Scholarly Works, Entomology

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https://hdl.handle.net/10919/24305

Research articles, presentations, and other scholarship

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Now showing 1 - 11 of 11

Apheloria polychroma, a new species of millipede from the Cumberland Mountains (Polydesmida: Xystodesmidae)
Marek, Paul E.; Means, Jackson C.; Hennen, Derek A. (Zootaxa, 2018-01-25)
Millipedes of the genus Apheloria Chamberlin, 1921 occur in temperate broadleaf forests throughout eastern North America and west of the Mississippi River in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. Chemically defended with toxins made up of cyanide and benzaldehyde, the genus is part of a community of xystodesmid millipedes that compose several Müllerian mimicry rings in the Appalachian Mountains. We describe a model species of these mimicry rings, Apheloria polychroma n. sp., one of the most variable in coloration of all species of Diplopoda with more than six color morphs, each associated with a separate mimicry ring.
Development of behaviorally based monitoring and biosurveillance tools for the invasive spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)
Nixon, Laura J.; Leach, Heather; Barnes, Caitlin; Urban, Julie; Kirkpatrick, Danielle M.; Ludwick, Dalton C.; Short, Brent; Pfeiffer, Douglas G.; Leskey, Tracy C. (Oxford University Press, 2020-10-01)
The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula White, is an invasive planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) that was first detected in the United States in Berks County, PA, in 2014, and has since spread in the mid-Atlantic region. This phloem-feeding pest has a broad host range, including economically important crops such as grape where their feeding causes dieback of infested plants. Monitoring the presence and abundance of L. delicatula is of utmost importance to develop pest management approaches. Current monitoring practices include sticky bands deployed on tree trunks, sometimes paired with commercially available methyl salicylate lures. A drawback associated with sticky bands is the high numbers of nontarget captures. Here, we developed traps for L. delicatula based on a circle trap originally designed for weevils. These traps are comprised of a screen funnel that wraps around the trunk of a tree and guides individuals walking up the trunk into a collection device. In 2018 and 2019, we compared circle trap designs with sticky bands in Pennsylvania and Virginia. In both years, circle trap designs yielded captures that were equivalent to or exceeded captures of L. delicatula on sticky bands. Nontarget captures were significantly lower for circle traps compared with sticky bands. Presence of a methyl salicylate lure in association with traps deployed on host trees or vertical tree-mimicking posts did not increase L. delicatula captures compared with unbaited traps. Circle traps, modified using vinyl screen and a larger collection device, present an alternative to the current approach with reduced nontarget capture for monitoring L. delicatula.
Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) oviposition and adult emergence in six wine grape varieties grown in Virginia
Shrader, Meredith Edana; Burrack, Hannah J.; Pfeiffer, Douglas G. (2018-10-01)
Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is a pest of small fruits and grapes in the United States and in its home range of Japan. Physiological and morphological laboratory testing was performed on six commonly grown wine grape varieties in Virginia. Skin thickness, penetration force, and ºBrix were analyzed to determine ovipositional preferences. Experiments were performed for three consecutive years from grapes collected at one Virginia vineyard. More eggs were laid in intact Viognier grapes than any other variety. Oviposition into intact grapes was not affected by skin thickness or ºBrix; however, oviposition increased when penetration force decreased. An ovipositional choice test determined no varietal preferences. Survivorship from egg to adulthood using uninjured and injured grapes was also assessed to determine varietal suitability as D. suzukii hosts, with more flies emerging from injured grapes than uninjured. However, D. suzukii adults did emerge from intact grapes and at higher percentages than previously recorded in other wine grape studies. All varieties had eggs oviposited into them when injured. Determining the time at which each grape variety became susceptible to oviposition was determined using a D. suzukii bioassay spanning 12 wk using grapes from the green pea stage until ripe. Susceptibility to D. suzukii oviposition was based upon ripening period and penetration force. Early ripening varieties may be more susceptible to D. suzukii oviposition in the field with later maturing, harder fleshed-varieties which may escape D. suzukii oviposition.
How to Count Bugs: A Method to Estimate the Most Probable Absolute Population Density and Its Statistical Bounds from a Single Trap Catch
Onufrieva, Ksenia S.; Onufriev, Alexey V. (MDPI, 2021-10-13)
Knowledge of insect population density is crucial for establishing management and conservation tactics and evaluating treatment efficacies. Here, we propose a simple and universal method for estimating the most probable absolute population density and its statistical bounds. The method is based on a novel relationship between experimentally measurable characteristics of insect trap systems and the probability to catch an insect located a given distance away from the trap. The generality of the proposed relationship is tested using 10 distinct trapping datasets collected for insects from 5 different orders and using major trapping methods, i.e., chemical-baited traps and light. For all datasets, the relationship faithfully (R = 0.91) describes the experiment. The proposed approach will take insect detection and monitoring to a new, rigorously quantitative level. It will improve conservation and management, while driving future basic and applied research in population and chemical ecology.
