Regulation ofHelicoverpa zea larval behavior by the parasitoidEucelatoria bryani

The parasitoidEucelatoria bryani Sabrosky regulates the larval behavior of its hostHelicoverpa zea (Boddie). Parasitized third, fourth and fifth instars burrow into the soil 0.7–3.4 days earlier than unparasitized larvae that normally enter the soil to pupate at the end of the fifth and final larval instar. Parasitized third instars molt once then burrow as fourth instars, one instar earlier than normal. WhenE. bryani pupariated on the soil surface in the field, none survived to the adult stage. However,E. bryani adults emerged from 49.2% of hosts that had burrowed into the soil. By accelerating the timing ofH. zea burrowing behavior and causing host larvae to enter the soil before death,E. bryani ensures its pupariation in an environment with improved protection against natural enemies and lethal temperatures.     

Effects of the ecdysteroid agonists RH 5849 an RH 5992, alone and in combination with a juvenile hormone analogue, pyriproxyfen, on larvae ofSpodoptera exigua

Biological activity assays with RH 5849 and RH 5992 indicated that both compounds affected growth and development of last-instar larvae ofSpodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in a dose-dependent manner. Within the first 24 h after treatment by continuously offering leaves dipped in a water solution of ≥50 mg/l RH 5849 and ≥0.5 mg/l RH 5992, symptoms of a prematurely induced larval moult and head capsule apolysis were visible. Intoxicated larvae died shortly afterwards, showing signs of unsuccessful ecdysis. LC₅₀-values of RH 5849 and RH 5992 for fifth-instarS. exigua larvae were 110 and 2.5 mg/l, respectively. Pyriproxyfen alone affected the larval stage and disturbed normal metamorphosis. One supernumerary larval instar occurred occasionally. LC₅₀-value for pyriproxyfen was 1.7 mg/l. Larvae simultaneously treated with RH 5849 or RH 5992 and pyriproxyfen, continued to grow until they attained a size and weight about 2–3 times that of the controls. This growth was accompanied by at least one and sometimes two supernumerary moults. Concerning thein vivo imaginal wing disc growth and development, only in larvae treated with 10 and 50 mg/l RH 5849 or 0.5 mg/l RH 5992, tracheole migration was observed earlier than in the controls. When applying 300 mg/l RH 5849 or 3–7 mg/l RH 5992, the discs remained small and no signs of tracheole migration were observed. In larvae simultaneously treated with RH 5849 or RH 5992 and pyriproxyfen, tracheole migration was not prematurely induced and a pupal cuticle was produced in the discs of larvae, undergoing a supernumerary moult. No clear signs of evagination were observed.     

Comparative headspace analysis of cabbage plants damaged by two species ofPieris caterpillars: consequences for in-flight host location byCotesia parasitoids

Headspace composition, collected from intact cabbage plants and cabbage plants infested with eitherPieris brassicae L. orP. rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) first instar larvae, was determined by GC-MS. Twenty-one volatiles were identified in the headspace of intact plants. Twenty-two volatiles were identified in the headspace of plants infested byP. brassicae larvae, 2 of which, Z-3-hexenyl butyrate and Z-3-hexenyl isovalerate, were not detected in the headspace of either intact orP. rapae damaged plants. In the headspace of the latter, 21 compounds were identified, all of which which were also produced by intact plants. No significant quantitative differences were found between headspace composition of the plants damaged by one or the other caterpillar species. Major differences between intact and caterpillar-damaged plants in contribution to the headspace profile were revealed for hexyl acetate, Z-3-hexenyl acetate, myrcene, sabinene and 1,8-cineole. The larval endoparasitoidCotesia glomerata L. was attracted by the volatiles emanating fromB. oleracea damaged byP. brassicae first instar larvae.C. rubecula L., a specialized larval endoparasitoids ofP. rapae, was attracted by the volatiles released from theB. oleracea-P. rapae plant-host complex. This shows that cabbage plants kept under the conditions of headspace collection produce attractive volatiles for both parasitoids.     

The lethal prune/Killer-of-prune interaction of Drosophila causes a syndrome resembling human neurofibromatosis (NF1).

