An Assessment of the Invasive Poison Hemlock and Its Insect Associates in Kentucky

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

An Assessment of the Invasive Poison Hemlock and Its Insect Associates in Kentucky University of Kentucky UKnowledge Theses and Dissertations--Entomology Entomology 2013 AN ASSESSMENT OF THE INVASIVE POISON HEMLOCK AND ITS INSECT ASSOCIATES IN KENTUCKY Christine D. Allen University of Kentuck, [email protected] Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Allen, Christine D., "AN ASSESSMENT OF THE INVASIVE POISON HEMLOCK AND ITS INSECT ASSOCIATES IN KENTUCKY" (2013). Theses and Dissertations--Entomology. 4. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/entomology_etds/4 This Master's Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Entomology at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations--Entomology by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STUDENT AGREEMENT: I represent that my thesis or dissertation and abstract are my original work. Proper attribution has been given to all outside sources. I understand that I am solely responsible for obtaining any needed copyright permissions. I have obtained and attached hereto needed written permission statements(s) from the owner(s) of each third-party copyrighted matter to be included in my work, allowing electronic distribution (if such use is not permitted by the fair use doctrine). I hereby grant to The University of Kentucky and its agents the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible my work in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I agree that the document mentioned above may be made available immediately for worldwide access unless a preapproved embargo applies. I retain all other ownership rights to the copyright of my work. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of my work. I understand that I am free to register the copyright to my work. REVIEW, APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE The document mentioned above has been reviewed and accepted by the student’s advisor, on behalf of the advisory committee, and by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), on behalf of the program; we verify that this is the final, approved version of the student’s dissertation including all changes required by the advisory committee. The undersigned agree to abide by the statements above. Christine D. Allen, Student Dr. James D. Harwood, Major Professor Dr. Charles W. Fox, Director of Graduate Studies AN ASSESSMENT OF THE INVASIVE POISON HEMLOCK AND ITS INSECT ASSOCIATES IN KENTUCKY THESIS A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky By Christine Dianne Allen Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. James D. Harwood, Professor of Entomology Lexington, Kentucky 2013 Copyright© Christine Dianne Allen 2013 ABSTRACT OF THESIS AN ASSESSMENT OF THE INVASIVE POISON HEMLOCK AND ITS INSECT ASSOCIATES IN KENTUCKY Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum (Apiaceae), is an invasive plant in North America with a unique toxic chemistry. Previous research on this plant has focused on identifying herbivores as potential biological control agents or describing the toxic plant alkaloids. However, none have examined the role of higher trophic levels in the food web surrounding poison hemlock. Generalist predators and food web interactions are an important component of studies investigating invasion effects, as plant or animal introductions can alter ecosystem functioning. In this study, predators in poison hemlock were sampled at the foliar and epigeal levels, resulting in 956 Carabidae and 321 Coccinellidae being collected. Predator connectedness to plant resources was quantified using molecular gut-content and chemical analyses. Foliar Harmonia axyridis (Coccinellidae) contained aphid DNA and plant chemicals, while Harpalus pensylvanicus (Carabidae) only contained alkaloids, suggesting that the ground predators were obtaining plant chemicals via alternative prey. Feeding trials between H. axyridis and their potentially toxic prey, Hyadaphis foeniculi (Aphididae), revealed that the exotic predator shows faster development when consuming aphids from poison hemlock compared to alternative diets. This study reveals that three Eurasian species may be facilitating one another, illustrating the importance of continued examination of invasive species interactions. Keywords: Invasive species, Poison hemlock, Generalist predators, PCR, GC-MS Christine Dianne Allen March 29, 2013 AN ASSESSMENT OF THE INVASIVE POISON HEMLOCK AND ITS INSECT ASSOCIATES IN KENTUCKY By Christine Dianne Allen James D. Harwood, Ph. D. Director of Thesis Charles W. Fox, Ph. D. Director of Graduate Studies March 29, 2013 Date DEDICATIONS I would like to dedicate this work to Dr. Edward Weiss and Dr. Michael Meyer of Christopher Newport University. Their instruction permanently changed my view of the world around me by introducing me to science in a way that I could appreciate and understand. Also, I dedicate this thesis to my family, for their unwavering love and support throughout my adventures. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank my primary advisor, Dr. James D. Harwood, for challenging me to become a better scientist and providing the advice and encouragement I needed to reach my goals. Also, I would like to thank my committee members, Dr. Ken Haynes and Dr. John Obrycki for their assistance in chemical methodology and lady beetle biology. Their help was vital for the success of my research. I would especially like to recognize Kacie Athey and Eric Chapman for their assistance in applying molecular techniques to this project, as well as members of my lab who provided additional advice that improved my research process. I would also like to thank undergraduate assistant Hanna Burgin for her help in maintaining live insects for use in lab studies. Dr. Reddi Palli provided me with laboratory equipment I needed to carry out methods for the completion of chemical experiments. I owe my family infinite thanks for supporting my education and allowing me to pursue my love of science. I am forever grateful to Gabriel Falcão-Alencar and his constant encouragement as I completed this chapter in my academic career. This research was supported by the University of Kentucky, Department of Entomology. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledments................................................................................................................ iii List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................... vii Chapter One: Introduction and Literature Review .............................................................. 1 1.1 General Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Invasive Species ............................................................................................................ 3 1.3 Poison hemlock ............................................................................................................. 5 1.4 Plant-Insect Interactions................................................................................................ 9 1.5 Associates of Poison Hemlock.................................................................................... 14 1.6 Implications of Poison Hemlock Invasion .................................................................. 19 1.7 Research Objectives .................................................................................................... 21 Chapter 2: Poison hemlock in central Kentucky—an alien weed, its resources, and the potential for interactions with higher trophic-level organisms ......................................... 22 2.1 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 22 2.2 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 23 2.3 Materials and Methods ................................................................................................ 25 2.4 Results ......................................................................................................................... 30 2.5 Discussion ................................................................................................................... 45 Chapter 3: The role of plant chemistry in complex food webs: using GCMS and PCR to reveal consumer-resource interactions in poison hemlock ............................................... 48 3.1 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 48 3.2 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 49 3.3 Materials and Methods ................................................................................................ 52 3.4 Results ......................................................................................................................... 58 3.5 Discussion ................................................................................................................... 68 iv Chapter 4: Aphid prey suitability for developing Harmonia axyridis .............................. 72 4.1 Summary ....................................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Poisonous Plants
    Dr. Sharon M. Douglas Department of Plant Pathology and Ecology The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station 123 Huntington Street, P. O. Box 1106 New Haven, CT 06504 Phone: (203) 974-8601 Fax: (203) 974-8502 Founded in 1875 Email: [email protected] Putting science to work for society Website: www.ct.gov/caes POISONOUS PLANTS INTRODUCTION only attractive but also tastes sweet. The Poisonous plants have always been part of situation of plant poisoning of children is daily life. In the nineteenth century, quite different than with adults since poisonings due to plants reached near- children have great curiosity and will often epidemic levels as people often foraged for chew on anything within their reach, sources of food from natural plantings. especially attractive berries or fruit. Today, potentially dangerous plants can still Children are also less likely than adults to be found all around us. Poisonous plants are spit out unpleasant-tasting substances. frequently part of interiorscapes in homes as Since much smaller quantities are necessary well as in landscape plantings outdoors. to produce a toxic reaction in children, the This has become increasingly problematic as risks of poisoning due to ingestion are much more and more cultivated, exotic plants greater than for adults. However, regardless from throughout the world are introduced of age, reactions to poisonous plants vary into the landscape. Recent studies have with the individual and can be influenced by estimated that 3.5% of all poisonings in the diet, metabolism, and medications being United States are due to plants. taken. All types of native and introduced plants can The term “poisonous” designates many be poisonous including ferns, herbaceous kinds of reactions or effects.
