Species of the genus Oedemera Olivier subgenus Oncomera Stephens, the status of which was changed to subgeneric, are revised, illustrated and keyed, and species-groups are proposed. Two new taxa are described: Oedemera (Oncomera) nepalensis sp. n. (Nepal) and O. (Onc.) diversecostata afghana ssp. n. (Afghanistan). Due to secondary homonymy, specific names are replaced as follows: O. (Onc.) femoralis Olivier, 1803 = O. (Onc.) femorata (Fabricius, 1792) nec Scopoli, 1763 and O. (Onc.) reitteri nom. n. = O. (Onc.) atriceps (Reitter, 1894) nec Abeille, 1881. O. (Onc.) femoralis purpureocoerulea Ganglbauer is raised to subspecific status from Onc. femorata var. purpureocoeruelea Ganglbauer. The following new synonymies are proposed: Oedemera subg. Oncomera Stephens, 1829 = Oncomerina Seidlitz, 1899, syn. n.; O. (Onc.) diversecostata diversecostata (Pic, 1915) = Onc. diversecostata var. grandis Pic, 1915, syn. n.; O. (Onc.) femoralis femoralis Olivier, 1803 = Onc. acutiventris Abeille, 1896, syn. n.; O. (Onc.) natolica (Reiche, 1862) = Oed. apicipennis Fairmaire, 1892, syn. n., Oed pallida Fleischer, 1919, syn. n., Oed rhodosica Fleischer, 1919, syn. n. and Oed. natolica var. libanica Pic, 1920, syn. n.; O. (Onc.) flavicans (Fairmaire, 1860) = Onc. stylifera Abeille, 1896, syn. n. and Onc. flavicans var. parnassica Pic., 1920, syn. n.

The flight behaviour of the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has been studied in a wind tunnel, in response to the following natural odour sources: broad bean plants infested with Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Homoptera: Aphididae) (PHC, plant-host complex), damaged broad bean plants from which the aphids were removed (HDP, host damaged plants), aphids (H, host) and uninfested broad bean plants (P, plant). The most attractive odour sources were PHC and HDP, which both stimulated a similar high number of oriented straight flights. In contrast, H and P were much less attractive and did not seem to be important in the long range attraction of the parasitoids.

The oogenesis, oviposition and longevity of individually-held cabbage root fly, Delia radicum (L.), females that were deprived of mating opportunities, host plants or adult foods were compared with those of flies that were not deprived. The rate of formation of the first batch of mature eggs was not influenced by this deprivation. The lack of proteins or carbohydrates in the diet reduced total fecundity and also, in the case of carbohydrates, longevity. The absence of a host plant resulted in a blocked oviposition and a retarded development of the second and subsequent follicles. After some period of host deprivation (highly variable among individuals), egg development in the second follicles recommenced, and females oviposited even though host plant cues were lacking. Virgin females also showed a delayed onset of oviposition, had a lower total fecundity and a shorter life span and retained two or even three eggs in each ovariole at the time of death. Variability within treatment groups was great, ranging in females that were deprived of host plant or mating opportunities from almost complete inhibition of eg

Dolycoris baccarum (L.) populations from the Prague region (52°N) display a facultative adult diapause. The induction of diapause is governed by photoperiod, long day averting it. High temperature tends to prevent diapause even under a short-day photoperiod.

The Èervené Blato bog (South Bohemia, Central Europe) is an isolated habitat with a unique relict fauna of Lepidoptera. A list of the Lepidoptera (569 species) recorded from this peat bog is given along with notes on the relict species (tyrphobionts) and their food plants. All of the stenotopic tyrphobiontic and most of the tyrphophilous species are associated with boreal and subarctic ecosystems. All the tyrphobionts feed on peat bog plants, e.g., Ledum palustre L. and Vaccinium uliginosum L. The tyrphobionts are cold-adapted boreal and subarctic species, which are associated weakly with bogs near the subarctic tree line. The ''boreal'' like habitat island of the Èervené Blato bog is unique in the temperate zone of Central Europe. The entomological uniqueness of the locality is documented and the need for habitat conservation stressed.

