Non-pest Species Research Articles

Social Inclusion and Pest Management: a Route for Improved Food Production and well-being in the Global South.

World trade has facilitated the spread of non-native pest species, presenting new challenges for food production. In the Global South, linking worker social protection programs with invasive pest management can, at the same time, contribute to food security and empower workers. The spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) (SWD) recent invasion in the Global South case study illustrates how science-based policies integrated with agricultural worker-based social organizations can contribute toward economic and environmental sustainability.

Differential ovipositional preferences of Acraea terpsicore (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) on congeneric wild and introduced cultivated Passiflora plants based on differences in leaf characteristics

Acraea terpsicore (Linnaeus, 1758) can utilize multiple host plants, particularly those in genus Passiflora, and poses a potential pest risk for introduced Passiflora plants and economically significant crops. In this study, the ovipositional preferences of an A. terpsicore population were investigated on four Passiflora species, including the wild host plant P. foetida, the fruit crop plant P. edulis, and two ornamental flower plants, P. × alata-caerulea and P. × coccinea-caerulea, as well as two non-Passiflora plants, Cucumis sativus and Vigna unguiculata. From a total of 4,059 eggs and 3,135 caterpillars, the majority of eggs were oviposited on P. foetida (50.63 %), followed by P. × coccinea-caerulea (23.40 %), P. × alata-caerulea (20.65 %), and P. edulis (5.32 %). Similarly, caterpillars were predominantly observed on P. foetida (38.66 %) and P. × coccinea-caerulea (38.50 %), followed by P. × alata-caerulea (17.86 %) and P. edulis (4.98 %). Meanwhile, neither eggs nor caterpillars were found on the non-Passiflora plants. Interestingly, the abundance of predatory arthropods mirrored the distribution of caterpillars. In addition, temperature and humidity strongly influenced the number of observed eggs and caterpillars. Although A. terpsicore preferred to oviposit on P. foetida, its caterpillars were equally abundant on P. × coccinea-caerulea. These differential ovipositional preferences and caterpillar proportions may be attributed to ovipositional preferences rather than caterpillars’ preferences. Although A. terpsicore is regarded as a non-pest species at present, this status may be altered if it encounters congeneric plants resembling its wild host plant within landscapes.

Comparability of comparative toxicity: insect sensitivity to imidacloprid reveals huge variations across species but also within species.

Pesticides have been identified as major drivers of insect biodiversity loss. Thus, the study of their effects on non-pest insect species has attracted a lot of attention in recent decades. In general toxicology, the 'gold standard' to assess the toxicity of a substance is to measure mass-specific LD50 (i.e. median lethal dose per unit body mass). In entomology, reviews attempting to compare these data across all available studies are lacking. To fill this gap in knowledge, we performed a systematic review of the lethality of imidacloprid for adult insects. Imidacloprid is possibly the most extensively studied insecticide in recent times, yet we found that little is comparable across studies, owing to both methodological divergence and missing estimates of body mass. By accounting for body mass whenever possible, we show how imidacloprid sensitivity spans across an apparent range of approximately six orders of magnitude across insect species. Very high variability within species can also be observed owing to differences in exposure methods and observation time. We suggest that a more comparable and comprehensive approach has both biological and economic relevance. Ultimately, this would help to identify differences that could direct research towards preventing non-target species from being negatively affected.

