Tachinid (Diptera, Tachinidae) parasitoids of sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta)

A list of 31 genera of tachinid parasitoids of sawflies is given. Despite the ecological and habitual similarity of sawflies and Lepidoptera, utilization of sawflies by tachinids was not as successful from the evolutionary point of view as utilization of Lepidoptera. Parasitism of tachinids in sawflies is evidently secondary; it appeared repeatedly and originates from parasitism in Lepidoptera. Most genera of tachinids are polyphagous. Endoparasitic Hymenoptera are koinobionts similarly to tachinids. The direct contact of the parasitoid with active mobile host larva not only results in complication of behavior and its specialization, but also promotes formation of different morphological innovations faster than that in idiobionts.     

A putative upupiform bird from the Early Oligocene of the Central Western Carpathians and a review of fossil birds unearthed in Slovakia

An isolated hind limb of a miniature bird from an Early Oligocene locality (30–34 Ma) near Bystré (Slovakia) is described and analyzed. The tarsometatarsus (TMT) of the specimen is remarkably short relative to the tibiotarsus. When relative length ratios of the bones are compared with a sample of 29 extant and extinct birds with short metatarsi, the specimen variably clusters with some alcedinids, coraciids and trochilids. Log‐clusters give less ambiguous results and indicate significant proximity of the Bystré specimen to the extinct messelirrisorids (Upupiformes) and the recent acledinids (Coraciiformes). With regard to morphological details, such as those of the first metatarsal, II‐IV metatarsal trochleae, intertrochlear incisurae and phalanges, the Slovak specimen shows a combination of features, which are distributed among recent upupiforms and coraciiforms as well as extinct upupiforms (Messelirrisor) and apodiforms (Eocypselus, Parargornis). Taken together, the metric and morphological data sets suggest that the specimen from Bystré is a coraciiform sensu lato rather than an apodiform bird. Within the Coraciiformes, the robust trochlea of MT‐I with expanded dorsal shelf, the large medial and slit‐like lateral intertrochlear incisura, and the long hindtoe suggest upupiform rather than alcedinid relationships.     

An early Miocene deep‐water decapod crustacean faunule from the Vienna Basin (Western Carpathians,Slovakia)

Abstract: A decapod crustacean faunule from the lower Miocene (upper Burdigalian, ‘Karpatian’) of the Slovakian part of the Vienna Basin comprise five new species: Callianopsis marianae (Ctenochelidae), Crosniera schweitzerae (Thomassiniidae), Agononida cerovensis and Munidopsis lieskovensis (both Galatheidae) plus Mursia harnicari (Calappidae). The new species of Callianopsis is the first undoubted member of the genus to be recorded from Europe; it is based on sexually dimorphic major and minor chelae as well as on portions of carapace and abdomen. Crosniera schweitzerae sp. nov. and Agononida cerovensis sp. nov. constitute the first fossil members of these genera. Additional material of an enigmatic crab, Styrioplax exiguus, and a re‐examination of the type material, confirms assignment of that genus to the subfamily Rhizopinae (family Pilumnidae). Palaeoecological data suggest that deposition of the levels (Lak?árska Nová Ves Formation) from which these taxa were collected took place under generally low‐energy, deep‐water conditions that were conducive to the preservation of delicate structures. Palaeobiogeographical affinities of the described taxa suggest a trans‐Atlantic migration during the early Miocene.     

Effects of land use on black fly assemblages (Diptera: Simuliidae) in submontane rivers (West Carpathians, Slovakia)

The effects of land use on black fly assemblages were investigated in submontane rivers (the Ľubochnianka River, the Revúca River, upper Váh River catchment) in the Carpathians. We recorded 11 black fly species in the Ľubochnianka River and 10 species in the Revúca River. Land use differs between the catchments; the Ľubochnianka is a primarily forested catchment, and the Revúca is markedly deforested catchment. Fifteen environmental variables were analysed. Based on the results provided by CANOCO, phosphorus level and stream slope are the most important variables and have significant influences on the variability of black fly assemblages. In spring, Prosimulium rufipes occurred along the entire lengths of the streams. The black fly assemblage of the Revúca River differs from the assemblage of the Ľubochnianka River mainly by its higher abundances of Simulium variegatum and Simulium ornatum, by the presence of Simulium carthusiense, and by the absence of Prosimulium hirtipes.     

