scholarly journals Density-Dependent Growth and Fitness in Dastarcus helophoroides (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae)

Insects ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shang-kun Gao ◽  
Cui-cui Geng ◽  
Ying-chao Ji ◽  
Zi-kun Li ◽  
Cheng-gang Zhou

The ectoparasitoid Dastarcus helophoroides Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) is an important natural enemy insect, which is artificially mass-reared and released into woodland to control medium and large longhorn beetle species. This study examined the developmental duration (days) of larvae and adult fitness (including numbers of adults emerging per host and mean body size) by exposing a single substitute host, a pupa of Zophobas morio (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), to different densities of D. helophoroides larvae. We showed that there was no significant effect on the rate of successful parasitism and cocoon formation, but emergence success and measures of individual adult body size (length, width, and weight) declined with increasing larval density. Larval period and cocoon period increased with larval density, while total weight of adults emerging per host increased initially before reaching a plateau. Our results suggest that a pupa of Z. morio could be successfully parasitized by a single D. helophoroides larva, but multiple D. helophoroides larvae can share one host. Excessive larval density caused intraspecific competition among D. helophoroides larvae, manifesting in extended developmental duration of immature stage and reduced fitness of adults. Furthermore, the tradeoff between the numbers of adults and body size may stabilize the population dynamics with detectable mutual interference, particularly in competing for limited host resources. These findings suggest six larvae per host would achieve the highest adult fitness and would enhance mass-rearing techniques as part of IPM strategies for longhorn beetles.

2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (6) ◽  
pp. 2634-2640
Author(s):  
Haoni Shi ◽  
Jiaying Zhou ◽  
Yuansheng Chen ◽  
Qinzhao Wang ◽  
Youliang Pan ◽  
...  

Abstract The coleopteran parasitoid Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) is considered an efficient preventative method against the damage caused by a large number of cerambycid pests in China and other East Asian countries. Mass rearing of this parasitoid depends on screening appropriate factitious hosts. In this paper, the fitness-related traits of this parasitic beetle were explored using pupae of the two tenebrionid beetles, Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus and Zophobas morio Fabricius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) as factitious hosts. The results showed that in dual-choice trials, D. helophoroides larvae preferred to attack Z. morio pupae. In no-choice trials, D. helophoroides reared on Z. morio pupae displayed significantly higher pupation and emergence rate, longer developmental duration of larval and larval–pupal stages, larger adult body size, shorter preoviposition period, more egg masses and egg production, and higher relative expected reproduction than those reared on T. molitor pupae. These results demonstrate that Z. morio is a more suitable factitious host for mass rearing of D. helophoroides.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nwamaka Oluchukwu Akpodiete ◽  
Frédéric Tripet

Abstract Background Malaria vector control approaches that rely on mosquito releases such as the sterile insect technique (SIT) and suppression or replacement strategies relying on genetically modified mosquitoes (GMM) depend on effective mass production of Anopheles mosquitoes. Anophelines typically require relatively clean larval rearing water, and water management techniques that minimise toxic ammonia are key to achieving optimal rearing conditions in small and large rearing facilities. Zeolites are extensively used in closed-system fish aquaculture to improve water quality and reduce water consumption, thanks to their selective adsorption of ammonia and toxic heavy metals. The many advantages of zeolites include low cost, abundance in many parts of the world and environmental friendliness. However, so far, their potential benefit for mosquito rearing has not been evaluated. Methods This study evaluated the independent effects of zeolite and daily water changes (to simulate a continuous flow system) on the rearing of An. coluzzii under two feed regimes (powder and slurry feed) and larval densities (200 and 400 larvae per tray). The duration of larval development, adult emergence success and phenotypic quality (body size) were recorded to assess the impact of water treatments on mosquito numbers, phenotypic quality and identification of optimal feeding regimes and larval density for the use of zeolite. Results Overall, mosquito emergence, duration of development and adult phenotypic quality were significantly better in treatments with daily water changes. In treatments without daily water changes, zeolite significantly improved water quality at the lower larval rearing density, resulting in higher mosquito emergence and shorter development time. At the lower larval rearing density, the adult phenotypic quality did not significantly differ between zeolite treatment without water changes and those with daily changes. Conclusions These results suggest that treating rearing water with zeolite can improve mosquito production in smaller facilities. Zeolite could also offer cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions for water recycling management systems in larger production facilities. Further studies are needed to optimise and assess the costs and benefits of such applications to Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) mosquito-rearing programmes. Graphic abstract


