Laboratory rearing of Lytopylus rufipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Agathidinae), a parasitoid wasp of the oriental fruit moth,Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), using apple and a commercially available diet

Lytopylus rufipes (Nees) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Agathidinae) is a potential natural enemy of the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), but there is no established method to rear this wasp continuously. In the laboratory, female wasps can produce both female and male progenies without mating (deuterotokous), but host-infested plants are necessary to trigger oviposition behavior. In this study, immature apples were used because they keep well. Grapholita molesta larvae were transferred to immature apples, and then exposed to L. rufipes females. After parasitization, these apples were transferred to blocks of artificial diet (Silkmate 2M) for further rearing. Using this transitional diet system, L. rufipes females develop in 25.1?±?1.8 (mean?±?SD) days from egg to adult, but male wasps require only 23.8?±?1.0 days. Furthermore, the longevity of female wasps was 12.2?±?7.3 (mean?±?SD) days, and the parasitism rate was 26.4 (95% Cl: 22.2–30.6). Female wasps can attack host larvae in all instars, but parasitism of first-instar larvae is more successful. Therefore, first-instar larvae of G. molesta are recommended for establishing a L. rufipes colony under laboratory conditions. This system decreases the requirement for plant material and maintains continuous production of L. rufipes.

     

Weight gain of the predator Podisus distinctus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) with combinations of the preys Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

Little is known about Podisus distinctus (Stal) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) one of the Asopinae species with good possibilities for mass rearing and releasing against defoliator caterpillars in eucalyptus reforested areas in Brazil. We evaluated the impact of prey combinations on weight of nymphs and adults of P. distinctus. The prey were Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) and Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The experiment was developed under 25 +/- 0.5 degrees C, 60 +/- 10% R.H. and photophase of 14 hr, with nymphs of P. distinctus individualized in Petri dishes and fed as: T1-larvae of M. domestica during its whole nymphal phase: T2-larvae of M. domestica during its II instar and of T. molitor during the other instars: T3-larvae of M. domestica during II and III instars and of T. molitor during the other instars: T4-larvae of M. domestica during II, III and IV instars and of T. molitor during the V instar; T5- larvae of T. molitor during all instars. P. distinctus presents lower weight when fed with larvae of M. domestica. For this reason it is recommended to feed P. distinctus with T. molitor during its whole nymphal phase or with larvae of M. domestica only during II and III instars and T. molitor during IV and V instars.     

Life history,diagnosis, and biological aspects of Engytatus varians (Hemiptera: Miridae), a predator of Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae)

The life cycle and several life parameters of the zoophytophagous predator Engytatus varians (Distant) (Heteroptera: Miridae), including nymphal growth according to Dyar’s rule, were examined in the laboratory. The egg, nymph (five instars), and adult stages were 9.20, 17.36, and 19.02?d in length, respectively. The growth ratio for nymphs was consistent with Dyar’s rule based on the lengths of the femora of the forelegs, the tibiae and femora of the middle legs, and the antennae. Some biological characteristics of E. varians were also evaluated when the mirid was fed three different diets (B. cockerelli third instars, Sitotroga cerealella Olivier [Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae] eggs, and a mixture of both instars and eggs). The length of the nymphal stage was three days longer on a diet of only S. cerealella eggs than when the mirids were fed the third instars of B. cockerelli only or a mixture of both. The sex ratio was not affected by the type of diet. Nymphs of E. varians consumed B. cockerelli nymphs (80–85) when fed third instars only and third instars?+?S. cerealella eggs, respectively. The potential use of this predator as a biological control agent of B. cockerelli is discussed.     

Localization of feeding of Anomalococcus indicus (Hemiptera: Lecanodiaspididae) and supplementary biological notes: towards the biological management of the invasive tree Vachellia nilotica indica (Fabales: Mimosoideae) in North-Eastern Australia

Summary. Management of the invasive Vachellia nilotica indica infesting tropical grasslands of Northern Australia has remained unsuccessful to date. Presently Anomalococcus indicus is considered a potential agent in the biological management of V. n. indica. Whereas generic biological details of A. indicus have been known, their feeding activity and details of their mouthparts and the sensory structures that are associated with their feeding action are not known. This paper provides details of those gaps. Nymphal instars I and II feed on cortical-parenchyma cells of young stems of V. n. indica, whereas nymphal instars III and adult females feed on phloem elements of older shoots. Nymphal instars and adults (females) trigger stress symptoms in the feeding tissue with cells bearing enlarged and disfigured nuclei, cytoplasmic shrinkage, cytoplasmic trabeculae, abnormal protuberances and uneven cell wall thickening, unusual cell membrane proliferation, and exhausted and necrosed cells. Continuous nutrient extraction by A. indicus can cause stem death. We provide evidence that A. indicus, by virtue of its continuous feeding activity and intense population build up, can be an effective biological-management agent to regulate populations of V. n. indica in infested areas.     

