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Article Details: Received: 2020-02-05 | Accepted: 2020-08-04 | Available online: 2021-03-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.01.78-86 Observation on the ultra- structure of both mouth parts and sensory apparatus of mango mealy bug, Drosicha mangiferae (Stebbing, 1903) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) was carried out. Seven segments of different size in each antenna have been identified in D.mangiferae in the present observation. Out of the all segments, the terminal segment was the longest trailed by third and second flagellomere in downward order. Sensilla with flexible socket was noted in almost every body parts in the present observation. Abundant wax pores on the dorsal and ventral surface on the body surface of mealy bug secrete spiral wax filaments. Two types of wax pores namely trilocular and quinquelocular were observed. Leg consisted of basal coxa, trochanter, femur, tibia and tarsus which ended with curved claw and two claw digitules.Hair like sensilla trichoidea was mostly abundant in antenna and was of four subtypes. All of these function as mechanoreceptor or gustatory receptor. The labium of second instar nymphs of D.mangiferae had three segments with a median labial groove for housing stylet fascicle. Ten pairs of trichoid sensilla were found in the labium that also function as mechanoreceptors. Long hair like sensilla chaetica with pointed tip (SCh) in five pairs was also observed. Apart from that different kind of mechanoreceptor sensilla with flexible sockets, sensilla were found having inflexible sockets and pores with probable olfactory function. Keywords: Drosicha mangiferae, antenna, sensilla, mechanoreceptor, labium, stylet fascicle, wax pores References Ahamad, A., Kaushik, S., Ramamurthy, V., Lakhanpaul, S., Ramani, R., Sharma, K.K. and Vidyarthi, A.S. (2012). 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The occurrence of apical labial sensilla in the Aleyrodidae and evidence for a contact chemosensory function. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 35, 215–224. Wensler, R. J. D. (1977). The fine structure of distal receptors on the labium of the aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae. Implications for current theories of sensory transduction. Cell and Tissue Research, 181, 409–422.

The aim of this research is to identify Liromiza spp. And the parasitoid is associated with various types of vegetable plants in Detusoko and Kelimutu Districts in Ende Regency. Data were analyzed by matching morphology of existing specimens with insect morphology books written by Bhorror 1970 and matching with standard specimens originating from Bali and Bogor. The results obtained from two vegetable producing districts in Ende, namely Detusoko and Kelimutu, show the following: There are two types of Liriomyza spp associated with several types of host plants in Ende Regency. L. huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzydae) is located in Kelimutu District and L Sativae (Diptera: Agromyzydae) is in Detusoko District. The diversity of parasitoids found in Detusoko Subdistrict were as many as four species from the Eulopidae family while in Kelimutu District there were five types of parasitoids originating from two families namely Braconidae and Euiopidae. Neosacharis okazaki is the most dominant type of parasitoid in each plant in Detusoko District. Opiits sp dominant in Kelimutu Subdistrict on the long bean, green beans, mustard greens, chicory and cabbage. While H. varicornis is dominant in Kelimutu District in tomato plants.

Stingless bees are the most species-rich group of eusocial bees and show great diversity in behaviour, ecology, nest architecture, colony size, and worker morphology. How this variation relates to varying selection pressures and constraints is not well understood. Variation can be caused by selection acting on behavioural or morphological traits, both alone and in correlation across traits. Here we tested whether behavioural and morphological traits important for foraging and defence are linked to nest-entrance architecture, an extended phenotype relevant to both foraging and nest defence. Using 23 species we investigated whether eye size, nest entrance size, landing behaviour and foraging method show cross-species correlations. A phylogenetically-controlled comparative analysis revealed that species with relatively smaller eyes build relatively larger entrances, which in turn are associated with faster landing approaches and fewer landing errors by foragers, both of which could reduce predation risk. Concerning foraging, mass-recruiting species have c. 10-times larger entrance holes than species with a solitary foraging strategy. Larger entrances could help species with mass recruitment to rapidly increase forager traffic or mount a strong defensive response when under attack. Our results show that studying correlations among different traits helps understand phenotypic diversity in species rich groups. Made available in DSpace on 2022-10-27T12:08:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Menezes-Correlated-expression-2022.pdf: 2883875 bytes, checksum: 41ff09618033b9c5ba2f56494fe42a64 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2022

Dinidor jograziae sp. nov., is described. The new species can be recognized by the relatively shorter mandibular plates which do not come in contact with each other anterior to the clypeus, by the dark brown hemelytral membranes, with darker, reticulate veins, and by having a relatively large portion of the connexiva exposed. We provide high-resolution photographs of important characters such as the head, pronotum, and the male and female external genitalia. We also provide new locality records for D. saucius from southern and southeastern Brazil, including the Atlantic Rain Forest region in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina and São Paulo.

