Prospects of using Metarhizium anisopliae to check the breeding of insect pest, Oryctes rhinoceros L. in coconut leaf vermicomposting sites

During vermicomposting of coconut leaves by the earthworm Eudrilus sp., Oryctes rhinoceros L. (rhinoceros beetle), an insect pest of palms, was found to breed in the decomposing organic material. Metarhizium anisopliae var. major was tried as a biocontrol agent for management of this pest. The effect of pathogen at spore loads of 10(3), 10(4) and 10(5) per 10 g of substrate was tested in laboratory on Eudrilus sp. kept with O. rhinoceros grubs and on Eudrilus sp. alone for the pathogenic capability of the fungus on the pest and its possible toxicity towards the vermin. The efficacy of the entomopathogen was also tested in the field in vermicomposting tanks. In laboratory bioassay, 100% mycosis of O. rhinoceros grubs could be obtained while the entomopathogen had no toxic effect on the earthworms. There was a positive change in the number and weight of the earthworms on treatment with M. anisopliae. In the field, application of M. anisopliae reduced O. rhinoceros grubs in the vermicomposting tanks upto an extent of 72%. In conclusion, M. anisopliae could effectively control O. rhinoceros in vermicomposting sites and was non-hazardous to the vermicomposting process as well as the Eudrilus sp.     

Spatial and seasonal distribution of potential vectors of hemorrhagic disease viruses to peninsular bighorn sheep in the Santa Rosa Mountains of southern California.

Blood-feeding midges (Culicoides sp. and Leptoconops sp.) were sampled in the Santa Rosa Mountains, Riverside County, California (USA), to determine which species might be involved in the transmission of bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses to peninsular bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis cremnobates). Host-seeking midges were sampled with CO2-baited suction traps over a period of 30 mo. Nineteen species of Culicoides and seven of Leptoconops were collected. Five of the Culicoides sp. recovered are previously undescribed. The most abundant and widely distributed Culicoides sp. during spring (presumed virus transmission period to lambs) were C. (Selfia) brookmani, C. variipennis, C. (Avaritia) sp. (a new species near C. pusillus), and C. lahontan. Of these, C. brookmani (all elevations) and C. (Avaritia) sp. (elevations greater than 750 m) were common in the mountainous terrain inhabited by bighorn sheep. Culicoides variipennis, a vector of bluetongue virus in agricultural settings, and C. lahontan were numerous in sandy washes but were much less common in the mountains themselves. Leptoconops belkini and L. foulki were occasionally common in upper Deep Canyon in spring (April-June), while L. torrens was very abundant in the same area for 2 wk following heavy summer rains. Parity (an indicator of longevity and success in finding hosts and oviposition sites) in mountain areas was very low in C. variipennis (5%), low-moderate in C. (Avaritia) sp. (13%) and C. lahontan (21%), and relatively high in C. brookmani (40%). Vectorial capacity of Culicoides spp. for these hemorrhagic disease viruses is discussed, and it is suggested that species in addition to C. variipennis be considered as potential vectors of hemorrhagic disease viruses to desert bighorn sheep.     

Ecological methods for adult populations of Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae)

ABSTRACT. 1. For comparing assessment methods, O.rhinoceros (L.) populations were monitored in five 30–50 ha plots in southern Luzon, Philippines. No consistent correlations were found between number of beetles caught in traps, amount of palm damage and number of breeding sites. Apparently, plots were too small to account for fast dispersal of beetles.
2. Coconut cap traps baited with ethylchrysanthemumate attracted O.rhinoceros adults searching for breeding sites. Several factors were identified influencing catches but trapping was found to be unsuitable for accurately assessing pest populations.
3. A new method which gives estimates on the monthly number of O.rhinoceros attacks on coconut palms, was tested in the Maldives. Palms are climbed about once a year and the sequence of fronds, the number and the position of beetle cuts are recorded.
4. Reduction with age of the length of three teeth on the fore tibia of O. rhinoceros adults was studied in the Philippines. The data was insufficient to obtain a clear correlation between age and length of teeth.
5. The observations indicated that in the Philippines after leaving their site of pupation, O.rhinoceros adults spend about 5 weeks feeding on coconut palms. This is followed by a period of about 7 weeks in breeding sites and, on occasion, additional visits to palms. With these estimates it was possible to relate palm damage records with numbers of feeding adults.     

