Five years of mass trapping of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller: a component of IPM in a flour mill

Results obtained by mass trapping using the synthetic pheromone (Z,E)‐9,12‐tetradecadienyl acetate (TDA) are reported. The trapping was carried out over a period of 5 years to control infestation by Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, and protect a flour mill. From March 2004 till November 2008, 42 funnel traps, each baited with 2 mg of TDA, were placed in the mill. Eight additional traps were located at the exterior of the facility, especially in the wheat silo area and near the loading equipment. Over 5 years, the pheromone traps attracted a total of 54 170 male Mediterranean flour moths. The constant presence of the traps caused a marked decrease in the E. kuehniella population from 2004 to 2008. The results of the surveys show that the population density of the moth can be notably reduced and then maintained at a low level in flour mills by means of mass trapping techniques accompanied by localized insecticide treatments and careful cleaning of the various departments and of the interior of all equipment. As it is not possible at present to establish the economic injury level of insect infestation in flour mills, there is a need for investigations into how the effectiveness of IPM programs can be evaluated in more detail.     

Genetic control of pest Lepidoptera: construction of a balanced lethal strain in Ephestia kuehniella

A genetic method for the suppression of Lepidopteran pests has been investigated in the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller. The method is based on the release of males trans-heterozygous for two sex-linked recessive lethal mutations (SLRLMs). In this paper, characteristics of 16 new SLRLMs are presented. The construction of a balanced lethal strain, BL-2, which was the last step to develop the method, is reported. Males of the strain are balanced for two non-allelic SLRLMs, sl-2 and sl-15. Females carry either sl-2 or sl-15 in their Z chromosome and the T(W;Z)2 translocation on their W chromosome. The translocation includes wild-type alleles of both lethal loci so that the females are viable. Matings between males of the BL-2 strain and normal females of the wild-type strain gave 99.74% male progeny. Exceptional females were due to recombination between the sl-2 and sl-15 loci. Thus, males of the BL-2 strain have a potential to suppress wild populations of the pest. Another envisaged use of this method is for an effective sexing technique.     

Effect of temperature and humidity on insecticidal effect of SilicoSec against Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae

Laboratory experiments were carried out to assess the insecticidal effect of the diatomaceous earth formulation SilicoSec against larvae of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in stored wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Larvae were exposed to wheat treated with SilicoSec at 400 and 800 ppm and held at 20, 25, and 30 degrees C and 55 and 75% RH. Larval mortality was assessed after 24 h, 48 h, 7 d, and 14 d of exposure in the treated wheat. At both dose rates, mortality increased with temperature, but this increase varied with the exposure interval. At short (< or = 48-h) exposures, larval mortality was significantly higher at 30 degrees C than at the other two temperatures. In contrast, no significant differences were noted between 20 and 25 degrees C. At longer exposures (> or = 7 d), the increase of temperature increased mortality at 800 ppm, but no significant differences were noted between 25 and 30 degrees C at 400 ppm. Furthermore, significant differences in larval mortality were noted between the two humidity levels, but only at exposures > or = 7 d. After 14 h of exposure, at both dose rates examined, the increase of temperature significantly decreased mortality. The results of the current study indicate that E. kuehniella is susceptible to SilicoSec, but temperature and relative humidity should be taken into consideration.     

Der Feinbau des Auges der Mehlmotte,Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera,Pyralididae)

