Comparison of Anuropus branchiatus Beddard and A. bathypelagicus Menzies & Dow

Summary

The discovery of Serolis tropica sp. nov. in the shallow shelf zone of the Pacific of Panamá, just south of 9°N latitude, establishes the first occurrence of the Serolidae in tropical American waters. Since gravid females were found in cool as well as warm thermal seasons, it is assumed that this species is adapted to live under tropical conditions. Serolis yongei, known from the Great Barrier Reef, was collected at a depth of 200 m. It is not presently known if this species, like S. tropica, also inhabits the shallow shelf where warm-water conditions prevail.

Serolis tropica, a member of the North American ‘carinata’ group, is related to the ‘marplatensis’ group of South America. While it is argued that these two groups must have shared a common history, the remaining region of approximately 40° latitude between the northern and southern forms greatly complicates the relationship. Whether or not this gap is real or due to a lack of fine, inshore sampling can only be determined by further field work in this region.     

Larval feeding habits of the Hepialidae (Lepidoptera)

The host-plant relationships of the Hepialidae are discussed in relation to host range and larval tunnelling behaviour. Larvae are mostly phytophagous on live angiosperms, gymnosperms, pteridophytes and mosses. Generally they specialize as feeders of leaf, stem/branch or root tissue, but dietary transitions from leaf to stem and root to stem occur in some species. An early period of mycophagy where larvae feed on fungi or dead decaying plant tissue is recorded in a wide range of species that feed on live embryophytes in later instars. Feeding patterns of the Hepialidae are compared with those of other major lepidopteran taxa and the evolutionary implications of hepialid feeding habits for the origin and derivation of larval host-plant relationships in Lepidoptera are discussed. It is suggested that the developmental transition from mycophagy to phytophagy in the Hepialidae is the result of partial ‘suppression’ of mycophagy in the generalist feeding ancestor of Lepidoptera.     

The saproxylic hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) of Serbia

The revision of the saproxylic hoverflies collected in Serbia from 1950 to 2010 has revealed a total of 56 species, of which Sphiximorpha subsessilis (Illiger in Rossi) is new to the Balkan Peninsula and Arctophila superbiens (Muller), Blera fallax (Linnaeus), Brachyopa panzeri Goffe, Brachyopa testacea (Fallén), Brachyopa vittata Zetterstedt and Chalcosyrphus piger (Fabricius) are new to Serbia. According to “Syrph the Net, the database of European Syrphidae”, 16 of the 56 species are threatened with extinction in Europe, while 6 species are “strictly protected” and 13 are “protected” under Serbian legislation. Distribution maps for each species, as well as new data on adult habitats, are provided. The conservation status of the saproxylic hoverflies of Serbia is discussed. The present study attempts to provide a basis for the conservation of the saproxylic hoverflies of this Balkan country.     

Improving knowledge of the cyclorrhaphan larva (Diptera)

A significant factor in the evolution of the Cyclorrhapha (Diptera), the most biodiverse of higher dipteran taxa, is the larva. The larva also has wide-ranging trophic and environmental relationships, including positive and negative impacts on human health and wealth. Despite its importance, the larva is neglected and a low proportion of species are known in this stage. In this paper, factors contributing to larval neglect are reviewed, including: poor attitudes leading to cycles of neglect and shallow treatment; taxonomy that uses adult not larval stages; lack of material in collections; rearing barriers, and presumptions of morphological similarity suggesting that characters will be problematic to acquire and analyse. Neglect is pervasive and affects many subjects; those considered here are: species inventories and rarity assessments for biodiversity and conservation, in which larvae are usually ignored although they can be more cost-effective to sample and a richer source of environmental data; determining larval feeding modes where controversies due to conflicting evidence persist unresolved; and reliance on a limited pool of increasingly old publications whose data are repeated rather than tested and updated with new research. In an attempt to reinvigorate interest, which is the main aim of this paper, poorly assessed larval features possibly significant to cyclorrhaphan diversification are also considered. These include: change facilitated by independently evolvable modules; rapid change enabled by labile trophic morphology; shifts between saprophagy and phytophagy due to opportunities provided by angiosperm evolution; and enhanced adaptive potential resulting in derived more than basal taxa developing adaptations that enable access to new and little used resources. Apart from the need to rear more larvae, a major conclusion from this review is that knowledge will improve when the movement capabilities of larvae are used to inform morphological and taxonomic analyses.     

