Length Of Setae Research Articles

The puzzling, rarely encountered European lacewings Chrysoperla ankylopteryformis and C. renoni (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae): one species or two?

ABSTRACT Two of the most intriguing yet poorly understood taxa in the Chrysoperla carnea-group of green lacewings are the European species (alternatively, forms or ecotypes) known as Chrysoperla renoni and C. ankylopteryformis. These two rare taxa have been variously combined and separated by systematists over the years, but their taxonomic status remains controversial, partly because the two have very unusual characteristics, and partly because they are simply difficult to find in nature. Here, we introduce new observations and experimental results, gathered from living individuals collected at new localities in Hungary (C. renoni) and Spain (C. ankylopteryformis). These data encompass duetting song phenotype, mate choice and species recognition, body colour, pretarsal claw dimensions, wing setal length, and predominant habitat associations. The inheritance of several of these traits is also explored, by hybridising each of the two focal taxa with their abundant, co-occurring relative in the carnea-group, C. pallida. Our findings support recognition of C. renoni and C. ankylopteryformis each as valid, independent species, thereby also raising the latter species from its current synonymy with C. renoni (formally, Chrysoperla ankylopteryformis Monserrat & Díaz-Aranda, 1989 stat. rev.). We propose an evolutionary hypothesis to explain the reproductive isolation of these species from one another, as well as from C. pallida. https://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7800468B-0E79-4634-B523-FDF18BC3EC95

<p class="Body"><strong>New species of oribatid mites of the subfamily Brachioppiinae (Acari, Oribatida, Oppiidae) from Hogsback, South Africa</strong></p>

Three new species of the oribatid mite family Oppiidae are described from soil and coniferous litter of Hogsback State Forest, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Brachioppia bituberculata sp. nov. differs from its related species, Brachioppia excrescens and B. louwi, by the localization of cilia on the bothridial head and length and placement of dorsal notogastral setae. Kokoppia macrotuberculata sp. nov. differs from its related species, Kokoppia longisetosa, by the body length, the length of notogastral setae, the localization of notogastral setae la and lm, and the presence of interbothridial macrotubercle. Pletzenoppia ethiopica sp. nov. differs from its related species, Pletzenoppia pletzenae, by the body length, different number of cilia on bothridial seta, the relative length of prodorsal setae, the localization of notogastral setae la and lm, and the absence of interbothridial tubercle. An identification key to known species of Pletzenoppia is presented.

Description of Ironus telperionensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Ironidae) and two known species of Chronogaster (Nematoda: Chronogastridae) and Paraphanolaimus (Nematoda: Aphanolaimidae) from the Telperion Nature Reserve (Mpumalanga, South Africa)

Summary A nematode survey conducted in the Telperion Nature Reserve (Mpumalanga, South Africa) resulted in a new Ironus species being described as well as two known species reported for the first time from South Africa, viz., Chronogaster aspinata and Paraphanolaimus behningi. Ironus telperionensis n. sp. is characterised by a long (1724 (1456-1864) μm) and slender body (50 times longer than mid-body diam.), long stoma (116 (87-129) μm), and a 235 (212-257) μm long tail with a ventral curl at the tip. The new species is morphologically most similar to I. ignavus and I. paludicola. However, the new species can be separated from I. ignavus based on the lower ratio c (7.3 (6.5-8.0) vs 8.0-11.0) and longer stoma (116 (87-129) vs 76-90 μm). Ironus telperionensis n. sp. can be distinguished from I. paludicola by the lower ratio a (49.2 (37.4-53.0) vs 60.0-80.0) and lower ratio c (7.3 (6.5-8.0) vs 8.0-13.0). The 18S rDNA phylogenetic analysis of I. telperionensis n. sp. placed it close to I. elegans (KC133064), whereas the 28S rDNA phylogenetic analysis placed it close to I. tenuicaudatus. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that Ironus is a monophyletic group. Paraphanolaimus behningi was identified based on anteriorly bent vagina in the female, spicule length (106 or 110 μm) and number of supplements (13 or 14) in the male. Chronogaster aspinata was identified based on body length (1127 or 1203 μm), cephalic setae length (7 μm), finely rounded tail terminus without a mucron or additional spines, and no longitudinal ridges. It fits the known description of the species. Although various differences were observed between previously reported populations of these species, the morphometrics of the specimens found in Telperion widen the existing variation in these two species.

