Female Genital Structures Research Articles

Taxonomic review of the genus Zeiraphera Treitschke (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Korea, with description of a new species

This study was carried out to review the genus Zeiraphera in Korea. In this study, a total of eight species of the genus Zeiraphera, belonging to the tribe Eucosmini, were recognized from Korea, with description of a new species, Zeiraphera subvirinea sp. nov. The wing patterns, and male and female genitalic structures for the known species of the genus are examined and redescribed. Key for the species is given. Known food plants and life histories, when available, were reviewed and listed.

Two new species of the genus Deltophora Janse, 1950 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

Two Chinese species of the genus Deltophora Janse (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), both in obligate mutualism with the plant genus Phyllanthus L. (Phyllanthaceae), are newly described: Deltophora phyllanthicella Li et Sattler sp. n., from Hainan, a pollinator of its larval host Phyllanthus rheophyticus Gilbert et Li; Deltophora polliniferens Li et Sattler sp. n., from Guangdong, a pollinator of its larval host Phyllanthus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng. The adults and the male and female genital structures of both species are described and illustrated. The presence of a fully developed 1^st instar larva in the female abdomen of Deltophora phyllanthicella is recorded as the first such case in Gelechiidae.

Taxonomic studies on genusCleoraCurtis (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae) along with a new species from Western Ghats of India

External male and female genitalic structures of three species under genus Cleora Curtis have been studied and illustrated in detail. Besides this, a new species has been described under this genus in this research paper. A key to the studied species has also been described.

First record of the plant bug genus Paramiridius Miyamoto & Yasunaga (Heteroptera, Miridae, Mirinae) from Indochina, with descriptions of two new species from Laos

The mirine plant bug genus Paramiridius, previously known only from a single Taiwanese species, is reported from Indochinese Laos for the first time and redefined. Two additional species, Paramiridius indochinensis and Paramiridius laomontanus, are described as new to science. The female genitalic structures of the genus are documented for the first time. Habitus illustrations, figures of male genitalia, and key are provided for all three known Paramiridius species.

Three new species of Fonsecaiulus (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Cicadellini) from Brazil and key to species of the genus.

Three new sharpshooter species of the genus Fonsecaiulus Young, 1977 are described and illustrated from specimens collected in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Fonsecaiulus rectangularis and Fonsecaiulus guttiformis, and in the Brazilian Cerrado, Fonsecaiulus filiformis. The descriptions are based on features from the external morphology, color pattern, and male and female genital structures. Comparisons of the three new taxa with the remaining six Fonsecaiulus species are provided. An identification key to males of all known species of the genus is given.

Review of the mirine plant bug genus Phytocoris Fallén in Japan (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Mirinae), with descriptions of eight new species

The mirine plant bug genus Phytocoris Fallén of Japan is reviewed; twelve species are recognized. Eight new species are proposed, diagnosed, and described: P. amateras, P. hasegawai, P. izanagii, P. izanamiae, P. kerzhnerianus, P. minakatai, P. miyamotoi, and P. protobothrops. Four known species are diagnosed, and two poorly recognized species, P. ohataensis Linnavuori and P. pallidicollis Kerzhner, are also redescribed. Phytocoris scotinus Kerzhner is proposed as a junior synonym of P. ohataensis. The male and female genitalic structures are figured and the biological information is documented for most treated species. A checklist and a key are provided to aid in the identifications of all Japanese species.

Description of Laccomimus gen. n. and eleven new species from the Neotropical region (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Laccophilinae).

A new genus of laccophiline diving beetles, Laccomimus gen. n., is here described on the basis of a large number of specimens from various collections formerly misidentified as members of the Neotropical genus Laccodytes Régimbart, 1895. Except for similar size, however, the new genus is not closely related to Laccodytes. Instead, it seems to be sister to the Oriental genus Laccosternus Brancucci, 1983, both sharing a similar body size and shape, characters of the female genital structures, and shape of the prosternal process. Twelve species are recognised within Laccomimus, all new to science except Laccomimus pumilio (LeConte, 1878) comb. n., the type species. The new species are: Laccomimus alvarengi sp. n., L. amazonas sp. n., L. bolivari sp. n., L. bordoni sp. n., L. distinctus sp. n., L. improvidus sp. n., L. malkini sp. n., L. spangleri sp. n., L. spinosus sp. n., L. variegatus sp. n., L. youngi sp. n. The distribution of the new genus includes most of the Neotropics, with one species, L. pumilio, reaching Florida, USA. Each taxon is described and illustrated and a key for their identification is provided. Laccomimus is a widespread and relatively common genus in tropical America, the species of which have a wide distributional range, except for a few confined to more restricted areas. In spite of this, Laccomimus is a very uniform genus in body shape, size and colouration, and in most cases identification of the species is possible only after examination of the male genitalia. A key to distinguish genera of the tribe Laccophilini is also presented.