Zusammenfassung Die Retinula im Ommatidium der Mehlmotte besteht aus einer wechselnden Anzahl (9–12, meist 11) langgestreckter, prismatischer Sinneszellen. Außerdem enthält jede Retinula nahe der Basalmembran im Zentrum zwischen diesen distalen Retinulazellen noch eine basale Retinulazelle. Die Längsachse der Retinula wird von der Achsenstruktur eingenommen, die aus Mikrovilli besteht. Ihr distaler Teil ist der Achsenfaden, der breitere, proximale Teil bildet das Rhabdom. Dieses erscheint im Querschnitt meist vierstrahlig gelappt, da seine Außenseite in Längsrichtung tief gekehlt ist. Der Rhabdomquerschnitt gliedert sich in mehrere Schöpfe parallel angeordneter Mikrovilli (Rhabdomsektoren); jeder Rhabdomsektor besteht aus 1 oder 2 Rhabdomeren. Die basale Retinulazelle entsendet einen kleinen Schopf von Mikrovilli in die proximale Spitze des Rhabdoms. Die distalen Retinulazellen setzen sich proximal in Neuriten fort, welche sich in Einkehlungen der basalen Retinulazelle bzw. der Tracheenendzelle einschmiegen. Jeweils eine Tracheole durchbricht zusammen mit dem Neuritenstrang einer Retinula die Basalmembran; sie verzweigt sich distal zu ca. 30 Tracheolen, die die Retinula umhüllen.Die Kristallkegelzellen grenzen distal an die Cornea; proximal laufen die Kristallkegelzellen eines Ommatidiums in einen gemeinsamen Fortsatz aus, der zwischen den Retinulazellen unmittelbar am Achsenfaden endet. — Nur das helladaptierte Auge wurde untersucht. Hierbei erscheint im distalen Teil der Retinula nur der Achsenfaden lichtdurchlässig, das Cytoplasma der Retinulazellen hingegen von Pigmentgrana durchsetzt und für Licht undurchlässig.

---

Fine structure of the eye of the meal moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera, Pyralididae)

Summary In each ommatidium of the meal moth a retinula is formed from a varying number (9–12, mostly 11) of elongated, prismatic sense cells. In addition, a basal retinular cell is situated near the basement membrane in the center of the other (distal) retinular cells. The axis of the retinula is occupied by many microvilli forming the axial structure, the distal section of which is the slender axial thread. Proximally, the axial structure widens (to 8.5 m instead of 1 m in diameter) and is now called rhabdom. Cross sections of the rhabdom mostly look like a petaloid with four petals; this figure is due to longitudinal infoldings along the length of the rhabdom surface. The rhabdom cross section is subdivided into several brushes of microvilli (rhabdom sectors), each one being characterized by an approximately parallel arrangement of its microvilli. One rhabdom sector may be composed of one or two rhabdomeres respectively.The basal retinular cell participates in rhabdom formation through a small brush of microvilli at the proximal end of the rhabdom. Proximally, the distal retinular cells taper into slender neurites which are embedded in grooves at the surface of the basal retinular cell and the tracheal end cell respectively. One tracheole piercing the basement membrane together with the neurites of one retinula branches into about 30 tracheoles surrounding the retinula.The crystalline cone cells touch the cornea; proximally, their cytoplasm forms a point which eventually terminates amongst the distal tips of the retinular cells, immediately at the axial thread.—Our work was restricted to light adapted eyes; in this condition, light transmission in the distal part of the retinula seems to be blocked by retinular cell pigment except inside the axial thread.

Mit Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Effect of temperature on parasitism and host-feeding of Trichogramma turkestanica (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The egg parasitoid Trichogramma turkestanica Meyer is being evaluated as a biological control agent against the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, in flour mills. The longevity, parasitism and host-feeding of the parasitoid at four constant temperatures (15-30 degrees C) has been determined in the laboratory. The highest fecundity occurred at intermediate temperatures. The number of host eggs killed by host-feeding per female was highest at the two lower temperatures. A very conservative estimate of host-feeding showed that it accounts for approximately half of the mortality of host eggs at 20 and 25 degrees C and thus could constitute a major mortality factor for the flour moth population.     

The structure of Verson's cells in Ephestia kuehniella Z. (Pyralidae,Lepidoptera)

Summary Testis follicles of Lepidoptera contain a large somatic cell termed Verson's cell. The present study focuses on the structure of Verson's cells and neighbouring germ cells in the Mediterranean mealmoth, Ephestia kuehniella (Pyralidae), using electron microscopy, antitubulin immunofluorescence, and phalloidin incubation for the visualization of microfilaments. Verson's cells of young larvae are connected with the follicle boundary and show large areas containing packages of glycogen particles, whereas Verson's cells of pupae lie freely within the testis follicle and are largely devoid of glycogen. Both developmental stages of Verson's cells have in common the presence of a dense cytoplasmic network of microtubules. A juxtanuclear subset of the cytoplasmic microtubule array is recognized by an antibody against acetylated microtubules. This indicates that more stable microtubules exist in this region. Microfilaments are arranged parallel to the cytoplasmic microtubules. The microtubule-microfilament-complex forms a cytoskeleton that may keep larger organelles, such as mitochondria and lysosomes, in a juxtanuclear position. Chromatin within the nuclei of Verson's cells is largely decondensed and nuclear pores are abundant. This indicates a high synthetic activity within the cells. The development of cells directly attached to Verson's cells, viz. prespermatogonia, may be controlled by the Verson's cells. Prespermatogonia, which differ in cytoplasmic density from spermatogonia further away from Verson's cells, may represent stem cells that give rise to spermatogonia and somatic cyst cells upon detachment from Verson's cells. This suggestion is compatible with the low division rate of prespermatogonia.     

Adenanthera pavonina trypsin inhibitor retard growth of Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Anagasta kuehniella is a polyphagous pest that feeds on a wide variety of stored products. The possible roles suggested for seed proteinase inhibitors include the function as a part of the plant defensive system against pest via inhibition of their proteolytic enzymes. In this study, a trypsin inhibitor (ApTI) was purified from Adenanthera pavonina seed and was tested for insect growth regulatory effect. The chronic ingestion of ApTI did result in a significant reduction in larval survival and weight. Larval and pupal developmental time of larvae fed on ApTI diet at 1% was significantly longer; the larval period was extended by 5 days and pupal period was 10 days longer, therefore delaying by up to 20 days and resulting in a prolonged period of development from larva to adult. As a result, the ApTI diet emergence rate was only 28% while the emergence rate of control larvae was 80%. The percentage of surviving adults (%S) decreased to 62%. The fourth instar larvae reared on a diet containing 1% ApTI showed a decrease in tryptic activity of gut and that no novel proteolytic form resistant to ApTI was induced. In addition, the tryptic activity in ApTI ‐fed larvae was sensitive to ApTI. These results suggest that ApTI have a potential antimetabolic effect when ingested by A. kuehniella. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Chromosomal principle of radiation-induced F1 sterility in Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

A dose-response analysis of chromosomal aberrations was performed in male progeny of gamma-irradiated males in the flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella. For comparison, several female progeny from each dose level were examined. Aberrations were detected on microspread preparations of pachytene nuclei in the electron microscope and classified according to pairing configurations of synaptonemal complexes (SCs). Fragmentation and various translocations were the most numerous aberrations, whereas interstitial deletion and inversion were rare. At 100 Gy, relatively simple multiple translocations were found. Multiple translocations showing complicated configurations occurred at 150 and 200 Gy, and their number increased with the dose. In males, the mean number of chromosomal breaks resulting in aberrations linearly increased with the dose from 8.4 to 16.2 per nucleus. In females, this value achieved a maximum of 11.2 breaks/nucleus at 200 Gy. Three factors were suggested to contribute to the reported higher level of F1 sterility in males than females: (i) survival of males with high numbers of breaks, (ii) crossing-over in spermatogenesis but not in the achiasmatic oogenesis, and (iii) a higher impact of induced changes on the fertility of males than females. It was concluded that translocations are most responsible for the production of unbalanced gametes resulting in sterility of F1 moths. However, F1 sterility predicted according to the observed frequency of aberrations was much higher than the actual sterility reported earlier. This suggests a regulation factor which corrects the predicted unbalanced state towards balanced segregation of translocated chromosomes.     

Effect of different cold storage periods on parasitization performance of Trichogramma cacoeciae (Hymenoptera,Trichogrammatidae) on eggs of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera,Pyralidae)

The parasitism rates by Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) using Ephestia kuehniella Zell. (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) eggs held at 0, 4 and 8°C and for up to 31 days was measured. Parasitism was lowest on eggs held at 8°C and highest on eggs held at 0°C. The highest parasitism, 97.8%, was measured for parasitoids attacking eggs held for 3 days and stored at 0°C. Parasitism of eggs stored at all three temperatures decreased with increasing duration of storage. The number of T. cacoeciae successfully developing and emerging as adults after storage in E. kuehniella eggs held at 0, 4 and 8°C was measured. Parasitoid emergence was >83% from E. kuehniella eggs stored at 8°C for 3 weeks. Storage at 0°C caused a significant decline in parasitoid emergence after 2 weeks (P<0.05). Storage at 0°C for more than 4 weeks reduced fecundity by 50%. T. cacoeciae parasitized the highest number of E. kuehniella eggs 1 day after adult emergence. The oviposition period lasted 6–7 days, although the parasitoids lived up to 13–14 days. Impact of storage time and temperature on parasitism rates by T. cacoeciae stored while in E. kuehniella eggs was measured. As storage time and temperature increased, subsequent parasitism rates of resulting adult T. cacoeciae decreased. Eggs of E. kuehniella can be stored at 0°C for up to 31 days. Trichogramma cacoeciae developing in eggs of E. kuehniella can be stored at 4°C for up to 5 weeks prior to release.     

