Progress 10/01/08 to 10/01/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Information users and other interested audiences are diverse because of the broad impact zones in the nature of the project, including public and private, governmental and nongovernmental. Immediate users of information are other biological scientists, as well as agriculturalists, environmentalists, businesses, and homeowners. Specific groups may include a broad public interest in the sustainability of the Black Hills Ecoregion; native pollinator knowledge, protection, and utilization; insect systematists and other in need of modern taxonomic capability; producers of native plant seed and land managers seeking to establish native plants; landowners and agencies seeking restructuring and sustainability of perturbed habitats; and biodiversity interest groups and agencies. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Dr. Paul J. Johnson; Principal investigator and collaborator David Drons, graduate research assistant (MS), Native Bees of the Black Hills; Veronica Calles Torrez, graduate research assistant (MS, Insects of Switchgrass; Laura Winkler, graduate research assistant (MS), Ant Biodiversity and as Indicator of Grassland Reconstruction Success; Rita I. Velez-Ruiz, graduate research assistant (PhD), Bee Systematics and collection manager; Dr. Arvid Boe; collaborator on switchgrass, cordgrass, and cup plant projects; Dr. Vance Owens; collaborator on switchgrass, cordgrass, and cup plant projects; Dr. Susan Rupp; collaborator on switchgrass project; Ms. Krista Hegge, undergraduate research on switchgrass project; Ms. Heidi Myers, Honors Student and undergraduate researcher on switchgrass project; David Carlson, Honors Student and undergraduate researcher on cup plant moth. Seven undergraduate research assistants participated in collecting and analyzing data from various project aspects, or assisted in the recovery of data from the Insect Research Collection. Partner Organizations include but not limited to the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks; US Dept of Agriculture, ARS, Bee Lab, and Forest Service; U.S. Dept of Interior, Park Service, Fish & Wildlife Service; Smithsonian Institution; Wyoming Natural Heritage Program; North Dakota State University, Entomology Collection; Bernice P. Bishop Museum. Collaborators and contacts include but are not limited to Dr Susan Rupp, Dr Alexander Smart, Dr Gary Larson, Dr Carter Johnson, Dr Anne Fennell, Dr Alisa Gallant, Dr David Graper, Dr John Morris, Dr Neal Evenhuis, Dr Dan Bickle. Training opportunities: 1) Citizen scientist volunteer bee collectors in Rapid City and other Black Hills communities. 2) Training of interested colleagues from Illinois and other states to provide them capability for recognizing and diagnosing the presence of switchgrass moth. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? No fewer than 10 oral papers and posters at conferences were presented, public presentations, 5 theses, and 30 publications in peer reviewed journals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
An aggressive approach to the historical neglect of natural resource and environmentally responsible entomology and the insect biota of South Dakota has resulted in the discovery of species new to science and others newly found in the region. New and scientifically valuable life history patterns and characteristics, and advancements in insect biology are being developed. With an initial focus of insects associated with native environments and prairie plants, species of moths, flies, and bees to the State or region are being elucidated. Discovery of species and elucidating their life histories constitute the prime directive of biological studies and are important accomplishments. Studies on insect feeding on plant species that are of biomass feedstock value, hence of potentially great future environmental, economic, and agricultural importance. Thirty professional publications and three theses reporting the newly discovered species and life stages were be developed from these studies, with additional ones pending. Popular articles about these studies were published in industry magazines and news media websites. Public interest was stimulated by these new discoveries with extensive outreach through multiple radio and news association interviews, and Internet blogs. Interest in these insects has generated considerable national and international public and industry interest, including inquiries involving studies into lignin and cellulosic digestive enzyme biochemistry. Regional interest developed on the native bees of the Black Hills project to the degree that a citizen scientist collaboration through the Master Gardener's program was developed so that volunteers could assist in the inventory of native bees in urban and suburban areas. This program attracted interest from civic organizations such as native plant, wildlife, and recreational societies in the Black Hills region. Studies described here have spawned newly funded grants to continue research on the insect of switchgrass and cup plant, and the native bee inventory of the Black Hills. Studies on click beetle, gall midge, and parasitoid wasp taxonomy continue to discover new species, species of environmental interest, and attracted interest by colleagues and provided opportunities for additional collaborations, one of which is an international project. Continuing study on the incidence of invasive parasitoids in native parasitoid guilds on legumes provided additional data on the negative impacts to native communities from an historical biocontrol agent release that can now be viewed as poorly conceived, evaluated, and implemented. This project continues as an example of the importance of studies on taxonomy and life histories, including developmental periods, anatomy and morphology, species delimitation, insect-plant relationships, parasite and predator associations, and trophic relations. This is the kind of information usable for effective outreach. It is popular, is it comprehensible, and it is meaningful A graduate student working on a pollinator inventory in reconstructed grasslands is also conducting a systematic revision of the bee genus Ptiloglossa, and is the part-time collection