The levels of progesterone radioimmunoassay-positive material in the gonads, intestine and haemolymph of the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea during adult ontogenetic development were studied. The animals were divided into two groups: group 1 - control males and females reared for a period of 36 days after adult ecdysis at temperature 29 ± 1°C; group 2 - experimental males and females reared from day 8 to day 18 at 15°C and then at the same temperature as cockroaches of group 1. The immunoreactive progesterone concentration in gonads and intestine of females from group 1 reached the highest value on day 24 and 27. In females from group 2, the progesterone peak shifted to days 35-38. Females from group 1 gave birth to nymphs on day 36, females of group 2 on days 42-45. In males of group 2, a similar shift of the progesterone peak was observed.

Feeding behaviour of the wolf spider Pardosa hortensis Thorell (Araneae: Lycosidae) was studied in the laboratory under different prey densities. Feeding characteristics were monitored by a behaviour registering computer program. The amount of prey eaten in the different prey density treatments indicated a Holling type II functional response. Handling time was negatively correlated with prey density. At higher prey densities spiders sometimes attacked and fed on more than one prey item at the same time. Consumption rate during such multiple feeding events was higher than during single feeding. However, multiple feeding was much less frequent than single feeding. Killing without feeding and the partial consumption of the prey was also observed in high prey densities. The degree of this behaviour was positively correlated with prey density. The observed feeding strategy of this wolf spider suggests that spiders can have a positive role in controlling agricultural pests in a density sensitive way.

The length-to-body weight relation in specimens of 30 species of Scarabaeoidea coprophaga was calculated, to enable biomass to be estimated from information about body length. The relation proves as the literature predicts, to be a power function. When the species are grouped according to size and body shape, however, it seems that a linear relation may also provide good biomass predictions on the basis of length.

Females of the endophagous parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) respond positively to the cornicle secretion of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Homoptera: Aphididae). The parasitoid response has been assessed in a Petri dish choice test by presenting an aphid dummy consisting of a glass bead coated with cornicle secretion along with an untreated bead, which acted as a control. Naive females responded similarly to the treated glass beads and aphids, while experienced females responded less to the treated beads than to aphids. The kairomonal activity of the cornicle secretion decreased as the wax dried. The behavioural response registered seems to be innate and not induced by associative learning.

Adults of the alfalfa snout beetle, Otiorrhynchus ligustici (L.), were collected in hop gardens near Zatec in Czech Republic, and examined for microsporidian infection. Nosema otiorrhynchi Weiser, 1951 causes a general infection. The spores are ovoid in shape and measure 3.8-4 × 1.8-2 µm. The incidence of Nosema infection ranged from 0 to 95% in samples from various sites. The prospects of introducing this microsporidian into populations of O. ligustici are discussed.

Three new species of Choleva from the cisteloides group are described and illustrated: Choleva (Choleva) sagittaria sp. n. and C. (C.) rousi sp. n., both from the Caucasus, and C. (C.) fencli sp. n. from the Caucasus and northeastern Turkey. The description of female of C. (C.) zolotarevi Reitter is completed. A key to species of the cisteloides group is given. New distributional data are presented for some species.

Adult female two spot ladybirds Adalia bipunctata (L.) were reluctant to eat their own eggs. Similarly, second instar larvae avoided eating sibling eggs. However, adult males did not appear to avoid eating eggs they had sired and hungry third instar larvae showed no reluctance to consume younger sibling larvae. These results indicate that female beetles and young larvae are capable of kin recognition. The adaptive significance of this is discussed.

The red firebug, Pyrrhocoris apterus (L.), has been a convenient model for biological research for a long time. The interest in P. apterus increased especially with the discovery in the mid-1960's of the so-called ''paper factor'', i.e., a substance with juvenile hormone activity. Considerable research has been done on this model insect in research topics such as biogeography, embryology, developmental and reproductive biology, theoretical and applied endocrinology, biochemistry, cytogenetics and formal genetics, bionomics, ethology, pathology, voltinism, diapause, wing polymorphism, migration, pathogens, symbiotes and predators. Some of the newest studies are directed toward the problems of determination of metameric pattern, cold hardiness and biorhythms. Present review provides the first selective summary of data published in almost 300 papers.

