Carpocorini is the most diverse tribe within Pentatominae, comprising about 100 genera and 500 species, with the highest diversity found in the Neotropics. Within Carpocorini, some groups of genera have been, formally or informally, proposed based on morphological similarities and taxonomic history. The Euschistus group was informally proposed and comprises 20 genera, including Euschistus Dallas, 1851

Assassin or robber flies (Asilidae) and bee flies (Bombyliidae) are two of the largest and most diverse fly families with over 7400 and 4700 described species worldwide, respectively. Adult assassin flies are predatory, feeding on smaller insects captured on the wing, and larvae predate on soft‐bodied arthropods in the soil or rotting wood. Adult bee flies feed on nectar and pollen. Almost all bee

Daptolestes Hull, 1962 is a small genus of distinctive, ornate robber flies (Asilidae) endemic to Australia, currently placed in the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, containing three described species, D . limbipennis , D . nicholsoni and D . sergius . Adults of Daptolestes species (except D . sergius ) have patterned wings, brown and yellow integumental colour and a waisted abdomen and could be mistaken

Bee responses to anthropogenic disturbances have received much recent attention in scientific literature. These studies typically involve 1–3 years of sampling along spatial gradients of disturbance, though occasionally greater temporal replication and/or longer time periods are used at the expense of spatial replication. We surveyed bees using a blue vane trap during spring, summer and autumn from

Arthropods are the cause of considerable human morbidity. In spite of numerous text books and reviews published on arthropods of medical importance, this is the first paper in the world to present a comprehensive review of specimens sent to a medical entomology laboratory over an extended period. The Department of Medical Entomology at Westmead Hospital is the New South Wales reference laboratory for

Understanding how polyphagous herbivores optimise foraging for multiple hosts remains unclear: prior experiences with hosts and the modification of subsequent behaviours (referred to in the broad sense as learning) have been proposed as one potential mechanism. A critical feature of learning is the effect of reward value, with learning and memory positively linked with reward quality. However, the

Flies (Diptera) are one of the most important groups of insect pollinators. Families Bombyliidae (bee flies) and Syrphidae (hover flies) are globally distributed with aproximately 5000 and 6200 described species, respectively. Many studies have attempted to quantify Syrphidae diversity in natural and agricultural environments, due to their perceived value as pollinators, decomposers of organic waste

Knowing which habitats (e.g. forest interiors or edges) are used by mosquitos and their relationship with possible environmental changes can assist in the development of public policies for the prevention of mosquito‐borne disease epidemics. This study assessed the influence of abiotic factors and vegetation structure on a mosquito community in an Atlantic rainforest remnant frequented by humans. Biting

The accidental introduction of the eucalypt‐feeding paropsine beetle Paropsisterna cloelia (Paropsisterna variicollis ) into New Zealand (NZ) in 2016 prompted investigation of the species complex to which the invasive species belongs. Two mitochondrial gene regions, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and Cytochrome b, were sequenced from field‐collected specimens superficially resembling P. cloelia collected

No abstract is available for this article.

No abstract is available for this article.

Two new species from Queensland rainforest belonging to genera Hemilobella and Sphaeronura are described and illustrated with drawings and colour photographs. Hemilobella matildae sp. nov. Smolis and Greenslade is characterised by elongated tubercles laterally on body and an elongated ogival labrum. Sphaeronura ameliae sp. nov. Smolis and Greenslade differs from other taxa in the genus in chaetotaxic

Three new species in the Smicridea (Smicridea ) nigripennis species group are described and illustrated based on specimens collected in Serra da Mocidade National Park and Serra do Tepequém in the northern mountain range of Brazilian Amazonia, Roraima State, and in Rio Formosinho located in Cerrado biome of midwestern Brazil, Mato Grosso do Sul State. Smicridea (Smicridea ) mocidade Desidério & Rázuri‐Gonzales

A new plant bug genus and species, Andrewia bochkovi gen. et sp. nov., of the Phylinae is described from the Biak Island, Papua Province of Indonesia. The described species has been characterised molecularly based on COI, 16S and 28S markers, and its phylogenetic position has been tested using model‐based (RAxML and Bayesian) phylogenetic analyses. Photographs of habitus, male and female genitalia

Macronychia (Moschusa ) rubesca sp. nov. is described from Australia and represents the first record of this genus from the Australasian region. An updated key to the world species of Macronychia is provided. In addition, molecular markers are analysed to place Macronychia Rondani within the most recent phylogeny of the subfamily Miltogramminae. The genus is resolved as a monophyletic clade and placed

Tabanidae, commonly known as horseflies, is a large, cosmopolitan family with approximately 4400 described species, of which about 400 occur in southern Africa. Both sexes feed on nectar or pollen and some species are important pollinators. Females usually require a bloodmeal to produce eggs, implicating them as vectors of disease‐causing agents. Despite their importance, they have been largely neglected

Nests and life‐cycle stages of bees in the endemic Australian bee genus Trichocolletes have been little studied hitherto. Discovery of a nesting aggregation of Trichocolletes orientalis near Perth, Western Australia, provided an excellent opportunity to extend knowledge of the genus, and some surprising facts have emerged from observations made in the field and laboratory. Brood cells were more or

Grasslands are valuable non‐crop habitats in the world's agricultural regions, providing more than simply forage for grazing domestic and wild animals. They provide refuge and resources that support high levels of arthropod biodiversity, most importantly for natural enemies that provide vital biological control services to the surrounding cropped landscape. Ideally, farmers could manage and manipulate

No abstract is available for this article.

