Bionomic Information Research Articles

Notes on Halpe paupera Devyatkin, 2002 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae).

A series of specimens with some differences in wing patterns and male genitalia from different localities is recognized as Halpe paupera Devyatkin, 2002 by comparing the COI gene sequences. The morphological variability in male is discussed and illustrated. The intraspecific variation of the female of H. paupera walthewi Devyatkin, 2002 from the type locality is elucidated, and hence this subspecies is considered a synonym of H. paupera paupera. A distribution map and some bionomic information of the species are provided.

Biology, bionomics and life-table studies of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) in Sri Lanka and estimating the vectorial potential using mathematical approximations.

Anopheles stephensi is an invasive mosquito in Sri Lanka that can potentially transmit malaria. The transmission intensity is linked with biology, bionomic and behavioral aspects of a vector that are associated with the Vectorial Capacity (VC). However, the influence of larval conditions eventually affects the vectorial potential of An. stephensi are not well understood. A colony of An. stephensi was established at the Regional Centre of the Open University of Sri Lanka, Jaffna District. The colony was maintained under confined conditions according to standard protocols. Biotypes of An. stephensi were characterized by referring to the number of egg ridges. Information on (a) biological aspects of eggs (duration for egg hatching, egg development and hatchability), (b) larval development time, larval survivorship pupation success, resting depth of larvae), (c) pupae (adult emergence rate, average time for adult emergence) and (d) adults (biting frequency, mating success gonotrophic cycle, fecundity, duration for egg-laying, percentage of sexes, adult survival/longevity) were evaluated under life-table analysis. Further, selected morphometric characters of each life cycle stage were recorded from the eggs (length and breadth), larvae (head length, width of head, length of thorax, width of thorax, length of abdomen, width of abdomen, and the total length of larvae), pupae (cephalothoracic length and width) and adults (length & width of wing, thorax and abdomen). The VC was calculated using a mathematical-based approach. Descriptive statistics, General Linear Model (GLM) and independent-sample t-test were used for the statistical analysis. All three biotypes were identified based on egg morphology. Mysorensis biotype (47%; n=470) was predominant followed by type (38.1%; n=381) and intermediate (14.9%; n=149). The mean egg length (F(2,997)=3.56; P=0.029) and breadth (F(2,997)=4.57; P=0.011) denoted significant differences among the three biotypes. The mating success of females observed was 80.7±4.45%. The mean hatching period was 1.9±0.03days, with a hatching rate of 86.2±0.77%. Overall, 8.0±0.14days were required for larval development and 30.3±0.14h were spent in the pupal stage. The pupation success was 94.5±0.37%, and the majority were males (53.1±0.73%). The mean fecundity was 106.5±6.38 eggs and a gonotrophic cycle of 3.4±0.06days. The female survival rate was 43.2±2.4%, with a mean biting frequency of 66.6±3.5%. The average VC of adult An. stephensi was estimated to be 18.7. The type biotype, which is an effective vector in the Indian subcontinent is present in Sri Lanka. According to the mathematical approximation, An. stephensi found locally has a vectorial capacity of over 18. Therefore, this study warrants the health authorities and vector control programmes to continue the entomological surveys, monitoring of vector densities and implementing appropriate vector control interventions based on biology and bionomic information of vectors.

Polymerus americanus (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae): Distribution, First Host Records, and Seasonality

Polymerus americanus (Reuter) is a mirine plant bug that has been seldom collected since its original description from Texas in 1876. Additional localities in Texas are recorded, and collection data are given for three previous records from Mexico (Coahuila, Hidalgo, and Nuevo León). Records from the eastern United States, and most western records other than West Texas, are considered probable misidentifications of other mainly dark species of the genus; the record from New Mexico requires verification. Nymphs and adults were observed in ornamental plantings of autumn sage (Salvia greggii Gray; Lamiaceae) at seven locales in Trans-Pecos Texas (Brewster, Jeff Davis, Pecos, and Presidio counties). Second through fifth instars and adults of a first generation were present in mid-April; late instars of another generation were found in late September and mid-October. The discovery of autumn sage as a host of P. americanus was facilitated by the plant's extensive use as an ornamental in the arid Southwest. The previous lack of bionomic information on the mirid is attributed mainly to the difficulty of finding native populations of autumn sage, a plant that grows in remote canyons and on mountain slopes in limited areas of West Texas and northern Mexico. Botanical information on autumn sage, including the history of its propagation, is provided.

