Species Of True Bugs Research Articles

Gregariousness as a defence strategy of moderately defended prey: experiments with Pyrrhocoris apterus and avian predators

Aggregations in insects carry out diverse functions, and gregariousness may also act as an antipredatory strategy, especially when combined with warning signalling. Despite many studies focused on the antipredatory function of gregariousness, there are still aspects needing further investigation: What aspects of predator behaviour are affected by prey gregariousness? Which of the antipredatory effects of aggregations are linked with aposematic coloration, and which will also work for non-aposematic prey? Does gregariousness of an aposematic species affect its mimetic relationships? We have studied these topics in the firebug, Pyrrhocoris apterus (Heteroptera), an aposematic red-and-black true bug with moderate chemical defence. Firebugs alternate between solitary and gregarious lifestyles throughout the year. We used hand-reared great tits (Parus major) as naive predators, and subjected them to avoidance training with either solitarily or gregariously presented firebugs, followed by a memory test with solitary individuals. To test whether effects of gregariousness are specific for the aposematic firebugs, we tested another group of birds with brown-painted firebugs. Our results show that the gregarious lifestyle of the firebug is a part of its antipredatory strategy. Compared to solitary individuals, aggregations benefited in several ways, some exclusive for aposematic firebugs, others working irrespective of coloration. Aggregations induced greater innate wariness, leading to longer attack latencies and more cautious prey handling, including complete attack avoidance in some birds. Despite the fact that the birds mostly attacked only one or two individuals from an aggregation, they needed fewer trials to reach the avoidance-learning criterion than the birds learning to avoid solitary firebugs. Birds’ experience with firebug aggregations reduced the predation risk of subsequently encountered solitary individuals, as the birds hesitated longer before attacking a solitary firebug if their previous aversive experience had been with aggregations rather than with solitary individuals. Predators’ experience with firebug aggregations may compensate for the firebugs’ moderate chemical defence, and as a consequence, gregariousness may change the firebugs’ mimetic relationships with better defended red-and-black true bug species from quasi-Batesian to Müllerian.

The adipokinetic hormones of African water bugs of the Heteropteran families Nepidae and Belostomatidae

AbstractFour African species of true water bugs (Nepomorpha: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) are studied by mass spectrometry and biological assays to gain information on the presence, structure and function of peptides from the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) family, which are produced in the corpora cardiaca (CC). The water scorpion Laccotrephes fabricii Stål (Nepidae) has the peptide code‐named Peram‐CAH‐I with the sequence pGlu‐Val‐Asn‐Phe‐Ser‐Pro‐Asn‐Trp amide, whereas Appasus grassei Poisson (Belostomatidae) produces Anaim‐AKH, which is a Ser7 analogue of Peram‐CAH‐I (pGlu‐Val‐Asn‐Phe‐Ser‐Pro‐Ser‐Trp amide). The giant water bug Hydrocyrius columbiae Spinola (Belostomatidae) has two adipokinetic hormone family members: Anaim‐AKH and Letin‐AKH, which again differ only at position 7 (Ser7 versus Tyr7). When the sequence data are compared with current molecular phylogenetic analyses of Nepomorpha, they are essentially in agreement with the newest ideas on phylogenetic relationships among the families. Functional investigation of these peptides reveals a mainly lipid‐based energy metabolism in these insects, as demonstrated by a hyperlipaemic response after injecting crude CC extract or the appropriate peptide into the respective species. The carbohydrate concentration in the haemolymph is not affected by such injections, and the carbohydrate level in most cases is lower than that of the circulating lipids. During physical exercise, such as swimming for 1 h, carbohydrates may contribute to some extent to the provision of energy; the substantial increase in the concentration of lipids in the haemolymph, however, is a strong indicator that the peptides are released from the CC and act primarily as true adipokinetic hormones during this period of intense muscular activity.

