Oriental Region Research Articles

Taxonomic study of Palumbina Rondani (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Thiotrichinae) in Japan: biology, immature stages, and a new species.

The genus Palumbina Rondani, 1876 belongs to the family Gelechiidae, which was until recently believed to comprise 26 species worldwide and mainly occurring in the Oriental region. Previously, only P.pylartis (Meyrick, 1908) had been recorded from this genus in Japan. In this study, five other species were identified. Four species were recorded for the first time in Japan, and another was newly described: P.acerosa Lee & Li, 2018; P.grandiunca Lee & Li, 2018; P.macrodelta (Meyrick, 1918), P.operaria (Meyrick, 1918) and P.muraseae Kyaw & Yagi, sp. nov. The host plant and larval feeding habits of P.pylartis, P.acerosa, P.grandiunca, and P.muraseae Kyaw & Yagi, sp. nov. were revealed. The immature stages of P.grandiunca, P.pylartis, and P.muraseae Kyaw & Yagi, sp. nov., including larval and pupal morphology, were first documented for the genus in which the larval chaetotaxy of P.pylartis and P.grandiunca is well observed. In their larval chaetotaxy, the details of their interspecific variation in the relative position and length of some setae are described. The pupal morphology of the species examined in this study is almost identical to the genus Thiotricha except for different traits on the abdominal segments A7 and A10. The traits of larval chaetotaxy and pupal morphology are also discussed for the subfamily. Photographs of the adult, male and female genitalia, and information on their biology and immature stages are provided.

Discovery of Obesoconnus Jałoszyński in the Oriental Region (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae).

To date, Obesoconnus Jałoszyński is known to occur in French Guiana, Mexico and Costa Rica. Here, two new species, O. asymmetricus sp. n. and O. pallidus sp. n., are reported to occur in Thailand. Scydmaenine genera showing a similar distribution are discussed, and since the 'Alloraphes/Stenichnodes group', to which Obesoconnus belongs, is known to occur in Neotropical, Afrotropical and Oriental regions, it is possible that in the future the genus may be discovered also in tropical Africa.

Butterfly Diversity from Isolated Lowland Area: An Assessment in Langsa Urban Forest, Langsa, Aceh, Indonesia

Langsa Urban Forest (LUF) is a 10-ha of the isolated urban forest in Langsa, Aceh, which is maintained to preserve urban biodiversity such as the butterfly. No recent study has been done in this area on butterfly biodiversity including the diversity and plant's potential for host and food plant sources. A one-month survey in July 2021 using the standard walk method on four transects was conducted. There are 36 species recorded during this study including 5 families, with Nymphalidae as the most abundant family and Leptosia nina as the most abundant species. Shannon-Wiener diversity index was used for this recent research with the value of H’ 1.78–2.78 and the Evenness index with scale 0.66–0.94. Most of the species have broad geographical ranges, with 3 of them restricted to the Indomalayan realm. There are 117 plants were recorded which 33 species supposed as host and food plants divided into 26 as host plants, 11 as food plants, and 4 for both. No specific plants threatened the collected butterflies, but it's important since providing diversity data.

First record of the predatory stink bug species Picromerusgriseus (Dallas) (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Asopinae) in Japan, with an illustrated key to the Japanese species of the genus Picromerus Amyot & Serville.

The predatory stink bug genus Picromerus Amyot & Serville, 1843 (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Asopinae) comprises 11 species found in the Northern Hemisphere. In Japan, two species have been recorded to date. However, an easy-to-understand identification method, such as an illustrated key, is lacking. Currently, Picromerusgriseus (Dallas, 1851) has been recorded in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan and Taiwan, but not in Japan. Picromerusgriseus was recorded in Japan for the first time, based on a single individual collected from grasslands around the fields of Ishigaki Island of the Ryukyu Islands, which belong to the Oriental Region. This discovery represents the easternmost record of the species. An illustrated key to the species of Picromerus occurring in Japan is also provided.

Phylogenetic classification and palm-inflorescence anthophily of the Colocasiomyia zeylanica species group (Diptera: Drosophilidae), with descriptions of five new species.

