Adult Emergence Period Research Articles

Determination of essential oil components of Ammi L. genus in Türkiye and their effects on some storage pests

Effects of essential oil components obtained by hydrodistillation of Ammi genus members (Ammi majus L., Ammi visnaga L. (Lam.)), which have important chemical and active components were investigated against two important storage pests; fig borer Cadra cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and flour moth Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). A total of 23 and 14 components were detected in A. majus and A. visnaga, respectively, and the product yield was found to be 96.05%, 82.53%. Among them, the major components for A. majus are 2 heptadecanone, benzoic acid, 2 pentadecanone while for A. visnaga they are linalol, nonadecane, carvacrol. Essential oil of A. visnaga extended the adult emergence times in E. kuehniella and C. cautella while the increase in pupation time was found statistically significant only in E. kuehniella. A. visnaga essential oil reduced the adult life span in E. kuehniella at the highest dose while a decrease was detected in both doses applied in C. cautella. Adult weight and number of eggs decreased due to the application of A. visnaga in both insects. Also, alterations were observed in the adult emergence, pupation time, and pupal period. In E. kuehniella and C. cautella, adult life spans, weights and egg production of females showed statistically significant decreases depending on the application of A. majus essential oil. The findings obtained within the scope of the current study reveal that the essential oils of A. majus and A. visnaga species have the potential to be used in the control of storage pest insects.

Phenological patterns from two sympatric subspecies of the palm Geonoma cuneata (H. Wendl. ex Spruce) and their gall inductor Contarinia geonomae (Gagné)

Geonoma cuneata is a variable species with eight subspecies and one of two palms worldwide with a gall record. In this species, staggered flowering has been suggested as a possible mechanism to explain its reproductive isolation from sympatric subspecies. In this study, we examined the phenology of two G. cunea­ta subspecies and their gall inductor, Contarinia geonomae, in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. For 207 consecutive weeks, we monitored the phenology of 79 G. cuneata individuals and recorded the outcomes of 434 inflorescences in terms of abortions, fruit, and gall success. We analyzed phenological patterns, checked for seasonality and synchrony, and evaluated the effects of precipitation and temperature on each phenophase. The reproductive outcomes of the two subspecies were compared in terms of abortions of the inflorescences and the development of fruits or galls in the infructescences. Both subspecies were mainly seasonal and showed a clear overlap in all phenophases during the four years of study. However, seasonality and synchrony were very well marked in G. cuneata subsp. cuneata whereas G. cuneata subsp. procumbens was characterized by lower synchrony and higher abortion rates. Emergent inflorescences were influenced by average temperature, while flowering was influenced by monthly rainfall and average temperature. More­over, the peak flowering occurred just after the end of the dry season, whereas ripe fruits peaked at the end of the rainy period. Ripe fruits showed higher levels of synchrony and were the only phenophase in which the mean date did not differ among subspecies. This was partly explained by the higher number of abortions and lower fruiting success of individuals flowering outside the peak period. Instead, such indi­viduals are more likely to have infructescences with galls and higher loads. Flowering convergence did not support phenology as a mechanism of reproductive isolation. However, an extended combination of time from flowering to fruiting in both subspecies benefits the gall inductor by providing an extended period of oviposition and adult emergence.

Stage-specific insecticide susceptibility and life-table analysis of the dengue vector mosquitoes <em>Aedes aegypti</em> and <em>Ae. albopictus</em>

