Jon D. Sweeney

Host Volatile Attractants and Traps for Detection of Tetropium fuscum (F.), Tetropium castaneum L., and Other Longhorned Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Abstract Cortical and sapwood volatiles were collected in situ from red spruce, Picea rubens (Sarg.), trees infested with Tetropium fuscum (F.), to determine the relative concentrations and enantiomer ratios of monoterpenes emitted. This information was used to create a synthetic “spruce blend” lure that was tested in various trap designs for efficacy in capturing T. fuscum, and Tetropium castaneum L. in field bioassays conducted on McNabs Island, Nova Scotia, in 2001 and 2002 and in Poland and Switzerland in 2002. Response of other cerambycid species was measured opportunistically. Cross-vane pan traps baited with spruce blend caught significantly more T. fuscum than unbaited traps or traps baited with racemic α-pinene, ethanol, or both. The addition of an ethanol lure to spruce blend–baited traps significantly increased capture of T. fuscum and T. castaneum. There were no significant differences among trap designs in mean catch of either Tetropium species. Spruce blend was also significantly attractive to Monochamus urussovii (Fischer) and, when paired with an ethanol lure, was significantly attractive to Spondylis buprestoides L. Asemum striatum L. was significantly attracted to racemic α-pinene but was not attracted to spruce blend or spruce blend plus ethanol. None of the lures tested were significantly attractive to Stictoleptura rubra L. or Alosterna tabacicolor (DeGeer).

Effect of Semiochemical Release Rate, Killing Agent, and Trap Design on Detection of Tetropium fuscum (F.) and Other Longhorn Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Abstract Release rates of a blend of monoterpenes (spruce blend) and ethanol significantly affected mean trap catch of Tetropium fuscum (F.), Tetropium castaneum L., and Tetropium cinnamopterum Kirby. Addition of an ethanol lure to traps baited with the spruce blend lure was necessary to attract T. castaneum and T. cinnamopterum and significantly increased attraction of T. fuscum. The combination of spruce blend and ethanol at high release rates had the highest mean catch of Tetropium spp. and was the only lure treatment that resulted in capture of T. fuscum and T. castaneum (in Poland) in every test block, suggesting it would be the best for detection surveys among the lures tested. The effect of trap design on mean catch of T. fuscum was inconsistent. In one experiment, the larger collapsible cross-vane Colossus trap caught about twice as many beetles as the IPM-Intercept trap, but in two other experiments, mean catch did not differ significantly. Type of killing agent in the collecting bucket significantly affected mean catch of T. fuscum. Traps with liquid killing agent (50/50 mixture of propylene glycol and deionized water plus 0.5 ml/liter of Kodak Photo-Flo 200 and 12.5 mg/liter of Bitrex) in the collecting bucket caught more beetles than traps with an insecticidal (dichlorvos) strip. Although any of cross-vane traps tested seem suitable for trapping several cerambycid species, the Colossus trap with liquid killing agent is recommended for use as a detection tool for T. fuscum because it caught similar or greater numbers than the other trap types.

Evidence for a Volatile Pheromone in Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) that Increases Attraction to a Host Foliar Volatile

ABSTRACT Analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of volatiles from virgin female emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire confirmed the emission of (3Z)-lactone [(3Z)-dodecen-12-olide] but not its geometric isomer, (3E)-lactone [(3E)-dodecen-12-olide]. Gas chromatographic/electroantennographic (GC/EAD) analysis of synthetic (3Z)-lactone, which contained 10% (3E) -lactone, showed a strong response of male and female antennae to both isomers. EAG analysis with 0.01 - to100-µg dosages showed a positive dose response, with females giving significantly higher responses than males. In field experiments with sticky purple prism traps, neither lactone isomer affected catches when combined with ash foliar or cortical volatiles (green leaf volatiles or Phoebe oil, respectively). However, on green prism traps, the (3Z)-lactone significantly increased capture of male A. planipennis when traps were deployed in the canopy. Captures of males on traps with both (3E)-lactone and (3Z)-hexenol or with (3Z)-lactone and (3Z)-hexenol were increased by 45–100%, respectively, compared with traps baited with just (3Z)-hexenol. In olfactometer bioassays, males were significantly attracted to (3E) -lactone, but not the (3Z) -lactone or a 60:40 (3E): (3Z) blend. The combination of either (3E)- or (3Z)-lactone with Phoebe oil was not significantly attractive to males. Males were highly attracted to (3Z)-hexenol and the (3Z)-lactone + (3Z)-hexenol combination, providing support for the field trapping results. These data are the first to demonstrate increased attraction with a combination of a pheromone and a green leaf volatile in a Buprestid species.

