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Houseflies (Musca domestica) (Diptera: Muscidae) are medically important insect species because they serve as vectors of pathogens. The study generally described the sexual dimorphism of M. domestica based on their wing size and wing shape. This study examined 25 males and 25 females of F1 offspring from wild-caught M. domestica parents. The wings were digitized and 17 landmarks were obtained, scaled, translated, and rotated in General Procrustes Analysis. The wing size (centroid size) of male M. domestica species was significantly larger compared to females (t = - 2.38, df = 48, p = 0.0200). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Relative Warp Analysis (RWA) revealed that 29.72% of shape variation from the original data was attributed to a narrow wing shape, and 14.60% toa broad wing shape. Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) successfully distinguished female and male species based on wing shape, in which males have narrower wings compared to females, indicating the occurrence of sexual dimorphism in wings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyriproxyfen has been extensively employed in the Neotropical region for agricultural pest management and insect vectors. However, measuring the sublethal and indirect effects of this active ingredient on nontarget organisms, such as lacewings, is important. Using morphological tools on target organs, we can evaluate these effects and use them as biomarkers for future ecotoxicological studies. Here, we investigated the effects of pyriproxyfen exposure on cocoon spinning and Malpighian tubules in Ceraeochrysa claveri adults. For this purpose, first-instar C. claveri larvae were orally exposed to Diatraea saccharalis egg clusters treated with pyriproxyfen in a solution of 50 or 100 mg a.i. L−1 throughout the larval stage. Insecticide exposure decreases predator survival, mainly in the prepupal and pupal stages, along with changes in the internal and external surfaces and thickness of the cocoon wall. Histopathological and ultrastructural injuries, including cytoplasmic vacuolization, loss of microvilli and a reduction in neutral glycoconjugates, were observed in Malphigian tubule cells of adults (≤24 h old). These changes indicate toxicological effects on Malpighian tubules that in lacewing involve cocoon spinning during metamorphosis and, in the adult stage, act in physiological processes of excretion and osmoregulation. Furthermore, it can affect the efficiency of the cocoon in protecting the specimen during metamorphosis against natural enemies and environmental factors. This organ has demonstrated its applicability as a biomarker for assessing the multisystemic effects of insecticides, thereby assisting in future risk assessments aimed at conserving nontargeted specimens. [Display omitted] • Pyriproxyfen exposure led to a decrease in survival in the prepupal and pupal stages. • The internal, external surfaces and the thickness of the cocoon walls were affected. • Malphigian tubule cells showed damage, such as vacuolization and loss of microvilli. • Malphigian tubules are useable as biomarkers in toxicological assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] With over 300 species worldwide, the genus Curculio Linnaeus, 1758 is a widespread, morphologically diverse lineage of weevils that mainly parasitize nuts. Females use the rostrum, an elongate cuticular extension of the head, to excavate oviposition sites. This process causes extreme bending and deformation of the rostrum, without apparent harm to the structure. The cuticle of the rostral apex exhibits substantial modifications to its composite structure that enhance the elasticity and resiliency of this structure. Here we develop finite element models of the head and rostrum for three Curculio species representing disparate North American clades and rostral morphotypes. The models were subjected to varying apical loads and to prescribed dislocation of the head capsule, with and without representing the cuticular modifications of the rostral apex. We found that the altered layer thicknesses and macrofiber orientation angles of the rostral apex fully explain the observed elasticity of the rostrum. These modifications have a synergistic effect that greatly enhances the flexibility of the rostral apex. Consequently, the cuticle composite profile of the rostral apex substantially mitigates the risk of fracture in dorso-apical flexion. Removing the cuticular modifications, in turn, causes a negative margin of safety for rostral bending, implying strong risk of catastrophic structural failure. The occipital sulci were identified as an important source of biomechanical constraint upon the elasticity of the rostrum, and exhibit the greatest risk of failure within this structure. The apical cuticle profile greatly reduced the maximum stresses and strain energy accumulated in the rostrum, thereby resulting in a positive margin of safety and reducing the risk of fracture. Our findings imply that the primary selective pressure influencing the evolution of the rostral cuticle was most likely negative selection of structural failure caused by bending. Weevils are among the most diverse and evolutionarily successful animal lineages on Earth. Their success is driven in part by a structure called the rostrum, which gives weevil heads a characteristic "snout-like" appearance. Nut weevils in the genus Curculio use the rostrum to drill holes into developing fruits and nuts, into which they deposit their eggs. During oviposition this exceedingly slender structure is bent into a straightened configuration – in some species up to 90 ∘ – but does not suffer any damage during this process. Using finite element models of the rostra of three morphologically distinct species, we show that the Curculio rostrum is only able to withstand repeated, extreme