Recent collecting of robber flies and their prey in eastern New Mexico and adjacent west Texas produced 313 specimens in 20 families of Coleoptera being fed upon by more than 44 species in 16 genera of Asilidae. The specimens represent 171 unique predator-prey combinations of which 120 have not been reported previously. The main beetle families preyed upon were Carabidae (26%), Scarabaeidae (24%), Melyridae (15%), Chrysomelidae (14%), and Curculionidae (5%). Only one or two specimens were in each of seven other families of Coleoptera. The main asilid predators of beetles were species in genera Cerotainiops Curran, Efferia Coquillett, and Proctacanthella Bromley. Based on non-Coleoptera prey for Asilidae collected in this study, no robber fly seemed to specialize in beetles. About half of the asilids with beetle prey were collected with only one or two specimens. Corrigenda are provided for prey records previously published by Pollock and Lavigne (2019).

Economically important Gulf coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum Koch, affects veterinary and public health but is difficult to find off-host in Oklahoma. The aim of the study was to use field-based caged bioassays to observe questing behavior of adult A. maculatum during 24-hour periods between March and June. A. maculatum, however, showed no questing preference for any time of day, with more than 50% questing between 1000 and 0300 hours in a 24-hour period. Questing heights were similar to those in published studies.

Ectoparasites on wild birds and mammals threaten health of the animal and community. Most studies of ectoparasites tend to be location focused so characterizing wider differences between ectoparasites and hosts is difficult. The aim of this study was to identify ectoparasites from free ranging and captive wildlife at an academic zoological medicine service in Central Oklahoma and record first reports of ectoparasites and hosts. We collected 228 ectoparasites from 47 animals: 111 ectoparasites from 30 birds were 14 lice (n = 78), four hematophagous fly (n = 20), and three tick (n = 13) species. One hundred seventeen ectoparasites from 17 mammals were four flea (n = 8) and four tick (n = 109) species. Results included 13 first-time ectoparasite species and 26 first-time host-ectoparasite reports in Oklahoma. The study portrays closer representation of ectoparasites infesting wild animals in Central Oklahoma and demonstrate possible correlation between mortality and injury to parasitized hosts. Additional studies would document ectoparasites infesting wildlife in Central Oklahoma.

Pesticides threaten the environment and increase amounts of resistance by pests. Ecologically friendly biological control of pests is being considered in scientific and political spheres. Fruit flies cause huge economic losses to more than 81 fruit and vegetable species. They are major pests in tropical and subtropical areas. This study used pupae of melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), as a host and Dirhinus giffardii (Silvestri) as the parasitoid, the biological control agent. During host-parasitoid interaction at different conditions of exposure, the rate of parasitism of a host by D. giffardii differed significantly in time. Least parasitism was of 1-day-old pupae (13.41 ± 1.10) exposed for 6 hours. Greatest percentage of parasitism was to 3-day-old pupae (43.5 ± 1.12) exposed for 24 hours. Few pupae younger than 3 days old were parasitized. Parasitoid emergence rate from pupae increased from 6 hours (21.49 ± 1.46), to 12 hours (28.30 ± 2.00), and 24 hours (33.93 ± 0.66). Percentage of emergence of 3-day-old pupae was 28.40 ± 0.59 at 6 hours, 29.51 ± 0.45 at 12 hours, and 34.11 ± 0.224 at 24 hours. To maximize in vivo production of parasitoids, 5-day-old female D. giffardii should be provided pupae ≤3 days old. Results contribute to further understanding host-parasitoid interaction important for sustainable and integrated pest management practices throughout the world.

Although aphids are pests and can cause 100% crop loss, they also are food for natural enemies and birds. The objective of this work was to determine predators and parasitoids of aphids and agroecological characteristics of weeds. The study was done in monocultures of intensive agriculture at El Copal Irapuato. Twenty-two plant species were collected, predominantly Asteraceae with eight species; nine species of aphids were collected. Aphis craccivora Koch was on four plant species. Aphidius colemani Viereck parasitized as many as 84% of Uroleucon ambrosiae (Thomas). Allograpta oblicua (Say), Pseudodorus clavatus (F.), and Paragus tibialis (Fallén) hoverflies were found in larvae preying on aphids. The larva of Micromus posticus (Walker) fed on aphids, the first record of immatures of the species of Hemerobiidae in the State of Guanajuato. Other species of predators were reported.

The temporary feeding of adults of the butterfly 88 Diaethria Anna (Guérin-Méneville) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) of the exudates of the delicious monstera fruits (Araceae) in a coffee plantation immersed in a cloud forest of mountain, is reported for the first time.

Se registra por vez primera, la alimentación temporal de adultos de la mariposa 88 Diaethria anna (Guérin-Méneville) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) de los exudados de los frutos de Monstera deliciosa (Araceae) en una plantación de Café inmersa en un bosque nublado de montaña.

