Instar Determination of Blattella asahinai (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) From Digital Measurements of the Pronotum Using Gaussian Mixture Modeling and the Number of Cercal Annuli.

The Asian cockroach, Blattella asahinai Mizukubo, has expanded its range throughout the southeastern United States since its introduction into Florida. Unlike its closest relative, the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), B. asahinai lives outdoors and can fly. There is little information on the biology and development of B. asahinai, including the number of instars during nymphal development. To estimate the number of instars of B. asahinai, nymphs were photographed, sexed, and the lengths and widths of their pronota were measured digitally. The number of instars of B. asahinai was estimated using Gaussian mixture models with the pronotal data. The most probable model and its clusters were selected to assign individuals to an instar. Instars were also determined by counting the number of cercal annuli of nymphs. Both clustering and cercal annuli indicated that B. asahinai most frequently had six instars when reared at 30°C. Growth did not strictly follow the Brooks-Dyar Rule, because nymphs had different numbers of instars and different growth patterns. Although Gaussian mixture models are not efficient for field sampling experiments, digital measurements may provide a way to estimate instars with live specimens in development studies without handling the animals in a way that may alter growth.

Topical Toxicity and Repellency Profiles of 17 Essential Oil Components against Insecticide-Resistant and Susceptible Strains of Adult Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae).

The house fly is a significant pest in agriculture and human health that is increasingly difficult to manage due to multiple limitations including resistance development. To explore alternative pesticides, the topical toxicity and repellency profiles of 17 essential oil components (EOCs) were evaluated against a resistant and a susceptible strain of house fly, Musca domestica L., using topical application and Y-tube olfactometers, respectively. Six of the most toxic EOCs based on the LD50 were further investigated against a susceptible strain of house fly. Thymol, (+)-pulegone, eugenol, and carvacrol were always the top four most toxic chemicals tested against the resistant house fly strain. Little to no resistance was observed to the top six EOCs based on the comparison of the results between resistant and susceptible house fly strains. P-Cymene, citronellic acid, R-(+)-limonene, linalool, γ-terpinene, estragole, and eugenol were repellent to adult house flies at certain concentrations while (-)-carvone and thymol were attractive to adult house flies. This screening of a wide variety of individual EOCs provides a stronger foundation of information for further research. This should encourage further investigation into the topical toxicity and repellency in field studies, which will provide more insight into the performance of biopesticides for house fly management and potential commercialization.

Differential development and survival of Blattella asahinai and Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) at six constant temperatures.

The Asian cockroach, Blattella asahinai Mizukubo, is a peridomestic nuisance pest in the southeastern United States. Blattella asahinai is the closest relative to Blattella germanica (L.), the German cockroach, one of the most prolific and widespread domestic pests. Because these two species live in different habitats, they are expected to have differential development patterns reflecting environmental adaptations. Development of B. asahinai and B. germanica cockroach nymphs were observed at six constant temperatures ranging from 10 to 35 °C. At 10 °C and 15 °C, all nymphs died in the first instar, but B. germanica nymphs survived longer (10 °C: 12.9 d; 15 °C: 42.9 d) than B. asahinai nymphs (10 °C 8.2 d; 15 °C 18.4 d) at both temperatures. At 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C, B. asahinai consistently had more instars and longer stadia than B. germanica. At 35 °C, only B. germanica was able to complete nymphal development; cannibalism among B. asahinai nymphs during molting was often observed at this temperature. The results for B. asahinai corroborated previously estimated growth patterns. The lower nymphal development threshold was 14.1 °C for B. germanica and 13.7 °C for B. asahinai. Comparing the development of B. germanica directly with its closest relative reveals specific physiological adaptations that B. germanica has developed for the indoor biome.

The prevalence of Wolbachia in multiple cockroach species and its implication for urban insect management.

