Costal Vein Research Articles

Ephemeroptera, Leptohyphidae, Amanahyphes saguassu Salles and Molineri, 2006: first record from state of Pará, Brazil

Amanahyphes saguassu Salles and Molineri, 2006 is firstly recorded from state of Pará. Specimens from Pará presented wings with more curved anal veins than those from state of Amazonas, illustrated in the original description, showing variability among populations of this species. Amanahyphes saguassu is similar to Leptohyphodes inanis (Pictet, 1843), sharing both nymph and adult characteristics.

Early Mecopterida and the systematic position of the Microptysmatidae (Insecta: Endopterygota)

In recent times many authors have regarded the Protomeropidae and Microptysmatidae - two essentially Permian groups - as either early trichopteran lineages or members of the stem-group of the Amphiesmenoptera (basically: Trichoptera+Lepidoptera). Actually none of these families possesses, in its ground plan, the most significant derived trait of the amphiesmenopteran forewing, namely a true ‘double-Y loop’ arrangement of the anal veins. Since ‘Carpenter’s organs’, small rounded structures in the costal area of the hindwing, are only known to occur in certain members of the Permochoristidae, Kaltanidae and Protomeropidae, these three families should belong to a fossil clade, which we ascribe to the Mecoptera, suborder Pistillifera sensu lato, mainly on account of a few venational features. Although we maintain the Microptysmatidae in the Mecopterida (=Panorpida, i.e. Amphiesmenoptera, Mecoptera, Diptera, and relatives), we propose to place this family in a separate order: the Permotrichoptera, n. status. Indeed, apparently, Microptysmatidae can be ascribed neither to the Amphiesmenoptera nor to the Antliophora (=Mecoptera-Diptera complex).

Systematics of the Euro-Mediterranean Empis (Kritempis) (Diptera: Empididae: Empidinae)

The Euro-Mediterranean subgenus Kritempis Collin of Empis Linnaeus is here redefined on the basis of three synapomorphies, namely (1) hypandrium reduced to its lateral arms, (2) presence of a posteroventral group of spine-like setae on the female mid tibia at base, (3) anal vein faint, incomplete. This subgenus includes eight species: Empis (K.) algira Macquart, E. (K.) livida Linnaeus, E. (K.) macquarti Becker, E. (K.) macropalpa Egger, E. (K.) nigrimana Becker, E. (K.) sardoa sp. nov., E. (K.) sibillina Bezzi and E. (K.) taffertensis sp. nov. A detailed diagnosis of the group as well as a key to all known species is provided. All species are described or redescribed, exclusive of the well-known E. (K.) livida. The holotype of E. (K.) algira is identified and a lectotype designated for E. (K.) macquarti, E. (K.) macropalpa and E. (K.) sibillina. Empis hoffmannseggii Loew is moved from the subgenus Kritempis to the subgenus Coptophlebia Bezzi. The subgenus is restricted to the Mediterranean basin exclusive of E. (K.) livida which is widely distributed in Europe and Algeria where the species is newly recorded.

Taxonomy of Janetiella thymi (Kieffer) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and of the Species Formerly in Janetiella that Feed on Vitis (Vitaceae)

The poorly known European species Janetiella thymi (Kieffer), type species of Janetiella Kieffer (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is redescribed. Gall makers on grape that were formerly placed in Janetiella are shown to be distinct from that genus and transferred to Vitisiella Fedotova & Kovalev, a genus recently erected for a species on grape in Siberia. Among the distinguishing traits of Vitisiella, more fully characterized here than previously, are the closed costal vein at its juncture with R5, the deeply divided male hypoproct, and the conspicuous dorsolateral sclerites of the ovipositor. Janetiella brevicauda Felt, also redescribed, and Cecidomyia oenephila Haimhoffen, both previously placed in Janetiella, are newly combined with Vitisiella.

