Trophic Associations Research Articles

Gonipterus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in subtropical Australia: host associations and natural enemies

AbstractGonipterus is a genus of defoliating weevils that causes significant impact in commercially grown eucalypts in their native range in southern Australia and as invasive pests in Western Australia and several countries overseas. The diversity of species in this genus is still in the process of discovery, and in subtropical Australia, its diversity and ecological parameters are largely unknown. We surveyed Gonipterus phenology, species composition and trophic associations in South East Queensland, where little has been recorded about this genus. Surveys were conducted once a month in a non‐commercial plantation of native eucalypts, where three species of trees were sampled regularly and others checked on an ad hoc basis. On each sampling occasion, adult weevils, larvae and egg capsules were collected, adults identified, larvae reared and egg capsules individualized in small containers for emergence of larvae and parasitoids. Two peaks of egg‐laying occurred, whereas numbers of adults and larvae had only one peak each. Six species of Gonipterus were collected: two described but in need of revision, two undescribed but previously recognized and two undescribed and hitherto unrecognized, each with a different pattern of host–tree association. Three egg‐parasitoid species, Anaphes nitens, Centrodora damoni and Euderus sp. were reared from egg capsules, varying in prevalence according to the tree species from which the eggs were collected.

English

Trioza hirsuta (Crawford 1912), a potential pest of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight and Arn 1834 along with its parasitoid, Psyllaephagus phylloplectae Sushil and Khan (1995) is hereby reported for the first time from Pothwar region of Pakistan. Detailed description and distributional detail for both the taxa is provided. In the study, trophic associations of ants with T. hirsuta were also studied. It was noticed that 9 ants’ species are associated with this pest. Images of psyllid and its associated parasitoid are given to facilitate future identifications. Distribution map of the species has been given using Arc GIS Tools. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Spatial phylogenetics of butterflies in relation to environmental drivers and angiosperm diversity across North America

SummaryBroad-scale, quantitative assessments of insect biodiversity and the factors shaping it remain particularly poorly explored. Here we undertook a spatial phylogenetic analysis of North American butterflies to test whether climate stability and temperature gradients have shaped their diversity and endemism. We also performed the first quantitative comparisons of spatial phylogenetic patterns between butterflies and flowering plants. We expected concordance between the two groups based on shared historical environmental drivers and presumed strong butterfly-host plant specializations. We instead found that biodiversity patterns in butterflies are strikingly different from flowering plants, especially warm deserts. In particular, butterflies show different patterns of phylogenetic clustering compared with flowering plants, suggesting differences in habitat conservation between the two groups. These results suggest that shared biogeographic histories and trophic associations do not necessarily assure similar diversity outcomes. The work has applied value in conservation planning, documenting warm deserts as a North American butterfly biodiversity hotspot.

Role of morphology in shaping the feeding niche of fishes inhabiting Eastern Himalayan torrential rivers of West Bengal, India

AbstractEcomorphology and trophic ecology are considered important features in comprehending the feeding structure of fish communities. This study assesses the ecomorphological relationships among 45 fish species inhabiting the Eastern Himalayan torrential rivers, Murti and Jaldhaka by identifying morphological and trophic associations highlighted by prey acquisition strategies and the potential phylogenetic convergence among morphological traits. Two approaches (3‐guild and 5‐guild) were employed for evaluating the prediction accuracy of morphology in classifying the guilds. While the former was based on “troph” (dietary index) values, the later focussed on diet dissimilarity matrix. In terms of phylogenetic relatedness, traits such as caudal peduncle aspect ratio and mouth protrusion showed prominent phylogenetic signal which suggested their evolutionary convergence in certain groups. Subsequent modelling suggested that while linear discriminant model showed morphological traits to have higher accuracy (91.1%) in classifying the three guilds as compared to five guilds (72.31%), redundancy model (explaining 85.26% constrained variance) revealed a morphological association with specific prey type selection. Additionally, linear models showed substantial variation (93.72%) in the dietary index being addressed by the 5‐guild classification as compared to the 3‐guild (79.72%). Results suggested that in terms of prey composition or selectivity, the 5‐guild model was more suited in representing the feeding structure while the morphological traits reflected a broader scheme of classification (3‐guild model). Hence, this provides an ecological insight into the different modes of resource utilisation by the coexisting species which are being expressed in their differentiating morphologies, with certain traits being phylogenetically conserved within specific feeding groups.

