Showing papers in "Entomological Review in 2017"
TL;DR: The enlargement of urban green areas followed by their population by wild mammals and birds create good opportunities for the establishment of urban populations of tick vectors with the resulting threat to the health of urban dwellers and their pets.
Abstract: The problem of urban ticks has arisen from the increased rate of urbanization since WWII. Expansion of municipal boundaries encompasses adjacent territories, so that large areas of wilderness together with all their inhabitants get incorporated into city limits. Current strategies of biodiversity conservation include the creation of green corridors and other forms of connectivity between wilderness and urban areas as well as between green patches within cities. All this allows various mammals and birds to migrate from their native habitats into and between various parts of the cities and to establish permanent urban populations. Medium-sized and larger animals provide adult ticks with blood meal, thus creating suitable conditions for the establishment and persistence of tick populations. Independent tick populations can exist in urban forests, parks, private properties, old cemeteries, etc. Over the last decades, the tick populations that originated from those in natural habitats around the cities have become a permanent component of urban fauna. Among such ticks, the castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus is the most important species for European cities, while the deer tick I. scapularis is of great significance for the East Coast of the United States. The taiga tick I. persulcatus is the most important species for the Russian cities and towns within its range. All these and some other ticks aggressively attack humans and their pets inside cities. The tick species especially well adapted to urban life are those which can live and reproduce in buildings. The brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (family Ixodidae), the pigeon ticks from the reflexus group of the genus Argas, and Ornithodoros ticks (family Argasidae), which form urban and semi-urban populations, are the main urban tick pests and vectors. House infestation by ticks can lead to human infection with tick-borne pathogens or severe allergic reactions. Some tick hosts, mammals as well as birds, maintain tick-transmitted pathogens and serve as competent reservoir hosts. Urban populations of these animals can participate in the circulation of some pathogens within cities. Thus, the enlargement of urban green areas followed by their population by wild mammals and birds create good opportunities for the establishment of urban populations of tick vectors with the resulting threat to the health of urban dwellers and their pets. At the same time, our understanding of the real scope and complexity of the problem of urban ticks is far from being sufficient. Finding the ways of protecting the environment without increasing the risk to human health in modern cities is a pressing and challenging problem of our time.
41 citations
TL;DR: The summer diapause syndrome is basically similar to that of winter diAPause; it includes prior development of large fat body, decreased level of metabolism, increased general resistance to unfavorable abiotic and biotic conditions, etc.
Abstract: Insects living in the temperate climate include summer diapause, or aestivation, in their seasonal cycle to solve various problems related to adaptation to unfavorable seasons. Unlike winter diapause, summer diapause occurs in summer and is usually terminated in autumn when active feeding, development, and/or reproduction are restored. Typically, high temperature and long day induce summer diapause and then maintain it, whereas short day and low temperature prevent induction of this diapause or terminate it. The summer diapause syndrome is basically similar to that of winter diapause; it includes prior development of large fat body, decreased level of metabolism, increased general resistance to unfavorable abiotic and biotic conditions, etc. Inhibition of morphogenesis and gametogenesis is under the control of the endocrine system. The onset of summer diapause is often accompanied by migrations to varying, sometimes significant distances to the sites of aestivation. The selective factors responsible for evolution of summer diapause vary between insect species. Climatic factors and, consequently, availability and abundance of food, as well as pressure of predators and parasites are likely to be the main factors that stimulate its occurrence. In some species, prolonged diapause begins in spring or early summer and ceases only after over-wintering. When studied in detail, such prolonged diapause often turns out to be a sequence of two independent diapauses, summer and winter ones, occurring in succession without detectable external changes.
28 citations
TL;DR: The buprestid beetle Lamprodila (Palmar) festiva (L.) (Coleoptera, Buprestidae, Poecilonoini), an invasive pest of cultivated Cupressaceae such as Thuja, Chamaecyparis, Cupressus, and Juniperus in the Greater Sochi area (the Russian Black Sea coast), is recorded for the first time for Russia and the former USSR.
Abstract: The buprestid beetle Lamprodila (Palmar) festiva (L.) (Coleoptera, Buprestidae, Poecilonoini), an invasive pest of cultivated Cupressaceae such as Thuja, Chamaecyparis, Cupressus, and Juniperus in the Greater Sochi area (the Russian Black Sea coast), is recorded for the first time for Russia and the former USSR. Data on the systematic position, diagnostic characters, distribution, host plants, biology of the new pest, and its damage to urban plantations are discussed. Recent records of this species in the new areas of Central and Eastern Europe as well as on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus suggest expansion of its range during the recent decades.
