The Biology and economic Importance of Alomya debellator (F.), a remarkable Parasite of the Swift Moth, Hepialus lupulinus (L.)

1950 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewen Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Instar Larva ◽  
Systematic Position ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Full Account ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
First Instar ◽  
Diagnostic Characteristics ◽  
History Of

While investigating the biological control of certain Hepialids, a very interesting Ichneumonid parasite, Alomya debellator (F.) was reared from the pupae of the Swift Moth, Hepialus lupulinus (L.).The systematic position of this parasite has been thoroughly investigated and the members of the special sub-family, Metopiinae, to which it has been assigned, are characterised by the possession of only one trochanter on each foreleg. A. debellator is the sole representative of the tribe Alomyini.After extensive collecting, and a thorough search of the literature, the conclusion has been reached that the distribution of this parasite is fairly local, but its range in Great Britain and certain other European countries is wide. As a result of the present study H. lupulinus has been definitely proved to be the host of A. debellator.A fairly full account of the life-history of the parasite has been worked out, and amongst other things, a point of special interest is the arrest in development which occurs in the first-instar larva. Possible explanations of this phenomenon are discussed.The morphological and anatomical structure of the larva have been fully investigated and described, and useful diagnostic characteristics both for the primary and mature larval stages, have been discovered.The paper concludes with a discussion on the potential value of A. debellator as a factor in the control of H. lupulinus, and other allied species belonging to the genus Oncopera in Australia. It is maintained, on the evidence collected, that this parasite in some areas is probably the most important single factor of biological control. A note on the feeding habits of Hepialids, and a few remarks about the collecting of parasitised material are appended. Altogether some 7,000 specimens of H. lupulinus larvae and pupae many of which were parasitised by A. debellator were collected from the Willingham area of Cambridgeshire.

scholarly journals Curculio Curculis lupus: biology, behavior and morphology of immatures of the cannibal weevil Anchylorhynchus eriospathae G. G. Bondar, 1943

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno A S de Medeiros ◽  
Daniela C Bená ◽  
Sergio A Vanin
Keyword(s):  
Instar Larva ◽  
Adult Size ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
First Instar ◽  
History Of ◽  
Early Instar ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
The One ◽  
Plant Feeders ◽  
New Synonymy

Weevils are one of the largest groups of living organisms, with more than 60,000 species feeding mostly on plants. With only one exception, their described larvae are typical plant-feeders, with mouthparts adapted to chewing plant material. Here we describe the second case of a weevil with early-instar larvae adapted to killing conspecifics. We have studied the life history of Anchylorhynchus eriospathae G. G. Bondar, 1943, a species whose immatures feed internally on palm flowers and fruits. We provide detailed descriptions of all immature stages, including the extremely modified first-instar larva. Unlike other weevils and later instars, this stage exhibits a flat body with very long ventropedal lobe setae, a large and prognathous head with a gula, and falciform mandibles, each with a serrate retinaculum, that are used to fight with and eventually kill other first-instar larvae. We also provide biological notes on all stages and the results of behavioral tests that showed that larval aggression occurs only among early life stages. Finally we show that adult size is highly dependent on timing of oviposition. This specialized killer first instar probably evolved independently from the one other case known in weevils (in Revena rubiginosa). Interestingly, both lineages inhabit the same hosts, raising the possibility that both intra- and inter-specific competition shaped those phenotypes. Given the scarcity of knowledge on early larval stages of concealed insect herbivores, it is possible that our findings represent an instance of a much broader phenomenon. Our observations also allowed us to conclude that Anchylorhynchus eriospathae and A. hatschbachi G. G. Bondar, 1943 are actually the same species, which we synonymize here by considering the latter as a junior synonym (new synonymy).

scholarly journals Curculio Curculis lupus: biology, behavior and morphology of immatures of the cannibal weevil Anchylorhynchus eriospathae G. G. Bondar, 1943

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno A S de Medeiros ◽  
Daniela C Bená ◽  
Sergio A Vanin
Keyword(s):  
Instar Larva ◽  
Adult Size ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
First Instar ◽  
History Of ◽  
Early Instar ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
The One ◽  
Plant Feeders ◽  
New Synonymy

