Species composition of thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) on cultivated chrysanthemum (Asteraceae) in Okinawa,southwestern Japan

We investigated the species composition of phytophagous thrips and spider mites on cultivated chrysanthemum in Okinawa, southwestern Japan. Eight thrips species belonging to the genera Frankliniella, Microcephalothrips, Scirtothrips and Thrips were found on chrysanthemum leaves. Among them, Thrips nigropilosus was the predominant species irrespective of season, island or cultivation environment (meshed greenhouse or open field), with its infestation frequency being 89% of the fields in which thrips occurred. This high frequency of occurrence suggests that T. nigropilosus is a major pest of chrysanthemum in Okinawa, even though this species has rarely been regarded as an important pest of chrysanthemum or other crops in any other areas. Thrips palmi was the second most dominant (infestation frequency 36%) and other species were scarce (<14%). Tetranychus urticae (green form) was the only tetranychid species on chrysanthemum in our survey. This lack of diversity among spider mites on chrysanthemum is peculiar considering that eight Tetranychus species have been found on vegetables in the same area. Since T. urticae (green form) has been shown to be resistant to a number of pesticides, severe pesticide applications might have simplified the spider mite fauna on chrysanthemum in Okinawa.     

The life histories of Meridialaris chiloeensis (Demoulin, 1955) (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) and Gigantodax rufescens (Edwards, 1931) (Diptera: Simuliidae) on a Magellanic sub-Antarctic island (55°S)

The life histories of Meridialaris chiloeensis (Demoulin, 1955) (Leptophlebiidae: Ephemeroptera) and Gigantodax rufescens (Edwards, 1931) (Simuliidae: Diptera) were studied in a Magellanic sub-Antarctic river in Navarino Island (55°S). Both species are distributed along the whole length of the watershed. Phenology was studied in the field for a period of 12 months between August 2009 and September 2010, at a site near the river's mouth (sea level). Cumulative degree-days were calculated along the gradient at five representative altitudinal locations, starting at the river's headwaters. Samples were obtained during January of 2010 at all the remaining altitudinal locations to assess possible changes in voltinism during the austral summer season through the watershed. Results show that M. chiloeensis and G. rufescens have a bivoltine and multivoltine life cycle, respectively, at sea level. Based on degree-days obtained and field observations at the remaining stations, possible voltinism patterns are discussed for both species along the altitudinal gradient. These species are proposed as suitable long-term indicators for climate change studies in the sub-Antarctic ecoregion of Magallanes, as monitoring their responses will be important in the interpretation of changes in ecosystem function, community structure, and distributions of aquatic taxa in this region of the world.     

Enrichment of Geobacter Species in Response to Stimulation of Fe(III) Reduction in Sandy Aquifer Sediments

Abstract Engineered stimulation of Fe(III) has been proposed as a strategy to enhance the immobilization of radioactive and toxic metals in metal-contaminated subsurface environments. Therefore, laboratory and field studies were conducted to determine which microbial populations would respond to stimulation of Fe(III) reduction in the sediments of sandy aquifers. In laboratory studies, the addition of either various organic electron donors or electron shuttle compounds stimulated Fe(III) reduction and resulted in Geobacter sequences becoming important constituents of the Bacterial 16S rDNA sequences that could be detected with PCR amplification and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Quantification of Geobacteraceae sequences with a PCR most-probable-number technique indicated that the extent to which numbers of Geobacter increased was related to the degree of stimulation of Fe(III) reduction. Geothrix species were also enriched in some instances, but were orders of magnitude less numerous than Geobacter species. Shewanella species were not detected, even when organic compounds known to be electron donors for Shewanella species were used to stimulate Fe(III) reduction in the sediments. Geobacter species were also enriched in two field experiments in which Fe(III) reduction was stimulated with the addition of benzoate or aromatic hydrocarbons. The apparent growth of Geobacter species concurrent with increased Fe(III) reduction suggests that Geobacter species were responsible for much of the Fe(III) reduction in all of the stimulation approaches evaluated in three geographically distinct aquifers. Therefore, strategies for subsurface remediation that involve enhancing the activity of indigenous Fe(III)-reducing populations in aquifers should consider the physiological properties of Geobacter species in their treatment design. Received: 19 October 1999; Accepted: 28 December 1999; Online Publication: 25 April 2000     

