Observations on Some Aspects of the Biology of Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter (Heteroptera: Miridae)

The mirid predator Cyrtorhinus lividipennis was observed in the laboratory for eclosion, molting, mating, and egg deposition behavior. The nymphs, through peristalsis movement of the body, pushed the operculum outward. A bimodal molting rhythm was observed with peaks at 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m. The sexually receptive adults communicated by visual signals and mated in opposed position. Eggs were usually laid either singly or in pairs in the upper surface of the midrib. The flight activity of C lividipennis was investigated in com fields and found to occur during sunrise and sunset periods

Host Suitability of Wild Cucurbits for Melon Fly, Dacus cucurbitae Coquillett, in Hawaii, with Notes on their Distribution and Taxonomic Status

Previous confusion in botanical and entomological literature concerning the names of certain wild hosts of the melon fly, Dacus cucurbitae Coquillett, in Hawaii is discussed, and names currently accepted as correct are provided. The correct name for both wild and cultivated forms of bittermelon is Momordica charantia I.. Most previous references to Sicyos sp. and "Sycos" as melon fly hosts in Hawaii probably represent misidentification of Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenberg ex Spach. Rearings from collections of fruit of wild Cucurbitaceae showed that, in addition to M. charantia, C. dipsaceus, Sicyos pachycarpus Hooker and Arnott, and Coccinia grandis (I.) Voigt can serve as hosts for D. cucurbitae. Of these, C. dipsaceus and S. pachycarpus appear to be less important, as flies apparently can only develop in immature fruit, which are available for a relatively short time before becoming hard and unsuitable. However, C. grandis is a hardy, rapid-growing, weedy vine that produces abundant fruit, which is an excellent melon fly host. This vine is a relatively recent introduction into Hawaii and is presently confined to Oahu and the Kona District of Hawaii island. However, it is spreading rapidly and is likely to become a major reservoir host for the melon fly

Parasitoids from Azores (Hymenoptera : Encyrtidae, Pteromalidae, Braconidae): potential use in integrated pest management against Ceratitis capitata (Diptera : Tephritidae)

Two hymenopterous parasitoids, Halticoptera patellana and Toxeumorpha nigricola, were recovered from Mediterranean fruit fly pupae on Sao Miguel Island, Azores. Both are new records for the Azores, and as Medfly parasitoids. Field-collected Tachinaephagus zealandicus was maintained on Medfly for 10 generations, but if it has potential as a biocontrol agent remains an open question

The Current and Future Potential Geographical Distribution of the Solanum Fruit Fly, Bactrocera latifrons (Diptera: Tephritidae) in China

Part 1: Decision Support Systems, Intelligent Systems and Artificial Intelligence ApplicationsInternational audienceThe solanum fruit fly, Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel), is a major pest throughout South and South East Asia, including very few parts of southern China, and has invaded Hawaii and recently the continent of Africa (Tanzania and Kenya). With the development of international trade in fruits and vegetables, B. latifrons has become a potential threat to Chinese agriculture. In this study, CLIMEX 3.0 and ArcGIS 9.3 were used to predict the current and future potential geographical distribution of B. latifrons in China. Under current climatic conditions, its projected potential distribution includes most parts of southern China (about 32.2% of all 748 meteorological stations), from 16.544°N to 32.442°N. Optimal climate conditions occur in most areas of Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. The factors limiting the boundary of its suitability range are mainly the cold and dry stress. Climate change scenario for the 2020s indicates that the future potential geographical distribution will be increased by 5% of the total land areas of China, and the northern distribution boundary will move from 32.442°N to 33.408°N. There are 34 non-suitable climate sites change into suitable, mainly in Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan, Shanxi, Gansu, Sichuan and Tibet, because of China is likely to become hotter and wetter in the 2020s. In order to prevent the introduction and spread of B. latifrons, the present plant quarantine and monitor measures should be enhanced more where are projected to be suitable areas under current as well as future climatic conditions. At the same time, we should strengthen education for the public’s awareness of plant protection