Carminator, a new genus of Megalyridae (Hymenoptera) from the Oriental and Australian regions, with a commentary on the definition of the family

The taxonomic history of the family Megalyridae is reviewed. Carminator gen.n. from the Oriental and Australian regions is described and illustrated. Four new species are included in the genus: C.affinis, Cater, C.cavus and C.nooni. A key to the species is provided.
Twelve characters are evaluated for their phylogenetic significance, including those which historically have been regarded as important for the definition of the family. Carminator is provisionally assigned to the subfamily Dinapsinae, based on the reduction of Rs in the hindwing. The family Megalyridae is regarded as monophyletic based on their unique pattern of reduced hindwing venation and position of the 'pronotalrsquo; spiracle. The mesozoic Cleistogastrinae are excluded from Megalyridae. The cretaceous genus Maimetsha is reclassified as a dinapsine megalyrid.     

叶甲亚科后翅比较形态学研究

通过对叶甲亚科昆虫20属20种后翅的比较形态学研究,主要对叶甲亚科翅脉名称、翅脉变化类型进行了探讨,给出了叶甲亚科翅脉模式图、20种翅脉的形态特征图和翅脉变化类型图,并对其进化意义进行了初步的总结,认为中国叶甲亚科中最原始的后翅类型应为：长宽比例大,Cu1a与Cu1b之间具cv横脉或Cu1b与Pcu之间具cp横脉以及Cu1b与Pcu端部分开,不融合为一根。     

The New Zealand scorpionfly (Nannochorista philpotti comb.n.): wing morphology and its phylogenetic significance1

The win structure of the New Zealand nannochoristid currently known as Microchorista philgotti: (Tillyard, 1917) is described and discussed. Tubular wing vein sclerotizations are developed in the uper win cuticle only. Shortening of the hindwing CuP-A anastomosis to a single point cannot ge uphed as a nannochoristid autapomorphy. Absence of the Rs₃-Rs₄ crossvein (the diagnostic character for Microchorista) and, perhaps, presence of specialized microtrichia patches on the fore wing are autapomorphic of the New Zealand species. Since the genus Nannochorista, comprising the Australian/Tasmanian and S. American nannochoristids, according to available evidence is paraphyletic in terms of Microchorista the latter is synonymized with the former.     

Effects of wing-pad removal and corpus allatum implantation on development of wings, flight muscles, and related structures in the striped ground cricket, Allonemobius fasciatus

ABSTRACT. Removal of a hindwing pad from late instar nymphs of the striped ground cricket, Allonemobius fasciatus DeGeer (Gryllidae) inhibits the formation of long-winged adults. All nymphs become short-winged when their hindwing pad is removed during the sixth (penultimate) instar or during the first 2 days of the seventh instar. When a hindwing pad is removed on day 4 of the seventh instar or later, there is no effect on wing development and at least 50% of the crickets emerge as long-winged adults as in controls.
The period sensitive for removal of a hindwing pad varies among different structures, e.g. elytra, hindwings, flight muscles, and the acrotergite of the first abdominal segment. As a result, some intermediate forms are produced when a hindwing pad is removed in the middle of the seventh instar.
Implantation of corpora allata (CA) into late instar nymphs also inhibits formation of long-winged adults. When CA are implanted on day 2 or 3 of the seventh instar, some of the resulting adults have abnormally short elytra. Implantation of CA at an earlier stage produces supernumerary (eighth instar) nymphs.     

The genera of Diopsidae (Insecta:Diptera)

Taxonomic characters which have been used in defining the genera of Diopsidae are discussed with special reference to the structure of the head and eyestalks. In consequence, the subdivisions of this family put forward by Hennig in 1965 are revised and extended, a new scheme of three subfamilies being proposed and a possible phylogenetic sequence of genera suggested.
A key for the identification of these subfamilies and current generic taxa is given.     

Wound healing and the haemocyte response in the skin of the Lesser octopus Eledone cirrhosa (Mollusca: Cephalopoda)

The general structure of the skin of the Lesser octopus, Eledone cirrhosa is described. The component regions and cell types being (1) the epidermis, composed of columnar cells with a border of microvilli on their external surface, mucous cells and secretory cells of an unknown type, abutting a non cellular basal lamina; (2) the dermis, containing the elements of the colour change system, vascular and neural processes and an a cellular matrix.
A sequential, morphological study of wound closure revealed three major mechanisms in the healing response; muscular contraction, a dermal cellular reaction and epidermal migration. The process of wound closure in Eledone is significantly slower than that seen, for example, in teleost fish (30 h rather than 30 min for the initiation of epidermal migration). The significance of these results in relation to the osmotic balance between seawater and the internal milieu of Eledone is discussed, together with their relevance to resistance against infection by pathogens.     

