Mycangia of the ambrosia beetle, Austroplatypus incompertus (Schedl) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae)

Abstract  Ambrosia beetles have an obligate relationship with the ambrosia fungi that they feed on. This requires that the beetles have means to transport those fungi when they colonise new hosts. Some ambrosia beetles have special structures called mycangia to transport fungi in. This paper describes the mycangia of the ambrosia beetle Austroplatypus incompertus and illustrates how the mycangical hairs are probably used by the beetle to acquire fungal spores for transport. The mycangia and probable method of fungal acquisition of this species are compared with those of other ambrosia beetles.     

Sensilla on the aedeagus of the ground beetle Carabus (Ohomopterus) arrowianus arrowianus (Breuning) (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Sensilla on the aedeagus of the ground beetle Carabus (Ohomopterus) arrowianus arrowianus (Breuning) were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. On the aedeagus, a total of six types of sensillum were confirmed: five basiconic and one coeloconic. The external features and distributional patterns of the sensilla are described.     

Adaptive mate-guarding by males ofOntholestes cingulatus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

Males of the staphylinid beetle Ontholestes cingulatusremain close by their mates following copulation while the mated females oviposit. The hypothesis that male behavior constitutes adaptive mate-guarding was tested by examining three predictions: (1) receptive females would be scarce, (2) some females would mate multiply, and (3) males that stayed with their mates would often be able to repel rivals intent on takeovers. All three predictions were confirmed. These results and additional comparative evidence suggest that postcopulatory associations have evolved in the Staphylinidae only when the reproductive costs of this form of mate-guarding are outweighed by its benefits.     

Demographic traits of Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) reared on Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Lady beetles are the most important predatory species among arthropods; thus, studying their population parameters gives a clear picture about their life span. The demography of the lady beetle, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), was studied under laboratory condition, on Aphis fabae at 27?°C based on the age-stage, two-sex life table. The means and standard errors were estimated by the bootstrap techniques. The results showed that the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ) were 0.18 and 1.20 d^?1, respectively. The net reproduction rate (R ₀) and the gross reproduction rate were 232.49 and 442.48 offspring/individual, respectively. The mean generation time (T) was 29.03?days. The first peak of reproductive value in females was on the 18th day, which coincides with the total pre-oviposition period counted from birth. The life expectancy curve (e_xj ) of a new hatched female adult was 60?days. The results demonstrated that growth, survival and development of the predator can be described accurately by use of the age-stage, two-sex life table.     

Differences in egg parasitism of Chrysophtharta agricola (Chapuis) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) by Enoggera nassaui Girault (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in relation to host and parasitoid origin

Abstract The first instances of egg parasitism of Chrysophtharta agricola , a pest of eucalypt plantations, are recorded. Enoggera nassaui was found parasitising C. agricola egg batches in Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales and Victoria: this is the first record of this parasitoid species from Victoria. One instance of Neopolycystus sp. parasitising C. agricola eggs in Victoria was also recorded. Parasitism of egg batches by E. nassaui ranged from 0 to 55% between five geographical populations collected in mainland Australia ( n  = 45), and from 0 to 2% between two populations collected in Tasmania ( n  = 300). For mainland sites at which parasitism was recorded, parasitism rates within sites differed significantly from either population in Tasmania. Reciprocal exposure experiments using one Tasmanian (Florentine Valley) and one parasitised mainland (Picadilly Circus, ACT) population were conducted in the laboratory to examine whether these different parasitism rates were attributable to egg or parasitoid origin. Parasitoids from the ACT parasitised C. agricola eggs of both origins more successfully than parasitoids from Tasmania, with up to 65% wasp emergence compared with 33% from Tasmania. Parasitoid origin significantly affected the number of wasps that emerged from exposed batches, but not the total loss from parasitism.     

Mating behavior and contact pheromones of Batocera horsfieldi (Hope) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

The mating behavior of Batocera horsfieldi (Hope) was observed in the laboratory. The results showed that copulation of this longhorned beetle consisted of three phases: (i) encountering and pair‐bonding; (ii) mating attempt and ejaculation; and (iii) post‐copulatory guarding. Frozen females, with cuticular hydrocarbons stripped by hexane extraction, showed no attraction for males. Reapplying the solvent extract of frozen females to both washed dead males and females caused mating attempts by males, confirming that cuticular hydrocarbons (contact sex pheromones) played an important role in recognition of females by male B. horsfieldi.     

