Twenty-four new species of Polycentropus (Trichoptera, Polycentropodidae) from Brazil

Twenty-four new species of the caddisfly genus Polycentropus (Insecta: Trichoptera: Polycentropodidae) occurring in Brazil are diagnosed, described, and the male genitalia of each are illustrated. Eighteen of the new species are placed in the Polycentropus jorgenseni species complex of the Polycentropus gertschi group of New World Polycentropussensu lato. Furthermore, 6 new species within the Polycentropus gertschi group (Polycentropus ancistrussp. n., Polycentropus boraceiasp. n., Polycentropus cariocasp. n., Polycentropus froehlichisp. n., Polycentropus galharadasp. n., and Polycentropus graciosasp. n.) are placed in an informal diagnostic cluster of species with Polycentropus urubici Holzenthal and Almeida. Ten of the other Polycentropus gertschi group species form a second cluster of diagnostically similar species, the Polycentropus soniae cluster (Polycentropus caaetesp. n., Polycentropus carolaesp. n., Polycentropus cheliceratussp. n., Polycentropus fluminensissp. n., Polycentropus itatiaiasp. n., Polycentropus minerosp. n., Polycentropus santateresaesp. n., Polycentropus soniaesp. n., Polycentropus tripuisp. n., and Polycentropus virginiaesp. n.). Two of the remaining 8 new species are included in the Polycentropus jorgenseni species complex (Polycentropus cipoensissp. n. and Polycentropus verruculussp. n.), while the remaining 6 are unique and cannot be placed in one of the groups at this time (Polycentropus acinaciformissp. n., Polycentropus amphirhamphussp. n., Polycentropus cachoeirasp. n., Polycentropus inusitatussp. n., Polycentropus paprockiisp. n. and Polycentropus rosalysaesp. n.).     

Polycentropus cianficconiae sp. n. from Sicily and Descriptions of the Females of the Polycentropus Species Found in Sicily (Trichoptera,Polycentropodidae)

The male and female of Polycentropus cianficconiae sp. n. (Peloritani Mountains, Northeast Sicily) are described. This new species is related to P. divergens Mosely, 1930, of which the variability of some characters of male genitalia is examined. Female genitalia of the new species are compared to those of P. divergens, P. malickyi Moretti, 1981 and P. mortoni Mosely, 1930. The characters of female genitalia are useful for evaluating the relatedness and differences among the species. They agree with the findings of the study on male genitalia.     

New species and new records of Tinodes Curtis (Trichoptera: Psychomyiidae) from Dabie Mountains,East-central China

We describe a new Tinodes, Tinodes stamen sp. nov., collected in the Dabie Mountains, East-central China and report four new records, T. ventralis Li & Morse, 1997; T. cryptophallicata Li & Morse, 1997; T. harael Malicky, 2017; and T. sartael Malicky, 2017, from Dabie Mountains. Moreover, we illustrate infraspecific variability in T. ventralis, and the recently described T. harael, and T. sartael from the Dabie Mountains region.     

Zur Morphogenese des respiratorischen Epithels der Tracheenkiemen bei Larven der Limnephilini KOL. (Insecta,Trichoptera)

Zusammenfassung Das respiratorische Epithel der Tracheenkiemen ist durch ein hochgeordnetes Tracheolengerüst charakterisiert. Die Tracheolen liegen parallel zur Längsachse der fadenförmigen Tracheenkiemen dicht unter der Cuticula in statistisch gleichmäßigem Abstand zueinander. Die Regelmäßigkeit dieses subcuticularen Tracheolengerüsts weist auf ein physiologisch optimal arbeitendes System hin. Der Abstand zwischen zwei Tracheolen ist sehr wahrscheinlich gleich dem doppelten Radius der tracheolaren Einzugsgebiete. Auf diese Weise wird bei einem Minimum an Tracheolenmaterial der gesamte diffundierende Sauerstoff der respiratorischen Oberfläche von den Tracheolen erfaßt. Die Morphogenese dieser Strukturregelmäßigkeit wird während der larvalen Entwicklung verfolgt. Dabei zeigt sich, daß mit jeder Häutung zahlreiche neue Tracheolen in das respiratorische Epithel geordnet eingebaut werden und die Abstände zwischen den Tracheolen in Korrelation zum Radius der Tracheolen von Larvenstadium zu Larvenstadium geregelt abnehmen.

