Field Treatment of Desert Locust ( Schistocerca gregaria Forskal) Hoppers in Mauritania Using an Oil Formulation of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium flavoviride

A field trial was conducted to test the efficacy of an oil formulation of the entomopathogenic fungus , Metarhizium flavoviride Gams & Rozsypal (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) , as a control agent for the desert locust , Schistocerca gregaria Forskal (Orthoptera: Acrididae) , in Mauritania . The treatment was applied to hopper bands in the field . In caged samples of the treated insects , 99% mortality was observed in 15 days . On average during application only 51% of the hoppers received spray droplets directly , the additional mortality being due to pick - up of spores from the spray residue . This mortality was assessed by exposing insects to a treated plot at intervals , and monitoring disease levels during subsequent incubation in cages . The spray residue remained highly infective for a period of 6 days after application . The number of nymphs in the hopper bands was estimated using a computer - based photographic image - processing technique . Unfortunately , most of the hopper bands dispersed into small groups , but a population reduction could be demonstrated for one hopper band . Maximal daily mortality in the field was observed 10 - 11 days after application , compared with 6 - 10 days in cages .     

Entomopathogenic Fungi Associated with Natural Populations of the Moroccan Locust Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg) (Orthoptera: Gomphocerinae) and Other Acridoidea in Spain

The entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana Vuill . and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) have been found in natural populations of the Moroccan locust Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg) and other species of acridoids that cohabit the same locust breeding areas in southern Spain . Infection levels of B. bassiana on insects collected in the field and maintained under laboratory conditions were relatively high (1 . 6 - 20 . 5%) . The prevalence of the disease extended from spring to summer in the three consecutive years monitored . A local isolate of this fungus demonstrated high virulence (LD = 440 conidia / insect) against the 50 locust D. maroccanus in the laboratory bioassay . The relatively wide host range of B. bassiana and its adaptation to the dry and hot conditions dominating the locust breeding area suggest that this isolate could be considered in the development of a biological control programme against D. maroccanus.     

Selection of a Highly Virulent Fungal Isolate,Metarhizium anisopliae Ma TB 101, for Control of Taro Beetle,Papuana uninodis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Fungal isolates (31 Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae , five M. anisopliae var majus , three Beauveria bassiana and four B. brongniartii ) originating from a wide range of geographical locations, insect species and soil types were tested against Papuana uninodis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). In a first test series, spores were applied topically to third-instar larvae and adults. The most effective strain against P. uninodis larvae and adults was Ma TB 101, a M. anisopliae isolate from adult P. woodlarkiana . For adults, strain Ma FI 384, a M. anisopliae from Popillia japonica , was almost equally effective. The 11 most effective isolates (nine M. anisopliae var. anisopliae , one B. brongniartii and one B. bassiana ) with LT values of less than 6 weeks in 50 adults and/or less than 4 weeks in larvae were tested for their efficacy against adults and larvae of P. uninodis by application of spores to soil (107 spores/g). Ma TB 101 was significantly more effective against both adults and larvae (LT ca. 10 days) than all other isolates (LT > 50 50 3 weeks). Two other M. anisopliae strains, Ma F 248 from soil and Ma FI 384 from P.japonica , were more effective than most isolates in adults. The latter three M. anisopliae isolates were tested in a concentration series against third-instar larvae and adults. Mortality was concentration related. Isolates Ma F 248 and Ma FI 384 did not achieve 50% mortality within the test period at concentrations lower than 107 spores/g of soil or feed. For concentrations of Ma TB 101 from 1 107 to 2 105 spores/g the LT ranged from 13 to 30 days in adults and 12 to 24 50 days in third-instar larvae. Accordingly, concentrations causing 50% mortality (LC ) for Ma 50 TB 101 were significantly lower than for the two other M. anisopliae isolates tested.     

Application of Metarhizium flavoviride (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) Spores Against the Tree Locust, Anacridium melanorhodon (Orthoptera: Acrididae), in Sudan

Spores of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium flavoviride were applied against the tree locust Anacridium melanorhodon melanorhodon in the field for the first time. The treated areas covered a total of 55 ha in the vicinity of Tendelti in the White Nile State of Sudan. At a dose of 100 g of spores/ha applied in 5 l of oil formulation, the application led to a reduction in population densities of 66-76% after 18 days. Correction of the data with the Henderson/ Tilton formula gave an overall control efficiency of 68%.     