Hypogean Quedius of Taiwan and their biogeographic significance (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae)

As a result of the integrative (morphology and DNA barcodes) revision of the Taiwanese species of the rove beetle genus Quedius belonging to the abnormalis group, in the subgenus Microsaurus, three valid hypogean species are reported for the fauna of this island: Quedius masuzoi Watanabe, 1989, Q. nishikawai Watanabe, 1991 and Q. adilus sp. nov. A new synonymy, Quedius masuzoi = Quedius chiangi Smetana, 1995 syn. nov., is established along with providing additional records, a larval description and bionomic information for this species. Finally, the biogeographic origin of the abnormalis group in Taiwan is discussed.

Re-examination of the genus-level taxonomy of the pollen beetle subfamily Meligethinae – Part 1. Sagittogethes Audisio and Cline 2009 and allied genera; with description of a new genus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

Recent molecular and morphological data derived from members of the pollen-beetle subfamily Meligethinae suggest the need to separate the genus Sagittogethes Audisio and Cline, 2009, including species mostly distributed in Western Palaearctic areas, into two distinct (although related) genera, Sagittogethes and Teucriogethes gen. n. This new genus, comprising the Western European Meligethes obscurus Erichson, 1845 as its type species, includes less than ten species distributed between the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa westward, and China and Japan eastward. All inclusive species utilize members of the genus Teucrium L. (Lamiacaeae: Ajugoideae) as larval host-plants. Morphological and bionomical information, and molecular data clearly demonstrate the necessity for updating the taxonomic position of the two clades. Based on molecular evidence, the new genus represents the sister-group of Thymogethes Audisio and Cline, 2009, while the sister-group relationships of the remaining Sagittogethes taxa with other Lamiaceae-associated genera of Meligethinae remain uncertain. Within the new genus, the relictual and rare Western Mediterranean species T. minutus (C.N.F. Brisout de Barneville, 1863) seems to occupy an isolated position.

Re-examination of the genus-level taxonomy of the pollen beetle subfamily Meligethinae – Part 1. <em>Sagittogethes</em> Audisio and Cline 2009 and allied genera; with description of a new genus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

Recent molecular and morphological data derived from members of the pollen-beetle subfamily Meligethinae suggest the need to separate the genus Sagittogethes Audisio and Cline, 2009, including species mostly distributed in Western Palaearctic areas, into two distinct (although related) genera, Sagittogethes and Teucriogethes gen. n. This new genus, comprising the Western European Meligethes obscurus Erichson, 1845 as its type species, includes less than ten species distributed between the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa westward, and China and Japan eastward. All inclusive species utilize members of the genus Teucrium L. (Lamiacaeae: Ajugoideae) as larval host-plants. Morphological and bionomical information, and molecular data clearly demonstrate the necessity for updating the taxonomic position of the two clades. Based on molecular evidence, the new genus represents the sister-group of Thymogethes Audisio and Cline, 2009, while the sister-group relationships of the remaining Sagittogethes taxa with other Lamiaceae-associated genera of Meligethinae remain uncertain. Within the new genus, the relictual and rare Western Mediterranean species T. minutus (C.N.F. Brisout de Barneville, 1863) seems to occupy an isolated position.

Description of the immature stages of the Neotropical whirligig beetle Gyrinus (Neogyrinus) rozei Ochs, 1953 (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae) and first report of the parasitoid wasp Melanosmicra sp. (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) on a Gyrinus species.

