Contribution to the knowledge of the weevil genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Otiorhynchus</Emphasis> Germ. (Coleoptera,Curculionidae) from Turkmenistan and adjacent territories

Data on 15 species of the subgenus Pseudotiorhynchus Magnano, 2004 of the genus Otiorhynchus Germar, 1822 from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran are given. Otiorhynchus lukarevskayae Davidian, sp. n., O. karakalensis Davidian et Savitsky, sp. n., O. konstantini Davidian et Savitsky, sp. n., O. muratovi Savitsky et Davidian, sp. n., O. kopetdagicus Savitsky et Davidian, sp. n., and O. shakhensis Savitsky et Davidian, sp. n. from Turkmenistan, and O. khorasanus Savitsky et Davidian, sp. n. from Iran are described as new to science. A new synonymy is established: Pseudotiorhynchus Magnano, 2004 = Crassorhynchus Magnano, 2004, syn. n. Otiorhynchus iranensis Magnano, 2004 is transferred from the subgenus Protarammichnus Voss, 1960 to the subgenus Pseudotiorhynchus. Lectotype of O. conicirostris Stierlin, 1886 is designated. A key to 15 species of the subgenus Pseudotiorhynchus is given. The new subgenus Microhanibotus Savitsky et Davidian, subgen. n. is established for the new species O. ghilarovi Davidian et Savitsky, sp. n. from the Western Kopet Dagh in Turkmenistan. Microhanibotus subgen. n. is closely related to the subgenera Pseudotiorhynchus, Hanibotus Reitter, 1912 and Nubidanus Reitter, 1912.     

A contribution to the knowledge of the weevils of the subgenus Nubidanus Rtt., allied to Otiorhynchus impexus Schh. (Coleoptera, Curculionidae)

Results of the investigation of the subgenus Nubidanus Rtt. (sensu Reitter) of the genus Otiorhynchus are reported. The impexus species-group of the subgenus Nubidanus comprises 5 species from the Caucasus: O. impexus, O. juvenilis, O. poricollis, O. jarpachlinus, and O. hajastani. Morphological diagnoses and detailed distribution patterns of the species are given. Lectotypes of O. poricollis and O. jarpachlinus are designated. A new synonymy is established: O. poricollis Schoenherr, 1832 = O. breviusculus Stierlin, 1875, syn. n. Variants of the genesis scenario of the impexus species-group in the eastern part of the Caucasus are discussed.     

Two New Species of the Weevil Subgenus Pseudotiorhynchus Magnano,Genus Otiorhynchus Germ. (Coleoptera,Curculionidae: Entiminae) from Iran

Two new species of the subgenus Pseudotiorhynchus Magnano, 2004 of the genus Otiorhynchus Germar, 1822 are described from Iran: O. demavendussp. n. from Mount Demavend and O. binaludussp. n. from the Binalud Range.

     

Contribution to the knowledge of the weevil genus Otiorhynchus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) from northeastern Turkey and Transcaucasia

Otiorhynchus (Podonebistus) korotyaevi sp. n., (Proremus) karsavurani sp. n., and O. (Proremus) temeli sp. n. from northeastern Turkey are described. O. kirschi is transferred from the genus Simo (= Homorhythmus) to the genus Otiorhynchus (subgenus Proremus); O. madari, from the genus Cirrorhynchus to the genus Otiorhynchus (subgenus Motilacanus); and O. kataevi, from the subgenus Nilepolemis to the subgenus Otismotilus. New data on the morphology and distribution of O. cataphractus, O. latinasus, O. terrifer, O. pipitzi, O. angustifrons, O. jarpachlinus, and O. sculptirostris are given. Lectotypes of O. lederi, O. erivanensis, O. diotus, O. terrifer, O. kirschi, and O. madari are designated.     

