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We report the results of investigations 2010 through 2023 of hymenopteran parasitoids associated with gall midges in Europe. A total of 242 collections of gall midges were made, from each of which one to several parasitoid species emerged, resulting in ca. 200 recorded parasitoid species and 267 host-parasitoid interaction records. The parasitoid families involved were Eulophidae (63 species), Platygastridae (56 species), Torymidae (34 species), Pteromalidae (31 species), Ceraphronidae (5 species), Eupelmidae (4 species), Eurytomidae (2 species) and Encyrtidae (1 species). As many as 159 interactions are reported for the first time, significantly enlarging our knowledge of gall midge – parasitoid interactions on the species level. Even more interesting, 51 host records are for parasitoid species for which no host was previously known. Similarly, 28 species of gall midge are reported as host to named parasitoids for the first time. Additionally, 91 parasitoid records were the first for the country in question. Differences between the rearing methods applied and their suitability for recording species with contrasting life histories, are discussed.

We report the results of investigations 2010 through 2023 of hymenopteran parasitoids associated with gall midges in Europe. A total of 242 collections of gall midges were made, from each of which one to several parasitoid species emerged, resulting in ca. 200 recorded parasitoid species and 267 host-parasitoid interaction records. The parasitoid families involved were Eulophidae (63 species), Platygastridae (56 species), Torymidae (34 species), Pteromalidae (31 species), Ceraphronidae (5 species), Eupelmidae (4 species), Eurytomidae (2 species) and Encyrtidae (1 species). As many as 159 interactions are reported for the first time, significantly enlarging our knowledge of gall midge – parasitoid interactions on the species level. Even more interesting, 51 host records are for parasitoid species for which no host was previously known. Similarly, 28 species of gall midge are reported as host to named parasitoids for the first time. Additionally, 91 parasitoid records were the first for the country in question. Differences between the rearing methods applied and their suitability for recording species with contrasting life histories, are discussed.

A first attempt is made to revise the European species of the gall midge genus Planetella Westwood, 1840 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), with a focus on the fauna of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Denmark. A total of 19 species are recognized based on unique DNA sequences, of which 13 are described as new to science: Planetella adami Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. aestivalis Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. antennata Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. atrobrunnea Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. attilai Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. csabai Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. davidi Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. galiciensis Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. hlisnikovskyi Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. muranica Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. riparia Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. submontana Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., and P. thermophila Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov. Four previously described species are recognized in the collected material: Planetella arenariae (Rübsaamen, 1899b), P. fasciata (Meigen, 1818) sp. restit., P. gallarum (Rübsaamen, 1899a), and P. granifex (Kieffer, 1898). For each of these species, DNA sequences are provided, as well as detailed illustrations of the male terminalia and male flagellomeres. Four additional species are represented only with larva, female or incomplete specimens. The phylogeny of European Planetella is tentatively reconstructed based on the combined analysis of three gene markers (28S, 16S, COI), but without providing any new infrageneric classification. The phylogenetic placement of the genus Planetella within the subfamily Cecidomyiinae is reconstructed based on four gene markers (18S, 28S, 16S, COI). The monophyly of Planetella is well supported, as well as its placement in the supertribe Cecidomyiidi. The genera Acodiplosis Kieffer, 1895 and Putoniella Kieffer, 1896 appear as the closest relatives of Planetella. The delimitation of the tribe Hormomyiini is discussed., A first attempt is made to revise the European species of the gall midge genus Planetella Westwood, 1840 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), with a focus on the fauna of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Denmark. A total of 19 species are recognized based on unique DNA sequences, of which 13 are described as new to science: Planetella adami Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. aestivalis Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. antennata Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. atrobrunnea Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. attilai Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. csabai Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. davidi Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. galiciensis Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. hlisnikovskyi Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. muranica Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. riparia Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. submontana Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., and P. thermophila Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov. Four previously described species are recognized in the collected material: Planetella arenariae (Rübsaamen, 1899b), P. fasciata (Meigen, 1818) sp. restit., P. gallarum (Rübsaamen, 1899a), and P. granifex (Kieffer, 1898). For each of these species, DNA sequences are provided, as well as detailed illustrations of the male terminalia and male flagellomeres. Four additional species are represented only with larva, female or incomplete specimens. The phylogeny of European Planetella is tentatively reconstructed based on the combined analysis of three gene markers (28S, 16S, COI), but without providing any new infrageneric classification. The phylogenetic placement of the genus Planetella within the subfamily Cecidomyiinae is reconstructed based on four gene markers (18S, 28S, 16S, COI). The monophyly of Planetella is well supported, as well as its placement in the supertribe Cecidomyiidi. The genera Acodiplosis Kieffer, 1895 and Putoniella Kieffer, 1896 appear as the closest relatives of Planetella. The delimitation of the tribe Hormomyiini is discussed.

A first attempt is made to revise the European species of the gall midge genus Planetella Westwood, 1840 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), with a focus on the fauna of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Denmark. A total of 19 species are recognized based on unique DNA sequences, of which 13 are described as new to science: Planetella adami Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. aestivalis Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. antennata Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. atrobrunnea Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. attilai Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. csabai Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. davidi Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. galiciensis Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. hlisnikovskyi Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. muranica Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. riparia Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. submontana Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., and P. thermophila Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov. Four previously described species are recognized in the collected material: Planetella arenariae (Rübsaamen, 1899b), P. fasciata (Meigen, 1818) sp. restit., P. gallarum (Rübsaamen, 1899a), and P. granifex (Kieffer, 1898). For each of these species, DNA sequences are provided, as well as detailed illustrations of the male terminalia and male flagellomeres. Four additional species are represented only with larva, female or incomplete specimens. The phylogeny of European Planetella is tentatively reconstructed based on the combined analysis of three gene markers (28S, 16S, COI), but without providing any new infrageneric classification. The phylogenetic placement of the genus Planetella within the subfamily Cecidomyiinae is reconstructed based on four gene markers (18S, 28S, 16S, COI). The monophyly of Planetella is well supported, as well as its placement in the supertribe Cecidomyiidi. The genera Acodiplosis Kieffer, 1895 and Putoniella Kieffer, 1896 appear as the closest relatives of Planetella. The delimitation of the tribe Hormomyiini is discussed., A first attempt is made to revise the European species of the gall midge genus Planetella Westwood, 1840 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), with a focus on the fauna of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Denmark. A total of 19 species are recognized based on unique DNA sequences, of which 13 are described as new to science: Planetella adami Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. aestivalis Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. antennata Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. atrobrunnea Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. attilai Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. csabai Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. davidi Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. galiciensis Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. hlisnikovskyi Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. muranica Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. riparia Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., P. submontana Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov., and P. thermophila Ševčík & Hippa sp. nov. Four previously described species are recognized in the collected material: Planetella arenariae (Rübsaamen, 1899b), P. fasciata (Meigen, 1818) sp. restit., P. gallarum (Rübsaamen, 1899a), and P. granifex (Kieffer, 1898). For each of these species, DNA sequences are provided, as well as detailed illustrations of the male terminalia and male flagellomeres. Four additional species are represented only with larva, female or incomplete specimens. The phylogeny of European Planetella is tentatively reconstructed based on the combined analysis of three gene markers (28S, 16S, COI), but without providing any new infrageneric classification. The phylogenetic placement of the genus Planetella within the subfamily Cecidomyiinae is reconstructed based on four gene markers (18S, 28S, 16S, COI). The monophyly of Planetella is well supported, as well as its placement in the supertribe Cecidomyiidi. The genera Acodiplosis Kieffer, 1895 and Putoniella Kieffer, 1896 appear as the closest relatives of Planetella. The delimitation of the tribe Hormomyiini is discussed.

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are a major economic problem in numerous crops, including pepper, melon, and potato. Larvae of the American hoverfly, Eupeodes americanus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Syrphidae), are common aphidophagous natural enemies in agrosystems in North America. The objective of the present study was to characterize the development cycle of E. americanus in order to evaluate its potential as a biocontrol agent. The development cycle, survival rate, and adult longevity of E. americanus were determined and compared with those of the commercial aphid midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) under laboratory conditions, using the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), as prey. The complete preimaginal development time, pupal development time, egg hatching rate, sex ratio, and survival rate were not different between E. americanus and the commercial A. aphidimyza. The larval developmental time was longer in the syrphid species, increasing the predation window. Finally, the adult longevity of the syrphid was drastically longer than that of A. aphidimyza. These results demonstrate a potential for E. americanus as a new aphidophagous biocontrol agent.