Weevils are one of the largest groups of living organisms, with more than 60,000 species feeding mostly on plants. With only one exception, their described larvae are typical plant-feeders, with mouthparts adapted to chewing plant material. Here we describe the second case of a weevil with early-instar larvae adapted to killing conspecifics. We have studied the life history of Anchylorhynchus eriospathae G. G. Bondar, 1943, a species whose immatures feed internally on palm flowers and fruits. We provide detailed descriptions of all immature stages, including the extremely modified first-instar larva. Unlike other weevils and later instars, this stage exhibits a flat body with very long ventropedal lobe setae, a large and prognathous head with a gula, and falciform mandibles, each with a serrate retinaculum, that are used to fight with and eventually kill other first-instar larvae. We also provide biological notes on all stages and the results of behavioral tests that showed that larval aggression occurs only among early life stages. Finally we show that adult size is highly dependent on timing of oviposition. This specialized killer first instar probably evolved independently from the one other case known in weevils (in Revena rubiginosa). Interestingly, both lineages inhabit the same hosts, raising the possibility that both intra- and inter-specific competition shaped those phenotypes. Given the scarcity of knowledge on early larval stages of concealed insect herbivores, it is possible that our findings represent an instance of a much broader phenomenon. Our observations also allowed us to conclude that Anchylorhynchus eriospathae and A. hatschbachi G. G. Bondar, 1943 are actually the same species, which we synonymize here by considering the latter as a junior synonym (new synonymy).

scholarly journals Observations on the predatory potential of Lutzia fuscana on Aedes aegypti larvae: implications for biological control (Diptera: Culicidae)

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Soujita Pramanik ◽  
Sampa Banerjee ◽  
Soumyajit Banerjee ◽  
Goutam K. Saha ◽  
Gautam Aditya
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Instar Larva ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
The Body ◽  
Larval Habitats ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Augmentative Release ◽  
Predatory Potential

Among the natural predators, larval stages of the mosquito <em>Lutzia fuscana (</em>Wiedemann, 1820) (Diptera: Culicidae) bear potential as a biological control agent of mosquitoes. An estimation of the predatory potential of the larva of <em>L. fuscana</em> against the larva of the dengue vector <em>Aedes aegypti</em> (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae) was made to highlight its use in vector management. Laboratory experiments revealed that the larva of<em> L</em>. <em>fuscana</em> consumes 19 to 24 <em>A. aegypti</em> larvae per day, during its tenure as IV instar larva. The consumption of <em>A. aegypti</em> larvae was proportionate to the body length (BL) and body weight (BW) of the predatory larva<em> L. fuscana</em> as depicted through the logistic regressions: y = 1 / (1 + exp(-(-2.09 + 0.35*BL))) and y = 1 / (1 + exp(-(0.4+ 0.06*BW))). While the prey consumption remained comparable among the days, the net weight gained by the <em>L</em>. <em>fuscana</em> larva showed a decreasing trend with the age. On the basis of the results, it is apparent that the larva of the mosquito <em>L. fuscana</em> can be used in the regulation of the mosquito <em>A. aegypti</em> through augmentative release, particularly, in the smaller mosquito larval habitats.

Biology and morphology of immature stages of Meteorus trachynotus Vier. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 1000-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Thireau ◽  
J. Régnière ◽  
C. Cloutier
Keyword(s):  
Average Duration ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Pupal Stage ◽  
Instar Larva ◽  
Immature Stages ◽  
Head Region ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
First Instar ◽  
Immature Development ◽  
First Time

The immature stages of Meteorus trachynotus Vier., developing in larvae of Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), are described. The egg of M. trachynotus is of the stalked type. There are three larval stages. The first instar has a caudal appendage which stops growing in the second instar and is lost when the larva exits from the host in the third instar. Only the first and third instars have sclerotized structures. The head region of the first instar bears a pair of hooklike appendages which are described for the first time. Cephalic sclerites of the last instar larva of other species of Meteorus are compared with those of M. trachynotus. The average duration of immature development at 23 °C was 18 days, the egg stage lasted 3 days, the first, second, and third instars lasted 5, 2.5, and 2.5 days, respectively, and the pupal stage lasted 5 days.

scholarly journals First Descriptions of Larva and Pupa of Bagous claudicans Boheman, 1845 (Curculionidae, Bagoinae) and Systematic Position of the Species Based on Molecular and Morphological Data

Insects ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 166
Author(s):  
Rafał Gosik ◽  
Miłosz A. Mazur ◽  
Natalia Sawka-Gądek
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Systematic Position ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Larval Morphology ◽  
Mature Larva ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
First Time ◽  
Specimen Identification ◽  
First Descriptions

In this paper, the mature larva and pupa of Bagous claudicans are described and illustrated for the first time. Measurements of younger larval instars are also given. The biology of the species is discussed in association with larval morphology and feeding habits. Overall larval and pupal morphological characters of the genus Bagous are presented. Confirmation of the larva identification as Bagous claudicans species was conducted by cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequencing. DNA barcoding was useful for specimen identification of larval stages. The systematic position of the species within the Bagous collignensis-group, based on morphological and molecular results, is also discussed.