How Do Predators Learn to Recognize a Mimetic Complex: Experiments with Naive Great Tits and Aposematic Heteroptera

AbstractWe tested the importance of innate wariness, avoidance learning, memory and generalization for the formation of predatory behaviour in naive great tits (Parus major) towards mimetic complex of four aposematic species of true bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera): Lygaeus equestris, Spilostethus saxatilis, Pyrrhocoris apterus and Graphosoma lineatum. The birds showed almost no innate wariness against the aposematically coloured bugs, although a hidden wariness elicited by defensive chemicals of some of the bug species is not excluded. Naive birds learned to avoid different species at different rates, which resulted in different prey mortalities. The avoidance learning was faster when the defensive chemicals produced an immediate irritating effect (particularly when squirted into distance – G. lineatum) than when they caused sickness several minutes after the consumption (P. apterus). The experience of birds from learning to avoid a particular species of bug affected their subsequent behaviour to other species – experience with better‐defended species resulted in longer attack latencies, more cautious attacks, broader generalization and lower prey mortality. The least defended species, P. apterus, benefited from the experience of birds with better‐defended species, whereas the birds' experience with P. apterus did not reduce mortality risk of the other species comparably. Judging from the inexperienced young birds, the mimetic relationships are likely to be quasi‐Batesian. However, as wild‐caught great tits avoid all the four species to the same extent, the relationships may become more mutualistic (quasi‐Müllerian) in later phases of learning under natural conditions. The relationships among species in the mimetic complex thus seem to depend on the amount of experience of the bird predators.

True bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera) as psyllid predators (Hemiptera, Psylloidea)

Data on natural enemies of psyllids are rare and can usually be found in papers about economically significant species. During an investigation of psyllid fauna in Serbia, natural enemies were investigated, too. True bugs were the most numerous among them. From 28 psyllid species, 21 species of true bugs from families Anthocoridae and Miridae were reared. Seven species of Anthocoridae were identified: Anthocoris amplicollis (Horváth, 1839), Anthocoris confusus Reuter, 1884, Anthocoris nemoralis (Fabricius, 1794), Anthocoris nemorum (Linnaeus, 1761), Orius majusculus Reuter, 1884, Orius minutus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Orius niger Wolff, 1811. The following 14 species of Miridae were identified: Atractotomus mali Meyer-Dür, 1843, Campylomma verbasci (Meyer-Dür, 1843), Deraeocoris flavilinea (A. Costa, 1862), Deraeocoris ruber (Linnaeus, 1758), Deraeocoris lutescens (Schilling, 1836), Heterocordylus genistae (Scopoli, 1763), Hypseloecus visci (Puton, 1888), Malacocoris chlorizans Panzer, 1794, Miris striatus (Linnaeus, 1758), Orthotylus marginalis Reuter, 1884, Psallus assimilis Stichel, 1956, Psallus quercus Kirschbaum, 1856, Psallus flavellus Stichel, 1933 and Pseudoloxops coccinea (Meyer-Dür, 1843). The aim of the research was to provide list of true bugs recorded as predators of psyllids in order to preserve their diversity and significance, especially on cultivated plants.

The responses of Central European avian predators to an allopatric aposematic true bug

A mimicry ring of red-and-black pentatomorph true bugs in Central Europe had been proposed to occur based on avoidance of its mutually non-relative members, which was confirmed based on responses of avian predators. We compared the responses of two species of European insectivorous passerines (great tit Parus major, blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus) to a typical member of the proposed ring (red firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus) and to a similarly coloured south Asian species of true bugs (red cotton bug Dysdercus cingulatus) to test if the allopatric species will be included in the proposed ring. Additionally, individuals of both bug species with colour signals artificially removed were offered to birds to assess the effect of chemical protection per se. Birds attacked the unmodified red cotton bugs more often than the red firebugs, which suggests that the birds did not include the red cotton bug in the proposed mimetic ring. Red cotton bugs were eaten by a greater number of birds than were the brown-painted red firebugs at first encounter. However, the birds quickly learned to avoid all visually unprotected bugs, suggesting that the red cotton bug possesses an effective chemical protection.

