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Thousand cankers disease (TCD) results from the combined activity of the fungal pathogen, Geosmithia morbida Kolařík, Freeland, Utley, and Tisserat and its principle vector, Pityophthorus juglandis (Blackman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Juglans L. spp. and Pterocarya Kunth spp. host plants. TCD has been reported from the eastern and western United States. To evaluate potential for other beetle species to vector the fungus in east Tennessee, specimens were collected using ethanol-baited traps that were suspended beneath crowns of TCD-symptomatic trees. Associations of G. morbida with insect species collected in traps were assessed in an unsuccessful, preliminary culture-based fungal assay, and then with a molecular-based detection method. For culture-based assays, rinsate from washed, individual insects was plated on nutrient media and growing colonies were subcultured to obtain axenic G. morbida cultures for identification. For the molecular-based method, G. morbida presence was detected by amplifying the previously developed, species-specific microsatellite locus GS004. Capillary electrophoresis was used to detect the amplified amplicons and representative reactions were validated using Sanger sequencing. Eleven beetle species were found to carry G. morbida, including Cnestus mutilatus (Blandford), Dryoxylon onoharaensum (Murayama), Hylocurus rudis (LeConte), Monarthrum fasciatum (Say), Monarthrum mali (Fitch), Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg), Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky), Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) (all Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), Stenomimus pallidus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cossoninae), Oxoplatypus quadridentatus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae), and Xylops basilaris (Say) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae). These findings raise concerns that alternative subcortical insect species that already occur within quarantined habitats can sustain incidence of introduced G. morbida and contribute to spread within the native range of black walnut, Juglans nigra L., in the eastern United States.

Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, is a major component of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) [Adelges tsugae (Annand)] management programs that are critical to protecting forest health in the eastern United States. However, the impact of imidacloprid soil applications in forests on some aquatic macroinvertebrate species by leaching into aquatic systems is uncertain. The time for residues from imidacloprid soil applications to migrate from treated hemlocks to nearby streams and the concentrations at which imidacloprid may occur after initial migration is unknown. The presence and concentration of imidacloprid in three streams adjacent to recently treated hemlock (soil drench >10 m from stream channels) were assessed in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Two standard water grabs were collected monthly for 1 yr from a location downstream from imidacloprid-treated areas. Samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (limit of detection = 0.025 μg L⁻¹). Imidacloprid was detected in all treatment streams during a single rain event that occurred 184 to 196 d after treatments, and concentrations ranged from 0.053 to 0.833 μg L⁻¹. Imidacloprid was not detected on any other sampling date from treatment streams. All observed positive detections exceeded the USEPA freshwater invertebrate chronic endpoint (0.01 μg L⁻¹). One stream sample exceeded the USEPA freshwater invertebrate acute endpoint (0.39 μg L⁻¹). However, previous macroinvertebrate community assessments in streams with similar concentrations did not indicate negative effects to aquatic fauna. These findings help characterize the risk of imidacloprid treatments to stream macroinvertebrates within 1 yr of soil applications.

In the past decade, black walnut (Juglans nigra) trees throughout western North America have suffered from widespread branch dieback and canopy loss, causing substantial tree mortality (2,3). The fungus, Geosmithia morbida, vectored by the walnut twig beetle (WTB), Pityophthorus juglandis, has been associated with this devastating disease known as Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) (2,3). In August of 2012, branch samples from TCD symptomatic black walnut trees (5 to 10 cm in diameter and 15 to 30 cm long) were collected on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GRSM) in Cataloochee Cove (35°37.023′ N, 83°07.351′ W) and near the Big Creek Campground (35°45.290′ N, 83°06.473′ W), in Haywood County. Five symptomatic trees near the Big Creek Campground and three from Cataloochee Cove displayed typical TCD signs including progressive crown thinning, branch flagging, and branch dieback; however, insect holes were not observed. Samples were double bagged in Ziploc plastic bags, sealed in a 19-liter plastic bucket, and transported to the University of Tennessee. Outer bark was removed from the samples and small, elliptical, necrotic cankers were observed. Wood chips (3 to 4 mm2) from cankers were excised and placed on 1/10 strength potato dextrose agar amended with 30 mg/liter streptomycin sulfate and 30 mg/liter chlortetracycline HCL and incubated on a 12-h dark/light cycle at 22°C for 5 to 7 days. Fungal isolates were tentatively identified as G. morbida by using culture morphology, and characteristics of conidiophores and conidia (2). The isolated fungus from the Cataloochee Cove location was grown in 1/10 strength potato dextrose broth at room temperature for 2 weeks. Isolates from Big Creek Campground were contaminated and were not analyzed further. Fungal colonies were tan to light yellow. Conidia were tan, subcylindrical, and catenulate. Conidiophores were multibranched, verticillate, and verrucose. To verify the morphological data, DNA was extracted from fungal mycelia using DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) according to the manufacturer's published protocol. Isolates from Cataloochee Cove were characterized using ITS1 and ITS4 universal primers (4). The putative G. morbida isolate (GenBank Accession No. KC461929) had ITS sequences that were 100% identical to the G. morbida type isolate CBS124663 (FN434082.1) (2). Additionally, fungal DNA from Cataloochee Cove was amplified using G. morbida-specific microsatellite loci (GS04, GS27, and GS36) (1). PCR products were analyzed with the QIAxcel Capillary Electrophoresis System (Qiagen) and were similar to those previously published (2). To date, all confirmed cases of TCD in the native range of black walnut have been in urban areas, along rural roadsides and/or fence rows. The report in North Carolina is the first finding of G. morbida, the causal agent of TCD, in a forest setting. References: (1) D. Hadziabdic et al. Conserv. Genet. Resources 4:287, 2012. (2) M. Kolarik et al. Mycologia 103:325, 2011. (3) N. Tisserat et al. Plant Health Progr. doi:10.1094/PHP-2011-0630-01-BR, 2011. (4) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. M. A. Innis et al., eds. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 1990.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has potential as a biofuel feedstock for ethanol production on marginal soils not suitable for row crop production. Further, it is hypothe- sized that legumes may be interseeded into switchgrass to increase available soil nitrogen (N) and enhance switchgrass yields. Therefore the primary objective was to identify compatible legume species for intercropping with lowland switchgrass and determine if biomass yields and forage quality can be improved. Four cool- and two warm-season legume species were compared to application of 67 and 134 kg N ha -1 (59.8 and 119.6 lb N ac -1 ) during 2009 and 2010 over a range of soils at three research and education centers in Tennessee. Cool-season legumes were alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.), and warm-season legumes included Illinois bundle flower (Desmanthus illinoensis L.) and partridge pea (Chamaechrista fasciculata L.). Legumes were evaluated for establishment (plant densities) and their effects on switch- grass yield and forage quality under a one-cut biomass (single, postdormancy biofuel) and an integrated two-cut (biomass/forage (preanthesis)) system. In the one-cut system, switchgrass yields (16.6 Mg ha -1 (6.7 tn ac -1 )) from the current recommended rate (67 kg N ha -1 (59.8 lb N ac -1 )) exceeded (p < 0.05) legume treatment yields (average 13.5 Mg ha -1 (5.5 tn ac -1 )). In the integrated harvest system, switchgrass yields from red (13.4 Mg ha -1 (5.4 tn ac -1 )) and crimson clover (12.8 Mg ha -1 (5.2 tn ac -1 )) intercrops were not different from 67 kg N ha -1 (14.5 Mg ha -1 (5.9 tn ac -1 )). Crude protein levels were greater (p < 0.05) for 134 kg N ha -1 (119.6 lb N ac -1 ), compared to legume intercrops (except red clover). Partridge pea showed promise as a warm-season legume that can be grown compatibly with switchgrass for up to two years. Therefore, compatible legume-intercrop candidates, such as partridge pea and red clover, may enhance switchgrass yield and forage quality while displacing synthetic N in inte- grated biofuel/forage systems, but need to be further investigated in efforts to reduce nitrate (NO 3 ) leaching and emissions from fertilizing.

