The distribution,morphology, and taxonomic position of Psychrolutes pustulosus (Schmidt, 1937) (Scorpaeniformes: Psychrolutidae)

The external morphology, osteology, and distribution of a rare fish species Psychrolutes pustulosus (Scorpaeniformes: Psychrolutidae) is examined based on an extensive material for the first time. P. pustulosus shows an extreme degree of reduction of the skeleton among the Psychrolutidae. The comparative morphological analysis confirms the placement of this species in the genus Psychrolutes rather than in Gilbertidia. The new data show that P. pustulosus is widespread in the Sea of Okhotsk. The occurrence of this species in the Sea of Japan (Tatar Strait, Peter the Great Bay) is recorded for the first time. Reports on the findings of P. pustulosus in the Bering Sea are erroneous.     

Egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) of Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) on Okinawa Island,a pest of okra in Japan

The fairyfly Anagrus (Anagrus) japonicus Sahad (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) is identified for the first time as an egg parasitoid of the okra leafhopper Amrasca (Sundapteryx) biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) on Okinawa Island, Japan. Amrasca biguttula is a serious pest of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (Malvaceae), both in Okinawa and Bonin Islands. Female of A. japonicus is redescribed, and its previously unknown male is described, based on the reared specimens from Okinawa. Prior to this study, host associations of A. japonicus were unknown. Another species of Mymaridae, Arescon enocki (Subba Rao and Kaur), also emerged from eggs of A. biguttula on okra in Okinawa, albeit in much smaller numbers.     

Feeding Activity, Salivary Amylase Activity, and Superficial Damage to Soybean Seed by Adult Edessa meditabunda (F.) and Euschistus heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Greenhouse and laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate feeding activity and superficial damage to soybean seed by the brown-winged stink bug, Edessa meditabunda (F.), and the Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.). Soybean plants (cv. BRS 282), at R6 stage of development were used. Thirty pairs of each species were used individually for 48?h. Two daily observations (9:00?AM and 3:00?PM) were taken to record the number of bugs (feeding/resting) on plant parts. Harvested seeds imbibed in tetrazolium solution were photographed for measurement of the damaged surface. Adult E. meditabunda significantly preferred soybean stems (19.7 bugs) to pods (2.7). Feeding/resting was similar at 9:00?AM (mean number of 28.0 bugs) and 3:00?PM (24.3). Euschistus heros equally fed/stayed on stems (7.3 bugs) and pods (6.9), although most bugs (12.3) remained on the cage net; feeding/resting on all plant structures amounted to 13.7 bugs at 9:00?AM and 17.7 bugs at 3:00?PM. Amylase activity was greater for E. heros (41.61?±?0.89?U/mg) and almost none for E. meditabunda (2.35?±?0.14?U/mg). The superficial damage to seeds was significantly greater for E. meditabunda (22. 9?mm²) compared to E. heros (12.5?mm²). However, E. meditabunda caused less shrinkage of the seed tegument, while E. heros damage was deeper and seeds showed reduction in size.     

Syringophilid mites (Acari: Syringophilidae) associated with the rails (Aves: Rallidae) and a key to the species of the genus Rafapicobia Skoracki, 2011

The fauna of quill mites of the family Syringophilidae Lavoipierre, 1953 (Acari: Prostigmata Cheyletoidea) parasitising birds of the family Rallidae Vigors (Gruiformes) is updated. A new species, Rafapicobia melzeri n. sp. (subfamily Picobiinae), is described from four host species: Rallus aquaticus Linnaeus (type-host) from Germany, Pardirallus sanguinolentus (Swainson) from Chile, Porzana porzana (Linnaeus) from France and P. parva (Scopoli) from Kirghizia. The new species is most similar to R. lepidocolaptesi Skoracki & Solarczyk, 2012 but differs in the absence of agenital plates and the length ratios of setae ag2:g1 and vi:ve:si in females and in the punctate ornament on the hysteronotal and the pygidial shields in males. A key to the species of the genus Rafapicobia is proposed. This is the first record of a representative of the subfamily Picobiinae on gruiform birds. Additionally, new rallid hosts are reported for Charadriphilus ralli Skoracki & Bochkov, 2010 (subfamily Syringophilinae): Gallinula melanops (Vieillot) from Chile, Laterallus melanophaius (Vieillot) from Paraguay, and P. parva (Scopoli) from Kirghizia.     