Body Size and Shape of the Large Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa virginica (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

In bees, both body size and shape may show considerable variation associated with differences between females and males, among populations, and due to local environmental variation. We studied multiple parameters of body size and shape of the large carpenter bee Xylocopa virginica, to understand how body size and shape are influenced by sex, and by seasonal and annual variation. In addition, we compared bees from a population near the northern edge of the range (southern Ontario, ON) which experience relatively severe winters, to bees from the central portion of the range (Maryland, MD), which experience milder winters. Overall, males and females differed in linear dimensions but were more or less the same mass. Seasonal variability was investigated using ON bees. In winter, females and males had the same overall mass, but male thoracic volume and linear dimensions such as head capsule width, intertegular width, and costal vein length, were all larger for a given mass. In summer, males weighed less than females, due to loss of mass from the abdomen. Year-to-year differences in size and shape were indicated in MD bees, which exhibited significant differences in linear dimensions and dry mass, but not wet mass. In addition, northern bees were smaller than southern bees in terms of linear dimensions, but it is not entirely clear if overwintering mass differs. We suggest that seasonal and sex differences in size are related to the different flight activity patterns of males and females in summer, and that geographic differences between the two populations are related to the length and duration of winters.

Structure Analyses of the Wings of Anotogaster Sieboldii and Hybris Subjacens

The wings of a dragonfly have many complicated structures. The configuration of the costal vein of the wings of a dragonfly is different from them of other insects. So, we paid attention to the configuration of the costal vein of the wings in this study. In order to know the functions and structures of the wings of a dragonfly, several 3-D models of the wing of Anotogaster Sieboldii were created, and calculated with the 3-D finite element method. In addition, we created a 3-D model of the wing of Hybris Subjacens which has the configuration of original wing, and compared the models of Anotogaster Sieboldii and Hybris Subjacens. As a result, it was clarified that the arch configuration of the costal vein controls the bending and the torsion of the wings.

Long term monitoring of urban subsidence by Permanent Scatterer DInSAR

Abstract A new dragonfly of family Meganeuridae Shenzhousia qilianshanensis ge. et sp. nov., discovered from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in North China, is described in the present paper. It has an estimated wingspan of about 450–500 mm and may be the largest fossil insect in Late Carboniferous Namurian Stage discovered by far. The new species is referred to Meganeuridae because of the presence of the characteristic oblique vein between anterior branch of radius (RA) and posterior branch of radius (RP) near the base of RP2. It differs from other genera within the family in the following characteristics: Precostal area short and not extending to the midwing; posterior branch of subcostal vein short, merging into costal vein near the level of originating point of IR2; RP forking earlier than anterior branch of media basally; RP1+2 and RP3+4 parallel and close to each other for a long distance, and then diverge gradually surpass midwing. * Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No...

The Effect of the Costal Vein Configuration of the Wings of a Dragonfly

In generally, it is known that structures of living thing are optimized. The wings of a dragonfly are thin and light. Although it is having the structure of bearing the load produced in the case of an advanced flight such as “Flapping flight”, “Glide”, and “Hovering”. The wings of a dragonfly are made by veins and membranes. In addition, the wings of a dragonfly have some characteristic structures, such as “Nodus”. Thus, the wings of dragonfly have many complicated structures. The configuration of costal vein of the wings is different from them of other insects. So, we paid attention to the configuration of costal vein of the wings. Therefore, in this study, we researched about the effect of costal vein. As a result, it was showed that the configuration of costal vein became bending and torsional deformation small. In addition, it was showed that the configuration of costal vein related to nodus. In this study, several 3-D models of the dragonfly’s wing were made and calculated by the 3-D finite element method.

626 トンボの翅の前縁翅脈形状の影響(GS8(1) バイオメカニクス,生体材料)

626 トンボの翅の前縁翅脈形状の影響(GS8(1) バイオメカニクス,生体材料)

Ocoidae, a new family of asiloid flies (Diptera: Brachycera: Asiloidea), based on Ocoa chilensis gen. and sp.n. from Chile, South America