Summary This study investigated the use of emergence traps to assess densities of Laricobius nigrinus Fender (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), in an area of release and establishment. Results indicate that traps effectively collect emerging adults and allow systematic population estimates of L. nigrinus. The incorporation of this method in future monitoring efforts could enable population estimates across the release range of L. nigrinus, thereby enhancing the evaluation of establishment and long-term persistence of this predator.

Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) of Juglans and Pterocarya (Juglandaceae) involves a fungal pathogen, Geosmithia morbida, and a primary insect vector, Pityophthorus juglandis. TCD was described originally from dying Juglans nigra trees in the western United States (USA), but it was reported subsequently from the eastern USA and northern Italy. The disease is often difficult to diagnose due to the absence of symptoms or signs on the bark surface of the host. Furthermore, disease symptoms can be confused with those caused by other biotic and abiotic agents. Thus, there is a critical need for a method for rapid detection of the pathogen and vector of TCD. Using species-specific microsatellite DNA markers, we developed a molecular protocol for the detection of G. morbida and P. juglandis. To demonstrate the utility of the method for delineating TCD quarantine zones, we tested whether geographical occurrence of symptoms and signs of TCD was correlated with molecular evidence for the presence of the cryptic TCD organisms. A total of 1600 drill cores were taken from branch sections collected from three regions (n = 40 trees for each location): California-J. hindsii (heavy disease incidence); Tennessee-J. nigra (mild disease incidence); and outside the known TCD zone (Missouri-J. nigra, no record of the disease). California samples had the highest incidence of the TCD organisms (85%, 34/40). Tennessee had intermediate incidence (42.5%, 17/40), whereas neither organism was detected in samples from Missouri. The low cost molecular protocol developed here has a high degree of sensitivity and specificity, and it significantly reduces sample-processing time, making the protocol a powerful tool for rapid detection of TCD.

Extensive mortality of eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière, resulting from infestation by hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), has occurred throughout the eastern United States. Although imidacloprid treatment can reduce tree mortality, its effectiveness can be influenced by several factors including tree water stress. The relationship between water stress and infestation rates is unknown, and an understanding of these could greatly increase the efficiency of management for this invasive insect. The primary objective of this study was to assess water stress at three levels of hemlock woolly adelgid infestations. Water stress was measured monthly for 13 months in eastern hemlocks classified as &lt, 25%, 25%–75%, and &gt, 75% infested. The highest level of water stress was found in those trees with hemlock woolly adelgid infestation levels greater than 75%. The lowest level of water stress was found in those trees with less than 25% hemlock woolly adelgid infestation levels. Knowledge of these effects can contribute to development of more effective chemical management strategies.

Interest in sustainable alternatives to synthetic nitrogen (N) for switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) forage and bioenergy production, such as biological N2 fixation (BNF) via legume-intercropping, continues to increase. The objectives were to: (i) test physical and chemical scarification techniques (10 total) for common vetch (Vicia sativa L.); (ii) assess whether switchgrass yield is increased by BNF under optimum seed dormancy suppression methods; and (iii) determine BNF rates of common and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.) via the N-difference method. Results indicate that chemical scarification (sulfuric acid) and mechanical pretreatment (0.7 kg of pressure for one minute) improve common vetch germination by 60% and 50%, respectively, relative to controls. Under optimum scarification methods, BNF was 59.3 and 43.3 kg·N·ha−1 when seeded at 7 kg pure live seed ha−1 for common and hairy vetch, respectively. However, at this seeding rate, switchgrass yields were not affected by BNF (p > 0.05). Based on BNF rates and plant density estimates, seeding rates of 8 and 10 kg pure live seed (PLS) ha−1 for common and hairy vetch, respectively, would be required to obtain plant densities sufficient for BNF at the current recommended rate of 67 kg·N·ha−1 for switchgrass biomass production in the Southeastern U.S.