15 citations
TL;DR: The structure of the brain in one of the smallest psocopterans, Liposcelis bostrychophila (Liposcelididae), studied in a series of histological sections with the use of 3D reconstructions and TEM is described.
Abstract: The third communication in this series describes the structure of the brain in one of the smallest psocopterans, Liposcelis bostrychophila (Liposcelididae), studied in a series of histological sections with the use of 3D reconstructions and TEM. Like all microinsects, L. bostrychophila shows both oligomerization and concentration of ganglia, an increased relative volume of the brain, and a reduced number and size of neurons. In addition, reduction of one of the optic lobes is noted. The structural features of the neuropil brain centers in the early and late first-instar nymphs are described.
13 citations
TL;DR: The structural peculiarities of the brain organization and its features associated with body miniaturization as well as its quantitative characteristics are described for the first time in both the adult and the first-instar nymph of H. haemorrhoidalis.
Abstract: This article describes the morphology and ultrastructure of the brain of the greenhouse thrips, Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Thripidae), studied in a series of histological sections with the use of 3D reconstructions and TEM. The structural peculiarities of the brain organization and its features associated with body miniaturization as well as its quantitative characteristics (the number of cells and the volume of individual centers) are described for the first time in both the adult and the first-instar nymph of H. haemorrhoidalis. It is suggested that the limits of the nervous system miniaturization may be different in holo- and hemimetabolous insects.
13 citations
TL;DR: Microstructure and distribution of sensilla were studied in 25 species of caddisflies of the family Rhyacophilidae for the first time and suggest the participation of sensillas structures in the speciation processes.
Abstract: Microstructure and distribution of sensilla were studied in 25 species of caddisflies of the family Rhyacophilidae for the first time. Comparative analysis allowed 13 sensilla types to be identified in members of this family: long grooved trichoid, curved trichoid, chaetoid, mushroom-like pseudoplacoid, forked pseudoplacoid, leaf-like pseudoplacoid, dissected pseudoplacoid, multiforked pseudoplacoid, styloconic, auricillic, coronal, basiconic sensilla, and Bohm’s bristles. The largest variations were found in the pseudoplacoid sensilla. Dissected, leaflike, auricillic, and multiforked sensilla were discovered in the order Trichoptera for the first time. Curved trichoid sensilla can be grouped or assembled into sensory fields. The total number of sensilla per antennal segment decreases towards the antenna apex. Data on the structural diversity of sensilla in groups of fast-evolving species suggest the participation of sensilla structures in the speciation processes.
12 citations
TL;DR: Morphological, taxonomic, and some ecological aspects of intraspecific biodiversity of five ixodid species transmitting pathogens with natural nidality, with extensive ranges of different types are examined.
Abstract: Morphological, taxonomic, and some ecological aspects of intraspecific biodiversity of five ixodid species transmitting pathogens with natural nidality, with extensive ranges of different types are examined. Causal relations of ixodid intraspecific biodiversity with the origin of the species ranges are considered.
10 citations
TL;DR: Synergy between the fungus and avermectins was revealed in field experiments conducted in the steppe zone of Western Siberia under strong fluctuations of temperature and humidity and the mechanisms of synergy and the prospects of using the combined treatment for Colorado potato beetle control are discussed.
Abstract: Synergy between the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii J.F. Bisch., S.A. Rehner et Humber and a complex of natural avermectins was observed after combined treatment of the Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) larvae. This effect was also recorded at the larval stage most resistant to fungi (5 days after molting to the IV instar). Intoxication with avermectins led to a 2.7-fold decrease in food consumption and arrest of larval development. Synergy between the fungus and avermectins was revealed in field experiments conducted in the steppe zone of Western Siberia under strong fluctuations of temperature and humidity. In particular, the median lethal time (LT50) decreased 2.8-fold after combined treatment as compared to treatment with M. robertsii alone. The mechanisms of synergy and the prospects of using the combined treatment for Colorado potato beetle control are discussed.
10 citations
TL;DR: Based on analysis of the sclerites and musculature of the male genitalia of Micropezidae as compared to those of the previously studied Acalyptratae and Aschiza, several apomorphies of this group are revealed.