New data on the taxonomy,distribution, and ecology of the weevil genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Otiorhynchus</Emphasis> germar (Coleoptera,Curculionidae)

The subgenus Pocusogetus Rtt. of the genus Otiorhynchus Germ. is revised. The subgenus includes O. rosti Strl., O. shapovalovi Davidian et Yunakov, O. obsulcatus Strl., O. fischtensis Rtt., and O. gusakovi sp. n. closely related to O. fischtensis (both from Mt. Fisht, the Western Caucasus). O. fischtensis is transferred from the subgenus Vicoranius Rtt., its lectotype is designated. A key to species of Pocusogetus is given. The systematic position of the subgenera Pocusogetus and Vicoranius in the genus Otiorhynchus is discussed. New data on the geographical distribution and ecology of the little-known species of the subgenera Obvoderus Rtt., Pseudoprovadilus Magnano, and Clypeorhynchus Yunakov et Arzanov are given. Some features of ecological differentiation between Otiorhynchus species in the alpine and subalpine zones of the Caucasus are discussed.     

Three new species of the Weevil Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Otiorhynchus</Emphasis> Germ. (Coleoptera,Curculionidae: Entiminae) from the Caucasus

Three new species of the genus Otiorhynchus Germar, 1822 are described from the Caucasus: O. titarenkoi sp. n. in the subgenus Motilacanus Reitter, 1912 and O. dittae sp. n. and O. zierisi sp. n. in the subgenus Eprahenus Reitter, 1912. The incivilis species-group is transferred from the subgenus Choilisanus Reitter, 1912 to the subgenus Eprahenus (new subgeneric placement).     

Molecular evidence does not support the current division of Orthotrichum subgenus Gymnoporus

Eight Orthotrichum species of subgenus Gymnoporus were compared using the internally transcribed spacer regions-1 and -2 and the chloroplast trnH-psbA region. A phylogenetic analysis did not reflect the current division of this subgenus into sections Affinia and Leiocarpa. The investigated sequences revealed a close relationship between O. striatum, a typical species of section Leiocarpa and O. affine, a typical species of section Affinia. An easily distinguishable group was formed by samples of the dioecious O. lyellii, placed into section Leiocarpa. A large number of fixed differences between O. lyellii and other species of subgenus Gymnoporus raises doubts concerning its position within this subgenus. No marker mutations enabling to differentiate O. fastigiatum from O. affine have been found. In absence of such mutations for O. affine and O. striatum, the status of O. fastigiatum cannot be determined unambiguously.     

New species of the weevil subgenus Eunihus Rtt., genus Otiorhynchus germ. (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), from the Caucasus and Turkey

Otiorhynchus khatiparicus Davidian et Arzanov, sp. n. and O. meoticus Davidian et Arzanov, sp. n. are described in the subgenus Eunihus Reitter, which was not known from the Caucasus before. Both of the new species are very similar to O. rhilensis Stierlin from Bulgaria and O. uludagicus Magnano from NW Turkey.     

Sesquiterpenoids as chemosystematic markers in the subtribe Hypochaeridinae (Lactuceae,Asteraceae)

Sesquiterpene lactones are well established as chemosystematic markers in the Asteraceae family. From the Lactuceae tribe of the Asteraceae family a large number of sesquiterpene lactones – mainly of the guaiane type – have been isolated. One of the 11 subtribes of the Lactuceae recognized by Bremer is the subtribe Hypochaeridinae, which encompasses 10 genera with approximately 170 species. The present communication summarizes the sesquiterpene derivatives reported from these 10 genera, points out, which constituents are characteristic for particular groups, and discusses the occurrence of these secondary metabolites in a chemosystematic context. To this end, each of the reported sesquiterpenoids reported for the Hypochaeridinae is classified into one of three main compound classes (MCCs; eudesmane-, germacrane-, guaiane-derivatives) and into one of a number of compound classes (CCs) within these principal groups. The distribution of sesquiterpenoids belonging to these particular classes of sesquiterpenoids generally follows the currently accepted generic limits. However, the genus Helminthoteca, which is included into Picris by many authors, possesses an array of compounds implying a closer relationship to the genus Hypochaeris than to the remainder of the genus Picris. Furthermore, Leontodon subgenus Oporinia shows closer similarity in secondary metabolite patterns to the genus Picris than to Leontodon subgenus Leontodon. On the other hand Leontodon subgenus Leontodon has more chemical characters in common with the genus Hedypnois than with Leontodon subgenus Oporinia. These findings are in-line with recent results of molecular analyses, which imply that current generic limits within the Hypochaeridinae might not reflect the phylogeny of the subtribe.     