The eye color mutant prune (pn) of Drosophila melanogaster shows a lethal interaction with the Killer-of-prune (K-pn) allele of the abnormal wing disc (awd) locus. The awd gene is the Drosophila homologue of the mammalian tumor metastasis gene nm23, and it has been postulated that pn encodes a protein with similarity to a GAP, a GTPase-activating protein. Such GAPs potentially control Ras-like proteins, which are important molecular switches. However, there is only a low sequence homology with the genes for human GAP and neurofibromatosis (NF1), and with yeast IRA1 and IRA2, and there is no evidence for the functional significance of this homologization. I now show that pn mutations lower the concentrations of larval pteridines, and that this phenomenon is enhanced by two orders of magnitude by the lethal interaction between pn and awdK-pn. These gradual effects on the pteridin concentrations indicate a corresponding drop of the pools of free GTP, and favor the involvement of GTP-binding proteins. In addition, cytology reveals a considerable hypertrophy of the neuroglia and the perineurium of the larval brain. Furthermore, the lymph glands of the larvae are highly abnormal and form melanotic (pseudo)tumors upon ageing of the larvae. These pseudotumors consist predominantly of lamellocytes which are part of the cellular defence system of Drosophila. These observations most likely indicate hyperactivity of a Ras-like protein which becomes manifest in cell types equivalent to the cell types affected by human neurofibromatosis (NF1). Thus, it is very suggestive to regard the synthetic lethal system prune/Killer-of-prune as the Drosophila model for human neurofibromatosis.     

Moving on hairy surfaces: modifications of Gratiana spadicea larval legs to attach on its host plant Solanum sisymbriifolium

Both larvae and adults of Gratiana spadicea (Klug) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) feed exclusively on leaves of Solanum sisymbriifolium Lamarck (Solanaceae), which have simple and stellate trichomes. The simple trichomes can be non-glandular or glandular. The stellate trichomes present a long central ray that secretes a viscous exudate when broken. Trichome effects on movement of G. spadicea larvae were evaluated in the laboratory. Larval speed on intact petioles of S. sisymbriifolium was compared to those where the exudates and/or stellate trichomes were removed. Exudates had no effect on larval speed. Stellate trichomes mechanically slowed down first instar movement. Gratiana spadicea larval legs have a modified distal portion, the tarsungulus, whose rounded aperture shape matches that of the cylindrical pointed rays of S. sisymbriifolium stellate trichomes. The first three instars anchor the tarsungulus to the trichome rays, and get both attachment to the leaf surface and support to body impulsion. Morphological comparisons showed that the legs in the first larval instars are shorter than the central ray of the stellate trichome, so larvae have to walk above them. Fifth instar larvae have longer legs and walk by inserting the sharp tip of their tarsungulus directly into the leaf epidermis. The dimensions of the tarsungulus aperture vary in such a way that it can clasp every thickness of trichome ray for any larval instar. Contrary to other tarsungulus portions and larval body features, where growth is allometric, growth of the tarsungulus aperture is isometric throughout the larval stage. Thus, it is suggested that this G. spadicea leg structure is adapted for moving on hairy leaf surface of S. sisymbriifolium.     

球形芽孢杆菌C3-41对致倦库蚊的毒效及在蚊体内的再循环

球形芽孢杆菌Csub3-41菌株(Bacillus sphaericus C3-41)对致倦库蚊(Culex puinquefa-seiatus)幼虫有很高毒效,对2龄和3-4龄幼虫的半致死剂量(LD₅₀)分别为63.1 和89.7芽孢/蚊幼虫。处理浓度越高,取食时间越长,蚊幼虫取食到的杀蚊活性物质量越多,死亡率越高。当蚊幼虫取食亚致死剂量杀蚊活性物质后,球形芽孢杆菌在感染的活幼虫体内不增殖;但当蚊幼虫取食致死剂量杀蚊活性物质后,蚊幼死亡,球形芽孢杆菌在死蚊幼虫体内增殖明显,6天内芽孢从感染初期的1.86X10²蚊幼虫增加到1.59X10⁶/蚊幼虫。芽孢在死蚊幼虫体内能正常萌发、生长、产孢和形成毒素。增殖的芽孢同样对致倦库蚊幼虫有较高毒力。     