The crude oils from roots of Inula racemosa Hook. F. and Saussurea lappa Clarke at four concentrations (from 0.625 to 5%) significantly reduced the leaf damage done by Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) larvae. The rate of feeding deterrency measured after treatment with oils of I. racemosa and S. lappa at these concentrations ranged from 20 to 72% and 18 to 62%, respectively. The rate of mortality during larval and prepupal stages was greater than 50% at the 5% concentration. Pupation was adversely affected only at the highest concentration of both oils. Pupal weight was normal, while adult emergence was marginally affected by both oil treatments.

Foraging theory has largely concentrated on oviposition rate as the currency parasitoids use to maximize reproductive success. Female parasitoids foraging in a patchy environment face a variety of mortality risks that influence the survival of both themselves and their offspring. A foraging model is developed to suggest that patch residence times in parasitoids should be based on the trade-off between female and offspring mortality risks.

The fitness gain of parasitoids that include all mortality risks in their calculation of optimal patch residence time is then compared to the fitness gain of rate-maximizing females, and to the fitness gain of females that ignore offspring, mortality. It is shown that rate-maximizing foragers and foragers ignoring offspring mortality may suffer from substantial losses in fitness. The long-term average rate of eclosing adults produced and the lifetime number of eggs laid are therefore fitness currencies that are likely not to be selected for in insect parasitoids.

In this study we analyze the successional strategies for belowground space occupation and partitioning in Mediterranean ant communities on fallow land. Three successional sequences were established, by means of a number of plots representing disturbance patches with different surrounding matrices (forests, uncultivated and cultivated land). The belowground extension of the colonies was mapped on a grid of squares. The amount of space occupied by the ant colonies increased during the three successional sequences. The colonies increased significantly in number but not in size in areas surrounded by uncultivated or cultivated land. The contrary occurred when the surrounding matrix was composed of forest (significant increase in size but not in number). Finally, those study areas with an expectedly higher propagule flux (founding queens) from the surrounding matrix (mosaic of uncultivated fields and forest) showed a significant increase in overlapping on the space of neighbouring colonies. The analysis of the colony size of the most abundant species showed that each maintains a certain colony size, which did not vary among the areas studied. The proportion of mature species (characteristic of later successional stages) is greater in areas with a more mature surrounding matrix. Species composition is suggested to be a key factor in explaining the different strategies developed by ant communities in their colonization of disturbance patches.

Ilseopsis (Euscrobipalpa) parki sp. n., a gelechiid micro-moth, is described from adults reared from larvae attacking the leaves of Lycium chinense Mill. (Solanaceae) in Korea. The male moth and genitalia of both sexes are figured, and the taxonomic position and bionomics of the species are discussed.

A four-parameter nonlinear regression model was fitted to development data of six stored-product moth species (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) reared at various constant temperatures, and at 60-80% relative humidity on wheat or wheat-based diets. The model provided new information and quantitative description for predicting egg, larval, pupal, and egg-to-adult (total) development times, and also was useful in comparing the influence of relative humidity and diet on development times. Averaged across the six moth species, about 8%, 77%, and 15% of total development time was spent in egg, larval, and pupal stages, respectively. Temperature had the greatest influence on egg-to-adult development time, followed by relative humidity and diet. The temperatures for maximum and minimum development rates (1/development time), and degree-days required for egg-to-adult development, varied with the species. Independently derived egg-to-adult development times (n = 39) for the moth species reared at fewer than five temperatures, and at 50-90% relative humidity on different diets, were compared with those predicted by the four-parameter model for the same species. Across all six species, in 64% of the cases, development times predicted by the model were within 3 days of the actual data. In 23% and 13% of the cases, model predictions were within 4-10 and >10 days, respectively, of the actual data.

Allozyme variation was investigated in winter moth adults from four isolated localities in South Bohemia. Ten gene loci, five of which were polymorphic, were studied. Significant deviations of genotype frequencies from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed at most of polymorphic loci within the populations. The average heterozygosities for winter moth populations from four ecologically distinct localities ranged from 0. 146 to 0.279. The winter moth F_ST mean value of 0. 171 was relatively higher than that found in most other Lepidoptera, indicating fragmented population structure. The Červené Blato population had the greatest genetic distance (D = 0.265) from the other three populations. The genetic distance and F_ST values reflect geographic distance of the studied populations.