The insect morphology research coconut ( Cocos nucifera L.) in Tirta Kencana village, Makarti Jaya district, Banyuasin regency was conducted in April-Mei 2021. The research objective was to determine the morphology of insect pest on coconut plants ( Cocos nucifera L.) in Tirta Kencana village. This study uses a purposive sampling method, that are three capture methods ( insecting net , fitfall trap , light trap ). The observation parameters include the type of head, mouth, antennae,wings and legs. The results of the study obtained 123 insects from 6 orders, 9 species. The insects that have potential as the pests consist of 2 orders and 5 species, there are Apogonia expeditionis , Orycthes rhinoceros , Oxya chirensis , Rhynchophorus ferrugineus and Valanga SP. Biting-chewing mouth type, 2 head types, namely Prognatus and Hypognatus, Lamellate and Filiform antenna types, Hard and Straight wing types, Cursorial and Saltatorial leg types. Keywords : Coconut Plants ( Cocos nucifera L.), Insect Pests, Morphological Characteristics.

Liogenys fusca is a rizophagous insect pest in various crops of economic importance in Brazil. Here we investigated the morphology of immature stages and mating behavior of this species. The redescription of the 3rd instar larvae of L. fusca in this work allows identification and registration of occurrence independently of adults, which occur sporadically in a certain period of the year. Male and female of L. fusca remained confined in the soil during the day and exited between 19:00 and 23:30 h. The copulations occurred between 19:30 and 21:00 h, and were characterized by a typical behavioral sequence. Copulation durations in L. fusca lasted on average 512.23 s. Adults were observed feeding before the copulations on leaves and inflorescences of plant species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae, Myracrodruon urundeuva, Schinus terebinthifolius, Astronium fraxinifolium and Anacardium occidentale. Keywords: Insect morphology, Rizophagous insect, Scarabaeoidea, Sexual behavior, White grub

Six genera of Psychomyiidae (Trichoptera) are known from Japan: Psychomyia , Tinodes , Lype , Metalype , Eoneureclipsis and Paduniella . A psychomyiid larva presumed to be Eoneureclipsis montanus was collected in Japan. We compared the COI sequence data of this putative E. montanus larva with those of identified adults to associate adult and larval life stages. Molecular evidence is presented to support the relationship between adults and larvae of E. montanus in Japan. Illustrations of E. montanus larval characters and a key and character matrix to genera of mature larvae of Japanese psychomyiids are provided.

Miniaturization, or decrease in body size, is a widespread trend in animal evolution and one of the principal directions of evolution in insects. It is known that body size, especially extremely small, is a key characteristic that largely determines the morphology, physiology, and biology of animals. Miniaturization leads to considerable reorganizations of structure in insects, affecting almost all organs and tissues. In the smallest insects, comparable in size to unicellular organisms, modifications arise not only at the level of organs but also at the cellular level. Miniaturization is accompanied by allometric changes in many organ systems. The consequences of miniaturization displayed by different insect taxa include both common and unique changes.

Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are one of the foremost organisms amongst forensic insects to colonize corpses shortly after death, thus are of immense importance in the domain of forensic entomology. The blow fly Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is considered as a forensically important fly species globally and is also known for its medical and veterinary importance. In the present study, we report for the first time scanning electron microscopic studies on the morphology of sensilla of antenna of adult male and female of H. ligurriens is with profound importance in better understanding of the insect morphology from forensic entomological perspective, and also could aid in proper identification of the species from other calliphorid flies. The structural peculiarities observed in the (i) antenna of H. ligurriens with three segments- scape, pedicel and flagellum with dorso-laterally placed arista (ii) densely covered microtrichia and most abundant trichoid sensilla identified on the antenna (iii) observation of only one type of sensilla, chaetic sensilla (ChI) on the scape (iv) two types of chaetic sensilla (ChI and ChII) and styloconic sensilla on the pedicel (v) the flagellum with three types of sensilla- trichoid, basiconic and coeloconic sensilla (vi) Basiconic sensilla with multiporous surfaces with characteristic olfactory function. Moderate sexual dimorphism in the width of the flagellum, the females with wider flagella than the males, bear significance to the fact that they bear more multi-porous sensilla than the males, thus suffice their need to detect oviposition sites. Significant difference was observed in the length and width of coeloconic sensilla between the two sexes, the females showed bigger coeloconic sensilla, suggesting their function in oviposition site detection and successful colonization in corpses.

