Populations of Liparus glabrirostris (Curculionidae: Molytinae), a weevil inhabiting higher altitudes of Central Europe, were sampled from 24 localities in the Alps and Carpathian Mountains, and the geographical structuring of genetic variation was analyzed. Comparison of the concatenated mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and subunit II sequences revealed consistent genetic divergence between the populations of L. glabrirostris from different mountain ranges. In phylogenetic analysis using maximum parsimony and median-joining networks, concatenated mitochondrial haplotypes from the Alps and Carpathians clustered as separate lineages, with high bootstrap support. Substantial genetic distances determined between the separated groups ranged from 2.6 to 3.0%, with divergence estimated to have initiated approximately 0.85–0.98 million years ago. The nuclear elongation factor 1α gene was additionally amplified and haplotype analysis showed very low evolutionary divergence (0.2%), with separate clustering as well. The observed divergence suggests that the populations have been isolated for a long time, as a consequence of environmental changes resulting in varying fragmentation of habitats in the Alps and Carpathians, interrupting genetic exchange events and altering the genetic structure of L. glabrirostris populations. On the other hand, comparison of morphological characteristics showed no differences to confirm genetically well differentiated groups of populations. A polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism-based method was therefore developed to discriminate between the Alpine and Carpathian lineages.

Establishment of non-native species and human-driven alteration of habitats are major causes of the decline of native faunas. Interference between native and non-native cockroach species was evaluated here by comparing their distribution areas in two oceanic islands: Mayotte and La Réunion. A factorial correspondence analysis showed that their presence is related to environmental parameters among which human activity, humidity and altitude are the three most important. Human activity and humidity favour establishment and development of non-native species, whereas altitude limits their presence. Non-native species form guilds (up to seven species). Their distribution areas overlap and illustrate their colonizing capacities. On the contrary, distribution areas of native species never overlap, although some co-occur with non-native species. Native species are more endangered when they are established in cultivated areas than when they are in protected natural areas.

It is a dictum that Apis mellifera Linnaeus is innocuous in agricultural ecosystems. This study provides the first record of A. mellifera as a significant defoliator of Alnus species. Careful field observations coupled with microscopic examination provided convincing evidence implicating A. mellifera as the cause of leaf perforation on Alnus species in Uganda. Apis mellifera was observed foraging selectively on young Alnus leaves and buds in search of a sticky substance, apparently propolis. In so doing, the bee created wounds that enlarged and caused tattering of Alnus leaves as they matured. Biological surveys indicated that the damage was prevalent and occurred widely, particularly on Alnus acuminata Kunth in Uganda. Incidence of the Apis mellifera damage on Alnus acuminata peaked in the dry season, with up to 90% of leaves emerging per shoot per month damaged, and was lowest in the wet months during peak leaf emergence. Apis mellifera leaf damage was consistently higher on Alnus acuminata than A. nepalensis D. Don., on saplings than mature trees, and on sun exposed than shaded leaves. The activity of honeybees may be detrimental to the productivity of Alnus, yet the substance for which the insect forages on Alnus is a resource with potential economic importance.

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a key element for the integrated management of pest populations of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens, in Mexico. Its success depends on the survival of mass-reared sterile males and their ability to mate with wild females. However, colonization and mass-rearing conditions can adversely affect their ability to avoid predators. To test if colony management strategies could contribute to improve field survival abilities of mass-reared flies, we compared the survival of males exposed to the orb-weaver spider Argiope argentata. Males compared originated from three strains with different colonization strategies: (a) a colony started from field-collected wild flies (replacement), (b) a colony started by hybridizing wild males with mass-reared adapted females (hybrid) and (c) a colony started with mass-reared males selected on the basis of their survival ability and mating competitiveness in field cages (selected). Mass-reared males and wild males were used as controls. Males were exposed to spiders under laboratory cage conditions. Overall, wild males showed better survival ability than mass-reared males. Regarding the colonization approach, wild males survived better than a hybrid, replaced and selected males. We conclude that mass-rearing conditions have a strong negative effect on the ability of males to escape spiders. The colonization systems evaluated did not counter this effect. The lower survival of males from the selected colony suggests that the selection over one generation did not contribute to improve males’ predator avoidance and escape abilities and probably needs to be modified. Possible explanations for this and implications on colonization and colony management for SIT purpose are discussed.

