Seasonal Flight Period Research Articles

<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong>Caddisflies collected using a Malaise trap at a spring-fed brook of Shimauchi-yusui in the Matsumoto Basin, central Japan: fauna and phenology</strong></p>

Adult caddisflies were collected weekly from a spring-fed brook of Shimauchi-yusui from 11 April 2013 to 5 June 2014. A total of 11867 specimens belonging to 39 species, 18 genera and 14 families were identified. The most abundant species collected in 1 year (the first 52 weeks) were Agapetus sibiricus Martynov 1918 (60%), Apatania aberrans (Martynov 1933) (12%) and Micrasema spinosum Nozaki and Tanida 2007 (5.4%). The Trichoptera fauna mainly reflected the major larval habitats of this brook, but other factors such as water temperature also probably affect species composition. The most common species (wherein more than 50 individuals were collected) had discrete seasonal flight periods.

Linear relationship between peak and season-long abundances in insects.

An accurate quantitative relationship between key characteristics of an insect population, such as season-long and peak abundances, can be very useful in pest management programs. To the best of our knowledge, no such relationship has yet been established. Here we establish a predictive linear relationship between insect catch Mpw during the week of peak abundance, the length of seasonal flight period, F (number of weeks) and season-long cumulative catch (abundance) A = 0.41MpwF. The derivation of the equation is based on several general assumptions and does not involve fitting to experimental data, which implies generality of the result. A quantitative criterion for the validity of the model is presented. The equation was tested using extensive data collected on captures of male gypsy moths Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in pheromone-baited traps during 15 years. The model was also tested using trap catch data for two species of mosquitoes, Culex pipiens (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), in Gravid and BG-sentinel mosquito traps, respectively. The simple, parameter-free equation approximates experimental data points with relative error of 13% and R2 = 0.997, across all of the species tested. For gypsy moth, we also related season-long and weekly trap catches to the daily trap catches during peak flight. We describe several usage scenarios, in which the derived relationships are employed to help link results of small-scale field studies to the operational pest management programs.

Day-night temperature differential, rather than mean temperature, determines age of sexual maturation in Straicosta albicosta (Noctuidae)

While pheromone traps have been effectively used to monitor the recent range expansion of the western bean cutworm (WBC), very little is known about the pheromone mediated reproductive biology of this species. The age at which females initiated calling (the behaviour associated with the release of the sex pheromone), and the pattern of calling on the first three nights following sexual maturation were determined for virgin females held under four temperature regimes (25:20; 25:15; 20:15; 20:10 °C L:D and 16L:8D photoperiod), and two RH (60 and 80%). Regardless of the rearing conditions the pre-calling period (PCP) was always several days post emergence, supporting the hypothesis that WCB is a migrant species. However, surprisingly the length of the PCP was not directly related to mean temperature but rather to the temperature differential between the photophase and the scotophase. The duration of calling increased with female age, but unlike in other moths was not affected by the abiotic factors tested. The relative insensitivity to temperature and humidity, when compared with many other moth species, may be related to the WBC being a univoltine species with a mid-summer flight period. Consequently, there would not be strong selection pressure for plasticity in calling behavior when compared with the case of multivoltine species that experience a wide range of environmental conditions during different seasonal flight periods.

Diel Rhythms in Monochamus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): Production of and Response to a Male-Produced Aggregation Pheromone.

Recent research has shown that several species in the genus Monochamus, including Monochamus scutellatus scutellatus (Say) and Monochamus notatus (Drury), a close congener, are attracted to an aggregation pheromone, monochamol, but only M. s. scutellatus produces it. Investigations were conducted to determine if there is a diel rhythm in production of monochamol or response to monochamol + host attractants in field trials by M. s. scutellatus and M. notatus to prevent cross attraction with each other. Volatiles were collected from males and females of M. s. scutellatus and M. notatus every 8 h and analyzed by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Traps baited with monochamol and the host volatiles α-pinene and ethanol were checked every 8 h in field tests. Only male M. s. scutellatus produced the pheromone, and did so in similar quantities during each 8-h time interval assessed, suggesting there is no diel rhythm in pheromone production. In field tests conducted in early to mid-July, significantly more M. s. scutellatus were captured during morning hours, and significantly more M. notatus were caught during afternoon or early evening hours, suggesting temporal partitioning of flight or in their response to the pheromone lures when both species are present. A temporal switch occurred later in the seasonal flight period (mid-August) when densities of M. s. scutellatus were low; all M. notatus and only one M. s. scutellatus were caught during morning hours. This suggests a temporal separation in mate location behavior when both species are abundant and using the same host to avoid interspecific mating.