In most species of Gyrinidae, the immature stages are unknown, especially due to the difficulty in collecting the juveniles and assigning them to a particular species. Molecular association is a feasible technique that may solve this problem. Recent studies have used DNA sequence data, specifically the gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), to associate immature and adult stages, thus enabling the description of the former. The objectives of this study were (1) to describe and illustrate the immature stages of Gyrinus (Neogyrinus) rozei Ochs, 1953 including morphometric, chaetotaxic and bionomic information, and (2) to assess the usefulness of the gene COI to associate immatures and adults of Gyrinus. The studied specimens were collected in Roraima state, northern Brazil. The association of immature and adult stages was done either by rearing adults under laboratory conditions or by using DNA sequence data (COI). Eggs were described based on scanning electron microscopy; they are distinguished mainly by several features of chorion, micropyle and reticulation. Larvae of G. (N.) rozei can be distinguished from those of other Neotropical Gyrinidae by a combination of several characters, including the stipes with five robust hook-like additional setae on the dorsointernal margin, and the lacinia roughly hook-shaped. The pupa is similar to that of G. argentinus Steinhel, 1869, except for the number of setae on the body. The first record of the parasitoid wasp Melanosmicra sp. (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) on a Gyrinus species is also provided.

Bionomy of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on Decomposing Swine Carcass in an Urban Area of Central Amazon.

Biological data on development of Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) is useful to calculate the postmortem interval (PMI), thus being important for solving crimes. We aimed at gathering bionomic information on H. illucens, during the decomposition of a Sus scrofa, in the urban zone of Manaus, Amazonas State. Mature females and eggs were collected on the swine carcass. After hatching under natural conditions, larvae were observed daily. Different instars were fixed in ethylic alcohol to determine instar duration by the evaluation of the frequency distribution of cephalic capsule measurements and the principal components analysis (PCA). Females laid 620-700 eggs per posture in concealed locations preferentially, such as cranial cavities and slots on the metal cage. The larvae were found under the swine skin and on bones. After feeding, the larvae of H. illucens began to move slowly to pupate, did not seek for drier sites to do it, and buried themselves into the carcass instead. Pupae were observed as of the 60th day after death. H. illucens completed its life cycle in 53-82 d, which encompassed six larval instars and the pupa. About 93% of the eggs hatched, 11% reached the adult stage and the sex ratio was 0.49. Our results are complementary to the biological information of this species in Central Amazon, since most of the data were not known yet. This should render PMI calculation more accurate, even for corpses in advanced decomposition stages, as H. illucens spends relatively more time on the carcasses than most dipterans.

Aedes nigrinus (Eckstein, 1918) (Diptera, Culicidae), a new country record for England, contrasted with Aedes sticticus (Meigen, 1838)

We report the discovery of Aedes nigrinus (Eckstein, 1918) in the New Forest of southern England, bringing to 36 the number of mosquito species recorded in Britain. Because it seems that this species has been misidentified previously in Britain as the morphologically similar Aedes sticticus (Meigen, 1838), the two species are contrasted and distinguished based on distinctive differences exhibited in the adult and larval stages. The pupa of Ae. nigrinus is unknown, but the pupa of Ae. sticticus is distinguished from the pupae of other species of Aedes by modification of the most recent key to British mosquitoes. The history of the mosquito fauna recorded in the UK is summarized and bionomical information is provided for the two species.

Aedes nigrinus (Eckstein, 1918) (Diptera, Culicidae), a new country record for England, contrasted with Aedes sticticus (Meigen, 1838).

We report the discovery of Aedes nigrinus (Eckstein, 1918) in the New Forest of southern England, bringing to 36 the number of mosquito species recorded in Britain. Because it seems that this species has been misidentified previously in Britain as the morphologically similar Aedes sticticus (Meigen, 1838), the two species are contrasted and distinguished based on distinctive differences exhibited in the adult and larval stages. The pupa of Ae. nigrinus is unknown, but the pupa of Ae. sticticus is distinguished from the pupae of other species of Aedes by modification of the most recent key to British mosquitoes. The history of the mosquito fauna recorded in the UK is summarized and bionomical information is provided for the two species.

An Asiatic Chironomid in Brazil: morphology, DNA barcode and bionomics.