Movements of the hindwings ofLocusta migratoria,measured with miniature coils

Summary Tethered migratory locusts were induced to fly in an airstream for hours at a time, carrying on their extremely delicate hindwings miniature induction coils by which the hindwing movements were recorded in three dimensions.The two coils were mounted at right angles to one another on the central field of the hindwing, which is in close aerodynamic contact with the forewing. Each coil emitted three signals to define the components of a 3-dimensional vector. The movements of the central field can be described completely by the rotations of the two vectors. The main component of the hindwing movement thus becomes accessible to detailed kinematic analysis (Figs. 2, 3).The results obtained with this inductive method are consistent with the few published data based on photogrammetric samples of the movement.The various forms of movement can all be observed during the flight experiment. The movement spectrum is very broad even in an undisturbed flying animal (Figs. 4, 5).Various wingbeat parameters were calculated, including oscillation period, the durations of upstroke and downstroke, and their ratio (Fig. 6).Simultaneous measurement of the movements of the fore- and hindwings has provided the first documentation of the varying interactions of the wings on side of the body during a long flight. Even small changes in the relative positions of the two wings are measurable (Fig. 7).     

An unusual species of spoon-wing lacewing (Neuroptera: Nemopteridae) from South Africa, with notes on its biology

Abstract. An unusual species of spoon-wing lacewing, Palmipenna aeoleoptera sp.n., is described from Namaqualand, South Africa. This small species is similar to its three congeners in general body morphology and genitalic features. Its hindwings, however, differ dramatically from known insect hindwing form. These conspicuously pigmented wings with their relatively huge surface area are hypothesized to have dual aerodynamic and semaphore functions when used by males in gliding flight during mate attraction.     

Connections of the forewing tegulae in the locust flight system and their modification following partial deafferentation.

The flight motor pattern of the adult locust (Locusta migratoria L.) is able to recover from the loss of the hindwing tegulae. This recovery is due to a functional substitution of the hindwing tegulae by the forewing tegulae (Büschges, Ramirez, and Pearson, 1992). To assess changes in the pathways from the forewing tegulae in the flight system, we investigated the pathways of the forewing tegula in intact locusts and in animals 2 weeks after hindwing tegula removal. The following physiological alterations in these pathways were found to be associated with the recovery: (1) In the intact locusts, the connections of forewing tegula afferents to flight interneurons are variable but this variability did not occur in recovered animals, and (2) larger numbers of forewing tegula afferents connect to interneurons that excite elevator motoneurons (interneurons 566 and 567) and to an interneuron that inhibits depressor motoneurons (interneuron 511). The size of unitary excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) evoked by signal forewing tegula afferents was found not to be altered in recovered animals. The changes in connectivity of forewing tegula afferents are correlated with morphological alterations in the structure of the terminal processes of the afferents and with sprouting of some branches of interneurons receiving input from these afferents.     

Reorganization of sensory regulation of locust flight after partial deafferentation.

Previous investigations have shown that the flight motor pattern of the mature locust (Locusta migratoria L.) relies heavily on the input of the hindwing tegulae. Removal of the hindwing tegulae results in an immediate change in the motor pattern: the wingbeat frequency (WBF) decreases and the interval between the activity of depressor and elevator muscles (D-E interval) increases. In contrast, removal of the forewing tegulae has little effect on the motor pattern. Here we report adaptive modifications in the flight system that occur after the removal of the hindwing tegulae. Over a period of about 2 weeks following hindwing tegula removal, the flight motor pattern progressively returned towards normal, and in about 80% of the animals recovery of the flight motor pattern was complete. We describe the changes in the activity pattern of flight muscles and in the patterns of depolarizations in flight motoneurons and flight interneurons associated with this recovery. In contrast to the situation in the intact animal, the activity of the forewing tegulae is necessary in recovered animals for the generation of the motor pattern. Removal of the forewing tegulae in recovered animals resulted in similar changes in the flight motor pattern as were observed in intact animals after the removal of the hindwing tegulae. Furthermore, electrical stimulation of forewing tegula afferents in recovered animals produced similar resetting effects on the motor pattern as electrical stimulation of the hindwing tegulae afferents in intact animals. From these observations we conclude that recovery is due to the functional replacement of the removed hindwing tegulae by input from the forewing tegulae.     

Ultrastructural variation tune wing coloration of a moth Asota caricae Fabricius, 1775

Butterflies and moths develop highly ordered coloration in their wing for signal transmission. We have investigated the ultrastructural arrangement of wing coloration of a moth Asota caricae, applying light, optical polarized, and scanning electron microscopy, and spectrophotometry. The forewing of the moth is brown in color with a white spot at the center. The hindwing is golden yellow in color with many black patches in it. The ventral part of the forewing and dorsal hindwing share the similar color pattern. The ventral part of the hindwing has dull coloration in comparison to the dorsal one although the pattern remains same. The spectrometry analysis reveals various patterns of absorbance and reflectance spectra for various colors. The peak observed for various colors remain same although the intensity of peak changes. Bright colors possess highly ordered structures whereas irregular structures are found in dull colored scales. The color variation observed due to dorsal and ventral part of the wing is due to the minute difference observed in terms of ultrastructural arrangement revealed by scanning electron microscope. The color pattern of A. caricae is due to variation of microstructures present within the scale.     

