Endemic Moth Research Articles

The Complete Mitochondrial Genome and Phylogenetic Analysis of Rhagastis binoculata (Matsumura, 1909) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae).

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) Rhagastis binoculata (Matsumura, 1909), an endemic moth species in Taiwan, was sequenced and analyzed. The complete circular mitogenome of R. binoculata is 15,303 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and an AT-rich control region. The mitogenome has an overall nucleotide composition of 41.2% A, 11.9% C, 7.5% G, and 39.4% T, with an AT content of 80.6%. Of the protein-coding genes (PCGs), 12 start with ATG, ATT, and ATC, and COX1 starts with a "CGA" codon. All of the stop codons are "TAA, TAG, or T". Our phylogenetic analysis of 21 species of Sphingidae insects suggests that R. binoculata is clustered with Rhagastis mongoliana, which belongs to the subfamily Macroglossinae.

Description of Sphaleroptera orientana meridionalis subs. n. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Cnephasiini) from the Pale di San Martino Mountain plateau (Dolomites, NE Italy)

On the base of newly collected material, a new subspecies of the alpine endemic moth Sphaleroptera orientana Whitebread, 2006 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from the Pale di San Martino Group (Dolomites, Northern Italy) is described. Morphological characters of the adults and DNA barcode suggests the presence of allopatric populations of S. orientana in the South-eastern Alps, attributable to two distinct subspecies: S. o. suborientana Whitebread, 2006 in the Catinaccio, the Sella, and the Fanes group, and Julian Alps, and S. o. meridionalis subs. nov. known from the Pale of San Martino group. The main biogeographic barrier is constituted by the complex of the Fiemme valleys-Val di Fassa-by the Pordoi Pass and by the Val Cordevole which from west to north to east separate the distribution area of S. o. suorientana from S.o. meridionalis.

Male of Danielithosia pyralina (Rothschild, 1912) comb. nov., an endemic moth species from Sumbawa and Flores (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae).

Male of Danielithosia pyralina (Rothschild, 1912) comb. nov., an endemic moth species from Sumbawa and Flores (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae).

Description of the unknown female of Cosmosoma papalo (Laguerre, 2010) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae, Arctiinae) with a new state record from Mexico

ABSTRACT The female of Cosmosoma papalo (Laguerre) and its genitalia are described and illustrated here for the first time. A new record of this endemic moth provides a distributional extension of 101 km to the northwest of the type locality, in a secondary cloud forest fragment of mountainous central Veracruz, Mexico. Biogeographic comments on distributional patterns are made.

Description of the female of Chelis ferghana Dubatolov, 1988, an endemic moth species of the Tien Shan Range in Central Asia (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae).

Seven Arctiine genera have recently been synonymized with the genus Chelis Rambur, 1866 using a comprehensive multi-locus phylogeny (Rönkä et al. 2016). The genus Chelis s. str. contains nine species, the ranges of which cover temperate and subtropical areas of Eurasia from the Iberian Peninsula to the Pacific Ocean coast (Dubatolov de Vos 2010, Ortiz et al. 2016). Two species, i.e. Chelis ferghana Dubatolov, 1988 and C. strigulosa (Böttcher, 1905), are endemic to the Tien Shan Mountain Range. These taxa can be distinguished by morphological differences in the apical part of the valva.

Host Range Expansion of an Endemic Insect Herbivore is Associated With High Nitrogen and Low Fibre Content in Exotic Pasture Plants.