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Morphogenesis of the respiratory epithelium in the tracheal gills of larval Limnephilini KOL. (Insecta, Trichoptera)

Summary The respiratory epithelium of the tracheal gills of the larval Limnephilini KOL. (Insecta, Trichoptera) is characterized by a highly organized tracheolar framework. The tracheoles are found parallel to the longitudinal axis of the thread-like tracheal gills and lie closely underneath the cuticle at statistically uniform distances. The regular distribution of the subcuticular tracheoles represents an optimum physiological system with the tracheolar interspace probably corresponding to twice the radius of the tracheolar catchment area. This arrangement ensures that all oxygen diffusing across the respiratory gill surface is taken up by the tracheoles with a minimum of tracheolar material. The morphogenesis of this regular distribution was studied during the larval development. With each moult numerous new tracheoles are added to the regular distribution. The distances between the tracheoles decrease regularly in correlation to the decreasing radius of the tracheoles from one larval stage to the next.

     

DNA Taxonomy and the identification of immature insect stages: the true larva of Tauriphila argo (Hagen 1869) (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

For many insect taxa, larval morphology plays a decisive role in various fields like taxonomy, phylogeny or ecology. However, species identification is usually based on imaginal characters and the identification of larvae depends upon an established link to unequivocally identified imagines. This taxonomic correspondence of larvae and imagines is far from being established in many odonate species. We have employed a molecular approach to link larval and adult specimens in Tauriphila argo (Hagen, 1869). The sequenced mt SSU gene fragments of the reared female, supposedly a T. argo female, and a clearly identified male specimen of the species were identical. However, the larva of the reared female clearly differed from the described T. argo larva, previously matched to the species. From this observation, we conclude that the previously described larva of T. argo does not belong to this species because of too many phenotypic differences that far exceed the generally observed intraspecific variation.

It can be foreseen that the molecular approach will prove to be effective in identifying unknown larvae in many insect species. Additionally, the discrimination of sibling species or the linkage of allotypes and holotypes will become feasible with this approach.     

Description of a new species of Wormaldia from Sardinia and a new Drusus species from the Western Balkans (Trichoptera,Philopotamidae, Limnephilidae)

New species are described in the genera Wormaldia (Trichoptera, Philopotamidae) and Drusus (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae, Drusinae). Additionally, the larva of the new species Drusus crenophylax sp. n. is described, and a key provided to larval Drusus species of the bosnicus-group, in which the new species belongs. Observations on the threats to regional freshwater biodiversity and caddisfly endemism are discussed.The new species Wormaldia sarda sp. n. is an endemic of the Tyrrhenian island of Sardinia and differs most conspicuously from its congeners in the shape of segment X, which is trilobate in lateral view. The new species Drusus crenophylax sp. n. is a micro-endemic of the Western Balkans, and increases the endemism rate of Balkan Drusinae to 79% of 39 species. Compared to other Western Balkan Drusus, males of the new species are morphologically most similar to Drusus discophorus Radovanovic and Drusus vernonensis Malicky, but differ in the shape of superior and intermediate appendages. The females of Drusus crenophylax sp. n. are most similar to those of Drusus vernonensis, but differ distinctly in the outline of segment X. Larvae of Drusus crenophylax sp. n. exhibit toothless mandibles, indicating a scraping grazing-feeding ecology.     

A New Species of Plectrocnemia from Sicily (Trichoptera,Polycentropodidae)

Plectrocnemia alicatai sp.n. from Sicily (Nebrodi Mountains) is described and figured from the adult male.     

New species of Plectrocnemia and Nyctiophylax (Trichoptera, Polycentropodidae) from China

Four new species of genus Plectrocnemia and 4 new species of genus Nyctiophylax are described, namely: Plectrocnemia verticalissp. n.; Plectrocnemia acuminatasp. n.; Plectrocnemia cryptoparameresp. n.; Plectrocnemia qianshanensissp. n.; Nyctiophylax (Nyctiophylax) senticosussp. n.; Nyctiophylax (Paranyctiophylax) gracilissp. n.; Nyctiophylax (Paranyctiophylax) pungenssp. n.; and Nyctiophylax (Paranyctiophylax) auriculatussp. n.     

Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the net‐spinning caddisfly,Polycentropus flavomaculatus (Polycentropodidae)

We have isolated eight polymorphic loci for the caddisfly, Polycentropus flavomaculatus. The application of these markers will allow us to define the genetic population structure of this species and, with complementary ecological work, will enable quantification of its dispersal ability and colonization potential.     

The larval head morphology of Xyela sp. (Xyelidae, Hymenoptera) and its phylogenetic implications

Larval head structures of Xyela sp. are described in detail. The characters are compared to conditions found in larvae of other groups of Hymenoptera and Endopterygota. Like other symphytan larvae the immature stages of Xyelidae are mainly characterized by presumably plesiomorphic features of the head. The head sutures are well developed and all parts of the tentorium are present. The labrum is free and a complete set of labral muscles is present. The maxillae are in a retracted position. In contrast to other hymenopteran larvae Xyela possesses a clypeofrontal suture, a comparatively long antenna and three well‐developed antennal muscles. Apomorphic features of Xyela are the absence of muscles associated with the salivarium and the complete absence of Musculus craniocardinalis. A clade comprising Orussidae and Apocrita is supported by the unsegmented maxillary and labial palps and the absence of the lacinia. Six potential autapomorphies for the Hymenoptera were revealed: (1) the caudal tentorial apodeme, (2) the bifurcated tendon of Musculus craniomandibularus internus, (3) the lateral lobe of the cardo, (4) the origin of M. tentoriohypopharyngalis from the posterior head capsule, (5) the exceptionally strong prepharyngo‐pharyngeal longitudinal muscle and (6) the longitudinal muscle of the silk press. The maxillolabial complex, the vestigial M. craniocardinalis and a distinctly developed labio‐hypopharyngeal lobe bearing the opening of the salivary duct are potential synapomorphies of Hymenoptera and Mecopterida. The globular, orthognathous head capsule, the modified compound eyes, the occipital furrow and the X‐shaped tentorium are features with unclear polarity shared by Hymenoptera and Mecoptera.     

Aggregation,interference and foraging by larvae of Plectrocnemia conspersa (Trichoptera: Polycentropodidae)

The predatory net-spinning caddis larva Plectrocnemia conspersa aggregates in patches of high density during most of the year. The behavioural basis of the aggregation depends on (a) the initial tendency to spin a net where prey have been captured and (b) the abandonment of sites where prey are not captured within a threshold time after a previous meal. There is a powerful behavioural mutual interference effect in laboratory experiments between larvae at densities similar to those in the field. Larvae contest ownership of nets and the outcome is determined mainly by body size, usually without injury to either contestant. The lack of an aggressive response in August may be due to this mutual interference or to aspects of environmental instability which make an optimal allocation of foraging effort between patches difficult to attain.     

Density,production and life cycle of Brachycentrus subnubilus Curtis (Trichoptera: Brachycentridae) in a lowland river,Central Poland

The annual mean density of Brachycentrus subnubilus a trichopteranspecies with a univoltine life-cycle was 572 ind. m^-2. Itconstituted of only 2.1% of the total macrozoobenthos abundance,while this species in terms of biomass exceeded 11.9% of the totalbenthic biomass. Production of Brachycentrus subnubilus was estimated bysize-frequency method was 26.56 g wet weight m^-2 and theturnover ratio was 5.7.     

Mortality of Apatania fimbriata (Insecta: Trichoptera) during embryonic, larval and adult life stages

1. Egg masses, oviposition site preferences, and abiotic and biotic factors causing mortality during embryonic, larval and adult life stages of Apatania fimbriata were studied. Laboratory investigations provided information on the temperature dependence of embryonic development, measured as an increase in egg volume.
2. A. fimbriata laid hemispherical egg masses, consisting of a transparent matrix containing a mean of 208 eggs. Egg masses were laid on stones situated just above the water surface in dark cavities in the stream bank.
3. Two hundred egg masses were mapped and individually monitored during embryonic development. There was no significant correlation between mortality during embryonic development and any of the abiotic parameters measured. First-instar larvae of Osmylus fulvicephalus consumed developing eggs, and chironomids preyed on newly hatched larvae.
4. A mean of seventy-two females emerged per metre of stream. Mortality during the 1993/94 life cycle was measured as a percentage of the potential number of eggs laid. Female mortality between emergence and oviposition was ≈ 80%. Eight per cent of individuals were lost during embryonic development. Larval mortality to emergence in 1994 was 11.3%. This indicates that the terrestrial life stage is probably decisive in the regulation of A. fimbriata populations.
5. Duration of embryogenesis at constant temperatures (4–20 °C) in the laboratory was described best by a negative exponential function. This species is cold stenothermal and there was no hatching success at 20 °C.
6. Egg volumes during embryonic development increased sigmoidally over time.     