A New Family, Genus, and Seven New Species of Entodiniomorphida (Protozoa) from the Gut of African Rhinoceros

ABSTRACT. This report deals with a group of ciliated protozoa with short ciliary bands found mainly in the cecum of black rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis (Linnaeus, 1758), and white rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum (Burchell, 1817) from southern Africa. A new genus, Rhinozeta , based on the sum total of the characteristics of seven new related species is described. The species described are R. rhinozeta n. sp., R. triciliata n. sp., R. caecalis n. sp., R. addoensis n. sp., R. cristata n. sp., R. multiplatus n. sp., and R. unilaminatus n. sp. The specific features of the new genus make it incompatible with any of the known families of the Order Entodiniomorphida containing the ciliates present in the digestive tract of herbivorous mammals. This merits the creation of a new family, the Rhinozetidae.     

A new family, genus, and seven new species of Entodiniomorphida (Protozoa) from the gut of African rhinoceros

This report deals with a group of ciliated protozoa with short ciliary bands found mainly in the cecum of black rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis (linnaeus, 1758), and white rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum (Burchell, 1817) from southern Africa. A new genus, Rhinozeta, based on the sum total of the characteristics of seven new related species is described. The species described are R. rhinozeta n. sp., R. triciliata n. sp., R. caecalis n. sp., R. addoensis n. sp., R. cristata n. sp., R. multiplatus n. sp., and R. unilaminatus n. sp. The specific features of the new genus make it incompatible with any of the known families of the Order Entodiniomorphida containing the ciliates present in the digestive tract of herbivorous mammals. This merits the creation of a new family, the Rhinozetidae.     

A survey of homopteran species (Auchenorrhyncha) from coffee shrubs and poró and laurel trees in shaded coffee plantations,in Turrialba,Costa Rica

A survey of homopteran species (Auchenorryncha) was conducted in coffee plantations with no shade (C), and in those with shade of either poró (Erythrina poeppigiana) (CP) or poró plus laurel (Cordia alliodora) (CPL), in Turrialba, Costa Rica. A total of 130 species in ten families were collected, dominated by Cicadellidae (82 species). Species richness was highest in the CP system (88), followed by CPL (74) and C systems (60). Five most common species for all systems were Fusigonalia lativittata, Hebralebra nicaraguensis, Neocoelidia sp., Oliarus sp. and Clastoptera sp. Diversification of the coffee agroecosystem favors some species while limiting others, and have no effect on the majority of species. Thus, only F. lativittata, Neocoelidia sp. and Scaphytopius ca. latidens were well represented in all systems, but were more abundant in coffee shrubs. Additionally, the following were the dominant species in each system: Graphocephala sp. 1 (C), F. lativittata (CP) and H. nicaraguensis (CPL). Four species abundant on laurel trees, including H. nicaraguensis, appeared almost exclusively on these tree species. Species similarity was highest on the CP and CPL systems (51% of the species in common), followed by the C and CP (39%) and the C and CPL systems (38%). These findings show that even disturbed systems can harbor many insect species, so that they deserve attention from conservation advocates and biologists.     

A new species of Neisseria from iguanid lizards, Neisseria iguanae sp. nov.

A new species of the genus Neisseria is proposed, Neisseria iguanae sp. nov. The organism is associated with septic lesions in the common iguana ( Iguana iguana ) and the rhinoceros iguana ( Cyclura cornuta ) but is also a commensal. It resembles N. animalis and N. canis phenotypically but is distinguished from these by exhibiting pronounced tetrad arrangement and alpha haemolysis and by fermenting gluconate.     

Genetic variation of complete mitochondrial genome sequences of the Sumatran rhinoceros (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicerorhinus sumatrensis</Emphasis>)

The Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is the smallest and one of the most endangered rhinoceros species, with less than 100 individuals estimated to live in the wild. It was originally divided into three subspecies but only two have survived, D. sumatrensis sumatrensis (Sumatran subspecies), and D. s. harrissoni (Bornean). Questions regarding whether populations of the Sumatran rhinoceros should be treated as different management units to preserve genetic diversity have been raised, particularly in light of its severe decline in the wild and low breeding success in captivity. This work aims to characterize genetic differentiation between Sumatran rhinoceros subspecies using complete mitochondrial genomes, in order to unravel their maternal evolutionary history and evaluate their status as separate management units. We identified three major phylogenetic groups with moderate genetic differentiation: two distinct haplogroups comprising individuals from both the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, and a third group from Borneo. Estimates of divergence time indicate that the most recent common ancestor of the Sumatran rhinoceros occurred approximately 360,000 years ago. The three mitochondrial haplogroups showed a common divergence time about 80,000 years ago corresponding with a major biogeographic event in the Sundaland region. Patterns of mitochondrial genetic differentiation may suggest considering Sumatran rhinoceros subspecies as different conservation units. However, the management of subspecies as part of a metapopulation may appear as the last resource to save this species from extinction, imposing a conservation dilemma.     