The Influence of Southwestern Virginia Environmental Conditions on the Potential Ability of Haemaphysalis longicornis, Amblyomma americanum, and Amblyomma maculatum to Overwinter in the Region
Whitlow, Amanda Marie; Schürch, Roger; Mullins, Donald E.; Eastwood, Gillian (MDPI, 2021-11-06)
Ticks are susceptible to environmental conditions and, to ensure survival during winter conditions, they adopt a wide variety of physiological and behavioral adaptations including utilization of a suitable niche with insulation (e.g., leaf coverage). To investigate the potential overwintering survival of three tick populations emerging within Appalachian Virginia (Haemaphysalis longicornis, Amblyomma americanum, and Amblyomma maculatum), both a laboratory experiment assessing super-cooling points and a two-factor (elevation and insulation coverage) field experiment assessing overwintering survivability were conducted across a natural southwestern Virginian winter (2020–2021). Dermacentor variabilis adults were included in this study as an example of a well-established species in this region known to overwinter in these conditions. Our study indicated that A. americanum and H. longicornis wintering tolerance is based on life stage rather than external factors such as insulation (e.g., leaf litter) and elevation. Amblyomma maculatum was more likely to survive without insulation. The ability to withstand the extreme temperatures of new regions is a key factor determining the survivability of novel tick species and is useful in assessing the invasion potential of arthropod vectors.
Negative Gravitaxis in Overwintering Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Chambers, Benjamin D.; Kuhar, Thomas P.; Leskey, Tracy C.; Reichard, Georg; Pearce, Annie R. (South Carolina Entomological Society, 2020-10-06)
Journal of Agricultural and Urban Entomology publishes research on insects including those affecting livestock, wildlife, lawns, landscapes, and crops.
Phenology of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in Virginia, USA
Dechaine, Andrew C.; Sutphin, Mark; Leskey, Tracy C.; Salom, Scott M.; Kuhar, Thomas P.; Pfeiffer, Douglas G. (Oxford University Press, 2021-10-06)
The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), is an invasive planthopper that was first discovered in North America in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. Currently, L. delicatula has spread to eight additional states and threatens agricultural, ornamental, and timber commodities throughout the United States. The timing of insect life events is very important in the development of pest management tools and strategies. In 2019 and 2020, L. delicatula phenology was successfully documented in Winchester, Virginia using weekly 5-min observational surveys at established monitoring plots. Each year, L. delicatula were active in the environment from May to November with initial detections of first, second, third, fourth, and adults occurring in May, May, June, June, and July, respectively. Cumulative average growing degree days were also calculated for the onset of each L. delicatula life stage using local weather data and a lower developmental threshold of 10°C. First-instar L. delicatula were initially observed at 135 and 111.5, adults at 835 and 887, and egg masses at 1673.5 and 1611.5 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Combined, these data can be used by growers and land managers to facilitate timing of effective pest management strategies.
Phenology of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in Virginia, USA
Dechaine, Andrew C.; Sutphin, Mark; Leskey, Tracy C.; Salom, Scott M.; Kuhar, Thomas P.; Pfeiffer, Douglas G. (2021-12-17)
The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), is an invasive planthopper that was first discovered in North America in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. Currently, L. delicatula has spread to eight additional states and threatens agricultural, ornamental, and timber commodities throughout the United States. The timing of insect life events is very important in the development of pest management tools and strategies. In 2019 and 2020, L. delicatula phenology was successfully documented in Winchester, Virginia using weekly 5-min observational surveys at established monitoring plots. Each year, L. delicatula were active in the environment from May to November with initial detections of first, second, third, fourth, and adults occurring in May, May, June, June, and July, respectively. Cumulative average growing degree days were also calculated for the onset of each L. delicatula life stage using local weather data and a lower developmental threshold of 10°C. First-instar L. delicatula were initially observed at 135 and 111.5, adults at 835 and 887, and egg masses at 1673.5 and 1611.5 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Combined, these data can be used by growers and land managers to facilitate timing of effective pest management strategies.
Predators associated with the pine bark adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), a native insect in Appalachian forests, United States of America, in its southern range
