Diogmites angustipennis Loew (Diptera: Asilidae) is a widespread predatory robber fly inhabiting grassland and woodland ecosystems across the Southeastern, Central, and Western United States, yet its population genetics have remained entirely uncharacterized. To evaluate genetic variation across the species' range, we analyzed a 406 bp fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene from 33 individuals collected in 14 U.S. states. Fourteen haplotypes were observed, with 17 variable nucleotide sites, and high overall haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.922). Several haplotypes, including H2 and H11, were geographically widespread, whereas others were regionally restricted singletons. A statistical parsimony network identified haplotype H2 as a central, ancestral lineage, while H15 was the most divergent. Neutrality tests (Tajima's D, Fu and Li's D+, Fu's Fs) were negative overall. Negative but nonsignificant neutrality statistics are consistent with population expansion, but alternative explanations (e.g., purifying selection) cannot be ruled out. Genetic differentiation among regions was generally low, and gene flow was highest between the Southwest and Southeast (FST = 0.004; Nm = 62.25), indicating substantial connectivity. These findings demonstrate high mitochondrial diversity in D. angustipennis and reveal population structure consistent with historical expansion and regionally variable gene exchange. The study establishes a baseline for North American robber fly species genetic variation and highlights the utility of mtDNA markers for future phylogeographic work in Diogmites and other asilid taxa.
The Hessian fly (HF, Mayetiola destructor, Say, Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) poses a significant threat to wheat production, causing yield losses and economic damage globally. Conventional management techniques, such as using resistant cultivars, planting at the best pest management planting date, and destroying volunteer wheat, are limited. There are currently no remedial management options for a HF infestation. Most available management practices must be implemented before or at planting. Seed treatments are effective preventive methods, but only for 30 days after planting (DAP), and have not been tested recently. This study assessed the effectiveness of conventional seed treatments against Hessian flies in the laboratory. Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based nano-imidacloprid formulations were also developed, and their effectiveness was evaluated in both wheat grown in laboratory and field settings. The evaluation of conventional neonicotinoid seed treatments in the laboratory showed that thiamethoxam (0.404 mg ai/g wheat seed) remained highly effective against HF larval infestations, while imidacloprid (0.9 mg ai/g wheat seed) resulted in moderate control. Nano-imidacloprid formulations, prepared by the suspension of imidacloprid with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), demonstrated enhanced pesticidal activity. The high-rate nano-formulated imidacloprid (0.9 mg ai/g wheat seed) seed treatment significantly reduced HF infestations compared to the high-rate conventional imidacloprid (0.9 mg ai/g wheat seed) treatment, and the two controls (untreated and the CNT). The low-rate nano-formulated imidacloprid (0.9 mg ai/g wheat seed) seed treatment infestation was similar to the commercial imidacloprid (0.9 mg ai/g wheat seed) seed treatment infestation but significantly lower than the two controls. This suggests that insecticide seed treatments, formulated using nanotechnology, have the potential to serve as an effective alternative for managing the HF, with the added benefit of reducing overall environmental pesticide inputs, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.
Nectar and pollen resources are not sustainable year-round in most parts of the world, and the lack of either results in reduced colony productivity. To address this challenge, we investigated the effects of a high-protein pollen substitute diet on honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony performance over a one-year period. Ten colonies were fed a diet (50 g/colony, twice weekly) comprising 15 g defatted soybean flour + 15 g brewer's yeast + 5 g sugar powder + 5 g skimmed milk + 10 g cotton honey. Another ten colonies served as a control group without protein supplementation. Colony performance metrics including foraging activity, stored pollen area, worker and drone brood production, and overall colony strength were monitored and compared. Additionally, monthly surveys identified the dominant nectar and pollen sources in the Kafrelsheikh district. Faba bean, Egyptian clover, sunflower, eucalyptus, and sesame were the dominant sources of nectar and pollen. Maize was the main pollen source, and cotton was a major nectar source in the Kafrelsheikh district. Compared with the unfed colonies, the fed colonies showed significant superiority in colony activity and productivity. The highest values of the number of forager bees, pollen forager, stored pollen area, worker sealed brood area, and colony population size were recorded during May, followed by August, then March, while the lowest values were recorded during December. The highest values of drone sealed brood area were recorded during March, followed by May, then August, while no drone broods were reared from October to January. Honey yield from fed colonies increased by 36.62% and 35.10% more than honey from unfed colonies for Egyptian clover and cotton honey, respectively. Supplementing honey bee colonies with a high-protein diet during periods of natural pollen scarcity significantly enhances colony performance, strength, and honey production. We recommend protein supplementation during scarcity periods and between major nectar flows to sustain colony health and maximize productivity.