bending because of modifications to the composite structure of the cuticle in the rostral apex. These modifications were shown previously to enhance the intrinsic toughness of the cuticle; in this study, we demonstrate that modification of the rostral cuticle also results in more evenly distributed bending stresses, further reducing the risk of fracture. This is the first time that the laminate profile, orthotropic behavior, and functional gradation of the cuticle have been incorporated into a three-dimensional finite element model of an insect cuticular structure. Our models highlight the significance of biomechanical constraint – i.e., avoidance of catastrophic structural failure – on the evolution of insect morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that many descriptions of Coleoptera were made with only external and superficial characters, an update to the original characterization of species is deemed necessary. This study focuses on updating the know morphological data for the adults of Omophoita octoguttata (Fabricius, 1775) (Galerucinae, Alticini), a flea beetle native of southern Brazil. We also give insights on the morphology of its immature stages. The adult can be easily recognized by the pale macula at vertex, six large pale maculae, and two smaller in the humeral region at the elytra. The immatures are similar to other know Oedionychina. Eggs oval and orange. Mature larvae present setae bearing scoli, a reddened body, pygopod present, and lacking stemmata, but with curved hook-like tarsal claws. The pupae present slender black setae through its yellowed body, with the elytral and hind wing thecae curved around the body. The eggs are laid in small clutches in the soil and when the larvae eclode they stay in the aerial parts of plants. The mature larvae form a cocoon of soil matter around themselves for their pupal phase. Morphological remarks for larva and pupa of this species when compared to other members of the genus remain limited, demanding further studies with other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The neotropical Menenotus Laporte, 1832 includes M. lunatus (Laporte, 1832) and M. diminutus Walker, 1871. The genus has never been reviewed, and only the brief original descriptions were available so far. In this paper, we review Menenotus and describe, for the first time, genital traits of both sexes. Menenotus lunatus and M. diminutus are distinguishable by the shape of pronotum, the color pattern of connexivum, the extension of the cuplike sclerite, and the shape of the parameres, among other traits. In addition, Menenotus is compared with Euagona Dallas, 1852, which shares the prominent and curved humeri. These genera can be distinguished by the broader abdomen and the apparent connexivum in Menenotus. Their distribution pattern is different, with Euagona showing a more northern distribution in South America than Menenotus. We also updated the distribution records in Brazil, providing a map to the species of Menenotus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrrhocoroidea (including Largidae: Larginae, Physopeltinae, and Pyrrhocoridae) constitutes the second-smallest superfamily of the true bug infraorder Pentatomomorpha (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera). Although this group includes several taxa widely used as models in experimental studies, as well as a number of economically important pests (inc. cotton stainers), it has received very little attention from the viewpoints of comparative morphology and phylogenetics. To improve this situation and to provide a solid base for future phylogenetic analyses, the morphology of the pregenital abdominal ventrites and trichobothria in 64 out of 70 currently valid genera of Pyrrhocoroidea are examined herein and compared with the closely related outgroups Coreoidea and Lygaeoidea. Also investigated are the fine structure of the trichobothrial complex (especially the bothrium and trichome) and intrageneric, intraspecific and intra-individual variability in the trichobothrial pattern. A new system of abbreviations is proposed to describe particular trichobothrial positions on the abdomen of trichophoran Heteroptera in order to standardise future descriptions. Diagnoses are provided for each family-group taxon in Pyrrhocoroidea and character states of individual genera within these groups demonstrated. The findings are compared with those few phylogenetic hypotheses that are available for Pyrrhocoroidea. The following character states are shared by both Pyrrhocoroidea and Lygaeoidea and partly suggest their sister-group relationship: i) presence of a shallow open bothrium (type B) accompanied by trichome (putative synapomorphy, also present in Hyocephalidae); ii) trichobothria AT5a and AT6a prespiracular (polarity ambiguous); iii) ventral intersegmental suture IV/V incomplete (shared by Physopeltinae, Pyrrhocoridae and Rhyparochromidae; either synapomorphy of Lygaeoidea + Pyrrhocoroidea or homoplasy in individual taxa); iv) presence of ventral laterotergites demarcated by visible tergosternal sutures (symplesiomorphy). No putative synapomorphies on the pregenital abdomen supporting Pyrrhocoroidea as sister to Coreoidea emerged in the study. The family Largidae is diagnosed solely by employing symplesiomorphic character states, while the monophyly of Pyrrhocoridae is strongly supported by three putative synapomorphies: i) segment IV produced forwards submedially anterior to AT4a–c, intersegmental suture III–IV sinuate submedially; ii) AT3c remote from AT3a–b, approaching anterior margin of sternite III; iii) AT5a–c clustered, all prespiracular, situated at the apex of the anterolateral projection of sternite V. Two putative synapomorphies suggest a possible sister-group relationship of Physopeltinae and Pyrrhocoridae: i) mesosternum keeled; ii) sternites V and VI strongly produced anterolaterad, intersegmental sutures IV/V and V/VI incomplete, markedly sinuate laterally. Two competing hypotheses should therefore be tested in future phylogenetic studies of Pyrrhocoroidea: ((Larginae + Physopeltinae) + Pyrrhocoridae) versus (Larginae + (Physopeltinae + Pyrrhocoridae)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptorrhynchus lapathi (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an important cosmopolitan wood-boring insect pest. Its larval stages damage salicaceous plants and thereby cause serious economic losses to the forest industry. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy to record the number, typology, morphology, and distribution of sensilla on the antennae, maxillary and labial palps in the third, fourth, and fifth larval instars of C. lapathi. Two types of sensilla were observed on the antennae: sensilla basiconica (S.b.1) and sensilla twig basiconica (S.tb.1–4). The maxillary palps had three types of sensilla, S.b.2, S.tb. (S.tb.4–6), and sensilla digiformia (S.d.), while two types were found on the labial palps, S.b.2 and S.tb. (S.tb.4–6). The numbers and types of antennal, maxillary and labial palp sensilla remained unchanged in different larval instars, but the length and diameter of sensilla generally increased throughout larval development. Sensilla distributions on the maxillary and labial palps were significantly different in successive instars, but there were no differences on the antennae. We discussed the functions of sensilla in wood-boring behavior. These results may provide a theoretical basis for further studies of feeding behavior and electrophysiology of C. lapathi larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe and illustrate for the first time morphology of the mature larva and pupa of Ludioctenus cyprius (Baudi di Selve), and provide information on its biology. Additionally, we compare these immature stages with other genera in Ludioctenina, Hemirhipini and Agrypninae and provide the diagnostic characters for L. cyprius. Within Ludioctenina and related genera, larva of this species is distinguished mainly by the distribution of asperite-like setae and a higher number of tubercles on abdominal tergum IX. The pupa has long and strongly sclerotized prolongations on prothorax, bifurcate and sclerotized urogomphi and a dentate gin trap on abdominal segments VI–VII. Ludioctenina larvae are very similar to those of Thoramus , Pherhimius and Hemirhipus in several characters including the strongly curved dorsal epicranial ridges, lateral edge of head with irregularly distributed setae, anterior corners of frons bilobed, adnasalia long and approximate, mandibles without penicillus, asperite-like setae on thorax and abdomen, urogomphus short, and a lower number of dorsal tubercles on abdominal segment IX. The pupa is also similar to the above mentioned genera, mainly by the long sclerotized pronotal prolongations and bifurcate abdominal prolongations. The remarkable differences among genera currently classified within Hemirhipini in combination with the earlier published molecular phylogenies suggest the non-monophyly of the group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The morphology and histology of the female reproductive system of Gerris lacustris water strider (Linnaeus 1758) (Heteroptera: Gerridae) are described using both light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on histomorphology, the adult female reproductive system of G. lacustris consists of a pair of ovaries, a pair of lateral oviducts, a common oviduct. The ovaries are connected to a genital aperture by oviducts. Each adult ovary is composed of four telotrophic meroistic type ovarioles. A peritoneal sheath is a thin membranous layer surrounding the entire ovariole. The ovarioles are attached to the dorsal wall of the anterior prothorax by terminal filaments. Each ovariole is divisible into four different regions: the thread like terminal filament followed by the germarium containing nurse cells (trophocytes) and the primordial oocytes, vitellarium containing oocytes at different developmental stages and pedicel (ovariolar stalk, calyx). A long vitellarium is developed composed of a series of oocytes in their folicular sheath. The vitellarium becomes progressively large towards the distal end and the pedicel, in which the mature eggs are lodged before passing into the short lateral oviduct. It opens to the common oviduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In many species of scorpions (Order Scorpiones) and spiders (Order Araneae), mating plugs (gel-like or sclerotized) are deposited in the female reproductive tract, minimizing the possibilities of further matings. Although harvestmen (Order Opiliones) have direct sperm transfer via copulatory organs (penis or spermatopositor in the male and ovipositor in the female), prior studies of the reproductive anatomy of these arachnids have not reported the occurrence of these structures. With the aid of scanning electron microscopy, we observed distinct masses of amorphous, gel-like material in the distal openings of the ovipositors of six different specimens including representatives of the families Cosmetidae (Cynorta marginalis and Flirtea picta), Gonyleptidae (Discocyrtulus bresslaui and Geraeocormobius sylvarum), Kimulidae (Kimula sp.) and Metasarcidae (Metasarcus clavifemur). Dissection of one of these structures from a specimen of the cosmetid harvestman C. marginalis revealed a detailed endocast of the internal surfaces of the female reproductive tract. Considerable interspecific variation in the relative sizes and shapes (smooth and rough) of the amorphous gel-like structures were observed, but evidence of sclerotized components (i.e., parts of the male genitalia) was not found. The location and morphology of the gel-like structures are consistent with observations of mating plugs in other arachnids. The composition, source (male, female or both) and function of these amorphous gel-like structures (i.e. effective matting plug) requires additional study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A redescription of the male of Erythrodiplax chromoptera (Odonata: Libellulidae) is provided based on specimens collected in Misiones, Entre Ríos and Buenos Aires provinces, Argentina. The morphology of the vesica spermalis is described and the relation between the Basalis, Connata and Nigricans groups is analyzed. E. chromoptera is easily distinguished from the other congeners by the shape of the basal spot of the hind wing and the shape of the median process of the vesica spermalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The forewing surface of Cacopsylla mali (Schmidberger 1836) was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Spines and campaniform sensilla on the vein course and small spines on wing membrane cells were described. Cross-sections of the material were performed using histological methods. A two-layered membrane with convex circular or triangular foramens on the dorsal wing surface was revealed. Both, the course of veins and the places of their bifurcation were followed. Three veins, radius (R), media (M) and the first branch of cubitus (CuA) build a common stem. The costal margin comprises only the costal vein. The anal vein (A 1) is present (so far, an exception among Sternorrhyncha) but rapidly becomes evanescent. Neither nerves nor tracheae are observed inside veins. The presence of pterostigma is confirmed. Postcubitus turns out to be only a small depression in the clavus part. Plesiomorphies of the wing membrane in C. mali are confirmed. This is the first report on cross-sections of a psyllid forewing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Larvae of Catachlorops (C.) rufescens (Fabricius) were sampled in streams in the municipalities of Iranduba, Manacapuru, Manaus, Novo Airão, Presidente Figueiredo, and Rio Preto da Eva in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Sampling was conducted in 2002 and between July 2007 and October 2008. Larvae were found entangled in sand on the underwater roots of riparian vegetation. A total of 169 larvae were collected, from which 93 were reared to obtain 64 imagoes (33 males and 31 females). The larval and pupal stages lasted an average of 88.2 days (±64.7) and 12.6 days (±2.9), respectively. A total of sixteen larval instars were estimated according to Dyar's Law. The larva, pupa and adult male were described, while bionomic data were provided for the larval stage under natural and controlled environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Legs structures are very diverse among Heteroptera groups and usually, these are related to life habits. In the family Pentatomidae, the foretibia is usually cylindrical and little variable among taxa, but the predatory stink bugs of the subfamily Asopinae show pronounced structures. Using light and scanning electron microscopy the foretibial expansion and the foretibial apparatus of 87 and 42 species (respectively) of Asopinae were studied, representing about 75% of the generic diversity of the subfamily. Both structures show a great variation among the subfamily, and based on that, 10 morphological characters are proposed. The foretibial expansion varies in size and the position in the foretibia. The foretibial apparatus can present two types of setae, and in the majority of species other tibial setae can basally reach the structure. Furthermore, the setae that comprise the foretibial apparatus can vary from 10 to 57 setae among the species of Asopinae. Also, the morphology of cuticle that surrounds the foretibial apparatus can vary. For both structures, the terminologies are reinterpreted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The first phylogeny of Tricorythodes Ulmer (Ephemeroptera: Leptohyphidae) based on molecular and morphological evidence is presented. A parsimony analysis was conducted with 56 morphological (24 continuous and 32 discrete) characters of 48 species, 39 belonging to Tricorythodes sensu lato and nine additional groups. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses of molecular and combined molecular and morphological (32 discrete) data included a total of 22 taxa for which it was possible to extract DNA. DNA sequences used correspond to fragments of the nuclear 18S rDNA and the mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA (total of 1804 bp). Tricorythodes sensu lato monophyly was tested, as well as validity of some recently proposed related genera. Results of this work fully support the synonymy of Epiphrades and Tricorythodes , as suggested by previous authors. Part of the analyses also support the synonymy of Asioplax and Homoleptohyphes with Tricorythodes , but they change position radically when morphology alone (parsimony) and the combined data (Bayesian and maximum likelihood) are analyzed. Furthermore, Tricoryhyphes was recovered as a polyphyletic group and Cabecar and Loricyphes appeared nested well within Tricorythodes sensu lato. Monophyletic groups of species inside this large Panamerican genus were found. A phylogenetic framework for the group is much needed to better understand the evolution of disparate nymphal body form, ecology and biogeography inside this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Most fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) do not feed as adults, with the exception of females of some species of the Photurinae subfamily, which are specialists in preying on other fireflies. Even though famous for their predatory behaviour, little is known about the morphology of the photurine fireflies, and how it relates to their predatory behaviour. Females of Nearctic Photuris Dejean, 1833 species are known to readily prey on other fireflies using a diverse behavioral repertoire, which has not been