Condition dependence of male and female genital structures in the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae).

Theory predicts that costly secondary sexual traits will evolve heightened condition dependence, and many studies have reported strong condition dependence of signal and weapon traits in a variety of species. However, although genital structures often play key roles in intersexual interactions and appear to be subject to sexual or sexually antagonistic selection, few studies have examined the condition dependence of genital structures, especially in both sexes simultaneously. We investigated the responses of male and female genital structures to manipulation of larval diet quality (new versus once-used mung beans) in the bruchid seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus. We quantified effects on mean relative size and static allometry of the male aedeagus, aedeagal spines, flap and paramere and the female reproductive tract and bursal spines. None of the male traits showed a significant effect of diet quality. In females, we found that longer bursal spines (relative to body size) were expressed on low-quality diet. Although the function of bursal spines is poorly understood, we suggest that greater bursal spine length in low-condition females may represent a sexually antagonistic adaptation. Overall, we found no evidence that genital traits in C. maculatus are expressed to a greater extent when nutrients are more abundant. This suggests that, even though some genital traits appear to function as secondary sexual traits, genital traits do not exhibit heightened condition dependence in this species. We discuss possible reasons for this finding.

A review of the New World Coproica (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae) with a description of 8 new species.

The New World species of Coproica Rondani, 1861 (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae) are reviewed on the basis of over 17,000 examined specimens. The genus is divided into three major clades: the C. acutangula, C. vagans, and C. urbana species groups. Eight new species (C. bifurcata, C. bispatha, C. brachystyla, C. diabolica, C. emarginata, C. galapagosensis, C. novacula, and C. testudinea) are described, and redescriptions are provided for eleven additional species. Included are two keys (one for the twenty New World species only and one for all described species), updated New World distribution records, and illustrations of male and female genitalic structures.

Additional descriptions of the plant bug genus Psallus from the Korean Peninsula (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae).

Three new species of the plant bug genus, Psallus are recognized from the Korean Peninsula: Psallus (Calopsallus) injensis Duwal sp. nov., P. (Hylopsallus) taehwana Duwal sp. nov. and P. (Phylidea) yongdaeri Duwal sp. nov. These species are described with illustrations of male and female genitalic structures. A revised key to known species from the Korean Peninsula, including new species and biological notes are provided. The species, Psallus sanguinarius is observed in the South Korea for the first time.

Description of Genital Structures ofVelleiopsis marginiventrisFairmaire, 1882 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) from Turkey

Male and female genital structures of Velleiopsis marginiventris Fairmaire, 1882 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) collected in Ankara, Turkey, are here described and illustrated for the first time. V. marginiventris was described by Fairmaire in 1882 from Bulgaria, and it also occurs in Turkey (Scheerpeltz, 1933; Coiffait, 1978) having been collected from Gumushane (Smetana, 1995). Male genitalia and the genital segments of both sexes were extracted using standard methods; figures were drawn using a Leica MZ16A stereoscobic microscope. Material examined consisted of one male and one female, both collected in Ankara: 2 exs, 1♀, 1♂, 01.XI.2010, Elmadag district, Lalahan, Odabasi village, 39o55'52N, 33o07'39E, 1173 m., Leg. K. Koyuncu. Specimens are deposited in Hacettepe University Zoology Mu seum (Ankara, Turkiye) (HUZOM). Nomeclature of the male and female geni tal structure parts follows Coiffait (1972), Bordoni (1982) and Naomi (1989). Male genitalia (ventral aspect): Median lobe longer than paramere, almost parallel-sided through distal and sinuate, asymmetrically narrowed through apex; paramere widened basally, split into two branches, narrowest at medial part, slightly widened at distal part, asymetrically narrowed between distal and apex, apex with “V” shaped indentation; with 8 and 11 peg setae on each lateral margin between distal and apex. With one pair of short lateral and three short apical setae on both sides (Fig. 1A); Lateral aspect: Median lobe longer than paramere, slightly convex, gradually narrowed through apex, narrowly rounded at apex, distal pore distinctly concave, with short acute projection at apical on inner margin; paramere ovally widened at base, parallel-sided through distal part, gradually narrowed through apex, narrowly rounded at apex, with peg setae on distal part of inner margin (Fig. 1B); Genital segment: X. tergite long, isosceles triangular shaped (Fig. 1C); IX. sternite shaped as a reversed leg (Fig. 1D). Female genitalia (genital segment): X. tergite triangular shaped, slightly short and more acute at anterior corners according to male (Fig. 1E); gonocox ite cudgel shaped and acute at anterior (Fig. 1F). 300 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS

Genital morphology and mating behaviour of Allostethus (Dermaptera), an earwig genus of enigmatic phylogenetic position

In the suborder Forficulina (order Dermaptera; earwigs), the families Apachyidae, Anisolabididae, and Labiduridae form a possibly paraphyletic assemblage Mesodermaptera, which is characterized by laterally paired penes that point in opposite directions (anterior and posterior) when in repose. A previous study of a labidurid species, Labidura riparia (Pallas, 1773), revealed that males predominantly use the right penis for insemination, although both penes are functional. This result suggests that labidurids may have retained handedness in penis use, leading eventually to the loss of the less frequently used left penis in the common ancestor of the Eudermaptera, estimated to be the sister clade of Labiduridae. However, Haas & Kukalovà-Peck (2001: European Journal of Entomology 98: 445 – 509) included another representative of Labiduridae, Allostethus indicum (Burmeister, 1838) (Allostethinae) in their extensive phylogenetic analysis, and found that hindwing structures of this species showed multiple plesiomorphic characteristics, making Labiduridae (sensu lato) a polyphyletic assemblage. The aim of the present study was to describe the genital structures and copulation of A. indicum in detail. The genital morphologies of a congener and other labidurid genera (Nala, Labidura, Forcipula) were also examined for comparison. Male A. indicum predominantly used (or were ready to use) the right penis for insemination, as in L. riparia. However, the possible female genital structure responsible for this handedness differed between the two species: the base of the spermatheca showed a striking spiral in L. riparia, while the spermatheca opened to an asymmetrically arranged vagina in Allostethus. Female Allostethus also possessed a pair of elongated thin tubes, which have to date been reported only for the basal groups of earwigs, as well as the vagina and the internally branched spermatheca. The developmental origin of an ovipositor-like sutucture also differs between Allostethus and the other labidurids examined, lending support to the polyphyly of Labiduridae sensu lato.

Griveaudus gen. nov. (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae) from Tsaratanana Massif supports the biodiversity of montane flatids in Madagascar.

The paper describes a new flatid genus, Griveaudus gen. nov., comprising two species G. issidiformis sp. nov. and G. tsarantananae sp. nov. from Madagascar. Additionally, the illustrations of the female internal genital structures are provided.

The systematic analysis of male and female genital structures of tribe Carabini, Platynini, Sphodrini and Zabrini (Coleoptera, Carabidae) species and their taxonomic importance

The systematic analysis of male and female genital structures of tribe Carabini, Platynini, Sphodrini and Zabrini (Coleoptera, Carabidae) species and their taxonomic importance

A new Stygarctus (Arthrotardigrada: Stygarctidae) from Japan, with entangled seminal receptacle ducts.

Stygarctus ayatori sp. nov. (Arthrotardigrada: Stygarctidae), is described from a sandy beach located at Okinoshima, Tateyama Bay, Boso Peninsula, Honshu, Japan. The most prominent characters were observed in the female genital structure, with the seminal receptacle ducts forming a three-dimensional entanglement near the exterior opening, and internal thickening situated peripheral to the gonopore and between the gonopore and anus. The new species is distinguished from the congeners by these characters; excluding S. abornatus McKirdy et al., 1976 for which there is no information on the genital structure. However, S. ayatori sp. nov. and S. abornatus can be differentiated by the presence of dorsal spines on the former species, which are absent from the latter.