Polymorphism in the giant cocoa termite,Neotermes papua (Desneux)

Summary The direct development ofNeotermes papua (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) comprises four larval and three nymphal instars before the alate. The first five instars can be easily characterized. The second stage nymphs come morphologically close to the pseudergates, characterized by reduced wing buds. These nymphs can moult stationarily, i.e. with little morphological change, or to presoldiers, or proceed to the alate via the third nymphal stage. Pseudergates originate through a late and reversible deviation from the straight development to the alate. Presoldiers may derive from several stages, up to the last nymphal one; their production is subject to an inhibition by extant soldiers. This developmental schema is congruent with those described in other Kalotermitidae and the Termopsidae. By pinpointing the existence of a large pool of pluripotent individuals, in which the penultimate nymphal stage mingles with pseudergates, the present study also reveals a great similarity betweenNeotermes andProrhinotermes, and suggests that this developmental schema might be generally applicable to termites devoid of a permanent worker caste.King Léopold III Biological Station, Laing Island, Papua New Guinea, contribution No. 235     

Observations on the natural diet of Cymatia bonsdorfi (C. Sahlb.) (Heteroptera: Corixidae): an immunological analysis

Immunological analyses of the gut contents of 1769 adult and 486 nymphal instars of the lesser waterboatman, Cymatia bonsdorfi, from Lough Corrib, western Ireland, were performed using a double immunodiffusion technique. Antisera against six potential prey categories (Oligochaeta, Cladocera, Copepoda, Gammarus, Diptera and Ephemeroptera), identified on the basis of field and laboratory observations, were utilized. Diptera larvae formed over 90% of the diet of adult bugs and were also the principal prey group of all nymphal instars.     

Responses of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, to the chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach L.) and its extracts

Host preference bioassays for adults of the sweetpotato whitefly were performed with leaves of the chinaberry tree Melia azedarach L., tomato, cucumber and bean. Fruit and leaf extracts of the chinaberry tree were tested against adults of the sweetpotato whitefly. Fruit extracts were tested against eggs, first and second instar nymphs, and pupae of the insect. Treatments included aqueous, methanol, and acetone fruit extracts of 200 mg ml^?1 and serial dilutions of 20.0 and 2.00 mg ml^?1, ether extract, the botanical insecticides Azatin® and Margosan® ‐O and the control, water or water with Triton®. Mortality data was collected at 6, 7, and 8 days after treatment of the eggs, nymphs and pupae, respectively. Results of the host preference bioassays indicated a significantly lower number of live insects on leaves of the chinaberry tree vs leaves of bean, cucumber, and tomato after 24 h. This indicates that M. azedarach is not a good host for the sweetpotato whitefly. Adults of the insect were significantly more repelled from tomato plants treated with the undiluted extracts when compared to the control after 72 h. There were significant differences in percent mortality of nymphal instars when exposed to the undiluted extracts compared to other extracts and the control. However, there was no significant effect of the fruit extracts on the egg and pupa instars. Thus M. azedarach extracts were found to be repellent to the whitefly adults, while the fruit extracts have shown a significant detrimental effect against early nymphal instars. In general, the methanol extracts were more active against B. tabaci than extracts with other solvents.     

Identification of instars and species in some larval Polypedilum (Polypedilum) (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Instars II and III of Polypedilum aviceps Townes, Polypedilum convictum (Walker), and Polypedilum illinoense (Malloch) can be identified to species by associating them with instar IV because key taxonomic characters remain relatively unchanged from instar to instar. Instars I cannot be identified to species or genus unless they are associated with older, identifiable larvae reared from the same egg masses. No single character evaluated on slide material can be used to clearly separate instars in all three species. Larvae of P. aviceps can be separated into instars based on any four of seven characters; P. convictum by either of two characters; and, P. illinoense by a combination of two characters. Changes in structures of instars II, III, and IV are described for all three species. Growth ratios for some structures are compared and discussed with regard to Dyar's Rule.     

The toxicity and synergistic effects of alkyl-succinate oil on the first nymphal instars of the citrus cottony scale,Pulvinaria aurantii Cock. (Hem.: Coccidae)

The citrus cottony scale, Pulvinaria aurantii Cock. (Hem.: Coccidae) is one of the most important citrus pests in Iran. This study investigated the toxicity and synergistic effects of organophosphorous insecticides (Malathion, Chlorpyrifos, Buprofezin and DG oil) on first nymphal instars of P. aurantii in the laboratory conditions (25?±?1?°C, 75?±?5% RH and 16L:8D photoperiod). The values of LC₅₀ for Malathion, Chlorpyrifos and Buprofezin insecticides on the first nymphal instars were calculated as 76.90, 105.25 and 24.70?ppm, respectively. Also, results indicated that Buprofezin and Pyriproxifen are the most effective insecticides on first nymphal instars of P. aurantii. The values of LC₅₀ for each insecticide without oil and in half dose along with DG oil were equal. This was an indication for synergism role of DG oil combination. The results of this study showed that DG oil not only decreases the consumption of insecticides, but also increases their efficacy.     

Yellowing and YPT gene expression in the desert locust,Schistocerca gregaria: Effects of developmental stages and fasting

The yellow protein of the takeout family (YPT) controls the development of yellow body color in the desert locust. This study focused on two aspects related to YPT in the locust. We first examined the expression pattern of YPT during nymphal stages because yellowing was not obvious during the early instars. YPT expression levels were extremely low in the second and third instars compared with the last two nymphal instars. Warm rearing temperature and juvenile hormone (JH) injection, which stimulated YPT expression in the late instars, had little effect in the second instar, suggesting that YPT expression during the early instars was suppressed and could not be stimulated by either of these factors. We also investigated delayed yellowing in fasting male adults, under the hypothesis that fasting decreased the JH titers and delayed the onset of YPT expression. Yellowing was delayed in fasting adults compared with well‐fed adults and YPT expression was stimulated by JH injections at Day 15. However, we failed to obtain evidence that fasting significantly influenced the expression levels of YPT and the JH early‐inducible gene Krüppel homolog 1 at Days 15 and 20 post‐adult emergence. Results suggest that a YPT‐independent mechanism possibly induces delayed yellowing in fasting males.     

Why the simple frequency and Janetschek methods are unreliable for determining instars of mayflies: An analysis of the number of Nymphal instars of stenonema modestum (banks) (ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) in virginia,USA

The Janetschek method is a variation of the simple frequency method and therefore subject to the same limitations. Instars can only be reliably determined by these methods if development within the population is known to be homogeneous. The number of nymphal instars proposed by Kondratieff and Voshell (1980) for an overwintering population of Stenonema modestum in the North Anna River of Virginia is not substantiated. These authors estimated a total of 14–15 nymphal instars using the simple frequency and Janetschek methods. A reexamination of their paper indicates that the development of this 5. modestum population is quite variable and therefore not amenable to successful instar determination using the simple frequency, Janetschek or any other indirect instar determination method. Indirect instar determination methods cannot be considered reliable in determining the number of instars of Ephemeroptera because of the developmental variability characteristic of most, if not all, mayfly species.     

Ant foraging on extrafloral nectaries of Qualea grandiflora (Vochysiaceae) in cerrado vegetation: ants as potential antiherbivore agents

Summary Qualea grandiflora is a typical tree of Brazilian cerrados (savanna-like vegetation) that bears paired extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) along its stems. Results show that possession of EFNs increases ant density on Q. grandiflora shrubs over that of neighbouring non-nectariferous plants. Frequency of ant occupancy and mean number of ants per plant were much higher on Qualea than on plants lacking EFNs. These differences resulted in many more live termitebaits being attacked by foraging ants on Qualea than on neighbours without EFNs. Termites were attacked in equal numbers and with equal speeds on different-aged leaves of Qualea. The greatest potential for herbivore deterrence was presented by Camponotus ants (C. crassus, C. rufipes and C. aff. blandus), which together attacked significantly more termites than nine other ant species grouped. EFNs are regarded as important promoters of ant activity on cerado plants.     

Prevalence and infection intensity of the biocontrol agent Paranosema locustae (Microsporidia) in field-collected,newly-associated hosts (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Melanoplinae)

Host range, prevalence, and infection intensity of Paranosema locustae in grasshoppers at an establishment site in Patagonia, Argentina, were recorded. Results agreed with earlier observations at other introduction-establishment areas. Affected grasshoppers were melanoplines (Baeacris punctulatus, Dichroplus elongatus, Dichroplus maculipennis). Sporulation was not observed in instars I, II, and III.     

