Review of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dotocryptus</Emphasis> Brèthes (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae), with a New Species from Colombia

The taxonomic limits of the Neotropical genus Dotocryptus Brèthes are reviewed. The genus is characterized mainly by the very long ovipositor, at least 2.2× as long as hind tibia; apex of ovipositor distinctly depressed, ventral valve expanded, and overlapping dorsal valve as a sheath; and mandible long with ventral tooth longer than dorsal one. A new species, Dotocryptus arcadius sp. nov., from Colombia is described and illustrated. The new species can be diagnosed mainly by the head and mesosoma with multiple whitish marks; epicnemial carina reaching 0.2–0.3 of distance to subalar ridge; legs marked with dark brown, orange, and whitish; and metasoma polished and glabrate. This is the northernmost record of the genus, previously known from Ecuador to southern Chile. An updated identification key to the species of the genus is provided, as well as diagnoses and new records for the previously known species.     

Calling behaviour in arctiid moths: The effects of temperature and wind speed on the rhythmic exposure of the sex attractant gland

Female arctiid moths rhythmically extrude their ovipositors and thereby rhythmically expose their sex pheromone glands while calling. In Utetheisa ornatrix this behaviour results in concentration-modulated or pulsed pheromone release. The ovipositor protrusion frequencies were determined for 15 arctiid species: U. ornatrix, Haploa clymene, H. colona, H. lecontei, Pyrrarctia isabella, Estigmene acrea, Spilosoma congrua, S. virginica, Ecpantheria scribonia, Phragmatobia fuliginosa, Apantesis nais, A. arge, Pareuchaetes insulata, Cycnia tenera, and Euchaetes egle. Moth species that call early in the scotophase extrude their ovipositors at high frequencies (up to 170.9 ± 24.9 extrusions/min at 25°C) while moth species that call late in scotophase extrude their ovipositors at low frequencies (down to 68.3 ± 5.4 extrusions/min at 25°C). In all species tested, the ovipositor extrusion frequencies were shown to be temperature sensitive with a mean Q₁₀ of 2.0 ± 0.1. In one species, U. ornatrix, the ovipositor extrusion frequency varies with wind speed. In still air the ovipositor extrusion frequency is 70.1 ± 8.4 extrusions/min and at a wind speed of 120 cm/s the ovipositor extrusion frequency is 142.1 ± 8.3 extrusions/min. Suggested functions for rhythmic ovipositor extrusion during calling are discussed.     

A new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the dusky rice rat Melanomys caliginosus (Tomes) (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Costa Rica

We collected faecal samples from 24 dusky rice rats, Melanomys caliginosus (Tomes) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae), in a Biological Reserve in Costa Rica, and found three (12.5%) to be infected with a species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875, which we describe here as new. Sporulated oöcysts of Eimeria caliginosa n. sp. are almost spheroidal and measure 16–21 × 17–20 (mean 19.6 × 18.2) μm; micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 9–13 × 6–8 (mean 11.2 × 6.7) μm, with small Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies present, but a para-Stieda body is absent; the sporocyst residuum is a compact mass of c.11–15 granules, c.5 μm wide. Sporozoites are crescent-shaped, 5–8 × 2–3 (mean 6.8 × 2.4) μm. This is the third species of Eimeria described from the genus Melanomys Thomas.     

First record of Cotesia scotti () (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae) comb. nov. parasitising Spodoptera cosmioides (Walk, 1858) and Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazil

This is the first report of Cotesia scotti (Valerio and Whitfield) comb. nov. in Brazil, attacking larvae of the black armyworm, Spodoptera cosmioides, and the southern armyworm, S. eridania. The moth larvae were found respectively, infesting a protected cropping of organic tomato in Hidrolândia, Goiás, Brazil, and a transgenic soybean crop in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil. Biological, molecular and morphological characters were used to confirm the identity of the specimens. Parasitoid identification presented a challenge since the species has most diagnostic characters of the genus Cotesia Cameron, but few in the poorly defined genus Parapanteles Ashmead. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, we transfer Parapanteles scotti to the genus Cotesia. The new combination is discussed by comparison with morphologically similar species and available molecular data.     