The sense organs on the mouth parts of the Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria)

The "hairs" and various types of sensilla present on the mouth parts of Schistocerca gregaria are described. The distribution of the sensilla on the clypeo-labrum, labium and theHmaxillae has been plotted in detail, and the general distribution of all types of sensilla on each of the mouth parts is described.
A comparison is made between the distribution of certain sensilla on the clypeo-labrum in first instars and adults.
The probable role of the sensilla in feeding is discussed.     

BIOASSAY SYSTEMS FOR THE PYRETHRINS: V. EXPERIMENTS WITH A RESISTANT STRAIN OF CALANDRA GRANARIA L.

Some principles of testing for resistance in wild and laboratory stocks of insects are discussed, and experiments with Calandra granaria L. are described in which these insects are selected for pyrethrum resistance.
A new method is described of expressing relative tolerances when the relevant regression lines are not parallel, based on the 'generalized distance' of Mahalanobis. The method may equally be used for the comparison of two insecticides giving rise to lines of different slope. A limited increase in resistance occurred on selection. Non-random oscillatory sequences of slopes were observed when the resistant strain was assayed, and regression parameters computed. The nature of these oscillations is considered.     

The earliest Mesopsychidae and revision of the family Mesopanorpodidae (Mecoptera)

The family Mesopanorpodidae is revised. Most taxa referred to this family are not related to the type genus Mesopanorpodes Tillyard, 1918. The type species of the latter, Mesopanorpodes wianamattensis,is closely related to Mesopsyche Tillyard, 1917. Therefore Mesopanorpodes is transferred to Mesopsychidae Tillyard, 1917 (= Mesopanorpodidae Tillyard, 1918, syn. n.).The earliest Mesopsychidae are described from the Upper Permian of European Russia (Severodvinian; Isady locality, Vologda Province): Permopsyche issadensisgen. etsp. n. (type species) and Permopsyche rasnitsynisp. n. Two species described under Mesopanorpodes from the Upper Permian of Australia are also included into Permopsyche: Permopsyche belmontensis (Riek, 1953), comb. n., Permopsyche robustus (Riek, 1953) comb. n. The first pre-Triassic Mesopsyche, Mesopsyche incompletasp. n. is described from the uppermost Permian (the town of Vyazniki, Vladimir Province). Bittacopanorpa javorskii Zalessky, 1935 from the uppermost Permian or basal Triassic of Kuznetsk Basin is identified as a hindwing of Mesopsyche: Mesopsyche javorskii (Zalessky, 1935) comb. n. The origin, evolutionary history, and stratigraphic occurrence of Mesopsychidae are discussed.     

The anatomy of the syrinx in passerine birds

The macroscopical structure of the organ of voice in songbirds has long been known, but detailed information on the microscopical anatomy of the syrinx has generally been lacking. Observations based largely on macroscopical evidence have led to a number of erroneous interpretations of function of various syringeal components, and lacking microscopical information, the vocal mechanism of birds cannot be adequately understood.
A wide variety of passeriform bird syrinxes have been studied by means of serial sections. Although there is much less variation in syringeal anatomy amongst songbirds than there is in the other orders of birds, and although all songbird syrinxes conform to the same basic pattern, there is nevertheless marked variation in various syringeal components between different passerine groups. Variations in syringeal structure within families Corvidae ( Corvus corone, C. frugilegus ), Sturnidae ( Sturnus vulgaris, Gracula religiosa ), Turdidae ( Turdus merula, Erithacus rubecula ), Hirundinidae ( Delichon urbica ), Ploceidae ( Passer domesticus ) and Paridae ( Parus major, Aegithalos caudatus ) are described and discussed. The significance of these findings in relation to bird sound production is discussed.     

Selected aspects of microbial osmoregulation

Abstract Some salient characteristics of microbial osmoregulation are reviewed, with specific examples drawn from eukaryotes. As well as the need for an osmoregulatory solute to be 'compatible' with cellular processes under all conditions, the importance of the physiological method of regulating the content of the solute as a factor determining xerotolerance is emphasized. The significance of turgor/volume homeostasis is discussed and examples are cited in which, during exponential growth, there is apparently no homeostatic control of the cellular content of the major osmoregulatory solute. Some implications of this for the overall mechanism of osmoregulation are considered.
A recent experiment is described which raises questions about the timing of an osmoregulatory 'signal' in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Other experiments are summarized which distinguish between osmoregulatory and compatible solutes in yeast. These experiments implicate trehalose as a non-osmoregulatory compatible solute in certain circumstances.     