Variación de la longitud de la seta y la refutación de Hedwigidium=Braunia (Hedwigiaceae, Bryopsida)

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Tradicionalmente considerado monotípico, Hedwigidium fue recientemente propuesto idéntico a Braunia, porque “… some Braunia species have a seta as short as that of Hedwigidium”. Este trabajo ofrece datos y análisis para refutar la hipótesis taxonómica Hedwigidium=Braunia. Métodos: Se midió la longitud de la seta (n=682) en 20 especies de los cuatro géneros de Hedwigiaceae para comparar la variación entre Hedwigia (n=10), Hedwigidium (n=40), Braunia (n=614) y Pseudobraunia (n=18). Las mediciones se sometieron a análisis de varianza y comparaciones múltiples para revelar si algunas especies de Braunia tienen setas tan cortas como las de Hedwigidium, o no. Resultados clave: Los análisis de varianza seguidos de comparaciones pareadas de Mann-Whitney revelaron que el promedio de la seta en Hedwigidium imberbe (0.7 mm, sd=0.21) es diferente del promedio de la longitud de la seta en cada una de las siete especies de Braunia con setas cortas, todas en el rango de 2.0-2.3 mm. Por primera vez, se documenta y se mapea la distribución geográfica de Hedwigidium. Se verifican los registros para Europa (Reino Unido, Noruega, Francia, Italia, España), África (Camerún, RD Congo, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabue, Sudáfrica, Isla Reunión, Kenia) y el Sureste de Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia). En el Nuevo Mundo, Hedwigidium se confirma para México, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, República Dominicana, y América del Sur (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brasil). Conclusiones: Los datos y análisis estadísticos presentados aquí refutan la conclusión taxonómica que Hedwigidium es idéntico a Braunia. Ninguna de las especies de Braunia tienen setas tan cortas como las de Hedwigidium. Por lo tanto, aun sobrevive sin refutar la hipótesis alternativa de que Hedwigidium es un género separado. Se discuten caracteres taxonómicos adicionales importantes en la distinción de este género de otros géneros en las Hedwigiaceae.

Rotundabaloghia (Rotundabaloghia) dogani sp. nov. from Hong Kong (Acari: Mesostigmata: Rotundabaloghiidae)

Rotundabaloghia (Rotundabaloghia) dogani sp. nov. is described based on three females and one male collected from soil in Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, in Hong Kong. The new species differs from the other species from the subgenus Rotundabaloghia in the shape and length of the ventral setae.

External and Internal Changes Induced by Parasitic Sacculina leptodiae (Sacculinidae) on the Xanthid Crab, Leptodius exaratus (Xanthidae: Brachyura) from the Red Sea and Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, Egypt