IndigenousTrichogramma (Hym.: Trichogrammatidae) parasitizing eggs ofRhopobota naevana (Lep.: Tortricidae) on cranberries in British Columbia

Two indigenous species ofTrichogramma were reared from natural populations of the blackheaded fireworm,Rhopobota naevana (Hübner) infesting cranberries in British Columbia, Canada. One was identified asTrichogramma sp. nr.sibericum Sorokina and the other wasTrichogramma minutum Riley. Percentage of parasitized hosts increased during the season in an abandoned field, but decreased in a commercial field where pesticides were used. The potential ofTrichogramma as a biological control agent against the fireworm is discussed.     

Pre-copulatory isolation in sympatric Melolontha species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

1 The two most abundant cockchafer species in Europe, the forest cockchafer Melolontha hippocastani Fabr. and the European cockchafer Melolontha melolontha L., tend to form calamitous mass breedings with casual reports on sympatric and simultaneous occurrence. 2 Both species are known to use feeding‐induced green leaf volatiles (GLV) as primary attractants (sexual kairomones) for mate finding. The attractiveness of GLV is enhanced by the sex pheromones 1,4‐benzoquinone in M. hippocastani and toluquinone in M. melolontha. Phenol attracts males from both species. All three compounds are present in females of both species. 3 In the present study, it is confirmed that only male M. melolontha perform the typical swarming flight at dusk, as has already been shown for M. hippocastani. Furthermore, whether swarming Melolontha males were cross‐attracted to heterospecific females, and whether males could discriminate olfactorily between conspecific and heterospecific females, was tested in the field. 4 Males of both species preferred females when given the choice between females and males of the other species. However, they preferred conspecific females when females from both species were offered simultaneously. 5 The results suggest that species‐specific pheromone blends contribute to precopulatory reproductive isolation in sympatric populations of M. melolontha and M. hippocastani, but are not mutually exclusive or indispensable prerequisites for mate finding as in other insects.     

Field trials of slow‐release synthetic lures for stoats (Mustela erminea) and ferrets (M. furo)

Abstract

Experimental field trials were used to compare the attractiveness to stoats (Mustela erminea) and ferrets (M. furo) of traps set with either a synthetic scent lure or with fresh food bait. One lure, containing 2‐n‐propylthietane, effectively attracted as many ferrets as did rabbit meat bait. Fewer stoats were caught with this lure than with egg bait. Made up in a slow‐release formulation in “plastic rope”, the lure remained attractive to ferrets for at least 2 weeks under sunny field conditions. Traps containing a second lure, 3‐n‐propyl‐l,2‐dithiolane, were less successful at catching both mustelid species than those containing fresh food baits. The scent lures were not attractive to non‐target species, but neither did they deter some species.     

A Comparison of Behavioral Interactions in Solitary and Presocial Zetoborinae Cockroaches (Blattaria,Blaberidae)

The social behavior of five species of Zetoborinae cockroaches is compared with respect to inter-individual interactions of nymphs in the laboratory. These species belong to the same Neotropical subfamily and were characterized as gregarious (Lanxoblatta emarginata, Parasphaeria boleiriana, Phortioeca nimbata, Schultesia lampyridiformis) and solitary (Thanatophyllum akinetum) by previous field studies. Our results show that gregarious species accept closer contacts than does the solitary one. The solitary species did not display especially short, infrequent or less diverse behavioral sequences when forced to remain aggregated, but its interactions are characterized by fewer acts promoting contact and more dominance-like acts. The solitary species symmetrically interacts with conspecifics and does not show specific dispersal-promoting behaviors. This suggests that the solitary behavior observed in the field for species of Zetoborinae mainly results from a passive spacing tendency and a lack of attraction for conspecifics. One of the gregarious species, P. boleiriana, was previously described as subsocial with nymphs remaining with the female in a wood chamber after brood birth. This species does not show a peculiar behavioral repertoire but its interactions are characterized by more dominance-like behaviors than are those of the non-subsocial gregarious species. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The natural history ofPetrobia (Tetranychina) harti (Ewing) andPetrobia (Mesotetranychus) tunisiae Manson (Acari: Tetranychidae) in the laboratory