    [Show full text]
  • Carabid Beetles Collected from Vegetable Ecosystem
    Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2018; 7(6): 1581-1590 E-ISSN: 2278-4136 P-ISSN: 2349-8234 JPP 2018; 7(6): 1581-1590 Carabid beetles collected from vegetable Received: 16-09-2018 Accepted: 18-10-2018 ecosystem Phunu Mili Department of Entomology, Phunu Mili, Anjumoni Devee and Dilip Kumar Saikia Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India Abstract The work on 'Carabid complex of horticultural orchards' was conducted in the Experimental Farm, Anjumoni Devee Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, during the year 2014-2015 and Department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University, 2015-16 to give a comprehensive information of carabids found in horticultural crops. Carabids were Jorhat, Assam, India collected by pitfall trap, light trap, sweep net and hand picking from okra, brinjal, cabbage, cucumber and bean. Total 12 species of carabids belonging to 7 genera viz., Clivina, Scarites, Harpalus, Pherosophus, Dilip Kumar Saikia Pterostichus, Chlaenius, and Sparostes under 6 tribes- Clivinini, Scaritini, Harpalini, Brachinini, Department of Entomology, Pterostichini and Chlaeniini and 5 subfamily (Scaritinae, Harpalinae, Brachininae, Pterostichinae and Assam Agricultural University, Licininae) were identified by following published Keys and literature and described on the basis of Jorhat, Assam, India observed morphological characters. Among these species, 3 under Clivina viz., C. assamensis, C. memnonia, C. lobata and 2 under Scarites, Harpalus and Pherosophus each viz., S. indus, S. inconspicuous, H. rufipes, H. calceatus, P. occipitalis and Pherosophus sp. From Pterostichus, Chlaenius and Sparostes, there was one species of each genus viz., Pterostichus madidus, C. bimaculatus and Sparostes striatulus. Highest collection of carabids were obtained from pitfall trap (46%) followed by light trap (42%).
    [Show full text]
  • FLORA from FĂRĂGĂU AREA (MUREŞ COUNTY) AS POTENTIAL SOURCE of MEDICINAL PLANTS Silvia OROIAN1*, Mihaela SĂMĂRGHIŢAN2
    ISSN: 2601 – 6141, ISSN-L: 2601 – 6141 Acta Biologica Marisiensis 2018, 1(1): 60-70 ORIGINAL PAPER FLORA FROM FĂRĂGĂU AREA (MUREŞ COUNTY) AS POTENTIAL SOURCE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS Silvia OROIAN1*, Mihaela SĂMĂRGHIŢAN2 1Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureş, Romania 2Mureş County Museum, Department of Natural Sciences, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania *Correspondence: Silvia OROIAN [email protected] Received: 2 July 2018; Accepted: 9 July 2018; Published: 15 July 2018 Abstract The aim of this study was to identify a potential source of medicinal plant from Transylvanian Plain. Also, the paper provides information about the hayfields floral richness, a great scientific value for Romania and Europe. The study of the flora was carried out in several stages: 2005-2008, 2013, 2017-2018. In the studied area, 397 taxa were identified, distributed in 82 families with therapeutic potential, represented by 164 medical taxa, 37 of them being in the European Pharmacopoeia 8.5. The study reveals that most plants contain: volatile oils (13.41%), tannins (12.19%), flavonoids (9.75%), mucilages (8.53%) etc. This plants can be used in the treatment of various human disorders: disorders of the digestive system, respiratory system, skin disorders, muscular and skeletal systems, genitourinary system, in gynaecological disorders, cardiovascular, and central nervous sistem disorders. In the study plants protected by law at European and national level were identified: Echium maculatum, Cephalaria radiata, Crambe tataria, Narcissus poeticus ssp. radiiflorus, Salvia nutans, Iris aphylla, Orchis morio, Orchis tridentata, Adonis vernalis, Dictamnus albus, Hammarbya paludosa etc. Keywords: Fărăgău, medicinal plants, human disease, Mureş County 1.