Morphology and development of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pteromalus cerealellae</Emphasis> (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Callosobruchus maculatus</Emphasis> (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Pteromalus cerealellae (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is an ectoparasitoid of several stored-product insect pests. Very little information has been published on its biology and development in host larvae, which typically are concealed within seeds. We documented the development of P. cerealellae within fourth instar larvae of its concealed host, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) infesting cowpea seeds. The preimaginal life stages of the parasitoid were characterized for the first time using morphological structures revealed by microscopic techniques including scanning electron microscopy. Pteromalus cerealellae produces hymenopteriform eggs and larvae. Eggs hatch into 13-segmented first instar larvae with peripneustic condition of spiracles. The larvae have simple, tusk-like mandibles, whereas the mandibles of the pupae and the adults are of the conventional toothed types. Using statistical analyses of the sizes of the larval mandibles and head capsules in conjunction with reliable characters such as the number of exuviae on the body of parasitoid larvae, cuticular folding, and excretion of the meconium, we recorded four larval instars for P. cerealellae. The data showed significant positive correlations between larval mandible lengths and widths of larval head capsules, as well as between mandible lengths and larval instars, suggesting that mandible length is a good predictor of the number of instars in P. cerealellae. Developmental time from egg to adult emergence was ∼12 d for females and ∼11 days for males at 30 ± 1°C, 70 ± 5% r.h. and 12L:12D photoperiod.     

Interspecific competition between the braconid endoparasitoids Glyptapanteles porthetriae and Glyptapanteles liparidis in Lymantria dispar larvae

The effect of interspecific competition between the solitary endoparasitoid Glyptapanteles porthetriae Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and the gregarious Glyptapanteles liparidis Bouché (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), was investigated in larvae of Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae). Host larvae were parasitized by both wasp species simultaneously in premolt to the 2^nd or the 3^rd host instar or in an additional approach with a 4-day delay in parasitization by the second wasp species. Host acceptance experiments revealed that both wasp species do not discriminate between unparasitized host larvae and larvae parasitized previously by the same or the other species. In more than 90% female wasps parasitized the larva they encountered first. During the period of endoparasitic development, larvae of the competing parasitoid species never attacked the egg stage of the other species. When host larvae were parasitized simultaneously by both wasp species, the rate of successful development of both species depended on the age of the host larva at the time of its parasitization; G. liparidis emerged successfully from 44% of host larvae parasitized during the premolt to 2^nd instar, G. porthetriae from 28%, and in 20% of the hosts both parasitoid species were able to develop in one gypsy moth larva. However, when host larvae were parasitized simultaneously during premolt to the 3^rd instar, G. liparidis was successful in 90% of the hosts, compared to 8% from which only G. porthetriae emerged. In the experiments with delayed oviposition, generally the species that oviposited first succeeded in completing its larval development. Larvae of the species ovipositing with four days delay were frequently attacked and killed by larvae of the first parasitizing species or suffered reduced growth. As the secondary parasitoid species, G. porthetriae-larvae were never able to complete their development, whereas G. liparidis developed successfully in at least 12,5% of the multiparasitized host larvae. Thus, multiparasitism of gypsy moth larvae by both Glyptapanteles species corresponds to the contest type; however, G. porthetriae is only able to develop successfully as the primary parasitoid of young host larvae.     

Evaluation of factors influencing augmentative releases of Chrysoperla carnea for control of Scirtothrips perseae in California avocado orchards

Weekly releases of Chrysoperla carnea for control of Scirtothrips perseae were evaluated in replicated field plots in two commercial avocado orchards in southern California, USA. Two release techniques and rates commonly employed by commercial pest control advisors who routinely use this generalist predator for S. perseae control were assessed. Release technique one utilized C. carnea eggs glued to paper squares that were stapled to leaves of experimental trees at a rate of 41,000 eggs per ha. Release technique two used a motorized backpack sprayer to apply a dry mixture of lacewing eggs and larvae to trees at a rate of 514,501 per ha. Pest populations were monitored by making bi-weekly population counts of S. perseae larvae and adults on leaves, and adult densities were simultaneously monitored in each experimental plot with yellow sticky cards. In the laboratory, degree-day accumulation until death of immature C. carnea was determined at temperatures representative of field conditions when predators were provisioned with varying amounts of food or different food types. Preference for S. perseae instars by first, second, and third instar C. carnea was assessed in the laboratory, and intraguild predation towards larvae and adult females of a co-occurring generalist predatory thrips, Franklinothrips orizabensis, was investigated along with intraspecific predation rates. Both release strategies failed to significantly reduce S. perseae populations in comparison to non-treated control plots. Approximately 35–96% of C. carnea eggs and larvae applied with the motorized sprayer landed on the ground. C. carnea larvae lived for approximately 1–2 days when provisioned with either no food, an avocado leaf or avocado pollen. Longevity was extended to 14–15 days when prey was provided. C. carnea larvae showed no preference for first or second instar S. perseae, all predator instars attacked first instar F. orizabensis, but only second and third instar C. carnea managed attacks on second instar F. orizabensis larvae. No adult female F. orizabensis were attacked and no attacks by F. orizabensis on C. carnea were recorded. Second instar C. carnea engaged in the highest levels of intraspecific predation.     

