Volume 108, Issue 1

Cold-hardy citrus has gained prominence in North Florida’s fresh market. North Florida is less exposed to Huanglongbing and citrus canker than the rest of the state, but is more exposed to freezing events. Following the exceptional frost that occurred in December 2022, a two-year survey (2023–2024) assessed the abundance and seasonal patterns of citrus pests in three groves and in residential backyard citrus across North Florida. Citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) dominated all groves, while the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), was recorded in backyard trees. The December 2022 frost had a minimal impact on ambrosia beetle and red scale populations, while the citrus leafminer population surged in the summer of 2023 compared to 2024. D. citri populations showed no significant seasonal or interannual fluctuations. Forecasting models exhibited strong accuracy for red scales and ambrosia beetles but higher error rates for citrus leafminers and D. citri , indicating varying degrees of temporal variability and persistence in their population dynamics. This study highlights species-specific responses to climatic shifts and informs targeted pest management strategies for North Florida’s citrus industry.

Vinegar is considered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to be a minimum risk trap additive, and as Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is attracted to vinegar, this study was conducted to determine the efficiency of removal of D. melanogaster from a standard size room using traps containing banana vinegar and a minimum risk surfactant. The goal was to achieve a significant reduction of an initial D. melanogaster population at deployment levels of less than 1 trap/m 2 of floor surface area. We found that four cylindrical traps containing banana vinegar captured an average of 71 out of 100 released D. melanogaster during a 10-replicate trial in a 2.65 m high × 3.05 m × 4.8 m (38.8 m 3 volume, 14.64 m 2 floor area) room. This result shows that using these traps only 1 trap/3.66 m 2 of floor area results in capture of 71 % of D. melanogaster .

A new species of Patara Westwood, Patara dolos sp. n. Bahder, Bartlett & Wilson, is described from Puerto Rico and Florida. This species is considered to be adventive in the United States. In addition, supplemental molecular data for the barcoding region (5′ half) of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the 18S rRNA gene and D9–D10 expansion region of the 28S rRNA gene are presented. Furthermore, phenology data are provided to show seasonal trends and population growth since the first appearance of P. dolos , sp. n. in Florida, as well as the current distribution in the state.

Anastrepha ludens Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a pest of fruits that is attracted by the volatile compounds that emanate from fruit. In citrus (Sapindales: Rutaceae), this pest primarily feeds on the pulp and develops inside orange ( Citrus x sinensis (L.) Osbeck) and grapefruit ( Citrus x paradisi Macfad.) fruits, which cause substantial economic losses. The degree of infestation by citrus variety is still unknown, and determining these levels would be ideal to optimize the strategies for phytosanitary control. The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the level of infestation of A . ludens larvae in bitter orange ( Citrus x aurantium L.), navel orange ( C. x sinensis ‘Naval orange’), early orange ( C. x sinensis ‘Marr’s Early), Valencia orange ( C. x sinensis ‘Valencia’) and red grapefruit ( C. x paradisi ‘Red blush’). The study was conducted from August 2018 to July 2019 in the municipalities of Gómez Farías, Güémez, Hidalgo, Llera de Canales and Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. In these municipalities, larval instars of A . ludens were sampled by collecting eight to 15 fruits hanging from the tree or lying on the ground; fruits were collected with yellow or necrotizing circular spots and signs of premature maturation. The infestations of A . ludens larvae among the five varieties were quantified by a multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant function analysis. Our results showed that the number of second instar larvae per fruit was responsible for the variation (separation between varieties), and they prefer bitter orange compared to the other four varieties of citrus that were analyzed. The information from this study will enable stakeholders to direct strategies of phytosanitary control toward the bitter orange crop, a preferred host of this pest in the citrus growing region of Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Bulimulus bonariensis (Rafinesque) (Stylommatophora: Bulimulidae) is an invasive snail in the southeastern United States that harms row and specialty crop production. Few effective and sustainable management strategies are available. Little is known of the biology and ecology of the species, including its natural enemies. In 2023, a new, undescribed, species of parasitic mite, Austreynetes sp. (Trombidiformes: Ereynetidae) was discovered infesting wild B. bonariensis in St. Lucie County, Florida. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between B. bonariensis , Austreynetes sp., and habitat characteristics. Bulimulus bonariensis were collected from commercial citrus grove, urban, and forest habitats. In each of these habitats, samples were collected from three randomly sampled 1 × 1 × 1 m quadrats from each of five, 50 m transects. The number of snails per m 2 (snail density) was recorded. Shell length and the number of mites present per snail also was recorded. Zero snails were collected from the forest habitat. Snails collected from citrus groves were more numerous, had significantly longer shells, and fewer mites compared to specimens collected from the urban landscape, which were less abundant, smaller, and had heavier mite loads. Sampling date did not significantly affect snail density or shell length, but did significantly affect the number of mites present, with the greatest density of mites per snail observed in June. Our data provide the first description of the abundance of B. bonariensis among different habitats and the population dynamics of B. bonariensis and Austreynetes sp., and a step towards improved management of B. bonariensis throughout its invaded range.

Stator limbatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), a generalist seed beetle, is widely distributed across the Americas and is known to utilize a wide range of host plants. While it has been recorded feeding on over 90 plant species, its association with invasive plants remains understudied. Acacia auriculiformis (A.Cunn. ex Benth.) (Fabaceae), commonly known as earleaf acacia, is an invasive tree in Florida, where it threatens native ecosystems. Seed collections from 21  A. auriculiformis trees began in 2022, when the trees were 3 years old, and continued annually through 2024, by which time the trees were 5 years old. This study reports the first recorded association of S. limbatus infesting A. auriculiformis seeds. The beetle infestation increased from 14.8 % in 2022 to 22.7 % in 2024, indicating a potential population buildup, though this increase was not statistically significant. Seed damage attributed to S. limbatus was identified by characteristic small, round emergence holes (1–2 mm in diameter) and internal larval feeding cavities containing frass. No evidence of larger openings, gnaw marks, or other damage typical of bird or rodent seed predation was observed. Additionally, we conducted seed germination trials for both intact seeds and those with S. limbatus exit holes. The results of our study showed that seeds damaged by S. limbatus did not germinate, while 95 % of those not infested germinated. This study demonstrates the potential impact of S. limbatus as a natural seed predator of A. auriculiformis , which could complement ongoing biological control efforts aimed at curbing the spread of this invasive species.

