Phytophagous Species Research Articles

Distribution and trophic relationships of the buffalo treehopper, Stictocephala bisonia, in the Samara region of Russia

Current climate change has led to an expansion of the ranges of many phytophagous species, an increase in the density of their populations, the number of generations and the intensity of plant damage. The purpose of this work was to assess the distribution and trophic relationships of the invasive buffalo treehopper Stictocephala bisonia Kopp et Yonke, 1977 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Membracidae) in the Samara region, as well as to determine the area of its distribution in the Russian Federation at the end of 2023. For the first time, adults of S. bisonia were recorded in Samara region in July 2009. Between 2011 and 2023, treehoppers were found in four Samara region districts. Totally, 116 leafhopper specimens were caught in 57 surveys. An average of 8.2 treehoppers were caught on herbaceous vegetation, and 6.0 specimens on tree species per 100 sweeps of the net. In the Samara region, in addition to forbs, the treehopper has been recorded on 24 plant species from 12 families. According to GBIF data, S. bisonia is distributed in 28 administrative Russian entities, the northernmost point is in the Nizhny Novgorod region (56.4N, 43.9E; 08/23/2023) and the easternmost point is in Bashkiria (51.9N, 58.2E; 07/29/2021). S. bisonia assumed to be a serious pest of young fruit trees and berry bushes.

Comparative metatranscriptomics reveals effect of host plant on microbiota gene expression of Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae) larvae.

The microbiota associated with phytophagous insects perform several functions that help insects exploit plant resources. Thus, microorganisms contribute to the dispersal of phytophagous species to new host plants, thereby promoting diversification. In this study, metatranscriptomic analysis was used to compare the gene expression of the microbiome of Anastrepha obliqua Macquart larvae feeding on 3 of its host plants: Spondias purpurea L (red mombin), Mangifera indica L (mango), and Averrhoa carambola L (starfruit). To identify differential gene expression in relation to the host plant, transcript abundance was compared. The results of the taxonomic and functional beta-diversity analysis showed that there were significant differences in the structures and activities of the microbial communities depending on the infested plant. Among the microorganisms, bacteria and fungi were active components of the microbiota. Differential expression analyses showed that the different active genes in each of the plants analyzed were mainly grouped into categories related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, with some of these genes coding for cytochrome o ubiquinol oxidase, cytochrome c, and the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase. The microbiota of A. carambola larvae differed more at the level of community structure and gene function, possibly due to the different nutritional composition of the A. carambola and the presence of a set of secondary metabolites specific to the family Oxalidaceae. In conclusion, the transcriptional activity of the microbiota of A. obliqua larvae is influenced by diet, which is important because it could influence the performance of the insect on each of its different host plants.

Global patterns of herbivorous eriophyoid mite species diversity: A reply to Ozman‐Sullivan and Sullivan (2024)

AbstractAimThe global patterns of phytophagous eriophyoid mite species diversity have been poorly studied for several decades. In a previous paper, we compiled a dataset covering 97% (4278/4400) of named eriophyoid mite species and 22,973 occurrence sites from 102 countries (Li et al., 2023). Using this dataset, we aimed to predict the global distribution patterns and species diversity of eriophyoid mites. Our findings revealed that the species richness of eriophyoid mites is particularly high in temperate regions, which is in contrast to the patterns of plants (Li et al., 2023). However, our results were criticized by Ozman‐Sullivan and Sullivan (2024), who argue that our analysis is based on a biased dataset of eriophyoid mites, because it is likely that there are many undescribed eriophyoid species in the tropics.LocationGlobal.TaxonEriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea).Main ConclusionsHowever, using plant species to predict eriophyoid mite diversity, as Ozman‐Sullivan and Sullivan propose, may result in an overestimation of species richness. We leave ‘whether the species richness of eriophyid mites is high in tropical regions’ as an open question and a potential area for future research.

