A new species of Forcipomyia (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) ectoparasitic on butterflies in New Guinea

A new species, Forcipomyia (Trichohelea) papuensis, is described from New Guinea, where it is ectoparasitic on butterflies. The modifications and diagnostic characters of this species are compared with those of the other Australasian Trichohelea.     

Immature stages of Chinavia musiva (Berg, 1878): a unique pattern in the morphology of Chinavia Orian, 1965 (Hemiptera,Pentatomidae)1

Specimens of Chinavia musiva were collected in Parque Estadual do Espinilho (Barra do Quaraí County, RS, Brazil). Insects were reared under controlled conditions (24±1°C; RH 70±10%; 12h L:12h D), and fed on green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Eggs of C. musiva differ from the pattern observed in other species of the genus due to chorion colour and surface, and aero‐micropylar processes, number and shape. Exclusive features of the species in the nymphal stage are head and thorax dull; variegated pattern of abdomen, and openings of the scent glands in conspicuous tubercles. Developmental time was, on average, 52 days; females laid more frequently egg masses with 14 or 42 eggs. Females collected from the field as nymphs exhibited higher reproductive performance than females reared on green beans as nymphs and adults, suggesting that wild hosts could be essential for the species life cycle.     

Distal leg morphology,subgenual organs and host detection in Stephanidae (Insecta,Hymenoptera)

The morphology of the tibia and tarsus of all legs is examined in species of two genera of Stephanidae. The subgenual organ (SGO) is examined in more detail for Megischus spp. The fore leg is the most modified in Schlettererius. In Megischus, the SGO of the hind leg is displaced to the middle of the tibia, which is swollen distad of it; in the female the hind tarsi are three‐segmented, the basitarsomere being a composite of tarsomeres 1–3. Internally, the SGO of Megischus is suspended between a spine and a ridge. In the mid and hind legs, part of the tibial wall is thinner in the region of the SGO. Our observations provide circumstantial evidence that female Stephanidae detect substrate‐borne vibrations when searching for hosts. The absence of antennal modification, as well as information on host stage targeted and general behaviour on the oviposition site indicates that they rely on noise made by the host rather than generate vibrations themselves, in contrast to Orussidae, a parasitoid wasp taxon that has been inferred to employ vibrational sounding. The external receptor elements – membranous pads versus tufts of setae – are not homologous in Orussidae and Stephanidae. A spine and ridge suspensorium of the SGO found in members of both families may represent a derived groundplan feature of the orussid–apocritan clade, with secondary modification or reduction in the latter group. Characters of the distal leg elements and the SGO suggest a basal position of Schlettererius and Stephanus within Stephanidae. Modifications of the hind tibia and tarsus in more derived members of the family indicate a shift in relative importance in vibration detection from the fore leg to the hind leg within the family.     

Origins and diversification of subsociality in leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Chrysomelinae)

Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae; ~40,000 species) are commonly solitary animals but subsociality, maternal care of broods, is known in Cassidinae and Chrysomelinae. We report 11 novel records from Brazil and Peru, bringing the number of subsocial chrysomelids to 35 species in 10 genera. Two evolutionary models of chrysomelid subsociality have been proposed. One proposed three independent origins within Chrysomelinae, based on the potential phylogenetic positions of subsocial genera. The other hypothesised that an evolutionary arms race between chrysomelid prey and their predators, parasites, and parasitoids has led to an escalation of defences. Using our phylogenies, we propose that subsociality originated independently in Cassidinae and Chrysomelinae, and several times within each subfamily. Subsociality was preceded by particular behaviours. In Cassidinae, exophagous larvae with chemically offensive faecal weaponry preceded aggregated living, group defences (e.g. cycloalexy), and maternal guarding. In Chrysomelinae, offensive glandular compounds preceded ovi- and viviparity before subsociality.     