Parasitism,host feeding and immature development of Encarsia formosa reared from Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci on Trialeurodes ricini

Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), a thelytokous parasitoid, is an important biological control agent of whiteflies because of its outstanding reproduction and host‐feeding ability. In this study, we evaluated the parasitism, host feeding and developmental time of E. formosa populations reared on Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (EFT) or on Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (EFB) when different nymphal instars of the castor whitefly, Trialeurodes ricini (Misra), were offered as hosts, with an aim to understand the preference of the parasitoid on nymphal instars of T. ricini. Experiments were conducted on castor bean plants at 26 ± 2°C, 50–60% RH and 16 : 8 (L : D) photoperiod. The results showed that E. formosa successfully oviposited and fed on all nymphal instars of T. ricini. However, numbers of the first instars fed on by the E. formosa populations reared on T. vaporariorum (EFT) and B. tabaci (EFB) were significantly greater (45.9 and 31.3, respectively) than those of the second (EFT: 30.4 and EFB: 15.8), the third (EFT: 22.4 and EFB: 13.2) and the fourth nymphal instars (EFT: 6.0 and EFB: 3.8). The number of T. ricini nymphs parasitized by E. formosa varied significantly among different instars, and the parasitism rates on the first instar (EFT: 15.2; EFB: 7.7) and fourth instar (EFT: 19.3; EFB: 4.9) were greater than those on the second and third instars. Encarsia formosa reared on T. vaporariorum had a significantly higher host feeding and ovipositing potential on T. ricini than EFB. When parasitizing the fourth instar nymphs, E. formosa completed development in a significantly shorter time (12.9 day) than when ovipositing in other instars (17.8–19.1 day). These results showed that EFT had a better host adaption than EFB. The information from this study should be useful for us to better understand the performance and nymphal preference of E. formosa from T. vaporariorum and B. tabaci when they parasitized and fed on T. ricini, and the interactions of parasitoids with different host whitefly species.     

Immature stages of the genus Ectemnostega Enderlein (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Corixidae), with an identification key to instars and redescription of the nymphs of E. (Ectemnostega) quadrata (Signoret)

The egg and the five instars of Ectemnostega are described based on examined material and published information. The characters most useful in identifying nymphs of Ectemnostega are body and head lengths and widths; number of transverse sulcations of the rostrum; chaetotaxy of mesofemur, meso- and metatibiae, metatarsus, and pterothorax; and grade of development of wing pads. A key to the five nymphal instars of Ectemnostega is provided. The egg of E. quadrata is figured and described for the first time; and the five instars are redescribed in detail and illustrated, with emphasis on the morphometry and chaetotaxy of selected structures.

Se describe el huevo y los cinco estadios de Ectemnostega a partir de material examinado e información publicada. Los caracteres mas útiles para identificar las ninfas de Ectemnostega son: longitudes y anchos de cuerpo y cabeza; número de: crestas transversales del rostro, quetotaxia del mesofemur, meso- y metatibias, metatarso, y pterotórax; y grado de desarrollo de pterotecas. Se provee una clave para identificar los cinco estadios de Ectemnostega. Por primera vez se ilustra y describe el huevo de E. quadrata; y se redescriben en detalle e ilustran los cinco estadios, con énfasis en la morfometría y quetotaxia de ciertas estructuras.     

Efficacy of multiple biocontrol agents against the sweet potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on tomato

Abstract: Biological control provides an environmentally harmonious and potentially stable management tactic to combat noxious pests such as Bemisia tabaci, notorious for its resistance to synthetic pesticides. Bioassays conducted under control chamber conditions integrating applications of the parasitoid Encarsia formosa, reared for 20 years on Trialeurodes vaporariorum, and the fungus Verticillium lecanii on the third‐fourth instar nymphs of B. tabaci on tomato, showed a comparable effect between the parasitoid‐fungus combined treatment and the fungus treatment alone (70.7% vs. 70.4%). Analysis of our results indicates antagonism between the two biocontrol agents related to the parasitoids’ ability to discriminate between infected and healthy B. tabaci nymphs. The parasitoid treatment alone produced 36.3% mortality, with no mortality in the distilled water controls. The behavioural performance of the parasitoid could have either genetic or environmental causes. Bioassays studying the feeding habit of the imported mirid predator Macrolophus caliginosus (adults) and the indigenous mirid Camptotylus reuteri (nymphs and adults) on eggs, or early second instar nymphs of B. tabaci, and choice preference tests indicated a significant difference in feeding between M. caliginosus and C. reuteri. There was no significant difference in percentage feeding of M. caliginosus on eggs (2.2%) or second instar nymphs (8.0%). There was a significant difference in feeding of M. caliginosus adults (18.6%) when offered eggs and second instars in the same arena compared with eggs or second instars offered separately. These results could be attributed to the biological behaviour of the predator having a type III functional response. Studies with the local C. reuteri species showed no significant difference in adult and nymphal consumption on second instars of B. tabaci compared with nymphs on eggs. However, C. reuteri adults fed less on eggs compared with nymphs. This local predatory species appears to be more efficient than M. caliginosus in feeding on particular stages of B. tabaci without depending on prey density. This is further supported by the low consumption of both adults and nymphs in the choice test (4% and 2.3%, respectively) compared with M. caliginosus adults (18.6%).     