Infection of the Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) by Brazilian Isolates of the Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes)

The virulence of four fungal isolates (three Beauveria bassiana and one Metarhizium anisopliae ) against adult female coffee berry borers (CBB) was investigated. The most virulent isolate from initial bioassays, B. bassiana LPP1, with a LT 50 of 3.4 days, was further investigated by application to berries prior to infestation and to berries already infested with CBB. At the highest concentration applied to berries (1 ×10 7 conidia mL -1 ), CBB mortality was 83% (berries inoculated prior to infestation) and 62% (berries inoculated after infestation).     

Comparative Biogeography of Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in North America and Siberia: Applications to the Conservation of Biodiversity

The objective of this study was to apply knowledge of holarctic grasshopper biogeography in representative, temperate ecosystems (Russia, South Siberia, Sayans region; 685,000km² and USA, Wyoming; 272,000km²) to develop a comparative basis for understanding and conserving insect biodiversity. Maps of species distributions and vegetation zones were digitized, and a Geographic Information System was used to identify habitats with the greatest biodiversity and to characterize this diversity as a function of selected attributes. With respect to subfamilies, the greatest differences were in cold, mesic zones, where gomphocerines and melanoplines were dominant in Sayans and Wyoming, respectively. In terms of mobility, the Sayans has more flightless species and individuals, with the taiga supporting the greatest frequency of flightless acridids in both countries. With regard to feeding types, the diversity and richness of graminivores and forbivores were similar in the two regions, but mixed feeders were much more frequent in Wyoming. In the Sayans and Wyoming, pest species were most common in boreal and prairie zones, respectively. Ecoregions with a high diversity of pests also supported a high diversity of rare species. Shrub and desert zones supported many rare species in both countries. Thus, in terms of conservation, the Sayans' acridofauna appears to be at greater risk in terms of ecological vulnerability; acridid biodiversity is dispersed among habitats, with high frequencies of flightless and oligophagous species. The acridofauna of Wyoming could be conserved in fewer habitats than in the Sayans, but these habitats are subject to considerable human disturbance.     

First Record of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Sorosporella sp. (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) in Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae) from Madagascar: Symptoms of Infection, Morphology and Infectivity

In Madagascar, a fungal disease was observed in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria capito, which was caused by the deuteromycete Sorosporella sp. Multiplication of the fungus in locusts results in the formation of brick-red resting spores filling the body of the insect, and in a pale and fragile cuticle which breaks easily, releasing these spores. The conidia of the fungus (only observed in artificial cultures) are cylindrical in shape, measuring 11.0 2.8 mu m. The growth of the fungus was compared on several solid and liquid media, but was invariably slow. The best growth was obtained on a medium containing 3% ground rice, 3% malt extract, 0.3% peptone and 1.5% agar. Attempts were made to initiate artificial infections in L. migratoria migratorioides and Schistocerca gregaria from a laboratory stock. This was carried out by feeding resting spores or through contact with Sorosporella material from agar cultures. However, it rarely resulted in mortalities with typical symptoms. Inoculations by injection were more successful, and resulted in the formation of resting spores in the cadavers 12 to 21 days after inoculation. In Madagascar, Sorosporella sp. seems to be an important, and frequently occurring, locust pathogen. However, the natural mode of infection and the ecology of the fungus are still unclear. Une mycose causee par le champignon deuteromycete Sorosporella sp. a ete observee a Madagascar chez le criquet migrateur Locusta migratoria capito. La multiplication du champignon dans le corps des criquets entraine la formation de spores rouge-briques, qui emplissent celui-ci. Les individus infestes developpent en outre une cuticule pale et fragile, qui se brise facilement, laissant ainsi les spores se disseminer. Les conidies (observees uniquement en cultures artificielles) mesurent 11.0 2.8 mum. La croissance du champignon reste lente sur tous les milieux solides et liquides compares. La meilleure croissance a ete obtenue sur un milieu contenant 3% de riz, 3% d'extrait de malt, 0.3% de peptone et 1.5% d'agar. Des essais d'infection par ingestion de spores d'une part, par contact avec du materiel de culture sur agar d'autre part, ont etes effectues avec L. migratoria migratorioides et Schistocerca gregaria (mate riel d'elevage). Ces essais n'ont abouti que rarement a une mortalite avec des symptomes typiques. Des resultats plus positifs ont ete obtenus au moyen d'inoculations par injection. Ils se forment dans ce cas des spores dans les cadavres des criquets 12 a 21 jours apres l'inoculation. Sorosporella sp. semble etre un agent pathogene des criquets important et frequent a Madagascar. Le mode d'infection naturel, ainsi que l'ecologie de ce champignon restent cependant peu connus.     