manager. A second graduate student focused on the life histories of the switchgrass moth, Blastobasis repartella, and the switchgrass gall midge, Chilophaga virgati, both significant plant predators on agronomic switchgrass. Overwintering feeding by the switchgrass moth caterpillar was found to occur on the new rhizome buds, killing these buds, and significantly impacting the potential biomass production of switchgrass. New species of parasitoid wasps were reared from the switchgrass gall midge larva and pupa, and were formally described. A third graduate assistant is conducting studies on ant biodiversity and their role in establishing reconstructed grasslands. One graduate student completed a study on the native bee biodiversity of the Black Hills Ecoregion, with nearly 200 species found, many of which are previously unrecorded from the region and the State. An undetermined species of crambid moth that bores in the apical internodes of switchgrass tillers is being investigated. Insect-plant relationships of the cordgrass seed bug, Ischnodemus falicus and the cordgrass moth, Aethes spartinana were conducted. Parasitoid wasps affect the cordgrass moth and these are being determined and their impact assessed. The cutworm Papaipema nebris, and the Four-lined borer, Resampea stipata, also feed in new tillers and significantly reduced biomass production. The host relations and life history were continued for Eucosma giganteana, a tortricid moth that is a pest of cup plant in agronomic plantings. This caterpillar can cause a total loss of floral and seed crop, and reduction of biomass production. Other insects associated with cup plant include an apparently new species of Uroleucon aphid, and two undescribed species new to science of braconid wasp that parasitizes this new aphid. Studies on click beetles and their immature stages continued. To date, 10 insects have been determined to be feeders on cup plant, with another 15 or more bee, fly, and beetles being regular pollinators. Wireworm and click beetle taxonomic studies continue with collaborations on the use of pheromones and allomones for trapping selected species impacting crops in Montana, and the role of click beetles in decaying wood ecology. A revision of the genus Amychus was completed with an international colleague. This study described a new species, presented the first descriptions of larvae and pupae, provided new taxonomic evaluations, and reviewed characters important to understanding phylogenetic relationships. This study also supported theories on anthropogenic impacts and invasive species on island species, in this case the role of introduced rats in the extinction of native species. Studies on seed predators and their parasitoids of native legumes continued. Additional data was collected on the incidence of predation on the seeds of Amorpha fruticosa and Astragalus canadensis, and supportive data were acquired on the parasitism rates of weevil and bruchid larvae by several species of chalcidoid wasps. The introduced parasitoid Dinarmus acutus is a persistent invader of native parasitoid guilds, indicating a the negative impact by this wasp and its biocontrol introduction program. Faunal diversity catalogs and revisionary studies for several groups native to North America are coming to completion.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Calles Torrez, V., P.J. Johnson and A. Boe. 2013. Infestation Rates and Tiller Morphology Effects by the Switchgrass Moth on Six Upland Cultivars of Switchgrass. Bioenergy Research, 6: 808-812.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Johnson, P.J., P.N. Buhl, and V. Calles Torrez. 2013. A New Species of Platygaster (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) Parasitizing Chilophaga virgati Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Zootaxa, 3630(1): 184-190.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Etzler, F. J. Huether, P.J. Johnson, F.W. Skillman, and M.A. Ivie 2013. Use of CO1 BarCoding to Test Species Validity of Tetraopes huetheri Skillman (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). The Coleopterists Bulletin, 67(1): 46-49.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Calles Torrez, V., P.J. Johnson and A. Boe. 2013. Erratum to: Infestation Rates and Tiller Morphology Effects by the Switchgrass Moth on Six Cultivars of Switchgrass. BioEnergy Research, DOI 10.1007/s12155-013-9322-7.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Calles Torrez, V., P.J. Johnson and A. Boe. 2013. The Switchgrass Gall Midge (Chilophaga virgati Gagne) in the Northern Great Plains. Bioenergy Research, DOI 10.1007/s12155-013-9386-4
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Johnson, P.J. 2013. A New Species of Scaptolenus LeConte (Coleoptera: Elateridae: Cebrioninae) from Sonora, M�xico, with a Checklist of Species of northern Mexico and the United States / Nueva especie de Scaptolenus LeConte (Coleoptera: Elateridae: Cebrioninae) para Sonora, M�xico, con una lista de las especies del norte de Mexico y los Estados Unidos. Dugesiana, 20(2): 105-110.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Westcott, R.L., R.C. Biggam, S. B�ly, W.H. Clark, D.S. Horning, J.B. Johnson, P.J. Johnson, R.E. Morel, R. Nowierski, J. Rifkind, D. & J. Roberts, M.G. Volkovitsch. 2014. In Memory of William Frederick Barr (1920-2011). Giornale Italiano di Entomologia, 13(59): 381-400.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Johnson, P.J. 2014. Barrelater audreyae, new genus and species, from the United States Intermountain West (Coleoptera: Elateridae). Giornale Italiano di Entomologia, 13(59): 407-412.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Brandt, D.M. 2011. Diet-Based Fitness in Coccinella novemnotata Herbst (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). M.S. thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, 66 p.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Calles Torrez, V. 2013. Biological and Agronomic Aspects of Two Insect Predators of Switchgrass. M.S. thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, 67p.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Drons, D.J. 2012. An Inventory of Native Bees (Hymenoptera: Apiformes) in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. M.S. thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, 88 p.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2008
