Larva of the leaf beetle Labidostomis longimana (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Clytrinae)

The first- and the last-instar larvae of the leaf-beetle Labidostomis longimana are described in detail for the first time. The last instar larva is morphologically close to L. sibirica larva and differs from it in the absence of a projection in the medial emargination of the labrum, in the presence of 7 spiniform setae on the tibiotarsus ventrally, 11–13 narrow simple setae on the tibiotarsus dorsally, and fine rugae on the larval case.     

Larval phases and ecology of Chrysolina (Pezocrosita) sahlbergiana (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)

Larvae of four instars are described in the little known leaf-beetle species Chrysolina sahlbergiana Jacobson from the Minusinsk Depression. Artemisia spp. is recorded as its host plant. Short setae on small scleroids distinguish the described larva from those of other species of the subgenus Pezocrosita. According to this character, this larva is closely related to larvae of species of the arcto-alpine subgenera of Chrysolina Motsch. Ch. sahlbergiana is regarded as a trans-Sayan, depression-steppe petrophilous species.     

Biological control potentials of insect-parasitic nematode Rhabditis blumi (Nematoda: Rhabditida) for major cruciferous vegetable insect pests

Pathogenicity of Rhabditis blumi Sudhaus against major cruciferous insect pests was evaluated in the lab and greenhouse. In Petri-dish tests against the insects, including Artogeia rapae L., Mamestra brassicae L., and Plutella xylostella L., insect mortality by R. blumi and its associated bacteria was dose and time dependent, which increased with dose (0?C80 dauer juveniles/larva) and time increments. Pathogenicity against fourth-instar larvae was higher than the rate of corresponding third-instar larvae. The highest insect mortality rate was observed in fourth-instar larvae of P. xylostella, followed by A. rapae, and M. brassicae, with mortality rates of 93.5, 88.2, and 77.8?%, respectively. Lethal dose values at 50?% (LD₅₀) of R. blumi were 25.7 dauer juveniles/larva on P. xylostella; 28.0 dauer juveniles/larva on A. rapae; and 40.6 dauer juveniles/larva on M. brassicae, respectively. In greenhouse tests, P. xylostella larvae were most susceptible to nematodes, with insect reduction rate of 88.0?%. The rate varied with vegetable species and persistence time of live nematodes on vegetable leaves after spraying. Nematodes established in cadavers showed positive correlation with nematode dose, whereas nematode persistence on the leaf was inversely related to hours after treatment.     

吴氏角叶蚤幼虫形态记述及其与同属另外三种的比较（蚤目：角叶蚤科）

描述了吴氏角叶蚤Ceratophyllus wui Wang et Liu 的幼虫形态,并与同属三种蚤幼虫作比较,标本采自湖北省西北部神农架海拔2 300 m 短嘴金丝燕四川亚种 Collocalia brevirostris innominata巢窝内。     

Studies on the characteristics of parasitism ofPlutella xylostella (Lep.: Plutellidae) by a larval parasiteDiadegma semiclausum (Hym.: Ichneumonidae)

Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the characteristics of parasitism of diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (L.), a worldwide pest of crucifers, by a larval parasite,Diadegma semiclausum Hellén. Results showed that the greater the host larval density, the lesser was the percentage of larvae parasitized. The area of discovery decreased with increasing parasite density, but k-value remained practically unchanged. Parasitism reduced food consumption in parasitised larvae. No difference was observed in duration of larval instars between the parasitized and healthy larvae. As the frequency of superparasitism increased, the proportion of production of female progeny also increased. Presence of parasite larva within the host larva deterred superparasitism greater than the presence of parasite egg. Presence of larva of eitherD. semiclausum or another larval parasite,Cotesia plutellae Kurdjumov, within host larva deterred multiparasitism by either species greater than the presence of egg of either parasite species.Diadegma semiclausum was much more aggressive thanC. plutellae in parasitisingP. xylostella larvae.     

Odonata larvae of Kaliningrad oblast: Species composition and distributional features

In this study, a total of 27 species of dragonfly and damselfly larvae were identified, including 14 species from suborder Anisoptera and 13 from Zygoptera. The dominant species are Libellula quadrimaculata, Enallagma cyathigerum, and Erythromma najas. Frequently occurring species are Coenagrion hastulatum, C. lunulatum, C. pulchellum, Ischnura elegans, Platycnemis pennipes, Lestes virens, and Libellula depressa. Rare species are Lestes sponsa, Libellula fulva, Gomphus flavipes, Gomphus vulgatissimus, Sympetrum flaveolum, Aeshna viridis, Ae. cyanea, Ae. grandis, Ae. mixta, Calopteryx splendens, C. virgo, and Ophiogomphus cecilia.     

The morphology of larvae and systematics of the leaf-beetles Chrysolina tundralis and Chrysolina roddi (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Chrysomelinae)

The 1st- and 4th-instar larvae of Chrysolina tundralis and Ch. roddi and the egg of the latter species are described for the first time; the instar-related changes of the larval morphology are discussed. The 4th-instar larva of Ch. tundralis is very similar to that of Ch. septentrionalis, but differs in the smaller sclerite-like plates of the abdominal segments and wider spaces between them (4–7 times as wide as a sclerite-like plate). The 4th-instar larva of Ch. roddi is very similar to that of Ch. pedestris, but differs in the dark brown coloration of the body and a fewer number of setae (9–12) in the dorsolateral areas of the meso- and metathorax. Data on the habitats and host plants of the larvae are given.     