A new species of chondracanthid copepod parasitic in the pharynx of hagfishes (Myxiniformes: Myxinidae) from off Taiwan

A new species of Acanthochondria Oakley, 1927 (Copepoda, Poecilostomatoida, Chondracanthidae), parasitic in the pharynx of hagfishes Eptatretus burgeri (Girard), E. sheni (Kuo, Huang & Mok) and E. yangi (Teng), from off Taiwan is described and illustrated. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by having the neck region longer than wide (about 2–3 times as long as wide), the moderately long protopod of leg 2 (Type E), the endopod of leg 2 as large as exopod, the cephalosome wider than long, the armature formula of antennule (1, 1, 2, 2, 9), the relatively long trunk (6.7 mm) and egg-sacs (14.4 mm). This is the first record of a parasitic chondracanthid from hagfishes. The findings may provide insights into the phylogenetic relationships and interactions among chondracanthids, hagfishes and demersal fishes, but call for further molecular studies.     

Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Rhopalocera) in the Arctic fauna

The Arctic fauna includes 106 species of diurnal butterflies: Papilionidae (6 species), Pieridae (20), Lycaenidae (18), Nymphalidae (30), Satyridae (27), and Hesperiidae (5). Among them, representatives of the family Nymphalidae predominate as to the features characterizing the biological progress in the Arctic, as well as to the number of the most strongly pronounced arctic forms. The family Satyridae shares the first place with Nymphalidae by the number of species, but differs from the latter in the uneven or local distribution. The family Pieridae demonstrates a wide distribution of polyzonal and boreal species in the tundra zone. The distribution patterns of Lycaenidae are different in the Eurasian and Beringian-American sectors. Species of Papilionidae and Hesperiidae occur only in the southern part of the tundra zone. Each family is characterized by specific distribution in the Arctic subzones and landscapes and by latitudinal trends in its specific ratio in the faunas. There are 30 to 40 arctic species, including arctic proper (euarctic and hemiarctic) and hypoarctic, arctoalpine, arctomontane, and arctoboreal species. The species developing successfully under high-latitude conditions are Boloria chariclea, B. polaris, B. improba, Colias nastes, C. hecla, and Erebia fasciata; the first two species can be considered true euarctic forms. Specific features of the latitudinal and longitudinal distribution of the butterfly species in different parts of the Arctic are discussed.     

The discovery of the genus Indabracon van Achterberg (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Braconinae) in China, with description of one new species

The genus Indabracon van Achterberg, 1993 was discovered in China, and one new species (I. bicolor sp. nov.) of this genus is fully described and illustrated in the present paper. A key to the species of the genus is provided. The new species is similar to the Indian species I. trimaculatus (Cameron, 1900) structurally, but differs for example by: basal half of pterostigma yellow; apical half dark brown; smooth postero‐lateral area of the third tergite rather small; propodeum with belt of setae dorsally and lamelliform carinae posteriorly; ovipositor sheath approximately 0.60 times the forewing, somewhat longer than metasoma; the first tergite surface distinctly carinate and rugose, especially in its medial area and laterally. The type specimens are deposited in the Beneficial Insects Lab, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture & Forestry University, China.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Isospora</Emphasis> Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the twist-necked turtle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Platemys platycephala</Emphasis> (Schneider) (Testudines: Chelidae) in Brazil

A new coccidian species of the genus Isospora Schneider 1881 (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) is reported from a single specimen of chelid turtle, Platemys platycephala (Schneider, 1792), obtained in a flooded area of the Amazonian municipality of Altamira, in Pará State, northern Brazil. The oöcysts of Isospora platemysi n. sp. are subspheroidal, 19.0–24.0 × 22.5–18.5 (22.6 × 20.8) µm in size [length/width ratio 1.0–1.1 (1.1)], with a colourless wall, 1.0–1.9 (1.4) wide, with two smooth layers; polar granule is present, oöcyst residuum and micropyle are both absent. The sporocyst is ovoidal, 10.0–12.1 × 8.0–10.0 (11.0 × 9.1) µm [length/width ratio 1.1–1.3 (1.2), with a knob-like Stieda body. Sub-Stieda body is present, rounded irregular-trapezoidal; para-Stieda body is absent. Sporocyst residuum is dispersed and composed of granules of differing sizes. This is only the fifth record of Isospora in chelonians, and the first report of a coccidian parasite of the genus Platemys.     