Abstract: The muscles of the male abdomen and genitalia of Micropezidae were studied for the first time by the example of Neria commutata (Czerny, 1930). Based on analysis of the sclerites and musculature of the male genitalia of Micropezidae as compared to those of the previously studied Acalyptratae and Aschiza, we revealed several apomorphies of this group. The hypandrial complex is characterized by the presence of the phallic retractors and protractors M1 and M2, and the epandrial complex, by the presence of muscles M3 of the subepandrial sclerite, muscles M4 of the surstyli, muscles M7 of the cerci, and also the tergosternal muscles M5; all these muscles correspond to the ground plan of Cyclorrhapha. The following characters are considered apomorphic: the splitting of intersegmental sternal muscles ISM5–6 into 4 pairs that ensure the functioning of the forcipate appendages of sternite V; development of syntergosternite VII and reduction of muscles ISM6–7; the splitting of muscles M3 of the subepandrial sclerite into 4 pairs, enhancing the function of this sclerite; the appearance of pregonites with the associated muscles M42, which probably occurred independently several times in the evolution of different groups of Cyclorrhapha; asymmetry of syntergosternites VII and VIII and their muscles. The sclerites and muscles of the epandrium and hypandrium are characterized by complete symmetry.
8 citations
TL;DR: It is assumed that adaptation of the Helopini larvae to the soil life promoted their wide distribution in different landscapes by elimination of the limiting factor for completing their life cycles, namely the need for ligneous substrate of old rotting trees.
Abstract: Trophic relations of lichen-feeding darkling beetles of the tribe Helopini in Turkey, the Caucasus, and Anti-Atlas are considered. This group is the most diverse in relict Anatolian forests of Cedrus libani, Abies cilicica, Pinus nigra, Juniperus spp., and Quercus cerris, where multitaxon lichenophagous assemblages exist. Three life strategies for attenuation of interspecific competition are distinguished: (1) differentiation of the consumed lichens, (2) separation of the life forms based on the types of the lichens consumed, and (3) segregation of circadian activity in adults. We assume that adaptation of the Helopini larvae to the soil life promoted their wide distribution in different landscapes by elimination of the limiting factor for completing their life cycles, namely the need for ligneous substrate of old rotting trees. The possibility of using lichen-feeding beetles of the tribe Helopini in ecosystem and lichen indication is considered.
8 citations
TL;DR: The diversity and distribution of leaf mining insects developing on birches (Betula spp.) in Siberia were reviewed based on published records and observations and the importance of DNA barcoding in the study of the local insect faunas of poorly explored regions is emphasized.
Abstract: The diversity and distribution of leaf mining insects developing on birches (Betula spp.) in Siberia were reviewed based on published records and our observations. Analysis of the literature revealed 52 species of leaf miners recorded as feeding on different Betula species in Siberia. Among them, three species were listed under different names and six species were erroneously recorded as birch consumers. Thus, the revised list of birch leaf miners contains 44 species. Five moth and four sawfly species are mentioned in the literature as pests of Betula. Four sawflies are known to be invasive in North America. Our collections comprised 25 species, including the micro-moth Stigmella continuella (Lepidoptera, Nepticulidae), a new species for Siberia found in Novosibirsk. Immature stages of 15 species were identified using DNA barcoding. Twenty species were recorded from several regions of Siberia for the first time. The dominant group is Lepidoptera (31 species), followed by Coleoptera (7), Hymenoptera (5), and Diptera (1). Two-thirds of all the known leaf miners develop exclusively on birches; the remaining species also colonize alders (Alnus, Betulaceae), some Rosaceae, Salicaceae, and Ulmaceae. In our observations, the majority of insects (96%) developed on B. pendula. About half of them were also observed on the East Asian birches B. dahurica, B. divaricata, B. costata, B. ermanii, and B. gmelinii; five species were found on the North American birches B. occidentalis and B. papyrifera. All the leaf mining species listed in our paper for Siberia also occur in Europe. The similarity between the miner faunas of these regions is discussed and it is warned about possible errors in diagnostics of the Siberian species using the keys and catalogues for the European fauna. The importance of DNA barcoding in the study of the local insect faunas of poorly explored regions is also emphasized.
TL;DR: The leading role of structures of the frontal and nototrochanteral complexes in the adaptive evolution of Siphonaptera is substantiated and peculiarities of the pulicoid, ischnopsylloid, palaeopsylloids, and generalized morphological types are analyzed together with examples of narrow morphological specializations.