Screen meshes made of nylon are used in windows, doors, and vents to prevent stored product insects from entering grain storage and food processing spaces in China. To evaluate the physical passage of stored-product insects through screen meshes, seven major stored-product insects were allowed to move through a series of screen meshes with different sizes of mesh openings (0.90, 0.70, 0.50, 0.40, 0.30, 0.20, 0.15, 0.12, and 0.10 mm). The test insects were adults and newly hatched larvae (1 instar) of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Linnaeus), and Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius), adults of Sitophilus zeamais Motschlusky, Sitophilus oryzae (Linnaeus), Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) and Liposcelis bostrychophila (Bodonnel). The test insects were respectively placed on a series of screen meshes for 24, 48, and 168 h, and the passage rates of stored-product insects through different sizes of screen meshes were recorded. The screen mesh size significantly affected the passage rate of adults and newly hatched larvae of the test insects, and the passage rate of adults and newly hatched larvae increased with increasing treatment time. The adults of T. castaneum, S. zeamais, S. oryzae, and L. serricorne were completely excluded by 5 0.70 mm screen meshes. The adults of O. surinamensis and C. ferrugineus were completely excluded by 5 0.30 and 0.15 mm screen meshes, respectively. The adults of L. bostrychophila were completely excluded by 5 0.15 mm screen meshes. The newly hatched larvae of L. serricorne and T. castaneum were completely excluded by 5 0.12 mm screen meshes, and the newly hatched larvae of O. surinamensis were completely excluded by 5 0.15 mm screen meshes. The aim of this study is to provide guidance on the selection of mesh aperture sizes for nylon screens used in doors, windows, and ventilation openings, in order to effectively prevent the entry of pests and storage insects into grain storage and food processing facilities.
Triozocera surinamensis new species is described from Suriname. This new species becomes the only documented Triozocera species from this region in South America. Distinct characters of this species are outlined that easilyseparate it from other species in the genus. Anew range extension forthe genus Corioxenos is reported with a specimen collected in Honduras. Corioxenos was previously reported only from Mexico in the New World. However, it is uncertain if this specimen is the previously reported Corioxenos acucyrtophallus.
The distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases is not well-documented in Kansas despite bordering one of the greatest hotspots for such disease in the United States. The range and distribution of ticks have been changing over the past century because of anthropogenic factors such as climate change and overabundance of white-tailed deer predators. Two public natural areas with moderately high use in Crawford County, Kansas were sampled to determine the prevalence of ticks in the months of greatest tick and outdoors activities. Ticks were collected using a flagging technique that primarily promoted collecting questing ticks. Lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) were the most abundant tick species across both collection sites (90.5%, 202 males, 164 females, 70 nymphs) followed by American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis; 9.5%, 24 males, 22 females). The causal agents of ehrlichiosis, Ehrlichia ewingii and Ehrlichia chaffeensis, were detected at high rates (E. ewingii-21.0%; E. chaffeensis-12.9%) in pooled lone star tick samples. American dog ticks carried a lower proportion of only E. ewingii (12.5%). Rickettsia spp., which could include pathogenic Rickettsiae, were also detected in both species (lone star: 63.9%; American dog: 18.8%). These findings provide the basis to update public resources and better prepare local health departments and healthcare professionals. Continuing to monitor tick distributions and pathogen loads annually is vital as their range continually expands.
