XXXVI.—A new gecko from Sokotra

Summary

The thysanopteran genus Cartomothrips Standard is revised with a key to the four species: browni Standard (= Treherniella niger Moulton syn. nov.), laughlini sp. nov., neboissi sp. nov. and manukae Stannard. Two species are known from Australia, one from New Zealand but the fourth is known from both countries. These thrips are apparently fungus-feeding, two being associated with the dead twigs of Leptospermum species. The significance of the distribution of these insects and their host plants on both sides of the Tasman Sea is discussed.     

First-instar morphology and sexual dimorphism in the gall-inducing scale insect Apiomorpha Rubsaamen (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Eriococcidae)

Sexual dimorphism among crawlers of the scale insect family Eriococcidae is reported for the first time. The general morphology of crawlers of the gall-inducing genus Apiomorpha (Eriococcidae) is presented and sexual dimorphism described. Sexual dimorphism appears to be associated with differential dispersal and settling-site preference of the sexes during the crawler stage. First-instar males of the A. pharetrata and A. munita species-groups settle only on the galls induced by their mothers or, in the case of A. munita, also galls of nearby females, whereas female crawlers disperse. Female crawlers of all species of Apiomorpha, and male crawlers of most species, are well suited for air-borne dispersal. It is suggested that sexual dimorphism among crawlers of Apiomorpha, and some other scale insects, is the result of loss or reduction of those morphological features associated with dispersal. In addition, male crawlers of some species of Apiomorpha have sensory structures which may assist in the detection of sex-specific settling sites.     

Diversity and abundance of fungivorous thrips (Thysanoptera) associated with leaf-litter and bark across forest types and two tree genera in subtropical Australia

Leaf-litter thrips were much more common and diverse in dry sclerophyll forest than in wetter forest types in subtropical southeast Queensland, Australia. In dry sclerophyll forest, the species composition of thrips in leaf-litter was strongly differentiated from the thrips fauna associated with bark of the trees Eucalyptus major and Acacia melanoxylon (4 of 34 species in common). The species composition of bark-dwelling thrips was similar across the two tree species and also across two eucalypts with different bark types, Eucalyptus major (flaky) and Eucalyptus siderophloia (rough). The diversity of thrips from the leaf-litter was not differentiated across all of these tree species. Virtually all thrips collected were Phlaeothripidae, subfamilies Idolothripinae and Phlaeothripinae. Idolothripinae were associated almost exclusively with leaf-litter, but Phlaeothripinae were in leaf-litter and bark. The association of fungal-feeding thrips with dry sclerophyll forest raises questions about their ecological requirements and the role they play in nutrient cycling.     

Social behaviour in a thrips from Panama

Summary

Anactinothrips gustaviae is an advanced parasocial thrips (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae: Idolothripinae) from Panama which lives in colonies on smooth-barked trees, reproduces communally, cooperatively broods young, and forages in a highly coordinated fashion (with young, if present). Although this species is presumably haplodiploid, we argue that the patchy, but intergenerationally stable, food supply is the primary factor which has promoted the evolution of advanced social behaviours in this species as opposed to most other thrips.     

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 new Brazilian species of Heterothrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) co-existing with ants in the flowers of Peixotoa tomentosa (Malpighiaceae)

Heterothrips peixotoa Del-Claro, Marullo and Mound is described as new. It has remarkably pale forewings, and lives in the flowers of a malpighiaceous shrub in Brazilian cerrado. The sepals of each flower are S-shaped and enclose a central cavity within which the thrips live and breed. Although some large ants are unable to penetrate this cavity, other ants are small enough to enter the space between the petals and sepals, and this leads to a reduction in thrips numbers. Several other members of this genus of thrips are known from the flowers of other species of Malpighiaceae.     

Food spectrum analysis of the Asian toad,Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) (Anura: Bufonidae), from Timor Island,Wallacea

The Asian toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799), is widespread throughout tropical Asia and very abundant where it occurs. It was relatively recently introduced to Timor, the second largest island in the biogeographic region called Wallacea. Timor Island shows an exceptionally high level of endemism in a wide range of faunal groups and there are concerns that D. melanostictus may have a negative impact on this diversity, including vertebrates, through direct predation. To evaluate the impact the diet of D. melanostictus might have on the local fauna, gut contents of 83 preserved toad specimens from five habitat types in Timor-Leste, a country occupying the eastern half of Timor Island, were examined. We identified 5581 prey items, comprising the following animal groups: annelids; snails and slugs; spiders and harvestmen; woodlice; millipedes and centipedes; grasshoppers, crickets and earwigs; termites; thrips and true bugs; beetles; ants; hymenopterans other than ants; true flies; butterflies; unidentified insects; and insect larvae. Small eusocial insects (ants and termites) constituted the major part of the diet (61.6% and 23.4%, respectively). No vertebrate prey was recorded. Prey item composition did not differ between habitats. The wide prey spectrum well indicates that D. melanostictus is a generalist invertebrate feeder, as other studies, from regions where this species occurs naturally, have already shown. Although the Asian toad seems to not generally prey on vertebrates, vertebrate species that are morphologically similar to invertebrates in their overall appearance may be consumed. Hence, a negative effect on some taxa (e.g. blindsnakes) may be possible. We also present some limited data on intestinal parasites occurring in D. melanostictus.     

The tortoise caterpillar: carnivory and armoured larval morphology of the metalmark butterfly Pachythone xanthe (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae)

ABSTRACT

The natural history and morphology of the later instars and pupa of the metalmark butterfly Pachythone xanthe H. Bates are described and illustrated for the first time. The caterpillars are myrmecophilous and carnivorous, feeding on scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) tended by Azteca cf. chartifex Forel (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae) ants and appear to be physically shielded from potential ant attacks by a carapace-like body that protects the head and appendages. In addition, the larvae present several types of specialised setae and ant-organs such as perforated cupola organs, glandular openings and functional tentacle nectary organs that may be related to appeasement of aggressive ant behaviour. Our results reveal the first detailed life cycle data for the Pachythonina subtribe and record a new independent origin of carnivory in Riodinidae.     

Ranging behaviour of the invasive crayfish,Procambarus clarkii (Girard)

The spreading of the invasive crayfish Procambarus clarkii throughout the world is attributed to human introductions; however, the rapid and widespread diffusion of the species following its establishment is the result of its dispersal capabilities. This study aimed to provide further information for the comprehension of the invasive potential of this crayfish by underlining some aspects of its behavioural flexibility. Radio-telemetry was used to analyse locomotion, home-range faithfulness and dispersal of the species in an Italian irrigation ditch system. Space was used differently by the two sexes, females being more nomadic in their ranging behaviour probably due to their reproductive phase. In addition, an inter-individual variability was found in both speed of locomotion and dispersal pattern. By applying a simulation model, it was shown that (1) both sexes disperse, and (2) ranging behaviour is not the result of a passive dispersion, but that the occupancy of burrows may affect the rate of dispersion. Finally, an intra-individual variability is related to the occurrence of two spatial strategies within the same population.     

Phylogenetic evaluation of the tropical Camptotypus genus-group (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), with a key to the world genera

The phylogeny of the disjunct pantropical Camptotypus genus-group (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) was reconstructed using 40 morphological characters.The monophyly of many established genera (Parvipimpla, Clydonium, Odontopimpla) was found to be supported, but Hemipimpla was found to nest within Camptotypus and has thus been treated as a junior synonym of it (syn. n.). A group of undescribed Neotropical species were found to form a separate monophyletic group, herein referred to as Genus A. Species of the Neotropical genus Zonopimpla formed a basal paraphyletic grade which could not satisfactorily be resolved into discrete monophyletic units. Rather than subsuming all the more derived genera within one large group, or attempting to erect numerous new and probably ephemeral genera (for isolated species of Zonopimpla), we propose the retention of this grade-group as a separate genus at present. The host utilization patterns of the genus-group, and the biogeography of the genus-group are discussed. The group is hypothesized as having originated and radiated in the Neotropics, as ectoparasitoids of weakly concealed lepidopterous hosts. One lineage, Clydonium, has become specialized at attacking hosts in woody galls where it utilizes coleopterous as well as lepidopterous hosts. The Old World genera (Camptotypus and Parvipimpla) comprise a monophyletic group and are suggested to have originated from a single dispersal event across the widening Atlantic. No evidence for either a southern or northern circum-polar dispersal was observed in this entirely tropical genus-group. One lineage in the Afrotropical region has switched from attacking lepidopterous hosts, to attacking pre-pupal and pupal polistine vespids.     

Non-monogamous mating system and evidence of lekking behaviour in the Helmeted Manakin (Aves: Pipridae)

ABSTRACT

Manakins (Pipridae) are a group of Neotropical birds well known for their spectacular lekking displays and non-monogamous mating system. Nevertheless, the two species of Antilophia have been traditionally considered monogamous and, therefore, an exception to this rule. In this paper, we studied the home range and the mating system of a colour-ringed population of the Helmeted Manakin Antilophia galeata in southeastern Brazil. We propose that it is a non-monogamous species that ranges widely during the breeding season, presenting a lekking behaviour in the form of unspectacular but aggressive chasing courtship displays.     