Progeny from 17 spring barley, Hordeum vulgare L., lines identified with potential resistance to bird cherry-oat aphid, rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), from previous evaluation in a greenhouse were evaluated as seedlings in a greenhouse in 2014. Flats were rated on a scale of 1 to 4 when susceptible check Morex was dead. Even though some lines had many seedlings that survived, none were true breeding. Survivors from three sources, CI 1969, CI 1128, and STARS 9301B, and their non-infested checks were grown in the greenhouse in a randomized complete-block design with nine replications. Grain yield and yield components were measured to determine the accuracy of evaluation to identify meaningful resistance in terms of grain yield. Although all three lines had significantly less seedling height and leaf number compared to non-infested checks at the time of rating, their grain yield at maturity was not significantly different than that of their respective checks. CI 1969 responded to infestation with a 9% increase in spikelets per spike while CI 1128 suffered a 15% loss in 100-kernel weight. Resistance to bird cherry-oat aphid, identified by evaluation of seedlings in a greenhouse, protected against loss of grain yield. The three lines can be used in breeding programs for resistance to bird cherry-oat aphid.

A maize (Zea mays L.) pest native to the Americas, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a recent invasive of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Resistant to several insecticide classes and toxins of Btmaize, the insect damages maize by feeding on leaf, tassel, and ear tissue. Using native resistance in maize along with existing tactics could improve control outcomes. The objective for the study was to evaluate resistance to leaf-feeding fall armyworm in maize population PI 674097 and founding landraces used to develop this germplasm. Plants grown in the field and artificially infested at the seven/eight-leaf stage were visually scored for leaf-feeding damage at 7 and 14 days post infestation. All scores for NSL 283507, PI 498583, PI 583912, and PI 674097 were less (i.e., more resistant) than the susceptible check, GEMN-0131. In 2022, 14-day scores for PI 674097 were not different than the resistant check, Mp708 (3.6 ± 0.5 and 2.7 ± 0.5, respectively). PI 674097 was variable in its response to fall armyworm leaf feeding with individual plants receiving a range of 14-day scores from 2 (resistant) to 7 (susceptible) across both years of testing. This variability might be useful when selecting for greater resistance to the pest.

Guavas (Psidium guajava L.) are a main host of several Lonchaeidae and Tephritidae fruit flies. In Mexico, guavas are infested mostly by Anastrepha striata Schiner, A. fraterculus (Wiedemann), and occasionally by A. obliqua Macquart. We sampled 240 pink-flesh guavas from an orchard of mixed mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) and guava trees at San Rafael de Zaragoza, Morelos. Fruit was collected biweekly during two fruiting periods [August-September 2021 (wet season) and January-February 2022 (dry season)]. Infestation rate, Host Suitability Index (HSI), and co-infestations by frugivorous fruit flies were assessed. We found 728 pupae (76% Anastrepha spp.), and an unusually large number of Neosilba spp. (24%). More infestation was detected during the dry season (432 pupae in the dry season versus 296 pupae in the wet season) probably caused by scarce availability of fruit. We reported for the first time, infestation of pink-flesh guavas by A. ludens from field-collected guavas picked from trees in mature-green stage. Using the HS Index, pink-flesh guavas were an inadequate host for A. ludens but were a good host for A. striata. We reported Neosilba spp. as a primary invader of guavas and discussed findings in the context of quarantine risk assessment.

Phlebotominae sand flies are the main vectors of several species of Leishmania parasites that are the etiological agents of leishmaniasis. The disease is endemic to southeastern Mexico, and many studies focused on the area. Cases of leishmaniasis also occur in other Mexican states such as Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas in the northeastern region bordering the United States of America (USA). Cutaneous leishmaniasis was reported intermittently in the State of Nuevo León through the years. Few records of sand fly species exist for the State of Nuevo León, and many municipalities have not been sampled despite potential importance of the disease at certain localities. The main objective of the work was to trap sand flies at the Municipality of General Zuazua, Nuevo León where urbanization occurred rapidly in recent years. A semi-urban location was selected to catch sand fly species using CDC light traps from 6 August through 26 September 2020. In total, 137 specimens in four genera and five species were collected during nine sampling events. Lutzomyia diabolica (Hall, 1936) was dominant at 90.5% of the total collected. Abundance of sand fly species peaked at Sampling Event 5 (34.3%) and differed significantly between sampling events and trap locations at six sites. Using Taylor´s power law, spatial distribution of sand flies was aggregated at the study site. Environmental variables such as air temperature, soil temperature, relative humidity, dew point, and wind speed were not significantly related to abundance of sand flies. The five sand fly species in the study -- Dampfomyia anthophora (Addis, 1945), Micropygomyia apache (Young and Perkins, 1984), Micropygomyia californica (Fairchild and Hertig, 1957), Psathyromyia texana (Dampf, 1938), and Lutzomyia diabolica were new records for the Municipality of General Zuazua, Nuevo León. Although the taxonomic status of M. californica is debatable, the species was recorded for the first time in México. The five species can be added to previous records, for a total of 10 species in the State of Nuevo León. Brief discussion of medical importance of each sand fly species to transmit Leishmania spp. is provided for the region.