seen in males. Although such sex-specific behaviour is expected to lead to morphological differences, sexual dimorphism has not been investigated in detail in any species of this subfamily. Therefore, the goals of this work were twofold: (i) report for the first time the predatory behaviour of a South American species, Photuris femoralis Curtis, 1839, and review its taxonomy; and (ii) correlate the form of typical photurine features and their function during predation, based on field and cage observations of P. femoralis. Females, but not males, readily preyed on Macrolampis Motschulsky 1853, Amydetes Illiger, 1807 and Aspisoma Laporte, 1833 species. We found that three major features typical of the photurine (observed in 21 species spp. belonging to three genera) are directly involved in predation in P. femoralis : (i) the well developed mandibles and clypeal teeth (greater in females) are used in chewing and piercing the prey; (ii) the strong and flexible legs (including robust, elongated coxa and femora, enlarged trochanters, a loose trochanter-femoral joint, and toothed claws) facilitate prey handling on ground, and also may help catching prey on flight; and (iii) an overall fusiform – less flattened – body shape may increase aerodynamics. The fact that typical photurine features are directly involved in predation suggest that these architectural departures from the ancestral lampyrid body plan may have played a role during the evolution of the typical predatory behavior of the Photurinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to describe the disparity in the pronotal shapes of Brontispa longissima populations in Caraga region, Philippines. Relative warp analysis was utilized for quantifying the shape while Canonical Variance Analysis (CVA) was used to compare shape variation between populations. Results from MANOVA test showed that individual symmetry has high significant values (p<0.05). In terms of determining the different variations between populations, pooled males have the p value of 7.62×10-15 and pooled females have 8.54×10-6, wherein the two values display high significant scores between the two sexes. Moreover, determining the disparity of both sexes from the two geographical locations, Surigao population has the highest p value of 7.63×10-15 compared to Agusan population which obtained 6.072×10-12, manifesting that populations from the two locations vary in the shape of the pronotum. CVA scatterplot also generates population discrimination indicating the presence of sexual dimorphism in pronotal shapes, while biogeographical factor may affect the shape structure in the pronotum of B. longissima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Museum d'histoire naturelle de Geneve contains type specimens of fifty one species of neuropteroid insects; two species of Megaloptera, forty six species of Neuroptera and three species of Raphidioptera. These are listed, the label data and condition of the specimens is presented and the current nomenclatural combination is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species oil Smetanabatrus Yin & Li, S. loebli Yin & Cuccodoro sp. nov., is described and illustrated from West Malaysia, representing the third known member of the genus. Additionally, Smetanabatrus ghecu Yin & Li, originally described from Myanmar, is recorded from a new locality in Thailand. A key to and a distributional map of the three Smetanabatrus species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two paratype workers of Brachyponera mesoponeroides Radchenko, 1993 were examined. As the result, this species disagreed with Brachyponera but well agreed with Hypoponera in some important diagnostic characters separating the two genera: the apicoventral part of metatibia without a small and simple spur in front of a large and pectinate spur; outer basal portion of mandible without the pit or groove; prora present; subpetiolar process as a rounded lobe, lacking a posterior shelf-like process. Therefore, B. mesoponeroides was transferred to the genus Hypoponera as a new combination Hypoponera mesoponeroides. Then the worker of this species was re-described, and the queen was described for the first time based on the paratype workers and nest series newly collected from Cue Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh province (type locality), Van Lang district, Lang Son province and Na Hang Natural Reserve, Tuyen Quang province, Vietnam. COI-based DNA barcoding was also conducted for examining the species boundaries of Hypoponera mesoponeroides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ponera guangxiensis Zhou, 2001 was originally described from Guangxi Province, China, based on workers only. Since then, no further information on this species became available. Recently, we successfully retrieved a complete colony series of P. guangxiensis in the northernmost part of Vietnam, close to Guangxi Province. We herein redescribe the worker of P. guangxiensis and describe the queen, male, pupa, and larvae for the first time. Furthermore, the utility of using male genitalia morphology for discriminating Ponera species is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elytra shape variation was analyzed from two forest systems in the Chilean Patagonia, one composed of Nothofagus dombeyi and N. nitida and a second-growth stand of N. pumilo . Geometric morphometrics analysis and multivariate analyses were used on the complete elytra having the shape information (outline) of the trait. The results show several shape variations on the mid bottom of the elytra and confirm the local adaptation of the Patagoninan population at different traits with the results found at the abdominal section of previous studies of the same species, nevertheless, here we found a complete absence of sexual shape dimorphism using the elytra as a trait of sexual differentiation. A positive allometry