Intra- and Interspecific Activities of Semiochemicals from the Sex Pheromone Gland of the Welsh Clearwing, Synanthedon Scoliaeformis

Analysis of the sex pheromone gland of virgin Synanthedon scoliaeformis females by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed six compounds structurally related to sex pheromone components of other clearwing moths: (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienyl acetate (E2,Z13-18:OAc), (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienol, octadecanol acetate, octadecanol, (Z,Z)-3,13-octadecadienyl acetate (Z3,Z13-18:OAc), and (Z)-13-octadecenyl acetate. Trapping tests demonstrated that E2,Z13-18:OAc is the sex pheromone of S. scoliaeformis and is essential for attracting males; addition of the other compounds did not enhance catch. Synanthedon scoliaeformis and S. tipuliformis are the only Palearctic clearwing moths whose distribution range and seasonal flight periods overlap and that are known to use E2,Z13-18:OAc in sex pheromonal communication. Hourly monitoring of male catches in traps revealed that sex pheromone communication in S. scoliaeformis and S. tipuliformis species follows different diurnal patterns. Z3,Z13-18:OAc, found in S. scoliaeformis females, is a known behavioral antagonist against S. tipuliformis males, while (E,Z)-3,13-octadecadienyl acetate, a minor sex pheromone component of S. tipuliformis, is an antagonist against S. scoliaeformis males. The effect of sex pheromones and antagonists, combined with different diurnal mate searching times, contribute to the specificity of sex communication channels in these two clearwing moth species.

Calling behaviour and male response towards sex pheromone of poplar moth Condylorrhiza vestigialis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

The calling behaviour of virgin females Condylorrhizavestigialis Guenee, 1854 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and the female pheromone gland extract activity were studied under laboratory conditions. Most of the females started calling from their first scotophase period after emergence. Maximum calling occurred between the seventh and tenth hours of the scotophase period. The length of the calling increased with age until the fourth scotophase, but the onset of calling time did not differ with age. The number of calling bouts increased significantly with age, but the mean duration of each calling bout (20.8 min) did not vary with age. Extracts of pheromone glands evaluated in a Y-tube olfactometer attracted significantly more males than control, 70 and 30%, respectively. Gas chromatographic–electroantennogram detection (GC–EAD) analysis of these extracts indicated the presence of a single EAD-active peak, the putative sex pheromone of the species. This pheromone compound may be suitable for monitoring populations densities of C. vestigialis, and for detection of the onset of the seasonal flight period. An efficient pheromone is of importance also with respect to current attempts to develop new control methods for this important pest of Populus spp. in Brazil.

Zur Phänologie und Fluktuation der Bremsen im zentraleuropäischen Mittelgebirgsraum am Beispiel des Vogelsberges (Diptera: Tabanidae)

Detailled information is given about the phenology of 29 species of the Vogelsberg nature park. The correlation between the seasonal flight period and the meteorological conditions is discussed.

Sex attractants and seasonal flight patterns for three Eucosma (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) species sympatric in eastern pine seed orchards and plantations

AbstractSex attractant blends were developed for monitoring three conifer-feeding species of Eucosma Hübner found in pine seed orchards and plantations in Wisconsin and Ontario. Eucosma monitorana Heinrich, which attacks developing cones of red pine, Pinus resinosa Aiton (Pinaceae), preferred lures containing 100:5:15 (μg blend) of (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate (Z9-12:Ac), (E)-9-dodecenyl acetate (E9-12:Ac), and (Z)-9-dodecen-1-ol (Z9-12:OH), respectively, over lures without the alcohol or with higher levels of E9-12:Ac. This blend was unattractive to sympatric Eucosma gloriola Heinrich, a species that feeds inside shoots of red pine and eastern white pine, Pinus strobus L. Eucosma gloriola was attracted to a 100:30 blend of Z9-/E9-12:Ac, and adding Z9-12:OH had no significant effect. Eucosma tocullionana Heinrich, which attacks cones of eastern white pine, was attracted equally to 10:3 and 10:5 μg blends of Z9-/E9-12:Ac, and adding Z9-12:OH had no effect. A ratio as low as 1:0.3 was attractive to E. tocullionana but not to sympatric E. gloriola, which preferred a 100-fold higher dosage of the same blend. The seasonal flight periods of the three species overlapped in all study areas. The flight of E. gloriola usually peaked in late May slightly before that of E. monitorana while the flight of E. tocullionana peaked about 1–3 weeks later. The results indicate that sex pheromones, seasonal flight periods, and host preferences are isolating mechanisms for these closely related sympatric species.