Abstract: The paper deals with peculiarities of flea structure determined by their parasitism on mammals and birds. On the basis of the data on diversity of morphological characters, the leading role of structures of the frontal and nototrochanteral complexes in the adaptive evolution of Siphonaptera is substantiated. Peculiarities of the pulicoid, ischnopsylloid, palaeopsylloid, and generalized morphological types are analyzed together with examples of narrow morphological specializations. Distribution of fleas of these morphological types over five groups of hosts differing in the degree of mobility and association with nests and burrows is also analyzed.
TL;DR: Data suggest that the influence of density-dependent factors on the development of H. axyridis depends significantly on larval prey species, and that larvae from the invasive population have somewhat more aggressive interactions with competitors, this possibly having been one of the prerequisites for invasion.
Abstract: Effects of the number of larvae per Petri dish (1, 5, and 10) on the preimaginal development of individuals of the native (Irkutsk, southern Siberia) and invasive (Sochi, the Northern Caucasus) populations of the multicolored Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis were investigated in the laboratory. The experiments were conducted under short (12 h) and long (18 h) day conditions; the larvae were fed on the green peach aphid Myzus persicae or on the eggs of the grain moth Sitotroga cerealella. An increase in the number of larvae developed in one Petri dish resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of development in individuals from both populations which fed on aphids. Survival decreased with an increase in the number of larvae developed in one Petri dish fed on both prey species, but only in larvae from the invasive population of H. axyridis. The weight of emerging adults decreased with the number of larvae per dish in individuals from both study populations, but only when fed on aphids. These data suggest that the influence of density-dependent factors on the development of H. axyridis depends significantly on larval prey species. In addition, larvae from the invasive population have somewhat more aggressive interactions with competitors, this possibly having been one of the prerequisites for invasion.
TL;DR: The procedure of dissection of the weevil genitalia, variations in the endophallus armature, proventriculus, and crop in Plinthus species are described, and the terminology for these structures is explained.
Abstract: The taxonomic composition of the genus Plinthus Germar, 1817 is considered. The procedure of dissection of the weevil genitalia, variations in the endophallus armature, proventriculus, and crop in Plinthus species are described, and the terminology for these structures is explained. The taxonomic significance of the morphological characters of the endophallus, proventriculus, and crop, as well as the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Plinthus and its subgenera are discussed. New data on the taxonomy, morphology, and distribution of species from the subgenera Plinthomeleus Reitter, 1913 and Plinthus s. str. are presented. Keys to the subgenera of Plinthus and to species groups of the subgenus Plinthomeleus are given. Plinthus squalidus is recorded from the Caucasus and Russia for the first time.
TL;DR: Five species of the hyalinatus species-group of the genus Sphecodes Latreille 1804 (Hymenoptera, Halictidae) are reviewed and an updated checklist of 37 species of this genus is given.
Abstract: Five species of the hyalinatus species-group of the genus Sphecodes Latreille 1804 (Hymenoptera, Halictidae) are reviewed. Sphecodes maruyamanus Tsuneki and S. murotai Tsuneki are found in Russia for the first time, and S. hyalinatus Hagens is newly recorded from the Kuril Islands (Kunashir). Illustrated keys to males and females of all the species of the S. hyalinatus species-group are provided. An updated checklist of 37 species of the genus Sphecodes is given.
TL;DR: It was shown that, while the mean abundance of active ticks in the studied territories tended to decrease, correlation between the abundance of ticks and meteorological parameters varied significantly in both intensity and direction depending on the microclimatic features of the collection sites.
Abstract: The article deals with the influence of meteorological factors on the activity of the taiga tick Ixodes persulcatus Sch. in the city of St. Petersburg and its environs. The results of correlation analysis of meteorological data (21 parameters) and tick collection data for 1980-2012 demonstrated a linear dependence between 11 meteorological parameters and the mean abundance of ticks. Factor analysis reduced dimensionality down to 3 parameters: the accumulated temperatures higher than +5.0°C, the annual sum of daily precipitation amounts greater than 5 mm, and Selyaninov’s hydrothermal coefficient. It was shown that, while the mean abundance of active ticks in the studied territories tended to decrease, correlation between the abundance of ticks and meteorological parameters varied significantly in both intensity and direction depending on the microclimatic features of the collection sites. At low annual variation of the mean tick abundance, the methods of collection can significantly affect the results of statistical analysis. This fact should be taken into account when predicting both the timing and the intensity of the epidemiological season.
