Topic Review
Four Species of Plague Locust
South Africa has four species of recognized plague locusts that have caused economic damage to crops and rangeland grazing, with plagues of some of the species posing a serious threat to agricultural production in South Africa at different times in recorded history over the past 380 years. The plague locusts in order of current economic importance in South Africa are the brown locust, Locustana pardalina (Walker), the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratorioides, (Reiche and Fairmaire), the red locust, Nomadacris septemfasciata (Serville) and the southern African desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria flaviventris (Burmeister). 
  • 125
  • 15 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Flea Families
With around 10 new species described annually, extant flea fauna comprises an estimated 249 genera, 2215 species, and 714 subspecies globally, mostly mammal parasites, but 5% of species are on birds.
  • 192
  • 25 Oct 2023
Topic Review
White Mango Scale
The white mango scale (WMS) insect, Aulacaspis tubercularis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is a polyphagous, multivoltine pest which is a serious threat to qualitative mango production and export. The WMS insect sucks sap from leaves, branches and fruits. The heavy infestation of this pest may cause the falling of young leaves, drying up of twigs, poor flowering, and, finally, reduce the quality of fruits by producing pink spots on fruits’ surface.
  • 425
  • 22 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Understanding Invasion, Ecological Adaptations, Management of Bactrocera dorsalis
Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel, 1912) (Diptera: Tephritidae), commonly known as the oriental fruit fly, is a highly destructive pest that globally infests fruits and vegetables, resulting in significant annual economic losses. Initially detected in Taiwan Island, it has rapidly expanded its distribution range to various regions in mainland China since the 1980s, with a continuous northward spread. To mitigate the damage caused by this pest, extensive efforts have been undertaken to comprehend its ecological and physiological adaptations and develop management strategies.
  • 316
  • 21 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Rusty Grain Beetle
Cryptolestes ferrugineus, the rusty grain beetle, is a cosmopolitan pest that has adapted to cool and warm climates due to its unique biology, ecology, and behavior. The rusty grain beetle is a pest of high economic importance; hence, understanding their biology, ecology, and behavior could be useful in designing effective management strategies.
  • 330
  • 23 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Venom Components of Imported Fire Ant Venom
In the United States, imported fire ants are often referred to as red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, black imported fire ants, S. richteri Forel, and their hybrid (S. invicta × S. richteri). Due to their aggressive stings and toxic venom, imported fire ants pose a significant threat to public health, agriculture, and ecosystem health.
  • 232
  • 11 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Integrated Pest Management Program for Coffee Berry Borer
Coffee berry borer (CBB) is the most serious insect pest of coffee worldwide, causing significant reductions in yield and quality.  The integrated pest management of CBB in Hawaii and Puerto Rico are addressed, the only two USA locations that produce commercial specialty coffee. 
  • 359
  • 24 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Fire Ant Venom Alkaloids
Venoms produced by arthropods act as chemical weapons to paralyze prey or deter competitors. The utilization of venom is an essential feature in the biology and ecology of venomous arthropods. Solenopsis fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are medically important venomous ants. They have acquired different patterns of venom use to maximize their competitive advantages rendered by the venom when facing different challenges. The major components of fire ant venom are piperidine alkaloids, which have strong insecticidal and antibiotic activities. The alkaloids protect fire ants from pathogens over the course of their lives and can be used to defend them from predators and competitors. 
  • 193
  • 21 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Silkworm Bombyx mori
Among insects, the silkworm Bombyx mori occupies a special position, being an excellent lepidopteran species representative of numerous scientific investigations. B. mori was domesticated and developed by human-driven selection from a wild origin since ancient times. Many years ago, silkworm genetic stocks were conserved in research facilitie. The silkworm can be considered from the economic point of view to be one of the most significant insects. It has been providing important benefits to humans, and it has continued developing thanks to its many practical applications, including using it as a model organism for medical purposes.
  • 430
  • 20 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Concepts, Procedures and Techniques by Forensic Entomologists
Forensic entomology is a branch of forensic science that incorporates insects as a part of solving crime. Insect-based evidence recovered at a crime scene can be used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval, determine if a carcass/corpse has been relocated, and contribute to the cause and manner of death. Sampling and preservation of insect material is paramount if this evidence is presented in court.  To this end, a qualified forensic entomologist should attend the crime scene, however this is not always the case and such evidence is collected and preserved by a proxy.  After reading this paper and following a number of essential protocols, a proxy should be able to submit insect evidence that a forensic entomologist may be able to use and present a best estimate of the time since death.
  • 929
  • 19 Jun 2023
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