An Annotated Checklist of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) from Pundibari Region of West Bengal, India

Coccinellidae is a group of economically important insect and widely used as biological control agents in different agricultural and horticultural ecosystem. In last few years a number of works on coccinellid beetles have been carried out at Pundibari region of northern tract of West Bengal. Here, a first preliminary checklist of coccinellid beetles from the Pundibari region has been presented. Hitherto, from this region only the subfamily, Coccinellinae has been reported. This current checklist consists of 21 species of coccinellid beetles under 14 genera and belonging to 5 different tribes including both insectivorous and phytophagous species of ladybird beetles. The tribes mentioned here were Aspidimerini, Chilocorini, Coccinellini, Epilachnini, and Sticholotidini. Phytophagous coccinellids mentioned in this list are Henosepilachna pusillanima, Henosepilachna septima, and Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata and remaining were insectivorous ones.

Diptera Pests Occurring on Vegetable Crops in Poland

Abstract In Poland, the share of Diptera in the species composition of the harmful entomofauna occurring on vegetable crops ranges from 20 to 25%. They occur on all vegetables grown in Poland (over 80 species and botanical varieties). Since the systematic registration of pests inhabiting crops in Poland in 1919, over 70 species of flies have been listed as pests of vegetable plants. Species from three families dominate in terms of population and numbers: Anthomyiidae with 12 species (Delia radicum, on early and late cultivars of cruciferous vegetables, mainly broccoli, cauliflower, white cabbage, kohlrabi, and radishes; Delia platura occurs annually on bean and cucumber; Delia antiqua on onion and garlic; and Pegomya hyoscyami on beetroot), Cecidomyiidae with 10 species (two species dominate, Contarinia nasturtii and Dasineura napi, on cruciferous vegetables), and Agromyzidae with 23 species (Liriomyza bryoniae on cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers, and Phytomyza gymnostoma on leeks). Short-term, gradational occurrence of some dominant species was found, including Botanophila gnava (lettuce), Chamaepsila rosae (carrot, parsley), Delia platura (asparagus, bean), Delia radicum (broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, radishes, white cabbage), Phytomyza gymnostoma (leek), Oscinella frit (corn), and Suillia lurida (garlic). However, they did not affect the level of plant production in the following years of cultivation. Apart from phytophagous species, taxa with a different trophic structure are common. These are copro-, necro-, sapro-, and zoophagous species. The most numerous were flies from the Drosophilidae family (Drosophila busckii, Drosophila limbata, Scaptomyza pallida, Fanniidae (Fannia canicularis, Fannia scalaris), Heleomyzidae (Tephrochlamys tarsalis), and Muscidae (Muscina levida, Muscina stabulans, Phaonia trimaculata). Natural enemies of insects play an important role in vegetable agrocenoses. Species belonging to the order of Coleoptera beetles (Carabidae and Staphylinidae), Syrphidae, Tachinidae, and Muscidae, mainly Phaonia trimaculata larvae, play the most important role in reducing the number of Diptera. In addition, the number of phytophages is limited by other organisms, e.g., Diplopoda, Nematoda, Arachnida, and pathogens of viral, bacterial, and fungal origin.

Hellebore Lobelya Is a Perspectiveness Bioproducer for the Development of a Biocide Preparation in Plant Protection against Harmful Arthropods

The results of three years of research on the development of a biological biocidal preparation for the control of harmful arthropods based on ethanol extracts of biologically active substances of Lobel’s hellebore are presented. The first experimental samples of the drug were tested on a number of arthropod phytophagous species. In laboratory experiments, the most effective and promising samples of the preparation for further research were determined. It has been established that their biological effectiveness depends on the technology of manufacturing preparations, the content of the active composition of substances, the concentration of the working solution and the species of phytophages. Individual samples were comparable in effectiveness with traditional insecticides from the avermectin group.