TL;DR: Phymatodes abietinus Plavilstshikov et Lurie, 1960, previously known from a few records in Siberia and eastern European Russia, is found in the Chuvash Republic (Russia).
Abstract: Phymatodes abietinus Plavilstshikov et Lurie, 1960, previously known from a few records in Siberia and eastern European Russia, is found in the Chuvash Republic (Russia). The general distribution of this species is described.
TL;DR: The annotated list of the pteromalids comprises 88 species of 43 genera, including the 81 species of 39 genera listed for thepteromalid fauna of the Karatau Ridge and the 16 species of 14 genera given to the adjacent territories of the Talas Al atau Ridge.
Abstract: An inventory of the pteromalid fauna of the Karatau Ridge and adjacent area of the Talas Alatau Ridge in Western Tien Shan is presented for the first time. The annotated list of the pteromalids comprises 88 species of 43 genera, including the 81 species of 39 genera listed for the pteromalid fauna of the Karatau Ridge and the 16 species of 14 genera given to the adjacent territories of the Talas Alatau Ridge. Information on the hosts, habitats, and geographic distribution is provided for each species.
TL;DR: Both the trap type and the cover color significantly affected the similarity of the species structure and species composition of the samples, including the most abundant species, P. oblongopunctatus.
Abstract: Ground beetles were sampled in a broadleaved deciduous forest in Kaluga Province in April–October 1995 using 90 traps grouped in 18 experimental plots. Three types of pitfall traps were used: glass jars, white plastic cups, and cylindrical containers made of transparent plastic bottles. Two types of cover put above the traps were tested: transparent and black. Altogether, 72 carabid species were found, of which only 10 species were shared by all the experimental plots: Leistus terminatus, Carabus hortensis, C. glabratus, Cychrus caraboides, Pterostichus niger, P. oblongopunctatus, P. strenuus, P. melanarius, Calathus micropterus, and Badister lacertosus. The Jaccard binary similarity index between the experimental plots amounted to 37–68% while the Bray-Curtis similarity index was 66–89%. Both the trap type and the cover color significantly affected the similarity of the species structure and species composition of the samples. Plastic cups provided the highest catches of beetles, but this was due to the most abundant species, P. oblongopunctatus. Containers provided the highest catches of C. glabratus. The total abundance was higher for the traps with transparent covers than for those with black covers. Traps with transparent covers provided significantly higher catches of L. terminatus, P. oblongopunctatus, Asaphidion flavipes, and Harpalus rufipes. An adequate assessment of the species composition of a particular habitat requires at least 30 pitfall traps.
TL;DR: Division of the family into two subfamilies, Megalopyginae and the more archaic Trosiinae, is supported by the results, and the homology of the modified appendages of the tergal complex and vinculum is refined.
Abstract: Nine muscles were found in the genital complex of Megalopygidae: the paired m1, m2(10), m4, m5(7), m6(5), m7(6), the unpaired m20, m21, and the phallobase muscles. This arrangement corresponds to the ground plan of Zygaenoidea with some reductions. The archaic muscles of the “musculi phallici internus” system, located inside the phallotheca and aedeagus, were revealed for the first time in representatives of the entire superfamily Zygaenoidea. We suggest that the traditional interpretation of m21 as the inner longitudinal muscle of the aedeagus should be preserved, while the inner muscles of the phallotheca should be designated as musculi phallobasi interni m36. Division of the family into two subfamilies, Megalopyginae and the more archaic Trosiinae, is supported by our results, and the homology of the modified appendages of the tergal complex and vinculum is refined. A list of autapomorphies of the family is given.
TL;DR: Three genera (Erdoesia Bouczek, Metastenus Walker, and Novitzkyanus Bouček) and 24 species are recorded for the first time for the fauna of Russia; in addition, 39 species are new for thefauna of Krasnodar Territory.
Abstract: Three genera (Erdoesia Boucek, Metastenus Walker, and Novitzkyanus Boucek) and 24 species are recorded for the first time for the fauna of Russia; in addition, 39 species are new for the fauna of Krasnodar Territory. New host–parasite associations are revealed for 6 species of pteromalid wasps.