Identification of a four-component sex pheromone blend in Bonagota cranaodes (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

Analysis of sex pheromone glands of the apple leafroller Bonagota cranaodes Meyrick by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry or electroantennographic detection showed the presence of 14 structurally related acetates and alcohols of the chain length 10-18, including the main pheromone component (E,Z)-3,5-dodecadienyl acetate (E3,Z5-12Ac). Male antennae responded to the main compound, its Z,Z isomer, (E,Z) -3,5-tetradecadienyl acetate (E3,Z5-14Ac), and the monoenes (Z)-5-dodecenyl acetate (Z5-12Ac) and (Z)-9-hexadecenyl acetate (Z9-16Ac). Traps baited with a four-component blend of E3,Z5-12Ac, Z5-12Ac, E3,Z5-14Ac, and Z9-16Ac in a 100:5:5:100 ratio were significantly more attractive than the main compound alone. This improved trap lure is more suitable for monitoring population densities of B. cranaodes, and for detection of the onset of the seasonal flight period. A more complete pheromone blend is of importance also with respect to current attempts to develop mating disruption for control of this major pest of apple in Brazil.

Plant odor analysis of apple: antennal response of codling moth females to apple volatiles during phenological development.

Volatile compounds were collected from apple branches (Malus domestica) at different developmental stages, and the antennal response of codling moth females (Cydia pomonella) to these compounds was recorded by electroantennography coupled to gas chromatography. Presence of a range of terpenoid compounds, many of which had antennal activity, was characteristic for volatile collections from branches with leaves, and from small green apples. Nine compounds from branches with leaves and green fruit consistently elicited an antennal response: methyl salicylate, (E)-beta-farnesene, beta-caryophyllene, 4,8-dimethyl-1,3(E),7-nonatriene, (Z)3-hexenol, (Z,E)-alpha-farnesene, linalool, germacrene D, and (E,E)-alpha-farnesene. The bouquet emitted from flowering branches contained in addition several benzenoid compounds which were not found after bloom. Small green apples, which are the main target of codling moth oviposition during the first seasonal flight period, released very few esters. In comparison, fully grown apples released a large number of esters, but fewer terpenoids. The study of apple volatiles eliciting an antennal response, together with a survey of the seasonal change in the release of these compounds, is the first step toward the identification of volatiles mediating host-finding and oviposition in codling moth females.

Seasonal Distribution and Parasitism of Scapteriscus spp. (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) in Southeastern Louisiana

Mole crickets of the genus Scapteriscus were accidentally introduced into the southern United States almost a century ago and are considered to be economically important pests in southern U.S. regions. Mole crickets were sampled using acoustic traps in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana in the fall of 1998, the spring and fall of 1999, and the spring of 2000. In southeastern Louisiana Scapteriscus borellii has a seasonal flight period starting in late February and continuing into June. A lesser flight period occurs in the fall, starting in mid-September and continuing into November. S. vicinus was captured only from late February to late April. We determined that S. borellii was being parasitized inside acoustic traps by the tachinid fly, Ormia ochracea and that S. vicinus was parasitized by an anthomyiid fly, Acridomyia sp.

Does pheromone biology of Lambdina athasaria and L. pellucidaria contribute to their reproductive isolation?

Recently, 7-methylheptadecane and 7,11-dimethylheptadecane have been reported as sex pheromone components of both spring hemlock looper (SHL), Lambdina athasaria, and pitch pine looper (PPL), Lambdina pellucidaria. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that SHL and PPL are reproductively isolated, in part, through species specificity in: (1) absolute configuration of pheromone components, (2) diel periodicity of pheromonal communication, and/or (3) seasonal flight period. In coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses of stereoselectively synthesized (7S)- and (7R)-7-methylheptadecane [7S; 7R] as well as (7S,11S)-, (7R,11R)-, and (meso-7,11)-7,11-dimethylheptadecane [7S,11S; 7R,11R; meso-7,11], only 7S and meso-7,11 elicited responses by male SHL and PPL antennae. In field experiments, male SHL and PPL were attracted only to lures containing 7S plus meso-7,11. In hourly recordings of trap-captured males, SHL and PPL in their respective habitats were trapped between 24:00 and 03:00 hr. Capture of both SHL and PPL in pheromone-baited traps throughout June indicated overlapping seasonal flight periods. These findings of identical absolute configuration of pheromoal components, diel periodicity of pheromonal communication, and overlap of seasonal flight periods support synonymy of SHL and PPL. Finite taxonomic classification of PPL and SHL must await careful assessment of further criteria, such as morphometrics, molecular comparisons and ecological analyses.