Petrobia harti (Ewing) developed more rapidly, deposited more eggs and lived longer onOxalis corniculata than onO. articulata. No development took place on several other recorded host plants. In the field this mite was most abundant during early summer. Males made up less than 10% of the population, and no diapause eggs were seen in the field.Petrobia tunisiae Manson developed on various winter Gramineae, produced about 17 non-diapause eggs during its first generation and mostly diapause eggs in the second. A few diapause eggs kept in the laboratory and dipped in chloroform hatched even after 3 years. A summer diapause is postulated for this species.     

Developmental Host-Specificity of Mozena obtusa (Heteroptera: Coreidae), a Potential Biocontrol Agent for Prosopis Species (Mesquite) in Australia

Mozena obtusa Uhler (Heteroptera: Coreidae) was examined in quarantine for its potential as a biological control agent of Prosopis species (mesquite) in Australia. Trials were conducted on 16 nontarget plant species to estimate its developmental host range. Complete development occurred on all Prosopis species that have become naturalized in Australia as well as on four Australian native species (Neptunia species and Paraserianthes lophantha), although reproductive diapause prevented assessment of subsequent fecundity. Development through the first feeding nymphal instar also occurred on other plant species representing two subfamilies. Nymphal performance was highly variable on both target and nontarget species, possibly because variation in plant nitrogen composition affected plant quality. The correlation between environment, plant nitrogen, and plant quality is likely to be sufficiently strong to determine whether a plant species can support development. Plant quality should therefore be considered when predicting the field host range of M. obtusa and of sap-sucking coreids generally. Nonetheless, our preliminary results suggest that M. obtusa may not be sufficiently specific for release in Australia, although insufficient understanding of its oviposition behavior in the field and the effect of plant quality on development means that its rejection would be premature.     

Paranosema locustae (Microsporidia) in grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acridoidea) of Argentina: field host range expanded

Detection of Paranosema locustae in three grasshopper species (Ronderosia bergi, Sinipta dalmani, Trimerotropis pallidipenis) within the establishment area of the Pampas expands the field host range of the pathogen to 20 species in the country. The newly recorded hosts might be important in the persistence and dispersal of the pathogen.     

The mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Tabasco,Mexico

To document and update the mosquito species of Tabasco, Mexico, field collection trips were conducted in the two physiographic regions of Tabasco: the coastal plain of the southern gulf and the mountains of Chiapas and Guatemala. Mosquitoes were collected as immature and adult stages during the dry and rainy seasons from 2014 through 2015. Additionally, the Reference Collection of Arthropods of Medical Importance (CAIM‐InDRE) containing mosquitoes of Tabasco was re‐examined. In total, 4,913 specimens were collected and examined, which are divided into seven tribes, 18 genera, 27 subgenera, and 104 species. Of these, one genus (Shannoniana Lane and Cerqueira), two subgenera (Georgecraigius Reinert, Harbach and Kitching, and Carrollia Lutz), and 21 species are new records for the mosquito fauna of Tabasco. Culex metempsytus Dyar is a new record for Mexico and Wyeomyia jocosa (Dyar and Knab) is removed from the Mexican mosquito fauna. Seventeen species historically reported were not found in the field collections conducted here. Taxonomic notes, new distribution limits, and comments about the medical importance of species of mosquitoes of Tabasco are discussed. Tabasco is the second state in Mexico with the largest mosquito richness (104 species), followed by Veracruz with 139 species.     

