Full-grown Larvae Research Articles

Effect of four host plants on the life history and nutritional indices of Spodoptera Littoralis

The Egyptian cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a pervasive and highly polyphagous insect pest. As S. littoralis has developed resistance to major classes of conventional insecticides and the use of these insecticides has caused negative impacts on the ecosystems, it is necessary to search for eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable agents to control. This can be achieved by identifying the preferred host plant. The present study aimed at evaluating the impacts of four host plants– castor bean, tomato, potato, and cucumber on the various life-history traits and nutritional indices of S. littoralis. The concentrations of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous in the tested host plants were quantified. Newly hatched larvae were divided into four groups. Each group was fed only on one type of the four tested host plants until pre-pupal stage. Then, the life-history traits and nutritional indices were determined. Larvae fed on castor bean showed the highest adult emergence, weight of full-grown larvae, number of eggs per female, and egg-hatch percent, food consumption, relative growth rate, and food utilization efficiencies. Whereas, larvae fed on cucumber showed the lowest egg-hatch percent, food consumption, relative growth rate, and food utilization efficiencies. There was a positive correlation between nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations in the tested host plants and larval weight, with the highest concentrations in castor bean. Castor bean was the most preferred host plant.

Description of the full-grown larva and barcode of Athripsodes taounate taounate Dakki & Malicky 1980 (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae), an Iberic-Maghrebian endemic.

In this paper we describe the main morphological characteristics that distinguish the full-grown larva of Athripsodes taounate taounate, an Iberic-Maghrebian endemic. The conspecificity of the larva and adult was confirmed by DNA analysis. Morphological features that discriminate it from the described Iberian-Maghrebian species of Athripsodes are given.

Efficacy of different entomopathogenic nematode isolates, against the peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saund.) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

BackgroundThe invasive peach fruit fly (PFF), Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a native of Southeast Asia. Entomopathogens like nematodes, bacteria, viruses and fungi have been shown to be effective as a biological control agent against B. zonata. Evaluation the efficacy of different entomopathogenic nematode isolates (EPNs) belonged to the two families (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae); (Steinernema carpocapsae (AII), S. carpocapsae (EGAZ10), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HP88) and H. indica (EGAZ2) was carried out against the full-grown larvae of B. zonata under laboratory, semi-field and field conditions.ResultsData revealed that in all the tested nematode isolates succeeded to reduce the emerging of the PFF, B. zonata compared to controls with significant differences. The LC50 values were 794.3, 1063.2, 1249.8 and 1446.8 IJs/ml, for S. carpocapsae (AII), S. carpocapsae (EGAZ10), H. bacteriophora (HP88) and H. indica (EGAZ2), respectively, at 3 days post treatments. The strain, S. carpocapsae (AII) was effective than S. carpocapsae (EGAZ10). Also, the strain H. bacteriophora (HP88) was more effective than H. indica (EGAZ2). Therefore, the combination between the effective two steinernematid strains (S. carpocapsae (AII) & S. carpocapsae (EGAZ10)) and the two heterorhabditis strains (H. bacteriophora (HP88) & H. indica (EGAZ2)) was efficient in the semi-field experiment. In field condition, the combination of the two efficient strains S. carpocapsae (AII) and H. bacteriophora (HP88) at the concentration of 3000 IJs/ml was more effective in controlling B. zonata causing mortality 97.5%. The Co-Toxicity factor values were − 67.6 for the combination of S. carpocapsae (AII) with S. carpocapsae (EGAZ10) which recorded an antagonistic effect. Also, antagonistic effects were observed for the combined application of H. bacteriophora (HP88) with H. indica (EGAZ2) (− 66.6) in semi-field application; and the same effect was recorded for the combination of S. carpocapsae (AII) with H. bacteriophora (HP88) (− 42.6) in field application.ConclusionAll EPNs’ experiments showed that the efficacy of foreign nematodes than the local ones. So, combination of the two highly effective imported strains gave satisfied results, especially in the field experiment.

Impact of artificial diets on the biological and chemical properties of red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus Ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera:Curculionidae).