Feed intake and dietary composition of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), vitamin E,and tannic acid of five captive black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in a UK collection

The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is a critically endangered species facing multiple anthropogenic pressures in its natural home range across Africa. Black rhinoceros are difficult to maintain ex situ and subject to diseases that are linked with captive dietary factors. Hemochromatosis is of particular concern, as it is a common finding at necropsy of captive adults, and has been linked to excessive dietary iron intake. This intake study investigates the select nutrient composition of the diets offered to and consumed by five captive black rhinoceros in a UK zoo to evaluate, ensure adequacy, and/or make adjustments if necessary. Alfalfa hay, pellets and six browse species offered were analyzed for iron (Fe), copper (Cu), vitamin E, and tannic acid content. Intakes were quantified and evaluated against levels found in wild diets and the currently available feeding guidelines for black rhinoceros. Diets eaten by five individual rhinoceros (1.4%–2.3% of bodyweight dry matter [DM] intake), comprising 68%–82% hay, 6%–13% pellets, and 13%–27% browse, contained 76–98 mg/kg Fe (on a DM basis), fell within the ranges of plants eaten by free‐ranging rhinoceros (45–140 mg/kg DM), as well as values recommended for captive‐fed browsing rhinoceros (50–100 mg/kg DM). Consumed diets were found to be marginal to adequate in Cu (9–11 mg/kg DM) compared with the recommended 10 mg/kg DM; dietary vitamin E ranged from 54 to 79 IU/kg DM, and tannic acid measured 13–14 g/kg DM. Commercial pellets were the primary contributor of dietary Fe, Cu, and vitamin E, containing up to 10 times more of each of those nutrients than the forages. Native browses were important sources of lower Fe ingredients, as well as appropriate levels of dietary Cu and vitamin E (dependent on species). Interestingly, pellets (23 g/kg) and alfalfa hay (14 g/kg) contained higher concentrations of tannic acid compared with any of the browses fed (4–13 g/kg). All nutritional parameters evaluated were close to recommended dietary levels, diets resembled values consumed in the wild, and the animals remained clinically healthy throughout the study. Overall, diets were considered nutritionally adequate for captive feeding of black rhinoceros; evaluating the nutrient composition of all ingredients, including browse plants in diets, provides important information for achieving optimal nutrient balance.     

The response of cerambycid beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to long‐term fire frequency regimes in subtropical eucalypt forest

Fire has a varied influence on plant and animal species through direct (e.g. fire‐induced mortality) and indirect (e.g. modification of habitat) effects. Our understanding of the influence of fire regime on invertebrates and their response to fire‐induced modifications to habitat is poor. We aimed to determine the response of a beetle family (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to varying fire treatments and hypothesised that the abundance of cerambycid beetles is influenced by fire frequency due to modifications in habitat associated with the fire treatments. Arthropods were sampled across 3 months in annually and triennially burnt areas (treatments starting in 1952 and 1973 respectively), an area unburnt since 1946, and a former unburnt treatment, burnt by wildfire in 2006. Eleven different cerambycid taxa were collected using flight intercept panel traps, dominated by three species (Ipomoria tillides, Adrium sp. and Bethelium signiferum) which made up 99% of individuals collected. Over the sampling period the long unburnt treatment had significantly lower species richness than the triennial and wildfire treatments. Cerambycid abundance was significantly higher in the triennially burnt treatment than in all other fire treatments. Ipomoria tillides was more abundant in both frequently burnt treatments, Adrium sp. was more common in triennially burnt areas, whereas B. signiferum, was more common in the wildfire affected treatment. Some, but not all, cerambycid beetles were more common in areas with a more open understorey (i.e. resulting from frequent burning), and lower tree basal area, as this likely influences their ability to fly easily between food sources. Cerambycid abundance was positively related to the volume of coarse woody debris and healthy tree crowns. Cerambycid beetles were clearly influenced by historic fire regime, suggesting that changes in fire regime can potentially have a profound influence on arthropod assemblages, and subsequent influences on ecosystem processes, which are currently poorly understood.     