DNA Barcoding is an important tool for disciplines such as taxonomy, phylogenetics and phylogeography, with Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) being the largest database of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences. We provide the first extensive revision of the information available in this database for the insect order Thysanoptera, to assess: how many COI sequences are available; how representative these sequences are for the order; and the current potential of BOLD as a reference library for specimen identification and species delimitation. The COI database at BOLD currently represents only about 5% of the over 6400 valid thrips species, with a heavy bias towards a few species of economic importance. Clear Barcode gaps were observed for 24 out of 33 genera evaluated, but many outliers were also observed. We suggest that the COI sequences available in BOLD as a reference would not allow for accurate identifications in about 30% of Thysanoptera species in this database, which rises to 40% of taxa within Thripidae, the most sampled family within the order. Thus, we call for caution and a critical evaluation in using BOLD as a reference library for thrips Barcodes, and future efforts should focus on improving the data quality of this database.

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) was developed that utilizes 125I-linked Protein A as a tracer to detect the presence of antibodies to an antigen of Mansonia larvae. Antiserum was made by periodic injections of ground gut of fourth-instar larvae of M. dyari Belkin, Heinemann & Page into a rabbit, bleeding the rabbit by cardiac puncture and separating the serum. Using the rabbit antiserum at various dilutions, the specificity of the antibody to Mansonia was examined in tests with seven other mosquito species of different genera. Although there was low-level cross-reactivity with all the other species, the differences in reactivity between those and Mansonia larvae ranged between 2·5 and 8·4-fold; therefore, positive identification was possible. Furthermore, one fourth-instar Mansonia larva could be detected within a predator (fourth-instar larvae of Toxorhynchites rutilus rutilus (Coquillett) 48 h after consumption using the RIA.

The description of the ten Chamaesphecia species associated with Euphorbia in eastern and south-eastern Europe is based on external adult morphology, male and female genitalia, and the structure of the egg chorion. These species can be divided into two groups according to the shape of the setae of the dorso-basal part of the valvae in the male genitalia. Most Chamaesphecia species are associated with one species of host-plant and all are closely tied to one habitat type. The host-plant and the structure of the egg chorion are fundamental characteristics for the determination of a few species, and very helpful for the others. All species bore into the main root of their host-plant and overwinter as larvae. With the exception of two species which have an annual or biennial life cycle, all species are univoltine. The larvae of three of the eight Chamaesphecia spp. investigated feed and develop in the roots of North American leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula sensu lato. Of these, the best candidate for the biological control of leafy spurge is C. crassicornis, because the larvae have a similar survival rate on the target weed and the European host-plant, E. virgata.

The following article has been written from notes of observations and experiments extending over nearly three years—April 1909 to December 1911. Its main object is an attempt to demonstrate that a true conception of the production of Auopheline mosquitos in a definite country or district can only be formed by a large amount of continual work throughout the seasons of the year. At the present time very numerous observations are still to be made before much generalising should be allowed concerning the breeding-grounds and bionomics of these insects.

A colony of Eretmapodites chrysogaster Grah., sensu stricto, was maintained successfully for over a year without any reinforcement.

Identity of the mosquitos was established by starting the colony from a single batch of eggs laid by a single wild-caught female mosquito, and subsequent examination of the genitalia of the male progeny.

Mating occurred regularly after the first blood-meal of the female. In fact the females would not accept the males until they had started, or had finished, their first blood-meal.