Cockroach management relies heavily on the use of conventional insecticides in urban settings, which no longer provide the anticipated level of control. Knowledge of cockroach endosymbionts, like Wolbachia, might provide novel avenues for control. Therefore, we screened 16 cockroach species belonging to 3 families (Ectobiidae, Blattidae, and Blaberidae) for the presence of Wolbachia. We mapped the evolution of Wolbachia-cockroach relationships based on maximum likelihood phylogeny and phylogenetic species clustering on a multi-loci sequence dataset (i.e., coxA, virD4, hcpA, and gatB) of Wolbachia genes. We confirmed the previous report of Wolbachia in 1 Ectobiid species; Supella longipalpa (Fab.), and detected the presence of Wolbachia in 2 Ectobiid species; Balta notulata (Stål) and Pseudomops septentrionalis Hebard, and 1 Blaberid species; Gromphadorhina portentosa (Schaum). All cockroach-associated Wolbachia herein detected were clustered with the ancestor of F clade Wolbachia of Cimex lectularius L. (bed bugs). Since Wolbachia provision C. lectularius with biotin vitamins that confer reproductive fitness, we screened the cockroach-associated Wolbachia for the presence of biotin genes. In toto, our results reveal 2 important findings: (i) Wolbachia is relatively uncommon among cockroach species infecting about 25% of species investigated, and (ii) cockroach-associated Wolbachia have biotin genes that likely provide nutritional benefits to their hosts. Thus, we discuss the potential of exploring Wolbachia as a tool for urban insect management.

Repellent, antifeedant, and toxic activities of Lantana camara leaf extract against Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

This study investigated biological activity of chloroform extract of dry Lantana camara 'Mozelle' leaves against the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), an important structural pest. Repellent activity was assessed using a paper-disc choice test and a sand arena choice test. Antifeedant and toxic properties were assessed using a no-choice paper test and a topical application method. In the choice tests, significantly fewer termites made contact with treated paper-discs at test concentrations > or = 0.016 mg/cm2 (equivalent to 0.0023 wt:wt) or tunneled into treated sand at test concentrations > or = 0.125 mg/g, compared with control. In the no-choice tests, termite feeding activity was significantly reduced and termite mortality was greatly increased in treatments than control. Exposure to filter paper treated at 0.212 and 0.106 mg/cm2 (equivalent to 0.03 and 0.015 wt:wt) resulted in > 90% mortality and 78% reduction in feeding, and approximately 52% mortality and 40% reduction in feeding, respectively. Top-dorsal application led to > 60% mortality at 4 microg/termite. This study showed that the chloroform leaf extract of L. camara had excellent repellent and moderate toxic and antifeedant activities.

Why Do Insects Close Their Spiracles? A Meta-Analytic Evaluation of the Adaptive Hypothesis of Discontinuous Gas Exchange in Insects.

The earliest description of the discontinuous gas exchange cycle (DGC) in lepidopterous insects supported the hypothesis that the DGC serves to reduce water loss (hygric hypothesis) and facilitate gaseous exchange in hyperoxia/hypoxia (chthonic hypothesis). With technological advances, other insect orders were investigated, and both hypotheses were questioned. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the merit of both hypotheses. This included 46 insect species in 24 families across nine orders. We also quantified the percent change in metabolic rates per °C change of temperature during the DGC. The DGC reduced water loss (-3.27 ± 0.88; estimate ± 95% confidence limits [95% CI]; p < 0.0001) in insects. However, the DGC does not favor gaseous exchange in hyperoxia (0.21 ± 0.25 [estimate ± 95% CI]; p = 0.12) nor hypoxia, but did favor gaseous exchange in normoxia (0.27 ± 0.26 [estimate ± 95% CI]; p = 0.04). After accounting for variation associated with order, family, and species, a phylogenetic model reflected that metabolic rate exhibited a significant, non-zero increase of 8.13% (± 3.48 95% CI; p < 0.0001) per °C increase in temperature. These data represent the first meta-analytic attempt to resolve the controversies surrounding the merit of adaptive hypotheses in insects.

