ENTOMOLOGY NEWSLETTER .....- Department of Entomology Vo 1

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

ENTOMOLOGY NEWSLETTER .....- Department of Entomology Vo 1 --- ENTOMOLOGY NEWSLETTER .....- Department of Entomology Vo 1. 2, No. 1 University of Minnesota Apri'l 23, 1985 --------------------------~-------------- -----------------------------------------Puerto Rico, Potatoes, and IPM IN THIS ISSUE: -- by V.l Cervenka Article: Puerto Rico Ted Radcliffe, along with his son Opinion: Should ESA move south? David and Cl iff Watrin, recently Linnaean Games retu rned from a 7-month sabb at ica 1 and Book Review: Dear Lord Rothschild eternal spring ;n Puerto Rico. The New Books three were visitors in the Department of Computer Notes CroD Protection, University of Puerto Color Blindness Rico at Mayaguez, but 1 i ved and worked Greetings and Farewells at the experiment SUbstation at Isabela. Seminars Ted taught IPM, and he and Cl iff con­ Jobs ducted severa 1 resea rc h p roj ects on ----------------------------------------- potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers while ~ newsletter deadline: May 26 David was busy turning out workable ----------------------------------------- computer programs. A Note From the Ed itor Puerto Rico has an interest in This issue marks the beginning of growing potatoes because it is an Yolo 2 of the Entomology Newsletter. important vegetable crop totally Most of the comments I hear about the imported from the United States. To newsletter are positive, but I know he 1 p determine t'he economic feas ib 11 ity there is room for' i-inprovement. of growing potatoes on the is 1 and, Ted Especially now, when I'm spending a lot and Cl iff looked for economic thresholds of time outside the department, I need and did chemical control experiments on to hear from you about what you'd 1 ike the crop. Accord ing to Ted, the 1 atter to see in the News 1 etter. I s there too experiments were instructive in IPM much coverage of some subject areas and terms since workers in Puerto Rico had not enough of others? Are there enough been giving their potatoes weekly sprays timely, interesting articles? Is there of Monitor and Pydrin •. This caused a information in the newsletter that you 1 eaf miner outbreak that wiped out the haven't seen elsewhere? Does the p.otatoes, leading workers to falsely newsletter help keep you in touch with believe the crop could not be grown in what other people in the department are Puerto Rico. In fact, Ted and Cl iff doing? How about a new name for the found they had barely enough insects newsletter? Are the issues too frequent, with wh ic h to get resu 1 ts. Howe ver, too seldom, or too unpredictable? they managed to find enough Puerto Rican I want to emphasize that this is a green peach aphids (GPAs) to bring back department newsletter. Although grad to compare with American GPAs in wild students do most of the work, con­ potato res i stance stu dies. tributions from faculty and staff are Tomato cultivars developed in Puerto welcome and needed. Alumni contributions Rico were compared with varieties from are also valuable. Please let me know the United States to determine if less your suggestions for the newsletter - insecticide was needed on the adapted· Yolo 2. (Puerto Rican) varieties. These toma­ toes were also looked at with regard to res i stance to the same 1 ea f miner that killed the aforementioned potato crop. Host plant resistance to GPA in peppers was also examined. Certainly the travelers are glad to return to sensible weather and day-to­ day routine. Welcome backl ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------"--- (Ed. Note: The opinion article below is example, papers at the 1984 national in reference to a proposal by Darryl meeting were scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to Hansen in the Jan. ESA News 1 etter that nearly 11:00 p.m.) and "outdoor time" the ESA national meetings be scheduled was very limited. The qua 1 ity of the in conference facll ities in the warmer meeting is determined by the .qual ity of areas of the U.S. Severa 1 1 etters in the program regardless of meteorological response to this, both pro and con, were conditions. printed in the March ESA Newsletter. If This' idea probably seems reasonable you wish to make your'opinion known to to ESA personnel in Washington or the governing board, contact the NCB Maryland or Virginia or to those members representative, J. G. Rodriguez (KY), with scads of travel money. However, I you r sect ion rep resentat i ve (see p. 43 feel that this proposal would be in the Spring 1985 Bulletin), or the detrimental to many northern president, C. A. Triplehorn (OH). entomologists, particularly graduate Addresses for all these are avail ible in students. If you have an opinion one the ESA directory.