Endemic moth species of the genus Wiseana spp. (Hepialidae) have become serious pests of introduced pasture plants in New Zealand. The original native host plants of these moths have not been confirmed. This study investigated the performance (survival, development time, weight gain) of three Wiseana species on seven putative host plants: five native and two exotic species. The aim was to identify native hosts for the three Wiseana species and to compare their performance on native plants and exotic pasture plants. The chemical composition of the seven putative host plants was investigated to compare native and exotic plant chemistries, and to test for associations between plant characteristics and performance of selected Wiseana species. Carbon, nitrogen, silica and fibre contents were measured for each plant species; primary metabolite composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. For the three moth species, increased survival and weight gain were significantly associated with high nitrogen and low fibre contents in one exotic host plant, white clover (Trifolium repens), although one species, W. umbraculata, did not complete development to adult on any of the plants tested, including clover. Two exotic plants (T. repens, Lolium perenne × Lolium multiflorum), and two native plants (Aciphylla squarrosa and Festuca actae) supported W. copularis development to the adult stage, but only one exotic (T. repens) and one native (F. actae) species supported complete development of W. cervinata. Exotic and native plant species had distinct metabolite profiles, but there was no significant association between metabolite composition and Wiseana performance. We conclude that W. copularis and W. cervinata, but not W. umbraculata, have expanded their host range, because of their ability to use both native and new hosts. No evidence was found for a host shift, i.e., a loss of performance on the ancestral host compared with the new host.

Analysis of mitochondrial genomics and transcriptomics reveal abundant RNA edits and differential editing status in moth orchid, Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. formosana

We determined the mitochondrial genome of an endemic moth orchid, Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. formosana, and annotated the mitochondrial genes, studied gene expression and investigated the RNA editing status. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of moth orchid is approximately 576,203 bp, with 27 % and 9% of sequences derived from nucleus and plastid, respectively. The mtDNA encodes 38 protein-coding, 9 tRNA and 3 ribosomal RNA genes of mitochondrial origin. Up to 1032 RNA edits, with 1020 C-to-U and 12 U-to-C conversions, were identified from mitochondrial transcripts of leaf and floral tissues, the highest number reported so far in angiosperms. Overall, 941 edits were involved in protein-coding transcripts, and the 686 nucleotide conversions caused non-synonymous substitution. RNA editing in protein-coding transcripts mainly altered the amino acids and tended to increase the hydrophobicity as well as conservation among plant phylogeny. The remaining 91 RNA edits occurred in non–protein-coding transcripts such as untranslated regulatory regions and introns; some would affect the stability of secondary structures, which might play an important role in regulating gene expression. The average efficiency of RNA editing was significantly higher for protein-coding than non–protein-coding transcripts 69.1 % vs 44.2 %). At least 135 edits showed significant (≥ 20 %) differential editing between leaf and floral tissues, which suggested that unidentified tissue-specific factors might be required for regulating RNA editing in moth orchid. In addition, the mitochondrial gene expression varied among genes, tissue types and developmental stages in moth orchid.

Three new species of the New Zealand endemic, Neptihormius van Achterberg & Berry (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), with diverse host records

AbstractThree new species of the New Zealand endemic braconid genus Neptihormius van Achterberg & Berry (Mesostoinae) are described. One of these species was reared from dipteran hosts on Coprosma (Rubiaceae): N. dipterophagus Quicke, Ward & van Achterberg sp. nov. from an agromyzid and unidentified gall‐forming cecidomyiid hosts. Neptihormius whakapapa Quicke & Ward sp. nov. was reared from a gall, thought to have been caused by a curculionid beetle. The third new species, N. herbaspicatum Quicke & Ward sp. nov., was reared from the New Zealand endemic moth Glyphipterix iocheaera Meyrick, 1880. A key to the species of Neptihormius is provided. Host records show Neptihormius attack galls and concealed leaf‐miner hosts indicating evolutionary plasticity in host utilisation.

Rediscovery of an endemic Indian moth Gurna indica (Moore, 1879) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) after 125 years

The present communication is on a rediscovery of an endemic moth Gurna indica (Moore, 1879) from India. This species is rediscovered from India after more than 125 years. Till this study, the literature published on this species is based on the type species housed in museum or based on the catalogues. The genus Gurna is a monotypic and endemic to India.

