Growth and developmental parameters of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were evaluated on 41 new zoysiagrass taxa ( Zoysia spp. Willd.), which belong to an increasingly popular group of warm-season turfgrasses, in comparison with 5 commercially available zoysiagrass taxa and 1 known susceptible Paspalum L. taxon. Results from two no-choice growth chamber trials indicated that the new Zoysia japonica Steud. taxa were unfavorable for the development of fall armyworm larvae in general compared with the susceptible Paspalum taxon. This was evidenced by significantly lower larval and pupal weights and survival and longer time to pupation and adult emergence, pointing to antibiosis in these zoysiagrass taxa. The new Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr., Zoysia macrostachya Franch. & Sav., and Zoysia sinica Hance taxa seemed more favorable than Z. japonica taxa, as evidenced by numerically higher larval and pupal weights and survival and shorter duration to pupation and adult emergence. Taxa that consistently showed low larval survival were identified for further testing.

Thesquash bug, Anasa tristis (DeGeer), is an indigenous pest of squash, Cucurbita pepo L., and other cucurbits. Geocoris punctipes (Say) adults were collected from stands of mixed grasses in Spalding County, GA, held without food for 24 h, and presented A. tristis eggs, first instars, or second instars in no-choice tests. Consumption of first and second instars was significantly greater by females than by males. Egg consumption was very low with no difference between males and females ( P > 0.05). Male G. punctipes consumed a range of 0 to 3 first-instar squash bugs, 0 to 6 second-instar squash bugs, and 0 eggs during the 72-h exposure. Females consumed a range of 0 to 10 first-instar squash bugs, 0 to 10 second-instar squash bugs, and a range of 0 to 1 eggs. Male G. punctipes consumed on average 1.08 ± 0.24 first-instar squash bugs, 1.68 ± 0.41 second-instar squash bugs, and 0 eggs during the 72-h exposure. Females consumed on average 4.12 ± 0.56 first-instar squash bugs, 4.28 ± 0.56 second-instar squash bugs, and 0.12 ± 0.06 eggs. Background mortality for first and second instars was similar and exceeded that for eggs in control, male, and female trials. Previous research demonstrated seasonal overlap in squash bug nymphs and G. punctipes occurrence. These data suggest that G. punctipes can contribute to the suppression of early-season squash bug populations.

The native lace bug, Leptoypha mutica Say (Hemiptera: Tingidae), has demonstrated potential as an insect biological control agent of invasive Chinese privet ( Ligustrum sinense Lour). To better evaluate its potential to establish on a new host, developmental biology on Chinese privet was studied at temperatures of 20°C, 24°C, 28°C, and 32°C. The complete duration of development of L. mutica from egg deposition through five instars on this previously unreported host ranged from 24.4 to 57.1 d. Estimated threshold temperatures and calculated thermal unit requirements for egg development were 11.0°C and 211.9 degree-days (DD); for nymphal development, 9.9°C and 326.8 DD; and for complete development, 10.5°C and 527.4 DD. Results of this study indicate that L. mutica will oviposit and can develop successfully on Chinese privet over a range of temperatures suggesting the potential for multiple generations to occur in a single season.

Exotic lace bugs (Hemiptera: Tingidae) have previously been evaluated for potential biocontrol of pervasive, exotic Chinese privet, Ligustrum sinense Lour. This study was conducted to determine if a native lace bug, Leptoypha mutica Say, could utilize Chinese privet and to determine the lace bug's preferred host plant. A no-choice test determined the lace bug's acceptance and utilization of three plant hosts: fringe tree ( Chionanthus virginicus L.), swamp privet ( Foresteria acuminata Michx), and Chinese privet, based on frass production, oviposition, and survival of lace bugs. Choice tests in the laboratory and the field evaluated lace bug preference among swamp privet, Chinese privet, and green ash ( Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh). All plant hosts supported the lace bugs in laboratory assays, but fewer eggs were produced on Chinese privet. Green ash was the most preferred while Chinese and swamp privet were equally preferred. These laboratory results were consistent with a field choice test and field observations. Chinese privet is a suitable host for Le. mutica , but not an optimal host, suggesting that host switching to Li. sinense by this lace bug is unlikely.

Flowering ornamental plant species have the potential to support beneficial insect communities such as pollinating bees, wasps, and predatory plant bugs. We compared pan trap color, size, and placement height for sampling of insects in replicated conservation gardens planted with species selected to act as a conservation resource for pollinators and other beneficials. Of the 14 combinations of color, size, and height placement, yellow bowls (14.5-mm diam., 8.5 mm high) placed on the soil substrate captured the greatest numbers and diversity of pollinator and beneficial insect taxa. During the study, 16 species of bees were collected and identified, with Lasioglossum ( Dialictus ) imitatum Smith and Halictus ligatus Say (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) being the most abundant species collected, primarily in the yellow bowl pan traps at ground level.