Wantuch, Holly A.; Havill, Nathan P.; Hoebeke, E. Richard; Kuhar, Thomas P.; Salom, Scott M. (Cambridge University Press, 2019-02-01)
The pine bark adelgid, Pineus strobi (Hartig) (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is an herbivore native to eastern North America that specialises on eastern white pine, Pinus strobus Linnaeus (Pinaceae). Little is known about P. strobi, especially in its southern range in the Appalachian Mountains, United States of America, and the composition of its predator complex has not yet been documented in this region. The current study identifies arthropod predators associated with P. strobi in Appalachian forests of Virginia based on a two-year survey. Predators were identified using morphology and DNA barcoding. Predator species include: Laricobius rubidus LeConte (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), Leucopis piniperda Malloch (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), and Leucopis argenticollis Zetterstedt (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), that are known adelgid specialists. Also found were predators from the families Cecidomyiidae (Diptera), Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), Chrysopidae (Neuroptera), Hemerobiidae (Neuroptera), and Syrphidae (Diptera). The Cecidomyiidae were especially diverse, with 14 different species inferred from their DNA barcodes. Knowledge of this predator complex is particularly valuable for anticipation and detection of potential interactions between native predator species and those that are being considered for the introduction for biological control of invasive adelgid pests within the southern Appalachian ecosystem.
Responses of two introduced larval parasitoids to the invasive emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) infesting a novel host plant, white fringe tree: Implication for biological control
Ragozzino, Max; Duan, Jian J.; Salom, Scott M. (Elsevier, 2021-09-01)
Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis is a buprestid species native to Asia, where it is a pest of ash trees, Fraxinus spp. Since it was accidentally introduced to the United States in the 1990s, this beetle has become one of the most destructive invasive pests of North American ash trees. In 2015 it was found attacking the white fringe tree, Chionanthus virginicus, indicating the potential for host range expansion. This study evaluates the responses of two introduced larval parasitoids, Spathius agrili and S. galinae, to EAB larvae infesting this novel host plant. Third to fourth instar EAB larvae reared with tropical ash in the laboratory were inserted into green ash and white fringe tree bolts. Infested bolts were exposed to gravid females of both Spathius spp. under no-choice and S. galinae under choice testing conditions. No-choice testing indicated no difference in parasitism rate on EAB larvae between white fringe and green ash for either parasitoid species. Two-choice testing with S. galinae also indicated no difference in parasitism rate when green ash was an option. Sex ratio and brood size were unaffected by host substrate for EAB, but both species emerged sooner on EAB in white fringe tree under no-choice conditions. EAB larvae can be successfully parasitized in white fringe tree under laboratory conditions. These results indicate that S. agrili and S. galinae have potential to attack EAB larvae infesting white fringe tree.
Sweet Corn Sentinel Monitoring for Lepidopteran Field-Evolved Resistance to Bt Toxins
Dively, G. P.; Kuhar, Thomas P.; Taylor, Sally V.; Doughty, H. B.; Holmstrom, K.; Gilrein, D.; Nault, B. A.; Ingerson-Mahar, J.; Whalen, J.; Reisig, D.; Frank, Daniel L.; Fleischer, S. J.; Owens, David; Welty, C.; Reay-Jones, F. P. F.; Porter, P.; Smith, J. L.; Saguez, J.; Murray, S.; Wallingford, A.; Byker, H.; Jensen, B.; Burkness, E.; Hutchison, W. D.; Hamby, K. A. (Oxford University Press, 2021-02-01)
As part of an insect resistance management plan to preserve Bt transgenic technology, annual monitoring of target pests is mandated to detect susceptibility changes to Bt toxins. Currently Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) monitoring involves investigating unexpected injury in Bt crop fields and collecting larvae from non-Bt host plants for laboratory diet bioassays to determine mortality responses to diagnostic concentrations of Bt toxins. To date, this monitoring approach has not detected any significant change from the known range of baseline susceptibility to Bt toxins, yet practical field-evolved resistance in H. zea populations and numerous occurrences of unexpected injury occur in Bt crops. In this study, we implemented a network of 73 sentinel sweet corn trials, spanning 16 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces, for monitoring changes in H. zea susceptibility to Cry and Vip3A toxins by measuring differences in ear damage and larval infestations between isogenic pairs of non-Bt and Bt hybrids over three years. This approach can monitor susceptibility changes and regional differences in other ear-feeding lepidopteran pests. Temporal changes in the field efficacy of each toxin were evidenced by comparing our current results with earlier published studies, including baseline data for each Bt trait when first commercialized. Changes in amount of ear damage showed significant increases in H. zea resistance to Cry toxins and possibly lower susceptibility to Vip3a. Our findings demonstrate that the sentinel plot approach as an in-field screen can effectively monitor phenotypic resistance and document field-evolved resistance in target pest populations, improving resistance monitoring for Bt crops.

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