Community composition of invasive, outbreak, and non-pest snail species along a source spring-to-fishpond gradient in a spatially structured aquacultural region

Agricultural lands are integrated into and interact with natural areas. Such is the case of Emek HaMa'ayanot, northern Israel, comprising a springs-rich area characterized by multiple land-uses, including spring-water-based aquaculture, recreational springs, and nature reserves. Aquacultural farms suffer from pest snails that carry fish disease; in the study region, these species are invasive (Thiara scabra, Tarebia granifera, Pseudosuccinea columella) and outbreak endemic (Melanoides tuberculata). Previous snail control efforts have focused on individual fishponds without considering management on larger environmental scales in the waterways from the source springs to the fish farms. To broaden our understanding of the status of the pest snail problem in the study area prior to suggesting environmental managerial solutions, we quantified changes in the community composition of snail species along the springs-to-fishponds gradients in a spatially explicit system. We found a remarkable increase in pest snail abundances along these gradients, indicating that pest snails might be invading upstream towards the springs. There were always nearly 100% pest snails in the endpoint sites for water tracks that ended in fishponds. Moreover, pest snails dominated the site when it was used as a fishpond, even though the site was also a spring. In contrast, in a water track that does not end in a fish farm, the relative abundances of non-pest snail species was similar between the source spring and the downstream endpoint, in spite of an increase in pest snail abundance at a midpoint site. These results suggest that invasive pest snails are actively moving upstream and that the fishponds have a marked upstream effect on the ability of non-pest snails to resist pest species invasions. We suggest further investigation of possible strategies for biocontrol of the observed invasion of the snails into natural areas as a basis for environmental management efforts. Finally, the observations made during this study could have practical global implications for snail management in aquaculture and agriculture, and for the control of snails and snail vectors implicated in animal and human diseases.

Evolution of chemosensory genes in Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata.

Associating with plant hosts is thought to have elevated the diversification of insect herbivores, which comprise the majority of global species diversity. In particular, there is considerable interest in understanding the genetic changes that allow host-plant shifts to occur in pest insects and in determining what aspects of functional genomic diversity impact host-plant breadth. Insect chemoreceptors play a central role in mediating insect-plant interactions, as they directly influence plant detection and sensory stimuli during feeding. Although chemosensory genes evolve rapidly, it is unclear how they evolve in response to host shifts and host specialization. We investigate whether selection at chemosensory genes is linked to host-plant expansion from the buffalo burr, Solanum rostratum, to potato, Solanum tuberosum, in the super-pest Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). First, to refine our knowledge of CPB chemosensory genes, we developed novel gene expression data for the antennae and maxillary-labial palps. We then examine patterns of selection at these loci within CPB, as well as compare whether rates of selection vary with respect to 9 closely related, non-pest Leptinotarsa species that vary in diet breadth. We find that rates of positive selection on olfactory receptors are higher in host-plant generalists, and this signal is particularly strong in CPB. These results provide strong candidates for further research on the genetic basis of variation in insect chemosensory performance and novel targets for pest control of a notorious super-pest.

Diversity of parasitoid wasps (Insecta, Hymenoptera) in oilseed rape fields in Serbia

Oilseed rape is an important crop grown worldwide and used for various purposes, including oil extraction and animal feed. In Europe, there are six major pest species and several other minor pests that can significantly affect oilseed rape production, requiring growers to effectively control them in order to ensure crop yield. The host-parasitoid complexes of these pests have been studied in detail and recorded mainly in western, central and northern Europe. As an abundant source of pollen and nectar, oilseed rape may also be attractive to other parasitoids that do not have direct trophic interactions with oilseed rape pest species. The aim of this study is to fill the knowledge gap regarding the wider parasitoid community in oilseed rape fields, particularly in southern Europe. During the two-year study, a total of 3135 specimens of primary and secondary parasitoids were sampled, of which 2855 were found in oilseed rape fields and 280 in semi-natural habitats. We found 153 taxa, of which 119 were found in oilseed rape fields and 87 in semi-natural habitats. We identified 31 genera (33 species) as parasitoids of oilseed rape pests, 54 genera (97 species) parasitising non-pest species and 10 genera (23 species) as possible parasitoids of oilseed rape pests. This study shows that the parasitoid community in oilseed rape fields is very diverse and that includes parasitoids of both oilseed rape pest and non-pest species.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification identifies nematode Leidynema in the hindgut of non-pest cockroach