马来西亚蝗科及一新种记述（直翅目：蝗总科）

记述了采自马来西亚的蝗科6亚科22属30种,包括一新种Vitalisia bangiensus sp. nov.。 并首次发现和描述了Sedulia perakensis Willemse的雄性及Eucoptacra minima Ramme和Pagdenia rufipes Miller的雌性。还发现Meltripata bolivari Willemse 和Pagdenia rufipes Miller具二型：全翅型和退化翅型。提供了马来西亚已记录属和种的检索表。     

An Attractant Trap for Autodissemination of Entomopathogenic Fungi into Populations of the Japanese Beetle Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Autodissemination may be effective against the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, in situations where habitats of its larvae are inaccessible. Trapping systems with attractants for both male and female Japanese beetles are commercially available. We fabricated an inoculation chamber which fits between the top of a standard Trece Catch CanTM Japanese beetle Trap and its holding canister. Beetles which are attracted to the trap fall through a hole in the inoculation chamber and land on a mesh screen. A partial funnel and canister attachment from a metal Ellisco Japanese Beetle Trap was secured beneath a hole in the floor at the opposite end of the chamber. A 10-cm section in the middle of the box, between the entrance hole in the roof and the exit hole in the floor, allows space for a dish containing the inoculum to be placed into the chamber through a door in the side of the unit. The trap has been tested with Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin as the pathogen. Beetles emerging from the device in the field were captured and returned to the laboratory where the presence of conidia and mortality to adult beetles from the fungus were confirmed.     

Evaluation of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae for Controlling Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Maize

Maize (variety Katumani) was planted in a greenhouse and plants were infested with 20 Chilo partellus second instar larvae 3 and 4 weeks after plant emergence. One isolate of Beauveria bassiana (BB-01) and four isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (PPRC-4, PPRC-19, PPRC-61 and EE-01) were sprayed onto the leaf whorl at 2×10⁸ conidia/mL 24 h after infestation. Leaf damage by the larvae was greatly reduced by the treatments. The mean daily temperature and relative humidity in the greenhouse ranged from 10 to 35°C and 30 to 90%, respectively. The growth of infested unsprayed plants was less than that of fungi treated plants. Stem tunneling (1-5%), deadheart (0-33%), number of attacked nodes (0.3-2.5) and holes (0.2-3.3) were also reduced in plants sprayed with conidial suspensions. Isolates PPRC-4, PPRC-19 and PPRC-61 seemed to be the best candidates for further development.     

Susceptibility of Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) to Entomopathogenic Fungi from Ethiopia

The efficacy of 13 isolates of entomopathogenic fungi belonging to Beauveria , Metarhizium or Paecilomyces spp. was assessed against Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Prostephanus truncatus (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) using a total immersion bioassay technique in the laboratory. Fungi were applied at concentrations of 1 ×10 7 and 1 ×10 8 conidia mL -1 for P. truncatus and S. zeamais , respectively. All isolates tested were virulent to P. truncatus (98-100% mortality, and median survival time (MST) ranged from 2.85-4.05 days). Metarhizium anisopliae and B. bassiana were also virulent to S. zeamais (92-100% mortality, MST ranged from 3.58-6.28 days). The isolate of Paecilomyces sp. was found to be the least virulent against S. zeamais , causing only 26.32 ±4.29% mortality with MST of 10.38 ±0.29 days. P. truncatus proved more susceptible to the entomopathogenic fungi tested than S. zeamais . One M. anisopliae (PPRC-EE) and three B. bassiana isolates (PPRC-HH, PPRC-9609 and PPRC-9614) were selected for further study and dose-mortality relationships were assessed on S. zeamais . The tested concentrations ranged from 1 ×10 4 -1 ×10 7 conidia mL -1 . M. anisopliae (PPRC-EE) showed the lowest LC 50 (3.39 ×10 5 conidia mL -1 ) followed by B. bassiana PPRC-HH (2.04 ×10 6 conidia mL -1 ). PPRC-9609 and PPRC-9614 showed slight differences in LC 50 but not at LC 90 . The results revealed the higher potency of M. anisopliae as compared with the B. bassiana isolates tested. The study suggests that the use of entomopathogenic fungi may hold promise as an alternative method to control pests of stored-products in Ethiopia.     