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are a major economic problem in numerous crops, including pepper, melon, and potato. Larvae of the American hoverfly, Eupeodes americanus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Syrphidae), are common aphidophagous natural enemies in agrosystems in North America. The objective of the present study was to characterize the development cycle of E. americanus in order to evaluate its potential as a biocontrol agent. The development cycle, survival rate, and adult longevity of E. americanus were determined and compared with those of the commercial aphid midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) under laboratory conditions, using the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), as prey. The complete preimaginal development time, pupal development time, egg hatching rate, sex ratio, and survival rate were not different between E. americanus and the commercial A. aphidimyza. The larval developmental time was longer in the syrphid species, increasing the predation window. Finally, the adult longevity of the syrphid was drastically longer than that of A. aphidimyza. These results demonstrate a potential for E. americanus as a new aphidophagous biocontrol agent.

In this study, we describe the richness of galls induced by arthropods in an area of the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. We found 71 species of galling arthropod, most of them Cecidomyiidae (Diptera), associated with 51 host plants species from 27 families. Asteraceae was the most representative host family (18 morphotypes). Most galls were induced in stems (56%) and the most common shape was fusiform (43.6%). Nineteen new gall morphotypes were registered for Rio Grande do Sul and Brazil, showing the importance of this type of study for gallers in underexplored regions, such as Southern Brazil., Neste estudo descrevemos a riqueza de morfotipos de galhas induzidas por artrópodes em uma área de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Nós encontramos 71 espécies de artrópodes galhadores, a maioria delas Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) associada a 51 espécies de plantas hospedeiras de 27 famílias. Asteraceae foi a família hospedeira mais representativa (18 morfotipos). A maior parte das galhas foi induzida em ramos (56%) e a forma mais comum foi fusiforme (43,6%). Dezenove novos morfotipos de galhas foram registrados para o Rio Grande do Sul e para o Brasil, mostrando a importância desse tipo de estudo para galhadores em regiões pouco exploradas, como o Sul do Brasil.

Natural pollinators follow an important role in the reproductive efficiency of Theobroma cacao L. The objective of this research was to determine the quantity and diversity of insects in T. cacao National Type, in monoculture system and agroforestry system, with emphasis on pollinators. The study was carried out in the experimental farm “La Represa” located in the city Quevedo, province Los Ríos, Ecuador. Emergency traps and insect capture were placed in the two farming systems. In addition, direct observations were made on the flowers of T. cacao to record the presence of pollinating insects. The captured insects were identified with the help of entomological keys, magnifying glass, and stereomicroscope. The Simpson dominance and diversity index and Jaccard similarity index were calculated. The highest percentages of insects were obtained from the order Hymenoptera (76.99%), Coleoptera (10.21%) and Diptera (7.95%). The Simpson index was calculated at 0.58 and 0.42, and Jaccard’s similarity was 24% among insect families found in both production systems. A single family (Cecidomyiidae) was recorded as a possible pollinator in T. cacao in the study area. There is low diversity and high dominance of insects for the production systems analyzed. One of the climatic factors that influences the presence of the insects captured in T. cacao is the relative humidity, since a positive direct relationship was found between these two variables, Los polinizadores naturales cumplen un rol importante en la eficiencia reproductiva de Theobroma cacao. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la cantidad y diversidad de insectos en T. cacao tipo Nacional, en sistema monocultivo y sistema agroforestal, con énfasis en los polinizadores. El estudio se realizó en finca experimental “La Represa” ubicada en el cantón Quevedo, provincia Los Ríos, Ecuador. Se colocaron trampas de emergencia y captura de insectos en los dos sistemas de cultivo. Además, se realizaron observaciones directas en las flores de T. cacao para registrar la presencia de insectos polinizadores. Los insectos capturados se identificaron con la ayuda de claves entomológicas, lupa, y estereomicroscopio. Se calculó el índice de dominancia y diversidad Simpson e índice de similitud de Jaccard. Los mayores porcentajes de insectos se obtuvieron del orden Hymenoptera (76.99%), Coleoptera (10.21%) y Diptera (7.95%). El índice Simpson fue de 0.58 y 0.42 para dominancia y diversidad, respectivamente. La similitud según Jaccard fue del 24% de las familias de insectos en los sistemas de producción. Se registró una sola familia (Cecidomyiidae) como un posible polinizador en T. cacao en el área de estudio. Hay baja diversidad y alta dominancia de insectos para los sistemas de producción analizados. Uno de los factores climáticos que influye en la presencia de los insectos capturados en T. cacao es la humedad relativa, pues se encontró una relación directa positiva entre estas dos variables

Natural pollinators follow an important role in the reproductive efficiency of Theobroma cacao L. The objective of this research was to determine the quantity and diversity of insects in T. cacao National Type, in monoculture system and agroforestry system, with emphasis on pollinators. The study was carried out in the experimental farm “La Represa” located in the city Quevedo, province Los Ríos, Ecuador. Emergency traps and insect capture were placed in the two farming systems. In addition, direct observations were made on the flowers of T. cacao to record the presence of pollinating insects. The captured insects were identified with the help of entomological keys, magnifying glass, and stereomicroscope. The Simpson dominance and diversity index and Jaccard similarity index were calculated. The highest percentages of insects were obtained from the order Hymenoptera (76.99%), Coleoptera (10.21%) and Diptera (7.95%). The Simpson index was calculated at 0.58 and 0.42, and Jaccard’s similarity was 24% among insect families found in both production systems. A single family (Cecidomyiidae) was recorded as a possible pollinator in T. cacao in the study area. There is low diversity and high dominance of insects for the production systems analyzed. One of the climatic factors that influences the presence of the insects captured in T. cacao is the relative humidity, since a positive direct relationship was found between these two variables, Los polinizadores naturales cumplen un rol importante en la eficiencia reproductiva de Theobroma cacao. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la cantidad y diversidad de insectos en T. cacao tipo Nacional, en sistema monocultivo y sistema agroforestal, con énfasis en los polinizadores. El estudio se realizó en finca experimental “La Represa” ubicada en el cantón Quevedo, provincia Los Ríos, Ecuador. Se colocaron trampas de emergencia y captura de insectos en los dos sistemas de cultivo. Además, se realizaron observaciones directas en las flores de T. cacao para registrar la presencia de insectos polinizadores. Los insectos capturados se identificaron con la ayuda de claves entomológicas, lupa, y estereomicroscopio. Se calculó el índice de dominancia y diversidad Simpson e índice de similitud de Jaccard. Los mayores porcentajes de insectos se obtuvieron del orden Hymenoptera (76.99%), Coleoptera (10.21%) y Diptera (7.95%). El índice Simpson fue de 0.58 y 0.42 para dominancia y diversidad, respectivamente. La similitud según Jaccard fue del 24% de las familias de insectos en los sistemas de producción. Se registró una sola familia (Cecidomyiidae) como un posible polinizador en T. cacao en el área de estudio. Hay baja diversidad y alta dominancia de insectos para los sistemas de producción analizados. Uno de los factores climáticos que influye en la presencia de los insectos capturados en T. cacao es la humedad relativa, pues se encontró una relación directa positiva entre estas dos variables

Natural pollinators follow an important role in the reproductive efficiency of Theobroma cacao L. The objective of this research was to determine the quantity and diversity of insects in T. cacao National Type, in monoculture system and agroforestry system, with emphasis on pollinators. The study was carried out in the experimental farm “La Represa” located in the city Quevedo, province Los Ríos, Ecuador. Emergency traps and insect capture were placed in the two farming systems. In addition, direct observations were made on the flowers of T. cacao to record the presence of pollinating insects. The captured insects were identified with the help of entomological keys, magnifying glass, and stereomicroscope. The Simpson dominance and diversity index and Jaccard similarity index were calculated. The highest percentages of insects were obtained from the order Hymenoptera (76.99%), Coleoptera (10.21%) and Diptera (7.95%). The Simpson index was calculated at 0.58 and 0.42, and Jaccard’s similarity was 24% among insect families found in both production systems. A single family (Cecidomyiidae) was recorded as a possible pollinator in T. cacao in the study area. There is low diversity and high dominance of insects for the production systems analyzed. One of the climatic factors that influences the presence of the insects captured in T. cacao is the relative humidity, since a positive direct relationship was found between these two variables, Los polinizadores naturales cumplen un rol importante en la eficiencia reproductiva de Theobroma cacao. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la cantidad y diversidad de insectos en T. cacao tipo Nacional, en sistema monocultivo y sistema agroforestal, con énfasis en los polinizadores. El estudio se realizó en finca experimental “La Represa” ubicada en el cantón Quevedo, provincia Los Ríos, Ecuador. Se colocaron trampas de emergencia y captura de insectos en los dos sistemas de cultivo. Además, se realizaron observaciones directas en las flores de T. cacao para registrar la presencia de insectos polinizadores. Los insectos capturados se identificaron con la ayuda de claves entomológicas, lupa, y estereomicroscopio. Se calculó el índice de dominancia y diversidad Simpson e índice de similitud de Jaccard. Los mayores porcentajes de insectos se obtuvieron del orden Hymenoptera (76.99%), Coleoptera (10.21%) y Diptera (7.95%). El índice Simpson fue de 0.58 y 0.42 para dominancia y diversidad, respectivamente. La similitud según Jaccard fue del 24% de las familias de insectos en los sistemas de producción. Se registró una sola familia (Cecidomyiidae) como un posible polinizador en T. cacao en el área de estudio. Hay baja diversidad y alta dominancia de insectos para los sistemas de producción analizados. Uno de los factores climáticos que influye en la presencia de los insectos capturados en T. cacao es la humedad relativa, pues se encontró una relación directa positiva entre estas dos variables