Cockroach microbiome studies generally focus on pest cockroach species belonging to the Blattidae and Ectobiidae families. There are no reports characterizing the gut microbiome of non-pest cockroach species Blaberus discoidalis (family Blaberidae), which is commonly used as a food source for insectivorous animals. We discovered the parasitic nematode Leidynema appendiculata in the B. discoidalis hindgut during initial work characterizing the gut microbiome of this organism. To determine the proportion of the B. discoidalis colony that was colonized by L. appendiculata, 28 S rDNA was amplified using two Methods: endpoint polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). B. discoidalis colonies were raised on three diet types (control, high fibre, and high fat and salt) for 21 days before dissection. Each individual was sexed during dissection to identify potential sex-based effects of colonization. Data collected were analysed to determine if diet and sex impacted parasite colonization patterns. LAMP detected a higher proportion of parasite positive samples when compared to endpoint PCR. No sex- or diet-based differences in L. appendiculata colonization were found. This study adds to the limited existing knowledge of the B. discoidalis gut microbiome.

Short Communication: Dacini tribe's fruit fly species in Depok (Indonesia) with special reference to the abundance of orchard fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, for fruit pest controlling

Abstract. Herrahmawati Q, Yuniati R, Yasman. 2023. Short Communication: Dacini tribe's fruit fly species in Depok (Indonesia) with special reference to the abundance of orchard fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, for fruit pest controlling. Biodiversitas 24: 2447-2457. Knowledge of diversity and regularly monitoring pest insects in fields is crucial in crop protection and is key to effective pest control management. Our research group aims to map the species diversity of the Dacini tribe's fruit flies in Depok (Indonesia) using lure fruit fly traps and rearing fruit fly larvae from infected fruits. This preliminary study result is important for our next study to control fruit flies using tropical fruit extract as a natural lure. Four fruit flies were obtained from infected fruit purchased from a traditional fruit seller: Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel 1912) and Bactrocera albistrigata (Meijere 1911) from Syzygium aqueum (Burm.fil.) Alston fruit and Bactrocera fuscitibia (Drew & Hancock 1994) and Bactrocera carambolae (Drew & Hancock 1994) from arum manis (Mangifera indica L.) fruit. Meanwhile, three fruit fly species were caught in lure traps using methyl eugenol: B. dorsalis, Bactrocera umbrosa (Fabricius 1805), and Bactrocera musae (Tryon 1927). Detailed morphological descriptions were provided for each species obtained. The B. dorsalis was the most abundant, while B. musae were the least abundant. This study's total number of individuals was 6,329 for B. dorsalis, 485 for B. umbrosa, and 34 for B. musae. The B. dorsalis is widely distributed in many tropical areas of Asia-Pacific and is considered an invasive species in Africa. Moreover, it is well known as one of the most important pest species within the Tephritidae family. While the remaining obtained fruit fly species have also been reported as pests, it is interesting to note that B. fuscitibia was reported as a non-pest species but was obtained from an infected mango fruit in this preliminary study. The B. musae was also reported for the first time in Depok, West Java Province, Indonesia.

Keragaman Serangga pada Tanaman Terong Ungu (Solanum melongena)