Larval diapause of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis: Further experiments examining its hormonal control

The possible involvement of juvenile hormone (JH) in controlling the mature larval diapause of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, was examined using biological and chemical assays for JH titres, topical applications of JH mimic, and injections of 20-hydroxy-ecdysone. Bioassays of extracts of larval haemolymph showed that (1) 4th instar pre-diapausing larvae had a higher JH titre (ca. 1450 Galleria Units (GU)/ml) than equivalent non-diapausing larvae (ca. 340 GU/ml), and that (2) 5th instar pre-diapausing larvae contained a JH titre of ca. 320 GU/ml, which declined to ca. 90 GU/ml in newly-diapaused larvae. Chemical assasys carried out on extracts of whole larvae showed that early diapausing larvae contained an extremely low titre of JH. In addition, the application of JH mimic or 20-hydroxy-ecdysone or both agents to diapausing larvae failed to reveal the presence of a functional JH titre during diapause. The application of JH mimic to early 5th instar non-diapausing larvae produced moribund larval-pupal intermediates rather than supernumerary larvae. Our results, therefore, suggest that although JH may control some phases of diapause induction, it is not involved in maintaining diapause.     

Physiological interactions and development synchronisations between non-diapausing Ostrinia nubilalis larvae and the tachinid parasitoid Pseudoperichaeta nigrolineata

The physiological relationships between Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner and its tachinid parasitoid Pseudoperichaeta nigrolineata Walker are described under abiotic conditions which induce development of the host without diapause. The parasitoid lowers the larval growth of the host: the maximal weight attained by the parasitized larvae represented only 78% of that of healthy ones. The duration of the last larval host instar increased to 10.4 days in parasitized O. nubilalis compared to 8.0 days in unparasitized ones. The influence of the host on the parasitoid development was studied experimentally after parasitization of O. nubilalis larvae of instars 2 to 5. When the second larval instar of the host is parasitized, the overall duration of parasitoid larval development lasts twice as long as when the fifth instar is parasitized. The best yield of parasitoid pupariae (50%) is obtained when parasitization occurs in instar 3. We show that good synchronisation exists between the larval development of the host and its parasitoid. There are four phases of parasitoid development which would appear to require a signal from the host: the start of the growth of newly hatched parasitoid larvae and the 3rd to 4th instar ecdysis of the host; the first moulting of the parasitoid and the 4th to 5th instar ecdysis of the host; the growth resumption of the parasitoid instar II (weight about 1 mg) and the small rise of the ecdysteroid level in the middle of host instar 5; and in all probability, the second parasitoid moulting and the larval-pupal apolysis of the host.