Citation:
Kinicki, D. 2008. Invasive Grasses Induce Bottom-Up Biodiversity Reductions by Insects in Northern Tallgrass Prairie. M.S. thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, 109 p.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Winkler, L.B. 2013. Using Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as Indicators of Restoration Success in the Tallgrass Prairies of Southeastern South Dakota. M.S. thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, 67p.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Reitsma, K.D., T.E. Schumacher, V.N. Owens, D.E. Clay, A. Boe, P.J. Johnson. 2012. Switchgrass Management & Production in South Dakota. iGrow Agronomy South Dakota State University, November 2011, 13 p.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2008
Citation:
Johnson, P.J. and D. Deneke. 2008. Biocontrol Insects of Canada Thistle in the Northern Plains. South Dakota State University Extension Special Series 65, 15p.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2008
Citation:
Johnson, P.J., G.E. Larson, and D. Deneke. 2008. A Guide to the Common Native and Exotic Thistles of South Dakota. South Dakota State University Extension Special Series 1500, 15 pp.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Drons, D.J. and P.J. Johnson. 2012 (2013). An Inventory of Native Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science, 91: 229
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Johnson, P.J. and A. Boe 2012. Three Interesting Insects and the Cause of Reduced Vigor of Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum) in Agronomic Plantings. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science, 90: 214
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Brandt, D.M. P.J. Johnson, L. Hesler, and J. Losey. 2012 Diet Based Fitness Variability of Coccinella novemnotata (Coleoptera: Cocinellidae). Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science, 90: 215
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Johnson, P.J., A. Boe, and D. Adamski. 2011. The Switchgrass Moth, Blastobasis repartella. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science, 89 (2010): 277
|
Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Severin-McDaniel Insect Research Collection underwent significant curatorial efforts, including incremental infrastructural upgrading. Nearly 100,000 specimens were subjected to data capture, with approximately half subjected to data verification and uploading to SPECIFY6; this represents nearly 10% of the estimated specimen count in the collection. An NSF Digitization project was continued with 13 institutional collaborations to image collection materials and extract label data. A graduate student working on a pollinator inventory in reconstructed grasslands is also conducting a systematic revision of the bee genus Ptiloglossa, and is the part-time collection manager. A second graduate student is focused on elucidating the life histories of the switchgrass moth, Blastobasis repartella, and the switchgrass gall midge, Chilophaga virgati, both significant plant predators on agronomic switchgrass. Overwintering feeding by the switchgrass moth caterpillar was found to occur on the new rhizome buds, killing these buds, and significantly impacting the potential biomass production of switchgrass. New species of parasitoid wasps were reared from the switchgrass gall midge larva and pupa, and are being formally described. A third graduate assistant is conducting studies on ant biodiversity and their role in establishing reconstructed grasslands. One graduate student completed a study on the native bee biodiversity of the Black Hills Ecoregion, with nearly 200 species found, many of which are previously unrecorded from the region and the State. An undetermined species of crambid moth that bores in the apical internodes of switchgrass tillers is being investigated. Insect-plant relationships of the cordgrass seed bug, Ischnodemus falicus and the cordgrass moth, Aethes spartinana were conducted. Parasitoid wasps affect the cordgrass moth and these are being determined and their impact assessed. The cutworm Papaipema nebris, and a yet to be determined species of weevil, also feed in new tillers and significantly reduced biomass production. The host relations and life history were continued for Eucosma giganteana, a tortricid moth that is a pest of cup plant in agronomic plantings. This caterpillar can cause a total loss of floral and seed crop, and reduction of biomass production. Other insects associated with cup plant include an apparently new species of Uroleucon aphid, and an undescribed species of braconid wasp that parasitizes this new aphid. Studies on click beetles and their immature stages continued. To date, 10 insects have been determined to be feeders on cup plant, with another 15 or more bee, fly, and beetles being regular pollinators. Wireworm and click beetle taxonomic studies continue with collaborations on the use of pheromones and allomones for trapping selected species impacting crops in Montana, and the role of click beetles in decaying wood ecology. Faunal diversity catalogs and revisionary studies for several groups native to North America are coming to completion. No fewer than 10 oral papers and posters at conferences were presented, along with 13 publications in peer reviewed journals, derived from this project. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Paul J. Johnson; Principal investigator and collaborator David Drons, graduate research assistant (MS); Native Bees of the Black Hills. Veronica Calles Torrez, graduate research assistant (MS; Insects of Switchgrass. Laura Winkler, graduate research assistant (MS); Ant Biodiversity and as Indicator of Grassland Reconstruction Success. Rita I. Velez-Ruiz, graduate research assistant (PhD); Bee Systematics and collection manager. Dr. Arvid Boe; collaborator on switchgrass, cordgrass, and cup plant projects. Dr. Vance Owens; collaborator on switchgrass, cordgrass, and cup plant projects. Dr. Susan Rupp; collaborator on switchgrass project Krista Hegge, undergraduate research on switchgrass project. Heidi Myers, Honors Student and undergraduate researcher on switchgrass project; David Carlson, Honors Student and undergraduate researcher on cup plant moth. Seven undergraduate research assistants participated in collecting and analyzing data from various project aspects, or assisted in the recovery of data from the Insect Research Collection. TARGET AUDIENCES: Information users and other interested audiences are diverse because of the broad impact zones in the nature of the project, including public and private, governmental and non-governmental. Immediate users of information are other biological scientists, as well as agriculturalists, environmentalists, businesses, and homeowners. Specific groups may include a broad public interest in the sustainability of the Black Hills Ecoregion; native pollinator knowledge, protection, and utilization; insect systematists and other in need of modern taxonomic capability; producers of native plant seed and land managers seeking to establish native plants; landowners and agencies seeking restructuring and sustainability of perturbed habitats; and biodiversity interest groups and agencies. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
An aggressive approach to the historical neglect of entomology and the insect biota of South Dakota has resulted in new species discovery and others newly found in the region. New and scientifically valuable life history patterns and characteristics, and advancements in insect biology are being developed. With an initial focus of insects associated with native environments and prairie plants, species of moths, flies, and bees to the State or region are being elucidated. Discovery of species and elucidation their life histories constitute the prime directive of biological studies and are important accomplishments. Studies on insect feeding on plant species that are of biomass feedstock value, hence of potentially great future environmental, economic, and agricultural importance. Manuscripts for professional publication reporting the newly discovered species and life stages were and continue to be developed from these studies. Popular articles about these studies were published in industry magazines and news media websites. Public interest was stimulated by these new discoveries with extensive outreach through multiple radio and news association interviews, and Internet blogs. Interest in these insects has generated considerable national and international public and industry interest, including inquiries involving studies into lignin and cellulosic digestive enzyme biochemistry. Regional interest developed on the native bees of the Black Hills project to the degree that a citizen scientist collaboration through the Master Gardener's program was developed so that volunteers could assist in the inventory of native bees in urban and suburban areas. This program attracted interest from civic organizations such as native plant, wildlife, and recreational societies in the Black Hills region. Studies spawned newly funded grants to continue research on the insect of switchgrass and cup plant, and the native bee inventories. Studies on click beetle taxonomy continue to discover new species, species of environmental interest, and attracted interest by colleagues and provided opportunities for additional collaborations, one of which is an international project. New studies on pollinating insects, especially bees, and their systematics and ecology were developed. New species of discovery and life histories are being studied. This project continues as an example of the importance of diverse studies on taxonomy and life histories, including developmental periods, anatomy and morphology, species delimitation, insect-plant relationships, parasite and predator associations, and trophic relations. This is the kind of information usable for effective outreach. It is popular, is it comprehensible, and it is meaningful.
Publications
- Drons, D. and P.J. Johnson 2012 (2011). An Inventory of Native Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science, 90: 203.
- Johnson, P.J. and A. Boe 2012 (2011). Three Interesting Insects and the Cause of Reduced Vigor of Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum) in Agronomic Plantings. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science, 90: 214.
- Brandt, D.M. P.J. Johnson, L. Hesler, and J. Losey. 2012 (2011). Diet Based Fitness Variability of Coccinella novemnotata (Coleoptera: Cocinellidae). Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science, 90: 215.
- Drons, D.J. and P.J. Johnson. 2012 (2013). An Inventory of Native Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science, 91: 229.
- Johnson, P.J., A. Boe, K. Albrecht and V. Calles Torrez. 2012. Recent Discoveries and Developments in the Entomology of Bioenergy Crop Production, p. 41. In Sun Grant Initiative 2012 National Conference: Science for Biomass Feedstock Production and Utilization, Program & Agenda, October 2-5, 2012 New Orleans, LA. Knoxville, TN. 74 p.
- Boe, A., K. Albrecht, P.J. Johnson, V. Owens, T. Mamo, and C. Yang. 2012. Quantitative Genetic Analysis of Biomass Yield, Pest Resistance, and Other Agronomic Traits in Prairie Cordgrass and Cup Plant, p. 25-26. In Sun Grant Initiative 2012 National Conference: Science for Biomass Feedstock Production and Utilization, Program & Agenda, October 2-5, 2012, New Orleans, LA. Knoxville, TN. 74 p.
- Johnson, P.J., R.E. DeWalt and N.L. Evenhuis. 2012. Dodecatoma Westwood, 1849 (Insecta, Coleoptera): proposed conservation by suppression of Dodecatoma Dufour, 1841 (Insecta, Plecoptera). Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature, 69(3): 178-181.
- Johnson, P.J., T.R. Van Devender and A. L. Reina-Guerrero. 2012. New Sonoran Distribution Records for Chalcolepidius approximatus Erichson (Coleoptera: Elateridae). Dugesiana, 19(2): 45-46.
- Johnson, P.J. 2012. Trachypachus holmbergi Mannerheim (Coleoptera: Trachypachidae) from South Dakota and Wyoming, U.S.A. The Coleopterists Bulletin, 66(4): 357.
- Johnson, P.J., P.N. Buhl, and V. Calles Torrez. 2013. A New Species of Platygaster (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) Parasitizing Chilophaga virgati Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Zootaxa, in press.