The overwintering stages of Ectobius lapponicus (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattidae)

An account is given of the overwintering stages of Ectobius lapponicus, involving the determination of a diapause in the egg and one of the nymphal instars. The significance of these periods in the life cycle is discussed.     

Vectorial capacity of Triatoma guasayana (Wygodzinsky & Abalos) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) compared with two other species of epidemic importance

Triatoma guasayana (Wygodzinsky & Abalos) is a peridomestic triatomine with epidemiological importance in Bolivia, that may play an important role in the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas). In this study, two parameters of vectorial capacity were evaluated: the interval of feeding-defecation time and metacyclogenesis, in adult males and females and nymphal instars II to V of T. guasayana with comparisons with Triatoma infestans (Klug) and T. sordida (Stal). The results showed a close relationship between ingestion of blood and beginning of defecation. Values were negative in T. infestans, and T. sordida for instars II, III, IV, and V and also males and females but were positive in female T. sordida. Triatoma guasayana showed only negative values for instar II. Adults and nymphs began defecation as soon as they had finished feeding and required an average of 29.8 min. The analysis of metacyclogenesis showed that T. guasayana was superior to T. infestans and T. sordida. However, the vectorial effectiveness of T. guasayana was significantly affected regarding the percentage of metacyclic trypomastigotes during instars III to V and showed a progressive increase. Females had higher proportions despite their ingestion being half that of T. infestans. The different instars of T. guasayana had a higher parasitic load than those of T. sordida and, although ingestion was 1/3 of that of female T. infestans, there was a progressive increase in metacyclic trypomastigotes in the different nymphal stages of T. guasayana that decreased in adults.     

Perceptual,developmental, experiential,and physiological parameters of swimming in Melanopline grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The roles of perception, development, experience, and physiology on the swimming behavior of grasshoppers in an arena were investigated usingMelanoplus bivittatus, M. differentialis, andM. sanguinipes. The parameters of swimming included capacity (the ability to reach the edge of a 45-cm-diameter water basin within 3 min), net displacement time (time required to reach the edge of the arena), and orientation (ability to make initial contact with a target pattern).Melanoplus sanguinipes adults were most attracted to a vertical rectangle set at 90° to the water surface (the standard target). Orientation ability decreased significantly as the target became square or it declined to 60°, and there was virtually no orientation to horizontal patterns or those at 45°. All nymphal instars ofM. sanguinipes exhibited the capacity to swim and orient to a standard target. Although the net displacement time was lowest from the third instar through the adult stages, the earlier instars (first through fourth) had the greatest relative net displacement rates. As adults aged, their net displacement time and orientation ability declined significantly, particularly in males. BothM. differentialis andM. sanguinipes adults showed a decline in net displacement time over a 10-day trial period. The loss of a hind leg did not significantly alter swimming performance of eitherM. bivittatus orM. sanguinipes adults, but this alteration significantly reduced the net displacement time ofM. differentialis. DecerebratedM. differentialis adults were capable of swimming for several minutes.     

Fruits of apple and sweet persimmon are not essential food sources for Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) which causes fruit-spotting

Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) has recently become an important fruit-spotting bug of apple and sweet persimmon trees in Korea. Although fruits of cultivated species are unsuitable food for some fruit-spotting bugs, the dietary importance of fruits of apple and sweet persimmon for R. pedestris is unknown. We evaluated harvested fruits of apple and sweet persimmon with or without soybean seeds as a food source for R. pedestris by investigating nymphal development time, immature mortality, preovipositional period, fecundity, and adult size in the laboratory. No first instars of R. pedestris that were fed only apple or sweet persimmon fruits became third instar nymphs. When supplemented with soybean seeds, both fruits supported nymphal development and reproduction of R. pedestris. However, fruits combined with soybean seeds were not a better diet than soybean seeds only. Therefore, apples and sweet persimmons are not essential food sources for the development and the reproduction of R. pedestris. These results suggest that R. pedestris may not reproduce on fruit trees, thus explaining the absence of eggs and nymphs of this bug on fruit trees in orchards. Management of nearby vegetation of fruit orchards would be important for reducing damage by adult R. pedestris.