Evidence for the recent dispersal of Sophora (Leguminosae) around the Southern Oceans: molecular data

Aim The aim is to use DNA sequence data to test between vicariance and long range dispersal (by floating seed-pods) explanations for the origin and range of the Edwardsia species of Sophora (Sophoreae: Papilionoideae: Leguminosae). Location This group is widely distributed around the South Pacific and into the South Atlantic on both continental fragments and oceanic islands. Methods DNA sequences from an intergene region (atpB-rbcL) of the chloroplast were determined for twelve taxa (including outgroups) and used to test these hypotheses. Sophora fossils were used to calibrate the evolutionary tree. Results The Edwardsia group of Sophora appears monophyletic and is well differentiated from other Sophora. However, the genetic difference between species within the South Pacific and to the South Atlantic is very low. Main conclusionsThe results eliminate vicariance explanations for this section of Sophora and strongly support an origin from other (non-Edwardsia) Sophora in the north-west Pacific. Dispersal appears initially to be to Tuvalu, Lord Howe Island, New Zealand, and subsequently across the South Pacific, probably within the last 2–5 million years. Dispersal of buoyant Sophora seeds to oceanic islands is the most likely explanation of its distributions. Fossil pollen dates in New Zealand are consistent with the conclusion.     

Host‐plant associated genetic divergence of two Diatraea spp. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) stemborers on novel crop plants

Diatraea lineolata and Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) are moths with stemboring larvae that feed and develop on economically important grasses. This study investigated whether these moths have diverged from a native host plant, corn, onto introduced crop plants including sorghum, sugarcane, and rice. Diatraea larvae were collected from these four host plants throughout the year in El Salvador and were reared on artificial diet until moths or parasitoids emerged. Adult moths were subsequently identified to species. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) were used to examine whether or not there was genetic divergence of D. lineolata or D. saccharalis populations on the four host plants. Percent parasitism was also determined for each moth on its host plants. D. lineolata was collected from corn in the rainy season and sorghum in the dry season. D. saccharalis was most abundant on sugarcane in the rainy season and sorghum in the dry season. The AFLP analysis found two genetically divergent populations of both D. lineolata and D. saccharalis. Both moths had high levels of parasitism on their dominant host plant in the rainy season, yet had low levels of parasitism on sorghum in the dry season. The presence of two genotypes of both Diatraea spp. on sorghum suggest that host‐associated differentiation is occurring on this novel introduced crop plant.     

The relationship of Sophora sect. Edwardsia (Fabaceae) to Sophora tomentosa, the type species of the genus Sophora, observed from DNA sequence data and morphological characters

Sophora tomentosa , the type species of the genus Sophora , is shown by phylogenetic analyses of rbc L and ITS sequence data to be sister to Sophora sect. Edwardsia . S. tomentosa and most of the species from sect. Edwardsia share hypogeal germination, exstipulate leaves, and terete filaments. These species have buoyant seeds, and are distributed by ocean currents throughout the pantropics ( S. tomentosa ) and around southern temperate oceanic islands (sect. Edwardsia ). S. tomentosa differs from the species of sect. Edwardsia by its frutescent growth habit, terminal elongate inflorescence and smooth-walled legume. S. macrocarpa is unusual in sect. Edwardsia as its leaves have stipules, the filaments are winged, and the legume is smooth-walled.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 146 , 439–446.     

Survival and life table parameters of soybean pod borer Maruca vitrata (Geyer) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on leguminous crop cultivars

The soybean pod borer, Maruca vitrata is one of the key insect pests of tropical legumes. It damages tender leaf axils, flower buds, flowers and pods by webbing and boring clusters of flowers and pods. In this study, we investigated the survival and life table parameters of M. vitrata on several leguminous crops; soybean (cvs. Daewon, Poongsannamool and Socheongja), azuki bean (cv. Hongeon), mung bean (cv. Sanpo), and cowpea (cv. Jangchae), compared to artificial diet to assess the antibiosis resistance to M. vitrata. The life‐variables of M. vitrata were significantly affected by the tested legume cultivars. None of the larvae fed cowpea cultivar Jangchae survived. The azuki bean cultivar Hongeon and mung bean cultivar Sanpo were found susceptible to M. vitrata, whereas cowpea cultivar Jangchae and soybean cultivar Daewon showed antibiosis resistance to M. vitrata. Further studies should examine the chemicals associated with leguminous crop cultivars and its mechanism to develop a control method against M. vitrata.     