Polyphagy and florivory prevail in a leaf-beetle community (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) inhabiting the canopy of a tropical lowland rainforest in southern Venezuela

ABSTRACT

Embedded within the interdisciplinary research project ‘Towards an understanding of the structure and function of a Neotropical rainforest ecosystem with special reference to its canopy’ organised by the Austrian Academy of Science, the canopy beetle fauna was surveyed by means of a 42 m tall tower crane. This paper presents results of the chrysomelid beetle fauna observed and collected at canopy trees for 1 year. A total of 1783 adult leaf beetles were collected, representing 117 morphospecies (Bruchinae are not included) including 31 singletons. The most abundant family was Galerucinae sensu stricto with 827 individuals (46% of collection). The most speciose subfamilies were Galerucinae sensu stricto followed by Alticini, Cryptocephalinae and Eumolpinae. Nineteen species collected with at least two individuals were restricted to a single tree species whereas 68 species were found to feed on several canopy host trees. Only a few species fed on leaves; these were in Cassidinae, Cryptocephalinae, Eumolpinae and Galerucinae. Strikingly, most canopy chrysomelids were collected at flowers of canopy trees, although some species fed also on extrafloral nectaries or fruits. Alticini were restricted predominantly to flowers, but Cryptocephalinae, Eumolpinae and Galerucinae revealed broader plasticity in host tissue selection. Insights into beetle seasonality, diurnal/nocturnal activity and intra-canopy migration are provided. Abundant flower-visiting species occurred on their host trees commonly over the entire flowering season, with their abundances often correlated with the number of open flowers. After termination of one tree’s flowering season, many flower-visiting leaf beetles moved to other flowering trees. Certain congeneric species of Galerucinae and Eumolpinae occurred together at their host plants within the same periods.     

First host records for the rogadine genus Conspinaria (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and notes on Rogadinae as parasitoids of Zygaenidae (Lepidoptera)

The parasitic wasp genus Conspinaria is recorded as parasitizing two species of chalcosiine zygaenid moths, Chalcosia thaivana owadai Wang and Erasmia pulchella hobsoni Butler in Taiwan. Parasitism of Zygaenidae and of Limacodidae by rogadine braconids is discussed in the light of possible phylogenetic relationships.     

A new scale insect host family (Hemiptera: Asterolecaniidae) for Aphytis (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in China

Aphytis wasps are among the most important natural enemies of scale insects, and armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) have generally been considered as the only hosts of the genus Aphytis. Host records from non-diaspidids have been considered erroneous by most authors. A new scale insect host, Bambusaspis notabilis (Russell), however, belonging to Asterolecaniidae (Hemiptera), has been found as the host of a new Aphytis species in our field investigations. Aphytis bambusaspis Wang, Huang & Polaszek sp. nov. is described and illustrated, and detailed photographs of the key characters of the female and male of the new species are provided. Type specimens are deposited in Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China and Natural History Museum, London, UK. Previously published host records of Asterolecaniidae are reviewed.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:0BE6DB64-CB75-466A-B974-8A620FAFEA1E     

Systematics and biology of the Rhinocolinae (Homoptera: Psylloidea)

Based on a cladistic analysis, the subfamily Rhinocolinae is redefined to comprise 13 genera and 39 species, of which two genera and eight species remain unnamed. Four new genera and 14 new species are described; one subfamily and one genus are synonymized, and two species are recombined; one lectotype is designated. The subfamily is divided into two groups, one with a Gondwanan distribution comprising four genera in Australia, New Zealand, South America and Africa, and another with Laurasian distribution in the Palaeotropics, the Western Palaerctic and North America comprising nine genera. Twenty-one species develop on host plants in the Rutales, three on Asteraceae, three on Cistaceae and one on Zygophyllaceae. The genus Pistacia (Anacardiaceae) in particular hosts six species whose biology is discussed.     

Polymorphism,taxonomy and host plant associations in Alebra leafhoppers (Homoptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)

The taxonomy of a complex of morphologically similar Alebra species is clarified, and the number of adult colour pattern morphs of each in Britain, and their host plant associations, established. Morphological characters are figured for the identification of the four species now recognized, including two that are associated with different species of deciduous oaks and which were previously regarded as colour pattern morphs of A. albostriella. Three nymphal colour pattern morphs are described within the A. albostriella sibling species, two of which are shared, thus supplying further evidence for their close relationship. A key is given for the identification of the species and adult morphs of Alebra in Britain.     