Field-Cage Studies of Beauveria bassiana (Hyphomycetes: Moniliaceae) for the Suppression of Adult Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, was tested as a control agent for adult western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, in walk-in field cages. Suspensions of B. bassiana conidia were applied to corn plants in cages into which laboratory-reared beetles had been released. Beetles were collected at 3 and 5 days post-application and evaluated in the laboratory for mortality. Mortality was 10, 29 and 50%, at rate equivalents of 7 X 10 12 , 2 X 10 13 (two applications), and 5 X 10 13 conidia/ ha, respectively. There was no significant difference in mortality of beetles collected at 3 days compared with 5 days post-application. Mortality due to B. bassiana was 24% when beetles were released into field cages 24 h post-application (5 X 10 13 conidia/ha) compared with 50% when beetles were present during the application. Beetle mortality declined significantly with increasing time from application in feeding assays carried out with leaf samples removed from plants at 0, 12, 24 and 72 h post-application. Mortality of beetles collected from treated plants within cages and maintained in the laboratory was found to overestimate the population decline by 10% when compared with beetle estimates from treated plants within field cages.     

黑河上游天然草地亚洲小车蝗蝗蝻与成虫多度分布与地形关系的GAM分析

环境异质性是生物空间格局形成与维持的重要条件, 蝗虫的空间分布是物种长期适应自然环境的结果, 反映了蝗虫与生存环境的协同进化机制。在2009年7-8月野外调查的基础上, 借助GIS和S-PLUS 8.0软件, 利用广义相加模型（GAM）研究了祁连山北坡黑河上游亚洲小车蝗Oedaleus asiaticus蝗蝻与成虫多度分布与海拔、 坡向、 坡度和剖面曲率等6类地形因子之间的关系。结果表明： 亚洲小车蝗蝗蝻与成虫的多度分布与地形因子关系的GAM模型具有不同的模型结构、 模拟效果以及结果的稳定性, 能够较好地体现二者所受地形因子影响的差异。各地形因子对亚洲小车蝗蝗蝻与成虫多度的影响不尽相同, 海拔对二者的多度分布起主导控制作用, 蝗蝻与成虫的多度均随海拔的升高大体呈现倒“V”型变化趋势, 但蝗蝻在海拔梯度上的分布上限明显大于成虫。成虫主要集中分布在剖面曲率<0的区域, 蝗蝻主要集中分布在南坡与西南坡。亚洲小车蝗蝗蝻与成虫对环境选择的异质性属性, 使蝗蝻和成虫在相同地形要素的分布格局存在明显差异。     

Comparison of the olfactory sensitivity of two sympatric steppe grasshopper species (Orthoptera: Acrididae) to plant volatile compounds