Effects of indoxacarb concentration and exposure time on onset of abnormal behaviors, morbundity, and death in eastern subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

Onset of abnormal behaviors, morbundity, and death was evaluated in eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), exposed to several concentrations (45, 90, 135, and 180 ppm) of indoxacarb and to several (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 min) exposure periods. Abnormal behaviors, morbundity, and death occurred in a predictable sequence: disorientation, ataxia, and morbundity followed by death. In general, higher concentrations and longer exposure periods resulted in faster onset of abnormal behaviors, morbundity, and death. The average onset time of abnormal behaviors, morbundity, and death was faster for groups of termites compared with individuals exposed to similar concentrations and periods of contact. The importance of onset times of abnormal behaviors as another important measure of the toxicity of slow-acting toxicants is discussed.

Temperature-Mediated Variations in Behavior and Mortality Caused by Non-Repellent Insecticides in Subterranean Termites (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae).

Behavioral symptoms and mortality associated with intoxication with insecticides fipronil and indoxacarb were determined in field-collected eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), and Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Behaviors and mortality were evaluated at three temperatures (16, 22, and 28 °C) and three concentrations of fipronil (0.5, 1, and 5 ppm) and indoxacarb (50, 75, and 100 ppm). LT50 (median lethal time to kill 50% of the termites) values declined with increasing concentrations and temperatures for both fipronil-exposed eastern and Formosan subterranean termites, whereas these values were not always the highest at 16 °C for indoxacarb-treated termites. The greatest change (reduction) in LT50 values occurred for both species between 16 and 22 °C at the lowest concentration of each insecticide. Intoxication and moribundity were the most frequently observed behaviors for fipronil-exposed termites, whereas intoxication, ataxia, and moribundity were observed for most concentration and temperature combinations for indoxacarb-exposed termites. The inherent toxicity of fipronil was higher than that of indoxacarb. The higher presence and duration of intoxication behaviors may positively affect the performance of indoxacarb against subterranean termite colonies.

Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of the Kudzu Bug, Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae), to Volatile Compounds from Kudzu and Soybean Plants.

The kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria, is a key pest of soybean in the United States. Electrophysiological and behavioral responses of adult M. cribraria to kudzu and soybean volatile compounds were examined to identify semiochemicals used for host location. Headspace volatiles collected from undamaged potted plants were analyzed by gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD). Subsequently, six GC-EAD-active compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). These six compounds, along with some previously reported insect attractants, were selected for electroantennogram (EAG) assays. The four chemicals that elicited the strongest EAG responses, 1-octen-3-ol, nonanal, benzaldehyde, and ocimene, were selected for evaluation in olfactometer bioassays. Both benzaldehyde and 1-octen-3-ol exhibited dose-dependent responses at higher concentration. Our results provide insight into host location compounds used by adult M. cribraria. These results may be evaluated in future field tests and ultimately useful to develop a semiochemical-based monitoring technique and integrated pest management program for M. cribraria.

Effects of Legume Species and Plant Growth Stage on Attraction, Fecundity, and Development of the Kudzu Bug (Heteroptera: Plataspidae).

The kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae), is an invasive pest of soybeans in the southeastern United States. Two greenhouse choice assays evaluated crop species and growth stage-specific orientation preference of kudzu bug adults to six different legume species (Fabales: Fabaceae) at four plant growth stages (V2, V4, R1, and R5). Adults had differential orientation to both legume species and plant growth stages tested. Adults preferred the R1 stage of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) and lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus (L.)), but preferred various growth stages of the other legumes tested. Given their respective attractive growth stages, adults significantly preferred lima bean (47.8%) to soybean (21.9%) and kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris (L.), 19.2%), and preferred mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek, 4.2%), black-eyed pea (Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata (L.) Walp, 4.7%), and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris (L.), 2.7%) the least. In no-choice assays, females deposited a similar number of eggs on each legume species, except for green bean and kidney bean, on which they deposited the fewest eggs. Eggs laid by females feeding on soybean (67.9%), lima bean (58.1%), and mung bean (42.6%) had significantly greater hatch rates than eggs laid by females feeding on the other legume species. No-choice assays also showed that nymphs completed development to adults on soybean, lima bean, and mung bean; yet, survival was greatest on soybean. Results show that females fed and oviposited on all of the legume species tested; however, plant species significantly affected egg hatch rates and nymphal survival.