杀虫剂对湿地松粉蚧种群及其天敌的影响

湿地松粉蚧是于1988年传入我国广东省的一种重要林业外来入侵害虫。现在该害虫在我国的分布面积为35.52万公顷,严重影响着我国南方松林的生长健康。该害虫在其原产地美国南方并不造成大的危害,也不是一种主要害虫。只有当大量应用杀虫剂防治其它害虫时,由于杀死了其天敌,湿地松粉蚧种群才会明显增长。为控制这一外来入侵害虫,中美两国于1995年开展了从美国引进天敌防治广东省湿地松粉蚧的林业合作项目。本文报道了1996～1997年间在美国南方三个种子园使用杀虫剂防治球果种实害虫时,杀虫剂对湿地松粉蚧种群及其两种主要天敌有明显的影响,这也间接地说明了寄生性天敌对湿地松粉蚧在自然条件下的控制作用。相关分析显示湿地松粉蚧种群数量与其天敌是密切相关的,但杀虫剂可以打破这种平衡。这一方面说明从美国引进天敌防治湿地松粉蚧是可行的,另一方面也显示在美国采集湿地松粉蚧天敌应在使用过杀虫剂后的林分中。     

Patterns of interspecific associations of stem gallers on willows

Abstract.  The pattern of interspecific associations of three stem-galling sawfly species ( Euura atra , E. elaeagnos , E. purpureae ) and three stem-galling gallmidge species ( Rabdophaga sp. 3–5) was investigated on five willow taxa ( Salix alba , S. fragilis , S.  ×  rubens , S. elaeagnos , S. purpurea ) at five natural sites in Central Europe. The willow species harboured specific species associations of two stem gallers, each pair consisting of one Euura and one Rabdophaga species. The stem gallers were patchily distributed and their densities varied significantly among willow host plant species, host plant individuals, and host plant sexes. Four of the six species showed a significant increase in galling rate with shoot length. The other two species were the sawfly and cecidomyiid pair that induce galls on S. purpurea . The preference of stem gallers to longer shoots was generally not related to higher larval performance in terms of survival. Only one species, Rabdophaga sp. 5, was found to be more abundant on male plants. The correlation of densities of the species pairs of stem gallers was independent of willow sexes. Species pairs of stem gallers co-occurring on the same willow species tended to attack different shoots within the same host plant individual. When species pairs co-occurred on shoots they were usually found in similar densities as when occurring alone on shoots. The stem-galling sawflies usually formed galls at the basal part of a shoot, whereas the gallmidge R . sp. 5 ( R . sp. 3 and R . sp. 4 showed no clear tendency) preferred the middle or distal part of a shoot. This is interpreted with differences of their phenology and oviposition period.     

湖北神农架自然保护区昆虫的数量变化与环境关系的初步研究

昆虫物种多样性在生物多样性保护研究中有重要地位。湖北神农架自然保护区生物多样性极其丰富,保存状态相对良好,是我国生物多样性研究的关键地区之一。然而该地区的昆虫多样性研究极为薄弱,就是一般的物种调查也为数不多,所以调查主要昆虫类群的组成与数量变化,能为本区的生物多样性研究积累资料,并为长期监测打下基础。我们选择暖温带针叶林、落叶阔叶林、针阔叶混交林、亚高山草甸、箭竹林及溪边灌丛6种不同环境,以23块样地为代表,以巴氏罐诱法为主,结合网筛、扫网等方法,进行全面的标本采集与数据收集。经初步整理鉴定和数据分析,得到如下结果：（1）共获得标本58 368号,昆虫标本46 213号,其中膜翅目和鞘翅目数量较多,其次为半翅目、同翅目、双翅目、直翅目及脉翅目等。此外,环节动物、软体动物、多足纲及蛛形纲动物也有相当数量。在膜翅目中,个体数量最多的是蚂蚁（蚁科）;在鞘翅目中个体数量较多的类群依次是隐翅虫科、步甲科和叶甲科。（2）昆虫分布与环境的关系非常密切：仅从较高分类阶元来看,如昆虫纲的鞘翅目、双翅目、直翅目、膜翅目等,不同环境对昆虫数量分布的影响并不显著;而从相对低的分类阶元来看,如统计鞘翅目中步甲科、隐翅虫科等,则可以显示不同环境对昆虫数量分布的显著影响。（3）在一些特殊地点,发现若干比较特殊的昆虫物种,这表明神农架地区在昆虫物种保护上具有特殊地位。     