In recent years, infestations of the Dectes stem borer have become increasingly common in soybean fields across southeastern South Dakota. In addition, the severity of these infestations has also been increasing. Dectes stem borer larvae tunnel within soybean stems during the growing season leading to yield loss. As plants senesce, larval girdling weakens stems, making them prone to lodging, which can further reduce yield and complicate harvest. Effective management strategies for Dectes stem borers are limited and understanding its current geographical distribution within soybean production areas in South Dakota is essential. To date, no formal survey has documented the presence of Dectes stem borer in South Dakota soybean fields. In response to increased reports of Dectes stem borer activity in soybean, we conducted a survey to assess adult distribution across eastern South Dakota during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. From the survey results, Dectes stem borer was detected in five of 35 counties surveyed in 2023, and 15 of 25 counties surveyed in 2024. Results of this survey indicate that Dectes stem borer populations in soybean are expanding northward, putting additional fields at risk for infestation.
The Nebraska Sandhills is the largest grass stabilized sand dune region in the Western Hemisphere, and it is characterized by thousands of lake and wetland ecosystems (LWE), many of which are saline. These LWE are protected from row crop agriculture common in the Great Plains of North America due to the sandy substates that preclude tilling. Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) are common aquatic insects that inhabit LWE which exhibit a wide range of salinity in the Nebraska Sandhills. The goal of our study is to understand how salinity and other physical and habitat characters influence biodiversity of Chironomidae in freshwater to saline LWE in the Nebraska Sandhills. A total of 45 SFPE (surface floating pupal exuviae) samples were collected from 37 LWE between 2011 and 2015. Due to a strong relationship between chironomid diversity and salinity (R2 = 0.38, P 5 0.01), LWE were classified into three salinity categories: Freshwater, Subsaline, and Hyposaline. Results of the canonical correspondence analysis of the 12 landscape, LWE, and water quality variables analyzed in this study indicated that Freshwater LWE and Hyposaline LWE are clearly different, whereas Subsaline LWE overlapped with the other two LWE salinity categories. Chironomid communities, particularly the 18 indicator taxa identified by indictor taxa analysis, were strongly related to variation in conductivity and LWE circumference along the two CCA axes. Gamma (y) diversity for the entire study was 53 and y diversity was highest in Freshwater LWE and lowest in Hyposaline LWE. Median alpha (a) diversity varied significantly between the three LWE categories. Beta ((3Sor) was partitioned into turnover (fiSimp) and nestedness (finest). Both (3Sor and fiSimp varied significantly between the three LWE categories but finest did not vary significantly. Overall, chironomid communities in Nebraska Sandhills LWE are strongly shaped by salinity and LWE circumference. This study provides valuable information for use in conservation of the unique and important LWE of the Nebraska Sandhills.
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda is a severe threat to agriculture in Pakistan. In this research, we assessed the effect of maize, rice, sorghum, cotton, sugarcane and potato as host on FAW's development, survival and fecundity using the age-stage, two-sex life table. The results revealed that total larval duration was considerably longer for the FAW fed on cotton (25.93 +/- 0.18 days) and potato (25.36 +/- 0.14 days) than other hosts. The total pupal duration varied across hosts, with the longest duration of 11.26 +/- 0.126 days on cotton and the shortest 7.64 +/- 0.105 days on potato, while adult longevities also showed a similar trend. The highest fecundity rate (992.69 +/- 18.51 days) was observed on maize and the lowest on cotton (31.09 +/- 15.35 days). S. frugiperda had the highest net reproductive rate on maize (317.66 +/- 65.69 offspring's). Similarly, the highest intrinsic and finite growth rates were noticed on maize compared to other hosts, indicating maize to be more suitable for the growth of FAW. The knowledge of the developmental duration of FAW will help predict the pest population in the field and determining the suitable strategy to control this pest.
