Date of Graduation

8-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Entomology (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Entomology

Advisor/Mentor

Frederick M. Stephen

Committee Member

Donald C. Steinkraus

Second Committee Member

Cynthia L. Sagers

Keywords

Biological sciences, Arkansas, Deladenus, Forest entomology, Insect trapping, Parasitic nematode, Sirex

Abstract

The European woodwasp, Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), which is a known destructive pest of pine in the southern hemisphere was recently discovered in the eastern United States. Before we can understand how S. noctilio may affect pine forests throughout the United States, we need a better understanding of native Sirex and the role they play in the ecosystem. The objectives of this research were to 1) determine species composition and flight period for native Sirex; 2) confirm presence of parasitic nematodes, Deladenus (Nematoda: Neotylenchidae), within adult Sirex; 3) investigate Deladenus parasitism rates; 4) verify the number of Deladenus species found using molecular techniques. To accomplish these goals, panel traps were erected within pine forests in three ecologically distinct regions of Arkansas: Ozark Mountains, Ouachita Mountains, and Gulf Coastal Plain. Specimens collected in these traps were identified and later dissected for presence of Deladenus. One species of Sirex was collected, Sirex nigricornis F., and a single species of Deladenus was found in S. nigricornis specimens from all three regions.

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