Riparian corridors are vulnerable to invasion by non-native plant species that can alter arthropod communities and ecological functions. Tamarisk (Tamarix⁴ spp. L.) replaced native riparian vegetation on 1.6 million acres in the southwestern United States. Our study investigated arthropod communities in three riparian habitats, two dominated by native vegetation (willow (Salix exigua⁵ Nutt.) in lower floodplain and mixed-native xeroriparian shrubs in upper floodplain) and one invaded by non-native tamarisk in lower floodplain. Tamarisk was predicted to lessen arthropod abundance and richness, change composition, and associate with nonnative arthropods. We sampled 41,124 arthropods identified to 258 taxa and seven functional groups during 2 years along the Dolores River in Colorado. Richness and abundance were not less in tamarisk, but composition differed among the three habitats. Trends varied across taxonomic and functional groups. Lower floodplain habitats, tamarisk and willow, were relatively similar in composition, with large numbers of beetles, hemipterans, detritivores, and herbivores. More ants, pollinators, and greater diversity were in upper floodplain shrub habitat. Tamarisk hosted several non-native arthropods: Armadillidium vulgare (Latreille)⁶, Cylisticus convexus (De Geer)⁷, Diorhabda carinulata (Desbrochers)⁸, and Coniatus splendidulus (Fabricius)⁹, while willow housed non-native weevils (Otiorhynchus spp. Germar)⁹. Tamarisk was favored by some non-native arthropods and altered community composition but did not lessen abundance or richness of functional or taxonomic groups. The results highlighted effects of non-native plants on arthropod communities and have implications for conservation of insectivorous riparian wildlife.

Rearing bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), on synthetic diets for use in laboratory bioassays is a common practice around the world. Little is known about how insect diets currently utilized for bollworm rearing have been altered from their original nutrient composition and the implications this might have on insect fitness. Therefore, this study assessed notable shortcomings of a commonly used meridic diet by exposing bollworms to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) leaf tissue for short periods during early development to determine effect on larval and pupal survival and weights. Mean survival of larvae ranged from 60% when bollworms were exposed to Bt cotton leaves for 7 days to 100% on meridic diet. Mean pupation ranged from 58 to 97%, which closely mimicked survival of larvae at 7 days. Insect larvae reared on meridic diet through 7 days were fitter relative to those exposed to cotton leaf tissue, having greater larval weight and survival than other treatments. Conversely, pupal weight of bollworms exposed to meridic diet for the same 7-day period tended to lag behind those exposed to cotton leaf tissue. However, any fitness benefit gained from rearing larvae on leaf tissue might be offset by increased mortality before the pupal stage. The experiment demonstrated that larval and pupal fitness were impacted by supplementing meridic diet with leaf tissue, but additional research is needed to further investigate effects through multiple generations.

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liividae), is the most important pest of citrus worldwide. It is the vector of the bacteria Liberibacter spp. responsible for Huanglongbing, a devastating disease of citrus. The pathogenicity of four Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) strains and a commercial product were evaluated on immature stages of D. citri in laboratory bioassays. At a concentration of 1×10⁸ conidia per milliliter, neither the strains nor commercial product of B. bassiana had any effect on D. citri eggs; 95% of the eggs hatched and nymphs continued development into adults. The strains evaluated, Bb-Rhy, Bb-Dc, Bb-18, Botanigard, and Bb-Hy, killed 58, 56, 45, 43, and 21%, respectively, of all nymphs. The shortest lethal times, 8.5 and 9.5 days, were by Bb-Rhy and Bb-Dc strains. Bb-Rhy killed significantly more I-III than IV-V stage nymphs. Median lethal concentrations of the most pathogenic strains on nymph IV-V instars were 8.34×10⁶ conidia per milliliter by Bb-Dc and 1×10⁷ by Bb-Rhy. The impact of the fungus on nymphal stages was discussed.

The grapevine leaffolder, Desmia funeralis Hübner, is considered a secondary pest, but there have been economic infestations of this lepidopteran in the United States. During March-November 2016, natural parasitism and predation of this leaffolder in commercial vineyards, Vitis vinifera L., were recorded at Parras, Coahuila, Mexico. Samples were collected using direct, drop sheet-knockdown, and sweep net collection, to obtain larvae and pupae that were kept in laboratory until adults hatched from the leaffolder or parasitoids. Parasitoids detected were Nemorilla pyste Walker 1849 (Diptera: Tachinidae), Bracon cushmani Fabricius 1805 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Brachymeria ovata Say 1824 (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae). Total leaffolders parasitized were 83%, with 42.9% parasitized by N. pyste, 17.6% by B. cushmani, and 4.2% by B. ovata. Regression analysis of parasitism data indicated that there was a direct, positive relationship between D. funeralis abundance and percent parasitism. The spider Enoplognatha ovata (Clerck, 1757) was a predator on larvae and adults of D. funeralis.