    [Show full text]
  • La Cicuta: Poison Hemlock
    ALERTA DE MALA HIERBA NOCIVA EN EL CONDADO DE KING Cicuta Mala hierba nociva no regulada de Clase B: Poison Hemlock Control recomendado Conium maculatum Familia Apiaceae Cómo identificarla • Bienal que alcanza de 8 (2.4 m) a 10 pies (3 m) de altura el segundo año. • Hojas color verde encendido tipo helecho con un fuerte olor a moho • El primer año, las plantas forman rosetas basales de hojas muy divididas y tallos rojizos con motas • El segundo año, los tallos son fuertes, huecos, sin pelos, con nervaduras y con motas/rayas rojizas o púrpuras • Plantas con flores cubiertas con numerosos racimos pequeños con forma de paraguas de diminutas flores blancas de cinco pétalos • Las semillas se forman en cápsulas verdes y acanaladas que con el tiempo La cicuta tiene hojas de color verde se vuelven marrones brillante, tipo helecho con olor a moho. Biología Se reproduce por semilla. El primer año crece en forma de roseta; el segundo, desarrolla tallos altos y flores. Crece rápidamente entre marzo y mayo; florece a finales de la primavera. Cada planta produce hasta 40,000 semillas. Las semillas caen cerca de la planta y se desplazan por la erosión, los animales, la lluvia y la actividad humana. Las semillas son viables hasta por 6 años y germinan durante la temporada de crecimiento; no requieren un periodo de letargo. Impacto Altamente tóxica para el ser humano, el ganado y la vida silvestre; causa Los tallos gruesos y sin pelos tienen la muerte por parálisis respiratoria tras su ingestión. El crecimiento manchas o vetas de color púrpura o rojizo.
    [Show full text]
  • Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases List of Plants for CONIINE
    Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases List of Plants for CONIINE Plant Part Low PPM High PPM StdDev Reference Aloe ortholopha Leaf Nash, R. J., Beaumont, J., Veitch, N. C., Reynolds, T., Benner, J., Hughes, C. N. G., Dring, J. V., Bennett, R. N., Dellar, J. E. 1992. Phenylethylamine and Piperidine Alkaloids in Aloe Species. Planta Medica, 581: 84-87. Aloe descoingsii Leaf Nash, R. J., Beaumont, J., Veitch, N. C., Reynolds, T., Benner, J., Hughes, C. N. G., Dring, J. V., Bennett, R. N., Dellar, J. E. 1992. Phenylethylamine and Piperidine Alkaloids in Aloe Species. Planta Medica, 581: 84-87. Aloe krapohliana Leaf Nash, R. J., Beaumont, J., Veitch, N. C., Reynolds, T., Benner, J., Hughes, C. N. G., Dring, J. V., Bennett, R. N., Dellar, J. E. 1992. Phenylethylamine and Piperidine Alkaloids in Aloe Species. Planta Medica, 581: 84-87. Aloe viguieri Leaf Nash, R. J., Beaumont, J., Veitch, N. C., Reynolds, T., Benner, J., Hughes, C. N. G., Dring, J. V., Bennett, R. N., Dellar, J. E. 1992. Phenylethylamine and Piperidine Alkaloids in Aloe Species. Planta Medica, 581: 84-87. Aloe globuligemma Leaf Nash, R. J., Beaumont, J., Veitch, N. C., Reynolds, T., Benner, J., Hughes, C. N. G., Dring, J. V., Bennett, R. N., Dellar, J. E. 1992. Phenylethylamine and Piperidine Alkaloids in Aloe Species. Planta Medica, 581: 84-87. Amorphophallus konjac Plant Willaman, J. J., Schubert, B. G. 1961. Alkaloid Bearing Plants and their Contained Alkaloids. ARS, USDA, Tech. Bull. 1234, Supt. Doc., Washington D.C. Arisarum vulgare Plant Willaman, J. J., Schubert, B.