Several species of insects diminish the value of black walnut, which is considered a valuable economic and environmental tree species. Because imidacloprid has been used successfully against pests of other host plants, we investigated how it would impact larvae of the walnut husk maggot, Rhagoletis suavis (Loew), on black walnuts. Thus, the objective of this project was to document the concentration levels of imidacloprid and olefin-imidacloprid, an insecticidal metabolite of imidacloprid, within the walnut husk maggot larvae dwelling within the nut husk of fly-infested mature black walnut trees. CoreTect, a pellet formulation of imidacloprid, was applied to the soil surrounding mature black walnut trees in spring of 2011. Concentrations of both imidacloprid and olefin-imidacloprid were assessed in walnut husk maggot tissue using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Both imidacloprid and olefin-imidacloprid were detected in walnut husk maggot larvae from both the lower (11.72 ppb) and upper (9.25 ppb) strata. Olefin-imidacloprid concentrations in larvae were significantly lower in the lower stratum compared with the upper stratum, while the opposite was true when assessing concentration levels of imidacloprid. Olefin-imidacloprid concentrations were significantly lower than imidacloprid concentrations within each stratum. Populations of walnut husk maggot were significantly lower in treated trees compared to control trees indicating that imidacloprid, applied as a soil pellet, reduced populations of the walnut husk maggot. Varias especies de insectos disminuyen el valor del nogal negro, que se considera una especie de arbol economicamente y ambientalmente valioso. Debido que imidacloprid ha sido utilizado con exito contra las plagas de otras plantas hospederas, investigamos como impactaria larvas de la mosca de la cascara del nogal, Rhagoletis suavis (Loew), en el nogal negro. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este proyecto fue documentar el nivel de concentracion de imidacloprid y olefina-imidacloprid, un metabolito de insecticida imidacloprid, dentro las larvas de la mosca de la cascara del nogal viviendo dentro de la cascara de nueces de arboles maduros de nogal negro infestados con moscas. CoreTect, una formulacion de pellets (bolitas) de imidacloprid, se aplico a la tierra alrededor de arboles maduros de nogal negro en la primavera del 2011. Se evaluo la concentracion de ambos imidacloprid y imidacloprid-olefina en el tejido de las larvas de la mosca de la cascara del nogal, usando una cromatografia liquida junta con una espectrometria de masas en tandem (LC/MS). Tanto imidacloprid y imidacloprid-olefina se detecto en las larvas de la mosca de la cascara del nogal tanto en el estrato inferior (11.72 ppb) y superior (9.25 ppb). La concentracion de imidacloprid-olefina en larvas fue significativamente menor en el estrato inferior en comparacion con el estrato superior, mientras que lo contrario fue cierto en la evaluacion de los niveles de concentracion de imidacloprid. La concentracion de imidacloprid-olefina fue significativamente menor que la concentracion de imidacloprid dentro de cada estrato. La poblacion de la mosca de la cascara del nogal fue significativamente menor en los arboles tratados en comparacion con los arboles de control que indica que el imidacloprid, aplicado como una bolita de suelo, reduce las poblaciones de la mosca de la cascara del nogal. View this article in BioOne

The parasitoid Spathius agrili Yang, introduced in the USA to suppress populations of the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, has been recovered at a release site for the first time in eastern Tennessee after a single year of releases. Other native parasitoids, including Spathius floridanus Ashmead, undetermined species of Spathius (possibly Spathius elegans Matthews and Spathius parvulus Matthews) and Atanycolus cappaerti Marsh & Strazanac, also known to be associated with EAB, were recovered. These recoveries represent the first documentation of these four species, including the introduced S. agrili, associated with EAB in the southern USA. Implications for biological control efforts against EAB are discussed.

Thousand cankers disease (TCD) is an insect-mediated disease of walnut trees (Juglans spp.) involving walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis) and a fungal pathogen (Geosmithia morbida). Although first documented on walnut species in the western U.S., TCD is now found on black walnut (J. nigra) in five states in the eastern U.S. Most collections of P. juglandis or G. morbida are from trees in agriculturally- or residentially-developed landscapes. In 2013, 16 pheromone-baited funnel traps were deployed in or near black walnuts in forested conditions to assess the risk of infestation of forested trees by P. juglandis. Four of the 16 funnel traps collected adult P. juglandis from three forested areas (one in North Carolina and two in Tennessee). These collections, while in forested settings, may still be strongly influenced by human activities. The greatest number of P. juglandis (n = 338) was collected from a forested location in an urbanized area near a known TCD-positive tree. The other two forested locations where P. juglandis (n = 3) was collected were in areas where camping is common, and infested firewood may have introduced P. juglandis unintentionally into the area. Future studies to assess P. juglandis on more isolated forested walnuts are planned.

Widespread mortality of eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière, resulting from infestation by hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), has occurred throughout the native range of eastern hemlock within the eastern United States. Imidacloprid, a systemic insecticide, is one of the primary chemical compounds used to control hemlock woolly adelgid in both urban and, in a limited manner, in natural forest environments. The metabolism of imidacloprid in eastern hemlock produces 12 metabolites; two of these, imidacloprid 5-hydroxy and imidacloprid olefin, are considered toxicologically important metabolites. However, little is known about the persistence of these metabolites in eastern hemlock in the southern Appalachians. Concentrations ofimidacloprid, olefin, and 5-hydroxy were quantified by using HPLC/MS/MS techniques. Over the 3-yr study, concentrations of imidacloprid and consequent 5-hydroxy and olefin were highest in trees treated with a soil injection in the spring. Imidacloprid and 5-hydroxy concentrations in sap were highest at 12 mo posttreatment and in tissue at 15 mo posttreatment. Imidacloprid was detected through 36 mo posttreatment and 5-hydroxy was detected through 15 mo posttreatment. Olefin concentrations in both sap and tissue were highest at 36 mo posttreatment and were detected in high concentrations through 36 mo posttreatment. Concentrations of imidacloprid were highest in the bottom stratum of the canopy and lowest in the top stratum. Concentrations of olefin and 5-hydroxy were highest in the top stratum and lowest in the bottom stratum.