} way or another on this matter, let an ---------------------------------------- ESA Governing Board representative know. OPINION ----------------------------------------- by Rich Hansen The leadership of the ESA has NCB is coming ••• herel apparently discussed seriously the The 1986 meeting of the North schedu 1 ing of most or all futu re annua 1 Central Branch of the ESA is meeting in meetings in southern ("warmer") Minneapolis, at the Hyatt Regency (down­ local ities, thereby avoiding the town) on March 24-27, 1986. Phil Harein geographic rotation process now in place and Richard Jones are the co-chairs of and, presumab 1 y, northern ("col der") the 1 oca 1 a r rangemen ts c omm i ttee. cit i es (see Jan '85 .E..SA News 1 ettar>. I Volunteers for this committee are feel that this proposal would be a welcome. They will be starting more mistake from several standpoints. intensive planning after a meeting with A permanent southern bias in annual the program chairs on June 20. Rich meeting sites would place an economic Hansen is working on the program for the burden on northern members. Rotation of Student Affairs formal conference, and meeting locales ensures (more or less) is stU 1 open to good ideas. that national meetings will be at least reasonably close to a given member group lINNAEAN GAMES REPORT every few years. This al lows trans­ poration costs to be spread out among The Minnesota Linnaean Games All members, an important consideration contingent stumbled into Lexington to ESA members at the low end of the justifiably unheralded, especially since economic totem pole (e.g. graduate nobody knew we were coming. Once the students) or at remote 1oca lit ies (e.g. appropriate authorities were alerted, we Minnesota). Without geographic were awarded a first-round bye and then rotation, the number' of "northern" faced the fearsome Ohio State squad. graduate students attending national The Minnesota battling bugsters stunned meet ings wou 1 d likely decrease over time the crowd by proceeding to stomp, if travel funding remains constant. squash, swat, and zap the Columbus crew, Secondly, the ESA is a national thus achieving the first ever Minnesota organization, not a "southern" or Linnaean Games victory. Jubilation was "sunbelt" group. Maintenance of an short-l ived, however, as our brains went equitable meeting site selection process into diapause and Minnesota was itself. strengthens the nationwide breadth of squished by eventual champion Kentucky the Society. in the semifinals. Team members Dave Finall y, I resent the impl ication "Physiology" Davis, Subi "Subi," Steve that an ESA meeting is "vacation time" "Cargo" Katovich, and Rich "Let Me and should be held where the "weather is Explain" Hansen need no excuses, even nice" (who determines what's nice?). though we got harder quest ions, had to The meetings I've attended kept me busy drive 900 miles, and it was raining. from early morning to late at night (for BOO< REVIEW -- Bi 11 Mill e r army of col lectors worldwide -- as well as his own 1 ife -- Walter never kept Dear Lord Rothschild: Birds, files, letters, or diaries, relying Butterflies, and History. Miriam instead on a faultless photographic Rothschil d. 1983. 398 pp. Ba 1 aban, memory and recall and thereby creating Philadelphia. $29.95, hardbound. monumental difficulties for biographers. Although insects occupy second place . A map of his collection pOints in red in the subtitle, this book is rich in looks like the world with severe chicken entomological connections because it is pox. His Tring curators also achieved so densel y packed w'ith informat ion. distinction; we know of Karl Jordan, There are 35 chapters, 12 color plates, 1 ep idopterist and a founder of the 141 black-and-white photos, maps and International Congresses of Entomology, famil y trees, append ices, notes, and and Ernst Mayr, the evolutionist. bibl iography. Walter early espoused the use of The book is essentially biographical. a110patric subspecies, a cone-ept Mayr Its centerpiece is Walter Rothschild, would later refine and bring into 1868-1931, second baron, a prodigal zoological household use. scion of the Eng1 ish Rothschi1ds, Only a family member could write bankers to the world well into this biographically and insightfu 11 y about century. The book's title refers to the such a complex person as Walter and his Bal four Declaration, which was addressed magn1ficent obsession. Miriam, the to Walter. The Declaration pledged book's author, is Walter's niece. She Bri,tish support for the estab 1ishment of is known for her books and research a national home for the Jewish people, a papers on Siphonaptera, Lepidoptera, and milestone of immense significance for other topics. In this book she attains Israel and the modern world. Walter epic literary stature. This book s~ems to fit all the categories in reminds us that everything is 1 inked to Twelfth Night: "Some are born great, everything else. For Rothschild some achieve greatness, and some have historians, a book from within the greatness thrust upon them." enclave is a mother lode.