Species diversity of true bugs on apples in terms of plant protection

Monitoring of species spectrum of true bugs (Heteroptera) on apple trees without pest management was conducted in 2010–2011. Two sites were selected – an abandoned orchard and a road alley near the village of Velké Bílovice (Břeclav district, Czech Republic). The capture of true bugs with a fogger device (Pulsfog) on five selected trees in each site was performed. The effective substance deltamethrin at concentration of 0.0025 g/l was applied to the tree crowns. Three collections (28/4, 20/5, and 9/7) in 2010 and two (11/5 and 23/6) in 2011 were done. Out of 55 detected species of true bugs, 43 species occurred in the alley and 29 in the orchard. Thirty-two species were predatory or partly predatory (58.18%), 22 species were phytophagous (40%), and one mycetophagous (1.82%).

The first assess of the haplotypes from COI gene sequences in species of spittlebugs (Cicadomorpha: Hemiptera) and aquatic true bugs (Gerromorpha and Nepomorpha: Hemiptera) in Brazil

We made the first analysis of the COI gene sequences of 22 species of spittlebugs and aquatic true bugs sampled in São Paulo State (Brazil) and used this information to determine the variability within these groups. Considering each codon position, we observed that the third base was the most variable, and the first base was the most conserved. Among species, Mahanarva fimbriolata and Deois flavopicta had the greatest genetic distance (0.181), and Notozulia entreriana and Mahanarva sp had the smallest distance (0.055), with an average variation of 0.119. In Gerromorpha, the greatest distance occurred between Halobatopsis platensis and Rhagovelia zela (0.401), while between Cylindrostethus palmaris and Brachymetra albinervis albinervis, the distance was only 0.187; the average value observed for the Gerromorpha was 0.265. In the Nepomorpha, the species Buenoa antigone antigone and Belostoma micantulum had the greatest genetic distance (0.337), while Martarega brasiliensis and B. a. antigone had the smallest (0.154). The average value observed for Nepomorpha was 0.203. In Cicadomorpha (Auchenorrhyncha) and Nepomorpha (Heteroptera), the COI gene has been conserved; however, it is still useful for characterization of the different taxa. COI analysis was unable to resolve some of the Gerromorpha groups.

Diversity and phenology of the generalist predator community in apple orchards of Central Washington State (Insecta, Araneae)

AbstractPredatory insects and spiders were collected from apple orchards in two geographic regions of Central Washington State, United States of America to assess seasonal phenology and diversity of the generalist predator community. Arthropods were collected from orchard canopy every 3–7 days over two growing seasons (March–October) at seven organically managed and two insecticide-free orchards. Over 35 000 specimens and 80 species of spiders (Araneae), ladybeetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), lacewings (Neuroptera), and predatory true bugs (Hemiptera) were collected. Composition of insect and spider communities differed between the two geographic regions. Indicator species analysis identified several species that had a significant association with one of the two regions. Counts of the most common taxa were examined in detail on a calendar date basis to determine seasonal phenology of adult and immature stages. We observed substantial differences among taxa in number of generations, seasonal timing of first appearance in orchards, overwintering stages, and seasonal occurrence of the adult and immature life stages in orchards. Understanding seasonal phenology of natural enemies in orchards is a core requirement in integrated pest management programs for apple pests, and results of this study provide this information for the generalist predator community of orchards in the Pacific Northwest.