Abstract. The monotypic new family Ocoidae is described to accommodate Ocoa gen.n., small, elongate, delicate, asiloid flies known from west‐central Chile, South America. Both sexes of adult O. chilensis sp.n. are described and illustrated; immature stages are unknown. Diagnostic morphological features of adults include the antennal postpedicel comprising a single, undivided structure consisting of a bulbous base and a long, threadlike terminal element; vein M3 lacking, anal vein complete; acropod heterodactylus; spurs lacking on all tibiae; and anterior surface of hind coxa with strong, knoblike, bulbous projection; and abdominal tergite 2 lacking sensory patches of hairs. The epandrium of the male terminalia is divided along the midline into two sicklelike sections; gonostyli articulate in a horizontal plane. The female terminalia has well‐developed acanthophorite spines; posterior margin of hypoproct with several ventrally projecting, elongate, needlelike setae; two large, poorly sclerotized spermathecae; and a spermathecal sac that is smaller than each spermatheca. The relationships of this enigmatic family are discussed in relation to recent findings on the phylogeny and classification of the Asiloidea. Ocoidae are similar to Therevidae and close relatives Scenopinidae and Apsilocephalidae, comprising the therevoid group of families; however, they lack defining synapomorphies of those families. Morphological evidence supports a sister‐group relationship between Ocoidae and Scenopinidae. Molecular evidence from 28S rDNA provides further support for the monophyly of the therevoid group of families, and suggests that Ocoidae belongs within this clade, in agreement with the morphological data. The nucleotide data place Ocoidae as sister to the Scenopinidae + Therevidae, but the morphology‐based hypothesis of relationships (Ocoidae + Scenopinidae) is only two additional steps (0.2%) on the optimal trees from the molecular data.

Wing resonances in the Australian field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus.

The anatomy and mechanics of the fore-wings of the Australian cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus were examined to study how resonances of the wings were excited, to model the interactions between the two wings during sound production, to account for the frequency changes that occur within the pulses and to determine the variation in sound amplitude during the pulses. Sound is produced after raising the wings by closing the right wing over the left; the plectrum of the left wing engages and releases teeth on the file on the underside of the right wing. The mean number of teeth on the right file is 252; the teeth are more closely spaced in the posterior part of the file, which is engaged at the start of the song pulses. The anterior part of the file is separated from the base of the harp by a short flexible region. The dorsal field of the wing, in which the harp is situated, is largely mechanically isolated from the driving veins of the lateral field, except for a cross vein at the apex of the harp. The harps of the two wings did not differ significantly in area but the plectrum of the left wing was significantly longer and wider than that of the right wing. The posterior edge of the plectrum has a radius of approximately 0.5 micro m, which allows it to engage the 20 micro m-tall teeth of the file. The plectrum is separated from the wing by a 0.5 micro m-thick crescent that allows it to twist lengthways and thus disengage the file teeth. The sigmoid shape of the file allows the plectrum to engage teeth over most of the length of the file. The calling song of T. oceanicus consists of a chirp of four similar pulses followed by a trill of pairs of pulses. The dominant frequency of all pulses is approximately 4.8 kHz but cycle-by-cycle analysis suggests that the different types of pulse are produced by wing-closing movements through different arcs. Free resonances of the left wing occurred at 4.56 kHz [quality factor (Q)=25.1] and of the right wing at 4.21 kHz (Q=23.9). Driven by loud sound, maximum vibration of the harp was seen at approximately 4.5 kHz; at lower sound levels, the vibration was confined to the cross-veins of the harp that extend distally from the file. Resonances of the left wing driven by vibration of the same wing, either at the plectrum or on the anal area, occurred at similar frequencies to those of the songs and had similar Qs but were approximately anti-phase, demonstrating that movement of the plectrum (e.g. by the file teeth) causes an opposite movement of the harp. When the right wing was driven directly on the file, the resonant frequency was 5.88 kHz but, when driven on the file via a length of the left file and the left plectrum, it was 4.83 kHz. The amplitude of the vibration increased from the posterior end of the file to the middle then fell towards the anterior end of the file. Pushing a left plectrum across the middle of the right file produced trains of damped sound pulses at 4.82 kHz (Q=23.4). Clicks excited from the anterior end of the file had lower frequencies. The resonances excited from both the left wing via its plectrum and from the right wing when driven via the left plectrum were similar in frequency to that of the song. The resonance of the dorsal field persisted after ablation of the harp but the mean resonant frequency increased 1.12-fold with a similar Q to the intact wing. Droplets of water on the distal end of the harp or proximal part of the dorsal field raised the resonant frequency. The resonant frequency was lowered by the addition of weights to the harp or the file; the factor of the decrease suggested that the mass of the resonant system was approximately 1.4 mg, which accords with the mass of the harp plus file plus anal area of the wing (left wing, 1.27 mg; right wing, 1.15 mg) but is far heavier than the harp (0.22 mg). An earlier suggestion that the harp is the resonator is not supported; instead, it is proposed that the major elastic component of the resonant system is the file plus 1st anal vein and that the mass component is the combined mass of the file, anal area and harp.