was found, however, this was not related with sexual dimorphism differentiation but rather with to the forest and second-growth forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of the external scent efferent system of the metathoracic scent gland was studied in detail in three Aradus species, A. betulae (Linnaeus, 1758), A. cinnamomeus Panzer, 1806, and A. ribauti Wagner, 1956 (Heteroptera: Aradidae) using scanning electron microscopy. The ostiole is slit-shaped and poorly developed, the peritreme is not present, and the evaporatorium consists of ridges and grooves that are directed radially from the ostiole. This inconspicuous external scent efferent system could represent an ancestral condition in the Aradidae. The microsculpture of the cuticle of the evaporatorium is highly species-specific. In A. betulae , the ridges and grooves are more distinct in males than in females, the microsculpture pattern of the evaporatorium is more highly developed in males than females, and the most distinct sculpture is present on the ostiole margin in females; in A. cinnamomeus , there are fewer distinct differences between males and females in the sizes of the ridges and shape of the ostiole margin, and the microsculpture pattern of the evaporatorium is identical in both sexes; and in A. ribauti , the size of the ridges and grooves are identical in both sexes, and there are only small differences in the microsculpture pattern. The sexual dimorphism in the external scent efferent system of the metathoracic scent glands in these three species represents the first report of this dimorphism in the Heteroptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-biting midges of the genus Pentaneura are small dipterans with larvae inhabiting in a variety of aquatic systems. Despite the wide geographical and ecological range, the systematics and phylogenetic relationships of the genus remains scarcely understood. Here, the taxonomy of the new world genus Pentaneura Phillip (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae) is revised. Except for Pentaneura indecisa (Williston, 1896), diagnoses, descriptions, illustrations and taxonomic keys are provided for all previously described species, P . cinerea (Philippi, 1866), P. elisae Fittkau, 1962, P . inconspicua (Malloch, 1915), P. inoyensis Sublette, 1964 and P . vittaria Sublette and Sasa, 1994. Additionally, three new species are described: P . manueli Silva sp. nov. (Brazil), P . neusae Silva sp. nov. (Costa Rica) and P . waniae Silva sp. nov. (United States). We also present the first phylogenetic analysis of Pentaneura based on morphological data. Cladistic analyses were conducted using 61 morphological traits from 25 species, including genera belonging to the nine currently recognized Tanypodinae tribes (Anatopyniini, Clinotanypodini, Coelopyniini, Fittkauimyiini, Macropelopiini, Natarsiini, Pentaneurini, Procladiini and Tanypodini) and all the species within Pentaneura but P . indecisa . We examine the effects of implied weighting by reanalyzing the data with varying values of concavity constant (k). Our analysis supports the monophyly of Pentaneura based on two synapomorphies, in a wide range of weighting factors. Under these conditions, the genus is recovered sister to Parapentaneura , and these as sister to Hudsonimyia . The proposition of the internal phylogenetic structure in Pentaneura is refrained, as no obvious group-forming character was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the morphology, structure and function of antennae and antennal sensilla of Didesmococcus koreanus Borchsenius, family Coccidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), in the first-instar nymph, adult female and adult male stages, we investigated these stages using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the antennae of first-instar nymphs and adult females are similar in morphology and sensilla distribution. The antennae of first-instar nymphs comprise six segments, and each antenna has 24 sensilla of six types: one campaniform sensillum (Ca), eleven smooth aporous trichoid sensilla (St), two basiconic sensilla (Ba), five multiporous pegs (Mp), two smooth multiporous pegs (sMp) and three chaetica sensilla (Ch). The antennae of adult females have six or seven segments, and each antenna has 25 sensilla of the same six types as the first nymphs, but with twelve sensillum St. The antennae of adult males are more developed, and each antenna contains 155–213 sensilla of eight types: 16–34 St, 1 Ca, 2–5 Ba, 1 Johnston’s organ (Jo), 3 knob sensilla (Ks), 5 Mp, 2 sMp and 120–181 multiporous sensilla trichodea (Mt). Based on our analysis, we discuss the possible functions of the antennae and antennal sensilla of D. koreanus in different instars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Achilia frontalis species group (sensu Jeannel, 1962, 1964) of the species-rich genus Achilia Reitter, 1890 is revised. Of the thirteen taxa placed in this group of species, five names are here synonymised: A. validicornis Jeannel, 1962 = A. excisa (Schaufuss, 1880) (syn. nov.), A. pseudovalidicornis Franz, 1996 = A. pachycera Jeannel, 1963 (syn. nov.), A. acicularis Jeannel, 1962 = A. testacea Jeannel, 1962 (syn. nov.), A. foveifrons Jeannel, 1962 = A. frontalis Jeannel, 1962 (syn. nov.), and A. validicorniformis Franz, 1996 = A. larvata (Reitter, 1885) (syn. nov.). Lectotypes are designated for A. excisa and A. validicornis. The remaining eight species are redescribed, their main diagnostic features are illustrated, their distributions are detailed, and data available on habitat/collecting are summarised. Two new species - Achilia trauco sp. nov. and Achilia fiura sp. nov. - are also described and added to the group, while A. longispina Franz, 1996, is removed from it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Yunodorylus comprises four named species known exclusively