The externae of parasitic sacculind, Sacculina leptodiae (Sacculindae: Rhizocephala: Cirripedia) on the xanthid crab, Leptodius exaratus (Xanthidae: Brachyura) were recorded during this study. A total of 691 individuals (400 males and 291 females) of this crab were collected from the intertidal coasts of the Egyptian Red Sea, Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba, of them 38 (23 males and 15 females) were infected with this parasite. The overall infection rate recorded 5.50% for all populations and was slightly higher in males (5.75%) than in females (5.15%). It showed seasonal, spatial and sex variations, recorded the highest rate (7.91%) at Gulf of Suez, declined sharply to 3.85 % at Gulf of Aqaba, and 2.43 % at all populations of the Red Sea, recorded the minimum rate of 0.57% at the southern populations. Autumn has the highest rate (10.34 %) at Hurghada (northern Red Sea), followed by summer with 9.34 % and 7.69 % at the Gulf of Suez and Ras Mohammed (Northern Red Sea), respectively, declined to 2.94 % in summer at Gulf of Aqaba, but increased again to 5.56% during spring. A total of 41 externae were recorded on the infected individuals, comprised 35 individuals with single externa (92.11 %), and only three with double externe (7.89 %). The highest number of externae was 13 (31.70 %) occurred on the 6th abdominal segment, followed by 11 (26.82 %) on the 5th segments, declined to 1-5 on the other segments except the first. The size of externae varied from 1.0 to 10.4 mm in breadth, averaged 5.19± 2.76 mm in males and 5.63± 3.17 mm in females. The rootlets of internae of the parasite invaded ovaries, testes, hepatopancreas, and all spaces within the crab body cavities. The disappearance or destruction of testes in infected males accompanied by remarkable broadness and segmentation of abdomens fringed with dense and length setae lead to “Parasitic castration”, compared with a hyperfiminzation in infected females due to the destruction of undeveloped ovaries and increasing abdominal setae dense and length.

New species Semitobrilus filipjevi sp. n. from Laos and taxonomic structure of the genus Semitobrilus Tsalolikhin, 1981 (Nematoda: Tobrilida, Tobrilidae, Neotobrilinae)

A description of the new species Semitobrilus filipjevi sp. n. from Laos is given. The new species differs from the other species of the genus by its long head setae. The new species differs from S. pellucidus in the length of the head setae (more than 50% of the head width) and the presence of crystalloids in the body cavity. The new species was discovered in the silty-sandy soil from a forest pond in southern Laos. An identification key of the species and a refined diagnosis of the genus Semitobrilus is provided. The species characters and species composition of the genus Semitobrilus are discussed. It is proposed to synonymize the species S. closlongicaudatus (Gagarin, 1971) with the species S. longicaudatus (Hofmaenner, 1913). The species S. gagarini (Ebsary, 1982) is transferred to the category sp. inq. The length of the head setae is the main character of the species. The presence of crystalloids in the body cavity is an unreliable character. Errors in the descriptions of S. ebsaryi, S. gagarini, and S. pellucidus are discussed. The work used the materials from the collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, including the original slides by I. N. Filipjev.

A new species of oribatid mites of the subgenus Lanceoppia (Bicristoppia) (Acari: Oribatida: Oppiidae) from South Africa

The oribatid mite subgenus Lanceoppia (Bicristoppia) Subías, 1989 (Oribatida: Oppiidae) is recorded in South Africa for the first time. A new species of this subgenus is described from soil of Hogsback State Forest (South Africa). Lanceoppia (Bicristoppia) capensis sp. nov. is similar to L. (B.) cucheana Mahunka, 1994 in having long, clavate bothridial seta with spines apically, but differs from the latter by the presence of broadly rounded rostrum, well developed costula, medium length of interlamellar and notogastral setae, and semi-quadrangular interbothridial tubercle. Summarized data on distribution and habitat of all known species of Lanceoppia (Bicristoppia) are presented.

The same but different: setal arrays of anoles and geckos indicate alternative approaches to achieving similar adhesive effectiveness.

