Research Project: Enhancing Insect Ecosystem Services that Benefit Modern Cropping Systems

Location: Integrated Cropping Systems Research

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Interspecific larval competition of two diabrotica species (northern and western corn rootworm) in corn roots: Implications for pest management - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wangila, D.S., Pekarcik, A.J., Wang, Y., Yang, F. 2026. Interspecific larval competition of two diabrotica species (northern and western corn rootworm) in corn roots: Implications for pest management. Plants. 15(3). Article 15030367. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030367

Towards a global repository of insect traits (GRIT) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cardoso, P., Baker, N.J., Bioeiro, M., Bonte, D., Borges, P.A., Branco, V., Chobanov, D., Correia, L., Dalton, D., Roeder, K.A., et al. 2025. Towards a global repository of insect traits (GRIT). Insect Conservation and Diversity. p. 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.70035.

Temporal plasticity of thermal tolerance in ants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Roeder, D.V., Paraskevopoulos, A.W., Roeder, K.A. 2025. Temporal plasticity of thermal tolerance in ants. Ecology. 106(12). Article e70250. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.70250.

Geographic variation in thermal tolerance of western corn rootworm - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Roeder, K.A., Drey, S., Daniels, J.D., Botsch, J. 2025. Geographic variation in thermal tolerance of western corn rootworm. Scientific Reports. 15:1-9. Article 26027. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-08768-8.

Investigating the suppressive potential of generalist predators and entomopathogenic nematodes against Resseliella maxima (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in South Dakota - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Pekarcik, A.J., Snethen, O., Nielson, C.N., Beckendorf, E.A., Hesler, L.S., Shapiro Ilan, D.I. 2025. Investigating the suppressive potential of generalist predators and entomopathogenic nematodes against Resseliella maxima (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in South Dakota. Journal of Entomological Science. 61(2).

Data from: Mixed responses of tenebrionid beetles to solar energy development in the Mojave Desert - (Database / Dataset)
Grodsky, S.M., Campbell, J.W., Roeder, K.A., Waite, E.S., Wright, E.R., Johnston, M.A. 2025. Data from: Mixed responses of tenebrionid beetles to solar energy development in the Mojave Desert. Ag Data Commons. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/28451921.

Data from: Tillage reduces ant activity and predation of pest insects in corn and soybean - (Database / Dataset)
Roeder, K.A. 2025. Data from: Tillage reduces ant activity and predation of pest insects in corn and soybean. Ag Data Commons. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/28454771.

Biocontrol potential of naturally occurring entomopathogens against Maladera formosae in corn-soybean rotated systems - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Pekarcik, A.J., Taylor, C.G., Raudenbush, A.L., Tilmon, K.J. 2025. Biocontrol potential of naturally occurring entomopathogens against Maladera formosae in corn-soybean rotated systems. Pest Management Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.8851.

Ant desiccation resistance in the light of climate change - (Book / Chapter)

Data from: Geographic variation in thermal tolerance of western corn rootworm - (Database / Dataset)
Roeder, K.A. 2025. Data from: Geographic variation in thermal tolerance of western corn rootworm. Ag Data Commons. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/28444679.

Data from: Woody perennial polycultures increase ant diversity and ant-mediated ecosystem services compared to conventional corn-soybean rotations - (Database / Dataset)
Roeder, K.A., Harmon-Threatt, A.N. 2025. Data from: Woody perennial polycultures increase ant diversity and ant-mediated ecosystem services compared to conventional corn-soybean rotations. Ag Data Commons. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/25653201.

Data from: Effects of short-term heat stress on the thermal tolerance of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) - (Database / Dataset)
Botsch, J.C., Daniels, J.D., Roeder, K.A. 2025. Data from: Effects of short-term heat stress on the thermal tolerance of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Ag Data Commons. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/28454879.

Data from: Temporal plasticity of thermal tolerance in ants - (Database / Dataset)
Roeder, K.A., Paraskevopoulos, A.W., Roeder, D.V. 2025. Data from: Temporal plasticity of thermal tolerance in ants. Ag Data Commons. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/28459058.

