The biology and immature stages of Thrybius togashii Kusigemati (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae), with a description of the male

Thrybius togashii Kusigemati is found to be an ectoparasitoid of larvae of a phytophagous eurytomid, Tetramesa sp. (Hymenoptera), growing gregariously in internodal cavities of reeds (Phragmites japonica Steud.), in Japan. The female of T. togashii oviposits into reed canes and its predaceous larva consumes almost all eurytomid larvae in an internodal cavity. This species is bivoltine. The mode of parasitism of this species is unique in some respects. First, when the female oviposits, no food resources are available in the reed. Second, the parasitoid allows part of the host larvae to grow and exploits increasing food resources. The egg, pupa and first to final instar larvae and adult male are described and figured for the first time. Colour dimorphism in both sexes and adult morphology adapted to habitat and ovipositional substrate are also discussed.     

A new species of bethylid wasp (Hymenoptera) from New Zealand,with comments on its life history and host

A new species of parasitoid wasp Chilepyris platythelys (Chrysidoidea: Bethylidae), from New Zealand, is described and illustrated. Its life history is described and its host, an anobiid (Coleoptera) larva, Hadrobregmus (Megabregmus) magnus is mentioned as the first host record for the genus Chilepyris.     

An Australian stiletto fly (Diptera: Therevidae) parasitised by a bee fly (Diptera: Bombyliidae)

Exechohypopion therephaga sp. nov. (Bombyliidae) emerged from the pupa of Parapsilocephala ambocerina sp. nov. (Therevidae) collected near Wentworth, New South Wales, Australia. The adults, pupae and mature larvae of the bombyliid and therevid are described and illustrated. Because the therevid host was collected from soil as a larva, the first instar bombyliid planidium is presumed to attach to the therevid in the larval stage. This is the second known record of a therevid being parasitised. Both known cases occurred in Australia and involved a bombyliid parasitoid.     

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.     

On the parasitoid community of Aulacidea laurae (Hym., Cynipidae), with description of a new species of Adontomerus (Hym., Torymidae)

An account is given of parasitoids (Hym., Chalcidoidea) reared from Spanish galls of Aulacidea laurae (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) which develop in achenes of Scorzonera laciniata (Asteraceae). The parasitoid community includes Adontomerus brevicaudatus (Hym., Torymidae) which is described as new. Final instar larva of the new species is also described. The generic placement of A. brevicaudatus and the composition of the parasitoid community are discussed.     

Biology and immature stages of Panteles schnetzeanus (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a parasitoid of Lampronia fuscatella (Lepidoptera: Incurvariidae)

Panteles schnetzeanus (Roman), a parasitoid of the gall‐forming incurvariid moth Lampronia fuscatella (Tengström) and currently placed in the Stilbopinae, is shown to be a solitary koinobiont larval endoparasitoid. The large dark‐pigmented eggs possess a hook‐like tail which is embedded in host tissue, typically at the posterior or anterior end of the host. In cases of superparasitism, which represented 70% of cases, only a single egg hatches. The first instar, prepupa and final larval instar head capsules are described and illustrated. Many differences between the biology of Panteles and of Stilbops are discussed. Circumstantial evidence that suggests that Panteles may have an alternative host is also presented based on the emergence dates for it and the Lampronia together with the size, number and placement of the Panteles eggs. DNA sequence data additionally provide the first record of a eupelmid as attacking a gall‐forming incurvariid/parasitoid system, though it is not clear whether this was an hyperparasitoid on the Panteles or a primary on the incurvariid.     

Two new species of Hymenoepimecis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) with notes on their spider hosts and behaviour manipulation

The wasp genera included in the Polysphincta genus-group develop exclusively as koinobiont ectoparasitoids of spiders, an unusual pattern within Hymenoptera. All known species of Hymenoepimecis attack orb-web spiders and Hymenoepimecis argyraphaga was previously described inducing a sudden modification of its host's web-building behaviour. Information on parasitoid–host interactions and even on host identities for most members of the genus-group, however, remain scarce. In this study we describe two new species of Hymenoepimecis and present information on their hosts, spiders of the genera Leucauge (Tetragnathidae) and Manogea (Araneidae). Cocoon webs of both host species are distinct from their normal webs. The modified cocoon web of Leucauge roseosignata constructed under the influence of Hymenoepimecis japi sp. nov. is very similar to the cocoon web described for Leucauge argyra. It is composed of three axes, including several radial threads each, and a hub used by the larva to attach the cocoon's suspension line. Spiral viscous threads, present in normal webs and in webs of parasitized spiders carrying larvae in the initial instars, are absent in cocoon webs. In the cocoon web of Manogea porracea the horizontal sheet is poorly structured and the cocoon is attached far from the spider's normal resting position, in an area composed of a densely tangled structure.     

A new fecampiid of the genus Kronborgia (Platyhelminthes: Turbellaria: Neorhabdocoela) parasitic in the intertidal isopod Exosphaeroma obtusum (Dana) from New Zealand

Kronborgia isopodicola sp. n. (Turbellaria: Neorhabdocoela: Fecampiidae) is described from the South Island of New Zealand. The species has a parasitic phase within the haemocoel of the intertidal isopod Exosphaeroma obtusum (Dana). Sexes are separate: each female worm, emerging when mature from its host, secretes a cocoon around itself in which it is joined by a male. Cocoons are found under rocks, are approximately 10 mm long and reflect the shape of the contained female. The worms spawn and lay numerous egg capsules, each containing two embryos. Although placed in Kronborgia Christensen and Kanneworff, 1964 because it is dioecious, K. isopodicola exhibits some characters typical of the genus Fecampia Giard, 1886. It differs from all other described fecampiids by its possession of eyes throughout life.     

Tetrastichinae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) associated with spider egg sacs

Aranobroter rayorae, gen. et sp. n., is described as a gregarious predator of spider eggs within egg sacs of Metepeira incrassata (Araneidae) from Veracruz, Mexico. Baryscapus uetzi, sp. n., is described as an internal parasitoid of A. rayorae. The biology of these two species is discussed. A review of Tetrastichinae associated with spider egg sacs includes new North American records.     

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.     

Aphidiinae parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of Macrosiphoniella aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the western Palaearctic region

The parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of Macrosiphoniella del Guercio (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from the western Palaearctic region are reviewed and keyed. The host associations and distribution of each species are summarized. Aphidius stigmaticus sp. nov. reared from Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria on Tanacetum polycephalum, which is another member of the Macrosiphoniella aphid parasitoid guild from high-mountain habitats in western Iran, is described in the present contribution. Some taxonomic problems within Macrosiphoniella parasitoid guilds are discussed as well.     

Anatomy,reach and classification of the parasitoid complex of a common British moth,Anthophila fabriciana (L.) (Choreutidae)

The small plurivoltine moth Anthophila fabriciana is widespread and often abundant in Britain wherever its main larval foodplant, stinging nettle, occurs. It overwinters as a larva (first generation) then has one or more partly overlapping summer broods (notionally second generation). A total of 5017 larvae were collected and reared from widely distributed populations in Britain, and the resulting 2167 host mortalities due to parasitoids were assessed. Small collections of pupae were also made. Altogether 25 parasitoid species, including secondary parasitoids, were found. Larval parasitism was heaviest in the second generation. In each generation there was a dominant parasitoid that was absent from the other. Summary information on the developmental biology and host range (expressed quantitatively and resulting from very broad rearing programmes) for each parasitoid is given. They are classed as ‘absolute specialists’, ‘taxon oligospecialists’, ‘niche oligospecialists’, ‘niche generalists’, ‘casuals’ and ‘strays’. Both kinds of oligospecialists can be ‘paraspecialists’ if only one potential host occurs locally. Although constructing a quantitative food web is not appropriate, providing both source web and sink web data in quantitative form enables the parasitoid complex to be understood in the wider context of the ecosystem, necessary for both biodiversity and nature conservation interests. In Appendix 1, parasitoids reared from other European Choreutidae are listed quantitatively.     

Effects of temperature on the embryonic development and hatchling size of Betaeus emarginatus (Decapoda: Caridea: Alpheidae)

Betaeus emarginatus is an alpheid shrimp inhabiting rock pool environments characterized by strong fluctuations of ambient factors. Here we describe the embryonic development of B. emarginatus, and analyse the effects of three different temperatures (13, 15 and 20°C) on the duration of the incubation period, egg volume, and the size and morphology of newly hatched larvae. The sequence of embryonic development followed the general patterns described for decapods. Temperature affected the duration of the incubation period, which varied between 66.8 days (13°C) and 22.7 days (20°C). Independent of the thermal regime, eye pigment appeared after completing approximately 50% of the incubation time. Despite almost an identical initial egg volume in all three treatments, there was an inverse relation between temperature and final volume: eggs incubated at 13°C were substantially bigger (471.5 mm³) than those maintained at 15 (403.3 mm³) and 20°C (387.6 mm³). The size of the hatchlings increased significantly with decreasing incubation temperature. However, morphological variability of selected larval characters was generally higher at elevated temperatures. We compare the results obtained with those reported for other decapods inhabiting temperate waters, and discuss the question of why larvae of B. emarginatus incubated at higher temperatures hatch at a smaller size compared to those incubated at lower temperatures.     

Five invaginations and shedding of the larval epidermis during development of the hoplonemertean Pantinonemertes californiensis (Nemertea: Hoplonemertea)

We describe the planuliform larval development of the high intertidal hoplonemertean Pantinonemertes californiensis using confocal microscopy. We discovered that the newly hatched planuliform larva has two pairs of epidermal invaginations that disappear later in development. The anterior pair of invaginations has an apparent counterpart in other planuliform nemertean larvae; they give rise to the cerebral organs in at least two other hoplonemertean species. Although the adult P. californiensis possesses cerebral organs, we were not able to distinguish the anterior invaginations after 3 days of development. The developmental fate and homology of the posterior pair of invaginations is uncertain. We show that the proboscis develops in newly hatched larvae as a fifth distinct invagination just ventral of the apical plate. P. californiensis possesses a transitory larval epidermis, composed of approximately 80 multiciliated cells, which is normally shed at 3–4 days of development at 12–16°C.     

Comparisons in nesting biology of two sympatric carpenter bee species (Apidae: Xylocopini)

This work analyses the biology and nesting behaviour of Xylocopa ordinaria and Xylocopa frontalis, providing information for their conservation and management. The study was performed from August 2006 to December 2007 and considered 25 nests of X. ordinaria and 23 of X. frontalis. The X. frontalis nested between December and April, while X. ordinaria nested throughout the year. Nests of X. ordinaria dug in wider substrates had more tunnels, and the width of nest tunnels and the dimensions of brood cells were smaller than were observed for X. frontalis. Females spent most of their time in activities inside their nests, followed by nectar and pollen flights and nectar dehydration. Pollen resources used by these bees presented more than 40% similarity, and they were constant to flower resources while provisioning cells. Cissites maculata and a Diptera species were the natural enemies found.     

The morphology and biology of Pterodunga mirabile Daccordi,an unusual subsocial Chrysomeline (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

New information is provided on the morphology and biology of the Australian leaf‐beetle Pterodunga mirabile Daccordi. This species is unusual in the Chrysomelinae for the following features: adult with deeply grooved prothoracic hypopleuron, laterally pointed elytral margins, concealed mesoventrite and fused abdominal ventrites; female ovoviviparous and without spermatheca; first‐instar larva with lappet‐like sclerites; maternal care; host plant in the Proteaceae. The systematic position and conservation status of Pterodunga are discussed. Maternal care in the Chrysomelinae and Proteaceae‐feeding in the Chrysomelidae are reviewed. The first record of maternal care in Chrysomelinae, for Labidomera suturella Guérin‐Méneville, is shown to be a misidentification of Platyphora selvae Daccordi.     

Superparasitism of Eoxenos laboulbenei De Peyerimhoff (Strepsiptera: Mengenillidae) by Idiomacromerus gregarius (Silvestri) (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) in southern Spain

A female puparium of Eoxenos laboulbenei De Peyerimhoff (Strepsiptera: Insecta) found in Mula, Murcia, Spain was parasitized by five larvae of Idiomacromerus gregarius (Silvestri) (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Torymidae). The parasitized puparium was kept in the laboratory until the following summer, when four I. gregarius adults emerged from it. This species of chalcidoid is rarely found. It was first described in 1943 from Italy by Silvestri and the present report is the first record from Spain. Here we re-examine and redescribe the newly discovered specimens of I. gregarius, add further details about its morphology and give a brief account of its biology including a new record (the mengenillid E. laboulbenei).