Ades albopictus is a container-dwelling, Asian mosquito that has spread rapidly throughout the Eastern U.S. since its introduction in about 1985. We conducted a laboratory experiment investigating effects of temperature and precipitation regime over the entire life cycle of A. albopictus. High temperature combined with dry conditions significantly reduced adult production, but high temperature in the absence of dry conditions yielded greatest production of adults. These precipitation effects on adult production were absent at low temperature 

Eastern subterranean termites Reciculitermes flavipes were collected from Alachua County, Florida and were tested for the presence of Wolbachia and microsporidia using standard laboratory protocols. Results indicate that Reciculitermes flavipes are hosts to both Wolbachia and microsporidia and suggest some termite embryos may undergo developmental mutations. 

Surveys were conducted among three groups of people to determine their attitude towards pests and pesticides in and around the home. The three target groups included new mothers, senior citizens, and college age students. Fears of pests and pesticides were ranked according to perceived danger to the home or its occupants. 

This study assessed the acceptability of a bait matrix by lubber grasshoppers. Wheat bran is a significantly more suitable bait matrix of lubber grasshoppers when compared to oats and other grains. Wheat bran, when combined with corn oil shows a significant feeding response when compared to other oils. Banana flavor when added to wheat bran also showed a significant feeding response when compared to other flavors/scents. The preferred bait matrix, when compared to banana flavor, corn oil, and the combination, was wheat bran with corn oil as the attractant/feeding stimulant. The wheat bran/corn oil bait matrix was further tested against vegetation to determine the effectiveness of the matrix. 

Insects were collected from food handling/processing facilities on the University of Florida campus. Assays were conducted to determine the percentage of Salmonella spp. And Escherichia coli bacteria present in association with the insects. Both species of bacteria were extracted from 10 species of insects. These results indicate that potential food poisoning bacteria are carried by insects that inhabit food handling facilities and may result in contamination of food products. 

Six dogs were trained with live termites and two dogs trained with termite pseudoscent. These dogs were evaluated in their ability to differentiate between live termites, termite pseudoscent, termite damaged wood, P. americana, and C. floridanus. Dogs trained using live termites were compared to dogs trained using termite pseudoscent in their ability to differentiate between live termites and termite damaged wood. 

The development and reproduction of the ectoparasitic wasp Larra bicolor was characterized under constant temperatures at 17.5, 20.0, 22.5, 25.0, 27.5, 30.0 and 32.0EC, respectively. As typical in insects, an inverse relationship was found between developmental time and temperature; egg to adult duration decreased from 110d at 22.5EC to 47d at 30EC. No development completed was observed at 17.5 and 20.0EC. A good linear model fit (R_ =0.93) between development rate (y) and temperature (x) was estimated for total development of L. bicolor, with a lower developmental threshold of 17.6EC. Fecundity, egg viability and oviposition period of L. bicolor was estimated at 25EC and corresponding population reproductive statistics (Ro, Tc, rc and 8) were estimated. Age-specific fertility life tables and survivorship curves were calculated for all cohorts where development occurred. 

A contact bioassay was conducted to examine the efficacy of a soil termiticide, thiamethoxam, on subterranean termites. The results show that termite penetration into sand treated with thiamethoxam at 10ppm was significantly reduced. 

The feeding response of a wild colony of Reticulitermes flavipes to four saprobic fungi found in association with Pinus sp. termite monitors was measured and recorded. Consumption was determined by calculating the surface area consumed with the assistance of image analysis software. These data were then analyzed with the student's t-test. Increased consumption was found to be significant with Cladosporium and Cercospora species. Decreased consumption was found to be significant with Penicillium and Trichoderma species. 

