A New Subspecies of Diabrotica virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Description, Distribution, and Sexual Compatibility

Genetic variation in geographical populations of western and Mexican corn rootworm

“…The boundary between the two phenotypes has remained discrete and stationary, even as WCR expanded eastward. Presumptive hybrid beetles have been collected infrequently along a narrow boundary between the two populations in the panhandle of Texas and central Mexico (Krysan et al ., 1980;Giordano et al ., 1997). Laboratory crosses between WCR and MCR displayed reduced egg hatch when WCR was the paternal parent (Krysan & Branson, 1977).…”

“…Morphological features can distinguish adult MCR and WCR except in a narrow zone of overlap where a few intermediate phenotypes have been observed. However, larvae cannot be differentiated (Krysan et al ., 1980;Krysan, 1986). Identification of Diabrotica larvae to species is difficult and for several species is impossible (Krysan, 1986).…”

Adaptation and Invasiveness of Western Corn Rootworm: Intensifying Research on a Worsening Pest

“…It remains unclear how this infestation began, but frequent international flights from major airports within the United States located near large maize production areas suggest that accidental transport of adults by commercial aircraft was most likely 304 Gray et al Reconstruction of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, range expansion from central Great Plains across North America from 1867 to 2005, based on data or reports in the literature (25,39,48,49,64,67,68,69,70,110,115,116,123 (Figure 2), with the most significant number of infested hectares in Hungary (93,000 km 2 ), Serbia and Montenegro (73,000 km 2 ), and Romania (65,000 km 2 ). Miller et al (72) determined that at least three independent incursions by the western corn rootworm across the Atlantic Ocean, rather than a single invasion, are responsible for the current European distribution of this insect pest.…”

The role of Wolbachia bacteria in reproductive incompatibilities and hybrid zones of Diabrotica beetles and Gryllus crickets

“…v. virgifera and D. v. zeae Krysan and Smith are major pests of maize in North America and northern Mexico. Character indices using scutellar color and elytral maculation patterns are used to distinguish the two subspecies (13 (14). Rickettsial bacteria have been observed, using electron microscopy, in the testes and cells of the spermatheca of adult D. v. virgifera (15).…”