Showing papers in "Pacific Insects in 1979"

A New species of the Drosophila kikkawai complex from Thailand (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

Abstract: Drosophila bocki, n. sp., a sibling species of D. kikkawai and D. leontia, is described from Thailand. All 3 species are morphologically very similar but are reproductively isolated from one another. The distributions ofthe species overlap and, in Thailand, D. kikkawai occurs sympatrically either with D. bocki or with D. leontia. The latter 2 species are also sympatric in certain populations in Thailand. The Drosophila melanogaster species group consists of over 70 species divided into a number of subgroups (Bock & Wheeler 1972). Drosophila kikkawai Burla is one of the most widespread and cytologically the best known species of the montium subgroup (Ward 1949; Baimai 1969, 1970, identified in error as Drosophila montium). In particular, it has been shown that the D. kikkawai populations on the islands of Borneo and New Guinea exhibit variations in metaphase karyotypes as well as sexual isolation to some degree. Recently, Tsacas & David (1977) described Drosophila leontia, a new sibling species of D. kikkawai from Singapore. These results seem to suggest that "D. kikkawai" could be a cluster of closely related species which are extremely similar in general morphology. To investigate the complex status of "D. kikkawai," many strains of different geographic origins were obtained and maintained in the laboratory at 25 °C. Systematic hybridization tests revealed 3 sibling species which are morphologically indistinguishable; even the detailed structures of the male genitalia are very similar (FIG. 2-4). This paper presents a description of the new sibling species, Drosophila bocki, from Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples of the D. kikkawai complex were collected by the author at several localities in Thailand. Culture stocks derived from individual isofemale lines have been maintained in the laboratory at approximately 25 °C. The culture stocks employed in this study are shown in TABLE 1. Songkla-A and Songkla-B stocks were established from the same collection; Khao Yai National Park and Lamtakong are some 60 km apart. Each strain was examined cytologically for metaphase chromosome configurations in the usual manner (Baimai 1977). A series of hybridization experiments was carried out between a standard strain of D. kikkawai from Bangkok (stock no. A03 B7) and the different strains from other parts of Thailand. Mass matings involved 4-5 pairs per vial, with 5-6 replicates in 1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok 4, Thailand. 236 Pacific Insects Vol. 21, no. 2-3 SPECIES TABLE 1. Data of the culture stocks of the 3 species in this study. STOCK NO. LOCALITY No. OF ISOFEMALES COLLECTION DATE METAPHASE CHROMOSOME 4 D. kikkawai

The occurrence of Amblyomma cyprium cyprium (Acari: Ixodidae) in Australia, with additional records from the southwest Pacific.

Abstract: Amblyomma cyprium cyprium is recorded from Australia (northern Queensland) for the first time and additional records are given for Guam, the Solomon Is, Santa Cruz Is, and the New Hebrides. Collections from Australia, the New Hebrides, and the Solomons confirm that rodents of the genus Rattus are hosts for nymphs and larvae. Nymphs and/or larvae also were found on the birds Gallus gallus, Halcyon chloris, and Chalcophaps indica in the New Hebrides and on the marsupial Phalanger orientalis in the Solomons. The occurrence of immature stages on birds, rats, and a marsupial and the abundance of feral pigs could explain the widespread distribution of this tick in the SW Pacific. Amblyomma cyprium Neumann is widely distributed on islands of the SW Pacific.

Neopanorpa byersi (Mecoptera: Panorpidae), a new species from Thailand.