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Résumé Les relations physiologiques entre O. nubilalis et le tachinidae P. nigrolineata ont été étudiées dans des conditions abiotiques telles que l'hôte présente un développement sans diapause. Le parasitoïde ralentit la prise de poids de l'hôte: le poids maximal des chenilles parasitées ne représente que 78% de celui des chenilles saines. Seule la durée du 5ème stade est significativement plus longue chez les chenilles parasitées que chez les saines (10,4 contre 8,0 jours). L'influence de l'hôte sur le développement du parasitoïde à été expérimentée en parasitant des stades 2 à 5 d'O. nubilalis. Lorsque l'infestation a lieu au stade 2, le développement larvaire complet du parasitoî de dure deux fois plus longtemps que lorsque l'infestation a lieu au stade 5. Le meilleur rendement en pupes (50%) est obtenu lorsque l'infestation a lieu au stade 3. Il a été montré qu'il existe une bonne synchronisation entre le développement de l'hôte et de son parasitoî de. Il y a 4 phases physiologiques du développement larvaire de P. nigrolineata qui semblent nécessiter un signal provenant de l'hôte pour être dépassées. Ainsi peuvent être mis en relation: — le début de la croissance de la larve néonate du parasitoî de et l'ecdysis 3/4 de l'hôte; — la première mue du parasitoïde et l'ecdysis 4/5 de l'hôte; — la reprise de la croissance du stade II du parasitoïde, vers un poids de 1 mg et la remontée des taux d'ecdystéroïdes au milieu du stade 5 de l'hôte. et probablement, — la seconde mue du parasitoïde et l'apolyse nymphale de l'hôte. Les expérimentations vont se poursuivre pour déterminer les facteurs en cause. Ces phénomènes de synchronisation seront aussi étudiés dans le cas de la diapause de l'hôte.

     

Phenology of Parasetigena silvestris (Diptera: Tachinidae), gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) larval parasitoid and its efficiency for parasitisation

Parasetigena silvestris is a univoltine, solitary, larval endoparasitoid which lays its eggs on the surface of gypsy moth larvae. Field collection of the host larvae (2nd through 5th instar) from an artificially established gypsy moth population were made to compare stage specific parasitism between larvae without and with P. silvestris tachinid eggs. The tachinid oviposition rate detected was highest in second instar larvae, and then decreased as larvae developed toward full maturity. The opposite was true for tachinid parasitoid emergence which had no emergence from second through third host instar larvae. Fourth instar gypsy moth larvae, however, experienced significantly higher parasitism by P. silvestris in the larvae with eggs than those without the eggs. The braconid wasp Cotesia melanoscelus caused significantly higher parasitism in early instar larvae with P. silvestris eggs than in those without the eggs. The tachinid prefers to lay more eggs on parasitised larvae by the braconid even though the braconid is a superior competitor to the fly during multiparasitism. Factors influencing parasitism rates by P. silvestris such as host-parasitoid synchronisation and the multiparasitism interaction with C. melanoscelus are discussed.     

Intraspecific competition of Glyptotendipes paripes (Diptera: Chironomidae) larvae under laboratory conditions

Glyptotendipes paripes larvae were reared in wells of tissue culture plates, in groups of 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 (representing densities of about 1,300, 2,600, 5,200, 10,400, and 20,800 larvae per m², respectively). Larval groups were supplied with one of two concentrations (low or high) of food and larvae were individually observed to evaluate the effects of density on mortality, growth, development, behavior, and adult body size. Increased larval densities resulted in higher mortality, as well as slower larval growth and development. The distribution of developmental time became flatter at higher density, with a wider range of values, or even became bimodal. This was a consequence of the most rapidly developing individuals at higher densities emerging as adults sooner than the fastest developing individuals at lower densities, although overall mean developmental time was longer at higher densities. At higher densities, growth and development of smaller larvae were slowed, based on the relative difference in body length between competitors. When larger competitors emerged as adults or died, the growth of smaller larvae may have accelerated, resulting in increased variability of developmental times. The effect of larval density on adult body size was complex, with the largest body size found at the lowest density and a second peak of adult size at high-middle densities, with smaller adult body sizes found at low-middle, and high densities. Similarly, as with developmental time, the range of body size increased with increasing density. Examined food concentrations had no effect on larval mortality, but significantly affected developmental time, growth rate, and adult body size. At higher densities, larvae spent more time gathering food and were engaged in aggressive or antagonistic behaviors.     

Essential roles for the Dhr78 orphan nuclear receptor during molting of the Drosophila tracheal system

The Drosophila Dhr78 orphan nuclear receptor has been proposed to play a role in molting of the tracheal cuticle and regulate gene expression during the third larval instar, possibly in response to a novel systemic hormonal signal. Here, we show that there are no essential maternal functions for Dhr78 during development, and that mutants missing both maternal and zygotic Dhr78 function die primarily during second and third instar larval development. We show that defects in the tracheal system can be observed as early as the first instar, manifested as regions of fluid in the dorsal tracheal trunks. In addition, Dhr78 mutant tracheae show a highly penetrant defect in gas filling at the first-to-second instar larval molt. Dhr78 expression in only the tracheal system is sufficient to rescue the lethality of Dhr78 mutants, and selective inactivation of Dhr78 function in the tracheae by targeted RNAi is sufficient to result in tracheal defects. Finally, we see no evidence for widespread activation of the Dhr78 ligand binding domain in third instar larvae using the GAL4-LBD system, arguing against a systemic hormone for the receptor at this stage in development. Taken together, our results indicate that Dhr78 exerts its essential functions during molting of the tracheal cuticle in Drosophila.     