Sentinel gardens are a proactive and effective tool for detecting potential pest and pathogen threats before they establish in new regions. By observing interactions between native insects and non-native plants, sentinel gardens provide direct assessments of biological risks posed by these novel interactions. As part of a global sentinel garden network, six ecologically and economically significant Asian tree species were planted in a sentinel garden established by the Forest Entomology Lab at the University of Florida in 2022. The primary goal was to detect local insect species capable of colonizing Asian tree species, which could become serious invasive pests if they are introduced to Asia. This effort complements reciprocal sentinel gardens of American trees planted in Asia. To date, five tree species have successfully established under the conditions in Florida, allowing for herbivory observations. Monitoring revealed frequent, non-lethal herbivory by various Lepidoptera across most tree species, and by sawflies on Chinese pines. Only secondary woodborers were observed colonizing dead twigs and stems, with no evidence of wood borer attacks on living trees or tree mortality.

Egg parasitoids of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) and Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were identified from sentinel egg masses and yellow sticky traps deployed in Central Florida from March 2021 to March 2022. The eggs and traps were placed in two peach orchards, a vegetable farm, and a vineyard. Approximately 3,300 eggs were deployed and the 1,472 eggs not consumed by predators or lost yielded 61 parasitoids. Parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera) that emerged from eggs of both host species included Anastatus spp. (Eupelmidae), Anastatus nr. hirtus (Ashmead), Anastatus tenuipes (Bolivar y Pieltain), and Trissolcus solocis Johnson (Scelionidae) . Five species of parasitoids were obtained only from H. halys eggs: Anastatus mirabilis (Walsh and Riley), Ooencyrtus sp. 2 (Encyrtidae), Ooencyrtus johnsoni (Howard), Trissolcus brochymenae (Ashmead), and Trissolcus hullensis (Harrington). These are new host-parasitoid associations for Florida. Ooencyrtus sp. and Psix striaticeps (Dodd) (Scelionidae) were obtained only from N. viridula eggs. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing using CO1 identified 11 parasitoid species: P . striaticeps , T . brochymenae , T . hullensis , T . solocis , Ooencyrtus sp. 1, Ooencyrtus sp. 2, O . johnsoni , Anastatus nr. hirtus , Anastatus sp. 1, A . tenuipes , and A . mirabilis . Another 13 specimens of Anastatus were not conclusively identified to species. The yellow sticky traps captured 26 egg parasitoids, including Telenomus spp. (Scelionidae), Hadronotus spp. (Scelionidae), P . striaticeps and a Trissolcus sp. This research provided preliminary information for augmentative biological control of pentatomids in Florida crops.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important insect pest of maize and numerous other crops throughout the world. In this study, the genetic diversity and structure of three Mexican populations of S. frugiperda , collected from three maize-producing areas in the states of Sinaloa (Sf-SIN), Michoacán (Sf-MICH), and Chiapas (Sf-CHI), were evaluated using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene. Neighbor-joining analysis showed that the S. frugiperda sequences of our study were grouped, with 99 % branch support, with reference sequences from Canada, United States of America, and Mexico. Sf-SIN and Sf-CHI sequences were closely related to other Mexican reference sequences, while Sf-MICH sequences formed a well-supported separate clade. AMOVA analysis showed that most of the genetic variability was within populations. The highest correlation between genetic distance and haplotypical frequency was observed between Sf-CHI and Sf-MICH populations. Ten haplotypes were detected considering the three areas sampled and the haplotype diversity was higher in Sf-MICH and Sf-SIN populations. The haplotypic network indicates that two and one individuals from Sf-CHI and Sf-SIN populations, respectively, belonged to the same group. We concluded that the genetic diversity among S. frugiperda populations was more influenced by the variability within individuals of the same population than individuals of different populations. In addition, the presence of shared haplotypes between northwest (Sf-SIN) and southeast (Sf-CHI) individuals possibly indicate a moderate genetic exchange between populations. This diversity is essential for their ability to survive and adapt to environmental changes, which can influence how pest populations respond to control methods.

Cultivated blueberries ( Vaccinium spp.) (Ericaceae) are among the top three exported agricultural commodities of Mexico. Since their commercial debut in 1995, the area of cultivation has increased annually, reflecting the economic importance of this crop. Because species of the moth family Tortricidae associated with blueberries elsewhere are of considerable economic importance, we investigated the tortricid fauna of commercial blueberry plantations in the states of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacan, and Puebla, Mexico. From 2019 to 2021 we collected and reared tortricid larvae and noted the damage they inflicted. We identified six species feeding on leaves, flowers, and/or fruit: Amorbia cuneana (Walsingham) , Argyrotaenia montezumae (Walsingham) , Platynota stultana (Walsingham), Templemania sarothrura (Felder & Rogenhofer), Bonagota mexicana (Razowski & Becker), and Zomaria interruptolineana (Fernald). The first three are well-known agricultural pests of numerous crops, and are widely distributed throughout southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico; T. sarothrura and B. mexicana are polyphagous native species that are encountered uncommonly; and Z . interruptolineana is a documented Ericaceae-feeder that is widespread in the eastern U.S. For all but Zomaria , these are the first records of Vaccinium as hosts for these tortricids. We suggest that is important to monitor population levels of these species owing to their potential economic importance, and to expand sampling to other producer states to evaluate their levels of infestation.