The functional morphology of squamate fibrillar adhesive systems has been extensively investigated and has indirectly and directly influenced the design of synthetic counterparts. Not surprisingly, the structure and geometry of exemplar fibrils (setae) have been the subject of the bulk of the attention in such research, although variation in setal morphology along the length of subdigital adhesive pads has been implicated to be important in the effective functioning of these systems. Adhesive setal field configuration has been described for several geckos, but that of the convergent Anolis lizards, comprised of morphologically simpler fibrils, remains largely unexplored. Here, we examine setal morphology along the proximodistal axis of the digits of Anolis equestris and compare our findings to those for a model gecko, Gekko gecko. Consistent with previous work, we found that the setae of A. equestris are generally thinner, shorter, and present at higher densities than those of G. gecko and terminate in a single spatulate tip. Contrastingly, the setae of G. gecko are hierarchically branched in structure and carry hundreds of spatulate tips. Although the splitting of contacts into multiple smaller tips is predicted to increase the adhesive performance of a fiber compared to an unbranched one, we posited that the adhesive performance of G. gecko and A. equestris would be relatively similar when the configuration of the setal fields of each was accounted for. We found that, as in geckos, setal morphology of A. equestris follows a predictable pattern along the proximodistal axis of the pad, although there are several critical differences in the configuration of the setal fields of these two groups. Most notably, the pattern of variation in setal length of A. equestris is effectively opposite to that exhibited by G. gecko. This difference in clinal variation mirrors the difference in the direction in which the setal fields of anoles and geckos are peeled from the substrate, consistent with the hypothesis that biomechanical factors are the chief determinants of these patterns of variation. Future empirical work, however, is needed to validate this. Our findings set the stage for future comparative studies investigating the functional morphology of these convergent adhesive apparatuses. Such investigations will lead to an enhanced understanding of the interactions between form, function, and environment of fibril-based biological adhesive systems.

<strong><em>Crassoribatula biobioensis </em>sp. nov.<em> </em>(Acari, Oribatida) from Chile, with transfer of the genus to Maudheimiidae (Ceratozetoidea)</strong>

The oribatid mite genus Crassoribatula is recorded in the Neotropical region for the first time. One new arboreal species—Crassoribatula biobioensis sp. nov.—is described from twigs of olivillo tree in Chile; it differs from the type species—Crassoribatula maculosa—by the length of exobothridial and notogastral setae. The tritonymphal instar of the new species is described (the first data on juveniles in this genus). The systematic placement of Crassoribatula is discussed, resulting in transfer from Oribatulidae (Oripodoidea) to Maudheimiidae (Ceratozetoidea). A revised generic diagnosis for Crassoribatula is presented.

Ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) of the Azores

Seven soil samples have been collected on four islands of the Azores, in which 14 species of ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) were found. One new species Phthiracarus andreasi Niedbała sp. nov. from Faial Island is described. Four species have been recorded for the first time from the Azores. Molecular analysis showed that the differences in the sculpture patterns in Euphthiracarus excultus Pérez-Iñigo, 1987 represent within-species variability. However, the length of body setae can separate two different species: Phthiracarus atlanticus Pérez-Iñigo, 1987 sensu stricto and Phthiracarus falciformis Morell & Subías, 1991, despite the absence of any other morphological differences. On the basis of our morphological and molecular data, a key to species from the Azores is provided.

Three new species of Laelapidae mites (Mesostigmata) parasitic of species of Akodon (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) on the basis of female, male and deutonymph specimens

Three new species of Androlaelaps (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) are described on the basis of the female and male specimens, and deutonymph for two of them. Each of the new species parasitizes a different species of Akodon (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae). Diagnostic characteristics support that the three new species are included in the Androlaelaps rotundus species group, and may be differentiated between them because of the length of proximal seta in coxa I; distances j5-j5, j6-j6 and z5-z5 setae in males and females; and length of st3, and st1 setae in females. Out of the seven species included in A. rotundus species-group, only the males of three of them are known, while immature stages are unknown. The new information herein provided contributes to a better knowledge of the laelapid mites and is essential to further investigate the epidemiological role of these mites as vectors of pathogens.