Hemolymph protein profiles of subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes challenged with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

When the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes is fed heat-killed methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the termite produces proteins with antibacterial activity against the inducer pathogen in its hemolymph. We used a proteomic approach to characterize the alterations in protein profiles caused by the inducer bacterium in the hemolymph of the termite. Nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis identified a total of 221 proteins and approximately 70% of these proteins could be associated with biological processes and molecular functions. Challenges with these human pathogens induced a total of 57 proteins (35 in MRSA-challenged, 16 in P. aeruginosa-challenged, and 6 shared by both treatments) and suppressed 13 proteins by both pathogens. Quasi-Poisson likelihood modeling with false discovery rate adjustment identified a total of 18 and 40 proteins that were differentially expressed at least 2.5-fold in response to MRSA and P. aeruginosa-challenge, respectively. We selected 7 differentially expressed proteins and verified their gene expression levels via quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Our findings provide an initial insight into a putative termite immune response against MRSA and P. aeruginosa-challenge.

Behavioral responses of two subterranean termite species (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to instant freezing or chilling temperatures.

The behavioral responses to instant freezing or chilling temperatures and survivorship of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, and the Eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), were studied using a novel experimental design that closely simulated subterranean termites' natural in-ground environment. Both termite species responded to changes in temperature by exhibiting a downward mass movement from the cold to warmer area of constant temperature. However, the degrees of response were specific to the species and temperature regimen. Approximately 88 and 96% of R. flavipes escaped from instant 0 degrees C and chilling regimens (from 24 to 0 degrees C at a rate of 1 degrees C/h or 1 degrees C/12 h), respectively, compared with approximately 77 and 91% of C. formosanus. No significant difference was detected between the two cooling regimens in either termite species. Controls resulted in a relatively even distribution within test tubes in both termite species. The small portion of the termites that did not escape endured a cold coma at a 24-h 0 degrees C and had low mortality of 2.2 and <1% in R. flavipes and <5.2 and <3% in C. formosanus at instant and chilling regimens, respectively. This result may have implications for understanding group intelligence and decision making evolved by subterranean termites to survive temporary freezing cold.

Temperature-Dependent Development and Thermal Sensitivity of Blaptica dubia (Blattodea: Blaberidae).

Temperature-dependent development of nymphs of the Dubia cockroach, Blaptica dubia Serville, was described using constant-temperature data collected from laboratory experiments at 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C. Simple linear regression models were developed based on the data from each instar. Degree-days required to complete a particular life stage were estimated as 457.5, 668, 1,031, 1,317, 1,515, 1,429, and 2,071 for instars 1-7, respectively. Nymphs developed to adulthood at 20, 25, and 30 °C, but all died before developing into fifth instar at 35 °C and into second instar at 40 °C. Critical thermal maximum (CTMax) and critical thermal minimum (CTMin) of B. dubia were also measured for each instar. CTMax ranged from 44.8 to 49.9 °C for fourth and second instars, respectively. CTMin ranged from approximately -2 °C for seventh instar to - 3.1 °C for second instar. There was no relationship between body mass (instar) and CTMax; however, CTMin was positively correlated with body mass. These results could be used to control the development rate of B. dubia and adjust the optimal rearing temperature for B. dubia in a given situation.

Characterization of Antibacterial Activities of Eastern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, against Human Pathogens.

