The braconid Pholetesor (= Apanteles) ornigis (Weed) was the major parasite of the spotted tentiform leafminer, Phyllonorycter blancardella (Fabr.), at 21 sites, in 9 counties in southern Ontario. The eulophids Sympiesis sericeicornis (Nees) (12 sites, 6 counties), S. dolichogaster Ashmead (9 sites, 5 counties), S. marylandensis Girault (8 sites, 6 counties) and Pnigalio maculipes (Crawford) (6 sites, 5 counties) were the major chalcidoids recovered. Other species recovered were 10 eulophids, 2 pteromalids, and 2 ichneumonids. The major hyperparasite of P. ornigis was S. sericeicornis, but S. dolichogaster, Habrocytus sp., Catolaccus sp., Gelis sp., and Hypopteromalus sp. were also recovered.

In a creek northwest of the Gatineau Hills (Quebec) larvae of Chironomidae (Diptera) were found living in phoretic association with the immature stages of Perlidae (Plecoptera). The larvae were reared to the adult stage in the laboratory. Life pattern and morphological comparisons are made with other phoretic and parasitic forms of Orthocladiinae and with certain other genera, and it is concluded that the form represents a new genus and species of Orthocladiini, and has probably originated from the common ancestors of the genera Rheocricotopus, Paracricotopus and Microcricotopus. Detailed descriptions are given of the imago, pupa and larva of this insect.

Aphids of the genus Tuberculatus Mordvilko feed on Fagaceae trees and exhibit various interactions with ants, ranging from non-attendance to intermediate or close associations. Despite possession of fully developed wings, two ant-attended species, Tuberculatus quercicola (Matsumura) and Tuberculatus sp. A, exhibited extremely low dispersal. I examined the correlation between wing loading (ratio of body volume to wing area) and ant associations in 20 species of Tuberculatus. Based on a 1317 bp sequence in two mitochondrial regions, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1), phylogenetic trees were reconstructed by neighbor-joining (NJ), most parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML), and Bayesian analyses. All phylogenetic trees showed that mutualistic interactions with ants have evolved in Tuberculatus at least five times. Comparative analyses based on the NJ, MP, and ML trees showed that increase in wing loading is correlated with ant associations, suggesting that ant-attended aphids have allocated more resources to their bodies than to their wings, resulting in lowered dispersal.

Hylotrupes bajulus (L.) was successfully reared from egg to adult in 9 to 11 months on an artificial diet. The diet provided an adequate physical and nutritional environment for the development of old house borer larvae. Mortality and rearing time were reduced when larvae reared on artificial diet were compared with those reared by conventional methods.

The balsam woolly aphid, Adelges piceae (Ratz.), in Newfoundland is dimorphic and has three generations a year in the crowns of balsam fir trees. Two generations of the sistens, or diapausing form, predominate. Progredientes are more common than elsewhere in North America and occur on nearly all parts of a branch. They do not mature on current needles. The ratio of progredientes to sistentes is about 1:40 in balsam fir flowering years and 1:80 in non-flowering years. Aphid development in the spring is earliest at flowered internodes, 11 to 14 days later at 2-year-old nodes, a further 4 to 8 days later at older nodes, and latest at the shoot tips. Intra-crown and inter-tree differences in aphid development are small but measurable. Stratification of the tree crown is required for sampling during the first aphid generation.

The results of sampling to determine the vertical distribution of white grubs in the soil and the frequency distribution of grubs per 1-square-foot sample unit are presented. It was found that the optimum sampling period is during June and July, when most of the grubs are in the upper foot of soil. The negative binomial distribution with a k value of 1.5936 fitted most of the data well and was used to devise two sequential sampling methods: one for classifying white grub populations as light, moderate or severe; the other for pre-planting surveys to determine whether or not control measures are required.

The gall midge Cystiphora sonchi (Bremi) has been released and established in Alberta and other Canadian provinces as a biological control agent for the introduced weed perennial sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis L.) (Peschken et al. 1989). Cystiphora sonchi oviposits in the expanding leaves of S. arvensis (DeClerck-Floate and Steeves 1995), where the-larvae form pustule galls, each containing a single larva. They pupate in a cocoon in the gall or sometimes in the soil after exiting from their galls. Adults are short-lived (usually 1 day or less) and do not feed (Peschken 1982). Under field conditions in Alberta, C. sonchi produces three generations a year (Peschken et al. 1989)

Egg-laying data are available for laboratory colonies of Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Bariola 1969; Khattat and Stewart 1977; Fleischer and Gaylor 1988), but there is no information on egg-laying for females from field populations in Canada. This paper presents egg-laying data for field-collected, overwintered and first-generation females of L. lineolaris from southern Manitoba in 1990 through 1992.