Attraction of Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) to a Volatile Pheromone: Effects of Release Rate, Host Volatile, and Trap Placement

ABSTRACT Attraction of emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, to a volatile pheromone was demonstrated in three field experiments using baited green sticky traps. A dose-response curve was generated for male A. planipennis to increasing release rates of (3Z)-dodecen-12-olide ((3Z)lactone) in combination with the green leaf volatile, (3Z)-hexenol. Only the lowest release rate (<2.50 µg/d) of (3Z)-lactone significantly increased captures of male A. planipennis, as compared with traps baited with (3Z)-hexenol alone. Effect of trap height, (3Z)-lactone, and (3Z)-hexenol and their interactions on the trap capture of A. planipennis was determined in a factorial experiment. Number of males per trap was significantly and positively affected by (3Z)-lactone, (3Z)-hexenol, and trap height whereas number of females per trap was affected by trap height only; none of the interactions were significant. As predicted, the greatest mean catch of males was in traps baited with (3Z)-lactone and (3Z)-hexenol placed high in the canopy. Electroantennogram tests on the bark volatile, 7-epi-sesquithujene, demonstrated the ability of male and female A. planipennis antennae to detect and respond to this compound, particularly the (+)-7-epi-sesquithujene isomer. Results from an olfactometer bioassay and field testing did not demonstrate attraction of either males or females to (+)-7-epi-sesquithujene. These data increase our understanding of the pheromone ecology of the invasive emerald ash borer, provide further confirmation of the behavioral activity of the female-produced lactone pheromone, and should increase the ability to detect A. planipennis infestations where they are present.

New Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) records with new collection data from New Brunswick, Canada: Pselaphinae

Abstract Twenty species of Pselaphinae are newly recorded from New Brunswick, Canada. This brings the total number of species known from the province to 36. Thirteen of these species are newly recorded for the Maritime provinces of Canada. Dalmosella tenuis Casey and Brachygluta luniger (LeConte) are newly recorded for Canada. Collection and habitat data are presented for these species.

Influence of Host Tree Condition on the Performance of Tetropium fuscum (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

ABSTRACT Tetropium fuscum (F.) attacks weakened Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karst., in its native Europe and may colonize healthy spruce in Nova Scotia, Canada. We used manipulative field experiments to evaluate: 1) the development of T. fuscum on apparently healthy red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) in Nova Scotia; 2) the influence of red spruce physiological condition (healthy, girdled or cut) on T. fuscum performance; and 3) the impact of natural enemies and competitors on T. fuscum performance when developing on trees of varying condition. Tetropium fuscum successfully developed on healthy red spruce. Survival was higher on healthy than on girdled or cut trees when larvae were exposed to natural enemies and competitors. The benefits of reduced competition and parasitism on healthy trees appeared to compensate for any reductions in nutritional quality, increase in host resistance, or both. In contrast, when T. fuscum were protected from natural enemies, apparent survival was highest on girdled trees. Tetropium fuscum development took longer on healthy than on cut or girdled trees, and emerged adults were largest on healthy trees. The disparities in adult sizes among the three treatments may mean that healthy trees are more nutritious. Alternatively, the differences may indicate that a greater amount of time was spent feeding in healthy than in girdled or cut trees. Tree condition appears to have a direct impact on the success of T. fuscum, influencing survival, development time, and adult size, and may mediate the impact of natural enemies and competitors, further affecting T. fuscum performance.

New Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) records with new collection data from New Brunswick and an addition to the fauna of Quebec: Staphylininae

Abstract Forty-four species of Staphylininae are newly reported from New Brunswick, bringing the total number of species known from the province to 126. Quedius criddlei (Casey) is reported for the first time from Quebec. Bisnius cephalotes (Gravenhorst) is removed from the faunal list of New Brunswick due to a lack of supporting voucher specimens. Additional locality data are presented for seven species either recently recorded from the province or with few previous records and little habitat data. We provide the first documented records of Atrecus americanus (Casey), Quedius erythrogaster Mannerheim, Quedius labradorensis labradorensis Smetana, Quedius plagiatus (Mannerheim), and Neobisnius terminalis (LeConte) from New Brunswick. Collection and habitat data are presented and discussed for all species.