Recommended publications
  • Two Additional Invasive Scarabaeoid Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) in Hawaii
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Papers in Entomology Museum, University of Nebraska State 12-2009 Two Additional Invasive Scarabaeoid Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) in Hawaii Mary Liz Jameson Wichita State University, [email protected] Darcy E. Oishi 2Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Plant Pest Control Branch, Honolulu, [email protected] Brett C. Ratcliffe University of Nebraska-Lincoln, [email protected] Grant T. McQuate USDA-ARS-PBARC, U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/entomologypapers Part of the Entomology Commons Jameson, Mary Liz; Oishi, Darcy E.; Ratcliffe, Brett C.; and McQuate, Grant T., "Two Additional Invasive Scarabaeoid Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) in Hawaii" (2009). Papers in Entomology. 147. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/entomologypapers/147 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Museum, University of Nebraska State at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Papers in Entomology by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. AProcddition. HawaiianAl inv AEsiventomol scA.r SAocbs. in(2009) HAwA 41:25–30ii 25 Two Additional Invasive Scarabaeoid Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) in Hawaii Mary Liz Jameson1, Darcy E. Oishi2, Brett C. Ratcliffe3, and Grant T. McQuate4 1Wichita State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 537 Hubbard Hall, Wichita, Kansas 67260 [email protected]; 2Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Plant Pest Control Branch, 1428 South King St., Honolulu, HI 96814 [email protected]; 3University of Nebraska State Museum, Systematics Research Collections, W436 Nebraska Hall, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588 [email protected]; 4USDA-ARS-PBARC, U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Lesions After Sting
    Saddleback Caterpillar Forest Huval, D. Ring, T.E. Reagan, Dale K.Pollet Description The saddleback caterpillar (Acharia stimulea) is a sluglike caterpillar that has a bright brown spot in the middle of a green saddle-shaped area on its back. It has four prominent horns on each end of the body that hold potent hemolytic venom. The caterpillars can grow up to 1 inch (2.54 cm) when mature. Saddlebacks are solitary feeders and can be found on a variety of foliage, including apple, basswood, cherry, chestnut, dogwood, elm, maple, oak, plum and even corn. The saddleback caterpillar is found across the eastern United States, ranging from Florida to New York, and as far westward as Texas, Indiana and Kansas. Sting Reactions Saddlebacks are venomous and are among the most common stinging caterpillars in North America. The saddleback sting is immediately painful, with radiation from the site of the sting to the local lymphatic group. Without blistering, symptoms usually subside within two to eight hours. Symptoms, including migraines, gastrointestinal issues and asthma, can last for five hours. A sting may leave red blotches on the site. Allergies to these stings have been documented, and stings should be watched for any potential anaphylactic reaction. Management of Stings TOP: Saddleback caterpillar, John A. Weidhass, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org To relieve pain, antihistamines should be taken and a BOTTOM: Adult saddleback moth, Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn cold compress applied. Remove urticating hairs and spines University, Bugwood.org using adhesive tape. Wash the stung area with soap and water or a sterilizing agent and allow to air dry.