    [Show full text]
  • Poison-Hemlock (Conium Maculatum L.)1
    Weed Technology. 1998. Volume 12:194-197 Intriguing World of Weeds iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.iii Poison-Hemlock (Conium maculatum L.) 1 LARRY W. MIT1CH2 "He that bites on every weed must needs light on poison." Comp/eat Collection of English Proverbs. John Ray, 1742 INTRODUCTION AND ETYMOLOGY has been used to designate this plant since the Anglo­ Saxon period (Le Strange 1977). The genus Conium is comprised of two or three tem­ The Old English hymlice was a medicinal plant, prob­ perate species of biennial herbs with highly divided ably Conium, but in Modern English the plant is chiefly leaves and compound umbels of small white flowers. All referred to as a weed. The definite reference to it as parts of C. maculatum have long been recognized as poisonous appears to begin with the 16th century herb­ being highly poisonous; it was the alists. The term hemlock for Conium maculatum first plant used to kill Socrates in BC appeared in about AD 700 as hymblicae. Through the 399 (Gledhill 1985; Holm et al. centuries, spelling and pronunciation took on many 1997; Hyam and Pankhurst 1995). forms, ranging from hymlice to hymlic, hemeluc, hem­ Conium is a member of the Um­ lake, hemlocke, hemloc, and finally hemlock. William belliferae or Apiaceae, the carrot Shakespeare, in Life of Henry the Fifth, first used the family, which accommodates 300 modern spelling. Wrote the bard, "Her fallow Leas, The genera and between 2,500 and Darnell, Hemlock, and ranke Femetary, Doth root upon" 3,000 species. Umbelliferae is one (Simpson and Weiner 1989). of the best known families of flowering plants because Poison-hemlock is native to Europe, northern Africa, of its characteristic inflorescences and fruits and the dis­ and western Asia and was often introduced to new areas tinctive chemistry reflected in the odor, flavors, and even as an ornamental garden plant (Holm et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Laboratory Rearing of Agonopterix Alstroemeriana, the Defoliating
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Diposit Digital de Documents de la UAB PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY Laboratory Rearing of Agonopterix alstroemeriana, the Defoliating Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum L.) Moth, and Effects of Piperidine Alkaloids on Preference and Performance 1 EVA CASTELLS AND MAY R. BERENBAUM Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 320 Morrill Hall, 505 S Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801 Environ. Entomol. 35(3): 607Ð615 (2006) ABSTRACT Conium maculatum L. (Apiaceae), or poison hemlock, is an invasive plant native to Europe that has become extensively naturalized throughout North America. This species contains piperidine alkaloids, including coniine and ␥-coniceine, that are highly toxic to vertebrates. C. maculatum was relatively free from herbivores in North America until the accidental introduction 30 yr ago of its monophagous European associate Agonopterix alstroemeriana (Clerck) (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae). At present, A. alstroemeriana is widespread across the United States, and in some areas, such as the Northwest, can inßict substantial damage on its host plant, leading to desiccation and death. A. alstroemeriana has been used in recent years for the biological control of C. maculatum, although its use has been limited by the availability of larvae, which are Þeld-collected from early to mid-spring, and by the lack of available information about its life history and feeding habits. Here we describe a laboratory-rearing protocol incorporating a simulated winter to induce diapause and a semideÞned artiÞcial diet that allows the production of multiple generations per year and enabled us to determine the number and duration of A.
    [Show full text]
  • Poison Hemlock a 60 Year Old Female Ate “Wild Carrots” Pulled from the Ground Behind Her Home
    August 2016 Poison Center Hotline: 1-800-222-1222 The Maryland Poison Center’s Monthly Update: News, Advances, Information Poison Hemlock A 60 year old female ate “wild carrots” pulled from the ground behind her home. One hour later, she began vomiting. She called 911 and the poison cen- ter complaining also of lightheadedness, dizziness and shortness of breath. EMS transported her and a sample of the plant to the emergency department (ED). In the ED, she was awake and alert, HR 120, BP 176/110, RR 22, O2 satu- Conium maculatum ration 98% on room air. All symptoms resolved within 24 hours of the inges- tion and she was discharged on day 2. The ED staff identified the plant as “poison hemlock” by means of an internet search. Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is an invasive herb in the carrot (Apiaceae) family. It can be found along roads, ditches, fences, streams, or anywhere with adequate moisture, throughout the U.S. Other common names for the plant are deadly hemlock, poison parsley, and winter fern. The poison hemlock plant grows to 4-10 feet tall and has a smooth, non-hairy, hollow stem with red-purple streaks. These blotches are called the “blood of Socrates” as poison hemlock was reportedly used to kill Socrates. The small white flowers grow in -4 6 inch wide “umbels” or clusters that resemble um- brellas. The leaves have a lacy, fern-like appearance. The roots are creamy- Did you know? white and look like carrots or parsnips. When crushed, poison hemlock has an Water hemlock is also known as unpleasant, musty odor.