Records of Two Pest Species,Leptoglossus zonatus(Heteroptera: Coreidae) andPachycoris klugii(Heteroptera: Scutelleridae), Feeding on the Physic Nut,Jatropha curcas, in Mexico

The physic nut, Jatropha curcas L. (Mal phighiales: Euphorbiaceae), is one of 75 plant species suitable for the production of biodiesel. Moreover, it is considered as having great agro industrial potential worldwide, on account of its potential for obtaining high quality oil, and its ease of cultivation (Martin & Mayeux 1984; Azan et al. 2005). Plantings of J. curcas have been es tablished around the world, and more recently in various states of Mexico (Michoacan, Chiapas, Puebla, Yucatan, Veracruz, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Morelos) with the principal aim of obtaining bio diesel (Martinez et al. 2010). However, unlike in other countries where this plant is extensively cultivated, in Mexico no studies have been carried out to identify potential insect pests that could af fect J. curcas production. The aim of this research was to study insects associated with J. curcas, and to determine potential pests of this plant in Mexico, where it probably originated. The study took place between Aug and Nov 2008, in an experimental crop (30 x 20 m2) of J. curcas at the fruiting stage, located in the Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bioticos del Instituto Politecnico Nacional CEPROBI-IPN (18° 49'20 N and 99° 05'38 W at 1105 m asi), with a mean annual temperature of 22.7 °C, warm sub humid climate with summer rains and annual rainfall of 945.7 mm. The experimental crop was enclosed by other crops of J. curcas, peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.: Fabales: Fabaceae), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.: Fabales: Fabaceae), maracuya (Passiflora edu lis Simms; Malpighiales: Passifloraceae) and un dergrowth and is skirted by the River Yautepec. Direct surveys were conducted using an ento mological net made of fine mesh of 30.5 cm diam, once a wk, at 3 different times of day, 7:30 to 9:30 h, 13:00 to 15:00 h and 18:00 to 19:30 h, during the study period. The fruits where the insects were collected during the sampling period were examined for pest damage. The insects collected during sampling were deposited in plastic 50 mL flasks containing 25 mL of 70% alcohol. These flasks were labeled with place, date and time of collection and were deposited for taxonomic iden tification in the Laboratorio de Entomologia del Instituto de Investigaciones Agricolas Forestales (IIAF) of the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. Of the 14 insect species belonging to 18 families and 8 orders (Table 1) identified in this study, two species of true bugs stand out; Leptoglossus zona tus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Coreidae) and Pachycoris klugii Burmeister (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae). The species were determined by the keys of McPherson et al. (1990), Borror et al. (1989) and Peredo (2002). L. zonatus was observed feeding directly on tender fruits. This resulted in the development of necrotic spots and consequently fruit abscission by the plant. Generally, this species of true bug was observed in groups and even more frequently copulating pairs were seen on the fruits or leaves. They were collect ed continuously and in large numbers, i.e., between 3-5 insects per plant and exceptionally 40 adults per fruiting inflorescence. Given the number of this species on the fruits, it is considered to be a pest. It should be noted that in crops such as sorghum, the action threshold against L. zonatus is just one bug per panicle (Pineda 1999). P. klugii was observed ovipositing on the underside of the leaves. This true bug was less prevalent than L. zonatus, and was found sporadically. In contrast to the results found in the present study, P. klugii is considered the main pest affecting J. curcas in Nicaragua due to its abundance and resulting damage (Grimm 1996; Grimm & Maes 1997; Grimm & Somarriba 1998). These 2 species have previously been recorded in Mexico, i.e., L. zonatus feeding mainly on corn and sorghum (Zucchi et al. 1993), and P. klugii feeding naturally on its native host plant known as chaya de monte or mala mujer, Cnidoscoulus multilo bus (Pax) I. M. Johnston (Malpighiales: Euphorbia ceae) (Peredo 2002). However, they have not been recorded on J. curcas. Both these species of true bug have been reported as J. curcas pests in countries where it is cultivated. L. zonatus and P. klugii are considered J. curcas pests in Honduras, El Salva dor (Alfonso 2008) and Nicaragua (Grimm 1999). L. zonatus is distributed throughout the Americas (Al len 1969), and is a polyphagous species with a wide range of hosts (Grimm 1999; Schaefer & Panizzi 2000). Souza & Amaral Filho (1999) mention that

Spermatogenesis of riffle bugs, Rhagovelia whitei and Rhagovelia sp (Veliidae), and backswimmers Martarega sp (Notonectidae)

