The Disphragis notabilis (Schaus) species-group in Costa Rica (Lepidoptera,Notodontidae)

The four described taxa in the Disphragis notabilis (Schaus) species-group are reviewed, including the types and their dissected genitalia. Disphragis hemicera (Schaus), stat. rev., is elevated to species rank, D. normula (Dognin) is retained as a synonym of D. notabilis, D. sobolis Miller is confirmed as distinct from D. hemicera, and D. bifurcata sp. n., is newly described. Both D. hemicera and D. bifurcata occur in Costa Rica. The known ranges of the other species are outlined. Defining characters of each species are presented and a key to species is provided. Unusual variation in the genitalia is noted.     

Modern thrips families Thripidae and Phlaeothripidae in Early Cretaceous amber (Insecta: Thysanoptera)

Two specimens of Thysanoptera with forked sensilla on third and fourth antennal segments were described from the Lebanese Neocomian and the Spanish Albian ambers, and attributed to the new genus Tethysthrips n. gen. in the family Thripidae Stevens 1829. One specimen with a tubular tenth abdominal segment was also discovered in the Lebanese Neocomian amber, and attributed to the new genus Rohrthrips n. gen. belonging to the family Phlaeothripidae Uzel 1895. Thripidae and Phlaeothripidae are nowadays the most species-rich families of Thysanoptera. The present discoveries of Early Cretaceous fossils show how diversified these families and thrips already were at that time. Moreover, this tubuliferan Rohrthrips specimen has plesiomorphies no longer present in the recent genera, in particular on the wings. Therefore it brings new insight in the evolution of Tubulifera.     

Taxonomic and morphological survey of the Lygephila lusoria (Linnaeus, 1758) species-group with description of a new species (Lepidoptera,Erebidae, Toxocampinae)

The taxa of the Lygephila lusoria (Linnaeus, 1758) species-group are revised. The genital features of all known taxa are described and illustrated with special reference to the structure of vesica. The male genitalia of L. pallida pallida (Bang-Haas, 1907) are described and illustrated for the first time. L. pallida subpicata (Wiltshire, 1971) is treated here as a species, L. pallida subpicata (Wiltshire, 1971), stat. n., distinct from L. pallida. A new species, L. minima, sp. n.,from South Russia is described. Illustrations of the holotype and its genitalia are provided; a diagnostic comparison with L. pallida is given. L. alaica Remm, 1983 is included in the L. lusoria species-group for the first time.     

Thrips (Thysanoptera, Insecta) from the Rovno amber, Eocene of Ukraine

Seventy-six thrips were discovered in Rovno amber. Among these, 67 were identified to suborder, 52, to family, 45, to genus, and 41, to species level. In total, five species, six genera, five families, and two suborders are recorded. No undescribed taxa have been found so far. All the identified thrips, except those of the genus Phloeothrips, belong to fossil taxa, previously known only from the Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers. However, the composition of species in the Rovno amber is highly unusual due to domination of Praedendrothrips avus Priesner, 1924. This species, rare in the Baltic amber, constitutes 49% of all the Rovno records. Thus, the Rovno amber, in contrast to the Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers, is characterized by poor taxonomic diversity of thrips and presence of a clearly dominant species.     

Ornamental pepper as banker plants for establishment of Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) for biological control of multiple pests in greenhouse vegetable production

Silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci biotype B (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), and chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), are key pests of vegetable crops in the US. The present study established ornamental peppers as banker plants supporting Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) against the three pests. Specifically, this study (a) evaluated survival and population buildup of A. swirskii on three ornamental pepper varieties, Masquerade (MA), Red Missile (RM), and Explosive Ember (EE) in both laboratory and greenhouses and (b) determined the predation of A. swirskii reared on ornamental pepper plants to the targeted pests under greenhouse conditions. The results showed that the three pepper varieties were excellent banker plants and able to support at least ∼1000 of all stages of A. swirskii per plant in greenhouse conditions and allow them to complete their life cycle. A. swirskii dispersed or released from the banker plants to target plants, resulting in significant suppression of the three pests, i.e., after 14 d post-release, a significantly lower average of 2.75 B. tabaci and 13.4 all stages of thrips (chilli thrips and western flower thrips) were found per bean plant, respectively, compared to 379.5 B. tabaci and 235.4 all stages of thrips per plant in the control. Furthermore, our experiment observed that the sweet pepper seedlings closed to banker plants were healthy, whereas those without banker plants were heavily infested by chilli thrips; their growth seriously stunted or died. This is the first report of ornamental pepper as banker plants supporting A. swirskii against three notorious pests. This established banker plant system could be a new addition to the integrated pest management programs for sustainable control of these three pests in greenhouse vegetables.     