New information about the third stage larva and larval habitat of Microdon (Chymophila) bruchi Shannon, 1927 (Diptera,Syrphidae) from Argentina

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we provide new biological information about Microdon(Chymophila) bruchi Shannon, 1927. We present new records of M. bruchi in nests of Camponotus mus Roger, 1863 built inside Vitis vinifera L. plants from Argentina (Mendoza Province) and records of this species for Catamarca and Entre Ríos, Argentina. DNA barcodes and data on morphology and locomotion for third-stage larvae are provided. An identification key is also given to distinguish M. bruchi from other Neotropical species of Chymophila. We designate a lectotype for Microdon bruchi Shannon, 1927, and we consider Microdon argentinae Hull, 1937 a junior synonym of M. bruchi.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D507A381-27BA-40D6-BC08-28F14579694F     

Diet and feeding behaviour of the Neotropical parrot snake (Leptophis ahaetulla) in northern Brazil

Specimens (289) of Leptophis ahaetulla from northern Brazil and western Maranhão were examined for the composition of stomach contents. Most prey items were tree frogs, especially those of the family Hylidae (90%). Most of the anurans identified belong to the Scinax ruber species group (27%) and Scinax sp. (25%). Prey size was significantly related to snake length but not to head length. There was no significant difference related to sex in either case. Both sexes preyed on small to medium‐sized items (3–10% of snake snout–vent length). Leptophis ahaetulla seems to manipulate captured prey before ingestion since most of the prey items (83.6%) were swallowed head‐first. Leptophis ahaetulla is primarily diurnal and semi‐arboreal, inhabits disturbed and undisturbed forest, and forages primarily on the ground and in fallen vegetation, where its prey items are likely to be found at rest.     

Larval stages of 17 rare and poorly known British hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae)

Third stage larvae of three species of phytophagous (Portevina maculata, Cheilosia albitarsis and C. antiqua), thirteen species of saprophagous (Callicera aurata, Brachyopa bicolor, B. insensilis, B. pilosa, Hammerschmidtia ferruginea, Myolepta potens, Brachypalpus laphriformis, Caliprobola speciosa, Criorhina berberina, C. floccosa, C. ranunculi, Pocota personata and Xylota tarda) and one possibly predatory species (Microdon devius) of Syrphidae are described. Most of the saprophagous species breed in dead wood and many are European rarities. Nine of the 17 species described are included in the British Red Data Books: 2. Insects (Shirt, 1987). For the larva of each species, recognition features and breeding sites are described.     

Analysis of VCR images of pre-oviposition and oviposition behaviour of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) females,in the laboratory

The aim of this work was to study the pre-ovipostion and oviposition behaviour of gravid Culex quinquefasciatus females, under laboratory conditions. Preliminary tests showed that oviposition is initiated from the third day after bloodfeeding and occurs in the first two hours and the eighth to the tenth hour of scotophase. Image analysis showed that females presented different types of exploratory flights, and that the most common was touching the hay infusion with their hind legs, while flying. The two main oviposition behaviours observed were: (1) females that land at the container's inner wall, rub one leg against the other and walk towards the interface between the wall and hay infusion surface to lay the egg raft; (2) females that land on the hay infusion surface, keep four or six legs on the surface, and lay the egg raft. Interestingly, females that touched the hay infusion with their proboscis rejected it as an oviposition substrate.     