OVARY STRUCTURE AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGIES OF LARVAL PARASITOIDS OF THE ALFALFA WEEVIL (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)

1978 ◽  
Vol 110 (5) ◽  
pp. 507-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Dowell
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Host Density ◽  
Instar Larva ◽  
Host Feeding ◽  
Reproductive Proteins ◽  
Alfalfa Weevil ◽  
Parasitic Hymenoptera ◽  
First Instar ◽  
Egg Storage

AbstractTwo manners in which parasitic Hymenoptera gather reproductive proteins are described. Hydropic species gather all protein necessary for reproduction as larvae. Only 5–10% of the material necessary to form a viable first instar larva is put into each egg; the remainder is gathered by the egg within the host. Egg storage is in the lateral oviducts, handling times are short and egg production is independent of host density. Three Bathyplectes spp. are examples of hydropic parasitoids. Anhydropic species gather some or all protein as adults, often by host feeding. All the material necessary for the formation of a viable first instar larva is stored within the egg. The eggs are held in the ovary until laid. Handling times are longer and continued egg production is dependent upon host density. Tetrastichus incertus (Ratzeburg) is an anhydropic parasitoid.Hydropic parasitoids appear best suited for biological control efforts in ephemeral situations (i.e. cotton or alfalfa). Anhydropic parasitoids appear best suited for biological control efforts in stable situations (i.e. citrus or walnuts).

Observations on the biology of Caraphractus cinctus Walker (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), a parasitoid of the eggs of Dytiscidae (Coleoptera). 2. Immature stages and seasonal history with a review of Mymarid larvae

Parasitology ◽  
1961 ◽  
Vol 51 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 269-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy J. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Single Cells ◽  
Instar Larva ◽  
Host Larva ◽  
Immature Stages ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
First Instar ◽  
Commonwealth Institute ◽  
Last Stage ◽  
Host Embryo ◽  
Seasonal History

The immature stages of Caraphractus cinctus Walker are described.Four larval stages have been observed which may correspond to three or four instars. In no stage have mandibles been observed.The first-instar larva is elongated and active. In the second-instar oral lobes are present. In the next stage the larva becomes shapeless and rather transparent. In the last stage the wall of the mid-gut shows conspicuous opaque spots which consist of single cells containing spherical concretions, probably the products of excretion.These concretions later become free in the gut of the pupa and are discharged in the meconium when the imago emerges from the host egg.The effects of parasitism on the host eggs of different ages is discussed. In newly laid host eggs all the contents are consumed by the parasitic larvae. In advanced eggs of Agabus the egg of Caraphractus is laid in the mid-gut of the host embryo where the parasitic larva develops, the hard parts of the host larva remaining intact. Parasitism in advanced eggs of Dytiscus is rarely successful.The larvae of other Mymaridae are discussed and their main features compared. The first-instar larva of Caraphractus does not correspond to any of the previously described types of mymarid larvae.The seasonal history is described, with the sequence of hosts parasitized throughout the year. From four to six generations of Caraphractus have been bred indoors during the year. The winter is passed as a diapausing prepupa. In some cases diapause may be prolonged. Fertility is high: 121 imagines have been bred from one female of Caraphractus.I have much pleasure in acknowledging my gratitude to the late Dr W. D. Hincks for his kindness in reading the typescript of this paper: the comments by such a well-known authority on Mymaridae have been most valuable. I am very grateful to Mr O. Bakkendorf for allowing me to reproduce several of his figures of Mymarid larvae from the valuable work he devoted to the biology of Danish hymenopterous egg-parasites. I am also grateful to Miss B. A. Trott of the Commonwealth Institute of Entomology for the help she has so kindly given me with references.

Taxonomic issues related to biological control prospects for the ragweed borer, Epiblema strenuana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4729 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-358
Author(s):  
TODD M. GILLIGAN ◽  
DONALD J. WRIGHT ◽  
RICHARD L. BROWN ◽  
BENNO A. AUGUSTINUS ◽  
URS SCHAFFNER
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Host Range ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Separate Species ◽  
Epiblema Strenuana ◽  
History Of

The ragweed borer, Epiblema strenuana (Walker, 1863), has a long history of use as a biological control agent against important weed pests in the family Asteraceae. Recently, E. strenuana has been reported feeding on the invasive perennials Ambrosia confertiflora and A. tenuifolia in Israel. The geographic location of Israel has raised concern over the possibility that the moth may spread to areas such as Ethiopia where the oil-seed crop Guizotia abyssinica is cultivated, as this is a potential host for E. strenuana. However, the taxonomic status of E. strenuana and a current synonym, E. minutana (Kearfott, 1905) is unclear. These taxa have been treated as separate species in the past, and they potentially have different feeding habits and damage different parts of the plant. We analyzed DNA data and adult morphology and determined that E. minutana, stat. rev., is a valid species which we raise from synonymy with E. strenuana. Wing coloration, the shape of the female sterigma, and COI DNA barcodes are consistently different between the two species. We also determined that the species previously identified as E. strenuana in Israel is actually E. minutana. While detailed host range tests have been conducted on the E. strenuana populations released in Australia and China, the host range of E. minutana remains to be clarified. We discuss the history of biological control using E. strenuana and the implications for finding E. minutana in Israel. We also provide species redescriptions for E. strenuana and E. minutana and illustrate diagnostic characters. 

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