To reduce populations of hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae),500,000 Sasajiscymnus tsugae (Sasaji and McClure) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) have been released in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 2002. To determine factors affecting establishment and recovery of these predatory beetles, 65 single release sites were sampled using beat sheets from 2008 to 2012. Several abiotic and biotic factors were evaluated for their association with establishment and recovery of S. tsugae. Information on predatory beetle releases (location, year of release, number released, and season of release), topographic features (elevation, slope, Beers transformed aspect, and topographic relative moisture index), and temperature data (minimum and maximum temperatures 1 d after release and average minimum and maximum temperatures 7 d after release) were obtained from Great Smoky Mountains National Park personnel. These factors were evaluated using stepwise logistic regression and Pearson correlation. S. tsugae was recovered from 13 sites 2 to 10 yr after release, and the greatest number was recovered from 2002 release sites. Regression indicated establishment and recovery was negatively associated with year of release and positively associated with the average maximum temperature 7 d after release and elevation (generally, recovery increased as temperatures increased). Several significant correlations were found between presence and number of S. tsugae and year of release, season of release, and temperature variables. These results indicate that releases of S. tsugae should be made in warmer (≍10-25°C) temperatures and monitored for at least 5 yr after releases to enhance establishment and recovery efforts.

Black walnut, a valuable economic and environmentally important species, is threatened by thousand cankers disease. Systemic imidacloprid and dinotefuran applications were made to mature black walnut trees to evaluate their translocation and concentration levels in various tissue types including leaf, twig, trunk core, nutmeat, and walnut husk. The metabolism of imidacloprid in plants produces a metabolite, olefin-imidacloprid, which has been documented to have insecticidal properties in other systems. Trunk CoreTect (imidacloprid) soil pellets and a trunk spray of dinotefuran were applied to mature black walnuts in spring 2011. Imidacloprid concentrations were detected in both the lower and upper strata in all tissue types tested and progressively increased through month 12 post-treatment in twig and leaf tissue. Olefin-imidacloprid was detected in the nutmeat and walnut husk. Dinotefuran was only detected in the first sampling period and was found in low concentration levels in leaf and twig tissue types, and was not detected in the trunk, nutmeat or the walnut husk.

Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) is a disease complex wherein the fungus (Geosmithia morbida) is vectored by the walnut twig beetle (WTB, Pityophthorus juglandis). The disease causes mortality primarily of eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra), although other walnut and wingnut (Pterocarya) species are also susceptible. Black walnut is native to the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. but is widely planted in western states. Total standing volume in both urban and forested settings is approximately 96 million cubic meters, and is valued at $539 billion. Although native to the Southwestern U.S., the range of WTB has expanded considerably. The spread of G. morbida coincides with that of WTB. TCD was introduced into Tennessee in 2010, and has spread to seven eastern states. Trees infected with TCD exhibit drought-like symptoms, making field detection difficult without molecular and/or morphological methods. The recently sequenced G. morbida genome will provide valuable research tools focused on understanding gene interactions between organisms involved in TCD and mechanisms of pathogenicity. With no chemical treatments available, quarantine and sanitation are preeminent options for slowing the spread of TCD, although biological control agents have been discovered. High levels of black walnut mortality due to TCD will have far-reaching implications for both eastern and western states.

From 2010 through 2013, adult emergence and seasonality of Laricobius nigrinus Fender, an introduced predatory species native to western North America, as well as hybridization with the native species Laricobius rubidus (LeConte), were evaluated using emergence traps and beat-sheet sampling in areas of previous release against hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand. The shortest emergence period of adult L. nigrinus was 7 wk beginning 22 October 2010, and the longest emergence was 15 wk beginning 17 October 2012. Native L. rubidus also were collected from emergence traps placed on the ground surface and beat-sheet samples all 3 yr, with emergence of L. rubidus initiating later than L. nigrinus each season. Seasonality of both Laricobius species was similar across a 44-mo study period. Adult L. nigrinus were present from October through April, and larvae of Laricobius spp. were collected from February to May. The average number of L. nigrinus from emergence traps was significantly greater than the average number of beetles collected from beat-sheet samples in 2010, while the converse was observed during 2012. Hybridization between L. nigrinus and L. rubidus was documented from 10.75% of specimens collected during 2010 and 2011, indicating periodic interbreeding between the introduced and native species. These findings suggest emergence trapping may be a useful method to assess establishment, population densities, and seasonality of Laricobius species in areas of release to enhance their use in management of A. tsuage.

Over 400 species of insects have been found in association with eastern hemlock in the southern Appalachians. Eastern hemlock stands provide an ideal habitat for all life stages of mycetophilids. However, the diversity, distribution and co-occurrence patterns of these species throughout the tree canopy are unknown. This study was initiated to evaluate abundance, species richness and species composition within three designated strata in the canopy of eastern hemlock, assess species for vertical stratification patterns, and determine if co-occurrence patterns of mycetophilid species are random or non-random. During this study, 24 species representing 14 genera were identified and evaluated. Mycetophilid abundance, species richness and composition differed among the lower, middle, and upper strata. Unique assemblages were identified in each stratum, indicating vertical stratification. The upper stratum of the canopy had four exclusive species, the middle had six exclusive species, and the lower stratum had nine exclusive species. The co-occurrence pattern of mycetophilid species in the canopy of eastern hemlock was non-random.

Eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Car riere, comprises a vital component of biological diversity (Jordan & Sharp 1967; Lapin 1994; Tin gley et al. 2002; Buck 2004; Buck et al. 2005; Dill ing et al. 2007; Dilling et al. 2009) and economi cal (Travel Industry Association 2006; Woodsen 2001) and environmental stability (Evans 2002; Snyder et al. 2004) within its geographical range. Hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is an exotic insect species capable of rapidly reducing populations of eastern hemlock throughout the eastern United States (McClure & Fergione 1977; Buck et al. 2005; Ellison et al. 2005). As such, documenting the biodiversity of insects associated with this host tree is imperative. More than 400 insect species have been recorded to be associated with eastern

In 2010, thousand cankers disease (TCD) was documented in Tennessee, representing the first confirmation of this disease in the native range of black walnut and the first known incidence of TCD east of Colorado. Tennessee Department of Agriculture personnel conducted surveys to determine the extent of TCD in counties in eastern Tennessee. Samples of symptomatic black walnuts were sent to the University of Tennessee for processing. The causative agents, walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, and the fungal pathogen Geosmithia morbida, were documented on the same trees in four counties. Tree mortality was observed in two counties, and tree decline was observed in at least 10 counties although it may be attributed to previous droughts or to TCD. In 2010, four confirmed counties were quarantined by TDA, and 10 buffer counties were also regulated. Research is underway to further assess the incidence and impact of TCD on black walnut in Tennessee.

In 2010, thousand cankers disease (TCD) was documented in Tennessee, representing the first confirmation of this disease in the native range of black walnut and the first known incidence of TCD east of Colorado. Tennessee Department of Agriculture personnel conducted surveys to determine the extent of TCD in counties in eastern Tennessee. Samples of symptomatic black walnuts were sent to the University of Tennessee for processing. The causative agents, walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, and the fungal pathogen Geosmithia morbida, were documented on the same trees in four counties. Tree mortality was observed in two counties, and tree decline was observed in at least 10 counties although it may be attributed to previous droughts or to TCD. In 2010, four confirmed counties were quarantined by TDA, and 10 buffer counties were also regulated. Research is underway to further assess the incidence and impact of TCD on black walnut in Tennessee.

The coexistence of two introduced predatory species, Laricobius nigrinus Fender and Sasajiscymnus tsugae (Sasaji and McClure), and a native predator, L. rubidus LeConte, on eastern hemlock was documented for the first time. Details of their coexistence and implications to management of hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand, are discussed.

Nontarget feeding of Rhinocyllus conicus Fröelich and Trichosirocalus horridus (Panzer) on native North American thistles in the genus Cirsium has been documented. Some species of these native thistles have shown greater infestation levels of R. conicus in populations that are in close proximity to the target plant species, Carduus nutans L. In 2005 a study was initiated to identify areas of potential nontarget feeding by R. conicus and T. horridus on thistle species by predicting habitats of two known introduced hosts [C. nutans and Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Tenore] and two native species [Cirsium carolinianum (Walter) Fernald and Schubert and C. discolor (Muhlenberg ex Willdenow) Sprengel] using Mahalanobis distance (D(2)). Cumulative frequency graphs showed that the D(2) models for all four plant species effectively identified site conditions that contribute to the presence of the respective species. Poisson regression showed an association between D(2) values and plant counts at field-test sites for C. nutans and C. carolinianum. However, negative binomial regression detected no association between D(2) values and plant counts for C. discolor or C. vulgare. Chi-square analysis indicated associations between both weevil species and sites where C. vulgare and Carduus nutans were found, but not between the weevil and native thistle species. Habitats of C. nutans and Cirsium carolinianum overlapped in ≈12% of the study area. Data-based habitat models may provide a powerful tool for land managers and scientists to monitor native plant populations for nontarget feeding by introduced biological control agents.

Eastern hemlock in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is currently threatened by the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae). As part of a management plan against this invasive insect pest, about 350,000 adults of the predatory beetle Sasajiscymnus tsugae (Sasaji and McClure) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were released at ca. 150 sites in the Park from 2002 to 2007. Of these adult release sites, 33 were sampled in 2008 and 2009 using beat-sheet sampling for 4 man-hours. Sasajiscymnus tsugae adults (n=78) and/or larvae (n=145) were recovered from seven sites (21.2% of the release sites sampled). Recovery of S. tsugae was significantly associated with older release sites, with the most beetles recovered from 2002 release sites. These results indicate that S. tsugae may require more time (i.e., 5–7 years) than anticipated for population densities to reach readily detectable levels in some areas.

Releases of Trichosirocalus horridus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), native to Europe, began in Tennessee in 1989 as part of a biological control program against musk thistle (Carduus nutans L.). In surveys conducted to investigate non-target feeding of T. horridus on native Cirsium thistle species from 2005 to 2008, adults of T. horridus were observed on all five native Cirsium thistles. These adult occurrences are the first documentation of T. horridus occurring on three of these native species [C. carolinianum (Walt.) Fern & Schub., C. horridulum Michx. and C. muticum Michx.], and the first record of T. horridus occurring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While C. carolinianum and C. horridulum did not show symptoms of larval feeding in the meristematic tissues, C. altissimum, C. discolor, and C. muticum all had damaged meristems and possible oviposition scars on the midribs of the leaves. However, the impact of feeding by larvae of T. horridus on the reproductive potential of ...

The adult male of Fiorinia externa Ferris is described for the first time. Its morphology agrees with that of previously described adult males in the tribe Diaspidini, and suggests a close affinity to Pseudaulacaspis. F. externa has two complete overlapping generations per year on the needles of eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrieré, in the eastern Tennessee (USA) southern Appalachians. Adult females (both gravid and non-gravid) and first-instar nymphs were the dominant overwintering stages, although all stages apart from the adult males were present throughout the winter months. Adult males began emerging in mid March with emergence peaks in mid April to early May and again in mid to late September.

The Barrens of the Eastern Highland Rim in south-central Tennessee is a unique area and home to several rare species and plant communities. An arthropod diversity study conducted on Arnold Air Force Base sampled 11 sites that exemplify habitats found within the Barrens. This diversity study documented adults of 37 species of Tenebrionidae (darkling beetles) representing 24 genera; 14 of the 37 species collected are new Tennessee state records. The greatest number of species was collected from Sinking Pond (n = 16), Goose Pond (n = 14), and the Pine site (n = 11), which were all forested sites. No adult darkling beetles were collected in four (Grassland sites 1, 2, and 3 and Maidencane site) of the 11 sites sampled; these four sites are all open and lack a forest component. Of five collection methods that captured tenebrionids, canopy fogging collected the greatest number of species (n = 14), followed by light trapping (n = 13), and under-bark sampling (n = 13). About 50% (n = 84) of all tenebrion...