The zeylanica group is one of the six species groups of the anthophilic genus Colocasiomyia de Meijere in the family Drosophilidae. In addition to two known species, five morphospecies have been recognized as members of this species group but left undescribed formally. In this study, species delimitation of these putatively new species was determined by barcoding of the mitochondrial COI (cytochrome c oxydase subunit I) gene and morphological comparison. Phylogenetic relationships within the genus Colocasiomyia were inferred by a cladistic analysis of 89 morphological characters. Based on the results of these analyses, we redefined the zeylanica species group and established two subgroups within it: the zeylanica subgroup comprised of C. zeylanica, C. nepalensis, C. pinangae sp. nov., C. besaris sp. nov. and C. luciphila sp. nov., and the oligochaeta subgroup of C. oligochaeta sp. nov. and C. grimaldii sp. nov. In addition, we briefly address the anthophilic habits of drosophilid flies using palm (Arecaceae) inflorescences, especially of the zeylanica group, compiling scattered collection records from the Oriental and Papuan regions.

Updating Ecology and Distribution of Wild Truffles in Morocco

The distribution and abundance of the various truffle species are influenced by the climate, soil, and vegetation conditions. The setting of these characteristics is necessary for the potential species’ cultivation. Here, we describe the ecological characteristics of Moroccan truffles and desert truffles and their associations with host plants. We also determine the climate and soil parameters relating to the geographic distribution and fructification of truffles and desert truffles. In contrast to truffles, which are found in sub-humid environments, desert truffles are found in semi-arid and arid regions of Morocco. The dissemination of desert truffles in the Mamora forest and oriental regions of Morocco is typically linked to the presence of Helianthemum sp., whereas the existence of truffles (Tuber spp.) in the Middle Atlas depends on the subsistence of Quercus ilex and Q. faginea. The truffles’ and desert truffles’ fructification depends mainly on the precipitation frequency. Terfezia arenaria and Tuber oligospermum, the two major desert truffles of Mamora forest, require an annual rainfall of 435 mm on average in slightly acidic soil. While the oriental and Highland desert truffles, namely Terfezia boudieri, T. claveryi, and Tirmania spp., require an annual precipitation average of 123 to 267 mm and a high CaCO3 content. Otherwise, there is Tuber aestivum, localized in humid regions with a rainfall rate of more than 650 mm, and found under calcareous soil rich in organic matter with the presence of potential host plants, such as oaks, cedars, and pines. Our findings open up the possibility of successful cultivation of truffles and desert truffles having an economic interest through understanding their ecological requirements in Morocco.

New genera and new species of remarkably large-sized or uniquely-shaped mirine plant bugs from Taiwan (Heteroptera: Miridae: Mirinae).

New taxa are proposed and described for several large-sized or uniquely-shaped mirine plant bugs from Taiwan or the northeastern Oriental Region. Two new genera, Rhopalimiris n. gen. and Taiwanocapsus n. gen. are described to accommodate three new species, Rhopalimiris amplissimus n. sp., R. gagai n. sp. and Taiwanocapsus luteocordatus n. sp., which are diagnosed and described. In addition, new species of Eocalocoris Miyamoto & Yasunaga and Eurystylus Stål, namely Eo. gotohi n. sp. and Eu. yixuanae n. sp., are also described. An updated checklist of the Taiwanese Mirini is also provided.

Plectrocnemia aristovi sp. nov., a new fossil species of Polycentropodidae (Insecta: Trichoptera) from Eocene Rovno amber

Forty-five species of caddisflies are known from Rovno amber (Ivanov et al., 2016; Perkovsky, 2017; Melnitsky et al., 2021a–c). The new 24 caddisfly species from 8 families (Psychomyiidae – 1, Polycentropodidae – 11, Ecnomidae – 2, Philopotamidae – 2, Hydroptilidae – 4, Phryganeidae – 1, Lepidostomatidae – 1, Leptoceridae – 3) of Rovno amber are described in recent papers of last decade (Melnitsky & Ivanov, 2010, 2013, 2016 a, b; Melnitsky et al., 2021a–c). The family Polycentropodidae includes more than 910 species in the world fauna, of which about 100 are fossils (Morse, 2023). The genus Plectrocnemia contains over 160 species; representatives of this genus are widespread in the Holarctic and Oriental realms. The genus Plectrocnemia is represented by 27 fossil species in the Paleogene resins of Europe, five of which are noted in Rovno amber (Melnitsky et al., 2021a). Three species: Plectrocnemia nastigermania Melnitsky & Ivanov, 2013, Plectrocnemia ucrainum Melnitsky & Ivanov, 2013, and Plectrocnemia kirmikhia Melnitsky, Ivanov & Perkovsky, 2021 are endemic to Rovno amber. Here we describe a new species from the genus Plectrocnemia from the Rovno amber.