TL;DR: The muscles of the male genitalia were studied for the first time in two species endemic to the Oriental zoogeographical region and two new autapomorphies were discovered: the splitting of m4 into two muscles and a shift of the attachment site of one of these muscles onto the dorsal area of the anellus.
Abstract: The muscles of the male genitalia were studied for the first time in two species endemic to the Oriental zoogeographical region, namely Curetis bulis from the subfamily Curetinae (Lycaenidae) and Paralaxita damajanti from the tribe Abisarini (Riodinidae). Both taxa possess a common plan of musculature reflected in the positions of muscles m1, m2(10), m5(7), m7(6), m21, and m28. Two new autapomorphies of Curetis bulis were discovered: the splitting of m4 into two muscles and a shift of the attachment site of one of these muscles onto the dorsal area of the anellus. Apomorphic differences in the position of the genital muscles were found between Paralaxita damajanti and the previously studied Polycaena tamerlana from the family Riodinidae. A new synapomorphy between the latter two species, namely splitting of the aedeagus protractors m6(5), was also found.
TL;DR: The species Mastumurides bicolor (Shiraki, 1913) comb.
Abstract: A list of species of Limacodidae from Taiwan is given (58 species, 43 genera). Six new species are described: Calauta obscura sp. n., Ceratonema apodina sp. n., Trichogyia concava sp. n., Neiraga fulva sp. n., Sansarea formosana sp. n., and Griseothosea rufula sp. n. The species Mastumurides bicolor (Shiraki, 1913) comb. n. is transferred from the genus Thosea Walker, 1855, thus forming a new generic combination.
TL;DR: The field work of the authors during the last 16 years in both the western and the eastern parts of Leningrad Province, Russia, has resulted in the addition of 7 species to the regional list of bark beetles, namely: Hylurgus ligniperda F., Crypturgus subcribrosus Egg.
Abstract: The field work of the authors during the last 16 years in both the western and the eastern parts of Leningrad Province, Russia, has resulted in the addition of 7 species to the regional list of bark beetles, namely: Hylurgus ligniperda F., Crypturgus subcribrosus Egg., Pityogenes irkutensis Egg., Scolytus mali Bechst., S. scolytus F., S. pygmaeus F., and Xyleborinus attenuatus Blandf. Of these species, P. irkutensis occurs only in the eastern districts of Leningrad Province, C. subcribrosus, over the whole territory, and the remaining species, only in the western districts. We suggest excluding Polygraphus proximus Blandf. from the regional faunal list. As a result, the updated list of the bark beetle species of Leningrad Province comprises 75 taxa. New data on findings of rare species in the region are considered.
TL;DR: New data on the distribution and taxonomy of some Palaearctic species of click-beetles of the subfamily Agrypninae are given and several new synonymies are established.
Abstract: New data on the distribution and taxonomy of some Palaearctic species of click-beetles of the subfamily Agrypninae are given. The external morphology and genitalia of the previously unknown females of Compsolacon korotjaevi Gur. and C. agrestis (Vats et Kash.) comb. n. are described. Several taxa are recorded from the following territories for the first time: the genus Eumoeus Cand. from the Palaearctic Region, the species Compsolacon agrestis comb. n. and C. himalayanus Jag. from Afghanistan, Compsolacon turkestanicus (Schw.) from Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan, Danosoma conspersum (Gyll.) from Kazakhstan, Lacon quadrinodatus Lew. from Russia, and L. unicolor (Cand.) from Iraq. Several Northern Indian species of Agrypnus Esch. are transferred to Compsolacon Rtt., and their systematic positions are briefly discussed: C. agrestis, C. inlustris (Vats et Kash.), C. jacksoni (Vats et Kash.), C. kuluensis (Vats et Kash.), C. maisus (Vats et Kash.), C. planocorpus (Vats et Kash.), C. rameshi (Vats et Kash.), C. repercussus (Vats et Kash.), C. solanensis (Vats et Kash.), C. souslapisus (Vats et Kash.), C. subargillus (Vats et Kash.), C. subfaenum (Vats et Kash.) and C. sublapideus (Vats et Kash.) (all comb. n.). The following new combinations are also established: Compsolacon aequalis (Cand.) comb. n. and Compsolacon brachychaetus (Kollar) comb. n. (both ex Lacon). The following new synonymies are established: Lacon funebris (Sols.) = Adelocera grisea Schw., syn. n.; = Adelocera incompta Kr., syn. n.; Eumoeus murrayi Cand. = Tetralobus quadrifoveatus Vats et Kash., syn. n.