- Etzler, F. J. Huether, P.J. Johnson, F.W. Skillman, and M.A. Ivie. 2013. Use of CO1 BarCoding to Test Species Validity of Tetraopes huetheri Skillman (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). The Coleopterists Bulletin, in press.
- Calles Torrez, V., P.J. Johnson and A. Boe. 2013. Infestation Rates and Tiller Morphology Effects by the Switchgrass Moth on Six Upland Cultivars of Switchgrass. Bioenergy Research, in press.
- Johnson, P.J. 2013. Elateridae. In Bouchard, P. et al. (eds), Checklist of the Coleoptera of Canada and Alaska, 2nd ed. Ottawa, in press.
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A biodiversity inventory program was continued on the native bees of the Black Hills Ecoregion. Nearly 200 species were found, many of which are previously unrecorded from the region and the State. A graduate assistant is analyzing bee biodiversity and relationships to land use patterns, habitat changes, climate correlations, and faunal survival in urban and suburban habitats. This project produced two related spinoff projects, one on pollinator inventories of reconstructed grasslands, and one on a systematic revision of the neotropical bee genus Ptiloglossa for which NSF support is being sought. A new graduate assistant was hired on this latter project. The host relations and life cycle details were studied for the switchgrass moth, Blastobasis repartella. Overwintering feeding by the caterpillar was found to occur on the new rhizome buds, killing these buds, and significantly impacting the potential above ground production of switchgrass. A new species of Chilophaga, a gall midge, feeding on the switchgrass inflorescence was described and published. An undetermined species of crambid moth that was found boring in the apical internodes of switchgrass tillers is now known to be potentially more damaging that the Switchgrass midge, bringing to three the number of serious pest on this grass. The seedbug Ischnodemus falicus is a significant plant parasite of Prairie cordgrass in natural and agronomic system, and the tortrid moth Aethes spartinana. The cutworm Papaipema nebris, and a yet to be determined species of weevil, also feed in new tillers and significantly reduced biomass production. The host relations and life history were continued for Eucosma giganteana, a tortricid moth that is a pest of cup plant in agronomic plantings. This caterpillar can cause a total loss of floral and seed crop, and reduction of biomass production. Later instars of the caterpillar are proaxis feeders, not root feeders as stated in the published literature. Other insects associated with cup plant include an apparently new species of Uroleucon aphid, and an undescribed species of braconid wasp that parasitizes this new aphid. Studies on click beetles and their immature stages continued. New directions include collaborations examining trapping methods using pheromones and allomones, and on the fauna impacting small grains in Montana and eastern Washington. The Severin-McDaniel Insect Research Collection was moved to new quarters and is undergoing significant curatorial efforts. An NSF Digitization project was joined in a 12 state collaboration to image collection materials and extract label data. A part-time collection manager was hired. A new graduate assistant was hired to conduct studies on ant biodiversity and ecology in reconstructed grasslands. This person is funded by a privately endowed fellowship and assistance will be given to the donor for the development of a natural history book on ants of South Dakota. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Paul J. Johnson; Principal investigator and collaborator David Drons, graduate research assistant (MS); Native Bees of the Black Hills. Veronica Calles Torrez, graduate research assistant (MS; Insects of Switchgrass. Laura Winkler, graduate research assistant (MS); Ant Biodiversity and as Indicator of Grassland Reconstruction Success. Rita I. Velez-Ruiz, graduate research assistant (PhD); Bee Systematics and collection manager. Dr. Arvid Boe; collaborator on switchgrass, cordgrass, and cup plant projects. Dr. Vance Owens; collaborator on switchgrass, cordgrass, and cup plant projects. Dr. Susan Rupp; collaborator on switchgrass project Krista Hegge, undergraduate research on switchgrass project. Heidi Myers, Honors Student and undergraduate researcher on switchgrass project. Nine undergraduate research assistants participated in collecting and analyzing data from various project aspects, or assisted in the recovery of data from the Insect Research Collection. TARGET AUDIENCES: Information users and other interested audiences are diverse because of the broad impact zones in the nature of the project, including public and private, governmental and non-governmental. Immediate users of information are other biological scientists, as well as agriculturalists, environmentalists, businesses, and homeowners. Specific groups may include a broad public interest in the sustainability of the Black Hills Ecoregion; native pollinator knowledge, protection, and utilization; insect systematists and other in need of modern taxonomic capability; producers of native plant seed and land managers seeking to establish native plants; landowners and agencies seeking restructuring and sustainability of perturbed habitats; and biodiversity interest groups and agencies. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
An aggressive approach to the historical neglect of entomology and the insect biota of South Dakota has resulted in new species discovery and others newly found in the region. New and scientifically valuable life history patterns and characteristics, and advancements in insect biology are being developed. With an initial focus of insects associated with native environments and prairie plants, species of moths, flies, and bees to the State or region are being elucidated. Discovery of species and elucidating their life histories constitute the prime directive of biological studies and are important accomplishments. Studies on insect feeding on plant species that are of biomass feedstock value, hence of potentially great future environmental, economic, and agricultural importance. Manuscripts for professional publication reporting the newly discovered species and life stages were and continue to be developed from these studies. Popular articles about these studies were published in industry magazines and news media websites. Public interest was stimulated by these new discoveries with extensive outreach through multiple radio and news association interviews, and Internet blogs. Interest in these insects has generated considerable national and international public and industry interest, including inquiries involving studies into lignin and cellulosic digestive enzyme biochemistry. Work is initiating on identifying pheromones from biomass feeding insects. Regional interest developed on the native bees of the Black Hills project to the degree that a citizen scientist collaboration through the Master Gardener's program was developed so that volunteers could assist in the inventory of native bees in urban and suburban areas. This program attracted interest from civic organizations such as native plant, wildlife, and recreational societies in the Black Hills region. Studies described here have spawned newly funded grants to continue research on the insect of switchgrass and cup plant, and the native bee inventory of the Black Hills. Studies on click beetle taxonomy continue to discover new species, species of environmental interest, and attracted interest by colleagues and provided opportunities for additional collaborations, one of which is an international project. New studies on pollinating insects, especially bees, and their systematics and ecology were developed. New species of discovery and life histories are being studied. This project continues as an example of the importance of diverse studies on taxonomy and life histories, including developmental periods, anatomy and morphology, species delimitation, insect-plant relationships, parasite and predator associations, and trophic relations. This is the kind of information usable for effective outreach. It is popular, is it comprehensible, and it is meaningful.