Abstract: A new species of Neopanorpa from Thailand is described and its relationship to other species in southern Asia is discussed. Recent publications on the Mecoptera of Indo-China (Byers 1965), Borneo and Tioman Island (Byers 1966), India (Rust & Byers 1976), and Indonesia (Chau & Byers 1975), have significantly updated our knowledge of the characters and distribution of the Mecoptera in southern Asia. On a collecting trip to northern Thailand the junior author collected numerous specimens of Neopanorpa which showed very distinctive characteristics in the male hypovalves and the female genital plate. These characters are so distinctive that a new species is here being described. Neopanorpa byersi Webb & Penny, new species FIG. i-10 Description based on 16 males and 9 females, pinned. Head. Eyes pale brown, separated by width of rostrum, bare, facets of equal size. Ocelli large, pale yellow to hyaline. Vertex and frons dark reddish brown, glossy. Antennal scape pale yellow, wider at base; pedicel pale reddish brown, glossy, with narrow dark brown annulus; flagellum dark reddish brown to black with 42 flagellomeres. Rostrum pale reddish brown, glossy, apex yellowish. Thorax. Pronotum dark brown to black, with narrow pale yellow patch laterally along posterior margin. Mesothorax dark brown to black with 2 large caudolateral patches. Scutellum dark brown to black. Dorsum covered with numerous short, fine setae. Pleural area pale yellow with numerous short, fine setae. Coxae and femora pale yellowish brown. Tibiae pale brown; tarsi pale brown grading to dark brown on segments 3-5. Empodium pulvilliform, large, black. Tarsal claws serrate with 5 reddish brown teeth. Wing membranes (FIG. 1) pale brown; markings pale smoky brown. Apical band broad, complete. Pterostigmal band complete, generally forked posteriorly although apical branch of fork oc­ casionally disjunct. Marginal spot extending from R^ to 1st basal cell. Basal band broken into anterior and posterior spot. Basal spot absent. Scattered fine black setae on membrane in area of pterostigma and apex of wing. Abdomen of a\ Segments 2-6 dark reddish brown, apical 1/2 of segment 6 and segments 7-9 pale reddish brown. Segments covered with short, whitish brown setae. Posterior process of 3rd tergum (FIG. 2, 3) narrow, extending 3/4 length of 4th tergum, apex rounded, sides parallel. Median process of 4th tergum directed an­ teriorly, broad, rounded apically, raised moderately above tergum. Hypovalves (FIG. 5, 6) broadly fused over basal 1/2 of their length; apical 1/2 consisting of median, dark brown finger-like projection (FIG. 5, 7) directed in­ ternally towards aedeagus, heavily sclerotized, with sinuate lateral lobe, moderately sclerotized, overlain with a thin, bulbous membrane dorsally, covered with fine setae; hypovalves ending before apex of basistyle. Tergum 9 (FIG. 4) broad basally, tapering apically with apical margin slightly emarginate, apex bilobed in lateral view (FIG. 6). Dististyle falcate (FIG. 5), apical 1/2 smooth, glossy, with dense short black setae laterally on basal 1/2; basal lobe of dististyle truncate medially, covered ventrally with short, fine setae. Ventral valves (VV) of aedeagus (FIG. 8) narrow, tapered apically, basal 1/3 projecting ventrally; lateral process (LP) projecting ventrally with posterior dorsal lobe; aedeagal (endophallic) apodemes (AA) elongate, narrow, longer than apical body of aedeagus.

Columbicola fortis, Cavifera abdita, and Quateia irianensis (Mallophaga) from the magnificant ground pigeon (Otidiphaps nobilis) from New Guinea

Abstract: T h e identity of Columbicola fortis is clarified from specimens taken from the type-host, Otidiphaps nobilis; illustrations are provided for that louse species. Evidence is presented that Otidiphaps nobilis should be considered the correct host for Cavifera abdita and Quateia irianensis. Through the courtesy of the Bishop Museum staff we have been able to examine Mallophaga collected off the Magnificent Ground Pigeon, Otidiphaps nobilis (Gould), from New Guinea. Study of these lice has clarified the identity of 1 species and established the host for 2 others. Skins of the birds collected are now in the Bishop Museum and their collection data are BBM-NG 103351, 10.VI. 1973, A. B. Mirza, N N W Slopes of Mt Bosavi, 1400m, Southern Highlands District, Papua, New Guinea; BBM-NG 103849, 21.11.1974, A. B. Mirza, 5 km N of Wanuma, 1200m, Madang District, Papua, New Guinea; and BBM-NG 104206, 14.III.1974, A. B. Mirza, 14km N N W of Wanuma, 1500m, Madang District, Papua, New Guinea. Columbicola fortis (Taschenberg, 1882) FIG. 1-3 When Tendeiro (1965) revised the genus Columbicola Ewing, he treated C. fortis as species inquirenda because the original description was inadequate, the type deposited in the collection of the University of Halle had been destroyed in World War II, and he had no specimens from the type-host, Otidiphaps nobilis. Detailed illustration of the cr (FIG. 3), 9 (FIG. l), and cr genitalia (FIG. 2) are provided here from specimens from O. nobilis. Total length of cr is 2 .15mm, of 9, 2.40 m m . The species belongs to the C. gracilicapitis group, as defined by Tendeiro (1965). The male genitalia are closest to those of C. elbeli phoenicopterae Tendeiro, 1965, from Treron phoenicoptera chlorigaster (Blyth) from India and T. p. viridifrons Blyth from Burma. External chaetotaxy and morphology are closest to C. emersoni curtus Tendeiro, 1965, from Ptilinopus purpuratus (Gmelin) from the Society Islands. 1. Specimens examined are results of fieldwork supported by a grant to the Bishop Museum from the U. S. National Science Foundation (G-10734). 2. 2704 North Kensington Street, Arlington, Virginia 22207, U.S.A. 3. Department of Entomology, Fisheries, and Wildlife, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, U.S.A. 60 Pacific Insects Vol. 20, no. 1 FIG. 1-3. Columhicola fortis (Taschenberg): 1, 9 ; 2, cr genitalia; 3, 0 \ 1978 Emerson & Price: Lice from Otidiphaps nobilis from New Guinea 61 Cavifera abdita Clay & Price, 1970 The genus Cavifera was erected by Clay & Price (1970) for 2 new species collected in New Guinea: C. senta found on the White-breasted Fruit Dove, Ptilinopus rivoli (Prevost) (as P. bellus (Sclater)), and C. abdita from an unknown host (BBM-NG 439) taken on 29.XI. 1961 by L. W. Quate at Archbold Lake, Netherlands New Guinea (now Irian Jaya, formerly West Irian). Excellent illustrations of both sexes and the O* genitalia of C. abdita are provided by Clay & Price (1970). Since then, C. abdita has been collected off 3 host specimens of Otidiphaps nobilis in New Guinea and this is offered as evidence that O. nobilis should now be considered as the host for C. abdita. Quateia irianensis Price & Emerson, 1975 The genus Quateia was erected by Price & Emerson (1975) for Q. irianensis, a new species collected off the same unknown host that had yielded C. abdita. These authors have provided excellent illustrations of both sexes and the O* genitalia of this louse species. Quateia irianensis has now been collected off Otidiphaps nobilis in association with Cavifera abdita, thereby establishing O. nobilis as the correct host for Q. irianensis.