Cratomyia macrorrhyncha, a Lower Cretaceous brachyceran fossil from the Santana Formation, Brazil, representing a new species, genus and family of the Stratiomyomorpha (Diptera)

AbstractA new fossil Brachycera (Diptera), Cratomyia macrorrhyncha gen. n. & sp. n. is described from the Santana Formation, Lower Cretaceous, situated on the Araripe Basin (Northeastern Brazil). Its remarkable features are the large body size, very long proboscis, antenna with multi-articled flagellum, robust thorax and abdomen, and wing characters like the abbreviated costal vein, distally forked veins R4+5 and M1+2, strongly arched M1, and closed cells m3 and cup. The new genus and species does not reasonably fit in any of the existing families and a new family, Cratomyiidae is proposed. The systematic position of the family is discussed. Reasons are given for not including it in the following higher taxa of Brachycera: Xylophagomorpha, Tabanomorpha, Vermileonomorpha, Asilomorpha, and Eremoneura. The Cratomyiidae are included in Stratiomyomorpha as the sister-group of Xylomyidae + Stratiomyidae, above the origin of Pantophthalmidae.

Frictional surfaces of the elytra-to-body arresting mechanism in tenebrionid beetles (Coleoptera : Tenebrionidae) : design of co-opted fields of microtrichia and cuticle ultrastructure

In beetles, the system responsible for an attachment of forewings (elytra) to the thorax consists of interlocking fields of microtrichia (MT) located between thorax and body and between left and right elytra. The present study provides comparative data about microtrichia design on the thorax and elytra in three species of tenebrionid beetles (Tribolium castaneum, Tenebrio molitor, Zophobas rugipes) (Coleoptera : Tenebrionidae), which are different in their size. The length, width, density and directionality of microtrichia in 13 MT fields (4 on the thorax, 1 on the abdomen, 7 on the elytra, and 1 on the costal vein of the hindwing) were quantified. (1) Parameters studied are dependent on the dimension of an insect. The length of the microtrichia of most fields compared increases with an increase in body size. The MT width in the majority of fields increases with an increase in the elytra length. The MT density decreases with an increase in the elytra length. (2) Both width and length of microtrichia increase with an increase in the distance between single MT. The density of outgrowths increases with an increase in their length and width. (3) The fields oriented along the same spatial axis constitute functional groups responsible for a particular direction. Co-opted fields can be oriented in the same or opposite directions. (4) The design of MT correlates in co-opted surfaces. There are 3 field groups, which were stated as functionally corresponding to one another : the medial, anterio-lateral, and posterio-lateral. The lengths and widths of microtrichia from fields of these functional groups were quite similar in corresponding fields. Length-to-width ratios of MT in elytral fields were usually weakly correlated with those of thoracic fields. The distances between microtrichia on the elytra surface directly depended on those of the thorax. Distance-to-width ratio of MT of one surface slightly increased with an increase in this parameter on the co-opted surface. The MT densities on co-opted fields were usually quite different. (5) The ultrastructure of the cuticle suggests differences in the material properties of the cuticle between MT fields. The thoracic fields usually consist of elastic cuticle, whereas elytral fields are much harder. Usually, a MT field of elastic cuticle corresponds to the field composed of hard cuticles. The study also provides information about the ultrastructure of epidermal cells and about the design of pore channels, which are presumably responsible for production and transport of an adhesive secretion into the area of contact between lateral fields. Sensory organs monitoring contact between co-opted binding sites were also studied. The results of this study may aid in understanding the morphological basis of cuticular microsculptures acting as frictional devices.