A szárny dimorfizmus/polimorfizmus a poloskáknál (hemiptera, heteroptera): áttekintés funkcionális nézőpontból

This is the second part of the article where the available information from the published literature on the wing dimorphism/polymorphism occurring among true bugs (Heteroptera) is reviewed from a functional viewpoint. This paper covers the case studies on phytophagous species and draws some general conclusions. Wing dimorphism/polymorphism has been studied in detail at the red firebug: Pyrrhocoris apterus (Linnaeus, 1758), at some blissid species - mainly at the Oriental chinch bug: Cavelerius saccharivorus (Okajima,1922) - at some lygaeid species and at the red-shouldered soapberry bug Jadera haematoloma (Herrich-Schäffer, 1847) (Rhopalidae). In general, the macropterous form has a delayed sexual maturation, which further enhances its dispersal ability but represents an obvious reproductive disadvantage. In most known cases of the hemipteran wing dimorphism/polymorphism the wing form is affected by environmental factors (polyphenism), but examples of genetically determined wing dimorphism also have been documented among Lygaeinae. Seasonal wing dimorphism/polymorphism is very common among the well-studied northern temperate species. Wing dimorphic/polymorphic phytophagous “outbreak” species (Blissidae, Leptoterna dolobrata) react with mass production of the otherwise rare macropters to high population density and altered food quality. An underlying wing muscle dimorphism/polymorphism frequently co-exists with the externally visible wing dimorphism/polymorphism. Known cases of full or partial de-alation are also mentioned and briefly discussed.

Effects of novel and commercial phytochemicals on beneficial arthropods

Pesticides have been proven to be noxious to non-target organisms, including beneficial arthropods. Moreover, pesticide applications, kill a broad range of natural enemies and pollinators, resulting in pest outbreaks of pesticide resistant phytophagous species and a worldwide shrinking of the pollinators’ populations. Natural pesticides called phytochemicals, are considered environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional pesticides, presenting lower risk to animals and humans. To minimize the environmental impact and the disruption of the species interactions, the potential lethal and sublethal effects of phytochemicals on beneficial arthropods must be evaluated.The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of five phytochemical pesticides (Requiem®, Eradicoat®, Prev-Am®, FLiPPER®, BPA044I), on two predatory mites, two predatory insects and one pollinator, which are all important components of current integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The lethal and sublethal effects of the phytochemicals were evaluated on the phytoseiid mites (Acari, Phytoseiidae), Phytoseiulus persimilis (Evans), and Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot), as well as the predatory insects Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Heteroptera: Miridae) and Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae). Also, the lethal effects were evaluated on the pollinator Bombus terrestris L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) which is used in greenhouse pollination. We evaluated the acute toxicity of the phytochemicals on adult arthropods and the effects on the predator fecundity, when exposed directly and indirectly through residues.Requiem® and BPA044I were harmless or slightly harmful to the mite and insect predators (toxicity <49%), nor did they affect their fertility, according to the IOBC classification. Eradicoat® was harmless to N. tenuis, but it had moderate toxicity to mites and O. laevigatus (<50%). Prev-Am® had high toxicity (>50%) on mites and low on insects, while FLiPPER® was moderately to highly toxic to all predators. The tested phytochemical products exhibited very low toxicity on the pollinator B. terrestris, with either oral or topical exposure and very high repellency. Overall, the evaluation of natural pesticide effects on biocontrol agents and pollinators is crucial for implementing successful IPM strategies.

The Introduction and Establishment of Four Invasive Insect Species in Serbia.

Urban areas are often populated by specific species of insects, some colorful and appealing, such as ladybugs and butterflies, and others irritating as nuisance bitters or as vectors of pathogens of public health importance. Mosquitoes in urban areas often utilize habitats adjacent to human residences, while phytophagous insect species such as stink bugs often colonize ornamental plants and utilize human-made structures including houses as overwintering shelters. This article discusses the early detection and the current distribution of two invasive mosquito species, Aedes albopictus Skuse 1894 and Ae. japonicus (Theobald 1901), in Serbia, introduced in 2009 and 2018, respectively. From the first findings until today, regular monitoring has been carried out and the establishment of both species in the newly invaded areas has been confirmed. Both species can become nuisance species, especially at high population densities, but more importantly, they are capable of transmitting a wide variety of arboviruses of public health importance. This article also discusses two invasive stink bug species Halyomorpha halys Stål 1855 and Nezara viridula Linnaeus 1758, introduced in Serbia in 2015 and 2008, respectively. These two stink bug species have also been monitored, and the establishment of their populations in the country has been confirmed. Both species have caused damage to a wide range of crops and ornamental plants and sometimes become nuisance pests in urban areas.