from the Indo-Chinese and Indo-Malayan subregions. The queen and male of the genus were unknown until recently. However, the subdichtadiigyne was firstly discovered from two colonies of Y. eguchii (Borowiec, 2009), and described by Eguchi et al. in 2016. Then, the present authors discovered a colony of Yunodorylus doryloides (Borowiec, 2009) with a subdichthadiigyne and herein describe the subdichthadiigyne. The subdichtadiigyne of Y. doryloides is morphologically similar to that of Y. eguchii, but it can be distinguished by the combination of the following morphological characters: mandible elongate and slender, with the edge behind the basalmost tooth of the masticatory margin almost straight; lateroclypeal teeth rounded; mesosoma in dorsal view slenderer in the former than in the latter; mesonotum in dorsal view distinctly longer than broad in the former, but almost as long as broad in the latter; anterior margin of mesopleuron without a small lobe; metanotal groove in dorsal view faintly recognized; ventral margin of metapleuron almost straight; petiole in dorsal view narrower and longer in the former than in the latter; pygidium apically without any specialized setae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of cockroach, Pycnoscelus schwendingeri sp. nov., is reported from Cambodia. A detailed morphological description of the new species is given. Pycnoscelus surinamensis and P. striatus are redescribed. The structure of the female genital complex, i.e. anal and genital plates, ovipositor and adjacent structures, of Pycnoscelus surinamensis and the male genitalia of P. striatus are redescribed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Morphnodes Hebard, 1930 is restored from synonymy with Rhabdoblatta Kirby, 1903. Detailed morphological descriptions of Morphna maculata (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1865), the type species of the genus Morphna Shelford, 1910, of Morphnodes goliath (Shelford, 1906), Pseudocalolampra inexpectata Roth & Princis, 1971, and Colapteroblatta compsa Hebard, 1919, the type species of the genus Colapteroblatta Hebard, 1919, are given. The male genitalia of Morphna maculata and Morphnodes goliath and the ovipositor and adjacent structures of M. maculata and C. compsa are described for the first time. Relationships of the genera Morphna, Morphnodes and Rhabdoblatta are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterologia is the property of Sociedad Hispano-Luso-Americana de Lepidopterologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterologia is the property of Sociedad Hispano-Luso-Americana de Lepidopterologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper we present a checklist and integrative revision for the genus Prasinocyma (Geometridae, Geometrinae, Hemistolini), combining morphological and molecular data, for the Republic of Yemen. Whilst, previously, only one species was recorded, we can now add eight new Prasinocyma species to the fauna of Yemen. One species and one subspecies are described as new for the science: Prasinocyma angolica yemenicola subspec. nov. and Prasinocyma saba spec. nov. Furthermore, Androzeugma tenuis (Warren, 1898) was recorded for the first time in Yemen. With this, the number of geometrid species recorded from Yemen is raised from 168 to 177 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterologia is the property of Sociedad Hispano-Luso-Americana de Lepidopterologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterologia is the property of Sociedad Hispano-Luso-Americana de Lepidopterologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The antennal sensory sensilla of Megastigmus sichuanensis Doğanlar et Zheng (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) were observed with scanning electron microscopy in this study. The antenna of M. sichuanensis was geniculate and the flagellum was composed of 11 subsegments. Four distinct types of sensory receptors were observed, including sensillum chaetica, sensillum trichodea, sensillum basiconica, and sensillum placodea. Two morphological subtypes of sensillum chaetica were found on the antennae, and sensillum trichodea was also divided into two morphological subtypes that were found on flagellum subsegments 2–10. Sensillum basiconica was divided into three morphological subtypes that were found on subsegments 8–10 of the flagellum, and sensillum placodea was only found on the flagellum. The shape, length, and diameter of antennae between male and female adults were similar. However, the length, diameter and number of the four distinct types of sensillum on the male were significantly greater than those of the female. The type, length, diameter, number, and distribution of these sensilla are described and their possible functions discussed. Future studies on the biology of olfaction and sexual communications in M. sichuanensis will be facilitated by these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biomédica: Revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud is the property of Instituto Nacional de Salud of Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The ultrastructural morphology of the antennae and mouthparts of Dentatissus damnosa (Chou & Lu) (Hemiptera: Issidae) was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Eight types of sensilla were found on antennal segments, including a Böhm bristle on the scape, sensillum trichoideum and plaque organ on the pedicel, sensillum chaeticum and two subtypes of sensilla campaniformia on these two segments; Bourgoin’s organ and sensillum basiconicum were observed on the basal bulb of the flagellum. The mouthparts of D. damnosa conform to the typical piercing-sucking type in Hemiptera. The mandible styles bear 7 protuberances on the distal extremity, including sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica and a pair of sub-apical labial sensilla at