Veronica: Chemical characters for the support of phylogenetic relationships based on nuclear ribosomal and plastid DNA sequence data

Molecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed many relationships in Veronica (Plantaginaceae) never anticipated before. However, phytochemical characters show good congruence with DNA-based analyses. We have analysed a combined data set of 49 species and subspecies derived from the nuclear ribosomal ITS-region (18 new sequences) and the plastid trnL-F region (12 new sequences) of Veronica emphasizing subgenera Chamaedrys and Pocilla and separate analyses of subgenera Pentasepalae (ITS only) and Pseudolysimachium. Results for subgenus Chamaedrys show that European and Asian perennial species are monophyletic sister groups with the annual species consecutive sisters to them. All species of Veronica that contain cornoside are found in this subgenus, although some species seem to have secondarily lost the ability to produce this compound. Subgenera Pocilla and Pentasepalae are well supported sister groups characterized by the occurrence of 8-hydroxyflavones. The traditional subsection Biloba of subgenus Pocilla is biphyletic with Veronica intercedens being clearly separate from the rest of the group. This result is mirrored by the unusual phytochemical arsenal of V. intercedens, which is the only species in the genus analysed to date to contain melittoside and globularifolin. Subgenus Pentasepalae appears to be a clade of diverse lineages from southwestern Asia and a single European clade. Species shown to have 6-hydroxyflavones do not form a monophyletic group. Subgenus Pseudolysimachium seems to have originated in Eastern Asia. 6-Hydroxyflavones acylated with phenolic acids are common in this subgenus but may have originated only later in the evolution of the group. Possible chemotaxonomic markers for other groups are discussed.     

Restricted specificity of a hyperglycaemic factor from the corpus cardiacum of the stick insect Carausius morosus

Extracts of the corpora cardiaca of the stick insect Carausius morosus elevate the haemolymph carbohydrate concentration in adult and 6th-instar larvae which are ligated behind the first pair of legs, but not in non-ligated (intact) insects. The increase in haemolymph sugars is due to trehalose elevation, is time dependent (with a maximal effect about 90–120 min after injection), and is dose dependent (needing 0.005 gland equivalents for a significant effect and a tenfold higher dose for a maximal response). The hyperglycaemic factor is localised entirely in the corpora cardiaca and appears to be specific to stick insects; corpora cardiaca extracts of two lepidopteran species (Acherontia atropos and Aglais urticae) and of Locusta migratoria have no effect, whereas corpora cardiaca extracts of the stick insects Cuniculina impigra and Sipyloidea sipylus have similar activity to those from C. morosus. This specificity is also shown when S. sipylus is used as the recipient. Synthetic adipokinetic hormone and red pigment concentrating hormone possess no hyperglycaemic activity in the stick-insect system. Two peaks of hyperglycaemic activity were obtained after column chromatography of corpora cardiaca extract of C. morosus on Sephadex G-25 and Sephadex LH-20. The factor seems to act via activation of fat-body glycogen phosphorylase, which, although 60% active in the control insects, is significantly increased to approx. 85% upon corpora cardiaca injection. However, the activation is demonstrated in ligated and intact insects. No significant decrease in the glycogen level of the fat body is observed after corpora cardiaca injection.     

