Insect Survey Research Articles

Insects as interactants in artists’ minds: Symbols and anti-symbols

Les insectes sont l'un des groupes animaux aux interactions diverses avec les humains, qu'elles soient positives ou negatives. Les representations qu’ils inspirent aux artistes refletent la facon singuliere dont ils sont percus par les societes et le rapport complexe que ces dernieres entretiennent avec eux. Cette relation a deja ete analysee pour les principaux groupes d'insectes dits "typiques". Les plus visibles d’entre eux ou ceux disposant d'une metamorphose complete – abeilles, coleopteres, papillons, mouches – ont toujours fascine et intrigue les humains. Mais qu’en est-il des insectes infiniment petits et moins seduisants a priori ? Avec les pucerons pour exemples, nous montrerons qu’ils ont egalement nourri l’imaginaire artistique a differentes epoques et que, paradoxalement, leur invisibilite est le vecteur meme de l’interet qu’on leur porte. Je me propose de dresser un rapide panorama des relations reciproques entre scientifiques et artistes sur le motif du puceron. De la Grece antique a internet, d’Aristote a Debord en passant par Brueghel, Bonnet, Delacroix, Hugo, Beauvoir ou Vian, il s’agit d’interroger la variete des propositions esthetiques et symboliques que ce groupe d’insectes a pu engendrer.

Scale and mealybug insects invade citrus orchards at Menoufia Governorate, Egypt.

A survey of insects infesting citrus orchards was conducted in Menoufia governorate at three localities during 2019. The most common insects were, cottony cushion scale, Icerya purchase, seychelles scale, Icerya seychellarum, comma scale, Lepidosaphes beckii, citrus black scale, Chrysomphalus aonidum, and red scale, Aonidiella aurantii. The obtained results revealed no infestation was recorded along with July and August of Icerya (Mealybugs) insects. However, there were two peaks recorded in May and November, as well as the highest averages were recorded in Tala center while the lowest were recorded in Alshohadaa center, moreover Shebin Elkom center occupied intermediate status between the two centers. There were no mealybugs insects during July and August, but the highest average numbers were recorded in May. Tala center orchard has the highest population of tested insects on Naval Orange along with the experiment. There were no Chrysomphalus aonidum insects at Shebin Elkom and Alshohadaa of Balady mandarin orchards during year months. Tala and Shebin Elkom orchards have similar numbers but Alshohadaa has smaller averages. Shebin Elkom orchard has the highest infection with Lepidosaphes beckii, and Aonidiella aurantia, while Alshohadaa has the least numbers. It could be recommended that control of these pests must be done along with June, July, and August, where the least population of insects.

Preliminary research on insect diversity at Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia

Cambodian insect fauna is virtually unstudied, especially compared to the extensive research completed on vertebrate biodiversity and conservation management. Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary (KPWS) in Preah Vihear province is one of the best examples of biodiverse habitats in Cambodia, including endangered and rare species such as Thaumatibis gigantea (the giant ibis). The study aims to: (1) conduct a preliminary insect survey at KPWS; (2) document species composition and the distribution of insect biodiversity across various habitat types; and (3) identify the insect species sampled and classify them in a database of insect fauna present at KPWS with references to new Cambodian species. An insect survey in KPWS was conducted between the 12th and 21st of October 2017 across six survey sites, where 775 insect specimens were collected comprising 12 orders, 53 families, and 147 morphospecies. The three dominant orders sampled were Coleoptera (beetles), Hemiptera (true bugs) and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). An analysis of the species diversity showed that the insect community at KPWS is abundant and evenly distributed within a Shannon's diversity index and Shannon’s equitability value of H = 4.20694 and EH = 0.85, respectively. The study also found the richness of insect species at KPWS is supported by the availability of different habitat types endemic to the region, including deciduous dipterocarp and dry evergreen forests.