AimWhole-genome duplication (polyploidy) can influence the biogeography and ecology of plants that differ in ploidy level (cytotype). Here, we address how two consequences of plant polyploidy (parapatry of cytotypes and altered species interactions) shape the biogeography of herbivorous insects.LocationWarm deserts of North America.TaxaGall midges (Asphondylia auripila group, Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that attack three parapatric cytotypes of creosote bush (Larrea tridentata, Zygophyllaceae).MethodsWe surveyed Asphondylia species diversity at 177 sites across a 2300-km extent. After noting a correspondence between the distributions of eight Asphondylia species and L. tridentata cytotypes, we fine-mapped Asphondylia species range limits with transects spanning cytotype contact zones. We then tested whether plant-insect interactions and/or abiotic factors explain this coincidence by (1) comparing attack rates and gall midge communities on alternative cytotypes in a narrow zone of sympatry and (2) using species distribution models (SDMs) to determine if climatically suitable habitat for each midge species extended beyond cytotype contact zones.ResultsThe range limits of 6/17 Asphondylia species (including two novel putative species confirmed with COI sequencing) perfectly coincided with the contact zone of diploid and tetraploid L. tridentata. One midge species was restricted to diploid host plants while five were restricted to tetraploid and hexaploid host plants. Where diploid and tetraploid L. tridentata are sympatric, cytotype-restricted midge species more frequently attacked their typical host and Asphondylia community structure differed markedly between cytotypes. SDMs predicted that distributions of cytotype-restricted midge species were not constrained by climatic conditions near cytotype contact zones.Main conclusionsContact zones between plant cytotypes are dispersal barriers for many Asphondylia species due to plant-insect interactions. The distribution of L.

Study of all flies (Diptera) collected for one year from a four-hectare (150 x 266 meter) patch of cloud forest at 1,600 meters above sea level at Zurquí de Moravia, San José Province, Costa Rica (hereafter referred to as Zurquí), revealed an astounding 4,332 species. This amounts to more than half the number of named species of flies for all of Central America. Specimens were collected with two Malaise traps running continuously and with a wide array of supplementary collecting methods for three days of each month. All morphospecies from all 73 families recorded were fully curated by technicians before submission to an international team of 59 taxonomic experts for identification. Overall, a Malaise trap on the forest edge captured 1,988 species or 51% of all collected dipteran taxa (other than of Phoridae, subsampled only from this and one other Malaise trap). A Malaise trap in the forest sampled 906 species. Of other sampling methods, the combination of four other Malaise traps and an intercept trap, aerial/hand collecting, 10 emergence traps, and four CDC light traps added the greatest number of species to our inventory. This complement of sampling methods was an effective combination for retrieving substantial numbers of species of Diptera. Comparison of select sampling methods (considering 3,487 species of non-phorid Diptera) provided further details regarding how many species were sampled by various methods. Comparison of species numbers from each of two permanent Malaise traps from Zurquí with those of single Malaise traps at each of Tapantí and Las Alturas, 40 and 180 km distant from Zurquí respectively, suggested significant species turnover. Comparison of the greater number of species collected in all traps from Zurquí did not markedly change the degree of similarity between the three sites, although the actual number of species shared did increase. Comparisons of the total number of named and unnamed species of Diptera from four hectares at Zurquí is

There is increasing interest in the heritable bacteria of invertebrate vectors of disease as they present novel targets for control initiatives. Previous studies on biting midges (Culicoides spp.), known to transmit several RNA viruses of veterinary importance, have revealed infections with the endosymbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia and Cardinium. However, rickettsial symbionts in these vectors are underexplored. Here, we present the genome of a previously uncharacterized Rickettsia endosymbiont from Culicoides newsteadi (RiCNE). This genome presents unique features potentially associated with host invasion and adaptation, including genes for the complete non-oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway, and others predicted to mediate LPS and cell wall modification. Screening of 414 Culicoides individuals from 29 Palearctic or Afrotropical species revealed Rickettsia represent a widespread but previously overlooked association, reaching high frequencies in midge populations and present in 38% of the species tested. Sequence typing clusters the Rickettsia within the Torix group of the genus, a group known to infect several aquatic and hematophagous taxa. FISH analysis indicated the presence of Rickettsia bacteria in ovary tissue, indicating their maternal inheritance. Given the importance of biting midges as vectors, a key area of future research is to establish the impact of this endosymbiont on vector competence. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

There is increasing interest in the heritable bacteria of invertebrate vectors of disease as they present novel targets for control initiatives. Previous studies on biting midges (Culicoides spp.), known to transmit several RNA viruses of veterinary importance, have revealed infections with the endosymbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia and Cardinium. However, rickettsial symbionts in these vectors are underexplored. Here, we present the genome of a previously uncharacterized Rickettsia endosymbiont from Culicoides newsteadi (RiCNE). This genome presents unique features potentially associated with host invasion and adaptation, including genes for the complete non-oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway, and others predicted to mediate LPS and cell wall modification. Screening of 414 Culicoides individuals from 29 Palearctic or Afrotropical species revealed Rickettsia represent a widespread but previously overlooked association, reaching high frequencies in midge populations and present in 38% of the species tested. Sequence typing clusters the Rickettsia within the Torix group of the genus, a group known to infect several aquatic and hematophagous taxa. FISH analysis indicated the presence of Rickettsia bacteria in ovary tissue, indicating their maternal inheritance. Given the importance of biting midges as vectors, a key area of future research is to establish the impact of this endosymbiont on vector competence. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Tesis por compendio, [EN] Aphis spiraecola Patch. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a key pest of clementines. Biological control of A. spiraecola is still poorly known and efforts were based on the use and conservation of parasitoids but it did not success. With all this said, the aims of this thesis were: i) to disentangle the reasons behind the low parasitism of A. spiraecola; ii) to determine when and how predators can control A. spiraecola populations; and, finally, iii) to evaluate whether a ground cover of Poaceae plants can enhance the biological control of this aphid in clementines by improving the establishment of its predators. In the first objective we sampled four orchards and determine the parasitoid complex and parasitism (and hyper-) rates weekly. Binodoxys angelicae Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was the unique primary parasitoid emerged from mummies of A. spiraecola. At least six hymenopteran hyperparasitoid species were identified attacking this primary parasitoid: Syrphophagus aphidivorus (Mayr) (Encyrtidae), Alloxysta sp. (Forster) (Figitidae), Asaphes sp. (Walker) (Pteromalidae), Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché) (Pteromalidae), Dendrocerus sp. (Ratzeburg) (Megaspilidae) and Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig) (Figitidae). We developed a DNA-based approach to untangle the structure of the aphid-parasitoid food web in citrus. This methodology confirmed that all six species hyperparasitized B. angelicae And they dominated this food web and they were abundant from the beginning of the season. Thus, hyperparasitism probably explains the low impact of B. angelicae on A. spiraecola populations. For the second objective we sampled three clementine orchards to determine the effect of aphid predators on A. spiraecola colonies over a three-year period. Life parameters of A. spiraecola colonies varied among the orchards over the three years. The maximum number of aphids and the longevity of A. spiraecola colonies were negatively correlated with the time of first attack by predators. More im, [ES] Aphis spiraecola Patch. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) es una de las plagas claves en el cultivo de clementinos. Los esfuerzos realizados hasta la fecha se han centrado en el uso y conservación de parasitoides aunque se desconocen las causas de su baja eficacia. Por todo ello, los objetivos de esta tesis han sido i) desentrañar las razones por las que se dan bajos niveles de parasitismo de A. spiraecola ii) determinar cuándo y cómo los depredadores pueden controlar las poblaciones de A. spiraecola y finalmente iii) determinar si una cubierta de poáceas puede mejorar el control biológico de este pulgón en clementinos mediante la mejora en el establecimiento de sus depredadores. En el primer objetivo se muestrearon semanalmente cuatro parcelas y se identificó el complejo de parasitoides y las tasas de parasitismo (e hiperparasitismo). Los porcentajes de parasitismo fueron bajos (~menos del 5%) y Binodoxys angelicae Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) fue el único parasitoide primario emergido de las momias de A. spiraecola. Se identificaron al menos seis especies de hiperparasitoides atacando este parasitoide primario: Syrphophagus aphidivorus (Mayr) (Encyrtidae), Alloxysta sp. (Forster) (Figitidae), Asaphes sp. (Walker) (Pteromalidae), Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché) (Pteromalidae), Dendrocerus sp. (Ratzeburg) (Megaspilidae) y Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig) (Figitidae). Se desarrolló un método basado en la detección de ADN con el cual se confirmó que todas las especies de hiperparasitoides hiperparasitan B. angelicae. Los hiperparasitoides dominaron esta red trófica y fueron abundantes desde el inicio de la estación. De este modo, el hiperparasitismo probablemente explica el bajo impacto que B. angelicae tiene sobre las poblaciones de A. spiraecola. Para el segundo objetivo se muestrearon tres campos de clementinos donde se determinó el efecto de los depredadores en las colonias de A. spiraecola. Los parámetros de vida de las colonias de A. spiraecola variaron entre los dife, [CA] Aphis spiraecola Patch. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) és una de les plagues clau en el cultiu de clementins. Els esforços realitzats fins ara s'han centrat en el us i conservació de parasitoids encara que es desconeix les causes de la seua baixa eficàcia. Tenint en compte estos antecedents, els objectius d'esta tesis foren: i) desentrampar les raons per les quals els parasitoids no són efectius; ii) determinar quan i com els depredadors poden controlar les poblacions d'A. spiraecola; i finalment iii) determinar si una coberta de poàcies pot millorar el control biològic d'este àfid en clementins mitjançant la millora en el establiment del seus depredadors. En el primer objectiu es van mostrejar setmanalment quatre parcel·les i s'identificà el complex de parasitoids i les taxes de parasitisme (i hiperparasitisme). Binodoxys angelicae Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) va ser l'únic parasitoid primari emergit de les mòmies d'A. spiraecola. Se van identificar al menys sis especies d' hiperparasitoids atacant este parasitoid primari: Syrphophagus aphidivorus (Mayr) (Encyrtidae), Alloxysta sp. (Forster) (Figitidae), Asaphes sp. (Walker) (Pteromalidae), Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché) (Pteromalidae), Dendrocerus sp. (Ratzeburg) (Megaspilidae) i Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig) (Figitidae). Se desenvolupà un mètode basat en la detecció de DNA amb el que es confirmà que totes les especies d'hiperparasitoids hiperparasiten B. angelicae. Els hiperparasitoids dominaren aquesta xarxa tròfica i foren abundants a l'inici de l'estació. Per tant, l'hiperparasitisme podria explicar el baix impacte que B. angelicae té sobre les poblacions d'A. spiraecola. Per al segon objectiu es mostrejaren tres camps de clementins on es determinà l'efecte dels depredadors en les colònies d'A. spiraecola. Els paràmetres de vida de les colònies d'A. spiraecola variaren entre les tres parcel·les els tres anys. El màxim número d'àfids i la longevitat de les colònies d'A. spiraecola es correlacionaren negativame