A second species of Tyloceridius Malaise (Hymenoptera,Tenthredinidae)

Tyloceridius Malaise, 1945 and T. dorsatus (Mocsáry, 1883) are redescribed. Tyloceridius stictocephalussp. n. from China and Nepal is described. Tyloceridius is recorded in China for the first time.     

Seasonal changes in alkaline phosphatase activity of bacteria and microalgae in Lake Pavin (Massif Central,France)

Seasonal changes in alkalinephosphatase activity of bacteria and microalgae werestudied in the dimictic Lake Pavin (Massif Central,France), to test whetherthis activity is primarily algal or bacterial andwhether the APA presents seasonal variations coupledwith abiotic and biotic variables. Samples werecollected at different depths from May 1992 to May1993. The specific phosphatase activities wereanalysed spectrophotometrically with p-NitrophenylPhosphate (p-NPP) as substrate and were related to theprotein concentrations. No correlation was foundbetween alkaline phosphatase activity and solublereactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations across anannual cycle. The specific activities of the smallclass (0.2–1.2 m) were the highest and thecontribution of this picoplanktonic size class(0.2–1.2 m) increased with depth. In addition, thelinear correlations between alkaline phosphataseactivity and protein concentration seemed to indicatethat most of these enzymes are constitutive. However,it cannot be excluded that the high phosphorusconcentrations repress APA.Finally, the measure of APA does not seem to be avalid quantitative test of the deficiency ofphosphorus for aquatic microorganisms.     

Seasonal flight activity and genetic relatedness of Torymus species in Italy

1. Torymus sinensis Kamijo was released into Europe to control the Asian chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, proving to be an effective biocontrol agent.
2. In Japan, hybrids between this exotic parasitoid and the native congeneric Torymus beneficus Yasumatsu and Kamijo have been recorded, whereas no case of hybridization with natives has been reported for Europe.
3. The seasonal phenology of the Torymus species was investigated in north‐west Italy and 172 997 chestnut galls (Castanea spp.), 7866 oak galls (Quercus spp.), 29 wild rose galls (Rosa spp.) and 44 bramble galls (Rubus spp.) were collected over a 5‐year period.
4. The seasonal flight activity was recorded for eight native Torymus species [Torymus affinis (Fonscolombe), Torymus auratus (Müller), Torymus bedeguaris (L.), Torymus calcaratus Nees, Torymus cyaneus Walker, Torymus flavipes (Walker), Torymus geranii (Walker) and Torymus notatus (Walker)] and five of them were found to overlap with T. sinensis flight, namely T. affinis, T. auratus, T. flavipes, T. geranii and T. notatus.
5. Among the Torymus native species, T. notatus revealed to be morphologically and phylogenetically closely related to T. sinensis, thus suggesting hybridization potential.

     

Revision of the Australasian genus Orussobaius Benson (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Orussidae)

Abstract The Australasian genus Orussobaius Benson is revised. Seven species are recognised: Orussobaius paniculus sp. n. from Papua New Guinea, and six species from Australia: O. badius sp. n., O. caligneus sp. n., O. mesembrinus Benson, O. minutissimus sp. n., O. minutus Benson, and O. wilsoni Benson. Orussobaius normani Rayment (new synonymy) is removed from synonymy with O. wilsoni and treated as a junior synonym of O. minutus instead. With a body length of only 2 mm, O. minutissimus sp. n. is the smallest currently known sawfly species in the world. A key is provided and distribution maps are shown for all species. The genus Orussobaius is redefined on the basis of all species currently included.     