Adult head structures of Deuterophlebia coloradensis were examined, 3-dimensionally reconstructed and described. The results are compared to those of other representatives of basal dipteran lineages, primarily Nymphomyia dolichopeza (Nymphomyiidae) and Edwardsina gracilis (Blephariceridae). The head structures are extremely simplified. The labrum, mandibles, maxillae and labium are completely reduced. Only eight pairs of muscles are present. These modifications are possibly linked with the extremely short life span and non-feeding of adults. Possible synapomorphies of Deuterophlebiidae + Nymphomyiidae are the loss of all mouthparts, the elongation of the terminal antennal segment, and the loss of M. tentoriobuccalis anterior. An alternative placement of Deuterophlebiidae as sister group of Blephariceridae is only suggested by the origin of M. tentorioscapalis posterior on the vertex. Blephariceromorpha (Deuterophlebiidae, Nymphomyiidae, Blephariceridae) is only weakly supported by features of the adult head. The missing frontoclypeal and clypeolabral suture and the origin of M. tentorioscapalis on the head capsule are potential autapomorphies. Our results do not support a sister group relationship between Deuterophlebiidae and the remaining Diptera. A reliable reconstruction of basal dipteran relationships is impeded by missing morphological data for many potential key taxa.

A recent study of the material housed in the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (Paris, France) provided new information to describe and illustrate the males of Ptychoderes brevis Jordan and Ptychoderes jekeli Mermudes & Napp (Coleoptera; Anthribidae). These males were previously unknown, and their characters had never been studied by the cladistical method. A reanalysis of the genus was carried out, which included 50 characters and 24 taxa (seven as outgroup). The resulting single most-parsimonious cladogram corroborates previous hypotheses of the relationships among the genera of Ptychoderini and groups of Ptychoderes species. The male of P. brevis is characterized by; rostrum 1.5× longer than wide across base; sides not swollen between scrobe and eye; scrobe with a deep narrow extension and a deep distal pit; antennae elongated, reaching middle of elytra; ventrite I swollen, with moderately developed setiferous sex patch, closer to apical margin, clothed with dense yellow pilosity; and ventrite V with lateroapical projections not acuminate. The male of P. jekeli has rostrum slightly longer than wide across base; sides not swollen and the extension shallow; antennae exceeding apical elytron by segment XI; ventrite I with well developed setiferous sex patch, closer to apical margin and with olive green pilosity; and ventrite V strongly impressed, with lateroapical angles not projected and somewhat expanded. The relationship between P. brevis and P. jekeli was confirmed, and this group belongs to the P. crustatus+, corroborating the most basal lineage by the vestiture of the sides of prosternum with a vitta of the same color as the dorsal vestiture, and elytra transversely impressed behind the basal gibbosities.

A new species of Minanga Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Sigalphinae), Minanga brevicarinata Tan & Chen, sp. nov., from China is described and illustrated, Previously known mainly from the Afrotropical region (eight species), with one species recently described from the Nearctic region, the genus is recorded for the first time from the boundary of Palearctic and Oriental regions. A new subgenus, Anopliminanga subgen. nov., is proposed to include two species (Minanga achterbergi Sharkey and Minanga brevicarinata sp. nov.). A key to species of the genus Minanga is updated. The distribution of Minanga and the new subgenus are briefly discussed.

Alveoplectrus lilli Gates, new species, (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) is described and illustrated. This species was reared from five species of field-collected slug caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae). It is differentiated from similar species of Alveoplectrus.

The mealybug Nipaecoccus filamentosus (Cockerell) was described originally as Dactylopius filamentosus Cockerell from South Caicos Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It has been listed in error from the Bahamas and from Mexico and the mealybug name wrongly applied to a similar species now known as Nipaecoccus viridis (Maskell). Furthermore, the name Dactylopius filamentosus, as first applied by Cockerell, has been recorded in error from various localities in the Old World because of erroneous synonymy early in the 19th century. The mealybug species N. filamentosus has neither been described nor illustrated adequately since it was first named over 100 years ago and its identity has remained obscure. We now describe and illustrate this mealybug and confirm that it is a local species occurring in the Caribbean area only.