    [Show full text]
  • Scarab Beetles in Human Culture
    Coleopterists Society Monograph Number 5:85–101. 2006. SCARAB BEETLES IN HUMAN CULTURE BRETT C. RATCLIFFE Systematics Research Collections University of Nebraska Lincoln, NE 68588-0514, U.S.A. [email protected] Abstract The use of scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) by primarily pre- and non-industrial peoples throughout the world is reviewed. These uses consist of (1) religion and folklore, (2) folk medicine, (3) food, and (4) regalia and body ornamentation. The use of scarabs in religion or cosmology, once widespread in ancient Egypt, exists only rarely today in other cultures. Scarabs have a minor role in folk medicine today although they may have been more important in the past. The predominant utilization of these beetles today, and probably in the past as well, is as food with emphasis on the larval stage. Lastly, particularly large or brightly colored scarabs (or their parts) are used (mostly in the New World) to adorn the body or as regalia. If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in the common hours.—Thoreau This paper is warmly dedicated to Henry Howden in celebration of his many long years of dedicated field work in the Neotropics and the many fine paperson scarab systematics that flowed from his exploration and research. Henry’s illustrious career has added immeasurably to our knowledge of all things scarabaeoid. His students and colleagues have all benefited from his mentoring, advice, and wealth of knowledge. For many decades, he has been considered Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • PRÓ ARAUCÁRIA ONLINE Araucaria Beetles Worldwide
    PRÓ ARAUCÁRIA ONLINE www.pro-araucaria-online.com ISSN 1619-635X Araucaria beetles worldwide: evolution and host adaptations of a multi-genus phytophagous guild of disjunct Gondwana- derived biogeographic occurrence Roland Mecke1, Christian Mille2, Wolf Engels1 1 Zoological Institute, University of Tübingen, Germany 2 Institut Agronomique Néo-Calédonien, Station de Recherches Fruitières de Pocquereux, La Foa Nouvelle-Calédonie Corresponding author: Roland Mecke E-mail: [email protected] Pró Araucária Online 1: 1-18 (2005) Received May 9, 2005 Accepted July 5, 2005 Published September 6, 2005 Abstract Araucaria trees occur widely disjunct in the biogeographic regions Oceania and Neotropis. Of the associated entomofauna phytophagous beetles (Coleoptera) of various taxonomic groups adapted their life history to this ancient host tree. This occurred either already before the late Gondwanian interruption of the previously joint Araucaria distribution or only later in the already geographically separated populations. A bibliographic survey of the eastern and western coleopterans recorded on Araucaria trees resulted in well over 200 species belonging to 17 families. These studies include records of beetles living on 12 of the 19 extant Araucaria species. Their occurrence and adaptations to the host trees are discussed under aspects of evolution and co- speciation. Keywords: Araucaria, Coleoptera, synopsis, evolution, co-speciation, South America, Oceania Pró Araucária Online 1: 1-18 (2005) www.pro-araucaria-online.com R Mecke, C Mille, W Engels Zusammenfassung Araukarienbäume kommen in den disjunkten biogeographischen Regionen Ozeanien und Neotropis vor. Von der mit diesen Bäumen vergesellschafteten Entomofauna haben sich phytophage Käfer (Coleoptera) unterschiedlicher taxonomischer Gruppen in ihrer Lebensweise an diese altertümlichen Bäume angepasst.