We examined the course of spermatogenesis and the meiotic chromosome complements in aquatic species of true bugs, Heteroptera. The chromosome complement of the Veliidae species was 2n = 39 (38A + X0) and 23 (22A + X0) in Rhagovelia whitei and Rhagovelia sp, respectively, and in the species of the Notonectidae (Martarega sp) it was 26 (22A + 2m + XY); all collected from the region of São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. An impressive characteristic of the first analysis was the size of the cells belonging to Martarega sp, which were six times larger than the same cells in Pentatomidae and twice as large as the cells in aquatic Heteroptera (Gerridae). Regarding spermatogenesis, all the species analyzed showed the same pattern: holocentric chromosomes and elongated spermatids with the chromatin distributed evenly along the head. The family Veliidae showed several bodies impregnated with silver nitrate at prophase, while the family Notonectidae displayed only one. The cells of Notonectidae also showed an evident and round body until the end of prophase I and in the family Veliidae the silver-impregnated bodies were disorganized, where the only region visualized was possibly that of the NOR. In metaphase, silver-stained regions were found at the periphery of all chromosomes in Veliidae and at the periphery of some chromosomes in Notonectidae. The spermatids of Veliidae showed a less silver-impregnated vesicle, while Notonectidae showed silver staining only in part of the nuclear membrane. Therefore, families of Heteroptera have some differences and features that can help identify and classify these species.

Two new genera and species of fossil true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pachymeridiidae) from northeastern China

Two new genera and species of fossil true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pachymeridiidae) from northeastern China

Karyotypes, male meiosis and comparative FISH mapping of 18S ribosomal DNA and telomeric (TTAGG)n repeat in eight species of true bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera)

Eight species belonging to five true bug families were analyzed using DAPI/CMA3-staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with telomeric (TTAGG)n and 18S rDNA probes. Standard chromosomal complements are reported for the first time for Deraeocoris rutilus (Herrich-Schäffer, 1838) (2n=30+2m+XY) and Deraeocoris ruber(Linnaeus, 1758) (2n=30+2m+XY) from the family Miridae. Using FISH, the location of a 18S rDNA cluster was detected in these species and in five more species: Megaloceroea recticornis (Geoffroy, 1785) (2n=30+XY) from the Miridae; Oxycarenus lavaterae (Fabricius, 1787) (2n=14+2m+XY) from the Lygaeidae s.l.; Pyrrhocoris apterus (Linnaeus, 1758) (2n=22+X) from the Pyrrhocoridae; Eurydema oleracea (Linnaeus, 1758) (2n=12+XY) and Graphosoma lineatum (Linnaeus, 1758) (2n=12+XY) from the Pentatomidae. The species were found to differ with respect to location of a 18S rRNA gene cluster which resides on autosomes in Oxycarenus lavaterae and Pyrrhocoris apterus, whereas it locates on sex chromosomes in other five species. The 18S rDNA location provides the first physical landmark of the genomes of the species studied. The insect consensus telomeric pentanucleotide (TTAGG)n was demonstrated to be absent in all the species studied in this respect, Deraeocoris rutilus, Megaloceroea recticornis, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, 1758 (Cimicidae), Eurydema oleracea, and Graphosoma lineatum, supporting the hypothesis that this motif was lost in early evolution of the Heteroptera and secondarily replaced with another motif (yet unknown) or the alternative telomerase-independent mechanisms of telomere maintenance. Dot-blot hybridization analysis of the genomic DNA from Cimex lectularius, Nabis sp. and Oxycarenus lavaterae with (TTAGG)n and six other telomeric probes likewise provided a negative result.