Larval secretions and food odors affect orientation in femalePlodia interpunctella

Substrates contaminated by wandering fifth instar larvae ofPlodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) elicit oviposition by conspecific female moths, and larval rearing diet enhances oviposition and also induces upwind flight. Two-choice oviposition assays determined that four-day-old gravid femaleP. interpunctella preferred to lay eggs on dishes containing cornmeal-based rearing diet compared to empty dishes. Pieces of cheesecloth contaminated by fifth instar larvae elicited more oviposition than untreated cheesecloth or dishes with food. The combination of larval contamination and food was preferred over food only or larval contamination only in both two- and four-choice experiments. The factor(s) in larval contamination responsible for eliciting oviposition in female moths was extracted in hexane, confirming that organic semiochemicals are responsible for the effect. The oviposition-eliciting activity of larval contamination was retained on cheesecloth for up to 30 days following treatment with larvae, suggesting the active component(s) is stable and of low relative volatility. In two-choice windtunnel bioassays female moths initiated flight only when rearing food was present in one of the treatments, and they displayed the highest landing responses to a combination of larval contamination and food. Earlier work onP. interpunctella and related pyralid species found that larval contamination due to secretions from the mandibular glands acted as both a spacing pheromone for wandering larvae and as a kairomone for host-seeking parasitoid wasps. The present study suggests that the same or a similar secretion acts as an oviposition-eliciting pheromone for conspecific females.     

Glue proteins inDrosophila nasuta

Larval glue protein fractions ofDrosophila nasuta nasuta were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Seven major and at least four minor glue protein fractions were recognized. Six of the major fractions are glycosylated. They migrate as three prominent doublets (>100, 43, and 30/28 kd). The synthesis of traceable amounts of these major fractions begins already during the second as well as during the early stages of the third larval instar. The 43-kd and the 30/28-kd fractions are coded by X-chromosomal genes. They are probably clustered within the huge puff of division 10, which is the most prominent X-chromosomal puff in the polytene chromosomes of the third larval instar. Complex posttranslational modification of all but one major glue protein fraction (14 kd) leads to the formation of about 15 different protein fractions in the final glue product. The amount of glue protein produced byD. n. nasuta larvae (in relation to the total saliva proteins) is nearly twice the amount produced byD. melanogaster larvae (ca. 55 and 32%, respectively). This work was supported by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India, the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, FR Germany (to S.R.R.), and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Ka 309/9-1).     

金龟子绿僵菌对斜纹夜蛾幼虫的生防效果、抗氧化酶活性和肠道细菌群落的影响

【目的】测定金龟子绿僵菌(Metarhizium anisopliae)对斜纹夜蛾(Spodoptera litura) 2龄幼虫的毒力,研究金龟子绿僵菌侵染后寄主体内抗氧化酶活性和肠道内细菌群落的变化,探讨斜纹夜蛾对金龟子绿僵菌侵染的防御机制。【方法】采用浸渍法测定不同浓度金龟子绿僵菌对斜纹夜蛾2龄幼虫的毒力;应用IlluminaMiSeq高通量测序技术测定肠道细菌群落。【结果】不同浓度的孢悬液对斜纹夜蛾2龄幼虫均有一定的毒力,处理7 d时半致死浓度(LC₅₀)为3.944 107个孢子/mL;浓度为1.0×10⁹个孢子/mL时,半致死时间最短(LT₅₀)为4.6 d,校正后的死亡率为81.03%。处理后未致死的斜纹夜蛾幼虫体内抗氧化酶活性显著高于对照组。处理后致死的斜纹夜蛾幼虫肠道细菌群落多样性显著高于对照组;且处理后致死的斜纹夜蛾幼虫肠道细菌群落组成与对照组差异显著。【结论】金龟子绿僵菌对斜纹夜蛾幼虫的致死率和致死效率与金龟子绿僵菌的浓度呈正相关;斜纹夜蛾幼虫体内的抗氧化酶可能在抵抗金龟子绿僵菌侵染的过程中起重要作...     