Identity of the 'true' Micraspis discolor (Fabricius) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) with illustrated diagnostic notes on other Micraspis spp. in Indian paddy fields.

Micraspis discolor (Fabricius, 1798) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a widely studied complex of externally similar species, is known to be distributed in all the major rice growing countries of the Oriental region. It consists of disjunct populations that have been treated as a single taxonomic entity, but these are not conspecific and show disparities in their morphology. In this paper, we establish the identity of the true M. discolor based on Fabricius's type material from Tamil Nadu, Southern India, and redescribe it with illustrations of the diagnostic characters and the life stages. A lectotype is designated for M. discolor from Fabricius's type material (lectotype designation). Coccinella tenuilinea Walker, 1859, a sympatric species closely related to M. discolor and omitted from Korschefsky's World Catalogue of Coccinellidae, is transferred to Micraspis (new combination) and a lectotype is designated for it. It is found to be the most predominant species in South India and redescribed with illustrations of the genitalia and the life stages. COI sequences of M. discolor, M. tenuilinea and M. yasumatsui Sasaji based on the material collected in India are given. Phylogenetic analysis of the COI sequences of Indian M. discolor and other Asian 'M. discolor' sequences confirm that the Indian M. discolor is a distinct species and all Micraspis spp. from South and southeast Asian countries not matching the true M. discolor described here need to be re-examined and renamed if necessary. Brief illustrated accounts of other Micraspis spp. known from the paddy ecosystems of India are also given. Alesia guerini Mulsant, 1850, currently placed in Micraspis, is transferred to Oenopia Mulsant (new combination) and Coelophora walteri Sicard, 1913 is a new junior synonym of O. guerini (new synonym).

Nine new species of Psyllipsocus Selys-Longchamps, 1872 (Psocodea: ‘Psocoptera’: Psyllipsocidae) from Southeast Asia

Nine new Psyllipsocus species are described and illustrated. Three species from the Greater Sunda Islands: P. hollieri sp. nov. (Indonesia: Sumatra), P. uncinatus sp. nov. (Malaysia: Borneo: Sabah), P. bauensis sp. nov. (Malaysia: Borneo: Sarawak), and six species from Thailand: P. fusciceps sp. nov., P. prominens sp. nov., P. simplex sp. nov., P. cluniopilosus sp. nov., P. bidentatus sp. nov., P. quadridentatus sp. nov. They belong to four small groups of species which are each characterized by at least one striking autapomorphy (e.g. a novel possibly proprioreceptive male abdominal organ). One of these species groups includes also P. disparunguis Lienhard, only known from the United Arab Emirates. The number of Psyllipsocus species known from the Oriental Region is herewith augmented to 26, 17 of them recorded from Southeast Asia.

Subfamily Heteromyzinae newly recorded from China with description of one new species (Diptera: Heleomyzidae).

This study reported the subfamily Heteromyzinae with its genus Tephrochlamys from China for the first time. Tephrochlamys Loew is a small genus in Heteromyzinae with only 13 known species from the Afrotropical, Oriental, Palaearctic and Nearctic Regions. Here, we described one new species of Tephrochlamys from Qinghai of Palaearctic China: Tephrochlamys qinghaiensis sp. nov. An updated key to the Palaearctic species of Tephrochlamys is presented.

Genetic variation and population structure of a widely distributed damselfly (Ischnura senegalensis).

Ischnura senegalensis Rambur, 1842 is among the most widespread damselfly species in the world. Unlike dragonflies with strong migration abilities, I. senegalensis have limited dispersing abilities. Gene flow among I. senegalensis populations may be greatly influenced by anthropogenic disturbance, fragmented suitable habitats, sea straits, or even global warming. In this study, to investigate the genetic diversity of I. senegalensis populations, we sequenced and collected 498 cytochrome oxidase I sequences across the Old World. Haplotype network analysis showed 51 haplotypes and I. senegalensis could be grouped into four regions (Afrotropical region, Oriental region, main Islands of Japan, and the Ryukyu Islands), each of which contains different dominant haplotypes. Based on molecular variance analysis, we found that populations from the Afrotropical region have quite a low gene flow with the Asian populations (except Yemen). Furthermore, rice cultivation may aid the dispersion of I. senegalensis in the oriental region. Populations from the Ryukyu Islands show the highest genetic diversity, which may be due to the geological separation among islands. Our results prove that I. senegalensis has great genetic diversity among different populations across the world.

