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Item Investigations into the West Indian Chelonarium (Coleoptera: Chelonariidae) and the Antherophagus (Coleoptera: Cyptophagidae) of Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2022) Kole, John Paul; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Michael A. Ivie; This is a manuscript style paper that includes co-authored chapters.The discovery of a new species of Chelonarium in southern Florida, combined with the expected publication of the next edition of American Beetles requires has made it necessary to revise the West Indian Chelonariidae. Material from the West Indies was examined, names were associated with species, and species level groups were determined. Sixteen species are recognized with species definitions, descriptions, distributions, and illustrations provided. A key to the species is included. Seven species are redescribed: Chelonarium beauvoisi Latreille, 1807, Chelonarium convexum Mequignon, Chelonarium problematicum Mequignon, Chelonarium cupreum Mequignon, Chelonarium lecontei Thomson, Chelonarium maculatum Mequignon, and Chelonarium pilosellum Chevrolat. A neotype is designated for Chelonarium convexum Mequignon. Chelonarium costattipenne Mequignon, new synonymy, and Chelonarium sublavae Mequignon, new synonymy, are placed as junior synonyms of Chelonarium problematicum Mequignon. Eight species are described as new: Chelonarium auricomus Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium calcarium Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium floccum Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium grenadensis Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium latosetum Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium lucidum Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium nitidellum Kole and Ivie, new species, and Chelonarium sabensis Kole and Ivie, new species. Chelonarium auricomus is the second US mainland species and is apparently introduced from the Martinique and/or St. Lucia. Chelonarium punctatum Fabricius, 1801 and Chelonarium atrum Fabricius, 1801 are removed from the West Indian Fauna because of newly clarified type localities, corrected to Essequibo, British Guyana. A discussion of biogeography is provided. The Chelonariidae of the West Indies are far more diverse than was previously known, however more data is required to better determine the diversity of this group in the West Indies. Little is known of the beetles which live in the nests of wild bees. One such genus, Antherophagus, which lives in the nests of Bombus, was almost entirely unknown from Montana. Material from the MTEC was examined and species were identified using preexisting keys. A key is provided for all five North American Antherophagus, new county and state records are reported, and biology is discussed. The Antherophagus are likely more widely distributed than is currently reported.Item Taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of West Indian lycidae (Insecta, Coleoptera, Elateroidea)(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2021) Ferreira, Vinicius de Souza; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Michael A. Ivie; This is a manuscript style paper that includes co-authored chapters.The Thonalmini and Leptolycini are two tribes of Net-winged beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera, Lycidae) endemic to the West Indies. Both tribes are characterized by their confusing taxonomic history and poorly known biology and evolutionary patterns, and the study of both groups is the topic of this dissertation. One of the chapters of this dissertation provides a taxonomic revision of the genus Thonalmus Bourgeois, 1883, the sole member of the tribe Thonalmini. In this study, I provide an updated taxonomic revision of the group, illustration of diagnostic characters, an identification key, distribution maps, updates in the nomenclature of the group and description of seven new species. I also provide the first species level phylogenetic hypotheses for Thonalmus (morphology, molecular based and total evidence), biogeographical dispersal patterns hypotheses, a time-calibrated phylogeny and character state reconstruction for the species of the genus. The other chapter of this dissertation investigates the different life- stages of the Leptolycini of the Puerto Rican bank. The morphology of the Leptolycini males conforms with other groups suspected to be paedomorphic, whilst the females are unknown and suspected to be completely larviform. In this chapter, I provided for the first time DNA barcoding life stages associations based on partial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) of adult males and their immature forms from Puerto Rico, altogether with collections- based associations of adult males, immatures and one extreme paedomorphic female from the Virgin Islands. In order to carry out these life-stage associations, I prepared an in-depth review of the Leptolycini fauna of the Puerto Rican bank (Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands), which