Connections between adjacent retinula cell columns in the eye of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera,Pyralididae)

Summary Connections were found between retinula cells of adjacent retinula cell columns in the eye of Ephestia. The connections occur most frequently at the level of the retinula cell nuclei and may involve two or more retinula columns simultaneously. The absence of specialized structural modifications of the membranes and the presence of pigment granules at the level of the connections or distal to them indicates that these connections are probably not involved in selective chemical or electrical communication nor in light transmission. It is suggested that the connections may serve tactily to coordinate cytoplasmic movement in adjacent retinula columns during light-dark adaptation.Senior U. S. Scientist Awardee of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Thanks to Prof. Dr. A. Fischer for his suggestions and assistance.     

Distribution of gamma-tubulin differs in primary and secondary oocytes of Ephestia kuehniella (Pyralidae,Lepidoptera)

In a previous study, barrel-shaped spindles were found in metaphase I oocytes of Ephestia kuehniella (Pyralidae, Lepidoptera). Aster microtubules (MTs) were missing (Wolf, 1993: Cell Motil Cytoskeleton 24:200-204). This points to an acentriolar organization of the spindle apparatus. The present study was aimed at the question of whether gamma-tubulin, a newly detected member of the tubulin superfamily that has often been identified in microtubule-organizing centers, plays a role in the nucleation of MTs in meiotic spindles of the moth. To this end, the distribution of gamma tubulin was examined in oocytes of E. kuehniella using an antibody against gamma-tubulin in combination with indirect immunofluorescence. The antibody evenly decorated spindle MTs in metaphase I oocytes of the moth. Enhanced staining of the spindle poles was not detectable In subsequent stages of meiosis, gamma-tubulin was gradually lost from spindle MTs and was then found at the surface of the so-called elimination chromatin. Female meiosis in Lepidoptera is achiasmatic. The elimination chromatin, i.e., modified and persisting synaptonemal complexes, is believed to keep homologous chromosomes linked until the onset of anaphase I. In meiosis I of female Lepidoptera, the elimination chromatin persists at the spindle equa or between the segregating chromatin masses. It is plausible to assume that gamma-tubulin is involved in spindle organization in the absence of canonical centrosomes. In MTs of metaphase II spindles of E. kuehniella, gamma-tubulin was no longer detectable with our immunological approach. This points to a far-reaching change in spindle organization during transition from meiosis I to meiosis II. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Antiproliferative effect of diallyl disulfide (DADS) on prostate cancer cell line LNCaP

Garlic has been used throughout the world to treat coughs, toothache, earache, dandruff, hypertension, hysteria, diarrhoea, dysentery, diptheria, vaginitis and many other conditions. Garlic contains a complex mixture of oil and water-soluble organosulfur compounds. Diallyl disulfide (DADS), an oil-soluble constituent of garlic seems to be effective in reducing tumour cells originating from colon, lung and skin. Hence our present study focuses on the dose-dependent effect of DADS on an androgen-dependent prostate cancer cell line. Various concentrations of DADS ranging from 25 to 100 microM were given to LNCaP cells and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) prostatic acid phosphatase (PAcP) and the level of prostate specific antigen were studied. DADS reduced the secretory activity of LNCaP cells with the gradual increase in dosage. DADS was found to act as a good antiproliferative agent, which was confirmed by proliferation assay. DADS also induced apoptosis and nuclear segmentation in the higher doses.     

