This issue of Certified Science was emailed to all current ACEs and BCEs on December 15, 2015. A current issue will email this week and will post to the blog in about 8-12 weeks. To receive the current issue as it publishes, please consider becoming ACE or BCE certified.
A Periodic E-mail Service to ACEs and Urban-Industrial BCEs The Entomological Society of America is the #1 source of scientific information for the entomologically-focused urban professional. This email is a service of the ESA for all ACEs and any BCEs who specialize in urban and industrial entomology. Certified Science is a summary of some recent articles in the ESA journals that relate to structural pest management and urban arthropod pests. The abstracts are freely available online for all articles, though access to the full text will generally require membership in the ESA. The following journals are included in this list:
• Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #5 and #6
• Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #5 and #6
• Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #6
• Journal of Insect Science, Volume 15 (October 1 – December 13, 2015)
• EntomologyToday blog (posts between September 21 and December 13, 2015)
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An Evaluation of Butterfly Gardens for Restoring Habitat for the Monarch Butterfly (Lepidoptera: Danaidae)
Authors: Brian T. Cutting, Douglas W. Tallamy
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #5
Abstract: The eastern migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.) population in North America hit record low numbers during the 2013–2014 overwintering season, prompting pleas by scientists and conservation groups to plant the butterfly’s milkweed host plants (Asclepias spp.) in residential areas. While planting butterfly gardens with host plants seems like an intuitive action, no previous study has directly compared.... (Full abstract)
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Effect of Lures and Colors on Capture of Lady Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Tedders Pyramidal Traps
Authors: E. A. Kemp, T. E. Cottrell
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #5
Abstract: Purposeful attraction and aggregation of adult Coccinellidae at target sites would be useful for sampling purposes and pest suppression. We field-tested 1) lures in yellow and black pyramidal traps and 2) pyramidal traps that had been painted one or two colors (without lures) to determine if lures or trap color affected capture of adult Coccinellidae. In only one experiment with lures did a single rate of limonene increase trap capture, whereas no other... (Full abstract)
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Induced Effects on Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Forager Size Ratios by Pseudacteon spp. (Diptera: Phoridae): Implications on Bait Size Selection
Authors: J. J. Reed, R. T. Puckett, R. E. Gold
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #5
Abstract: Red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, are adversely affected by phorid flies in the genus Pseudacteon by instigating defensive behaviors in their hosts, and in turn reducing the efficiency of S. invicta foraging. Multiple Pseudacteon species have been released in Texas, and research has been focused on the establishment and spread of these introduced biological control agents.... (Full abstract)
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Synergistic Trap Response of the False Stable Fly and Little House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) to Acetic Acid and Ethanol, Two Principal Sugar Fermentation Volatiles
Authors: Peter J. Landolt, Dong H. Cha, Richard S. Zack
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #5
Abstract: In an initial observation, large numbers of muscoid flies (Diptera) were captured as nontarget insects in traps baited with solutions of acetic acid plus ethanol. In subsequent field experiments, numbers of false stable fly Muscina stabulans (Fallén) and little house fly Fannia canicularis (L.) trapped with the combination of acetic acid plus ethanol were significantly higher than those trapped with either chemical alone, or in unbaited traps... (Full abstract)
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Sublethal Effect of Imidacloprid on Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Feeding, Digging, and Foraging Behavior
Authors: Lei Wang, Ling Zeng, Jian Chen
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 44 #6
Abstract: There is increasing evidence that exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides at sublethal levels impairs colonies of honeybees and other pollinators. Recently, it was found that sublethal contamination with neonicotinoids also affect growth and behavior of ants. In this study, we exposed red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, to sublethal dosages of dietary imidacloprid and investigated its effect on ant feeding, digging, and foraging behavior... (Full abstract)
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The Potential of Bee-Generated Carbon Dioxide for Control of Varroa Mite (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in Indoor Overwintering Honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies
Authors: Rassol Bahreini, Robert W. Currie
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #5
Abstract: The objective of this study was to manipulate ventilation rate to characterize interactions between stocks of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) and ventilation setting on varroa mite (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman) mortality in honey bee colonies kept indoors over winter. The first experiment used colonies established from stock selected locally for wintering performance under exposure to varroa (n = 6) and unselected bees (n = 6) to assess mite and bee mortality... (Full abstract)
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Field Trials With 0.5% Novaluron Insecticide Applied as a Bait to Control Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes sp. and Coptotermes formosanus [Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae]) on Structures
Authors: T. C. Keefer, Robert T. Puckett, Ken. S. Brown, Roger E. Gold
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #5
Abstract: A field study was initiated in 2009 with 0.5% novaluron the BASF Advance Termite Bait System, which was 100% effective in controlling Reticulitermes sp. Holmgren and Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki infestations on 11 structures in the Texas City, TX area. Stations with inspection cartridges (cellulose tablets) and monitoring bases (southern yellow pine) and independent monitoring devices were installed in an alternating pattern around each structure and were inspected... (Full abstract)
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Impacts on Reticulitermes flavipes (Infraorder Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) by Chlorantraniliprole Applied to Soil Surrounding Established Tunnels