Contact Sex Pheromones Identified for Two Species of Longhorned Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Tetropium fuscum and T. cinnamopterum in the Subfamily Spondylidinae

ABSTRACT Male Tetropium fuscum (F.) and T. cinnamopterum Kirby mated with live and dead (freeze-killed) conspecific females upon antennal contact, but did not respond to dead females after cuticular waxes were removed by hexane rinsing. Significantly fewer males of each species attempted to copulate with live or dead heterospecific females than with conspecifics, indicating that mate recognition was mediated by species-specific contact sex pheromones in the females cuticular hydrocarbons. GC/MS analysis of T. fuscum elytra identified n-alkanes and mono-methyl branched alkanes of which 11-methylheptacosane and 3- and 5-methyltricosanes were dominant in females. Full male responses, including copulatory behavior, were restored with application of enantiomerically pure synthetic (S)-11-methyl-heptacosane at 40 µg /female (one female equivalent) but not with racemic or (R)-11-methyl-heptacosane. The cuticular hydrocarbons on T. cinnamopterum elytra included 11-methyl-heptacosane as well as n-alkanes, methyl-branched alkanes, mono-alkenes, and (Z, Z)-6, 9-alkadienes. (Z)-9-pentacosene, (Z)-9-heptacosene, and 11-methyl-heptacosane were female dominant, but only (Z)-9-pentacosene elicited precopulatory behaviors in conspecific males at levels similar to those behaviors elicited by unrinsed females, but elicited copulation in fewer than half of males. At female equivalent dosages (10 µg), neither (Z)-9-heptacosene nor (S)-11-methylheptacosane elicited responses in males that were significantly different from those responses to a rinsed female but when applied together, the proportion of males responding was significantly increased. 11-methyl-heptacosene is thus a contact pheromone component common to both species, which may explain the heterospecific mating attempts by some males.

Responses of Cerambycidae and other insects to traps baited with ethanol, 2,3-hexanediol, and 3,2-hydroxyketone lures in north-central Georgia

ABSTRACT In north-central Georgia, 13 species of woodboring beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) were attracted to multiple-funnel traps baited with ethanol and one of the following pheromones: (1) racemic 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one; (2) racemic 3-hydroxyoctan-2-one; and (3) syn-2,3-hexanediol. The following species were attracted to traps baited with ethanol and 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one: Anelaphus pumilus (Newman), Eburia quadrigeminata (Say), Euderces pini (Olivier), Knulliana cincta (Drury), Neoclytus mucronatus (F.), Neoclytus scutellaris (Olivier), and Xylotrechus colonus (F.). Clytus marginicollis Castelnau & Gory, and Anelaphus parallelus (Newman) were attracted to traps baited with ethanol and 3-hydroxyoctan-2-one, whereas traps baited with ethanol and syn-2,3-hexanediol were attractive to Anelaphus villosus (F.), A. parallelus, Neoclytus acuminatus (F.), Neoclytus jouteli jouteli Davis, and Megacyllene caryae (Gahan). Ethanol enhanced catches of seven cerambycid species in traps baited with syn-2,3-hexanediol and 3,2-hydroxyketones. Catches of bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in ethanol-baited traps were largely unaffected by the addition of syn-2,3-hexanediol and 3,2-hydroxyketone lures, except for two species. The mean catches of Hypothenemus rotundicollis Wood & Bright and Dryoxylon onoharaensum (Murayama) in ethanol-baited traps increased and decreased, respectively, with the addition of racemic 3-hydroxyoctan-2-one. Traps baited with ethanol and syn-2,3-hexanediol were attractive to Xylobiops basilaris (Say) (Bostrichidae) and Chariessa pilosa (Forster) (Cleridae), whereas Temnoscheila virescens (F.) (Trogossitidae) were attracted to traps baited with ethanol and 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one. The assassin bug, Apiomerus crassipes (F.) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), was attracted to traps baited with ethanol and 3,2-hydroxyketones.

Considering species richness and rarity when selecting optimal survey traps: comparisons of semiochemical baited flight intercept traps for Cerambycidae in eastern North America

We compared standard multiple‐funnel, modified multiple‐funnel, intercept panel and canopy malaise (SLAM) traps with top and bottom collecting cups for their effectiveness (species richness, rarity, abundance) at capturing Cerambycidae in eastern North America. Experiments were conducted in New York, Louisiana, Massachusetts and Georgia in 2011 and 2012. A combination of pheromones and host volatiles chosen to match local forest types were used as lures. Species richness tended to be higher in SLAM and modified funnel traps than standard funnel and intercept panel traps. SLAM traps also captured the highest number of species, unique species, rare (species accounting for ≤ 1% of total cerambycids at a site) and singleton species at each site. Individual‐based rarefaction and sample‐based species accumulation curves suggested that SLAM traps are more effective for capturing cerambycid species. For many estimates, modified funnel and funnel traps were lower than SLAM traps but greater than intercept panel traps for describing cerambycid communities. Modified funnel and SLAM traps generally captured the highest abundance of cerambycids but the response of the individual subfamily and species varied by trap type. SLAM traps should be considered as a strong tool to describe cerambycid communities when used in conjunction with pheromones and host volatiles.