A rich and interesting material collected from Turkey and the neighbouring countries including the Middle East has been evaluated. The material consists of the historical and unidentified specimens mainly in the Naturhistorisches Musem Wien, the Natural History Museum London and the specimens recently collected and preserved in the Abant Izzet Baysal Universitesi Entomoloji Muzesi. Eight genera and 106 species and subspecies are listed The Isophya species are included into 7, the Poecilimon species are included into 16 species groups. The relationships of the species and the species groups are proposed as phylogenetic trees in writing format. Three distinct clades of the species groups of Poecilimon are separated and discussed their taxonomic positions. The genus Poecilimonella Uvarov, 1921 is included to the genus Poecilimon Fischer, 1853 and the species Poecilimon richteri Ramme, 1933 is synonymized with Poecilimon similis Retowski, 1899. Twelve new species and subspecies, Isophya hitit, I. sur...

Three new species of Aulacidae, Aulacus gerais Smith and A. unicus Smith, from Minas Gerais, Brazil, and Pristaulacus petiense Smith, from Minas Gerais, Esperito Santo, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Santa Catarina, Brazil, are described. The species are illustrated and separated from described species of their respective genera.

Two new ichneumonid species in the genus Jezarotes Uchida are described from Korea: J. dentatusn. sp. and J. tetragonisn. sp. Photographs of diagnostic characters of the two new species, a key to the six known species, and a diagnosis of the genus are provided.

The genetic control of leg development is well characterized in the fly Drosophila melanogaster. These control mechanisms, however, must differ to some degree between different insect species to account for the morphological diversity of thoracic legs in the insects. The legs of the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum differ from the Drosophila legs in their developmental mode as well as in their specific morphology especially at the larval stage. In order to identify genes involved in the morphogenesis of the Tribolium larval legs, we have analyzed EGFP enhancer trap lines of Tribolium. We have identified the zfh2 gene as a novel factor required for normal leg development in Tribolium. RNA interference with zfh2 function leads to two alternative classes of leg phenotype. The loss of a leg segment boundary and the generation of ectopic outgrowths in one class of phenotype suggest a role in leg segmentation and segment growth. The malformation of the pretarsal claw in the second class of phenotype suggests a role in distal development and the morphogenesis of the claw-shaped morphology of the pretarsus. This suggests that zfh2 is involved in the regulation of an unidentified target gene in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that enhancer trap screens in T. castaneum have the potential to identify novel gene functions regulating specific developmental processes. peerReviewed

Nycteridopsylla iae Beaucournu and Kock, 1992 and Nycteridopsylla quadrispina Lu and Wu, 2003 have heretofore been known only by the male and female sexes, respectively. The morphological differences in these two species are striking; however, a recent collection of male N. iae and female N. quadrispina from a single host individual of the Great Evening Bat (I. io Thomas), led us to suspect that N. iae and N. quadrispina represented the same species. Morphological similarities were noted and male and female exemplars were sequenced using five genes (18S, 28S, 16S, 12S, and COII). Across the five sequenced genes from both specimens (male and female), sequence identity was 100%. Considering morphological characteristics and DNA analysis, N. quadrispina is indisputably a junior synonym of N. iae. Myanmar is a new country record for N. iae, Harpiocephalus harpia (Temminck) is a new host record for N. iae and the preferred host is the Great Evening Bat, I. io.

The New World subgenus Sarcophaga (Neobellieria) Blanchard is revised. The subgenus as previously recognized was polyphyletic. Five species, Sarcophaga semimarginalis Hall, Sarcophaga sternalis (Reinhard), Sarcophaga subdiscalis Aldrich, Sarcophaga triplasia Wulp, and Sarcophaga yorkii Parker, are removed from the subgenus. The remaining five species of Neobellieria are paraphyletic relative to the subgenus Tolucamyia Dodge; accordingly, Tolucamyia is synonymized with Neobellieria. Neobellieria is redefined to include five species assigned previously to Neobellieria (Sarcophaga bullata Parker, Sarcophaga citellivora Shewell, Sarcophaga cooleyi Parker, Sarcophaga libera Aldrich, and Sarcophaga polistensis Hall), three species assigned previously to Tolucamyia [Sarcophaga cavagnaroi (Dodge), Sarcophaga schrameli Dodge, and Sarcophaga sigilla Reinhard], and one new species, Sarcophaga (Neobellieria) longisterna Giroux & Wheeler. Sarcophaga marstoniana (Dodge) is synonymized with S. sigilla. Lectotypes are designated for Sarcophaga bullata and S. cooleyi. Although there are relatively few rearing records for most Neobellieria species, some species develop primarily in vertebrates or vertebrate carrion; this group includes myiasis-causing species and species of importance in forensic entomology. Two species (S. libera and S. polistensis) are associated with nests of Hymenoptera.

