Light Trap Surveys Research Articles

Characteristics of dispersal flight and disperser production in an Asian dry-wood termite, Neotermes koshunensis (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae)

Differences in the dispersal flight patterns among termite families are correlated with the difference between the two life history characteristics exhibited by this group: “separate-piece nesters” versus “single-piece nesters.” However, information remains limited on the phenology and the life history characteristics of single-piece nesters, impeding our understanding of this topic. We report the flight phenology of an Asian single-piece nester termite Neotermes koshunensis on Okinawa Island, Japan. In 1983–1984, a light-trap survey showed that N. koshunensis exhibited an extended dispersal flight period from late April to early November, peaking in June, with a female-biased sex ratio. Between 1983 and 2012, the collection of 134 whole colonies of N. koshunensis from the surrounding area confirmed the presence of alates and pre-alate nymphs within the colonies over 7 months, reflecting the extended flight season of this termite species, probably in association with the extended dispersal flight season. However, in some cases, alates and pre-alate nymphs were also retained in the colonies after the dispersal flight season (i.e., winter, from December to February). The daily number of trapped alates in 1983 was positively correlated with temperature and relative humidity; however, alate production inside the colony was also positively correlated with temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation. Thus, these environmental factors might promote the flight activity of this termite by enhancing alate production inside the colony. Furthermore, temperature also had a significantly positive effect in the model incorporating the density of alates in the colony, along with environmental factors; thus, temperature might facilitate the release of alate from colonies. The accumulation of information on the phenology and life history characteristics of alate advances our understanding of the different dispersal strategies used by termites, providing insights into how the different families have evolved.

Relative occurrence of the family Kalotermitidae (Isoptera) under different termite sampling methods

The termite family Kalotermitidae constitutes a wood-nesting termite family that accounts for about 15% of all extant termite species. In recent decades, field studies have been carried out to assess termite diversity in various wooded habitats and geographic locations. Three sampling methods have been favored expert, transect, and alate light-trap surveys. Expert collecting is not spatially quantifiable but relies on field personnel to recognize and sample termite niches. The transect method aims to standardize and quantify termite abundance and diversity. Light trapping is a passive method for sampling nocturnal alate flights. We compared our expert survey results and results of published sampling methods for their proportional yields of kalotermitid versus non-kalotermitid encounters. Using an odds ratio statistic, we found that worldwide, there is about a 50.6-fold greater likelihood of encountering a kalotermitid sample versus a non-kalotermitid using the expert survey method and a 15.3-fold greater likelihood using alate trapping than using the transect method. There is about a 3.3 -fold greater likelihood of collecting a kalotermitid specimen versus a non-kalotermitid sample using the expert survey method than using the alate trap method. Transect studies in which only termite species diversity was reported gave similar low Kalotermitidae yields. We propose that multiple biases in sampling methodology include tools, time constraints, habitat type, geographical location, topographical conditions, and human traits account for the divergent outcomes in sampling the abundance and diversity of Kalotermitidae compared to other termite families.

Termite Species Distribution and Flight Periods on Oahu, Hawaii.

Termites are economically-important structural pests, costing residents of Hawaii over $100 million annually. On Oahu, the last published termite swarming survey occurred from 1969 to 1971, and the last termite hand-collection survey occurred from 1998 to 2000. To contribute data on termite occurrences on Oahu, a light-trap survey took place from February 2011 to September 2012, and a hand-collection survey occurred from September to November 2012. Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, swarming was compared over the duration of the study, finding peak swarming in May 2011. C. formosanus alate activity density was regressed with environmental factors, finding a negative correlation with average wind speed and a positive correlation with average rainfall. Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) alates were observed in April, June, and July 2011 and in June 2012. Four species of termites were found in the hand-collection survey of 44 sites: Incisitermes immigrans (Snyder) (n = 8/44), C. formosanus (n = 2/44), Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light (n = 1/44), and Neotermes sp. (n = 1/44). This study contributes to distribution data for termite species on Oahu and records alate activity for two important termite pests.

