The introduction of invasive species may result in important ecological, environmental, and economic impacts. Extensive study of Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) fauna in a wine-growing region in southern Switzerland revealed, for the first time, presence of the Nearctic leafhopper Osbornellus auronitens (Provancher) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in the vicinity of Stabio (Canton of Ticino). The species identity of the collected specimens was confirmed using morphological and molecular characters. All specimens of O. auronitens were collected in a forest of Castanea sativa Miller (Fagaceae), Corylus avellana Linnaeus (Betulaceae), and Alnus glutinosa (Linnaeus) Gaertner (Betulaceae) intermixed with Cornus sanguinea Linnaeus (Cornaceae), Salix Linnaeus (Salicaceae), and Rubus Linnaeus (Rosaceae). In its native range this leafhopper is polyphagous and a relatively common visitor in vineyards. Based on analysis of the barcoding region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene of the collected O. auronitens, 100% identity with specimens of the same species originating from Canada was determined. Osbornellus auronitens is morphologically similar to Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), another introduced Nearctic leafhopper, which was involved in severe outbreaks of disease caused by the Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma (Bacteria: Acholeplasmataceae) in European viticultural regions since the 1960s. In this paper, we report the morphological features to distinguish O. auronitens from S. titanus, and discuss the possible implications of its expected spread across the Old World.

Four new species of the Aleiodes apicalis (Brullé) species group (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Rogadinae) from the Neotropical Region are described and illustrated: Aleiodes ambrosiaenew species. from Peru, A. aquilesinew species from Costa Rica, and A. sachambrosiaenew species and A. tapirapenew species from Brazil. We also add new distribution records for Aleiodes molestus Cresson, from Costa Rica. With the addition of the new species, the A. apicalis species group has 11 species from the New World, six of which are recorded from Neotropical Region.

A new species, Onthophagus contrapositus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Onthophagini), belonging to the New World O. dicranius species group is described and illustrated. Photographs of cephalic and pronotal configurations of all known females are presented for the first time to ease identification. A replacement name is proposed, Onthophagus kohlmanninew name, for the secondary junior homonym Onthophagus xiphias Solís and Kohlmann, 2003.

Intraguild predation is a notable factor to proper application of biocontrol agents to reduce pest populations. Intraguild predation was studied between Typhlodromus bagdasarjani Wainstein and Arutunjan (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in presence and absence of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) as well as pollen. Intraguild predation between two predators was bidirectional. The highest and the lowest predation rates of both predators in absence and presence of T. urticae as well as in the pollen treatments were on heterospecific eggs and deutonymphs, respectively. Typhlodromus bagdasarjani consumed more heterospecific eggs compared with P. persimilis. When pollen was added, predation of T. bagdasarjani significantly reduced on heterospecific eggs and deutonymphs in absence and presence of T. urticae treatments, respectively. However, predation rate of P. persimilis on heterospecific stages was not significantly affected by pollen addition. Oviposition of both predators was higher in presence of T. urticae than in its absence and oviposition of P. persimilis was significantly higher on heterospecific stages than T. bagdasarjani. Pollen addition had a significant effect on increasing the oviposition rate of T. bagdasarjani. Extraguild prey presence had a nonsignificant effect on the consumption rate of intraguild prey by the intraguild predators. However, presence of extraguild prey led to a significant increase in oviposition rate of both predators.

Long-term, twice weekly, trap catches of the native carrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and the introduced carrot rust fly, Psila rosae (Fabricius) (Diptera: Psilidae), were used to test the hypothesis that native populations fluctuate less from year-to-year than those of introduced species, because the native species has had more time to adapt to temporal variability in its habitat than an introduced species. Variability in annual abundance was estimated for 33 years, and for 11-year or 16–17-year subsets of the 33-year time series. Temporal population variability was quantified as PV, a proportion between 0 and 1. The native carrot weevil had a PV of 0.39, less than that of the introduced carrot rust fly with a PV of 0.67, supporting the hypothesis. Generation 1 for both species showed a decline in PV over three decades consistent with the hypothesis that adaptation to variability in the habitat leads to lower PV. Over 33 years, the carrot weevil developed a second generation with a PV of 0.70, higher than that of the first generation, which is consistent with the hypothesis that adaptation is required to stabilise population dynamics in a new habitat, in this case a new temporally defined habitat.

