The taxonomy of species in the genus <i>Cerococcus</i> has been unstable and adequate keys and descriptions have not been available for identification. This detailed study of the first instars is one step in the revision of the genus and reevaluation of the taxa which have been referred to the genus. The first instars of 31 species of <i>Cerococcus</i> are included in this study. Each species studied is fully described, including measurements of morphological characters, and illustrated. <i>Cerococcus</i> first instars were found to have well developed legs; well developed mouthparts with a 3-segmented labium; 6-segmented antennae; 2 pairs of spiracles with associated quinquelocular pores; acornshaped spiracular setae or regular setae-shaped spiracular setae; well developed anal lobes which are armed with spines on the inner margin and terminated by long apical setae; large conspicuous dorsal B-shaped pores in longitudinal rows; dorsal trapezoid-shaped anal plate; and 6 setae on the anal ring. The classification of <i>Cerococcus</i> first instars generally agreed with the classification of the adult females, and keys are provided for separation of the first instars studied. Species of the genus <i>Cerococcus</i> were found to be morphologically distinct from the species in the genera <i>Asterococcus</i> and <i>Solenophora</i>. It appears that the genus <i>Cerococcus</i> is only distantly related to the genera in the families <i>Asterolecaniidae, Eriococcidae</i>, and <i>Lecanodiaspidiae</i>. / Ph. D.

Busseola fusca is an indigenous lepidopteran pest species in tropical Africa, attacking several grain crops. Crop loss caused by this pest can be as high as 100 % depending on conditions. Despite it being a major pest in Africa, occurring in contrasting climatic zones, only a few studies have been published on its developmental biology. The effect of temperature on the development of B. fusca was studied at five different temperature regimes namely 15, 18, 20, 26 and 30 ± 1 °C and 70 ± 30 % relative humidity (RH) with 14L: 10D photoperiod. The number of instars for B. fusca was also determined. The most favourable temperature as well as the upper threshold temperature for larval development was found to be between 26 and 30 °C. Total development period was 152.6 to 52.6 days, respectively, at 15 °C, and 26 - 30 °C. The thermal constants for B. fusca was 99.50, 536.48, 246.25 and 893.66 °D and lower temperature threshold was 10.36, 8.14, 8.99 and 8.84 °C, for completion of the egg, larval, pupal, and egg-to-adult stages, respectively. The number of larval instars was determined by using head capsule widths that ranged from 0.31 - 2.68 mm. Clear distinctions of head capsule widths could be made from instar 1 to 3, yet overlapping occurred from instar 4 to 6. No distinction could be made between instars 7 and 8 in terms of head capsule width. All successive instars, except for instar eight, increased in size according to Dyar’s ratio. The effect of temperature on reproduction of B. fusca was studied at 15, 20, 26 and 30 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 30 % RH with 14L: 10D photoperiod. Oviposition occurred at all the temperatures evaluated, but no fertility was recorded at 30 °C. The total number of eggs laid by B. fusca females was 300 - 400 eggs and the optimum temperature for oviposition and fertility was determined to be between 20 and 26 °C. Results from this study on the thermal constants and lower and upper threshold temperatures of B. fusca can be used to predict the impact of climate change on the distribution and population growth of this pest. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Busseola fusca is an indigenous lepidopteran pest species in tropical Africa, attacking several grain crops. Crop loss caused by this pest can be as high as 100 % depending on conditions. Despite it being a major pest in Africa, occurring in contrasting climatic zones, only a few studies have been published on its developmental biology. The effect of temperature on the development of B. fusca was studied at five different temperature regimes namely 15, 18, 20, 26 and 30 ± 1 °C and 70 ± 30 % relative humidity (RH) with 14L: 10D photoperiod. The number of instars for B. fusca was also determined. The most favourable temperature as well as the upper threshold temperature for larval development was found to be between 26 and 30 °C. Total development period was 152.6 to 52.6 days, respectively, at 15 °C, and 26 - 30 °C. The thermal constants for B. fusca was 99.50, 536.48, 246.25 and 893.66 °D and lower temperature threshold was 10.36, 8.14, 8.99 and 8.84 °C, for completion of the egg, larval, pupal, and egg-to-adult stages, respectively. The number of larval instars was determined by using head capsule widths that ranged from 0.31 - 2.68 mm. Clear distinctions of head capsule widths could be made from instar 1 to 3, yet overlapping occurred from instar 4 to 6. No distinction could be made between instars 7 and 8 in terms of head capsule width. All successive instars, except for instar eight, increased in size according to Dyar’s ratio. The effect of temperature on reproduction of B. fusca was studied at 15, 20, 26 and 30 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 30 % RH with 14L: 10D photoperiod. Oviposition occurred at all the temperatures evaluated, but no fertility was recorded at 30 °C. The total number of eggs laid by B. fusca females was 300 - 400 eggs and the optimum temperature for oviposition and fertility was determined to be between 20 and 26 °C. Results from this study on the thermal constants and lower and upper threshold temperatures of B. fusca can be used to predict the impact of climate change on the distribution and population growth of this pest. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Orientador: Ana Maria Costa Leonardo / Banca: José Chaud Netto / Banca: Maria Santina de Castro Morini / Resumo: O forrageamento ou busca por alimento nos cupins subterrâneos envolve os operários, os soldados e em menor número as ninfas. O presente estudo foi realizado visando esclarecer aspectos da biologia do forrageamento de ninfas, o qual é pouco conhecido na espécie exótica Coptotermes gestroi. O monitoramento por meio de coletas periódicas em um período de 22 meses em 7 diferentes colônias mostrou que as ninfas forrageiras são produzidas durante todos os meses do ano. Provavelmente, devido à influência tanto de fatores externos como internos, cada colônia de Coptotermes gestroi possui uma dinâmica diferente de formação desses indivíduos. O estudo da biometria das ninfas forrageiras foi realizado para determinar os ínstares presentes nas colônias, sendo que as variáveis analisadas foram largura da cabeça, largura do pronoto, comprimento do broto alar, comprimento da tíbia, região de crescimento da antena e comprimento do corpo. Entretanto, as variáveis região de crescimento da antena e comprimento do corpo, inicialmente propostas, não se mostraram viáveis para a discriminação dos ínstares. Os dados foram submetidos à Análise dos Componentes Principais (ACP) e plotados em diagramas de dispersão para a discriminação dos ínstares. Das 533 ninfas forrageiras coletadas, 34 eram de 3° instar, 280 eram de 4° instar e 219 eram de 5° instar. Apesar de terem sido coletadas ninfas de 3° instar, provavelmente, estas não participam das atividades de forrageamento uma vez que foram coletadas em apenas uma colônia e em quantidade ínfima. O 5° instar ninfal foi coletado nas 8 colônias estudadas, contudo o 4° instar ninfal foi mais numeroso, mesmo tendo sido coletado em apenas 4 das colônias... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The foraging or search for food in subterranean termites involves workers, soldiers and in a small number nymphs. The present study was carried out aimed at clarifying aspects of the nymph foraging biology, which is little known in the exotic species Coptotermes gestroi. The monitoring through regular collections in 7 different colonies for a period of 22 months showed a production of forager nymphs all year round. Probably due to the influence of both internal and external factors each colony of Coptotermes gestroi has a different formation dynamic of these individuals. The biometric study of the forager nymphs was conducted to determine the instars present in the colonies, and the variables head width, pronotum width, wing bud length, right hind tibia length, antennal growing region and body length were measured. However, the variables antennal growing region and body length, originally proposed, were not feasible to instars discrimination. The data were submitted to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and plotted on a scatter diagram to determine the instars. Of the 533 forager nymphs collected, 34 were from 3rd - instar, 280 were from 4th - instar and 219 were from 5th - instar. Although 3rd - instar nymphs have been collected, probably, they do not participate in the foraging activities since they were collected only in one colony and in small quantity. The 5th - nymphal instar was collected in 8 colonies, however the 4th - nymphal instar was more numerous, even being collected in only 4 of all colonies. In order to characterize the instars, the eye color and the number of antennal segments in the of forager nymphs were recorded. These individuals may have light brown or white eyes, the nymphs with white eyes appeared in larger number and were present in all colonies. The sex determination of male and female nymphs was conducted... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Subramanyam Bhadriraju / The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), females lay eggs loosely outside of wheat kernels. Larvae hatching from eggs enter wheat kernels to complete immature development. Four laboratory experiments were conducted to understand the wheat kernel infestation by first instars of R. dominica at 28°C and 65% r.h. The first experiment compared different kernel to first instar ratios on sound hard red winter (HRW) wheat class, probability of successful infestation, and subsequent adult development as affected by site of feeding on the kernels. Infested kernels were dissected 21 d after infestation to determine stage of development and larval weight. Development of larvae to adulthood was monitored for 50 d from time of infestation. Different kernel to first instar ratios did not affect probability of infestation, entry site preferences, larval development and weight, and days to adult emergence. In the second experiment one first instar was placed with a kernel on each of seven different wheat classes. Wheat kernels were artificially-damaged with a microdrill at the germ, endosperm, and brush end, and the sound kernels served as the controls. At 21 d, 82-90% of artificially-damaged HRW wheat kernels were infested by larvae versus 12% for sound kernels. Five times fewer hard white (HW) wheat sound kernels were infested by larvae compared with infestation in soft white (SW) wheat kernels. Sound kernels of durum, soft red winter (SRW), hard red spring (HRS), and hard white spring (HWS) wheat classes were more resistant to larval infestation than artificially-damaged kernels. Majority of first instars preferred germ as the entry site on HRW, HWW, SRW, and HWS wheat classes. Germ entry promoted faster larval development, leading to heavier larvae, and higher kernel weight losses. Adult emergence was earlier by 3-7 d compared with other sites across all 6 wheat classes, except for SWW class, where adult emergence was nil at 50 d. In the third experiment, speed of larval development on artificially-drilled HRW wheat kernels on different kernel sites. Three-hundred kernels each were drilled near the germ, endosperm, and brush end, and one first instar was placed per kernel in a glass vial. Kernels from glass vials were dissected every 3 d for 30 d and larval head capsule was measured. Larval development was fastest on the germ, followed by endosperm, and brush end. In the fourth experiment short-term feeding by R. dominica adults on infestation by first instars on sound wheat kernels was determined. Two laboratory tests were conducted with single and grouped (10) kernels using either two adults or two first instars per kernel. Signs of feeding were monitored for 21 d in single kernels and 7 d in grouped kernels. There was a significant association between adult feeding and larval infestation responses in single and group kernel tests. In conclusion, understanding factors that contribute to first instar establishment in wheat kernels will have impacts in breeding varieties that could be resistant and designing grain-handling equipment to minimize grain damage to mitigate R. dominica infestation of wheat.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-01-15Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:40:03Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 albino_e_me_rcla.pdf: 1301680 bytes, checksum: 95d30ba766dc9edf4dd14372bf809fd7 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O forrageamento ou busca por alimento nos cupins subterrâneos envolve os operários, os soldados e em menor número as ninfas. O presente estudo foi realizado visando esclarecer aspectos da biologia do forrageamento de ninfas, o qual é pouco conhecido na espécie exótica Coptotermes gestroi. O monitoramento por meio de coletas periódicas em um período de 22 meses em 7 diferentes colônias mostrou que as ninfas forrageiras são produzidas durante todos os meses do ano. Provavelmente, devido à influência tanto de fatores externos como internos, cada colônia de Coptotermes gestroi possui uma dinâmica diferente de formação desses indivíduos. O estudo da biometria das ninfas forrageiras foi realizado para determinar os ínstares presentes nas colônias, sendo que as variáveis analisadas foram largura da cabeça, largura do pronoto, comprimento do broto alar, comprimento da tíbia, região de crescimento da antena e comprimento do corpo. Entretanto, as variáveis região de crescimento da antena e comprimento do corpo, inicialmente propostas, não se mostraram viáveis para a discriminação dos ínstares. Os dados foram submetidos à Análise dos Componentes Principais (ACP) e plotados em diagramas de dispersão para a discriminação dos ínstares. Das 533 ninfas forrageiras coletadas, 34 eram de 3° instar, 280 eram de 4° instar e 219 eram de 5° instar. Apesar de terem sido coletadas ninfas de 3° instar, provavelmente, estas não participam das atividades de forrageamento uma vez que foram coletadas em apenas uma colônia e em quantidade ínfima. O 5° instar ninfal foi coletado nas 8 colônias estudadas, contudo o 4° instar ninfal foi mais numeroso, mesmo tendo sido coletado em apenas 4 das colônias... / The foraging or search for food in subterranean termites involves workers, soldiers and in a small number nymphs. The present study was carried out aimed at clarifying aspects of the nymph foraging biology, which is little known in the exotic species Coptotermes gestroi. The monitoring through regular collections in 7 different colonies for a period of 22 months showed a production of forager nymphs all year round. Probably due to the influence of both internal and external