Additional records of New Caledonian Stenotarsinae (Coleoptera: Endomychidae), with descriptions of two new species of Paniegena

Abstract: Recent collections of the little known Stenotarsus flavipes, S. lombardeaui and Paniegena suturalis are noted. New species described are Paniegena baloghi and P. atricollis. After my synopsis of New Guinea and Melanesian stenotarsines had gone to press (Strohecker 1978), I received small lots of New Caledonian material from Dr Zoltan Kaszab of the Hungarian Natural History Museum (MNM) and Dr G. A. Samuelson of the Bishop Museum (BISHOP). While few in number, the specimens are of unusual interest and require recognition of 2 additional species of the endemic genus Paniegena. Genus Stenotarsus The 2 species known from New Caledonia are endemic and flightless. Stenotarsus lombardeaui Perroud Stenotarsus lombardeaui Perroud, 1864: 219. The 13 specimens recently examined show a range of coloration from entirely yellow (callow) to dark brown, with elytral apex and pronotal front angles vaguely paler. A few show the pattern of the lectotype: black below and above with legs, antenna, front angles of pronotum, base and apex of elytra yellow. The darker specimens may represent the mature coloration but I suspect that they have suffered some change after collection. Material examined. NEW CALEDONIA: 6 cJ ,2 9, Noumea, Mt Koghi, 500-800 rn, 25-27.X.1967, J. & M. Sedlacek (BISHOP, author); 16\\3(sex?), Mt Koghi, 1213.11.1977, J. Balogh; 19 , Col de Roussettes, 26-27.1.1977, Balogh (MNM, author). Stenotarsus flavipes Heller Stenotarsus flavipes Heller, 1916: 283. Material examined. NEW CALEDONIA: l(sex?), Bourail, Col de Roussettes, J. Balogh (MNM). 1. Material examined from Bishop Museum is the partial results of fieldwork supported by grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation (GB-518, GB-3245) to Bishop Museum. 2. Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33124, USA. 222 Pacific Insects Vol. 21, no. 2-3 FIG. 1-4. 1, Paniegena baloghi, elytron. 2-4, aedeagi: 2, P. baloghi; 3, P. suturalis; 4, P. atricollis.

