Acaricidal resistance and genetic affinities of some two‐spotted spider mite populations in New Zealand

Toxicological tests on the present status of resistance to acaricides in six strains of the two‐spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) in New Zealand are reported. Resistance to parathion appears widespread; cross‐resistance to formetanate is developed. Resistance to Plictran has not developed, and there is no indication of high levels of Kelthane resistance. The levels of genetic incompatibility operating between the strains are also investigated. The causes of such incompatibilities and their possible exploitation in integrated control programmes are discussed.     

Hoplodactylus rakiurae n.sp. (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Stewart Island,New Zealand,and comments on the taxonomic status of Heteropholis nebulosus McCann

Abstract

Hoplodactylus rakiurae n.sp. is described, and some aspects of its ecology arc noted. It has enlarged apical plates on all digits, and is the most brightly coloured Hoplodactylus. Heteropholis nebulosus McCann, also from Stewart Island, is synonymised with Hoplodactylus granulatus (Gray), for which an updated synonymy is listed and discussed.     

Taxonomic notes on the paper wasps of the genus Ropalidia in the Indian subcontinent (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

The taxonomy of Ropalidia wasps in the Indian subcontinent is revised, recognizing 26 species in the subcontinent. Their diagnostic characteristics are summarized in a key to species. New synonymies proposed in the present study are: R. bicolorata shiva Das and Gupta, 1989 under R. bicolorata van der Vecht, 1962; R. colorata sordida van der Vecht, 1941 under R. colorata van der Vecht, 1941; R. rodialipa Lambert and Narendran, 2005 and R. anupama Lambert and Narendran, 2005, both under R. cyathiformis Fabricius, 1804; R. jacobsoni flavoscutellata Das and Gupta, 1989, and R. bangalorica Lambert and Narendran, 2005, both under R. jacobsoni du Buysson, 1908; R. travancorica Lambert and Narendran, 2005, under R. marginata Lepeletier, 1836; R. sridharani Lambert and Narendran, 2005, under R. rufocollaris Cameron, 1900; Ropalidia rufoplagiata nursei van der Vecht, 1941 under R. rufoplagiata Cameron, 1905; Icaria lugubris Smith, 1858, under R. sumatrae Weber, 1801; and a revised synonymy is Icaria pendula Smith, 1857, under R. variegata Smith, 1852. The new replacement name Ropalidia kasaragodensis Lambert and Narendran is proposed for R. indica Lambert and Narendran, 2005, non van der Vecht, 1941.