The emergence and dissemination of multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens necessitate research to find new antimicrobials against these organisms. We investigated antimicrobial production by eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes, against a panel of bacteria including three multidrug resistant (MDR) and four non-MDR human pathogens. We determined that the crude extract of naïve termites had a broad-spectrum activity against the non-MDR bacteria but it was ineffective against the three MDR pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Acinetobacter baumannii. Heat or trypsin treatment resulted in a complete loss of activity suggesting that antibacterial activity was proteinaceous in nature. The antimicrobial activity changed dramatically when the termites were fed with either heat-killed P. aeruginosa or MRSA. Heat-killed P. aeruginosa induced activity against P. aeruginosa and MRSA while maintaining or slightly increasing activity against non-MDR bacteria. Heat-killed MRSA induced activity specifically against MRSA, altered the activity against two other Gram-positive bacteria, and inhibited activity against three Gram-negative bacteria. Neither the naïve termites nor the termites challenged with heat-killed pathogens produced antibacterial activity against A. baumannii. Further investigation demonstrated that hemolymph, not the hindgut, was the primary source of antibiotic activity. This suggests that the termite produces these antibacterial activities and not the hindgut microbiota. Two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analyses of 493 hemolymph protein spots indicated that a total of 38 and 65 proteins were differentially expressed at least 2.5-fold upon being fed with P. aeruginosa and MRSA, respectively. Our results provide the first evidence of constitutive and inducible activities produced by R. flavipes against human bacterial pathogens.

Transfer of indoxacarb among workers of Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae): effects of dose, donor:recipient ratio and post-exposure time.

Horizontal transfer of indoxacarb among workers of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, was examined under laboratory conditions. The effects of dose (0, 10, 20, 50, 100 or 200 ng AI per donor), donor:recipient ratio (1:1, 1:4 or 1:9) and post-exposure time (2, 4, 8, 16, 20 and 24 days) on lethal transfer of indoxacarb were investigated using a donor/recipient model in groups of 100 workers. Transfer of lethal doses from donors to recipients was evidenced by significant recipient mortality in 13 out of 15 treatments within 24 days post-exposure. Dosage significantly affected indoxacarb transfer. Higher doses resulted in greater recipient mortality than lower doses. The highest dose tested resulted in 100% death of recipients and donors within 20 days. A dose of 100 ng resulted in recipient mortalities ranging from 68 to 100%, whereas doses < or =50 ng killed <60% of recipients within 24 days. Donor:recipient ratio also had considerable effect on indoxacarb transfer. At 24 days post-exposure, greater recipient mortalities were observed at ratios > or =1:4 at doses > or =20 ng, but only at a ratio 1:1 at dose 10 ng. Recipient mortality increased significantly as post-exposure time increased. The higher the doses applied on donors, the shorter were the times required for the onset of recipient mortality to occur and for recipients to reach maximum mortality. Significantly greater recipient mortalities were not observed at doses 20 and 50 ng until more than 20 days post-exposure, indicating a delayed activity of indoxacarb. Possible transfer mechanisms are discussed.

Valuation of efficacy and nonrepellency of indoxacarb and fipronil-treated soil at various concentrations and thicknesses against two subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

The efficacy and nonrepellency of indoxacarb (150 SC, 150 g [AI]/liter) and fipronil (Termidor SC, 9.1% [Al]) against field-collected eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), and the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were evaluated for mortality and penetration into treated soil in laboratory glass tube bioassays. Both insecticides were tested at five concentrations (0, 1, 10, 50, and 100 ppm) and two thicknesses (20 and 50 mm) of treated soil. Indoxacarb caused significantly greater mortality than controls at all treatment thicknesses of > or = 10 ppm, but not at 1 ppm. Concentration and treatment thickness of indoxacarb significantly affected termite mortality. Eastern subterranean termites were significantly more susceptible to indoxacarb than Formosan subterranean termites, but there were no intercolony differences in either species. Termites completely penetrated through all treatment thickness of indoxacarb-treated soil at all concentrations, except one of the six Formosan subterranean termite replicates of 50 mm at 50 ppm, when all termites were killed before tunneling through the treated soil. Fipronil resulted in significantly faster and greater termite mortality than indoxacarb at corresponding concentrations. Concentration and treatment thickness of fipronil also significantly affected termite mortality. There was no intercolony difference in susceptibility to either insecticide in either termite. Both termite species completely penetrated 20-mm treatments of all tested fipronil concentrations, as well as 50-mm soil treated with fipronil at < or = 10 ppm. At 50 and 100 ppm fipronil, termites tunneled only a mean of 87 +/- 0.21 and 47 +/- 0.18% deep into 50-mm treated soil, respectively, before death. Both insecticides demonstrated a delayed mode of activity and nonrepellency against the two termite species.

