Joseph Eger

Florida State Collection of Arthropods | FSCA · Department of Entomology

The presence of the stridulatory structures has been empirically used as a diagnostic character for Pachycorinae, but it is also present in Hoteinae and two genera of Odontotarsinae. The stridulitrum is present mostly on sternites V–VI in Scutelleridae, associated with a plectrum on the hind tibiae. These structures have been recently analysed unde...

The presence of the stridulatory structures has been empirically used as a diagnostic character for Pachycorinae, but it is also present in Hoteinae and two genera of Odontotarsinae. The stridulitrum is present mostly on sternites V-VI in Scutelleridae, associated with a plectrum on the hind tibiae. These structures have been recently analyzed unde...

Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi), a native South American tree, has invaded disturbed sites and natural areas in peninsular Florida. We report Brazilian peppertree as a new host for a little-known heteropteran, the Neotropical scutellerid, Tetyra antillarum (Kirkaldy), whose U.S. distribution is restricted to Florida. In 2016 to...

The mass rearing of hymenopteran egg parasitoids requires an abundant supply of host eggs. The onset of reproductive diapause and subsequent decline in egg production poses a challenge for parasitoid rearing when using host colonies augmented by field-collected insects. We investigated the application of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analog, to...

Orsilochides scurrilis (Stål) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Scutelleridae) is reported from the United States for the first time based on a specimen collected in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. A key to separate the U.S. species of Orsilochides Kirkaldy is provided. In addition, host plant records and distribution of the other two species of Orsilochides th...

Graziaedessa anastrephae (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Edessinae) a new genus and species collected in Multilure® fruit fly traps baited with ammonium acetate and putrescine. During a survey for fruit flies (Anastrepha spp., Diptera, Tephritidae) in Peru, specimens of a previously undescribed genus and species of Edessinae were collected in Multilure...

Brachyplatys subaeneus (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Plataspidae), is reported from Miami Beach, FL, the first report from the United States. It was noticed first on a photo-sharing site (iNaturalist) providing an example of the importance of these sites for helping to track introduced species. Information on distribution, host plants and potential spread...

Coptochilus Amyot & Serville, 1843 is distinguishable from the other Neotropical Scutelleridae by the dorsally concave head, with lateral margins of mandibular plates elevated. Here we describe and revise the species of Coptochilus based on general and genital morphological traits. Coptochilus castaneus (Dallas, 1851), once synonymous with C. ferru...

Coptochilus Amyot & Serville, 1843 is distinguishable from the other neotropical scutelleridae by the dorsally concave head, with lateral margins of mandibular plates elevated. Here we describe and revise the species of Coptochilus based on general and genital morphological traits. Coptochilus castaneus (Dallas, 1851), once synonymous with C. ferru...

Members of the family Scutelleridae (Heteroptera: Pentatomomorpha: Pentatomoidea) are also called shield bugs because of the greatly enlarged scutellum, or jewel bugs because of the brilliant colours of many species. All scutellerids are phytophagous, feeding on various parts of their host plants. Due to lack of obvious synapomorphies and the failu...

Features: • Presents a brief history of past classifications, a summary of present classification, and speculation on how the classification may evolve in the future • Includes keys for the identification of families and subfamilies of the Pentatomoidea and for the tribes in the Pentatomidae • Explains transmission of plant pathogens and concepts o...

We investigated whether overwintered Megacopta cribraria could directly feed and oviposit on other legume species without feeding on Kudzu plant, and subsequently complete a first generation on these species in no-choice greenhouse assays. Overwintered adults successfully oviposited on mung bean, black-eyed pea, lima bean, soybean and kudzu. There...

Records of Heteroptera collected at butterfly traps baited with fish or shrimp carrion during collecting trips to Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are presented. Traps consisted of a cylinder of net fabric (about 35 cm diameter × 75 cm length) attached on the top and bottom to square pieces of wood slightly larger than the diameter of t...