is also presented in this chapter. This study provided the morphological diagnoses of the semaphoronts that were found in the region and several taxonomic and nomenclatural changes are proposed, including the descriptions of one new genus and seven new species and an updated key for all species and genera of the region.Item Studies on West Indian Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera)(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2019) Spiessberger, Erich Lara; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Michael A. Ivie; Michael A. Ivie was a co-author of the article, 'Revision of the West Indian Cyrtosoma perty (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Cnodalonini), with descriptions of three new species' in the journal 'The coleopterists bulletin' which is contained within this thesis.; Michael A. Ivie was a co-author of the article, 'A new genus and thirteen new species of Anopidiina (Tenebrionidae: Diaperinae: Gnathidiini) from the West Indies' submitted to the journal 'The coleopterists bulletin' which is contained within this thesis.The West Indian Cyrtosoma are revised. Three species are described: Cyrtosoma dominicae Spiessberger and Ivie, new species from Dominica, Cyrtosoma luciae Spiessberger and Ivie, new species from Saint Lucia and Cyrtosoma vincenti Spiessberger and Ivie, new species from Saint Vincent. A key to the West Indian species is provided. Authorship of Cyrtosoma lherminierii (Guerin-Meneville) is clarified. Platydema picea Laporte and Brulle, 1831, is placed in Hesiodus Champion as Hesiodus piceus (Laporte and Brulle) new combination, a senior synonym of Hesiodus caraibus Fleutiaux and Salle new synonymy. A new genus of Anopidiina and thirteen new species are described from the West Indies. Prototyrtaeus Spiessberger and Ivie, new genus (type species Prototyrtaeus darlingtoni Spiessberger and Ivie, new species) is described from the Greater Antilles islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico, with 13 new species: Prototyrtaeus duartei Spiessberger and Ivie, new species; Prototyrtaeus neiba Spiessberger and Ivie, new species; Prototyrtaeus obrieni Spiessberger and Ivie, new species; Prototyrtaeus pecki Spiessberger and Ivie, new species; Prototyrtaeus gracilicornis Spiessberger and Ivie, new species; Prototyrtaeus howdeni Spiessberger and Ivie, new species; Prototyrtaeus sandersoni Spiessberger and Ivie, new species; Prototyrtaeus beckeri Spiessberger and Ivie, new species; Prototyrtaeus darlingtoni new species; Prototyrtaeus maestrensis Spiessberger and Ivie, new species; Prototyrtaeus felis Spiessberger and Ivie, new species; Prototyrtaeus turquinensis Spiessberger and Ivie, new species; Prototyrtaeus aureocornis Spiessberger and Ivie, new species. Wolcott's enigmatic single record of Byrrhidae for the West Indies hitherto is resolved as a misidentification of P. obrieni.Item Overcoming the challenges of tamarix management with Diorhabda carinulata through the identification and application of semiochemicals(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2018) Gaffke, Alexander Michael; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: David K. Weaver; Sharlene E. Sing, Tom L. Dudley, Daniel W. Bean, Justin A. Russak, Agenor Mafra-Neto, Paul A. Grieco, Robert K. D. Peterson and David K. Weaver were co-authors of the article, 'Semiochemicals to enhance herbivory by Diorhabda carinulata aggregations in saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) infestations' in the journal 'Pest management science' which is contained within this thesis.; Sharlene E. Sing, Tom L. Dudley, Daniel W. Bean, Justin A. Russak, Agenor Mafra-Neto, Robert K. D. Peterson and David K. Weaver were co-authors of the article, 'Field demonstration of a semiochemical treatment that enhances Diorhabda carinulata biological control of Tamarix spp.' submitted to the journal 'BioControl' which is contained within this thesis.; Sharlene E. Sing, Tom L. Dudley, Daniel W. Bean, Justin A. Russak, Agenor Mafra-Neto, Robert K. D. Peterson and David K. Weaver were co-authors of the article, 'Allee effects and aggregation pheromones: new releases of Diorhabda carinulata remain longer in the presence of pheromone formulations' submitted to the journal 'Biological Invasion' which is contained within this thesis.; Sharlene E. Sing, Jocelyn Millar, Tom L. Dudley, Daniel W. Bean, Robert K. D. Peterson and David K. Weaver were co-authors of the article, 'Behavioral responses of Diorhabda carinulata adults to repellent compounds isolated and identified in volatiles collected from conspecific larvae' submitted to the journal 'Journal of chemical ecology' which is contained within this thesis.The northern tamarisk beetle, Diorhabda carinulata (Desbrochers), is an approved and established classical biological control agent for saltcedars (Tamarix spp.). Adequate control of Tamarix has not yet been achieved in certain areas where D. carinulata has been released. Retaining beetle populations on sites where it has been