Authors: B. L. Thorne, N. L. Breisch, C. W. Scherer
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #5
Abstract: Soil-applied liquid termiticides are the most common control measure for subterranean termites. Characteristics unique to insecticidal chemistries such as repellency, toxicity, and time between contact and mortality, influence the interaction of termites with treated soil and overall treatment success. Two different treated-tunnel bioassays were used to evaluate the behavioral impacts and mortality of termites... (Full abstract)
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Effects of Oral Exposure to Fungicides on Honey Bee Nutrition and Virus Levels
Authors: Gloria Degrandi-Hoffman, Yanping Chen, Emily Watkins Dejong, Mona L. Chambers, Geoffrey Hidalgo
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #6
Abstract: Sublethal exposure to fungicides can affect honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) in ways that resemble malnutrition. These include reduced brood rearing, queen loss, and increased pathogen levels. We examined the effects of oral exposure to the fungicides boscalid and pyraclostrobin on factors affecting colony nutrition and immune function including pollen consumption, protein digestion, hemolymph protein titers, and changes in virus levels. Because the fungicides are respiratory inhibitors... (Full abstract)
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Elimination of the Mound-Building Termite, Nasutitermes exitiosus (Isoptera: Termitidae) in South-Eastern Australia Using Bistrifluron Bait
Authors: Garry A. Webb, Charles Mcclintock
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #6
Abstract: Bistrifluron, a benzoylphenylurea compound, was evaluated for efficacy against Nasutitermes exitiosus (Hill), a mound-building species in southern Australia. Bistrifluron bait (trade name Xterm) was delivered as containerized pellets inserted into plastic feeding stations implanted in the sides of mounds—60 g for bistrifluron bait-treated mounds and 120 g of blank bait for untreated mounds. Termites actively tunneled in the gaps between pellets and removed bait from the canisters... (Full abstract)
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Comparison of Field and Laboratory-Based Tests for Behavioral Response of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) to Repellents
Authors: Sunaiyana Sathantriphop, Monthathip Kongmee, Krajana Tainchum, Kornwika Suwansirisilp, Unchalee Sanguanpong, Michael J. Bangs, Theeraphap Chareonviriyaphap
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108 #6
Abstract: The repellent and irritant effects of three essential oils—clove, hairy basil, and sweet basil—were compared using an excito-repellency test system against an insecticide-resistant strain of Aedes aegypti (L.) females from Pu Teuy, Kanchanaburi Province. DEET was used as the comparison standard compound. Tests were conducted under field and controlled laboratory conditions. The most marked repellent effect (spatial noncontact assay) among the three test essential oils was exhibited by... (Full abstract)
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Seasonal Activity, Density, and Collection Efficiency of the Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis) (Acari: Ixodidae) in Mid-Western Pennsylvania
Authors: T. W. Simmons, J. Shea, M. A. Myers-Claypole, R. Kruise, M. L. Hutchinson
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #6
Abstract: Although Pennsylvania has recently reported the greatest number of Lyme disease cases in the United States, with the largest increase for PA occurring in its western region, the population biology of the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis Say) has not been adequately characterized in western PA. We studied the seasonal activity of host-seeking I. scapularis larvae, nymphs, and adults in mid-western PA over the course of a year, including a severe winter... (Full abstract)
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Behavioral Response of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae to Synthetic and Natural Attractants and Repellents
Authors: Paula V. Gonzalez, Paola A. González Audino, Héctor M. Masuh
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 52 #6
Abstract: Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) is the key vector of three important arboviral diseases: dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya. Immature stages of this species inhabit human-made containers placed in residential landscapes. In this study, we evaluated a few compounds in a sensitive behavioral assay with Ae. aegypti larvae. The orientation of larvae to different compounds was surveyed using a performance index.... (Full abstract)
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The Efficacy of Some Commercially Available Insect Repellents for Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Stacy D. Rodriguez, Lisa L. Drake, David P. Price, John I. Hammond, Immo A. Hansen
Source: Journal of Insect Science, Volume 15
Abstract: Reducing the number of host-vector interactions is an effective way to reduce the spread of vector-borne diseases. Repellents are widely used to protect humans from a variety of protozoans, viruses, and nematodes. DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), a safe and effective repellent, was developed during World War II. Fear of possible side effects of DEET has created a large market for “natural” DEET-free repellents... (Full abstract)
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Acute Toxicity and Sublethal Effects of Botanical Insecticides to Honey Bees
Authors: Vânia M. Xavier, Dejair Message, Marcelo C. Picanço, Mateus Chediak, Paulo A. Santana Júnior, Rodrigo S. Ramos, Júlio C. Martins
Source: Journal of Insect Science, Volume 15
Abstract: Apis mellifera L. is the main pollinator of cultivated plants. With the increased emphasis on organic agriculture, the use of botanical insecticides has also increased. However, the effects of these products on bees remain to be determined. In this study, we aimed at assessing the acute toxicity and sublethal behavioral effects of botanical insecticides such as andiroba oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, garlic extract, neem oil, and rotenone on honey bees, A. mellifera... (Full abstract)
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And, finally, some recent posts from ESA’s popular site, EntomologyToday:
• Higher Temperatures Impair Efficacy of Permethrin Insecticide (link)
• A Tick that Feeds on Birds May Increase the Range of Lyme Disease (link)
• Do Scorpions, Spiders, and Insects Make Good Pets? (link)
• Thirty-three Cases of Dengue Fever on Hawaii Island (link)
• Study Finds Oil-Based Pesticides Most Effective at Killing Contents of Brown Widow Egg Sacs (link)
• Study Compares “Natural” Mosquito Repellents to DEET (link)
• Four Cases of Human Plague Confirmed in New Mexico (link)