new Argopistes from Tahiti, marking a range extension for endemic leaf beetles in Oceania (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract: Leaf beetles are poorly represented or absent from the native faunas of isolated oceanic island groups in the Pacific. The Society Islands were without verified records of endemic chrysomelids until an Argopistes was discovered recently on Tahiti. This species is here described, keyed, and figured. The key includes most of the Pacific island species. The discovery recently of an endemic alticine on Tahiti, Society Islands, marks a new extension to the natural range for Chrysomelidae on oceanic islands in the Pacific. This alticine, a new species of Argopistes described below, was collected by Professor Jean Gourves from Mt Marou, high on a summit ridge in native rain forest. Thus far, only 2 specimens have been taken. Gourves (1976: 59) briefly discussed the biotope and included a figure of Mt Marou. The 3 principal islands of Samoa had appeared to be the remotest outposts for native chrysomelids on oceanic islands (Gressitt 1957: 241; Zimmerman 1942: 290), although some confusion lingered concerning the Society Is (Gressitt 1961: 73). Earlier, several species were thought to be normal faunal components of Tahiti, but they were actually from South America. These were among the chrysomelids described last century by Boheman and Fairmaire, which were collected at or near \"Taiti\" [Paita] on coastal Peru. All ofthe chrysomelids from Paita described by these authors will be listed in Gourves Sc Samuelson (1979). Most recently, however, chrysomelids were thought to be absent from the native faunas of all the islands beyond Samoa (Gressitt 1971: 19; Samuelson 1973: 152); thus the new alticine from Tahiti is a significant find. Pacific island species of Argopistes remain incompletely resolved taxonomically. Part of the difficulty is because types of 4 species from Lifou, Loyalty Is, have not been found and their status remains unclear. Also, some species tend to be rare and are 1. This is Supplement 2 to \"Alticinae of Oceania Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae,\" published as Pae. Insects Monograph 30 (1973), being partial results of research and fieldwork supported by grants to Bishop Museum from the U.S. National Science Foundation (G-2127, G-4774, G-10734, GB-518, GB-8728). 2. Bishop Museum, P.O. Box 6037, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, USA. 3. cf. Smith, R. F. & J. F. Lawrence, 1967, Univ. of California Publ, in Entomol. 45: 1-174. The significance and locations of \"Insulae Puna et Taiti\" are discussed on page 8 and to further clarify the position of the latter, the addition \"in Peru\" could be inserted after \"Paid\" on line l l . On page 34, under Diabrotica amoenula Boheman, both localities are reported as Ecuadorian, but only the former is so. Samuelson (1973) also cited the latter locality as Ecuadorian and, thus, the citations for both Longitarsus insularis (Boheman) and Crepidodera bicolor Boheman should be corrected to \"Peru\" or \"Peruvian\" on pages 3, 9, l l , and 56. 1979 Samuelson: Argopistes gourvesi, n. sp., from Tahiti 405 poorly represented in collections—this of course may change once larval hosts are found. The map (FIG. 1) is based on extant specimens rather than species from the literature and treats, as the key does, all of the species, named or not, that I have seen thus far. The key supersedes the one in Samuelson (1973: 68). Aedeagal diagnoses are included even though most aedeagi were illustrated in the above-cited article. Interocular index = narrowest distance between eyes/length of the eye x 100. KEY TO PACIFIC ISLAND SPECIES OF Argopistes 1. Body form ovate, subelongate: 0.7x or less as broad as long 2 Body form hemispherical, subcircular: more than 0.7 x as broad as long 3 2. Elytral serial puncture rows substriate and conspicuous, with serial punctures distinctly larger than interstitial punctures; metatibial spine far-exceeding apex of tibia; aedeagus robust with preapex convexly broadened before abruptly narrowing to briefly produced extremity [dorsum yellow-testaceous, sometimes fuscescent in part; length 2.35-2.65 mm—Norfolk 1] armipes Elytral serial puncture rows evident but not very conspicuous, with serial punctures slightly larger than interstitial punctures; metatibial spine just attaining apex of tibia; aedeagus slender beyond bulbous base, feebly broadened to preapex, then narrowed obliquely and subacuminately to briefly rounded extremity [dorsum piceous; length 2.1-2.25 mm—Solomons: Guadalcanal] . . . obrieni 3. Metatibial spine not or slightly exceeding apex of tibia; elytral puncture rows 8 and 9 (lateral-most discal rows) with punctures tending to be larger than punctures of other rows and interstices; interocular index < 30 4 Metatibial spine exceeding apex of tibia by 0.25 its length or more; elytral puncture rows 8 and 9 with punctures tending not to be larger than punctures of other rows and interstices; interocular index usually > 30 but sometimes as low as 26 (in A. kraussi) 