Morphological and molecular description of a new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa) from a New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae)

A new Isospora species is described from New Holland honeyeaters (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae). Sporulated oocysts (n = 25) were characterised as subspheroidal, 29–32 × 28–31 (29.8 × 29.4); length/width (L/W) ratio 1.01–1.02 (1.01). Wall bi-layered, 1.3–1.6 (1.5) thick, outer layer smooth, c.2/3 of total thickness. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but usually two polar granules are present. Sporocysts (n = 25) ovoidal, 18–19 × 12–14 (18.4 × 12.3); L/W ratio 1.42–1.53 (1.50). Stieda body present, flattened, c.0.5 deep × 2.5 wide; sub-Stieda present, rounded, c.2.5 deep × 3.5 wide; para-Stieda body absent; sporocyst residuum present, usually a distinctly irregular body consisting of numerous small granules that appear to be membrane-bound. Sporozoites vermiform, with robust anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Molecular characterization was conducted at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. Phylogenetic analysis of genomic 18S and mt COI sequences indicated that Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. was genetically similar to Isospora coronoideae, isolated from an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) in Western Australia, with a 99.3% and 98.4% homology, respectively. The 28S rRNA sequence was most similar to Isospora anthochaerae (KF766053) and Isospora manorinae (KT224381), both with a 98.2% genetic similarity. Based on morphological and genetic data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. after its host.     

Sexual dimorphism of antennal and ovipositor sensilla of Tetrastichus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Tetrastichus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a primary parasitoid of the Metisa plana (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), an oil palm bagworm. The sensilla on the surface of the antenna and ovipositor of Tetrastichus sp. were examined using a scanning electron microscope. The antennae of both male and female Tetrastichus sp. are geniculate in shape and hinged at the scape-pedicel joint. The female antenna is about 200 µm longer than the male antenna. However, the male antenna has an additional flagellomere compared to the female antenna. In total, eight different types of antennal sensilla were observed on the antenna of Tetrastichus sp.: trichoid sensilla type 1, 2, 3, 4, placoid sensilla type 1 and 2, basiconic sensilla, and campaniform sensilla. The antenna of the female Tetrastichus sp. lacks placoid sensilla type 2 and campaniform sensilla. The distribution and abundance of the antennal sensilla were compared between the male and female Tetrastichus sp. and discussed. On the ovipositor stylet of Tetrastichus sp., coeloconic sensilla, styloconic sensilla and campaniform sensilla were observed. Trichoid sensilla were observed at the medial part of the distal extremity of the ovipositor.     

A monograph of the betel nut palms (Areca: Arecaceae) of East Malesia

The palm genus Areca is widespread in tropical Asia and includes the economically important betel nut palm, A. catechu. The genus has three centres of high species diversity: the Sunda Region, the Philippines and East Malesia (to the east of Wallace's line). The taxonomy of the genus in East Malesia has been neglected. Prior to this study, 19 species were accepted for this area, all but one endemic, but their limits and differences were not understood. Here, we provide a taxonomic monograph of East Malesian Areca spp., based on an extensive study of the genus in herbaria and in the field. We recognize six species of Areca in East Malesia, including the widespread cultivated A. catechu. Five wild species are accepted, namely A. macrocalyx, A. mandacanii, A. novohibernica, A. oxycarpa and A. vestiaria. We place 12 of the previously accepted species into synonymy, and provide additional new synonymy in A. catechu. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 168 , 147–173.     

A new species of Sogatella (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) from temperate Argentina

A new species from Argentina, Sogatella unidentatasp. nov. (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is described and illustrated as belonging to the Sogatella furcifera group. The main distinctive characteristics are tegmen coloration, shape of aedeagus and number and dispositions of its teeth, and shape of parameres in males; length of the ovipositor, and shape of the gonapophysis IX in females. A key is included to facilitate the comparison of the new species with the closely allied. Furthermore, information on host plants and geographical distribution is provided. This is the southernmost record in the distribution of the S. furcifera group.     

The ovipositor musculature of Carpomya schineri (Loew) (Diptera, Tephritidae)

The structure of the ovipositor sclerites and musculature was studied in the tephritid fly Carpomya schineri (Loew) whose larvae develop in the fruits of Rosa. The structural characters of the ovipositor of this species facilitating laying eggs into such fruits are discussed. The ovipositor musculature and functioning in Carpomya are very similar to those in Ceratitis and Bactrocera; species of all these genera lay eggs in fruits. In the details of the ovipositor musculature, Carpomya is more similar to Ceratitis than to Bactrocera. The genera Carpomya, Ceratitis and Bactrocera are phylogenetically close but Ceratitis and Bactrocera belong to sister tribes within one subfamily, Dacinae. Thus, morpho-functional similarity of the ovipositor structure may not only reflect close relationship but also result from common adaptive transformations.     