Tesis por compendio, [EN] Aphis spiraecola Patch. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a key pest of clementines. Biological control of A. spiraecola is still poorly known and efforts were based on the use and conservation of parasitoids but it did not success. With all this said, the aims of this thesis were: i) to disentangle the reasons behind the low parasitism of A. spiraecola; ii) to determine when and how predators can control A. spiraecola populations; and, finally, iii) to evaluate whether a ground cover of Poaceae plants can enhance the biological control of this aphid in clementines by improving the establishment of its predators. In the first objective we sampled four orchards and determine the parasitoid complex and parasitism (and hyper-) rates weekly. Binodoxys angelicae Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was the unique primary parasitoid emerged from mummies of A. spiraecola. At least six hymenopteran hyperparasitoid species were identified attacking this primary parasitoid: Syrphophagus aphidivorus (Mayr) (Encyrtidae), Alloxysta sp. (Forster) (Figitidae), Asaphes sp. (Walker) (Pteromalidae), Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché) (Pteromalidae), Dendrocerus sp. (Ratzeburg) (Megaspilidae) and Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig) (Figitidae). We developed a DNA-based approach to untangle the structure of the aphid-parasitoid food web in citrus. This methodology confirmed that all six species hyperparasitized B. angelicae And they dominated this food web and they were abundant from the beginning of the season. Thus, hyperparasitism probably explains the low impact of B. angelicae on A. spiraecola populations. For the second objective we sampled three clementine orchards to determine the effect of aphid predators on A. spiraecola colonies over a three-year period. Life parameters of A. spiraecola colonies varied among the orchards over the three years. The maximum number of aphids and the longevity of A. spiraecola colonies were negatively correlated with the time of first attack by predators. More im, [ES] Aphis spiraecola Patch. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) es una de las plagas claves en el cultivo de clementinos. Los esfuerzos realizados hasta la fecha se han centrado en el uso y conservación de parasitoides aunque se desconocen las causas de su baja eficacia. Por todo ello, los objetivos de esta tesis han sido i) desentrañar las razones por las que se dan bajos niveles de parasitismo de A. spiraecola ii) determinar cuándo y cómo los depredadores pueden controlar las poblaciones de A. spiraecola y finalmente iii) determinar si una cubierta de poáceas puede mejorar el control biológico de este pulgón en clementinos mediante la mejora en el establecimiento de sus depredadores. En el primer objetivo se muestrearon semanalmente cuatro parcelas y se identificó el complejo de parasitoides y las tasas de parasitismo (e hiperparasitismo). Los porcentajes de parasitismo fueron bajos (~menos del 5%) y Binodoxys angelicae Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) fue el único parasitoide primario emergido de las momias de A. spiraecola. Se identificaron al menos seis especies de hiperparasitoides atacando este parasitoide primario: Syrphophagus aphidivorus (Mayr) (Encyrtidae), Alloxysta sp. (Forster) (Figitidae), Asaphes sp. (Walker) (Pteromalidae), Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché) (Pteromalidae), Dendrocerus sp. (Ratzeburg) (Megaspilidae) y Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig) (Figitidae). Se desarrolló un método basado en la detección de ADN con el cual se confirmó que todas las especies de hiperparasitoides hiperparasitan B. angelicae. Los hiperparasitoides dominaron esta red trófica y fueron abundantes desde el inicio de la estación. De este modo, el hiperparasitismo probablemente explica el bajo impacto que B. angelicae tiene sobre las poblaciones de A. spiraecola. Para el segundo objetivo se muestrearon tres campos de clementinos donde se determinó el efecto de los depredadores en las colonias de A. spiraecola. Los parámetros de vida de las colonias de A. spiraecola variaron entre los dife, [CA] Aphis spiraecola Patch. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) és una de les plagues clau en el cultiu de clementins. Els esforços realitzats fins ara s'han centrat en el us i conservació de parasitoids encara que es desconeix les causes de la seua baixa eficàcia. Tenint en compte estos antecedents, els objectius d'esta tesis foren: i) desentrampar les raons per les quals els parasitoids no són efectius; ii) determinar quan i com els depredadors poden controlar les poblacions d'A. spiraecola; i finalment iii) determinar si una coberta de poàcies pot millorar el control biològic d'este àfid en clementins mitjançant la millora en el establiment del seus depredadors. En el primer objectiu es van mostrejar setmanalment quatre parcel·les i s'identificà el complex de parasitoids i les taxes de parasitisme (i hiperparasitisme). Binodoxys angelicae Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) va ser l'únic parasitoid primari emergit de les mòmies d'A. spiraecola. Se van identificar al menys sis especies d' hiperparasitoids atacant este parasitoid primari: Syrphophagus aphidivorus (Mayr) (Encyrtidae), Alloxysta sp. (Forster) (Figitidae), Asaphes sp. (Walker) (Pteromalidae), Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché) (Pteromalidae), Dendrocerus sp. (Ratzeburg) (Megaspilidae) i Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig) (Figitidae). Se desenvolupà un mètode basat en la detecció de DNA amb el que es confirmà que totes les especies d'hiperparasitoids hiperparasiten B. angelicae. Els hiperparasitoids dominaren aquesta xarxa tròfica i foren abundants a l'inici de l'estació. Per tant, l'hiperparasitisme podria explicar el baix impacte que B. angelicae té sobre les poblacions d'A. spiraecola. Per al segon objectiu es mostrejaren tres camps de clementins on es determinà l'efecte dels depredadors en les colònies d'A. spiraecola. Els paràmetres de vida de les colònies d'A. spiraecola variaren entre les tres parcel·les els tres anys. El màxim número d'àfids i la longevitat de les colònies d'A. spiraecola es correlacionaren negativame

The gall midges are one of the most important groups of gall makers. Emerging larvae produce stimuli and the host plant responds by producing galls, fascinating structures which provide food and shelter for the developing larvae. Most gall inducing midges are host specific: they are only able to induce galls in a few, often related, plant species. A few species have different feeding modes: among them are saprophagous, fungivorous and predaceous species and some are used in biocontrol. We recorded 416 species in the whole area; 366 species are recorded from the Netherlands, 270 species from Belgium and 96 species from Luxembourg.