Rugiloricus bacatus sp. nov. (Loricifera ‐Pliciloricidae) and a ghost‐larva with paedogenetic reproduction

Abstract

A new species of Loricifera, Rugiloricus bacatus sp. nov. is described together with the diagnoses of two other Rugiloricus species, Rugiloricus sp. nov. A and B, from the Faroe Bank (North Atlantic). Characteristic for all three species is the presence of a new type of reduced larva, a ghost‐larva. This type of reduced larva was discovered in 1986 by Jeanne Renaud‐Mornant, but it was with the Faroe Bank material that it was first discovered that the ghost‐larvae belonged to the phylum Loricifera. The ghost‐larvae are eitherfound inside late instar Higgins‐larvae, called penultimate Higgins‐larvae, or in the sediment. The three types of Higgins‐larvae from the Faroe Bank can be distinguished by characters such as anterior setae, posterior setae and toes. The adults of Rugiloricus bacatus sp. nov. are characterised by a prominent ruff resembling a pearl necklace; two of the eight clavoscalids are modified in the 1st row; the 2nd row of leg‐shaped scalids are very large and robust, and the 9th row with 30 beak‐like scalids alternating with 30 alternating plates. The postlarvae are free‐living and their scalids on the introvert are reduced to protoscalids. Postlarvae and adult stages have not been found for Rugiloricus sp. nov. A and B and therefore only diagnoses of these two species are presented here.     

A description of the larva and pupa of Trox mandli (Coleoptera, Trogidae) from the Russian Far East

The previously unknown larvae of Trox mandli Balthasar of the family Trogidae are described and illustrated. The larva of T. mandli Balthasar differs from that of T. sabulosus (Linnaeus) in shape of the setae on abdominal tergite I, and from that of T. scaber (Linnaeus), in the chaetotaxy of the epipharynx. A key to the known larvae of the genus Trox Fabricius from the Russian Far East is given.     

DNA Taxonomy and the identification of immature insect stages: the true larva of Tauriphila argo (Hagen 1869) (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

For many insect taxa, larval morphology plays a decisive role in various fields like taxonomy, phylogeny or ecology. However, species identification is usually based on imaginal characters and the identification of larvae depends upon an established link to unequivocally identified imagines. This taxonomic correspondence of larvae and imagines is far from being established in many odonate species. We have employed a molecular approach to link larval and adult specimens in Tauriphila argo (Hagen, 1869). The sequenced mt SSU gene fragments of the reared female, supposedly a T. argo female, and a clearly identified male specimen of the species were identical. However, the larva of the reared female clearly differed from the described T. argo larva, previously matched to the species. From this observation, we conclude that the previously described larva of T. argo does not belong to this species because of too many phenotypic differences that far exceed the generally observed intraspecific variation.

It can be foreseen that the molecular approach will prove to be effective in identifying unknown larvae in many insect species. Additionally, the discrimination of sibling species or the linkage of allotypes and holotypes will become feasible with this approach.     

Spawning habitat and early development of Luciogobius ryukyuensis (Gobiidae)

Egg masses of Luciogobius ryukyuensis were found in spawning grounds around the lowest reach of the adult??s habitat in the tidally influenced area of streams on Okinawa Island. The eggs were attached to the underside of stones and were cared for by a solitary male fish. The number of eggs within an egg mass was 191?C1368. The eggs were elliptical, measuring 2.0?C2.6?mm in length, and 0.6?C0.8?mm in width. Early development of L. ryukyuensis was described from laboratory-reared specimens. Newly hatched larvae, measuring 2.8?C3.3?mm in body length, had an open mouth, pigmented eyes, pectoral fin buds, an orange-colored yolk sac, and characteristic melanophores along the dorsal and ventral midlines of the body. The yolk was completely absorbed at days 2?C3. Notochord flexion began at day 10 and was completed at day 15. The fish started settling on the bottom of the tank at day 34 (14.1?mm in body length) when the body surface started to be covered by intense pigmentation. The eggs and newly hatched larvae of L. ryukyuensis were of standard size of the genus and their morphologies closely resemble those of L. guttatus.     

The nymph of Anisagrion Selys 1876, based on the discovery of A. inornatum (Selys, 1876) in Ecuador (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

The final instar nymph of Anisagrion inornatum is described and illustrated based on five specimens (one reared) from southern Ecuador. It is the first to be discovered for the genus. The nymph of Anisagrion inornatum differs from its closest relative, Apanisagrion lais, by: (1) antenna shorter in relation to head length (ratio 1.35 in An. inornatum vs 1.55 in Ap. lais); (2) fewer palpal and premental setae (5 palpal and 4 or 5 premental setae in An. inornatum vs 6?C8 palpal and 5?C8 premental setae in Ap. lais); (3) venter of S3?CS8 with medial dark stripe. The nymphs were found in a slow shallow seep overgrown with emergent wetland plants.     