Puerto Rico is an active mango ( Mangifera indica L.; Anacardiaceae) producer, with an annual market value of $25 million and a production volume of 19 million kilograms. Phidotricha erigens Ragonot (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Epipaschiinae) larvae adversely affect the reproductive organs of various fruit trees, but little is known about their specific impact on mango inflorescences. This study was conducted during summer 2024, on a commercial mango farm in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, to assess the extent of damage caused by P. erigens on mango inflorescences through a no-choice semi-field experiment. Exposure to adult moths statistically increased infestation levels, contributed to lower flower weights, and fewer pea-stage mangoes per panicle compared to unexposed flowers. A higher number of pedicels significantly predicted greater progeny, with significantly more pupae and fifth instars than first instars found in flowers bearing more pedicels. These findings highlight the potential of this pest to adversely affect mango yields by compromising floral development. Given the year-round vulnerability of mango inflorescences, this study underscores the need for early pest management strategies to mitigate yield losses in mango agriculture, particularly through timely intervention during the flowering stage.

Caryobruchus gleditsiae (Johansson & Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is a bruchid widely distributed in the New World and recently introduced to the Old World. It also has a wide host range from 11 genera in the family Arecaceae. This paper provides information on the damage caused by C. gleditsiae to the seeds of three species of the New World palm genus Sabal in Sinaloa, Mexico, which ranged between 3.48 % and 77.77 %. In addition, information is provided on the current distribution of C. gleditsiae , based on information from a collated database of museums and institutions that have specimens of bruchid species. Finally, a complete list of all host plants of C. gleditsiae is provided, including new records.

The rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (F.; Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has been a pest of rice in the United States since the 1880s. Besides this species, there now are two invasive Oebalus species, O. ypsilongriseus (De Geer) and O. insularis Stål, which are found in Florida. Genetic variation of these economically important species is unknown, limiting our understanding of Oebalus evolution and demography. Here we provide the first population-level investigation of genetic diversity in these species. Ninety two adult stink bugs were collected from the southeastern United States (Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida), and Cuba. A region of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I gene was sequenced from all sampled individuals. From the 68  O. pugnax samples, 14 haplotypes were observed, with one haplotype, G, occurring in 29 % of the samples. Many haplotypes were shared among populations, but several were unique to individual populations. There is genetic support for the movement of O. pugnax within the southeastern USA, with the majority of O. pugnax haplotypes being shared among the three sampled states. Also, with several haplotypes of O. pugnax being found only in single populations, there may be locally adapted regional populations of O. pugnax . Unlike O. pugnax , no genetic variation was observed among the Florida and Cuba O. ypsilongriseus and O. insularis. This research provides evidence that Cuba is the most likely source of these two invasive species to Florida. These data on O. pugnax genetic diversity may provide insight into the movement of this species among different geographical areas, different host plants, and potential spread of insecticide resistant populations.

Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae) is an annual herb that produces numerous flowerheads and is a host plant for aphids. Studies have demonstrated that adding  C . sativum to different kinds of cropping systems can enhance biological control of pests in those crops. This study represents a first step towards selecting C . sativum accessions that would perform well as insectary plants in citrus groves. Coriander accessions were grown and evaluated to determine which would grow well and flower quickly in south Florida. Because latitude may affect flowering time, accessions that were tested originated from localities within 10° latitude of the study site (27.418 °N), i.e., India, Pakistan, north Africa. Two of the Indian accessions produced healthy plants that flowered more quickly than the others. Seed from these two accessions were saved, which when sowed produced an open-pollinated (OP) hybrid that grew well in south Florida. A second test was performed to determine if co-sowing the seeds of the quick-flowering OP hybrid coriander with the seeds of a slow-to-flower variety (cilantro) would result in overlapping flowering periods. The flowering periods of the two varieties overlapped by approximately 1 week while the overall flowering period was extended by 35 days relative to planting each variety by itself. The results showed that the coriander and cilantro varieties of C. sativum can be co-sown to ensure an extended flowering period, saving the grower time and effort and providing a better habitat for biological control insects.

This study presents the first record of the family Mymarommatidae (Hymenoptera: Mymarommatoidea) in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Following a structured multi-island sampling effort, three specimens were collected from Floreana, Isabela and San Cristóbal, extending the known distribution of this rare insect family to the Pacific archipelago. The specimens were collected using Malaise traps and yellow pan traps in coastal and dry zones at low elevations. This discovery contributes significantly to the understanding of Hymenoptera diversity in the Galapagos, and further research is suggested to explore potential endemism and host interactions in these unique ecosystems.

The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is an invasive woodboring beetle present in several areas in North America. The typical management strategy for this pest involves eradicating incipient A . glabripennis populations from a detected area by removing all infested and high-risk hosts, and therefore, all beetles. While effective, this method may not work in all areas, particularly those that are perpetually wet or swampy and where access for tree removal is limited. Biological control may be a viable and complimentary management strategy in these areas, as natural enemies act on a landscape scale rather than individual trees. Recently, a native parasitoid, Ontsira mellipes Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), was found parasitizing A . glabripennis and shows effective host-finding behavior under controlled conditions. The active A . glabripennis infestation in South Carolina, U.S. provides an opportunity to conduct the first field validation of the ability of O. mellipes to find and use A . glabripennis as a host. Adult O. mellipes were released on several trees infested with A . glabripennis in the South Carolina quarantine zone in summer 2023, and after 3 weeks trees were destructively sampled. Two A . glabripennis larvae were found to be attacked by O. mellipes , a result confirmed by DNA sequencing. This represents the first field validation that laboratory-reared O. mellipes can and will attack and use wild A . glabripennis as hosts. While additional research is needed to identify optimal release timing, and to determine the efficacy of O. mellipes as a biological control agent, these results suggest this strategy may be a useful supplement to the current A . glabripennis management strategy.