Vector resistance to insecticides is a significant challenge in the control of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue. Analysis of the growth rate and survivorship of the immature stages of larvae has been important in formulating effective vector control strategies. The present study aimed to assess insecticide resistance in both larvae and adults of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, and the life tables of their immature stages.Mosquito eggs collected from Kurunegala and Colombo districts of Sri Lanka from January to March 2023 were reared under laboratory conditions. Larval bioassays were carried out with temephos (0.0125 ppm, 0.0625ppm and 0.125ppm) and, the adult bioassays were with pyrethroids (0.03% deltamethrin, 0.05% and 0.08% lambdacyhalothrin, 0.04% permethrin) and malathion (1%and 5%). Biochemical assays were used to evaluate the activity of insecticide-detoxifying enzymes and the insensitivity of the organophosphate target site acetylcholinesterase. Survivorship of immature stages under laboratory conditions and semi-field conditions i.e., bamboo stumps, tyres and clay pots, were studied using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.Larvae and adults of both species from Kurunegala were susceptible to all the insecticides tested, whereas Colombo populations were resistant. Acetylcholinesterases were largely sensitive in all vector populations. Higher activities of esterases, glutathione s-transferases and monooxygenases were found in Colombo populations. Results indicated that Ae. aegypti larvae were more resistant to insecticides than Ae. albopictus larvae. Also, the mechanisms of insecticide resistance were well developed in adults than in larvae.Aedes aegypti larval development time (5 days) was significantly shorter than that of Ae. albopictus (9 days) under laboratory conditions. Survival probabilities of them were 76-80%. Egg hatching to adult emergence period was 8 days for Ae. aegypti and 13 days for Ae. albopictus. This period, under semifield conditions were; bamboo stumps 7-7.2 days, tyres 10-11.3 days, and clay pots 13.8-14 days with survival rates varied from 28.8 to 63% for both species. This study highlights stage specific response of dengue vectors to insecticides and survivorship of their immature stages in different habitats. This knowledge can be effectively used in future dengue vector control programmes.

Development of pulse beetle Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in different pulses

Development of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus Fab.) was studied on nine different pulses viz., mungbean, urdbean, mothbean, greenpea, cowpea, horsegram, chickpea, wal and pigeonpea under laboratory conditions. The study indicated that chickpea was most preferred host by C. maculatus as it recorded highest number of eggs (290.67/100 grains), shortest total developmental period (21.33 days) and highest number of adult emergence (163/100 grains), whereas horsegram was least preferred host as it recorded lowest number of eggs (23.67 / 100 grains), lowest number of adult emergence (4.33/ 100 grains) and shortest adult longevity (4 days). The highest adult longevity was recorded in wal (10 days) followed by chickpea and mungbean (9.33 days). In the case of the incubation period, mungbean and cowpea recorded shortest incubation period (2.67 days) and followed by chickpea, green pea and pigeonpea (3.33 days) whereas it was highest in urdbean (4.67 days) followed by horsegram (4.33 days). Percent adult emergence was lowest in the case of horsegram (18.29%) followed by mothbean (19.86%) and was highest in wal (74.92%).

Seasonal prevalence of the invasive rusty-spotted longhorn beetle, Apriona swainsoni (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), adults in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

AbstractInvasive longhorn beetles are serious pests of tree stands worldwide. The rusty-spotted longhorn beetle, Apriona swainsoni (Hope) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae), is native to continental Asia, where it is a significant pest of legume trees. Its invasion into non-native ranges and damage to the local legume tree, Maackia amurensis, were first reported from Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, in 2021. This study investigated the biology of A. swainsoni in relation to adult emergence in Japan. Preliminary observations confirmed that A. swainsoni larvae create planned emergence holes on the host surface in late May. By exploiting these planned emergence holes, the adult emergence period was investigated in a field promenade of M. amurensis during the summer of 2022 and 2023. The researchers plugged the holes and recorded plug removal, resulting in the observation of 60 and 227 putative emergence events in respective years, with the majority occurring in early to mid-July. Further, during the summer of 2022, a periodic field survey of adult emergence was conducted, obtaining eight adults. Furthermore, a supplementary survey using infested logs maintained in a field cage demonstrated that the emergence period does not differ between sexes and the male-to-female ratio is one:one. Our results suggest that control efforts to suppress A. swainsoni adults in the field, such as insecticide spraying, should be prioritized in the relatively short, peak emergence period. This work indicates that the plug survey is useful for detecting the emergence period.