Description of two new species of the leafhopper subgenus Pediopsoides (Pediopsoides) (Hemiptera,Cicadellidae, Macropsinae) from Guangxi Province,Southern China

Two new species of the Macropsinae leafhopper subgenus Pediopsoides (Pediopsoides) Matsumura, 1912, Pediopsoides (Pediopsoides) damingshanensis Li, Dai & Li, sp. n. and Pediopsoides (Pediopsoides) tishetshkini Li, Dai & Li sp. n., are described and illustrated from Guangxi Province of southern China. A key to males is provided to distinguish the species of the subgenus along with a map showing the distribution of the new species.     

Notes on the phylogenetic relationships of planthoppers of the family issidae (Hemiptera,Fulgoroidea) of the Western Palaearctic fauna,with descriptions of two new genera

Seven groups of genera are distinguished in the subtribe Issina Spinola. The new genera Apedalmus gen. n. (the type species Falcidius abruzicus Dlabola, 1983) and Thalassana gen. n. (the type species: Hysteropterum ephialtes Linnavuori, 1971) are erected. The subgenera Acrestia Dlabola, 1980, Montissus Gnezdilov, 2003, and Atticus Gnezdilov, 2003 are upgraded to genera. The subgenus Capititudes Gnezdilov, Drosopoulos et Wilson, 2004 is transferred to the genus Acrestia, and the subgenus Stygiata Emeljanov, 1972 to Celyphoma Emeljanov, 1971. The subtribe Agalmatiina Gnezdilov, 2002 and the subfamily Hysteropterinae Melichar, 1906 are placed in synonymy under Issina Spinola, 1839. Issus reticulatus Herrich-Schäffer, 1835 is designated as the type species of the genus Hysteropterum Amyot et Serville, 1843.     

New scarab-beetle species (Coleoptera,Scarabaeidae, Aphodiinae,Orphninae) from Central Asia and Southern Africa

Three new scarab-beetle species are described. Aphodius moronensis sp. n. (northern Mongolia) and A. kozlovi sp. n (eastern Tibet) with modified spurs on fore tibiae in males are placed in the falcispinis group of the subgenus Agolius but are similar to the grafi group of the subgenus Chilothorax in the shape of parameres and elytral pattern. The new species differ from A. falcispinis in the shape of the spur; A. moronensis sp. n. also differs in the shape of the body and parameres. Orphnus transvaalensis sp. n. is the second apterous Orphnus species found in Southern Africa. It differs from the closely related O. harrisoni in the shape of parameres, position of the hornlike clypeal process, and in a smaller body size.     

The family Ctenobelbidae (Acari,Oribatida), with description of a new species and discussion on systematic placement and taxonomic status of the genus Berndamerus Mahunka, 1977

The oribatid mite genus Berndamerus Mahunka, 1977 is transferred into the family Ctenobelbidae as the subgenus Ctenobelba (Berndamerus) Mahunka, 1977, stat. n. from the family Amerobelbidae. The known species of Berndamerus combined: C. (B.) bicostata (Berlese, 1910), comb. n., C. (B.) eremuloides (Berlese, 1910), comb. n., C. (B.) hellenica (Mahunka, 1977), comb. n. A new species, Ctenobelba (Berndamerus) bugiamapensis sp. n., is described from soil, Bu Gia Map National Park, southern Vietnam. It differs from the other species of the subgenus by the heterotrichy of notogastral setae, presence of adanal neotrichy and localization of adanal lyrifissures. Ctenobelbidae is recorded in Vietnam for the first time. A new diagnosis of the family Ctenobelbidae and the identification keys to the known subgenera of the genus Ctenobelba and species of the subgenus Ctenobelba (Berndamerus) are provided.     