The Beetle (Coleoptera) and True bug (Heteroptera) species pool of the alpine “Pian di Gembro” wetland (Villa di Tirano, Italy) and its conservation

he C oleoptera and Heteroptera species pool was investigated in the “Pian di Gembro” wetland (Villa di T irano, Sondrio, Italy). T he wetland consists of a bog and its surroundings, referred to as wetland components, that are both subjected to a diversified intermediate management regime (DIMR). T he application of the DIMR for plant species conservation resulted in the establishment of 11 wetland zones with a characteristic vegetation. In a three year sampling program, 997 C oleoptera and Heteroptera representing 141 species from 14 families were collected. Among these species, 64 species share both wetland components, 11 are restricted to the bog and 63 were found in the surroundings only. Among the species pool there were 23 tyrphophile taxa and only one tyrphobiont. With the exception of one zone, all zones are inhabited by zone-specific species. By taking into account both the general species pool and the pool of species of particular interest to conservationists, only one zone can be considered as redundant since it is inhabited by species that occur also in other zones. Hence, all the zones, with one exception, are effective for species pool conservation. The existing DIMR implemented for plant species conservation is also effective for conserving the species pool of C oleoptera and Heteroptera.

Two new genera and species of fossil true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pachymeridiidae) from northeastern China

Two new genera and new species, Peregrinpachymeridium comitcola gen. et sp. nov. and Corollpachymeridium heteroneurus gen. et sp. nov., of fossil Pachymeridiidae are described and illustrated from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation in Daohugou Village, Shantou Township, Ningcheng County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. We summarized all fossil genera of pachymeridiids found in China and set up a key to these 7 genera and 7 species. In addition, we hypothesize the significance of a rare, well-preserved, unusual bug fossil showing a male and a female together with their abdomen terminalia facing each other and their heads in the opposite direction.

Structure Elucidation and Synthesis of Dioxolanes Emitted by Two Triatoma Species (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Volatiles from the metasternal glands of two species of true bugs of the Triatominae subfamily, Triatoma brasiliensis and Triatoma infestans, were analyzed by SPME-GC/MS. Two sets of new natural products were found: (4S,5S)- and (4R,5R)-2,2,4-triethyl-5-methyl-1,3-dioxolane (1) (major component) and (4S*,5S*)-2,4-diethyl-2,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane (2) (trace component), (2R/S,4S,5S)- as well as (2R/S,4R,5R)-4-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-1,3-dioxolane (3) (minor component), (2R/S,4S*,5S*)-4-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylpropyl)-1,3-dioxolane (4) (trace component), and (2R/S,4S*,5S*)-4-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(2-methylpropyl)-1,3-dioxolane (5) (trace component). Syntheses of optically active 1 and 3 were carried out by reacting pure enantiomers of 2,3-pentanediol with 3-pentanone or 2-methylpropanal. The preparation of pure stereoisomers of 2,3-pentanediol involved a novel key step for the synthesis of secondary alcohols: the reduction of a carboxylic ester by means of DIBAH and in situ alkylation of the intermediate by Grignard reaction at low temperature. Starting from the pure enantiomers of methyl lactate, all four stereoisomers of 2,3-pentanediol were synthesized and transformed to the corresponding isomers of 1 and 2. Relative configurations of the natural products and enantiomeric compositions of naturally occurring 1 and 2 were determined by comparison of their mass spectra and gas chromatographic retention times (co-injection) with those of authentic reference samples.

New records of suctorians (Ciliophora: Suctoria) as epibionts of aquatic true bugs (Hemiptera: Prosorrhyncha: Nepomorpha) from two regions: Mexico and Eastern Europe

Here, we provide new records of suctorians (Ciliophora: Suctoria), epibionts of aquatic true bugs (Hemiptera: Prosorrhyncha: Nepomorpha) collected in Ukraine, Belarus and Mexico. The worldwide distribution of the 16 species we found is updated, from which, 15 species are new records as epibionts of 15 species of aquatic true bugs. Only for the suctorian Discophrya gessneri Matthes, we confirm the previous record (epibiont of Aphelocheirus aestivalis Fabricius). We conclude that the relationship between the suctorians and aquatic true bugs is poorly studied and some suctorian genera (Dis- cophrya Lachmann and Periacineta Collin) inhabit as nepomorphans as other aquatic insects (Coleoptera). However the high degree of specificity at the species level of these genera is evident, for which we provide some possible explanations according to the group of basibiont.