Three new species of the Carpocorini are described: Euschistus (Euschistus) baranowskii Eger & Bianchi sp. nov. from Jamaica, Euschistus (Mitripus) saramagoi Bianchi, Cioato & Grazia sp. nov. from Brazil, and Ladeaschistus borgesi Bianchi, Cioato & Grazia sp. nov. from Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. Comparative illustrations of external and interna...

This is the first report of the invasive scutellerid bug Deroplax silphoides (Thunberg, 1783) from Israel. The species is a pest of ornamental plants, whose im mature stages and life history were previously unknown. Information on its nymphs, life history and distribution is provided and its association with Dodo-naea vis cosa (Sapindaceae) is repo...

Scutelleridae Leach includes three subfamilies, 25 genera, and almost 100 species in the Neotropics. Both subfamilies Scutellerinae and Elvisurinae are represented by a single genus, and Pachycorinae contains the majority of the species. Neotropical shield bugs are usually dull colored, but polymorphisms and sexual dimorphisms have caused a conside...

Scutelleridae Leach includes three subfamilies, 25 genera, and almost 100 species in the Neotropics. Both subfamilies Scutellerinae and Elvisurinae are represented by a single genus, and Pachycorinae contains the majority of the species. Neotropical shield bugs are usually dull colored, but polymorphisms and sexual dimorphisms have caused a conside...

A new species of Polytes Stål, P. debra Eger (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae: Pachycorinae) is described based on a single female collected in Peru. The new species is described and fi gured and compared to P. ruth (Breddin), its most similar congener. A revised key to species of Polytes is provided.

The biology of Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) is not well understood in its new North American distribution, especially its development on alternative host plant species. We investigated whether overwintered M. cribraria could directly feed and oviposit on other legume species (Fabales: Fabaceae) without feeding on kudzu, Puera...

SCUTELLERIDAE Resumen Se presenta una revisión de la fauna argentina de Scutelleridae, basada en la literatura y datos de colecciones científicas. Se registran 24 especies en 13 géneros, de los cuales un género pertenece a Scutellerinae y los demás a Pachycorinae. Se presenta una breve revisión sobre la sistemática, distribución y biología del grup...

Closer™ (Sulfoxaflor) is a new and unique chemical class (4C sulfoxamines) that lacks of cross resistance to neonicotinoids, provides fast knockdown and extended control of selected sap-feeding insects and effectively suppressing feeding. Closer controls insects by contact and ingestion. Since its registration in 2013 Closer™ has played a significa...

A termite bait includes a plurality of cellulosic food material pieces palatable to termites embedded within a water resistant polyurethane foam matrix. Another termite bait includes a plurality of cellulosic food material pieces embedded within a water-absorbent polyurethane foam matrix. Yet another termite bait includes at least one cellulosic fo...

A durable termite bait containing 0.5% noviflumuron was evaluated for physical durability, retention of active ingredient, consumption by termites, and toxicity to termites over 5 yr in field studies at locations in Indiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Plots in Indiana and Mississippi included both natural rainfall and irrigated plots, while p...

Blackberry (Rubus spp.) production in Florida has increased > 100% within the past two decades. and several insect pests, including stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), have been observed feeding on this crop. The objectives for this study were to determine the stink bug species present in blackberry; to develop monitoring tools for stink bugs i...

Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Plataspidae) was first discovered in North America in 9 counties in northeastern Georgia (USA) in October 2009. By the end of 2012, surveys conducted in Georgia and neighboring states confirmed that the insect had spread into 383 additional counties in the southeastern U.S., including the states of...

The kudzu bug or bean plataspid, Megacopta cribraria (Fabricius), is native to Asia where it appears to be widely distributed (although the taxonomy is not entirely clear), but is infrequently a pest of legumes. This bug appeared in 2009 in the southeastern United States, where it is closely associated with kudzu, Pueraria montana Lour. [Merr.] var...

The genus Sphyrocoris is reviewed and found to contain a single species, S. obliquus (Germar, 1839). The following taxa are new junior synonyms of S. obliquus: Homaemus punctellus Stål, 1862; Sphyrocoris elongatus Distant, 1880; Sphyrocoris punctellus nigricans Kirkaldy, 1909; Sphyrocoris punctellus pallidomaculata Kirkaldy, 1909; and Sphyrocoris p...