In most freshwater ecosystems, aquatic insects are dominant in terms of diversity; however, there is a disproportionately low number of records of alien species when compared to other freshwater organisms. The Chironomidae is one aquatic insect family that includes some examples of alien species around the world. During a study on aquatic insects in Amazonas state (Brazil), we collected specimens of Chironomidae that are similar, at the morphological level, to Chironomus kiiensis Tokunaga and Chironomus striatipennis Kieffer, both with distributions restricted to Asia. The objectives of this study were to provide morphological information on this Chironomus population, to investigate its identity using DNA barcoding and, to provide bionomic information about this species. Chironomus DNA barcode data were obtained from GenBank and Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) and, together with our data, were analyzed using the neighbor-joining method with 1000 bootstrap replicates and the genetic distances were estimated using the Kimura-2-parameter. At the morphological level, the Brazilian population cannot be distinguished either from Chironomus striatipennis or Chironomus kiiensis, configuring a species complex but, at the molecular level our studied population is placed in a clade together with Chironomus striatipennis, from South Korea. Bionomic characteristics of the Brazilian Chironomus population differ from the ones of Chironomus kiiensis from Japan, the only species in this species complex with bionomic information available. The Brazilian Chironomus population has a smaller size, the double of the number of eggs and inhabits oligotrophic water, in artificial container. In the molecular analysis, populations of Chironomus striatipennis and Chironomus kiiensis are placed in a clade, formed by two groups: Group A (which includes populations from both named species, from different Asiatic regions and our Brazilian population) and Group B (with populations of Chironomus kiiensis from Japan and South Korea). Genetic distance between the Brazilian population and specimens in Group A suggests that it was recently introduced in Brazil, and that its country of origin is probably South Korea.

Beetles (<i>Coleoptera</i>) of the Rogów Region - Part IV - Clown Beetles (<i>Histeridae</i>) and False Clown Beetles (<i>Sphaeritidae</i>)

In the fourth part of the series entitled “Beetles (Coleoptera) of the Rogów region” the next two families, clown beetles (Histeridae) and false clown beetles (Spaheritidae) are presented, as the better-known families of beetles occurring in the Rogów area. The faunistic data of the listed species is supplemented by bionomical information.

Beetles (<i>Coleoptera</i>) of the Rogów Region - Part IV - Clown Beetles (<i>Histeridae</i>) and False Clown Beetles (<i>Sphaeritidae</i>)

In the fourth part of the series entitled “Beetles (Coleoptera) of the Rogów region” the next two families, clown beetles (Histeridae) and false clown beetles (Spaheritidae) are presented, as the better-known families of beetles occurring in the Rogów area. The faunistic data of the listed species is supplemented by bionomical information.

A new species, Simulium (Nevermannia) berchtesgadense (Diptera: Simuliidae), and its chromosomes, from the Alps of southeastern Germany.

Simulium (Nevermannia) berchtesgadense nov. spec. is described from the Alps of southeastern Germany. The morphology and diagnostic characters for all life stages except the egg are given, and the polytene chromosomes are compared with those of other members of the Simulium (Nevermannia) vernum group. The species is chromosomally similar to Simulium (Nevermannia) cryophilum cytoform 'A' but differs morphologically in each life stage. Bionomic information and the associated simuliid fauna are presented.

Beetles (Coleoptera) of the Rogów Region - Part III - Carrion Beetles (Silphidae)

In the present, the third part of the series titled “Beetles (Coleoptera) of the Rogów region” presents a family of carrion beetles (Silphidae), as one of the better-known families of beetles occurring in the Rogów area. The faunistic data of presented species enriched by bionomical information.

Beetles (Coleoptera) of the Rogów Region - Part III - Carrion Beetles (Silphidae)

In the present, the third part of the series titled “Beetles (Coleoptera) of the Rogów region” presents a family of carrion beetles (Silphidae), as one of the better-known families of beetles occurring in the Rogów area. The faunistic data of presented species enriched by bionomical information.