Reproduction system development of Ceracris kiangsu Tsai female adults and its relationship with fitness characteristics.

Research on the ovarian development of insect pests helps provide key information for predicting pest occurrences, and currently, there is very limited information about the reproductive system of Ceracris kiangsu Tsai. This study aimed to assess the reproductive fitness of 321 adult female insects by using traditional methods to dissect female adults, measure female ovaries, and assess the process of egg formation. The phenotypic traits including body weight and body length were also measured and used to estimate the model of ovarian developmental stages. Four ovarian developmental stages before the oviposition were identified, and the fundamental ovarian structure of C. kiangsu displayed red dots on the matured eggs inside the calyx at ovarian developmental stage V. The accessory glands of C. kiangsu had the deepest folds at stage Ⅲ. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to explore the correlation between ovarian development, body weight, and body length. A significant positive correlation was observed for body weight (p = 0.001) and body length (p = 0.009), which varied with the grade of ovarian development evaluated by the ovarian developmental stage, ovarian length, ovarian width, and ovarian cross-sectional area. A partial least square (PLS) regression was used to model the ovarian developmental stage, with a stage-based PLS being identified as the more effective method, which was y = 1.509x 1 + 0.114x 2. The model provides a potentially rapid way to identify the population source as either "native" or "immigrant" from the phenotypic traits without dissection. The aforementioned model may be used to estimate adult emergence periods and identify migratory populations from their ovarian development, potentially aiding in implementing proper prevention measures.

Adult Emergence and Morphometrics of Chinese Citrus Fly, Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Nepal

Chinese citrus fly, Bactrocera minax is a destructive and univoltine pest of citrus fruits. Geographical altitudinal gradients as well as prevailing climate affect the biology and ecology of insect. Hence, this study aimed to ascertain the effect of altitude on the adult emergence and morphological variations in various ecological settings of Ramechhap district of Nepal from February to June 2021 in citrus orchard. Six altitude ranges were selected in 50 m distance from 1200 to 1500 m above sea level (masl), ranging from 1201-1250 masl, 1251-1300 masl, 1301-1350 masl, 1351-1400 masl, 1401-1450 masl and 1451-1500 masl. The peak adult emergence periods were the 2nd, 3rd, 4th week of April in 1201-1250 masl, 1251-1300 masl, 1301-1350 masl, respectively, followed by 1st, 2nd and 3rd week of May in 1351-1400 masl, 1401-1450 masl, 1451-1500 masl, respectively. Morphometrics of Chinese citrus fly such as weight, length and width of pupa and adult were almost similar to the species collected in various altitudes. The average body length of male Chinese citrus fly adult was 11.58± 0.112 mm while female was 15.57± 0.076 mm. The average wingspan of male was 20.71± 0.285 mm while that of female was 23.14± 0.156 mm. The longevity of adult Chinese citrus fly species increased with increase in altitude. This information could be useful to design an appropriate management plan of Chinese citrus fly in various altitudinal gradients of Nepal.

Effect of chilling on pupal developmental arrest and subsequent impact on quality control parameters of adult blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

