A new species of pygmy mole cricket (Orthoptera: Tridactylidae) from the Lake Wales ridge of Florida and new records of Ellipes eisneri from the northern Brooksville ridge

Pygmy mole crickets (Orthoptera: Tridactylidae) are usually associated with the edges of ponds and streams, but in the sandy uplands of Florida, at least two lineages of these insects have evolved to live in xeric scrub and sandhill habitats. Very little work has been done with scrub tridactylids since they are tiny and often difficult to collect. In this paper, the pygmy mole cricket Ellipes deyrupisp. nov. is described from the northern Lake Wales Ridge of Florida. It is sympatric at all known locations with another scrub tridactylid, Neotridactylus archboldi Deyrup & Eisner, but has not been found co-occurring with the closely related Ellipes eisneri Deyrup. The habits of this new species are convergent with both N. archboldi and E. eisneri. In addition, new records of Ellipes eisneri are presented, extending this species’ known distribution to the Northern Brooksville Ridge. Both species of scrub Ellipes are found in restricted geographic ranges and suffer from a lack of study and recognition. Conservation implications for these two species are discussed.

Parasitic nematodes in potatoes of different varieties and their interrelations with some arthropods

Introduction. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is susceptible to infestation with an associated complex of different species of parasitic and saprophytic nematodes, bacteria, fungi, and arthropods, which diminish the quality of the product. Material and methods. 10 varieties of potatoes were investigated (Agata, Albastriu-mov, Bella rosa, Concorde, Desiree, Irga, Iagodca, Roko, Romano, Sprinter), cultivated on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The extraction of nematodes and mites was performed using the Baermann funnels, modified by Nesterov.Results. Multiannual researches on the degree of potato infestation have shown that tubers are preferred by various arthropods (Acaridae), Agriothes spp. (Elateridae), Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa, (Grillotalpidae) and Sciaridae spp . (Sciaridae), which form different interactions with the parasitic nematodes of tubers (Ditylenchus destructor, D. dipsaci).Conclusions. Solanum tuberosum infested by parasitic nematodes D. destructor in association with saprophytic nematodes and dry rot are colonized by nematophag ous (mites – 80%) and phytophagous arthropods (wireworms – 40%; mole cricket – 50%; flies – 40%). Among the researched arthropods, Rhizoglyphus echinopus were more frequently found, which together with other species actively consume the primary and secondary parasitic nematodes, their mortality constituting up to 90%. In the traumatized by some arthropods potatoes, with the soil, secondary parasitic nematodes, also penetrate, carrying bacterial and fungal infections, subsequently stimulating the total rot of potato tubers.

A Bombardier Beetle Pheropsophus aequinoctialis (L.) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Pheropsophus aequinoctialis (L.) is a ground beetle in the tribe, Brachinini, native to parts of South and Central America. Ground beetles of this tribe are commonly referred to as bombardier beetles due to their ability to produce a powerful and hot defensive chemical spray directed at would-be predators. This spray is capable of harming humans, resulting in discomfort, physical burns (due to the spray temperature), and possibly contact dermatitis. The adults of this species are nocturnal and believed to be generalist predators and scavengers. However, larval stages appear to depend on an exclusive diet of mole cricket eggs. As such, Pheropsophus aequinoctialis may have potential use as a biological control agent against certain invasive mole cricket pests in North America. This article describes this insects biology, development, and behavior. Also published on the Featured Creatures website at http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/Creatures/BeneFICIAL/beetles/Pheropsophus_aequinoctialis.html

Research of the tall bearded iris varieties (Iris x hybrida hort.) in the Stavropol Botanical Garden

Relevance. Introduction and variety study of flower and ornamental crops is one of the main tasks of botanical gardens, which aims to expand the promising assortment for domestic floriculture.Results. In the period from 2018 to 2020 varieties of hybrid iris (Iris x hybrida hort.) from the garden group “tall bearded” were studied in the Stavropol Botanical Garden. The presented 13 varieties belong to foreign selection. Basically, the varieties are characterized by medium or early flowering periods with an average duration of 11-15 days. In the course of the study, biometric characteristics, the economic and biological properties of the varieties were analyzed. The varieties with the longest duration and productivity of flowering were identified. The ability to bear fruit, which is important for further breeding work, was noted in three varieties: Autumn Circus, Pallida Variegata, Immortality. The main disease that harms the studied culture is heterosporiosis. The most resistant to diseases are the varieties Afternoon In Rio, Bye Bye Blues, Pallida Variegata (up to 10% damage). The detected pests (flea beetle, aphid, mole cricket, etc.) generally cause minor damage to the studied plants. In the assessment of decorativeness, 11 parameters were analyzed using a 100-point scale and taking into account the conversion factor. The color, size, shape of the flower, aroma, inflorescence, duration and abundance of flowering, resistance to adverse weather conditions, decorative vegetative part of plants, originality, condition of plants were taken into account. As a result of the variety study, 9 highly decorative varieties were identified: Bye Bye Blues, Stardock, Autumn Circus, Lotus Land, Power Point, Good Day Oregon, Lorilee, Conjuration, Afternoon In Rio.

Orthopteran Pests: Family Gryllotalpidae

This chapter focuses on Orthopteran pests. The southern mole cricket and the tawny mole cricket are members of the order Orthoptera, family Gryllotalpidae, subfamily Gryllotalpinae. Two genera are listed in this subfamily. The genus Neoscapteriscus can be distinguished by the front tibia with two dactyls; the genus Gryllotalpa has front tibia with four dactyls. The southern mole cricket and the tawny mole cricket are the most destructive insect pests of bahiagrass and bermudagrass turfgrass and pastures in the southeastern United States, and they attack and damage most other warm-season grasses as well. Golf courses are among the areas most heavily affected, but home lawns, athletic fields, and other areas also sustain serious damage.