Eggs were laid on the sterilised, water-filled bracts of banana flowers. Moist paper, moist cotton-wool or free water above paper or cotton-wool proved unsatisfactory as egg-laying media.

Larvae fed largely on the substance of the banana bracts on which the eggs had been laid. The banana bract also provided cover and so reduced the incidence of cannibalism among larvae.

An analysis of detailed observations on flying swarms of the Desert Locust, S. gregaria, on 33 occasions in eastern Africa has demonstrated an association of intermittent flight with higher and of continuous flight with lower saturation deficits. This association, which is consistent with recent laboratory studies on the effects of atmospheric humidity on the flight-performance of suspended locusts, is discussed in relation to the rate of movements of migrating swarms.

As a basis for future investigations on the development and the nature of resistance against insecticides, the regression lines for the toxicity of γ-hexachlorocyclohexane to D. melanogaster were estimated by means of

1. A contact method, in which the insects (adults) were exposed to a treated surface.

2. A skin-application method, in which measured doses of an acetone solution of the poison were used.

3. An injection method in which adults were injected with known doses of an emulsion containing the insecticide.

The reproducibility of the results obtained with the above methods is briefly discussed. It was found that in the case of the skin-application and injection methods the regression line did not deviate significantly from linearity. The same was true for the contact method if the results obtained with the smaller doses were not taken into consideration.

While engaged as entomologist to the Central Aguirre Sugar Company, owners of some 12,000 acres of sugar-cane lands situated on the south coast of Porto Rico, the writer continually recommended the importation into that island of certain larval parasites of Diatraea saccharalis, Fabricius (sugar-cane moth borer), as the one species indigenous to Porto Rico—Lixophaga (Euzenilliopsis) diatraeae, Townsend (Tachinidae)—alone, does not effect a sufficiently high percentage of control of the island's major sugar-cane pest.

The species composition and population dynamics of mosquito adults trapped at 76 sites in southern Israel are described. Almost 200 000 specimens representing 23 species were collected. Five species, Aedes detritus (Haliday), Culiseta subochrea (Edwards), Culex antennatus (Becker), Cx. martinii Medschid and Cx. poicilipes (Theobald), are new records for this area, with Cx. poicilipes being recorded for the first time outside Africa. Six types of distribution patterns were discerned. The most abundant species was Cx. pipiens L. (79·7% of the total catch) followed by Ae. caspius (Pallas) (10%), Anopheles sergentii (Theobald) (2·1%), An. tenebrosus Dönitz (1·8%) and Cx. perexiguus Theobald (1·3%). All other species found each made up less than 1%. The spatial and temporal patterns of mosquito species in southern Israel are discussed.

The genus Heterococcus was erected by Ferris (1918) for a new species. H. arenae Ferris, having 9-segmented antennae, a denticle on the claw and with the normal trilocular pores replaced by quinquelocular pores. Other species were added later and Morrison (1945) discussed the genus at some length and described in detail three other related genera.

A laboratory technique is described which enables large numbers of Simulium larvae from field sources to be established in a narrow 12-in. long experimental channel in the laboratory where they can be maintained in a continuous flow of water. The apparatus was primarily designed for a critical study of the reactions of larvae exposed to various time/concentrations of larvicides and other chemicals. By exposing dense aggregations of many hundred larvae at a time, significant figures can be obtained regarding the number of larvae detached at various intervals during and after exposure to larvicide, and also regarding the subsequent survival or mortality of the different detached fractions.

The persistence and toxicity to Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.) of initial deposits approximating to 10, 20 and 40 mg. per sq. ft. of γBHC were studied over a period of three weeks in a typical warehouse in Kano, Northern Nigeria. Chemical and biological assessments indicated that the lowest rate of application was inadequate for practical insect control whilst the other two rates showed very similar biological activity up to eight days after treatment. Thereafter small quantities persisted from applications at the highest rate for a further week but the resultant mortalities were inadequate for purposes of field control. It was concluded that to maintain control of T. castaneum, weekly applications of BHC would be required and that the rate of application should approximate to 20 mg. per sq. ft.