External microstructure of the ambrosia beetle Platypus koryoensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae)

Platypus koryoensis is a minute ambrosia beetle found in forests. It can cause significant economic damage to oak trees. Recently in Korea, it has been reported as a major pest of oak trees, because it causes sooty mold of oak by introducing the pathogenic fungus Raffaelea sp. In this paper, we demonstrate the fine structural aspects of the external body of the ambrosia beetle using field emission scanning electron microscopy, as a part of basic research into this pest so that strategies for its control might be developed. This beetle has a sensory system well developed to respond to both visual and chemical stimuli. Both sexes have a pair of faceted compound eyes and a pair of knobbed antennae, but simple eyes are absent. The mouthparts on its distinct snouts are effective devices for penetration and for boring holes. The mouthparts consist of the labrum, a pair of mandibles, a pair of maxillae and the labium. Both the maxillary and the labial palpi have the function of directing the food to the mouth and holding it while the mandibles chew the food. The distal ends of these palpi are flattened and have shovel‐like setae. The thorax has a particularly hard exoskeleton and hard elytra, including powerful muscles that operate both the wings and the legs. The legs are multi‐segmented and have a strong femur and tibia, including one pair of claws on the end of each tarsal segment. Characteristically, both male and female beetles have mycangial cavities for storing spores and other microorganisms, but only females have three pairs of large depressions on their dorsal thorax.     

Brood size reduction in Nicrophorus vespilloides after usurpation of carrion from Nicrophorus quadripunctatus (Coleoptera: Silphidae)

Burying beetles bury small vertebrate carcasses, which become food for their larvae. They sometimes usurp carcasses occupied and buried by other beetles. Brood sizes of intraspecific and interspecific intruders were examined using Nicrophorus quadripunctatus as the resident. The brood sizes of usurpers were not reduced relative to control brood sizes when the usurper was conspecific, but were reduced when the usurper was heterospecific (N. vespilloides).     

Effectiveness of different lures for attracting Ips acuminatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

1. Ips acuminatus (the sharp-toothed bark beetle, STBB) is currently considered to be one of the most serious pests of Scots pine in many European countries. STBB management is among the most challenging tasks in pine forests; the development of methods for monitoring, predicting and managing outbreaks of this bark beetle is therefore crucial.
2. Pheromone-baited traps have been widely recommended as a valuable tool for the monitoring and mass trapping of bark beetles. Although different suppliers offer a variety of STBB lures, their effectiveness has rarely, if ever, been evaluated under natural conditions.
3. We evaluated the attractiveness of three commercially available and five experimental synthetic lures by comparing the numbers of STBBs captured in white, six-funnel traps. The studies were conducted in 2017–2019 in Poland, in Scots pine-dominated forests affected by STBB outbreaks.
4. Our study demonstrated significant differences in the effectiveness of the lures. The experimental lure produced by the Witasek company (Austria) and the recently marketed lure Acumodor Micro from Chemipan (Poland) were the most attractive to STBB. Among the least effective were two commercial lures (Acuwit and Acumodor), hitherto used in Central Europe.
5. The results will be useful in developing methods for the monitoring and management of STBB populations.

     

Pollination of Pteroglossaspis ruwenzoriensis (Rendle) Rolfe (Orchidaceae) by Beetles in Argentina

Beetle pollination by Euphoria lurida (Scarabaeidae: Cetoninae) is documented for Pteroglossaspis ruwenzoriensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Cymbideae: Eulophiinae) in its natural habitat in Central Argentina (South America). Flower features with special emphasis on those related to beetle pollination are given. These include: long rigid and well exposed inflorescences, sturdy inconspicuous and deep flowers with small entrance, emission of a yeast-like fragrance, jelly-like nectar, short column, and a head-attaching pollinarium with a broad saddle-like viscidium. Pollinator behaviour and pattern of flower opening favour cross pollination and probably long distance pollen dispersal. Flowering, which lasts about 3 weeks, peaks in summer past mid-January. In natural conditions about 68 flowers are pollinated for every 100 pollinaria removals.     