factors each colony of Coptotermes gestroi has a different formation dynamic of these individuals. The biometric study of the forager nymphs was conducted to determine the instars present in the colonies, and the variables head width, pronotum width, wing bud length, right hind tibia length, antennal growing region and body length were measured. However, the variables antennal growing region and body length, originally proposed, were not feasible to instars discrimination. The data were submitted to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and plotted on a scatter diagram to determine the instars. Of the 533 forager nymphs collected, 34 were from 3rd - instar, 280 were from 4th - instar and 219 were from 5th - instar. Although 3rd - instar nymphs have been collected, probably, they do not participate in the foraging activities since they were collected only in one colony and in small quantity. The 5th - nymphal instar was collected in 8 colonies, however the 4th - nymphal instar was more numerous, even being collected in only 4 of all colonies. In order to characterize the instars, the eye color and the number of antennal segments in the of forager nymphs were recorded. These individuals may have light brown or white eyes, the nymphs with white eyes appeared in larger number and were present in all colonies. The sex determination of male and female nymphs was conducted... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:15:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2009 - Huarrisson Azevedo Santos.pdf: 780165 bytes, checksum: de6d416bd5e351432ab7a787d05594f2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-20 / The objective of the present study was to describe the biological aspects of Argas (Persicargas) miniatus in controlled conditions to 27?1?C and 80?10% (RH) and outdoor condition. The eggs originated of A. (P.) miniatus females were incubated in conditions mentioned above. The emerged larvae were fed in chick, while the nymphal and adult stages were fed in chicken. The nymphal instars biological characteristics were studied to 15, 30 and 60 days fast periods. The biological aspects of nymphal and adult stages were studied in outdoor condition in the dry (May to October) and rainy (November to April) station. The feeding time, recovery percentage, mortality percentage, weight before and after feeding, molting periods, preoviposition and oviposition, daily eggs output, incubation period, hatching percentage, estimated reproduction and nutritional index were evaluated. The larvae medium weight was 0,94 ? 0,13mg with a medium weight gain of approximately 81,37 times. In acclimatized camera the molting medium period was 6,37?0,24 days, while in outdoor conditions it was 8,12?0,95 days. When evaluated the larvae fixation capacity submitted to different fast periods was observed that unfed larvae maintained in acclimatized camera and outdoor conditions were capable to attachment in birds with fast periods from 6 to 75 days and 8 to 60 days, respectively. When nymphs were submitted to 15 and 30 days fast periods, in both conditions, the development of second and third nymphal instars happened. When submitted to 60 fast period days were verified mortality of 28 and 37% in acclimatized camera and outdoor condition, respectively and survivors do not attachment on the hosts. The nymphs of second instar submitted to 60 fast days developed, in both conditions, in third nymphal instar and male adults. Still in the group submitted to 60 fast days, the nymphs of third instar developed in adults (42,42% and 40,54% males; 36,36% and 48,65% females in outdoor condition and acclimatized camera, respectively) and the others developed in third nymphs instars, and further, developed in female adults. The medium number of produced eggs varied of 46 to 138 eggs in the 18 female s oviposition maintained in controlled conditions; 41 to 108 eggs in the 9 female s oviposition at the rainy station; and 74 to 138 eggs for the females at the dry station, with significant difference in all experimental conditions. The medium duration of the cycle with adults occurrence in N2 was 49.05 days in acclimatized camera, 53.01 days in the dry station and 67.41 days in the rainy station. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that the biological aspects of A. (P.) miniatus are influenced by climatic factors, occurring a biological cycle prolongation during the dry station, period that the temperature is lower. / O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever os aspectos biol?gicos de Argas (Persicargas) miniatus em condi??es controladas a 27?1?C e 80?10% (UR) e ambiente de laborat?rio. Os ovos oriundos de f?meas de A. (P.) miniatus foram incubados nas condi??es descritas acima. As larvas emergidas foram alimentadas em aves jovens, enquanto que os est?gios ninfais e adultos foram alimentados em aves adultas. As caracter?sticas biol?gicas dos ?nstares ninfais foram estudadas em per?odos de jejum de 15, 30 e 60 dias. Os aspectos biol?gicos dos est?gios ninfais e adultos foram estudados em condi??o ambiente de laborat?rio nas esta??es secas (Maio a Outubro) e chuvosas (Novembro a Abril). Foram avaliados: tempo de alimenta??o, taxa de recupera??o, taxa de mortalidade, peso antes e ap?s a alimenta??o, per?odos de muda, pr?