One of the most common palm pests is the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier. Five artificial diets were evaluated to rear RPW, and to facilitate its behavioral and biological studies. The developmental of R. ferruginus was studied on the tested artificial diets based on primarily composed of sugarcane stem pieces (1st diet; control), sweet pumpkin (2nd diet), ground sugarcane + sweet pumpkin (3rd diet), sweet potato (4th diet) and ground sugarcane + sweet potato (5th diet) under rearing room (28 ± 1 °C and 75 ± 5 RH%) at Faculty of Agriculture in Benha district. The biological aspects, pre-oviposition, oviposition, larval & pupal durations, the longevity of male and female adults and the generation period of R. ferrugineus have all been estimated. Moreover, the impact of these artificial diets on the quantities of total proteins, carbohydrates and lipids were determined in the full-grown larvae. Obtained results showed that the insect manifested the shortest larval and pupal periods and the longest longevity for males and females when rearing of R. ferruginus took place on an artificial diet based on sweet potato as a successful and economical for mass rearing of the red palm weevil under laboratory conditions. Larvae fed on diet 4 (sweet potato) was exhibited the shortest duration (114.80 days), while 1st diet (Sugarcane stem pieces) was recorded the longest period (125.00 ± days). Similarly for pupation and both male and female longevity, the shortest periods resulted from larvae feeding on 4th diet (14.65, 49.40 and 48.0 days, respectively). Contrariwise, the longest pupal period was reported with 5th diet (15.70 days). The highest of eggs hatchability % (96.53%) resulted from the rearing nof R. ferruginus larvae on the 4th diet. Chemical analyses of the full-grown larva were indicated that the highest contents of total carbohydrates (45.57 µg/g), lipids (28.46 µg/g) and proteins (20.01µg/g) were obtained in case of larvae reared on 1st and 4th diets, respectively. Consequently, the development of R. ferruginus stages was slightly lower on both 1st and 4th artificial diets. So that, both of them were a successful and economic artificial diet for RPW development under laboratory conditions. Therefore, this study added valuable alternative ingredients to prepare more practical and economical feeding substrate for weevil rearing to help for proposal of its management and conservation in palm plantations.

Review Article Olive Fruit Fly Bacterocera Oleae Infestation of Olives: Effect on Quality and Detection in Olive Oil

Bacterocera oleae ‎ is the most common olive fruit pest in Jordan. The high incidence of olive fruit infestation with fruit fly in its stages of larvae and pupa is a common problem in olive oil production. Although not detected by simple means, it is believed to impart a “Grubby” taste that is detected only by experts and results in lowering the value of the oil from infested fruits. The effect of damage caused by B. oleae ‎ depends on the degree of infestation which is manifested in the presence of exit holes (EH) produced by the full-grown larvae which destroy the fruit skin and expose it to oxygen and other destructive factors like fungi. This results in the acceleration of hydrolytic and oxidative types of rancidity which can be estimated by measuring oil acidity (FFA) and peroxide value (PV). This review covers the literature related to the effect of olive fruit fly infestation on the quality of olive fruits and oil and the methods used in its control and detection.

Morphological description and DNA-based association of the last instar larva of Erotesis schachti Malicky 1982 (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae), an endemic of the Iberian Peninsula

In this paper we describe the main morphological characteristics that distinguish the full-grown larva of Erotesis schachti, an endemic of the Iberian Peninsula. The conspecificity of the larva and adult was confirmed by DNA analysis. Morphological features that easily discriminate it from the similar species Erotesis baltica are given.

The Pupal Pigmentation Pattern and Pupal Development in the Species of Aphytis Howard (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae).

Simple SummaryAphytis species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) have been considered as the most important natural enemies in biological control of armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). However, it is difficult to identify the species of the genus, particularly that of the A. lingnanensis group, based on adult morphological characters. Although the differences in pupal pigmentation of Aphytis species have been documented previously, they have not been much used as taxonomic characters for Aphytis species identification. In this study, we present four characteristic pigmentation patterns of Aphytis pupae, together with photographs, including the categories of: entirely yellow, partly dark brown, entirely or predominantly black, and partly black pupae. No significant intra-specific variation in pupal colour pattern was detected despite relatively high numbers of specimens examined, many from multiple, and different, origins. We summarize the present status of pupal pigmentation in the described species of Aphytis, according to the species groups, which could be used as an important supplementary diagnostic character for distinguishing species of Aphytis, especially closely-related species.Species identification of Aphytis on the basis of adult morphology is extremely difficult, especially in the A. lingnanensis group, with several cryptic species. Pupal pigmentation could be used as one of the taxonomic characters for Aphytis species, and in some instances, pupal pigmentation actually provided the first clue to the distinctness of cryptic Aphytis species. The present study investigated the full-grown larvae or younger pupae of Aphytis species, and pupal pigmentation and pupal development were observed and photographed. Four characteristic pigmentation patterns of Aphytis pupae were summarized including: entirely yellow, partly dark brown, entirely or predominantly black, and partly black. The species in the chilensis and mytilaspidis groups, and some unassigned species, generally have entirely, or predominantly and or partly black pupae. The species in the chrysomphali, funicularis, and proclia groups generally have the pupae entirely yellow. The species of the lingnanensis group have the pupae both entirely yellow, e.g., A. fisheri, and partly dark brown pupae, e.g., A. lingnanensis, A. holoxanthus and A. melinus. The pupae of Aphytis species in this study had a developmental duration of about 5–8 days at 27 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 10L: 14D. It was found that the pupal skin was always melanized at the beginning stage, generally in the first day, among the pigmented pupae of Aphytis species. As development continued, the pigmentation became darker and the eye colour changed from pale red/brown to green. No significant intra-specific variation in pupal colour pattern was detected despite relatively high numbers of specimens examined, many from multiple, and different, origins. Overall, our study indicates that pupal pigmentation could be more helpful in species identification of Aphytis.