中国东北早白垩世一种新的昼蜓化石 (蜻蜓目: 昼蜓科)

本文记述昼蜓科化石一新属新种-孟氏丽昼蜓Abrohemeroscopus mengi gen.et sp.nov.。化石采自辽宁省义县早白垩世九佛堂组地层中。新属与巴依萨昼蜓Hemeroscopus Pritykina,1977在形态上比较相似,但在演化程度上更为原始,主要体现在下面几个方面：(1) 后翅臀套较小,仅有6～7个翅室; (2) 径增脉（Rspl）缺; (3) 后翅CuAa脉弯曲,带有5个明显的后分支; (4)前翅MP脉不显短,终止于翅后缘近翅结处; (5) 翅痣下有一个明显的支脉; (6) 后翅CuAa 和MP域基部较窄,在三角室下方仅有1排翅室。这是昼蜓科化石在中国的最老记录。     

The morphology of the gut and a qualitative review of digestive enzymes in some New Zealand ophiuroids

The structure of the gut of three New Zealand intertidal ophiuroids, Ophionereis fasciata, Ophiactis resiliens and Ophiopteris antipodum is described. The gut epithelium of all three species contains cells with granular inclusions and deposits of lipid. Glycogen is also detectable in Ophionereis fasciata.
A wide range of digestive enzymes, particularly those hydrolysing glycosidic linkages, is recorded; a greater variety being present in the predominantly algal feeders Ophiactis resiliens and Ophiopteris antipodum. Tests for cellulases however proved negative with all three species.     

Reorganization of sensory regulation of locust flight after partial deafferentation

Previous investigations have shown that the flight motor pattern of the mature locust (Locusta migratoria L.) relies heavily on the input of the hindwing tegulae. Removal of the hindwing tegulae results in an immediate change in the motor pattern: the wingbeat frequency (WBF) decreases and the interval between the activity of depressor and elevator muscles (D–E interval) increases. In contrast, removal of the forewing tegulae has little effect on the motor pattern. Here we report adaptive modifications in the flight system that occur after the removal of the hindwing tegulae. Over a period of about 2 weeks following hendwing tegula removal, the flight motor pattern progressively returned towards normal, and in about 80% of the animals recovery of the flight motor pattern was complete. We describe the changes in the activity pattern of flight muscles and in the patterns of depolarizations in flight motoneurons and flight interneurons associated with this recovery. In contrast to the situation in the intact animal, the activity of the forewing tegulae is necessary in recovered animals for the generation of the motor pattern. Removal of the forewing tegulae in recovered animals resulted resulted in similar changes in the flight motor pattern as were observed in intact animals after the removal of the hindwing tegulae. Furthermore, electrical stimulation of forewing tegula afferents in recovered animals produced similar resetting effects on the motor pattern as electrical stimulation of the hindwing tegulae afferents in intact animals. From these observations we conclude that recovery is due to the functional replacement of the removed hindwing tegulae by input from the forewing tegulae.     

Evolutionary constraints in hind wing shape in Chinese dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae)

This study examines the evolution hindwing shape in Chinese dung beetle species using morphometric and phylogenetic analyses. Previous studies have analyzed the evolution of wing shape within a single or very few species, or by comparing only a few wing traits. No study has analyzed wing shape evolution of a large number of species, or quantitatively compared morphological variation of wings with proposed phylogenetic relationships. This study examines the morphological variation of hindwings based on 19 landmarks, 119 morphological characters, and 81 beetle species. Only one most parsimonious tree (MPT) was found based on 119 wing and body characters. To better understand the possible role of the hindwing in the evolution of Scarabaeinae, additional phylogenetic analyses were proposed based on the only body features (106 characters, wing characters excluded). Two MPT were found based on 106 body characters, and five nodes were collapsed in a strict consensus. There was a strong correlation between the morphometric tree and all phylogenetic trees (r>0.5). Reconstructions of the ancestral wing forms suggest that Scarabaeinae hindwing morphology has not changed substantially over time, but the morphological changes that do occur are focused at the base of the wing. These results suggest that flight has been important since the origin of Scarabaeinae, and that variation in hindwing morphology has been limited by functional constraints. Comparison of metric disparity values and relative evolutionary sequences among Scarabaeinae tribes suggest that the primitive dung beetles had relatively diverse hindwing morphologies, while advanced dung beetles have relatively similar wing morphologies. The strong correlation between the morphometric tree and phylogenetic trees suggest that hindwing features reflect the evolution of whole body morphology and that wing characters are suitable for the phylogenetic analyses. By integrating morphometric and cladistic approaches, this paper sheds new light on the evolution of dung beetle hind wings.