Night-active Macroheterocera species in traps with synthetic attractants in the Velyka Dobron’ Game Reserve (Ukraine, Transcarpathia)

We allocated some new types of bait traps using different volatile aromatic compounds in the Velyka Dobron’ Game Reserve (Ukraine, Transcarpathian region) where light trap surveys on Macroheterocera were already carried out since 2009. The phenylacetaldehyde-based traps were especially effective for the species of subfamilies Plusiinae and Helio-thinae, while the members of some other subfamilies (Hadeninae, Noctuinae) were more attracted by the isoamyl-alcohol-based traps. The highest attractivity was observed in case of the mixture containing isoamyl-alcohol, acetic acid and red wine. The highest num-ber of species was observed in mid-July, but the peak of individual numbers appeared in early August. Majority of species of this assemblage was formed by bivoltine species connected to herbaceous food plants. The dominant species of this late summer period was Trachea atriplicis (second brood). It was sharply replaced by the monovoltine Allophyes oxyacanthae in September. The bulk of species of this early autumnal period was formed by monovoltine species with woody-shrubby larval food plants. Biogeographical spectrum of the assemblage was dominated by widely distributed Euro-Siberian species combined with significant presence of Mediterranean and Boreo-continental faunal elements. In the ecological spectrum of the assemblage the species connected to forested habitats are well represented but together with the presence of numerous generalist species.

Lepidoptera communities across an agricultural gradient: how important are habitat area and habitat diversity in supporting high diversity?

Agricultural expansion and intensification have been linked with losses of biodiversity and disruption of key ecosystem services in farmed landscapes. A number of mitigation and adaptation strategies e.g. agri-environment schemes, have been implemented to counter these declines but their effectiveness has been questioned by conservationists as well as policy makers. A key concern is the lack of knowledge about how conservation efforts might best be directed; especially in terms of aligning the scale and type of implementation in different landscapes with the niche requirements and dynamics of different species and taxa. Here we focus on how the landscape context of farmed systems at different spatial scales determines the abundance of habitat generalist and specialist butterfly and moth species in southern England. We used butterfly data from 20 UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme sites, supplemented with moth data from a light trap survey of 11 sites, in southern England where the predominant habitat type sampled is lowland calcareous grassland. Our results show that larger areas of semi-natural grassland generally support larger numbers and a greater species richness of butterflies and moths, but that the composition of the Lepidoptera fauna changes with habitat size depending on the diversity of habitats in the landscape, particularly at the larger spatial scale. Larger areas of grassland in less diverse landscapes result in a proportionally greater number and diversity of habitat specialists, whilst habitat diversity is important in maintaining numbers and diversity of more generalist wider countryside species. Large areas of single habitat types may only be economically maintained at the expense of habitat diversity. Whilst these sites may be important in promoting abundance and diversity of selected specialist species, they may be prone to lower overall species richness. This has implications for improving the design and implementation of agri-environment schemes aimed at providing suitable habitat in order to promote the abundance and diversity of Lepidoptera and other taxa.

Three species of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) newly recorded from the Republic of Korea.

Light trap surveys of adult Culicoides Latreille in the Republic of Korea (ROK) resulted in the capture of three previously unreported species, C. nasuensis Kitaoka, C. pallidulus Yu and C. jacobsoni Macfie. These new records are supported by supplementary morphological descriptions and DNA barcodes (mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I or COI). An updated checklist of species reported from the ROK is provided.

Standardised methods for the GMO monitoring of butterflies and moths: the whys and hows

Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) are correlated with many biotic and abiotic characteristics of the environment, and are widely accepted as relevant protection goals. Adverse effects on butterflies and moths through genetically modified (GM) crops have been demonstrated, by both insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant events. Thus, Lepidoptera are considered suitable bio-indicators for monitoring the potential adverse effects due to the cultivation of GM crops, and guidelines were developed under the umbrella of the Association of German Engineers VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure), entitled “Monitoring the effects of genetically modified organisms (GMO) – Standardised monitoring of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera): transect method, light trap and larval survey”. Here, the background and rationale of the VDI guidelines is presented, including a summary of the methods described in the guidelines. Special emphasis is given to the discussion of underlying reasons for the selection and adjustment of the applied methodology with respect to the GMO monitoring of day-active Lepidoptera, of night-active moths and of the recording of lepidopteran larvae, as well as to sample design and strategy. Further aspects possibly interfering with monitoring quality are treated such as landscape patterns, low species number and abundance in agro-ecosystems, or high year-to-year fluctuations of populations of Lepidoptera. Though specifically designed for GM crops, the VDI guidelines may also serve as a template to monitor the effects of a wider range of adverse factors on Lepidoptera in agriculture.