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naglaa F. Abdel-Hameid ◽  
I. R. M. Elzoghby ◽  
A. L. Mehany ◽  
W. A. A. Sayed

AbstractThe performance of parasitism by the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma evanescens Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on eggs of Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella Olivier (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was investigated under cold storage and gamma irradiation treatments of the host eggs. Cold storage treatment could improve the parasitoid mass rearing techniques and reduced the costs of biological control programs, while gamma irradiation might be used as a supplementary support at the times of high demand. The suitability of the S. cerealella eggs, stored at – 20 °C for 0.5, 1, or 2 h. as a host for T. evanescens was evaluated. The sensitivity of S. cerealella eggs to gamma irradiation treatments and the acceptability of irradiated eggs for parasitism by T. evanescens females for the parental P and F1 generations were examined. The results revealed that parasitism was drastically reduced more than adult’s emergence and sex-ratio (% of females) after cold storage periods of S. cerealella eggs. Moreover, the parasitism percentages were relatively reduced to (97.1, 96.1, 93.03, and 92.7 %) after irradiating the S. cerealella eggs at 40, 60, 80, and 100 Gy, respectively than the control (97.3% emergence). The percentages of emergence and females’ percent were slightly decreased by gamma irradiation doses, while, equal preferred by the F1 generation of parasitoid that produced from irradiated S. cerealella eggs.


Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 508
Author(s):  
Yong-Seok Choi ◽  
Sung-Hoon Baek ◽  
Min-Jung Kim

The predatory gall midge, Feltiella acarisuga (Vallot) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is an acarivorous species that mainly feeds on spider mites (Acarina: Tetranychidae). Because of its cosmopolitan distribution and predation efficacy, it is considered an important natural enemy available as a biological agent for augmentative biocontrol. However, despite its practical use, the thermal development and survival response to temperature have not yet been fully studied. In this study, we investigated the stage-specific development and survival of F. acarisuga at seven temperatures (11.5, 15.7, 19.8, 23.4, 27.7, 31.9, and 35.4 °C) to examine the effect of temperature on its lifecycle. All developmental stages could develop at 11.5–31.9 °C, but the performance was different according to the temperature. From the linear development rate models, the lower development threshold and thermal constant of the total immature stage were estimated at 8.2 °C and 200 DD, respectively. The potential optimal and upper threshold temperatures for the total immature stage were estimated as 29.3 and 35.1 °C using a non-linear development model. The operative thermal ranges for development and survival at 80% of the maximum rate were 24.5–32.3 and 14.7–28.7 °C, respectively. Thus, it was suggested that 24.5–28.7 °C was suitable for the total immature stage. In contrast, conditions around 8 °C and 35 °C should be avoided due to the lower development rate and high mortality. Our findings provide fundamental information for an effective mass-rearing and releasing program of F. acarisuga in an augmentative biocontrol program and help to predict phenology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 713-723
Author(s):  
Wei Zhen Li ◽  
Hao Long Li ◽  
Zi Kun Guo ◽  
Su Qin Shang

The predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri (Acari: Phytoseiidae), which is one of the best natural enemies, has been used as a biological control agent against multiple insect pests, such as spider mite, Tetranychus urticae and thrips. Its growth and development were affected by the environmental temperature changes. This study was conducted to evaluate the hatching rate of the eggs and the immature developmental times of N. barkeri after incubation of the eggs under heat stress at 38, 40 and 42℃, 85% ± 5% RH and a 16h:8h light: dark (L:D) photoperiod for 2, 4 and 6h. After adult females emerged, they were treated under the same conditions again, and the parameters such as oviposition period, fecundity and female longevity were observed. The results showed that with the increase of the temperature and the extension of the duration of the heat stress, the hatching rate was lower. The eggs treated at 42℃ for 2h or more could not hatch, and the developmental duration of each immature stage showed a trend of decreasing at first and then increasing. The fastest development was observed after incubation of eggs at 40℃ for 2h, and the shortest developmental duration was 4.60d. Under the condition of 38℃, the oviposition period and life span of adult females were shortened with the extension of treatment time, and the fecundity decreased at first and then increased. At 40℃, the fecundity, oviposition period and longevity of adult females showed a trend of gradual increase with the extension of treatment time. The shortest oviposition period, the lowest fecundity and the shortest life span of adult females were 12.14d, 18.92 eggs and 16.65d, respectively after incubation of eggs at 40℃, for 2h. Therefore, the short-term heat stress had a significant effect on the hatching rate and the duration of the immature stage, and also had a negative effect on the fecundity, oviposition period and longevity of adult females. In rearing and field release, heat stress should be avoided as much as possible to achieve the best predation and control effect of N. barkeri.


2006 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 562-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Reigada ◽  
W.A.C. Godoy

The effect of larval density on the survival, fecundity and body size at two temperatures in experimental populations of C. megacephala was studied. No effect from simultaneous influence of density and temperature on life history characteristics of C. megacephala was found. Significant effects of density and temperature on survival, fecundity and body size were observed. The importance of these results for the population dynamics of C. megacephala is discussed.


2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 282-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivianne Eilers ◽  
Márcia Divina de Oliveira ◽  
Kennedy Francis Roche

AIM: The present study involved an analysis of the monthly variations in the population densities and body sizes of the different stages of planktonic larvae of the invasive golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), in the rivers Paraguay and Miranda; METHODS: The study was carried out between February 2004 and January 2005. Monthly collection of the plankton samples was accompanied by physical, chemical and biological analyses of the water; RESULTS: The Miranda River presented higher values of calcium, pH, alkalinity, conductivity and total phosphorous. Larval density varied from 0-24 individuals.L-1 in the Paraguay River, with a peak in March of 2004, while in the Miranda River, densities varied between 0-9 individuals.L-1 with a peak in February of 2004. No larvae were encountered during the coldest months, May and June. No significant correlations were found between environmental variables and larval density in either river. Only the valved larval stages were recorded. The "D" and veliger forms were most abundant; umbonate larvae were rare in the Miranda River samples. Mean body sizes of "D", veliger and umbonate larval stages were, respectively, 111, 135 and 152 µm, in the Paraguay River, and 112, 134 and 154 µm in the Miranda River. Principal Components Analysis indicated positive relationships between "D" larval stage size and the ratio between inorganic and organic suspended solids, while negative relationships were found between larval size and calcium and chlorophyll-<img border=0 width=7 height=8 src="/img/revistas/alb/2012nahead/ALB_AOP_230307car01.jpg">; CONCLUSIONS: The larvae were recorded in the plankton during most of the year, with the exception of the two colder months. Neither densities nor larval stage body sizes were significantly different between the two rivers. Possible positive effects of food and calcium concentrations on body size were not recorded. This species may be adapted to grow in environments with elevated sediment concentrations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 479-490
Author(s):  
Ming-ying Lin ◽  
Chin-hsing Lin ◽  
Yen-po Lin ◽  
Ching-tzu Tseng