Effects of concentration, distance, and application methods of Altriset (Chlorantraniliprole) on eastern subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

The effects of various concentrations, distance, and application methods of Altriset (Chlorantraniliprole) were investigated against one of the most destructive termites, the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes Kollar. Three laboratory experiments were conducted. First, we examined the concentration effect of treating the soil contiguously to established foraging tunnels at a fixed 1 m distance. The results demonstrated 100% termite control in 19 d posttreatment at 100 and 50 µg/g and 27% termite mortality at 25 µg/g. Second, we tested the distance effect of the soil treatment (2 and 4 m) on the efficacy of Altriset to the satellite termite populations at a fixed 50 µg/g concentration. This resulted in 100% termite control in 22 d posttreatment at both 2 and 4 m. Third, we examined the effect of differing application methods using 12.5 and 25 µg/g prior to the establishment of foraging tunnels at a fixed 1m distance. This illustrated 100% termite control in 9 d posttreatment at 25 µg/g and 12 d posttreatment at 12.5 µg/g. The third experiment demonstrated soil treatments that were applied prior to termite tunnel establishment had greater efficacy than applications made post tunnel construction. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding about the efficacy of Altriset treatments on eastern subterranean termites.

Effects of non-repellent termiticides on the tunneling and walking ability of the eastern subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

BACKGROUND: Non-repellent insecticides, including fipronil and indoxacarb, are becoming increasingly important for soil treatments to manage the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). The effects of these insecticides on termite walking and tunneling behavior could significantly reduce their efficacy against colonies. RESULTS: Groups of R. flavipes were exposed to several concentrations of commercial formulations of fipronil and indoxacarb, and the ability of treated termites to tunnel in soil and walk was assessed. Increasing insecticide concentration resulted in a reduction in the ability of R. flavipes to walk, tunnel and form tunnel branches; the importance of these effects on the use of non-repellent insecticides is discussed. CONCLUSION: Exposure of R. flavipes to 1, 10 or 50 mg L(-1) of fipronil or 50, 100 or 200 mg L(-1) of indoxacarb significantly reduced termite walking and tunneling and the number of tunnel branches. Distance walked (ca 73 mm) by untreated control termites did not change over time for at least 16 h after treatment; control termites formed ca 150 cm of tunnels with ca 40 branches.

Potential negative effects of earthworm prey on damage to turfgrass by omnivorous mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae).

The severity of damage to host plants by omnivorous pests can vary according to the availability of plant and animal prey. Two omnivorous mole crickets, Scapteriscus vicinus Scudder and S. borellii Giglio-Tos, were used to determine if the availability of prey influences damage to hybrid bermudagrass by adult mole crickets. Experiments were conducted in arenas with either grass alone (control), grass plus one mole cricket, grass plus earthworms (Eisenia fetida Savigny), or grass with earthworms and a mole cricket. Root growth variables (e.g., volume, dry weight) after 4 wk and weekly measurements of top growth were compared among the treatments. Surprisingly, bermudagrass infested with either mole cricket species caused no significant reduction in root growth and a minimal reduction on top growth with S. vicinus compared with controls. Survival of earthworms with S. borellii was significantly lower than survival in the earthworm-only treatment suggesting predation. Survival of earthworms with S. vicinus, however, was not different from the earthworm-only treatment. The addition of earthworm prey with mole crickets did not significantly impact bermudagrass root or shoot growth relative to grass with only mole crickets. Despite no negative impacts from earthworms or mole crickets separately, earthworms plus mole crickets negatively impact several root parameters (e.g., length) suggesting an interaction between these two soil-dwelling invertebrates. Increased use of more target-selective insecticides in turfgrass may increase available prey. This work suggests that alternative prey, when present, may result in a negative impact on turfgrass roots from foraging omnivorous mole crickets.