Light trap surveys for moths in Sile region of Istanbul, Turkey.

In this study, Heterocera species collected by light trap method in Sile region, Istanbul province, Turkey during the years of 2007 - 2008 was evaluated. A total of 194 specimens were collected from 48 different locations in Sile. According to identification results, 70 species belonging to 15 families were recorded. The family Noctuidae was represented by the highest number of species (26), followed by Geometridae (16) and Notodontidae (6).

Spatial Distribution ofPhyllophaga vandinei(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Emergence within and Around a Mamey Sapote Orchard

Cone emergence cages have been used to monitor a variety of soil-borne coleopterans, including Conotrechulus nenuphar (Herbst) (Jenkins et al. 2006), Curculio caryae (Horn) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (Mulder et al. 2000), and Phyllophaga vandinei Smyth (Jenkins & Goenaga 2008). Phyllophaga species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), have broad host ranges and are pests of a number of economic crops in Puerto Rico (Wolcott 1948; Martorell 1945, 1976). The cage, a cone shaped piece of galvanized screen with a boll weevil trap (Great Lakes IPM, Vestaburg, MI) at the top and modified to allow entry to larger beetles such as Phyllophaga spp., traps adults that have emerged from pupation in the soil under cage. Jenkins & Goenaga (2008) demonstrated that, in the case of P. vandinei, the cage is an effective means of monitoring adult populations but may not be useful as an accurate indicator of the presence of larvae beneath the cage in the field. We have noted that adults may cluster at the base of a cage at dawn, burrow under the cage and re-emerge the following night inside the cage. Light trap data and surveys on host trees reveal that adults of P. vandinei fly for a brief period after dusk (approximately 30-45 min) and at dawn, between which time they feed on the foliage of the host plant and mate (Jenkins, unpublished data). At dawn the adults return to the soil and are most often found in dense aggregations at the base of vertical objects, including host trees, irrigation stakes, and cone emergence cages (Jenkins, unpublished data). Jenkins & Goenaga (2008) concluded that cone emergence cages continued to capture adult beetles when left in place longer than a year (the beetle’s life cycle is less than a year). However, the traps that had been in place the longest were all on the western side of trees, indicating that trap location with respect to the host tree could be a critical factor in the effectiveness of the cone emergence cage. This study was designed to determine whether cone emergence cages placed to the west side of the host trees captured more adults than traps placed to the east of the trees. Previous studies already indicated that cages to the west capture more beetles than cages to the north and south (Jenkins & Goenaga 2008; Jenkins, unpublished data). We also compared the number of adults captured by cages placed immediately at the base of the tree to adults captured in cages placed between trees (within a row) and cages placed in an adjacent field, with the assumption being that the host trees are focal points for these aggregations. Cone emergence cages were placed in an orchard of mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota: Sapotaceae) in Isabela, Puerto Rico in Mar 2008, with 20 traps at the east base of the trees, and 20 to the west base of the same trees. Twenty cages were placed within rows but between trees 3 m from the base of the trees. Additionally, 20 cages were placed in a grid of 4 rows of 5 traps 3 m apart in a grass field 10 m south from the southeast border of the mamey sapote orchard. All cages were on the southeast corner of the orchard: previous studies have shown that P. vandinei populations were higher in this area than other locations at the station. Cages placed in 2008 were left in place and used again in 2009. All cages were checked for adult P. vandinei weekly between Mar and Jul in 2008 and 2009. The mean number of adult beetles emerging in each treatment (cage placement) was compared by ANOVA (SAS Institute 2006) and means were separated using Student-Newman-Keuls Multiple Range Test procedure (P ≤ 0.05). In 2008, analysis indicated (P = 0.0015) that the mean number of adult P. vandinei emerging in cone emergence cages placed to the west of host trees was larger than in cages placed to the east of host trees, or in cages placed between trees or in an adjacent field (Table 1). In 2009, analysis indicated (P = 0.0002) that the mean numbers of adult P. vandinei emerging in cone emergence cages placed at the base of host trees (to the east

Caterpillars and host plant records for 59 species of Geometridae (Lepidoptera) from a montane rainforest in southern Ecuador.