A review of Microchilo (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in China,including descriptions of two new species

The genus Microchilo of the subfamily Crambinae is reviewed from China. Two species are described as new to science: Microchilo landryi sp. nov. and M. nussi sp. nov. Images of adults and genitalia of the new species are illustrated, and a key of the species known in China is provided.LSID urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:74B34A6E-87C3-487B-AD94-1167F1283E74.     

Two new species and three new record species of family Limacodidae from northeast India (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea)

Caissa kashungii sp. n. and Squamosa wungchanngamii sp. n. are described as new Limacodidae from India. These new species are illustrated with images of the adults and male genitalia and compared with similar species. Additionally, three species S. chalcites Orhant, 2000, Cania (Paracania) robusta Hering, 1931 and Rhamnosa (Rhamnosa) convergens Hering, 1931 are recorded as new to India from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Diagnosis and distribution are provided for all taxa listed and the males and their genitalia are illustrated.LSID codewww.zoobznk.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:32CDB346-275D-4C66-906C-656FC613E195.     

Revision of the Australian species of Hyalobathra Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea: Crambidae: Pyraustinae) based on adult morphology and with description of a new species

Abstract The genus Hyalobathra Meyrick is redefined based on five Australian species including the type  species. The four named Australian species, H. archeleuca Meyrick, H. unicolor (Warren) , H. miniosalis (Guenée) and H. minialis (Warren), are redescribed and a new species, H. crenulata sp. n., is described . Hyalobathra unicolor is removed from synonymy with H. illectalis (Walker), and lectotypes are designated for H. archeleuca , H. minialis and for H. rhodoplecta Turner, a synonym of H. miniosalis . The presence of H. paupellalis (Lederer) in Australia could not be confirmed, but its genitalia are figured. Two previously included species, ' Hyalobathra ' aequalis (Lederer) and ' H .'  brevialis (Walker), are excluded from Hyalobathra, as they lack its generic apomorphies, but cannot at present be assigned to any other genus.     

Suitability of Eucalyptus and Corymbia for Mnesampela privata (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) larvae

Abstract 1 Mnesampela privata (Guenée) has a host list of 40 Eucalyptus and at least one Corymbia species. Larval survival and performance was studied on 19 species to investigate how certain leaf traits influence the suitability of different species. 2 After 7 days, survival on Eucalyptus aggregata and Eucalyptus camphora is greater than 70% even though the toughness of leaves is 0.15–0.19 mg/mm². However, after the same time, survival on genotypes of Eucalyptus melliodora and Eucalyptus sideroxylon was less than 60%, or even 0%, even though the toughness of some leaves was as low as 0.11 mg/mm². An unmeasured allelochemical, rather than toughness, may reduce survival on these species. 3 Dry weights of first‐instar larvae were negatively correlated with leaf toughness for 13 of the species studied. Species that produced the heaviest first‐instar larvae were not the same hosts that produced the heaviest second‐instar larvae. 4 Dry weights of female pupae were negatively correlated with total oil content for five of the species studied. 5 Larvae exhibit age‐related changes in feeding behaviour. Neonates skeletonize leaves (avoid leaf veins and oil glands) and post‐third‐instar larvae ingest whole leaf fragments (consume small leaf veins and oil glands). These findings suggest that neonates are sensitive to high leaf toughness and non‐oil plant secondary metabolites whereas older larvae are less sensitive to high leaf toughness and are likely to become larger adults on hosts with lower oil contents.     

Evaluation of Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) neonate preferences for corn and weeds in corn

Choice tests were conducted to determine feeding preferences of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), neonates for 15 species of plants. Percentage of neonates accepting (found on) each leaf disc after 24 h was measured using choice tests. Initially, nine species of plants were evaluated. The following year, 10 plant species were evaluated during O. nubilalis first generation and 11 species during the second generation. Pennsylvania smartweed, Polygonum pennsylvanicum (L.), had the highest percentage of neonates accepting leaf discs in both years. Other plants with high acceptance rates included swamp smartweed, Polygonum amphibium L.; velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti Medicus; cocklebur, Xanthium strumarium L.; and yellow foxtail, Setaria glauca (L.). Corn, Zea mays L., consistently had low percentages of neonates accepting leaf discs along with common waterhemp, Amaranthus rudis Sauer. Implications these results may have on O. nubilalis host plant selection in central Iowa's corn dominated landscape are considered.     