    [Show full text]
  • The Beetle Fauna of Dominica, Lesser Antilles (Insecta: Coleoptera): Diversity and Distribution
    INSECTA MUNDI, Vol. 20, No. 3-4, September-December, 2006 165 The beetle fauna of Dominica, Lesser Antilles (Insecta: Coleoptera): Diversity and distribution Stewart B. Peck Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada stewart_peck@carleton. ca Abstract. The beetle fauna of the island of Dominica is summarized. It is presently known to contain 269 genera, and 361 species (in 42 families), of which 347 are named at a species level. Of these, 62 species are endemic to the island. The other naturally occurring species number 262, and another 23 species are of such wide distribution that they have probably been accidentally introduced and distributed, at least in part, by human activities. Undoubtedly, the actual numbers of species on Dominica are many times higher than now reported. This highlights the poor level of knowledge of the beetles of Dominica and the Lesser Antilles in general. Of the species known to occur elsewhere, the largest numbers are shared with neighboring Guadeloupe (201), and then with South America (126), Puerto Rico (113), Cuba (107), and Mexico-Central America (108). The Antillean island chain probably represents the main avenue of natural overwater dispersal via intermediate stepping-stone islands. The distributional patterns of the species shared with Dominica and elsewhere in the Caribbean suggest stages in a dynamic taxon cycle of species origin, range expansion, distribution contraction, and re-speciation. Introduction windward (eastern) side (with an average of 250 mm of rain annually). Rainfall is heavy and varies season- The islands of the West Indies are increasingly ally, with the dry season from mid-January to mid- recognized as a hotspot for species biodiversity June and the rainy season from mid-June to mid- (Myers et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Investigations of Rhinoceros Beetles in West Africa'
    Investigations of Rhinoceros Beetles In West Africa' CHARLES P. HOYT2 IN APRIL, 1959, the author was sent by the During the dry season in Sierra Leone and in South Pacific Commission to the countries of parts of Nigeria, it is the practice to burn off Sierra Leone and Nigeria, West Africa, to con­ the bush to clear the land for planting. The oil duct an investigation of the natural enemies of palms in these areas are usually not affected by the various species of Oryctes (Coleoptera, the fires, and the larvae .of Oryctes and other Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae) occurring there. The beetles within the standing rotten trunks are object of this study was to find and introduce not harmed. to the islands of the South Pacific suitable para­ The low-lying land of the southern part of sites and predators of these beetles in order to eastern Nigeria is divided by numerous slow­ establish a biological control over the introduced moving streams which give rise to large swampy Oryctes rhinoceros Linn. which has become a areas as they wind their way towards the sea. serious pest of coconut palms in the area. Because of this and the heavy rainfall, extensive In Sierra Leone and Nigeria, coconut palms burning is not possible. In the swamps are dense are confined mostly to village sites; the groves stands of Raphia palms which flower and die, are from 15 to 50 palms, depending on the size providing a continuous supply of breeding sites of the village. Because of this, nearly all the for Oryctes. The higher ground between the work was carried out on oil palms (Elaeis gui­ streams and swamps supports large stands of oil neensis Jacq.) which, together with the Raphia palms, both cultivated and wild, from which palms of the swamps, are the most important come the main export of the area in the form hosts of the species of Oryctes found.
    [Show full text]
  • Insights Into the Karyotype Evolution and Speciation of the Beetle Euchroma Gigantea (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
    Chromosome Res (2018) 26:163–178 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10577-018-9576-1 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Insights into the karyotype evolution and speciation of the beetle Euchroma gigantea (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Crislaine Xavier & Rógean Vinícius Santos Soares & Igor Costa Amorim & Diogo Cavalcanti Cabral-de-Mello & Rita de Cássia de Moura Received: 28 December 2017 /Revised: 10 February 2018 /Accepted: 13 February 2018 /Published online: 9 March 2018 # Springer Science+Business Media B.V., part of Springer Nature 2018 Abstract Euchroma Dejean, 1833 (Buprestidae: Cole- ones), and high dispersion of histone genes in different optera) is a monotypic genus comprising the species karyotypes. These data indicate that chromosomal poly- Euchroma gigantea, with populations presenting a degree morphism in E. gigantea is greater than previously report- of karyotypic variation/polymorphism