Syringeal anatomy and allometry in murres (Alcidae: Uria)

Species and sexual differences in vocalizations and the vocal tract are widespread. We studied the vocal tract of Common (Uria aalge) and Thick-billed (U. lomvia) Murres. We predicted anatomical or allometric differences in adults between species and sexes due to vocal differences related to social behavior (Common Murres nest at higher densities; males are the more aggressive sex, etc.). The vocal tract was anatomically simple and similar between species and sexes. The trachea was mainly cartilage, but the posteriormost 4–6 tracheal rings were calcified and fused as the tympanum, as part of the syrinx. The syrinx included the (unfused) first bronchial semirings, which were enlarged and calcified beneath the insertion of M. tracheolateralis. Weak bilateral asymmetry (right side larger) occurred in widths of M. tracheolateralis and M. sternotrachealis. The trachea was ∼10% longer in Common Murres; the tympanum and M. sternotrachealis width were relatively larger in Thick-billed Murres. Vocal-tract morphology and size did not differ between the sexes in either species. In allometric analyses on adults, isometry characterized (1) tympanum size in relation to head + bill length, and to humerus length (respectively), in Thick-billed Murres, and (2) M. sternotrachealis width in relation to tarsometatarsal length in both species. Comparative field studies on species and sexes are needed to clarify the functional significance of our findings in relation to vocalization.     

Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) on wild carnivores in Brazil

The present study reports field data of ticks infesting wild carnivores captured from July 1998 to September 2004 in Brazil. Additional data were obtained from one tick collection and from previous published data of ticks on carnivores in Brazil. During field work, a total of 3437 ticks were collected from 89 Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating-fox), 58 Chrysocyon brachyurus (maned-wolf), 30 Puma concolor (puma), 26 Panthera onca (jaguar), 12 Procyon cancrivorus (crab-eating-raccoon), 4 Speothos venaticus (bush-dog), 6 Pseudalopex vetulus (hoary-fox), 6 Nasua nasua (coati), 6 Leopardus pardalis (ocelot), 2 Leopardus tigrinus (oncilla), 1 Leopardus wiedii (margay), 1 Herpailurus yagouaroundi (jaguarundi), 1 Oncifelis colocolo (pampas-cat), 1 Eira barbara (tayara), 1 Galictis vittata (grison), 1 Lontra longicaudis (neotropical-otter), and 1 Potus flavus (kinkajou). Data obtained from the Acari Collection IBSP included a total of 381 tick specimens collected on 13 C. thous, 8 C. brachyurus, 3 P. concolor, 10 P. onca, 3 P. cancrivorus, 4 N. nasua, 1 L. pardalis, 1 L. wiedii, 4 H. yagouaroundi, 1 Galictis cuja (lesser grison), and 1 L. longicaudis. The only tick infested-carnivore species previously reported in Brazil, for which we do not present any field data are Pseudalopex gymnocercus (pampas fox), Conepatus chinga (Molina’s hog-nosed skunk), and Conepatus semistriatus (striped hog-nosed skunk). We report the first tick records in Brazil on two Felidae species (O. colocolo, H. yagouaroundi), two Canidae species (P. vetulus, S. venaticus), one Procyonidae species (P. flavus) and one Mustelidae (E. barbara). Tick infestation remains unreported for 5 of the 26 Carnivora species native in Brazil: Oncifelis geoffroyi (Geoffroy’s cat), Atelocynus microtis (short-eared dog), Pteronura brasiliensis (giant otter), Mustela africana (Amazon weasel), and Bassaricyon gabbii (olingo). Our field data comprise 16 tick species represented by the genera Amblyomma (12 species), Ixodes (1 species), Dermacentor (1 species), Rhipicephalus (1 species), and Boophilus (1 species). Additional 5 tick species (3 Amblyomma species and 1 species from each of the genera Ixodes and Ornithodoros) were reported in the literature. The most common ticks on Carnivora hosts were Amblyomma ovale (found on 14 host species), Amblyomma cajennense (10 species), Amblyomma aureolatum (10 species), Amblyomma tigrinum (7 species), Amblyomma parvum (7 species), and Boophilus microplus (7 species).This revised version was published online in September 2005 with corrected page numbers.     