Survey of Insects and Other Arthropods in Tomato (Lycopersiconesculentum Mill.) in Lanaodel Sur Province, ARMM, Philippines

This study was conducted to identify the insects and other arthropods associated with tomato. Insects on tomato belong to 14 families under six orders. Tomato insects were classified under orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera , Lepidoptera , and Hymenoptera. The insect pests included the leafminer, Liriomyza sp., aphids, Aphis gossypii, cutworm, Spodopteralitura , tomato fruitworm, Helicoverpaarmigera, cabbage looper, Trichoplusiani, flea beetle, Psylliodessp, ladybird beetles like the 12-spotted and 28-spotted ladybird beetles, Epilachnachrysomelina and Epilachnaphilippinenesis, squash beetle, Aulacophorasimilisandmelon fly, Bactroceracucurbitae. Beneficial species were bees (Apis sp.), braconid wasp ( Cotesia sp.) and spiders. The survey started from December 14, 2013 and it ended on February 16, 2014.

Light pollution at the urban forest edge negatively impacts insectivorous bats

Connectivity and quality of vegetation in cities, including urban forests, can promote urban biodiversity. However the impact of anthropogenic pressures at the forest-matrix edge, particularly artificial light at night (ALAN), on connectivity has received little attention. We assessed the influence of artificial light at forest edges on insectivorous bats. We acoustically surveyed 31 forest edges across greater Sydney, Australia, half with mercury vapour streetlights and half in ambient darkness, and compared the bat assemblage and activity levels to urban forest interiors. We also sampled the flying insect community to establish whether changes in insect densities under lights drive changes in insectivorous bat activity. We recorded 9965 bat passes from 16 species or species groups throughout our acoustic survey. The activity of all bats, and bats hypothesised to be sensitive to artificial light, was consistently higher in forest interiors as opposed to edges. We found that slower flying bats adapted to cluttered vegetation or with a relatively high characteristic echolocation call frequency; Chalinolobus morio, Miniopterus australis, Vespadelus vulturnus, and Nyctophilus spp., were negatively affected by artificial light sources at the forest edge. The emergence time of Vespadelus vulturnus was also significantly delayed by the presence of streetlights at the forest edge. Conversely, generalist faster flying bats; Chalinolobus gouldii, Ozimops ridei, Austronomous australis, Saccolaimus flaviventris, and Miniopterus orianae oceanensis, were unaffected by artificial light at the edge of urban forest, and used light and dark forest edges in a similar way. Insect surveys showed that larger lepidopterans seemed to be attracted to lit areas, but in low numbers. Artificial light sources on the edges of urban forest have diverse effects on bats and insects, and should be considered an anthropogenic edge effect that can reduce available habitat and decrease connectivity for light-sensitive species.

Parallel declines in abundance of insects and insectivorous birds in Denmark over 22years.

Farmers in most western countries have increased use of fertilizer and pesticides with impact on wild animals and plants, including the abundance of insects and their predators.I used 1,375 surveys of insects killed on car windscreens as a measure of insect abundance during 1997–2017 at two transects in Denmark. I cross‐validated this method against three other methods for sampling insect abundance, and I investigated the effects of this measure of insect abundance on the abundance of breeding insectivorous birds.The abundance of flying insects was quantified using a windscreen resulting in reductions of 80% and 97% at two transects of 1.2 km and 25 km, respectively, according to general additive mixed model. Insect abundance increased with time of day, temperature, and June date, but decreased with wind resulting in a reduction by 54%. The abundance of insects killed on a car windscreen was strongly positively correlated with the abundance of insects caught in sweep nets and on sticky plates in the same study areas and at the same time as when insects were sampled using windscreens. The decline in abundance of insects on windscreens predicted the rate at which barn swallows Hirundo rustica fed their nestlings, even when controlling statistically for time of day, weather, and age and number of nestlings. The abundance of breeding pairs of three species of aerially insectivorous birds was positively correlated with the abundance of insects killed on windscreens at the same time in the same study area. This suggests a link between two trophic levels as affected by the temporal reduction in the abundance of flying insects.These findings are consistent with recent dramatic declines in insect abundance in Europe and North America with consequences for the rate of food provisioning of barn swallow offspring, the abundance of aerially insectivorous birds and bottom‐up trophic cascades.

