,400; 2.1 ± 0.17 g) were fed varying dietary supplementation levels (3, 6, and 9%) of black soldier fly, Hemertia illucens L., pre-pupae meal and evaluated during 49 days in a laboratory. Growth [final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, mean biomass, total biomass, and survival], feed utilization [feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio], and feeding cost for the experimental diets were compared with those of a commercial diet. With the exception of protein efficiency ratio, diets for the other parameters analyzed did not differ. Fish fed the check and the 6% black soldier fly meal had significantly larger protein efficiency ratio values (2.66 and 2.65, respectively). Results suggested that tilapia diet could be boosted with 6% black soldier fly meal without negative effect in growth.

Mediante un experimento de exclusión se determinó el valor del recurso alimenticio (Eupatorium collinum, De Candolle 1836, Asteracea) y la correspondiente aparición de conductas territoriales entre dos especies de dípteros ricárdidos Odontomera nitens (Schiner 1868) y O. ferruginea (Macquart 1844). Se colectaron datos de frecuencia e intensidad de enfrentamientos agresivos además de variables como especie, sexo, abundancia, y rol intruso-residente. Se realizaron dos experimentos en los que se alternaron las condiciones de exclusión y de libre acceso al recurso. Los resultados sugieren que los sitios de alimentación fueron un recurso limitante y que estos pueden estar relacionados con el sexo de quienes posean el sitio de alimentación. Se discute sobre una posible alternancia entre la competencia explotativa y la de interferencia según la situación de la población forrajera y la disponibilidad del recurso.

La introducción al continente americano del escarabajo Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff y su hongo simbionte Raffaelea lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva, causante de la “marchitez del laurel”, representa un riesgo para especies forestales, principalmente de la familia Lauraceae a la cual pertenece el aguacate (Persea americana Mill). México, destaca por ser el mayor productor y exportador de aguacate en el mundo. Raffaelea lauricola puede transmitirse a escarabajos ambrosiales nativos, los cuales pueden hacer una diseminación más rápida del patógeno en un mayor número de especies vegetales. En la actualidad no existe un método de control efectivo y el conocimiento de sus enemigos naturales es escaso. En este trabajo se reporta la comunidad de himenópteros parasitoides asociados a escarabajos del género Xyleborus Eichhoff en huertos de aguacate. Se reportan especies de las familias Eulophidae, Eupelmidae, Eurytomidae, Scelionidae, Figitidae, Diapriidae, Platygastridae, Agaonidae, y Braconidae, ésta última con las especies más abundantes.

El estudio de las comunidades de artrópodos parásitos en la fauna silvestre y peridoméstica en la interfase urbana-rural-natural es de importancia para la salud pública, ya que estas comunidades pueden servir de enlace entre posibles patógenos zoonóticos que se encuentran en los artrópodos parásitos y el ser humano. Ese es el caso de la zorra gris (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) y de los perros peridomésticos (Canis lupus familiaris) en el centro de México, los cuales presentan la posibilidad de intercambio de especies parasíticas entre los dos cánidos. El presente estudio fue realizado en el centro de México, en donde se revisaron nueve zorras grises y 21 perros peridomésticos para conocer las especies de artrópodos parásitos. Se colectaron 339 ectoparásitos, siete especies de sifonápteros pertenecientes a tres familias y seis géneros (324 individuos), y 15 garrapatas pertenecientes a familia Ixodidae. Ambas especies de cánidos presentaron una riqueza muy similar con seis especies de ectoparásitos, pero la estructura de la comunidad fue diferente. La especie dominante fue Pulex simulans, la cual puede jugar el papel de vector de enfermedades zoonóticas de importancia. Las diferencias entre ambas comunidades de ectoparásitos muestran que, pese al uso compartido del hábitat por parte de ambos cánidos, existen especies de pulgas más comunes en la zorra gris que en los perros, y que reflejan de manera indirecta la diferencia del uso del ambiente en donde habitan estas especies de carnívoros.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de hongos a base de Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin y Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), cepa Ma143 (M. anisopliae), cepa Ma65 (M. anisopliae), y cepa Bb122 (B. bassiana) sobre el parasitismo natural de Anagyrus kamali (Moursi) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) a la concentración de 1 x 10⁸ conidios ml^-1. Para cada cepa, cinco plantas de Hibiscus rosa-sinensis fueron infestadas con ovisacos de Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) y puestas en campo. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar con 12 tratamientos y 5 repeticiones. El parasitismo de A. kamali fue evaluado a los 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, y 50 días después de la aplicación de los hongos. El parasitismo de A. kamali no fue afectado por los hongos. Beauveria bassiana y M. anisopliae son compatibles con el parasitoide A. kamali, permitiendo así la asociación de esas dos formas de control.

