Immature stages of the apterous fly Badisis ambulans McAlpine (Diptera: Micropezidae)

Morphology of the mature larvae and pupae of the apterous fly, Badisis ambulans McAlpine (Diptera: Micropezidae) are described and illustrated. In addition, the curious commensal habits of the larvae are described. Each spiracular plate of the mature larva is situated at the base of a small horn; similar horns have been described in other micropezid larvae. The posterior spiracles appear to be non-functional with depressions forming the vestiges of the spiracular openings. The larvae were found inside pitchers of the Albany pitcher plant, Cephalotus follicularis (Cephalotaceae) and have a commensal relationship with the plant. They feed on the decaying pitcher plant prey and leave the pitcher to pupate. It is likely that the larva obtains oxygen from the pitcher fluid. This is the first immature micropezid described from Australia.     

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.     

You are what you eat: native versus exotic Crotalaria species (Fabaceae) as host plants of the Ornate Bella Moth,Utetheisa ornatrix (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae)

Crotalaria plants and Utetheisa ornatrix are closely linked to each other: the larvae destroy the seeds, while the moth depends on hostplants for alkaloids. To better understand the ongoing co-evolution, the present study examines how native hostplants compare to exotic ones. Leaf-feeding on Crotalaria pumila, C. rotundifolia, and C. incana, native to the moth’s range, led to faster larval development than on the exotic C. lanceolata, C. spectabilis, and C. pallida. Seed-feeding on all species of Crotalaria led to accelerated larval development and a resultant larger adult moth, and correlates with a higher nitrogen content in the plant tissues. These results add a novel dimension to the previous studies of reproductive biology of this model organism. In controlled settings, mature larvae showed preference for leaves of C. spectabilis over those of other species, perhaps due to the higher alkaloid content. Differences in morphology and phenology of Crotalaria determine the ecology of U. ornatrix populations in Florida. The introduction of novel hostplants, on which U. ornatrix can have a significant negative effect and which are of concern to humans as invasive toxic weeds, has greatly expanded the niche occupied by this moth. Possible co-evolution of Utetheisa sensu lato and plant defences in the genus Crotalaria is discussed.     

Action of the saproxylic scarab larva Cetonia aurataeformis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Cetoniidae) on woody substrates

The saproxylic beetle Cetonia aurataeformis Curti (Scarabaeoidea: Cetoniidae) is a common Iberian species, whose larvae develop in tree cavities feeding on wood and litter. The aim of this paper is to analyse how the larvae of this cetonid modify the woody substrate by feeding and what the ecological implications on their microhabitat could be. Thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy have been used to study the changes suffered by different substrates, litter and wood of Betula alba and Quercus pyrenaica, after digestion by the larvae. Results show that larvae of C. aurataeformis are able to digest polysaccharides and lignin producing a residue richer in nutrients than the original substrate and with an organic structure that contains a fraction of lignin that is easier to decompose. The main conclusion is that the action of cetonid larvae on woody substrates could facilitate their use by other saproxylic organisms in natural ecosystems.     

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.     

A comparative study of the larval development of Monodaeus couchi (Couch), Xantho incisus Leach and Pilumnus hirtellus (Linnaeus) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Xanthidae)

Summary

Comparative accounts are given of the larval and first crab stages of three crab species belonging to the family Xanthidae: Monodaeus couchi (Couch), Xantho incisus Leach and Pilumnus hirtellus (Linnaeus). Features are discussed that distinguish the larvae of these species from those of other N.E. Atlantic brachyrhynch crabs.     

Bionomics,behaviour and immature stages of Pelecotoma fennica (Paykull) (Coleoptera: Rhipiphoridae)

