Nymphs of Cymus novaezelandiae (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae)

Abstract

The 3rd-, 4th-, and 5th-instar nymphs of Cymus novaezelandiae Woodward are described; the dorsal aspect of the 5th instar is illustrated.     

Biomorphogenetic changes caused by the application of precocene II in nymphs of Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

The morphogenetic effect of precocene II on 4th instar nymphs of Triatoma infestans was examined. Topical treatment with precocene II (200, 300 and 400 micrograms/nymph) induced the formation of adultoids with the following characteristics: rudimentary wings, three segmented tarsi, ocelli, deformed genitalia and mouth-parts and testes with intermediary development. Precocene II also increases the duration of the molting cycle. The survival of the adultoid insects was related to the inverse of the applied doses. These data extend our knowledge of the action of precocene II on triatominae species.     

Effects of juvenile hormone analogue on ecdysis prevention induced by precocene in Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera:Reduviidae)

Precocene II, added to the meal of fourth-instar larvae of Rhodnius prolixus (25 micrograms/ml of blood), induced an increase in the duration of the molting cycle. This effect was related to the decrease of both the nuclear area of the prothoracic gland cells and the mitotic activity in epidermal cells. Juvenile hormone analogue applied topically (60 micrograms/insect) together with Precocene II treatment avoided atrophy of the prothoracic glands and induced a higher number of epidermal mitosis accelerating the time of subsequent ecdysis. A possible relationship between juvenile hormone and production of ecdysone is discussed.     

Caste differences in feeding and trophallaxis in the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen) (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae)

Summary: Differences in feeding and trophallaxis among castes of the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen), were determined using rubidium (Rb) as a tracer. Both 5th- and 6th-instar nymphs and 3rd- and 4th-instar larvae fed directly on Rb-treated paper and acted as both donors and recipients in trophallactic exchanges with other larvae and nymphs, and as donors for soldiers and alates. Soldiers and alates did not feed on Rb-treated paper suggesting that they do not feed directly on wood and are completely dependent on nymphs for their nutritional needs. Larvae paired with Rb-fed nymphs received the greatest amount of Rb suggesting that there may be a hierarchy of trophallaxis in drywood termites. Transfer efficiency, the percentage of the total Rb intake of donors that is passed to the recipients, ranged from 1.1 % (nymphal donors to alate recipients) to 16.6 % (larval donors to nymphal recipients).     

Relative susceptibility of different stages of Rhodnius prolixus to the entomopathogenic hyphomycete Beauveria bassiana.

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to determine the relative susceptibility of eggs, 1st-, 3rd-, 5th-instar nymphs and adults of Rhodnius prolixus to one isolate of the entomopathogenic hyphomycete, Beauveria bassiana. Treatments consisted of directly spraying on insects of increasing doses of inoculum (3 x 10(2) to 3 x 10(5) conidia per cm2). Mortality due to all doses of conidia was very high in the five tested stages of the target insect. Experiments on eggs demonstrated that the fungal isolate was able to kill eggs before they hatched. Both time-mortality and dose-mortality responses showed that the susceptibility of R. prolixus varied according to its stage of development and increased with age. As a matter of fact, at the dose of 3 x 10(3) conidia per cm2, LD 50 varied between 11.2 days in 1st-instar nymphs and 6.4 days in both 5th-instar nymphs and adults. Comparison of LD50 permitted to estimate that 1st-instar nymphs were about 700-fold less susceptible than the two oldest stages.     