Electroantennogram (EAG) responses of male and female Oedipodinae grasshoppers, Oedaleus decorus asiaticus B.-Bienko and Angaracris barabensis Pall to 37 plant volatile compounds were recorded. The two species have sympatric distribution and synchronous seasonal activity in Inner Mongolia Grasslands. They have different host plant preference with Oedaleus decorus asiaticus graminivorous and A. barabensis forbivorous. The EAG response profiles to 37 compounds of the two species and their both sexes were similar. Most of the green leaf volatiles elicited higher EAG responses in both species and sexes than terpenic compounds and some aromatic compounds. Strong EAG responses were elicited by 6-carbon alcohols (1-hexanol, Z-hexen-2-ol-1, E-2-hexen-1-ol, E-hexen-3-ol-1), aldehyde (E-2-hexen-1-al), ester (Z-hexen-3-yl acetate), and 7-carbon alcohols (1-heptanol) in both species and sexes. Monoterpenes with functional groups of alcohols and aldehydes were more stimulating than other monoterpenes tested. The sesquiterpenes tested elicited relatively low responses. Benzaldehyde elicited the highest responses for both species among aromatic components. Oedaleus decorus asiaticus showed higher EAG responses than A. barabensis to the green leaf volatiles, 1-decanol, 1-nonanol, 1-pentanol, hexanal, Z-hexen-3-yl acetate and to the sesquiterpenes (-)-trans-caryophyllene. Males have higher responses than females in Oedaleus decorus asiaticus. No sexual difference was observed in A. barabensis. Dose-dependent responses to six selected chemicals were observed from females. In both species, all the chemicals tested elicit EAG responses at concentration between 10^-3 mol/L and 10^-2 mol/L, except that the responses of A. barabensis to terpineol had a threshold concentration of 10-2 mol/L benzaldehyde and 1-hexanol had the highest slopes in dose curves, while 1-octen-3-ol showed the smallest slope in responses to the six chemicals tested. Comparative studies on the responses of two antennal sections and the whole antenna to six selected chemicals were carried out using females of both species. A significant EAG response was only recorded from the distal part of the antenna and not from the proximal seven segments.     

中国埃蝗属的分类研究及一新种记述

记述分布于我国的埃蝗属 Eoscyllina 5 种,其中有 1 新种,即黑龙江埃蝗 Eoscyllina heilongjiangensis Zheng et Xu, sp. nov.,附有分种检索表和种类分布情况。模式标本保存于陕西师范大学动物研究所昆虫标本室。     

Shading out species richness: edge effect of a pine plantation on the Orthoptera (Tettigoniidae and Acrididae) assemblage of an adjacent dry grassland

Edge effects are increasingly recognised as a threat to interior species, but the influence of edges on open habitats has rarely been addressed so far. We investigated the diversity pattern of the Orthoptera fauna across a habitat edge between a pine plantation and a natural steppe ecosystem. Thirty pitfall traps were positioned along a transect line from 80 m in the forest to 208 m in the grassland at 10 fixed distances from the edge. The orthopteran assemblage of the pine plantation was depauperate in species and individuals and, with a few exceptions, lacked steppe species. We found no increase in species richness at the forest–grassland edge. In the grassland, Orthoptera species numbers increased steadily with increasing distance from the forest edge. Two-phase regression analysis revealed a traceable edge effect up to about 30 m into the grassland. This effect was exclusively caused by an increase in acridid species numbers, while tettigoniid species numbers showed no clear relation to edge distance. Correlation analysis of the habitat variables suggested that this pattern is a result of irradiance and soil temperature sums. Since acridids show species-specific temperature requirements for their development, shading of the soil surface prevents a number of species from completing their life cycle. We suggest that present trends of shrub encroachment and eutrophication of dry grassland habitats in eastern Austria are serious threats for a large part of the orthopteran fauna.     

荒漠草原三种蝗虫成虫种内和种间竞争的研究

荒漠草原三种蝗虫成虫种内和种间竞争的研究贺达汉方成郑哲民（宁夏农学院农学系,永宁７５０１０５）（陕西师范大学动物研究所,西安７１００６２）Ｉｎｔｒａ＿ａｎｄＩｎｔｅｒｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃＣｏｍｐｅｔｉｔｉｏｎａｍｏｎｇｔｈｅＡｄｕｌｔｓｏｆＴｈｒｅｅＧｒ...     