The gall midges are one of the most important groups of gall makers. Emerging larvae produce stimuli and the host plant responds by producing galls, fascinating structures which provide food and shelter for the developing larvae. Most gall inducing midges are host specific: they are only able to induce galls in a few, often related, plant species. A few species have different feeding modes: among them are saprophagous, fungivorous and predaceous species and some are used in biocontrol. We recorded 416 species in the whole area; 366 species are recorded from the Netherlands, 270 species from Belgium and 96 species from Luxembourg.

The gall midges are one of the most important groups of gall makers. Emerging larvae produce stimuli and the host plant responds by producing galls, fascinating structures which provide food and shelter for the developing larvae. Most gall inducing midges are host specific: they are only able to induce galls in a few, often related, plant species. A few species have different feeding modes: among them are saprophagous, fungivorous and predaceous species and some are used in biocontrol. We recorded 416 species in the whole area; 366 species are recorded from the Netherlands, 270 species from Belgium and 96 species from Luxembourg.

Introduction. The invasive gall midge, Procontarinia mangiferae (= Erosomyia mangiferae Felt), is one of the most important flowering pests of mango orchards worldwide. To achieve chemical input reduction, developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies using bio-control agents is pertinent. Materials and methods. We tested the pathogenicity of two commercial strains of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria on non-diapausing 3rd-instar larvae of P. mangiferae. Results and discussion. Neither the Beauveria sp. commercial strain Betel nor the B. bassiana strain Bb 147 were effective, even though they proved their pathogenicity on the control, Galleria mellonella. Hypotheses to explain the inefficiency of the two strains on P. mangiferae are discussed. Conclusion. Other strains of Beauveria or other entomopathogenic fungi or nematodes should be tested on diapausing and non-diapausing larvae of P. mangiferae.

The accurate identification of insect has a primordial role for allocation to specific pests that affecting crops, being the morphological similarities of many species a great challenge faced by entomologist, is why DNA-based methodologies are used as a supplemental means of morphological method. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is the most important crop in Peru, in which, Prodiplosis sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) polyphagous insect is a major pest which reduces its production to 50%. In the present study the mtDNA of Prodiplosis sp. used for the molecular identification and diversity analysis into 34 larvae colected from Asparagus officinalis, Capsicum annuum and Citrus spp. crops. 490 bp and 712 bp fragments of cytochrome oxidase I gene were amplified using polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing. Nucleotide sequence divergences were calculated using the distance Kimura two parameters model showed the formations of two separates clades grouped either host. Genetic diversity in the total population, within populations and among populations was of 0.019, 0.005 and 0.014, respectively showed lowest divergence, variability within groups and among groups was 26.7% and 73.3%. The AMOVA analysis within populations (-1.13%) and statistic value FST (0.01129) was low, which is explained by high gene flow Nm (43.79), suggesting that crops are affected by two haplotypes (h1: TC y h2: GT) of the same pest. In conclusion, based to a PCR sensibility and specificity and mtDNA sequence information, it is suggest that the proof would be a molecular tool DNA-based complementary to the morphological identification that can be applied in studies of genetic diversity of Prodiplosis sp. in other crops., La identificación precisa de insectos tiene un rol primordial en la asignación específica de plagas que afectan los cultivos, siendo las similitudes morfológicas en muchas especies el gran reto que enfrentan los entomólogos, es por esto que las metodologías basadas en ADN son utilizadas como complemento a los métodos morfológicos. El espárrago (Asparagus officinalis) es el cultivo de mayor importancia económica en el Perú, en donde el insecto polífago Prodiplosis sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) es su principal plaga, mermando la producción hasta 50%. En el presente estudio se utilizó el ADNmt de Prodiplosis sp. para la identificación molecular y análisis de diversidad en 34 larvas colectadas de los cultivos de Asparagus officinalis, Capsicum annuum y Citrus spp. Fragmentos de 490 pb y 712 pb del gen de citocromo oxidasa I fueron amplificados por PCR seguidos de secuenciamiento directo. La divergencia de las secuencias nucleotídicas utilizando el modelo de distancia Kimura dos parámetros, muestra la conformación de dos clados agrupados indistintamente del hospedero. El análisis de diversidad genética en la población, dentro de las poblaciones y entre poblaciones fue de 0,019; 0,005 y 0,014, respectivamente, mostrando escasa divergencia, la variabilidad dentro de los grupos y entre grupos fue 26,7% y 73,3%. Los resultados del análisis AMOVA entre poblaciones (-1,13%) y los valores estadísticos (0,01129) fueron bajos, lo que se explica por el alto flujo de genes Nm (43,79), sugiriendo que los cultivos en estudio están afectados por una misma plaga con dos haplotipos (h1: TC y h2: GT). En conclusión, basados en la sensibilidad y especificidad de la PCR sumados a la información en las secuencias del ADNmt se puede sugerir que la prueba desarrollada serviría complementariamente a la identificación morfológica y puede ser aplicada en estudios de diversidad genética de Prodiplosis sp. en otros cultivos.

Introduction. The invasive gall midge, Procontarinia mangiferae (= Erosomyia mangiferae Felt), is one of the most important flowering pests of mango orchards worldwide. To achieve chemical input reduction, developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies using bio-control agents is pertinent. Materials and methods. We tested the pathogenicity of two commercial strains of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria on non-diapausing 3rd-instar larvae of P. mangiferae. Results and discussion. Neither the Beauveria sp. commercial strain Betel nor the B. bassiana strain Bb 147 were effective, even though they proved their pathogenicity on the control, Galleria mellonella. Hypotheses to explain the inefficiency of the two strains on P. mangiferae are discussed. Conclusion. Other strains of Beauveria or other entomopathogenic fungi or nematodes should be tested on diapausing and non-diapausing larvae of P. mangiferae.

The accurate identification of insect has a primordial role for allocation to specific pests that affecting crops, being the morphological similarities of many species a great challenge faced by entomologist, is why DNA-based methodologies are used as a supplemental means of morphological method. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is the most important crop in Peru, in which, Prodiplosis sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) polyphagous insect is a major pest which reduces its production to 50%. In the present study the mtDNA of Prodiplosis sp. used for the molecular identification and diversity analysis into 34 larvae colected from Asparagus officinalis, Capsicum annuum and Citrus spp. crops. 490 bp and 712 bp fragments of cytochrome oxidase I gene were amplified using polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing. Nucleotide sequence divergences were calculated using the distance Kimura two parameters model showed the formations of two separates clades grouped either host. Genetic diversity in the total population, within populations and among populations was of 0.019, 0.005 and 0.014, respectively showed lowest divergence, variability within groups and among groups was 26.7% and 73.3%. The AMOVA analysis within populations (-1.13%) and statistic value FST (0.01129) was low, which is explained by high gene flow Nm (43.79), suggesting that crops are affected by two haplotypes (h1: TC y h2: GT) of the same pest. In conclusion, based to a PCR sensibility and specificity and mtDNA sequence information, it is suggest that the proof would be a molecular tool DNA-based complementary to the morphological identification that can be applied in studies of genetic diversity of Prodiplosis sp. in other crops., La identificación precisa de insectos tiene un rol primordial en la asignación específica de plagas que afectan los cultivos, siendo las similitudes morfológicas en muchas especies el gran reto que enfrentan los entomólogos, es por esto que las metodologías basadas en ADN son utilizadas como complemento a los métodos morfológicos. El espárrago (Asparagus officinalis) es el cultivo de mayor importancia económica en el Perú, en donde el insecto polífago Prodiplosis sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) es su principal plaga, mermando la producción hasta 50%. En el presente estudio se utilizó el ADNmt de Prodiplosis sp. para la identificación molecular y análisis de diversidad en 34 larvas colectadas de los cultivos de Asparagus officinalis, Capsicum annuum y Citrus spp. Fragmentos de 490 pb y 712 pb del gen de citocromo oxidasa I fueron amplificados por PCR seguidos de secuenciamiento directo. La divergencia de las secuencias nucleotídicas utilizando el modelo de distancia Kimura dos parámetros, muestra la conformación de dos clados agrupados indistintamente del hospedero. El análisis de diversidad genética en la población, dentro de las poblaciones y entre poblaciones fue de 0,019; 0,005 y 0,014, respectivamente, mostrando escasa divergencia, la variabilidad dentro de los grupos y entre grupos fue 26,7% y 73,3%. Los resultados del análisis AMOVA entre poblaciones (-1,13%) y los valores estadísticos (0,01129) fueron bajos, lo que se explica por el alto flujo de genes Nm (43,79), sugiriendo que los cultivos en estudio están afectados por una misma plaga con dos haplotipos (h1: TC y h2: GT). En conclusión, basados en la sensibilidad y especificidad de la PCR sumados a la información en las secuencias del ADNmt se puede sugerir que la prueba desarrollada serviría complementariamente a la identificación morfológica y puede ser aplicada en estudios de diversidad genética de Prodiplosis sp. en otros cultivos.