Functional response of Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Effect of prey and predator stages

Abstract Understanding predator–prey interactions has a pivotal role in biological control programs. This study evaluated the functional response of three larval instars of the green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), preying upon eggs and first instar larvae of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner. The first and second instar larvae of C. carnea exhibited type II functional responses against both prey stages. However, the third instar larvae of C. carnea showed a type II functional response to the first instar larvae of H. armigera, but a type III functional response to the eggs. For the first instar larvae of C. carnea, the attack rate on H. armigera eggs was significantly higher than that on the larvae, whereas the attack rate of the second instar C. carnea on H. armigera larvae was significantly higher than that on the eggs. For the third instar larvae of C. carnea, the attack rate on the larvae was 1.015 ± 0.278/h, and the attack coefficient on the eggs was 0.036 ± 0.005. The handling times of the third instar larvae on larvae and eggs were 0.087 ± 0.009 and 0.071 ± 0.001 h, respectively. The highest predation rate was found for the third instar larvae of C. carnea on H. armigera eggs. Results of this study revealed that the larvae of C. carnea, especially the third instar, had a good predation potential in controlling H. armigera eggs and larvae. However, for a comprehensive estimation of the bio‐control abilities of C. carnea toward H. armigera, further field‐based studies are needed.     

Predation behaviors of Franklinothrips orizabensis (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) towards Scirtothrips perseae and Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

The foraging behaviors of predatory female Franklinothrips orizabensis Johansen towards Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara and Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouché) in avocado leaf arenas were videotaped and analyzed. F. orizabensis encountered and attacked more second instar S. perseae with 80% (n=113) attacks on this life stage being observed compared to 20% on first instars (n=28) when equal numbers of these prey were presented simultaneously. However, there was no significance difference by life stage for the probability of being attacked after being encountered. Successful attacks by F. orizabensis only occurred against propupal H. haemorrhoidalis (n=6) that lacked protective fecal droplets, 65% of prey encounters were with this life stage, and 6% of encounters with propupae resulted in attacks. Second instar H. haemorrhoidalis larvae bearing protective droplets were encountered less frequently and were not attacked when contacted even though equal numbers of both stages were presented simultaneously. Consequently, the mean proportion of the time spent grooming by F. orizanbensis females attacking immature H. haemorrhoidalis was four times greater than that for females attacking S. perseae larvae even though there was no significant difference in mean time (s) spent in each grooming bout. Significant differences in mean consumption times by F. orizabensis existed across life stages and prey species. Consumption times were shortest for first instar S. perseae larvae, intermediate for second instars, and longest for H. haemorrhoidalis propupae. Mean consumption times for sequentially attacked second instar S. perseae declined significantly indicating satiation of predators. Predators would spend on average approximately 7–13 s probing leaves with mouthparts and feeding on fluids; a behavior that on average occupied 2–5% of their time. This result may explain observed mortality of F. orizabensis in the laboratory and field when this predator forages on avocado leaves that have been treated with insecticides that exhibit translaminar activity.     

Postembryonic development of Nymphon unguiculatum Hodgson 1915 (Pycnogonida, Nymphonidae) from the South Shetland Islands (Antarctica)

Male specimens of the sea spider species Nymphon unguiculatum, carrying eggs, larvae and postlarvae in various stages of development, were collected off the South Shetland Island at water depths between 112 and 472 m in austral summer 2006/2007. Here, we describe the external morphology of four postembryonic stages (protonymphon, instar 1, instar 2, and instar 3) carried by these specimens. We found that (1) protonymphon larvae hatch from the eggs; (2) larvae and postlarval stages have yolk reserves and are characterized by a relatively large size (average body lengths of 0.46, 0.55, 0.65 and 0.73 mm in the successive stages); (3) postlarvae remain on the ovigerous legs of males during several moults; (4) a spinning apparatus is present; (5) the development of walking legs is sequential. The larval and postlarval development of N. unguiculatum is compared with that known from other pycnogonid species.