Two wild strains of Drosophila and one laboratory strain were selected for resistance to γBHC by a contact method. From each of these three strains equally resistant strains developed in about the same time. They did not become more resistant after prolonged selection. The resistance obtained was further investigated in one of the strains.

There was no evidence of any specificity: the susceptibility of the resistant insects to DDT and “Thanite” also appeared to be less than that of the original strains.

Although the strains were selected by a contact method they also showed decreased susceptiblity when the poison was applied to the skin and when it was injected. From the reciprocal crosses F1's were obtained the susceptibilities of which were practically the same and differed little from that of the resistant parent strain. It follows that resistance does not depend on cytoplasmatic heredity and that it is incompletely dominant.

A new member of the larch-feeding genus Anoplonyx has recently been described in Britain. The species, A. destructor Benson, has been common in British larch woods for some years without, however, causing any very serious amount of damage to the tree crops. Notes on the biology of the species, including larval descriptions, are given and the present forest status of the species is reviewed. Apparently unsuccessful attempts to achieve biological control by the release of Dahlbominus fuscipennis (Zett.) are recorded.

An experiment was designed to ascertain the maximum yield of adults of the Cigarette Beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (F.) that could be reared from a given quantity of foodstuff. Equal numbers of eggs of this species were added to batches of tubes containing different weights of wheatfeed, and the resulting adults were removed, counted and weighed.

The weights of wheatfeed had been chosen so that in some of the batches of tubes it would not be completely exploited. When emergence of adults was complete, further numbers of eggs, which were calculated to produce approximately the number of larvae necessary to complete the process in each batch of tubes, were then added, and the resulting adults again removed, counted and weighed.

The maximum biomass (wet weight) of adults of L. serricorne which could be reared from egg to adult per gramme of wheatfeed at 25°C. and 70 per cent. relative humidity was found to be 0.214 g. (108 to 129 specimens, all more or less undersized, and many with a retarded rate of development, compared with insects given ample food). In addition to the 21 per cent, of the food converted into adult insects, another 27 per cent. by weight of the original foodstuff was lost, presumably as water and carbon dioxide, leaving just over 50 per cent. undigested residue, most of which was faecal matter that would have passed through the insects at least once.

The yield of insects per g. loss of weight of the foodstuff was 0.46 g. (wet weights), which is very close to the corresponding figures calculated from the results of Fraenkel & Blewett for Dermestes maculatus Deg., Tribolium confusum Duv. and Ephestia Kuehniella Zell. on various foods, but three times as great as the corresponding figure calculated from Richards' results for Calandra granaria (L.) in wheat.

There was evidence suggesting that a truly maximal yield (slightly greater than in these experiments) might be attained by adding an optimal number of eggs to the food at the start, instead of adding a second population to an incompletely exploited food supply.

The performance (development and reproduction) of generalist predators can vary greatly among the prey species that they use, and these differences can influence the ability of predatory insects to suppress pest populations. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of larvae of the green lacewing Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister, 1839) by offering 16 species of aphids and by assessing the effects of each species on the survival, larval development time, prey consumption, pupal mass and egg load of adult Chr. rufilabris females taking aphid phylogeny into account. Chrysoperla rufilabris larvae preyed on individuals from all 16 aphid species, but complete development, adult emergence and egg load production were achieved only in seven species. As a general pattern, the best levels of performance were achieved for an aphid clade that includes the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines (Matsumara, 1917), and for a milkweed-feeding species, Myzocallis asclepiadis (Monell, 1879). We found significant phylogenetic clustering for most of the performance traits indicating the aspects of specialization in the diet breadth of Chr. rufilabris despite the fact that this species is considered a generalist aphid predator. These findings can help us to understand the interactions of this species in agroecological food webs, where it is commonly found, and provide insights into why natural, conservation biological control or augmentative releases may succeed or fail.