Indonesia as a mega-biodiversity country has a very diverse diversity of insects. The diversity of these insects has both beneficial and detrimental roles. The beneficial role of insects is that they act as pollinators, predators of pests and regulators of wild plant populations, while the detrimental roles of insects are plant-eating pests and disease vectors in plants. Insects have many habitats, one of which is purple eggplant or solanum melongena. Eggplant is cultivated for consumption and contains many ingredients. This plant is widely cultivated because it contains nutrients consisting of minerals and vitamins such as A, B and C, is low in calories and fat, and contains some protein, fiber and carbohydrates. This research is included in the quantitative descriptive research. This research is located on the agricultural land of PT. BIO, which is located at Jl. Banjar Sari No. 38, Dusun Awisurat, Tanjungsari, Kec. Tanjungsari, Sumedang Regency, West Java and takes place for 2 weeks in November 2022. Insect data collection uses insect nets and data that can be analyzed using relative abundance and Shannon-Wiener diversity index values. The insects found consisted of 6 orders namely Diptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Mantodea and Hymenoptera. The six orders consist of 9 families. The eggplant planting area has a Shannon-Wiener diversity index value of 1.8 so that the planting area conditions are close to natural conditions with an index value of > 2. From the findings, insects can be classified into four groups based on their role in eggplant plants. Based on their roles, six pest species, three predator species, one pollinator species and one non-pest species. The abundance of insect species in eggplant planting fields has low criteria except for Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata which is moderate. The level of insect diversity in purple eggplant plantings was moderate, with the species that had the highest abundance being Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata

Direct and indirect effects of banker plants on population establishment of Harmonia axyridis and aphid control on pepper crop.

Banker plant systems increase biological pest control by supporting populations of natural enemies, i.e., using non-pest arthropod species as alternative prey. However, the presence of alternative prey does not always result in improved control of the target pest species owing to the complexity of biotic interactions. To increase the effectiveness of banker plants in IPM programs, a fine understanding of the indirect interactions between target aphid and alternative prey mediated by biocontrol agents is necessary. In this study, we first established a banker plant system, banker plant (Vicia faba)-alternative prey (Megoura japonica)-predator (Harmonia axyridis), to control the target pest (Myzus persicae) on pepper. We found that M. japonica strongly preferred faba bean as a host plant and posed no risk to Solanaceous crops. Harmonia axyridis adults had no significant predation preference for the alternative prey. In the short term, the interaction direction of the two aphid species depended on the relative initial density and the timescale. Harmonia axyridis showed a stronger negative effect on M. persicae than that on M. japonica. In the long term, the presence of alternative prey, M. japonica, enhanced the control effect of H. axyridis to M. persicae with initial density of 100-500 aphids per plant. The presence of the alternative prey could proliferate the population of H. axyridis, with from 0.2- to 2.1-fold increase of H. axyridis eggs. Overall, we put forward a strategy for setting the initial density of alternative prey of the banker plant system to target the high and low density of aphids, which highlighted the importance of indirect interactions in designing a proper banker plant system.

Public perception of urban wildlife during a COVID-19 stay-at-home quarantine order in Chicago.

Reduced human activity to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by reports of unusual wildlife sightings in highly developed areas. Such experiences with urban nature may have helped residents cope with the stress of the pandemic and increased public interest in urban wildlife; however, this may depend on the species residents encountered. In this study, we surveyed Chicago, Illinois, USA residents during a stay-at-home order to understand if residents in more affluent or greener neighborhoods saw more wildlife species. We also evaluated whether encounters with pest and non-pest species were associated with residents’ values about wildlife. Of 593 responses included in our analyses, respondents in higher-income and greener neighborhoods were more likely to perceive increased wildlife sightings and respondents in higher-income areas reported observing a higher number common birds and mammals. Support for seeing wildlife in residential areas was associated with seeing passerine birds and not seeing rats during the stay-at-home order. Our results suggest that perceived increases in wildlife sightings were common during a stay-at-home order, especially for affluent residents, and that residents’ perceptions depended on the species encountered. Understanding how changes in human behavior modifies human-wildlife interactions can help mitigate human-wildlife conflict and foster positive engagement with local wildlife.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11252-022-01284-x.