Six species of phytophagous scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae “Pleurosticti”) were first recorded from Campeche state, Mexico. The specimens were collected between August and November 2019 and belong to the following species: Euphoria yucateca (Bates, 1889) and Cotinis mutabilis (Gory and Percheron, 1833) (both Cetoniinae) and Cyclocephala melanocephala (Fabricius, 1775), Phileurus valgus (Olivier, 1789), Tomarus cuniculus (Fabricius, 1801), and Xyloryctes teuthras Bates, 1888 (all Dynastinae). The agricultural and ecological importance of each species is discussed, and its national distribution is given. The checklist of the Scarabaeidae “Pleurosticti” from Campeche was updated, consisting of 52 species, 24 genera, and five subfamilies.

Se registran por primera vez seis especies de escarabajos fitófagos (Scarabaeidae ″Pleurosticti″) del estado de Campeche, México. Los ejemplares fueron recolectados entre agosto y noviembre de 2019, y pertenecen a las siguientes especies: Euphoria yucateca (Bates, 1889) y Cotinis mutabilis (Gory and Percheron, 1833) (ambas Cetoniinae), Cyclocephala melanocephala (Fabricius, 1775), Phileurus valgus (Olivier, 1789), Tomarus cuniculus (Fabricius, 1801), y Xyloryctes teuthras Bates, 1888 (todas Dynastinae). Se discute la importancia agrícola y ecológica de cada especie y se indica su distribución nacional. Se actualiza la lista de comprobación de los Scarabaeidae ″Pleurosticti″ de Campeche, que consta de 52 especies, 24 géneros, y cinco subfamilias.

Seasonal variation and its effect on structure and composition of a Coleoptera community were studied, prompted by fragmentation of land cover in natural areas. Some groups of phytophagous beetles are most abundant during the rainy season, although this contrasts with a greater number of community attributes in the season with less precipitation. The hypothesis of our study was that most chrysomelid specimens and species would be observed at the end of the dry season and beginning of the rainy season, with subfamilies Galerucinae, Eumolpinae, and Cassidinae frequent between seasons. The objective was to analyze seasonal variation of Chrysomelidae in a fragment of temperate forest in northwestern Mexico. A sweep net was used in the understory to capture specimens in quadrants. Specimens captured were in six subfamilies, 24 genera, and 31 species, which varied between dry and rainy seasons. Estimated richness was less at the beginning of the rainy season, which was reflected by the greatest percentage of complementarity, although species were present throughout a season. The greatest dominance of Chrysomelidae was in the rainy season, and largest entropy values at the end of both seasons, while diversity of abundant and dominant species was notable at the end of the dry season. Correspondence analysis revealed three faunal associations, indicating the largest number of species was associated with the end of the dry season and beginning of the rainy season, showing precipitation and ambient temperature were most important variables. The community structure between seasons differed, showing that seasonality provided a wide food resource over time, which generated variation in relative abundance and therefore in composition of chrysomelid species. Results suggested temperature variation and water availability determined establishment of Chrysomelidae among months of the year.

Heat treatment is a potential alternative to chemicals for controlling stored-product insect pests. During heat treatment, attaining uniform temperature across a facility is not possible because of differential heating rates. Effects of different heating rates of 0 (check), 0.5, 5, and 10°C per hour on life stages of Lasioderma serricorne were studied in a laboratory. Different heating rates killed significantly different numbers of L. serricorne life stages, with more killed with increasing exposure at 50°C. Compared to the check, significantly more L. serricorne larvae exposed to continuous heating of 28 to 50°C at 5 and 10°C per hour were killed after exposure at 50°C for 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. However, L. serricorne larvae and eggs exposed to continuous heating of 28 to 50°C at 0.5more at different heating ra per hour significantly increased after exposure at 50°C for 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Maintaining temperature at ≥50°C for >90 minutes in a facility killed almost all life stages of L. serricorne. Pupae were least susceptible to heat.