The chilling process will surely be a very cost-effective measure for repeated mass rearing and be an effective source for the requirements of a huge number of pupae collected and supplied for the sterile insect technique (SIT) program. In Bangladesh, blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) is a main cause of damage of marine fish during sun drying in coastal areas. The chilling for a certain duration at a certain temperature may store pupae for a specific time by reducing their metabolism. In this study, the effect of chilling temperature and exposure period on pupal developmental arrest was assessed and the subsequent impact on quality control parameters of the adult blowfly, L. cuprina was also observed. We considered the effects of three temperature (4, 7, and 10 °C) regimes and three exposure periods (10, 20, and 30 days) on 3-day-old pupae. Results showed that all the parameters were affected significantly by all the chilling temperatures and durations. Adult emergence, flight ability, pupal weight, adult longevity, fecundity, and fertility decreased with the increase of exposure duration, but partial emergence and pupal duration increased with exposure durations. Storages at 4 °C for 20 and 30 days had no adult emergence. Emergence occurred before the chilling duration at 10 °C for 20 and 30 days which clearly indicated the unsuitable condition for storage parameters. Though the emergence, flight ability, pupal weight, and longevity at 10 °C for 10 days had no significant difference with control, the fecundity and fertility did have a significant difference. In addition, treatment at 7 °C for 10days, the adult emergence, flight ability, pupal weight, longevity, fecundity, fertility, pre-oviposition, and oviposition period had no significant difference with control. Considering all the parameters, it can be concluded that the pupae of L. cuprina can be stored at 7 °C of chilling temperature for 10 days long without any deterioration towards the quality of adult flies.

In vitro larval rearing method of eusocial bumblebee Bombus terrestris for toxicity test

Bumblebees are important pollinators of wild and agricultural plants but recently have been declining due to various stressors, such as pesticides and diseases. Because of the haplo-diploid sex determination system in hymenopterans, experiments using micro-colonies (small sub colonies without a queen) to identify risks to bumblebee health are limited as they are only able to produce males. Therefore, an experimental protocol for rearing bumblebee larvae in vitro is needed to better understand effects on worker larvae. Here, we aimed to establish a rearing method for larvae of Bombus terrestris for use in risk assessment assays. To confirm the validity of our rearing method, we tested two insecticides used for tomato cultivation, chlorfenapyr and dinotefuran. Bombus terrestris larvae fed with a high nutrient quantity and quality diet increased growth per day. All chlorfenapyr-exposed individuals died within 10 days at 2000-fold dilution, an application dose used for tomatoes. There were significant differences in adult emergence rate among almost all chlorfenapyr treatments. On the other hand, sublethal dinotefuran-exposure did not affect rates of pupation and adult emergence, growth, or larval and pupal periods. Although larvae were smaller than in the natural colony, this rearing method for B. terrestris larvae proved to be effective at evaluating realistic sub-colonies to pesticide exposures.

Seasonal Prevalence of the Invasive Longhorn Beetle Aromia bungii in Osaka Prefecture, Japan

Simple SummaryRecently, damage caused by the invasive longhorn beetle Aromia bungii in Rosaceae trees, such as ornamental cherry, peach, and Japanese apricot, has become a serious problem in Japan, indicating the need to establish an effective control program against the beetle. To determine the optimal timing for pest control, we surveyed the seasonal abundance of the adult beetle based on the number of adults sighted on host trees over 3 years at three study sites (one site from 2019–2021 and two sites from 2020–2021) in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The field surveys revealed that adult appearance periods spanned 2 months (from June to August) and that the peak sightings occurred in late June. The adults were more abundant in the field in the early phase of the appearance periods. These results will help in the timely control of A. bungii adults to reduce their population density in the field. An optimal timing of application is near the peak day, which occurs in late June in Osaka Prefecture. Because seasonal adult abundance varies among regions, it is important to investigate each invaded region.A thorough understanding of the seasonal prevalence of invasive pests in newly invaded regions is key for establishing an appropriate and localized control plan for their successful eradication. In this study, we investigated the seasonal prevalence of the invasive longhorn beetle Aromia bungii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. We determined the number of adult beetles sighted on host trees more than once a week from late May or early June to late August for 3 years at three study sites (one site from 2019–2021 and two sites from 2020–2021). The appearance period of A. bungii adults spanned over 2 months (June–August), and peak sighting in the field occurred in late June; the adults were more abundant in the early phase of their seasonal prevalence (around the peak dates) and almost disappeared by August. The number of adult beetles emerging from A. bungii-infested trees at one study site was surveyed daily in 2021. This survey showed a short-span adult emergence period: Approximately 1 month from the first emergence day, supporting the idea of the concentration of adult abundance in the early phase. These results will help to establish a timely pest-control plan for A. bungii in Osaka Prefecture.