This study was conducted to further understand the biology of Eutetranychus africanus Tucker, a newly invasive pest mite in Taiwan that can cause serious damage to papaya. We report the life history of E. africanus on papaya in laboratory conditions at 12, 17, 22, 27 and 32 ± 0.5 °C, with 70 ± 5 % relative humidity and a photoperiod of L12: D12. Eggs did not hatch at 12 °C. Both developmental duration and longevity were significantly shortened with the increase of temperature. The longest and shortest developmental durations of the immature stage were 37.28 days at 17 °C and 8.70 days at 32 °C, respectively. The longevity of both sexes varied similarly with the change in temperature, with shorter lifespan in males: Females survived for 3.64 days (shortest) at 32 °C to 17.50 days (longest) at 17 °C, whereas males survived for 11.00 days (longest) at 17 °C to 2.57 days (shortest) at 32 °C. The differences in fecundity were significant among all tested temperatures, with 17.61 eggs/female at 27 °C being the highest. The low developmental threshold and thermal summation of the full immature stage were 11.48 °C and 163.93 degree-days, respectively. In two-sex life table analysis, population parameters were significantly affected by temperature except the net reproduction rate. The highest intrinsic rate of increase was 0.1221 day−1 at 27 °C; the average generation time was the shortest (12.61 days) at 32 °C and the longest (48.70 days) at 17 °C. The highest net reproduction rate was 5.06 eggs/female at 27 °C. This report contributes background knowledge to the management of the damage caused by E. africanuson papaya.This study was conducted to further understand the biology of Eutetranychus africanus Tucker, a newly invasive pest mite in Taiwan that can cause serious damage to papaya. We report the life history of E. africanus on papaya in laboratory conditions at 12, 17, 22, 27 and 32 ± 0.5 °C, with 70 ± 5 % relative humidity and a photoperiod of L12: D12. Eggs did not hatch at 12 °C. Both developmental duration and longevity were significantly shortened with the increase of temperature. The longest and shortest developmental durations of the immature stage were 37.28 days at 17 °C and 8.70 days at 32 °C, respectively. The longevity of both sexes varied similarly with the change in temperature, with shorter lifespan in males: Females survived for 3.64 days (shortest) at 32 °C to 17.50 days (longest) at 17 °C, whereas males survived for 11.00 days (longest) at 17 °C to 2.57 days (shortest) at 32 °C. The differences in fecundity were significant among all tested temperatures, with 17.61 eggs/female at 27 °C being the highest. The low developmental threshold and thermal summation of the full immature stage were 11.48 °C and 163.93 degree-days, respectively. In two-sex life table analysis, population parameters were significantly affected by temperature except the net reproduction rate. The highest intrinsic rate of increase was 0.1221 day−1 at 27 °C; the average generation time was the shortest (12.61 days) at 32 °C and the longest (48.70 days) at 17 °C. The highest net reproduction rate was 5.06 eggs/female at 27 °C. This report contributes background knowledge to the management of the damage caused by E. africanus on papaya.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1579-1591
Author(s):  
Jie Su ◽  
Min Liu ◽  
Zhen-Shi Fu ◽  
An-Di Zhu ◽  
Jian Ping Zhang

Prey are very important for the mass rearing of natural enemies and can affect the efficiency and quality of natural enemy products. Locomotion is important in dispersal of predatory mites on plants, and such activity is affected by body size and prey availability. The study evaluates the effects of prey (alternative prey: Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank and natural prey: Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov & Nikolskii) on the body size, locomotion and dispersal of the predatory mite Neoseiulus bicaudus Wainstein. When fed the alternative prey, the body size and locomotion of N. bicaudus were significantly lower than when fed the natural prey. However, the dispersal of N. bicaudus fed the two prey types was similar. The results suggest that long-term feeding on alternative prey could decrease the body size and locomotion of N. bicaudus. Nevertheless, the negative effects of alternative prey did not appear to affect the dispersal of N. bicaudus. The likely reason is that the type of prey does not affect the ability of the predatory mite to locate spider mites. In other words, when it fed alternative prey, N. bicaudus could still successfully disperse and locate spider mite-infested plants in the same way as when fed the natural prey.


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