The mayfly fauna for the state of Tennessee is presented, with 143 species in 43 genera and 15 families. Unpublished collection records now bring the total to 157 species in 45 genera. More surveys for the state are necessary due to the fact that only 17 counties (18%) have records of more than 10 species, 48 counties (51%) have less than 10 species and 30 counties (31%) have no records for mayflies at all. Overall, mayfly diversity in Tennessee is only second to North Carolina (182 species) and the composition more similar to that of Virginia and North Carolina than that of other southeastern states. Surveys in the central portion of the state have revealed the presence of several endemic species from the Central Basin portion of the Interior Low Plateau physiogeographic region. 

Cuticular and total body lipids of castes of the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, were extracted and analyzed. Lipid content and a standard soybean oil calibration curve were determined calorimetrically with a Perkin-Elmer 6 split beam spectrophotometer. Termite nymphs contained the highest amount of total body lipids, and soldiers contained the highest amount of cuticular lipids. 

An informal survey of teachers in Alachua County indicated that many teachers would be open to including more insect-related lessons and activities in their classrooms but did not feel they had enough time with FCAT testing, Sunshine State Standards, and Benchmarks. Therefore, the key to getting teachers to use more insects in their curriculum is to help them learn how to use insects as teaching tools to meet the state requirements. 

The eastern subterranean termite was bioassayed at time 0, 5 months, and 10 months in termiticide-treated soil samples of pH 6, 7, 8, and 9. Soil samples were treated with one of six currently registered termiticides.

Initial tests at time 0 with termiticide-treated soil of different pH's all resulted in 100% mortality of termites confined on soil for 24h. After 5 and 10 months of keeping the soil moist and performing similar bioassays, I found that as pH of soil increased from 6 to 9, termite mortality significantly decreased for termites confined on treated soil. 

Belostoma lutarium is a common, mid-trophic level predator in freshwater communities. I used Scanning Electron Microscopy and standard histological techniques to describe the feeding apparatus of B. lutarium. Furthermore, I conducted behavioral trials with B. lutarium and four common prey species; tadpoles (Bufo woodhousei), freshwater shrimp (Paleomenedes sp.) mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), and a freshwater snail (Cyclopedian sp.) 

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between network size and termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) workers density. We evaluated the total tunnel network, tunnel length maintained per worker termite, and the relationship of termite survival in relation to tunnel distance. These results suggest that at low densities, the increased tunneling required of each termite may be a cause of higher mortality. 

The relative abundance of mites was compared across young leaves, healthy mature leaves, and mature leaves damaged by the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella. Leaf samples were taken weekly from February 2 to April 13, 2001 in an unsprayed grove of 'Red Ruby' grapefruit at the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, Florida. Tydeid mites and the spider mites Eutetranychus banksi and Eotetranychus sexmaculatus were significantly more abundant on mined leaves. Phytoseiid and stigmaeid predatory mites were more abundant on mature leaves than on young leaves, but the phytoseiids were 2 to 5 times more abundant on mature leaves with mines than on mature leaves without mines. 

Megalopyge opercularis (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae) is reported for the first time as a pest of plantain, Musa AAB cv. Hartón in Venezuela. As part of an ongoing survey of the lepidopterous pests attacking plantain, we have monitored thirty-one (31) plantain groves since 1995. M. opercularis was identified by Dr. Michael G. Pogue from the Systematic Entomology Laboratory, USDA. Larvae of M. opercularis were found in 4 of the 31 plantain groves, or 16%. Should the species become economically important their presence may cause additional sprays with insecticide. 

Infestations of Florida red scale (FRS), Chrysomphalus aonidum, increased significantly in some citrus orchards in Hidalgo Co., Texas. Augmentative releases of a parasite, Aphytis holoxanthus and a predator, Chilocoris stigma, were conducted to re-establish biological control of FRS. Laboratory feeding studies showed that individual adult ladybeetle, C. stigma, consumes up to 50 FRS crawlers (1st stage of larvae) per day. Current emphasis is on collection of A. holoxanthus and C. stigma and redistribution into other orchards infested with FRS. 