麦长管蚜虫龄鉴别特征

【目的】为明确麦长管蚜Sitobion avenae (Fabricius)虫龄鉴别特征, 达到快速鉴别的目的。【方法】在成像观察的基础上, 测定无翅型和有翅型个体不同虫龄的体长、 体宽、 头壳宽、 触角长、 腹管长和后足胫节长6项指标。【结果】麦长管蚜不同翅型个体的体长、 体宽、 头壳宽、 触角长、 腹管长和后足胫节长在虫龄间均存在显著差异, 其中体长、 体宽、 头壳宽和触角长在相邻虫龄之间重叠程度大, 后足胫节长的重叠百分比极小或无重叠; 除有翅型个体4龄若蚜和成蚜之间存在13.93%的重叠外, 腹管长在不同翅型的其他相邻虫龄之间重叠百分比均极小或无重叠, 说明后足胫节长和腹管长可作为虫龄鉴定的主要特征。翅、 触角和尾片的其他外部形态特征在虫龄间也存在一定差异： 3-4龄有翅型若蚜和成蚜虫个体前胸的膨大程度及其翅的长度明显大于同一龄期的无翅型个体, 可用于蚜虫翅型的分辨以及3-4龄有翅若蚜和成蚜的鉴别; 麦长管蚜1和2龄若蚜触角均为5节, 3-4龄若蚜和成蚜的触角均为6节; 同时, 除了成蚜具有完整的尾片外, 1-4龄若蚜尾片均不发达, 说明触角的节数和尾片的发达程度可作为麦长管蚜不同龄期形态鉴别的辅助特征。【结论】以腹管和后足胫节作为麦长管蚜虫龄鉴别的主要特征, 配合其他辅助特征, 如翅的大小、 触角的节数以及尾片的发达程度等, 可达到快速鉴别不同翅型不同龄期蚜虫的目的。     

Bioassay of a β-exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis against Heliothis zea larvae

A β-exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis was bioassayed on 1st-, 3rd-, and 4th-instar Heliothis zea larvae. Larvae were fed continuously on diet incorporated with concentrations of 1–700 μg AI/ml diet. Larval and/or pupal death was the measured response criterion. Dosage-mortality responses were determined at two evaluation times, 7 days post-initiation and after the entire larval-pupal development period, using probit analysis procedures. The LC₅₀ values for 1st-, 3rd-, and 4th-instar larvae at these two evaluation times were 4.9, 134.6, and 286.2 μg AI/ml diet, and 4.0, 17.6, and 66.4 μg AI/ml diet, respectively. Differences in responses between instars were more pronounced at 7 days than after the entire development period. The LT₅₀ values for 1st-, 3rd-, and 4th-instar larvae decreased from 7.1 to 3.1, 12.7 to 5.4, and 11.6 to 5.2 days post-initiation, respectively, as dosages were increased. The toxin did not act as a feeding deterrent, as all increases in dosage caused increases in mortality. Nineteen and 38% of those 3rd- and 4th-instar larvae, respectively, which survived β-exotoxin intoxication pupated later than untreated cohorts.     

施钾对苜蓿上牛角花齿蓟马产卵选择、生长发育、 成虫寿命和繁殖力的影响

【目的】为了探讨施钾对苜蓿上牛角花齿蓟马Odontothrips loti的产卵选择、生长发育、成虫寿命和繁殖力的影响,明确施钾苜蓿叶片营养物含量与牛角花齿蓟马生命参数的关系。【方法】在不同钾量(40, 60, 80和100 mg/kg)处理下(以不施钾作为对照),观察记录牛角花齿蓟马在紫花苜蓿品种甘农3号Medicago sativa cv. Gannong No. 3叶片上的产卵量,幼期各龄期发育历期和存活率以及二代成虫的寿命和繁殖力,同时测定不同施钾量下苜蓿叶片的可溶性糖、游离氨基酸及钾含量。【结果】随着施钾量的增加,牛角花齿蓟马在苜蓿叶片上的产卵量(粒/复叶)先降低后升高,在60 mg/kg钾处理降幅最大,较对照降低了45.58%;卵孵化率和1-2龄若虫的存活率变化不显著,但3-4龄若虫的存活率和幼期总存活率显著下降,分别在100 mg/kg 和80 mg/kg钾处理下降幅最大,较对照分别下降了54.36%和48.48%。不同施钾量下苜蓿叶片上牛角花齿蓟马卵和1-2龄若虫发育历期无显著变化,3-4龄若虫及幼期总发育历期均延长;牛角花齿蓟马二代成虫的繁殖力均显著下降,成虫寿命显著缩短(40 mg/kg钾处理除外)。施钾后,苜蓿叶片可溶性糖含量、钾含量和糖氮比增大,游离氨基酸含量减少。相关关系分析表明,苜蓿叶片钾含量与牛角花齿蓟马幼期总存活率和成虫繁殖力无显著相关性,而苜蓿叶片可溶性糖含量和糖氮比均与3-4龄若虫存活率和繁殖力极显著负相关,与幼期总存活率呈显著负相关。【结论】施钾苜蓿对牛角花齿蓟马成虫产卵产生显著的排趋性;施钾提高了苜蓿叶片的可溶性糖含量及糖氮比,不利于若虫的生长发育,并使成虫寿命缩短、繁殖力下降,对牛角花齿蓟马产生了显著的抗生作用。     