In an 18-week trial in Tunisia, a 20-week trial in Costa Rica and two 24-week trials in Hawaii a formulation of an α-copaene enriched natural oil bulb captured more male Mediterranean fruit flies (medflies) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) than traps baited with trimedlure (TML). In the Tunisian and Costa Rican trials 2 g of TML were placed on a dental wick and renewed weekly. In the Hawaiian trials fresh and field aged 4 g TML plugs were used. For one Hawaiian trial 4 g TML plugs were field weathered under Hawaiian conditions while for the ancillary trial 4 g TML plugs were aged in Florida. During periods of the Tunisian and Costa Rican trials where traps baited with the TML wick captured less than an average of one male medfly per trap per week, traps baited with the natural oil bulb formulation captured significantly more male medflies. During the same low population periods a higher percentage of traps baited with the natural oil bulb formulation that captured at least a single medfly was greater than the percentage of traps baited with TML capturing at least one male medfly. Based on the present data, the replacement interval for NO bulbs is 3–4 times longer than for 4 g TML plugs.

Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), an economically important pest of leguminous crops, is native to the Asian tropics. M. usitatus was recorded for the first time in 2020 in southern Florida (USA), where it has significantly impacted production of snap bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). Surveys were conducted in five fields between October 2021 and April 2022 to determine the abundance of M . usitatus in relation to other thrips species. From crop establishment until harvest, whole plant samples were collected from each field at weekly intervals. During each phenological stage (vegetative, flowering, fruiting), plant parts present at the time of sampling (foliage, flowers, pods) were partitioned and processed separately to determine the relative abundance of thrips species as affected by phenological stages and plant parts. To analyze the effect of plant part, only the fruiting stage, when all plant parts were present, was used. Thrips palmi Karny, the primary pest of snap bean prior to the establishment of M . usitatus , was the most abundant thrips species. M. usitatus was the second most abundant thrips species, and mostly found in flowers during the fruiting stage. Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), not previously reported as a pest of snap bean in south Florida, was the third most abundant, followed by Frankliniella bispinosa Morgan and Frankliniella insularis (Franklin). Overall abundance of thrips species was the lowest during the vegetative stage when only foliage was present and highest during the fruiting stage when all plant parts were present and most abundant in flowers. Sex ratios were female-biased for each species. Contrary to our hypothesis, the study did not produce evidence that M. usitatus establishes earlier in commercial snap bean fields or reaches higher levels of abundance than T. palmi .

Giant salvinia ( Salvinia molesta Mitchell; Salviniaceae) is an invasive aquatic fern that inflicts significant economic and ecological threats when unmanaged. Biological control of giant salvinia using the semi-aquatic weevil, Cyrtobagous salviniae Calder and Sands (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), has proven successful in tropical and subtropical regions. The study aimed to assess the impact of salinity on S. molesta growth and health, as well as C. salviniae feeding behavior and density. Laboratory and outdoor mesocosm experiments were conducted at three salinity levels, <1, 5, and 10 ppt, alongside a field survey in southwestern Louisiana. Results indicated that S. molesta growth and health declined with increasing salinity, with significant damage observed at 5 ppt and near-total mortality at 10 ppt. C. salviniae feeding showed no significant differences across salinity levels in controlled settings, but field data revealed a decrease in weevil density at higher salinities. These findings suggest that while S. molesta can tolerate moderate salinity, its biological control via C. salviniae is less effective in saline environments. The study underscores the need for adaptive management strategies in coastal regions facing rising salinity due to climate change and sea-level rise.

Atta mexicana (F. Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is a significant agricultural pest in Mexico. This study tested the insecticidal activity of ethanol extracts from the sarcotesta of three Magnolia (Magnoliaceae) species endemic to Mexico against A. mexicana . Contact and ingestion bioassays were performed using various ethanol extract concentrations. After 72 h of exposure, Magnolia pugana (Iltis & A.Vazquez) A.Vazquez & Carvajal showed the highest contact toxicity at 2.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, and 0.02 mg/mL, with a lethal concentration to 90 % mortality (LC 90 ) of 0.02 mg/mL. Magnolia perezfarrerae A.Vázquez & Gómez-Domínguez exhibited toxicity at 2.0 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL, with LC 90  = 0.1 mg/mL, while Magnolia vovidesii A.Vázquez, Domínguez-Yescas & L.Carvajal showed toxicity at 4.0 mg/mL and 0.04 mg/mL, with LC 90  = 0.4 mg/mL. The ethanol extracts also demonstrated significant toxicity by ingestion. The most effective concentrations for M. pugana was 2.0 mg/mL with LC 90  = 0.24 mg/mL, while for M. perezfarrerae , they were 2.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, and 0.02 mg/mL (LC 90  = 0.06 mg/mL). For M. vovidesii , the most effective concentrations were 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL, and 0.04 mg/mL (LC 90  = 0.07 mg/mL). Chemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenes, and phenols in the extracts. This study suggests that the tested Magnolia sarcotesta extracts have great potential as effective botanical pesticides against A. mexicana , implying promising insights for developing agricultural pest management strategies.

The granulate ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky), and the black stem borer, Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), are important pests of ornamental, fruit and nut trees in the eastern USA. A commonly employed method of evaluating insecticide efficacy against ambrosia beetles relies on treating tree bolts infused with ≥50 % ethanol, which are highly attractive to ambrosia beetles. We conducted experiments at three locations to test the hypothesis that the efficacy of marginally effective insecticides may be better demonstrated using bolts infused with 10 % ethanol than ≥50 % ethanol, where the latter may be so attractive that the ambrosia beetles overcome the effects of the insecticides. The insecticides tested in this study were half and fully labeled application rates of bifenthrin, which are highly effective in reducing ambrosia beetle attacks, and the full rate of indoxacarb, which was reported to have marginal efficacy. On bolts infused with 50 % ethanol, attacks (i.e. numbers of entry holes) were lower on those treated with the full and half-rate of bifenthrin than the untreated ones. Attacks on bolts infused with 10 % ethanol were too low to allow for the detection of statistical differences among the insecticide treatments. We confirmed that indoxacarb was ineffective in reducing attacks regardless of the ethanol concentration. We conclude that the current evaluation system should continue to employ ≥50 % ethanol.