Ptilinus fuscus (Anobiidae) was confirmed as the host species of Pelecotoma fennica (Rhipiphoridae, Pelecotominae). Females of Pelecotoma oviposit into the wood infested by the host larvae. First-instar larvae are elongate, unsclerotized, very different from the triungulinid larvae known in other rhipiphorids. They search actively for the host larvae in the wood; no phoresy is involved in the life cycle. The first-instar larvae temporarily paralyse the host larva and enter its body, overwintering (some perhaps more than once) as an endoparasite. In the spring of the year of emergence, the endoparasite engorges enormously (without moulting) and develops a special sclerotized caudal structure which is then used for perforation of the host's integument. The larva undergoes a further four ectoparasitic instars. The fifth (i.e. fourth ectoparasitic) instar differs considerably from the preceding three, and is capable of boring through the wood to prepare the emergence gallery for the adult. Pupation occurs in the wood. The rate of parasitization may locally far exceed 50%. Superparasitization by the first-instar larvae is possible, but usually only 1 larva survives to the ectoparasitic stage. Larval morphology of Pelecotoma is described and illustrated. Additional data on bionomics and larval morphology are also presented for the genus Metoecus (Rhipiphorinae). Comparing the biology and larval morphology of Pelecotoma with other Rhipiphoridae, it is assumed that ancestral rhipiphorids may have been xylophilous Tenebrionoidea with predaceous or omnivorous larvae, and that the ‘triungulinid’ larvae and phoretic habits may not belong to the groundplan of the family Rhipiphoridae. The widespread opinion considering Rhipiphoridae closely related to the family Mordellidae is questioned.     

Life history of Paraselenis (Spaethiechoma) dichroa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) in natural conditions of Atlantic Forest from Brazil

Cassidinae Gyllenhaal? is the second largest subfamily of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera), which presents characteristic morphology, biology and behaviour. The current study describes the life cycle of Paraselenis(Spaetiechoma) dichroa (Germar), ?determining biological and behavioural aspects as well as the action of natural enemies on populations, when the species has maternal care. The study was conducted between February and April 2015 in the National Forest of Passa Quatro, municipality of Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Daily observations were made (morning and afternoon) to evaluate the offspring of females on Ipomoea sp. and Merremia macrocalyx (O’Donell?) (Convolvulaceae), as well as the actions of natural enemies on the young. The eggs are deposited on the midrib and abaxial surface of leaves (n = 25). Egg clusters are pedunculated, arranged in groups and devoid of any cover. On average, each female produced 27.3 ± 5.6 (n = 16) eggs, with a mean incubation period of 12.7 ± 2.9 days (n = 10 females with their young). The larvae remained grouped in the leaves throughout development, except when they fed. They retained faeces and exuviae as a stacked faecal structure on their mobile urogomphi (caudal process) like a faecal shield. The mean number of larvae per female was 12.7 ± 10.1 (n = 19) and the larval period lasted 24.9 ± 4.5 days (n = 12). Pupation occurred on the stem of the plant (n = 16). On average there were 8.1 ± 8.5 individuals for pupae progeny (n = 14). The mean duration of the pupal stage was 10.4 ± 3.3 days (n = 5). Overall, 3% of adults emerged (n = 13 individuals), with a total cycle time of 41.3 ± 8.4 days (n = 6). Adults are sexually dimorphic in the elytral shape. Females remain with the offspring throughout development. The natural enemies of immatures were Emersonella pubipennis Hansson? (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Tachinidae (Diptera) and Stiretrus decastigmus (Herrich-Schaeffer?) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), Conura sp. Spinola? (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) and Brachymeria sp. Westwood? (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae). The information presented here on the natural history of P. dichroa are important as they may serve as a starting point to understand evolutionary questions and multispecies interactions.     

A new species of Munromyia Bezzi (Diptera: Tephritidae) reared from Chionanthus battiscombei (Oleaceae) in northern Kenya

Munromyia marsabitensis sp. nov. is described from the isolated mountains of Marsabit in northern Kenya. It can be distinguished from the two known congeners by the thoracic and abdominal colour patterns, structure of the male and female terminalia, and host plants. Larvae are seed predators, developing within the green, aborted fruits of Chionanthus battiscombei. Over 70% of sampled fruits (n?=?74) were infested with larvae, but nearly all of the individually infested fruits (96.1%) produced only one adult tephritid. Bactrocera biguttula, but not M. marsabitensis, was reared from ripe fruits of the same plant.     

