DOCSLIB.ORG

Comparative Effects of Nosema Epilachnae and Nosema Varivestis on the Mexican Bean Beetle, Epilachna Varivestis

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Comparative Effects of Nosema Epilachnae and Nosema Varivestis on the Mexican Bean Beetle, Epilachna Varivestis JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY 48, 344-354 (1986) Comparative Effects of Nosema epilachnae and Nosema varivestis on the Mexican Bean Beetle, Epilachna varivestis WAYNE M. BROOKS Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 276957613 Received February 27. 1986; accepted May 16. 1986 In comparative tests with two species of microsporidia of the Mexican bean beetle, Epilachnu varivestis. Nosema epilachnue was decidedly more virulent than N. varivestis, with the lowest dosage rate of N. epilachnue (I x IO3 spores per larva) resulting in an adult emergence rate of only 50% in contrast to a 96.3%, survival rate of larvae exposed to the highest dosage rate of N. lwri- vestis (I x IO6 spores per larva)-a IOOO-fold difference in spore dosage rates. The adults infected with N. varivestis also survived an average of two to three times longer than those infected with N. epilachnue. Although both species produced significant reductions in adult longevity and fecun- dity. the test individuals were exposed to N. epiluchnue as either late-stage larvae or as newly emerged adults while those exposed to spores of N. vurivestis were inoculated as neonate larvae. Reductions in fecundity were manifested as lower average numbers of egg masses per adult and egg masses per adult per day; however, neither species reduced the average number of eggs per mass on a consistent basis. Reductions in adult longevity and fecundity by N. epiluchnue were related to adult age at exposure. Both species were also transmitted transovarially, but the average rate of transmission of N. vtrrivestis was low and did not increase in time. In contrast. the inci- dence of transovarian transmission of N. epiLx~/znue increased with time to levels approaching 100% and was accompanied by a dramatic decline in egg hatching rates. The highly virulent nature of N. epilachnae for both larvae and adults of the MBB indicates that further effort to evaluate its potential as a microbial control agent is warranted. ‘i 19X6 Academic Prc\\. Inc. KEY WORDS: Mexican bean beetle; Epiluchnrr rwril.e.stis; Nosemu epilachnrre; Nosemtr lwri- vestis; Microsporidia, comparative pathogenicity. INTRODUCTION formulations of B. thlrringiensis are not yet registered for use in the US. The Mexican bean beetle (MBB), Epi- The MBB has been considered to be vir- fachna varivestis, is a serious pest of bush tually free of naturally occurring pathogens beans and soybeans in the United States in the US (Aldred et al., 1980), but early (Aldred et al., 1980; Barrows and Hooker, reports of a few bacteria and fungi of un- 1981; Michels and Burkhardt, 1981) and certain taxonomic status and more recent has become the focus of increasing atten- reports of viruses and a fungus associated tion by workers interested in biological and with the MBB are briefly reviewed by microbial control. The eulophid parasite Brooks et al. (1985). In addition, two mi- Pediobius foveolatus is the primary factor crosporidia initially reported as pathogens around which several pest management of the MBB in a note (Brooks et al., 1980) programs for the MBB have been recently have been recently described as new structured (Stevens et al., 1975; Coulson, species of the genus Nosema (Brooks et 1976; Schroder, 1981), while microbial con- al., 1985). Their interrelationships with P. trol efforts have involved preparations of foveolatus have also been recently de- Bacitfus thuringiensis that contain a heat- scribed (Own and Brooks, 1986). stable exotoxin (Cantwell and Cantelo, The purpose of the present paper is to 1982; Cantwell et al., 1985). However, such describe the host-pathogen relationships 344 0022-2011186 $1.50 Copyright Q 1986 by Academic Presr. Inc. Ml rights of reproduction in any form reserved. EFFECTS OF Nosemn spp. ON E. varivestis 345 of these two microsporidia, Nosema epi- containing a thin layer of 2% agar, and al- lachnae and N. varivestis, with the MBB lowed to dry for ca. 1 hr prior to the addi- and to enhance awareness of the potential tion of the neonate larvae. Larvae were ex- of at least one of the species as a microbial posed in groups of five per disk for 48 hr at control agent for the MBB. 26.5”C. Since each larva ate about ‘/s of the treated disk, spore dosage was calculated MATERIALS AND METHODS on the basis of a further ‘/s dilution of the Isolates of the two microsporidia were original spore count per milliliter of stock derived from strains previously reported by suspension. The spore concentration in Brooks et al. (1980) that had been main- stock suspensions of each species was de- tained by frequent passage through larvae termined with a bacterial counter (Petroff- of E. varivestis. Suitable quantities of Hauser), and adjustments were made to spores of each species were produced peri- obtain the desired concentration per milli- odically by feeding neonate MBB larvae liter. In tests involving late-stage