Some aphid waxes,their form and function (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Summary

The visible wax coatings of nine species of Aphididae, distributed through six tribes in four subfamilies, are examined by means of the Scanning Electron Microscope. The micromorphology of the extrusions is described and illustrated, as are the cuticular specializations via which the coatings are constructed. The relationships between the form and possible functions of the wax are discussed in the light of the results, as is the degree of correlation between its morphology and current opinion concerning the classification of the family.     

Some observations on the chaetotaxy of the legs of larval Ixodidae (Acari: Metastigmata)

Summary

The segmental chaetotaxy of the legs of some larval ixodid ticks has been studied, employing the system of nomenclature currently used for the mesostigmatic mites. Preliminary results indicate that in common with the larval Mesostigmata, the family Ixodidae has a relatively constant larval leg chaetotaxy which allows the subfamilies and tribes to be distinguished on the basis of the chaetotaxy of the tibiae.     

Mastacembelidae (Teleostei; Synbranchiformes) subfamily division and African generic division: an evaluation

The family Mastacembelidae is currently divided into two subfamilies, the Mastacembelinae and the Afromastacembelinae. Within the African Afromastacembelinae two genera, Caecomastacembelus and Aethiomastacembelus, are recognized. Both the subfamily and the African generic division were critically evaluated mainly through X‐ray analyses and osteological research. There is no supporting evidence for a split into two subfamilies. In addition, the present diagnosis of the African genera proved to be unworkable, and no convincing phylogenetic evidence supporting this classification is available. Therefore, pending new detailed phylogenetic research, the use of a subfamily classification within the family Mastacembelidae is not recommended. Furthermore, Caecomastacembelus and Aethiomastacembelus are placed in synonymy with the genus Mastacembelus.     

Phylogenetic relationships of millipedes in the subclass Penicillata (Diplopoda) with a key to the genera

Bristly millipedes (subclass Penicillata, order Polyxenida) are minute diplopods characterised by uncalcified cuticle and a body covered with unique tufts of bristles. The order is found worldwide and comprises less than 200 described species divided into three families, with many of the species and genera being poorly known. The first evolutionary analysis of the order presented here utilises both molecular (COI, 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA) and morphological data to examine monophyly of the families and subfamilies and the evolutionary relationships between them. Maximum likelihood analysis was based on molecular data only, whereas parsimony analyses were based on molecular data as well as combined morphological and molecular data. The results of these analyses with two different optimality criteria were incongruent in many aspects. Unlike parsimony, the likelihood result found strong support for a basal position of the family Synxenidae and separation of the order into two monophyletic clades corresponding to the two superfamilies Synxenoidea, containing the family Synxenidae, and Polyxenoidea, containing the families Polyxenidae and Lophoproctidae. Parsimony results did not support the existence of the two superfamilies. Both analyses resolved the family Synxenidae as monophyletic and Polyxenidae as polyphyletic, whereas the family Lophoproctidae was shown to be paraphyletic in likelihood and monophyletic in parsimony analysis. The subfamilies Monographinae and Polyxeninae were found to be monophyletic in the likelihood tree but parsimony suggested paraphyly of both. The results suggest that further revision of the systematics of the Polyxenida may be necessary. However, a much larger molecular data set will be necessary to clarify and provide stronger nodal support for phylogenetic trees and to confirm the relationships, particularly of the families Polyxenidae and Lophoproctidae. Molecular identification is likely to be an important tool for this taxonomically challenging order in future. A simplified key to the genera is provided.     