Appelbloedluis Eriosoma lanigerum is de belangrijkste plaag van Malus in de laanboomteelt. Omdat de soort zich zeer snel kan vermeerderen, kunnen enkele luizen in het voorjaar in korte tijd een plaag veroorzaken. Ook na een chemische bestrijding zullen de overlevende luizen zich snel weer uitbreiden. Er is dus een constante rem op de populatiegroei nodig om een explosie tegen te gaan. Het hier beschreven onderzoek richt zich op de geïntegreerde beheersing van deze plaag.

Les relations complexes qui unissent les insectes phytophages et les plantes peuvent être étudiées par des approches interdisciplinaires à diverses échelles. Ces études peuvent avoir un intérêt appliqué, dans l'agriculture notamment. Au cours de cette thèse, nous avons mené une étude interdisciplinaire sur la biologie de la cécidomyie des fleurs du manguier, Procontarinia mangiferae (Felt) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), un bio-agresseur monophage et invasif responsable de dégâts économiques majeurs dans plusieurs zones de production du monde. L'objectif était d'améliorer les connaissances sur la biologie de cette espèce à l'ile de la Réunion : (1) en évaluant sa diversité génétique et les facteurs écologiques et biologiques qui peuvent expliquer la structuration génétique de ses populations ; (2) en étudiant en milieu naturel ou contrôlé les caractéristiques de sa diapause, qui lui permettent de maintenir des populations d'une saison de floraison à la suivante ; (3) en étudiant par modélisation la dispersion des femelles dans un verger lors de sa colonisation, en prenant en compte les capacités de vol et la distribution spatiale et temporelle des stades sensibles du manguier au sein du verger. Les résultats ont montré que l'espèce P. mangiferae se reproduisait à la fois sur les inflorescences et sur les jeunes feuilles, qu'elle était présente toute l'année et sur tous les sites échantillonnés sur l'ile, quelles que soient les conditions culturales ou climatiques. Ses populations sont apparues structurées en deux clusters sympatriques, dont un était plus fréquent dans la zone de culture du manguier. Ensuite, nous avons prouvé l'existence d'une diapause facultative induite toute l'année, avec cependant un taux d'induction de diapause supérieur en été. Cette diapause du troisième stade larvaire se déroule dans le sol et dure entre six semaines et plus d'un an. Les températures fraiches déclenchent les émergences des individus en diapause et permettent de synchroniser l'émer

Les relations complexes qui unissent les insectes phytophages et les plantes peuvent être étudiées par des approches interdisciplinaires à diverses échelles. Ces études peuvent avoir un intérêt appliqué, dans l'agriculture notamment. Au cours de cette thèse, nous avons mené une étude interdisciplinaire sur la biologie de la cécidomyie des fleurs du manguier, Procontarinia mangiferae (Felt) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), un bio-agresseur monophage et invasif responsable de dégâts économiques majeurs dans plusieurs zones de production du monde. L'objectif était d'améliorer les connaissances sur la biologie de cette espèce à l'ile de la Réunion : (1) en évaluant sa diversité génétique et les facteurs écologiques et biologiques qui peuvent expliquer la structuration génétique de ses populations ; (2) en étudiant en milieu naturel ou contrôlé les caractéristiques de sa diapause, qui lui permettent de maintenir des populations d'une saison de floraison à la suivante ; (3) en étudiant par modélisation la dispersion des femelles dans un verger lors de sa colonisation, en prenant en compte les capacités de vol et la distribution spatiale et temporelle des stades sensibles du manguier au sein du verger. Les résultats ont montré que l'espèce P. mangiferae se reproduisait à la fois sur les inflorescences et sur les jeunes feuilles, qu'elle était présente toute l'année et sur tous les sites échantillonnés sur l'ile, quelles que soient les conditions culturales ou climatiques. Ses populations sont apparues structurées en deux clusters sympatriques, dont un était plus fréquent dans la zone de culture du manguier. Ensuite, nous avons prouvé l'existence d'une diapause facultative induite toute l'année, avec cependant un taux d'induction de diapause supérieur en été. Cette diapause du troisième stade larvaire se déroule dans le sol et dure entre six semaines et plus d'un an. Les températures fraiches déclenchent les émergences des individus en diapause et permettent de synchroniser l'émer

I Cecidomyiidae, probabilmente la famiglia più numerosa dei Ditteri, comprendono specie galligene di interesse economico perché dannose alle piante coltivate, ma anche numerose specie zoofaghe, sia predatrici sia endoparassitoidi, importanti per il ruolo ecologico di limitatori naturali di afidi, cocciniglie, psille, aleirodidi e acari. La famiglia si suddivide in diverse sottofamiglie: ai Cecidomyiinae appartiene il genere Trisopsis, descritto da Kieffer nel 1912 (Harris e Dorchin, 2012). Di questo genere si conosce poco, in particolare non è noto molto della sua biologia: si sa che si tratta di un genere a cui appartengono anche specie predatrici di altri artropodi come afidi, cocciniglie, acari (Crosby, 1986). Il presente lavoro riguarda individui catturati in un prosciuttificio nel Parmense, presenti sul pavimento dello stabilimento all'interno del "ruffino", dove è stata messa in evidenza un’entomofauna piuttosto ricca. Su questo pabulum sono state trovate larve di Trisopsis sp., stadi preimmaginali di Rincoti Antocoridi, anch'essi predatori, oltre ad acari dei salumi. Gli esemplari di Trisopsis sp., rinvenuti nel prosciuttificio, sono stati allevati e i vari stadi inviati al Prof. Solinas e al Prof. Harris per l’identificazione della specie. In base ai dati morfologici, gli esemplari studiati appartengono a un’unica specie del genere Trisopsis, vicina a Trisopsis tyroglyphi Barnes. Nel presente contributo si riporta quindi una brevissima descrizione morfologica dei vari stadi della specie, corredata di fotografie al microscopio elettronico a scansione, e si descrivono comportamenti di adulti e larve., TRISOPSIS SP. (DIPTERA: CECIDOMYIIDAE): A MITES PREDATOR PRESENT IN HAM FACTORIES. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS The Cecidomyiidae, probably the largest family of Diptera, include gall midge species of economic interest, being harmful to cultivated plants, but also many zoophagous species both predators and endoparassitoids, important as natural control agents of aphids, mealy bugs, psyllids, aleyrodids and mites. The family is divided into several subfamilies: the genus Trisopsis, described by Kieffer in 1912, belongs to that of Cecidomyiinae (Harris and Dorchin, 2012). Little is known of this genus, particularly of its biology: it includes species which are predators of other arthropods such as aphids, mealy bugs, mites (Crosby, 1986). This contribution concerns specimens collected in a ham factory in Parma, on the debris present on the floor, where a quite rich fauna is present. On this pabulum Trisopsis sp. larvae, preimaginal stages of Hemiptera Anthocoridae, also predators, as well as ham mites were found. Specimens of Trisopsis sp., collected on the ham debris, were bred and the various stages were sent to Prof. Solinas and Prof. Harris for species identification. On morphological data bases, the specimens studied belong to a single species of the genus Trisopsis, close to Trisopsis tyroglyphi Barnes. In this paper a brief morphological description of the various stages of the species, illustrated with Scanning Electron Microscope photographs, together with an account of adults and larvae behavior, is given.

Powerpointpresentatie over de bestrijding van galmuggen in de laanboomteelt.

Beelden bij een presentatie: laanboomkwekers ervaren veel problemen met kopstekers in lindes. PPO doet onderzoek naar de veroorzaker. Dat blijkt een onschuldig ogend mugje te zijn, de lindebladplooigalmug. Deze mug legt haar eieren in de scheuttoppen, waarna de larven de uiteindelijke schade veroorzaken.