A large barrier to the development of novel crops is the identification and control of pests. In the case of crop silflower (Asteraceae: Heliantheae: Silphium integrifolium complex), recent studies have indicated the pest potential of gall wasps in the genus Antistrophus Walsh, 1869 (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea: Aulacideini). After observing high abundance of gall wasps in silflower fields at The Land Institute (Salina, Kansas, USA), we sampled silflower to identify the Antistrophus species present and to improve understanding of secondary plant modifications to their host plants (alterations to the host plant beyond the gall itself). Our survey revealed the presence of four gall wasp species: A. bicolor Gillette, 1891; A. silphii Gillette, 1891; and two additional undescribed species. To enable recognition of these species, we provide descriptions of galls, a key to the adult female Antistrophus species from crop silflower, and initial interpretations of how each species may impact host plant health. Our findings elucidate questions of taxonomy in the genus Silphium L., illustrate the need for further work on their endophytic insect communities, and set the stage for further evaluation of pest potential in Antistrophus.
The regal fritillary, Argynnis idalia (Drury), is a declining prairie specialist butterfly proposed for listing as Federally Threatened. Previous research has utilized adult surveys to determine the impact of prescribed fire on regal fritillary populations, although adults are able to move between burned and unburned portions of a prairie. This study assesses the efficacy of emergence traps to better understand the impacts of fire on regal fritillaries and develop a technique to learn more about immature stages of this species. Sampling occurred within a remnant prairie in central Missouri that has a robust and stable regal fritillary population. Despite the traps representing a small area (less than 400 m(2)), one regal fritillary individual was caught in the unburned management unit. No other animals were captured, and several insects were observed passing through the netting. While trapping over a larger area will be needed for samples sizes appropriate to assess the effects of fire on larvae, this appears to be a safe and cost-effective technique. We are unaware of other studies using emergence traps to determine the location of pupating Lepidoptera, but this technique shows promise for learning more about immature stages of this threatened butterfly.
Many solitary bees exhibit behavioral aggregations of males who spend the night outside the nest. These aggregations have been described to occur in a variety of forms from a small number of males of the same species, to larger aggregations, to assemblages of mixed gender gatherings, and multiple species. While the phenomenon of male sleeping aggregations is not unique, it is still important to know which species do or do not exhibit this behavior. Herein, we report the occurrence of dense male sleeping aggregations of Melissodes robustior Cockerell. In Eugene, Oregon, males were observed to begin to congregate on flower cones of the native Western Coneflower, Rudbeckia occidentalis Nutt, beginning in mid-June. The aggregation was complete by dark; the bees remained generally immobile until they were warm enough to fly the next morning, only to return that evening again to the same part of the same plant. As the aggregation increased in numbers despite the drying of the flowers, smaller spent cones were occupied in a succession of greater distance from the original flower. This phenomenon began in late summer and persisted into autumn (mid-October). The following year, a new generation of males began to aggregate on the same plant (R occidentalis is perennial). Again, the aggregations began in mid-June and persisted until late September, when the bees abruptly stopped returning after several cold and rainy days. This same garden was used for overnight aggregations in four out of six years (2019-2024). These observations are the most complete of those recorded for male aggregations of Melissodes robustior.
During the summer of 2021, the nesting biology of Anthidium florentinum (Megachilidae) was investigated in artificial nests made of wooden cylinders and tie holes in Constantine (northeastern Algeria). The findings from the observation of 26 nests indicate that nests were multicellular (two to seven cells per nest), linear in structure, and made of plant fibers surrounding the nest or old woolly material from pre-existing cavities. The majority of female-occupied nests measured 0.8 to 2.2 cm in diameter. The partitions of the analyzed nests had accumulated wool caps, which is a behavior unique to Megachilid bees. The analysis of brood cell content revealed that A. florentinum females prefer Lamiaceae pollen grains for their broods.