Variation of larval size and adult emergence period of Boyeria irene (Fonscolombe, 1838) (Odonata: Aeshnidae) in the Francia River of western Spain

Boyeria irene (Fonscolombe, 1838) is a large dragonfly common in rivers and streams in southern Europe, but it is little known about the biometrical variations of their populations. In this paper, we test whether the time of the emergence period of this species differs in the same river, whether the larval size varies during the emergence period, and whether the distinct size variations are associated with the different river sections. Results have revealed that 1) female exuviae are larger than those of males, 2) except for the paraproct length, the exuviae have similar size across the entire river length, 3) size of the exuviae is larger in the first period of emergence than in the second one. A difference in emergence duration across the three river sections has been recorded.

Impact of seasonal adult emergence period on reproductive performance of tasar silkmoth Antherea mylitta Drury (Lepidoptera: Saturnidae)

Influence of adult emergence period and prevailing weather parameters on reproductive biology of tasar silkmoth Antherea mylitta was studied under grainage (indoor) condition. There was a significant difference of fecundity was observed on different days of adult emergence. Maximum fecundity was observed on 10th day (219 eggs/female) during first grainage (diapause cocoons) while same has been observed on 13th day (224.30 eggs/female) of emergence during second grainage (nondiapause cocoons). With respect to hatching percentage, during first grainage maximum hatching was observed on 1st, 6th, 7th and 12th days of emergence (93.32, 90.14, 90.96 and 90.18 % respectively). In the case of second grainage maximum hatching was on 12th and 2nd day of emergence. Data on per cent egg retention during first grainage ranged between 6.46 to 29.25 % and it was between 6.49 to 14.39 % during second grainage. Retained eggs were unfertile and could observe less than 2 % of hatching across all the days of emergence in first and second grainage together. Despite of significant difference in the reproductive parameters it was not clear about which phase or days of seasonal emergence period yields better layings. Better reproductive performance was scattered randomly across the days of emergence and it also indicates that adult emergence period don’t have any influence over reproductive biology of A. mylitta. Prevailing temperature and relative humidity during emergence period found to have no major influence over fecundity, hatching percentage and egg retention.

Screening and Biochemical Analysis on Blackgram Genotypes for Resistance against Storage Pest Bruchine [Callosobruchus maculatus (F.)

Background: Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is a rich source of protein. It is one of the major crops essentially involved in daily human diets. However, storage pest bruchine [Callosobruchus maculatus (F.)] is a major production constraint for legumes. A research was formulated to assess the bruchine resistance in 20 blackgram genotypes along with the biochemical analysis to find out the active biochemical components responsible for the resistance activity.Methods: The experiment was carried out during August- October, 2019 at Entomology Laboratory, National Pulses Research Center, Vamban, India. The experimental material comprised of 20 blackgram genotypes which were screened for bruchine resistance. Further, confirmatory trial was conducted with selected resistant entries and highly susceptible entries during October- December, 2019. Both experiments were carried out in completely randomized design and replicated three times. GC-MS analysis on the resistant and susceptible entries were performed to ascertain the active biochemical components conferring resistance.Result: Among the genotypes, TU 68 had comparatively late developmental time (days), less number of adult emergence, higher mean developmental period (days), less susceptibility index, less seed damage (%) and less seed weight loss (%). Genotype TU 68 was found to be resistant in the confirmatory trial also. Less number of adult emergence and higher mean developmental period indicated the delayed developmental period which is a mechanism of bruchine resistance. GC-MS analysis on resistant (TU 68) and susceptible (MDU 1) genotypes indicated the presence of active biochemical compounds with insectifuge activity in TU 68. Hence, TU 68 could be utilized in the hybridization programmeas donor for bruchine resistance.