The pathogenicity of an Iridovirus was examined in the brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy). This is the first report of a pathogenic virus in brown citrus aphids. Virus acquisition through oral ingestion, via artificial membrane feeding was demonstrated. Evidence of vertical, transovarial transmission, was confirmed by PCR analysis of virus infected nymphs. Virus-fed aphids showed increased mortality and reduced fecundity. The role of entomopathogenic viruses in aphid management needs to be explored. 

The native strain Bacillus thuringiensis GM34, showed high toxicity against larvae of Diatraea saccharalis, this strain was formulated at 3, 7, 10% as granular sprayable formulations using modified cornstarch and gelatin and feeding stimulant such as sugarcane bagasse. Toxicity evaluation in the laboratory showed LC50 of 33.21 µg/ml. Sprayable formulation at 3% showed the highest morality of 97.22%. PCR analysis revealed the presence of cry1 A(a) and cry1 A(b) genes in this strain. 

Field and microcosm studies of the efficacy of Steinernema riobrave and Heterorhabditis indica against larvae of Diaprepes abbreviatus in various representative soils from citrus groves in central Florida are reported. Greater efficacy in sandy soils versus sandy clay loam soils was found, with rates as high as 108 ijs/cm2 failing to reduce larval populations in some soils. The experiments suggest that key edaphic factors have an important influence on nematode efficacy in the field. 

Predation on first instar Diaprepes abbreviatus L. larvae (i.e., neonates) on the soil surface was assessed in three citrus groves in central Florida. Predation occurred in 104 of 199 replicates (52.3%) with 475 of 3980 larvae being preyed upon (11.9%). A single neonate was taken by an Hemipteran (Geocoris floridanus Blatchley) whereas the remainder were taken by ants. Solenopsis invicta Buren (the red imported fire ant) and Pheidole moerens Wheeler were the most active predators and took 29.5% and 27.8% of the neonates. 

The silky cane weevil, Metamasius hemipterus sericeus was first reported in Dade County, Florida in 1984. In Florida, M. h. sericeus is an important pest of sugarcane, palms and other tropical plants. After pairing males and females, it took an average of 27.0 days for females to begin oviposition. The oviposition period lasted 56.8 days. Females lived 142.3 days and laid 51.6 eggs. Mean egg production during the oviposition period was 1.1 eggs/day. 

Field experiments and field surveys were conducted in South America to assess the risk of Gratiana boliviana, a potential biocontrol agent for tropical soda apple. There was no feeding or development by G. boliviana on eggplants (choice and no-choice tests). Surveys conducted on organically grown eggplant fields confirmed that eggplant is not a host of this insect. We concluded that G. boliviana is safe to release for biocontrol of TSA in the USA. 

Four growers previously on pesticide only programs were switched to integrated pest mite and disease control programs (IPDM). The goal was to develop and validate effective monitoring procedures and optimize establishment of beneficial mite populations. Effective disease control was essential while minimizing control of pest mites. Pest and beneficial mite densities and greasy spot control were compared between pesticide only blocks and the IPDM blocks with each grower. Results for the first year are reported. 

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, includes two morphologically similar strains. One feeds primarily on corn, the other feeds on rice and Bermudagrass. To distinguish between these strains, differences in mitochondrial DNA restriction digest banding patterns were examined. Both strains were discovered in different crop areas of Florida. 

The seasonal distribution and abundance of the Glassy-winged sharpshooter Homalodisca coagulata was studied in Monticello, Florida during the summers of 2000 and 2001. Adults' feeding and oviposition preferences were also monitored on 10 different native and cultivated plants. There were two shooter summer generations with peak oviposition periods in early June and in late July. Parasitism by Gonatocerus ashmeadi and Gonotocerus morrilli on egg masses steadily increased from zero to about 95% late in July and August. 

We pitfall-trapped mole crickets (Scapteriscus vicinus Scudder) at two sites in Gainesville in 1999 and 2000 to determine proportion parasitism by the ectoparasitoid wasp Larra bicolor Fabricius. Combining the data for two seasons, we found 25.3% of 190 mole crickets at one site and 20.0% of 180 at the other to be parasitized, with no significant effect of pronotal size. Because of continuous overlapping of parasitoid generations during the single generation of mole crickets, this corresponds to a generational mortality of about 75%. 