Classical biological control of weeds is a strategy for managing invasive plants, reassociating coevolved herbivores with their hosts in weeds’ adventive ranges. A modified open field test was conducted to assess the ecological host range of two biological control agents, Floracarus perrepae Knihinicki & Boczek (Prostigmata: Eriophyidae) and Neomusotima conspurcatalis (Warren) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), on nontarget ferns. These biological control agents are released to aid in the management of Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br. (Lygodiaceae), an invasive fern that has had detrimental effects on ecosystems in south and central Florida. We examined nontarget ferns at four sites in Florida for evidence of biological control agent presence/damage, which would be an indication of an expanded ecological host range compared to the physiological host range determined during quarantine studies. The sites were visited multiple times between July 2021 and March 2023, and ferns were examined for evidence of feeding, larval presence, and oviposition. Neither agents nor indicators of their presence were observed on nontarget species. The mite F. perrepae was observed at the three sites on the eastern coast but failed to establish itself at the location on the western coast. In contrast, N. conspurcatalis was found at all locations, although its presence was not consistent across sites over time. Population monitoring indicated both agents were present in sufficient numbers to enable observation of spillover effects, but none were observed. This ecological host range testing validated the predicted physiological host ranges for the two biological control agents, confirming their high specificity to the target fern as observed during laboratory host range testing.

It is clear from research on pollinator declines that some taxa are more vulnerable than others. The sooner these more sensitive species are detected, and the cause(s) contributing to their decline are identified, the better the chance of developing effective conservation plans. Using data from nine studies conducted in northern Georgia, U.S., we present evidence that Augochlora pura (Say) (Hymenoptera: Halictidae), once one of the most abundant of all forest bee species in our study area, is becoming less common as a proportion of all bees collected and has experienced a 70 % decline in abundance over the past 18 years (2007–2024) at long-term monitoring sites. We hypothesize that Brachyponera chinensis (Emery) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), the Asian needle ant, is contributing to the decline of A. pura and possibly other bee species within its invaded range.

Multigenerational effects on biological aspects and on the life table of Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Sipha flava (Forbes) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are not known. These studies can help further our understanding of the reasons for the conflicting results of the biological performance of aphids determined under laboratory conditions. Hence, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the biological aspects and life table of R. padi in brachiaria ( Urochloa ruziziensis (R.Germ. & C.M.Evrard) Crins Poaceae) and S. flava in elephant grass ( Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. Poaceae) during five consecutive generations, in the laboratory. The insects were observed daily under a stereoscopic microscope, recording: number of instars, duration and survival of each instar, duration and survival of the nymphal period, longevity of the adult, biological cycle (nymph + adult) and daily and total production of nymphs. During the five successive generations, the insects were subjected to the same climatic conditions and host plants. A joint analysis of the data obtained allowed us to record that the characteristics of the original infestation (first generation) influenced the results of research carried out in the laboratory with S. flava and R. padi , with significant differences in the biological parameters and life table of the aphids. Based on biological data, it was observed that S. flava showed greater adaptation, with faster development and greater fertility in the fifth generation, and R. padi was negatively affected, showing lower longevity, nymphal survival and fecundity in the second, fourth and fifth generations. Thus, the standardization of the generation used and the use of multigeneration studies are important tools for biological studies of these aphid species and the application of these studies to forage improvement programs.

Argopistes tsekooni Chen (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a flea beetle native to Asia, is reported for the first time in North America. It is established in the southeastern U.S.A. where it is causing substantial damage to Chinese privet ( Ligustrum sinense Lour.; Oleaceae), one of the most problematic invasive plants in the region. A. tsekooni was identified as a promising biological control agent in previous work, which led to a series of no-choice and choice tests to clarify its host range. The results from that work are presented here. Of the 22 test species included in no-choice tests, A. tsekooni feeding damage was reported from 16, eggs were found on 13, and mature larvae were produced from nine members of the tribe Oleeae. Moreover, it is clear from choice tests that A. tsekooni does not strongly prefer L. sinense over other members of the tribe, also readily feeding and laying eggs on Ligustrum vulgare L., Syringa meyeri C.K. Schneid, Chionanthus virginicus L., Forestiera acuminata (Michx.) Poir., F. pubescens Nutt., F. segregata (Jacq.) Krug & Urb., and Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall. These preliminary results and observations suggest that A. tsekooni may help curtail the dominance and spread of L. sinense but not without also negatively impacting certain native species.

The African fig fly, Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a highly invasive species originally from tropical Africa that has rapidly spread across the Americas, first arriving via Brazil and subsequently via Florida. Monitoring efforts have primarily focused on orchards which might underestimate the actual spread of Z. indianus because the species may also thrive in natural habitats, urban areas, and other unmanaged environments that are not routinely surveyed. This study investigates the ability of Z. indianus to establish non-overwintering populations in urban environments and its potential impact on local Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) populations. Over 41 weeks, the presence and population dynamics of Z. indianus were monitored in a residential area in Memphis, Tennessee, alongside D. melanogaster . The study also examined the effects of interspecific competition between these two species through competitive breeding assays. Results show that Z. indianus successfully established a stable population during the summer and fall of 2023 but failed to survive the winter as the Z. indianus population was likely eradicated during the cold weather. Additionally, the presence of Z. indianus was found to reduce the reproductive output of  D. melanogaster females, although the impact was less severe compared to intraspecific competition among D. melanogaster . These findings highlight the need for increased monitoring of Z. indianus in urban areas across North America, as such environments may serve as reservoirs facilitating the spread of this pest into agricultural sites.