    [Show full text]
  • PCR-Based Gut Content Analysis to Identify Arthropod Predators of Haplodiplosis Marginata by Rowley, C., Cherrill, A.J., Leather, S.R., Mccormack, A., Skarp, J.E
    PCR-based gut content analysis to identify arthropod predators of Haplodiplosis marginata by Rowley, C., Cherrill, A.J., Leather, S.R., McCormack, A., Skarp, J.E. and Pope, T.W. Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: This is the author accepted manuscript. The final published version (version of record) is available online via Elsevier Please refer to any applicable terms of use of the publisher. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2017.10.003 Rowley, C., Cherrill, A.J., Leather, S.R., McCormack, A., Skarp, J.E. and Pope, T.W. 2017. PCR‐based gut content analysis to identify arthropod predators of Haplodiplosis marginata, 115, pp.112‐118. 1 PCR-based gut content analysis to identify arthropod predators of Haplodiplosis 2 marginata 3 4 Charlotte Rowley1*, Andrew J. Cherrill1, Simon R. Leather1, Alexander W. McCormack1, 5 Janetta E. Skarp2, & Tom W. Pope1 6 7 1Centre for Integrated Pest Management, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire 8 TF10 8NB, UK 9 2Imperial College London, Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK 10 11 *Correspondence: Charlotte Rowley, Centre for Integrated Pest Management, Harper Adams 12 University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB, UK. E-mail: [email protected] 13 14 Keywords Natural enemies, IPM, cereals, primers, Cecidomyiidae 15 Running Title PCR-based H. marginata gut content analysis 16 17 Abstract 18 Saddle gall midge (Haplodiplosis marginata) is a cereal pest exhibiting sporadic outbreaks 19 for which chemical control options are limited. Integrated Pest Management programs may 20 offer a means of suppressing H. marginata outbreaks, reducing pesticide input. Many IPM 21 programs benefit from the natural population suppression inflicted through predation and 22 parasitism.
    [Show full text]
  • Poison Hemlock (Conium Maculatum)
    KING COUNTY NOXIOUS WEED ALERT Class B Noxious Weed: Poison Hemlock Control Required on Conium maculatum Parsley Family Public Lands and Roads Identification Tips • Tall biennial, reaching 8 to 10 feet the second year • Bright green, fernlike leaves with strong musty smell • First year plants form low clumps of lacy leaves with reddish spots on stems • Second year stems are stout, hollow, hairless, ribbed, with reddish or purple spotting/streaking • Flowering plants covered with numerous small, umbrella-shaped clusters of tiny white flowers that have five petals • Seeds form in green, ridged capsules that eventually turn brown Poison-hemlock has bright green, fern- like leaves with a musty smell. Biology Reproduces by seed. First year grows into a rosette; second year, develops tall stems and flowers. Rapid growth from March to May, flowers in late spring. Up to 40,000 seeds per plant are produced. Seeds fall near the plant and are moved by erosion, animals, rain and human activity. Seeds viable up to 6 years and germinate throughout the growing season; do not require a dormant period. Impacts Acutely toxic to people, livestock, wildlife; causes death by Thick, hairless stems have reddish- respiratory paralysis after ingestion. Aggressive growth crowds out purple spots or streaks. desirable vegetation. Early spring growth makes it more likely to be eaten by animals when there is limited forage available. Can be mistaken for a carrot when small. Distribution Eurasian species, widely found in North America. Widespread in King County; found along roadsides, riparian areas, ravines, fields, ditches and un-managed yards and vacant lots.