Functional response,switching, and prey-stage preference of Scolothrips longicornis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on Schizotetranychus smirnovi (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Scolothrips longicornis Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) as a biocontrol agent of Schizotetranychus smirnovi Wainstein (Acari: Tetranychidae), a key pest of almond trees in the southwest of Iran. To achieve a strategy for the control of this pest, it is important to understand foraging behavior (Functional response, switching, and prey-stage preference) of S. longicornis. The predator exhibited a type III functional response when it was offered S. smirnovi protonymphs at seven densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 32 .64 and 128). Based on the random predator equation, the estimated attack rate (a), handling time (T_h), and maximum rate of predation were 0.0048 h^?1, 0.4816 h, and 49.84 per day, respectively. Using the Murdoch's model, switching behavior was observed in S. longicornis. The predator switched from one stage when it becomes rare to another more abundant stage. S. longicornis fed on all stages but preferred S. smirnovi larvae and protonymphs. The results of this study revealed that S. longicornis could be used in the integrated management of S. smirnovi. However, further field studies are needed to verify this hypothesis.     

Eulophid wasps (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), parasitoids of leaf-mining moths (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae, Nepticulidae, Tischeriidae) on the English oak in the Middle Volga Area

Data on the parasitoid eulophid complexes reared from 6 species of leaf mining moths damaging the oak in the Middle Volga Area are reported. The reared eulophids belong to three subfamilies: Eulophinae (8 species from 6 genera): Cirrospilus diallus Walker, C. viticola (Rondani), Euplectrus liparidis Ferrière, Hyssopus geniculatus (Hartig), Sympiesis gordius (Walker), Pnigalio rotundiventris (Erdös), P. soemius (Walker), Rhicnopelte crassicornis (Nees); Entedoninae (11 species from 4 genera): Chrysocharis laomedon (Walker), Ch. prodice (Walker), Ch. pubens Delucchi, Ch. submutica Graham, Closterocerus formosus Westwood, Neochrysocharis aratus (Walker), Pediobius cassidae Erdös, P. flaviscapus (Thomson), P. metallicus (Nees), P. pyrgo Walker; and Tetrastichinae (3 species from 3 genera): Aprostocetus sp., Minotetrastichus frontalis (Nees), and Sigmophora brevicornis (Panzer). The most abundant of the moth parasitoids are M. frontalis and Ch. laomedon, while Tischeria ekebladella has the greatest number of parasitoids. The ectoparasitoids/endoparasitoids ratio in the number of species is 2: 1, and in the number of individuals reared, 1.76: 1. Thus, the host density is regulated primarily by the ectoparasitoids.     

The soapberry bug,Jadera haematoloma (Insecta,Hemiptera, Rhopalidae): First Asian record,with?a?review of bionomics

The soapberry bug, Jadera haematoloma (Herrich-Schäffer, 1847) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhopalidae: Serinethinae), a species native in tropical and subtropical regions of the New World and accidentally introduced to Hawaii, is reported for the first time from Asia (Taiwan). This record represents the first occurrence of the species in Asia. Stable populations composed of hundreds of specimens were found in seven localities of Kaohsiung City and one locality in Tainan City, and a single specimen was observed in Chiayi County. Aggregating adults and larvae fed in large numbers on the sapindacean plants Cardiospermum halicacabum L. and Koelreuteria elegans (Seem.) A. C. Smith ssp. formosana (Hayata) F. G. Meyer. Diagnostic characters of adults and larvae of Jadera haematoloma are discussed. A review of its bionomics and a bibliography are provided. Initial observations on the populations in southern Taiwan are presented. The species is potentially invasive, and further extension of its range is anticipated in Southeast Asia.     

Endosymbiotic microorganisms in Adelges (Sacchiphantes) viridis (Insecta,Hemiptera, Adelgoidea: Adelgidae): Molecular characterization,ultrastructure and transovarial transmission

The aim of this paper was to identify endosymbiotic microorganisms living in the body cavity of a Polish population of an aphid, Adelges (Sacchiphantes) viridis, as well as to describe their ultrastructure and mode of transmission between generations. Molecular data (amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes) indicated that endosymbionts of A. (S.) viridis are Betaproteobacteria of the species “Candidatus Vallotia virida”. Endosymbiotic bacteria are rod-shaped and localized in the cytoplasm of specific cells, termed bacteriocytes, of host insects. Endosymbionts sharing the same bacteriocytes differ in the density of their cytoplasm. There are two morphotypes of endosymbiotic bacteria: with electron-dense cytoplasm and electron-translucent cytoplasm. Since only bacteria containing electron-dense cytoplasm were observed in the binary fusion stage, differences in density of the cytoplasm are probably due to changes in the cytoskeleton of bacteria during division. Endosymbionts of A. (S.) viridis are transovarially (i.e. via oocytes) transmitted from the mother to the offspring.     

Life-cycle,delimitation and redescription of Echinostoma revolutum (Froelich, 1802) (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae)

The life-cycle of Echinostoma revolutum (Froelich, 1802) Dietz, 1909 has been completed experimentally beginning with infected snails collected at the type-locality, near Erlangen, Germany. Based on the specimens obtained, each stage of the life-cycle has been redescribed. Important taxonomic features are discussed and hitherto unknown characteristics are described. Synonyms for E. revolutum are: Fasciola revoluta Froelich, 1802; Echinostoma paraulum Dietz, 1909; E. audyi Lie & Umathevy, 1965; and E. ivaniosi Mohandas, 1973. Adults and larvae described as E. revolutum in other works are found to be identical with Echinostoma echinatum (Zeder, 1803), E. trivolvis (Cort, 1914), E. jurini (Skvortsov, 1924), E. caproni Richard, 1964, Moliniella anceps (Molin, 1859), Echinochasmus beleocephalus (Linstow, 1873) and other echinostome species. For nearly a century, incorrect morphological, biological, life-cycle and host information has been attributed to E. revolutum, and at times these data have contributed to the diagnoses of the species. Occasionally, authors actually working with E. revolutum have ascribed their results to other species. Based on extensive experimental life-cycle studies beginning with infected snails from type-localities, it is shown that (1) the first intermediate host is a lymnaeid snail; (2) the second intermediate hosts are various pulmonate and prosobranch snails, mussels, frogs and freshwater turtles; (3) the final hosts are birds; (4) E. revolutum cercariae and adults have 37 collar spines; (5) the species occurs only in Europe and Asia; (6) Cercaria echinata Siebold, 1937, Echinostoma echinatum (Zeder, 1803) and E. jurini (Skvortsov, 1924) are the closely related 37-spined allies in Europe; and (7) species specific characteristics are expressed only in the larvae and the host-parasite relationships. The adults of E. revolutum cannot be identified using morphological criteria and it is proposed that worms with 37 collar spines belonging to the genus Echinostoma and occurring in naturally infected birds in Europe and Asia be referred to an “E. revolutum group.”     

The structural definition of adducts of stoichiometry AgX:dppf (1:1)(n), X = simple anion, dppf = bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene

Single crystal X-ray structural characterizations are recorded for an array of adducts of the form AgX:dppf (1:1)_(n), X = simple (pseudo-)halide or oxy-anion, ‘dppf’ = bis(diphenyl phosphino)ferrocene, for adducts X = Cl (new phase), Br, I, SCN, OCN, CN, NO₃ (new phase), O₂CCH₃, n = 2, the form being dimeric [(dppf-P,P′)Ag(μ-X)₂Ag(P,P′-dppf)], for X = I, SCN, [Ag(μ-X)₂(P-dppf-P′)₂Ag′]; for X = O₂CCF₃, n = ∞, the form is an extended polymer: ?Ag(O · CO · CF₃)(P-dppf-P′)Ag′(O?. A dichloromethane solvate phase of CuI:dppf (1:1)₂ (also centrosymmetric) is also recorded. Synthetic procedures for all adducts have been reported. All compounds have been characterized both in solution (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P NMR, ESI MS) and in the solid state (IR). The topology of the structures in the solid state was found to depend on the nature of the counterion.     

Morphology and molecular characterization of Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis) bilaspurensis Chowhan,Gupta & Khera, 1987 (Acanthocephala: Gyracanthocephala: Quadrigyridae) from the common carp Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in Pakistan

Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis) bilaspurensis Chowhan, Gupta & Khera, 1987 is a poorly known acanthocephalan species reported from the reba carp Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in India. In the present study, the detailed morphology of A. (Acanthosentis) bilaspurensis were studied using light microscopy and, for the first time, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), based on newly collected specimens from the common carp Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in Pakistan. The SEM observations revealed the outer shell of eggs with numerous remarkable protuberances and the gonopore of female located at a discoid protrusion surrounded by some very small spines. This is the first time that A. (Acanthosentis) bilaspurensis was reported in Pakistan, and the common carp represents a new host for this species. In addition, the molecular characterization of the 18S and 28S rDNA of A. (Acanthosentis) bilaspurensis is provided for the first time. There was no intraspecific genetic variation detected in the 18S and 28S regions between different individuals of A. (Acanthosentis) bilaspurensis, but high level of interspecific nucleotide divergence was found in the 18S (4.15–16.7%) and 28S regions (3.60–15.4%). Phylogenetic results based on the 18S, 28S and 18S + 28S sequence data, respectively, all revealed the Quadrigyridae, Pallisentinae and the genus Neoechinorhynchus are not monophyletic groups, and the genera Acanthogyrus and Pallisentis have far relationship. The systematic status of the genus Acanthogyrus and some species of Neoechinorhynchus need further clarify based on different mtDNA and nuclear DNA data including broader representatives of the class Eoacanthocephala.     

Subfamily Limoniinae Speiser, 1909 (Diptera,Limoniidae) from Baltic Amber (Eocene): The Genus Elephantomyia Osten Sacken, 1860

A revision of the genus Elephantomyia Osten Sacken (Diptera: Limoniidae) from Baltic amber (Eocene) is presented. Four species—E. baltica Alexander, E. brevipalpa Loew, E. longirostris Loew, and E. pulchella Loew—are redescribed and documented with photographs and drawings. In addition, two new species of the genus are described: Elephantomyia bozenae sp. nov., and Elephantomyia irinae sp. nov. All these fossil species are placed within the subgenus Elephantomyia. A key to the extinct species of Elephantomyia is provided, and the genus’ ecological pattern and evolutionary aspects are discussed.     

Efficacy of the parasitoid,Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) against Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) infesting rapeseed-mustard

Efficacy of Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was determined by studying its biological and behavioural attributes on the aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Total developmental duration of the parasitoid was longer in younger instars compared to that in older instars of aphid. Host age negatively affected the oviposition period and fecundity of the ovipositing parasitoid. Survival of the immatures was higher in older than the younger instars of the aphid. Sex ratio for the parasitoid was female-biased. Longevity of female parasitoid was higher while parasitizing aphid nymphs of younger age groups (1–2 days old) compared to that of older age groups (4–5 days old). Parasitoid showed a higher preference towards second instar of M. persicae both in choice and no-choice tests. Results on mutual interference revealed that per capita searching efficiency decreased from 0.91 to 0.07 as parasitoid densities increased from 1 to 8. Logistic regression exhibited a type II functional response for D. rapae. The estimated values of search-efficiency (a) and handling time (T_h) were 0.038 h⁻¹ and 1.59 h, respectively. The maximum parasitization rate was 15.08. This investigation suggests that D. rapae could be an effective candidate for augmentative biological control of M. persicae which infests several plant species of economic importance.     

Taxonomic note on the genus Taiwanocantharis Wittmer: synonym,new species and additional faunistic records from China (Coleoptera,Cantharidae)

Taiwanocantharis thibetanomima (Wittmer, 1997) is redefined and its type series is clarified. Three new speciesare described and illustrated, Taiwanocantharis wittmeri sp. n. (CHINA: Yunnan), Taiwanocantharis adentata sp. n. (CHINA: Gansu, Sichuan) and Taiwanocantharis parasatoi sp. n. (CHINA: Guangxi). Taiwanocantharis gansosichuana (Kazantsev, 2010) is synonymized with Taiwanocantharis drahuska (Švihla, 2004). Taiwanocantharis dedicata (Švihla, 2005) and Taiwanocantharis malaisei (Wittmer, 1989) are recorded to China for the first time. A key to the species of the Taiwanocantharis thibetana species-group is provided.     

Geographic distribution of phylogenetically-distinct legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea: Crambidae)

Maruca vitrata Fabricius is a pantropical lepidopteran pest of legumes. Phylogenetic analysis of a mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase-I gene (cox1) fragment indicates that three Maruca sp. mitochondrial lineages have unique geographic distributions [lineages 1 and 2: Australia, Taiwan, and West Africa (Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso), and lineage 3: Puerto Rico]. The haplotype (T30, T114) is specific to lineages 1&2 and was assayed by NsiI and SacI polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) within population samples; it was not observed in the Puerto Rican samples, but was nearly fixed among samples from West Africa, Australia and Taiwan (85.5?C100%). Re-sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of PCR-RFLP defined cox1 haplotypes indicate that nucleotide diversity is highest among samples from West Africa. Phylogenetic reconstruction based upon ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) sequences provided additional evidence for three Maruca sp. clades. These data suggest that multiple unique Maruca species or subspecies are present worldwide, which has implications for the management of this pest species-complex.     

Acanthocheilonema delicata n. sp. (Nematoda: Filarioidea) from Japanese badgers (Meles anakuma): Description,molecular identification,and Wolbachia screening

Acanthocheilonema delicata n. sp. (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae: Onchocercinae) is described based on adult filarioids and microfilariae obtained from subcutaneous connective tissues and skin, respectively, of Japanese badgers (Meles anakuma) in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. No endemic species of the genus had been found in Japan. Recently, some filarioids (e.g., Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Dirofilaria spp., and Onchocerca spp.) have come to light as causative agents of zoonosis worldwide. The new species was readily distinguished from its congeners by morphologic characteristics such as body length, body width, esophagus length, spicule length, and the length of microfilariae. Based on the molecular data of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, A. delicata n. sp. was included in the clade of the genus Acanthocheilonema but differed from two other congeneric species available for study, A. viteae and A. reconditum. Acanthocheilonema delicata n. sp. did not harbor Wolbachia. It is likely that the fauna of filarioids from mammals on the Japanese islands is characterized by a high level of endemicity.     

The structural definition of adducts of stoichiometry MX:dpex (2:3)(∞), M = Cu, Ag, X = simple anion, dpex = Ph2E(CH2)xEPh2, E = P, As

Single crystal X-ray structural characterizations are recorded for a number of adducts of MX:dpex (2:3) stoichiometry (MX = simple univalent copper or silver salt; dpex = Ph₂E(CH₂)_xEPh₂ (E = P, As)). CuX:dppe (2:3) (X = Cl, Br, I, CN) are binuclear [(dppe-P,P′)CuX(P-dppe-P′)CuX(P,P′-dppe)], all centrosymmetric. AgX:dpex (2:3) (dpex = ‘dpae’ (Ph₂As(CH₂)₂AsPh₂), X = Br, F₃CCO₂ (= ‘tfa’), F₃CSO₃ (≡ ‘tfs’); dpex = ‘dpape’ (Ph₂As(CH₂)₂PPh₂), X = CN, SCN, OClO₃) are one-dimensional polymers ?-E′)₁AgX(E-dpex-E′)₂-AgX(E-dpex-E′)₁AgX?, P, As sites scrambled in the latter. AgNO₃:dpam (2:3) is also a one-dimensional polymer, ?AgO·NO·OAg(As-dpam-As)AgO·NO·OAg? (‘dpam’ ≡ Ph₂As(CH₂)₂AsPh₂). AgX:dpae (2:3) (X = I, CN, ClO₄, NO₃) and AgX:dpape (2:3) (X = Br, I, NO₃) are two-dimensional polymers with large 30-membered macrocyclic rings; similar webs are found for dppx ligands in AgOH:dppb (2:3) and AgNCO, Agtfa:dpph (2:3) with 42- and 54-membered rings. Complexes AgX:dpape (1:3) (X = Cl, Br) are defined as mono-nuclear [XAg(Ph₂P(CH₂)₂AsPh₂)₃] arrays, the unidentate ligands predominantly P-bound. Synthetic procedures for the adducts are reported, selected compounds being characterized both in solution (¹H, ³¹P NMR, ESI MS) and in the solid state (IR).