No abstract is available for this article.

Despite an ancient and well‐established use of insects in traditional medicine, our understanding of their bioactive compounds (entomochemicals) lags far behind that of medicinal plants (phytochemicals). In this review, we focus particularly on insect–plant interactions, to examine the possible dependence of the medicinal properties of insects on phytochemicals that they bioaccumulate or chemically

The vegetable leafminer, Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, poses a risk to vegetable and nursery production in mainland Australia since established in Cape York in 2015. Effective control overseas depends on maximising the impact of natural enemies. Problems with polyphagous Liriomyza pest species typically result from the destruction of their parasitoids by excessive use of non‐selective insecticides.

The adult, pupa, larva and biology of Adenogasteria leguminivora Davis & Vargas gen. et sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae: Ornixolinae) from Peru and Chile are described and illustrated. This micromoth was previously reported in the agronomic literature as a pest of Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) (Fabaceae) in Peru, but its taxonomic status remained unknown until now. Its larvae feed on the seeds

We conducted a morphologically based taxonomic revision of the Dichotomius mamillatus species group (Scarabaeinae). A new species, Dichotomius (Dichotomius) gandinii sp. nov., from western Amazonia is described, illustrated and included in this group, along with Dichotomius (Dichotomius) mamillatus (Felsche, 1901), Dichotomius (Dichotomius) robustus (Luederwaldt, 1935) and Dichotomius (Dichotomius)

Hadreule Thomson, 1859 is a small genus of ciid beetles, comprising three Holarctic and one Australasian species. Here, three additional species from the Southern Hemisphere are described: H. mineira sp. nov. from Southeast and Northeast Brazil, characterised by the eight‐segmented antennae and male with large abdominal sex patch; H. vivianae sp. nov. from Southeast Brazil, characterised by the elytra

Knowledge of the biodiversity of a region can have wide‐ranging implications for other disciplines and enterprises, including public health, agriculture and pest management, and conservation. However, in order to properly assess a region's biodiversity, an accurate and up‐to‐date taxonomy is needed. While description of new taxa plays a sizeable role in how biodiversity changes over time, the re‐assessment

Polypedilum johannseni Sublette & Sublette (= Chironomus (Polypedilum) anticus Johannsen), described from Indonesia, is recorded from Australia, where larvae are newly reported to feed on species of the aquatic fern Azolla Lam. (Salviniaceae). We extend the Australian distribution for the species that was reported previously as Polypedilum ‘nr seorsus’ from northern Australia. Review of the species

Coquillettidia linealis (Skuse, 1889) is a common mosquito species, widespread in south‐east Australia. It is associated with permanent freshwater habitats where it can be very abundant and the cause of significant nuisance biting. Additionally, Cq. linealis is thought to be a significant vector of some arboviruses, such as Ross River virus, because numerous isolates have been recovered from the species

Memphis Hübner (1819) is the most species‐rich genus among the Neotropical Charaxinae, occurring from southern United States to Argentina. Memphis acidalia (Hübner, 1819; Anaeini), a common and widespread species distributed in all of South America east of the Andes, is part of a complex of superficially similar, and supposedly related, species with high intraspecific variability. Immature stages are

Apart from a few species of interest to behavioural ecologists, the biology and ecology of most scorpionfly species is not well known. The Apteropanorpidae is a family of wingless Mecoptera endemic to Tasmania, comprising four described species in the genus Apteropanorpa. Intensive field surveys for Apteropanorpa species were conducted from 2001 to 2003 in a range of altitudes and habitats in several

Varying forms of polygyny are observed across many animal groups. In some species, groups of females may remain with a single male for an extended length of time. This is often referred to as harem polygyny. A female‐biased sex ratio has been associated with harem polygynous species. In such species, formation of harems may be an inevitable consequence of the relative lack of available males, rather

One of the most conspicuous features of many moth species is their antennae, which can be strikingly elaborate. However, the factors that have influenced the evolution of these impressive receptor organs remain poorly known. Antennae are potentially costly structures, and previous research has indicated that investment in these structures may be traded‐off against investment in other organs, depending

In 1982, a new species of psyllid, Cardiaspina jerramungae, reached outbreak levels on Eucalyptus occidentalis. The primary host species grows in remnant stands in the Lower Great Southern region of Western Australia and until this event was not recognised to be associated with insect outbreaks. Herbarium specimens, a largely unexploited source of data for temporal and spatial history of ecological