Euschistus quadrator, like other stink bugs, is highly polyphagous. It is found on weeds such as clover, vetch and other legumes. It feeds on many different crops, though it is primarily found on cotton, soybeans, and corn. Stink bugs cause injury to various fruits and vegetables by feeding, resulting in significant quality and yield loss. They hav...

Using a quarterly (3-mo) monitoring and bait-replenishment interval, 122 subterranean termite colonies throughout the United States were baited with a refined cellulose bait matrix containing 0.5% noviflumuron. All colonies were eliminated in less than 1 yr after initiation of baiting as determined by long-term monitoring and genetic markers. Sixty...

Trials were conducted in 2007-2008 to test the discovery and consumption of a novel durable bait matrix by subterranean termites when compared to wooden monitoring devices. The durable bait was an experimental matrix intended to be installed instead of monitoring devices and serviced at intervals of up to one year. Subterranean termite species test...

Nine structures in the New Orleans area infested by the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were baited as part of a Termite Scientific Research Panel (TSRP) approved research protocol using the Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System with Recruit HD bait. Sites were monitored approximately quarterly. Elimination of a...

Recruit HD was evaluated in a large scale regulatory study involving 145 structures across the country This study is nearing completion. Elimination of termites at preventative (uninfested) structures and remedial (infested) structures is reviewed along with information on associated placebo (unbaited) structures. Bait consumption results will also...

In October 2009, large aggregations of Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) were discovered on outside, perimeter walls of houses in northeast Georgia, prompting homeowners to contact county Extension agents and pest management professionals to learn more about the insect and to rid the premises of the nuisance. The insect was flying...

Lattinestus, a new genus of amnestine Cydnidae, and three new species, L. amplus from Costa Rica, L. andersoni from Ecuador, and L. coleopterus from Mexico, are described, keyed and illustrated. Types of all three species were collected in forest litter at relatively high elevations.

A Caribbean species of Mecidea Dallas, M. longula Stål, apparently established in south Florida, is reported from the United States for the first time. Specimens were first collected in February 2008 in a light trap operated in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Collections in that trap have continued through the present. Searches near the trap location r...

Specimens of Megacopta cribraria (Fabricius) were collected in northern Georgia in late October 2009, where they were invading homes in large numbers. This is the first known occurrence of this species and the family Plataspidae in the New World. Megacopta cribraria was previously known from Asia and Australia. A key is provided to separate Platasp...

Two parasitoid species, Pediobius irregularis and Horismenus bennetti, were recovered from weevil eggs collected in citrus in Belize. Exophthalmus vitticollis was the principal weevil species observed in citrus during the trip. Under quarantine in Florida, P. irregularis parasitized eggs of the Florida citrus weevils Diaprepes abbreviatus and Pachn...

Una especie Africana de Pentatomini, Agonoscelis puberula Stål, es reportada por primera vez para México, sur de Estados Unidos y las islas de Jamaica y Española, en donde se ha establecido. Los registros en el hemisferio oeste más antiguos son de 1985. Esta especie no había sido reconocida probablemente por su gran parecido a las especies del géne...

Diolcus variegatus (Herrich-Schaeffer), una especie previamente conocida en las Antillas Mayores fue descubierta recientemente en el área de Homestead al sur de la Florida. Dicha especie es abundante y esta aparentemente bien establecida en Malvastrum corchorifolium (Desc.) Britt. ex Small (Malvaceae). Este es el primer registro de esta especie en...

Sixty-two termite colonies, representing Reticulitermes flavipes (kollar), R. virginicus (Banks), R. hageni Banks, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were baited with 0.5% noviflumuron applied to in-ground stations at 24 buildings in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia from 2004 to 2007. Microsatellite DNA analysis was used to iden...

An exotic toad bug, Nerthra fuscipes (Guérin- Méneville), was found for the first time in the USA in the Tampa Bay area. Several additional specimens have been found, indicating that the insect is established in Florida.