A New Species of Megastigmus and First Record of the Genus and Megastigmidae Family from the Paradise of the Maldives Archipelago.

Megastigmidae comprises more than 200 species in 12 genera. Megastigmus has a worldwide distribution with more than 150 species. Over 80% of these species are recorded from the Australian and Palearctic region, with a few from Afrotropical and Oriental regions, but none from the Neotropical region. We describe a new species of Megastigmus obtained from the seeds of Pemphis acidula in the Maldives Archipelago. This is the first mention of Megastigmidae having as a host plant a species from Lythraceae. It is also the first recorded association of Chalcidoidea with the genus Pemphis and the first mention of Megastigmidae and Megastigmus in the Maldives Archipelago. We provide a detailed description of the species, focusing on its morphology, using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Megastigmus irinae Popescu n. sp. is a strictly phytophagous species, with each larva consuming a single seed. Currently, M. irinae is an endemic species found only in the Maldives Archipelago. However, considering the distribution of its host plant, P. acidula, which ranges from East Africa to Southeast Asia, Australia, Micronesia, and French Polynesia, we anticipate that future research could significantly expand the known range of this interesting new species.

The impact of climate changes on the ranges of invertebrates (Diptera, Molluska) in Tavush province of Armenia

Aim. The work’s aim is to study the species composition of invertebrates (Insecta, Molluska) of the Tavush province of Armenia and changes of their ranges due to climatic conditions.Material and Methods. Our own collections of 2021–2022 from different areas of the Tavush province and the collections of invertebrates of the Scientific Centre of Zoology and Hydroecology served as study material. The collection and identification of dipterous insects and mollusks was carried out according to generally accepted methods. The work was performed at the Scientific Centre of Zoology and Hydroecology The scientific material is stored in the collection fund of the Scientific Centre.Results. As a result of our studies of invertebrate species composition, 28 species of horseflies (Tabanidae) are currently listed for the Tavush region: 27 species of phytophagous gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) and 10 species of mollusks. As a result of warming climate change new changes of locality have been registered for: 6 horsefly species S. (N.) caucasicus, Ch. (H.) f. flavipes, Ch. ludens, T. unifasciatus, T. indrae vappa, T. miki; 4 phytophagous gall midge species A. verbasci, D. tortrix, S. euphorbiae, R. terminalis; For one species of mollusk, H. buchi, there are new localities. All these species have expanded their habitat: in horseflies, changes in the range along vertical zonality are observed.Conclusions. As a result of this research, it was revealed that as a consequences of climate change, the ranges of some species of invertebrates – horseflies, gall midges‐phytophages and mollusks – have expanded compared to the data of previous years. All species in which there is a direct dependence of range change on climatic conditions can be further considered as bioindicators of climate change.

Entomological diversity associated with tomato cultivation under organic shelter in the El-Outaya Region, Biskra (Algeria)

"The aim of the present work is to determine harmful and beneficial insects associated with tomato greenhouse cultivation in the arid region of El-Outaya (Biskra, Algeria). Insect trapping was conducted using yellow water plates and yellow glue traps. Faunistic data have revealed the presence of 2754 individuals distributed on seven orders, 33 families and 38 species of insects. From specific point of view, the majority of these insects were represented by potential insect pests with sixteen phytophagous species amongst them three species attacking tomatoes. Whereas nine species are predators and two pollinators. Our results can be used to plan strategies for the management of harmful pests and beneficial insects associated with the tomato greenhouse crops in this locality. Keywords: Entomofauna, inventory, tomato, greenhouse, arid."