Selective neutralisation and deterring of cockroaches with laser automated by machine vision

ABSTRACT Controlling insect pests still relies on the extensive usage of generic and established methods, such as pesticides, which utilise broad spectrum chemicals or toxins persisting in the environment and targeting non-pest insect species. Therefore, more effective and environmental friendly approaches are needed to counteract these damaging effects. Since a laser can be remotely directed to neutralise undesirable targets, this approach could be highly promising for controlling insect pests in a selective and ecofriendly fashion. In this study, we present a laser system automated by machine vision for neutralising and influencing the behaviour of insect pests. By performing experiments on domiciliary cockroaches, Blattella germanica, we demonstrate that our approach enables the immediate and selective neutralisation of individual insects at a distance up to 1.2 m. We further show the possibility to deter cockroaches by training them not to hide under a dark shelter through aversive heat conditioning with a low power-laser. Parameters of our prototype system can readily be tuned for applications in various situations and on different pest species like mosquitoes, locusts, and caterpillars. The prospect of this study is to pursue the creation of a standalone, safe for the environment, compact, low-cost, and energy-efficient device system for pest control.

Poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) poses a risk in the rearing of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

The larvae ofHermetia illucens L. (Insecta: Diptera: Stratiomyidae), also known as black soldier fly (BSF), has the unique ability to recycle nutrients from organic wastes. The BSF larvae biomass is a cheap and sustainable protein source that can be used in the feeding of fish, chickens, pigs, and pets. The BSF is a non-pest species, but its mass rearing conditions can attract pathogens and parasites due to the high temperature and moisture requirements. The published literature on the BSF cover aspects such as larval production, conversion efficiency during the rearing stage, adult longevity and mating. However, no published data are available on any parasitic or disease outbreaks in BSF colonies. The present paper reports the first case of an ectoparasite in a BSF colony. The poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is an invasive predator of the larvae and pre-pupae of BSF, quickly deteriorating the production and health of BSF colony.

The Potential of Fluorescence Imaging to Distinguish Insect Pest and Non-pest Species

Studying the presence and movement of insects is important in biological research for practical purposes regarding control of pests and environmental monitoring. Detection of insects by conventional trapping (e.g. the Rothamsted Insect Survey) and tracking technologies (e.g. the Rothamsted Radar Entomology Unit) have been effective for monitoring and forecasting pest migration but often require significant investment in capital costs and/or staff time. Insect detection using imaging of natural fluorescence (without additional fluorescent dyes) has been considered less, and much of the work on natural fluorescence in the animal world has been on marine organisms. Work on terrestrial arthropods has been more limited and restricted primarily to non-insect arthropods. Very early work on the distribution of fluorescent pigments in butterflies was demonstrated using long wave mercury vapour lamps followed by more work in the 1950s on butterflies, arthropods; including beetles, spiders and millipedes, cockroaches and eggs of Orthoptera. These studies often involved qualitative approaches; dissecting the animals and investigating internal organs and fluids for fluorescence as well as whole body studies. More recent studies have included quantitative work on butterflies and pest insects plus fluorescence studies in damselflies, moths, millipedes, bees and spiders. Fluorescence in juvenile stages is a property used for detection of flies and beetles in food stuffs. The vast majority of insects, however, have not been investigated for fluorescence and even in those taxa that have been studied, e.g. butterflies, the dataset is incomplete. The easiest way to observe fluorescence is to illuminate a subject with a known waveband of light in otherwise darkness and view or record an image via a filter that blocks the wavelength of the illuminating light. Any light viewed or captured at a different wavelength to the illumination, must have been produced by fluorescence. In contrast, some living organisms themselves can produce light or luminescence by internal chemical means. This work aimed to look at the potential of using natural fluorescence to detect and identify insects, particularly pests.

Ecology and Evolutionary History of Diabrotica Beetles-Overview and Update.