During four months of field surveys at the Reserva Biológica San Francisco in the south Ecuadorian Andes, caterpillars of 59 Geometridae species were collected in a montane rainforest between 1800 and 2800m altitude and reared to adults. The resulting data on host plant affiliations of these species was collated. The preimaginal stages of 58 and adult stages of all 59 species are depicted in colour plates. Observations on morphology and behaviour are briefly described. Five species, documented for the first time in the study area by means of larval collections, had not been previously collected by intensive light-trap surveys. Together with published literature records, life-history data covers 8.6% of the 1271 geometrid species observed so far in the study area. For 50 species these are the first records of their early stages, and for another 7 the data significantly extend known host plant ranges. Most larvae were collected on shrubs or trees, but more unusual host plant affiliations, such as ferns (6 geometrid species) and lichens (3 geometrid species), were also recorded. Thirty-four percent of the caterpillars were infested by wasp or tachinid parasitoids.

Population dynamics of the West Indian sweetpotato weevil Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire): a simulation analysis

AbstractThe West Indian sweetpotato weevil Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) is a major pest of the sweet potato Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. and this weevil is a target of an eradication program using the Sterile Insect Technique in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Understanding the population ecology is essential in the planning of an eradication program; hence, a host‐plant infestation survey and light trap survey have been conducted to monitor the population dynamics of the weevil on Kume Island (Okinawa Prefecture), which is the target area of the trial weevil eradication project. Seasonal tendencies of weevil density were found in these field surveys, but the tendency found in the host‐plant infestation survey was not seen every year, and the effectiveness of the light trap is somewhat suspect. To confirm the reliability of the tendency observed in these field surveys, the present study attempted to explain the tendency by a seasonal temperature change using a temperature‐based model of weevil population dynamics. The seasonal changes of weevil density differed according to host plants and host‐plant fields. The seasonal changes of weevil density inside the host plant Ipomoea indica and outside the host plants in I. indica fields were consistent with those predicted by the model. However, those inside the host plant Ipomoea pes‐caprae in the host‐plant infestation survey were contrary to the predicted ones, and those observed outside host plants in I. pes‐caprae fields by the light trap survey were not in good agreement with the predicted ones. It was concluded that the seasonal change of the weevil density observed in I. indica and I. indica fields can be explained by a seasonal temperature change, but factors other than seasonal temperature change are needed to explain those in I. pes‐caprae and I. pes‐caprae fields.

Investigaciones sobre brotes de peste equina en la zona de vigilancia de Sudáfrica

Confirmed outbreaks of African horse sickness (AHS) occurred in the surveillance zone of the Western Cape in 1999 and 2004, both of which led to a two-year suspension on the export of horses. Light trap surveys in the outbreak areas showed that known vector competent Culicoides species, notably C. imicola, were abundant and present in numbers equal to those in the traditional AHS endemic areas. Isolations of AHS virus serotypes 1 and 7, equine encephalosis virus, and bluetongue virus from field-collected C. imicola in the surveillance zone demonstrated that this species was highly competent and could transmit viruses belonging to different serogroups of the Orbivirus genus. Molecular identification of recovered virus isolates indicated that at least two incursions of AHS into the surveillance zone had taken place in 2004. The designation of an AHS-free zone in the Western Cape remains controversial since it can be easily compromised, as evidenced by the two recent outbreaks. In light of the results reported in the present study, the policy of maintaining a large population of unvaccinated horses in the surveillance zone should be reconsidered, as it leaves them vulnerable to infection with AHS virus, which is the most pathogenic of all equine viruses.

6.ライトトラップの連日調査におけるコガタアカイエカ捕集数の吸血蚊率の季節的推移(第55回日本衛生動物学会東日本支部大会講演要旨)

6.ライトトラップの連日調査におけるコガタアカイエカ捕集数の吸血蚊率の季節的推移(第55回日本衛生動物学会東日本支部大会講演要旨)

Abundance and Prevalence of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) on Some Philippine Chicken Farms