Impacts of grazing intensity and increased precipitation on a grasshopper assemblage (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in a meadow steppe

1. Grasshoppers are dominant herbivores in grassland ecosystems, and many studies have examined how grazing by large herbivores and precipitation patterns individually influence the dynamics of grassland grasshopper assemblages, but their combined effects are largely unknown. 2. In this study, grazing intensities (ungrazed, moderate, and heavy) were manipulated and precipitation (ambient and increased amount of rainfall) altered in a field experiment to test the effects of grazing and altered precipitation on a grasshopper community in a meadow steppe in northeastern China. 3. It was found that grasshopper species richness did not change according to different grazing intensities under ambient precipitation, but was significantly higher (by 38.1%) in moderate grazing intensities under increased precipitation. Grasshopper abundance increased considerably with increasing grazing intensities in ambient precipitation treatments; however, grasshopper abundance in heavy grazing intensities was significantly lower (by 32.9%) than in the other two grazing intensities under increased precipitation. Moreover, the responses of grasshopper abundance to grazing under altered precipitation were species‐specific. 4. Grazing effects on grasshopper species diversity were mediated through the species richness and biomass of grasses (food resources), but the effects on grasshopper abundance were mediated through plant height (vegetation structure) under altered precipitation. 5. These results suggest that appropriate grazing by large herbivores would be considered as beneficial management practices for maintaining grasshopper diversity and abundance under conditions of increased precipitation in grassland ecosystems. Additionally, greater attention should be paid to the population dynamics of different grasshopper species to better understand the responses of grasslands to grazing and altered precipitation.     

Laboratory and field investigation of a mixture of Metarhizium acridum and Neem seed oil against the Tree Locust Anacridium melanorhodon melanorhodon (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The in vitro compatibility of Metarhizium acridum strain IMI 330189 with different concentrations of Neem seed oil Azadirachta indica A. Juss. was investigated under laboratory conditions. Water, diesel and ground nut oil dilutions of M. acridum were inoculated into semi-synthetic culture medium with Neem oil and incubated for 10 days at 20, 28, and 34°C. Fungus vegetative growth and conidia production were estimated and compatibility calculated according to the in vitro classification model [T]. Field tests were also conducted during two successive years, where fourth instar nymphs of the Tree Locust, Anacridium melanorhodon melanorhodon, were sprayed with Metarhizium, Metarhizium/Neem mixture, Neem, or Malathion, on a plantation of Acacia senegal. Samples of the treated nymphs were taken 24 h after application, placed in cages and their mortality observed daily for 3 weeks. The compatibility test revealed that at 28°C, all Neem concentrations below 2% were compatible with M. acridum and concentrations of 2 and 2.5% were moderately toxic, while at 20°C, 1.0% Neem was not compatible with the fungus. In the field, Metarhizium+Neem resulted in 74 and 92% mortality during two successive years compared to 64 and 83% for Metarhizium alone. These findings clearly reveal that Neem concentration on the mixture could be increased to just under 1.0% Neem without negative impact on the fungus and that mixing Metarhizium with small quantities of Neem oil accelerates locust mortality and increases efficacy.     

Susceptibility of the Hymenopteran Parasitoids Apoanagyrus ( = Epidinocarsis ) lopezi (Encyrtidae) and Phanerotoma sp. (Braconidae) to the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes)

Laboratory and so-called extended laboratory bioassays were conducted in Benin, West Africa, to investigate the pathogenicity and virulence of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum , a biocontrol agent against locusts and grasshoppers, to two hymenopteran parasitoids, Apoanagyrus ( = Epidinocarsis ) lopezi and Phanerotoma sp. Treatments were carried out under simulated field conditions at standard field dose rates of 2.5 and 5.0 ×10 12 conidia ha -1 . Test organisms were continuously (3 weeks) exposed to spray residues in artificial or simulated natural environments. The standard strain IMI 330 189 of the mycopesticide Green Muscle caused a significant reduction of 24% in the longevity ( = average survival time, AST) of A. lopezi , relative to the untreated control. Mycosis was confirmed in 16% of all cadavers. AST was shorter under low relative humidity (RH) conditions, and these conditions seemed to enhance susceptibility to fungal infection. However, this effect was only marginally significant. In contrast, average longevity of untreated A. lopezi was slightly yet significantly shorter at low RH (50-60%) than at high RH (80-90%). In the extended laboratory assay, the same isolate had no significant effect on mortality, parasitoid emergence ( = beneficial capacity) and sex ratio. In a further screening test with isolates IIBC I91 609, IIBC I93 833 and IMI 330 189 (reference), no infection of A. lopezi was confirmed. Similarly, Phanerotoma sp. was not susceptible to IMI 330 189. It is concluded that mycopesticides based on the three strains tested pose a low risk to parasitic hymenopterans under field conditions.