Zoogeography and evolutionary ecology of the genus Platorchestia (Crustacea,Amphipoda, Talitridae)

ABSTRACT

Species of the genus Platorchestia occur both in the northern hemisphere (18 species) and southern hemisphere (three species plus a synanthropically introduced species in South America and South Africa). The greater number of endemic Platorchestia species in the North Pacific Ocean suggests that it could be the epicentre of evolution for this genus. North-western Pacific Platorchestia includes 15 species which occupy five ecotopes: wrack (seven species), terrestrial leaf litter (five species), freshwater (one species), marsh (one species) and tentatively present in caves (one species). North-eastern Pacific Platorchestia includes only one putative driftwood specialist, with no other species found in North American coastal habitats. This compares with three good endemic Platorchestia species (plus two putative additional species) and only two ecotopes: wrack (three species) and freshwater (two species) from the North Atlantic Ocean, inclusive of the Gulf of Mexico and Mediterranean Sea. Insufficient data is available to consider Platorchestia zoogeography for the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Synanthropic dispersal involving Platorchestia in Polynesian outrigger canoes, or in solid ballast carried in the holds of wooden sailing ships has been identified as a potential complicating factor in the zoogeography of this genus. Platorchestia is proposed to have arisen on Laurasia and is therefore basically a northern hemisphere genus. Questions concerning Platorchestia zoogeography and evolutionary ecology are posed and two methods (more intensive field sampling and molecular genetics) are suggested to be the way to solve them.     

Natural history and ecological niche modelling of coastal Atyphella Olliff Larvae (Lampyridae: Luciolinae) in Vanuatu

ABSTRACT

The genus Atyphella Olliff includes several coastal species with larvae that were collected on coastal rock within the intertidal zone. Recent fieldwork in Vanuatu has expanded the distribution of these insects and begun to provide insight into how they are able to survive in such a unique environment. An ecological niche model is produced using Maxent to predict additional locations of coastal Atyphella in the South Pacific. Larval instars for the two species of Atyphella in Vanuatu are estimated using protergum shield width measurements. Additionally, submersion tests were performed on larvae to determine survivability in saltwater and freshwater environments. These data provide evidence for previously unknown aspects of their natural history that strongly suggest the species are multivoltine and spend a large portion of their larval stage in the intertidal zone.     

Observations on the nesting behaviour of seven species of Crabro (Hymenoptera,Sphecidae)

Summary

Data are presented on the nests and prey of seven species of Crabro from diverse localities in North America. In two instances (virgatus and largior) this is the first published report. Further information is provided for the following previously studied species: argusinus, advena, cribrellifer, latipes, and monticola. Behavioural differences among these species are not conspicuous. Most are rather general fly predators, but cribrellifer appears to show a strong preference for Asilidae. There are also differences in type of soil used for nesting and in antipredator behaviour such as approach flights and daily cycles of activity. Two species, largior and monticola, provision their nests early in the morning, before miltogrammine flies are active in numbers. All species probably make cells of two sizes, larger cells containing more prey and producing females, smaller cells males.     

The relationship of Recent foraminifera to the sedimentary facies in the turbulent zone,Cardigan Bay

Summary

The behaviour and feeding habits of T. biguttatus, T. fraternus, T. taeniola. T. gratus and H. decora were studied in the vicinity of a resting cattle herd. The observations could be substantiated by experiments with flies on restrained animals and an examination of 11 189 Tabanidae in regard to presence and size of fresh blood meals.

By relating these findings to the principles of mechanical transmission, the small Tabanidae T. gratus and H. decora did not show the expected behaviour of potential vectors. Of the large species, T. biguttatus and T. fraternus did not qualify on the basis of their feeding habits. It was concluded that T. taeniola fulfilled, in regard to behaviour and feeding habits, all requirements for mechanical disease transmission under natural conditions.     

Australian thrips of the Haplothrips lineage (Insecta: Thysanoptera)