TL;DR: The vertical distribution of ants in broadleaf forests and red oak stands formed two clusters: the influents occupied the lower (herbage and shrub) vegetation layers, while the subdominants and dominants occupied the upper (shrub and arboreal) ones.
Abstract: Investigations were carried out in June–August 2012 and 2013 in broadleaf forests and planted stands of the northern red oak Quercus rubra in Kiev. The ant visitation rates of 3–6 most abundant plant species within each vegetation layer were analyzed. In all, 16 species of ants were found in the broadleaf forest (Quercus robur + Acer spp. + Carpinus betulus), with the dominance of three species: Formica rufa, Lasius fuliginosus, and L. emarginatus. Eight ant species occurred in Q. rubra stands with the undergrowth of Acer campestre and A. platanoides; the dominant species were Lasius fuliginosus and L. emarginatus. The northern red oak stands with conspecific undergrowth had only four ant species with no dominants among them. Plants with the highest ant visitation rates in the herbage layer of the broadleaf forest were the invasive Impatiens parviflora and the native Aegopodium podagraria. Ants were rare or absent on the remaining herbs: Impatiens noli-tangere, Carex sylvatica, Stellaria holostea, and Galium odoratum. The herbage layer was mostly visited by influents, the dominants being represented only by Lasius emarginatus. Within the shrub layer, ants most frequently visited the undergrowth of the maple Acer platanoides, often harboring colonies of the aphid Periphyllus lyropictus; the highest visitation rates were recorded in the dominants L. emarginatus and L. fuliginosus. The arboreal layer had the highest visitation rate and was most often visited by the dominants Lasius fuliginosus, L. emarginatus, and F. rufa. The common oak Q. robur was the most visited tree in broadleaf forests. In addition to providing ants with food (colonies of the aphids Lachnus roboris and Stomaphis quercus, and also phytophagous insects and other invertebrates), these trees were used for nesting by the dominants L. fuliginosus and L. emarginatus. The presence of aphid colonies was also typical of ripe trees and undergrowth of the maple A. platanoides, the second-visited tree in broadleaf forests. The common hornbeam Carpinus betulus was the least frequently visited, though some ant species, usually L. emarginatus, nested in the trunks and branches of old trees. The vertical distribution of ants in broadleaf forests and red oak stands formed two clusters: the influents occupied the lower (herbage and shrub) vegetation layers, while the subdominants and dominants occupied the upper (shrub and arboreal) ones. The smallest number of ant species (1 or 2) in all the vegetation layers was recorded in the areas with F. rufa; areas with L. fuliginosus had twice as many species; the greatest numbers of ant species were found in the areas with L. emarginatus and in those without dominants. This pattern may result from different territoriality of the dominants: the strongest in F. rufa (defending the whole territory) and the weaker in the other two species (defending only a part of the territory). Plants of all the vegetation layers varied in their attractiveness to ants. As a result, the layers had a mosaic structure in their vertical (between-layer) and horizontal (between different plant species within one layer) arrangement. From 60 to 100% of plants of certain species were visited by ants while plants of other species were not visited at all. The main reason for visiting plants by ants was the presence of aphid colonies.
TL;DR: Analysis of data on seasonal development of noctuid moths of the subfamily Plusiinee shows that the control of their seasonal cycles is poorly understood, and the available data demonstrate considerable diversity of the seasonal patterns of Plusiinae species from different regions.