First record of the green lacewing Chrysoperla nigrocapitata (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) from Russia

The green lacewing Chrysoperla nigrocapitata Henry, Brooks, Johnson, Haruyama, Duelli et Mochizuki, 2015 (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is recorded for the first time from Russia (Primorskii Krai: Kaimanovka). The feeding of full-grown larvae of this species on young, weakly chitinized larvae of Molipteryx fuliginosa (Uhler) (Heteroptera: Coreidae) is noted.

Efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematode isolates against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) and Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BackgroundEntomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), as biological control agents, have been isolated from many regions throughout the world. Local isolates of EPNs are usually more effective for controlling indigenous insect pests as they are adapted to the local environmental conditions and the insect pest species.ResultsIn the present work, EPN isolates were searched in the soil under citrus and guava trees, and Egyptian clover at Noubaria region, Elbhaira governorate, Egypt, within two consecutive years. The EPNs were isolated from two positive soil samples of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) (TAN5) and guava trees (Psidium guajava) (PGN6), while the EPNs were not existent in the soil samples under citrus. Laboratory applications of the two EPNs isolates against the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis(Boisd.), and the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufn.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were recorded. Nematodes naturally occurring in the soil were trapped by full-grown larvae of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella L.). Infected larvae turned from whitish beige to dark reddish color, proofed that these isolates belong to the genus Heterorhabditis. Laboratory results revealed that the mortality rate ranges from 24 to 100% with TAN5 while from 18 to 96% with PGN6 at A. ipsilon larvae. The LC50 values of TAN5 against A. ipsilon were 1285.527 and 1560.747 IJs/cup, while those values for S. littoralis were 1339.099 and 2531.605 IJs/cup in larvae and pupae, respectively. The 3rd instar larvae of A. ipsilon and S. littoralis were more sensitive than the pupae. Production of Heterorhabditis sp. strain TAN5 was the highest in the reproduction of infective juveniles than the strain PGN6 at all concentrations.ConclusionsThe EPNs isolated from the soil samples belonged to the genus Heterorhabditis. Heterorhabditis sp. strain (TAN5) collected from the soil under Egyptian clover at Noubaria region was the highest reproduction and the most effective against both tested pests, A. ipsilon and S. littoralis larvae and pupae. EPN species would serve as an alternative to chemical pesticides and fit well in an integrated pest management program against larvae as well as adults and pupae of many economic insect pests which inhabit the soil.

Some sawfly larvae survive predator-prey interactions with pentatomid Picromerus bidens.

Most Asopinae stinkbugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) prey on other insects, including sawfly larvae (Hymenoptera: Symphyta). Sawfly larvae of the Argidae and Pergidae contain toxic peptides, but whether they are defended against stinkbugs remains poorly studied. A literature survey indicates that no publication is devoted to laboratory tests specifically using these sawflies against stinkbugs. Here, laboratory bioassays were made with the stinkbug Picromerus bidens and four sawfly species at last larval instars: Arge ochropus (Argidae), Arge pagana (also tested at medium instars), Lophyrotoma zonalis (Pergidae), and Allantus rufocinctus (Tenthredinidae). Following 24 h of possible predator-prey interactions, no larvae of A. rufocinctus survived, whereas most or all larvae of the other sawfly species did survive and were still alive 48 h later. When feeding on an argid or pergid larva, the feeding periods lasted on average 6-20 s only, some bugs removing their rostrum and abruptly backing away. Full-grown larvae of A. pagana were attacked less than younger ones. It is likely that the tested Argidae and Pergidae are well defended against P. bidens by potent, internal antifeedants, while defensive body movements combined with a large body size play a secondary role.