Morphometric Variations of Discophrya Elongata (Ciliophora, Suctorea) Attached to Two Different Species of Aquatic True Bugs (Hemiptera, Prosorrhyncha, Nepomorpha)

Morphometric Variations ofDiscophrya Elongata(Ciliophora, Suctorea) Attached to Two Different Species of Aquatic True Bugs (Hemiptera, Prosorrhyncha, Nepomorpha)Morphometric variation inDiscophrya elongataliving as epibionts of two species of aquatic true bugs,Corisella edulisandNotonecta unifasciata, collected from the same pond in Mexico are discussed. Factors that may be responsible for observed variability, especially hydrodynamic loads and long-term modifications, also are identified and discussed.

COI barcoding of true bugs (Insecta, Heteroptera)

Several recent studies have proposed that partial DNA sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial gene might serve as DNA barcodes for identifying and differentiating between animal species, such as birds, fish and insects. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of a COI barcode to identify true bugs from 139 species collected from Korea and adjacent regions (Japan, Northeastern China and Fareast Russia). All the species had a unique COI barcode sequence except for the genus Apolygus (Miridae), and the average interspecific genetic distance between closely related species was about 16 times higher than the average intraspecific genetic distance. DNA barcoding identified one probable new species of true bug and revealed identical or very recently divergent species that were clearly distinguished by morphological characteristics. Therefore, our results suggest that COI barcodes can reveal new cryptic true bug species and are able to contribute for the exact identification of the true bugs.

МАТЕРИАЛЫ ПО ФАУНЕ ПОЛУЖЕСТКОКРЫЛЫХ АЗИАТСКОЙ ЧАСТИ РОССИИ (HETEROPTERA: REDUVIIDAE, ARADIDAE, LYGAEIDAE, CYDNIDAE)

The new data on the distribution of 23 species of true bugs belonging to the families Reduviidae, Aradidae, Lygaeidae and Cydnidae which were collected in several regions of Siberia and the Russian Far East are given. Two species are recorded from Siberia for the first time — Vachiria deserta Beck. (Reduviidae) from Altai Krai and Lamproplax picea Fl. (Lygaeidae) from Tyumen Oblast.

Tree diversity drives abundance and spatiotemporal β‐diversity of true bugs (Heteroptera)

Abstract.1. Spatiotemporal patterns of canopy true bug diversity in forests of different tree species diversity have not yet been disentangled, although plant diversity has been shown to strongly impact the diversity and distribution of many insect communities.2. Here we compare species richness of canopy true bugs across a tree diversity gradient ranging from simple beech to mixed forest stands. We analyse changes in community composition by additive partitioning of species diversity, for communities on various tree species, as well as for communities dwelling on beech alone.3. Total species richness (γ‐diversity) and α‐diversity, and abundance of true bugs increased across the tree diversity gradient, while diversity changes were mediated by increased true bug abundance in the highly diverse forest stands. The same pattern was found for γ‐diversity in most functional guilds (e.g. forest specialists, herbivores, predators). Temporal and even more, spatial turnover (β‐diversity) among trees was closely related to tree diversity and accounted for ∼90% of total γ‐diversity.4. Results for beech alone were similar, but species turnover could not be related to the tree diversity gradient, and monthly turnover was higher compared to turnover among trees.5. Our findings support the hypothesis that with increasing tree diversity and thereby increasing habitat heterogeneity, enhanced resource availability supports a greater number of individuals and species of true bugs. Tree species identity and the dissimilarity of true bug communities from tree to tree determine community patterns.6. In conclusion, understanding diversity and distribution of insect communities in deciduous forests needs a perspective on patterns of spatiotemporal turnover. Heterogeneity among sites, tree species, as well as tree individuals contributed greatly to overall bug diversity.