Nine new species of Aleiodes (Braconidae: Rogadinae) are described and illustrated: A. aclydis, A. albiterminus, A. arbitrium, A. atripileatus, A. capillosus, A. greeneiyi, A. nebulosus, A. speciosus and A. stilpnos. Because of the difficulties in distinguishing Neotropical species that belong to the circumscriptus and gastritor species-groups, a larger species-group combining the two, termed the circumscriptus/gastritor species-group, is created. The new species described in this study belonged to the seriatus, albitibia, gressitti, and circumscnptus/gastritor species-groups, respectively. Aldodes capillosus represents the first Neotropical species belonging to the gressitti species-group. Of the 34 previously described Neotropical species in Aldodes, only 13 have known biologies. The Aleiodes species in this study were reared from the families Geometridae and Noctuidae, two of the most common host families of other Aleiodes species worldwide.

A new species of braconid wasp, Andesipolis yanayacu, is described from the eastern Andes of Ecuador. Andesipolis yanayacu was reared as a gregarious koinobiont parasitoid of shelter building Pyralidae (Lepidoptera) larvae feeding on Urticaceae (Phenax rugosus and Boehmeria bullata). These are the first biological observations for the genus Andesipolis and the first species recorded from Ecuador. This is also the northern-most record for the genus as previously described species are from Chile. Based on morphological attributes and the newly discovered biology, Andesipolis is re-classified from the subfamily Mesostoinae into the subfamily Rhysipolinae.

The adult stage of a new species of flower fly, Alipumilio athesphatus Thompson (Diptera, Syrphidae) is described. The gross morphology and external integumentary features of the egg, third-instar larva and pupa are also presented. All immature stages were found in association with the exudate resin of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae) in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

The thibetana species group of Helota MacLeay is revised. Five species are considered to be valid. The following synonyms are proposed: Helota sinensisOlliff, 1883 (=H. tonkinensisRitsema, 1905a); and H. thibetana Westwood, 1842 (=H. verrucosaRitsema, 1894; H. donckieriRitsema, 1907; H. westwoodiiRitsema, 1907). Lectotypes are designated for Helota sinensis Olliff, H. tonkinensis Ritsema, H. donckieri Ritsema, and H. westwoodii Ritsema. A key for the thibetana species group is provided. Figures of the protibia, penis, parameres, internal sac, and eighth abdominal tergite are given for each species. A checklist of the 23 valid species and subspecies of the genus Helota MacLeay is provided.

The name Diocophora multichaeta Disney, 2007, for a Neotropical phorid fly, was originally proposed without a holotype. This name is herein validated with a description of the species, Diocophora multichaeta Brown and Disney, new species, illustrations, and designation of a holotype specimen. The identification of specimens determined by Borgmeier (1959) as Diocophora appretiata (Schmitz) is clarified.

The antennal receptors of Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) were examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Male and female antennae share five sensillum types: Böhm bristles, sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, sensilla ampullacea, and uniporous contact chemoreceptors. Contact chemoreceptors make up ≈85 and 78% of the total sensilla on male and female antennae, respectively. On the most proximal flagellomere of the antennae, contact chemoreceptors are located in a shallow depression on the ventral surface. The number of contact chemoreceptors increases toward the distal end, covering two thirds of the circumference of each flagellomere. Contact chemoreceptors seem to be innervated by two sensory dendrites that terminate near the tip. In longitudinal section, a single subterminal pore is seen to be associated with each sensillum. Males had significantly more uniporous sensory pegs than females on the proximal half of the antennae. These receptors may play an important role in mate identification, suggesting that a female-released contact pheromone may be used by this insect. The putative function of these sensilla types is discussed.

Lattinidea, new genus, is proposed to accommodate Mormidea geographica (Fabricius) and Lattinellica, new genus, is proposed for Mormidea decora Walker. Diagnoses and a key are provided to separate both new genera from Mormidea Amyot & Serville and similar genera. Lattinellica decora is described and illustrated; Lattinidea geographica is illustrated. New information on a host plant for L. geographica is given, and new distribution records are provided for both species.

During a review of the Blepharicera of western North America, we discovered a new species from several mid-sized rivers in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California. We hereby present descriptions of the larvae, pupae, and adults of B. kalmiopsis, new species. Diagnostic characters and a brief discussion of bionomics and distribution are also provided. Based on previous and ongoing studies, B. kalmiopsis clearly belongs to the B. micheneri Alexander species group and appears closely related to B. zionensis Alexander.