Abstract: Analysis of data on seasonal development of noctuid moths of the subfamily Plusiinae shows that the control of their seasonal cycles is poorly understood. At the same time, the available data demonstrate considerable diversity of the seasonal patterns of Plusiinae species from different regions. The homodynamic type of seasonal development has been found in Trichoplusia ni and Ctenoplusia agnata of the tribe Argyrogrammatini and in Autographa gamma of the Plusiini. The seasonal development of these southern noctuids is accompanied by regular interzonal migrations of flying adults. When spreading northwards, they can produce a different number of annual generations, depending on the local climatic conditions, and establish temporary local populations whose longevity is limited by the available thermal resources. Adults of some species may fly back southwards, but it is more likely that individuals from temporary local populations cannot survive long winters and are destined to die. The heterodynamic type of seasonal cycles allows insects to survive in the regions with pronounced seasonality of climate. This type of seasonal development includes univoltine, multivoltine, and semivoltine seasonal cycles. Univoltine seasonal cycles with obligate diapause are known in Autographa buraetica, A. excelsa, and Syngrapha ain (Plusiini). Diapause provides tolerance to both low temperatures and a prolonged period when food is unavailable. In Syngrapha ottolenguii (Plusiini), the same result is achieved by inclusion of two photoperiodically controlled diapauses (winter larval and summer adult ones) into the life cycle. The semivoltine seasonal cycle has been reported in only one species of Plusiinae, namely Syngrapha devergens. Larvae of this moth overwinter twice before pupation. Multivoltinism is common in the tribe Plusiini. Depending on the latitude, different species of this tribe can produce up to four generations per year and overwinter as middle-instar larvae in the state of facultative diapause. However, the characteristics of diapause vary substantially between the species: diapause can be deep and stable (as in Diachrysia chrysitis, Plusiini) or unstable and thus not ensuring successful overwintering and steady population growth (as in Macdunnoughia confusa, Plusiini). The seasonal adaptations known in Plusiinae include migrations, winter and summer diapauses, photoperiodic control of larval growth rates, and seasonal polyphenism of larval body coloration. In general, seasonal adaptations of Plusiinae are determined by local environmental conditions and only loosely associated with the systematic position of particular taxa. Only the tribe Abrostolini stands apart from other taxa of Plusiinae: moths of this tribe differ not only in morphology but also in peculiarities of their seasonal development, because all the species of this tribe overwinter as pupae and their seasonal cycles are therefore different from those of the rest of Plusiinae.
TL;DR: It is considered that the invasion of L. neglectus at an early stage can be successful under the following conditions: (a) Favorable temperature, (b) Spatial separation of nests and foraging trails of native dominant ant species, (c) Visiting trees, where native ant species are few or absent.
Abstract: Research conducted in August and September 2016 in the city of Kiev (Ukraine). A total of 8 places of the possible location of invasive garden ant Lasius neglectus Van Loon, Boomsma & Andrasfalvy, 1990 were observed. Only one monocalic colony of L. neglectus was discovered. The forage area of L. neglectus is bounded by asphalted area on three sides. We consider that the invasion of L. neglectus at an early stage can be successful under the following conditions: (a) Favorable temperature. Mitigating of the climate during the winter months in recent years contributed to the consolidation of L. neglectus in Kiev. (b) Spatial separation of nests and foraging trails of native dominant ant species. In our case, L. neglectus colony was found on the site free of other ants. (c) Visiting trees, where native ant species are few or absent. This one partially overlaps with the previous condition.
TL;DR: Six new species of the genus Lepismachilis and the subgenus Trigoniophthalmus s.
Abstract: Six new species are described from Abkhazia: Charimachilis abchasica sp. n., Lepismachilis abchasica sp. n., Trigoniophthalmus longitarsus sp. n., T. nematocerus sp. n., T. abchasicus sp. n., and T. subalpinus sp. n. Species of the genus Lepismachilis and the subgenus Trigoniophthalmus s. str. (T. longitarsus sp. n.) are described from the Caucasus for the first time. A key to the species of the genus Trigoniophthalmus from the Caucasus is given.
TL;DR: The performed study on Collembola fails to confirm the conventional view of a significantly higher diversity of northeastern Palaearctic faunas and may be the result of increased differentiation of the collembolan fauna of the region characterized by very complex orography and extremely contrasting climatic conditions.
Abstract: A total of 139 collembolan species from 55 genera were found in coastal tundra near the settlement of Lavrentiya in the eastern part of the Chukchi Peninsula. The local fauna of the region is quite “Beringian” in species composition but its structure appears to be in full agreement with the known characteristics of southern tundra faunas of other sectors in the Arctic. The specificity of collembolan complexes of the main plant associations in the studied area is not very high because the predominant collembolan species usually inhabit a wide range of communities. The performed study on Collembola fails to confirm the conventional view of a significantly higher diversity of northeastern Palaearctic faunas. Despite the rather southern position of the studied coastal tundra, the species richness of its collembolan fauna seems to be the same as or only slightly higher than that of analogous landscapes in the other Arctic sectors. The apparent discrepancy between relatively low diversity of Collembola at the local level as shown herein and its rich regional fauna may be the result of increased differentiation of the collembolan fauna of the region characterized by very complex orography and extremely contrasting climatic conditions.