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a highly polyphagous fruit fly pest of economic importance in regions of the world where it occurs. This pest is now established in most parts of Fujian Province, an important fruit-production region in China. However, basic life history information of B. dorsalis on different fruits in this region, which is crucial for developing more effective control approaches, is poorly known. The demographic parameters of B. dorsalis on four fruit types: navel orange ( Citrus sinensis Osb. var. brasliliensis Tanaka; Rutaceae), carambola ( Averrhoa carambola L.; Oxalidaceae), loquat [ Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.; Rosaceae], and persimmon ( Diospyros kaki Thunb.; Ebenaceae) were determined. Results showed that all tested fruit types were suitable for population persistence of B. dorsalis , but the suitability varied. The developmental rate, intrinsic rate of increase ( R m ), net reproductive rate ( R 0 ), and finite rate of increase ( λ ) were significantly greater on persimmon compared with the other fruits. Under experimental conditions, fastest development, highest fecundity, highest survival, and heaviest pupal weight were observed on persimmon fruit, demonstrating that persimmon is a suitable host fruit for the growth and reproduction of B. dorsalis . The findings of this study will be valuable in the development of targeted control methods for managing B. dorsalis in orchards, with a particular focus on mixed orchards.

Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae), the Carambola fruit fly, is an invasive species in South America. This work aims to confirm the expansion of the host range of B. carambolae and report the occurrence of its parasitism in Brazil. The study was carried out in the Jari Valley region, Pará, Brazil. Two types of sampling of Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) were carried out: one with grouped fruits to verify if they were infested by B. carambolae (Sites A, B, C) and the other with individualized fruits to investigate parasitism (Site C). Morphological analysis was done to confirm parasitism, based mainly on the cephalopharyngeal skeleton embedded in the opercula of the puparia. From the sampling with grouped T. catappa fruit, 2,841 fruit fly puparia were obtained, from which 480  B. carambolae specimens and 1,228 specimens of Anastrepha spp. Schiner (Diptera: Tephritidae) emerged. Site C was the one with the highest fruit fly infestation of T. catappa fruits. We conclude that T. catappa is a moderately good host at Site A and a good host at Sites B and C. From the samplings with individualized fruits of T. catappa , an adjusted parasitism index of 21.2 % was obtained for Anastrepha spp. and 1.8 % for B. carambolae , confirming the presence of the parasitoids Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti), Utetes anastrephae (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae). The native parasitoids D. areolatus , U. anastrephae , and A. pelleranoi were reported for the first time parasitizing B. carambolae larvae in Brazil.

Invasive species are a leading cause of global biodiversity decline. Larvae of the cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum Berg (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae) consume prickly pear cactus species ( Opuntia ; Cactaceae) in its native South American range. High host specificity made C. cactorum an appropriate biological control agent of Opuntia species, which have become invasive weeds around the world. This biological control program was successful. Ironically, the success of cactus weed biological control facilitated a series of events which led to C. cactorum invasion of North America where Opuntia diversity is tremendous. In 2017, C. cactorum established along the southeast Texas coast. In 2020, we began monitoring C. cactorum dispersal towards south and south-west Texas with cactus moth pheromone traps. Our objectives were to document the extent of the invasion and calculate dispersal rates towards commercial Opuntia -growing regions in Mexico. There are four overlapping moth flight peaks in Texas. Between 2017 and 2022, the C. cactorum populations invaded over 27,000 km 2 in south-east and south-central Texas at a dispersal rate up to 47 km year. Since 2022, this dispersal rate slowed as the moth invasion front came into contact with the Tamaulipan thornscrub region of south Texas where Opuntia density is high and native cactus moth species are attacked by a diverse assemblage of parasitoids. We present data on the density of native cactus moth species in Texas which shows that their density increases west and south-west of the area currently occupied by C. cactorum . These data suggest that apparent competition may be occuring between C. cactorum and native cactus moth species via shared parasitoids. This hypothesis is not mutually exclusive of other biological barriers that may contribute to explaining why the Texas C. cactorum dispersal rate has slowed significantly. We conclude with a discussion about how to leverage these data to support future deployment of C. cactorum biological control agents in Texas.

Chilades pandava (Horsfield) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) is a notorious defoliating pest of Cycas spp. (Cycadaceae) in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The primary visual receptors of butterflies are the compound eyes. To understand the perception of visual stimuli in Ch . pandava , the external morphology and internal microstructure of Ch. pandava compound eyes were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The number of ommatidia was approximately equal in both sexes, and the eyes of Ch. pandava are of the apposition type, with the crystalline cone directly connected to the rhabdom. Significant differences were observed in the length of the crystalline cone and the width of retinula cell nucleus and crystalline cone under light-adapted conditions compared to those under dark-adapted conditions. Under light-adapted conditions, pigment granules moved to and remained below the crystalline cone and were near the rhabdom. In contrast, under dark-adapted conditions, pigment granules moved to the distal end of ommatidia, near the cornea, and exhibited a more spatially distributed pattern. These results provide essential information for exploring the poorly understood sensory ecology of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae.

Food volatiles can be used in traps for monitoring insect pests. The fig blackfly, Silba adipata McAlpine (Diptera: Lonchaeidae), is the main pest of fig crops in Morelos, Mexico. In this study, five food attractants were evaluated against three commercially-available attractants in plastic traps in commercial fig crops in Morelos, Mexico. The results revealed that the fermented unripe fig and fermented ripe fig attractants captured significantly more fig black flies than the other tested attractants. This new information may be used by fig growers to implement more effective management measures.