Se realizó la caracterización molecular de tres especies del género Chelonus: [Ch. insularis Cresson 1865, Ch. cautus Cresson 1872 y Ch. sonorensis Cameron 1887 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) - especies nominales], parasitoides de gusano cogollero Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) colectados en maíz (Zea mays L.), los cuales se distribuyen en Durango y en otros estados de México. Se realizó la extracción y amplificación de ADN por PCR, así como la secuenciación de un fragmento del gen del citocromo oxidasa c región I, con la finalidad de determinar la variabilidad genética dentro y entre individuos de la misma especie. Genéticamente las distancias entre las especies Ch. insularis y Ch. sonorensis, fue muy pequeña (0.3%), lo que indica que probablemente pertenecen al mismo linaje (especie), mientras que Ch. cautus presento una distancia genética con las especies antes mencionadas de hasta 17.8%, lo que indica una gran diferenciación genética respecto a éstas. Estos resultados indicaron la variabilidad genética que existe dentro y entre estas especies, debido probablemente a cambios evolutivos. Lo anterior, se vio reforzado después de realizar los análisis bayesianos y de máxima verosimilitud que indican que en la región maicera de Durango Ch. insularis y Ch. sonorensis pertenecen al mismo linaje con soportes en los grupos de más del 80%, mientras que Ch. cautus sigue agrupándose en otro nodo.

En este estudio una nueva especie de mosca blanca pálida es descrita Aleuropleurocelus pallidus Carapia-Ruiz & Sánchez-Flores sp. nov., encontrada en los estados de Guerrero, Morelos y Puebla en el envés de las hojas de Ipomoea arborescens (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) G. Don. Se proporcionan microfotografías de estructuras morfológicas de puparios y se discute la separación con otras especies cercanas de Aleuropleurocelus.

The eulofid Epichrysocharis burwelli Schauff was reported for the first time in Mexico. The species causes economic and aesthetic damage by producing small galls on leaves of Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S. Johnson. E. burwelli, presumed to be of Australasian origin, is mentioned only in the United States, Brazil, and Portugal.

The protrusion of androconial organs of Lycorea halia atergatis Doubleday [1847] is reported herein. Androconial setae are inserted in the intersegmental membrane between the 8^th tergite and the male genitalia. The butterfly species is typically found in cloud forests along the central mountains of Veracruz, Mexico.

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a major insect pest of citrus (Citrus spp.) and some other plants related to the Rutaceae family. It is also a vector of the pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the bacterium associated with a serious disease of citrus plants known as Huanglongbing. Little is known about other host plants of D. citri. We documented for the first time D. citri defoliating lasora, Cordia myxa L. (Family Boraginaceae), in the southern region of the state of Punjab, Pakistan. About eight to 10 adults and 15 to 18 nymphs were observed per shoot of the lasora plant.

Ferrisia gilli Gullan is a polyphagous mealybug in the family Pseudococcidae (Hemiptera) that attacks a wide range of plants in several families, but little is known of its biology and behavior. We provided herein a general overview of plants affected by the insect and documented the species attacking tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants in a greenhouse at Fresno, CA.

Se registran e ilustran ocho especies de coccinélidos depredadores en cocoteros en Colima, Jalisco, y Quintana Roo, algunas de las cuales estaban alimentándose del ácaro rojo de las palmas Raoiella indica Hirst, o de individuos de la familia Diaspididae (Hemiptera). A otras especies no se les observó alimentándose. Se registra por primera vez a Chilocorus nigrita (Fabricius) depredando a R. indica y son registrados por primera vez Stethorus punctum punctum (LeConte), Scymnus (Pullus) dozieri Gordon, y Nipus sp. sobre Cocos nucifera L.

En junio 2018 la escama Praelongorthezia acapulcoa (Ortheziidae) se presentó en altas poblaciones en campos de arroz en Morelos, México, primer reporte en este cultivo. Su biología y hábitos son similares a los presentados en caña de azúcar.

Reportamos la presencia de Canthon angustatus en Veracruz. Este nuevo registro incrementa en aproximadamente 200 km su límite de distribución septentrional. El nuevo registro fue colectado en un bosque tropical en la localidad de Las Choapas. Incluimos un listado con 16 especies de Scarabaeinae de la misma localidad.