Fat soluble vitamins in blood and tissues of free-ranging and captive rhinoceros

Several disease syndromes in captive rhinoceroses have been linked to low vitamin status. Blood samples from captive and free-ranging black (Diceros bicornis) and white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and tissue samples of captive individuals from four rhinoceros species were analysed for vitamins A and E. Circulating vitamin A levels measured as retinol for free-ranging versus captive black and white rhinoceros were 0.04 (+/- 0.03 SD) vs. 0.08 (+/- 0.08) and 0.07 (+/- 0.04) vs. 0.06 (+/- 0.02) microgram/ml, respectively. Circulating vitamin E levels measured as alpha-tocopherol were 0.58 (+/- 0.30) vs. 0.84 (+/- 0.96) and 0.62 (+/- 0.48) vs. 0.77 (+/- 0.32) microgram/ml, respectively. In contrast to earlier findings, there was no significant difference in vitamin E concentration between captive and free-ranging black rhinoceros. When the samples of captive black rhinoceros were grouped into those taken before 1990 and after 1990, however, those collected before 1990 had significantly lower (P < 0.001) vitamin E levels (0.46 +/- 0.83 microgram/ml) and those collected in 1990 or later significantly higher (P < 0.001) vitamin E levels (1.03 +/- 1.04 micrograms/ml) than the captive population as a whole. This is probably due to increased dietary supplementation. There were significant differences in circulating vitamin concentrations in black rhinoceroses from different regions in the wild. Serum 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D3 averaged 55.7 ng/ml in free-ranging rhinoceroses; no carotenoids were detected in any blood samples. Captive black and white rhinoceroses appear to be adequately supplemented in vitamin A and E. Captive Indian rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis) had significantly lower vitamin A concentrations in blood (P < 0.001) and higher vitamin A concentrations in liver tissue samples (P < 0.001) than other rhinoceros species. Equine requirements are not recommended as a model for rhinoceros vitamin requirements.     

Comparison of scarab grub populations and associated pathogens and parasitoids in warm- or cool-season grasses used on transitional zone golf courses

Seven different turfgrass species or mixes used on golf courses in the United States' transitional climatic zone were maintained as randomized and replicated plots in separate stands mowed at fairway (1.6 cm) or rough (6.4 cm) cutting heights and sampled in autumn to assess the density and species composition of scarab grubs; incidence of disease and parasitism thereof; and extent of turf damage from foraging insectivorous skunks, Mephitis mephitis. Influence of grass species on parasitism by spring or autumn-active tiphiid wasps was further assessed on implanted grubs in open enclosures. Masked chafers (Cyclocephala spp.) were three-fold more abundant than Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, grubs in plots of Zoysia and Cynodon sp. mowed at fairway height, and P. japonica were five-fold more abundant than masked chafer grubs in cool-season turf plots mowed at rough height. Phyllophaga spp. accounted for <1% of grubs in the samples. Milky disease bacteria (Paenibacillus sp.) were the predominant pathogens of Cyclocephala spp., followed by Serratia sp. bacteria and gregarines (Stictospora cf. villani). Cyclocephala grub densities, milky disease incidence (25%), and parasitism by the native tiphiid Tiphia pygidialis Alien (10-12%) were especially high in zoysiagrass. Japanese beetle grubs were infected by Paenibacillus, Serratia, Stictospora, and microsporidia (Ovavesicula sp.), but incidence of individual pathogens was relatively low (<6%) and similar among grasses within each stand. Few nematode-infected grubs were found. Skunk damage was mainly in the cool-season fairway-height grasses, probably reflecting difficulty in foraging in the much tougher stolons and rhizomes of the warm season turfgrasses. The degree of natural suppression of scarab grubs provided by endemic pathogens or parasitoids is unlikely to be compromised by the grass species used on a particular site.     

河南淅川沟湾遗址仰韶时期的动物遗存

沟湾遗址位于河南省淅川县上集镇西南,老灌河东岸二级台地上。2007-2009年共发掘5000 m²,出土了7700多件仰韶时期动物骨骼。可鉴定标本至少代表5纲11目19科23个属种,包括猪(Sus scrofa domesticus)、犬(Canis familiaris)、水牛(Buballus buballus)、犀牛(Rhinoceros sp.)、亚洲象(Elephas maximus)、中华竹鼠(Rhizomys sinensis)、花面狸(Paguma larvata taivana)等。动物群统计结果表明,仰韶文化一至三期含犀牛、亚洲象、竹鼠等喜温动物,四期中无喜温动物;根据动物生境,可判断该地区仰韶文化一至三期气候温暖湿润,四期相对干冷。仰韶文化一、二期狩猎动物的数量稍多于或等于家养动物,说明该时期“狩猎采集”比“饲养家畜”的活动多或并重;三、四期家猪骨骼占比分别是90.7%和87.9%,说明饲养家畜是一项主要的生业方式,狩猎和捕捞仅起辅助作用。仰韶文化三期3个兽骨坑内各埋藏了1具完整的成年母猪骨架,其中K15内为孕晚期母猪,怀仔猪数为7或稍多,为研究我国早期家猪繁育情况提供了十分宝贵的材料。总之,该遗址出土的丰富动物遗骸可为研究汉水中游地区仰韶时期的古环境、生业模式、动物资源利用、畜牧史等提供重要资料。     