Using next-generation sequencing, 18 microsatellite loci were developed and characterized for walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, a vector of thousand cankers disease (TCD) affecting Juglans spp. Although all Juglans species are susceptible to TCD infection, native populations of J. nigra and J. cinerea, which is endangered in Canada, are most susceptible and threatened by habitat loss. Novel primers amplified di-, tri-, and tetra nucleotide repeats and detected 4–14 alleles per locus. Averaged observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.22 and 0.67, respectively. Our results indicate that P. juglandis microsatellite loci can be used to investigate genetic diversity and population structure of this vector across a widespread geography. These markers will be useful tools for evaluating genetic structure of P. juglandis population outbreaks and developing appropriate conservation strategies. Microsatellite loci obtained in this study can also be utilized to determine relationships of P. juglandis to other closely related Pityophthorus spp.

The adult female and male of a new species of pit scale, Polea martini Lambdin, are described and illustrated with measurements included for the various morphological structures. P. martini was collected on Calophyllum sp. in Borneo. This new species is morphologically similar to P. selangorae Lambdin based on the lack of large 8-shaped pores on the venter, the appearance and number of multilocular pore clusters on submargin, and the shape of the anal ring and number of anal ring setae. A key to the species of Polea also is presented.

The ultrastructural study of free circulating hemocytes in the adult cochineal scale,Dactylopius confusus (Cockerell), demonstrated five cell types: prohemocytes, typical granulocytes (T-granulocytes), oenocytoids, plasmatocytes, and granulocytes with modified sub-cellular structure to perform a special synthetic and secretory function, which we refer to as “modified granulocytes” (M-granulocytes). Prohemocytes showed undifferentiated sub-cellular structure of the basic stem cell type (i.e., high cytoplasmic density with numerous ribosomes, centrally located large nucleus with a distinct nucleolus, and poorly developed endoplasmic reticulum). The commonly observed typical granulocytes (T-granulocytes) had several smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) with dilated cisternae and many SER-derived membrane bounded granules of different sizes and electron density. Oenocytoids were identified by the presence of many crystals, RER-originated fine secretory granules, and an eccentric nucleus. Plasmatocytes were easily characterized by their variable shapes and irregular outline with pseudopodia-like cytoplasmic extensions, possession of an elongated lobed nucleus, multivesicular bodies, RER-derived membrane bounded, electron-dense, lysosomelike vacuoles, well-developed SER cisternae, and numerous pinocytic and SER-originated vesicles of different sizes along the peripheral region. M-granulocytes comprised the largest proportion of hemocytes in all samples observed. M-granulocytes were distinguished not only by the presence of membrane bounded granules of different sizes and electron density, but by the possession of large nuclei with distinct nucleoli, many mitochondria, and a highly developed network of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). M-granulocytes had abundant, rosette-shaped, RER-derived chains of fine secretory granules, which accumulated in the cytoplasm and vacuoles, and were ultimately deposited into the hemolymph by exocytosis. These fine granules gave a positive result with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) test. Based on RER-synthesized fine secretory granules (M-granulocytes), their ultimate deposition into hemolymph, the red pigmentation of hemolymph, positive PAS histochemical test of these granules, and the high population of these hemocytes, no such cell type has been described in previous studies in insects. The sub-cellular structure of the granulocyte in this insect has been modified to perform a special synthetic and secretory function (i.e., possibly the synthesis of the red pigment found in hemolymph, which has been the source of commercially important cochineal dye).

TEM/SEM and computerized images of 5 wax glands for 3 type species of Coccoidea (Homoptera): Asterodiaspis variolosa (Asterolecaniidae), Cerococcus quercus (Cerococcidae) and Lecanodiaspis sardoa (Lecanodiaspididae) were studied. Their cuticular structures were compared with 142, 56, and 61 species in their respective families to determine relationships among pit scale taxa. Significant differences include: the morphology of the outer and inner ductule of the tubular duct gland, structure of the pores (8-shaped, multilocular and quinquelocular), and the absence or presence of cribriform plates and their structural variations. Three distinctive tubular duct shapes (asterform, ceroform and lecanoform) are common in pit scale species. Apomorphic characteristics of the asterform tubular ducts include an absence of the inner ductule and the progressive reduction of the outer ductule's diameter from the pore to its inner end. These characters easily separate asterolecaniids from the cerococcid-lecanodiaspidid lineage. The constricted lecanoform tubular ducts and the curved teeth on the rim at the inner end of the outer ductule in the ceroform tubular ducts are regarded as autapomorphic. The presence of 8-shaped pores is considered a plesiomorphic condition. Specific cuticular variations of the 8-shaped pores, characterizing familial taxa, include pores even with the surface in asterolecaniids, pores with raised walls in cerococcids, and bent pores in lecanodiaspidids. The dominant 8-shaped pore patterns in pit scales are those arranged in a marginal band in lecanodiaspidids, in a swirl-like pore pattern in the cerococcids, and in a marginal row in asterolecaniids. A divergent evolutionary trend is noted for the structure of the cribriform plate; they are with micro-orifices in cerococcids, but without micro-orifices in lecanodiaspidids. The former state is considered apomorphic. Cribriform plates arranged in clusters characterize the cerococcids, while plates in longitudinal rows characterize the lecanodiaspidids. These data confirm the concept that the pit scales constitute a paraphyletic group and the Asterolecaniidae, Cerococcidae and Lecanodiaspididae are monophyletic.

Of the more than 300 species of Psocoptera described in North America, 44 species have been documented on eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere, in the southern Appalachians. However, the distribution and co-occurrence patterns of these species throughout the tree canopy are unknown. This study was initiated to evaluate specimen abundance, species richness and species composition among three designated strata in the canopy of eastern hemlock, assess species for vertical stratification patterns, and determine if co-occurrence patterns of Psocoptera species are random or non-random. During this study, 27 species representing 18 genera and 10 families were evaluated. Psocopteran specimen abundance, species richness and composition differed among the lower, middle, and upper strata. Unique assemblages were identified in each stratum, indicating vertical stratification. The upper stratum of the canopy had five exclusive species, the middle had four exclusive species, and the lower stratum had 14 exclusive species. The co-occurrence pattern of Psocoptera species in the canopy of eastern hemlock was non-random.