larvae or with disks cut from lima bean leaves inocu- adults, only one individual was placed on a lated with ca. 0.05 ml of stock spore sus- single leaf disk treated and handled in a pensions of each species. Spores were har- similar manner for a 24- to 48-hr exposure vested from heavily infected cadavers by period. Only individuals or groups of larvae masceration in distilled water, filtration that consumed more than 90% of the leaf through cheese cloth, and differential cen- disks within 48 hr were used in the various trifugation. Clean spore suspensions of treatments in each test. In tests with newly each species in distilled water were stored emerged adults, each individual was al- at 4°C for up to 1 month before utilization lowed to feed for 24 hr prior to exposure to in infectivity studies. the microsporidium and was mated imme- Mexican bean beetles were obtained as diately after removal from the exposure needed from a microsporidian-free stock chamber. After the exposure period, each culture maintained at North Carolina State larva or pair of mated adults was main- University on flats of 3- to j-week-old lima tained in a rearing room at 26.7”C, 60% beans (Fordhook 242). Samples of larvae RH, and 16L:8D photoperiod within sepa- and adults were checked routinely to as- rate plastic Petri dishes (15 x 100 mm) with sure their microsporidian-free status before fresh leaves added daily for the duration of use in various infectivity studies. each test. Of several options compared in The primary pathogenic effects of each preliminary tests, these conditions proved microsporidian species on the MBB were to be the most satisfactory for rearing indi- determined by exposing neonate larvae to vidual larvae to adults that were long lived varying spore dosages of each Nosema and reproductively active. species. One to three replicates of 25 larvae In tests designed to determine effects on each were exposed in each treatment; repli- adult longevity and fecundity, MBB were cates were combined for analysis. How- exposed either as late-stage larvae or as ever, because of the high virulence of N. adults to spores of N. epilachnae. The first epilachnae for the MBB, tests carried out test with this species involved the following to determine its influence on adult lon- treatments: infected females (I?) (exposed gevity and fecundity also involved the ex- as late-stage larvae) x healthy males (Hd); posure of late-stage larvae and newly IO (exposed as newly emerged adults) x emerged adults to spores of this species. Hc? ; HO x infected males (16) (exposed In the tests involving neonates, leaf disks as late-stage larvae; and H 0 x H 6. Since (21 mm in diameter) were inoculated with the infected adults died fairly rapidly in this either 0.05 or 0.025 ml of each spore sus- test (most within 3 weeks), the second test pension, placed in a 30-ml plastic jelly cup involved only females that were exposed as 346 WAYNE M. BROOKS newly emerged adults after intervals of 1 The data were analyzed using a one-way (T,), 4 (TJ, or 7 (T,) days post adult emer- analysis of variance and Tukey’s procedure gence. A recently emerged and healthy for comparing means of unequally repli- male was placed with each female immedi- cated treatments. In one test, means were ately after the exposure period. An appro- compared directly using Student’s t test. priate control was included in the test. Two tests with N. varivestis were also con- RESULTS ducted utilizing beetles inoculated only as As summarized in Table 1, N. epiluchnue neonate larvae. The tests differed in the was much more virulent for the MBB than spore dosage to which the neonate larvae N. vurivestis. Of the neonate larvae ex- were exposed and in the number of days posed to the highest dosage of spores of N. post adult emergence during which data varivestis, 96.3% of the infected individuals were obtained on ovipositional activities. emerged as adults while only 50% of those Because of the extensive effort required infected at the lowest dosage of N. epi- and often poor results obtained, only lim- luchnae successfully emerged as adults. In- ited efforts were directed at obtaining data fection rates for both species were directly on egg hatch and transovarian transmission related to spore dosage although there was of each microsporidian species. Individual little difference between the percentage in- egg masses attached to the leaf surface on fection with N. epiluchnae at the two which they had been oviposited were highest dosage rates. Larval mortality was transferred to a Petri dish which contained also directly related to spore dosage for N. a fresh lima bean leaf (periodically re- epiluchnue, but pupal mortality was the placed) to provide adequate atmospheric same for the two lowest spore dosage rates.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ladybirds, Ladybird Beetles, Lady Beetles, Ladybugs of Florida, Coleoptera: Coccinellidae1
    Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office. EENY-170 Ladybirds, Ladybird beetles, Lady Beetles, Ladybugs of Florida, Coleoptera: Coccinellidae1 J. H. Frank R. F. Mizell, III2 Introduction Ladybird is a name that has been used in England for more than 600 years for the European beetle Coccinella septempunctata. As knowledge about insects increased, the name became extended to all its relatives, members of the beetle family Coccinellidae. Of course these insects are not birds, but butterflies are not flies, nor are dragonflies, stoneflies, mayflies, and fireflies, which all are true common names in folklore, not invented names. The lady for whom they were named was "the Virgin Mary," and common names in other European languages have the same association (the German name Marienkafer translates Figure 1. Adult Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus, the to "Marybeetle" or ladybeetle). Prose and poetry sevenspotted lady beetle. Credits: James Castner, University of Florida mention ladybird, perhaps the most familiar in English being the children's rhyme: Now, the word ladybird applies to a whole Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home, family of beetles, Coccinellidae or ladybirds, not just Your house is on fire, your children all gone... Coccinella septempunctata. We can but hope that newspaper writers will desist from generalizing them In the USA, the name ladybird was popularly all as "the ladybird" and thus deluding the public into americanized to ladybug, although these insects are believing that there is only one species. There are beetles (Coleoptera), not bugs (Hemiptera). many species of ladybirds, just as there are of birds, and the word "variety" (frequently use by newspaper 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Mexican Bean Beetle (Suggested Common Name), Epilachna Varivestis Mulsant (Insecta: Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)1 H
    EENY-015 Mexican Bean Beetle (suggested common name), Epilachna varivestis Mulsant (Insecta: Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)1 H. Sanchez-Arroyo2 Introduction apparently eradicated from Florida in 1933, but was found again in 1938 and by 1942 was firmly established. The family Coccinellidae, or ladybird beetles, is in the order Coleoptera. This family is very important economically because it includes some highly beneficial insects as well as Description two serious pests: the squash lady beetle, Epilachna borealis Eggs Fabricius, and the Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Eggs are approximately 1.3 mm in length and 0.6 mm in Mulsant. width, and are pale yellow to orange-yellow in color. They are typically found in clusters of 40 to 75 on the undersides The Mexican bean beetle has a complete metamorphosis of bean leaves. with distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Unlike most of the Coccinellidae, which are carnivorous and feed upon aphids, scales, and other small insects, this species attacks plants. Distribution The Mexican bean beetle is believed to be native to the plateau region of southern Mexico. This insect is found in the United States (in most states east of the Rocky Moun- tains) and Mexico. In eastern regions, the pest is present wherever beans are grown, while western infestations are in isolated areas, depending upon the local environment and precipitation. The insect is not a serious pest in Guatemala and Mexico, but is very abundant in several areas in the western United States. The southern limit of the known distribution is in Guatemala and the northern limit is Figure 1.
    [Show full text]
  • ID-91 IPM Scouting Guide for Cucurbit Crops in Kentucky
    COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, LEXINGTON, KY, 40546 ID-91 An IPM Scouting Guide for Common Problems of Cucurbit Crops in Kentucky Agriculture and Natural Resources • Family and Consumer Sciences • 4-H Youth Development • Community and Leadership Development EXTENSION An IPM Scouting Guide for Common Problems of Cucurbit Crops in Kentucky This manual is the result of efforts of the University of Kentucky Vegetable IPM team. Funding for this publication is from the University of Kentucky Pest Management Program. UK Vegetable IPM Team Kenny Seebold, Extension Plant Pathologist Timothy Coolong, Terry Jones, and John Strang, Extension Horticulturists Ric Bessin, Extension Entomologist Cheryl Kaiser, Editor Cover: Powdery mildew (on the foliage) and potyvirus complex symptoms (on the fruit) on pumpkin. Kenny Seebold Contents Photo Credits ong before the term “sustainable” became a Lhousehold word, farmers were implement- 4 .. Physiological and Nutritional Disorders Many of the images in this manual came from ing sustainable practices in the form of integrat- the personal collections of members of the UK ed pest management (IPM) strategies. IPM uses 8 .. Insect Pests Vegetable IPM Team. However, in some instanc- a combination of biological, cultural, physical, 12 .. Diseases es images were provided by outside sourc- and chemical methods to reduce and/or manage es. Credits for those images are listed below by pest populations. These strategies are used to 21 .. Chemical Injuries owner, affiliation, and image number. minimize environmental risks, costs, and health hazards. Pests are managed to reduce their neg- Clemson University ative impact on the crop, although pests are USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series rarely eliminated.