The lychee erinose mite, Aceria litchii (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae), is a serious mite pest of lychee ( Litchi chinensis Sonn., Sapindaceae) that has recently invaded Florida, U.S. This mite induces the formation of open galls (erinea) in different plant tissues. Current management methods provide inadequate control, prompting the exploration of biological control alternatives. This study investigated Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) as a biocontrol agent against Aceria litchii in lychee plants through predation assays, and greenhouse evaluations. Although Amblyseius largoensis exhibited higher predation rates on Aceria litchii adults compared to alternative prey, its low oviposition rate, inability to sustain populations, and failure to hinder erinea formation on Aceria litchii -infested plants under greenhouse conditions support its low efficiency as a biological control agent of this pest. Factors limiting their effectiveness may include the fluctuation of temperature and humidity in the greenhouse and physical barriers posed by the erinea, restricting predatory mite population growth, movement, and efficiency. This study sheds light on the complexities of implementing phytoseiid mites, as a biocontrol strategy against Aceria litchii . Further investigations into the interaction dynamics between erinea, predatory mite behavior, and their ability to control Aceria litchii inside the erinea are still needed.

A historic emergence event of two periodical cicada broods occurred in May and June of 2024. Leading up to the event, reports had circulated that Louisiana would not see Brood XIX ( Magicicada spp.; Hemiptera: Cicadidae). During the time of emergence, observations in central and northern Louisiana parishes were made of cicadas by independently working professional entomologists and citizen scientists using the iNaturalist app. However, it is strongly suspected that the observed cicadas were early stragglers of Broods XXII and XXIII ( Magicicada spp.). In central Louisiana, Magicicada spp. were noted to have been found in both mixed pine/hardwood stands comprising mainly loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.; Pinaceae) and sweetgum ( Liquidambar styraciflua L.; Altingiaceae), as well as bottomland hardwood forests. We believe it is imperative to continue monitoring cicadas in the years leading up to the emergences of Broods XXII and XXIII as a citizen science project or part of long-term periodical cicada research.

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) pose a serious threat to global agriculture, and many countries operate trapping programs to detect incursions of pest tephritids. Surveillance relies heavily on male-specific attractants, termed male lures. Trimedlure is a widely used male lure that targets the genus Ceratitis , which includes the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). However, trimedlure is not a potent lure, and alternatives are being developed. Recent trapping studies have shown that a natural oil with an elevated concentration of the sesquiterpene α-copaene is significantly more attractive than trimedlure. The present study further compares the relative attractiveness of trimedlure and this natural oil via release-recapture trials of C . capitata males in a macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii. The experimental design involved the release of male medflies from different distances around a single, centrally located trap. Comparisons of the two lures were based on captures of males released near or far (15 or 30 m) from fresh or aged (weathered < 2 weeks or 10–12 weeks, respectively) lures. For the 15 m releases, fresh trimedlure and fresh natural oil attracted similar numbers of male medflies, whereas traps baited with aged natural oil captured significantly more medflies than traps baited with aged trimedlure. For the 30 m releases, both fresh and aged natural oil-baited traps captured significantly more male medflies than traps baited with comparably weathered trimedlure. Together with the trapping data from wild populations, these release-recapture results suggest that the natural oil lure is a viable replacement for trimedlure.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) are invasive pests affecting berry crops in México. Z. indianus benefit from fruit damage caused by D. suzukii larvae, worsening infestations. Morelos state ranks eighth in Mexico for blackberry production, but these pests had not been previously reported in its berry crops. This study aimed to survey raspberry and blackberry crops in Morelos for coinfestations. Twelve multi-hole transparent traps baited with fermented juice were placed in raspberry and blackberry crops to capture flies. Additionally, 32 fruits per crop were collected, and emerging specimens were identified. The captured specimens were: 62.4 % D. suzukii , 2.4 % Z. indianus , 20.8 % Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen), other Diptera (12.3 %), Coleoptera (1 %), Hymenoptera (0.6 %), arachnids (0.3 %), Thysanoptera (0.1 %), and Hemiptera (0.1 %). From the collected blackberries, 23 male and 25 female D. suzukii , three Z. indianus, and 27 other drosophilids emerged. Similarly, from the raspberries, 19 male and 21 female D. suzukii, two Z. indianus and 13 other drosophilids, were recorded. This study provides the first evidence of D. suzukii and Z. indianus in berry crops in Morelos, Mexico, emphasizing the need for monitoring and management strategies.

A gravid, free-ranging Centruroides hentzi (Banks) (Hentz striped scorpion) (Arachnida: Buthidae) from Florida was captured and observed in captivity to document aspects of its reproductive biology. Observations revealed an initial brood size of 20 scorplings, marking the first recorded documentation of brood size for this species. Developmental milestones also were noted, including the timing of dispersal from the mother and the emergence of fluorescence under ultraviolet light, which may represent a critical developmental stage. Notably, the same female produced a second brood, without any further mating, in which at least one neonate was cannibalized and the remainder dispersed prematurely, suggesting sperm storage or parthenogenesis and post-birth brood reduction. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on reproductive biology and altricial development in Centruroides species and highlight the need for further investigation into potential variation in brood size, maternal care, and juvenile development across populations and habitats. Insights from this study provide a foundation for broader ecological studies on scorpion reproductive strategies and life history traits.

The medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the most important agricultural pests worldwide due to its impact on harvest and market restrictions for host fruits in several countries. Pomegranates ( Punica granatum [L.]; Lythraceae) are sensitive to chilling injuries caused by existing quarantine cold treatments. This study aimed to establish a new cold-treatment schedule at 5 °C for fresh pomegranates by determining the required exposure time to mitigate C. capitata in the pomegranate ‘Wonderful’ variety. The third-instar larva was deemed the most cold-tolerant instar and was used for this study. The combination of 5.2 °C for 36 days achieved 100 % mortality.

