Global patterns in local number of insect galling species

Abstract. We evaluate a three-part hypothesis explaining why gall-inducing insect species richness is so high in scleromorphic vegetation: (1) persistence of low nutrient status scleromorphic leaves facilitates the galling habit in warm temperate latitudes; (2) favourable colonization sites for gallers result from reduced hygrothermal stress, high phenolics in the outer cortex of the gall, and reduced carnivore and fungal attack in the gall; and (3) in more mesic sites, mortality is high due to carnivore attack and invasion of galls by fungi. Over 280 samples of local species of galling herbivorous insects from fourteen countries on all continents except Antarctica revealed a strong pattern of highest richness in warm temperate latitudes, or their altitudinal equivalents. The peak of galling species richness on the latitudinal gradient from the equator into the Arctic was between 25 to 38° N or S. Galling species were particularly diverse in sclerophyllous vegetation, which commonly had greater than twelve species per local sample. In mesic, non-sclerophyllous vegetation types the number of galling species was lower with twelve or fewer species present. Many sites in sclerophyllous vegetation supported between thirteen and forty-six galling species locally, including campina islands in Amazonia, cerrado savanna in central Brazil, the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico, shrubland in Israel, fynbos in South Africa and coastal scleromorphic vegetation in Australia. At the same latitude, or its elevational equivalent, galling species richness was significantly higher in relatively xeric sites when compared to riparian or otherwise mesic habitats, even when scleromorphic vegetation dominated the mesic sites. The results were consistent with the hypothesis and extend to a more general level the patterns and predictions on the biogeography of gall-inducing insects.     

Bracca olafhenkeli sp. nov., a new species of the Ennominae (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) from Sulawesi (Indonesia)

Bracca olafhenkeli sp. nov. is described from the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, to which it is considered endemic. Morphological characters such as the basic pattern and coloration as well as the genitalia clearly indicate that the species is a typical member of the genus Bracca Hübner, but large, white apical spots on the forewings and extremely broad, white marginal bands on the hindwings render it unmistakable among its congeners. The new species is abundant in montane areas of North, Central and South Sulawesi and seems to be restricted to primary forests. The biology is unknown.     

The genus Cryptophagus Herbst, 1792 (Coleoptera: Cryptophagidae) in Japan with description of a new species

The 17 species of the genus Cryptophagus Herbst known from Japan are analysed and revised. The opinions of different authors about the value of the characteristics of the external anatomy are contrasted, and an identification key and figures of the studied species are presented. Cryptophagus jaloszynskii sp. nov is described. Following a detailed study of the type material in different entomological collections, the status of taxa is revised and 3 new synonyms are proposed: Cryptophagus deceptor Grouvelle, 1919 and Cryptophagus longipennis Grouvelle, 1919 are syn. nov. for Cryptophagus dilutus Reitter, 1874 and Cryptophagus longiventris Grouvelle, 1919 syn. nov. for Cryptophagus latangulus Reitter, 1889. Cryptophagus elegans Grouvelle, 1919 resurrected from synonymy with Cryptophagus decoratus Reitter, 1874. A neotype is designated for Cryptophagus elegans Grouvelle, 1918; a lectotype and paralectotype is designated for 7 taxa: Cryptophagus decoratus Reitter, 1874; Cryptophagus deceptor Grouvelle, 1919; Cryptophagus grouvellei Bruce, 1938; Cryptophagus latangulus Reitter, 1889; Cryptophagus lewisi Reitter, 1874; Cryptophagus longior Grouvelle, 1919 and Cryptophagus longiventris Grouvelle, 1919. Cryptophagus zonatus Lyubarsky, 1995 previously known only from China is reported here for the first time from Japan. A key to all the species occurring in Japan is presented.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7FF52749-590D-46F6-9794-1E2301906ECB     

Benthic hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) from the Bransfield Strait area (Antarctica) collected by Brazilian expeditions,with the description of a new species