A thousand and one wasps: a 28S rDNA and morphological phylogeny of the Ichneumonidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera) with an investigation into alignment parameter space and elision

Abstract

The internal phylogeny of the Ichneumonidae is investigated using parsimony analysis of a large data set including 1001 partial 28S ribosomal DNA sequences, 621 of which are newly reported, and a morphological data set of 162 characters scored variously at subfamily, tribe, genus group and genus levels and including only informative characters. The data set includes members of 630 named genera, representing all currently recognized subfamilies, all but four tribes and all but one of the taxa noted by Townes as being of uncertain placement. Sequences were aligned using clustal X, and a sensitivity analysis was performed varying gap-opening and gap-extension parameters. Alignments were appraised by reference to their ability to recover a range of traditional and morphologically recognized groups. Each alignment was analysed both independently and simultaneously with the morphological data set, and also with gap characters treated as both missing data and as informative. No single set of alignment parameters was found to be markedly better by this criterion, and different ranges of parameters led to the recovery of different recognized groups of taxa. Elision (combining all alignments into a single analysis) was therefore used, both with and without morphology and with both gap character treatments, to summarize the overall molecular signal. Analysis of the morphological matrix alone produced a number of results that are undoubtedly a consequence of convergence of morphological characters as the result of parallel evolution of similar life histories. Simultaneous analysis of the morphological data set with each of the 120 DNA alignments recovered most accepted subfamilies as monophyletic. Several currently recognized subfamilies are supported by most of the molecular analyses but some appear to be paraphyletic or polyphyletic. The Ctenopelmatinae are paraphyletic with respect to the Metopiinae. Robustly recovered results lead us to resurrect the Brachyscleromatinae to include Brachyschleroma and the Erythrodolius group of Phrudinae. The Neorhacodinae and the Phrudus group of Phrudinae are transferred to the Tersilochinae. Nonnus is transferred to the Nesomesochorinae. Hyperacmus is transferred to the Cylloceriinae. The major groupings of subfamilies that have recently been proposed (i.e. ichneumoniformes, pimpliformes and ophioniformes) were recovered as monophyletic, but their exact limits remain in question.     

An overview of the mite fauna (Acari) associated with eumenine wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) found in Brazilian collections

ABSTRACT

Mites can be associated with other organisms as parasites, commensals, phoretic, among others, such as some Winterschmidtiidae that present cooperative relationships with solitary wasps (Eumeninae). These wasps have one or more cavities in their body surface that are capable of carrying mites, called acarinaria. Studies carried out in the northern hemisphere suggest that these relationships are species-specific. However, in South America, there are few studies in this field. Aiming to recognize and increase our knowledge of the species of solitary wasps from Brazil that are associated with mites, we examined 61 wasps belonging to 29 species and four genera from Brazilian museum collections. All of the specimens studied presented at least one type of acarinarium in their bodies. There were mites in all specimens of wasps, but not all of them were associated with an acarinarium. The mites belong to 11 different genera: six in Winterschmidtiidae (possibly cooperation relationships); one in Oplitidae (phoresy); one in Erythraeidae (parasitism); two in Acaridae (phoresy); and one in Histiostomatidae (phoresy). Detrended correspondence analysis and indicator species analysis were conducted to test the preference of the mite genera for species of wasp and for site (regions of the wasp’s body). These tests were significant only for the mite genus Vespacarus preferring Parancistrocerus wasp species and the metasomal acarinaria. Some of the mites did not have a specific host, and some wasps carried more than one species of mite, differing from the specific interactions reported for the northern hemisphere.     

Generic classification of the family Pipunculidae (Diptera): a cladistic analysis

Classification of the higher taxa of the Pipunculidae is analysed by cladistic techniques. Twenty-five taxa are studied, and 117 character states are examined for these taxa. Based on the cladistic analysis a classification is proposed, recognizing three subfamilies: Chalarinae, Nephrocerinae, and Pipunculinae. The subfamily Pipunculinae is separated into five tribes: Pipunculini, Cephalopsini trib. nov; Microcephalopsini trib. nov., Eudorylini trib. nov., and Tomosvaryellini. Monophyletic genus groups within these tribes are recognized. The position of Claraeosphaera is unclear. Twenty-three taxa of generic status are recognized, and Wittella is considered synonymous with Cephalops. The genus Collinias is revalidated. Claraeomorpha is retained as a subgenus of Dorylomorpha. A presumed phylogenetic history of the taxa and evolutionary transformation series for certain characters are extrapolated from the analysis.     

A comparative study of the stylets in the Aradidae (Hemiptera,Heteroptera)

Summary

Three different methods of coiling the long stylets within the head capsule in the Aradidae are described; and the bearing of this on the relationships of the subfamilies is discussed.     