The morphology and biology of the entomophilic Thripinema fuscum (Tylenchida: Allantonematidae), and the histopathological effects of parasitism on the host Frankliniella fusca (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

We used light and electron microscopy to detail the in vivo life cycle of the nematode Thripinema fuscum and to determine the effects of parasitism on tissues of the thrips host Frankliniella fusca. The parasitic T. fuscum female produced eggs within 4–5 days after ingress and the host haemocoele became packed with eggs and developing juvenile nematodes. Mature juveniles migrated to the hindgut and fully developed juveniles first emerged from the posterior end of the male or female F. fusca 9 days after parasitization. Parasitization induced a displacement of the host alimentary tract, an atrophy of the ovaries and fat body, and an alteration of energy and waste reserves in host tissues. Our observations reveal a specialized relationship showing that this parasite is well adapted to exploit the host digestive, reproductive and excretory systems.     

Developmental stages and growth of Pseudocaligus fugu Yamaguti, 1936 (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Caligidae) host-specific to Puffer

The post-embryonic development of the copepod Pseudocaligus fugu is described. This sea louse only parasitizes toxic pufferfish, and causes commercial loss of cultured Takifugu rubripes in Japan. Two naupliar, one copepodid and four chalimus stages preceding the adult are recognized in the species. The development pattern is similar to that of Caligus except for the suppression of leg 4 in the early chalimus phase. Pseudocaligus fugu lacks any preadult stage, as in Caligus, but contrasts with Lepeophtheirus species in which two preadult stages are reported. The nature of the metamorphic changes in size and even in degree of expression of articulations can occur without moulting. The validity of some chalimus stages recognized in Lepeophtheirus species is questioned. Growth and egg production in P. fugu were obtained in the laboratory. Pseudocaligus fugu attained adulthood 9 days after the infective copepodid attached to the host.     

The evolution of nest building and communal nesting in Ageniellini (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

Pompilid wasps prey upon spiders and use a single spider per nest cell. The majority of species dig simple burrows in the soil in which to cache their spider, on which an egg is laid. The nest is not revisited, but another nest is prepared elsewhere. However, members of the tribe Ageniellini show much diversity in nesting behaviour. Species of the genus Ageniella nest in pre-existing cavities in the soil, closing off their cells with bits of debris. Most other Ageniellini that have been studied carry water to make mud pellets, from which ovoid nest cells are made. Usually a series of such cells is made in close proximity, often under loose bark or stones or in hollow stems. A few species make free nests above ground, usually in protected places or with thick mud walls. In some cases nest sites are known to be re-occupied by members of successive generations. Several species are known to nest communally, co-operating in nest defense and in cell building. In many ways the evolution of nesting behaviour in this group parallels that in the mud-using Vespidae, but the use of a single prey per cell precludes development of progressive provisioning and of eusociality similar to that of many Vespidae.     

Natural history of a South African insect pollinator assemblage (Insecta: Coleoptera,Diptera, Hymenoptera,Lepidoptera): diagnostic notes,food web analysis and conservation recommendations

We describe activity patterns, relative abundances and pollen transport by insect floral visitors in the Skukuza Ranger District, Kruger National Park, Republic of South Africa, based on field surveys conducted during the early rainy seasons of years 2006 to 2012 (inclusive). Diagnostic notes, illustrations and natural history observations are provided for species in the families Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Cleridae, Lycidae and Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera), Muscidae, Platystomatidae and Tabanidae (Diptera), Apidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae, Sphecidae and Vespidae (Hymenoptera), and Pieridae and Thyrididae (Lepidoptera) that transported pollen of tree or shrub species. Observations on floral phenology and pollination syndrome are presented for 27 flowering tree or shrub species. To provide a foundation for studies of the effects of drought and climate change on pollination services in the Kruger National Park, we applied methods of food web analysis to characterise this plant-pollinator assemblage. The food web analysis shows moderate levels of redundancy in plant-pollinator interactions (with connectance values averaging 0.19 for plant species and 0.20 for pollinator species), suggesting that pollination services in this system may exhibit some resilience to environmental perturbations. Possible conservation strategies for maintaining pollination services in this ecological system are discussed, including habitat management to conserve larval or nesting areas for social and solitary bees and scarab beetles, as well as further inventories and long-term monitoring of pollinator species.     

Age,body size and growth pattern of Argenteohyla siemersi pederseni (Anura: Hylidae) in northeastern Argentina

In this study we analysed the body size, age structure, age at maturity, longevity and growth pattern of Argenteohyla siemersi pederseni in north-eastern Argentina using skeletochronological methods. Body size was sexually dimorphic; females were significantly larger and heavier than males, regardless of age. As A. s. pederseni is an explosive breeder with only one reproductive episode per year, we assumed that each Line of Arrested Growth (LAG) observed was equivalent to one period of decreasing growth, LAGs reflecting a direct estimation of individual age. The minimum number of LAGs counted was two for males and three for females, but there was no sexual difference in longevity. The von Bertalanffy's growth coefficients (K) were higher in males than in females for both size and body mass. Females had a lower growth rate than males, took longer to reach the minimum maturation size, and were older and larger at reproduction.     