Keys are presented to the 11 genera and 50 species, including 21 new species, of Thysanoptera in Australia that are related to the worldwide genus Haplothrips Amyot and Serville. These taxa belong to what, in recent literature, has been called the “Haplothrips‐lineage”, that is, one of the three major radiations among the 2700 species and 350 genera of Thysanoptera Phlaeothripinae. The group is redefined, and the available tribal name Haplothripini shown to be appropriate. The character states on which the definition is based are discussed, and a list given of the 34 genera worldwide that can be included. The Australian species in these genera exhibit a diversity of biologies. Three genera involve species that invade galls induced by other thrips: Androthrips monsterae (Moulton) from New Guinea is newly recorded from Australia; Mesothrips jordani Zimmermann from South‐East Asia is newly recorded from Australia, with two new synonyms; the Asia‐Pacific genus, Euoplothrips Hood, includes two species in northern Australia. Three haplothripine genera are associated with grasses: one widespread genus, Apterygothrips Priesner, considered polyphyletic, includes only one Australian species; the only known species of Dyothrips Kudo is Oriental but extends into tropical Australia; Podothrips Hood, a circum‐tropical genus of thrips predatory on grass‐living coccoids, has 11 Australian species, six newly described. One grass‐associated genus, Bamboosiella Ananthakrishnan, is excluded from the Haplothripini. An Oriental genus of leaf‐ and flower‐living species, Dolichothrips Karny, includes one species in northern Australia, D. reuteri (Karny); Membrothrips Bhatti in which this species has been placed is considered a synonym. Karnyothrips Watson includes two species introduced to Australia, both predators of coccoids. Priesneria Bagnall includes three species from Australia, of which one fungus‐feeding species is newly described. Xylaplothrips Priesner is a widespread but ill‐defined, polyphyletic genus that currently includes three little‐known Australian species. Haplothrips is the main focus of this study, and character state variation among the Australian species is discussed. In total 24 species of Haplothrips from Australia are recognised, 14 being new species. Also included are the following, one new generic synonym, four new species synonyms, and one new combination. The 250 species worldwide in the genus are usually associated with the flowers of Asteraceae and Poaceae. In Australia, several of the species are specific to flowers, particularly of Poaceae and Cyperaceae but not Asteraceae. Almost half of these Australian species are presumed to be predatory on other small arthropods, and two have unusual host associations—with salt marsh Chenopodiaceae, and with the sori of Dicksonia tree ferns.     

The Biology and Development of Brachygaster minutus Olivier (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae), a parasite of the oothecae of Ectobius spp. (Dictyoptera: Blattidae).

Summary

Brachygaster minutus is a parasite of the oothecae of three species of British field-dwelling cockroaches belonging to the genus Ectobius. This species has previously received very little attention probably due to its restricted occurrence in Britain and the difficulties encountered in its collection. The life cycle and development of the parasite is described. The species is solitary in habit, the single larva overwintering within the ootheca as a final instar. The emergence of the adult the following summer is perfectly synchronized with the occurrence in the field of the particular cockroach species. Aspects of the mating and oviposition behaviour of the parasite are described.     

The armoured scale insects (Homoptera: Diaspididae) of avocado trees in Israel

Summary

Seven species of armoured scale insects infest avocado in Israel. Hemiberlesia lataniae (Signoret) and Abgrallaspis cyanophylli (Signoret) are the most abundant. Avocado seedlings become infested in the nurseries, thus serving as important sources for commercial grove contamination. Because larger diaspidid populations develop at the inside of the trees (as compared to their outside), and at height levels of 1·5–2·0 m (compared to 5·0–6·0 m), these regions were regularly sampled. Equal-area examinations of bark and leaf revealed that H. lataniae prefers the bark, A. cyanophylli the leaves. The populations of both scales undergo similar annual cycles on leaves, peaking during winter, ebbing in early summer. The specific settling pattern of most diaspidids on avocado leaves were figured. The somewhat-different settling sites of H. lataniae and A. cyanophylli apparently preclude competition when low numbers are present, but the former may be partially inhibited when large populations develop. Several predators and hymenopterous parasitoids attack the diaspidids, the parasitoids being most active in early summer. No economic injury to local avocado fruit by armoured scale insects has been reported in recent years. The reasons for this are discussed, and it is recommended that the present situation, in which no insecticides are used in avocado groves, be maintained.     

Mating behaviour in two closely related sympatric species of Philonthus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

Summary

The intra-specific mating behaviour of two closely related sympatric staphylinid beetles, Philonthus cephalotes (Grav.) and P. sordidus (Grav.) is described in detail. Mating is essentially similar in the two species, although differing in the duration of copulation (1·7 min in cephalotes, 44·6 min in sordidus), and consists of four phases (A)-(D); (A) pre-copulatory phase, (1) examination of female abdominal apex by male, (2) examination of male abdominal apex by female, (3) prolonged examination of female by male, (4) mounting by male (5) extrusion of male genitalia; (B) copulatory phase; (C) terminal phase; and (D) post-copulatory phase.

An attempt to test the role of species specific patterns of peg setae, occurring on the genitalia of males, as a tactile signalling system was made by observation of inter-specific interactions between males and females of the two species. Under the trial conditions inter-specific intromission did not occur and behaviour was predominantly aggressive. Evidence suggests that signals during the early stages of an encounter between the sexes of different species are generally sufficient to deter further courtship. In two instances courtship reached a more advanced stage and here the patterns of peg setae on the male genitalia may have come into play, operating as a signalling device.     

XXI.—Papers on Oriental Carabidæ.—XXXIII

Summary

Some new data are given on the distribution and behaviour of Proisotoma stachi in Nigeria. It is suggested that this species is a junior subjective synonym of Rhodanella minos and that the sexual dimorphism of the males of the latter may be related to the environmental temperature.