A new species of the genus Ectromopsis Antoine, 1949 from Turkey (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Ectromopsis merkli sp. n. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Helopini) is described from Central Anatolia (coast of Eğirdir Lake). The species is the most similar to E. tantilla Ménétriés, 1848 from the Caspian depression (European Russia, West Kazakhstan) and differs in the body shape, structure of genae, the shape of pronotum and elytral punctation. Brief information about a relic type of distribution, trophic associations and adaptations of Ectromopsis spp. are given, as well as a key to species from the eastern part of the range. With seven figures.

Diversity of Tetrabothriidae (Eucestoda) among Holarctic Alcidae (Charadriiformes): Resolution of the Tetrabothrius jagerskioeldi Cryptic Species Complex— Cestodes of Alcinae—Provides Insights on the Dynamic Nature of Tapeworm and Marine Bird Faunas under the Stockholm Paradigm

We begin resolution of the Tetrabothrius jagerskioeldi–species complex with descriptions of Tetrabothrius alcae n. sp. based on numerous specimens, primarily in murres (species of Uria), from the greater North Pacific basin and Tetrabothrius sinistralis n. sp. based on cestodes in guillemots (species of Cepphus) from the central Bering Sea and West Greenland. These tetrabothriids are characterized, among 44 species of Tetrabothrius in avian hosts, by attributes of the scolex, male and female organ systems, structure and dimensions of the vitelline gland, numbers of testes, configuration of the genital atrium, genital papillae and the male and female atrial canals, position of the genital ducts relative to the poral osmoregulatory canals, structure, dimensions and position of the vaginal seminal receptacle, and dimensions of the embryophore and oncosphere, in addition to a broader array of characters. Remarkably, T. alcae, T. sinistralis, and a cryptic complex had remained unrecognized for the past century, given that these species are unequivocally differentiated by multiple suites of unique structural attributes relative to T. jagerskioeldi. Alcids and cestodes of the T. jagerskioeldi–complex are restricted to cold marine systems of advection and upwelling along coastal margins adjacent to the continental shelf or are associated with archipelagos (especially the Aleutian Arc), isolated islands and rocky headlands of the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Sea of Okhotsk, and Sea of Japan. Tetrabothrius alcae, T. jagerskioeldi, and T. sinistralis may occur in sympatry but with minimal overlap in the faunas associated with murres (Alcini) and guillemots (Cepphini). Transmission for cestodes and persistence of this fauna is expected to be associated with pelagic and neritic systems adjacent to colony sites in zones where critical prey species are concentrated or secondarily dispersed downstream by predictable advective and upwelling processes and become available to foraging birds. Faunal assembly represents the outcomes of oscillating climate, shifting ranges (breakdown in isolation, ecological fitting, and exploration modes for cestodes) and the changing interfaces for resource availability maintained by trophic and habitat overlaps. Dynamics at these ecotones constitute the nexus of opportunity and capacity for infection by species of Tetrabothrius among avian hosts where capacity appears broad and opportunity is ecologically restricted in space and prevatime. Life history pathways for cestodes are tied to trophic associations and dynamics at mesoscales across marine domains and provinces. Resilience and connectivity through ecological fitting strongly suggest the influence of multiple trophic pathways for transmission and persistence of this complex fauna through differing assemblages of zooplankters, fishes, and cephalopods depending on locality, oceanographic conditions, and temporal variability. Changing conditions, especially ecological perturbations driven by climate oscillations, directly determine production cycles and distributions of micro- and macro-zooplankton, forage fishes, cephalopods, and trophic structure in high-latitude marine ecosystems. Expanding regimes of accelerating change emphasize the critical importance of field collections, archives, and baselines to assess biological outcomes across temporal and spatial scales. Parasite assemblages reveal macro- to meso-scale connectivity serving as adjuncts and proxies in recognizing and understanding outcomes for episodes of environmental oscillation and directional atmospheric and oceanic warming in marine ecosystems.

Ecology of the Dock Bug Coreus marginatus orientalis (Kir.) (Heteroptera, Coreidae), a Host of Parasitic Dipterans (Diptera, Tachinidae), in the South of Primorskii Territory

Data on the habitats, phenology, development cycle, and trophic associations of the Far Eastern subspecies of the dock bug Coreus marginatus orientalis (Kiritshenko, 1916) (Heteroptera, Coreidae) in the south of Primorskii Territory are presented. New host plants for C. m. orientalis were revealed. Parasitic flies of the family Tachinidae were reared in the laboratory from the infested bugs. Data on parasitism of five tachinid species of the genera Clytiomya, Ectophasia, Elomya, and Phasia (subfamily Phasiinae) on C. m. orientalis are reported for the first time; C. marginatus is recorded as a new host for three tachinid species.