Host plant adaptations in myrtaceous-feeding Pergid sawflies: essential oils and the morphology and behaviour of Pergagrapta larvae (Hymenoptera, Symphyta, Pergidae)

Australian pergine sawflies typically feed on eucalypts and other closely-related Myrtaceae, which are known for their high content of essential oils. We describe a novel morphological adaptation of the inner mandibular surface of larval stage Pergagrapta species, which feed on leaves of Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae). This 'scopa mandibularis' forms an extensive mesh of setaceous papillae on what is usually the grinding surface of the mandible. Behavioural, chemical and morphological investigations of the sawfly- Melaleuca system suggest that the scopa may function in the physical separation of toxic leaf oils from the diet. The oils are stored in a pharyngeal diverticulum from where they are ejected under two circumstances. Oil from the diverticulum is voided prior to feeding and/or during feeding at night, which indicates a mechanism to eliminate host-associated oils. Larvae rest in close aggregations during the day, when they retain a full diverticulum, but the oils may be emitted for defensive purposes when larvae are disturbed. Chemical evidence suggests that 1,8-cineole, the major component in the M. quinquenervia leaves, is selectively metabolized to a more soluble hydroxycineole. We postulate that the separation and regurgitation of oils is not only a defence mechanism against predators, as usually stated, but also a mechanism by which pergid larvae eliminate oils from their diet, to reduce the toxicity of their food plants.     

广州地区红火蚁工蚁的巢外活动及有翅蚁的婚飞规律

为了阐明红火蚁Solenopsis invicta Buren的发生危害规律,为制定红火蚁的监测与防治措施提供科学依据,本研究调查了广州地区（113°45′E,22°43′N）红火蚁工蚁巢外活动日节律和季节性变化,以及有翅蚁的婚飞活动。结果表明,工蚁巢外活动日节律随季节或月份的不同而存在着明显差异：其中12-2月份的日活动节律为单峰型,即在中午温度较高时数量较大,而在5-10月份的日活动节律为双峰型,即在上午或下午工蚁数量较大,其余月份的活动为不明显的双峰型。工蚁巢外活动数量和时间随季节的不同而有显著差异。其中以6月和10月份的日活动数量最多,而在1月和2月份的活动数量最少,时间最短,其余月份活动数量居中。工蚁在阵雨前后的活动数量明显多于晴天,但处于降雨时刻的巢外工蚁数量极少。蚁巢受侵扰后出巢工蚁数量在30 s内最大,之后便随时间的延长而逐渐减少,该种现象可以用房室函数进行描述。另外,工蚁的巢外数量会随侵扰强度的加大而增加。在试验区内全年都可见到红火蚁婚飞,但婚飞活动主要集中在3-5月份,每日婚飞活动主要发生在下午,并主要发生在雨前或雨后。上述结果对于了解我国红火蚁的发生危害规律和提升其监控技术水平有较大参考价值。     

Three new species of imitator-group of the genus Macrophya (Hymenoptera,Tenthredinidae) from China

Three species, Macrophya circulotibialis Li, Liu & Heng, sp. nov., M. curvatitheca Li, Liu & Heng, sp. nov. and M. changbaina Li, Liu & Heng, sp. nov., of the imitator-group of the genus Macrophya Dahlbom(Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae) from China are described as new to science. A key to all known species of the imitator-group from China is provided. The specimens examined in this study, including all holotypes and paratypes of the new species, are deposited in the Insect Collection of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China, and the Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science, Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.     

First evidence of the Jurassic thalattosuchian (both teleosaurid and metriorhynchid) crocodylomorphs from Slovakia (Western Carpathians)

Abstract

We report here finds of thalattosuchians from Western Carpathians. The material consists of two isolated teeth from two different localities of the Pieniny Klippen Belt. The material represents the first evidence of the occurrence of both clades Teleosauridae and Metriorhynchidae in Slovakia. The first, a small tooth comes from the locality Beňatina and is dated early Middle Jurassic (Aalenian). Identification of the specimen shows it belongs to a longirostrine teleosaurid, possibly to Steneosaurus. Teleosaurids were largely restricted to lagoonal/near-shore environments. Their limbs allow them to support and walk on land. Regarding that fact, the presence of this taxon in Beňatina might be an indication of terrestrial land in the nearby area and shows a location of epicontinental seaways. A second larger tooth was found in the Upper Jurassic (Tithonian) sediments of the locality Kyjov, and is tentatively allocated in the genus Plesiosuchus. The members of Plesiosuchina are known in England, France, Portugal and Sicily. Our findings indicate a much wider spatial distribution of this clade in Europe and it fits well with the previous interpretation of sediments of the locality Kyjov as deep-water pelagic deposits.     