Two races of Muscidifurax raptorellus Kogan & Legner (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) reveal combinations of extranuclear and chromosomal inheritance for the quantitative trait, gregarious oviposition. In the first extranuclear phase prior to chromosomal inheritance, unknown substances transferred at mating cause a portion (<= 1/2) of the intensity of a particular quantitative trait present in the males' genome to be expressed phenotypically in the inseminated females within an hour of mating. The ability to change the adult female's expression of the quantitative character, either positively or negatively, challenges accepted views of polygenic loci, and it is suggested that such loci may not be inherited, but rather another group of genes which have the capability to switch on or off the loci. Such genes may influence DNA methylation of the loci controlling oviposition behavior. All polygenic loci may be perpetually present for a given quantitative trait in all individuals of both races, but they are either activated or inactivated by substances under the control of another group of genes. An enhanced significance for haploid males is indicated through an ability to activate expressions of part of their own genetic make-up within their own generation, which may quicken natural selection and the pace of evolution.

Hyperparasitoids are, considered to reduce the effectiveness of primary parasitoids as biological control agents of aphids in a variety of crops. Recently it was shown that volatiles produced by the hyperparasitoid Alloxysta victrix (Westwood) elicit a dispersal in female primary parasitoids thereby potentially reducing primary parasitoid activity in the field at certain times. The active chemical was identified as 6-methyl-5-heptene-2-one (MHO) which is produced by both male and female A. victrix. The function of this chemical in the intraspecific communication of A. victrix was studied. Y-tube olfactometer experiments revealed corresponding effects of MHO and natural odour sources. Males were attracted to females especially when not mated. Females were repelled by females. These effects could partly be mimicked with pure MHO in the olfactometer. In Petri dish experiments the behaviour of A. victrix in the presence of MHO odour was video-analysed. As in the olfactometer, males were attracted to the odour and females repelled. We conclude that MHO is a sex pheromone which attracts A. victrix males and as spacing pheromone enables an even distribution of females in the field.

Coccinellids, particularly their larvae are very voracious. Their foraging behaviour has been extensively studied in an attempt to determine their potential for controlling pest aphids, which occur in patches that are relatively short lived and within which the aphids are not uniformly distributed but clumped. In seeking aphid prey ladybirds like other insect predators forage both extensively and intensively, and use visual and olfactory cues for orientation. Intensive search follows an encounter with an aphid and serves to keep the predator in the vicinity of a cluster of prey. The success of larvae in capturing prey is dependent on abiotic and biotic factors such as plant structure, species of aphid attacked, the predator, in particular its age, level of hunger and genetic characteristics, and intra- and interspecific competition.

It is suggested that the poor progress in developing a foraging theory for insect predators, and ladybirds in particular, is a consequence of having mainly concentrated on the foraging behaviour of the most voracious stage, the larva. The behaviour of larvae serves to keep them within the patch selected by the adult. Thus for a better understanding we need information on the cues used by ladybird adults to assess the quality of patches of prey.

A test with wafer discs was used to examine the ability of 20 compounds to inhibit feeding in adults of Sitophilus granarius and Tribolium confusum as well as in the larvae of Tribolium confusum and Trogoderma granarium. The compounds tested were sesquiterpenoids of lactarane, isolactarane, marasmane and 13-normarasmane skeletons, either isolated from species of Lactarius or their synthetically prepared derivatives. The obtained results of the antifeedant activity are discussed.

Ten dominant heavy metals were analyzed in adults of the winter moth, Operophtera brumata (L.), from six sites in four isolated localities in South Bohemia. At all of the sites, metal concentrations conformed to the order Zn> Fe> Cu> Mn> Ni> Pb> Co> Cd> Cr> Hg. The highest concentration of toxic metals (lead and cadmium) was found in moths associated with trees along the main road in Plástovice (3.1 and 1.1 ppm, respectively), while it was lowest in the Èervené Blato peat bog (1.1 and 0.1 ppm, respectively). The main parasitoids were two tachinid flies, Cyzenis albicans Fall. and Phorocera obscura Fall., and one ichneumonid wasp, Agrypon flaveolatum Grav. Overall parasitism was low (2.8 and 5.9% in 1991 and 1992, respectively). The highest percentage of parasitism was on larvae in the unpolluted Èervené Blato bog (4.8 and 28.3% in 1991 and in 1992, respectively), and the lowest on apple trees along the main road in Plastovice, which was the most polluted site of the four localities.