    [Show full text]
  • Nottingham L D 2017.Pdf
    Development and Evaluation of Integrated Approaches for Managing of Mexican Bean Beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant Louis Bove Nottingham Dissertation submitted to the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy In Entomology Thomas P. Kuhar, Chair Ramón A. Arancibia D. Ames Herbert Timothy J. Kring Peter B. Schultz December 5, 2016 Blacksburg, VA Keywords: Integrated pest management (IPM), Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis, Phaseolus, snap bean, lima bean, agroecosystem, cultivars, susceptible, cultural management, seed-treatment, thiamethoxam, natural enemies, Podisus maculiventris Development and Evaluation of Integrated Approaches for Managing of Mexican Bean Beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant Louis Bove Nottingham ABSTRACT The Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant, is a major pest of snap beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L. in the Central Appalachian region of the United States. To develop pertinent research objectives, background information on this pest was gathered from literature sources and personal communications with growers, extension agents and other agricultural professionals. In objective one, Mexican bean beetle preference, developmental success and plant injury were compared among three snap bean and three lima bean cultivars in field and greenhouse trials. The cultivar ‘Dragon’s Tongue’ was the most preferred, suitable for development, and prone to injury. Growers may benefit from growing less susceptible cultivars, or by using ‘Dragon’s Tongue’ in trap cropping or push-pull strategies. In objective two, Mexican bean beetle densities, feeding injury, and yield were compared among snap beans grown on metallized plastic (highly reflective), white plastic, black plastic, and bare soil. Metallized plastic provided the greatest level of control, and resulted in the highest yields.
    [Show full text]
  • European Academic Research
    EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH Vol. IV, Issue 10/ January 2017 Impact Factor: 3.4546 (UIF) ISSN 2286-4822 DRJI Value: 5.9 (B+) www.euacademic.org Population Dynamics of Insect Pests of Indian Squash (Citrullus Vulgaris) LAL BAKHSH QURESHI Department of Plant Protection, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan JAN MUHAMMAD MARI Department of Plant Protection, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan BABAR HUSSAIN CHANG1 Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan FIDA HUSSAIN MAGSI Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan WAQAR AHMED CHANDIO Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan AMMARA RAJPUT Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan AZHAR UDDIN KEERIO Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan ZULFIQAR ALI UJJAN Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan Abstract: The population fluctuation of insect pests of Indian squash was monitored from 1st July to 30th September 2015 at Government Seed Farm at Usta Muhammad, Balochistan using RCB design in three replicates. Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), Squash bug (Anasa tristis), 1 Corresponding author: [email protected] 8336 Lal Bakhsh Qureshi, Jan Muhammad Mari, Babar Hussain Chang, Fida Hussain Magsi, Waqar Ahmed Chandio, Ammara Rajput, Azhar Uddin Keerio, Zulfiqar Ali Ujjan- Population Dynamics of Insect Pests of Indian Squash (Citrullus Vulgaris) Squash beetle, Epilachna borealis, Squash vine borer, Melittia cucurbitae and Fruit fly Bactrocera cucurbitae were found infesting Indian squash foliage and fruits. The nymphs/larvae and adult populations were separately recorded. The data indicated that the weekly population of Bemisia tabaci, Anasa tristis, Epilachna borealis, Melittia cucurbitae and Bactrocera cucurbitae was significantly fluctuated (P<0.05).