The larvae of the palm leaf skeletonizer, Homaledra sabalella, feed on the abaxial surface of palm fronds, leaving large patches of damaged tissue. The main host of this species is Sabal palmetto (Palmae). Both the insect and its palm host are native to Florida and other southeastern states. Natural enemies of this insect were identified in the 1920s, but there have been no studies of this insect since then. In October 2000, an infestation of H. sabalella was found near San Diego, California, and it is predicted that the insect will spread in California. Palms are important in California as ornamentals, and as crop trees in the date-growing region (Coachella Valley). In Florida, H. sabalella is under natural control. As a part of efforts to develop biological control for this insect in California, in May 2001 we initiated a survey in Florida in co-operation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to identify natural enemies of H. sabalella. Data on H. sabalella and the natural enemies that have been identified thus far will be presented. 

Flight tunnel bioassays were used to test response of unmated female, unmated male and mated female Caribbean fruit flies to volatile chemicals from single or multiple calling males. Concurrently, volatile chemical collections were obtained from samples of single and multiple males from the same cohorts as those used in the bioassays. Results from these studies will be used to better understand the chemical ecology and these pest fruit flies. 

The University of Florida provides opportunities for students to obtain degrees in a number of fields at some of the Research and Education Centers located throughout the state. At the Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, courses leading to a degree in landscape and nursery management were initiated in Fall 2000. Students can earn bachelor of science degrees via distance education in south Florida in horticulture, entomology and turfgrass management as well as master's degrees in agricultural education and communication and agribusiness management. 

A website, www.pestalert.org, has been developed to provide information about plant pest developments threatening our agriculture and ecosystems. The North American Plant Protection Organization's (NAPPO) Phytosanitary
Alert System contains alerts about significant and emerging pest situations posing danger to our continent. The alerts were designed to help focus detection efforts at ports of entry, as well as provide useful images and
resource links of interest to the entire plant protection community.  The website contains detailed alerts and news summaries, and encompasses arthropods, pathogens, weeds and mollusks, as well as unique pathways for entry.

Southern chinch bugs (SCB) are the most important insect pest of St. Augustine grass in Florida. Two methods (potted plants and PVC rings) are shown to be useful in determining efficacy of insecticides for SCB control. 

A robust infestation of Nasutitermes costalis (Isoptera: Termitidae) was discovered in Eastern Broward County, Florida, in May 2001 and represents the first record of an exotic species of higher termite becoming established in the United States. Nasutitermes costalis is an aerial nester and wood feeder that has an endemic range across the Greater Antilles to South America. 

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine if toxic levels of sulfluramid are passed amongst Reticulitermes flavipes workers. Results of studies indicate when selected workers are fed sulfluramid treated bait matrix and then exposed to unfed colony members mortality of the remaining colony members is observed. These studies indicate eastern subterranean termite workers do pass sulfluramid to colony members via trophallaxis. 

Tunneling activity of subterranean termites in response to moisture was studied using laboratory foraging arena. Termites generally tunnel more in sand with higher moisture. 

Premise Insecticide was the first product to undergo the rigors of "real world" testing in an experimental use program now common place in termiticide development. After seven years, the long-term performance of Premise has proven itself on more than 100 structures across the U.S. This paper will update the attendees on the results through 2000 in the project, which was last updated in 1996. 

Positive responses of male anobiid, Ptilinus basalis, antennae to crude extracts from P. basalis ovipositors, volatiles from live females, and a stegobinone standard were recorded using gas chromatography-electroantennal detection. Active material eluted from a silica column produced a definite antennal response. Retention times of the standard, volatile collections and active material were the same. The active material and standard had similar mass spectra. We believe that stegobinone is the sex pheromone of P. basalis. 