different positions on the labium. The labial tip forms three sensory fields and each dorsal sensory field consists of 9 uniporous peg-like sensilla, 1 multiporous peg-like sensillum and 7 long sensilla basiconica. The ventral sensory field has two dome-shaped sensilla and two pairs of different sensilla basiconica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presented here are morphological descriptions and comparisons of the last instar larvae and pupae of Chauliognathus flavipes (Fabricius, 1781), C. humeralis Pic, 1915, C. ignaciosus Pic, 1924, C. spinipennis Pic, 1915, C. unifasciatus Pic, 1928, Daiphron mediofasciatum Pic, 1949, and Macromalthinus brasiliensis (Pic, 1906). First instar larvae of Chauliognathus ignaciosus and Belotus obscurus (Pic, 1906) are also described and illustrated. The last instar larva of Chauliognathus opacipennis Pic, 1925 is redescribed and illustrated based on specimens described by Costa et al. (1988) as C. flavipes . Immatures of Belotus Gorham, 1881 , Daiphron Gorham, 1881 and Macromalthinus Pic, 1919, were unknown prior to this study, and are herein described for the first time. The galea of the maxilla is also studied for the first time in Chauliognathinae. Remarks on the natural history of those groups and morphological comparisons between known immatures of New World Chauliognathinae are also provided, as well as a diagnosis of the subfamily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterologia is the property of Sociedad Hispano-Luso-Americana de Lepidopterologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterologia is the property of Sociedad Hispano-Luso-Americana de Lepidopterologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterologia is the property of Sociedad Hispano-Luso-Americana de Lepidopterologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Iheringia. Série Zoologia is the property of Fundacao Zoobotanica do Rio Grande do Sul and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Caraguata Bechyné, 1954 (Galerucini, Galerucina) includes 38 species exclusively Neotropical, among them two sympatric species, C. atricornis (Clark, 1865) and C. guaporensis Bechyné, 1958. Given the lack of morphological studies in this group, we aimed to characterize the adult morphology of two species, providing descriptions, illustrations and comparisons of structures of the head, thorax, abdomen and genitalia. The external morphology includes the description of head, thorax, abdomen and its appendices; the internal morphology comprises endosternites, and male and female genitalia. Some similarities were observed, such as pubescence, mouth parts, apparent sexual dimorphism on ventrite V, spermatheca and vaginal palpi. The main differences are in (1) the body and antenna shape, (2) the antenna color pattern, (3) the depression of the pronotum, (4) the presence/absence of the tibial spur, (5) the form of the median lobe, (6) the tegmen and (7) the sternite VIII of the females. The morphological study of these species contributes to the knowledge of Galerucina, presenting important specific characteristics not employed until now. Thus, it can be a contribution for studies of comparative morphology, systematics and evolution of the group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The tarsal ultrastructures of eight leaf beetle species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The tarsi of the species examined bear five tarsal segments (tarsomeres) and a pair of apical claws which have accessory claws in some species. The ventral surface of the proximal three tarsomeres is covered with dense tenent setae and six types of setae were found: tapered seta, spatulate seta, discoidal seta, bifid seta with tapered terminal plates, bifid seta with spatulate terminal plates, and bifid seta with drop-shaped terminal plates. The tapered seta with a deflexed and acute apex is usually located on tarsomeres I and II. The spatulate seta with a spatulate terminal plate is usually located on tarsomere III. The discoidal seta is located only on the tarsus of male beetles. The bifid setae which branch into two tips at the distal end of the seta have tapered, spatulate and drop-shaped terminal plates. The function of these setae is briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larvae and pupae of Scolecocampa medara (Schaus) were collected in galleries inside decaying tree trunk where larvae were found feeding. Descriptions and illustrations of the last instar and pupa, as well as information on the natural history of S. medara are here provided. The larval chaetotaxy is compared with two closely related species, Scolecocampa mochisa (Schaus) (Scolecocampinae) and Hyponeuma taltula (Schaus) (Herminiinae). In addition, we provide a redescription of the adults, including the morphology of the male and female genitalia, with a brief taxonomic history of Scolecocampa Guenée and related genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different rearing environments produce dissimilar stress level in insects, which can be reflected on the ability of an individual to overcome these pressures and spread further. Sugar beet weevil, Bothynoderes punctivnetris Germar. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the most harmful pests of sugar beet, infesting agricultural fields in different parts of Croatia. It is highly invasive being able to inhabit diverse environments across the country. The aim of this study was to assess the association between different environmental and rearing conditions and the morphological variation observed in the sugar beet weevil body shape. The present results showed significantly different eco-morphs related to different environmental conditions, thus suggesting that the observed ecomorphological changes could be associated to the ability of this pest to spread further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)