估计粉虱若虫存活数量的新方法——氧化镁薄板法

介绍一种估计粉虱若虫存活数的简易方法。粉虱若虫分泌的蜜露滴落在氧化镁薄板上后形成清晰的圆坑,在体视显微镜下易于观察和计数,在确定粉虱若虫数量(Nd)和平均蜜露数(Nn)存在线性相关后,相应得出若虫数量评估因子(NEF)=Nn/Nd,提出通过蜜露数和若虫数量评估因子估算若虫数量的方法。在蕃茄叶片上,烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius)1~2龄若虫、3~4龄若虫和温室白粉虱Trialeurodes vaporariorum(Westwood)1~2龄若虫、3~4龄若虫的数量评估因子NEF分别为7·73,5·69,5·18和5·03。应用该方法检测吡虫啉对粉虱的毒力,并与传统方法进行比较,两者没有显著差异,而且该方法更简便准确。     

Prey utilization by Chaoborus punctipennis Say in a small,eutrophic reservoir

Prey selection by 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-instar larvae of Chaoborus punctipennis was evaluated by comparing larval crop contents to the species structure of the zooplankton community in a small, eutrophic lake. The rotifers, Brachionus caudatus and Trichocerca similis, were positively selected by and comprised most of the diet of 2nd- and 3rd-instar larvae. Rotifers comprised 67% of all prey items identified in the crops of even 4th-instar larvae. Whereas 2nd-and 3rd-instar larvae selected the two rotifers with equalfrequency, 4th-instar larvae selected Trichocerca significantly more frequently than they did Brachionus. Although copepods comprised only 8% of all prey identified in 3rd-instar crops, they comprised 33% of the crop contents of 4th-instar larvae. Both 3rd and 4th instars exhibited a positive electivity for Cyclops vernalis significantly more frequently than for Diaptomus pallidus. We conclude that the larvae of Chaoborus punctipennis can, and do, select between Trichocerca and Brachionus and between Cyclops and Diaptomus.The paper by Brooks and Dodson (1965) triggered a flurry of studies on aquatic predators and their ability to discriminate between available prey species. Although the original work dealt with vertebrate predators, it has become increasingly apparent that invertebrate predators may also exhibit considerable selectivity in choosing between prey categories. The larval stages of the various species of Chaoborus are ubiquitous lentic predators, especially in mesotrophic or eutrophic systems. Although there have been a number of recent publications which deal with the food habits and preferences of several species of Chaoborus, only a few studies have included analyses of larval crop contents and none of these have included Chaoborus punctipennis. This species is of particular interest because it is one of the smaller species in the genus, and perhaps for this reason, because it is frequently present in lakes which support large populations of planktivorous fish (von Ende 1979). The purpose of our research was to characterize the food habits and preferences of Chaoborus punctipennis in a small, eutrophic reservoir which supports a rather depauperate number of species of zooplankters.     

Effects of precocenes on vitellogenesis in the adult female tick,Ornithodoros moubata (Acari: Argasidae)

Vitellogenin (Vg) concentrations in the hemolymph and ovarian development were studied inOrnithodoros moubata after treatment with precocenes 1 (P1) and 2 (P2). Precocene was dissolved in acetone or DMSO and topically applied to the dorsal surface of ticks: (1) at adult ecdysis; (2) 24 h before engorgement; (3) immediately after engorgement; and (4) 24 h after engorgement. Subsequently, P1 and P2 were dissolved in olive oil and injected through the gonopore into the body cavity 24 h after engorgement. Vitellogenin concentration was measured on days 5 and 10 after engorgement and ovarian development was scored on day 10, 20 or 30. Oviposition was also recorded and the average weight of eggs laid by females was determined. No differences in concentration of Vg in the hemolymph occurred between the control ticks and ticks treated topically or by injection with P1 and P2. Precocene did not suppress the synthesis of Vg inO. moubata. However, oviposition was reduced in ticks that survived repeated treatment with high doses of P2 dissolved in acetone.     