rarely found within ed, and that the species can be a valuable model for a single taxonomic (specific) unit, as well as drastically cytogenetic studies. The COI phylogenetic and haplotype incompatible meiotic configurations in populations from analyses highlighted the formation of three groups with extremes of the species range. To better understand the chromosomally polymorphic individuals. Finally, we complex karyotypic evolution of E. gigantea, the karyo- compared the different karyotypes and proposed a model types of specimens from five populations in Brazil were for the chromosomal evolution of this species. The species investigated using molecular cytogenetics and phyloge- E. gigantea includes at least three cytogenetically poly- netic approaches. Herein, we used FISH with histone morphic lineages. Moreover, in each of these lineages, genes as well as sequencing of the COI to determine different chromosomal rearrangements have been fixed.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Species of the Endemic Genus Hemicyrthus Reiche (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from New Caledonia, with a Revised Key
    Zootaxa 4048 (2): 281–290 ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition) www.mapress.com/zootaxa/ Article ZOOTAXA Copyright © 2015 Magnolia Press ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition) http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4048.2.8 http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:40E16FF1-4601-4805-8179-A4C776C2BABA A new species of the endemic genus Hemicyrthus Reiche (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from New Caledonia, with a revised key FRANK-THORSTEN KRELL1 & JÖRN THEUERKAUF2 1Department of Zoology, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO 80205-5798, United States of America. E-mail: [email protected] 2Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warsaw, Poland. E-mail: [email protected] Abstract Hemicyrthus blaffarti new species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from the Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue in southern New Caledonia is described. It differs from the most similar species, H. elongatus, by the completely and sharply margined pronotal base, the presence of elytral micropunctures, shorter apical setae of the mesotibiae and meta- tibiae, and a different shape of the parameres. For the first time, a sexually dimorphic character is described in this genus: the median emargination of the last sternite has a developed margin in males, but not in females. A revised key for all Hemicyrthus species is given. Hemicyrthus as a genus of short-range endemics, and its biogeographical relationships are briefly discussed. Key words: rhinoceros beetle, short-range endemics, Madagascar, Hexodontini, Oryctoderini Introduction New Caledonia is one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots on earth as identified by Myers et al. (2000).
    [Show full text]
  • Synopsis and Key to the Genera of Dynastinae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea, Scarabaeidae) of Colombia
    A peer-reviewed open-access journal ZooKeys 34: 153–192 (2010)Synopsis and key to the genera of Dynastinae of Colombia 153 doi: 10.3897/zookeys.34.309 RESEARCH ARTICLE www.pensoftonline.net/zookeys Launched to accelerate biodiversity research Synopsis and key to the genera of Dynastinae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea, Scarabaeidae) of Colombia Héctor Jaime Gasca-Álvarez1, Germán Amat-García2 1 Corporación Sentido Natural; Calle 134 A No. 14–44 Bogotá, D. C., Colombia 2 Insects of Colombia Research Group, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Apartado 7495, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia Corresponding authors: Héctor Jaime Gasca-Álvarez ([email protected]), Germán Amat-García ([email protected]) Academic editor: Brett Ratcliff e | Received 30 October 2009 | Accepted 28 November 2009 | Published 28 January 2010 Citation: Gasca-Álvarez HJ, Amat-García G (2010) Synopsis and key to the genera of dynastinae (Coleoptera, Scaraba- eoidea, Scarabaeidae) of Colombia. In: Ratcliff e B, Krell F-T (Eds) Current advances in Scarabaeoidea research. ZooKeys 34: 153–192. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.34.309 Abstract An illustrated key to identify the adults at the generic level of Dynastinae known from Colombia is pro- vided. A synopsis for each genus is given with updated information on the diversity and distribution of species in Colombia and worldwide. Keywords Illustrated key, Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae, Colombia, Biodiversity. Introduction Th e subfamily Dynastinae is a cosmopolitan group of beetles widely distributed in most biogeographical regions of the world (except in the polar regions), and the major- ity of species are distributed in the tropics, especially in the Neotropics. Th ere are ap- proximately 220 genera and 1500 species within the Dynastinae world wide (Ratcliff e 2003).