Trends and indicators for quantifying moth abundance and occupancy in Scotland

Moths form an important part of Scotland’s biodiversity and an up-to-date assessment of their status is needed given their value as a diverse and species-rich taxon, with various ecosystem roles, and the known decline of moths within Britain. We use long-term citizen-science data to produce species-level trends and multi-species indicators for moths in Scotland, to assess population (abundance) and distribution (occupancy) changes. Abundance trends for moths in Scotland are produced using Rothamsted Insect Survey count data, and, for the first time, occupancy models are used to estimate occupancy trends for moths in Scotland, using opportunistic records from the National Moth Recording Scheme. Species-level trends are combined to produce abundance and occupancy indicators. The associated uncertainty is estimated using a parametric bootstrap approach, and comparisons are made with alternative published approaches. Overall moth abundance (based on 176 species) in Scotland decreased by 20% for 1975–2014 and by 46% for 1990–2014. The occupancy indicator (based on 230 species) showed a 16% increase for 1990–2014. Alternative methods produced similar indicators and conclusions, suggesting robustness of the results, although rare species may be under-represented in our analyses. Species abundance and occupancy trends were not clearly correlated; in particular species with negative population trends showed varied occupancy responses. Further research into the drivers of moth population changes is required, but increasing occupancy is likely to be driven by a warming summer climate facilitating range expansion, whereas population declines may be driven by reductions in habitat quality, changes in land management practices and warmer, wetter winters.

Ecological traits predict population changes in moths

Understanding the ecological traits which predispose species to local or global extinction allows for more effective pre-emptive conservation management interventions. Insect population declines are a major facet of the global biodiversity crisis, yet even in Europe they remain poorly understood. Here we identify traits linked to population trends in ‘common and widespread’ UK moths. Population trend data from the Rothamsted Research Insect Survey spanning 40 years was subject to classification and regression models to identify common traits among species experiencing a significant change in occurrence. Our final model had an accuracy of 76% and managed to predict declining species on 90% of occasions, but was less successful with increasing species. By far the most powerful predictor associated for declines was moth wingspan with large species declining more frequently. Preference for woody or herbaceous larval food sources, nocturnal photoperiod activity, and richness of habitats occupied also proved to be significantly associated with decline. Our results suggest that ecological traits can be reliably used to predict declines in moths, and that this model could be used for Data Deficient species, of which there are many.

Insects associated with green gram (Vigna radiata L.) in Langtang, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Green gram is a ‘wonder’ or ‘super’ food with health benefits. It is one of the shortest growth duration grain legumes that are also suitable as catch crops. Leguminous crops generally attract insect pests because of their high nutritive value. Hence, a survey of insects associated with green gram (Vigna radiata L.) treated with insecticide and fungicide was conducted in Kwanpe, a suburb of Langtang in Plateau State, Nigeria from July to September during the 2014 cropping season. Four treatments of dimethoate (an insecticide) were applied (at 0, 300, 500, and 700 g a.i./ha) in four replicates arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design. A total of 40 insect species belonging to 4 orders and 8 families were captured. Species known to be pests in other legume crops encountered were 22. There were few predatory species. There were no statistical differences in pest species populations in treated and untreated green gram plots. It is recommended that there is no need to engage synthetic chemicals in the production of green gram in this locality. Regular insect surveillance is however required as a monitor for pest species populations in order to set economic threshold levels in this Southern Guinea Savanna ecological zone for the highly valued crop.

A survey of basal insects (Microcoryphia and Zygentoma) from subterranean environments of Iran, with description of three new species.