Tenuisvalvae notata preys upon several mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), a group of worldwide pests including Planococcus citri and Ferrisia dasyrilii. Although the consequences of variation in temperature for the development and reproduction of insects are generally appreciated, the consequences of potential interactions between temperature and prey for predatory insects are not. Thermal

Helicoverpa armigera is intensively researched in laboratory settings, yet developmental rates can vary considerably even under controlled conditions. Here, dietary choice and light spectra were tested as possible factors influencing this variability, a range of fitness indicators were collected and dietary choice behaviour in early instars was observed. We show that early instars of H. armigera exhibited

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), previously known as B biotype, is a major agricultural pest with a reputation for developing resistance to insecticides. DNA‐based identification revealed that B. tabaci MEAM1 is the dominant species within Australian cotton cropping. Discriminating doses of 10 mg/L for pyriproxyfen and 300 mg/L for both diafenthiuron and bifenthrin were

Azadirachtin is an efficient biopesticide, and it is considered safe for natural enemies because its mode of action is mainly by ingestion. The predator, Podisus nigrispinus Dallas, is found in various agroecosystems as a potential tool for biological control. However, there is much debate on the safety of this stinkbug if azadirachtin is used. Thus, we evaluated the cellular and humoral responses

Tetranychid spider mites are a significant worldwide pest of agriculture with Tetranychus urticae being the most important. In Australian cotton, T. urticae is the most damaging, but Tetranychus ludeni and Tetranychus lambi are also present and can be difficult to distinguish morphologically. For this reason, a fast‐diagnostic assay was developed to identify T. urticae, T. lambi and T. ludeni in a

Açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea) production in the Amazon region has grown rapidly in recent decades to meet both domestic and international demand for the fruit. Understanding functional roles of different insects in açaí fruit production is essential for the development of sustainable management practices and the conservation of associated biodiversity in plantations. Ants play a variety of key roles

Transgenic (Bt) varieties have improved the control of key insect pests, Helicoverpa spp. (Noctuidae), and reduced pesticide use within Australian cotton crops. Approval to use Bt cotton varieties in Australia required assurance that they would have no significant adverse impact on non‐target invertebrates resident in cotton fields. However, little is known of any influences that Bt cotton might have

Southern highbush blueberry plants (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrid) from a commercial blueberry farm were placed in quarantine glasshouses and either exposed to adults of the western golden‐haired blowfly Calliphora albifrontalis (Malloch) or no insects at all over a 21‐week period. Laboratory reared C. albifrontalis were regularly released into one house to maintain a population of 1000–1500 flies. Flies

The Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko ex Kurdjumov), is one of the world's most economically important pests of grain crops and has been recorded from at least 140 grass species within Poaceae. It has rapidly dispersed from its native origin of Central Asia into most major grain‐producing regions of the world including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America

Surveys to discover the habitats of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) are useful for understanding their distribution, seasonality activity patterns, ecological interactions and the risk they pose for disease transmission. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a 1 year survey of mosquito species and analysed the seasonality and daily rhythms of four species found in a forest fragment from Southern

Genus Platymeris Laporte, 1833 is a medium‐sized genus belonging to the subfamily Reduviinae, and all known species of these assassin bugs are large‐sized insects, distributed exclusively in Africa. Among them, two species, Platymeris biguttatus and Platymeris rhadamanthus , are particularly well known for being bred in commercial cultures. Representatives of both species were bred and crossed in laboratory

We review the generic limits and classification of the little studied Australian fauna of the soldier fly subfamily Chiromyzinae. Among chiromyzines are many species that are confirmed agricultural pests of sugar cane, maize and grasses, including Inopus rubriceps (Macquart, 1847) that has been introduced in New Zealand and the United States. A taxonomic treatment is provided for the genera that occur

Dung beetles provide economically valuable ecosystem services to agriculture. Dung beetles are also sensitive to climate change, which may impact on the services that they provide. Using climate‐controlled chambers, we investigated the potential effects of climate change on the performance of a tunnelling dung beetle, Onthophagus taurus . Over two trials, we exposed beetles to a +0°C, +2°C or +4°C

The attraction of the Digitonthophagus gazella dung beetle to the excreta of cattle treated with ivermectin (IVM) at 1% under controlled and field conditions (Phase 1) as well as the lethal (mortality) and sublethal effects (fecundity, emergence, and dung removal) of the excreta of bovines treated with IVM‐1% and IVM‐3.15% were evaluated (Phase 2). In Phase 1, an olfactometer was used to evaluate the

The efficacy of commercially available chemical insecticides and biopesticides on the cotton mealybug (CMB), Phenacoccus solenopsis , was evaluated in the glasshouse. Spirotetramat, sulfoxaflor and buprofezin were identified as key insecticides for use in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies aimed at controlling CMB without flaring other co‐occurring pests. When used as a single application