Pteromalids (Hymenoptera,Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) of Eastern Kazakhstan

A list of 86 species belonging to 39 pteromalid genera from Eastern Kazakhstan is presented for the first time.     

象虫金小蜂中国新记录

本文首次报道了象虫金小蜂在中国的分布,并用图文简要地描述其特征.该蜂是四纹豆象、米象、谷象、玉米象、烟草甲和药材甲等重要贮藏物害虫的天敌.     

Two new British species of Halticoptera (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea,Pteromalidae)

The female of a new species of Halticoptera is described from a single specimen from Britain, and the male and female of a second new species are described from material from Britain and Czechoslovakia. Halticop-terina triannulata is recorded from Britain for the first time.     

佩妃延腹小蜂属榕小蜂CYP6家族进化分析

采用PCR方法获得了佩妃延腹小蜂属Philotrypesis榕小蜂9条CYP6基因片段：CYP6CK1, CYP6AQ2, CYP6AQ3, CYP6AS20, CYP6AS21, CYP6AS22, CYP6AS23, CYP6AS24和 CYP6AS25。这些基因序列都包含编码蛋白疏水螺旋区Ⅰ和血红素结合域的区域。使用MEGA 4.0构建基因树,用PAML 4.0检测选择压力。结果表明：榕小蜂的CYP6AS, CYP6AQ, CYP6CK基因亚家族的扩张可能是在自然选择下通过基因复制方式完成的。基于最大似然法的位点特异性模型对蛋白编码序列选择压力检测发现：榕小蜂CYP6AS亚家族的基因接受净化选择,在氨基酸序列上表现出较高的保守性。     

Morphometric analysis and taxonomic revision of the Vriesea paraibica complex (Bromeliaceae)

The species related to Vriesea paraibica (Bromeliaceae, Tillandsioideae) have controversial taxonomic limits. For several decades, this group has been identified in herbarium collections as V. × morreniana, an artificial hybrid that does not grow in natural habitats. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological variation in the V. paraibica complex through morphometric analyses of natural populations. Two sets of analyses were performed: the first involved six natural populations (G1) and the second was carried out on taxa that emerged from the first analysis, but using material from herbarium collections (G2). Univariate ANOVA was used, as well as discriminant analysis of 16 morphometric variables in G1 and 18 in G2. The results of the analyses of the two groups were similar and led to the selection of diagnostic traits of four species. Lengths of the lower and median floral bracts were significant for the separation of red and yellow floral bracts. Vriesea paraibica and V. interrogatoria have red bracts; these two species are differentiated by the widths of the lower and median portions of the inflorescence and by scape length. These structures are larger in the former and smaller in the latter. Of the species with yellow floral bracts, V. eltoniana is distinguished by longer leaf blades and scapes and V. flava is characterized by its shorter sepal lengths. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 159 , 163–181.     

An endoparasitic species of Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) attacking Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

A solitary endoparasitic species of Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) was reared from pupae of an aphidophagous gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), in Japan. The parasitoid was identified as Gastrancistrus fuscicornis Walker, a species that has been recorded from Europe. An unidentified aphid has been proposed as being a host of G. fuscicornis, but the study reported here confirmed that G. fuscicornis is an endoparasitoid of A. aphidimyza. I consider that G. fuscicornis may not be a parasitoid of aphid. I found a nontentorial pit on the head of male and female of G. fuscicornis. According to the definition of the nontentorial pits, the pit found in G. fuscicornis corresponds to the facial pit. This is the first finding of the facial pit in Chalcidoidea. Morphological differences between G. fuscicornis and its allied species are provided.     

New data on the pteromalid wasps (Hymenoptera,Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) of Krasnodar Territory (Russia)

Three genera (Erdoesia Bou?ek, Metastenus Walker, and Novitzkyanus Bou?ek) and 24 species are recorded for the first time for the fauna of Russia; in addition, 39 species are new for the fauna of Krasnodar Territory. New host–parasite associations are revealed for 6 species of pteromalid wasps.     

A brief description of the metasoma in pteromalids (Hymenoptera,Chalcidoidea, Pteromalidae)

The morphology of the metasoma in Pteromalidae is briefly reviewed. On the basis of a material from the Palaearctic Region, primary sclerites of the metasoma are described and illustrated.     