Consumption of Phakopsora pachyrhizi Sydow & P. Sydow uredospores by Mycodiplosis (Rübsaamen, 1885) larvae in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) crops was reported for the first time, in a ‘Huasteca-700’ soybean crop sown on 30 December 2020 at Sitio Experimental Ébano (SEE) at Ébano, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Soybean leaflets with irregular yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, or dark brown lesions were collected 71, 78, 85, and 92 days after the soybean crop (DAS) was sown. On the sampling dates, larvae of the genus Mycodiplosis were observed feeding on uredospores of Asian soybean rust. The greatest number of larvae was recorded 78 DDS. At 71 and 78 DDS, larvae were observed in leaflets with an average severity of 1.44 and 2.8%. At 85 and 92 DDS, larvae were observed in leaflets with an average severity of 26.81 and 38.5%. The record of consumption of P. pachyrhizi Sydow & P. Sydow uredospores by larvae of genus Mycodiplosis is the first report for Mexico.

En el presente trabajo se reporta por primera vez el consumo de las uredosporas de Phakopsora pachyrhizi Sydow & P. Sydow por las larvas del género Mycodiplosis (Rübsaamen, 1885) en el cultivo de soya (Glicine max L. Merrill). El trabo de investigación se desarrolló en la variedad de soya Huasteca-700, con fecha de siembra del 30 de diciembre del 2020, en el Sitio Experimental Ébano (SEE), ubicado en Ébano, San Luis Potosí, México. En este cultivo, las larvas del género Mycodiplosis fueron registradas en los folíolos con lesiones irregulares color caféamarillento, café-rojizo o café oscuro a los 71, 78, 85, y 92 días después de la siembra (DDS). En las fechas de muestreo, las larvas del género Mycodiplosis se observaron alimentando de uredosporas de la roya asiática. El número mayor de larvas se registró a los 78 DDS (n = 180) respecto a los 71, 85, y 92 DDS. A los 71 y 78 DDS, las larvas se observaron en los folíolos con una severidad promedio de 1.44 y 2.8%. Mientras que, a las 85 y 92 DDS, larvas se observaron en los folíolos con una severidad promedio de 26.81 y 38.5%. El registro del consumo de uredosporas de roya asiática de la soya por las larvas del género Mycodiplosis es el primer reporte para México. Con base en este resultado, las larvas del género Mycodiplosis podrían ser parte de los agentes control biológico de roya asiática en el cultivo de soya.

The cuticle of insects that is periodically renewed through the process of ecdysis is a protective barrier against the external environment. It can confer resistance against entomopathogenic fungi, but few studies document how molting affects infection by entomopathogenic fungi. The research aimed to evaluate effects of molting on resistance by the Sphenarium purpurascens purpurascens Charpentier grasshopper, an important crop pest in México, to infection by entomopathogenic fungi. Two strains (6 MaEM and 9 MaEM) at four concentrations (1 × 10⁵, 1 × 10⁶, 1 × 10⁷, and 1 × 10⁸ conidia per milliliter) of Metarhizium anisopliae Metchn. were used. Molts decreased as concentration of entomopathogenic fungi increased. Infection by entomopathogenic fungi at greater concentrations was faster, resulting in less time to kill after exposure to inoculum. More insects molted and survived at lesser doses of inoculum. Application of M. anisopliae at 1-week intervals is recommended against grasshopper early and late nymphal instars.

El picudo de la soya, rhyssomatus nigerrimus Fahraeus, se considera un insecto plaga de importancia económica en el cultivo de soya en México, el cual se controla por medio de insecticidas sintéticos que tienen efectos negativos con organismos no blanco y en el ambiente. Se evaluó la calidad y patogenicidad de dos formulaciones comerciales de insecticidas microbianos a base de los hongos entomopatógenos: Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin y Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin sobre adultos de r. nigerrimus. Los bioensayos se hicieron por los métodos de aspersión e inmersión de los insectos y aspersión sobre hojas y vainas de soya. Se evaluó la dosis recomendada en la etiqueta de la formulación comercial de cada insecticida. Por el método de aspersión de los picudos no murió ni el 50% de los insectos. La mortalidad de adultos de r. nigerrimus por método de inmersión con la formulación comercial de M. anisopliae y B. bassiana, fue 62.66 y 65.66%, respectivamente; la TL50 fue de 7 y 11 días después del tratamiento, respectivamente. En tanto que, la mortalidad de adultos de r. nigerrimus por el método de aspersión sobre hojas y vainas con la formulación comercial de M. anisopliae y B. bassiana, fue 80.66 y 79.33%, respectivamente; la TL50 fue de 7.5 y 8 días después del tratamiento, respectivamente.

The soybean weevil, rhyssomatus nigerrimus Fahraeus, is a pest of economic importance in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in Mexico. The weevil is controlled with synthetic insecticides that have negative effects on non-target organisms and on the environment. We evaluated the quality and pathogenicity of two commercial formulations of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin on adults of r. nigerrimus. Bioassays used spray, immersion, and spray method on soybean leaves and pods. Mortality of r. nigerrimus by immersion with M. anisopliae and B. bassiana was 65 and 62%, with LT50 of 7 and 11 days after treatment. Adult mortality with the spray method using M. anisopliae and B. bassiana on leaves and pods was 80 and 79%, with LT50 of 7.5 and 8 days after treatment.