Most parasitoids of aphids are small wasps belonging to the families Braconidae or Aphelinidae. However, some dipteran parasitoids are also known to use aphids as hosts. We describe and give life-history information on a new species of aphid parasitoid, Endaphis fugitiva Gagne and Muratori, found to parasitize the banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel, the vector of banana bunchy top virus. Field and laboratory observations show that fly eggs are laid on the leaves near an aphid colony, the newly hatched fly larvae search for hosts while crawling on the leaf, and then penetrate the aphid between the legs and thorax. They develop as koinobiont endoparasitoids, and eventually emerge from the aphid anus and fall to the ground to pupate in the soil. We provide data relevant to parasitoid rearing on patterns of emergence, adult longevity, and effects of pupation substrate on adult emergence rate, and we discuss the potential of this new species to contribute to the biocontrol of banana aphid in Hawaii. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Met als doel de biologische bestrijding van trips in potanthurium te bevorderen werden verschillende soorten roofmijten van december tot mei zes maal gemengd uitgestrooid in zes afdelingen met potanthurium. Een afdeling met een etmaaltemperatuur van 22 graden Celsius en een afdeling met 26 graden Celsius werden later bemonsterd op het voorkomen van trips en roofmijten. Het betreft de volgende soorten: Neoseiulus cucumeris, Neoseiulus alpinus, Amblyseius swirskii, Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius barkeri, Typhlodromalus limonicus (één introductie). Ook werden verschillende soorten planten getest om het overleven van roofmijten te ondersteunen (in de afdeling van 26 graden C). Ipomoea tricolor ‘Heavenly Blue’ bleek geschikt voor de roofmijt Euseius ovalis, die niet met de andere soorten is geïntroduceerd. Euseius ovalis verspreidde zich vanuit de banker planten in het gewas. Van de uitgestrooide soorten vestigden zich Amblyseius swirskii en Amblyseius andersoni op Anthurium. Deze soorten konden maanden nadat het uitstrooien was gestopt nog worden bemonsterd. Verder werden ook enkele spontaan optredende roofmijten uit een andere superfamilie (Bedelloidea) in de monsters aangetroffen. De aantallen trips bleven laag behalve in de afdeling met de test van banker planten. Vooral Ipomoea tricolor blijkt een bron te kunnen worden van trips. Bladluis trad in mei spontaan op. Hiertegen werden met succes galmuggen, Aphidoletes aphidimyza, losgelaten. Ter ondersteuning en overbrugging van schaarste aan bladluizen werd graan met graanluizen aangeboden. De biologische bladluisbestrijding gaf geen onaanvaardbare vervuiling van de planten, in tegenstelling tot het uitstrooien van roofmijten in tarwezemelen. De zemelen moeten nu en dan worden afgespoeld. Op de vangplaten werden sluipwespen gevonden waarvan de biologie niet bekend is. Er was geen relatie tot bovengrondse plagen zoals bladluis, maar misschien wel met bodemplagen (rouwmuggen)

Most parasitoids of aphids are small wasps belonging to the families Braconidae or Aphelinidae. However, some dipteran parasitoids are also known to use aphids as hosts. We describe and give life-history information on a new species of aphid parasitoid, Endaphis fugitiva Gagné and Muratori, found to parasitize the banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel, the vector of banana bunchy top virus. Field and laboratory observations show that fly eggs are laid on the leaves near an aphid colony, the newly hatched fly larvae search for hosts while crawling on the leaf, and then penetrate the aphid between the legs and thorax. They develop as koinobiont endoparasitoids, and eventually emerge from the aphid anus and fall to the ground to pupate in the soil. We provide data relevant to parasitoid rearing on patterns of emergence, adult longevity, and effects of pupation substrate on adult emergence rate, and we discuss the potential of this new species to contribute to the biocontrol of banana aphid in Hawaii.

Galinsecten zijn doorgaans trage volgers van hun waardplanten wanneer deze door de mens naar andere arealen worden overgebracht. Om die reden laten veel gallenzoekers exoten links liggen – er is immers toch niets op te vinden. Resultaten is wel dat hierdoor nieuwe vondsten te laat kunnen worden opgemerkt. Zo kon het gebeuren dat een paar maanden geleden op de oorspronkelijk uit Amerika afkomstige Robinia pseudoacacia in verbazend grote aantallen de Nearctische galmuggensoort Obolodiplosis robiniae werd aangetroffen in de tuin van een van de auteurs. Vervolgens gingen de auteurs op zoek en werd de galg verspreid over heel Nederland aangetroffen

De Nederlandse akkerbouw zal de komende jaren moeten voldoen aan strikter wordende eisen met betrekking tot voedselveiligheid. In de graanteelt speelt de voedselveiligheid een belangrijke rol omdat graan als grondstof dient voor een reeks uiteenlopende voedingsmiddelen en diervoeders. Maar de voedselveiligheid kan onder druk komen te staan doordat schimmels het graan kunnen koloniseren en gifstoffen, ook wel mycotoxinen genoemd, kunnen produceren. Een belangrijke mycotoxine in tarwe is deoxynivalenol (DON). Dit mycotoxine wordt geproduceerd door een aantal fusariumschimmels die de aren en graankorrels tijdens de teelt koloniseren. De bestrijding van deze schimmels is complex omdat geen fungicide voor handen is dat deze schimmels volledig bestrijdt. Bestrijding moet dus een samenspel zijn van factoren zoals het telen van resistente/tolerante rassen, kerende grondbewerking, ruime vruchtwisseling enzovoorts. Uit de praktijk kwamen signalen dat insecten, waar onder tarwegalmuggen, mogelijk ook een rol kunnen spelen bij de besmetting van de aren door de schimmel. Bestrijding van tarwegalmuggen zou het risico op besmetting van het graan door de schimmel en daardoor DON-productie kunnen verlagen. In dit rapport worden de resultaten gepresenteerd van onderzoek in 2004 t/m 2007, waarin telkens in een vijftal praktijkpercelen in Noordoost Groningen een spuitvenster werd aangelegd ter bestrijding van tarwegalmuggen (en bladluis)

Galinsecten zijn doorgaans trage volgers van hun waardplanten wanneer deze door de mens naar andere arealen worden overgebracht. Om die reden laten veel gallenzoekers exoten links liggen – er is immers toch niets op te vinden. Resultaten is wel dat hierdoor nieuwe vondsten te laat kunnen worden opgemerkt. Zo kon het gebeuren dat een paar maanden geleden op de oorspronkelijk uit Amerika afkomstige Robinia pseudoacacia in verbazend grote aantallen de Nearctische galmuggensoort Obolodiplosis robiniae werd aangetroffen in de tuin van een van de auteurs. Vervolgens gingen de auteurs op zoek en werd de galg verspreid over heel Nederland aangetroffen

Galinsecten zijn doorgaans trage volgers van hun waardplanten wanneer deze door de mens naar andere arealen worden overgebracht. Om die reden laten veel gallenzoekers exoten links liggen – er is immers toch niets op te vinden. Resultaten is wel dat hierdoor nieuwe vondsten te laat kunnen worden opgemerkt. Zo kon het gebeuren dat een paar maanden geleden op de oorspronkelijk uit Amerika afkomstige Robinia pseudoacacia in verbazend grote aantallen de Nearctische galmuggensoort Obolodiplosis robiniae werd aangetroffen in de tuin van een van de auteurs. Vervolgens gingen de auteurs op zoek en werd de galg verspreid over heel Nederland aangetroffen

Eind jaren tachtig werden reeds goede resultaten bereikt met biologische gewasbescherming. Nadeel van biologie is de compleet andere benadering van de teelt die moeilijk samengaat met chemie. De komst van Vertimec maakte een schoon gewas wel heel gemakkelijk. Nu spint zelfs resistent is tegen Vertimec, gaan tuinders weer aan de slag met biologie. De verwachtingen zijn veelbelovend en de kosten zeker niet hoger

De problemen met emelten in grasland en ritnaalden in mais nemen de laatste jaren toe. Dat zegt Albert Ester, entmoloog bij het Praktijkonderzoek Plant en Omgeving. LTO Nederland heeft met succes een vrijstelling verkregen voor het middel Talstar, terwijl PPO een alternatief middel voor Talstar heeft: een biologisch bestrijdingsmiddel, dat even succesvol is

De larven van de galmug Aphidoletes aphidimyza zijn zeer effectieve predatoren van vele bladluissoorten. Hoewel minder bekend dan lieveheersbeestjes zijn zij vaak een sleutelfactor in de bestrijding van luis in buitenteelten. De levenswijze van deze interessante muggen wordt beschreven en enkele suggesties worden gedaan om activiteiten in het veld nog te bevorderen