    [Show full text]
  • Wax, Wings, and Swarms: Insects and Their Products As Art Media
    Wax, Wings, and Swarms: Insects and their Products as Art Media Barrett Anthony Klein Pupating Lab Biology Department, University of Wisconsin—La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601 email: [email protected] When citing this paper, please use the following: Klein BA. Submitted. Wax, Wings, and Swarms: Insects and their Products as Art Media. Annu. Rev. Entom. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-020821-060803 Keywords art, cochineal, cultural entomology, ethnoentomology, insect media art, silk 1 Abstract Every facet of human culture is in some way affected by our abundant, diverse insect neighbors. Our relationship with insects has been on display throughout the history of art, sometimes explicitly, but frequently in inconspicuous ways. This is because artists can depict insects overtly, but they can also allude to insects conceptually, or use insect products in a purely utilitarian manner. Insects themselves can serve as art media, and artists have explored or exploited insects for their products (silk, wax, honey, propolis, carmine, shellac, nest paper), body parts (e.g., wings), and whole bodies (dead, alive, individually, or as collectives). This review surveys insects and their products used as media in the visual arts, and considers the untapped potential for artistic exploration of media derived from insects. The history, value, and ethics of “insect media art” are topics relevant at a time when the natural world is at unprecedented risk. INTRODUCTION The value of studying cultural entomology and insect art No review of human culture would be complete without art, and no review of art would be complete without the inclusion of insects. Cultural entomology, a field of study formalized in 1980 (43), and ambitiously reviewed 35 years ago by Charles Hogue (44), clearly illustrates that artists have an inordinate fondness for insects.
    [Show full text]
  • Sti Gi G Caterpillars
    f£.B 1 8 \tjf 1 (j L-1312 STI GI G CATERPILLARS Weldon H. Newton Former Extension Entomologist Texas residents frequently encounter a fuzzy or develop gradually over a period of a few weeks, spiny caterpillar which inflicts a painful "sting" upon shedding their skins at intervals to allow for growth contact. Reaction to the sting ranges from mild, with to about I-inch long when mature. Their color gradu­ local reddening, swelling and itching to rather severe, ally changes with each molt from whitish to tan to which occasionally requires hospital care for unusu­ grayish, with darker markings when mature. Inter­ ally sensitive persons. Hypersensitive persons may ex­ spersed among the long body hairs are numerous perience severe swelling, nausea and generalized sys­ short spines which discharge venom upon contact. temic reactions. When viewed from above, the puss caterpillar's head, true legs and abdominal prolegs are obscured beneath Several kinds of stinging caterpillars occur in the body. Texas, but the most common are the puss caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis), the io moth (Automeris io), the saddleback caterpillar (Sibine stimulea), the buck moth (Hemileuca maia) and the hag moth (Phobetron pithecium). These caterpillars are the immature stages of various moths and do not have a "stinger" such as a wasp or bee. Instead, their venom is contained in glands which bear rather stiff, hollow spines through which it flows upon contact or break­ age of the spines. The caterpillars feed upon the foliage of many plants, including trees, shrubs and Figure 1. Drawing of puss caterpillar with enlarged flowers.
    [Show full text]
  • Saddleback Caterpillar
    Pest Profile Photo credit: Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.org (Larva) Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn University, Bugwood.org (Adult) Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License Common Name: Saddleback Caterpillar Scientific Name: Acharia stimulea Order and Family: Lepidoptera; Limacodidae Size and Appearance: Length (mm) Appearance Egg Length: 1.5-2 mm - Laid on the upper side of host leaves in irregular Width: 1 mm clusters of 30-50 eggs - Transparent and yellow in color with thin edges Larva/Nymph - Have a slug-like body with a granulated texture - Prolegs are concealed under the ventral surface - Brightly colored, denoting toxicity - Dark brown on both ends with a contrasting bright green pattern on the dorsal midsection that is 1.2-20 mm outlined in white, giving it the appearance of a saddle - Have large fleshy tubercles covered in long setae and spines that extend from both ends - Have three cream colored spots on the posterior end that imitate a large face Adult - Glossy dark brown with black shading - Have dense scales on body and wings, giving it a “furry” appearance Wingspan: 26-43 mm - Have a single white dot near the base of the forewing with 1-3 additional white dots near the apex - Hindwings are a light brown Pupa (if applicable) ~10 mm - A hard, silken cocoon Type of feeder (Chewing, sucking, etc.): Larvae have chewing mouthparts while adults have siphoning mouthparts. Host plant/s: Maple tree, Hackberry, pecan, spicebush, crape myrtle, chestnut tree Description of Damage: Caterpillars feed on plant leaves but most of their damage comes from unintentional contact with humans.
    [Show full text]