La eficia de control de ninfas del tercer al quinto estadio de Diaphorina citri Kuwayama se evaluó con cepas de Metarhizium anisopliae (63%), Beauveria bassiana (63%), e Isaria javanica (94%) bajo condiciones de laboratorio. En huertas comerciales de naranja se obtuvo eficacia de control de 82% con B. bassiana y 83% con I. javanica, lo que las constituye en cepas candidatas para el control biológico de D. citri en huertas con manejo convencional, orgánico y áreas urbanas de Argentina.

Control of third- to fifth-instar nymphs of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama was evaluated with strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (63%), Beauveria bassiana (63%), and Isaria javanica (94%) under laboratory conditions. In commercial orange orchards, 82% control was obtained with B. bassiana and 83% with I. javanica, which makes them candidate strains for biological control of D. citri in orchards with conventional and organic management and in urban areas in Argentina.

The effect of the sexual confusion pheromone on the abundance, diversity, and percentage of parasitism of larvae of fall armyworm in maize was determined. From three collections of 100 fall armyworm larvae of different instars from fields treated and not treated with sexual confusion pheromones, Cotesia marginiventris Cresson, Meteorus laphygmae Viereck, Chelonus sonorensis Cameron, Chelonus insularis Cresson, Pristomerus spinator F. Lespesia sp., and Campoletis sp. were obtained from both treatments. Lespesia sp. and Campoletis sp. were found only in the pheromone treatment. Parasitism in the pheromone-treated field (19.7%), was not different from the control field (17%). Campoletis sp. was reported for the first time at Sinaloa, Mexico.

Se determinó el efecto de la feromona de confusión sexual sobre la abundancia, diversidad, y porcentaje de parasitismo de larvas de gusano cogollero en maíz. Se realizaron tres colectas de 100 larvas de gusano cogollero de diferentes instares de campos tratados con feromona de confusión sexual. Los parasitoides obtenidos fueron: Cotesia marginiventris Cresson, Meteorus laphygmae Viereck, Chelonus sonorensis Cameron, Chelonus insularis Cresson, Pristomerus spinator F. Lespesia sp., y Campoletis sp. en ambos tratamientos. Lespesia sp. y Campoletis sp. se obtuvieron de las parcelas con feromona. El porcentaje de parasitismo no fue diferente entre el tratamiento con feromona (19.7%) y el testigo (17%). Se reporta por primera ocasión a Campoletis sp. en Sinaloa, México.

El gusano cogollero, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), es el insecto plaga de mayor importancia económica debido a los daños que causa al maíz (Zea mays L.) alrededor del mundo. Se determinaron las especies de parasitoides de S. frugiperda y el grado de parasitismo natural en maíz de la Comarca Lagunera, ubicada en Coahuila y Durango, México. El parasitismo de huevos fue bajo, 4.7% en 2020 y 2.0% en 2021, principalmente por Trichogramma spp.; en larvas fue del 20.6% en 2020 y 59.7% en 2021. Se identificaron nueve especies de parasitoides de larvas: Chelonus insularis (Cresson), Chelonus cautus (Cresson), Pristomerus spinator (Fabricius), Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron), Aleiodes laphygmae (Vierechk), Ophion flavidus Brulle, Euplectrus platyhypenae Howard, Lespesia archippivora (Riley), y Archytas marmoratus (Townsend). Aleiodes laphygmae se considera un nuevo reporte para el estado de Durango, como parasitoide del gusano cogollero. Estos resultados son una contribución al conocimiento del parasitismo natural del gusano cogollero en la Comarca Lagunera, lo cual establece la base para futuros estudios sobre su control biológico.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is the insect pest of great economic importance because of damage to maize (Zea mays L.) worldwide. The parasitoid species of S. frugiperda and the degree of natural parasitism in maize from the Comarca Lagunera located at Coahuila and Durango, Mexico, were determined. Egg parasitism was low, 4.7% in 2020 and 2.0% in 2021, mostly because of Trichogramma spp. Larval parasitism was 20.6% in 2020 and 59.7% in 2021. Nine species of larval parasitoids identified were: Chelonus insularis (Cresson), Chelonus cautus (Cresson), Pristomerus spinator (Fabricius), Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron), Aleiodes laphygmae (Vierechk), Ophion flavidus Brulle, Euplectrus platyhypenae Howard, Lespesia archippivora (Riley), Archytas marmoratus (Townsend), and Aleiodes laphygmae. The latter is a new report for the State of Durango. These results are a contribution to knowledge of natural parasitism of fall armyworm in the Comarca Lagunera, establishing the basis for future studies of its biological control.