Territoriality and fighting in a colonial thrips, Hoplothrips pedicularius, and sexual dimorphism in Thysanoptera

ABSTRACT.

• 1 Hoplothrips pedicularius (Haliday) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a tubuliferan thrips in which males possess greatly enlarged forelegs, lives in colonies on Stereum fungus.
• 2 Females oviposit onto communal egg masses, and males fight by grasping and stabbing with their forelegs in territorial defence of oviposition areas. Prolonged escalated fights occur between males who are of similar size.
• 3 Larger males usually win fights and become dominant at the oviposition area. Dominant males secure 80% of matings, and mate most frequently during oviposition periods, with an ovipositing female.
• 4 Smaller, subordinate males avoid fights and attempt to 'sneak’copulations. However, they occasionally challenge the dominant male. Challenges tend to follow copulations by the subordinate male and occur more frequently between males who are of similar size.
• 5 Subordinate males who eventually leave the oviposition area are larger than those who remain, have frequently challenged the dominant male, and have more frequently been stabbed.
• 6 Sexual dimorphism in thrips is associated with gregariousness, claustral habitats, female-biased sex ratios, and male winglessness. In thrips genera in which males exhibit foreleg armature, males are larger relative to females. The ecological circumstances promoting sexual dimorphism and male fighting in spatially-structured populations are discussed.

     

DNA Barcode Analysis of Thrips (Thysanoptera) Diversity in Pakistan Reveals Cryptic Species Complexes

Although thrips are globally important crop pests and vectors of viral disease, species identifications are difficult because of their small size and inconspicuous morphological differences. Sequence variation in the mitochondrial COI-5ʹ (DNA barcode) region has proven effective for the identification of species in many groups of insect pests. We analyzed barcode sequence variation among 471 thrips from various plant hosts in north-central Pakistan. The Barcode Index Number (BIN) system assigned these sequences to 55 BINs, while the Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery detected 56 partitions, a count that coincided with the number of monophyletic lineages recognized by Neighbor-Joining analysis and Bayesian inference. Congeneric species showed an average of 19% sequence divergence (range = 5.6% - 27%) at COI, while intraspecific distances averaged 0.6% (range = 0.0% - 7.6%). BIN analysis suggested that all intraspecific divergence >3.0% actually involved a species complex. In fact, sequences for three major pest species (Haplothrips reuteri, Thrips palmi, Thrips tabaci), and one predatory thrips (Aeolothrips intermedius) showed deep intraspecific divergences, providing evidence that each is a cryptic species complex. The study compiles the first barcode reference library for the thrips of Pakistan, and examines global haplotype diversity in four important pest thrips.     

Taxonomy of leafminers of the genus Phyllonorycter Hübner (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) associated with ulmaceous plants (Ulmaceae)

A contribution to the taxonomy of the genus Phyllonorycter Hübner (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) is proposed, based on the morphological study of species developing on Ulmaceae. Species trophically associated with Ulmaceae belong to two subgenera: Phyllonorycter s. str. and a new subgenus, Juxtafera Baryshnikova, subgen. n. (type species Tinea tristrigella Hw.), both representing complex taxa. Three species-groups including species feeding on Ulmaceae as well as morphologically similar species developing on Betulaceae, Fabaceae, Salicaceae, Juglandaceae, and Rosaceae are established within the nominotypical subgenus; several species are characterized by disjunct oligophagy, consuming Ulmaceae together with plants of other families. Juxtafera subgen. n., established on the basis of the development of juxta in the male genitalia, is divided into 6 species-groups whose representatives are mainly strict oligophages, being predominantly associated with plants of three unrelated families Ulmaceae, Rosaceae, and Caprifoliaceae. Based on the comparative morphology of the male genitalia, evolutionary trends in Juxtafera are hypothesized.     