The painted lady, Vanessa cardui L., is known to feed from many plants, including some of agricultural importance (i.e., mustard, canola, brassica crops, among others). However, there is no report on feeding by this polyphagous lepidopteran on bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). In 2017, this lepidopteran was extraordinarilly abundant in a bean plot at Chihuahua, México. The insect damaged 100% of plants in the plot. Lespesia melalophae (Diptera: Tachinidae) was the main parasitoid of V. cardui. Parasitism rates were 30.27, 1.43, and 0.48% for L. melalophae, Meteorus sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and Campoletis sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), respectively. There are no previous reports of parasitism by L. melalophae on V. cardui.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is considered the most important pest of maize (Zea mays L.) because of economic loss it causes. Hymenopteran parasitoids belonging mostly to Braconidae and Ichneumonidae families are excellent biological control agents and therefore a viable alternative for managing the pest. The aim of the study was to identify the parasitoid species and parasitism rate of fall armyworm larvae from a plot of forage maize at Bermejillo, Durango, Mexico. Three hundred third to fifth instar fall armyworm larvae were collected; 36.4% (104) of which were parasitized by three hymenopteran species Chelonus insularis Cresson and Chelonus sonorensis Cameron (Braconidae: Cheloninae), and Campoletis sonorensis Cameron (Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae). Ch. insularis with 16.6% of parasitism was the most abundant parasitoid in fall armyworm larvae.

A monitoring system based on sex pheromone traps was set to capture fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] surrounded by other crops and weeds. In total, 312 fall armyworms adults and 197 non-target insects from 17 families were captured. The importance of considering plant and insect diversity in a crop and its surroundings when implementing a strategy of capturing pest insects in sex pheromone traps was discussed.

To assess Mexican genotypes of tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L., in response to pests and as potential rootstocks, 10 genotypes were evaluated under field conditions from June to November 2016 in the Ciénega of Chapala region, Mexico. Two wild genotypes, eight landraces, and one commercial cultivar as a check were evaluated. Genotypes with denser trichomes and resistance against pests were evaluated as rootstocks of commercial variety ‘Rio Grande’ (January-April 2017) under greenhouse conditions at “Las Agujas”, Jalisco, Mexico. Pest incidence, trichome density, and yield were recorded. Wild and creole genotypes differed statistically (P ≤ 0.05) by incidence of pests and density of trichomes; some had fewer pests and denser trichomes compared to the commercial variety. Density of trichomes and resistance against pests were inversely correlated (r = - 0.48 to - 0.91, P ≤ 0.05). Six genotypes with greater potential were selected as rootstocks. Except one, greater density of trichomes in landraces and wild genotypes was transferred by grafting to the commercial variety without reducing yield potential. Trichome density and pest incidence were inversely correlated (r = - 0.60 to - 0.94, P ≤ 0.05) in the grafted tomato plants. Yield of grafted plants was as many as six times greater (12.38 vs. 1.80 kg/plant, respectively) than the nongrafted variety. Results contribute to prediction of resistance of crop varieties against pests and take advantage of Mexican tomato genotypes by direct production or indirectly for improvement of commercial cultivars.

In the United States are 37 endemic Strumigenys ant species belonging to a single temperate and recently radiated Nearctic clade formerly classified as Pyramica (non-trap jaw Strumigenys Smith¹). We report the discovery of a new unrelated and morphologically distinct endemic Nearctic Strumigenys we described as Strumigenys superstes sp. nov. known only from a single queen collected in a pitfall trap at high altitude in northern Arizona. In comparing Strumigenys superstes sp. nov. morphology with queens of other closely related species, we showed Strumigenys superstes sp. nov. is the only temperate member of the otherwise tropical (Panamanian) clade of short-mandibled trap jaw species formerly belonging to the genus Glamyromyrmex (now forming the Strumigenys excisa species-group).

The occurrence of species is inadequately known for Morelos, one of the smallest states at the center of Mexico. Our research documented the occurrence of ant species in the State. Specimens were collected in four conserved areas and a range of disturbed habitats. Morphological traits and molecular sequences of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) were used as complementary tools to identify species. We identified 164 ant species of which 48 were new records for the State. Molecular analysis helped confirm and document the identity of species in groups of ants. The study could be used as a model to assess ecosystem health across extensive geographical regions.