    [Show full text]
  • Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections
    SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOLUME 106, NUMBER 15 ^bomas Xincoln Case^ jfunb LADYBEETLES OF THE GENUS EPILACHNA (SENS. LAT.) IN ASIA, EUROPE, AND AUSTRALIA (With 21 Plates) BY G. H. DIEKE fSi^ yORB (Publication 3860) CITY OF WASHINGTON PUBLISHED BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION JANUARY 20, 1947 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOLUME 106, NUMBER 15 Itbomas Xincoln Caee^ dfunb LADYBEETLES OF THE GENUS EPILACHNA (SENS. LAT.) IN ASIA, EUROPE, AND AUSTRALIA (With 27 Plates) BY G. H. DIEKE (Publication 3860) CITY OF WASHINGTON PUBLISHED BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION JANUARY 20, 1947 BALTIMOHS, MV., U. 8. A. CONTENTS Page Introduction i The genus EpUachna and the subfamily Epilaclininac 5 Comparison of EpUachna and Afissa 9 Source of material 21 Remarks on the figures 21 Genus EpUachna Chevrolat 22 Enneasticta group 100 Giittatopiistulafa group 104 Afidenta, new genus log Afissa, new genus 113 I. Adiiiirahilis group 115 II. Fallax group 124 III. Flavicollis group 133 IV. Complicata group 1 57 V. S::echuana group 163 VI. Chapini group 166 Epivcrta, new genus 169 SubcocciiieUa znginfiqitaftuorpiincfata ( Linnaeus ) 170 Cyuegctis impunctata (Linnaeus ) 171 List of all known Epilachninae : China 172 Philippine Islands 174 Bibliography 1 75 Index 181 t!D|)omafl! Lincoln €a&tp jFunb LADYBEETLES OF THE GENUS EPILACHNA (SENS. LAT.) IN ASIA, EUROPE, AND AUSTRALIA ^ By G. H. DIEKE (With 27 Plates) INTRODUCTION About one-sixth of all the described species of the Coccinellidae belong to the subfamily Epilachninae, and almost all these to the single genus Epilachna. The members of this subfamily are readily recognized by certain morphological characteristics and are distin- guished from the rest of the Coccinellidae not only by these structural differences but also by marked differences in their food preferences.
    [Show full text]
  • Gardening with the Masters Growing, Gardening and Gaining Knowledge June/July 2021
    Gardening With The Masters Growing, Gardening and Gaining Knowledge June/July 2021 Editor’s Corner WHAT’S HAPPENING By Marcia Winchester, Cherokee County Master Gardener JUNE June 16, CCMG Monthly Meeting and presenter, 10:00am June 19 - Garden Pests outdoor class, Papa’s Pantry, has been as not being invasive. After a few postponed, call 770-345-7567 years shrubs started having branches for more information. revert back to solid green leaves that bloomed and formed seeds June 25 & June 26 - CCMG just like the invasive parent. EXTENDED Plant Sale, Sr. Center, 9:00am - 12noon Now we are expected to believe this June 25 - Pollinator Gardens, new cultivar won’t bloom or form Virtual Seminar, Visit our berries! I’ve already noticed shrubs in Facebook page for Eventbrite less sun are more “green” than other registration. branches. I also noticed that their rate June 21-27, National Pollinator of growth is different. They seem to Week, www.pollinator.org be leggier and faster growing. In a few years there could be flowers, and J U LY then we’re back to berries that have seeds, creating a non-native invasive July 20, CCMG Monthly Meeting Photo courtesy Mary Tucker and presenter, 10:00am plant in masses in landscapes. Oh no, not again!!! I couldn’t believe July 17-25, National Moth Week, my eyes when I saw a new shrub at a You might think I’m an alarmist, http://nationalmothweek.org local nursery. The nursery trade has but did you know it took almost introduced a new privet. Chinese privet July 30 - Snakes, Virtual 80 years for Japanese honeysuckle (Ligustrum sinense) is a Category 1 Seminar, Visit our Facebook page (Lonicera japonica) to become non-native invasive plant in Georgia.