6 4. Elytron with outline of lateral margin rather evenly convex along apical 0.3 5 Elytron with outline of lateral margin sinuate or flattened along apical 0.3; aedeagus gradually narrowed apically with sides straight to briefly rounded apex [dorsum largely red-testaceous or black with large reddish area on elytron; length 3-4 mm—E Asia, Japan, Bonin ls] coccinelliformis 5. Elytron with outline of lateral margin rather evenly convex from humeral angle to apex, producing rather broadly convex form apically; pronotum with lateral margin slightly convex; anterior angle region about 0.25x as long as lateral margin; aedeagus convexly narrowed preapically to produced apex [dorsum dark red-fuscous to piceous or yellow-testaceous becoming pitchy orange-testaceous laterally; length 3.3-3.6 mm—Fiji: Viti Levu; Ovalau; Lau Group] arnetti Elytron with outline of lateral margin not evenly convex, somewhat flattened and narrowed behind middle, producing less broadly convex form apically; pronotum with lateral margin moderately convex; anterior angle region about 0.33 x as long as lateral margin; aedeagus briefly broadened preapically with small emargination on each side before subacute extremity [dorsum piceous; length 2.7-2.85 mm—Loyalty ls: Lifou] species A 6. Interocular index < 40, commonly 35 or less; aedeagus slightly and convexly broadened behind middle, then obliquely to subacuminately narrowed to angulate briefly rounded extremity . . . 7 Interocular index 40 or more; aedeagus various 9 7. Elytron broadest near basal 0.4 or middle; elytral puncture rows 8 and 9 evident 8 Elytron broadest near basal 0.25-0.3; elytral puncture rows 8 and 9 not or barely discernible [dorsum bicolorous: partly dark fuscous to piceous, elytron orange-testaceous with sutural and lateral margins plus longitudinal discal area dark; length 2.75-3.15 mm—New Caledonia, Isle of Pines] kraussi 8. Elytron evenly convex along middle a) pronotum and most of elytron piceous, apex of elytron 406 Pacific Insects Vol. 20, no. 4 FIG. 1. Distribution of Argopistes on Pacific islands. Darkened circles and triangles represent the occurrence of species and accompanying numbers indicate the number of species. Nearly all species are endemic to their island group, but not all are described or assigned. Of the unassigned species, 1 may be twice-counted should populations in Fiji and the New Hebrides prove to be conspecific. The species from the Bonin Is also occurs in Asia. Other species from Australia, New Guinea, Asia and adjacent islands are not included. The dashed line approximates the farthest natural penetration of Chrysomelidae on oceanic islands in the Pacific; this line could shift again when islands beyond become adequately studied. briefly paler; length 2.95 mm—Fiji: Viti Levu; b) pronotum orange-testaceous, elytron darker, fuscous to red-testaceous; length 2.85-3.15 mm—Fiji: Lau Group and Moala; c) pronotum orange-testaceous, elytron pale with dark fuscous areas basally and behind middle; length 3.25 mm—New Hebrides: Espiritu Santo] species B Elytron sinuate behind middle [dorsum dark fuscous; length 2.75 mm—?New Caledonia] . species C Metafemur with surface finely granulate; aedeagus moderately broadened beyond middle and obliquely narrowed to briefly rounded extremity [dorsum yellow-testaceous or dark fuscous; length 2.75-2.85 mm—Society Is: Tahiti] gourvesi, n. sp. Metafemur with surface smooth, shining; aedeagus slightly and gradually broadened to beyond middle and then obliquely narrowed to produced elongate extremity [dorsum dark fuscous to piceous, sometimes with large circular orange-testaceous area on basal 0.6 of elytron; length 3.1-3.3 mm—Samoa: Savaii to Tutuila and Aunuu] insularis 1979 Samuelson: Argopistes gourvesi, n. sp., from Tahiti 407 FIG. 2. Argopistes gourvesi, n. sp., aedeagus: lateral and dorsal views. Argopistes gourvesi Samuelson, new species FIG. 2 Holotype 8. Form subcircular, hemispherical. Dorsum, antenna, proand mesolegs yellow-testaceous; head, venter fuscous to piceous, thoracic sterna darkest; metafemur largely fuscous with apex becoming paler, yellow-testaceous; remainder of metaleg paler, yellow-, orange-testaceous. Length 2.85 mm; breadth 2.35. Head: frons triangular, surface flattened, granulate with shallow large punctures along side and fine carina medially extending to interantennal space; interantennal space 0.75 x as broad as transverse diameter of antennal socket; orbit 0.6 x as broad as antennal socket; interocular space moderately narrowed above; interocular index 40; gena about 0.45 x as deep as eye; postantennal swellings subquadrate, slightly swollen and separated medially by fine line; vertex with surface finely granulate; supraorbital punctures placed near inner margins of eyes above postantennal swellings. Antenna extending to about basal 0.25 of elytron; 3rd segment much smaller than 4th; intermediate segments gradually thickened to apices; apical segments robust, ± flattened. Prothorax broadest at posterior angles, base slightly narrower than elytra at humeral angles; pronotal index 49; anterior