Assessment of aphid colonies by hoverflies. II pea aphids and 3 syrphid species;Betasyrphus serarius (Wiedemann),Metasyrphus frequens Matsumura andSyrphus vitripennis (Meigen) (Diptera: Syrphidae)

In the aphidophagous syrphid species,Betasyrphus serarius (Wiedemann),Metasyrphus frequens Matsumura andSyrphus vitripennis (Meigen), females in search of oviposition sites assess the qualitative and quantitative value of pea aphid colonies for securing the successful development of their offspring. They select, as their oviposition sites, young and “promising” aphid colonies consisting of nymphs and/or adult aphids including few winged adults. They neglect large, older colonies of 4th-instar nymphs and/or winged adult aphids. The 3 syrphid species adopt “buy-futures” ovipositional tactic as doesEpisyrphus balteatus (de Geer), although some tinge of “spot-transaction” is noticed inM. frequens andS. vitripennis.     

华南双季稻区早稻收割和晚稻移栽对褐飞虱种群动态的影响

为了阐明华南双季稻区早稻收割和晚稻移栽对褐飞虱种群动态的影响,2011年在韶关市采用田间调查与卵巢解剖的方法研究了双季早稻、双季晚稻、田埂杂草上褐飞虱的种群动态及虫源性质。结果表明:早稻收割后,早稻上大量的褐飞虱1～2龄若虫被淘汰,3龄以上若虫及成虫不断转移扩散致使附近晚稻秧田和杂草上褐飞虱虫量突增;晚稻移栽之后,杂草及晚稻秧田的褐飞虱又向新插秧的晚稻进行转移,但成为有效虫源的虫量较少,因此,早稻收割和晚稻移栽对褐飞虱种群动态造成了极为不利的影响,晚稻秧田和田埂杂草可作为褐飞虱转移过程中的流动栖息场所,在褐飞虱虫量转移中起着一定的作用。     

Fine structure and physicochemical analysis of the nymphal and imaginal scent gland systems of Lincus Spurcus (Rolston) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

The dorso-abdominal scent glands of Lincus spurcus (Heteroptera : Pentatomidae) were studied in adults and 5th-instar nymphs. The structure was described by electron microscopy and the volatile fraction was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. There is a strong correlation between the structural state and the secretory activity. In nymphs, the 1st pair is not very active, while the 2nd and the 3rd pairs are well-developed and possess abundant secretions. On the contrary, in adults, only the 1st pair remains active and possesses quantitatively more compounds than the other residual pairs. The volatile fraction of the dorso-abdominal glands secretion shows an age-dependent composition. The common products in both the nymphs and adults are (E)-2-hexenal, decane, tridecane and undecane (the major compound; between 36 and 75% of the secretion). (E)-2-octenal and (E)-2-octenal acetate are adult-specific; 4-keto-(E)-2-octenal and (E)-2-hexenoic acid are nymph-specific. Functions of the dorso-abdominal glands are discussed.     

