Observations on the Interrelationships among Ants, Aphids, and Aphid Predators

Excerpt: The literature concerning the interactions of these insect groups is as interesting as it is extensive. It has generally been accepted that the relationship between ants and aphids has been one of mutualism in which ants derive all or a large part of their nutrients from aphid honeydew and perform special functions in return, primarily that of protecting aphids from their enemies. Every aspect of these associations has been covered by the excellent reviews of Nixon (1951) and Way (1963). It now appears that the nature and effectiveness of the protective value afforded the attended aphids by ants cannot be reduced to a simple statement of symbiosis. Nixon (1951) pointed out numerous situations that are responsible for fluctuations in the ant-aphid relationship. The emphasis in the present study was on the protection extended to Aphis rumicis Linn., a small aphid found on spirea shoots by the common tending ants. This restriction allowed constant surveillance of the protection supplied to a single aphid species by ants against the seasonal succession of predators. Aphid parasites were ignored in this study

The Minnesota Species of Aeshna with Notes on their Habits and Distribution (Odonata: Aeshnidae)

Apart from the well-known green darner, Anax junius, the species of Aeshna are the most familiar Minnesota Aeshnidae. These species are remarkably uniform in appearance. The basic body color is brown with blue, green, or yellow stripes on the thorax and with marks of similar color on the abdomen. Usually the spots of male specimens are blue, whereas green of various shades appears on most females. The individual species are not readily discernible to the novice collector

Myrmecological Techniques

An ant colony collection-maintenance unit is described and various adaptations of it are described and illustrated. These adaptations may be used to study food preference, interspecific fighting, or predation. Methods of feeding and watering colonies and examination of individual ants are also included as well as maze constructions and colony-recognition devices that may be attached. Only techniques for observation of ant behavior are presented; experimental results are omitted

Campaniform sensilla Patterns on the Wings of Drosophila

Campaniform sensilla have been described from the wings, mouthparts, legs, and other parts of the insect body. These small sense organs were known under several terms until Berlese ( 1909) applied the term campaniformi because of their dome, or bell-shaped character. Numerous functions have been suggested for these organs which seem to be stress receptors of some sort. Very few attempts have been made to utilize these sensilla as taxonomic characters

Distribution and Habitat Preference of Minnesota Dragonfly Species (Odonata, Anisoptera) ll.

ABSTRACT - Five of the 70 Anisopteran species listed in this study represent new Minnesota recordings. Habitat zones are described and distribution of species within these zones are recorded by county of occurrence

Distribution and Habitat Preference of Minnesota Dragonfly Species (Odonata, Anisoptera) I.

The Anisoptera species found in Minnesota collections are listed. Eighteen of the 63 species are reported for the first time as occurring in Minnesota. The geographical distribution of the 63 species is presented. Factors affecting geographical distribution are discussed . The seasonal distribution of common species and genera with restricted flying times is discussed

Minnesota Mallota and Allied Genera (Diptera, Syrphidae)

The generic characteristics of Mallota are compared with related Eristaline genera. Life history notes and an identification key are given for Minnesota Mallota species

Identification and Distribution of Sympetrum in Minnesota (Libellulidae, Odonata)

Sympetrum species may be seen in flight throughout Minnesota in late summer and autumn. Large numbers may be seen flying along the edges of lakes and ponds or foraging in meadows and marsh grass. The general body color varies from yellow-brown in teneral specimens to bright red in older individuals. Only danae never shows red. Unfortunately the red fades to dull brown in dried specimens. The wings may be hyaline or marked with yellow bands. These dragonflies are easily collected with a net as the flight is not particularly swift and they rest frequently. The literature indicates this large genus is represented in Minnesota by six species, although ten are regional. Needham and Westfall (1955) state about a dozen are North American although fourteen populations are treated in this comprehensive work. Whedon ( 1914) lists six species as occurring in Minnesota; however, one has been subsequently moved to Tarnetrum, and another has been reduced to synonomy. Existing literature does allow identification of local species, although females are not always clearly defined. This study was initiated to determine how many Sympetrum species the abundant and varied aquatic habitat of Minnesota supported; and if these species were associated with particular aquatic habitats