A survey of wingless insects belonging to the orders Microcoryphia (=Archaeognatha) and Zygentoma (=Thysanura s. str.) has been performed in subterranean habitats of central Iran. As a result, several new species have been discovered. In this work, three new species are described: a new species of bristletail of the family Machilidae, Haslundiellairanicasp. n., a new silverfish of the family Lepismatidae, Ctenolepismasubterraneumsp. n., and a new Nicoletiidae, Lepidospora (Brinckina) momtazianasp. n. These new taxa are compared with related species in their respective genera and keys for their identification are provided: one for all known species of Haslundiella and one for all basal insects of subterranean environments of Iran which includes those previously reported. Moreover, the previously published keys of Iranian Ctenolepisma and the subgenus Brinckina are modified to include the new species. Three additional species of Lepismatidae are reported in this work: Neoasterolepìsma palmonii and Ctenolepismatargionii are newly recorded from Iran and both species, together with Acrotelsacollaris, are cited for the first time in the subterranean habitats. This survey progresses the knowledge on the biodiversity of these insects in Iran.

The potential for citizen science to produce reliable and useful information in ecology

We examined features of citizen science that influence data quality, inferential power, and usefulness in ecology. As background context for our examination, we considered topics such as ecological sampling (probability based, purposive, opportunistic), linkage between sampling technique and statistical inference (design based, model based), and scientific paradigms (confirmatory, exploratory). We distinguished several types of citizen science investigations, from intensive research with rigorous protocols targeting clearly articulated questions to mass‐participation internet‐based projects with opportunistic data collection lacking sampling design, and examined overarching objectives, design, analysis, volunteer training, and performance. We identified key features that influence data quality: project objectives, design and analysis, and volunteer training and performance. Projects with good designs, trained volunteers, and professional oversight can meet statistical criteria to produce high‐quality data with strong inferential power and therefore are well suited for ecological research objectives. Projects with opportunistic data collection, little or no sampling design, and minimal volunteer training are better suited for general objectives related to public education or data exploration because reliable statistical estimation can be difficult or impossible. In some cases, statistically robust analytical methods, external data, or both may increase the inferential power of certain opportunistically collected data. Ecological management, especially by government agencies, frequently requires data suitable for reliable inference. With standardized protocols, state‐of‐the‐art analytical methods, and well‐supervised programs, citizen science can make valuable contributions to conservation by increasing the scope of species monitoring efforts. Data quality can be improved by adhering to basic principles of data collection and analysis, designing studies to provide the data quality required, and including suitable statistical expertise, thereby strengthening the science aspect of citizen science and enhancing acceptance by the scientific community and decision makers.

Abundance of insects in rice mills in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka: Poster

Monitoring of insect population is a prerequisite for integrated pest management attempts. The complex structures/machines in rice milling facilities, however, limit surveying attempts aggravating the ignorance of insect fauna associated with such facilities. Furthermore, insect surveys conducted in Sri Lanka are very rare. The objective of the current study was to determine the presence, diversity, and abundance of insects in rice mills of varying capacity as found in a major rice processing area in Sri Lanka. A group of large-, medium-, and smallscale mills were used for the survey. Samples were collected from different locations in the mills, and the density of insects at each location was determined. Insect species and their abundance varied with the type of mill as well as with the location in the mill. This information is useful to design and implement pest management for the mills.

Continental-scale suppression of an invasive pest by a host-specific parasitoid underlines both environmental and economic benefits of arthropod biological control

Biological control, a globally-important ecosystem service, can provide long-term and broad-scale suppression of invasive pests, weeds and pathogens in natural, urban and agricultural environments. Following (few) historic cases that led to sizeable environmental up-sets, the discipline of arthropod biological control has—over the past decades—evolved and matured. Now, by deliberately taking into account the ecological risks associated with the planned introduction of insect natural enemies, immense environmental and societal benefits can be gained. In this study, we document and analyze a successful case of biological control against the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) which invaded Southeast Asia in 2008, where it caused substantial crop losses and triggered two- to three-fold surges in agricultural commodity prices. In 2009, the host-specific parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was released in Thailand and subsequently introduced into neighboring Asian countries. Drawing upon continental-scale insect surveys, multi-year population studies and (field-level) experimental assays, we show how A. lopezi attained intermediate to high parasitism rates across diverse agro-ecological contexts. Driving mealybug populations below non-damaging levels over a broad geographical area, A. lopezi allowed yield recoveries up to 10.0 t/ha and provided biological control services worth several hundred dollars per ha (at local farm-gate prices) in Asia’s four-million ha cassava crop. Our work provides lessons to invasion science and crop protection worldwide. Furthermore, it accentuates the importance of scientifically-guided biological control for insect pest management, and highlights its potentially large socio-economic benefits to agricultural sustainability in the face of a debilitating invasive pest. In times of unrelenting insect invasions, surging pesticide use and accelerating biodiversity loss across the globe, this study demonstrates how biological control—as a pure public good endeavor—constitutes a powerful, cost-effective and environmentally-responsible solution for invasive species mitigation.