Mortality of Apatania fimbriata (Insecta: Trichoptera) during embryonic, larval and adult life stages

1. Egg masses, oviposition site preferences, and abiotic and biotic factors causing mortality during embryonic, larval and adult life stages of Apatania fimbriata were studied. Laboratory investigations provided information on the temperature dependence of embryonic development, measured as an increase in egg volume.
2. A. fimbriata laid hemispherical egg masses, consisting of a transparent matrix containing a mean of 208 eggs. Egg masses were laid on stones situated just above the water surface in dark cavities in the stream bank.
3. Two hundred egg masses were mapped and individually monitored during embryonic development. There was no significant correlation between mortality during embryonic development and any of the abiotic parameters measured. First-instar larvae of Osmylus fulvicephalus consumed developing eggs, and chironomids preyed on newly hatched larvae.
4. A mean of seventy-two females emerged per metre of stream. Mortality during the 1993/94 life cycle was measured as a percentage of the potential number of eggs laid. Female mortality between emergence and oviposition was ≈ 80%. Eight per cent of individuals were lost during embryonic development. Larval mortality to emergence in 1994 was 11.3%. This indicates that the terrestrial life stage is probably decisive in the regulation of A. fimbriata populations.
5. Duration of embryogenesis at constant temperatures (4–20 °C) in the laboratory was described best by a negative exponential function. This species is cold stenothermal and there was no hatching success at 20 °C.
6. Egg volumes during embryonic development increased sigmoidally over time.     

DNA barcoding of Gaultheria L.in China (Ericaceae: Vaccinioideae)

Four DNA barcoding loci,chloroplast loci rbcL,matK,trnH-psbA,and nuclear locus internal transcribed spacer (ITS),were tested for the accurate discrimination of the Chinese species of Gaultheria by using intraspecific and interspecific pairwise P-distance,Wilcoxon signed rank test,and tree-based analyses.This study included 186 individuals from 89 populations representing 30 species.For all individuals,single locus markers showed high levels of sequencing universality but were ineffective for species resolvability.Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing were successful for all four loci.Both ITS and matK showed significantly higher levels of interspecific species delimitation than rbcL and trnH-psbA.A combination ofmatK and ITS was the most efficient DNA barcode among all studied regions,however,they do not represent an appropriate candidate barcode for Chinese Gaultheria,by which only 11 out of 30 species can be separated.Loci rbcL,matK,and trnH-psbA,which were recently proposed as universal plant barcodes,have a very poor capacity for species separation for Chinese Gaultheria.DNA barcodes may be reliable tools to identify the evolutionary units of this group,so further studies are needed to develop more efficient DNA barcodes for Gaultheria and other genera with complicated evolutionary histories.     

DNA barcoding of Gaultheria L. in China (Ericaceae: Vaccinioideae)

Abstract Four DNA barcoding loci, chloroplast loci rbcL, matK, trnH‐psbA, and nuclear locus internal transcribed spacer (ITS), were tested for the accurate discrimination of the Chinese species of Gaultheria by using intraspecific and interspecific pairwise P‐distance, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and tree‐based analyses. This study included 186 individuals from 89 populations representing 30 species. For all individuals, single locus markers showed high levels of sequencing universality but were ineffective for species resolvability. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing were successful for all four loci. Both ITS and matK showed significantly higher levels of interspecific species delimitation than rbcL and trnH‐psbA. A combination of matK and ITS was the most efficient DNA barcode among all studied regions, however, they do not represent an appropriate candidate barcode for Chinese Gaultheria, by which only 11 out of 30 species can be separated. Loci rbcL, matK, and trnH‐psbA, which were recently proposed as universal plant barcodes, have a very poor capacity for species separation for Chinese Gaultheria. DNA barcodes may be reliable tools to identify the evolutionary units of this group, so further studies are needed to develop more efficient DNA barcodes for Gaultheria and other genera with complicated evolutionary histories.