Two new species of Olesicampe Förster (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) with a key to species known from China and Oriental Region

Two new species of Olesicampe Förster, 1869, O. minense Sheng & Khalaim, sp. nov. and O. matouense Sheng & Khalaim, sp. nov., collected from Fujian and Jiangxi provinces of the Oriental part of China, are described and illustrated. A key to the species of Olesicampe known in China and Oriental region is provided.

Natural history notes on Pampas Fox Lycalopex gymnocercus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) in the Paraguayan Chaco

We provide some natural history notes on the Pampas Fox Lycalopex gymnocercus from the Paraguayan Chaco. Information is presented on diet, distribution (with the first formal documentation of the species in the Oriental region), local beliefs, mortality, and possible play behavior. Photographic documentation of the existence of sarcoptic mange in wild foxes in the Paraguayan Chaco is also provided.

Species distribution modelling of Hylarana Species (Anura, Ranidae) and the problem of accurate species identification

Species of Hylarana Tschudi, 1838 are among the most common amphibian species in the Oriental region. Their poorly known geographical distribution impacts species delimitation and conservation actions. We compiled geographical data from literature, online databases and museum collections for the four currently recognized species, Hylarana erythraea, H. taipehensis, H. tytleri and H. macrodactyla. We obtained 1014 occurrence records and allocated a quality rate to each of these points: A-species identification confirmed by ancillary data; B-species identification unconfirmed; and C-conflict between species name, geographic origin and morphological characters; resulted in exclusion of the latter in final analyses. Based on these different datasets we built species occurrence maps for each of the four species. These maps were compared to already available distribution maps, introducing a more precise distribution for the four species but with persistence of data gaps within less prospected areas. We then built Species Distribution Models (SDMs) based on climatic data. Discrepancies between observed distribution ranges and areas with suitable climatic niches are discussed in a taxonomical context. Hylarana species, although taxonomically still not fully resolved and occupying similar habitats, exhibit differences in distribution pattern. Models also fill data gaps, introducing relevant suitable climatic niches within close range of species' distribution areas. Differences were observed between A and B-quality data models, with high suitable habitats being less present in most cases for B-quality. Our study shows the importance of merging A and B-quality data, represented by A+B dataset, thus creating more accurate models, but also underlines the necessity to have access to correct data to limit bias.

An expanded description, natural history, and genetic variation of the recently described cobra species Naja fuxi Shi et al., 2022

The morphological variation, extended distribution, and sequence divergence of a recently described of cobra Naja fuxiShi et al., 2022 captured from mountainous areas in Thailand are evaluated by using molecular and morphological analyses. We investigated the genetic variation and affinities of 72 specimens in the genus Naja by using mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b and control region) and the nuclear DNA gene, C-mos. Morphological examination was conducted for 33 cobra specimens obtained from the northern, western, and north-eastern regions, and data on their natural history were gathered during field surveys. A high degree of genetic differentiation was shown to exist between the cobras collected from lowlands and those from mountainous areas. N. fuxi occurs in uplands bordering Thailand’s Central Basin, whereas the similar looking N. kaouthia Lesson, 1831 is more or less restricted to the lowlands. All phylogenetic and network analyses supported a distinct clade of N. fuxi from north, west, and, north-east regions. In addition, N. fuxi seems to exhibit a split between the north-eastern population and those from the north and west. The range of N. fuxi probably extends far into the mountainous areas of the neighbouring countries Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. Morphologically, N. fuxi in Thailand can be distinguished from all other cobra species in the adjacent Oriental Region. The speciation of cobras in Thailand likely reflects key events in the region’s geographical, climate and environmental history.

