Hypopteromalus tabacum (Fitch), Catolaccus aeneoviridis (Girault), Spilochalcis side (Walker), and Spilochalcis hirtifemora (Ashmead) were hyperparasites of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (Linnaeus), most frequently reared from cocoons of the primary parasite, Apanteles congregatus (Say). The life history of each species was studied and the distinctive features of egg, last larval instar, and pupal stage were described.

In 1969 through 1972 parasitization of the tobacco hornworm by A. congregatus started at low levels in June or July, increasing to nearly 100% by the end of September. A corresponding increase in the seasonal incidence of hyperparasitism was observed, although the level of hyperparasitism never exceeded 85% in any year. Each year S. side and S. hirtifemora were the first hyperparasites recorded; however, H. tabacum was always the most abundant. The number of C. aeneoviridis varied greatly from year to year.

Peak spring emergence of H. tabacum and C. aeneoviridis occurred in April just before that of the primary parasite, A. congregatus, and as this was several months prior to their appearance in tobacco fields a number of possible alternate hosts for the hyperparasites were investigated.

A new subgenus and two new Nearctic species, Derostenus (Nearctostenus) freemani n. sp. and D. (Nearctostenus) albipes n. sp. belonging to the genus Derostenus Westwood (nee auctt. amer.), are described with host records and distribution.

From November 1968 to January 1970, Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) were collected in Northeast Thailand, principally from the Korat Plateau Region. Sixty-two species were identified: no previous Thailand records could be found for 29 of the species.

This study investigates certain arthropod predator elements of the soil fauna of a mature red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) stand. It presents differences between abundance 2 years prior to and 1 year after aerial spraying with fenitrothion at 2 and 3 oz per acre.

One species of centipede, one species of pseudoscorpion, and three species of harvestmen were noted in fewer numbers during the year of spraying. Higher numbers occurred the following year. Spiders of the family Erigonidae showed no marked difference in numbers during the course of the study. Most other spiders were encountered in reduced numbers during the spray year but rebounded next year.

Apparently, fenitrothion does cause temporary reduced abundance of at least some predacious arthropod components of the soil fauna. The effect of such changes in the insect community on soil processes remains unknown; even more so, the influence of repeated annual applications of fenitrothion remains undetermined.

A study of the type specimens of species of Syrphini described by Matsumura in 1917 shows that Macrosyrphus is a junior synonym of Metasyrphus Matsumura, Mesosyrphus is a junior synonym of Melangyna Verrall, and Parasyrphus is a senior synonym of Phalacrodira Enderlein. Incorrect designations of type-species for Episyrphus and Stenosyrphus are noted.

Trischistognatha yepezi n. sp. is described from Rancho Grande, Venezuela. The species is remarkable for the distortion and hairy vestiture of the male forewing.

Effective codling moth control was obtained by timing the application of insecticidesito coincide with the period of greatest larval emergence in the orchard. This occurred 6–10 days after first emergence and the latter could be predicted by heat unit summations. In 1971 and 1972 144 and 137 degree-days accumulated from the date on which the first male moth was taken in pheromone traps and the first larvae emerged, respectively.

The four larval instars and the pupa of Ptychoptera lenis lenis Osten Sacken are described. Instars 2 to 4 are very similar morphologically but instar 1 is markedly different. Both a pharate pupal and a pharate adult stage were observed. Larvae are found in stagnant marginal areas of ponds where water depth does not exceed 4 cm and where benthic deposits of plant detritus exceed 8 cm. Fourth instar larvae, under experimental conditions, survived up to 45 days without contact with atmospheric oxygen but development was arrested. P. lenis has a 1 year life cycle with an extended adult emergence season from late May to the end of July.

The nominal genera Neoscaeva Frey, Rhinoprosopa Hull and Antillus Vockeroth, all from the Neotropical Region, are synonymized with Allograpta Osten Sacken. The previously unknown male of the type-species of Antillus is described.

Deraeocoris brevis piceatus Knight overwinters in the adult stage on pear and several other plants. Within pear orchards there are apparently two generations of D. brevis per year. Under laboratory conditions the developmental time from first instar to adult is about 25 days. During this period D. b. piceatus consumed nearly 400 eggs and nymphs of the pear psylla, Psylla pyricola Foerster. Most organophosphate pesticides tested were highly toxic to D. b. piceatus when applied directly to nymphs or adults but 7-day-old residues of these chemicals were only moderately toxic. Nonphosphate pesticides allowed fair to good survival of D. b. piceatus but do not fit into the total summer control program for pear pest control.

The scale insect Toumeyella numismaticum Pettit and McDaniel occurred in small areas of heavy infestation in jack pine, Pinus banksiana Lamb., stands of southeastern Manitoba, where it was present in the same areas every year. The large populations of Formica obscuripes Forel present in the scale-infested areas lessened the effectiveness of the main predator of the scale, the coccinellid Hyperaspis congressis Watson, through interference with the Hyperaspis adults.

The alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), first found in Michigan in 1966, caused considerable damage to alfalfa throughout the state by 1971. In contrast to more southern regions, the alfalfa weevil lays very few eggs in the fall in Michigan. As a result, most eggs and larvae are present when the fields are ready for cutting in the spring.

Different cutting dates were evaluated to determine the effects of cutting on populations of the alfalfa weevil, its primary parasite in Michigan, Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson), and damage to the crop. Cutting at 507 degree-days (base 48°F (8.9 °C)) caused a 79% reduction in the number of alfalfa weevils produced and a 57% reduction of B. curculionis, while almost eliminating crop damage. Cutting at earlier and later times caused different reductions in populations of both insects and different crop damage.

The life history and habits of Zeiraphera improbana (Walker) on tamarack, Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch, are outlined and the immature stages are described. One braconid, one ichneumonid, and three chalcid parasites are listed.

A biological study of Telenomus coelodasidis Ashm. revealed a close temporal synchronization between this egg parasitoid and its primary host, Heterocampa guttivitta (Wlkr.). The wasp reproduced parthenogenetically in the laboratory and completed development in unfertilized host eggs. Wasp activity was greatest at relatively low temperatures, and longevity was significantly greater when individuals were provided with food. The second and third stage larvae and the pupa are described, as well as the sequence of visible changes occurring in parasitized host eggs. The egg stage of H. guttivitia should be sampled about 5–7 days after peak oviposition by the host, and eggs held for 4–6 days to obtain an accurate estimate of apparent mortality.

Egg masses of the forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria Hübner, were collected from new and old infestation areas of northern Minnesota before development started in the spring. Mortality of embryos was recorded after laboratory exposure to −10°, −15°, −20°, −25°, and −30° C for 12, 24, and 72 hours at 1, 2, 3, and 4 days before anticipated hatch. Length of treatment and temperatures of −10° and −15°C had minimal effect on survival. Mortality of embryos varied with days before hatch in an erratic cyclic pattern with temperatures and years. Temperature treatments of −20°, −25°, and −30 °C caused about 50%, 66%, and 100% embryo mortality. Mortality in new infestation areas was consistently higher than in older areas for all treatments.

On 27 August 1970, Mr. G. Mogridge, Kilbride, St. John's West, submitted a large (135 mm wingspan) living moth which he found on the sidewalk near the United Nail and Foundry Building, Hamilton Avenue, St. John's. The moth was identified as Erebus odora Linnaeus and was thought to be a first record for that species in Newfoundland. However, this was a second occurrence (see below).