Molecular cytogenetics of the genus Artemisia (Asteraceae, Anthemideae): fluorochrome banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization. I. Subgenus Seriphidium and related taxa

The distributional pattern of AT- and GC-rich regions and the physical mapping of ribosomal DNA (location of 18S-5.8S-26S and 5S rDNA) in the chromosomes of seven Artemisia species have been established by means of fluorochrome banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). This is the first study in the large genus Artemisia using FISH. Five species (A. barrelieri, A. caerulescens subsp. gallica, A. fragrans, A. herba-alba subsp. valentina, A. herba-alba subsp. herba-alba) belong to the subgenus Seriphidium, one of the most homogeneous in the genus; one (A. tridentata susbp. spiciformis) belongs to the small subgenus Tridentatae, classically included in Seriphidium; and one (A. annua) belongs to the subgenus Artemisia, but shows some affinities with Seriphidium. Genome organization is relatively constant in all the species studied. AT- and GC-rich DNA is predominantly terminal, but some intercalary and centromeric bands also exist. The rDNA loci are also most often terminal and usually located in GC-rich regions. 5S rDNA sites are present in a lower number than 18S-5.8S-26S sites, and are always colocated with some of them. In the light of these cytogenetic features, subgenus Seriphidium is clearly placed within the genus Artemisia, so that it does not make sense to segregate it as a genus; on the other hand, subgenus Tridentatae must not be classified within Seriphidium, but kept as an independent subgenus.     

A new species of the weevil genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Otiorhynchus</Emphasis> germ., subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dibredus</Emphasis> Rtt. (Coleoptera,Curculionidae: Entiminae), from Southeastern Turkey

Otiorhynchus schuberti sp. n. (subgenus Dibredus Reitter, 1912) is described from Kahramanmara? Province in Southeastern Turkey. It is closely related to O. nudiformis Reitter, 1914 and, less closely, to O. rufimanus Hochhuth, 1847, but differs from both in a small bidentate tooth on the fore femur.     

An unexpected clade of South American ground beetles (Coleoptera,Carabidae, Bembidion)

Phylogenetic relationships of the Antiperyphanes Complex of the genus Bembidion are inferred using DNA sequences from seven genes (two nuclear ribosomal, four nuclear protein coding, and one mitochondrial protein coding). Redefined subgenera within the complex are each well-supported as monophyletic. Most striking was the discovery that a small set of morphologically and ecologically heterogeneous species formed a clade, here called subgenus Nothonepha. This unexpected result was corroborated by the discovery of deep pits in the lateral body wall (in the mesepisternum) of all Nothonepha, a trait unique within Bembidion. These pits are filled with a waxy substance in ethanol-preserved specimens. In one newly discovered species (Bembidion tetrapholeon sp. n., described here), these pits are so deep that their projections into the body cavity from the two sides touch each other internally. These structures in Bembidion (Nothonepha) are compared to very similar mesepisternal pits which have convergently evolved in two other groups of carabid beetles. The function of these thoracic pits is unknown. Most members of subgenus Nothonepha have in addition similar but smaller pits in the abdomen. A revised classification is proposed for the Antiperyphanes Complex.     

Sesquiterpene lactones and systematics of the genus Artemisia

The sesquiterpene lactones isolated from species in the genus Artemisia have been reviewed in an attempt to better understand the phylogeny and systematics of the four sections (subgenera), Abrotanum, Absinthium, Dracunculus and Seriphidium, proposed by Besser in 1829. The absence of hair on the receptacle is the only morphological characteristic separating species of Abrotanum from the species of Absinthium. There are no chemical characteristics segregating the species in these two subgenera since both produce eudesmanolides and guaianolides that are identical or biosynthetically similar. This suggests that the two subgenera could be combined into one (Artemisia) as proposed by Poljakov. The subgenus Seriphidium is composed of two geographical groups, one in the Old World and the other in the New World. The Old World species almost exclusively produce sesquiterpene lactones in the eudesmanolide class whereas the New World species (section Tridentatae) produce eudesmanolides and guaianolides, many of the latter being identical or structurally related to the sesquiterpene lactones in New World Abrotanum species. The chemical data in conjunction with geographic distributions suggest that the subgenus Seriphidium is polyphyletic and that the section Tridentatae originated from Abrotanum. Consequently, the Tridentate should be recognized as a subgenus separate and distinct from the Old World Seriphidium. There was insufficient information from the subgenus Dracunculus for interpretation.