Morphology of Eogystia sibirica (Alphéraky) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) attacking Asparagus officinalis in northern China with descriptions of its immature stages

The carpenter moth Eogystia sibirica (Alphéraky) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is a serious pest of the garden asparagus Asparagus officinalis (family Liliaceae) in northern China, with its larvae boring in the stem and roots, frequently causing significant damage to the plant. All the life stages of the pest, including egg, larva, pupa and adult, are described and illustrated in detail. The ovoid egg is covered with a reticulate meshwork of ridges on the chorion. The eruciform larva possesses only three stemmata on each side of the head; the reduced abdominal prolegs on segments III–VI each bear 35–55 uniordinal crochets arranged in two transverse bands; the short anal prolegs each bear five to seven uniordinal crochets in a transverse band. The pupa is adecticous and obtect, without cremaster. The reduction of larval stemmata and the invagination of the adult pterosterna are briefly discussed.     

A new species of Syncoptozus Enderlein from Mexico with a redefinition of the subfamily Togepsyllinae Bekker-Migdisova (Insecta: Homoptera: Psylloidea)

Syncoptozus mexicanus sp.n. is described from larvae and adults collected off Magnolia in Mexico. The subfamily Togepsyllinae comprises two genera, the Old World Togepsylla Kuwayama and its probable sister group the New World Syncoptozus Enderlein. These taxa are formally diagnosed and the genus Hemipteripsylla Yang and Li is synonymised with Togepsylla. The host-plant of Syncoptozus belongs to the same plant order (Magnoliales) as the hosts of Togepsylla. Also, the morphology and biology of the larva further confirm the close relationship of Syncoptozus to Togepsylla and suggest a relationship between the Togepsyllinae and the Paurocephalinae.     

Morphology and feeding behaviour of the leaf-mining larva of Cheilosia semifasciata (Diptera: Syrphidae)

In North Wales the larva of Cheilosia semifasciata (Diptera: Syrphidae) makes full-depth blotch mines in leaves of Umbilicus rupestris. Mines occur mostly on shaded plants with one larva per plant. Each larva mines several leaves to complete development and initiates new mines by curling round the leaf margin and puncturing the epidermis under the leaf. Unlike other dipteran leaf-miners which feed on their sides, only the thorax is turned sideways when feeding. The larva uses a grasping organ on the anal segment to grip the substrate when moving externally on the food-plant. Inside leaf mines, position is further secured by the integumental vestiture which grips the epidermis above the larva. The morphology and behaviour of the larva of C. semifasciata differs markedly from larvae of three congeneric species that tunnel in stems and roots.     

A new species of mycophagous Rentonium (Coleoptera: Cleroidea: Trogossitidae) based on larvae and adults,and a catalogue of Rentoniinae

Adults and associated larvae of Rentonium bicolor sp. nov. are described from New Zealand (North Island) and represent the first associated larvae of the Rentoniinae. Larvae and adults were found among the fruiting bodies of Hypocrea rufa (Pers.) Fr. (Ascomycota: Hypocreaceae). The larvae are morphologically similar to a previously described and undetermined larva but differ from it by the unpaired, hook-like urogomphus, four stemmata, and the apical antennal seta subequal in length to the antenna. Potential implications for phylogeny of Cleroidea are discussed. A catalogue of the genera and species of Rentoniinae is provided, along with comments about the status of Rentonellum loebli Kolibá?.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:936541AB-1802-4C09-9032-7EF1FAAC912E     

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.     

Review of the Neotropical genus Physiomorphus Pic (Coleoptera: Mycteridae: Lacconotinae), with description of the larvae of three species

The Neotropical lacconotine genus Physiomorphus Pic (Coleoptera: Mycteridae) is reviewed, and redescribed. Larvae are described and illustrated for three species, based on reared specimens. Detailed information is included on biology, rearing and habitat. New synonymies presented are: Physiomorphus Pic 1917 = Batobiomorphus Pic 1920; Laccoderus melanurus Champion 1916 = Batobiomorphus laticollis Pic 1920; Physiomorphus atricolor Pic 1917 = Physiomorphus rufotinctus Pic 1921. The following new species are described: Physiomorphus rufolineatus; P. antennatus; P. angustus; P. mimeticus, and P. subcostulatus, bringing the total number of known species to eight. Comparisons are made between larvae and adults of Physiomorphus and other described lacconotines. Details are given on Brazilian localities where Physiomorphus larvae were collected.