Binomial sampling based on the proportion of samples infested was investigated for estimating mean densities of citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead), and Aculops pelekassi (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae), on oranges, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck. Data for the investigation were obtained by counting the number of motile mites within 600...

With methyl bromide (MBr) phase-out, extensive research has been conducted to find a suitable replacement. Although a great deal of data from small-plot trials has been reported, there have been few studies in commercial conditions. Therefore, large-scale field validations were conducted during spring 2004 in two fresh-market tomato ( Lycopersicon...

Large-scale validation trials were conducted to compare a fumigation programme consisting of broadcast-applied 1,3-dichloropropene plus chloropicrin (C-35), in-bed chloropicrin (Pic) application, and the preplant incorporated herbicides pebulate and trifluralin, to in-bed methyl bromide plus Pic (MBr+Pic) injections in commercial tomato fields. The...

The consequence of reducing sample size on the accuracy and precision of estimates of citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead), densities on oranges was investigated. The sample unit was a 1-cm2 surface area on fruit. Sampling plans consisting of 360, 300, 200, 160, 80, 48, 36, or 20 samples per 4 ha were evaluated through computer simul...

Movement and biological activity of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin applied through drip irrigation in raised beds was investigated at three locations in the southeastern USA. Tests were conducted in fields with dense populations of nutsedge (Cyperus spp), with one location also having a high level of soil nematodes, both of which serv...

We evaluated the within-plant distribution of Frankliniella spp. and the predator Orius insidiosus (Say) in pepper (Capsicum anuum L.), over a range of field conditions, and we conducted behavioral experiments to examine the time budgets of F. occidentalis (Pergande) and F. tritici (Fitch) females on pepper plant parts. In the field experiments Fra...

An African species of Pentatomidae, Agonoscelis puberula Stål, is reported for the first time from Mexico, the southern United States and the islands of Jamaica and Hispaniola, where it has now established. The oldest Western Hemisphere record dates from 1985. This species has gone unrecognized probably because of its close resemblance to species o...

Diolcus variegatus (Herrich-Schaeffer), a species previously know from the Greater Antilles, was recently discovered in the Homestead area of South Florida. It is abundant and apparently well established on Malvastrum corchorifolium (Desc.) Britt. ex Small. (Malvaceae). This is the first Florida and United States record for this species. Diolcus va...

A serious infestation of Mediterranean fruit fly in Florida in 1997 and 1998 led to the widespread aerial and foliar application of malathion-bait sprays. Public concerns over property damage, environmental impact and public health led to the immediate need and acceptability of alternative pesticide/bait combinations. Preliminary work with spinosad...

A bioassay technique was developed and used to determine the toxicity of spinosad to three species of Frankliniella: F. bispinosa, F. occidentalis, and F. tritici. Dose response curves for the three species were similar and regressions of dose/mortality data were highly significant (R2 = 75-85%, P < 0.00001 for all species). 95% confidence interval...

The 3rd through 5th instars of Cyrtocoris egeris Packauskas & Schaefer are described and illustrated, and the patterns of trichobothria are diagramed. The amount of dorsal abdominal sclerotization and the lateral position of the trichobothria are unusual in the Pentatomoidea.

We report observations of a scutellerid bug Chrysocoris (Fitha) fascialis feeding on a dead Natricid snake Xenochrophis piscator. Scavenging had never been reported in Scutelleridae. The observations took place in Mae Hong Son province and represent the first mention of this insect species from Thailand.

Count data for the number of citrus rust mites per cm 2 on fruit across a 4-ha (10-acre) area of orange trees followed the negative binomial probability distribution 79% of the time based on chi-square tests. A correlation of r = 0.993 was found between observed counts and counts projected based on the distribution. A common k of 0.149 was computed...

Two systematic sampling designs, an area plan (n = 600: five areas, five trees per area, 12 fruit per tree, two sample units per fruit) and a transect plan (n = 192: two transects, 12 trees per transect, four fruit per tree, two sample units per fruit), were used to estimate population densities of citrus rust mite,Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead)...

Methyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate was isolated and identified as the major male-specific volatile of Euschistus conspersus, E. tristigmus, E. servus, E. politus, and E. ictericus. in a sixth species, E. obscurus, this ester is a relatively minor male-specific component, with the major component being tentatively identified as methyl 2,6-dimethyltetradeca...

During 1986-1988, sampling to estimate population densities of the citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora Ashmead, on fruit in individual citrus trees was investigated. A sample unit was a 1-cm2 surface area anywhere on a fruit except within areas receiving maximum sun exposure or at the point of the fruit closest to the trunk. Citrus rust mites...

Polytes Stål, 1867, is revised and described. The 18 included species are described and figured. A key based primarily on males is provided. Seven new species are described: P. nigrovittatus, P. bimaculatus, P. quechuus, P. confusus, P. similis, P. lattini, and P. bullocki. New synonymies recognized are: Trichothyreus Stål, junior synonym of Polyte...

Acrosternum (Chinavia) gregi n. sp. from Ecuador is described and figured. Key couplets to supplement Rolston's 1983 key are provided to allow recognition of this new species. /// Se describe y figura del Ecuador a Acrosternum (Chinavia) gregi n. sp. Coplas de claves para suplementar las claves de 1983 de Rolston se proveen para permitir reconocer...

The genus Tiridates Stål is redescribed and compared to Agonosoma Laporte. The two included species and a new subspecies, T. rubrocinctus schaffneri, are described, figured, and keyed. Tiridates rubrocinctus sexmaculata Kirkaldy, T. rubrocinctus decolor Kirkaldy, T. rubrocinctus decemmaculata Kirkaldy, and T. rubrocinctus magnifica Kirkaldy, names...

Prepupae of Heliothis virescens (F.) and H. zea (Boddie) were allowed to burrow into soil and pupate in field plots in College Station, Tex. Survival of these pupae was monitored by excavation of plots during the winters of 1978-79 and 1979-1980 and by spring emergence. Pupal survival based on field plot excavation was low (>10%) for both species d...

Eggs and larvae of the first generation of Heliothis spp. were common in Texas on Castilleja indivisa Englemann (Texas paintbrush), a previously unreported host plant, and Lupinus texensis Hooker (Texas bluebonnet). Oviposition was highest at or near the time of peak flowering. Highest mean egg numbers on any sample date were 7.7 and 1.8 eggs per m...

Mortality of diapausing and non-diapausing pupae of Heliothis virescens (Fabricius) and H. zea (Boddie) at low temperatures was assessed in the laboratory. Comparison of the exposure time necessary to induce 50% mortality (LT50) indicated that survival of diapausing pupae was significantly higher than that of non-diapausing pupae. Similar compariso...

Parasitism of three species of Brochymena, B. arborea (Say), B. cariosa Stål and B. sulcata Van Duzee, by Trichopoda plumipes (Fabricius) was studied in College Station, Tex. Percent parasitism and number of eggs per parasitized host were essentially the same for males and females and for the three host species, except that the mean number of eggs...

The movement of soil fumigants through plastic mulch films following soil fumigation is of interest because reducing film permeability may result in increased efficacy and reduced emissions. Low-density or high-density polyethylene films (LDPE or HDPE) were reported to be permeable to soil fumigants, while virtually impermeable films (VIF) were sho...

Large-scale validation trials were conducted to compare a fumigation programme consisting of broadcast-applied 1,3- dichloropropene plus chloropicrin (C-35), in-bed chloropicrin (Pic) application, and the preplant incorporated herbicides pebulate and trifluralin, to in-bed methyl bromide plus Pic (MBr+Pic) injections in commercial tomato fields. Th...

Spinosad is a novel, naturally derived insect control product recently made available to Florida vegetable growers under the trade name SpinTor® Naturalyte® Insect Control (Trademarks of Dow AgroSciences). The mode of action of spi nosad is unique and the product is active by both contact and ingestion. It is relatively low in mammalian and avian t...