In total, 10,067 biting midges of the genus Culicoides comprising 17 species were collected in a light trap survey of 50 chicken farms in the province of Batangas, southern Luzon, Philippines, between 14 September and 5 December 1988. The species of greatest prevalence and abundance were Culicoides effusus Delfinado, Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer, and Culicoides palpifer Sen & Das Gupta. Engorged females of C. effusus, C. peregrinus, C. palpifer, Culicoides oxystoma Kieffer, Culicoides arakawae (Arakawa), Culicoides guttifer (Meijere), Culicoides albibasis Wirth & Hubert, Culicoides huffi Causey, Culicoides clavipalpis Mukerji, and Culicoides wenzeli Delfinado were collected. The abundance and prevalence of C. effusus, C. peregrinus, and C. C. palpifer in the overall sample of farms as well as in farms with previous occurrence of leucocytozoonosis indicated that these species are potential vectors of Culicoides-borne Leucocytozoon caulleryi Mathis & Leger among chickens in this area. Although blood-engorged females of C. arakawae were collected frequently, the prevalence and abundance of this species were limited.

Further notes on the Lepidoptera of Norfolk Island, with particular reference to migrant species

Summary This paper reports on the continuation from 1976 to 1981 of a light-trap survey of the Lepidoptera of Norfolk Island, south-west Pacific. The island environment is described briefly. Records of various species suspected to be wholly or partially migrant to the island are presented, including one definite record of an individual of Ophiusa disjungens Walker from New Caledonia. The climatic conditions prevalent during the two most significant arrivals over the period are described, and general patterns of arrival are discussed. In a systematic section new information on rare or migrant taxa, the status or identity of taxa, life histories and seasonal and local distribution patterns is presented. The following species are recorded from the island for the first time: Cosmopterix attenuatella Walker, Morophaga clonodes Meyrick, Bactra optanias Meyrick, Anarsia trichodeta Meyrick, Epipagis cancellalis Zeller, Marasmia poeyalis Boisduval (misidentified previously), Chloroclystis filata Meyrick, Nyctemera amica White, Amyna punctum Fabricius, Ophiusa disjungens Walker, Chrysodeixis acuta Walker, and Lacera noctilio Fabricius.

A Light-Trap Survey of the Abundance and Sex Ratio of Leafhoppers and Planthoppers in Egypt

A Light-Trap Survey of the Abundance and Sex Ratio of Leafhoppers and Planthoppers in Egypt

Aster Leafhopper: Source of Infestation, Host Plant Preference, and Dispersal23

The local movement and host plants of Macrosteles fascifrons (Sta1) were studied for three years in eastern Washington by light trap surveys and sweeping. The data indicate that this leafhopper did not migrate from remote breeding areas, but populations arose each year from overwintering eggs laid on grain, clovers (red, ladino, and alsike), and grasses, and dispersed to vegetable crops such as carrots and potatoes when the grain and clovers matured or when they were unsuitable as food. The aster leafhopper returned to fall-planted grains and weed hosts in late summer for oviposition of overwintering eggs.

SOME FACTORS DETERMINING THE SIZE OF INFESTATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN CORN BORER, OSTRINIA NUBILALIS (HBN.) (PYRALIDAE: LEPIDOPTERA)

Partial regression analysis of the indicial size of first generation, or summer. infestations of Ostrinia nubilalis estimated from light-trap matches and surveys of cornfields in Kent County, Ontario, suggested that the size of infestations was largely determined by three factors: (1) the number of females in the first flight, (2) average rainfall per day during the first flight, and (3) average daily temperature during the first flight. The first factor was apparently most important, rainfall had less effect, and the influence of temperature was evidently negligible. Estimated size of first generation infestations increased by 3.7 individuals for every unit increase in the number of females trapped during the first flight, by 12.2 individuals for every 0.01 in. of rain which fell during the first flight, and by 1.3 individuals for every 1°-F increase in mean daily temperature during the first flight. The regression explained 94% of the variation in estimated size of summer infestations of the corn borer between 1947 and 1961. A hyperbolic relationship was implied between the number of females in the first flight and the number of progeny per female in first generation infestations.

Nine New Species of Neotropical Culex, Eight from Panama and One from Honduras (Diptera, Culicidae)

In the present publication the authors describe nine new species of Culex from Middle America distributed among the following subgenera: one Culex sens, str., one Microculex and seven Melanoconion. Six of the new species were collected in the course of extensive light trap surveys in Middle America, conducted by the authors and Dr. Harold Trapido; two were reared many years ago by the senior author and again picked up during the light trap survey and the Microculex has been, repeatedly collected as adult and larva by the senior author in the highlands of Panama.