A taxonomic revision and species delimitation of the genus Purpuraria Enderlein, 1929 (Orthoptera: Pamphagidae) using an integrative approach

Recent studies on the endemic Canarian genus Purpuraria have shown that the taxonomy of its only recognized species (P. erna) is probably erroneous. In this study, an integrative revision of the genus is performed, based on a large number of specimens and geographical sampling. As a result, (1) the diagnostic characters at the genus level are re‐described, (2) Purpuraria magna n. sp. based on morphological, morphometric and genetic data is described and (3) the taxonomic status of a formerly described subspecies is clarified. Intraspecific and interspecific morphometric differences have been found, indicating that the genus is undergoing a process of morphological diversification. Nevertheless, the possibility of interspecific mating between individuals of the two species is suggested, because no significant differences have been found between their respective calling songs. Genetic analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences suggest that P. erna and P. magna are recent species with evidences of secondary contact episodes in the past.     

New data on the Pteromalid wasps (Hymenoptera,Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) of the Russian Far East

Fourteen genera (Ardilea Graham, Glyphognathus Graham, Rhicnocoelia Graham, Eulonchetron Graham, Habritys Thomson, Heteroprymna Graham, Janssoniella Kerrich, Lyubana Bou?ek, Muscidifurax Girault et Sanders, Nazgulia Hedqvist, Notoglyptus Masi, Oxysychus Delucchi, Platygerrhus Thomson, and Stenetra Masi) and 81 species are recorded for the first time for the fauna of Russia; in addition, 13 species are new to the fauna of the Russian Far East.     

New Data on the Pteromalid Wasps (Hymenoptera,Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) of the European Part of Russia

Entomological Review - Three genera (Gbelcia Bouček, Kaleva Graham, Stenoselma Delucchi) and seventeen species of the pteromalid wasps are recorded for the first time from Russia. Fourteen...     

A phylogenetic analysis of the megadiverse Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera)

Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera) is extremely diverse with an estimated 500 000 species. We present the first phylogenetic analysis of the superfamily based on both morphological and molecular data. A web‐based, systematics workbench mx was used to score 945 character states illustrated by 648 figures for 233 morphological characters for a total of 66 645 observations for 300 taxa. The matrix covers 22 chalcidoid families recognized herein and includes 268 genera within 78 of 83 subfamilies. Morphological data were analysed alone and in combination with molecular data from ribosomal 18S (2105 bp) and 28S D2–D5 expansion regions (1812 bp). Analyses were analysed alone and in combined datasets using implied‐weights parsimony and likelihood. Proposed changes in higher classification resulting from the analyses include: (i) recognition of Eriaporidae, revised status; (ii) recognition of Cynipencyrtidae, revised status; (iii) recognition of Azotidae, revised status; (iv) inclusion of Sycophaginae in Agaonidae, revised status; (v) reclassification of Aphelinidae to include Aphelininae, Calesinae, Coccophaginae, Eretmocerinae and Eriaphytinae; (vi) inclusion of Cratominae and Panstenoninae within Pteromalinae (Pteromalidae), new synonymy; (vii) inclusion of Epichrysomallinae in Pteromalidae, revised status. At a higher level, Chalcidoidea was monophyletic, with Mymaridae the sister group of Rotoitidae plus the remaining Chalcidoidea. A eulophid lineage was recovered that included Aphelinidae, Azotidae, Eulophidae, Signiphoridae, Tetracampidae and Trichogrammatidae. Eucharitidae and Perilampidae were monophyletic if Eutrichosomatinae (Pteromalidae) was included, and Eupelmidae was monophyletic if Oodera (Pteromalidae: Cleonyminae) was included. Likelihood recovered a clade of Eupelmidae + (Tanaostigmatidae + (Cynipencyrtus + Encyrtidae). Support for other lineages and their impact on the classification of Chalcidoidea is discussed. Several life‐history traits are mapped onto the new phylogeny.     

Taxonomy of Chrysotoxum festivum Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Syrphidae) – an integrative approach

An integrative taxonomic approach revealed two taxa within Chrysotoxum festivum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera, Syrphidae), C. festivum A and C. festivum B. In addition to morphological differences, results also showed significant distinction in geometric morphometrics of wings and surstyli, and in DNA sequence data (nuclear ITS2 sequences) between C. festivum A, C. festivum B, and the closely related species C. elegans Loew, 1841. From examination of type material, the name C. tomentosum Giglio‐Tos, 1890 is proposed for C. festivum B, and the taxon is redefined. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London     

A New Genus of the Family Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera,Chalcidoidea) from the Russian Far East

A new genus Tachingousagen. n. with the type species Tachingousa trjapitzinisp. n. is described from the Russian Far East. The new genus is similar to Lyubana Bou?ek, 1991, from which it may be distinguished by a large antennal clava, equal in length to the last 4 funicular segments and with a large micropilosity area, propodeum with convex nucha without distal (arcuate) costula connected with plicae.     

