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The application of fungal entomopathogens, such as Metarhizium brunneum, has the potential to continue to impact targeted host populations through secondary cycling. In the present study, we examined the horizontal transmission of M. brunneum conidia from conspecific mycosed cadavers or soil on which the cadavers sporulated to Agriotes obscurus beetles. Close contact between the susceptible hosts and sporulating cadavers or contaminated soil was required for increased mortality of hosts and subsequent production of mycosed cadavers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to determine rates of recapture of marked Agriotes obscurus (AO) males released in a grassy field on four occasions in the centre of pheromone trap squares with traps spaced 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 m apart. Concurrent catches of naturally occurring and naturally dispersed (wild) AO were also recorded. Catch of marked AO was highest during peak emergence when maximum weekly temperatures ranged from 15.7 to 17 °C, and rainfall was light. Mean catch in the 2.5–10.0 m trap squares was, respectively, 82.0, 79.0, 77.0 and 65.0%, which occurred within one week of release. Catch of marked AO were lower (range in 2.5–10.0 m squares: 74.5–50.5%) when released early in the activity period, due to lower temperatures and higher rainfall, and catch was protracted over 3 weeks. Catch during two releases under favourable weather late in the activity period was also reduced (range: 25–58%), likely due to loss of AO vigour and/or pheromone trap efficacy. Catch of wild AO was highest in traps spaced 7.5 or 10.0 m apart, suggesting independence of these traps, and between-trap competition at 2.5 and 5.0 m spacings. From these data, we estimated that an effective spacing for traps in mass trapping arrays would be approximately 6 m. Significantly higher catch of marked or wild AO occurred in traps that were upwind in all trap squares, indicating wind direction should be considered in structuring the placement of trap arrays in mass trapping programs in non-farmed headland areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the relative efficacy of six pheromone-baited traps used in trapping Agriotes obscurus (L.) click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae): original Yatlor Traps, Yatlor Funnel Traps, Vernon Beetle Traps, Unitraps, Baited Pitfall Traps, and Vernon Pitfall Traps. Traps were rated according to quantitative and qualitative criteria of importance for each of four trap uses: general surveys, scientific studies, IPM monitoring, and mass trapping. Measurable quantitative categories included: total catch of A. obscurus; time for assembly, installation, and inspection; exclusion of nontarget invertebrates; and cost. Qualitative criteria were small mammal exclusion, flooding, design and handling variability, and convenience for various field uses. The most desirable characteristics were determined for the above four uses, and the cumulative ranking based on quantitative criteria and all four uses was Vernon Pitfall Trap, Baited Pitfall Trap, Original Yatlor Trap, Vernon Beetle Trap, Yatlor Funnel Trap, and Unitrap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]