A study on the rolling contact fatigue mechanism of ZC-L cast wheel steel

In this paper, the rolling contact fatigue (RCF) failure mechanism of ZC-L cast steel wheels was analyzed by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that obvious fatigue flaking is formed on the macroscopic surface of the wheel tread after RCF failure. The RCF cracks are formed at the maximum shear stress region of the sun-surface of the wheel (1–5 mm below the tread). There are a lot of subsurface white etching microstructure (WEM) and obvious casting defects in the subsurface of the wheel tread. The RCF cracks are mainly formed at the interface between the subsurface WEM and the matrix and at the edge of the casting defects. The subsurface WEM is composed of nano-ferrite grains and residual cementite, and its hardness is about 920HV, which is much higher than that of the matrix structure. During the wear process, the plastic deformation of the subsurface WEM and the matrix is not coordinated, resulting in the formation of RCF cracks. As a hard phase, the hardness of casting defects is much higher than that of matrix. In the process of wear, under the action of subsurface stress, the casting defects can cause obvious plastic deformation in the soft orientation region at the edge of the casting defects. When the plastic deformation reaches the plastic limit, the RCF cracks are formed at the edge of the inclusions due to ratchet failure. The stress at the crack tip is caused by the RCF crack propagation at the edge of inclusions will further lead to the refinement of the microstructure at the edge of the RCF crack. Under the action of the subsurface contact stress, the subsurface WEM and casting defects are the main reasons leading to the RCF failure of the ZC-L casting wheel. Improving the microstructure uniformity and reducing casting defects are the main methods to improve the fatigue property of casting wheels.

Estimating the intra-puparial period of Hydrotaea spinigera (Stein,1910) (Diptera: Muscidae) with morphological and gene expression changes

Hydrotaea spinigera (Stein, 1910) (Diptera: Muscidae) is a forensically important sarcosaprophagous species widely distributed throughout the Oriental and Australasian regions. At the advanced decomposition stage or the skeletonize stage, the immature stages of H. spinigera, especially the pupae, can still be found in large quantities and could be used as important indicators to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). However, there have been no studies on the intra-puparial period of this species. Herein, we studied morphological and differential gene expression changes during the intra-puparial development of H. spinigera, aiming to accurately estimate the intra-puparial age of H. spinigera. The intra-puparial morphological changes of H. spinigera were observed at seven constant temperatures ranging from 16 °C to 34 °C and divided into 12 sub-stages. Structures that could be used to estimate the intra-puparial age, such as compound eyes, mouthparts, antennae, thorax, legs, wings, and abdomen, were observed in detail, and the developmental process of each structure was divided into 5 to 10 stages. The time range of each sub-stage, or when a structure appeared, was recorded. For the gene expression section, the most suitable reference genes were screened by geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ΔCt methods. Based on the selected reference genes, real-time quantitative PCR (RT qPCR) was used to detect the expression changes of the white and hsp90 genes with developmental time at 19 °C, 25 °C, and 31 °C. Results showed that the trend of hsp90 gene expression under different temperatures was not consistent, while white genes exhibited regular changes during development, and could thus be used for age estimation of H. spinigera. This study provides an important basis for forensic entomology to use morphological and differential gene expression for estimating the age of H. spinigera during the intra-puparial period. Moreover, the combination of the two methods can produce a more accurate minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimate compared to when each method is used separately.

A description of the second species of the genus Platybolium Blair, 1938 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) collected from a nest of Pheidole singaporensis Özdikmen, 2010 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Thailand

Platybolium watanai sp. nov., the second species of the genus, is described from Thailand, with illustrations of the diagnostic characters, including the defensive glands and the cuticular structures of females. The type species of the genus, Platybolium alvearium Blair, 1938, is known from beehives in a wide range of the Oriental region, but the new species was found in an ant nest of Pheidole singaporensis Özdikmen, 2010. Myrmecophily in the new species is discussed.

Comparative analysis of the two suborders of Thysanoptera and characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Thrips parvispinus.

Thrips parvispinus is a serious sucking pest on a number of economically important crops in the oriental region. It has gained importance recently for its drastic range extension distribution as an invasive pest. Here, the complete mitochondrial genome (15,067 bp) of Thrips parvispinus was sequenced and characterized. It possesses 37 genes and the putative noncoding region is duplicated. Comparative analyses of nucleotide diversity, skewness, codon usage bias, and selection pressure in mitochondrial protein-coding genes of the available 31 thrips mitogenomes (24 Terebrantia + 7 Tubulifera) were performed. Phylogenetic analysis showed a sister relationship of T. parvispinus to the clade (T. florum + T. hawaiiensis). Phylogenetic analyses formed the monophyly of subfamilies Phlaeothripinae and Idolothripinae within the family Phlaeothripidae (Suborder Tubulifera). Low nucleotide diversity was indicative of reversal of strand asymmetry in the Tubulifera. Neutrality analysis showed that directional mutation plays a major role in shaping codon usage bias in both suborders. Principal component analysis indicated distinct codon usage patterns in each suborder. Our data suggested weaker selection constrains on Terebrantia than in the Tubulifera. More tubuliferan mitogenomes are required to resolve previous classification hypotheses and elucidate genome evolution in these two suborders.