Translucent fluorescent yellow flight traps were significantly more attractive to citrus blackfly, Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, than opaque yellow and clear traps. Significant correlations were obtained between trap catches of adult A. woglumi and foliar densities of adults and sedentary immature stages. The biological interpretation of such correlations and potential use of flight traps to monitor population trends of A. woglumi are discussed.

The twolined chestnut borer, Agrilus bilineatus (Weber) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is associated with mortality of stressed oaks in the eastern deciduous forests of North America. Beetles were attracted to stressed trees within hours of the onset of stress. We hypothesized that adult beetles rapidly locate suitable hosts by olfactory detection of tree-released volatiles. Trees with sticky-band traps and vane traps baited with crude steam distillates from inner bark of stressed white oaks, or with combinations of ethanol and oak volatiles, captured significantly more beetles than did water controls. Ethanol alone did not attract significant numbers of A. bilineatus. Eighty-two percent of beetles captured were females. Ethanol-baited traps captured large numbers of Cerambycidae, Scolytidae, and a few Cleridae, and these insects were not attracted to oak volatiles. Sticky-band traps were more effective than vane traps in capturing A. bilineatus and other Buprestidae, but Cerambycidae and Scolytidae were more effectively captured in vane traps. Our results show that A. bilineatus is attracted to oak volatiles but later successional beetles are attracted to ethanol.

The genus Trichosilia Hampson, until now monotypic, is revised to include 10 species, 4 of which are described as new: T. austrina Lafontaine, from Texas; T. woodiana Lafontaine, from northwestern Canada; T. boreana Lafontaine, from northern Canada and Alaska; and T. beringiana Lafontaine and Kononenko, from northwestern Canada, Alaska, and Chukotka, USSR. All species are illustrated and characters to distinguish the species are given. Distribution maps for the species and a phylogenetic analysis of the genus are also included.

A revision of the New World species of Paragus is presented. Seven Nearctic species (6 new) of the subgenus Paragus and 1 Holarctic species of the subgenus Pandasyopthalmus are recognized. Figures of the male terminalia and a distribution map are given for each species.

Based on synapomorphic character states in the parastigmal area of the fore wing, the genus Mesocoelus is transferred from the Orgilinae to the Agathidinae. Placement in the Orgilinae is rejected because of the presence of these synapomorphies and the absence of a subapical notch on the ovipositor, a derived character state found in all known members of the Orgilinae.

Three new nearctic species of Simuliidae near Simulium vernum Macquart are described and illustrated: Simulium craigi n.sp., S. caledonense n.sp., and S. decolletum n.sp. Descriptions of larval polytene chromosomes are included. Notes on biology and distribution are given for each species and larval comparisons are made with three European siblings in the S. vernum complex.

The calling posture, diel periodicity of calling, calling pattern, photoperiodic cue of calling, and endogenous circadian rhythm of calling were studied in virgin females of the bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata Walker, at 20°C, 60% RH, and a 16 h light: 8 h dark photoperiod. The female had a definite calling posture: the ovipositor was extruded and curved downward at an angle of about 45°, the wings were raised above the abdomen in the form of a “V”, the antennae were directed posteriorly and held close to the sides of the thorax, and the abodmen was bent so that the two ends were raised slightly and the middle was lowered. Calling had a discrete diel periodicity, occurring in the last two-thirds of the scotophase. The calling pattern was characteristic of the continuous pattern of calling. The lights-off signal was the photoperiodic cue responsible for setting the timing of the diel periodicity of calling. The circadian rhythm of calling was endogenously based.

Differences in phenology were observed between two populations of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hbn.) in Alberta. In the South Saskatchewan River valley, borers pupated and emerged 3–6 days earlier than on the plains. This was not simply a function of different microclimates because median pupation occurred at 331 degree-days (DD) for plains populations and at 490 DD for valley populations. First-generation flight extended from the last week in June until the 1st week in August. Flight peaks in 1983 occurred on 8 July in the valley and on 14 July on the plains. Flight was delayed in 1984 by cold nightly temperatures. In 1983 valley populations had a partial second generation, with a flight peak in late August. Mean pupal mass was significantly less for plains populations than valley populations. Transplant experiments demonstrated that these differences reflected mainly environmental influences. During spring 1984, mean larval mass in the two populations did not differ until early June, when both mean wet and dry mass of valley larvae increased significantly but those of plains larvae did not change. This variability of phenotypes contributes to the colonizing ability of the European corn borer.

