Instars: A Journal of Undergraduate Research (Texas Digital Library - TDL E-Journals)
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Mosquito Prevalence in Urban Versus Rural Areas in the Bryan/College Station Area in Brazos County, Texas
No full textThe Bryan/College Station area in Texas is plagued with many diseases vectored by mosquitoes annually. In this mosquito survey, the main objective was to compare and contrast the genus and species of mosquitoes that were natural to both urban and rural areas of Bryan/College Station. Starting from late February of 2014, mosquitoes were collected in both urban and rural areas with mosquito larvae dippers and adult brooders. The results showed that in the urban areas of Bryan/College Station, Culex tarsalis (Coquillett) (Diptera: Culicidae) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) (Diptera: Culicidae) were abundant. The results for rural areas showed that Aedes vexans (Meigen) (Diptera: Culicidae) and Culiseta inornata (Williston) (Diptera: Culicidae) were abundant. In pastoral areas there is a lot of livestock, so the mosquitoes that were present were more specific to livestock. The mosquitoes collected in urban areas are mostly adapted for feeding on human hosts. Knowing what mosquito is more prominent in what location will help a great deal in controlling these vectors.
Species and Abundance of Diptera at the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Center
No full textA total of 54 Diptera were caught via insect net over the course of four weeks at the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Center. Both weather and time of day affected whether the collectors were able to collect specimens. Once the Diptera were collected, they were identified as Musca species, Calliphoridae or Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). Attached to the Musca species and Stomoxys calcitrans were migratory mites. By determining what species of Diptera are present at the Beef Center, scientists can further analyze types of diseases associated, thus preventing such diseases from affecting the cattle.
Analysis of Roach (Blattodea:Blattellidae) populations in colonies of Solenopsis invicta (Buren) (Hymenoptera:Formicidae)
No full textFire ant colonies infested with cockroaches were examined with attention to prevalence of roaches. Colonies were grouped by age, presence or absence of covered areas, and placement in an incubator or lack thereof. Examination of population density over a four-day period showed a higher prevalence of roaches in covered areas. Cockroaches who hid in narrow spaces thus preferred hiding in covered areas for comfort, or else faced improved conditions for survival in narrow spaces. The furthered understanding of roach habitats could be used to more effectively control or eliminate roach populations.
Seasonal Collection of Mosquitos in the College Station Area
No full textMosquitos are a major concern as a vector of disease. Several potential mosquito breeding grounds in the College Station area were harvested for mosquito larvae present. The larvae collected were reared to adults in order to assist with identification. Several major vector species were found in the sample including Culex restuans, Aedes aegypti, Psorophora confinnis, and Psorophora columbiae. Disease spread by the feeding of these arthropods was shown to be a possibility
Species Diversity and Disease-Vectoring Capabilities of Mosquitoes Surrounding the Main Campus of Texas A&M University
No full textMosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, account for many deaths throughout the world each year. It is therefore essential to become familiar with the species that vector these diseases, in order to take steps toward enhancing treatment and prevention. Additionally, several competent vectors of some of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases are known to inhabit the United States. Due to its central location and favorable climate, the city of College Station is a good habitat for many species of mosquito. The goal of this study was centered on discovering which species are abundant in the highly populated areas where students who attend Texas A&M University live. Larvae were collected from small bodies of water in three of the most popular residential areas surrounding the campus. Some specimens were reared out to the adult stage for identification, while others were killed as larvae to be identified. It was found that each of the three collection sites held larvae of mosquitoes that are competent vectors of serious diseases. Species found include Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Say) (Diptera:Culicidae), Aedes triseriatus (Say) (Diptera:Culicidae), and Culex salinarius (Coquillett) (Diptera:Culicidae). Therefore, if the pathogens of these diseases were to arrive in College Station, many community members would be at risk of infection.
Effects of Ethanol Exposure on Decomposition and Insect Colonization
No full textIn the field of forensic entomology, various factors go into account during the determination of a post mortem interval. These variables arise from different scenarios that affect insect colonization and decomposition. One scenario, involves the use of alcohol, due to its availability in the market and the effects it has on different species of insects. This leads researchers to believe that alcohol does indeed change the pattern of decomposition in test subjects containing alcohol. By using chickens, it was observed that after a week of exposure both the specimen containing the alcohol, as well as the control chicken, decomposed at nearly the same rate. This result could be explained by close proximity of the two specimens.
The Effect of Burning On Cadaver Decomposition and Insect Succession
No full textFactors contributing to decomposing rates and insect succession include: wrapping, burying, or burning the corpse. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the burning of a body would alter where insects would colonize the body and whether it would delay decomposition. One test chicken was blackened and charred on both sides and was compared to a control chicken. The control chicken was found in a late stage of active decay, while the test chicken was found skeletonized. Little to no fly activity was observed on the day of collection, however one Sarcophagidae adult was found on the control chicken and three fly species (Piophilidae (2 & 3rd instar larvae), Lucilia cuprina (1 adult), Ophyra (1 adult)) were identified from the test chicken. Numerous beetles were found on both control and test chickens. On the control chicken, adult Staphylinidae (14), adult Siliphidae (1), and adult Histeridae (12) were found. On the test chicken, there were: adult Staphylinidae (3), adult Siliphidae (7), and adult Histeridae (9). The burning of the test chicken caused it to decompose faster, affecting succession of insects on the bodies. This explains the abundance of beetles on the test subject as compared to the control
The Effects of Increasing Temperature on Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera:Formicidae)
No full textoai:instars-ojs-tamu.tdl.org:article/3This experiment focuses on the Solenopsis invicta’s ability to withstand increasing temperatures in a dry, arid environment and determining the highest temperature that it would be possible for them to survive without the protection of an underground mound. Forty organisms were collected and separated in half, one being the control group and the other being the test group. The test organisms were then placed into a commercial food dehydrator and temperature was gradually increased. The behaviors of the organisms were noted as each increase in temperature took place. The lowest temperature that a change was observed was at 115°F and the highest temperature found that a fire ant could withstand was 125°F. The majority of change occurred at 120°F. At this temperature, 90% of the test ants became motionless and died. These results demonstrate the importance of the complex nests that fire ants build underground in order to regulate their temperatures.
Population Survey of Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae) on Cattle in Sale Barn in Navasota, Texas
No full textLivestock pests, if left uncontrolled, are capable of impacting the health and productivity of the animals. This leads to disruption of the economy based around livestock and the goods produced. In order for a control program to be applied, the target pest species needs to be identified. The purpose of this experiment was to determine which species of pests infested cattle within the Navasota area through a population survey. The specimens were collected directly from the cattle and preserved for identification. The survey results depicted Haematobia irritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) as the main pest associated with cattle in the study location. Of the 64 collected specimens, all were found to be H. irritans, and an average of 206 horn flies was observed on each individual. The potential economic losses associated with the findings of this study indicated a need for an integrated horn fly management strategy within the area