Insects are used and consumed as food during daily activities in some regions of Mexico. Success of insect consumption is related to food safety and nutritional value. Some species to be consumed are collected directly from their ecosystems. Although, it is traditional, the practice might have complications. In this work, six batches of edible grasshoppers (Sphenarium spp.) were analyzed from outlets in Mexico City. Different arthropods besides the principal edible insect were observed. Among accompanying arthropods were Acrididae (Orthoptera), one adult Hymenoptera, two lepidopteran larvae, one adult Coleoptera, and a member of Araneae. Various plant debris also was found. The diverse materials could compromise the quality and food safety of the product and might lead to allergies or potentially harmful microorganisms. Strategies must be developed for careful selection, collection, and processing procedures to ensure food quality of edible grasshoppers.

Proclotting enzymes (PCE) are a serine protease-containing CLIP domain and play roles in development of embryonic and innate immune response. Little is known about PCE in mosquitoes, but only three melanization regulatory modules that involve proteases with the CLIP domain have been reported. We cloned the PCE gene and reported the nucleotide sequence encoding a proclotting enzyme in Aedes aegypti L. We did in-silico protein translation, alignment with proclotting proteinase sequences of the other species of different taxonomic orders, and phylogenetic analysis where PCE in Ae. aegypti fit the hypotheses of positive or adaptive evolution. The fundamental information could be applied in strategies for biological control of medically important insects.

Descriptive evidence of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) spreading across the Yucatan Peninsula, southeastern Mexico, was provided from a survey of medically important mosquitoes and historical data from 2011 to 2019. The species was reported for the first time at Campeche and 15 new localities of Quintana Roo.

Las tabletas efervescentes spinosad (Natular® DT) fueron evaluadas contra larvas de Culex spp. en charcas. Las densidades de larvas de Culex spp. fueron menores a las 72 horas, donde se aplicó spinosad, alcanzándose 100% de reducción manteniéndose así hasta el Día 21 postaplicación.

El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar el ciclo biológico y tablas de vida de Exochomus childreni guexi (LeConte), Chilocorus cacti (Linneaeus), Hyperaspis trifurcata (Schaeffer), e Hippodamia convergens (Guerin) en condiciones de laboratorio. La colecta de ejemplares se efectuó en parcelas de nopal verdura en los municipios de Santa María del Río y Soledad de Graciano Sánchez del estado de San Luis Potosí. Se obtuvieron los ciclos de vida, desglosándose por tiempo en cada estadio y se elaboraron las tablas de vida desde el nacimiento, muerte y descendencia de cada especie. La duración del ciclo completo para C. cacti, E. childreni guexi, H. convergens, y H. trifurcata fue 53-69, 59-70, 60-77, y 64-75 días, respectivamente. Para las cuatro especies se encontró que en la etapa de huevo a larva I tiene un valor bajo de transición, en comparación con estadios de larva III donde hay mejores valores de sobrevivencia.

Se describe e ilustra el exocorion de dos especies del género Colias: C. harfordii y C. philodice guatemalena bajo la técnica de tinción con azul de metileno y con el empleo del microscopio electrónico de barrido. Se caracterizan a detalle las regiones micropilar, perimicropilar, de transición, ecuatorial, y basal. Se comparan también los diversos aspectos de la retícula en sus diferentes regiones o zonas visualizadas con ambas técnicas, tanto entre sí como con otras seis especies de Colias ya publicadas.

Se describe y compara el exocorion de tres especies de Heliconiinae de México (Euptoieta hegesia meridiania, Agraulis vanillae incarnata, y Laparus doris viridis) con otras especies del sur de Brasil ya publicadas. Se enfatizó la comparación en los principales caracteres exocoriónicos como son la ‘ornamentación’, la diferenciación micropilar, perimicropilar y de la zona de transición, así como las retículas ecuatoriales y basales; se empleó la técnica de tinción y el uso del microscopio electrónico de barrido. Se reconocen diferencias estructurales en dos de las tribus de Heliconiinae; en Argynnini es característica su forma cónica trunca, la presencia de dos retículas (supra e infraecuatorial) y tal vez quillas en el ápice; Heliconiini presenta formas elipsoidales oblongas y una retícula rectangular, con algunos polígonos penta o hexagonales en la región apical. Se discute de modo escueto la morfología en Acraeini, las posibles implicaciones de la morfología coriónica en la sistemática de Heliconiinae y los caracteres de algunos géneros en específico. Se incluyen láminas y esquemas para una visualización más clara de las estructuras y zonas descritas en el corion de Argynnini y Heliconiini.