DISTRIBUTION OF TRABECULAE AND ELYTRAL SURFACE STRUCTURES OF THE HORNED BEETLE, ALLOMYRINA DICHOTOMA (LINNÉ) (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEIDAE)

Abstract To clarify the dynamic construction of Allomyrina dichotoma (Linné) elytra, the distribution of trabeculae and surface structures has been investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmitted light. There are solid trabeculae in the elytron and under penetrating light these can be seen as black dots. It is clear that trabeculae arrangement is almost entirely irregular throughout the elytron, except for some approximately straight alignment near some trachea. This irregular arrangement is different from the longitudinal rows of striations that are well known in other species, and there are no hollowed striae (punctures) on the elytral surface of A. dichotoma . Throughout the internal architecture of the elytron, there are mesh-like (honeycomb) structures. Each honeycomb usually has 1–2 trabeculae mainly distributed at the corners of the honeycomb. The number of trabeculae present on each honeycomb is dependent on the size of the honeycomb.     

Areography of the genus Dendroctonus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Mexico

Objective To analyse whether the geographical ranges of Dendroctonus species are (1) associated with factors such as host species or elevation, and (2) in agreement with Halffter's Nearctic distribution pattern. (3) To identify and discuss the factors that are likely to act as barriers to the genus’ geographical distribution. (4) To explore whether there is an association between the size of the geographical ranges of Dendroctonus species and the number of Pinus host species used by each of them, and (5) to assess if these host species are most common at the elevations preferred by the individual Dendroctonus species. Site Mexico. Methods Records of 12 species of Dendroctonus were gathered from entomological collections in Mexico. Distribution ranges were defined by using the propinquity method ( Rapoport, 1975a ). Analysed parameters were: (1) geographical distribution of single species, (2) overlapping of species ranges, (3) disjunction patterns and barriers by means of isoprobabilistic lines, based on the morphotectonic subdivision of Mexico ( Ferrusquía‐Villafranca, 1998 ), (4) spatial variation in species richness with respect to latitude and altitude, (5) size of geographical ranges, and (6) host species for each Dendroctonus species. A correlation was determined between area size and number of pine host species. Results The species ranges varied in shape and size. Geographical ranges tend to be discontinuous in shape. Composite patterns showed that disjunctions among ranges do not closely follow Mexico's morphotectonic subdivision. There are repeated discontinuities among individual distributions, which define five areas: (1) Baja California Peninsula, (2) Sierra Madre Occidental (SMOC), (3) northern Sierra Madre Oriental (SMOR), (4) Sierra Madre de Chiapas, and (5) SMOR + Faja Volcanica Transmexicana (FVT) + Sierra Madre del Sur. The isoprobabilistic lines confirm that the inner part of SMOC provides an optimal environment for the genus, and the FVT province constitutes the broader corridor for it in the country. Richness does not directly decrease or increase with latitude. Richness behaviour of the insect is not associated with that of its host. Elevation distributions showed that most Dendroctonus species move within broad margins of tolerance and species richness is concentrated in the montane interval. Dendroctonus attack 24 of the 47 Pinus species distributed in Mexico. Preferred pine species belong predominantly to Leiophyllae, Ponderosae and Oocarpae subsections. The Spearman rank correlation between area size and number of pine host species was not significant. Dendroctonus clearly belongs to a Nearctic distribution pattern (sensu Halffter, 1987 ). Main conclusions Dendroctonus is present in all montane systems of Mexico and its species coexist within a high geographical sympatry. Overlapping of species distribution appears to be the result of two elements – generalized polyphagy inside Pinus and a wide elevation tolerance within mountainous environments. This behaviour, linked to a high vagility, has allowed the genus Dendroctonus to expand its distribution across Mexico and to employ mountainous systems as corridors separated by barriers that exert a low selective filter effect.     