    [Show full text]
  • THE REFLEX "BLEEDING" of the COCCINELLID BEETLE, EPILACHNA BOREALIS. It Is a Well-Known Fact Among Entomologists That
    THE REFLEX "BLEEDING" OF THE COCCINELLID BEETLE, EPILACHNA BOREALIS. N. E. MCINDOO, Ph. D., Bureau of Entomology, Washington, D. C. INTRODUCTION. It is a well-known fact among entomologists that when disturbed certain coccinellid and meloid beetles fold the antennae and legs against the body, eject small drops of liquid from the femoro-tibial articulations and feign death. There has been quite a controversy as to how the liquid is expelled so quickly and as to whether the liquid is blood or is a glandular secretion. Those who believe that the liquid is blood fail to show how it passes through the articular membrane to the exterior, and those who think that the liquid is a glandular secretion do not conclusively prove their view and they fail to explain how such a large quantity of the secretion can be expelled so quickly. The phenomenon of ejecting liquid from the femoro-tibial articulations has been called "reflex bleeding." The object of the present paper is to show that the phenomenon is a true reflex, but that instead of the liquid being blood, it is a secretion from hypodermal glands and that it passes to the exterior through innumerable tubes opening near and in the articular membrane. To obtain material for sections, adult beetles that had been kept in the laboratory all summer were mostly used, although two beetles emerged a short time were also used. Most of the sections were cut five microns in thickness, and all of them were stained with Ehrlich's hematoxylin and eosin. In regard to more details concerning the technique, the reader is referred to the writer's work (1915) on "The Olfactory Sense of Coleóptera." EXAMINATION OF LIVE BEETLES.
    [Show full text]
  • Paradexodes Epilachnae, a Tachinid Para- Site of the Mexican Bean Beetle '
    Technical Bulletin No. 721 • April 1940 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AÇiRICULTrRE IVASHINGTON, D. €. Paradexodes epilachnae, a Tachinid Para- site of the Mexican Bean Beetle ' By B, J. LANOIS, associate entomologist, and N. F. HOWARD, senior entomologist, Division of Truck Crop and Garden Insect Investigations, Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine ^ CONTENTS Page Page Introduction 1 Bionomics 21 Hosts of Paradexodes epilachnae Aldrich 2 Theadult- 21 Hyperparasites of Paradexodes epilachnae 7 Habits of the first-instar larva... 24 Attempts to introduce Paradexodes epilachnae Habits of the second-instar larva 24 into the United States 9 Habits of the third-instar larva 25 Methods used in breeding the parasite .-- 11 Effects of the parasite on the host- 25 Care of parasitized hosts _ 11 Predacious coccinellids as hosts 27 Description of Paradexodes epilachnae 11 Extent of breeding and liberation 27 Theadult 11 Colonization 28 The egg- 12 Spread from points of colonization.. 28 The larva. Ki Status of the parasite at the end of the season. 29 The puparium 17 Summary 30 Reproductive systems 19 INTRODUCTION The Mexican bean beetle {Epilachna varivestis Muls.) has been known from the Southwest for about 85 years and appears to have migrated from Mexico, where it is widely distributed.^ In 1918 it appeared in Alabama and spread rapidly over the central and eastern parts of the United States. Its insect parasites and predators, how- ever, did not follow the bean beetle into the new territory, and few of the parasitic and predacious insects occurring in the United States appear to be of value in the control of this insect.* Therefore, after the chance discovery of a dipterous puparium in a quantity of larvae of Epilachna varivestis collected near Mexico City in 1921 by H.
    [Show full text]
  • Mexican Bean Beetle.Pdf
    Common Name: Mexican bean beetle Scientific Name: Epilachna varivestis Mulsant Authors: Louis Nottingham and Dr. Thomas Kuhar Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech Fig 1. Mexican bean beetle adult, eggs, larva and pupae. Mexican Bean Beetle (MBB), Epilachna varivestis Mulsant (Fig. 1), is an herbivorous lady beetle (Coccinellidae) that feeds on bean crops (legumes) in North America. It is similar to the squash lady beetle, Epilachna borealis, which feeds primarily on cucurbits. MBB can cause significant defoliation damage to various bean crops particularly in the genus Phaseolus (snap beans, lima beans, pole beans, etc.). It will also feed on soybean, alfalfa, beggarweed, kudzu, and other legumes. Identification Mexican bean beetle can be easily confused with other ladybeetle species despite behavioral and morphological differences (Fig. 2). All life stages of MBB can be readily found within the canopy of bean plants. When there is a severe infestation, characteristic feeding damage to bean leaves will be apparent as well (Fig. 3). Adult MBB are similar in size and shape to their beneficial relatives (commonly referred to as “labybugs”). They are yellow or bronze, with 16 black spots arranged into three rows. The color of the head and “pronotum” (plate behind the head) are consistent with the yellowish color of the elytra. Adults are 6-8mm long and 4-6mm wide; though size can vary based on their diet. Males are generally smaller than females, and can be distinguished by a notch at the end of the last abdominal segment. Adults can walk and fly, but are generally sluggish once they have located a suitable host plant.