Publications
- Velez-Ruiz, R.I. 2011. Lista de las abejas Colletidae y Andrenidae del Museo Entomologico Francisco Luis Gallego. Boletin del Museo Entomologico Francisco Luis Gallego, 3(3): 23-24.
- Debinski, D.M., R.A. Moranz, J.T. Delaney, J.R. Miller, D.M. Engle, L.B. Winler, D.A. McGranahan, R.J. Barney, J.C. Trager, A.L. Stephenson, and M.K. Gillespie. 2011. A cross-taxonomic comparison of insect responses to grassland management and land-use legacies. Ecosphere, 2(12), article 31, 16 pp.
- Johnson, P.J. 2011. Long-Tailed Mealybugs on Orchids. Orchid Digest, 75(1): 32-39.
- Johnson, P.J. 2011. Entomological discoveries in the domestication of native prairie plants. Boletin del Museo Entomologico Francisco Luis Gallego, 3(3): 7-12
- Velez-Ruiz, R.I. 2011. Recuento sobre las publicaciones de las abejas silvestres de Colombia. Boletin del Museo Entomologico Francisco Luis Gallego, 3(3): 13-22.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A biodiversity inventory program was continued on the native bees of the Black Hills Ecoregion. Species previously unrecorded from the region and the State are being documented. A graduate research assistant is analyzing bee biodiversity and relationships to land use patterns, habitat changes, climate correlations, and faunal survival in urban and suburban habitats. The host restriction and life cycle details were studied for the switchgrass moth, Blastobasis repartella. The caterpillar was found to feed in the proaxis and lower stem internodes of spring growth tillers, thus killing stem growth. A parasitoid was discovered. A publication on this species was made. A new species of Chilophaga, a gall midge, feeding on the switchgrass inflorescence was described for publication. An undetermined species of pyraloid moth that was found boring in the apical internodes of switchgrass tillers is now known to be a potential pest. The seedbug Ischnodemus falicus is a significant plant parasite of Prairie cordgrass in natural and agronomic system, and the cutworm Papaipema nebris, and a yet to be determined species of weevil, both feed in new tillers and significantly reduced biomass production. Big bluestem grown in agronomic plots was found to be a host for several species cutworm and pyraloid moths, and may also host one or more species of gall midges. The host relations and life history were studied for Eucosma giganteana, a tortricid moth now known to be a pest of cup plant in agronomic plantings. This caterpillar can cause a total loss of floral and seed crop, and reduction of biomass production. Later instars of the caterpillar were found to be proaxis feeders, not root feeders as stated in the published literature. Other insects associated with cup plant include an apparently new species of Uroleucon aphid, and an undescribed species of braconid wasp that parasitizes this new aphid. Studies on click beetles and their immature stages continued. A revision of the genus Amychus was published. This study described a new species, presented the first descriptions of larvae and pupae, provided new taxonomic evaluations, and reviewed characters important to understanding phylogenetic relationships. This study also supported theories on anthropogenic impacts and invasive species on island species, in this case the role of introduced rats in the extinction of native species. A species of Platycrepidius described by the PI was newly reported from Panama. Studies on seed predators and their parasitoids of native legumes continued. Additional data was collected on the incidence of predation on the seeds of Amorpha fruticosa and Astragalus canadensis, and supportive data were acquired on the parasitism rates of weevil and bruchid larvae by several species of chalcidoid wasps. The introduced parasitoid Dinarmus acutus continues as a persistent invader of native parasitoid guilds, indicating a the negative impact by this wasp and its biocontrol introduction program. The Severin-McDaniel Insect Research Collection was moved to new quarters and is undergoing significant curatorial efforts. PARTICIPANTS: Primary individuals that worked on all or some of the inclusive projects are the PI, Dr Paul J Johnson, Dr Arvid Boe, and Dr Vance Owens. Partner Organizations include but not limited to the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks; US Dept of Agriculture, ARS, Bee Lab, and Forest Service; U.S. Dept of Interior, Park Service, Fish & Wildlife Service; Smithsonian Institution; Wyoming Natural Heritage Program; North Dakota State University, Entomology Collection; Bernice P. Bishop Museum. Collaborators and contacts include but are not limited to Dr Susan Rupp, Dr Alexander Smart, Dr Gary Larson, Dr Carter Johnson, Dr Anne Fennell, Dr Alisa Gallant, Dr David Graper, Dr John Morris, Dr Neal Evenhuis, Dr Dan Bickle. Training opportunities: 1)Citizen scientist volunteer bee collectors in Rapid City and other Black Hills communities. 