Isolation and identification of cuticular compounds from the mediterranean flour moth,Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), their antibacterial activities and biological functions

Cuticular analysis of Ephestia kuehniella females by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of four groups of chemical compounds including alkane, alcohol, aldehyde and fatty acid. The cuticular n-alkanes ranged from 12 to 18, 20, 23, 24 and 29 carbon atoms in the chain. The most abundant n-alkanes detected in the cuticular extracts were C₁₄ (14.98%) and C₁₈ (8.15%). Cuticular fatty acids included hexadecenoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid and 9,12-octadecenoic acid. Two types of alcohol including, 2-methyl-Z,Z-3,13-octadecadienol and 9-methyl-Z-10-tetradecen-1-ol acetate, were found in the cuticular lipids of the females. Two aldehyde components, (E)-11-hexadecenal and 9,17-octadecadienal, were identified in the cuticular extract of E. kuehniella. Antibacterial activity of the cuticular compounds was tested against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis and Escherichia coli. These compounds from the moths inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria. The functional characteristics of the cuticular compounds operating as pheromones, species-associated compounds and host-resistant compounds to bacterial infection are discussed.     

Spatiotemporal clustering and association of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and two of its parasitoids in bulk-stored wheat

To assess the spatiotemporal distribution of insects in a flat storage containing wheat (Triticumn spp.), probe traps were suspended in the wheat bulk and inspected for captured insects at 15-d intervals, from June 2001 to August 2002. The grain bulk was 1 m in height, and traps were placed at the upper and the lower 0.5 m of the bulk. During the entire trapping period, 17 insect taxa were recorded. The most abundant species were Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and its larval parasitoids Harbobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Venturia canescens (Gravenhorst) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Most individuals were found in the upper bulk part. The highest E. kuehniella trap catches were found between August and November 2001 and during June and July 2002. Of the two parasitoids, H. hebetor was more abundant than V. canescens, with the exception of winter and early spring, when both species occurred at low numbers, especially H. hebetor. Spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE) spatiotemporal analysis showed significant clustering of species, especially during summer and autumn. Early in the season and during spring 2002, at low host numbers, V. canescens occupied the locations where E. kuehniella mainly aggregated, but with the increase of E. kuehniella population, H. hebetor occupied these host groups and replaced V canescens. Although the two parasitoids competed for the same host species, both species coexisted in the storage facility during the entire trapping period.     

Ultrastructure of distal flagellar swellings in spermatocytes and spermatids of Ephestia kuehniella Z. (Pyralidae,Lepidoptera)

Summary Development of flagella was investigated by transmission electron microscopy in spermatocytes and spermatids of the Mediterranean mealmoth, Ephestia kuehniella Z. Growing flagella displayed voluminous distal swellings. In short flagella the apical portion of the swellings contained an amorphous, dense accumulation. In more developed flagella a less dense proximal extension of the apical accumulation was formed, which in turn was in contact with the elongating flagellar microtubules. The material of the flagellar tip is interpreted as being a precursor of the axoneme containing mainly tubulin. The material may be converted into the axoneme.     

Development of Geocoris varius and G. proteus (Hemiptera: Geocoridae) provided with Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs

We studied the development of Geocoris varius (Uhler) and Geocoris proteus Distant reared on Ephestia kuehniella Zeller eggs at 20, 24, 26, 30, 33, or 36?°C. The lower developmental thresholds (T ₀) and the thermal constants (K) of eggs and nymphs of G. varius were 13.3?°C, 151.1 degree-days and 13.4?°C, 433.0 degree-days, respectively; those of G. proteus were 16.1?°C, 98.3 degree-days and 16.9?°C, 226.9 degree-days, respectively. The hatch rate of G. varius eggs was significantly lower at 33?°C than at ??30?°C, and no eggs hatched at 36?°C. That of G. proteus was lowest at 20?°C and did not decline significantly at 36?°C. The survival rate throughout the nymphal period increased with temperature up to 30?°C in G. varius, and it was lowest at 20?°C in G. proteus. Thus, the optimal rearing temperatures for immature stages appear to be about 24?C30?°C for G. varius and 26?C33?°C for G. proteus. It might be possible to improve the efficiency of their mass production by controlling the rearing temperature in the above ranges. This would also make the developmental stages of nymphs more uniform and so prevent cannibalism in mass rearing.     