The southeast Asian thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera Thripidae), one of the most invasive pests worldwide, is here recorded from Mexico for the first time damaging chilli pepper plants. Native to Asia, this species has spread throughout more than 30 countries across all continents (except South America). In the Americas, this thysanopteran had been accidentally introduced to the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, only. The discovery of this noxious organism in Mexico is unfortunate for national agriculture, as the insect feeds on around 45 species of plants, reducing agricultural yields and causing severe economic losses.

Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), infestations can be cleared from areas with baits, but these areas are often reinfested. To facilitate biotic resistance strategies to reinfestation, acceptance of eight commercial fire ant baits by nontarget ants was examined in Florida and California. Baits contained active ingredients of either indoxacarb, spinosad, abamectin, pyriproxyfen, metaflumizone, hydramethylnon, and/or (s)-methoprene. In Florida, baits were tested on Monomorium floricola (Jerdon), Dorymyrmex bureni (Trager); Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius), and Pogonomyrmex badius (Latreille). The percentages of the total number of ants that accepted baits were not statistically different among the eight fire ant baits by species. Among the baits and nontarget species evaluated in Florida, baits with solely (s)-methoprene or metaflumizone as the active ingredient had the lowest average percentages of bait acceptance (0.7 and 1.6, respectively). In California, tests were conducted with Pogonomyrmex californicus Buckley, large and small-sized Dorymyrmex bicolor Wheeler, Forelius pruinosus Roger, a species from the Pheidole crassicornis group, and a Myrmecocystus sp. Significant differences in bait acceptance for each species were not detected among five baits containing indoxacarb, pyriproxyfen, metaflumizone, (s)-methoprene, and/or hydramethylnon. Based on mean percentages of bait acceptance and observations of bait feeding, there was inconsistent bait acceptance by F. pruinosus and P. crassicornis group. Myrmecocystus sp. did not accept any fire ant bait. None of the fire ant bait products tested exhibited non-acceptance by all the nontarget ant species assayed. To conserve nontarget ants, fire ant bait selection will need to consider the nontarget ants present at individual sites and specific bait(s), that are least accepted by these ants.

In this study, we examined the morphological traits of Digitonthophagus gazella (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) which is native to East Africa and was introduced to the southeast U.S. approximately 50 years ago. We measured five traits thought to be associated with species dispersal and compared them between the native and introduced populations. We found significant differences in the median size and shape of some of these body parts and propose that these morphological traits may have implications for the movement and future dispersal ability of D. gazella , which could promote its invasion ability and have a negative impact on native dung beetle populations and the ecosystem services they provide.

A nesting site of Epimelissodes aegis (LaBerge) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Eucerini) was discovered in late September 2023 at the University of Florida North Florida Research and Extension Center in Quincy, Florida. At least 20 nests were active in a single eight-row cotton plot of a managed nitrogen rate and fungicide trial. Other than floral host records, the nesting behavior of this species is relatively understudied, considering its broad range across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts in the Southeastern United States. The nesting behavior of E. aegis appears to be similar to that of other published accounts within the genus. Although from our findings we cannot conclude whether E. aegis nests communally or solitarily. Additionally, the parasite Triepeolus concavus (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Epeolini) was observed resting nearby nest entrances, walking around entrances, occasionally peeking in, entering briefly before exiting, and sometimes disappearing into the nest entrance for longer periods of time. T. concavus also has been reported from nests of Epimelissodes obliqua (Say), but a collection from nests of E. aegis is a novel host association. This note provides new information on the nesting behavior of E. aegis, which is relatively understudied.

Lilioceris egena (Weise) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an approved classical biological control agent that feeds on the aerial reproductive structures (i.e., bulbils) of the invasive air potato vine in Florida. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, has mass-produced and released over 100,000 beetles since 2021. Mass rearing can be challenging for highly specialized herbivores like L. egena . Therefore, we present a detailed protocol to mass rear L. egena under laboratory settings. This protocol ensures consistent production of approximately 675 beetles per month/colony for research and field applications while maintaining efficiency and affordability. Additionally, we determined how the number of mating pairs and the condition of air potato bulbils (whole or bisected) used in the mass rearing system influenced the number of adults produced. Results showed that 17 mating pairs per bulbil (of approximately 150 g) was an optimal beetle density to maximize beetle production and maintain a healthy colony. The condition of bulbils utilized did not influence the number of adults produced. This protocol can be adopted by integrated pest management (IPM) and master gardener programs, universities, and regulatory agencies in other southeastern states currently facing air potato infestations.

The invasive Jorō spider ( Trichophila clavata L. Koch: Araneae: Nephilidae), which was found to be established in Georgia in 2014, has become abundant and spread to many other states. Almost nothing is known about what predates the Jorō spider in its invasive range. A previous paper reported a Northern Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis L. [Passeriformes: Cardinalidae]) perching on the web of a Jorō spider and lunging towards it, in what was interpreted to be a predation attempt. This note reports attacks by two Northern Cardinals (referred to hereafter as Cardinal) on Jorō spiders in Atlanta, Georgia. The first attack was observed when a male Cardinal continuously pecked at the top of a caged Jorō, just above the large female spider. Shortly after this attack a large living female Jorō spider was tethered by a thread around the pedicel and hung above and near to the caged Jorō that was attacked. After nearly an hour had passed, a female Cardinal flew in and grabbed the Jorō in its beak and tried to fly away with the spider. The Cardinal quickly returned and attacked the spider two more times but was unable to fly away with it because the tether held the spider in place. The spider was killed but not dismembered. Cardinals may be responsible for the destroyed and empty Jorō webs that are commonly seen. Although Cardinals are thought by many people as seed feeders, research has shown that they are among the most insectivorous of common birds.