Population dynamics, distribution, and biotic mortality factors for oothecae of five species of cockroaches in selected habitats /
The population dynamics and natural enemies of cockroach oothecae oviposited in different aged residential developments and native woodlands were studied in Central Texas. Oothecae collected were of two peridomestic species, Periplaneta fuliginosa (Serville) (30.3%), Periplaneta brunnea Burmeister...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1995.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=742145431&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | The population dynamics and natural enemies of cockroach oothecae oviposited in different aged residential developments and native woodlands were studied in Central Texas. Oothecae collected were of two peridomestic species, Periplaneta fuliginosa (Serville) (30.3%), Periplaneta brunnea Burmeister (1.2%), and two wood roach species, Parcoblatta pennsylvanica DeGeer (38.8%), and Parcoblatta fulvescens Saussure and Zehntner (29.9%). The peridomestic species were significantly more prevalent in older developments (20-25 years), and in woodpiles, and on the brick mortar of house exteriors. None were collected from new residential developments (0-2 years) or native woodlands. Wood roach oothecae were collected from all locations surveyed, but were more prevalent in intermediate aged residential developments (4-5 years) and in woodpiles, compost, and in weep holes of the house exterior. Aprostocetus hagenowii Ratzenburg parasitized only oothecae of P. fuliginosa and averaged 30.6% parasitism whereas, Hyptia thoracica Blanch parasitized only the Parcoblatta spp. with a preference for P. pennsylvanica at an average parasitism of 19.2%. P. brunnea was not parasitized. Parasitization by A. hagenowii was highest in July and August and parasitization by H. thoracica was highest from September through April. Parasitization by Hyptia thoracica was not detected in native woodlands or new developments. Predation on all cockroach oothecae species was detected at all locations censused. Further field and laboratory studies showed the formicids Solenopsis invicta Buren and Pheidole dentata Mayr were significant predators on cockroach oothecae, nymphs, and parasitoids. The aggressive behavior of the ants was shown in laboratory experiments to reduce parasitism of Periplaneta americana Linnaeus 13-fold and to delay parasitoid emergence time an average of 17 hours. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major subject: Entomology". |
| Physical Description: | xiv, 143 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |