Biology and immature stages of Helosciomyza subalpina (Diptera: Helosciomyzidae), an ant-killing fly from New Zealand

Abstract

Biological features of adults and immature stages of Helosciomyza subalpina Tonnoir & Malloch are discussed. Information on habitat, geographical distribution, larval behaviour and feeding habits, natural enemies, and phenology are presented. The species is found in marshy areas in the South Island and on the Chatham Islands. In the laboratory, newly hatched larvae feed on a variety of freshly killed insects, and apparently lap up liquids from the integument of live ant larvae. Older fly larvae feed on decaying as well as freshly killed insects, and are overt predators of ant larvae. In the field, fly larvae and puparia have been found in association with ant nests; many puparia have also been found well away from ant nests. The egg, three larval instars, and the puparium are described. The taxonomic position of the Helosciomyzidae is discussed in the light of these new data on biology and morphology.     

中国沼蝇科二新种（双翅目：沼蝇总科）

记述采自中国河北与云南的沼蝇科2新种：短条负菊沼蝇Pherbellia brevistria-ta,sp.nov.和黑条基芒沼蝇Tetanocera nigrostriata sp.nov.。模式标本保存于中国农业大学昆虫学系昆虫标本室。     

A new species of Limnia Robineau-Desviody, 1830 (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) from Iran

A new species of the dipteran family Sciomyzidae is described from Iran: Limnia kassebeeri sp. n., which is similar to L. unguicornis (Scopoli, 1763) and L. paludicola Elberg, 1965, but differs from them by the reticulate pattern on the anal cell, the presence of one small seta on the anepisternum, in addition to fine hairs and the features of the genitalia.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FCD0AD91-E21D-44CA-9D11-90DE5A92F52D     

Biology of the New Zealand genus Neolimnia (Diptera: Sciomyzidae)

Abstract

Data are presented on the life cycles of eight species of Neolimnia, an endemic New Zealand genus of snail-killing flies. Habitats, geographical distributions, biological features of adults and immature stages, including adult and larval behaviour and feeding habits, and phenology are discussed. Larvae of subgenus Pseudolimnia live in aquatic environments; those of N. (P.) repo, N. (P.) sigma, and N. (P.) ura prey on aquatic pulmonate snails, but those of N. (P.) tranquilla prey on aquatic prosobranch snails. Larvae of Neolimnia (Neolimnia) castanea, N. (N.) irrorata, N. (N.) obscura, and N. (N.) striata live in terrestrial environments, and apparently prey overtly on terrestrial snails in nature, but will also attack aquatic snails in laboratory rearings.     

Immature stages of Polytocus costatus (Diptera: Helosciomyzidae) from The Snares islands,New Zealand

Abstract

The mature larva and puparium of Polytocus costatus Harrison are described, illustrated, and compared with immature stages of other cyclorrhaphous Diptera.     

Experimental predation studies of malacophagous larvae of Sepedon fuscipennis (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) and aquatic snails

Experimental studies were conducted under both laboratory and field conditions to determine the effects of prey density, three levels of prey aggregation, water depth, and predator density on the number of snails killed per larva of Sepedon fuscipennis. Of these factors, predation rates were most influenced by prey density and water depth. The number of small (2–4.5 mm) Lymnaea palustris killed per larva of S. fuscipennis increased at a decreasing rate as prey density increased under shallow water conditions. Larvae killed a mean of 14 snails at a prey density of 200/m², while an average of 24 snails were killed per larva of S. fuscipennis at a prey density of 4000/m². This functional response to prey density was largely confined to third-instar larvae, and as water depth was increased the response was not apparent.A field study in which larval densities of S. fuscipennis were manipulated showed that the population density of smaller individuals of L. palustris (< 4.5 mm) was reduced when predator density was increased. Populations of Physa integra, Gyraulus parvus, and larger L. palustris were not significantly reduced by the malacophagous larvae at the levels tested.     

Taxonomy, distribution and nesting biology of species of the genus Dolichovespula (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

The genus Dolichovespula consists provisionally of 18 species. Aerial nest site characteristics have been established for seven species but most of these species show flexibility in their choice of nest sites and two species often nest in shallow subterranean situations. Colony length is usually just over 3 months to approximately 4 months, but at lower latitudes may extend to more than 5 months. Mature colony size is usually approximately 1000 cells with more large cells than small cells. Parasitized colonies have a shorter colony cycle and smaller colonies. During the production of the sexual brood the larva/worker ratio reaches its lowest value of approximately 2.5 larvae per worker. Colonies often have upper mixed combs of small and large cells. Total adult production is usually less than 2000 adults. Colonies of D. arenaria and D. norwegica may specialize in mainly producing males or queens. Variations in mature colony size and production of queens is probably a consequence of the number of workers present, particularly early in the colony cycle.     

New diagnosis for genus Austrothaumalea,and redescription of A. neozealandica (Diptera: Thaumaleidae)

Abstract

A new diagnosis of Austrothaumalea Tonnoir is given. The male and female of A. neozealandica are redescribed, and the larva and pupa are described for the first time.     

New species of the genus Cyamops Melander from New Zealand (Diptera, Periscelididae, Stenomicrinae)

Two new species of the genus Cyamops (Diptera: Periscelididae), the first from New Zealand, are described. The two newly described species are: Cyamops alessandrae and Cyamops crosbyi. A key to the genera of the subfamily Stenomicrinae and to the species of Cyamops from the Australasian/Oceanian Region and detailed illustrations of structures of the male terminalia are provided.     

Factors affecting Sciomyzidae (Diptera) across a transect at Skealoghan Turlough (Co. Mayo,Ireland)

Sciomyzid flies, which have potential as bio-indicators, were sampled by sweep-net surveys at a turlough in the west of Ireland. Turloughs are ephemeral wetlands (unique to Ireland), which flood from groundwater in winter and empty in the summer, during that time, they are frequently grazed. The weekly survey consisted of ten linear sweeps (5 m × 1 m) in each of six homogeneous and contiguous vegetation zones throughout the summer of 2004. The fauna was dominated by univoltine species with Ilione albiseta being particularly abundant, though species displaying a range of phenologies and life histories were also present. Species richness and total abundance were significantly higher in the two zones with the highest hydroperiods. Mantel tests showed that the species matrix was significantly co-structured with permanent features of the physical environment, but not with stochastic sampling variables related to weather conditions. Mantel correllograms displayed typical patterns of autocorrelation for hydroperiod, soil moisture and soil pH in each zone and vegetation height, vegetation length and Ellenberg moisture index (weighted for vegetation composition) in each sweep-path. No patterns of autocorrelation were evident for distance among zones, area of patch of vegetation zone sampled, area of the vegetation zone on the whole turlough, soil mass-loss-on-ignition and Ellenberg N and reaction indices. These results provide strong evidence for high microhabitat specificity in Sciomyzidae at this site and indicate a major influence of vegetation structure and hydrological regime on their ecology.

New record of the genus Ithytrichia (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) for South America,with descriptions of male,larva and pupa of a new species from northwestern Argentina

Ithytrichia is a small genus of Hydroptilidae, recorded from Europe, North America, and north Central Mexico. The first record of Ithytrichia for South America is presented here. A new species of this genus Ithytrichia ferni is described from northwestern Argentina. Diagnostic characters of the male imago, pupa and larva are described and illustrated. Biological notes are included.     

Redescription of Dixella humeralis (Tonnoir) with notes on the immature stages (Diptera: Dixidae)

Abstract   The adult male of Dixella humeralis is redescribed and adult female and immature life stages are described for the first time. Originally described from the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, the current range is extended to include the pasture lands of the Dorrigo Plateau. Larval and pupal chaetotaxy are illustrated and their putative homology with the Culicidae is discussed. Adult and larval characters are presented that separate the known endemic Australian Dixella species.     

Reinstatement of a New Zealand copper butterfly,Lycaena rauparaha (Fereday, 1877)

Abstract

Previous confusion over the nomenclature and status of the New Zealand copper butterflies is reviewed. Lycaena rauparaha n. comb., which has been regarded as a variety of L. salustius in recent literature, is reinstated and adult, larval, and pupal characters are described. Its distinctions from L. salustius and L. feredayi are tabulated and a key to this species complex is given.     