Morfologia externa dos cicadellinae (homoptera, cicadellidae): comparação entre versigonalia ruficauda (walker) (cicadellini) e tretogonia cribrata melichar (proconiini), com notas sobre outras espécies e análise da terminologia

The external morphology of two cicadelline species, Versigonalia ruficauda (Walker, 1851) (Cicadellini) and Tretogonia cribrata Melichar, 1926 (Proconiini), is analyzed. The head, axillary sclerites, wing venation, female genitalia, and tegumentary processes are described. Notes on other Cicadellini - Amblyscarlidia albofasciata (Walker, 1851), Tettisama quinquemacidata (Germar, 1821), Macugonalia lencomelas (Walker, 1851), and Diedrocephala variegata (Fabricius, 1775) - and Proconiini - Ciccus adspersus (Fabricius, 1803), Homoscarta superciliaris (Jacobi, 1905), Ichthyobelus sp., and Rhaphirrhinus phosphoreus (Linnaeus, 1758) - are added. A technique for dissecting the female genitalia is presented. The facial porlion of head in V. ruficauda, T. cribrata, and remaining species has a large sclerite (frons or postfrontofrons) clearly defined by the frontogenal suture. Below the frons, and separated from it by the epistomal suture, a smaller sclerite is present (clypeus). The identification of these sclerites is based on comparisons with descriptions in the literature of a generalized Pterygota, a Psocoptera, a fossil Hemipteroidea, and other Homoptera. The conclusions about the identities of frons and clypeus corroborate the hypotheses of Hamilton (1981) on the homologies of cephalic areas in Rhynchota. The facial sclerites have modifications related with the xyleniomyzous diet. The frons is swollen, providing a larger area for attachmcnt of cibarial muscles. Other modifications increasing the area of frons are observed in the Proconiini. In C. adspersus its lateral margins are distinctly pronounced and its upper portion has a pair of lateral elevations. In Ichthyobelus sp. and R. phosphoreus the upper part of frons is greatly developed, occupying 4/5 of dorsal area of head on middle line. The vertex is limited to a small portion (1/5) of that area. The clypeus is also swollen, a fact related with the greater development of cibarium. This character is more conspicuous in the Proconiini. In this tribe the clypeus has a convex projection occupied by the cibarium, which is greatly devcloped. The pronotum and forewings in T. cribrata are covered by pits, each with a seta on external margin. These pits are similar (and maybe homologous) to struetures in the abdomen of a membracid (Goniolomus tricomiger Stal. 1869). The pronotum is smooth in V. ruficauda. However, pits similar to those of T. cribrata, although smaller. oceur near the forewing veins. A strong costal vein is present in the forewings of the 10 studied species. This vein is formed by a fusion between precosta (PC), costa anterior (CA), and costa posterior (CP). Vestiges of subcosta posterior (ScP) and media (M) occur in the forewing base. A vein formed by a fusion between anal (A) and jugal (J) veins is observed along the inner margin of clavus. In the hindwings, PC, CA, and CP are also fused. The occurrence of PC can be inferred by the presence of the wing coupling lobe. which represents its final part. Jugal anterior (JA) is fused to anal posterior (AP). Jugal posterior (JP) occurs as a small rudiment at hindwing base. The characters of fore - and hindwings confirm the observations of Dworakowska (1988) on the Cicadellidae. The presence of PC and J corroborates Kukalova-Peck's (1983) model of the primitive pterygote venation. Comparisons between the Cicadellinae and a description of a fossil species of the order Diaphanopterodea (Kukalova-Peck 1992) revealed remarkable similarities in female genitalia. Such similarities (manifested in the positions of gonocoxites eight and nine, gonangulum, valvulae eight and nine, and lergite nine) permit a correct interpretation of the genital structurcs in the subfamily. The sclerites of the genital chamber described by Young (1977) in females of various Cicadellini are the reduced eighth abdominal sternite. Sclerotized plates in this sternite occur in A. albofasciata, T. quinquemaculata, T. cribrata, C. adspersus, and H. superciliaris. Comparisons carried out among these Cicadellinae, allied with data from the literature, indicate that the eighth sternum can provide useful characters for the subfamily taxonomy. Features of potential taxonomic interest in valvulae eight and nine include tegumentary processes (valvulae eight), shaft form, and teeth form and distribution (valvulae nine). Lists with the terms suggested for head, wings, and female genitalia are included, together with synonyms proposed by other taxonomists and morphologists.