A phylogenetic reassessment of the subfamilies of Coenagrionidae (Odonata: Zygoptera)

We reanalyzed subfamily divisions of Coenagrionidae phylogenetically using morphological characters. Characters historically and currently used to divide Coenagrionidae, as well as previously unpublished characters, were carefully defined or redefined and coded. Many characters traditionally used in coenagrionoid taxonomy were found to be continuously distributed rather than falling into discrete states. Nevertheless, it is just these characters on which most subfamily distinctions are based, we regarded it as essential to try to assess their effects in phylogenetic analysis. Therefore, character states for continuously distributed morphometric characters were determined using a clustering algorithm. We also present trees that exclude these characters, however.

Cladistic analysis indicates that, of the existing subfamilies, only the apophyletic Agriocnemidinae is monophyletic. Shortest trees were markedly shorter than ones in which all current subfamilies were constrained to be monophyletic. Cladistic analysis using characters of Davies and Tobin (1984) and Fraser (1957) alone to define subfamilies resulted in poorer resolution and failed to support monophyly of any of the current subfamilies, as did alternative character weightings. Even a phenetic comparison using discriminant analysis failed to support the existing taxonomy.

Our phylogeny suggests the existence of several possible clades within Coenagrionidae, but none are strongly supported by bootstrap analysis or decay index values. Coenagrionidae as a whole is polyphyletic in our shortest trees, although trees supporting amonophyletic Coenagrionidae are only slightly longer. We conclude that subfamilies should not be recognized within Coenagrionidae until well-supported subdivisions are demonstrated.     

V.—A note on the synonymy of three species of fossil crocodile of De Blainville

Summary

The Rhagionidae are reclassified on the basis of a review of all of the known genera. One new subfamily and 2 new genera are erected and keys are given for the separation of subfamilies and genera. Omphalophora is treated as a synonym of Ptiolina. It is almost certain that Archicera and Spatulina fall into synonymy with Spania and Ptiolina respectively. Four subfamilies and 21 genera are thus recognized and their supposed phylogenertic relationships are given in fig. 1. Desmomyia may be identical with Rhagio. If true Neorhagio is a synonym of Atherimorpha, ‘Neorhagio’ in this paper represents a new genus.

The female terminalia are here considered to be one of the most important characters in subfamily diagnoses in Rhagionidae, but it is not necessarily certain that Pseudoerinna belongs to Glutopinae and Bolbomyia and Alloleptis to Rhagioninae.

I believe that Austroleptis and Glutops belong to the family Rhagionidae based chiefly on the structure of genitalia in both sexes, although further study will be necessary to establish their systematic positions.     

Observations on the morphology and classification of weevils (Coleoptera,Curculionoidea) with a key to major groups

A brief account of the present state of weevil taxonomy is followed by a detailed study of certain structures used in their classification, namely the venter, abdominal tergites, sternite 8 of the male, apex of the hind tibia and deciduous mandibular processes. A key to some 50 families and subfamilies of Curculionoidea is followed by a list of family-group taxa. The following changes are made: Brachyceridae, Erirhinidae, Cryptolaryngidae and Raymondionymidae are promoted to family rank from Curculionidae; Antliarhininae is demoted to a subfamily of Brentidae, and Allocoryninae to a subfamily of Oxycorynidae; Coptonotini is demoted to a tribe of Curculionidae-Scolytinae; Carinae, Subfam. n. is erected for Car Blackburn (genus incertae sedis) is Belidae; Dinomorphini is demoted to a tribe of Molytinae and Brachyceropsidinae is revived from synonymy with Dinomorphinae (Curculionidae); Brachyderini, Eremnini, Otiorhynchini and Sitonini are demoted to tribes of Entiminae; Desmidophorinae is transferred from Brentidae to Brachyceridae; Ocladiini is promoted to a tribe of Desmidophorinae (from Curculionidae-Cryptorhynchinae); Campyloscelini (including Phaenomerina) is transferred from Rhynchophoridae to Curculionidae-Zygopinae; Carphodicticinae is promoted to subfamily rank and transferred from Curculionidae-Scolytinae to Platypodidae; Perieges Schönherr is transferred from Curculionidae-Thecesterninae to Cryptolaryngidae and Agriochaeta Pascoe from Cryptorhynchinae to Hyperinae (Curculionidae); Schedlarius Wood and Mecopelmus Blackman are transferred from Coptonotidae to Platypodidae.     