Fifty-three species of scale insects (Coccoidea) of the families Asterolecaniidae, Cerococcidae, Coccidae, Diaspididae, Margarodidae, and Pseudococcidae were collected from 56 host plants in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The distribution of coccoids was shown to be correlated to host availability and host distribution along an elevational gradient. Certain coccoid taxa were oligophagous and restricted to the elevational range of their host, but most species were polyphagous and were collected at several elevational gradients. The number of species and family taxa declined as elevation increased. Also, the heaviest infestations occurred in disturbed areas. The Shannon-Weaver diversity values for species collected ranged from 0.017 (rare) to 0.216 (abundant); two species were classified as abundant, four very common, six common, and the remainding 41 species uncommon to rare. The most common species collected was the European fruit lecanium, Parthenolecanium corni (Bouche)

Rhinocyllus conicus Froelich was introduced from Europe into North America as a biological control agent of the exotic weed Carduus nutans L. Concern exists over the feeding of this weevil on at least 25 species of native Cirsium thistles. Beginning in 2008, cage studies isolating adults of R. conicus on buds and flower heads of all eight thistle species (native and introduced) recorded from Tennessee were conducted to test if R. conicus could use these species for reproduction and what impacts larval feeding of R. conicus may have on seed production. Larvae of R. conicus completed development in heads of the native species C. carolinianum (Walter) Fernald and Schubert. and C. horridulum Michaux, and significant reductions in seed numbers of both species occurred during 2008. Rhinocyllus conicus oviposited on both C. carolinianum and C. horridulum at significantly greater levels than the introduced species C. arvense (L.) Scopoli and C. vulgare (Savi) Tenore. Infested heads of C. carolinianum contained numbers of R. conicus per centimeter of plant head width similar to Ca. nutans in 2008, and both native species contained numbers of R. conicus per centimeter of plant head width similar to C. arvense and C. vulgare in 2009. Body length was similar between R. conicus reared on native thistles and its target host Ca. nutans. This report is the first documentation of R. conicus feeding and reproducing on C. carolinianum and C. horridulum. Although R. conicus has been observed only on introduced thistles in naturally occurring populations in this region, the utilization of C. carolinianum and C. horridulum as host species in controlled conditions warrants continued monitoring of field populations and further investigation into factors that may influence nontarget feeding in the future.

The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is an exotic insect species dramatically reducing populations of eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere, throughout the eastern United States. Systemic imidacloprid is one of the primary chemicals used to successfully control infestations of the hemlock woolly adelgid. The concentration levels for this systemic insecticide present in the sap of eastern hemlocks were evaluated from three strata within the canopy over a two year time span. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were conducted every three months posttreatment to assess imidacloprid concentration within the sap. The effect of application timing (fall versus spring) and application method (soil drench, soil injection, and tree injection) on the translocation of imidacloprid throughout the canopy, and the quantity of imidacloprid translocated in the sap of eastern hemlock branches and the terminal twig and needle tissue was determined. Concentration levels progressively declined from the bottom strata to the top strata of the canopy. This trend was consistent in all chemically treated trees. Tree injections provided the lowest concentration and the most nonuniform distribution of imidacloprid throughout the canopy. The highest insecticide concentrations within the tree across all strata over the two year period were consistently associated with the soil drench method followed by the soil injection method. Imidacloprid concentrations peaked between month 9 and 12 posttreatment, and then declined; however, at two years posttreatment, soil drench and soil injected trees contained concentrations reported as being effective for control of the hemlock woolly adelgid.

The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand, is an invasive species reducing the populations of eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis L. Carriere, throughout the eastern United States. Systemic imidacloprid and horticultural oil are the primary chemicals used to control infestations of this invasive pest; however, the impact of these two chemicals on nontarget canopy insects is unknown. This study was initiated in November 2005 to assess the effects of (1) imidacloprid soil drench, (2) imidacloprid soil injection, (3) imidacloprid tree injections, and (4) horticultural oil applications on multiple levels of organization (composition, overall specimen abundance and species richness, guild specimen abundance and species richness, and individual species) within the phytophagous and transient canopy insect community. Community composition differed significantly among treatments based on analysis of similarity. Mean species richness and specimen abundance were significantly reduced by one or more treatments. Soil drench applications significantly reduced species richness for the detritivore and phytophaga guilds. Furthermore, specimen abundance for species in the detritivore, fungivore, phytophaga, scavenger, and transient phytophaga guilds was significantly lower in the soil drench treatment. This trend was consistent in all insect guilds examined, with the exception of the hematophaga guild that was not significantly lower than for species on the control trees. Of the 293 species documented to be associated with eastern hemlocks, 33 species were found to be directly effected by one or more of the chemical treatments.

An assessment of the insect guild structure associated with immature and mature eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere, at high and low elevations was made before the invasion by the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Annand), and elongate hemlock scale, Fiorinia externa Ferris. Guild dynamics were determined among 243 insect species associated with eastern hemlock in the southern Appalachians. Detritivore, hematophage, herbivore, fungivore, parasitoid, predator, scavenger, and transient guild assignments were made. The herbivore and transient guilds were subdivided into chewers, sapsuckers, flower feeders, pollen feeders, pollen/nectar/sap feeders, and seed feeders. A significant association was found between guilds on immature and mature hemlocks at low elevations, but no significant association was found at high elevations. There was also a strong association of phytophagous insects on immature hemlocks and scavengers on mature hemlocks. The observed transient, scavenger, and predator guilds had a significantly lower co-occurrence among species indicating segregation of the species within these guilds. The herbivore guild had a significantly higher co-occurrence among species than the simulated index indicating aggregation of species within this guild across sites. Detritivore, hematophage, and parasitoid guilds did not differ significantly from the simulated community. These results document a diverse and dynamic insect community on eastern hemlock before invasion by hemlock woolly adelgid and elongate hemlock scale.

Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), the brown marmorated stinkbug, is an exotic polyphagous species from Asia that was first collected in North America from Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1996 (Hamilton & Shearer 2003). In 2002, H. halys was reported from 6 counties in Pennsylvania (Hoebeke 2002), and by 2003, the species was reported from 2 neighboring counties in New Jersey (Bernon et al. 2004). In 2005, this species was reported from Vallejo, Solano County, California, with over a dozen individuals recovered from a storage unit rented by a new resident that had relocated from Pennsylvania. Within 10 years from the original record from Allentown, Pennsylvania, H. halys had been reported from 26 counties in Pennsylvania (Jacobs & Bernhard 2008). This pest continues to increase its range and has since been reported around Portland and Salem, Oregon (CDFA 2005), as well as in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia (Khrimian et al. 2008). On 30 Oct. 2008, a single adult female was captured in the home of the first author in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee. The specimen, approximately 16.2 mm in length, displayed the characteristic light bands on the terminal 2 antennal segments, as well as alternating light and dark banding along the exposed lateral abdominal margins (Fig. 1). Closer examination also revealed the absence of teeth on the juga, as well as a smooth anterior pronotal margin, both of which distinguish this species

Of the 18 Holarctic species in the genus Elatophilus, only 8 species are reported from North America (Lattin & Stanton 1993). The anthocorid Elatophilus inimicus was originally described by Drake and Harris (1926), from a single specimen collected in New York who placed the species in the genus Xenotracheliella. The species was subsequently transferred to the genus Elatophilus by Kelton and Anderson (1962), and was later documented to feed on species of scale insects in the genus Matsucoccus that inhabit only species of pine (Doane 1965, Lattin & Stanton 1992, Lussier 1965, and Mendel et al. 1991). This predator has been recorded previously only from Canada, and a few northeastern, midwestern, and coastal states (CO, MI, NC, and NY) feeding onM. resinosae Bean and Godwin. Recorded plant hosts for the prey of this predator include red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.), pitch pine (P. rigida Mill.), and Scots pine (P. sylvestris L.), while additional prey suggested include mites, adelgids, and aphids (Lussier 1965). The only other species described from the eastern U.S. is E. pinophilus Blatchley described from pine in Florida (Blatchley 1928). A study was initiated in May 1999 to identify the potential native predators attracted to the sex pheromones of the scale insects M. feytaudi Ducasse, M. josephi Bodenheimer and Harpaz, and M. matsumurae Kuwana in eastern Tennessee. Delta style sticky traps (n = 60) baited with sex pheromones were placed in five pine sites established along an elevational gradient in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Sevier Co, TN. Pine site 1 (390 5771N, 28

The adult females of Polea ceylonica and a new species, P. selangorae , have been described and illustrated with measurements included for the various morphological characters. A diagnosis of the genus is presented.

A new species of pit scale, Psoraleococcus browni , from Papua New Guinea is described and illustrated. P. browni is distinguished from other species in the genus by the cribriform plates arranged in two longitudinal rows each consisting of a mean of four (2–10) plates, by the presence of only one type of tubular duct, and by having the smallest spiracles in the genus. A key is provided to separate the adult females of the four known species of Psoraleococcus .

A generic diagnosis is presented for the pit scale insects of Sclerosococcus together with descriptions and illustrations of the adult females of 2 new species, S. chilensis and S. tillandsiae. S. chilensis may be separated from other species assigned to the genus by the presence of a complete marginal band of 7-locular pores. S. tillandsiae differs by possessing a marginal band of 7-locular pores restricted to the cephalothorax in combination with the lack of heavy sclerotization on the apical abdominal segments. A key to differentiate the species and a discussion of species affinities are provided.

An illustration and description are given of the adult female of the scale insect Brookesiella tuberans , new genus and species. This monotypic genus belongs to the family Lecanodiaspididae and is closely related to the genus Psoraleococcus Borchsenius.

No significant differences (P = 0.05) were indicated among mean longevities for dewinged adult females of the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris (Say), compared with a control group in the laboratory. In field studies, eggs were recovered throughout the test period on snapbeans where dewinged females were released at the rates of 1, 5, or 10 adult females/3.1 m plots. Significantly (P = 0.05) fewer Mexican bean beetle larvae, (Epilachna varivestis Mulsant), were found on plants treated with releases of the predator for the 21 d period. Also, higher yields of snapbeans were obtained in those treatments with the two highest predator release rates (5 and 10 adult females/plot).

A new species of scale insect, Cerococcus citri , is described and illustrated. This species was discovered on Citrus spp. from China. Morphological comparisons are made with closely related species, and a modified key is provided to separate the new species from other cerococcids.

The preferred ovipositional site for caged Heliothis zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) adults was the underside of leaflets in the middle plant region, whereas the stem and petiole were least preferred, regardless of region. Mean daily distance traveled by larvae was 10 cm, with periods of greatest activity occurring weeks 1,4, and 5 on tomato. The highest percentage of larvae observed fed on the fruit, followed by the leaflets. After larvae began to feed on fruits, a reduction occurred in the daily distance traveled until week 4, when the number of larvae moving back to the foliage increased before pupation. The mean number of fruit damaged per larva was 3.2. All fruit stages were susceptible to damage. Early instars fed primarily in the calyx area, whereas more mature larvae were capable of feeding on the side and blossom end of the fruit.

The adult female of Abditicoccus acaciae (Brain) is redescribed and illustrated. A new genus, Abditicoccus , is proposed and a discussion on its systematic position presented.

A new species of scale insect, Cerococcus mirandae Lambdin, from Australia, is described and illustrated. C. mirandae represents the seventh species in the genus from the Australian Region and is distinguished from other species in the genus by the presence of 6-locular pores in transverse abdominal rows on the venter. A key is provided to separate species of Cerococcus of the Australian Region.