Influence of instar and commodity on insecticidal effect of two diatomaceous earth formulations against larvae of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Laboratory experiments were carried out to evaluate the insecticidal effect of two diatomaceous earth (DE) formulations, SilicoSec and PyriSec, against larvae of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Three instars were tested: first, third and fifth. The test was conducted in six commodities: barley Hordeum vulgare (L.) (Gramminae), rye Secale cereale L. (Gramminae), wheat Triticum sp. (Gramminae), wheat + 10% cracked wheat, wheat + 30% cracked wheat, and wheat flour. Quantities of these commodities were treated with the DEs at three dose rates: 250, 500, and 1000 ppm. Mortality of the exposed larvae on the DE-treated commodities was measured after 7 d of exposure. For both Des, mortality increased with dose, but this increase was lower when dose was increased from 500 to 1,000 ppm. The type of the commodity significantly affected DE effectiveness. Both DEs were equally effective on barley, rye, and wheat, whereas the presence of cracked wheat reduced larval mortality. In addition, significantly fewer larvae were dead on treated flour compared with the other five commodities. The increase of larval age significantly affected DE effectiveness. First instars were very susceptible to both DEs, and mortality with 1,000 ppm exceeded 86%. In contrast, fifth instar were the least susceptible to DEs, because mortality with 1000 ppm was < 22%.     

Life table of Xylocoris afer (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) feeding on eggs of Corcyra cephalonica (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

The aim was to evaluate the biological aspects of Xylocoris afer fed on Corcyra cephalonica and Plutella xylostella eggs. The experiment was conducted with X. afer nymphs aged 12–24?h, one per Petri dish, resulting in a total of 60 nymphs (60 repetitions). On each dish, we placed P. xylostella and C. cephalonica eggs daily, together with a cotton roll moistened with distilled water and conducted daily evaluations. We evaluated the duration, viability, and consumption of nymphal stages, the longevity of males and females, the number of eggs per female, and egg fertility. In addition, the biological data were used to determine the parameters of the fertility life table. The consumption by adults (male and female) of X. afer differed between the preys, the highest consumption was C. cephalonica eggs. Females that consumed eggs of C. cephalonica produced about 90% more eggs and more offspring than those that fed on P. xylostella eggs. Based on our results, it can be inferred that the predator completed its development feeding both on natural prey and the alternative, evidencing the possible potential of X. afer to be used in the biological control of P. xylostella as well as the use of C. cephalonica in mass rearing of this predator under laboratory conditions, aiming its use in applied biological control. However, before being accepted for biological control agent against agricultural pests, various factors should be examined in ecosystem level, as the behavior of predator in different densities of prey.     

Inheritance of a temperature-modified phenotype of the short antennae (sa) mutation in a moth, Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

The autosomal recessive mutation short antennae (sa) causes considerable shortening of antennae in male and female Mediterranean flour moths (Ephestia kuehniella Zeller). However, the sa phenotype can be suppressed by several physical factors, making sa moths indistinguishable from wild-type moths (sa(WT)). This can be done by subjecting larva and pupa to a higher temperature (25 degrees C), to lithium ions, or to an alternate electric field. The first half of pupal development was found to be the sensitive period for the sa(WT) phenotype. The sa(WT) phenotype is stable and cannot be reverted to the original sa type by physical or chemical factors. The sa(WT) phenotype is transmitted to future generations. When crossed with typical sa moths, the sa(WT) phenotype is inherited either as a dominant character if carried by males or a semidominant character if carried by females. We compared proteins of the ejaculate, accessory gland secretions, and spermatophore in sa, sa(WT), and wild-type males and found considerable differences between sperm proteins of sa(WT), sa, and wild-type males. The sa(WT) phenotype influences the mating success of males: sa(WT) males mated successfully with any females, whereas typical sa males were less successful in mating and then mainly with females of the same phenotype.     

A taxonomic study on Endotricha Zeller （Lepidoptera： Pyralidae： Pyralinae） in China

A checklist of 30 species ofEndotricha Zeller in China is presented in this paper. Six species （E. dumalis sp. nov., E. lunulata sp. nov. E. medogana sp. nov., E. nigra sp. nov., E. purpurata sp. nov. and E. simipunicea sp. nov.） are new to science and three （E. admirabilis Kirpichnikova, E. fuscobasalis Ragonot and E. valentis Kirpichnikova） are recorded for the first time in China. The adult features and genital structures of the new species are illustrated and a key to the Chinese species is given.