El maíz, Zea mays L., es de gran importancia económica, social y cultural en México. Su agroecosistema posee insectos fitófagos y entomófagos. Se estudió la diversidad de éstos en la Comarca Lagunera en 2020 y 2021. Se identificaron 38 especies de insectos entomófagos, tanto depredadores como parasitoides, siendo las más comunes Bariscapus sp., Orius leavigatus, Tetrastichus sp., Hippodamia convergens, Chrysoperla sp., y Collops vittatus. Se ha reportado que este complejo de insectos entomófagos juega un papel importante en el control biológico natural de los insectos plaga. Se encontraron 26 especies de insectos fitófagos, siendo las más comunes Chaetocnema ectypa, Diabrotica balteata, Rhopalosiphum maidis, y Dalbulus maidis. Este complejo de insectos fitófagos puede estar desempeñando un papel importante como factor limitante de la productividad del maíz o ser plagas potenciales. Con base en los valores de los índices de diversidad de Margalef, Simpson y Shannon-Wiener se encontró que la diversidad de insectos entomófagos fue más alta al principio del ciclo del cultivo; mientras que la diversidad de insectos fitófagos fue mayor de mediados a finales del mismo; de forma general se considera que la diversidad de la entomofauna en maíz fue intermedia.

Maize, Zea mays L., is of great economic, social, and cultural importance in Mexico. Its agroecosystem has phytophagous and entomophagous insects. Diversity in the Comarca Lagunera was studied in 2020 and 2021. Thirty-eight species of predators and parasitoids were found, with most common being Bariscapus sp., Orius leavigatus, Tetrastichus sp., Hippodamia convergens, Chrysoperla sp., and Collops vittatus. This complex of entomophagous insects is important for natural biological control of pest insects. Twenty-six species of phytophagous insects were also found, the most common being Chaetocnema ectypa, Diabrotica balteata, Rhopalosiphum maidis, and Dalbulus maidis. This complex of phytophagous insects may be important as a limiting factor of maize productivity or be potential pests. Based on values of the diversity indices of Margalef, Simpson and Shannon-Wiener, diversity of entomophagous insects was more at the beginning of the crop-growing season, while diversity of phytophagous insects was greater mid to late; diversity of entomofauna in maize was intermediate.

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue conocer la fluctuación poblacional de las especies de picudos en tres sitios con cultivo de limón persa (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) en Huimanguillo, Tabasco, México. Se encontraron cuatro especies de picudos, dos de morfotipos de Epicaerus spp., Exophthalmus opulentus (Boheman 1840), y Cleistolophus subfasciatus (Sharp 1891). La fluctuación poblacional de cada especie fue similar en los tres sitios de estudio. Los morfotipos de Epicaerus spp., se presentaron en altas poblaciones en los sitios 1 y 2, excepto en el sitio 3, donde no se encontraron durante el periodo de estudio. Exophthalmus opulentus y Cleistolophus subfasciatus estuvieron en los tres sitios de muestreo, pero sus poblaciones fueron bajas en comparación con los morfotipos de Epicaerus spp., lo que podría indicar que estos últimos podrían ser más importantes desde el punto de vista económico.

The objective of this work was to know the population fluctuation of weevil species at three sites with cultivation of Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) at Huimanguillo, Tabasco, Mexico. Four species of weevils were found, two morphotypes of Epicaerus spp., Exophthalmus opulentus (Boheman 1840), and Cleistolophus subfasciatus (Sharp 1891). Their population fluctuation was similar at the three study sites. The morphotypes of Epicaerus spp. occurred in high numbers at Sites 1 and 2, but not Site 3 where they were not found during the study period. Exophthalmus opulentus and Cleistolophus subfasciatus were found at the three sampling sites, but their abundance was low compared to Epicaerus spp. Morphotypes that might indicate the latter could be more important from an economic point of view.

El tomate de cáscara (Physalis philadelphica Lam) es un cultivo importante en México. Una de las principales limitantes fitosanitarias que afectan y reducen el rendimiento son los trips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), que dañan los tejidos, desprenden parte del tejido celular de hoja y flor, y en ataques severos los botones florales no abren y se secan prematuramente. Algunas especies son vectores del virus de la marchitez manchada del tomate (TSWV). Para su control se ha utilizado control quimico y biológico. Una posible alternativa es el uso de arreglos espaciales combinados con plantas atrayentes o repelentes como el cempaxóchitl (Tagetes erecta L.). Se evaluó la dinámica poblacional de trips en monocultivo de T. erecta y en asociación con P. philadelphica en tres tipos de arreglos espaciales en dos localidades de Valle de Toluca. Los resultados indicaron que la mayor densidad poblacional de trips se presentó en T. erecta en monocultivo, por arriba de la densidad determinada en P. philadelphica en monocultivo o en arreglo espacial asociado, durante todo el ciclo agrícola. Esto produjo mayor rendimiento de tomate de cáscara con el uso de arreglos espaciales respecto al monocultivo. Por lo que se concluye que T. erecta tiene una cualidad adicional como planta atrayente natural de trips durante todas las etapas fenológicas de vida de la planta.