Whole plastid transcriptomes reveal abundant RNA editing sites and differential editing status in Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. formosana

BackgroundRNA editing is a process of post-transcriptional level of gene regulation by nucleotide modification. Previously, the chloroplast DNA of Taiwan endemic moth orchid, P. aphrodite subsp. formosana was determined, and 44 RNA editing sites were identified from 24 plastid protein-coding transcripts of leaf tissue via RT-PCR and then conventional Sanger sequencing. However, the RNA editing status of whole-plastid transcripts in leaf and other distinct tissue types in moth orchids has not been addressed. To sensitively and extensively examine the plastid RNA editing status of moth orchid, RNA-Seq was used to investigate the editing status of whole-plastid transcripts from leaf and floral tissues by mapping the sequence reads to the corresponding cpDNA template. With the threshold of at least 5% C-to-U or U-to-C conversion events observed in sequence reads considered as RNA editing sites.ResultsIn total, 137 edits with 126 C-to-U and 11 U-to-C conversions, including 93 newly discovered edits, were identified in plastid transcripts, representing an average of 0.09% of the nucleotides examined in moth orchid. Overall, 110 and 106 edits were present in leaf and floral tissues, respectively, with 79 edits in common. As well, 79 edits were involved in protein-coding transcripts, and the 58 nucleotide conversions caused the non-synonymous substitution. At least 32 edits showed significant (≧20%) differential editing between leaf and floral tissues. Finally, RNA editing in trnM is required for the formation of a standard clover-leaf structure.ConclusionsWe identified 137 edits in plastid transcripts of moth orchid, the highest number reported so far in monocots. The consequence of RNA editing in protein-coding transcripts mainly cause the amino acid change and tend to increase the hydrophobicity as well as conservation among plant phylogeny. RNA editing occurred in non-protein-coding transcripts such as tRNA, introns and untranslated regulatory regions could affect the formation and stability of secondary structure, which might play an important role in the regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, some unidentified tissue-specific factors might be required for regulating RNA editing in moth orchid.

Adaptive advantages of appearance: predation, thermoregulation, and color of webbing built by New Zealand's largest moth.

Prey are often difficult to locate visually, which may help them avoid predators. However, an animal's appearance might also evolve in response to the abiotic environment. Here, we investigate the processes that determine the appearance of silk webbing built by New Zealand's largest endemic moth Aenetus virescens (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae), whose larvae burrow into the trunks of native trees. Larvae cover tunnel entrances with silk webbing, detritus, and epiphytes, giving them a similar appearance to tree bark. First, we conducted spectral analyses of webbing and background bark in avian tetrahedral color space to test whether webbing made larvae less visible to predatory parrots. Next, we manipulated the spectral contrast of webbing and background bark and assessed its effect on predation by parrots for over 2yr. Last, we measured the effect of webbing on tunnel temperatures and quantified how temperatures within tunnels affected larval growth. Results indicate that webbing made larvae less visible to predatory parrots. However, webbing contrast to background bark did not affect predation by parrots. Instead, webbing increased temperatures within tunnels and facilitated more rapid larval growth. Overall results indicate that the appearance of organisms that are difficult to locate visually may not always result from selection by predators.

Host defence predicts host specificity in a long-lived arboreal parasite

Some parasites exploit many host species, while others are confined to only a few. Despite decades of study, the mechanisms that determine parasite host specificity remain poorly understood. We investigated host specificity in New Zealand’s largest endemic moth, Aenetus virescens (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae), which as larvae excavate tunnels into tree trunks and feed on host tree sap. We sampled host use in 2213 trees belonging to 24 tree species in three sites on the North island of New Zealand to test whether (1) larvae preferentially use particular tree species rather than the most abundant, (2) larvae preferentially use tree species with high nutrient rewards (Phloem turnover and sugar content), and (3) larvae preferentially use tree species with reduced defences (wood density and bark thickness). Overall, 180 individual trees from 15 species were used by larvae. However, results indicated larvae preferentially used particular tree species rather than the most abundant. In particular, larvae preferentially used Aristotelia serrata and Carpodetus serratus, despite being rare at each site. Larvae did not preferentially use tree species with high nutrient rewards nor low wood density. Instead, we found a significant negative relationship between the number of trees per species used by larvae and bark thickness. Overall results indicate bark thickness may be the primary mechanism driving host specificity for A. virescens.