A degree-day model for predicting adult emergence of the citrus gall wasp, Bruchophagus fellis (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), in southern Australia

The citrus gall wasp, Bruchophagus fellis, is a serious pest of citrus in southeast Australia and the ability to accurately predict its highly synchronised adult emergence periods is critical for its effective management. We monitored emergence of the citrus gall wasp for six years during 2010–2017 in southern Australia, yielding a total of 22 site-by-year datasets from two citrus production regions and multiple citrus varieties. For each dataset, the proportions of emerged wasps on different monitoring dates were related to the corresponding degree-days using a 2-parameter Weibull function. The two degree-day parameters, the lower development threshold temperature and biofix date, were estimated at 8 °C and August 1 respectively by cross-validation of a series of candidate values using the sum of squared differences between the predicted and observed median emergence dates as the performance indicator. According to the final fitted Weibull function, 5, 50, and 95% emergence occur when 560, 723 and 835 degree-days above 8 °C have accumulated after August 1. The predicted median emergence dates differed from the corresponding observed median emergence dates by an average of 2.8 days across the 22 datasets. The average deviations for 5 and 95% emergence were slightly larger, at five and four days, respectively. Observed degree-days for median emergence did not differ significantly between the two citrus production regions, indicating there is no need for separate degree-day models for different regions. Based on the degree-day model, an interactive, online timing tool has been developed, allowing growers to use local weather station data to predict when the gall wasp is likely to emerge in average, warm, and cool years.

Effect of gallic acid on the larvae of Spodoptera litura and its parasitoid Bracon hebetor

The antibiosis effect of gallic acid on Spodoptera litura F. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its parasitoid evaluated by feeding six days old larvae on artificial diet incorporated with different concentrations (5 ppm, 25 ppm, 125 ppm, 625 ppm, 3125 ppm) of the phenolic compound revealed higher concentration (LC50) of gallic acid had a negative impact on the survival and physiology of S. litura and its parasitoid Bracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera:Braconidae). The mortality of S. litura larvae was increased whereas adult emergence declined with increasing concentration of gallic acid. The developmental period was delayed significantly and all the nutritional indices were reduced significantly with increase in concentration. Higher concentration (LC50) of gallic acid adversely affected egg hatching, larval mortality, adult emergence and total development period of B. hebetor. At lower concentration (LC30) the effect on B. hebetor adults and larvae was non-significant with respect to control. Gene expression for the enzymes viz., Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase, Peroxidase, Esterases and Glutathione S transferases increased while the total hemocyte count of S. litura larvae decreased with treatment. Our findings suggest that gallic acid even at lower concentration (LC30) can impair the growth of S. litura larvae without causing any significant harm to its parasitoid B. hebetor and has immense potential to be used as biopesticides.

Survival and Development of Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Immature Stages on Dry Beans, non-Bt, Cry1F, and Vip3A Maize.

Striacosta albicosta is a crop pest that causes economic damage in the United States and Canada. Only maize and dry beans are shown to be suitable hosts, since larval development is incomplete on other hosts. The objective of this study was to describe the developmental parameters of immature stages of S. albicosta feeding on dry beans, non-Bt, Cry1F, and Vip3A maize. For Vip3A, mortality was 100% after 24 h. Larvae feeding on non-Bt maize had the highest larval survival (70.6%) compared to the other hosts. Maize expressing Cry1F had higher survival (31.3%) than dry beans (26.0%). Larvae feeding on dry beans had a significantly faster total development time (74.8 days), compared to 92.5 days for non-Bt and 96.2 days for Cry1F. All larvae developed through seven instars. Pupae from larvae that had fed on non-Bt maize were significantly heavier than pupae from other hosts. An understanding of S. albicosta immature development on various host plants is needed to improve recommendations for effective scouting, treatment timing, and economic thresholds. Differential development can result in an extended adult emergence period, and possibly result in assortative mating between Bt susceptible and resistant populations, which violates the assumption of random mating necessary for current resistance management strategies for Bt maize. Therefore, understanding the impact of host plant and transgenic traits on aspects of pest biology will aid in developing effective integrated pest management and insect resistance management strategies for this pest.