2) Training of interested colleagues to provide capabilities for recognizing and diagnosing the presence of switchgrass moth and other biomass infesting insects. TARGET AUDIENCES: Information user and other interested audiences are diverse because of the broad impact zones in the nature of the project, including public and private, governmental and non-governmental. Immediate users of information are other biological scientists, as well as agriculturalists, environmentalists, businesses, and homeowners. Specific groups may include a broad public interest in the sustainability of the Black Hills Ecoregion, producers of native plant seed and land managers seeking to establish native plants, landowners and agencies seeking restructuring and sustainability of perturbed habitats, and biodiversity interest groups and agencies. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
An aggressive approach to the historical neglect of entomology and the insect biota of South Dakota has resulted in new species discovery and others newly found in the region. New and scientifically valuable life history patterns and characteristics, and advancements in insect biology are being developed. With an initial focus of insects associated with native environments and prairie plants, species of moths, flies, and bees to the State or region are being elucidated. Discovery of species and elucidating their life histories constitute the prime directive of biological studies and are important accomplishments. Studies on insect feeding on plant species that are of biomass feedstock value, hence of potentially great future environmental, economic, and agricultural importance. Manuscripts for professional publication reporting the newly discovered species and life stages were and continue to be developed from these studies. Popular articles about these studies were published in industry magazines and news media websites. Public interest was stimulated by these new discoveries with extensive outreach through multiple radio and news association interviews, and Internet blogs. Interest in these insects has generated considerable national and international public and industry interest, including inquiries involving studies into lignin and cellulosic digestive enzyme biochemistry. Regional interest developed on the native bees of the Black Hills project to the degree that a citizen scientist collaboration through the Master Gardener's program was developed so that volunteers could assist in the inventory of native bees in urban and suburban areas. This program attracted interest from civic organizations such as native plant, wildlife, and recreational societies in the Black Hills region. Studies described here have spawned newly funded grants to continue research on the insect of switchgrass and cup plant, and the native bee inventory of the Black Hills. Studies on click beetle taxonomy continue to discover new species, species of environmental interest, and attracted interest by colleagues and provided opportunities for additional collaborations, one of which is an international project. Continuing study on the incidence of invasive parasitoids in native parasitoid guilds on legumes provided additional data on the negative impacts to native communities from an historical biocontrol agent release that can now be viewed as poorly conceived, evaluated, and implemented. This project continues as an example of the importance of studies on taxonomy and life histories, including developmental periods, anatomy and morphology, species delimitation, insect-plant relationships, parasite and predator associations, and trophic relations. This is the kind of information usable for effective outreach. It is popular, is it comprehensible, and it is meaningful.
Publications
- Marris, J.W.M. and P.J. Johnson. 2010. A revision of the New Zealand click beetle genus Amychus Pascoe 1876 (Coleoptera: Elateridae: Denticollinae): with a description of a new species from the Three Kings Islands. Zootaxa, 2331: 35-56.
- Adamski, D., P.J. Johnson, A.A. Boe, J.D. Bradshaw, and A. Pultyniewicz. 2010. Descriptions of life- stages of Blastobasis repartella (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Coleophoridae: Blastobasinae) and observations on its biology in switchgrass. Zootaxa 2656: 41-54.
- Vargas Cusatti, U., A. Lanuza Garay, and P.J. Johnson. 2010. New Records of Platycrepidius costaricensis Johnson and Platycrepidius eburatus (Champion) (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Panama. The Coleopterists Bulletin, 64(3): 285-286.