Olfactory Cues Used in Host Selection by Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Relation to Host Suitability

Olfactory responses of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) to odors from six vegetable host plants-cabbage (Brassica oleracea), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), eggplant (Solanum melongena), celery (Apium graveolens) and garlic (Allium sativum) - were measured in choice tests in a Y-tube olfactometer, while host suitability of these same plants was assessed based on life table parameters-development time, survival rates, fertility, offspring sex ratio, female longevity, and an index of population change (I) - measured on leaf disks. Olfactory response was measured on both undamaged and mechanically-damaged plants. Regardless of plant damaged, female F. occidentalis responded positively to the odors of cabbage, lettuce, cucumber, and eggplant, but showed negative responses to celery and garlic, when offered a choice of plant odor or clean air. When female thrips were offered choices between each possible pairing of undamaged plants, or pairings of mechanically-damaged plants, the order of preference was cabbage = lettuce = cucumber > eggplant > celery = garlic. Male thrips responded differently, males responded positively only to undamaged lettuce and eggplant compared to clean air, while among mechanically-damaged plants only cucumber elicited a positive response. Given a choice between all possible pairings of undamaged plants, male thrips preferred lettuce to celery, and eggplant to garlic, whereas among pairings of mechanically-damaged plants male thrips preferred lettuce to celery, and cucumber to eggplant. The order of suitability of the six host plants based on life table parameters for F. occidentalis was essentially the same as the order of preference by female thrips. These results indicate that host plant odor is an important cue for female F. occidentalis in recognizing hosts suitable for oviposition. Information on plant attraction and repellency may be useful in thrips pest management. In addition, the correspondence of preference and performance that we found suggests that evolution of local host adaptation and, perhaps, host specialization, is possible.     

Life history characteristics of Orius insidiosus (Say) fed diets of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura and soybean thrips, Neohydatothrips variabilis (Beach)

Field studies in soybeans have demonstrated that the endemic predator, Orius insidiosus (Say), is an important natural enemy of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura. Soybean thrips, Neohydatothrips variabilis (Beach), serve as an important prey resource for O. insidiosus in soybeans and may be important in sustaining O. insidiosus populations before the arrival of soybean aphid. Because soybean aphid is new to the US soybean system, the effects of a mixed diet of soybean aphid and soybean thrips on O. insidiosus life history is not known. We measured the survival, development, and reproduction of O. insidiosus when fed soybean thrips, and a mixed prey diet of soybean aphids and soybean thrips, and compared these results to a previous study of O. insidiosus life history fed soybean aphid alone. Nymphal development to adulthood (15.9 days) and fecundity (68.8 eggs per female) was improved for O. insidiosus fed ad libitum soybean thrips daily compared to O. insidiosus fed ad libitum soybean aphids daily. The contribution of alternative prey to O. insidiosus life history characteristics can be complex depending on the amount and quality of a particular prey item. At low levels of prey, the addition of prey appears to enhance O. insidiosus survival, development, and fecundity. However, as predators are fed more often, the predator’s response depends on the type of prey that predominates in the mixed prey diet. We discuss soybean thrips impact on O. insidiosus population ecology and soybean aphid dynamics.     

Epizootiological study ofNeozygites parvispora (Zygomycota: Entomophthoraceae) in a population ofFrankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on pepper in sicily

This paper describes an epizootic of the entomopathogenic fungusNeozygites parvispora occurring in a population ofFrankliniella occidentalis in a pepper crop under plastic-house, in south-eastern Sicily (Italy). The progress of the epizootic in the thrips population was monitored weekly, from December 1990 to April 1991. Infections ofN. parvispora caused up to more than 60% mortality of the mobile developmental stages of the thrips, reducing consistently both the insect population density and the proportion of flowers and leaves infested by thrips. All mobile developmental stages of the thrips (adults, 1 st- and 2nd-instar larvae) were susceptible to the infections ofN. parvispora. The incidence of mycosis in each developmental stage was positively correlated with its respective proportion in the thrips population.     

A new key for the species of Ateuchus Weber (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) occurring in Mexico,with a description of the first North American inquiline species from a rodent burrow (Rodentia: Geomydae) and new distribution records

The first Ateuchus Weber (Scarabaeinae) species, A. tuza sp. nov., from a rodent burrow from North America is described. Diagnostic characters are presented; photographs of an adult male and illustrations of male genitalia are included. A key for all known Mexican Ateuchus Weber species is provided. Ateuchus hornai (Balthasar) is revalidated. New distribution records from Mexico and Central America are reported.     