<strong>World catalog of extant and fossil Chaoboridae (Diptera)</strong>

A world catalog of extant and fossil Chaoboridae provides full type information, distribution of each species, references to keys, references to latest descriptions of each species, and summaries of bionomic information. There are 51 extant species in six genera and 41 fossil species (2 unplaced) in 19 genera, two of which are extant. Chaoborus lanei (Belkin, Heinemann & Page) is a new synonym of C. braziliensis (Theobald) and C. annulatus Cook is a new synonym of C. festivus Dyar & Shannon.

Contributions towards an understanding of the Atomariinae (Coleoptera, Cryptophagidae) of Atlantic Canada

The Atomariinae (Coleoptera: Cryptophagidae) fauna of Atlantic Canada are surveyed. Ten species in the genus Atomaria are reported in the region, six of which, including Atomaria distincta Casey, Atomaria fuscata Schonherr, Atomaria lederi Johnson, Atomaria lewisi Reitter, Atomaria testacea Stephens, and Atomaria nigrirostris Stephens, are newly recorded in Canada. Atomaria lederi and A. lewisi are newly recorded in North America. Twenty-three new provincial records are reported. Atomaria curtula Casey, 1900  (syn. n.) is designated as a synonym of Atomaria lewisi Reitter; Atomaria ovalis Casey, 1900 (syn. n.) is designated as a synonym of Atomaria apicalis Erichson, 1846; and Atomaria saginata Casey, 1900 (syn. n.) is designated as a synonym of Atomaria fuscata Schonherr. A key to species is provided, as are species descriptions. Records of all species are given and their distribution in the region is plotted. The global distribution of all Holarctic and adventive species is briefly summarized, and the jurisdictions in North America where they have been reported are compiled. Habitat and bionomic information is also provided for all species, both from within the region, and from observations in European studies. The fauna is briefly discussed from a zoogeographic perspective; two species are Nearctic in origin, five may be Holarctic in distribution, and three others may be adventive Palaearctic species, although further evidence is required to confirm such preliminary assessments. Similarly, because of the paucity of information on this genus, further fieldwork is required to fully discern the distribution of these spe- cies in Atlantic Canada. Three are apparently saproxylic species characteristic of forested habitats; three are primarily grassland species; and the remaining four are eurytopic species found in a wide variety of forested and open habitats.

Review of the rove beetle species of the subtribe Gyrophaenina Kraatz (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from New Brunswick, Canada: new species, provincial records and bionomic information

Review of the rove beetle species of the subtribe Gyrophaenina Kraatz (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from New Brunswick, Canada: new species, provincial records and bionomic information

Review of the rove beetle species of the subtribe Gyrophaenina Kraatz (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from New Brunswick, Canada: new species, provincial records and bionomic information

A comprehensive species review of the genera Gyrophaena Mannerheim and Eumicrota Casey is presented for New Brunswick, Canada. Twenty-four species of Gyrophaena are reported from New Brunswick including two new species, and two species of Eumicrota. Nineteen previously described species are newly recorded in New Brunswick, eight of which are newly reported in Canada. New species are: Gyrophaena meduxnekeagensis Klimaszewski & Webster, sp. n., and G. pseudocriddlei Klimaszewski & Webster, sp. n. New Canadian records are: G. chippewa Seevers, G. corruscula Erichson, G. dybasi Seevers, G. fuscicollis Casey, G. illiana Seevers, G. involuta Casey, G. laetula Casey, and G. lobata Casey. New records for New Brunswick: G. fuscicollis Casey, G. caseyi Seevers, G. chippewa Seevers, E. corruscula Erichson, G. criddlei Casey, G. dybasi Seevers, G. flavicornis Melsheimer, G. gaudens Casey, G. gilvicollis Casey, G. gracilis Seevers, G. illiana Seevers, G. involuta Casey, G. laetula Casey, G. lobata Casey, G. sculptipennis Casey, E. socia (Erichson), G. subnitens Casey, G. uteana Casey, and G. vitrina Casey. All species are documented by colour habitus images, black/white images of genital structures, and distributional maps. All female genital structures are presented and illustrated here for the first time. A key to the New Brunswick species is provided.