The population structure of the European earwig, Forficula auricularia Linnaeus (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), was investigated in three sites in eastern Canada (Montréal, Québec; Fredericton, New Brunswick; Truro, Nova Scotia), with two goals; describe the seasonal trends of the epigeal phase, and ascertain if the three studied populations belong to sibling species “A”, as opposed to sibling species “B” found in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Insects were collected using wooden grooved traps placed on lawns and tree trunks; traps were checked weekly from the first spring melt of the frost barrier until after autumn first frost (epigeal phase). The epigeal phase was short, about five months. The different instars and adults showed a single peak of abundance. No first instars, few second instars, and mostly fourth instars and adults were collected in the arborescent stratum. The data demonstrated that these three populations have the same epigeal phenology. The interbreeding experiment established that the three studied populations belong to the same sibling species (A) of F. auricularia, and differ from sibling species (B) from Vancouver. I suggest that the climatic conditions in eastern Canada are like those in other world regions where sibling species “A” is present, and that these regions represent the edge of the bioclimatic environment of this species because of its limits on reproduction.

The role of temperature in diapause induction was studied as a mode of long-term storage of Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Three different strains of this widely used biocontrol agent (T. chilonis Nilgiris strain, T. chilonis Kodaikanal strain, and T. chilonis 15 °C strain) reared on the factitious host Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were used for this experiment. Except T. chilonis laboratory strain, all the other strains could successfully undergo diapause at their pre-pupal stage. Maximum percentage of healthy pre-pupae were recorded in the three strains by providing a pre-storage temperature of 10 °C for 35 days with eight hours of photophase wherein 75–87% could enter into diapause. Further, at a maintenance temperature of 5 °C with 24 hours of scotophase, diapause could be maintained. Diapause could be terminated after six months of storage with 23–36% of adult emergence. However, there was significant reduction in longevity and parasitism rate of the emerged adults. Considering superior biological parameters, 95 days of storage (including pre-storage duration) could provide around 60% adult emergence. Successful long-term storage of T. chilonis strains through diapause induction can facilitate commercial insectaries in stockpiling this biocontrol agent for large-scale field releases. This is the first study on successful induction and termination of diapause in T. chilonis strains and evaluating their performance attributes.

Both the striped flea beetle, Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius), and crucifer flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), are invasive alien species to North America. In western Canada, they are the most significant insect pests of cruciferous (Brassicaceae) crops. Climate is the one of the most dominant factors regulating the geographic distribution and population density of most insect species. Recent bioclimatic simulation models of the two flea beetle species fostered a better understanding of how the two species responded to selected climate variables. They demonstrated that selected climate variables increased population densities and geographic range of the two species. General circulation model inputs were applied in this study to assess the impact of a changing climate on the response of P. cruciferae and P. striolata populations. Model output, using the climate change scenarios, predicted that both P. cruciferae and P. striolata populations will shift north in future climates and the degree of geographic overlap between these two species will be greater than for current climate. This suggests that the two species could potentially cause economic losses over an expanded area in the future.

The biodiversity of transitional zones is unique, due to mixing and co-occurrence of biotic elements. Despite this, our basic knowledge on distributional patterns of soil microarthropods in areas where biogeographic regions overlap is insufficient. We studied the biogeographic patterns of Protura across three natural landforms in Ukraine within the Transcarpathia (Transcarpathian Lowland, Transcarpathian foothills, and Volcanic Ukrainian Carpathian), which are influenced by adjacent biogeographic areas (mainly Alpine and Pannonian). We hypothesised that these overlaps have brought about an increase in Protura diversity, due to inclusion of faunal elements from diverse origins and differing in geographical histories. Distinct differences in the species composition of Protura were found among lowland, foothill, and mountain sites within Transcarpathia. Mountain sites mainly have Protura species with a wide continental distribution, while species of the foothills mainly stem from the Pannonian biogeographic region. The highest number of proturan endemics was associated with the Transcarpathian foothills. We conclude that the Transcarpathian region can be defined as a biogeographical transition zone for soil microarthopods, exemplified by Protura, and that foothill sites such as the volcanic-tectonic mountain Chorna Hora is a local hotspot of diversity and endemism, representing the most valuable parts of Transcarpathia with respect to diversity and endemism.

Alternatives to synthetic insecticides are desirable for management of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), an insect pest of global importance. Many essential oils derived from aromatic plants have demonstrated toxicity and behaviour altering effects on insect pests, and are considered low-risk alternatives to synthetic insecticides. We conducted laboratory experiments to determine the biological activity of several low-cost, commercially available essential oils against P. xylostella. Experiments testing ovicidal effects, larvicidal effects, larval feeding deterrence, and adult oviposition deterrence were done with essential oils derived from Artemisia abrotanum Linnaeus (Asteraceae), balsam fir (Abies balsamea Linnaeus (Pinaceae)), black pepper (Piper nigrum Linnaeus (Piperaceae)), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus polybractea (Baker) (Myrtaceae)), garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus (Amaryllidaceae)), rosewood (a blend of different oil constituents), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare Linnaeus (Asteraceae)), and thyme (Thymus zygis Linnaeus (Lamiaceae)), using concentrations of 1, 2.5, and 5% v/v. Although all essential oils had some level of bioactivity against certain P. xylostella life stages, essential oils from garlic, rosewood, and thyme were most effective overall, demonstrating significant ovicidal and larvicidal activity, as well as deterrent effects on larval feeding and settling behaviour, and adult oviposition. Although variable phytotoxicity was observed with essential oils at 2.5% and 5% v/v concentrations, the results suggest that rosewood, garlic, and thyme essential oils have potential in management of P. xylostella.