Effects of short-term heat stress on the thermal tolerance of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Botsch, J.C., Daniels, J.D., Roeder, K.A. 2025. Effects of short-term heat stress on the thermal tolerance of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Journal of Insect Science. 25(2). Article 21. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieaf043.

Geographic variation in thermal tolerance of western corn rootworm - (Abstract Only)

Weed emergence patterns as affected by topsoil movement within an eroded landform - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Schneider, S.K., Sutradhar, A.K., Gulden, R. 2025. Weed emergence patterns as affected by topsoil movement within an eroded landform. Agronomy Journal. 117. Article e70029. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.70029.

Molecular mechanisms and comparative transcriptomics of diapause in two corn rootworm species (Diabrotica spp.) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lecheta, M.C., Nielson, C.N., French, B.W., Nadeau, E., Teets, N.M. 2025. Molecular mechanisms and comparative transcriptomics of diapause in two corn rootworm species (Diabrotica spp.). Current Research in Insect Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cris.2024.100104.

Distributions of agrobiont lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) among crop and non-crop habitats within an agricultural landscape in east-central South Dakota, USA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hesler, L.S., Beckendorf, E.A. 2024. Distributions of agrobiont lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) among crop and non-crop habitats within an agricultural landscape in east-central South Dakota, USA. The Journal of Entomological and Acarological Research (JEAR). 56(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/jear.2024.13181.

Comparing conventional and alternative habitats for native species of agrobiont lady beetles - (Abstract Only)

Do passive samplers track pesticide application patterns and represent exposure to foraging bumble bees? - (Abstract Only)

Temperature influences desiccation resistance of bumble bees - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Botsch, J.C., Daniels, J.D., Bujan, J., Roeder, K.A. 2024. Temperature influences desiccation resistance of bumble bees. Journal of Insect Physiology. 155. Article 104647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104647.

Cereal rye cover crop termination at or before soybean planting has minimal effect on soybean yield across the midwestern US - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Severo Silva, T., Mourtzinis, S., Mcmechan, J., Carmona, G., Potter, B.D., Tilmon, K., Hesler, L.S., Seiter, N.J., Wright, R., Osborne, S.L., Hunt, T., Conley, S.P. 2024. Cereal rye cover crop termination at or before soybean planting has minimal effect on soybean yield across the midwestern US. Field Crops Research. 312. Article 109393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2024.109393.

Expanded geographical distribution of Coleomegilla maculata lengi (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in North America - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hesler, L.S., Brust, M.L. 2024. Expanded geographical distribution of Coleomegilla maculata lengi (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in North America. Insects. 15(5). Article 305. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050305.

An updated species list of South Carolina lady beetles - (Abstract Only)
Hesler, L.S. 2024. An updated species list of South Carolina lady beetles [abstract]. Southeastern Branch, Entomological Society of America, March 17-20, 2024, Augusta, Georgia.

Cereal aphids and yellow dwarf viruses among wheat and other large-scale agroecosystems of central North America - (Book / Chapter)
Hesler, L.S., Osborne, S.L. 2024. Cereal aphids and yellow dwarf viruses among wheat and other large-scale agroecosystems of central North America. In: Brewer, Michael J., Hein, Gary L., editors. Arthropod Management and Landscape Considerations in Large-scale Agroecosystems. Boston, MA: CAB International. p. 133-151. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781800622777.0007.

New record of the pavement ant, Tetramorium immigrans (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in South Dakota with notes on its thermal tolerance and geographic distribution - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Roeder, K.A., Drey, S.W., Daniels, J.D., Roeder, D.V., Helms, J.A. 2024. New record of the pavement ant, Tetramorium immigrans (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in South Dakota with notes on its thermal tolerance and geographic distribution. Great Lakes Entomologist. 56(2):215-221. Article 10. https://doi.org/10.22543/0090-0222.2462.

Host search behaviors of specialist and generalist root feeding herbivores (Diabrotica spp.) on host and non-host plants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Huynh, M.P., Geisert, R.W., Ludwick, D.C., Pekarcik, A.J., Hibbard, B.E. 2023. Host search behaviors of specialist and generalist root feeding herbivores (Diabrotica spp.) on host and non-host plants. Scientific Reports. 13. Article 17583. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-44760-w.