    [Show full text]
  • Paradexodes Epilachnae, a Tachinid Parasite of the Mexican Bean Beetle
    ~ f28 I~ 128 ~F5 1.0 I.i.i .~ III~~ 1.0 W III;; ~ IiiW I:.l I:.lIii IW 122. ~ W 10: Ii:. ~ 11.1 :r ~ .0 ~ ~ 2.0 .. ~ .. 1.1 .... 1.1 .... ~ -- 111111.8 111111.8 111111.25 111111.4 111111.6 111111.25 111111.4 111111.6 MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART NATIONAL BURE4U 0' STANOAROS-1953-A NATIONAL BUREAU {If STANDAR05-1963-A Technical Bulletin No. 721 April 1940 Paradexodes epilachnae, a Tachinid Para­ site of the Mexican Be.an Beetle 1 By B. J. LANDIS, associate entolllologist, and K. F. HOWARD, senior entomologist, Division of Truck Crop and Garden I"'sect Investigations, Bureall of Entomology and Plant Quarantine 2 CONTENTS Page Page Introduction .••____________ ...._..... ______ ._ 1 Bionomics.•. ____ •____ ..____ •____________._••_ 21 Bosts of Paraderodes epi/achnae Al<lrich._.- __ 2 The adult. ______ .•____ • ___ • __________ •••_ 21 llyperparasites of Paraderodes <pilachnae __ •• _ i nabits of the first·instar larva._.____ ._.__ 2{ Attempts to introduce Parae/erodes epiluchllUe Habits of the second·instar larva._ •• ____ ._ 2{ into the United States •. _... "'_"" _. "'__ 9 Babits of the third·instar Inn· .. __________ • 25 l\[et'lods used in breeding the parasite.. II Elfects of the pnrasite on the host _••••• _. 25 Care of parasitized hosts .. _.. _._.•..... _.. 11 Predacious coccinelJids as lJOsts .• ___ •••._.• ___ 27 Description of Paracierodes epi/achaae. __ •. _... 11 l~xtenF of.breeding nnd liberation_ .• _._ .•_.___ 27 The adult.•..
    [Show full text]
  • BIBLIOGRAPHY THOMAS EISNER Schurman Professor of Chemical
    LIST OF PUBLICATIONS NA = NOT AVAILABLE THOMAS EISNER PAGE - 1 Eisner, T. and J. Meinwald (eds). 1995. CHEMICAL ECOLOGY: THE BIBLIOGRAPHY CHEMISTRY OF BIOTIC INTERACTION, National Academy Press 214 pp. Eisner. T 2000. Chromatic Fantasy: Leaves in the Midst of Change. Sinauer THOMAS EISNER Associaes, Inc. Sunderland, MA, Schurman Professor of Chemical Ecology Cornell University Eisner, T. 2003. For Love of Insects. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Ithaca, NY 14853 MA. 607-255-4464 (phone) Eisner, T., M. Eisner, M. Siegler. 2005. Secret Weapons. Harvard University 607-255-6186 (fax) Press, Cambridge, MA. e-mail: [email protected] OTHER PUBLICATIONS LIST OF BOOKS 1. Eisner, T. and E.O. Wilson. 1952. The morphology of the Eisner, T. (ed.). 1960. Proc. Symposium, CHEMICAL DEFENSE proventriculus of a formicine ant. Psyche 59 , 47-60. MECHANISMS IN ARTHROPODS. Verhandl. XI. Internat. Kongress Entomol. vol. III, pp. 247-293 (Inst. Entomol. Agraria dell'Univ. Pavia). 2. Eisner, T. 1953. The histology of a sense organ in the labial palps of Neuroptera. J. Morph. 93 , 109-122. Burnett, A.L. and T. Eisner. 1964. ANIMAL ADAPTATION. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York. vii + 136 pp. 3. Wilson, E.O., T. Eisner, and B.D. Valentine. 1954. The beetle genus Paralimulodes Bruch in North America, with notes on morphology Wilson, E.O., T. Eisner, W.R. Briggs, R.E. Dickerson, R.L. Metzenberg, R.D. and behavior (Coleoptera: Limulodidae). Psyche 61 , 154-161. O'Brien, M. Susman, W.E. Boggs. 1973. LIFE ON EARTH. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Stamford, CT. xi + 1033 pp. Second Edition 1978. 846 pp.
    [Show full text]