The armyworm Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum Linnaeus; Malvaceae), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum Linnaeus; Solanaceae), and vegetables. Frequent application of various insecticides applied for its control has resulted in the development of a multiple resistance against commonly used insecticides. In the current study, field populations of S. litura were monitored in Pakistan for their susceptibility to diverse chemical classes, namely insect growth regulators (chlorfluazuron, lufenuron, flufenoxuron, triflumuron, methoxyfenozide), diamides (chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide), spinosyns (spinosad, spinetoram), avermectins (abamectin, emamectin benzoate), indoxacarb, and thiocyclam by using a diet overlay bioassay during 2008–2013. Generally, no or a very low resistance was recorded to chlorfluazuron, lufenuron, triflumuron, methoxyfenozide, chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide, spinosad, spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb, and thiocyclam. Resistance to flufenoxuron and abamectin was low to moderate in some populations of S. litura. The insecticides, showing no, very low, or low resistance can be used in rotation, along with other integrated pest management practices, to mitigate resistance to conventional as well as new chemistry insecticides in S. litura.

Spilonota ocellana (Denis and Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) can be a serious pest of organic apples (Malus domestica Borkhausen (Rosaceae)) in British Columbia, Canada. Recent discovery that S. ocellana moths are attracted by a lure combining acetic acid (AA) and benzyl nitrile (BN), identified as a caterpillar-induced apple leaf volatile, provides an opportunity to develop bisexual mass-trapping or monitoring systems. Sticky white delta traps baited with benzyl nitrile (10 mg/red rubber septum) and an acetic-acid co-lure (3 mL AA/3-mm open 8-mL vial) caught significantly more moths than either component alone. Acetic-acid co-lures were weakly attractive but benzyl-nitrile-loaded septa were not attractive. Moth catches with AA+BN lures were unaffected by the size and type of rubber septum used to release benzyl nitrile, but catches increased with increasing loads of benzyl nitrile. Male and total moth catches were maximised using membrane release devices loaded with a mixture of benzyl nitrile and a second caterpillar-induced volatile, 2-phenylethanol (PET), in combination with an acetic-acid co-lure (AA+BN-PET). Female catches with AA+BN-PET and AA+BN lures were equivalent. Placing AA+BN lures in traps baited with female sex pheromone lures reduced male catches, but female catches were unchanged. When sticky liners were replaced weekly, white delta traps baited with AA+BN lures caught more moths than similarly baited white Multipher®-I bucket traps, or transparent UnitrapsTM. Multipher-I traps with a propylene glycol killing agent (250 mL) caught more moths than those with Vapona insecticide strips. In apple orchards treated with mating disruption sex pheromones, traps baited with AA+BN caught slightly more total moths than traps baited with sex pheromone. Weekly, total male+female moth catches with either AA+BN or sex pheromone lures showed similar seasonal patterns in both untreated and pheromone-disrupted orchards, respectively. Long-lasting release devices and an organic killing agent are needed to develop certified organic mass-trapping technologies for management of S. ocellana with the AA+BN kairomone.

Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most destructive agricultural pests. We investigated the cumulative lethal effects of two nanostructure materials by feeding nanostructural form of copper oxide (CuO) or copper oxide doped with silver (CuO:Ag), nanosheets-treated diet to third and/or fifth instars of S. littoralis until pupation. Nanosheet concentrations were individually incorporated into 150 mL of artificial diet and offered as treated food. Both nanosheets had no immediate effect but caused cumulative larval mortality. At high concentrations and longer exposure times, nanosheet had a significant insecticidal effect against S. littoralis larvae. Nanosheets at 300 mg had the highest insect mortality effect, reaching 97.6% and 100% among CuO-treated third and fifth instars compared with 57.6% and 48.2% among the same instar treated with CuO:Ag. Treated larvae exhibited higher pupal mortality, and pupal and moth deformities compared with untreated larvae. There were more deformities among those fed CuO:Ag. Incorporation of nanosheets into the diet had a significant effect on the timing of larval development. Results showed that CuO was more influential than CuO:Ag at all concentrations and with similar exposure durations. Our results suggest that nanosheets may have important implications on the population dynamics of S. littoralis.