Pupal traits and adult emergence in the pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) are affected by pupal density

The expectation is that the phenology of an herbivore is influenced by abiotic factors and its own population density during development. In this study, we investigated how the pupal density affected the pupal traits and emergence of Thaumetopoea pityocampa moths over a period of 3 years in two clearings in a pine forest. The pupae were larger in years when the pupal density was high and in the clearing exposed to less solar radiation. There was no relationship between the time of pupation and pupal size. Large pupae were positively correlated with an early emergence of adult moths and a longer period of adult emergence. Up to 13.9% of the pupae developed without cocoons, especially in years when they were abundant, but this did not affect the emergence of the moths. Incidence of pupal diapause was density-dependent and only occurred at a low level in dense populations. Overall, our results indicate that gregariousness confers important fitness-related advantages in this species.

New species of Allomyia Banks from the Western United States (Trichoptera: Apataniidae)

Six new Allomyia species from the western United States are described: Allomyia kondratieffi sp. nov., Allomyia leei sp. nov., Allomyia meachamensis sp. nov., Allomyia sarahae sp. nov., Allomyia sheldoni sp. nov., Allomyia whatcomensis sp. nov. The majority of these species were collected from small headwater, high altitude streams on relatively isolated mountain ranges. These species bring the number of known North American Allomyia to 18. Additional notes on state/county distribution records, taxonomic problems, species diagnostics and adult emergence periods for the 18 North American species are provided.

Life cycle and phenology of an Antarctic invader: the flightless chironomid midge, Eretmoptera murphyi

Knowledge of the life cycles of non-native species in Antarctica is key to understanding their ability to establish and spread to new regions. Through laboratory studies and field observations on Signy Island (South Orkney Islands, maritime Antarctic), we detail the life stages and phenology of Eretmoptera murphyi (Schaeffer 1914), a brachypterous chironomid midge introduced to Signy in the 1960s from sub-Antarctic South Georgia where it is endemic. We confirm that the species is parthenogenetic and suggest that this enables E. murphyi to have an adult emergence period that extends across the entire maritime Antarctic summer season, unlike its sexually reproducing sister species Belgica antarctica which is itself endemic to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. We report details of previously undescribed life stages, including verification of four larval instars, pupal development, egg gestation and development, reproductive viability and discuss potential environmental cues for transitioning between these developmental stages. Whilst reproductive success is limited to an extent by high mortality at eclosion, failure to oviposit and low egg-hatching rate, the population is still able to potentially double in size with every life cycle.

Biology and development of Sitophilus oryzae L. feeding on split pulses

An experiment was carried out at the Entomology Laboratory, Horticultural College and Research Institute for Women, Trichy in November- December 2013 to study the biology and development of Sitophilus oryzae L. under laboratory conditions. Observations were made on oviposition rate, total number of eggs, adult emergence per 100 grains, egg to adult survival percentage, adult longevity, adult emergence period and reproductive potential. The oviposition rate per female (9.43 nos), total number of eggs (94.30 nos), adult emergence per 100 grains (38.50 nos), reproductive potential (35.50 nos), egg to adult survival percentage (41.85), adult female longevity (12.88 weeks) and adult male longevity (8.33 weeks) were higher in redgram under room temperature condition feeding by the respective population as compared to controlled condition. In case of sorghum, all the above parameters were superior to redgram feeding by the respective population under room and controlled temperature condition. The larval (26.13 days), pupal (7.63 days) and adult emergence period (33.75 days) was maximum in lentil under room temperature as compared to controlled condition. In case of sorghum, larval, pupal and adult emergence period was minimum when compared to split pulses feeding by the respective population irrespective of temperature and humidity.