不同虫态叉角厉蝽对草地贪夜蛾幼虫的室内捕食作用

为了明确叉角厉蝽 Eocanthecona furcellate (Wolff)对草地贪夜蛾 Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith)幼虫的控制作用,在实验室条件下测定了叉角厉蝽不同虫态对草地贪夜蛾不同龄期幼虫的捕食能力,研究了该蝽捕食功能反应、搜寻效应以及种内干扰作用。结果表明,叉角厉蝽3龄若虫、5龄若虫、成虫均可捕食草地贪夜蛾幼虫,总体呈现叉角厉蝽低龄若虫捕食草地贪夜蛾低龄幼虫的数量较多,高龄若虫和成虫捕食中间龄期幼虫数量较多的规律;叉角厉蝽3个虫态对草地贪夜蛾2~3龄幼虫的捕食功能反应均符合Holling II方程和HollingⅢ型功能反应新模型;5龄若虫对草地贪夜蛾2~3龄幼虫的捕食效能(a/Th)最强（214.0）、日最大捕食量(1/Th)最大（256.4头）。不同虫态叉角厉蝽的搜寻效应与草地贪夜蛾密度均呈负相关。建立了叉角厉蝽成虫密度、草地贪夜蛾4龄幼虫密度对捕食作用的干扰反应方程,干扰作用发生后该蝽的平均捕食量和捕食作用率均逐渐下降。本研究结果可为田间释放叉角厉蝽防治草地贪夜蛾提供依据。     

Consumption patterns of the multicolored Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis on the broad bean aphid Aphis craccivora

The multicolored Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pallas is often used as a biological control agent against Aphis craccivora Koch, a key pest aphid of broad bean. Understanding consumption characteristics of biological control agents is critical for developing effective biological control programs. Here, under laboratory conditions we studied consumption patterns of H. axyridis on A. craccivora including functional response and intraspecific competition. All larvae (1st-, 2nd-, 3rd-, 4th-instar) and adults (male and female) of H. axyridis exhibited a Type II functional response to A. craccivora. We found H. axyridis females were superior to individuals of other developmental stages, based on three key parameters in functional response model, i.e. attack rate (a = 90.0%), handling time (T_h = 2.7 min), and consumption threshold (N_max = 526.7 individuals). Results from our analysis of intraspecific competition showed that when attacking A. craccivora, 4th-instar larvae of H. axyridis suffered from the greatest intraspecific competition (coefficient of mutual interference, m = 0.48). Our results show that 4th-instar larvae and adults of H. axyridis are most effective in controlling A. craccivora, and proper density of H. axyridis released will reduce intraspecific competition. This analysis reveals both prey-predator and predator-predator interactions, and highlights the value of biological control in reducing pesticide use and protecting ecological environments.     

有翅和无翅豌豆蚜中翅型分化信号通路相关微小RNA及其靶基因的表达差异

【目的】前期研究发现麦长管蚜Sitobion avenae孤雌蚜有翅和无翅个体中存在很多差异表达的微小RNA(microRNA, miRNA),本研究旨在进一步明确这些miRNA在豌豆蚜Acyrthosiphon pisum中发挥作用的发育阶段,探索miRNA调控孤雌蚜翅两型性分化的机制。【方法】选择在麦长管蚜有翅蚜和无翅蚜中显著差异表达,且靶基因为蜕皮激素、胰岛素信号通路及翅型发育关键基因的5个miRNA(Let-7,miR-92a, miR-92b, miR-92a-1-p5和miR-277),利用qPCR检测这些miRNA及其靶标基因在豌豆蚜3-4龄若蚜和成虫有翅和无翅个体中的表达谱;同时利用双荧光素酶活性检测法对上述miRNA的靶基因进行验证。【结果】表达谱分析发现,这5个miRNA在豌豆蚜成虫中表达量均高于其在若蚜中的表达量,而其预测的靶基因在4龄若蚜中的表达量均高于其在成虫中的表达量,表明miRNA对其靶基因的调控作用可能集中在成虫阶段。分析豌豆蚜有翅和无翅个体中5个miRNA的表达情况发现,在成虫有翅个体中5个miRNA的表达量均高于无翅个体中的,其中miR-277表达差异最显著,成虫有翅个体中的表达量是无翅个体中表达量的7.5倍;其次为Let-7,表达差异达3倍。而Let-7在3龄有翅若蚜和无翅若蚜中表达差异最显著,有翅个体中的表达量是无翅个体中的37.8倍;其次为miR-277,表达差异达7.6倍。比较5个miRNA与其靶基因在豌豆蚜3-4龄若蚜及成虫有翅和无翅个体中的表达发现,miRNA Let-7和miR-92b的表达趋势分别与其靶基因abrupt和Foxo的基本相反。荧光素酶活性检测结果显示,Let-7的真实靶标为abrupt,共转染Let-7模拟物后与对照相比,荧光素酶活性下降53%,达极显著水平。其他miRNA与靶标基因的互作不显著。【结论】首次发现miRNA对豌豆蚜孤雌蚜翅型分化相关基因的调控可能发生在成虫阶段。Let-7可能通过调控abrupt基因参与孤雌蚜翅型分化。该研究为进一步探索miRNA参与孤雌蚜翅两型性分化的机制奠定了基础。     