[EN] The galls induced by insects on species of Artemisia (Asteraceae) in Spain are studied. Literature data have been compiled and sampling in the centre and the south of peninsular Spain was carried out, mainly on Artemisia campestris and Artemisia herba-alba. The gall inducer entomofauna associated to species of Artemisia in Spain consist of 19 species of eight gall-inducer genera of the families Cecidomyiidae and Tephritidae (Diptera), Tortricidae (Lepidoptera), Aphididae (Hemiptera) and Apionidae (Coleoptera). Thirteen species were found on Artemisia campestris, five on A. herba-alba and one on A. vulgaris. Eight galls were affecting the vegetative or reproductive buds, whereas ten galls were on the stems of the plants. The gall of Oxyna parietina (L. 1758) is recorded for the first time in Spain. A key for the identification of the studied galls is provided., [ES] Se estudian las agallas inducidas por especies de insectos en plantas del género Artemisia L. (Asteraceae) en España. Se han recopilado las citas publicadas existentes y se han efectuado muestreos en el centro y sur de España peninsular, principalmente sobre Artemisia campestris L. y Artemisia herba-alba Asso. La entomofauna cecidógena asociada a especies de Artemisia en España está integrada al menos por 19 especies de ocho géneros gallícolas de las familias Cecidomyiidae y Tephritidae (Diptera), Tortricidae (Lepidoptera), Aphididae (Hemiptera) y Apionidae (Coleoptera). Trece especies fueron encontradas sobre Artemisia campestris, cinco sobre A. herba-alba y una en A. vulgaris L. Ocho agallas se encontraron afectando las yemas vegetativas o reproductivas, mientras que diez agallas se encontraron en los tallos de las plantas. Se cita la agalla de Oxyna parietina (L., 1758) por primera vez para España. Se aporta una clave de identificación de las agallas de la comunidad gallícola estudiada.

Bladluizen vormen een lastig te beheersen plaag. In de biologische paprikateelt is gezocht naar een effectief gebruik van bestrijders. Door intensief te scouten zijn belagers en bestrijders in paprika in beeld gebracht. Met kunst en vliegwerk worden luizenhaarden in het gewas onderdrukt. Preventief inzetten van bestrijders en scherp scouten zijn de pijlers voor de beheersing van luizen

La cécidomyie du sorgho, Stenodiplosis (= Contarinia) sorghicola (Coquillet, 1898) est un important ravageur du sorgho dans les zones centre-ouest et est du Burkina Faso. Des études menées de 1994 à 2001 ont abouti à l'identification de dix nouvelles sources de résistance au sein du matériel végétal local. Des croisements impliquant des sources exotiques de résistance et des variétés performantes adaptées ont permis d'obtenir une gamme importante de nouvelles lignées. Testées en milieu paysan, deux lignées avancées, CCAL 1/13-1-1-1 et BF 94-6/11-1K-1K se sont révélées prometteuses car associant résistance à la cécidomyie, tolérance à d'autres contraintes biotiques (punaises des panicules et moisissures des grains) à des gains de rendement élevés par rapport aux variétés locales des paysans (140% pour la CCAL 1/13-1-1-1 et 39% pour BF 94-6/11-1K-1K en 2000 et 2001). Ces résultats apportent des solutions concrètes à la gestion des populations de cet important ravageur du sorgho pour un accroissement de la production dans les zones concernées.

La cécidomyie du sorgho, Stenodiplosis (= Contarinia) sorghicola (Coquillet, 1898) est un important ravageur du sorgho dans les zones centre-ouest et est du Burkina Faso. Des études menées de 1994 à 2001 ont abouti à l'identification de dix nouvelles sources de résistance au sein du matériel végétal local. Des croisements impliquant des sources exotiques de résistance et des variétés performantes adaptées ont permis d'obtenir une gamme importante de nouvelles lignées. Testées en milieu paysan, deux lignées avancées, CCAL 1/13-1-1-1 et BF 94-6/11-1K-1K se sont révélées prometteuses car associant résistance à la cécidomyie, tolérance à d'autres contraintes biotiques (punaises des panicules et moisissures des grains) à des gains de rendement élevés par rapport aux variétés locales des paysans (140% pour la CCAL 1/13-1-1-1 et 39% pour BF 94-6/11-1K-1K en 2000 et 2001). Ces résultats apportent des solutions concrètes à la gestion des populations de cet important ravageur du sorgho pour un accroissement de la production dans les zones concernées.

In diverse gewassen zorgen galmuggen voor problemen. Sommige soorten vernielen knoppen; andere misvormen de bladeren en belemmeren de groei. Galmuglarven zijn door hun verborgen leefwijze moeilijk bereikbaar voor bestrijdingsmiddelen. Mede daarom wordt er vaak gespoten. Bovendien is de schade op het moment van bestrijding al veroorzaakt. Er is slechts één breedwerkend insecticide (w.s. deltamethrin) toegelaten in de boomkwekerij. Dit middel bestrijdt ook nuttige insecten, zoals natuurlijke vijanden van andere plaaginsecten. Breedwerkende insecticiden passen daarom niet in een geïntegreerde aanpak van gewasbescherming. Voor het kunnen uitvoeren van geïntegreerde gewasbescherming is het nodig dat het middelenpakket breder wordt en dat er selectieve middelen beschikbaar komen. Binnen dit project is onderzoek gedaan aan monitoring, bestrijding van volwassen galmuggen tijdens de vlucht en bestrijding van galmuglarven/-poppen in de bodem. In dit onderzoek lag de nadruk op eikentopgalmug en appelbladgalmug. Wanneer er oplossingen voor deze galmuggen gevonden worden, kunnen deze mogelijk ook worden gebruikt tegen andere galmuggen. Al het onderzoek gebeurde op kwekerijen.

De galmug Contarinia fagi was nog niet eerder van Nederlands plantenmateriaal geïdentificeerd en voor Nederland vermeld. De soort veroorzaakte in 2002 en 2003 schade in knoppen van jonge beuken bij boomkwekerijen in de omgeving van Zundert, Noord-Brabant. Bijzonderheden over de manier van aantasting en de schade, morfologie, levenswijze en geografische verspreiding worden besproken, The gall midge Contarinia fagi (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) causes damage to the terminal buds of beeches near Zundert, the Netherlands. Notes are given concerning the type of damage, morphology, life history and geographical distribution of the species, wich has not previously been recorded for the fauna of the Netherlands

The grass genus Chionochloa in New Zealand exhibits a high degree of mast seeding synchronised across species and habitats. Masting appears to be maintained by a predator satiation mechanism involving three pre-dispersal seed- and flower-feeding insects. It is not clear how important each of the three insects is in favouring the masting strategy. An undescribed cecidomyiid fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) may be particularly important, since its conspicuous larvae are found throughout the South Island of New Zealand on many Chinochloa species. Despite the wide distribution of the larvae, it is not clear whether they are conspecific. Since the species is undescribed and adults are rarely seen, there may be different species on different host plants or in different geographic areas. We used Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSRs) to determine whether cecidomyiid larvae found in four different areas in the South Island and on four species of Chionochloa exhibited molecular variation consistent with the presence of a single species of fly. Cluster analysis using Unweighted Pair-Group Method using Arithmetic averages (UPGMA) based on 38 ISSR fragments showed no clusters based on either host plant or geography. Analyis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) analyses showed statistically significant differentiation among both host populations and geographic populations, but most of the molecular variation was explained by individual variation within geographic regions and host-plant populations. Thus, the molecular variation in the cecidomyiid larvae suggests the presence of a single species of cecidomyiid. Our data, combined with previous population surveys, suggest that the cecidomyiid is the most widespread of Chionochloa seed predators and may provide the selective benefit for the synchronous flowering observed among different Chionochloa populations in New Zealand.

The grass genus Chionochloa in New Zealand exhibits a high degree of mast seeding synchronised across species and habitats. Masting appears to be maintained by a predator satiation mechanism involving three pre-dispersal seed- and flower-feeding insects. It is not clear how important each of the three insects is in favouring the masting strategy. An undescribed cecidomyiid fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) may be particularly important, since its conspicuous larvae are found throughout the South Island of New Zealand on many Chinochloa species. Despite the wide distribution of the larvae, it is not clear whether they are conspecific. Since the species is undescribed and adults are rarely seen, there may be different species on different host plants or in different geographic areas. We used Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSRs) to determine whether cecidomyiid larvae found in four different areas in the South Island and on four species of Chionochloa exhibited molecular variation consistent with the presence of a single species of fly. Cluster analysis using Unweighted Pair-Group Method using Arithmetic averages (UPGMA) based on 38 ISSR fragments showed no clusters based on either host plant or geography. Analyis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) analyses showed statistically significant differentiation among both host populations and geographic populations, but most of the molecular variation was explained by individual variation within geographic regions and host-plant populations. Thus, the molecular variation in the cecidomyiid larvae suggests the presence of a single species of cecidomyiid. Our data, combined with previous population surveys, suggest that the cecidomyiid is the most widespread of Chionochloa seed predators and may provide the selective benefit for the synchronous flowering observed among different Chionochloa populations in New Zealand.