Differential intraspecific genetic variations of the closely related, wide-ranged freshwater copepods Cyclops vicinus Uljanin, 1875 and C. kikuchii Smirnov, 1932

Although Cyclops vicinus Uljanin, 1875 and C. kikuchii Smirnov, 1932 are broadly distributed in Eurasia, the genetic divergences between European and Asian populations have been investigated in neither species. In Japan, the nomenclature and distinction between these two congeners are still questionable (thus, hereafter C. vicinus s.l.). We determined the taxonomic position of the Japanese C. vicinus s.l. by morphological analyses and by sequencing nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1(ITS-1) and the mitochondrial 12S (mt12S) genes. The ITS-1 phylogeny separated Japanese C. vicinus s.l. into two genetic groups; one was clustered with European C. kikuchii (thus, CkikJPN), while the other was clustered with European C. vicinus (thus, CvicJPN). Morphological analyses using the lengths of terminal furcal setae revealed that CkikJPN and CvicJPN correspond to C. kikuchii and C. vicinus, respectively. These results revealed that C. vicinus and C. kikuchii in Japan are confidently the same species as those in Europe. The degree of divergence in the mt12S between Japanese and European populations varied largely between the species, as it was nearly at the interspecific level in C. kikuchii, while it was at the intraspecific level in C. vicinus; it is the first case in which the genetic divergence between the European and Asian population is greatly different among closely related species of freshwater copepods.

Revision of the whitefly genus, Asterochiton Maskell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from New Zealand, a study of intraspecific variation.

All the specimens of Asterochiton species (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on slides in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection, Auckland, were examined. The study reveals that the genus is currently restricted to New Zealand and is redescribed here. Obvious generic characters are the sub-elliptical to sub-circular puparium with distinct invaginations at the thoracic and caudal pores. Seven species are described: Asterochiton asteliae sp. n. from Astelia trinervia (Asteliaceae), and A. arboreae sp. n., A. areolatae sp. n., A. foetidissimae sp. n., A. propinqua sp. n., A. rhamnoidis sp. n., and A. rotundifoliae sp. n. from small-leaved Coprosma spp. (Rubiaceae). There are now 12 named species of Asterochiton, but the Brazilian species, Asterochiton auricolor (Bondar, 1923), does not belong in the genus. Details of minute setae, previously overlooked in described species, are provided. The setae length was found to vary at specific positions. Two species infesting three species of Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae) were observed having long and short setae on the abdomen, sometimes varying within a population from a single tree/host. Asterochiton pittospori Dumbleton is therefore synonymized with A. simplex. Additionally, the location of some setae varied on the subdorsal/submarginal area within a puparium. Chaetotaxy for Asterochiton species is proposed. A key to the puparia of Asterochiton species is provided.

Semi-automated identification of biological control agent using artificial intelligence

The accurate identification of biological control agents is necessary for monitoring and preventing contamination in integrated pest management (IPM); however, this is difficult for non-taxonomists to achieve in the field. Many machine learning techniques have been developed for multiple applications (e.g., identification of biological organisms). Some phytoseiids are biological control agents for small pests, such as Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes. To identify a precise biological control agent, a boosting machine learning classification, namely eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), was introduced in this study for the semi-automated identification of phytoseiid mites. XGBoost analyses were based on 22 quantitative morphological features among 512 specimens of N. barkeri and related phytoseiid species. These features were extracted manually from photomicrograph of mites and included dorsal and ventrianal shield lengths, setal lengths, and length and width of spermatheca. The results revealed 100% accuracy rating, and seta j4 achieved significant discrimination among specimens. The present study provides a path through which skills and experiences can be transferred between experts and non-experts. This can serve as a foundation for future studies on the automated identification of biological control agents for IPM.

Haplothrips second instar larvae (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae); character states and key to Central European species.

Descriptions and images of character states are provided of the second instar larvae of 16 species of Haplothrips. Specimens used are from Poland and surrounding countries, and an identification key is presented. The most important qualitative features concern colour, sclerotization and cuticular sculpture of some body parts, spiracle structure, setal lengths and type of setal apices.