It has long been known that some of the Phasmidae discharge a fetid fluid from certain glands. King (1867) published a note on his observations of a phasmid in Jamaica, identified as Anisomorpha buprestoides (Stoll) but which Bates believed to be a true Phasma, in which he stated that the prothorax contains two glands, secreting a fetid fluid which is discharged through two elevated pores and serves as a defensive agent. This author further stated that these nocturnal, or crepuscular, and gregarious insects are almost always found in the adult stage in copulation.

The triterpenoid saponins soyasaponin I, dehydrosoyasaponin I, echinocystic acid 3-glucoside, β-escin, glycyrrhizic acid, hederacoside C, and α-hederin were tested alone and in combination with insecticidal PA1b peptide mixtures isolated from peas for their effects on the feeding and survival of a stored-product insect, the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.). There were two sources of peptides: a purified extract composed primarily of PA1b peptides and a partially purified extract (C8 extract) that contained mainly peptides and lesser amounts of soyasaponin I, dehydrosoyasaponin I, and other compounds. Dehydrosoyasaponin I, echinocystic acid 3-glucoside, α-hederin, and β-escin were active (causing reduced feeding and increased mortality) when used alone. Soyasaponin I, hederacoside C, and glycyrrhizic acid were inactive when used alone. Purified peptides and C8 extract were active when used alone. The mixtures of the inactive soyasaponin I and the active peptides were as active as peptides alone, even when peptides composed only 10% of the mixture. Similar trends were seen with the mixtures of β-escin and PA1b. In general, the mixtures of saponins and peptides were synergistic. Possible modes of synergistic action are discussed.

Feeding activities of freshly hatched larvae of Urophora cardui (L.) cause the formation of callus-filled channels which later serve as the routes by which adults exit their galls. Callus cells of the channels deteriorate the following spring when the gall is wetted by melting snow and rainfall. Establishment of U. cardui as an agent in the biological control of Canada thistle may be impaired in habitats with insufficient moisture to degrade the callus plug.

A study of the ant populations was made through a transect of mid-continent North America from Churchill on Hudson Bay and various localities around the Great Lakes to Iowa and northern Illinois. Data were obtained from extensive personal collecting and from literature sources. The results were assembled and discussed within an ecological framework provided by Merriam’s life zones, and showed a regular diminution in the variety and wealth of the ant faunas progressing from south to north. Though the number of species at Churchill is extremely reduced, ants nevertheless do occur there as established reproducing colonies, even in the presumed tundra habitats. These forms which exist so far north represent a highly impoverished remnant of richer faunas further south. Although none of the species is peculiar to the area, each must be tolerant of high boreal environments. A total of 135 species and subspecies are listed for the Carolinian and Alleghenian zones combined, 43 taxa for the Canadian Zone, 4 taxa for the Hudsonian Zone, and 4 also for the Arctic Zone. Comparisons with the recorded ant faunas of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado were made with respect to the corresponding zones, namely, the Plains (Upper Sonoran), Foothills or Submontane (Transition), Montane (Canadian), Subalpine (Hudsonian), and Alpine (Arctic) zones, and appropriate similarities and differences noted.

The southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, is native to pine forests of the southern United States. We describe here techniques for enhancing parasitoid efficacy by direct feeding of parasitoid adults. Our recent research suggests that feeding by female adult D. frontalis parasitoids is important for increased longevity (Mathews and Stephen 1997, 1999; Stephen et al. 1997), and we documented that, with parasitoid feeding, egg resorption decreases and development of new immature eggs increases (Hanano 1996). We suspect that food for D. frontalis parasitoids, in the form of nectar, pollen, or honeydew, is not always available in the forest. We are developing a commercial D. frontalis control strategy based on this assumption.

Strategies for the use of entomopathogenic viruses in the management of forest insect pests include the use of viruses by themselves or with other biocontrol or chemical agents applied simultaneously or separately at strategic time intervals. It is concluded that baculoviruses (nuclear polyhedrosis and granulosis viruses) have considerable potential as components of integrated forest insect pest management systems. The prime limiting factors in their large scale use at present are the high cost of virus production and underdevelopment of application technology. Their greatest potential will probably be realized when used as an indirect, or preventative, strategy with a view to preventing the occurrence of pest emergency situations.

Overwintered pupae of fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury), were collected from 38 hazelnut (Corylus avellana L. (Betulaceae)) plantations in Samsun province, Turkey, in 2008 and 2009. Four chalcidoid (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) species were reared: Chouioia cunea Yang (Eulophidae), Conomorium amplum (Walker), Dibrachys boarmiae (Walker), and Psychophagus omnivorus (Walker) (Pteromalidae). Overall parasitism was 11.97% and 4.84% for 2008 and 2009, respectively; species richness on sites ranged from one to three species. Psychophagus omnivorus parasitised 6.7% of all pupae and comprised 79% of chalcidoid rearings. Chouioia cunea had the highest clutch average (117) and female:male ratio (44.5:1). Records of Chouioia cunea and Conomorium amplum are new for Turkey and, except for P. omnivorus, all parasitoids are new records for H. cunea in Turkey.

Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is an Asian species that was introduced into North America in the mid-1990s. The beetle has the potential to devastate populations of Fraxinus Linnaeus (Oleaceae) species. Several species of Hymenoptera parasitoids have made the transition from North American Agrilus Curtis hosts to A. planipennis, and some (e.g., Atanycolus Förster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) species) have caused substantial mortality. Invertebrate predators of A. planipennis have been poorly investigated. Predation by woodpeckers (Aves: Picidae) has had the greatest impact on A. planipennis populations. Native entomopathogens have also been observed in populations of A. planipennis and are being explored as potential biological control agents. Agrilus planipennis is a freeze-intolerant species and as such perishes when its tissues freeze. However, the beetle can achieve a mean supercooling point of −30 °C by the production of cryoprotectants, especially glycerol. This low supercooling point in combination with temperatures higher than ambient in its overwintering microhabitat means that it can survive in most of its invaded range. As its distribution expands northward its cold hardiness may be challenged. North American species of Fraxinus possess some resistance to A. planipennis via defensive mechanisms, but these are quickly overcome by expanding larval populations. Intraspecific competition (via cannibalism and starvation) impacts larval survival.

The San Jose scale, Aspidiotus perniciosus Comstock, is predominantly a bark-inhabiting species and develops most successfully on limbs in the top of the tree. Incrustations of scales often form on the bark, sometimes on the fruit, and never on the leaves. Numbers of 150 per cm2 are common on the bark, but they rarely exceed 10 on the fruit or 13 on the leaves. Mortality rate on apple trees is greatest on the leaves, somewhat less on the bark, and least on the fruit. Females occur most frequently on the bark and males most often on the leaves. The very few females that develop on leaves seldom reproduce.The distribution of the San Jose scale is quite variable throughout a tree but is more uniform on specific limbs and old twigs. Distribution on twigs less than 1 year old is never uniform; the basal half of these young twigs is always more heavily colonized than the distal half. Few males develop on young twigs and mortality of all scales is greater on this bark than on limbs and old twigs. The San Jose scale has a greater and more variable mortality on the young twig mainly because this wood is more readily injured by feeding of the scale and low winter temperatures. Thus, twigs up to 1 year old are good sample units only in light infestations and following mild winters. The older twig is the most reliable sample for biological surveys or for assessing insecticide treatments but it is more difficult to examine because it usually contains dead scales of many generations.

Parasitism of Hyphantria cunea Drury was measured over a 17-year period in a series of permanent study areas in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The percentage of colonies attacked by parasites was independent of both plant host and colony size, but the percentage of larvae attacked within colonies decreased in the larger colonies. For most parasite species the percentage of larvae attacked per colony was relatively constant, regardless of the percentage of the colonies attacked in any area or year. Thus the colonial habit of H. cunea imposes a limit on the overall degree of parasitism that can be achieved by most of the parasite species.

Topical application of a synthetic juvenile hormone, 1-(4′-ethylphenoxy)-3,7-dimethyl-6,7-epoxy oct-2-ene, to the eggs of the white pine weevil, Pissodes strobi Peck, inhibits embryonic development. Both embryonic and post-embryonic mortality were observed. The construction of simulated ovipositional twigs used in collecting weevil eggs of known age is described. Possible physiological methods of controlling the weevil are discussed.

The predatory behavior of Lonchaea corticis Taylor on the white pine weevil, Pissodes strobi Peck, in Sitka spruce, Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr., was studied by temporal sampling and dissection of terminal leaders, and by laboratory experiments. L. corticis oviposition occurred when mining P. strobi larvae were consolidating the feeding ring, an event that segregates the weevil larvae into healthy front-feeders and weak, starving "followers." The number of L. corticis within a Sitka spruce terminal was highly correlated with the number of weak and dying P. strobi larvae, but not with healthy larvae.

L. corticis larvae experimentally deprived of dead P. strobi larvae, behaved as an effective predator, consuming both weak P. strobi larvae and healthy pupae, but apparently not healthy larvae. The transition of L. corticis from second to third instar appeared to occur only after sufficient weevils had been consumed. When an excess of prey was present, L. corticis larvae consumed a mean of 2.9 P. strobi pupae over their entire life cycle. In choice experiments, L. corticis larvae searched for and located mining P. strobi larvae, and fed preferentially on P. strobi pupae rather than granary weevil pupae, Sitophilus granarius L. Under certain circumstances, L. corticis could be an important regulatory agent of P. strobi populations.