A new species of Gadirtha Walker (Nolidae,Eligminae): a proposed biological control agent of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera (L.) Small) (Euphorbiaceae) in the United States

Gadirtha fusca sp. n., is described from Guangxi Province, China. Gadirtha fusca differs in forewing color and pattern, male and female genitalia, and in larval pattern from all other species of Gadirtha. Gadirtha fusca has been evaluated as a potential biological control agent for Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera (L.) Small, Euphorbiaceae) in the southeastern United States. Adult, male and female genitalia, larva, and pupa are described, illustrated, and compared with Gadirtha impingens Walker.     

Performance of the predator Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on greenhouse eggplants in the absence and presence of pine Pinus brutia (Pinales:Pinaceae) pollen

In Turkey, the western thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is a key pest affecting eggplants grown in greenhouses for which an appropriate control strategy is under investigation. It was observed in a previous study that the release of the beneficial predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Athias‐Henriot) alone did not result in an effective control of thrips on eggplants. Since pollen is known to improve control efficiency of predators, this study was undertaken to investigate if provision of pollen to eggplants can greatly improve the efficiency of A. swirskii in controlling thrips. The experiments were carried out in both greenhouse and low tunnel. The provision of pollen led to a significant increase in the predator population density on the eggplants but did not result in an effective control of the thrips populations. In this paper, various factors are discussed that could have affected the efficiency of the predatory mite in controlling F. occidentalis on eggplants.     

The male genitalia in the subfamily Agathidinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): Morphological information of species on generic level

The morphology of the male genitalia of 46 Agathidinae species belonging to 20 genera has been investigated. Samples from various geographical regions were used to discover the evolution of the male genitalia within the subfamily Agathidinae. Those male genitalia may contain important phylogenetic information at least in certain groups of Braconidae. For the New World, three of four investigated species of Cremnops (C. haematodes, C. montrealensis and C. vulgaris) could suggest the form of the new genus with the other members of New World Cremnops, partly because of the deviating morphology of the male genitalia. Comparative morphology of the male genitalia of Bassus confirms that it is polyphyletic. The status of Lytopylus (L. erythrogaster) is again actualised. Once synonymised as Aerophilopsis, this species could be excluded from other Lytopylus species. The statistical analysis showed that smaller specimens (<6.67 mm) give less details on the morphology of the male genitalia comparing to larger.     

New species of the genus Chelopistes (Ischnocera: Philopteridae) from Pakistan

A new species of Chelopistes Kéler from common turkey fowl Meleagris gallopavo L. from Karachi, Pakistan is described in detail with reference to morphology and genitalia. The new species is also compared with its closest known ally, Chelopistes meleagridis, a common cosmopolitan parasite previously described from common turkey fowl.     

Amount and time course of ingestion of plant subcellular fractions by two thrips and one reference mite species

Thrips are known as cell-feeding sucking pests, but little information is available on which and how much of each subcellular fraction they ingest. In this study, the ingested amounts of nuclei and plastids in two representative thrips species (the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, and the garden thrips, Frankliniella intonsa) along with two reference sucking pests (the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, a cell feeder, and the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, a sap feeder) were quantified by quantitative PCR using phytoene desaturase and rubisco as respective marker genes following feeding. The ingested amounts of plastids were significantly greater than those of nuclei in the thrips and mite species. In the thrips species, however, the fold differences in ingested amount between the two fractions were substantially lower than their original ratio in intact plant cells, suggesting that thrips ingest nuclei more selectively than plastids. Unlike the thrips species, the ratio between nuclei and plastids increased in T. urticae. In contrast to these cell-feeding insects, no subcellular fraction was detected in N. lugens. These findings suggest that transgenic expression of foreign hairpin RNA in the nucleus would deliver a substantial amount of target molecules to cell-feeding sucking pests, but not sap-feeding pests, when employing ingestion RNA interference-based control strategies.     

Spermatophores, female genitalia, and courtship behaviour of two whip spider species, Charinus africanus and Damon tibialis (Chelicerata: Amblypygi)

This paper describes courtship behaviour, spermatophore morphology, and the female genitalia of the African whip spiders Charinus africanus Hansen, 1921 (Charinidae) and Damon tibialis (Simon, 1876) (Phrynichidae). In C. africanus, only the first part of courtship behaviour, up to spermatophore formation, could be observed; though different in detail, it is similar to that of many other species. The small spermatophore of C. africanus contains one large median sperm package. Charinus africanus is one of the Charinus species with thin finger-like gonopods and the first species with such gonopods of which the spermatophore is known. Spermatophores and female genitalia of D. tibialis are similar, though different in details, to those of Trichodamon and Musicodamon. They thus suggest that these two genera are correctly included in the Damoninae.