中国瑟寄蝇属种类纪要（双翅目：寄蝇科）

研究了我国蜗寄蝇族瑟寄蝇属Cyrtophleba(双翅目:寄蝇科)2种,其中茹瑟寄蝇Cyrtophleba ruricola 分布于辽宁,山西,宁夏,新疆;变瑟寄蝇Cyrtophleba vernalis为中国新记录种,分布于辽宁。给出了上述2种的鉴别特征及变瑟寄蝇头和雄性尾器的特征图。研究标本分别保存于沈阳师范大学昆虫标本室(SYNU),中国科学院动物研究所(IZCAS)和国家林业局森林病虫害防治总站(GSFPM)。     

Immature stages of the genus Ectemnostega Enderlein (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Corixidae), with an identification key to instars and redescription of the nymphs of E. (Ectemnostega) quadrata (Signoret)

The egg and the five instars of Ectemnostega are described based on examined material and published information. The characters most useful in identifying nymphs of Ectemnostega are body and head lengths and widths; number of transverse sulcations of the rostrum; chaetotaxy of mesofemur, meso- and metatibiae, metatarsus, and pterothorax; and grade of development of wing pads. A key to the five nymphal instars of Ectemnostega is provided. The egg of E. quadrata is figured and described for the first time; and the five instars are redescribed in detail and illustrated, with emphasis on the morphometry and chaetotaxy of selected structures.

Se describe el huevo y los cinco estadios de Ectemnostega a partir de material examinado e información publicada. Los caracteres mas útiles para identificar las ninfas de Ectemnostega son: longitudes y anchos de cuerpo y cabeza; número de: crestas transversales del rostro, quetotaxia del mesofemur, meso- y metatibias, metatarso, y pterotórax; y grado de desarrollo de pterotecas. Se provee una clave para identificar los cinco estadios de Ectemnostega. Por primera vez se ilustra y describe el huevo de E. quadrata; y se redescriben en detalle e ilustran los cinco estadios, con énfasis en la morfometría y quetotaxia de ciertas estructuras.     

Cytogenetics of New Zealand blackflies of the genus Austrosimulium (Diptera: Simuliidae) 1. The cytogenetics of Austrosimulium australense

Abstract

This study undertakes a cytogenetic analysis of the New Zealand blackfly species Austrosimulium australense (Schiner). The principles of such an approach are outlined, and previous taxonomic studies of the genus Austrosimulium, in particular the taxonomic position of A. australense, are discussed. Populations from North Island localities covering a wide area were sampled and analysed for polymorphisms in the polytene chromosomes, taken from salivary glands of larvae. In all, 1018 larvae from 49 sites were analysed. A polytene chromosome map of A. australense is presented, with details of chromosomal inversions found in salivary gland cells. Three geographical zones are designated, according to the incidence of certain chromosomal polymorphisms.     

Morpho-ecological characteristic of immature stages of the genus Mydaea (Diptera,Muscidae)

The main characters of immature stages are considered in representatives of the genus Mydaea Rob.-Desv. High similarity of these characters to those of species of the genera Phaonia Rob.-Desv. and Myospila Rond. is emphasized. The immature stages of Mydaea ancilla (Meig.), M. corni (Scop.) and M. setifemur Ringd. are described in detail; the new data are compared with those previously published.     

云南食用菌眼蕈蚊分类及优势种分析

本文报道了云南省各食用菌栽培地眼蕈蚊科（Sciaridae）害虫共6属11种, 其中异迟眼蕈蚊Bradysia difformis Frey为中国新纪录种, 独刺普眼蕈蚊Cosmosciara perniciosa Edwards为中国新记录属和种, 并提供了云南省食用菌眼蕈蚊种类检索表。研究标本均保存于云南农业大学昆虫系标本室。根据各地标本采集数据对不同食用菌上眼蕈蚊种类优势度进行了分析, 结果表明平菇厉眼蕈蚊Lycoriella pleuroti Yang et Zhang和异迟眼蕈蚊B. difformis Frey为云南省食用菌上眼蕈蚊的主要优势种类。