released is problematic, and accurately monitoring D. carinulata populations to determine successful establishment is difficult. Negative, indirect impacts have also resulted from the agent's establishment outside targeted treatment areas in the southwestern United States. Manipulation of D. carinulata spatial distribution with semiochemicals could potentially resolve or ameliorate these and other operational issues. Lures utilizing a specialized wax based matrix for the controlled release of semiochemicals were impregnated with a previously identified pheromone and/or behaviorally active host plant volatiles known to stimulate aggregation in D. carinulata. Emission of these compounds from the matrix was characterized using a push-pull volatile collection system, and quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Observed release rates confirm that semiochemicals lures formulated with this matrix are a viable option for facilitating aggregation of D. carinulata under field conditions. The results of field-based assays indicate saltcedars treated with this semiochemical delivery system attracted and retained higher densities of D. carinulata than Tamarix that received a control (semiochemical free) lure. Higher densities of both adult and larval D. carinulata were recorded on treated plants. Semiochemically treated Tamarix plants also exhibited more damage, resulting in a greater decrease in canopy volume than control trees. The attraction and retention of D. carinulata to these species-specific semiochemicals on treated Tamarix plants also arrested the dispersal of newly released individuals, resulting in greater population growth. Repellent semiochemicals were also investigated for their potential to manipulate spatial distributions of D. carinulata in the field and behavioral assays conducted with reproductive adults demonstrated the ability of larval produced compounds to repel conspecific adults. These results indicate that semiochemical-impregnated media could be useful for detecting, retaining, and directing populations of D. carinulata. The use of semiochemicals could be used to potentiate low density populations, increase monitoring efficacy, retain adults on release sites, and repel D. carinulata from sensitive habitat.Item A revision of the genus Diastolinus mulsant and rey (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) of the West Indies(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2016) Hart, Charles Jay; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Michael A. Ivie; Michael A. Ivie was a co-author of the article, 'A revision of the genus Diastolinus mulsant and rey (Coleoptera: tenebrionidae) of the West Indies' submitted to the journal 'The coleopterists bulletin' which is contained within this thesis.The West Indian genus Diastolinus Mulsant and Rey, 1859 is revised and its species redescribed (type species: Diastolinus clathratus (F.)). The genus now includes 18 species divided among three species-groups, eight of which are described as new species herein: Diastolinus chalumeaui Hart and Ivie, new species; Diastolinus leewardensis Hart and Ivie, new species; Diastolinus shieli Hart and Ivie, new species; Diastolinus azuaensis Hart and Ivie, new species; Diastolinus desecheo Hart and Ivie, new species; Diastolinus doyeni Hart and Ivie, new species; Diastolinus vaderi Hart and Ivie, new species; and Diastolinus hoppae Hart and Ivie, new species. The following nomenclatural changes are proposed: Diastolinus hummelincki Marcuzzi, 1962 (= Diastolinus clavatus Mulsant and Rey, 1859, new synonymy), Diastolinus mulsanti Marcuzzi and D'Aguilar, 1971 (= Diastolinus clavatus Mulsant and Rey, 1859, new synonymy), and Diastolinus estebani Garrido, 2004a (= Diastolinus coarctatus (Mulsant and Rey, 1859), new synonymy). A lectotype and paralectotypes are designated for Diastolinus hummelincki Marcuzzi, Ctesicles insularis Champion and Ctesicles maritimus Champion. The keys, descriptions, and distribution maps demonstrate that all 18 species are readily distinguished by both morphological and biogeographical attributes even though they are mostly ecologically confined to seasonally dry woodlands and forests.Item Olfactory preference and reproductive isolation of two Mecinus species (Coleoptera: curculionidae): implications for biological control of dalmatian, yellow, and hybrid populations of Toadflax, Linaria species(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2016) Hubbard, Charles Eli; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: David WeaverClassical biological control of the exotic, invasive toadflaxes Linaria vulgaris (L.) Mill. and Linaria dalmatica Mill. has had both successes and failures. One of the new challenges land managers face is the apparent increase in vigor shown by naturally occurring hybrid populations of the two toadflax species. This has presented practical problems because managers now are unable to decide which weevil species to use on these hybrids: Mecinus janthinus, which is found on L. vulgaris, or M. janthiniformis which