Simple SummaryThis review provides an overview on selected aspects of the ecology and biology of Diabrotica leaf beetles. A special focus is on the western corn rootworm as a major pest insect on corn. Furthermore, general information on host plant relationships and natural enemies of this beetle group is presented. Current knowledge of these leaf beetles is mostly focused on a limited number of economically important species. For the majority of the species in the group little to nothing is known about their biology and their host plants. This information, however, could be useful for future plant breeding programs and pest control strategies.An overview is given on several aspects of evolutionary history, ecology, host plant use, and pharmacophagy of Diabrotica spp. with a focus on the evolution of host plant breadth and effects of plant compounds on natural enemies used for biocontrol of pest species in the group. Recent studies on each aspect are discussed, latest publications on taxonomic grouping of Diabrotica spp., and new findings on variations in the susceptibility of corn varieties to root feeding beetle larvae are presented. The further need for in-depth research on biology and ecology of the large number of non-pest species in the genus is pointed out.

Occurrence and Habitat Use of Non-native Small Mammals in Upland Urban-Forest Environment in Northern Philippines

In the Philippines, few researches have been conducted about small mammals in urban areas at high elevation, where forests remain and non-native pest species can proliferate. Previous studies in Baguio City, Benguet Province reported three non-native species. This study extended these prior surveys by sampling in 13 localities, employing standard trapping method to document the distribution of species in an urban-forest setting. In 4,711 trap nights, 94 individuals were captured, consisting of four non-native species: Rattus exulans, Rattus tanezumi, Mus musculus, and Suncus murinus. Analysis of occurrence and relative abundance of species showed that small mammal distribution varied among the habitats, and appeared that variation may have been related to differences in vegetation structure or a habitat’s disturbance level. Rattus tanezumi was the most widespread, being especially common in backyard farms and in the public market. Suncus murinus was also widespread but less abundant than R. tanezumi. Rattus exulans was uncommon and restricted to certain area of a given habitat, particularly preferring weed-dominated areas. These suggest that non-native species are common and widespread in urban-forest setting but with apparent habitat preferences. The non-detection of native species is notable, suggesting that thorough studies can be done in the future.

Distribution of two European elaterids, Agriotes obscurus and A. lineatus in British Columbia: New records, and potential implications of their dispersal

• Two invasive click beetle pest species have established in southwestern British Columbia. • Surveys conducted in 2017–2019 reveal both species have now dispersed widely. • Crop damage, displacement of native species, and continued spread is expected. • Several native, non-pest species are attracted to the pheromone of these pests. Two European click beetle species, Agriotes obscurus L. (AO) and A. lineatus L. (AL) have become serious pests of agriculture in the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island areas of British Columbia (BC), but prior to the start of this survey (2017) it was unknown if they had established elsewhere in the Province. Pitfall traps baited with sex pheromone of AO and AL were placed throughout BC in 2017–2019 and collected a total of 4,988 AO and 20,103 AL beetles in 150 trap pairs. Both species were found to be distributed throughout southern BC, including high numbers in Creston, Kelowna, Pemberton, and Salmon Arm. Traps placed in northern BC, northern Alberta, northern Idaho, or the Willamette valley in western Oregon did not collect AO or AL. Traps were also deployed for A. sputator L., a related European species that has become a serious pest of potato in eastern Canada, but this species was not collected. AO and AL traps placed in the Pemberton valley of BC also collected 474 A. ferrugineipennis (LeConte), and traps placed in the northern Okanagan valley collected 75 A. oregonensis Becker. Both are native Agriotes species not closely related to AO or AL; this is the first time A. oregonensis was collected in Canada. We discuss the potential implications of the spread of AO and AL to other agricultural areas in BC and beyond.

A novel reference dated phylogeny for the genus Spodoptera Guenée (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae): new insights into the evolution of a pest-rich genus