A new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Carlia spp. (Sauria: Scincidae) from Papua New Guinea

A new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 from rainbow skinks, Carlia ailanpalai Zug and Carlia eothen Zug is described from specimens collected in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Oöcysts of Eimeria zugi n. sp. from one of one (100%) C. eothen are ellipsoidal to cylindroidal, with a smooth, colourless, bi-layered wall, measure 25.1 × 15.5 μm and have a length/width ratio of 1.6. The micropyle and the oöcyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule is present. The sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and 10.3 × 7.1 μm in size and do not contain Stieda, sub-Stieda or para-Stieda bodies; and the sporocyst residuum is composed of a compact mass of large globules. The sporozoites are elongate, 12.8 × 2.9 μm in size, and contain anterior and posterior refractile bodies with a nucleus between them. This is the ninth species of coccidium described from skinks from PNG, and the new species described herein is apparently endemic to the skink genus Carlia (Gray).     

Two new feather mites of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Proctophyllodes</Emphasis> Robin, 1868 (Acari: Proctophyllodidae) from European passerines (Aves: Passeriformes)

Two new species of the feather mite genus Proctophyllodes Robin, 1868 (Analgoidea: Proctophyllodidae) are described from two passerine birds (Passeriformes) in Europe: Proctophyllodes markovetsi n. sp. from the tawny pipit Anthus campestris (L.) (Motacillidae) and P. loxiae n. sp. from the red crossbill Loxia curvirostra (L.) (Fringillidae). Males of P. markovetsi are most clearly distinguished from the closely related P. tchagrae Atyeo & Braasch, 1966 by having greater terminal lamellae (30–40 × 20–25 µm), the tips of genital arch curved medially, and the corolla of the anal sucker with 14–15 denticles; females of this species are characterised by the terminal appendages distinctly longer than the lobar region width. Males of P. loxiae differ from the closest species, P. fuchsi Mironov, 1997, by having smaller terminal lamellae (45–50 × 22–28 μm), the genital organ extending beyond the posterior margin of lamellae by half their length; females can be distinguished by having the terminal cleft noticeably wider than long (28–30 × 35–40 μm).     

Effect of entomopathogenic Aspergillus strains against the pea aphid,Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) are sap-sucking insect pests that feed on several plants of agronomical importance. Entomopathogenic fungi are valuable tools for potential aphid control. As part of a selection process, laboratory bioassays were carried with five different concentrations of Aspergillus clavatus (Desmazières), Aspergillus flavus (Link) and Metarhizium anisopliae ((Metschnikoff) Sorokin) spores against the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris). Aspergillus isolates induced higher mortalities than M. anisopliae, which is a well-known entomopathogen in the literature. Lethal concentrations (LC₅₀ and LC₉₀) were 1.23 × 10³ and 1.34 × 10⁷ spores/ml for A. flavus, 4.95 × 10² and 5.65 × 10⁷ spores/ml for A. clavatus, and 3.67 × 10³ and 9.71 × 10⁷ spores/ml for M. anisopliae 5 days after treatment. Mycelia development and sporulation on adult cadavers were observed 48 h after incubation. The intrinsic growth rate of A. pisum decreased with increased spore concentration for all fungal strains, suggesting an increase in pathogen fitness related to a consumption of host resources. In conclusion, Aspergillus species could be useful in aphid control as pest control agents despite their saprophytic lifestyle. This is also to our knowledge the first report of A. clavatus and A. flavus strains pathogenic to aphids.     

A new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Solomon ground skink, Sphenomorphus solomonis (Boulenger) (Sauria: Scincidae) from Papua New Guinea

Between September 1990 and November 1991, 19 Sphenomorphus spp. skinks, including nine S. jobiense, three S. simus, and seven Solomon ground skinks, S. solomonis (Boulenger), were collected from Madang and Morobe Provinces, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and examined for coccidia. A single S. solomonis was found to be infected with a new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875. Oöcysts of Eimeria perkinsae n. sp. are ellipsoidal with a smooth, colourless, bi-layered wall, measure 18.6 × 14.7 μm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.3; both micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but a fragmented polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 8.9 × 6.4 μm, L/W 1.4; neither Stieda, sub-Stieda or para-Stieda bodies are present; a sporocyst residuum consisted of a loose cluster of granules dispersed between sporozoites. Sporozoites are comma-shaped with spheroidal anterior and posterior refractile bodies. This represents the first report of coccidia from this skink genus.     

A review of the genus Cassianeura Ramakrishnan & Menon (Hemiptera,Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae), with two new records from Thailand

The Oriental leafhopper genus Cassianeura Ramakrishnan & Menon is reviewed with two new species records from Thailand: C. cassiae (Ahmed, 1970) and C. bimaculata Dworakowska, 1984. The three species of the genus are redescribed and illustrated including details of the female ovipositor for the first time. A key to distinguish the three species of the genus is provided.