    [Show full text]
  • Laboratory Studies on Larval Feeding Habits of Amara Macronota (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Zabrini)
    Appl. Entomol. Zool. 42 (4): 669–674 (2007) http://odokon.org/ Laboratory studies on larval feeding habits of Amara macronota (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Zabrini) Kôji SASAKAWA* Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo; Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8657, Japan (Received 20 February 2007; Accepted 3 July 2007) Abstract Many studies have suggested that some carabids (tribes Zabrini and Harpalini; Coleoptera: Carabidae) feed on seeds during their adult stage (i.e., granivore or omnivore with a tendency toward granivory), but relatively few studies have investigated the larval feeding habits of those species. In the present study, larval development on different diets was examined in a Zabrini carabid Amara (Curtonotus) macronota. Six diet types were tested: Solidago altissima seeds, Bidens frondosa seeds, Setaria spp. seeds, mixed seeds, insect larvae (Diptera), and insect larvaeϩmixed seeds. Be- cause of the high mortality during larval overwintering under laboratory-rearing conditions, survival and developmen- tal duration through pre-overwintering stages (1st and 2nd instars) were compared. The insect larvaeϩmixed seeds diet showed high survival (85%), followed by the insect larvae diet (40%). All seed diets showed low survival rates (0–10%). Developmental durations were not significantly different, although some diets could not be compared due to a small sample size. These results suggest that A. macronota larvae are omnivores with a tendency toward carnivory. Larval morphometry, which is useful in determining the instars of field-collected larvae, was used. Key words: Granivory; ground beetle; omnivory; rearing experiment; seed granivory is widely recognized in carabid beetle INTRODUCTION tribes Zabrini and Harpalini (Hartke et al., 1998; Although most carabids are carnivores, some Hu° rka, 1998; Hu° rka and Jaroˇsík, 2001, 2003; carabids have been considered granivores because Saska and Jaroˇsík, 2001; Fawki and Toft, 2005; feeding on seeds has been occasionally observed in Saska, 2005).
    [Show full text]
  • Carabidae As Natural Enemies of the Raspberry Beetle (Byturus Tomentosus F.)
    ISSN 1392-3196 ŽEMDIRBYSTĖ=AGRICULTURE Vol. 99, No. 3 (2012) 327 ISSN 1392-3196 Žemdirbystė=Agriculture, vol. 99, No. 3 (2012), p. 327–332 UDK 634.711:634.75 Carabidae as natural enemies of the raspberry beetle (Byturus tomentosus F.) Liina ARUS1, Ave KIKAS1, Anne LUIK2 1Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Polli Horticultural Research Centre Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia E-mail: [email protected] 2Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia Abstract The raspberry beetle (Byturus tomentosus F.) is a widespread pest of raspberry in Europe. Although it is being controlled chemically, alternative strategies should be developed, based on biological control by polyphagous predators. Laboratory feeding tests were used to investigate the role of raspberry beetle larvae in the diet of the carabid species, Pterostichus melanarius, P. niger, Carabus nemoralis and Harpalus rufipes. In no-choice and choice feeding tests with aphids or raspberry beetle larvae P. melanarius and P. niger preferred to consume raspberry beetle larvae. C. nemoralis quickly consumed both prey items. H. rufipes preferred to eat raspberry beetle larvae to Thlapsi arvense seeds. According to the consumed biomass of each food item, larvae of the raspberry beetle were preferred by each carabid species tested. Data reported here clearly indicate that large carabids − P. melanarius, P. niger, C. nemoralis and H. rufipes could play an important role in regulating raspberry pest populations. Key words: biological control, Carabidae, aphid, Byturus tomentosus larvae, prey preference. Introduction Carabids are the most common predatory insects of the crop.
    [Show full text]