New data on larvae of weevils of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lixus</Emphasis> (Coleoptera,Curculionidae) from central Asia

Larvae are described for the first time for three species of the genus Lixus (L. bifasciatus, L. rubicundus, and L. subulatus). The larvae dwell in stalks of herbaceous plants. The larvae differ in the structure of the endocarina and prelabium and the chaetotaxy of the head and epipharynx. Analysis of larvae of the new and already described species of this genus has shown that the larva of L. bifasciatus shares some characters with the larvae of L. astrachanicus, and L. rubicundus, and the larva of L. subulatus, with that of L. bescrensis.     

A description of preimaginal stages of Pseudaspidapion botanicum Alonso-Zarazaga & Wang, 2011 (Apionidae,?Curculionoidea)

The preimaginal stages including egg, mature larva and pupa of Pseudaspidapion botanicum Alonso-Zarazaga & Wang, 2011 were described and figured, diagnostic characters of larva and pupa were discussed, and corresponding biological information was supplied. The nomenclature of frontal setae in the larva compared with curculionid weevils, the absence of the hypopharyngeal bracon in the larva, and the metafemoral setae in the pupa were discussed. Common and different characters among the larvae of Pseudaspidapion botanicum, Aspidapion radiolus (Marsham, 1802) and Aspidapion aeneum (Fabricius, 1775) were also provided.     

Mandibular glands in the endoparasitic larva of Uropsylla tasmanica Rothschild (Siphonaptera : Pygiopsyllidae)

An histological study of flea larvae was carried out in order to compare free-living, larvae with the unique endoparasitic larva of Uropsylla tasmanica Rothschild (Siphonaptera : Pygiopsyllidae), a species confined to dasyurid hosts in Tasmania and Victoria, Australia. The free-living species examined were Ctenocephalides felis Bouché (Siphonaptera : Pulicidae) and Odontopsyllus quirosi Gil Collado (Siphonaptera : Leptopsyllidae). Mandibular glands are present in 1st and 3rd instar U. tasmanica, but are absent from 2nd and 3rd instar O. quirosi and all larval instars of C. felis. Such glands in flea larvae have not beeb described previously and they appear to be unique to the endoparasitic U. tasmanica larva. Their presence during the 3rd instar as well as in the 1st instar suggests that although it is possible they play a role in the initial penetration of host skin by the newly hatched larva, they are active in secretion also during the time when the larvae are feeding on host tissue within the dermis.     

Description of the Larva of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Protaetia famelica</Emphasis> (Coleoptera,Scarabaeoidea) from the Russian Far East

A previously unknown larva of Protaetia famelica is described and illustrated. The larva of P. famelica is similar to that of P. brevitarsis in the number of posterior epicranial setae and in the presence of anterior frontal setae but differs in the chaetotaxy of the head capsule, in the epipharynx structure, and in the number and position of spinules on the anal sternite. An original key to the known larvae of the genus Protaetia in the fauna of the Russian Far East is given.     

A new type of loriciferan larva (Shira larva) from the deep sea of Shatsky Rise,Pacific Ocean

Loricifera is a phylum of minute animals that live exclusively in marine sediments. A total of 33 species have been described so far in this phylum; however, several more are already known from preliminary observations. Loriciferans are characterised by a complex life cycle, which involves a succession of several adult and larval stages. Here, we describe a new type of loriciferan larval stage: the Shira larva. The gross morphology of this larva is generally similar to that of the most prominent larval type of Loricifera, the so-called Higgins larva. However, the Shira larva possesses a number of unique features, namely (1) a single pair of anteroventral setae is present in the most anterior region of the abdomen, (2) the bases of the anteroventral setae are very large and swollen, (3) the thorax and abdomen are thinner than the introvert and (4) the abdominal region is divided into five sub-regions. Accordingly, we described the new species, Tenuiloricus shirayamai gen. nov. et sp. nov. (incertae sedis). The new findings are discussed from a comparative perspective with the Higgins larva as well as with the fossil of a putative loriciferan larval stage from the Middle Cambrian.     

Comparative morphology of larvae of coastal crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Varunidae)

The larval development of three crabs of the Varunidae family, (Hemigrapsus sanguineus, H. penicillatus, and H. longitarsis), widely spread in Russian waters of the Sea of Japan, were studied under laboratory conditions. At a temperature of 20–22°C and a salinity of 32‰ about 30% of larvae a complete developmental cycle, including five zoeal stages and megalopa, took from 22 to 30 days. All larval stages are illustrated and described in detail. Zoea I and zoea II of the studied crabs are not distinguishable. Zoea III–V of these species differ in the number of dorsomedial setae on the abdominal somite I and in the number of setae on the posterodorsal arch. The megalopae of three Hemigrapsus species possess a different number of segments, aesthetascs and setae on the antennular exopod. In spite of the great similarity of larvae of genera Hemigrapsus and Eriocheir, the latter possesses a number of distinctive features in all developmental stages, supporting the separation of these genera.