Using glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) egg-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) and GWSS-specific genetic markers that we previously developed and optimized, the guts of field-collected predators were screened for the presence of GWSS remains. We have examined the guts of over 700 generalist predators and our analyses revealed that frequent predators of the GWSS include spiders, assassin bugs, l...

Predaceous and parasitic arthropods can play an important role in the regulation of herbivore populations. However, the majority of predators and parasitoids also use plant-derived foods as a source of nutrients. This vegetarian side of the menu may include various plant-provided substrates, such as nectar, pollen, fruits or foods indirectly derived from plants (e.g., honeydew or pycnial fluid ...

We compared the abundance of spiders and predaceous insects in five central California vineyards. Spiders constituted 98.1% of all predators collected. More than 90% of all spiders collected were from eight species of spiders, representing six families. Two theridiids (Theridion dilutum and T. melanurum) were the most abundant, followed by a miturgid (Cheiracanthium inclusum) and an agelinid (H...

A short review of the state of the art of research on insects from the Cretaceous period is given. The recent achievements and priorities for future efforts are indicated. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. The Cretaceous, the geologic period from circa 145 to 66 million years (Ma) ago is a complex time period in Earth's history (Gale, 2000; Keller, 2008; Cohen et al., 2013). Generally s...

Functional biodiversity generates essential ecosystem services to agriculture such as biological pest control, pollination and nutrient cycling. Yet, intensive agricultural practices threaten ecological functions thereby posing long-term risks sustainable food production human health (Dainese et al., 2019; Foley 2005). A potential solution is the intensification of farming, which allows farmers...

The walnut aphid, Chromaphis juglandicola is a pest known in California for more than 100 years. The introduction of the parasitic wasp Trioxys pallidus from Iran in 1969 led to a dramatic success in the biological control of walnut aphid populations in California, and has provided sustained control of this devastating pest for the past 35 years. However, we are currently facing new walnut aphi...

summary) Apples: Both SOFT and CONV treatment regimes were able to maintain injury from codling moth (CM) at a very low level across the AWII project, even in the face of increasing CM pressure throughout most of the growing areas of Washington state. CM pressure varied in the AWII project from low-moderate in most blocks to high at two of the orchards (A3 and A5). On average, there was no real...