New species, records, and immature stages of Chimarra Stephens (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) from Campos Amazônicos National Park, northern Brazil.

Campos Amazônicos National Park is a federal conservation unit that contains part of the largest Cerrado refuge in the southern part of Brazilian Amazonia. Recently, during a survey of aquatic insects in the park, specimens of the caddisfly genus Chimarra were collected. The primary objective of this paper, as a result of this effort, is to describe and illustrate the male adult of a new species in Chimarra (Chimarrita), Chimarra singularis sp. nov., and the immature stages of Chimarra usitatissima Flint 1971. Additionally, the distributions of C.(Chimarrita) akantha Blahnik 1997 and C. (Curgia) jugescens Flint 1998 are extended to the southern part of Amazonas state, and C. (Chimarrita) heppneri Blahnik 1997 is recorded for the first time in northern Brazil.

Using field-based entomological research to promote awareness about forest ecosystem conservation

Interactions between plants, insect herbivores and associated predators represent the majority of terrestrial biodiversity. Insects are vital food sources for many other organisms and provide important ecosystem functions and services including pollination, waste removal and biological control. We propose a complete and reproducible education programme to guide students to understand the importance of managing and conserving forest ecosystems in their region through the study of insect ecology and natural history. Our programme involved lectures, workshops and field surveys of insects with a group of 60 high school students in Eastern Africa (Ethiopia). It addresses the key stages of an entomological research project including: 1) general entomological knowledge and understanding the role of insects in terrestrial diversity and in ecosystem functioning and services; (2) the proposal of simple research questions including hypothesis development and evaluation using scientific literature, 3) fieldwork using different types of light traps; 4) sorting and identification of the insect orders using simple diagnostic keys and illustrated plates; 5) analysing and interpreting the results and 6) demonstrating findings to peers and a public audience. Identifying insects, exploring their natural history and understanding their functions in the field bring the students towards a better understanding and awareness of the importance of forest ecosystem conservation.

Predator Insect Families Associated With Melon Crop in a Semiarid Region in Brazil

Knowledge of diversity of natural enemies in agroecosystems is vital for the integrated pest management. However, surveys of beneficial insects (predators and parasitoids) in the melon crop (Cucumis melo L.) in the semiarid region in Brazil are scarce. Thus, the objective of this study was to know the families of predator insects associated with melon crop in a semiarid region in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), one of the main melon producers in Brazil. The survey study was carried out in a commercial melon area, in the municipality of Baraúna (RN). The samples were collected weekly during the cycle of melon, using passive (Pitfall and Moericke traps) and active (sweep net) collection methods. A total of 13 families of predator insects were collected. The families with the highest relative abundances in the passive collection method were Labiduridae (89.53%) and Formicidae (6.91%), while in the active collection method were Chrysopidae (59.81%) and Staphylinidae (20.56%). These families contain important species of predator which can promote crop pest suppression in melon agricultural systems.

A Survey of Scale Insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) in Citrus Orchards in São Paulo, Brazil