Oösorption in Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

The process of oösorption is described. Leucine amino peptidase and esterase produced by the follicle cells remove the chorion and vitelline membrane. The oölemma grows into the oöcyte and islands of degeneration are formed. The follicle is the entity of oösorption and is isolated from adjoining follicles.
Under conditions of host deprivation oösorption begins earlier in older individuals than younger ones whose fat body is still large before egg production reaches its peak. The time of onset may be correlated with the reduction in the size of the fat body following the peak of egg production. This suggestion is supported by the reduced longevity of starved older individuals compared with younger ones.
Age has no effect on the rate of oösorption.     

Behaviour of males in relation to the female sex pheromone in the parasitoid wasp, Anisopteromalus calandrae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Male sexual behaviour in Anisopteromalus calandrae was observed and experimentally analyzed. The female secretes a sex pheromone which releases the wing vibration of males. The female sex pheromone, and not the visual stimulus, is essential for the recognition by males of the nearby presence of a female. This pheromone which is secreted from glands situated in abdomen of the female, is already released since pupal stage, but the male is attracted most effectively by the female still under the reed of the beans. Copulation takes place immediately after the female comes out of the bean.

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Résumé Le comportement sexuel mâle chez Anisopteromalus calandrae a été observé et expérimentalement analysé. La femelle émet la phéromone sexuelle qui déclenche la vibration des ailes chez le mâle. La phéromone sexuelle, et non le stimulus visuel, est essentielle pour que le mâle reconnaisse la présence voisine d'une femelle. Cette phéromone, sécrétée par des glandes situées dans l'abdomen de la femelle, est émise dès le stade nymphal, et le mâle est effectivement attiré par les femelles encore incluses dans le pois. L'accouplement a lieu aussitôt que la femelle sort dehors.

     

Regulation of Progeny Sex by Anisopteromalus calandrae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in Relation to Host Preference,Host Vulnerability and Host Size

Regulation of progeny sex by Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) in relation to host preference, host vulnerability and host size was studied with two host species, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Callosobruchus chinensis L. A. calandrae preferred S. oryzae to C. chinensis (preference index = 0.87). The progeny sex ratio (females/total) was significantly higher on C. chinensis, the less preferred host, than on S. oryzae regardless of the instar age of the two host species. A. calandrae could locate only a few young larvae of C. chinensis (≤third instar), which could be apparently due to the low vulnerability of the young larvae locating deeper in the adzuki bean kernels. The larval instar age of Sitophilus oryzae affect the progeny sex ratio of A. calandrae, but that of Callosobruchus chinensis did not except invulnerable ones. The progeny sex ratio of A. calandrae produced from C. chinensis, ranged from 0.66±0.05 to 0.82±0.02. The invulnerability of the young larval instar of C. chinensis and regulation of the progeny sex ratio by A. calandrae based on host size in a manner of absolute rule could explain the higher sex ratio on the young larval instar of C. chinensis, less preferred and less vulnerable host, than the old larval instar of S. oryzae, highly preferred host. The differences in host vulnerability could be another factor for A. calandrae assigning progeny sex ratio.     

Suitability of five species of stored-product insects as hosts for development and reproduction of the parasitoid Anisopteromalus calandrae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

We investigated the ability of two populations of Anisopteromalus calandrae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), to parasitize and develop on late instars of five different stored-product insects that typically complete their development inside seeds of grain or legume species or other dry commodity. The host species were the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (F.); cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.); rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.); lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.); and Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier). Experiments were conducted in the laboratory in a no-choice design by using petri dishes (15 by 100 mm) as experimental arenas with 20 host larvae. A. calandrae females from populations originating in Georgia (GA) and Oklahoma (OK) were introduced singly into experimental arenas and allowed to sting and oviposit for 24 h. Parasitism by the OK population was greater than that for the GA population across all hosts. However, no or very low parasitism was found on Angoumois grain moth for either population in this experiment. The highest number of parasitoid progeny was recorded on cowpea weevil (15.9) followed by rice weevil (11.5) and cigarette beetle (10.8) for the OK population. A similar trend was observed in the GA population. The highest proportion of female progeny was produced on cowpea weevil (73.0%) by the OK population. Conversely, a higher proportion of female progeny was produced on rice weevil (64.6%) by the GA population than produced by the OK population. Parasitoid adults were significantly larger and heavier when they developed on cowpea weevil irrespective of parasitoid population. The possible application of these results for biological control of stored-product insects is discussed.