Sugars (Sucrose, Fructose, Glucose, and Maltose) were offered in aqueous solutions at various concentrations in binary choice tests to white-footed ants (Technomyrmex albipes) trailing on a building. Commercial ant baits without active ingredients and  artificial nectars and honeydews were also tested against the sugars. Results from these studies will be used to establish improved control methods for this important pest ant. 

Imported fire ant baits often utilize vegetable oil as the attractant and diluent for their active ingredients. Fire ant baits stored in unsealed containers, and thus exposed to air, resulted in rancid odors and reductions in ant foraging to the baits and bait efficacy. 

A small, undescribed weevil that feeds on amaryllis plants has been known in Florida for at least ten years. Currently, it is found throughout Florida and into New Orleans. Although literature about this weevil is lacking, we have gathered some information regarding its biology and damage. Adults live about 3 months, and females oviposit within the leaf tissue, near the thickened leaf base. Eggs hatch within 5 days and larvae feed within the bulb. 

A Polythetic, Constraint-based PEST DIagnosis System is described. The system provides assistance to users to identify the most common arthropod pests occurring in the tropics of México. The system is composed of relational databases, a diagnosis module and a visual interface. Pests, crops and control methods conform the underlying data storage model. The inference module is based on constrained relationships between morphological features and damage evidence. The system is in the developmental stage. 

Monoclonal antibody-based immunoserological assays (ELISA) were developed to quantitate the yolk protein (vitellin) content of individual Orius insidiosus. The ELISA detects very low quantities (250 pg/insect) of vitellin, allowing quantification of response of a female to diet and other rearing conditions. Methods were developed to extract and sample individuals, and used to study response to diets over time after feeding. The assay will be used to support diet development and quality control during rearing. 

Data is presented on the relative abundance of the coccinellid Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant) in Florida citrus, before and after invasion of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorini citri Kuwayama. Olla v-nigrum, a relatively rare species prior to the invasion of D. citri, is now a dominant species in citrus groves throughout Florida where the psyllid is present, but remains rare in regions where D. citri is absent. The strong numerical response of this native ladybeetle to D. citri populations indicates that it is assuming a key role in biological control of the psyllid. 

A kaolin-based particle film (Surround® WP) has been shown to deter feeding and oviposition by the Diaprepes root weevil. Field trails at Ft. Pierce, FL, are documenting efficacy, weathering, tree response, and non-target effects. To date, secondary pest resurgence has not been observed.
Young trees sprayed over a two year period have grown 25 - 40% more than unsprayed trees as measured by tree height and stem diameter. 

A newly developed acoustic system for detection of subterranean insects was tested in two University of Puerto Rico Experiment Station orange groves routinely monitored for presence of adult Diaprepes abbreviatus. The acoustic tests suggested that larvae were currently active at Isabela but not at Adjuntas. Inspection of the root systems of several trees at both sites confirmed visual impressions that adult emergence was well under way at Adjuntas but just beginning at Isabela. 

The weevil Oxyops vitiosa is an Australian species imported to Florida, USA for the biological control of the invasive species Melaleuca quinquenervia. The larvae of this species feed on the leaves of their host and produce a shiny orange secretion that covers their integument. When this secretion is applied at physiological concentrations to a dog food bait, fire ant consumption and visitation are significantly reduced. Analysis indicates that the larval secretion resembles qualitatively and quantitatively the terpenoid composition of their host foliage. When the combination of the ten major terpenoids from the O. vitiosa secretion were similarly applied to dog food bait, fire ant consumption and visitation were reduced. When these ten terpenoids were similarly tested individually, the sesquiterpene viridiflorol was the most active component decreasing fire ant consumption. Fire ant visitation was initially decreased for dog food bait treated with viridiflorol, and the monoterpenes 1-8 cineole, and a-terpineol. Fire ants continued to avoid the bait treated with viridiflorol at 18 µg/mg dog food for up to 6 hrs after the initiation of the experiment. The concentrations of viridiflorol, 1-8 cineole, and a-terpineol in larval washes were about twice that of the host foliage suggesting that the larvae sequester these plant-derived compounds and obtain protection against generalist predators. 