The efficiency of two sticky-bottomed traps and seven high-capacity, nonsticky traps in catching male spruce budworm [Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)] moths was evaluated in a wind tunnel. The place where the male moths first contacted the trap, the length of time that passed until they entered the trap, and the number remaining in the trap after 5 min were recorded. The most efficient traps were the Pherocon 1 C, a sticky-bottomed trap, and the Multi-Pher and Uni-trap, both nonsticky traps with internal funnel-shaped baffles that prevent moths from escaping. As sticky traps become saturated at relatively low densities they are not suitable for monitoring wide changes in population density. The Multi-Pher and Uni-trap are therefore recommended for monitoring population changes of the spruce budworm, establishing thresholds for management action, and estimating population density.

Hemolymph proteins of the Douglas-fir cone moth, Barbara colfaxiana (Kft.), in the year of pupation (year P) and the next year (year P + 1) were studied by visual examination and analysis of digitized images of isoelectric focussing patterns. Differences in these proteins between light and dark individuals in year P and P + 1 were not related to dormancy duration but reflected the extent of pharate-adult development. Hormone applications were more effective in changing hemolymph proteins of light insects than those of dark ones. Changes in the hemolymph proteins of light insects in year P + 1 were not very obvious by visual examination of gels but were readily detectable by digital image analysis and showed that development occurred in these insects through June-September leading to visible pigmentation differences observable in relation to dormancy commitments of these insects.

Nine species of solitary bees are recorded from a northern area of Northwest Territories: Osmia inermis from tundra at Tuktoyaktuk, and Hylaeus ellipticus, Evylaeus comagenensis, E. borealis, Sphecodes aff. pusillus, Anthidium tenuiflorae, Megachile centuncularis, M. f. frigida, and Anthophora b. bomboides from the northern limit of subarctic forest at Inuvik. All represent the northernmost records of the species. Some chorological and ecological notes are added to.

Insect-detection traps baited with the synthetic aggregation pheromones of the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), were inserted into grain stored in primary elevator annex bins and in farm bins, or suspended in partly full or empty bins and outside under the eaves of bins. The mixture of the synthetic pheromones 4,8-dimethyl-E,E-4,8-decadienolide (ferrulactone I) and (Z)-3-dodecen-11-olide (ferrulactone II) was released from hollow polyester fibers (0.203 mm ID) positioned in the interior of the insect-detection trap. In annex bins, the number of beetles found in baited traps after 1 week ranged from 0 to 7300. In these bins, more beetles were found in traps at a depth of 30–60 cm than at 150–250 cm, and in traps with 2 fibers containing pheromone rather than with 1 fiber. In farm bins, baited and unbaited traps were relatively ineffective at grain temperatures below 14 °C. More beetles were found in baited than in unbaited traps in farm bins but the numbers were small and the differences were not significant. Few beetles were found in traps suspended in partly full or empty farm bins and none in traps suspended outside under the eaves.

Historical and recently published information on the parasitic associations of larval water mites with insect hosts is critically reviewed and summarized. A number of problematical published host records are either confirmed or rejected, and many newly discovered associations are reported. Associations of parasitic larvae with insect hosts are confirmed for species of water mites representing 70 of the nearly 300 described genera, in 28 of the 45 currently recognized families, and all 7 superfamilies. Life history, behavioral, ecological, and phylogenetic data on water mites of genera with known larvae are summarized to provide the basis for interpreting the evolutionary significance of observed host associations. Previously established hypotheses are evaluated in the light of a greatly expanded list of verified observations.

It was hypothesized that Delia antiqua (Meigen), the onion fly, would show high preference in the field for trap colors reflecting visible wavelengths between 400 and 480 nm at reflective intensities above 37%. This preferred spectral zone (PSZ) was tested in an onion field in 1984, using cardboard traps painted with 11 blue, violet, and green hues, and two PSZ reflecting colors of varying intensity. It was found that colors with peak reflective wavelengths occurring between 400 and 470 nm, at or above 30% reflectance intensity, were most preferred. Wavelength-specific reflectance intensity was shown for the first time under field conditions to influence the magnitude of color preference in the onion fly.

Eight species of Chironomidae (Diptera), including Cricotopus sp. nr. tremulus, Tvetenia vitracies (Saether), Nanocladius (s.s.) cf. rectinervis (Kieffer), Nanocladius branchicolus Saether, Nanocladius (s.s.) cf. spiniplenus Saether, Paratanytarsus confusus Palmen, Polypedilum (s.s.) convictum (Walker), and Rheotanytarsus sp., are reported for the first time in phoretic association with nymphs of Pteronarcys dorsata (Say) (Plecoptera: Pteronarcyidae). The stoneflies and associated chironomids were found in rivers of central and northern Saskatchewan. Rheotanytarsus sp. and P. convictum were the most common ectosymbionts on P. dorsata. Phoretic larvae were found most frequently attached to the host’s metathorax. Pteronarcys dorsata nymphs may be ideal hosts for phoretic inhabitants because of their abundance, large size, and detrivorous habit.