has preference for L. dalmatica. This key question was addressed using olfactometer experiments to determine if the volatile profile for each plant establishes host fidelity for the naturally-occurring associated Mecinus species. Adults of both insect species were paired in cages on clones of naturally occurring and synthetic reciprocal cross hybrids and the parent toadflax species to quantify mating events and to determine the number of offspring produced on clones of each plant type of plant in incomplete randomized blocks. We did this using both intraspecific and interspecific pairs of Mecinus species to determine how many offspring are produced by intraspecific adults and also to explore the possibility of establishing a hybrid weevil population using clones of each plant type. Host plant preference for both Mecinus species is influenced by olfactory responses, but this was only evident for adult females. Our first series of no-choice experiments with intraspecific mating pairs indicated that M. janthiniformis is more successful in terms of offspring produced for all types of hybrid toadflax tested. The results also showed that M. janthinus had a higher percentage of survival on all types of hybrids. As expected each Mecinus species performed best on its natural host plant. The results of our second series of no-choice experiments suggest that these two weevil species can produce viable interspecific offspring on clones of most of the plant types evaluated. This suggests that the newly described M. janthiniformis is very similar to M. janthinus and the separation between the two species is controlled at least in part, by olfactory cues from the favored host. In the future, land managers can better decide which Mecinus species to use based on whether the hybrid weed species is influenced more by L. vulgaris, or L. dalmatica.Item Evaluation of trap crops for the management of wireworms in spring wheat in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2017) Adhikari, Ashish; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Gadi V. P. Reddy; Michael A. Ivie (co-chair); Gadi VP Reddy was a co-author of the article, 'Evaluation of trap crops for the management of wireworm in spring wheat in Montana' submitted to the journal 'Journal of economic entomology' which is contained within this thesis.Wireworms, the larval stage of click beetles, have slender, shiny, hard bodies with three pairs of legs. They are polyphagous and have cryptic habitats. In recent years, increasing wireworm numbers and damage have become a major problem for growers in the Golden Triangle Region of Montana. The control of this pest is very difficult because after the removal of Lindane by US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in 2009, the use of the second generation insecticides have not been able to provide effective control of wireworms. Thus, using insecticides to control wireworms has not been effective at high population levels. Also, little is known about the biology and feeding habit of wireworms. The goal of this study is to evaluate trap crops that can protect the spring wheat by attracting wireworms. First, field trials were conducted at two locations to investigate on the use of peas Pisum sativum L. (Fabaceae), lentils Lens culinaris L. (Fabaceae), canola/rapeseed Brassica napus L. (Brassicaceae), corn/maize Zea mays L. (Poaceae), durum Triticum durum Desf. (Poaceae) and barley Hordeum vulgare L. (Poaceae) as traps intercropped with spring wheat Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae). The efficacy of trap cropping was determined by damage assessment in wheat plants along 1m transects and by counting wireworm populations on wheat and trap crop rows of a plot. Secondly, the effect of intercrop spacing on plant damage and the number of wireworms was determined for pea and lentil trap crops. To support field trials potted experiments were set up in the shade house to determine wireworm distributions in two-choice assays. Collectively the results from this study showed that pea and lentil trap crops resulted in significantly lower damage in wheat plants and they attracted more numbers of wireworms compared to other crops. Results from shade house trails supported observations from the field trials. An intercropping spacing of 0.5m between pea or lentil and the spring wheat crop produced highest density of spring wheat plants. The results from these experiments will add to the basic understanding of trap cropping for wireworms control.Item Influences of ungulate carcasses on Coleopteran communities in Yellowstone National Park, USA(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 1994) Sikes, Derek ScottItem A faunal survey of the elateroidea of Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 1993) Seibert, Catherine ElaineItem Effects of stress inducing factors on musk thistle (Carduus nutans L.) including--grass competition, Rhinocyllus conicus Froel., terminal flower loss, and insecticides(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 1988) Corr, Daniel Robert