The noctuid genus Spodoptera currently consists of 31 species with varied host plant breadths, ranging from monophagous and oligophagous non-pest species to polyphagous pests of economic importance. Several of these pest species have become major invaders, colonizing multiple continents outside their native range. Such is the case of the infamous fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), which includes two recognized host strains that have not been treated as separate species. Following its accidental introduction to Africa in 2016, it quickly spread through Africa and Asia to Australia. Given that half the described Spodoptera species cause major crop losses, comparative genomics studies of several Spodoptera species have highlighted major adaptive changes in genetic architecture, possibly relating to their pest status. Several recent population genomics studies conducted on two species enable a more refined understanding of their population structures, migration patterns and invasion processes. Despite growing interest in the genus, the taxonomic status of several Spodoptera species remains unstable and evolutionary studies suffer from the absence of a robust and comprehensive dated phylogenetic framework. We generated mitogenomic data for 14 Spodoptera taxa, which are combined with data from 15 noctuoid outgroups to generate a resolved mitogenomic backbone phylogeny using both concatenation and multi-species coalescent approaches. We combine this backbone with additional mitochondrial and nuclear data to improve our understanding of the evolutionary history of the genus. We also carry out comprehensive dating analyses, which implement three distinct calibration strategies based on either primary or secondary fossil calibrations. Our results provide an updated phylogenetic framework for 28 Spodoptera species, identifying two well-supported ecologically diverse clades that are recovered for the first time. Well-studied larvae in each of these clades are characterized by differences in mandibular shape, with one clade’s being more specialized on silica-rich C4 grasses. Interestingly, the inferred timeframe for the genus suggests an earlier origin than previously thought for the genus: about 17-18 million years ago.

Fall diet in sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus jamesi) and consumption of the grasshopper Melanoplus dawsoni in Alberta, Canada

Sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) are an important component of northern grassland food webs, a reliable indicator species, and considered to be valuable to the preservation of biodiversity. Ecological stressors imposed on this species include habitat alteration, fragmentation, encroachment from agricultural development, insecticides, and the effects of climate change on prairie landscapes, all of which have the potential to alter food availability and trophic dynamics. Insects and spiders are an important food source for many grassland birds. The ecological roles of many arthropod species as prey and as contributors of other important ecosystem services remain relatively unexplored. This study examined esophageal crop contents from 164 plains sharp-tailed grouse (T. phasianellus jamesi) that were collected in 2017 and 2018 from three sites in southern and central Alberta, Canada. The remains of grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae, 18 species) were detected in 80% of esophageal crops collected in September, and 31% in October. Of the grasshopper samples, 91% and 63% respectively, were a single species identified as Dawson's grasshopper (Melanoplus dawsoni). Juvenile grouse consumed more grasshoppers than adult grouse in all cases. Studies on other gallinaceous game birds have also identified frequent consumption of single arthropod species, likely due to the range, catchability, and abundance of these species at certain times of year. This non-pest grasshopper species appears to form a significant part of the food supply for sharp-tailed grouse in the fall. Species-level arthropod ecology can contribute to a better understanding of ecosystem stability, optimal land management practices, and previously unexplored food web connections.

Developing a Computer Application for the Identification of Similar Butterfly Species Using MATLAB Image Processing

Identification of insect pests to the species level is very important in the field of plant protection. The species name is a filing and retrieval system which enables us to store and/or retrieve all data for a species such as host plants, life cycle, damage, or pesticide resistance. However, identification of insects to the species level requires special knowledge and training. We aimed in this research to develop a computer application for the untrained person to identify digital images for three morphologically similar butterfly species. The first was the cabbage butterfly, Pieris rapae leucosoma Schawerda, a common pest of Cruciferae, while the other two (Euchloe ausonia melisande Fruhstorfer, Pontia daplidice daplidice Linnaeus) were generally considered non-pest species. Matlab 2017 software was used to build an implementation of the developed image processing technique. The insect digital image processing steps included resizing, orientation, filtering, extracting wing colors, and finally calculating the ratio of colors. Some images were used to train the computer to identify the images and the rest of images were used for identification by the computer. In addition, Graphical User Interface Application was developed to let any user (computer programmer or amateur) to upload process and identify an image. More than 99% correct identifications were obtained. The developed application may be a promising tool for insect image identification when more species are included and refinement of the technique is achieved.