The biogeography of three Boeckella species (Copepoda: Calanoida) in New Zealand

The New Zealand distributions of three species of Boeckella (Copepoda, Calanoida), B. triarticulata, B. dilatata and B. hamata are mapped. B. triarticulata is primarily a pond dweller but is also found in reservoirs and shallow lakes. B. dilatata is mainly found in the deeper glacial lakes and ponds in the central region of the South Island and B. hamata has a more widespread distribution in lakes and ponds in the South Island and lower half of the North Island. Differences in temperature optima, food requirements and dispersal ability among the three Boeckella species are related to vicariant events to explain their distribution in New Zealand.     

Temporal host plant use in three polyphagous Heliothinae,with special reference to Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)

Abstract Potential host plants of the polyphagous lepidopteran Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) were surveyed in two ways. A broad survey, conducted in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, indicated that H. punctigera larvae were present on relatively few plant species. A detailed survey of host plant use in a non-cropping area in which H. punctigera was numerous demonstrated restricted host plant use by this species. The density of H. punctigera on its principal host in the area, the indigenous daisy Ixiolaena brevicompta F. Muell., was much higher (as measured per unit of time searched) than on other plant species available. Also, I. brevicompta was used regularly by H. punctigera after rainfall events. Ixiolaena brevicompta represents a new host record and on the basis of the pattern of its use by H. punctigera should be considered a ‘primary host plant’ of this noctuid. In cropping areas sampled, usually more than one plant species hosted H. punctigera regularly and in large numbers. Usually a crop species was included (e.g. cotton and chick pea). Alternative hosts in cropping areas were Sonchus oleraceus L. (sowthistle) and possibly the native legume Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Poiret. Our results imply that the polyphagy of H. punctigera is probably not as extensive as previously claimed. The criteria for inclusion of a plant species as a primary host for H. punctigera need to include the regularity of use of that species and the relative abundance of eggs and larvae on it. We suggest that an understanding of the host-searching mechanism of this species will be best achieved through study of the interaction of H. punctigera with its indigenous primary hosts. The surveys also yielded information on host plants of two other heliothine noctuids, H. armigera (Hübner) and Australothis rubrescens (Walker), and this is also presented.     

Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash) as trap plant for Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The preference of lepidopterous stem borer moths to oviposit on certain wild host plants can be exploited in habitat management systems by using those hosts as trap crops. Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash) was evaluated for its attractiveness and suitability to the pyralid Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and the noctuid Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Two choice tests were conducted in the laboratory and in the greenhouse to determine oviposition choice of C. partellus for maize, Vetiver and rice (Oryza sativa L.), and of B. fusca for Vetiver and maize. C. partellus larval survival was evaluated in green house studies. Results indicated that C. partellus chose Vetiver grass over maize though larval survival on Vetiver was extremely low. B. fusca did not show any host preference.     

New for the asian part of Russia and little-known species of Crambidae (Lepidoptera)

Records of new and rare species of pyralid moths from the Asian part of Russia are given. Figures of the genitalia are provided for 6 species new to this region.     

绿盲蝽成虫对六种寄主及其挥发物的选择趋势

针对绿盲蝽Apolyguslucorum（Meyer-Dttr）6种主要寄主,分别于5～10叶期和花蕾期,采用室内“Y”型嗅觉仪和田间罩笼接虫方法,研究了绿盲蝽成虫对不同寄主及其挥发物的选择趋势。田间罩笼接虫试验结果表明：5—10叶期的茼蒿、国抗22及泗棉3号上绿盲蝽虫量居多,绿豆次之,大豆和豇豆上的较少;花蕾期的茼蒿、绿豆、国抗22及泗棉3号上绿盲蝽较多,而豇豆、大豆上较少。以5～10叶期和花蕾期的上述6种寄主为实验材料,以无寄主花盆为空白对照,每期各成对设置17个气源组合,采用室内“Y”型嗅觉仪测定绿盲蝽成虫对这6种寄主气源的选择趋性。不同气源组合测定结果表明,绿盲蝽对5—10叶期植物性气源的选择趋势为：国抗22〉茼蒿〉绿豆〉泗棉3号〉大豆〉豇豆;绿盲蝽对花蕾期植物性气源的选择趋势为：绿豆〉茼蒿〉国抗22〉泗棉3号〉豇豆〉大豆。上述不同选择性试验结果综合表明,绿盲蝽成虫对5—10叶期和花蕾期不同寄主的选择趋势基本一致。     