Fatal Yellowing of Oil Palms: Search for Viroids and Double-Stranded RNA

Fatal yellowing is a serious disease of still unknown origin affecting oil palms in several regions of Central and South America. In this study a search for viroids and viroid-like RNAs in oil palms was performed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and return gel electrophoresis of nucleic acid extracts. Although RNAs showing viroid-like gel-electrophoretic properties were detected, the presence of the known viroids was excluded by hybridization experiments using probes specific for potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), coconut cadang-cadang viroid (CCCVd), or Coleus blumei viroid 1 (CbVd1). By using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) specific monoclonal antibodies, which do not react with viroid RNA, we were able to show that oil palm RNAs, migrating like viroids are double-stranded RNA species. Since the same dsRNA pattern was found in extracts from diseased as well as from healthy oil palms, the dsRNAs can neither be part of the causative agent of fatal yellowing, nor are they associated with the disease. Their possible origin is discussed. In addition to the standard electrophoretic methods, which have been used for identification of viroids and viroid-like RNAs, we describe additional control experiments to differentiate unequivocally between circular single stranded and linear dsRNA.     

The first finding of a rhinoceros of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Genus Stephanorhinus</Emphasis> in Arctic Asia

The first skull of a rhinoceros of the genus Stephanorhinus has been found above the Arctic Circle on the middle Chondon River (Yakutia, Russia). This is the northernmost finding that extends significantly the genus range and provides additional information about the diet and environment of a genus representative. Plant remnants from the maxillary tooth cavities were identified as belonging to trees (Larix, Betula), shrubs (Ericaceae), mosses (Aulacomnium sp., Polytrichum sp.), herbs (Dicotyledones) and grasses (Poaceae), but not to sedges (Cyperaceae). The pattern of attrition of teeth and marks on the chewing surface enamel indicate diverse nourishment. Chondon rhinoceros lived in under Arctic-like climatic conditions, with rather limited food resources.     

Multiple cave invasions by species of the planthopper genus Oliarus in Hawaii (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea: Cixiidae)

Although geologically young, the Hawaiian Islands harbour a rich and remarkably diverse fauna of terrestrial troglobites: more than 70 cave species are known from Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, East Maui, and Hawaii Island. Among the more speciosc groups that have invaded the subterranean biome are the planthoppers (Homoptera Cixiidae) of the genus Oliarus. Five new obligately cavernicolous (troglobitic) Oliarus species which differ in their degree of troglomorphy and male genital structures, are described from lava tubes on the Hawaiian Islands: O. lorettae sp. nov. and O. makaiki sp. nov. from Hawaii Island, O. gagnei sp. nov. and O. ivaikau sp. nov. from Maui Island, and O. kalaupapae sp. nov. from Molokai Island. Short diagnoses of the two troglobitic species already known, 0. polyphemus Fennah, 1973 from Hawaii Island and 0. priola Fennah, 1973 from Maui are provided. Notes on the ecology and distribution of all cavernicolous species are given. Morphological evidence suggests that each of the seven cavernicolous Oliams species from Hawaii represents a separate, independent adaptive shift to underground environments. Potential relationships to the extant epigean species are discussed.     

Rearing and transmission techniques for Haplaxius sp. (Horn: Cixiidae), a suspected vector of lethal yellowing disease of coconuts

Adult Haplaxius sp., identified from Jamaica as H. crudus or H. cocois, are common on coconut foliage in both Jamaica and Florida and are suspected vectors of lethal yellowing disease in both regions. Nymphs, which are subterranean, were mass-reared on roots of the grasses Stenotaphrum secundatum, Axenopus compressus and Cynodon spp. Transmission of the disease was tested by feeding the nymphs on roots of diseased palms, rearing them on grasses and transferring the emergent adults to foliage of test palms for infection feeds. No transmission was proven.