Nest architecture and use of floral oil in the oil-collecting South African solitary bee Rediviva intermixta (Cockerell) (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Melittidae)

Nest architecture, use of floral oil for brood cell lining and pollen collecting are described for the first time for the genus Rediviva, using the South African endemic oil-collecting solitary bee species Rediviva intermixta. The nest consists of a dead-end vertical tunnel with a single brood cell located at the end of each of several horizontally branching lateral tunnels. Brood cells are lined with a thin layer of waxy material, presumably derived from chemically modified floral oil. Rediviva intermixta is a pollen generalist but relies on a small number of host plant species for oil-collecting. Brood cells are provisioned with pollen from at least six plant families, but with a preference for non-oil-producing Scrophulariaceae. The nesting biology and Dufour’s gland size of the species are discussed and compared with the closely related genera Melitta and Redivivoides (non-oil-collecting) and Macropis (oil-collecting). The differences between Macropis and Rediviva suggest that oil-collecting in the two genera evolved independently.     

Life cycle variation and adaptation in jumping plant lice (Insecta: Hemiptera: Psylloidea): a global synthesis

This paper integrates the scattered information on the life histories of the jumping plant lice or psyllids, examining those aspects of their biology that contribute to successful life cycle completion. Variation in life history parameters is reviewed across the world's psyllids and the relative importance of phylogeny and environment, including host‐plant growth strategy, in determining life history strategies is assessed. Elements of life cycles considered include: development rate and voltinism, response to high temperature and drought, cold‐hardiness and overwintering strategy, seasonal polymorphism, diapause, metabolism, host‐plant selection and range, phenological and other adaptations to host plants, disease transmission and host amelioration, dispersal, reproduction and mate finding. Life history parameters are analyzed for 342 species. While a phylogenetic signal can be identified within the data, the main drivers for life history adaptation are environmental temperatures and water availability, acting directly on the psyllids or mediated through their host plants.     

Traditional and geometric morphometric analyses reveal homogeneity in European Scutacarus acarorum Goeze, 1780 populations (Acari: Scutacaridae: Heterostigmatina)

The mite Scutacarus acarorum (Scutacaridae, Heterostigmatina) is one of the dominant bumblebee inquilines in the Holarctic. The wide distribution and the host generalist behaviour of S. acarorum suggest that it could be a group of multiple cryptic species. European S. acarorum populations and a small population from New York were studied using traditional and geometric morphometric methods to detect possible geographical or host-dependent variation. The analyses revealed homogeneity of all populations, suggesting that the species experienced a bottleneck during the last ice age and that gene flow between the populations is maintained. High variability within populations indicates a high genetic diversity. No host-related morphological differences were detected, suggesting that S. acarorum is a true generalist. Fresh mite samples from locations all over the Holarctic are needed to draw further conclusions on the species’ phylogeography and also on its population genetic structure.     

Intergradation of Tatochila autodice and T. blanchardii (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in north-western Patagonia

Tatochila autodice and T. blanchardii, common native ‘cabbage butterflies’ whose combined range covers most of the southern half of South America, intergrade in the only region where they are known to be in contact—north-western Argentine Patagonia. The zone of intergradation is centred east of the Hua Hum and nearby low passes, with decreasing influence of the Chilean blanchardii both northwards and southwards. Larvae and pupae from the zone display some phenotypic traits never observed elsewhere. The zone is largely concordant with one in which three members of the Tatochila sterodice species-group are also hybridizing.     

Description of the biology and immature stages of Pagyris ulla (Hewitson) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Ithomiini) in the Colombian Andes

The biology and immature stages of Pagyris ulla (Hewitson, [1857]) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Ithomiini) are described for the first time. The species’ host plant is established to be Brugmansia candida Pers. (Solanaceae). The life cycle from eggs to adult under laboratory conditions and ambient temperature took approximately 47 days, and the larvae passed through five instars. The larvae are gregarious, feed at night, and rest during the day in nests made by joining leaves near the apex of the plant stem.