On the Ecology of the Shield Bug Menida violacea Motschulsky, 1861 (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae), Host of Parasitic Dipterans (Diptera, Tachinidae) in the South of Primorskii Territory (Russia)

Data on Menida violacea Motsch. (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae), a rare shield bug species in Primorskii Territory of Russia, are given. Two species of parasitic dipterans of the family Tachinidae, Ectophasia rotundiventris (Loew, 1858) and Leucostoma crassum Kugler, 1966 (subfamily Phasiinae), were reared from the bugs in the laboratory. The development stages of M. violacea in nature, the habitats and timing of its hibernation were studied, and the geographic distribution and trophic associations of the species were clarified, with five plant families added to the previously known hosts. An increase in the bug population and transition to agricultural plants were recorded in the recent years.

Aphid\u2019s parasitoid fauna and their trophic associations in the oasis ecosystems of Zibans (Biskra, Algeria)

A study on the fauna of aphids’ parasitoids was carried out in the oasis ecosystems of the Ziban in the region of Biskra, Algeria. Eighteen primary parasitoids species belong to 2 subfamilies; Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea, Braconidae), represented by 17 species and 6 genera (Aphidius, Diaeretiella, Ephedrus, Lysiphlebus, Praon, and Binodoxys) and the subfamily Aphelininae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea, Aphelinidae), represented by only one species of the genus Aphelinus was listed. The parasitoid species were collected and identified in association with 22 species of aphids infesting 29 host plant species belonging to 13 botanical families. A number of 83 tri-trophic plant-aphid-parasitoid associations were presented. The two parasitoid species, Aphidius matricariae (Hal.) and Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cress.), were the most abundant species. The present study dealt only with primary parasitoids, while hyperparasitoids will be presented in another publication.

Trophic Associations of Ants with Aphid Partners and New Distribution Records of some Ants in Pothwar Region of Pakistan

Trophic Associations of Ants with Aphid Partners and New Distribution Records of some Ants in Pothwar Region of Pakistan

Using stable isotopes of plasma, red blood cells, feces, and feathers to assess mature-forest bird diet during the post-fledging period

Post-fledging use of early successional habitat by mature-forest birds is well-documented, but the important trophic factors driving this association remain poorly understood. We used stable isotope analysis of plasma, red blood cells, feces, and feathers to determine foraging preferences of three mature-forest bird species captured in 8-year-old clearcuts during the post-fledging period. We did not identify a significant source contribution in any consumer tissue combination using MixSIAR posterior distributions, but the position of consumer tissues in bivariate isotope mixing space suggested that all three mature-forest bird species acted as generalist insectivores during the post-fledging period. Furthermore, estimates of the proportional contribution of fruit to the overall diet were <0.13 for all Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea (J.F. Gmelin, 1789)) tissue types, despite observational evidence of frugivory. We observed significant differentiation in core-niche-space estimates between the two obligate insectivores (Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum (J.F. Gmelin, 1789)) and Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla (Linnaeus, 1766))), suggesting that clearcuts provided adequate habitat to support the different foraging strategies and invertebrate preferences of both species. By using tissues with short turnover rates to address post-fledging trophic associations of mature-forest birds, we provide a comparison of isotopic values of multiple consumer tissue types in this context.

Report of some Eurytomid wasps (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) and their associated host plants from two provinces of Iran

The species of Eurytomidae family and their trophic associations with different plants were studied in two provinces of Iran (Hamedan and Lorestan). Seed-feeding Eurytomid wasps were reared from different plant seeds collected during 2008-2012. Totally 600 specimens of Eurytomid wasps were collected. Among them, 6 Eurytomid wasp species were identified as a new species for Iranian fauna and three species were described as a new species for science. Among 26 identified Eurytomid wasps, 18 species belong to Bruchophagus, 6 species to Systole and 2 species to Eurytoma. Moreover, 66 plant species are firstly indicated here as host plants for Eurytomidae species. Host plants that reported in this study belonging to Fabaceae, Apiaceae, and Lamiaceae.

CHARIPINAE (HYMENOPTERA: FIGITIDAE) OF SERBIA – DISTRIBUTION AND TROPHIC INTERACTIONS

The distribution and trophic interactions of aphid associated Charipinae of Serbia are presented. In total, 77 different trophic associations (plant-aphid-primary parasitoid-hyperparasitoid) have been reported. Four Charipinae species are recorded for the first time from Serbia: Alloxysta citripes (Thomson, 1862), Alloxysta mullensis (Cameron, 1883), Alloxysta pusilla (Kieffer, 1902), and Alloxysta sawoniewiczi (Kierych, 1988).