LVII.—Stray notes on Anoplura

Summary

The phylogeny of the two superfamilies is described on the basis of new knowledge of stratigraphical occurrence, recently described new genera and species and a revision of previously known forms. A few new genera and subgenera are erected that are essential for an understanding of the classification proposed. The conclusions are reached that the Desmocerataceae are a monophyletic superfamily, that the Hoplitaceae include a series of families derived directly or indirectly from Desmoceratidae but that Hoplitidae itself was not “iteratively” refreshed after the main branching of its three subfamilies.     

Cladistics and tribal classification of the Agathidinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Five tribes of the braconid subfamily Agathidinae are recognized, viz. Agathidini (Blanchard), Cremnoptini (new tribe), Disophrini (new tribe), Earinini (new tribe), and Microdini (Ashmead). Phylogenetic relationships of the tribes are proposed and the phylogenetic placement of the Agathidinae within the Braconidae is discussed. Keys to, and diagnoses of, the tribes are presented.     

The most primitive Scoliidae (Hymenoptera)

Summary

The subfamily Proscoliinae Rasnitsyn, 1977, (Scoliidae) was based on a single male from Armenia. Following discovery of a second species known from both sexes, the Proscoliinae and Scoliinae are redefined as subfamilies of Scoliidae, and keyed. The new species is described and figured; biological observations are given. The relationships of Scoliidae are discussed in the light of recent work. Taxonomic observations are made on the genera Colpa Dufour, 1841 (Scoliidae; Scoliinae) and Paramyzine Berg, 1898 (= Menius Buysson, 1898) (Tiphiidae; Anthoboscinae); new generic and specific synonymies are recorded.     

A report on the Eulophid (Hymenoptera : Chalcidoidea) fauna of two Scottish birch woods

Summary

The family Boganiidae (Sen Gupta &; Crowson, 1966) is here divided into three distinct families Boganiidae, Cavognathidae and Phloeostichidae which are defined and their systematic positions discussed. The chief differences of adults and larvae are given in tabulated form. The genera Taphropiestes Reitter and Rhopalobrachium Bohemann are transferred to Cavognathidae and Phloeostichidae, and they are redefined. The family Phloeostichidae includes three subfamilies, Hymaeinae (including Rhopalobrachium) Sen Gupta &; Crowson (1966), Phloeostichinae Crowson (1955) and Agapythinae nov. (Agapytho Broun). The larvae of Hydnobioides pubescens, Rhopalobrachium clavipes and Agapytho foveicollis are described with figures for the first time.     

Natural enemy assemblages on native and reseeded grasslands in southwestern Montana: a family-level analysis

We conducted a 2-year survey, using sweep sampling and family-level taxon identification, of the predatory and parasitoid insects on grassland sites in the Gallatin Valley of southwestern Montana. The 25 sites were divided into 4 habitat classes: 2 native habitat types ( Stipa comata/Bouteloua gracilis and Festuca idahoensis/Agropyron spicatum ) and 2 that had been reseeded with either crested wheatgrass ( Agropyron cristatum ) or smooth brome ( Bromus inermis ). Our major goal was to make quantitative comparisons of the abundance of insects among native and reseeded habitats. Of 51 families in 5 insect orders identified, 7 Hymenoptera (Encyrtidae, Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, Pteromalidae, Eulophidae, Scelionidae, and Torymidae), 3 Hemiptera (Lygaeidae, Nabidae, and Reduviidae), 1 Coleoptera (Coccinellidae), and 1 Diptera (Asilidae) comprised 90% of the natural enemies sampled. Ordination analyses provided no strong evidence that the 4 habitat classes contained distinct overall natural enemy communities. However, contiguous native and reseeded sites usually had relatively different overall natural enemy assemblages, suggesting that vegetation was often a more important correlate of community composition than was close spatial proximity of sites. Furthermore, several common families exhibited differential abundances across habitat classes in one or both years. For example, in 1989, Eulophidae, Pteromalidae, and Torymidae were more abundant on native Festuca/Agropyron sites, whereas Encyrtidae and Nabidae were more abundant on Festuca/Agropyron sites reseeded with Bromus inermis . Although analyses of insect assemblages classified to the family level provide somewhat limited information on functional ecological differences among habitats, they allow one to survey a broad array of taxa to identify focal groups for future conservation and land management studies.     