Evaluation scales, the economic injury level (EIL), and the economic threshold (ET) for soybean pests - (Abstract Only)
Hesler, L.S. 2023. Evaluation scales, the economic injury level (EIL), and the economic threshold (ET) for soybean pests. Soybean Innovation Lab webinar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rvK28iqM2U.

Lady Beetles of Hawai'i - (Other)
Molengraaf, T., Matsunaga, J., Yee, D., Pererria, W., Beckendorf, E.A., Hesler, L.S. 2023. Lady Beetles of Hawai'i [poster]. Edward Enterprises, Inc.

New state, island and prey records for lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Hawai‘i - (Abstract Only)

Foliar- and seed-applied insecticides for management of Melanaphis sorghi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Alabama - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Pekarcik, A.J., Menanyih, S.A., Jacobson, A.L. 2024. Foliar- and seed-applied insecticides for management of Melanaphis sorghi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Alabama. Journal of Entomological Science. 59(2):105-124. https://doi.org/10.18474/JES23-38.

Effects of solar energy development on ants in the Mojave Desert - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Grodsky, S., Roeder, K.A., Campbell, J.W. 2023. Effects of solar energy development on ants in the Mojave Desert. Ecosphere. 14(10). Article e4668. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4668.

Weed emergence patterns as affected by soil hydrothermal properties in eroded and rehabilitated landscapes - (Abstract Only)

Suppression of weed communities by granivores over time in an agroecosystem - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lundgren, J.G., Anderson, R.L. 2023. Suppression of weed communities by granivores over time in an agroecosystem. Ecosphere. 14(8). Article e4641. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4641.

New state, island and prey records from Hawai¿i, U.S.A., and a new country record from Laos for lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hesler, L.S., Perreira, W.D., Matsunaga, J.N., Yee, D.A., Ahmed, M.Z., Beckendorf, E.A. 2023. New state, island and prey records from Hawai'i, U.S.A., and a new country record from Laos for lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The Pan-Pacific Entomologist. 99(2):128–141. https://doi.org/10.3956/2022-99.2.128.

A new state record of Eucera (Xenoglossa) kansensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in South Dakota, USA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hesler, L.S., Beckendorf, E.A., Martens, A.P., Johnson, P.J. 2023. A new state record of Eucera (Xenoglossa) kansensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in South Dakota, USA. Insecta Mundi. 0985:1-6. https://centerforsystematicentomology.org/insectamundi/0985_Hesler_etal_2023.pdf.

USDA-ARS, South Dakota, State Report 2022 - (Other)
Hesler, L.S. 2023. USDA-ARS, South Dakota, State Report 2022. National Information Management and Support System (NIMMS) SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report: 2022 S1080 (Improving Soybean Arthropod Pest Management in the U.S.)--State Reports. In: S1080 REPORTS MERGED, p. 62., Ed. Anonymous. https://www.nimss.org/seas/52306.

A baseline inventory of bee species and patterns in their distribution among habitats at the Eastern South Dakota Soil & Water Research Farm - (Abstract Only)
Hesler, L.S., Beckendorf, E.A. 2023. A baseline inventory of bee species and patterns in their distribution among habitats at the Eastern South Dakota Soil & Water Research Farm. Abstract. Monarch and Native Pollinators Summit, Watertown, SD, March 2-3, 2023.

Historical diversity and distribution of bumble bees in South Dakota - (Abstract Only)
Martens, A.P., Johnson, P.J., Beckendorf, E.A., Hesler, L.S., Daniels, J.D., Roeder, K.A. 2023. Historical diversity and distribution of bumble bees in South Dakota. Abstract. Black Hills Botany and Ecology Workshop, Rapid City, SD, March 10, 2023.

Historical diversity and distribution of bumble bees in South Dakota - (Abstract Only)
Martens, A.P., Johnson, P.J., Beckendorf, E.A., Hesler, L.S., Daniels, J.D., Roeder, K.A. 2023. Historical diversity and distribution of bumble bees in South Dakota. Abstract. Monarch and Native Pollinators Summit, Watertown, SD, March 2-3, 2023.