- Johnson, P.J. 2010. Boisduval Scale on Orchids. Orchid Digest, 74(3): 170-177.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A new biodiversity inventory program was initiated on the native bees of the Black Hills Ecoregion. Already, species previously unrecorded from the region and the state were documented. A research assistant is analyzing bee biodiversity and relationships to land use patterns, habitat changes, climate correlations, and faunal survival in urban and suburban habitats. The host restriction and life cycle details were studied for the switchgrass moth, Blastobasis repartella. The caterpillar was found to feed in the proaxis and lower stem internodes of spring growth tillers, thus killing stem growth. A parasitoid was discovered. A new species of Chilophaga, a gall midge, was discovered feeding on the switchgrass inflorescence. An undetermined, possibly undescribed, species of pyraloid moth was found boring in the apical internodes of switchgrass tillers. The seedbug Ischnodemus is confirmed as a significant plant parasite of Prairie cordgrass, and the cutworm Papaipema nebris, and a yet to be determined species of weevil, both feed in new tillers and significantly reduced biomass production. Big bluestem grown in agronomic plots was found to be a host for several species cutworm and pyraloid moths, and may also host one or more species of gall midges. The host relations and life history were studied for Eucosma giganteana, a tortricid moth newly found in South Dakota and not previously known to be a pest of cup plant. This caterpillar can cause a total loss of floral and seed crop, and reduction of biomass production. Later instars of the caterpillar were found to be proaxis feeders, not root feeders as stated in the published literature. The pupa was discovered. First season metrics were taken to assess the severe impact of the caterpillar on cup plant. Other insects associated with cup plant include an apparently new species of aphid, and an undescribed species of braconid wasp that parasitizes this new aphid. Preliminary observations indicate that native ladybeetle diversity and population densities associated with this aphid are negatively impacted by the highly invasive Asian ladybeetle. Studies on click beetles and their immature stages continued. A revision of the genus Amychus was completed with an international colleague. This study described a new species, presented the first descriptions of larvae and pupae, provided new taxonomic evaluations, and reviewed characters important to understanding phylogenetic relationships. This study also supported theories on anthropogenic impacts and invasive species on island species, in this case the role of introduced rats in the extinction of native species. Studies on seed predators and their parasitoids of native legumes continued. Additional data was collected on the incidence of predation on the seeds of Amorpha fruticosa and Astragalus canadensis, and supportive data were acquired on the parasitism rates of weevil and bruchid larvae by several species of chalcidoid wasps. The introduced parasitoid Dinarmus acutus is a persistent invader of native parasitoid guilds, indicating a the negative impact by this wasp and its biocontrol introduction program. PARTICIPANTS: Primary individuals that worked on all or some of the inclusive projects are the PI, Dr Paul J Johnson, Dr Arvid Boe, and Dr Vance Owens. Partner Organizations include but not limited to the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks; US Dept of Agriculture, ARS, Bee Lab, and Forest Service; U.S. Dept of Interior, Park Service, Fish & Wildlife Service; Smithsonian Institution; Wyoming Natural Heritage Program; North Dakota State University, Entomology Collection; Bernice P. Bishop Museum. Collaborators and contacts include but are not limited to Dr Susan Rupp, Dr Alexander Smart, Dr Gary Larson, Dr Carter Johnson, Dr Anne Fennell, Dr Alisa Gallant, Dr David Graper, Dr John Morris, Dr Neal Evenhuis, Dr Dan Bickle. Training opportunities: 1) Citizen scientist volunteer bee collectors in Rapid City and other Black Hills communities. 2) Training of interested colleagues from Illinois and other states to provide them capability for recognizing and diagnosing the presence of switchgrass moth. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
An aggressive approach to the historical neglect of entomology and the insect biota of South Dakota has resulted in fully predictable conclusions. New species were discovered and others were newly found in the region. New and scientifically valuable life history patterns and characteristics, and advancements in insect biology. With an initial focus of insects associated with native environments and prairie plants, new species of moths and flies. Discovery of species and elucidating their life histories constitute the prime directive of biological studies and consitute important accomplishments. In addition, some of these novel species were found on plant species that are of biomass feedstock value, hence of potentially great future environmental, economic, and agricultural importance. Manuscripts for professional publication reporting the newly discovered species and life stages are being developed from these studies, with one pending publication. Popular articles by other authors about these studies have already been published in industry magazines and news media websites. Public interest was stimulated by these new discoveries with extensive outreach through multiple radio and news association interviews, and Internet blogs. Interest in these insects has generated considerable national and international public and industry interest, including inquiries involving studies into lignin and cellulosic digestive enzyme biochemistry. Regional interest developed on the native bees of the Black Hills project to the degree that a citizen scientist collaboration through the Master Gardener's program is being developed so that volunteers can assist in the inventory of native bees in urban and suburban areas. This program has attracted interest from civic organizations such as native plant, wildlife, and recreational societies in the Black Hills region. Studies described here have spawned newly funded grants to continue research on the insect of switchgrass and cup plant, and the native bee inventory of the Black Hills. Studies on click beetle taxonomy continue to discover new species, species of environmental interest, and attracted interest by colleagues and provided opportunities for additional collaborations, one of which is an international project. Continuing study on the incidence of invasive parasitoids in native parasitoid guilds on legumes provided additional data on the negative impacts to native communities from an historical biocontrol agent release that can now be viewed as poorly conceived, evaluated, and implemented. The first year of this new project provides is an example of the importance of studies on taxonomy and life histories, including developmental periods, anatomy and morphology, species delimitation, insect-plant relationships, parasite and predator associations, and trophic relations. This is the kind of information usable for effective outreach. It is popular, is it comprehensible, and it is meaningful.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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