A total of 36 species of benthic hydroids, belonging to nine families and 16 genera, were found in the hydroid collection gathered during the Brazilian Antarctic expeditions PROANTAR III and IV. Seven of the species were identified only to generic level. There is a clear dominance of the subclass Leptothecatae with 33 species. By far the most diversified family was the Sertulariidae, with 16 species (44%). Symplectoscyphus with eight species, including Symplectoscyphus magnificus sp. nov., is the most diversified genus. Almost 70% of the species diversity is restricted to just six genera (38%). Sixty-eight percent of the species is Antarctic endemics and 86% is restricted to Antarctic or Antarctic/sub-Antarctic waters. Eudendrium antarcticum and Amphisbetia operculata are recorded for the first time from Antarctic waters.     

Importance of historical factors on species richness and composition of butterfly assemblages (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) in a northern Iberian mountain range

ABSTRACT. The butterfly assemblages of three vegetation types (pasture, heathland and rocky outcrop with Genista spp.) and two geographical orientations (a northern slope and a sheltered gorge) were studied along an altitudinal gradient in the Picos de Europa in northern Spain. In order to study the effects or historical climatic changes on current butterfly assemblages, it was examined if changes in richness and faunal composition of assemblages were joined with changes in their biogeographical composition. The three vegetation types showed characteristic butterfly assemblages, but no difference in species richness and biogeographical composition was found. Species richness in the sheltered gorge was higher than in the northern slope. Faunal composition also varied between orientations and there were more widespread and Mediterranean species in the sheltered gorge than in the northern slope. Species richness declined with increasing altitude, though a midaltitudinal peak was observed. There was a faunal segregation between high and low localities. Species richness of widespread and Mediterranean butterflies decreased as altitude increased, whereas the reverse was true for montane species. Moreover, biogeographical elements differed in their climatic tolerances measured as altitudinal ranges. Therefore, changes in richness and composition of butterfly assemblages between both slopes and along the altitudinal gradient were joined in part with variation in their biogeographical composition. These results suggest that current species richness and composition of butterfly assemblages in the Picos de Europa might be the consequence of differential colonization of refuges during the past climatic changes.     

Interesting findings of rare geometrid species (Lepidoptera,Geometridae) in the Altai

Five rare species, Macaria halituaria (Guenée, [1858]), Chelegnophos ravistriolaria (Wehrli, 1922), Ch. tholeraria (Pungeler, 1901), Scotopteryx transbaicalica (Djakonov, 1955), and Xanthorhoe stupida (Alphéraky, 1897), are described. Chelegnophos tholeraria was found for the first time in the territory of Russia, and Ch. ravistriolaria and S. transbaicalica, in the territory of the Altai. Drawings of genitalia are given for all the species studied, and some differences from closely related species are presented. The male genitalia of X. stupida and Scotopteryx burgaria and the female genitalia of S. transbaicalica are described for the first time.     

A review of the subgenus Epicterodes of Arichanna (Lepidoptera,Geometridae, Ennominae), with description of one new species

The subgenus Epicterodes Wehrli, 1933 of Arichanna Moore, 1868 is reviewed. Six species are recognized, of which, A. (E). denticularia sp. nov. is described as new to science from China. One new synonym is established based on morphological and genetic similarity: A. (E.) flavomacularia Leech, 1897 (=A. (E.) perimelaina Wehrli, 1933 syn. nov.). Results of DNA barcoding for Epicterodes are briefly discussed. Diagnoses for all the species are provided and illustrations of adults, genitalia and distribution map are presented.     