Evaluation of chloroplast DNA markers for intraspecific identification of Phalaenopsis equestris cultivars

Evaluation of insertion/deletion (InDel) regions by comparative chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) analysis of two endemic moth orchids, Phalaenopsis aphrodite and P. equestris, identified 15 highly variable cpDNA regions that could be served as useful markers for interspecific differentiation of moth orchids. In this study, we evaluated 31 cpDNA regions carrying simple sequence repeats (SSRs) or InDels from two moth orchids to reveal intraspecific markers for distinguishing the cultivars of P. equestris. In total, 18 of the cpDNA markers were variable among cultivars of P. equestris; 9 cpDNA markers were highly variable, with polymorphic information content ≥5.5. The petA-psbJ, psbB-psbT and rps16-trnQ markers showed the best discriminatory power; 11 P. equestris cultivars could be separated into at least five groups. From the sequences for six selected cpDNA regions, the rps16-trnQ and psbB-psbT intergenic spacers were the best DNA barcodes; 11 P. equestris cultivars could be separated into six distinct groups. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. equestris cultivars have evolved into two major lineages, and the species in the Stauroglottis and Amboinenses sections are in a non-monophyletic relationship. We have revealed a set of cpDNA markers that could be used for intraspecific identification and phylogenetic study of P. equestris cultivars.

The mitochondrial DNA markers for distinguishing Phalaenopsis species and revealing maternal phylogeny

Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are among the top-traded blooming potted plants in the world. To explore mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers for species identification, we located simple sequence repeats in the mtDNA of Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. formosana and then pre-screened them for polymorphic markers by their comparison with corresponding mtDNA regions of P. equestris. The combination of 13 selected markers located in intergenic spacers could unambiguously distinguish 15 endemic moth orchids. Five most variable markers with polymorphic information content (PIC) ≥ 0.7 could be combined to classify 18 of 19 endemic moth orchids including parental strains most commonly used in breeding programs. The sequences of four selected mtDNA regions were highly variable, and one region (MT2) could be used to completely distinguish 19 endemic moth orchids. Though mitochondrial introns were highly conserved among moth orchids, evolutionary hotspots, such as variable simple sequence repeats and minisatellite repeats, were identified as useful markers. Furthermore, a marker technology was applied to reveal the maternal inheritance mode of mtDNA in the moth orchids. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis indicates that the mtDNA was nonmonophyletic below the Phalaenopsis genus. In summary, we have revealed a set of mtDNA markers that could be used for identification and phylogenetic study of Phalaenopsis orchids.

Larval and Larval Case Morphology ofHyposmocomaSpecies (Lepidoptera: Cosmopterigidae), With a Discussion on Adaptations to Larval Case-Bearing Locomotion

ABSTRACT Terrestrial invasions of the aquatic environment are evolutionarily rare and involve significant morphological and behavioral adaptations. The Hawaiian endemic moth genus Hyposmocoma have truly amphibious larvae, and the genus has several convergent examples of adaptations to an aquatic environment. The study of a terrestrial species, Hyposmocoma ochrociliata Walsingham, and an aquatic species, Hyposmocoma kahamanoa Schmitz and Rubinoff, provides a template for understanding how general larval morphology, including chaetotaxy, exterior larval friction pads, thoracic legs, and extrinsic leg musculature, might impact significant ecological adaptations in the genus. The case diversity of Hyposmocoma is summarized and a detailed study of the burrito and cone type cases is discussed. The general larval morphology between the two studied species is not large, and we observed only slight differences in chaetotaxy, friction pad location, and thoracic sclerotizations. We suggest that the differences in fr...

Evaluation of chloroplast DNA markers for distinguishing Phalaenopsis species

Comparative analysis of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) between two endemic moth orchids in Taiwan, Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. formosana and P. equestris, previously revealed many evolutionary hotspots. In this study, we explored 27 pre-screened cpDNA regions to evaluate molecular markers for distinguishing Phalaenopsis species. Fifteen cpDNA markers were highly variable among moth orchids, with polymorphic information contents ≥8.0. The rps16-trnQ marker showed the best discrimatory power which 15 endemic moth orchids could be successfully separated into 13 groups. From the sequences of the seven selected cpDNA regions, the rps16-trnQ intergenic spacer was the best DNA barcode which 19 endemic moth orchids could be completely distinguished. The petN-psbM intergenic spacer could be better used as a DNA barcode to differentiate P. aphrodite subsp. formosana and P. amabilis. Additionally, the inheritance mode of cpDNA in moth orchids was maternally predominated. Phylogenetic analysis revealed non-monophyletic relationships below the Phalaenopsis genus level. In summary, we have revealed a set of cpDNA markers that could be used for identification and phylogenetic study of Phalaenopsis orchids.