Ultrastructure of the mycangium of the southern pine beetle,Dendroctonus frontalis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae,Scolytinae): complex morphology for complex interactions

Yuceer, C, Hsu, C.‐Y., Erbilgin, N and Klepzig, K.D. 2011. Ultrastructure of the mycangium of the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae): complex morphology for complex interactions. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 92 : 216–224. The southern pine beetle (SPB) (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann) is the most economically important pest of southern pine forests. Beetles carry fungal cells within specialised cuticular structures, called mycangia. Little is known about the mycangia ultrastructure or function. We used cryo‐fracturing and scanning electron microscopy to examine the ultrastructural features of SPB mycangia and surrounding tissues. Mycangia, one on each side of anterior portion of the prothorax, are terminated on the dorsal side at a ‘mycangial bridge’. This sclerotised mycangial bridge does not appear to provide a passage between the two mycangia, suggesting that each mycangium functions independently. Mycangia are surrounded by abundant tracheoles connecting the structures to the outside via openings within the prothorax. Previously unknown pits overlying the mycangial gland cells were also observed in both the inner wall and anterior fold of prothorax. We hypothesise that these openings and pits may play roles in determining which fungi enter, and grow within, the mycangium.     

Phylogeny of Ips DeGeer Species (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) Inferred from Mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I DNA Sequence

We used 766 bp of DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene to reconstruct a phylogeny for 39 of 43 Ips species, many of which are economically important bark beetles. The phylogeny was reconstructed using equally weighted and weighted parsimony. In both analyses, peripheral clades were well supported while internal clades were poorly supported. Phylogenetic analysis of translated amino acids produced a poorly resolved tree that was discordant with trees reconstructed with nucleotide sequence data. Two main conclusions are drawn about the monophyly of Ips and traditional systematic groups within Ips. First, Ips is monophyletic only when I. mannsfeldi, I. nobilis, and the concinnus and latidens species groups are excluded. The latidens group, I. mannsfeldi, and I. nobilis form a monophyletic group with 3 Orthotomicus species, while the concinnus group has a more basal position. Second, the majority of the species groups in the current classification for Ips are not monophyletic. European Ips species do not form a monophyletic group, contrary to common usage, and are dispersed on the phylogenetic tree among North American species. These results indicate that a formal systematic revision of Ips is needed.     

Larva and pupa of Cyphopisthes descarpentriesi Paulian (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Ceratocanthidae) and their phylogenetic implications

Abstract Pupae and mature larvae of the Australian ceratocanthid beetle, Cyphopisthes descarpentriesi Paulian 1977, are described and extensively illustrated. This is the sixth species of the family for which immature stages are known and the first from the Australian region. Unlike other ceratocanthid larvae described before, those of Cyphopisthes Gestro lack stridulatory teeth on the middle and hind legs and any trace of a frontoclypeal suture on the cranium. Reduced one-segmented labial palpi in Cyphopisthes are unique in Scarabaeoidea. Monophyly of the family is not corroborated by larval characters. Absence of spiracular closing apparatus in larvae is reported in the family for the first time. Like pupae of Ceratocanthus White and Germarostes Paulian, those of Cyphopisthes have thoracic projections, but their shape and location are different. Spiracles are found on abdominal segments 2−4 of pupa; that on segment 2 differs in colour and location from the others.     

中国优树甲属一新种记述（鞘翅目：拟步甲科）

记述采自中国浙江的优树甲属1新种:Uenostrongylium scaber YuanRen sp.nov.。提供了特征描述,整体图和特征图,另外附有优树甲属分种检索表。     

Conophthorin enhances the electroantennogram and field behavioural response of Xylosandrus germanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to ethanol

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Development of Copris tripartitus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Two Different Rearing Media

ABSTRACT Like many other sub-social insects, Copris tripartitus Waterhouse requires parental care during the development period in the brood balls. Mass-rearing is achieved by using indoor rearing systems and adding more dung after taking away the brood balls containing eggs. Without parental care, larvae are often affected by desiccation, as well as by fungal or sciarid fly intrusion of the brood balls. This study developed a good substitute for brood ball rearing medium. A significantly greater number of progeny survived to adulthood from broods produced by beetles reared on vermiculite medium (90.69±10.98%) than on peat moss medium (44.82±13.92%). Results of the study suggest that to protect the brood balls from desiccation and to produce healthy adults, 15-20% moisture content vermiculite must be used as brood ball rearing medium for most species reared in the laboratory.