Soil burrowing Muscina angustifrons (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae excrete spores capable of forming mycorrhizae underground

Muscina angustifrons (Diptera: Muscidae) is a mycophagous species that exploits a variety of fungi, including ectomycorrhizal fungi. Larvae of this species have been shown to feed on sporocarps (including spores), and full-grown larvae leave sporocarps and pupate 0–6 cm below the soil surface. In this study, we examined whether M. angustifrons larvae are capable of transporting ectomycorrhizal fungal spores and enhancing ectomycorrhiza growth on host-plant roots. Full-grown larvae were found to move horizontally 10–20 cm from their feeding sites and burrow underground. These wandering larvae retained ectomycorrhizal fungal spores in their intestines, which were excreted following relocation to underground pupation sites. Excreted spores retained germination and infection capacities to form ectomycorrhiza on host-plant roots. In the infection experiments, ectomycorrhizal fungal spores applied in the vicinity of underground host-plant roots were more effective in forming ectomycorrhiza than those applied to the ground surface, suggesting that belowground transportation of spores by M. angustifrons larvae could enhance ectomycorrhizal formation. These results suggested that M. angustifrons larvae act as a short-distance spore transporter of ectomycorrhizal fungi.

PATHOGENICITY, PROGENY PRODUCTION AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THREE ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODES IN THE GREATER WAX MOTH, GALLERIA MELLONELLA (L.)

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the genera Steinernema and are associated with bacterial symbionts of the genus Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, respectively. They are being produced commercially and used as biological control agents against many soil insect pests. The present study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of entomopathogenic nematode species Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema riobravis against the full-grown larvae of greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. It was found that the mortality percentage increased as the concentration of the infective juveniles (IJs) increased. Generally, H. bacteriophora was more effective than S. carpocapsae and S. riobravis. The production rate increased as the concentration of IJs increased. H. bacteriophora was the highest reproductive strain than S. carpocapsae and S. riobravis at the five tested concentrations. The three nematode species affected the muscles and fat tissues, where muscle fibers suffered destruction with some fragmentation, also complete destruction and disintegration of tissues was noticed in the treated G. mellonella larvae.

Anthodiplosis eutrochii, n. sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), the Flower-Bud Gallmaker of Joe Pye Weed in North America

Abstract. Anthodiplosis eutrochii Gagne, new species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Clinodiplosini), is described. It is responsible for the flower bud gall and only known gall on Eutrochium spp. in eastern North America. Dasineura purpurea Felt is no longer considered the gall maker. Galls are first noticeable at early anthesis in July. Full-grown larvae drop to the soil in August and September. Some adults may emerge in September, but most appear the following year. Anthodiplosis Kieffer, previously known from a single species from Europe, is a genus new to North America.

A new species of Dasineura Rondani (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in flower galls of Camassia (Asparagaceae: Agavoideae) in the Pacific Northwest, USA.

A new species, Dasineura camassiae Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is described, illustrated and compared to some of its congeners from related hosts and western North America. The new species causes flower galls on Camassia (Agavoideae; Asparagaceae) in the Pacific Northwest. Its current known distribution is Oregon and Washington, USA. Larvae develop in spring in flowers of Camassia spp., causing the young ovaries to enlarge prematurely and eventually abort, without forming seeds or mature fruit. Full-grown larvae crawl out of the gall in rapid succession and drop to the soil where they pupate; they remain there until spring of the following year when the adults emerge and lay eggs. The galls they induce in camas lily buds represent the first known association of the cosmopolitan genus Dasineura with the group of plants that includes Agave and its relatives.

Spawning season and larval occurrence of blood cockle (Anadara granosa) off the Selangor coast, Peninsular Malaysia

We performed a plankton survey of blood cockle larvae, Anadara spp., and histological observations of the gonads of adult blood cockle, Anadara granosa , in the coastal waters off Sungai Buloh, Peninsular Malaysia from October 2010 to April 2011. The histological observations indicated the main spawning period in both sexes was from November to March. In addition, the occurrence of blood cockle larvae peaked in November and March. Furthermore, a comparison of the distribution between umbo-stage and full-grown larvae suggested the umbo-stage larvae diffused offshore and return to coastal sites where they settle and mature into full-grown larvae.

Seasonal and geographical variation in diapause and cold hardiness of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis.

Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), is a key corn pest in the Asian-Western Pacific countries. It overwinters as full-grown larvae in plant stalks or in a spun-silk covering located in the plant debris in the temperate regions of China. Supercooling point (SCP) and survival rate after low sub-zero temperature treatment were assessed for field-collected populations in the laboratory using a cool bath with a 1°C/min cooling rate until -40°C. Mean SCPs were varied among geographical populations, with a significant decline from -22.7°C of Haikou, the multivoltine tropical population in the south, to -28.5°C of Gongzhuling, the univoltine temperate population in the northeast of China. In addition, there was more than 1°C difference in SCP between Gongzhuling univoltine and bivoltine populations that were from the same geographic origin. Mean SCPs of the Guangzhou population fluctuated over the year, with significantly lower SCPs in winter than in other seasons, which correlated with a significantly higher proportion of diapausing larvae in winter than in other seasons. Over 41% of overwintering larvae from the northeast population could withstand to be supercooled for a few minutes to the low sub-zero temperature of -40°C, but only 6.7% of their southern counterparts did so. The findings from this study suggest that O. furnacalis mostly takes advantage of freeze avoidance as diapausing larvae for overwintering in the southern region, whereas it exhibits freeze tolerance in diapause in the northeastern region.

Unusual occurrence of cocoons in population of Haplodiplosis marginata (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Belgium.

The saddle gall midge, Haplodiplosis marginata (von Roser) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a phytophagous species that develops in saddle-shaped galls on stems of wheat Triticum vulgare , barley Hordeum sativum , rye Secale cereale , and some other species of Poaceae. Only one generation develops per year. Full-grown larvae leave galls and drop onto the soil where they remain up to the springtime of the following year. Larvae do not usually spin cocoons. However, formation of cocoons by larvae was observed in populations developing in western Europe: in England in 1954, in the Netherlands in the 1960s, and in Belgium in 2011. On the basis of our analysis, a part of the larval population forms cocoons as protection against unfavorable weather conditions, especially drought.

EFFICACY OF EGYPTIAN (BA1) AND GERMAN (HB1-3) STRAINS OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE, HETERORHABDITIS BACTERIOPHORA, AGAINST GALLERIA MELLONELLA L.

Studies were carried out to find out the efficacy of Egyptian strain (BA1) and exotic European strain (Hb1-3) of entomopathogenic nematode; Heterorhabditis bacteriophora against full-grown larva of Galleria mellonella L. Infection took place in plastic cups (100 cc) half-filled with moistened sterilized sandy soil that treated with 5 concentrations of each of the two strains of nematode; 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 infective juveniles (IJs)/cup. Two densities of Galleria (1 and 5 larvae/cup) were used for each strain at each concentration. It was found that the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode strains, on the full-grown larvae of G. mellonella was concentration dependent; i.e. the mortality percentage increased as the IJs concentrations were increased. Individual treatment (one larva/cup) led to more efficacy than using 5/cup at 25°C. The production of infective juveniles from G. mellonella larvae infected at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 IJs/cup was, generally, higher in BA1 strain compared to Hb1-3 strain. The histopathological observations revealed variable effects on G. mellonellalarvae after infection with the entomopathogenic nematode. Muscles suffered destruction in the fibrillate with some fragments and fat body tissues showed high vacuolation.

Artocarpus hirsutus(Rosales: Moraceae): A New Larval Food Plant ofAeolesthes holosericea(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

<i>Artocarpus hirsutus</i>(Rosales: Moraceae): A New Larval Food Plant of<i>Aeolesthes holosericea</i>(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

A New Species of Gall Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Infesting Switchgrass in the Northern Great Plains

A new species of gall midge, Chilophaga virgati Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), collected from tillers of switchgrass at Brookings, South Dakota (44.31134° N, 96.78374° W) is described here. Plant morphological symptoms of infestation and frequency of tillers infested are also provided. Full-grown larvae of C. virgati were found inside the sheath of the flag leaf of reproductive tillers of clonally replicated spaced plants of a selected southern upland population of switchgrass during October 2008 and 2009. Infested tillers were shorter and lighter than normal tillers and had panicles that were partially encased in the sheath of the flag leaf due to reduced elongation of the peduncle as a result of the feeding of larvae of C. virgati at the proximal end of the panicle and in the intercalary meristem area of the peduncle. Variation was found among 10 genotypes for percentage of tillers infested by C. virgati, with a range from 7.2% to 21.8%. No difference was found between years for infestation rate (12.7% in 2008 and 14.3% in 2009). The mass of infested tillers was 35% that of normal tillers, and infested tillers produced no appreciable amount of viable seeds. Results of this research revealed that C. virgati had direct negative impacts on biomass and seed production in spaced plant nurseries of switchgrass. C. virgati was also observed in seeded swards of northern upland switchgrass cultivars, but its impact in seeded swards has not yet been determined.