Modelling floristic species richness on a regional scale: a case study in Switzerland

In this paper a multivariate linear regression model is proposed for predicting and mapping regional species richness in areas below the timberline according to environmental variables. The data used in setting up the model were derived from a floristic inventory. Using a stepwise regression technique, five environmental variables were found to explain 48.9% of the variability in the total number of plant species: namely temperature range, proximity to a big river or lake, threshold of minimum annual precipitation, amount of calcareous rock outcrops and number of soil types. A considerable part of the unexplained variability is thought to have been influenced by variations in the quality of the botanical inventory. These results show the importance of systematic floristic sampling in addition to conventional inventories when using floristic data as a basis in nature conservation. Nevertheless it is still possible to interpret the resulting diversity patterns ecologically. Regional species richness in Switzerland appears to be a function of: (i) environmental heterogeneity; (ii) threshold values of minimum precipitation; and (iii) presence of calcareous rock outcrops. According to similar studies, environmental heterogeneity was the strongest determinant of total species richness. In contrast to some studies, high productivity decreased the number of species. Furthermore, the implications of this work for climate change scenarios are discussed.     

Temporal patterns of diversification in Andean Eois, a species-rich clade of moths (Lepidoptera, Geometridae)

The timing of the origin of present day Neotropical animal diversity is still a matter of debate. For a long time, a preponderance of glacial (i.e. Pleistocene) radiations has been proposed. However, recent data from molecular clock studies indicate a preglacial origin for most of the examined taxa. We performed a fossil-calibrated molecular dating analysis of the genus Eois, which is a major component of one of the world's most diverse assemblages of herbivorous insects. We found that diversification of Eois took place in the Miocene following a pattern best explained by density-dependent diversification. A strong slowdown of diversification towards the present was detected. Diversification of Eois does overlap with increased Andean uplift and diversification of the most commonly used host plant genus Piper. These findings match the patterns found for the majority of Neotropical tetrapods and for three other unrelated, ecologically different lepidopteran genera.     

Revision of the genus Helastia sensu stricto with description of a new genus (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)

Abstract

Helastia Guenée, 1868 is redefined and redescribed. New Zealand species previously placed in that genus but not congeneric with the type species are reassigned to either the available genera Epyaxa Meyrick, 1883, Asaphodes Meyrick, 1885 and Xanthorhoe Hübner, [1825] or placed in a newly described genus, Gingidiobora. Six Australian species placed in Xanthorhoe are shown to be congeneric with three New Zealand species, previously placed in Helastia and here transferred to Epyaxa.

Eight new species are described in Helastia: Helastia alba n. sp.; H. angusta n. sp.; H. christinae n. sp.; H. cryptica n. sp.; H. mutabilis n. sp.; H. ohauensis n. sp.; H. salmoni n. sp.; H. scissa n. sp. The following new combinations and synonymies are proposed: Asaphodes chlorocapna (Meyrick, 1925) n. comb.; A. citroena (Clark, 1934) n. comb.; A. glaciata (Hudson, 1925) n. comb.; A. ida (Clark, 1926) n. comb; Epyaxa agelasta (Turner, 1904) n. comb.; E. centroneura (Meyrick, 1890) n. comb.;

E. epia (Turner, 1922) n. comb.; E. hyperythra (Lower, 1892) n. comb.; E. lucidata (Walker, 1862) n. comb.; E. sodaliata (Walker, 1862) n. comb.; E. subidaria (Guenée, 1857) n. comb.; E. venipunctata (Walker, 1863) n. comb.; Gingidiobora nebulosa (Philpott, 1917) n. comb.; G. subobscurata (Walker, 1862) n. comb.; Helastia clandestina (Philpott, 1921) n. comb.; H. corcularia (Guenée, 1868) n. comb. (= Larentia infantaria Guenée, 1868 n. syn.); H. expolita (Philpott, 1917) n. comb.; H. siris (Hawthorne, 1897) n. comb.; H. triphragma (Meyrick, 1883) n. comb.     

Genus Ptyobathra Turner new to China,with description of a new species(Lepidoptera:Pyralidae:Phycitinae)

The genus Ptyobathra Turner is newly reported from China.Ptyobathra recta sp.nov.is described as new;P.hypolepidota Turner,1905 is newly recorded for China.Images of adults and genitalia are provided.     