Yellow or red coloring along forewing costal veins in eight Agrias beata (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) from Peru

Yellow or red coloring along forewing costal veins in eight Agrias beata (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) from Peru

Perianal appearances associated with constipation.

The perianal appearances were studied prospectively of 136 constipated children (mean age 3.9 years, 67 boys, 69 girls). Anal dilatation, fissures, tags, warts, perianal oedema, redness, blueness, and veins were recorded. It was noted whether dilatation occurred immediately or at 30 and 60 seconds with the buttocks minimally separated, and on subsequent firm lateral traction of the buttocks. The degree of faecal loading was assessed in all children. Anal dilatation was found in 24 (18%) and first appeared on lateral traction in eight (6%). In three quarters of the children with dilatation faecal loading or perianal signs were present. Fissures were found in 35 (26%) children and tags in seven (5%). Perianal redness was more likely to be associated with fissures, and blueness with dilatation. We conclude that there are no pathognomonic perianal signs in childhood constipation and that the technique of anal examination should be standardised.

The muscles controlling courtship stridulation in the cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea

1. 1. The muscles which control the patterned movements of the pronotum over the tegmina to produce courtship stridulation in the cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea (Olivier), were determined by chronic electromyography in unrestrained male animals. 2. 2. Of the 28 pairs of muscles attached to the pronotum (Storch, 1968), seven are involved in the coordinated movements producing sounds. 3. 3. Three stout dorsolongitudinal muscles attached near the midline of the pronotum and to the lateral portion of the first phragma are largely responsible for stridulation. 4. 4. Muscle Ph3 pulls the posterior edge of the pronotum down to engage the striae of the pronotum with those of the costal veins of the tegmina, pulls the pronotum posteriorly during complex pulse trains, and twitches to produce the chirps. 5. 5. Muscle Ph1pulls the pronotum posteriorly during complex pulse trains. 6. 6. Muscle Ph2 causes the pronotum to pivot from side to side during complex pulse trains. 7. 7. Four dorsoventral remotor muscles pull the pronotum down against the tegmina during complex pulse trains. 8. 8. No muscles operating as antagonists to the above muscles during stridulation were found.

Mechanisms of wing rotating regulation in Calliphora erythrocephala (Insecta, Diptera)

The blowfly Calliphora erythrocephala rotates its wings, i.e. changes the geometrical angle of attack, generating forces and moments for flight steering. There are two possibile ways to regulate this angle. The mechanisms for these movements are described. (1) The leading edge and the anterior part of the wing — between the costal vein and radial vein 4 — are pronated automatically due to the interaction of the moving parts during the downstroke. They are supinated during the upstroke. This is “basic” automatic regulation. (2) The posterior part of the wing — behind the anterior cross vein — is pronated and supinated independently of wing-drive. This is “wing-drive independent” additional regulation.

A POSSIBLE STRIDULATORY ORGAN IN SOME PSYLLOIDEA (HOMOPTERA)

AbstractRows of teeth on the axillary cords of the mesoscutellum and metascutellum, with corresponding rows of teeth under the second anal veins of both wings of Schedotrioza spp. are illustrated. The possible use of these structures in stridulation is discussed.

Neosecoptera, a new insect suborder based on specimen discovered in the Late Carboniferous of Tasmania

Psychroptilus burrettae gen. et sp. nov., from the Late Carboniferous of Tasmania, combines characters of the insect orders Palaeodictyoptera and Megasecoptera. Psychroptilus is referred to the Megasecoptera because it lacks paratergal processes on the pronotum, and because its wing venation is simple, with reduced cross veins. However, its wings are not narrowed at their bases, but are as broad as those of the Palaeodictyoptera. It is placed in a new suborder of the Megasecoptera, the Neosecoptera. This suborder differs from the Suborders Eumegasecoptera and Protohymenoptera in having: 1, broad wings that are not narrowed at base; 2, the hind wing slightly broader than the fore wing; and 3, anal veins that all arise from close to the wing base. The insect is possibly the oldest recorded in the southern hemisphere although age determinations of this and the only other known probable Late Carboniferous species, Hadentomoides dwykensis Riek, are not precise. The inclusion of the insect fossil in varve-like ...