Self-regulation of insect communities in agrocenoses of organic farming systems

Goal. Establishing the effect of organic farming on the preservation of useful entomofauna in agrocenoses of winter wheat and sugar beet and determining its role in controlling the number of phytophages.&#x0D; Methods. Field, laboratory and statistical.&#x0D; Results. It was found that organic farming system, which excludes the use of chemicals in crop cultivation technologies, contributes to the accumulation of useful entomofauna in agrocenoses, which significantly affects the population density of certain phytophagous species due to predation and parasitism as major causes. In particular, the number of Carabidae, coccinellids, goldeneyes and syrphids is several times higher compared to industrial farming system. Thus, according to our experimental data, the population density of these entomophages in the agrocenoses of winter wheat and sugar beet in organic farming was 4−5 times higher than in industrial one. Accordingly, the number of weevils, aphids and other phytophages in these crops in organic farming was 3−4 times fewer than in industrial one. The population density (per 1 m2) of weevils in sugar beet grown in organic system was 3.0, while in industrial one it was 5 times higher (15). The same may be stated about aphids, Anisoplia austriaca, Heteroptera, etc.&#x0D; Conclusions. In organic cropping system, the population density of beneficial entomofauna in sugar beet and winter wheat agrocenoses was 4−5 times higher than in industrial cropping system, what to a certain extend affected the population density of pests.

Diversity of True Bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) on Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) in Southern Slovakia

The common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia Linnaeus 1800) is an exceptionally invasive species. The information on true bugs occurring on ragweed plants is limited in the invasion region. The objective of this study was to determine the species composition of Heteroptera associated with A. artemisiifolia, to assess their vectoring potential based on a literature review, and to compare species similarity in the surveyed fields. Field surveys were conducted in 2020–2021 at 10 sites in southern Slovakia. Sweeping and visual observations were conducted in field margins, weedy agricultural fields, and mowed meadows infested with A. artemisiifolia. In the study, food specialization, the abundance of individual species, and their assignment to families were precisely determined. The Jaccard similarity index was used to evaluate similarities in species composition among the sites studied. A total of 2496 true bugs were recorded, representing 47 species of Heteroptera from 12 families. The most common phytophagous species were Nysius ericae ericae (Schilling, 1829) (Pentatomomorpha, Lygaeidae), Adelphocoris lineolatus (Goeze, 1778), Lygus rugulipennis (Poppius, 1911), Lygus pratensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cimicomorpha, Miridae), and a zoophagous species Nabis (Dolichonabis) limbatus (Dahlbom, 1851) (Cimicomorpha, Nabidae). The species similarities in pair-wise combined localities were low, with a dominance of highly migratory and polyphagous species able to traverse the field from the adjacent landscape. A. artemisiifolia is a known host for plant viruses and phytoplasmas, and several Heteroptera species are carriers of these plant pathogens. Halyomorpha halys was the only detected vector of phytoplasmas, and its abundance on A. artemisiifolia was extremely low.

Metabolic consequences of various fruit-based diets in a generalist insect species.

Most phytophagous insect species exhibit a limited diet breadth and specialize on a few or a single host plant. In contrast, some species display a remarkably large diet breadth, with host plants spanning several families and many species. It is unclear, however, whether this phylogenetic generalism is supported by a generic metabolic use of common host chemical compounds ('metabolic generalism') or alternatively by distinct uses of diet-specific compounds ('multi-host metabolic specialism')? Here, we simultaneously investigated the metabolomes of fruit diets and of individuals of a generalist phytophagous species, Drosophila suzukii, that developed on them. The direct comparison of metabolomes of diets and consumers enabled us to disentangle the metabolic fate of common and rarer dietary compounds. We showed that the consumption of biochemically dissimilar diets resulted in a canalized, generic response from generalist individuals, consistent with the metabolic generalism hypothesis. We also showed that many diet-specific metabolites, such as those related to the particular color, odor, or taste of diets, were not metabolized, and rather accumulated in consumer individuals, even when probably detrimental to fitness. As a result, while individuals were mostly similar across diets, the detection of their particular diet was straightforward. Our study thus supports the view that dietary generalism may emerge from a passive, opportunistic use of various resources, contrary to more widespread views of an active role of adaptation in this process. Such a passive stance towards dietary chemicals, probably costly in the short term, might favor the later evolution of new diet specializations.