Two new species of Galumna (Acari, Oribatida) from Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar

Two new species of the subgenus Galumna (Galumna) (Oribatida, Galumnidae) are described from leaf litter of evergreen rain forest in eastern Madagascar. Galumna brevilineata sp. nov. differs from its closest species Galumna (Galumna) anuakensis Ermilov, 2019 and Galumna paracalcicola Ermilov & Anichkin 2014 by the length of interlamellar and lamellar setae, the localization of notogastral lyrifissures im, the ornamentation of anogenital region, the morphology of bothridial setae and postanal porose area, and the absence of median pore. Galumna (Galumna) paraarmatifera sp. nov. differs from its closest species Galumna armatifera Mahunka, 1996 by the morphology of bothridial setae and anal plates, and the length of circumpedal carinae. An identification key to species of Galumna (Galumna) of the calcicola-group (species with short lamellar lines) was presented.

The larva of Plectrocnemia scruposa McLachlan 1880 (Trichoptera, Polycentropodidae.

This paper describes the previously unknown larva of Plectrocnemia scruposa McLachlan 1880. Information on the morphology of the 5th larval instar is given, and the most important diagnostic features are illustrated. In the context of existing identification keys, P. scruposa keys together with P. brevis McLachlan 1871, P. conspersa (Curtis 1834), and P. laetabilis McLachlan 1880. These species can be separated by the length of the outermost seta of the posterolateral trio on the last abdominal tergum and by presence/absence of a central pigmented mark on the posterior margin of the labrum. According to mandible morphology, the larva of this species appears to be mainly a predator and passive filter feeder of particulate organic matter.

New species of Rivudiva Lugo-Ortiz amp; McCafferty (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) with comments on R. minantenna Lugo-Ortiz amp; McCafferty and R. trichobasis Lugo-Ortiz amp; McCafferty.

Based on nymphs collected in Espírito Santo and Amazonas, Southeastern and Northern Brazil, two new species of the genus Rivudiva Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty, 1998 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) are described. Rivudiva inma sp. nov. shares several characteristics with R. minantenna Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty, 1998, but can be distinguished by details of leg setation, such as length and shape of robust setae and presence of setae on trochanter. Rivudiva oonirikoperi sp. nov. is more similar to R. trichobasis Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty, 1998, but can be separated by the absence of setae on scape and pedicel, shape of distal margin of labrum, and length of maxillary palp. New diagnoses and illustrations are provided for R. minantenna and R. trichobasis, as well as a key to the known nymphs of Rivudiva species.

Molecular and phenotypic variations in Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) populations from Saudi Arabia.

The oriental red spider mite, Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) is a major pest of citrus in many countries including Saudi Arabia (SA). The morphological variations among the different populations of E. orientalis were reported. In the present study, phenotypic variations based on 40 different morphological characteristics were evaluated in 10 E. orientalis populations collected from different hosts and regions of SA. Further, ITS2-rDNA sequences were used to confirm the identity of these phenotypically varying populations. Phenotypic variations in all populations were found in the shape and length of dorsal setae, striation pattern between setae d1 and e1, and leg chaetotaxy. The rDNA sequence analysis of these morphologically varying populations resulted in 10 different ITS2 Saudi haplotypes. The phenotypic and genetic variations were more related to the host plants rather than their geographic distribution. The E. orientalis population collected from Phoenix dactylifera was phenotypically distinct and genetically divergent. The populations collected from citrus species were also more phenotypically and genetically related to each other than to populations collected from non-citrus host plants. The haplotypes recovered from Ziziphus sp., Morus sp., and Azadirecta indica from different regions were grouped in the same sub-clade. Further, the ITS2 haplotypes of Saudi E. orientalis recovered from Citrus reticulata from Riyadh and Al Ula were 100% identical to the ITS2 haplotypes recovered from Citrus sp. from Israel. It is concluded that phenotypic variations exist among different populations of E. orientalis inhabiting different host plants. This species should be identified carefully by considering phenotypic intraspecific variations.