Alipumilio (Diptera: Syrphidae) fly association with Burseraceae tree resins in the eastern Brazilian Amazon

Numerous fly (Diptera) larvae develop in plant saps or rotting exudates, but few have adapted to resin flows of trees. Among these are some primitive syrphid genera (Syrphidae), Cheilosia in the temperate region and Alipumilio in the neotropics. A recent study of resin harvest in the eastern Brazilian Amazon has revealed a potentially new species of Alipumilio that develops in resin lumps on some species of Burseraceae trees. These resin flows are primarily stimulated by larvae of a bark-boring Sternocoelus weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). This fly larva's morphology, movement in the resin and unsuccessful rearing apart from fresh resin indicate it may be consuming microbial spores or sap materials coming out of tree wounds. While Sternocoelus weevils are found in resin lumps in a range of Protium and other Burseraceae species in the region, Alipumilio larvae were only found in the resin of some of these species. The study speculates that some trees do not support Alipumilio because their resin's chemical properties are inhospitable to these larvae or inhibit the micro-organisms that they feed on.     

The early stages and breeding sites of four rare saproxylic hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) from Spain

The puparial stage is described for each of four saproxylic hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae): Ferdinandea fumipennis Kassebeer, 1999 Kassebeer, C. F. 1999. Eine neue Art der Gattung Ferdinandea Rondani, 1844 (Diptera: Syrphidae) aus Nordafrika.. Dipteron, 2: 153–162.  [Google Scholar], Mallota dusmeti Andréu, 1926 Andréu, J. 1926. Una lista de sírfidos para contribuir al conocimiento de los dípteros de España.. Boletín de la Sociedad Entomológica Española, 9(5): 98–126.  [Google Scholar], Myolepta difformis Strobl, 1909 Strobl, G. 1909. Neue österreichische Muscidae Acalyptratae II.. Weiner Entomlogische Zeitung, 28: 283–301.  [Google Scholar], and Myolepta obscura Becher, 1882 Becher, E. 1882. Ueber die ersten Stande einiger Syrphiden und eine neue Myiolepta Art.. Wiener Entomologische Zeitung, 1: 249–254. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]. Early stages were collected at Cabañeros National Park in Ciudad Real province, central Spain. Mallota dusmeti, M. difformis, and M. obscura were found in water‐filled holes of live Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. trees and the larva of F. fumipennis was found in a sap run on a live Quercus pyrenaica Wild. tree. Larvae were identified by rearing them to the adult stage. Puparia of these species possessed generic‐level characters found in congenerics. Apparent species‐level characters separating them from early stages of congenerics are proposed. The records reported here are the first for the Iberian Peninsula of M. obscura. Mallota dusmeti, M. difformis, and Myolepta obscura are extremely rare in Europe with M. dusmeti classed as “vulnerable” in the Spanish Invertebrate Red Data Book.     

Prey choice and raiding behaviour of the Ponerine ant Pachycondyla analis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Termite raiding behaviour of the African poneromorph ant Pachycondyla analis was studied at Mpala, Kenya. In all, 330 raids were observed with the raiding activity showing peaks in the morning and evening. Time spent at the termite source was positively correlated with the numbers of termites taken. The sizes of foraging parties, number of termites taken, distance travelled and time spent at termite sources also showed a positive correlation. Pachycondyla analis preyed significantly more on Microtermes spp. than they did on Odontotermes spp. but no significant differences were found in terms of predator efficiency even though many ants were injured in raids on Odontotermes spp. compared with those on Microtermes spp. Our results indicate that P. analis seems to forage optimally, balancing the costs of energy with prey reward and prey choices were not only influenced by prey abundance, but also by the costs of foraging, as influenced by prey defences, size and foraging behaviour.     

Ecology and behaviour of the weaver ant Camponotus (Myrmobrachys) senex

Abstract

Weaver ants use silk produced by their larvae to build their nests. This behaviour is one of the more notable instances of social cooperation in animals; however, there are few studies of Brazilian species. This study investigated the ecology, natural history and behaviour of the weaver ant Camponotus (Myrmobrachys) senex in Brazil and showed that the weaver larvae have a fundamental function in nest building. The nests were always arboreal (one nest/plant), with a round form, beige in colour, and with leaves and shoots adhered to the silk nest. The average size was 34.24 cm and the average weight was 163.87 g; nests contained up to 50,000 individuals and several queens. Fusion and fission of colony parts were observed for C. senex. Worker ants were frequently observed feeding on honeydew, fruits and insects; and defended their territory. We suggest that C. senex larvae could be considered an effective caste, valuable in nest construction.     