Wheeler A.G. Jr. & Henry T.J.: Synthesis of the Holarctic Miridae (Heteroptera): Distribution, Biology and Origin, with Emphasis on North America. Entomological Society of America, Lanham, Maryland, 1992, v + 282 pp., 31 figs, 77 maps. The Tomas Say Foundation, Vol. 15.

Spencer K.A.: Flycatcher. Memoirs of an Amateur Entomologist. SPB Academic Publishing bv, The Hague, 1992, xvi + 414 pages with 27 illustrations.

In the period of reproductive activity and foraging for prey coccinellids undertake trivial (appetitive) flights. The irregular long-distance flights of ''swarms'' of ladybirds originate in hypermobility of starving beetles of the new generation. Two types of regular long-distance flights are related to dormancy: diapausing coccinellids migrate to dormancy sites by directional flight and after dormancy they disperse gradually to breeding sites. There is abundant evidence that most long-distance migrants are hypsotactically attracted to prominent landmarks, at least in the closing part of their migratory flight. None of the methods used to quantify the tendency to migratory flight (duration of tethered flight, incidence of take-offs, wing-spreading response) gave a completely satisfactory result; the first-mentioned technique is the most promising.

When migrating to dormancy sites coccinellids usually have immature ovaries (primary or regressed), and thus conform to Johnson's ''oogenesis - flight syndrome''. In contrast, during the dispersal flight their ovaries are partly matured. Although there is a general consent about the importance of juvenile hormone for the flight, it is still not clear how the regulation of flight is coordinated with the well established stimulatory role of JH in reproduction. There are indications that an intermediate titre of JH might stimulate both the flight and the early phases of ovarial maturation.

The storage protein of the cabbage moth (M. brassicae L.) was purified from larval haemolymph by anion exchange chromatography, followed by preparative electrophoresis and elution. Histochemical staining revealed that the storage protein is a glyco-lipoprotein. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis suggested that this protein is composed of two dominant - M_r 81.9 and 74.6 kD - and five minor - M_r 64.1, 58.3, 50.1, 40.8 and 38.2 kD - subunits. Electrofocusing separation showed the presence of these subunits at pH 5.4-6.3. The conformation of the storage protein was equally stable at pH ranging from 4 to 9. The M. brassicae storage protein is immunologically related to Lymantria dispar arylphorin.

Within the genus Diazosma, previously considered monotypic, three species are recognized, two European and one North American. D. seclusum sp. n. is described from the Czech Republic. The other species, D. hirtipenne (Siebke) and D. subsinuatum (Alexander), are redescribed and male and female genitalia are illustrated for all the three species. Nomenclature within the genus is discussed from various aspects.

The pharmacological effects of proctolin, [L-Dopa²]-proctolin, [Phe(OMe)²]-proctolin and [Cha(4-OMe)²]-proctolin were studied on pupae of the mealworm, Tenebrio molitor. The results were obtained by prolonged monitoring of extracardiac pulsations in haemocoelic pressure. These pulsations revealed the functions of the autonomic nervous system (coelopulse). The administration of proctolin in 100 nM to 5 µM concentrations increased the amplitude of haemocoelic pressure pulsations up to six-fold, within a few minutes. With dosages corresponding to 1 µM concentrations, the effects of proctolin culminated between the 2nd and 3rd hour post-treatment, with a successive decline to the original level within the next 15-20 hrs. The frequency of pulsations and duration of resting periods were unaffected. The [L-Dopa²]-proctolin analogue was slightly-more effective than proctolin itself, although its action was retarded for 20-30 min. The remaining two proctolin derivatives were completely inactive.

Large doses of proctolin or [L-Dopa²]-proctolin (more than 5 µM concentrations in the body) produced pathophysiological symptoms of ''hyperproctolinism'', manifested by paralysis of all haemocoelic pulsations for several hours. The findings of considerable in vivo persistence of proctolin are in conflict with some general views upon the rapid inactivation of proctolin by enzymes present in the haemolymph or tissues. It is possible that proctolin may be a valid neurohormone, involved in the regulation of homeostatic physiological functions, and this is discussed.