Drivers of aggregation in a novel arboreal parasite: the influence of host size and infra-populations

As a novel arboreal parasite, New Zealand’s largest endemic moth, Aenetus virescens, is a biological oddity. With arguably the most unusual lepidopteran life history on earth, larvae grow to 100mm, spending ∼6years as wood-boring parasites feeding on host tree phloem. Parasite fitness is a product of host suitability. Parasite discrimination between heterogeneous hosts in fragmented populations shapes parasite aggregation. We investigated whether A. virescens aggregation among hosts occurs randomly (target area effect), or if larvae select hosts based on host quality (ideal free distribution). Using long-term larval growth as an indicator of energy intake, we examined A. virescens aggregation in relation to host size and infra-population. Using a generalised linear model, the relationship between parasite intensity and host tree size was analysed. Reduced major axis regression was used to evaluate A. virescens growth after 1year. Linear mixed-effects models inferred the influence of parasite infra-population on parasite growth, with host tree as a random factor. Results indicate parasite intensity scaled positively with host size. Furthermore, parasite growth remained consistent throughout ontogeny regardless of host size or parasite infra-population. Aenetus virescens aggregation among hosts violates the ideal free distribution hypothesis, occurring instead as a result of host size, supporting the target area effect.

An overview on the most outstanding Italian endemic moth, Brahmaea (Acanthobrahmaea) europaea (Lepidoptera: Brahmaeidae)

The state of knowledge about the European Bramea, <em>Brahmaea</em> (<em>Acanthobrahmaea</em>) <em>europaea</em> Hartig, 1963, is briefly summarized in relation to growing concern about the conservation status of the most outstanding Italian endemic moth species.

Revealing an Endemic Herbivore-Palm Interaction in Remote Desert Oases of Baja California

In the Central Desert of northern Baja California, blue fan palm populations (Brahea armata) are found as isolated oases on mountaintops and along canyons with ephemeral flow conditions. Here, the effect of the interaction between the larva of an endemic moth, Litoprosopus bajaensis, and this endemic blue fan palm was documented for the first time. We registered the phenology of palms by counting the number of shoots with flowers or fruits, assessing their damage and calculating the reproductive success per individual palm within three populations: San Pedro Martir, Catavi?a, and La Libertad. Palm populations were severely impacted by this larva, causing high damage to the inflorescences. No differences were found in the number of inflorescence stems produced and damaged among study sites; but the reproductive success of palms was significantly higher in Catavi?a than in the other sites during the entire sampling period, and consequently an important proportion of stems escaped from the herbivore predation. We suggest that differences among sites may be explained by the fact that Catavi?a is the only alluvial canyon and can be considered an area of high nutrient uptake, resource availability, and rooting depths. In contrast the other two are bedrock canyons, where water runs intensely, sweeping away great portions of the nearby vegetation. Catavi?a received the highest precipitation during the winter season of 2010 allowing a continuous production of inflorescence stems and fruits. This preliminary study reveals a new endemic interaction, it occurrence at population and regional levels, and highlights the role of desert oases as resource patches and connectivity pathways for mobile insects. Finally, it also highlights the effects of different water flow dynamics and water pulses in providing an opportunity window of escape from predation for host plant species living in desert environments.

Aspects of the biology and morphology of Dirphia dolosa Bouvier, 1929 (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Hemileucinae)

Dirphia dolosa Bouvier, 1929 is an endemic moth from southern Brazil, with available information restricted to occurrence data, natural host plant and adult morphology. This study describes bionomic peculiarities of this species, obtained from observations of larval aggregations in the field and in the laboratory. Data on all developmental stages are presented and compared with those of other Hemileucinae. D. dolosa present a facultative pupal diapause and may have two generations per year under the climatic conditions of the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.