Ascaris suum: protective immunity in pigs immunized with products from eggs and larvae

Parasite products were collected at three distinct phases of development of Ascaris suum, and their immunogenicity was determined after injection into rabbits and pigs. Products were derived from (1) the hatching fluid of infective eggs; (2) the conditioned medium of 2nd-stage larvae that developed to 3rd stage in vitro in defined medium; and (3) the conditioned medium of 3rd-stage larvae that developed to 4th stage in vitro in defined medium. Protein profiles from these three preparations, separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, were less complex than that of extracts from homogenized A. suum larvae. Hyperimmune rabbit antiserum raised against either egg products, 2nd- to 3rd-stage larval excretory-secretory products, or 3rd- to 4th-stage larval excretory-secretory products showed strong homologous reactions after immunoelectrophoresis, but relatively weak cross-reactions with the other preparations. A combined enteral immunization of pigs with egg products and parenteral immunization with the 2nd- to 3rd-stage larval excretory-secretory products, and 3rd- to 4th-stage larval excretory-secretory products induced antibody to each preparation and significant protective immunity to a challenge exposure with 10,000 A. suum eggs. However, a marked pathological response to larvae migrating in the liver after challenge exposure was also induced.     

Consumption and utilization of a soyflour-wheat germ diet by larvae of the tobacco budworm parasitized by the tachinidEucelatoria sp

The number ( \(\bar X\) =2.4) ofEucelatoria sp. maggots that completed development in 4th- or 5th-instar larvae of the tobacco budworm (TBW),Heliothis virescens (F.), was significantly greater (P<0.05) than the number ( \(\bar X\) =1.2) that completed development in 3rd-instar larvae. Maggot development time decreased with increasing number of maggots per host larva. It also decreased with advancing larval instars. The range was 6.9±1.1 days in early 3rd-instar TBW larvae and 5.0±0.8 days in early 5th-instar TBW larvae. Unparasitized 3rd- or 4th-instar TBW larvae consumed significantly more food than did similar aged larvae parasitized byEucelatoria sp., but larvae parasitized during the early 5th-instar consumed more food than did similar aged unparasitized larvae. Consumption by 4th- or 5th-instar larvae increased significantly as maggot densities increased from 1 to 3 per host larva, but decreased at a density of 4 or more maggots per host larva. Although body weight gain and consumption were both significantly reduced 48 and 120 h after parasitization of late 3rd-instar larvae (6 days old), the approximate digestibility (AD) value was significantly greater for parasitized than for unparasitized larvae. Unparasitized larvae were more efficient in converting digested food to body substance (ECD) than parasitized larvae, but the efficiency in conversion of ingested food to body substance (ECI) was similar for both parasitized and unparasitized larvae.     

Biology of Triatoma flavida Neiva, 1911 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) under laboratory conditions

The complete life cycle of Triatoma flavida, weekly fed on hens, was studied at 28+/-2 degrees C and 80+/-10% RH. Aspects related to hatching, life span, mortality and feeding behavior for each stage of its life cycle were evaluated. The hatching rate observed for 100 eggs was 93% with an average incubation period of 27.2 days. Sixty-two nymphs completed the cycle and the mean egg to adult development time was 230.4 days. Mean duration of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th instar nymphs was 22.1, 25.3, 36.7, 49.7 and 69.4 days, respectively. The number of blood meals on each nymphal stage varied from 1 to 7. The mortality rate was 6.5% for NI, 23% for NIII and 7.5% for NV nymphs. Mean number of laid eggs per female was 283.1. Adult survival rates were 344.8 +/- 256.4 days for males and 285.3 +/- 201.8 days for females.