Fustiserphus (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupidae) parasitises Lepidoptera in leaf litter in New Zealand

Abstract

The New Zealand proctotrupid Fustiserphus intrudens (Smith) was reared from two species of Tingena (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) feeding on leaf litter in Nothofagus forest. Host relationships in the Proctotrupidae are discussed.     

Phylogenomic inference of two widespread European leaf miner species complexes suggests mechanisms for sympatric speciation (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae: Ectoedemia)

Leafmining insects have extraordinarily intimate relationships with their host plants and are therefore prime candidates for potential ecological speciation in sympatry, but how commonly this mode of speciation occurs in any group of life remains debated. Prior research on the pygmy moth (Nepticulidae) genus Ectoedemia using morphology, DNA barcoding, and multi-marker phylogenetic approaches left two unresolved species complexes, each with each four described species. In this study, we thoroughly sampled each complex across a range of host plants and localities across Europe. We used a double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing approach to clarify species boundaries. In the E. rubivora complex, ddRAD data resolved all four species, contrary to morphological and COI data, which supports a potential scenario of host plant-driven speciation where the host plant specialization provides an ecological barrier to hybridization. However, we found no indication of host race formation within the oligophagous E. atricollis (Stainton). In the E. subbimaculella complex, SNP data only partly distinguishes between the parapatric E. subbimaculella (Haworth) and E. heringi (Toll), but with some statistical overlap, suggesting incomplete lineage sorting which may represent early phases of host-based ecological speciation, or admixture following a period of isolation.     

朱红毛斑蛾嗜食性的研究

通过野外调查和室内选择实验,研究了朱红毛斑蛾的食性。自然条件下,朱红毛斑蛾为害榕属植物中的小叶榕和垂叶榕,为害率分别为67.39%和47.61%。在T50时,朱红毛斑蛾对印度榕、对叶榕、无花果、黄葛树、高山榕、小叶榕和垂叶榕的平均取食量分别为0、0、0、0、0、8.62±1.6 cm2和3.79±1.8 cm2;平均取食选择指数分别为0、0、0、0、0、0.69和0.31,说明朱红毛斑蛾仅为害小叶榕和垂叶榕,且对小叶榕有明显偏好性。研究结果证明朱红毛斑蛾为寡食性害虫,提示在园林绿化过程中应尽可能避免选择易受害的单一树种大面积栽种。     

Patterns of host utilisation by herbivore assemblages of the genus Caloptilia (Lepidoptera; Gracillariidae) on congeneric maple tree (Acer) species

1. The pattern of host utilisation by congeneric Caloptilia caterpillars on 14 different species of Acer (maple) was investigated in temperate mixed forests of central Japan. A multi‐filtering model of host plant utilisation was proposed to address how phylogenetically related herbivore assemblages are constructed on phylogenetically related host plant species. 2. Two hypotheses were examined. The first questioned whether a negative relationship exists between the phylogenetic distance of plants from the most suitable host species and the abundance of herbivorous insects on the host. Regarding the second, it was investigated whether the assemblage dissimilarity of herbivorous insects among host plant species increases with increasing distance of plant phylogeny and traits. 3. Mantel and partial Mantel tests were used to measure the relationship between assemblage dissimilarity of Caloptilia species and the distance of plant phylogeny and leaf traits. 4. Both hypotheses were confirmed, clearly suggesting that the utilisation and suitability of hosts for Caloptilia caterpillars were strongly influenced by phylogenetic relatedness and leaf trait similarity among Acer species. This implies that phylogenetic distance is an integrated measure of phenotypic and ecological attributes of congeneric Acer species that can be used to explain specialisation and constraints of host utilisation of congeneric herbivore species even on a short evolutionary timescale.