El 70% del total de la superficie forestal mundial, comprendida en 100 millones de ha de bosques en 75 países se encuentran afectadas por plagas y enfermedades. En América del Norte y Central 58 millones de ha son afectadas por plagas causando pérdidas económicas, pérdida de cobertura arbórea y el impacto negativo en los diferentes ecosistemas. El objetivo fue determinar insectos plaga en el arbolado del Parque 18 de Marzo de la Ciudad de México. Con base en un inventario del arbolado se colectaron muestras botánicas y las especies se clasificaron taxonómicamente. La biodiversidad forestal fue de 853 árboles de 31 especies en 21 familias. El porcentaje de frecuencia relativa de las plagas con respecto a la interacción sobre los hospederos mostró diferencias significativas. La curva de crecimiento más alta se expresó en Cupressus lusitanica Mill. (25.9%), Casuarina equisetifolia L. (15.3%), Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. (14.5%), y Ligustrum lucidum W.T. (11.6%). La población de fitófagos fue constituida por 44 especies de 41 géneros, agrupados en 18 familias. La dinámica poblacional se representó por el orden Hemiptera con 75.8% de la incidencia acumulada, defoliadores 6.4%, barrenadores 3.2%, insectos formadores de agallas 1.7%, y descortezadores 1.7%. Las diferencias estadísticas significativas se observaron entre las especies forestales y entre familias entomológicas. La familia Aphididae causó la dinámica poblacional de mayor impacto en el arbolado del Parque 18 de Marzo de la Ciudad de México.

El cultivo de la papaya (Carica papaya L.), es uno de los principales frutales tropicales de mayor importancia socioeconómica, sin embargo, su rendimiento se ve afectado por plagas y enfermedades, siendo los áfidos vectores de virus los que causan el mayor daño. Se identificaron 17 especies de áfidos, de las cuales más de la mitad incluyen a especies con importancia en la transmisión de virus, correspondiendo en orden de abundancia a: Aphis spiraecola, Aphis nerii, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, y Aphis gossypii, los que tuvieron su mayor pico poblacional entre los meses de junio a agosto, coincidiendo con las mayores fluctuaciones poblacionales en los 5 primeros meses después del trasplante del cultivo.

Se registra Painteria leptophylla como planta hospedera, de donde emergieron los brúquidos Stator limbatus y Merobruchus politus en Hidalgo, México. El daño a las semillas en esta planta fue 20% de S. limbatus y 17% para M. politus. Se añade como planta hospedera a Mimosa sp., para M. politus; además se presenta un nuevo registro de distribución para el estado de Hidalgo de la especie Acathoscelides rufovittatus.

Se registra por primera vez la presencia de larvas de Eumaeus childrenae alimentándose de Ceratozamia sp. nov., en el municipio de Candelaria Loxicha, Oaxaca, México, donde habitan de manera natural. Este reporte robustece y complementa el conocimiento acerca de la relación del género Eumaeus y las cícadas mexicanas.

Tetranychus es una plaga recurrente de frutales incluyendo Annona muricata L. En México y en especial en el estado de Veracruz, no existen registros de las arañas rojas presentes, cuyo daño fue observado en este estudio. Se realizaron muestreos tanto en huertos comerciales como de traspatio en la zona centro del estado de Veracruz. Se identificó al ácaro Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor) y fitoseidos en 41 sitios muestreados. La proporción fitoseidos-tetraníquidos más baja fue 1:5 y la más alta 1:45. La presencia de fitoseidos permite concluir que existen especies de control natural, y tienen potencial para considerarse al implementar medidas de control del ácaro plaga.

Se registra Homalodisca ichthyocephala (Signoret 1854) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) sobre lima mexicana [Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle] en Colima, México. Este cicadélido se alimenta de la sabia de estos árboles y los utiliza como refugio. Se desconoce su impacto como plaga en este cultivo y no se realizan tácticas específicas para su control. En este trabajo se resalta la importancia de generar información sobre esta esta plaga, pues pudiera ser un potencial vector de la Clorosis Variegada de los Cítricos.

En agosto de 2018 en recorridos de campo realizados en lotes comerciales de fresa en la localidad de La Sauceda, Zamora, Michoacán se observaron hojas con daños por alimentación y enrollamientos, así como la presencia de larvas. Se recolectaron larvas, que se mantuvieron en condiciones de laboratorio y los adultos emergidos se identificaron como Argyrotaenia montezumae (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Este es el primer reporte de esta especie en México en el cultivo de fresa.