Cocoon silk chemistry of non-cyclostome Braconidae,with remarks on phylogenetic relationships within the Microgastrinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Bulk amino acid composition was determined for cocoon silks for 54 species of non-cyclostome braconid wasps collectively representing 14 subfamilies. Little intraspecific variation was encountered either between conspecific individuals of differing origin or between physically different silk layers within a single cocoon. Variation within subfamilies was small except in the Microgastrinae. Most taxa, excluding most microgastrines, had silk of a fairly typical fibroin type with high relative abundances of alanine, serine or glycine (of which either alanine or serine was the most abundant) and usually with moderately low molar concentrations of presumed acidic residues (aspartate/asparagine (As(x)) and glutamate/glutamine (Gl(x))) which ranged from approximately 2% up to nearly 30% (in Helconinae and Blacinae). In the Microgastrinae, members of the genus Microplitis (four species) were similar to the other non-cyclostome subfamilies in having 14.3–26.1 molar % As(x), but the other 10 microgastrine genera investigated produced silks with As(x) the most abundant detected residue comprising 32.4–50.5 molar % while glycine represented less than 10% of residues, indicating an α-helical silk. These data are discussed in the light of some recent independent phylogenetic studies on the Microgastrinae that also suggest a basal position for Microplitis within the subfamily, despite its apparently highly specialized biology.     

Larvae of the families of Coleoptera

Summary

A key to the known larvae of the familes of Heteromera (Cucujoidea) is presented for the world and a summary of about 44 additional characters where known for each family is also included to distinguish, characterize and classify the known larvae as well as place in the system the great majority of larvae that still remain to be discovered. The key is intended not only for those who wish to identify but also for those who want to learn the existing gaps in our knowledge on this subject and problems for future research, such as the immature stages of Dacoderidae, Diphyllidae, Merycidae, Pterogeniidae, Trictenotomidae, Xylophilidae (and the primitive genera and tribes of all others) which are still not known to science.     

Revision of the genera of Cladoxenini (=Cladoxeninae Arrow) and Thallisellini trib. nov. of the family Languriidae (Coleoptera: Clavicornia)

Summary

The tribe Cladoxenini and its genera are redefined. A new tribe and its two genera are more fully described; keys to the tribes of Languriinae and genera of Cladoxenini and Thallisellini are given.     

First record of a non-pollinating fig wasp (Hymenoptera: Sycophaginae) from Dominican amber,with estimation of the size of its host figs

Fig trees and their pollinating fig wasps arose about 75 million years ago in the Cretaceous period. Several other groups of chalcid wasps also utilize figs for larval development, including sycophagines, the putative sister group to pollinating fig wasps. Whereas stone and amber fossil pollinators are known, no fossils representing non-pollinating fig wasp groups have been confirmed previously. Here, we describe the first Sycophaginae from the c.15–20 Ma Dominican amber, Idarnes thanatos sp. nov. Farache, Rasplus, Pereira and Compton, and discuss its relationships within the Idarnes carme species group. Additionally, we use linear regression to compare body size, ovipositor sheaths length, and host fig size data from extant Idarnes species to estimate the size of its host figs. Idarnes thanatos was most likely associated with small to medium sized figs (diameter ≤1.0 cm), that were likely to have been dispersed by birds and primates. The discovery of this close relative of extant non-pollinating fig wasps suggests that early Miocene and modern fig wasp communities may share similar ecological and functional features.