-postura e postura, n?mero de posturas e de ovos, per?odo de incuba??o, percentual de eclos?o, reprodu??o estimada e ?ndice nutricional. O peso m?dio das larvas foi de 0,94 ? 0,13mg com ganho m?dio de peso de aproximadamente 81,37 vezes. Em c?mara climatizada o per?odo m?dio de muda foi de 6,37?0,24 dias, enquanto que em condi??es de ambiente de laborat?rio a m?dia foi 8,12?0,95 dias. Ao avaliar a capacidade de fixa??o de larvas submetidas a diferentes per?odos de jejum observou-se que as larvas n?o alimentadas mantidas em c?mara climatizada e em condi??es ambientais de laborat?rio foram capazes de se fixar sobre as aves com per?odos de jejum de 6 a 75 dias e 8 a 60 dias, respectivamente. Quando as ninfas foram submetidas a um per?odo de jejum de 15 e 30 dias, nas duas condi??es estudadas, ocorreu o desenvolvimento de ninfas de segundo e terceiro instares. Quando submetidas a 60 dias de jejum verificou-se mortalidade de 28 e 37% em c?mara climatizada e em ambiente de laborat?rio, respectivamente e as sobreviventes n?o se fixaram sobre os hospedeiros. As ninfas de segundo instar submetidas ao jejum de 60 dias desenvolveram, em ambas condi??es estudadas, ninfas de terceiro instar e adultos machos. Ainda no grupo submetido a 60 dias de jejum, as ninfas de terceiro instar desenvolveram adultos (42,42% e 40,54% de machos; 36,36% e 48,65% f?meas nas condi??es de ambiente de laborat?rio e B.O.D., respectivamente) e as demais se desenvolveram em ninfas de quarto instar, que posteriormente, se desenvolveram em adultos f?meas. O n?mero m?dio de ovos produzidos variou entre 46 e 138 ovos nas 18 posturas das f?meas mantidas em ambiente controlado; 41 e 108 ovos nas 9 posturas das f?meas das esta??es chuvosas; e 74 e 138 ovos para as f?meas da esta??o seca, com diferen?a significativa em todas as condi??es experimentais. A dura??o m?dia do ciclo com ocorr?ncia de adultos em N2 foi de 49,05 dias em c?mara climatizada, 53,01 dias nas esta??es secas e 67,41 dias nas esta??es chuvosas. Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo demonstram que os aspectos biol?gicos de A. (P.) miniatus s?o influenciados por fatores clim?ticos, de modo que ocorre um prolongamento do ciclo biol?gico durante a esta??o seca, per?odo que a temperatura ? mais baixa.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:02:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 AdrieleNBS.pdf: 991262 bytes, checksum: 88abd567586e81bf3d057a2e257bf611 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-12-15 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / The larval instars, seasonal occurrence and environmental factors influence on Psaroniocompsa incrustata (Lutz, 1910) (Diptera: Simuliidae) immature were studied according to its physical and chemical aspects of breeding water. Four collects were made at vegetal substrate from margin, middle and floating on the Pium river, city of N?sia Floresta, state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil at dry and wet season. Some of larval characters were used to determinate the larval instars number like lateral length of cephalic capsulae, antennae and the distance among cephalic apodema, as well as pH, water temperature, width, depth, stream velocity, discharge and pluviometric precipitation were used for physical factors. Seven larval instars were determined for this P. incrustata community being the lateral length of cephalic capsulae as the best structure with this meaning propose. The seasonality immature abundance of this species were found in dry season and a positive correlation with pH, stream velocity and precipitation / A esp?cie Psaroniocompsa incrustata (Lutz, 1910) (Diptera: Simuliidae) foi estudada quanto ao n?mero de est?dios larvais, ocorr?ncia sazonal e a influ?ncia dos fatores ambientais sobre os imaturos, com a caracteriza??o f?sica e qu?mica da ?gua do criadouro. A pesquisa em campo foi realizada no rio Pium, munic?pio de N?sia Floresta, estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Para per?odos distintos (chuva / seca) ocorreram quatro coletas. As coletas dos imaturos de P. incrustata foram feitas diretamente do substrato vegetal localizados ?s margens, no leito e ? deriva do rio. Para a determina??o dos est?dios larvais foram mensurados o comprimento lateral da c?psula cef?lica, da antena e da dist?ncia entre os ap?demas cef?licos. Foram registrados: pH, temperatura da ?gua, largura, profundidade, velocidade, vaz?o e precipita??o pluviom?trica. Sete est?dios larvais foram determinados para esta popula??o de P. incrustata, sendo o comprimento lateral da c?psula cef?lica a estrutura que melhor delimitou os est?dios. A abund?ncia dos imaturos de P. incrustata variou sazonalmente, encontrando-se em maior quantidade no per?odo de seca, correlacionando-se de forma significativa com o pH, velocidade da ?gua e precipita??o pluviom?trica