Predation of Thereva nobilitata (Fabricius) (Diptera: Therevidae) on Agriotes obscurus L. (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Little is known about the natural enemies of wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae), but there are frequent anecdotal reports of (usually unnamed) stiletto fly larvae (Diptera: Therevidae) preying on various species. We observed larvae of Thereva nobilitata (Fabricius) feeding on larvae of the dusky wireworm, Agriotes obscurus L., during the summer of 2011, in Agassiz, British Columbia. This finding is of interest as: both the predator and the wireworm are introduced species to this area from Europe; T. nobilitata is uncommon in North America; and this predator has not been associated with any wireworm species previously. We observed that larvae of male and female T. nobilitata will feed on various sizes of A. obscurus larvae, most feeding being carried out by the smallest T. nobilitata larvae. These findings suggest future work should assess the potential for therevid larvae as top‐down regulators of Agriotes larvae under field conditions.     

Phytogeography, range size and richness of Australian endemic Sauropus (Euphorbiaceae)

Aim To investigate the distribution of Australian species of Sauropus. The information obtained is used to (1) identify areas of highest richness and centres of endemism, (2) investigate latitudinal gradients of richness and range size, (3) determine the types of rarity shown, and (4) provide hypotheses on historical biogeography of the genus within Australia. Location Australia. Methods Specimens from 17 herbaria and field searches were examined and label and field information collated on distribution, habit and habitat. Distribution information was used to map all species within 784 grid cells of 1° × 1° and within the 97 Australian ‘ecological regions’. Morphometric cluster analysis of species was conducted using Kulczynski association and flexible UPGMA on 23 character states. Simple regression was used to correlate species richness, density and range size to changes in latitude. CLIMEX is used to match the climate of the region of highest richness in Australia with other areas of the world. Results Species richness was highest within the tropical north of Australia, and most species were associated with tropical savanna woodlands. Two areas were identified as centres of endemism and these corresponded closely to areas of high species richness. Four morphological groups were identified. One species (Sauropus trachyspermus) was found to be widespread, however all other species had small geographical ranges. Species richness and range size were significantly correlated with changes in latitude. Ten species were found to be of the rarest type, warranting conservation initiatives. Main conclusions Two regions of high richness and endemism of Sauropus occur, Thailand and Australia. Within Australia, the Kakadu‐Alligator River and the Cairns‐Townsville areas were identified as centres of endemism and high species richness for Sauropus. Australian Sauropus in general occur in similar communities and climates as other members of the genus elsewhere. Ten of the 27 species of Australian endemic Sauropus are extremely rare and warrant conservation initiatives. Correlations of latitude to species richness are potentially due to Sauropus radiating from the climatically stable top end of Australia. Increasing range size in more southern latitudes may also be due to stability of climates in the top end or because there is more available land area at these latitudes. Sauropus micranthus, the only non‐endemic species, is probably a more recent invader from the Tertiary period when tropical rain forests where more extensive and congruent with those of New Guinea.     

Distribution of native legumes (Leguminoseae) in frequently burned longleaf pine (Pinaceae)-wiregrass (Poaceae) ecosystems

Legume species distribution and abundance and selected environmental variables were quantified across a complex gradient (varying in both water-holding capacity and fertility) for frequently burned longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)–wiregrass (Aristida stricta) ecosystems. Legumes were present in all months; however, abundance peaked in June and was minimal after killing frosts in October. Legume species were prominent in the flora (43 species encountered) ubiquitous (94% of 2-m² subplots had at least one legume species), and abundant (nearly 120 000 stems/ha). Although most species were widely distributed throughout the gradient, Lespedeza angustifolia was distinctly associated with the more hydric end of the gradient, while both Petalostemon pinnatum and Galactia microphylla were located in the more xeric extreme. The percentage variation in species that could be accounted for by environmental variation was low (27%). Of the variation that could be accounted for, a number of environmental variables were important, including soil moisture, pine basal area (i.e., light), and bivalent base cations (e.g., Ca²⁺). Although gradients in resource availability among sites did not affect the distribution of species or abundance of legumes strongly, variation in resources are likely to regulate N₂-fixation rates of the various native legume species, and thereby affect ecological functions such as maintenance of N capital and productivity.     