Acephate was investigated as an insecticidal check to evaluate the impact of Oxyops vitiosa on Melaleuca quinquenervia. Saplings were treated with foliar sprays of four rates of acephate applied at three frequencies. Larvae were exposed to leaf residues 24 hours to 21 days post-spray. Differences in larval feeding and survival and various plant parameters were noted. 

I investigated E. utilis for possible control of Brazilian peppertree (BP) - a troublesome weed in south and central Florida - and found the following results: 1. When provided Gatorade®, adults showed an insignificant trend towards longer life spans and higher egg yields than those given ten percent honey water, deionized water, or an empty vial. 2. Biological parameters such as sizes and durations of each life stage were also determined. 3. Life tables, survival curves, lambdas, doubling times, and growth curves were also determined. 4. I determined how to successfully rear the moths. This information will hopefully aid in mass rearing and performing host-range tests of E. utilis. 

Fergusobia nematodes and Fergusonina flies are mutualist that cause galls on myrtaceous plant buds and young leaves. Galls of 14 different members of the gall complex were collected from Melaleuca, Eucalyptus, and Corumba from Queensland to South Australia into FAA and then paraffin sectioned. Gall morphology included uni- or multilocule chambers with hypertrophied cells and involved flower bud galls (4 spp.), shoot bud galls (8 spp.), flat leaf galls (2 spp.), and stem galls (sp.). 

Evaluating a weed biological control agent's geographic distribution and rate of spread are integral components of post release evaluations of introduced natural enemies. Herein we assessed the distribution and rate of spread of Oxyops vitiosa (Pascoe), a classical weed biological control agent of the Australian native tree Melaleuca quinquenervia Cav. (Blake). To date, O. vitiosa has been redistributed to 135 locations and has spread from release points at a rate of 0.99 (±0.28) km/yr, ranging from 0.10 to 2.78 km/yr. 

A newly described entomopathogenic virus recently discovered in south Florida whitefly populations was determined to be an Iridovirus by DNA analysis. Iridoviruses are known to be pathogenic to a wide range of insects including whiteflies. Since many biological agents are applied by foliar sprays we determined if this virus could be transmitted per os in whiteflies. If whiteflies could acquire the virus by oral ingestion then spray applications might prove to be a feasible method of control. 

The pathogenicity of an Iridovirus was examined in the brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy). This is the first report of a pathogenic virus in brown citrus aphids. Virus acquisition through oral ingestion, via artificial membrane feeding was demonstrated. Evidence of vertical, transovarial transmission, was confirmed by PCR analysis of virus infected nymphs. Virus-fed aphids showed increased mortality and reduced fecundity. The role of entomopathogenic viruses in aphid management needs to be explored. 

Stink bugs are major pests of many fruit, grain and nut crops. Most stink bug species are very vagile, feed on many different hosts and have multiple generations. The recent invention of a trap for adult Euschistus spp. has enabled some new research avenues for studying the behavior of these pests. Results using GIS/GPS to study Euschistus spp. population dynamics at a landscape scale will be presented. 

Two begomoviruses, tomato mottle virus (ToMo V) and tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) were evaluated for their ability to be transovarilly transmitted by the whitefly vector, Bemisia tabaci biotype B. Though TYLCV has been reported to be transovarilly transmitted, neither this virus nor tomato mottle virus were transmitted by progeny of viruliferous adults. TYLCV DNA was detected in several developmental stages (egg through third instar), though ToMo V was not. 

Pepper weevil (PW), Anthonomus eugenii Cano, is an important pest of pepper. In the laboratory, population abundance of PW was higher at 30EC than at 20Eand 25EC. Accordingly, innate capacity for natural increase was the highest and mean generation time was the lowest at 30EC. Pepper weevil oviposited all round the year with the lowest number during June to October. In the field, PW abundance was higher during Dec. to May; population decreased thereafter.