Electroantennographic responses differentiate sibling species of dingy cutworm complex,Feltia jaculifera (GN.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The dingy cutworm is one of the more common and widely distributed of North American noctuids. Determination of the antennal responses of field-collected male moths to a standard test blend of pheromone components shows that two pheromonal phenotypes of the dingy cutworm occur throughout the prairie region of western Canada and at least two others occur in eastern Canada. The pheromone types are morphologically indistinguishable and, so far as is known, have similar life histories and biology. The two prairie types are broadly sympatric with partially overlapping seasonal flight periods. Although hybrids can be easily produced in the laboratory, there is no evidence of hybridization in the field. The pheromone system of the dingy cutworm is apparently rather plastic, resulting in a mosaic of pheromone types (sibling species) that appear to be reproductively isolated but have not differentiated morphologically.

Light and suction trap catches of Culicoides midges in southern England.

1. The seasonal flight periods are given for eleven species or species groups of Culicoides midges at Pirbright, Surrey, U.K., from 1979 to 1981 and in 1983. 2. Most species were relatively uniformly distributed both within the study site and between years; only C.clintoni Boorman was limited in its spatial distribution and only C.segnis Campbell and Pelham-Clinton varied greatly in numbers between years. 3. Species fall into one of three patterns of seasonal abundance: spring emergers, summer emergers, or spring to autumn emergers. 4. Only the C.obsoletus group showed a pattern of emergence that could correspond to distinct generations, of one or more species in the group. Three distinct emergences were observed, and possible explanations for these discussed. 5. For all species except C.impunctatus Goetghebuer the catches from suction/light and suction only traps are poorly correlated whereas for C.impunctatus they are highly correlated. This may suggest that this species is not greatly attracted to light.

OVIPOSITION BEHAVIOUR AND DISPERSAL OF PERTHID A GLYPHOPA COMMON (LEPIDOPTERA: INCURVARIIDAE)

AbstractOviposition behaviour of the jarrah leafminer moth Perthida glyphopa was observed during the seasonal flight period in April‐May. After alighting on trees, the gregarious males restricted their movements to the branches, whereas the solitary females searched for oviposition sites on the leaves. The females laid most eggs at 14–22 °C in diminishing light or overcast conditions, preferring young leaves in the lower portion of the crown. They dispersed more readily than males.

BIOSYSTEMATICS OF THE GENUSEUXOA(LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE). XVIH. COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL TAXONOMY OF THE SIBLING SPECIESEUXOA RIDMGSIANA(GRT.) ANDEUXOA MAIMES(SM.)

AbstractThe species previously recognized asEuxoa ridingsiana(Grt.) is shown to be composed of a sympatric pair of sibling species,Euxoa ridingsiana(Grt.) andEuxoa maimes(Sm.), which in the laboratory will produce viable F1hybrids but no F2. Results of F1sib and backcrosses show that the F1males are fertile and the F1females are infertile. In mating-bias tests conducted in laboratory cages, 74% of matings were conspecific and 26% interspecific. Differences in the diel periodicities of mating, which are about 2 h out of phase, may account for the mating bias. The duration of development ofE. ridingsianain the laboratory and its seasonal flight period in the field are about 2 weeks in advance of that ofE. maimes. However, there is considerable overlap of the flight periods and, with the tendency of females of both species to mate several times, it is unlikely that the difference in seasonal emergence is enough to effect reproductive isolation. It is evident that, under natural conditions, reproductive isolation can be maintained entirely by species-specific sex pheromones. This mechanism of reproductive isolation is, however, apparently ineffective when moths are confined in cages in the laboratory.Biogeographic considerations suggest that the differences in life-cycle timing and mating periodicities might have been adaptations to adjust development and reproduction to prevailing ancestral environments. If the initial differentiation of the 2 species occurred in isolation and included at least an incipient shift in the pheromonal mate-recognition system, it is possible that upon reestablishment of contact between ancestral populations the differences in life-cycle timing and mating periodicities acting in concert could have effected substantial, albeit incomplete, reproductive isolation. Subsequent selection to reinforce assortative mating to preserve coadapted gene complexes could then have resulted in differentiation of discrete pheromonal systems and attainment of species status.