Biological control of Gonipterus: Uncovering the associations between eucalypts, weevils and parasitoids in their native range

The study was initiated by the relative failure of the parasitoid Anaphes nitens in controlling the eucalypt weevil Gonipterus platensis on the Iberian Peninsula. Our aim was to gain insight into the community of Gonipterus egg parasitoids occurring in Tasmania. During surveys in 2016 and 2017, adult weevils and egg pods were collected from Eucalyptus trees in Tasmania. The weevils were identified using male genital structure and DNA extracted from hatched larvae. Parasitoids that emerged from the egg pods were identified, and trophic associations of egg parasitoids, weevils and host plants were analyzed. Five species of the Gonipterus scutellatus complex, to which G. platensis belongs, were found, including Gonipterus sp. 2, which is reported for the first time from Tasmania. Molecular analysis corroborated previous phylogenetic studies of this group of species. A sixth species, G. notographus, was also collected. Most species were found to overlap in distribution in Tasmania and, despite being oligophagous, to display selectivity among Eucalyptus species used as hosts: G. platensis and G. pulverulentus were mainly found on E. ovata, Gonipterus sp. 1 on E. nitens and E. globulus and G. notographus on ‘peppermint’ species (E. amygdalina and E. pulchella). Five egg parasitoid species were found associated with these Gonipterus species: Anaphes inexpectatus, A. nitens, A. tasmaniae, Cirrospilus sp. and Euderus sp., with no apparent host specialization. Anaphes nitens, Cirrospilus sp. and Euderus sp. were more frequently found on E. ovata, possibly associated with G. platensis and G. pulverulentus, which were dominant on this host species. Conversely, A. inexpectatus was dominantly found on peppermints (43%), suggesting a main association with G. notographus. Anaphes nitens was found at 23 locations out of 117 and in 2017 was the most abundant parasitoid obtained, with an average 20% parasitism rate, indicating that this species is undergoing a geographical and population expansion since its first report from Tasmania in 2012. These findings contribute to the understanding of the parasitoid-Gonipterus-Eucalyptus trophic relationship and stand to improve future classical biological control programs against G. platensis and other invasive Gonipterus species.

Contribution of predation to the biological control of a key herbivorous pest in citrus agroecosystems

Biological control has traditionally simplified the view of trophic relationships between herbivorous pests and their natural enemies in agriculture. The success or failure of this pest management strategy is still mainly attributed to the ability of a few key natural enemies to suppress the pest density. For example, successful regulation of the California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii), a key citrus pest, is generally credited to specific parasitoids of the Aphytis genus. Currently, research is revealing how herbivore regulation in agroecosystems can be alternatively achieved with a greater number of trophic associations within the system. The goals of the present study were as follows: i) to unravel species-specific trophic links between A.aurantii and its natural enemies in citrus agroecosystems, and ii) to assess their contribution to control of A.aurantii. Predation and parasitism of this herbivorous pest were assessed through exclusion experiments. Species-specific trophic links between this herbivorous pest and its natural enemies were studied using gut-content analysis of field-collected predators employing prey-specific DNA molecular markers. Relative predation rates of the species involved in A.aurantii regulation were estimated. Predation was found to be the main biotic component of A.aurantii mortality, causing reductions of more than 75% in recently settled cohorts. Aonidiella aurantii DNA was detected in the digestive system of 11 species of predators. Generalist and stenophagous predators, mainly associated with other citrus pests such as aphids, proved to be the most important biological control agents of this pest. Complex trophic relationships, such as apparent competition between two key citrus pests, were revealed. The present study highlights the role of predation as biotic mortality factor of key pests in perennial agroecosystems, wherein it is a rich complex of indigenous or naturalized generalist predators that are primarily responsible for this mortality. The results herein presented may therefore offer another perspective on the biological control of one of the key world-wide citrus pests, at least in those regions where specific parasitoids are not able to successfully regulate the scale populations.

Two New Species of the Genus Systole (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Eurytomidae), with Fisrt Record of S. Complanata from Iran

Abstract Systole irana sp. n. and S. dzintari sp. n. are described from Iran. Systole complanata Zerova is recorded from Iran for the first time. These three Systole species belong to the subgenus Systole (Systole). The species of this subgenus have trophic associations with plants of family Apiaceae. An identification key to species of Systole from Iran is given. Holotype and paratypes of new species are deposited in the collection of I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv).