A survey of the socially parasitic ant generaEpimyrma Emery, 1915 andChalepoxenus Menozzi, 1922 in Italy (Hymenoptera,Formicidae, Myrmicinae)

Summary An up-to-date synthesis is presented of the available faunistic and biological data concerning the Italian species belonging to the socially parasitic ant generaEpimyrma Emery andChalepoxenus Menozzi.The first known populations ofE. corsica (Emery) andE. stumperi (Kutter) in Italy were discovered in the Lucretili mountains (Latium) and in Alto Adige, the former species being previously recorded only in Corsica and Dalmatia (Yugoslavia), the latter in the French and Swiss Alps.The first records ofE. ravouxi (André),E. kraussei (Emery) andC. muellerianus (Finzi) in central Italy are presented. Since no species of either genera has ever been collected in Italy in the area between the Po valley and Calabria, these new records are of great interest.Maps, showing the currently known distribution of each taxon in Italy, are provided.     

Fauna of bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus Latreille) in the mainland part of Arkhangelsk Region,NW Russia

The focus of this study is to present bumblebee fauna of Arkhangelsk Region (north-western Russia). This research is based on the museum collections and materials collected by the authors. Collecting localities and data of faunistic records are given in the species list. We include 34 species in the fauna of bumblebees of Arkhangelsk Region. The regional fauna is dominated by Transpalaearctic species. Bumblebee fauna in the study region has low specificity. The recent distribution of bumblebee species in the study region is a result of post-glacial immigration.     

Climate‐change winners and losers: stream macroinvertebrates of a submontane region in Central Europe

1. Freshwater ecosystems will be profoundly affected by global climate change, especially those in mountainous areas, which are known to be particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures. We modelled impacts of climate change on the distribution ranges of 38 species of benthic stream macroinvertebrates from nine macroinvertebrate orders covering all river zones from the headwaters to large river reaches. 2. Species altitudinal shifts as well as range changes up to the year 2080 were simulated using the A2a and B2a Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change climate‐warming scenarios. Presence‐only species distribution models were constructed for a stream network in Germany’s lower mountain ranges by means of consensus projections of four algorithms, as implemented in the BIOMOD package in R (GLM, GAM, GBM and ANN). 3. Species were predicted to shift an average of 122 and 83 m up in altitude along the river continuum by the year 2080 under the A2a and B2a climate‐warming scenarios, respectively. No correlation between altitudinal shifts and mean annual air temperature of species’ occurrence could be detected. 4. Depending on the climate‐warming scenario, most or all (97% for A2a and 100% for B2a) of the macroinvertebrate species investigated were predicted to survive under climate change in the study area. Ranges were predicted to contract for species that currently occur in streams with low annual mean air temperatures but expand for species that inhabit rivers where air temperatures are higher. 5. Our models predict that novel climate conditions will reorganise species composition and community structure along the river continuum. Possible effects are discussed, including significant reductions in population size of headwater species, eventually leading to a loss of genetic diversity. A shift in river species composition is likely to enhance the establishment of non‐native macroinvertebrates in the lower reaches of the river continuum.     

中国钩瓣叶蜂属黄斑钩瓣叶蜂种团一新种（膜翅目：叶蜂科）

记述中国西藏钩瓣叶蜂属黄斑钩瓣叶蜂种团Macrophya flavomaculata group 1新种:横斑钩瓣叶蜂M.transmaculata Li,LiuWei sp.nov.。