Mite diversity and intra-plant distribution in mango crop

Effective management of arthropod communities in agricultural environments requires knowledge of the diversity and distribution of species that inhabit host crops. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the richness, abundance, and intra-plant distribution of the most abundant mite species in mango plants. Leaves or reproductive structures were collected monthly considering the different canopy quadrants (North, South, East, and West), the position of the branch (basal, median, and apical), and, in the case of leaves, their position on the branch (basal, median, and apical). A total of 28 species belonging to 12 mite families were identified. Cisaberoptus kenyae, Vilaia pamithus, and Oligonychus mangiferus were the most abundant phytophagous species, accounting for 87%, 6%, and 3% of the total number of mites collected, respectively. Vilaia pamithus was the most abundant species in the southern quadrant. Amblyseius largoensis (Phytoseiidae) and Cunaxa sp1. (Cunaxidae) were the most abundant among the predators (15.1% and 13.1%, respectively). The highest level of diversity was observed in the basal and median leaves of the basal and median branches of mangoes. The intra-plant distribution of these species was influenced by plant architecture and geographical position. Most species were found on mango leaves, whereas other species colonized inflorescences and/or fruits, but at low densities. In this study, we found considerable diversity of phytophagous and predator mites in mango plants. These predator mites may be crucial for controlling mango pests.

CONTROL OF THE NUMBER OF SUCKING PESTS OF WINTER WHEAT IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE RIGHT-BANK FOREST STEPPE

This article theoretically summarizes and solves an important scientific problem regarding the clarification of the species composition of the entomocomplex of phytophages in winter wheat crops and the development of effective measures to control their number, depending on the use of plant protection products. As a result of entomological monitoring of winter wheat in Vinnytsia region, 34 species of insects from 16 families that damage this crop were specified. The Diptera range consisted of 11 species, the Coleoptera range was characterized by the greatest species diversity (14 species), their share in the structure of the entomocomplex was 30% of the total. 9 species of phytophages from a number of bugs, or Hemiptera, were identified. The share of Lepidoptera and Homoptera in the structure of the entomocomplex was 8% and 10% each. The orders of Thysanoptera and Hymenoptera had 2 species each. Orthoptera represented the smallest number of species – 2%. The main and most dangerous phytophages that cause significant damage to winter wheat crops from a complex of insect pests have been identified, namely: thrips, cereal aphids, and bread bugs. The effectiveness of modern insecticides against the dominant pests of winter wheat and the optimized methods of their application were evaluated. According to the results of winter wheat seed treatment with insecticides-protozoans, it was established that the lowest number of phytophagous was noted in variants with protozoans Cruiser 350 FS t.c.s. (0,5 l/t), the aphid occupancy rate was 0,04%, in the version where Promet 400 μ.s. (2,0 l/t) occupancy rate 0,06%. Accordingly, the technical efficiency of the Cruiser 350 FS t.c.s. (0,5 l/t) was 90.7%; Promet 400, m.s. (2,0 l/t) – 86.0%, while in the control, the density of larvae of these types of pests was almost 4,5 times higher. It was noted that the highest yield was observed in the version using the insecticide Cruiser 350 FS t.c.s., where the preserved yield was 2,6 t/ha. The lowest grain yield – 3,5 t/ha was noted in the variant with the use of the drug Gaucho 70% s.p. the saved yield did not exceed 0,1 t/ha. It was established that the treatment with protoxins had a positive effect not only on yield, but also on seed quality, in particular, on the weight of 1000 grains. In variants using insecticides, the weight of 1000 grains compared to the control increased by 10,0, 12,5, 14,8 g compared to the control. It was established that the use of insecticides during the winter wheat growing season, which were studied, showed high effectiveness in controlling aphids, bugs and thrips. However, it should be noted that the use of drugs Engeo 247 SC, 1,8 l/ha and Nurelle D, КЕ, 1,1 l/ha best limited the abundance of these phytophages. When using them, an increase in productivity was observed by – 4,5–4,9 t/ha, in the control – 4,0 t/ha

Characterising the herbivore community and its impact on Sonchus oleraceus (Asterales: Asteraceae) in its invaded range in Australia