Observations on the diversity, flight periods, emergence, swarming, and microdistribution of crane‐flies at Salem creek, Ontario (Diptera: Tipulidae, ptychopteridae, and trichoceridae)

Abstract The present study is based on 2542 specimens of crane‐fly adults collected at Salem Creek, Ontario, in 1977. The fauna consisted of two species of Ptychopteridae, one of Trichoceridae and 86 of Tipulidae. Eight species were aquatic, 22 semi‐aquatic and 59 terrestrial. The peak flight period of crane‐flies was highest in May, decreased gradually in May‐September and dropped suddenly in October‐December. Six groups of species were designated according to their seasonal flight periods. 94% of the species were univoltine. The most abundant species, Antocha saxicola (aquatic), comprising 48.5% of the crane-fly fauna, and Limnophila aprilina (semi-aquatic), 8.5%, were both bivoltine. Swarming was observed in only six species; each swarm was composed of two to three species of crane-flies. All aquatic forms lived in riffles, while semi-aquatic species colonised sand and mud flats. Comparisons were made between sampling techniques used. Malaise and emergence traps were more efficient when compared to swe...

Lepidopteran Survey of Grand Teton National Park

Beginning in 1979, a detailed survey of the macro lepidopteran fauna began in Grand Teton National Park. The three year survey, supported by UW-NPS funding, includes the following objectives: 1. Formulation of a synoptic list and voucher specimen collection of all macro lepidopteran species inhabiting Grand Teton National Park. Prior to this study, very little was known concerning the important lepidopterans or their ecology within Wyoming ecosystems and virtually nothing of scientific value had been published on the lepidopterans of the national parks in Wyoming. 2. Determination of Pleistocene "relict" or "marker" species which have survived in Grand Teton National Park. The data obtained from these "relict" species can be used in the aging and the determination of rates of species evolution within the ecosystems of the park. Related studies in Rocky Mountain National Park and elsewhere in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah (Bagdonas, 1976; Bagdonas, et al. 1977a, 1977b, 1977c, 1977d, 1978a, 1978b, 1978c, 1979a, 1979b, 1979c, 1979d, 1979e, 1979f; Bagdonas, 1980a, 1980b; Bagdonas et a1. 1980c, 1980d, 1980e, 1981, 1982a, 1982b, 1982c, 1982d,) have indicated many lepidopteran species in the Rocky Mountains are survivors of the Pleistocene glacial and interglacial periods. 3. Determination of relative abundances, habitat preferences, seasonal flight periods, life histories, and other ecological data of Grand Teton macro lepidopterans. This data will be used toward the completion of a book for the National Park Service on the butterflies and moths of the Grand Teton National Park, and with expanded studies, also, those of Yellowstone National Park.

Spatial Patterns and Movements in Coprophagous Beetles

Spatial distribution in two groups of dung-inhabiting beetles, Aphodius (Scarabaeidae) and Hydrophilidae, was analysed at two spatial levels, between and within pastures. Long-distance movements in the strictly coprophagous species of Aphodius were studied by trapping beetles in the centre of a town, away from the pastures. In both groups of beetles, and at both spatial levels, a linear relationship was found between log spatial variance and log mean abundance. Between-field variation in numbers was shown to be negatively correlated with the intensity of long-distance movements (interspecific comparison), and between-field variance moreover declined during the seasonal flight period in most species of Aphodius. There was an indication of a negative correlation between spatial variance and the proportion of mature females in the annual catches (Aphodius), which is interpreted as a consequence of interspecific differences in egg-laying habits both in space and time. In species showing little long-distance movements, females predominated among the "migrants" (in the centre of a town), and among the female "migrants" mature individuals were over-represented, compared with the proportion in the pastures. Long-distance movements occurred seasonally in relation to the numbers of beetles in the pastures, which supports the view that in these species there is no important difference between the short-distance and long-distance movements. Modelling of processes important in the dynamics of spatial patterns is discussed, a simple model is proposed, and the advocated universality of the model by Taylor and Taylor is questioned.

Biosystematics of the genus Euxoa (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). XI. Mating discrimination between three closely related species of the declarata group

The sibling species Euxoa declarata, Euxoa campestris, and Euxoa rockburnei will, in the laboratory, produce vigorous and fertile hybrid progeny from all interspecific combinations. Although interspecific matings occur readily under no-choice conditions there is a significant reduction, compared with intraspecific levels, in both the proportion of females mated and the occurrence of multiple mating. Tests for mating discrimination using the male-choice method show that ethological premating isolation between the three species is strong. In nature the ethological barriers in combination with other factors such as slight differences in seasonal flight period and habitat preference probably ensure complete reproductive isolation between the three species.