Breeding system and thrips (Thysanoptera) pollination in the endangered tree Ocotea porosa (Lauraceae): implications for conservation

Ocotea porosa has been extensively exploited over the past few decades because of the quality of its wood. Today, populations are reduced and the species is now included in the Red List of threatened species by the International Union for Nature Conservation. For conservation and management purposes, it is extremely important that we understand its reproductive ecology. Floral morphology was described based on field and scanning electron microscopic examination. The reproductive system was determined through experimentally controlled pollination along with observations of pollen tube growth. Pollinators were identified through field observations. Flowers of O. porosa are small, shallow, inconspicuous, asynchronous and grouped in inflorescences. This species presented self‐compatibility, but did not reproduce through apomixy and spontaneous self‐pollination was very rare (5%). Despite being monoclinal, flowers were protogynic, and the gynoecium was receptive after the first day of anthesis when the anthers were closed. Spontaneous self‐pollination was avoided by the extrorse position of the anthers of the internal stamens. Frankliniella gardeniae (Thysanoptera) was the only pollinating species observed and, after visiting several asynchronous flowers in the same inflorescence, favors geitonogamy. Together the small distance supposedly achieved by thrips in flight and the small population density of O. porosa can reduce the chances of cross‐pollination in this species. If so, conservation measures must include preservation of the current population and possibly planting to increase population density. This would reduce the distance between individuals and increase genetic variability. Thrips as pollinators must be included in conservation planning for O. porosa.     

Molecular and morphological diagnoses of five species of Trichogramma: biological control agents of Chrysodeixis chalcites (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in the Canary Islands

Prospecting for potential natural enemies of the invasive lepidopteran tomato pest Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and the banana pest Chrysodeixis chalcites (Esper) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on the Canary Islands archipelago, where no Trichogramma species were previously recorded, has led to the discovery of five distinct species. T. achaeae Nagaraja & Nagarkatti, T. bourarachae Pintureau & Babault, T. euproctidis (Girault) and T. evanescens Westwood are relatively widespread species. The fifth is close to T. brassicae Bezdenko, but differs sufficiently in the sequence of the ITS2 region of ribosomal RNA to warrant further investigation as a species probably new to science. Each species is treated in detail in order to facilitate identification in future using molecular and/or morphological characters, or a combination of both. All species are newly recorded for the Canary Islands, and the distribution of each within the islands and elsewhere is provided. Known host records are given within the Canary Islands and elsewhere. The most common species found, T. achaeae, is already being used in biological control programmes against T. absoluta in mainland Spain and field trials are ongoing to evaluate its effectiveness as a biological control agent of C. chalcites in banana crops.     

Study of Cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) MhcDRB (Mafa-DRB) polymorphism in two populations

Cynomolgus monkey is one of the macaque species currently used as an animal model for experimental surgery and medicine, in particular, to experiment new drugs or therapy protocols designed for the prevention of allograft rejection. In this field, it is of utmost importance to select histoincompatible recipient–donor pairs. One way to ensure incompatibility between donor and recipient is to check their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genotypes at the loci playing a determinant role in histocompatibility. We report in this paper on the cynomolgus monkey DRB polymorphism evidenced by sequencing of amplified exon 2 separated either by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), or by cloning. By the study of 253 unrelated animals from two populations (Mauritius and The Philippines), we characterized 50 exon 2 sequences among which 28 were identical to sequences already reported in Macaca fascicularis or other macaque species (Macaca mulatta, Macaca nemestrina). By cloning and sequencing DRB cDNA, we revealed two additional DRB alleles. Out of the 20 haplotypes that we defined here, only two were found in both populations. The functional impact of DR incompatibility was studied in vitro by mixed lymphocyte culture.