AbstractSonchus oleraceus is an annual species native to Eurasia and Northern Africa that has become a major weed of cultivated fields and ruderal areas in Australia. Populations are difficult to manage in cropping systems because of the development of resistance to common herbicides. Biological control is being investigated as an additional tactic for managing the weed. A literature review was conducted to identify the phytophagous arthropod species already associated with the species in Australia to guide such a biological control programme. To identify opportunities for biological control agents to aid in management, we undertook field surveys across Queensland and South Australia in different environments. We also investigated factors that may influence their performance in Australia. Both the literature review and field surveys identified 21 arthropod species associated with S. oleraceus in Australia, most of them being generalist species and pests of exotic origin. Capitula were the most damaged plant part while stems were relatively free from insects, except aphids. The field surveys recorded an unexpected new interaction between S. oleraceus and the gall midge, Contarinia jongi (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). This association was surprising as the midge, only known to develop on Alstroemeria (Liliales: Alstroemeriaceae), a very distant relative to S. oleraceus (Asterales: Asteraceae), was reported in Australia only a few years ago under greenhouse conditions. The midge and the moth Eublemma cochylioides (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) were the two species that occurred most frequently in developing flower head samples. We considered their infestation rate as a proxy of herbivory and tested whether the environment surrounding the plant may influence herbivory. Both E. cochylioides and C. jongi showed the highest infestations in ruderal sites compared with the sites located in conventional farming areas. We discuss the implications of our results in the context of selecting and releasing candidates for the biological control of the weed, especially in agricultural landscapes.

Trophic Ecology Drives Annual Variation in Abundance of Aphidophagous (Coccinellidae, Coleoptera and Chrysopidae, Neuroptera) and Phytophagous (Noctuidae, Lepidoptera) Insects: Evidence From Light Traps

Abstract Using seventeen-year records of daily light trap catches of predatory Neuroptera (Chrysopidae, 13 species) and Coleoptera (Coccinellidae, 10 species), and of phytophagous Lepidoptera (Noctuidae, 79 species) we tested a hypothesis predicting that the range of annual fluctuations of catch size is greater in aphidophages, whose diet occurs irregularly and locally, than in phytophages, whose diet is available regularly and abundantly. The ranges of fluctuations of annual catches measured as the coefficient of variance (standard deviation expressed as a percentage of the average) of detrended annual catches were significantly greater in Chrysopidae (84 ± 7.1%) and Coccinellidae (121 ± 14.0%) than in Noctuidae (66 ± 2.6%). The difference between aphidophages and phytophages remained when we tested differences between the former and the samples of Noctuidae consisting only of those species whose characteristics (abundance, length and timing of flight period, number of generations per season, overwintering stage) were the same as in aphidophages. Similarly, no differences were found between sets of Noctuidae species that have characteristics (abundance, voltinism, period of flight activity) similar to aphidophages and sets of Noctuidae species that have contrary characteristics. Flight abilities of aphidophages are smaller than those of Noctuidae. As a result of this difference a light trap collects populations of aphidophages from a smaller area than populations of Noctuidae. Thus the extent of fluctuations of catch size of aphidophagous and phytophagous species is influenced both by annual differences in food availability and by differences in size of the area from which the individuals assembling to the light source are recruited.

Can species naming drive scientific attention? A perspective from plant-feeding arthropods.

How do researchers choose their study species? Some choices are based on ecological or economic importance, some on ease of study, some on tradition-but could the name of a species influence researcher decisions? We asked whether phytophagous arthropod species named after their host plants were more likely to be assayed for host-associated genetic differentiation (or 'HAD'; the evolution of cryptic, genetically isolated host specialists within an apparently more generalist lineage). We chose 30 arthropod species (from a Google Scholar search) for which a HAD hypothesis has been tested. We traced the etymologies of species names in the 30 corresponding genera, and asked whether HAD tests were more frequent among species whose etymologies were based on host-plant names (e.g. Eurosta solidaginis, which attacks Solidago) versus those with other etymologies (e.g. Eurosta fenestrata, from Latin fenestra, 'window'). Species with host-derived etymologies were more likely to feature in studies of HAD than those with other etymologies. We speculate that the etymology of a scientific name can draw a researcher's attention to aspects of life-history and thus influence the direction of our scientific gaze.