Many scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), including species of great economic importance, are associated with plants of the genus Citrus in citrus producing regions around the world. Revision and updating of lists of scale insect species based on field surveys contributes to improving their management and is an important tool for preventing their introduction into non-infested areas. The purpose of this study was to present an updated list of scale insect species in citrus orchards in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Samples were collected between Sep 2014 and Sep 2015, and between Sep 2016 and Jul 2017, from rural and urban areas and from nurseries in 27 municipalities in the principal citrus-producing regions in the state of Sao Paulo, known as the “citrus belt.” A total of 22 species in 6 families were identified: (1) Coccidae: Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, Coccus viridis (Green), Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner), Saissetia coffeae (Walker); (2) Diaspididae: Acutaspis scutiformis (Cockerell), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), Chrysomphalus aonidum (L.), Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard), Melanaspis smilacis (Comstock), Parlatoria cinerea Hadden in Doane & Hadden, Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas), Pinnaspis aspidistrae (Signoret), Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green), Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan), Unaspis citri (Comstock); (3) Lecanodiaspididae: Lecanodiaspis rugosa Hempel; (4) Monophlebidae: Icerya purchasi Maskell; (5) Ortheziidae: Praelongorthezia praelonga (Douglas), and (6) Pseudococcidae: Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), Leptococcus minutus (Hempel), Planococcus citri (Risso), and Pseudococcus cryptus Hempel. This is the first report of L. gloverii , P . nigra , P. aspidistrae , P. trilobitiformis , and P. cryptus on citrus in Sao Paulo, and of M. smilacis on Rutaceae host plants. Parlatoria ziziphi , S . articulatus , and U. citri were the most frequently observed species on the sampled plants, and they are among those that reached high levels of infestation throughout the collection period. A review of all scale insects associated with Citrus spp. in Brazil also is included. Resumo Muitas cochonilhas (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), incluindo especies de grande importância economica, sao registradas em associacao com plantas do genero Citrus nas regioes produtoras da frutifera ao redor do mundo. Fornecer listas revisadas e atualizadas de especies de cochonilhas, baseadas em levantamentos de campo, alem de contribuir para o manejo das mesmas, e um importante instrumento para que se possa prevenir a sua introducao em areas nao infestadas. O objetivo desse trabalho foi apresentar uma lista atualizada de especies de cochonilhas em pomares citricos localizados no estado de Sao Paulo, Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas entre set de 2014 e set de 2015, e entre set de 2016 e jul de 2017, em areas rurais, areas urbanas e viveiros de 27 municipios pertencentes as principais regioes produtoras de citros do estado de Sao Paulo, conhecida como “cinturao citricola.” Foram identificadas 22 especies pertencentes a seis familias: (1) Coccidae: Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, Coccus viridis (Green), Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner), Saissetia coffeae (Walker); (2) Diaspididae: Acutaspis scutiformis (Cockerell), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), Chrysomphalus aonidum (L.), Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard), Melanaspis smilacis (Comstock), Parlatoria cinerea Hadden in Doane & Hadden, Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas), Pinnaspis aspidistrae (Signoret), Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green), Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan), Unaspis citri (Comstock); (3) Lecanodiaspididae: Lecanodiaspis rugosa Hempel; (4) Monophlebidae: Icerya purchasi Maskell; (5) Ortheziidae: Praelongorthezia praelonga (Douglas), y (6) Pseudococcidae: Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), Leptococcus minutus (Hempel), Planococcus citri (Risso), and Pseudococcus cryptus Hempel. Registra-se aqui pela primeira vez L. gloverii , P. nigra , P. aspidistrae , P. trilobitiformis , e P. cryptus sobre citros no estado de Sao Paulo, e M. smilacis sobre plantas hospedeiras de Rutaceae. Parlatoria ziziphi , S . articulatus , and U. citri foram as mais frequentemente observadas sobre as plantas amostradas, e estao entre as especies que atingiram os maiores niveis de infestacao durante o periodo de coleta. Uma revisao com todas as especies associadas a Citrus spp. no Brasil e incluida.

Diagnosis and Distribution of the Kivalliq Sulphur (Colias rankinensisVerhulst), an Enigmatic Arctic Butterfly

The recent discovery of a new Colias species from the central Arctic of Canada, a region with a relatively small, well-studied butterfly fauna, has remained relatively unknown among North American lepidopterists. The status of this species, C. rankinensis Verhulst, as a species distinct from other Arctic Colias has also been treated with skepticism. Colias rankinensis was documented from only a single locality globally, from a region where thousands of Colias specimens were collected during the Canadian Northern Insect Survey in the 1950s, as well as later in the 1980s. Many of these specimens were subsequently examined during the course of revisionary work on the genus Colias in the 1980s. In light of the discovery of C. rankinensis, the identification of central Arctic Colias ‘hecla’ specimens is critically re-examined, revealing that two phenotypes, corresponding to C. rankinensis and C. hecla Lefebvre, occur sympatrically in the central Arctic. A differential diagnosis, adult illustrations and distribution map of C. rankinensis is provided, and the taxonomies of C. hecla taxa are reviewed.