Tricalcaria Han gen. nov., a remarkable new genus with three hind‐tibial spurs belonging to the tribe Trichopterygini,with description of a new species from China (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)

Tricalcaria Han gen. nov. and its type species Tricalcaria stueningi Han sp. nov. are described from China. Morphological characters, including those of the male and female genitalia, are figured. The main diagnostic characters of Tricalcaria are: hind tibia with three spurs in both male and female; ventral margin of costal protrusion bearing a series of long, hook‐like, sclerotized setae in the male genitalia; female papilla analis modified and bearing over part of its surface broad blade‐like sclerotized setae. The wing pattern, venation, and genitalia of this genus are compared with those of the most closely related genera, Tristeirometa Holloway, 1997, Hypocometa Warren, 1896, and Phthonoloba Warren, 1893. Tribal placement is discussed, with the conclusion that the new genus should be placed in the tribe Trichopterygini.     

Biogeography and species richness of endophagous insects associated with Proteaceae in South Africa

The endophagous insects associated with Proteaceae of the Cape fynbos were compared to endophage assemblages from more northern non-Capensis Proteaceae. Insects were collected from Proteaceae in the Cape on a regular basis and additional records obtained from insect collections. Northern samples were collected more opportunistically or records were obtained from collections or through personal communication. The Cape fynbos genus Protea is utilized by many more insect taxa than the non-fynbos Protea species. The fynbos Proteaceae has very few species in common with the northern Proteaceae, yet each has many of their own distinct species. This suggests that the fynbos endophage insect fauna is distinct from that of the other regions. It appears that the high diversity of host plants in the fynbos has contributed to generating high, local endophagous insect diversity.     

Species richness and spatial distribution of blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in streams of Central Amazonia, Brazil

1. The spatial distribution and species richness of blackflies were evaluated at 58 stream sites in Central Amazonia, Brazil. Samples were taken along a north–south axis of approximately 130 km and a east–west axis of approximately 220 km.
2. Based on stream-site characteristics, the occurrence of larvae of the six most frequently collected species was highly predictable (79.3–91.5% accuracy in prediction of occurrence). The predictive value of stream size and the presence of impoundments agrees with results of similar work in the Holarctic Region, suggesting a general responses of blackflies to environmental parameters.
3. Although only 19.0% of interstream variation in species richness was explained by a regression model, results suggested that species richness was greater in larger, cooler, faster, covered streams with rocky beds than in smaller, warmer, slower, open streams with sandy bottoms. Overall, the species richness of blackflies (11 species in total) was lower than in the temperate zone suggesting, for some taxa at least, that aquatic communities do not follow the terrestrial pattern of greater species richness in the tropics.     

Neotropical ennomine moths: a review of the genera (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

The classification of the Neotropical genera of the Ennominae is reviewed and 267 genera are recognised to occur in this region. Three new genera are described and three others are reinstated, while 48 generic synonyms are newly established. Other changes established in this work include 14 species synonyms and 237 new or reinstated combinations. External features and genitalia of representative members of the genera are illustrated (753 figures). All the known Neotropical species and subspecies of Ennominae are listed ( c . 3470), plus their synonyms. The tribes to which the genera belong are assessed, with c . 200 of the genera assigned to tribe or other suprageneric grouping.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 135 , 121–401.     

Taxonomic study of the genus Trichopteryx Hübner (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in Korea

The larentiine genus Trichopteryx Hübner in Korea is reviewed. Nine species, including one newly recorded species, T. misera (Butler), are recognized. Diagnostic characters of each species with photographs of adults and genitalia are provided. A key to the Korean species is also given.     

The genus Cleora Curtis (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in Fiji

An account is given of the 10 species of the genus Cleora known to inhabit Fiji; two of these are described as new and two are transferred to Cleora from other genera. Species previously known from Fiji are re-described, and a key to the males is included.