The puparia of some West African species of Mepachymerus and Steleocerellus (Diptera: Chloropidae)

The puparia of two species of Mepachymerus and three species of Steleocerellus (Diptera: Chloropidae, Chloropinae), reared from wild grasses in West Africa, are described.     

Diverse mechanisms of feeding and movement in Cyclorrhaphan larvae (Diptera)

Direct observation, filmed behaviour and morphological analysis were used to investigate mechanisms of larval feeding and movement in 20 species of Cyclorrhapha (Diptera). Feeding mechanisms refer to techniques of gathering food close to the pharynx entrance prior to sucking it in. A total of 12 mechanisms were recorded. Contrasting mechanisms were associated with saprophagy, phytophagy, mycophagy and zoophagy. Larvae had role-specific, compartmentalised bodies. The rear compartment grips substrates enabling the front ones to scan for food by sweeping from side to side or up and down. The front compartments extend or lunge to gather food or grip substrates during locomotion. Lower cyclorrhaphans had more disparate mechanisms than higher cyclorrhaphans. In the latter, the size, shape and movements of the thorax, pseudocephalon and head skeleton are diverse. Influences on this diversity are food quality and access conditions at development sites. Movement capabilities and functions were established for many components.     

Pre-ovipositional and ovipositional behaviour of Trichouropoda ovalis (C.L. Koch) and Uroobovella marginata (C.L. Koch) (Parasitiformes: Uropodina: Trematuridae,Urodinychidae) with notes on egg incubation and hatching behaviour

Egg deposition by the soil mites Trichouropoda (= Oodinychus) ovalis (C.L. Koch and Uroobovella (= Fuscuropoda) marginata (C.L. Koch), egg incubation and hatching behaviour were observed using continuous video-monitoring. The oviposition in both species was found to consist of three distinct phases. In Phase 1, both species engage in pre-ovipositional activity prior to the egg being extruded from the genital opening. Phase 1 lasted approximately 7.5 minutes in T. ovalis and about 6 minutes in U. marginata. Phase 2 involved egg deposition and lasted approximately 2.5 times longer in T. ovalis (88 seconds) than in U. marginata. Egg covering occurs in Phase 3, and in both species lasts about 25 minutes. Incubation time in U. marginata (137 hours) was approximately 30% shorter compared to that of T. ovalis, while the hatching time was 2 times longer (150 min) in the latter species.     

Saproxylic beetles (Coleoptera) and hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) from a Mediterranean forest: towards a better understanding of their biology for species conservation

This report represents the first integrative study on saproxylic Coleoptera and Diptera Syrphidae from a representative Mediterranean forest in Cabañeros National Park in Central Spain. We collected 107 beetles, representing 32 families, and 25 species of hoverfly. Two undescribed and numerous rare beetle species were recorded, as were four hoverflies considered to be threatened species in Europe. We compiled biological information for all of the taxa encountered and recorded new data on their feeding habits, breeding microsites, and known tree associations. We found that the saproxylic biodiversity in this National Park was characterized by a significant number of Central European and North African species. Our results on the saproxylic assemblage, comprising many rare and poorly known species, of a typical Mediterranean forest represent a first step toward improved understanding of the saproxylic community and establishing the basis for conservation strategies in this region.     

Nesting behaviour and prey of Pseudoplisus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

Nesting behaviour and prey of two species of Pseudoplisus, a gorytine wasp genus in the sphecid subfamily Nyssoninae, are described. P. natalensis is a solitary nester in southern Africa nesting often in the soil in flower-pots. P. ranosahae in Madagascar nests in the ground in large aggregations. Both species show a high degree of prey specificity. Nests are provisioned only with large adult froghoppers (Aphrophoridae), P. natalensis preying on Ptyelus grossus and P. ranosahae on Ptyelus goudoti.