Demand for biofuel crops increased in Oklahoma after carbon emission goals were set to combat global climate change in 2010 (White House, 2010). Canola (Brassica napus) is a biofuel and cooking oil crop that is generally planted in rotation with winter wheat, in Oklahoma, and is an early-blooming, floral resource for many bee species. Canola production in Oklahoma increased from 0 to 101,171 hectares between 2007 to 2011 when this project was started. Canola is susceptible to insect pests driving a 90% likelihood of being treated with insecticides each year, many of which are known to be harmful to bees. Native bees provide pollination services to canola and other crops, but many native bee species are in decline. We tested the hypothesis that bee abundance, richness, and diversity within and around canola fields will be higher in areas with adjacent pasture compared to areas without adjacent pasture by collecting bees in Blue Vane Traps during the period of peak canola bloom. Additionally, trap nests for twig nesting bees were used in 2013 and 2014 to evaluate reproductive success. Our data show adjacent pasture did not significantly increase bee richness or abundance around canola fields during peak canola bloom, but pasture did significantly increase the likelihood of bumblebee and ground nesting bees being captured in the traps. The number of total cells and cells without development in trap nests did not significantly differ between sites with and without adjacent pasture; however, parasitism rates were higher in areas without pasture. Study sites were located in the wheat-producing region of Oklahoma, where historical land practices have reduced flowering plant availability over the past century, which may explain the similarity between bee communities in different landscapes.
The majority of bees nest underground in soil, but for most species, specific information about the soil texture is lacking. As bees decline globally from a broad suite of factors including habitat loss from urbanization and development, understanding the factors affecting nest site selection may be critically important for conservation (Payne et al., 2024). In this study, soil texture at a large rose mallow bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis) nest aggregation in a developed landscape in East Brunswick, New Jersey, USA was investigated through laboratory analysis of bee excavated soil pellets from nests and soil pits. The soil at the nest site is sandy loam with sand fractions predominately fine sand and medium sand.
This study investigated the biochemical changes induced by invasive rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Aleyrodidae: Hemiptera) infestations, in different coconut cultivars. The results revealed a significant decrease in the content of photosynthetic pigments, particularly chlorophyll with the most substantial reduction occurring in the infested Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD) (63.91%). Conversely, there was an increase in total soluble sugars (TSS), with the greatest increase in the West Coast Tall (WCT) (33.74 mg/g to 40.49 mg/g post-infestation). The total phenols increased to the highest level in WCT (36.66%), whereas the proline content increased the most in ALR 2 (65.74%). Notably, the protein content increased in infested leaflets, with the WCT reaching a maximum of 31.67%. Elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase and catalase indicate an enhanced defense response. In WCT, SOD activity notably increased by 22.55%. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that WCT-I'and ALR-I' (I-infested) were more tolerant cultivars, demonstrating strong biochemical defenses against RSW. These findings emphasize the critical role of biochemical parameters in the plant defense mechanism, suggesting potential markers for tolerance and offers valuable insights for managing RSW in coconut plantations.
Stoneflies are among the few aquatic insects with representatives that complete their cycles during winter, emerging from streams as active, reproductive adults. In Minnesota, Allocapnia Claassen, 1928, are among the most common winter-emerging insects. Here, we examine longevity of adult Allocapnia at varying low temperatures and across sex and species. Adult Allocapnia (n = 212) were collected from two spring-fed streams in Minnesota, USA, during winter 2024 and separated into four treatment groups:-6 degrees C, 0 degrees C, +6 degrees C, or +12 degrees C. Specimens were examined daily until death to assess longevity from collection. We found that Allocapnia have prolonged adult lifespans at 0 degrees C as compared to warmer temperatures. 0 degrees C, A. granulata (Claassen, 1924) females and males, respectively, exhibited mean longevities of and 21.9 days; comparatively, mean longevity for both sexes at 12 degrees C was approximately 13 days. Similarly, A. pygmaea (Burmeister, 1839) exhibited mean longevities of 28.0 and 18.8 days for females and males 0 degrees C, with mean longevities declining to approximately 6-7 days at 12 degrees C. A. vivipara (Claassen, 1924) showed similar trends. Results suggest an even longer adult lifespan at-6 degrees C. Our work provides insights how temperature increases due to climate change may impact survival of these winter-active species, subsequently, organisms that feed upon them.
This article represents the first survey of Lepidoptera at Fort Leonard Wood military installation recorded to date (Pulaski County, Missouri, USA). Here, we present the results of three years of macrolepidopteran surveys utilizing UV traps, hand collection, and targeted larval surveys. We identified 271 species. Using genetic markers, we identified 22 species of Papaipema at the site; four species were previously unknown and we detected rattlesnake master borer moths (P. eryngii).