Accuracy of aerial detection surveys for mapping insect and disease disturbances in the United States

Insects and diseases annually cause millions of hectares of defoliation and mortality to forested landscapes in the U.S. To monitor these disturbance events, the USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection and cooperating state partners conduct annual aerial detection surveys. These data represent the largest, and most historical, remote sensing dataset linking forest disturbances to specific insects and diseases. However, formal accuracy assessments of these data are exceptionally limited in scale and scope. Our two primary objectives were to (1) assess the accuracy of aerial detection survey data for delineating forest disturbances attributed to insects, diseases, and abiotic events across multiple ecological regions and (2) assess the repeatability of aerial surveyors to locate and observe defoliation and mortality on a forested landscape. The methodology used in our study represents the procedures adopted nationwide for aerial detection surveys. We used a stepdown approach in our analyses to show the accuracy of aerial survey observations from broad to specific categories, such as from feeding guilds to specific damage agents. We used error matrices to compare the accuracy of aerially detected events and ground observations. Overall accuracy in all the error matrices was >70% for comparisons of aerial survey observations to ground-collected data. Damage type observations for tree mortality and defoliation had high-levels of accuracy with only 2% and 5% commission error, respectively. More than half of the ground-collected data verified bark beetle-caused tree mortality, representing low commission error (9%). Accuracy declined as the specificity for observations went from genera to species level for tree species and damaging agents, but many of the prominent tree species and damaging agents had zero and low commission errors. In small polygons (<2 ha), aerial surveyors accurately observed counts for tree injury and mortality more frequently than over- and underestimated observations, whereas trees acre−1 observations were more commonly overestimated than correct trees acre−1 observations. Greater agreement of polygons occurred when tree injury and mortality were mapped on high-resolution imagery than during aerial detection surveys in the repeatability test, but similar usage of points and polygons were used to note injury between the two survey techniques. In addition, m ean hectares mapped were comparable for all polygons and defoliation polygons between the survey techniques. The results from this study improve insect and disease survey techniques nationwide and increase the use of these data while acknowledging its accuracies and limitations.

Spatiotemporal patterns of forest damage and disturbance in the northeastern United States: 2000–2016

Forest damage and disturbance can have significant influences on tree vigor, species composition, biodiversity, and associated ecosystem services. Recognizing the importance of monitoring spatiotemporal patterns of forest health, federal and state agencies in the United States (US) have conducted aerial insect and disease surveys (IDS) annually to quantify the extent of forest damage by type and causal agent. Although agencies have collected these geospatial data for decades, long-term trends and patterns have not been synthesized across the predominantly forested region of northern New England and New York. Here, we utilized a novel, online forest damage and disturbance mapping portal, the Northeastern Forest Health Atlas, to investigate inter-annual and long-term patterns (2000–2016). Our analysis indicated that ∼11.0 million ha of forestland (10% of the study region) experienced at least one damage event (i.e., an IDS polygon) over the 17-year period, averaging 647,425 ± 215,482 ha (3.4 ± 1.1% of the region’s forestland) annually. While there were no detectable linear, long-term trends in annual extent or relative abundance of damage by agent category, we found that some ecoregions experienced relatively higher damage rates (e.g., Acadian Plains and Hills, Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens). Across the region, insects were the most extensive damage agent category mapped (∼8 million ha), with a relatively small number of invasive insects (19 species) accounting for half of this damage. Because climate change may alter the type, severity, and frequency of forest disturbance, quantifying baseline patterns of forest damage is critical for detecting shifts in forest dynamics and developing adaptive management strategies.