The damsel bug, Nobis americoferus Carayon, develops through two generations a year in eastern Ontario. In early fall, females of the second generation develop a reproductive diapause but both sexes continue to feed until freeze-up. Post-diapause development begins in late March. Eggs are deposited singly in plant stems but several may be laid in close proximity. In alfalfa, most eggs were found where stem diameter measured from 0.8 to 1.9 mm but height of oviposition site was not related to length of stem. Females reared at 23°C laid an average of 157 eggs during a 3-week oviposition period. The immature stages of the first generation occurred from mid-April to mid-July and those of the second generation from mid-July to early September. The duration of each stage of N. americoferus, fed pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harr.), and held at four constant temperatures, 18, 23, 28, and 31°C, decreased with increasing temperature. There was a highly correlated linear relationship between rate of development and temperature for all stages. The theoretical temperature threshold for development of eggs was 11.1°C and that for the nymphal stage was 10.6°C; degree-day requirements for these stages were 123.5 and 370.4, respectively. Developmental rate of nymphs varied with host as well as temperature; nymphs fed larvae of the alfalfa blotch leafminer, Agromyza frontella (Rondani), developed significantly faster than those fed pea aphid.

The generic name Metasyrphus Matsumura is synonymized with Eupeodes Osten Sacken. Thirteen new combinations are proposed in Eupeodes. Fourteen new synonyms are noted in the genera Eupeodes and Dasysyrphus and 9 lectotypes are designated. Notes on unrecognized species in both genera are given.

One hundred and four primary types of Symphyta housed in the Canadian National Collection were examined and listed. These were contributed by the following authors: Harrington (18), MacGillivray (19), Provancher (17), Smith (9), Goulet (8), Ross (7), Wong (4), Wong and Ross (4), Benson (3), Gibson (3), Middlekauff (3), Curran (2), Garlick (2), Peck (2), Burdick (1), Ries (1), and Wong and Milliron (1).

The growth and yield responses of “Totem” strawberries, Fragaria × ananassa, to 4 introduction densities of the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, were observed under field conditions in the lower Fraser Valley. At the high-density treatments T. urticae populations peaked at 65 mites/leaflet and declined during harvest. At the medium- and low-density treatments and in the controls, T. urticae had lower and later peaks. Two species of insect predators and 1 phytoseiid species preyed upon T. urticae. Berry weight and number were predicted (R = 0.97, 12 df) from the number of flowering stalks and accumulated mite-days. Yields increased with increasing numbers of flowering stalks and declined with increasing accumulated mite-days. A $1300 yield loss/ha was observed when 2500 mite-days accumulated between 15 May and 16 July. Fruit size was not affected by T. urticae. Yield equations were developed so that a mite sample 1–5 weeks before harvest can be used to predict dollars lost due to T. urticae. The data allow the grower to determine an economic threshold based on the number of weeks before harvest, mite sample precision, differences in environmental conditions relative to the present study, the control measure to be used, and the market price to the grower.

Two hundred and thirty-nine primary types of Ceraphronoidea (11), Evanioidea (1), Proctotrupoidea (226), and Trigonaloidea (1) housed in the Canadian National Collection were examined and listed. These were contributed by the following authors: Masner (108), Townes (41), Muesebeck (25), Harrington (16), Johnson (9), Dessart (7), Huggert and Masner (6), Masner and Huggert (5), MacGown (5), Johnson and Masner (3), Ritchie and Masner (3), Mineo (2), Provancher (2), Ashmead (1), Bin and Johnson (1), Dessart and Bin (1), Fouts (1), MacGown and Nebeker(1), Sharkey (1), and Viereck (1). Lectotypes are designated by L. Masner for the following Harrington species: Aphanogmus salicicola, Lygocerus pallipes, Aclista caudata, Eritrissomerus pallipes, Sactogaster varipes, Baryconus bicolor, and Baryconus cinctus; and for Pentacantha canadensis Ashmead. The following new generic combinations are also proposed by L. Masner: Acanosema caudata (Harrington) and A. crassicornis (Harrington) from Aclista; Amblyaspis pallipes (Harrington) from Eritrissomerus; and Trimorus canadensis (Ashmead) from Pentacantha.