Fitting together: copulatory linking in some Neotropical Chrysomeloidea

Copulatory linking of male and female genitalic structures in 11 Neotropical species of Chrysomelidae and one species of Megalopodidae was studied by freezing and then dissecting pairs of beetles in copula. In Megalopus armatus (Megalopodidae) the male has a long endophallus with complex membranous protuberances and a terminal flagellum that probably reaches the spermatheca. In the subfamily Eumolpinae the females have telescoping ovipositors through which the male endophalli pass, reaching to or near the mouth of the spermathecal duct. A long thin flagellum is probably inserted into the spermathecal duct. The male endophalli are braced inside the female using various structures, including two pairs of lateral appendages and apical appendages (both lateral pairs sclerotized in Colaspis sanjoseana and only the basal pair in Brachypnoea irazuensis), a pair of membranous swellings (in Metaxyonycha amasia), and apical microspicules on the endophallus (in Xanthonia). In the subfamily Galerucinae, males of Metrioidea and Diabrotica (tribe Galerucini) have relatively short endophalli ornamented with sclerotized hooks, spines and needles. In Metrioidea elongata the long needle-like endophallic spines of the male were erected inside the female and penetrated the wall of her bursa. In the tribe Alticini, the male endophallus is very short and does not enter the female in two species, Alagoasa gemmata and Walterianella sp. Instead, the apical parts of the female bursae were everted, and were clamped by sclerites of the male median lobe. The male genitalia of Plectrotetra hirsuta reached deep into the female, to the median oviduct, far beyond the mouth of the spermathecal duct. Both rigid and membranous structures meshed in complex ways. When these observations are combined with published descriptions of mating in other Chrysomelidae, the great diversity of copulatory morphology in these families comes into sharper focus.

Coevolution of male and female genitalia in stalk-eyed flies (Diptera: Diopsidae)

The present study investigates the coevolution of a particular male genital process and the female spermathecal ducts in a clade of stalk-eyed flies (Diptera, Diopsidae) and debates the underlying evolutionary mechanisms. The fine morphology and interaction of the male and female genitalic structures are reconstructed from serial sections of mating pairs in one of the species. It is found that the male genital process traverses the common spermathecal duct to enter the base of one of the separate spermathecal ducts during the mating. Spermatozoa and accessory secretions are not transferred through the male genital process but can be discharged only from the male gonopore near its base. A detailed morphometric study reveals low intraspecific variation and hypoallometry of the male genital process. Across 17 species studied comparatively, the lengths of the male genital process and the female common and separate spermathecal ducts are highly variable. The length of the male genital process is correlated significantly with that of the female common spermathecal duct, but not with that of the separate spermathecal ducts. Based on the combined evidence it is concluded that the male genital process and the female common spermathecal duct have coevolved, and that sexual selection by cryptic female choice constitutes a possible and parsimonious explanation for their coevolution. Alternative or additional explanations in terms of sexually antagonistic coevolution cannot be ruled out conclusively, but are not supported by the available evidence.

Revision of the Neotropical genus Malacophagomyia (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) with description of a new species.

The small Neotropical genus Malacophagomyia Lopes is revised. Two previously recorded species from tropical South America are redescribed: M. filamenta (Dodge) and M. kesselringi Kano & Lopes. One new species is described, M. rivadavia sp. nov., from temperate southern South America. The structures of the male genitalia of the species of this genus are compared, and some female genitalic structures of M. filamenta are reinterpreted. Diagnostic characters to recognize the three species are given. Additionally, a key to described species of Malacophagomyia is presented.

Peyrierasusgen. nov. — A New Genus of Flatidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) from Southeastern Madagascar

Abstract. The paper describes a new flatid genus, Peyrierasus gen. nov., and a new species P. philippiae sp. nov. from Anosyan mountains of southeastern Madagascar. Additionally, the illustrations of the female internal genital structures are provided.

Notes on Michael Schülke’s pselaphine collections from China. – Tyrini. II. Genus Megatyrus Hlaváč & Nomura (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae)

Two new species of the tyrine genus Megatyrus Hlaváč & Nomura, Megatyrus schuelkei Yin & Li, sp. n. (based on two males) and Megatyrus tengchongensis Yin & Li, sp. n. (based on one female), from Yunnan, Southwest China are described, illustrated and distinguished from allied species. The body size, form of maxillary palpi, male and female genital structures, and distributional patterns are used to separate the new species.