Native parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Serra da Bodoquena National Park-MS, Brazil

Abstract: Fruit flies are among the main groups of phytophagous insects. Their larvae, when feeding on the pulp or seeds of the host fruits, can cause rot and favor the entrance of pathogens. Thus, the objectives of this study was: (1) To know the trophic associations between species of parasitoids and fruit flies in the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena (PNSB)-MS, Brazil. (2) To inventory the parasitoid species associated with fruit flies in fruit trees in the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena. Monthly expeditions were carried out (From Jan 2017 to Feb 2018) in order to collect the fruits and obtain the fruit flies (Tephritidae) and their respective parasitoids. The collected fruits were transported to the laboratory of frugivorous insects (LIF) of the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD)-MS. The fruit fly larvae were daily collected and placed in transparent acrylic cups containing sterilized sand, where they remained till the emergence of adults and their parasitoids. Twenty-Three adult Tephritid parasitoids were recovered, represented by two species of Braconidae: Doryctobracon areolatus (18) and Utetes anastrephae (5), both infesting Anastrepha species: Anastrepha fraterculus, A. sororcula and A. striata in Myrtaceae: Psidium guajava and Eugenia myrcianthes. Doryctobracon areolatus and Utetes anastrephae are reported for the first time parasiting Anastrepha species in Eugenia myrcianthes.

Whole-genome data reveal the complex history of a diverse ecological community

How widespread ecological communities assemble remains a key question in ecology. Trophic interactions between widespread species may reflect a shared population history or ecological fitting of local pools of species with very different population histories. Which scenario applies is central to the stability of trophic associations and the potential for coevolution between species. Here we show how alternative community assembly hypotheses can be discriminated using whole-genome data for component species and provide a likelihood framework that overcomes current limitations in formal comparison of multispecies histories. We illustrate our approach by inferring the assembly history of a Western Palearctic community of insect herbivores and parasitoid natural enemies, trophic groups that together comprise 50% of terrestrial species. We reject models of codispersal from a shared origin and of delayed enemy pursuit of their herbivore hosts, arguing against herbivore attainment of "enemy-free space." The community-wide distribution of species expansion times is also incompatible with a random, neutral model of assembly. Instead, we reveal a complex assembly history of single- and multispecies range expansions through the Pleistocene from different directions and over a range of timescales. Our results suggest substantial turnover in species associations and argue against tight coevolution in this system. The approach we illustrate is widely applicable to natural communities of nonmodel species and makes it possible to reveal the historical backdrop against which natural selection acts.

New Records of Noctuoid Moths (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea) in the Baikal Region

The results of long-term faunistic studies of the noctuoid moths in the Baikal region and the literature review are presented. An annotated check-list including 83 species of the families Notodontidae, Erebidae, Nolidae, and Noctuidae is given. Data on the previous records of the species from the study region are given. The Noctuoidea fauna of Irkutsk Province comprises 462 species, that of the Republic of Buryatia, 419 species, and that of the Baikal region as a whole, 510 species. The distribution limits are expanded for 17 species of the Noctuoidea complex: the new eastern range boundary is established for 11 species of Erebidae and Noctuidae, and the new western one is established for 5 representatives of Notodontidae, Erebidae and Noctuidae. Two species, Actebia confinis (Staudinger, 1881) and Actebia confusa (Alpheraky, 1882), are new to the Russian fauna. The trophic associations of Phidrimana amurensis (Staudinger, 1892) are established: the larvae of this Euro-Siberian species feed on the leaves of different species of elms (Ulmus japonica Rehder, Ulmus pumila L.). Three noctuid species, Calyptra lata (Butler, 1881), Bryophila granitalis (Butler, 1881) and Cosmia trapezinula (Filipjev, 1927), with large disjunctions of their ranges are reported; these moths are apparently relicts of the Atlantic Period of the Holocene.

Trophic relationships among animals associated with drifting wrack

Wrack accumulates commonly in surf zones of sandy beaches and can be a semipermanent feature. Very few studies have investigated the trophic pathways associated with wrack accumulations in sandy beach surf zones, despite their potential importance to nearshore food webs. In the present study, we were specifically interested in determining the fish–wrack trophic associations in the nearshore. Macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and fish were sampled from drifting wrack at two sites with different macrophyte compositions (i.e. algae v. an algae–seagrass mix) in South Australia. The gut contents of fish were sampled, and the δ13C and δ15N stable isotope signatures of fish, macroinvertebrates and macrophytes were analysed. Using both the stable isotope and diet data, we identified that fish are feeding among wrack accumulations, but some unexplained trophic pathways suggest that fish are also likely to be foraging over multiple habitats elsewhere for food. In contrast, there was more evidence that grazing macroinvertebrates may be feeding on and around macrophytes within the accumulations, as well as using them as habitat. Thus, the present study established some baseline trophic pathways associated with wrack accumulations in sandy beach surf zones. Given the modest evidence for use of wrack as a food source, the lower trophic levels of the food webs identified remain unknown and should be an area for future research.