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica Lam) is native to the Americas, and thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are one of its main phytosanitary problems. These insects reduce yields by damaging photosynthetic capacity of leaves. Severe infestations also lead to floral buds remaining closed and drying prematurely. Thrips are generally controlled using synthetic insecticides and biological control. A possible additional measure of control is the use of spatial arrangements in combination with attractive or repellent plants, such as the Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta L.). We evaluated the population dynamics of thrips on T. erecta and P. philadelphica in monoculture and in association with each other in three spatial arrangements in two localities in the Toluca Valley. Thrips abundance was greatest in T. erecta monoculture, significantly more than in P. philadelphica in monoculture, or in any of the spatial arrangements. All spatial arrangements had greater tomatillo yield compared to monoculture. We conclude that T. erecta acts as a natural attractant plant for thrips during all phenological stages of the life of the plant.

Las actividades como la agricultura y ganadería degradan los ecosistemas por lo que es necesario restaurarlos. Las hormigas son usadas para evaluar la restauración porque son sensibles a los cambios ambientales. Sin embargo, estas evaluaciones solo comparan el número de especies de hormigas y los grupos funcionales entre sitios restaurados y sitios de referencia (sitios que no fueron degradados). Para mejorar estas evaluaciones podrían incluirse los gremios tróficos de las hormigas y los sitios degradados (sitios con disturbio en los que no ha iniciado la restauración) debido a que proporcionan información complementaria sobre la recuperación de los sitios restaurados. En este estudio realizamos un metaanálisis de 41 estudios publicados en los últimos 40 años para comparar el número de especies, grupos funcionales, gremios tróficos, y tiempo de restauración entre sitios restaurados y sitios de referencia o degradados. Los sitios restaurados tuvieron menor o igual número de especies y gremios tróficos que los sitios de referencia. Los sitios con minería y ganadería tuvieron menor número de especies y gremios tróficos que los sitios de referencia. Sin embargo, los sitios restaurados tuvieron mayor número de especies, grupos funcionales y gremios tróficos que los sitios degradados. La similitud entre las comunidades de hormigas de los sitios restaurados y de referencia incrementó con el tiempo de restauración. Los gremios tróficos y sitios degradados proporcionan información complementaria para evaluar la respuesta de las hormigas a la restauración ecológica.

Activities such as agriculture and livestock degrade ecosystems, so it is necessary to restore them. Ants are used to evaluate restoration because they are sensitive to environmental changes. However, these evaluations only compare the number of species of ants and the functional groups between restored and reference sites (sites that were not degraded). To improve these evaluations trophic guilds and degrades sites (disturbed sites where restoration has not started) could be included, because they provide complementary information on the recovery of restored sites. We conducted a meta-analysis of 41 studies published during the last 40 years to compare the number of species, functional groups, and trophic guilds, and restoration time between restored sites and reference or degraded sites. Restored sites had fewer or the same number of species and trophic guilds than did reference sites. Mining and livestock sites had fewer species and trophic guilds than did reference sites. However, the restored sites had a larger number of species, functional groups, and trophic guilds than did the degraded sites. Similarity between the ant communities of the restored and reference sites increased with restoration time. Trophic guilds and degraded sites provide complementary information to assess the response of ants to ecological restoration.

La mosca blanca de los invernaderos, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, es una plaga polífaga que provoca pérdidas económicas. Su manejo se basa en la aplicación constante de insecticidas sintéticos. El desarrollo de cultivares resistentes a insectos vectores, representa una alternativa que puede reducir los niveles de infestación e infección. Además, es una estrategia que puede implementarse eficientemente dentro de un sistema de manejo integrado. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto de antibiosis y antixenosis de tres variedades de tomate en T. vaporariorum. El asentamiento, la oviposición y el desarrollo de ninfas se evaluaron en condiciones de laboratorio e invernadero. La variedad silvestre Solanum habrochaites fue la menos atractiva para los adultos en las pruebas de antixenosis, además de expresar un bajo desarrollo en las ninfas del insecto en los ensayos de antibiosis en comparación con S. lycopersicum cv Floradade. La especie S. pimpinellifolium demostró resistencia media en ambas evaluaciones. El alto nivel de resistencia de LA0407 puede servir como base para el mejoramiento genético del tomate, centrándose en el desarrollo de variedades resistentes.

Greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, is a polyphagous pest that causes economic loss. Management is based on constant application of synthetic insecticides. Development of cultivars resistant to insect vectors is an alternative that can reduce infestation and infection levels. In addition, it is a strategy that may be implemented effectively as part of an integrated management system. The objective of this report was to evaluate the effect of antibiosis and antixenosis of three tomato varieties on T. vaporariorum. Under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, settlement, oviposition, and nymph development were evaluated. Wild variety Solanum habrochaites was least attractive to adults in antixenosis tests, demonstrating low growth in insect nymphs in antibiosis tests compared to S. lycopersicum cv. Floradade. Variety S. pimpinellifolium showed moderate resistance in both evaluations. The high level of resistance of LA0407 can serve as a base for tomato breeding, focusing on development of resistant cultivars.

En Nayarit, México, desde el 2003 se ha aplicado malatión dentro de las acciones del manejo integrado de plagas para controlar a las moscas de la fruta del género Anastrepha, lo que hace necesario conocer el estado de susceptibilidad intrínseca de estos insectos al insecticida. Se probó la susceptibilidad de hembras, machos, y la combinatoria 50:50 hembras/machos de Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) sin presión de selección por cuatro años. La menor susceptibilidad fue a 1,000 y 10,000 mg de malatión por litro, siendo más susceptibles las hembras que los machos, y la combinatoria de hembras/machos 50:50. Los datos obtenidos pueden funcionar como comparativo en ensayos de susceptibilidad de especímenes a los que actualmente se les ha manejado con concentraciones aproximadas de malatión de 8,300 ppm en el campo.

At Nayarit, Mexico, since 2003 malathion has been applied in integrated pest management to control Anastrepha flies. It is necessary to know the susceptibility of these pests to the insecticide. We tested Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) females, males, and 50:50 female/males that had selection pressure from this insecticide. The lower susceptibility was 1,000 and 10,000 mg of malathion per liter. The females were more susceptible than males or the 50:50 combination. These data are comparative for susceptibility tests of field specimens sprayed with 8,300 ppm of malathion.

Se determinó la presencia de las chinches Hesperolabops nigriceps L. y Narnia femorata Stal. alimentándose de las estructuras vegetativas y reproductivas de nopales cultivados y silvestres en Toluca, Estado de México. Ambas especies fueron depredadas por la chinche asesina Zelus longipes, esta información representa el primer registro de Z. longipes como depredador de dos chinches catalogadas como plagas de impacto económico en el agroecosistema nopal en México.

True bugs Hesperolabops nigriceps and Narnia femorata Stal. feed on vegetative and reproductive structures of cultivated and wild cactus at Toluca, State of Mexico. Both species were preyed on by the assassin bug Zelus longipes, representing the first record of Z. longipes as a predator of two pests of economic importance in the nopal agroecosystem in Mexico.

Xyleborinus gracilis es un escarabajo ambrosial ampliamente distribuido en el continente americano. En México está presente en seis estados del sur y noroeste. La biología e importancia de esta especie es poco conocida, pero se sabe que es vector de hongos exóticos fitopatógenos para las lauráceas. Se registra por primera vez en el estado de Nayarit incluyendo su fluctuación poblacional mediante la utilización de trampas cebadas durante el periodo noviembre-2017 a octubre-2018. Se recolectaron 39 hembras, el periodo más abundante de captura comprende los meses de noviembre a febrero, lo cual indica que tiene la afinidad de emerger en invierno.

Xyleborinus gracilis is an ambrosial beetle widely distributed in the Americas. In México it is present in six states of the south and northeast. This beetle carries exotic phytopathogenic fungus for the Lauraceae. Its occurrence was recorded for the first time in Nayarit using, baited traps during the period November-2017 to October-2018. We collected 39 females during the most abundant period of capture, November to February, indicating its affinity to emerge in the winter.

Se reporta por primera vez la presencia del trips del chile Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) afectando el follaje y el fruto en vides (Vitis vinifera L.) var. ‘Sugar Crisp’, en el municipio de Tolimán, Jalisco, México. Esta plaga es originaria del sudeste asiático y es altamente polífaga e invasiva, capaz de causar severos daños en brotes jóvenes, flores y frutos en desarrollo en diversos cultivos. Antes de este estudio no había registros de S. dorsalis causando afectaciones al cultivo de la vid en México.

The presence of the chili thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) affecting the foliage and fruit of grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) var. ‘Sugar Crisp’, in the municipality of Tolimán, Jalisco, Mexico, is reported for the first time. This pest is native of Southeast Asia and very polyphagous and invasive, capable of causing severe damage to young shoots, flowers, and developing fruits of various crops. It is a recent introduction on the American continents. Before this study, there were no records of S. dorsalis causing damage to grapevines in Mexico.