Male genitalia, including the pygophore, parameres, and inflated aedeagus, are compared between Murgantia histrionica (Hahn), M. varicolor (Westwood), and M. violascens (Westwood). These structures differ markedly between the three species, particularly the inflated aedeagus. As the inflated aedeagus has not been used previously in this genus for comparative purposes, we suggest that it be examined in the remaining species of Murgantia to determine if the current taxonomic status of each of these species is warranted.

A new species of argasid tick, Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) rioplatensis Venzal, Estrada-Pena, & Mangold, is described from larval and adult specimens collected in Uruguay. Further specimens from Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile are ascribed to the new species. Key distinguishing characters of larvae of the species are the number of pairs of dorsal setae (19-20 but typically 20 in O. rioplatensis, compared with 16-17 but typically 17 in O. puertoricensis and O. talaje), and the length of the hypostome, which is clearly longer in O. rioplatensis than in O. talaje. Morphological details of the adults of these species are inadequate for taxonomic purposes. The genetic distance between O. puertoricensis and O. rioplatensis, based on 16S rDNA sequencing, is approximately 12.7%. Variability in some morphological features, using multivariate morphometric discrimination to assess congruence between populations, was examined among larval specimens of O. talaje and O. puertoricensis collected from the United States, and Central and South America. Larval specimens of O. talaje from Guatemala (near the type locality of the species) were morphologically different from Mexican and southern U.S. populations originally described as O. talaje. In the absence of DNA data for these populations, and because of inadequate statistical discrimination among body characters, we prefer to refer to the Mexican and U.S. material as O. nr. talaje until further analysis of population variability is conducted using an adequate sample size.

Males of a solitary digger wasp, the European beewolf, Philanthus triangulum, possess large mandibular glands that have been reported to produce a scent marking pheromone. We analysed the morphology and ultrastructure of these glands using light microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The paired glands are located laterally in the head and each side consists of a larger and a smaller part. Both parts possess a collecting duct each with distinct openings at the mandible base. However, the collecting duct of the larger part is additionally connected to the pharynx through a lateral extension. The collecting ducts are bordered by a monolayered epithelium lined with cuticle that exhibits conspicuous ramified protuberances. About 1400 acini consisting of class 3 gland cells surround the ducts and are connected to them through conducting canals. The main components in the cytoplasm of these gland cells are mitochondria, well-developed smooth endoplasmatic reticulum, and electron lucent vesicles suggesting a high secretory activity. The connection between the large gland parts and the pharynx suggests that the secretion of the mandibular glands might not only be delivered directly onto the mandibles but might also be transported to and stored in the postpharyngeal gland.

Cecidomyia lamellata Gagne, new species, is described from adults of both sexes, pupae, and larvae taken from resin in branchlet swellings of baldcypress, Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. (Taxodiaceae), in Fort Pierce, Florida. Some anatomical characters of the new species depart from the previously known limits of the genus. Baldcypress is the first known non-Pinaceae host of Cecidomyia.

A new genus of Thrasorinae (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is described from Australia, and includes specimens reared from an unidentified Ophelimus species (Eulophidae: Ophelimini) on Eucalyptus cinerea (Myrtaceae). Mikeius, new genus, includes six species: M. berryi sp. n., M. gatesi sp. n., M. grandawi sp. n., M. hartigi (Girault) n. comb., M. neumanni sp. n. and M. schauffi sp. n.; M. hartigi is designated as the type species of Mikeius. Thrasorus Weld is revised, and the description of T. schmidtae sp. n. is provided, as well as a redescription of T. pilosus Weld. All records to date indicate that species of Mikeius and Thrasorus are associated with hosts that induce galls on species of Acacia and Eucalyptus, although most of these host records await verification. A list of world species of Thrasorinae is provided.

Triatoma infestans (Klug) is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, etiologic agent of Chagas disease. The phenotype of the species varies at different geographic scales. The objective of this study was to compare the antennal phenotype of spatially close T. infestans populations and to evaluate its usefulness as a marker of exchange of individuals between populations. The antennal phenotype of 190 T. infestans from Argentina and Bolivia was analyzed using uni- and multivariate techniques. This study shows heterogeneity of the antennal phenotypes of closely related T. infestans populations living in different habitats. Specimens collected in a goat corral and a rabbit cage in La Rioja (Argentina) were dissimilar to the specimens collected in the nearby intradomestic environment. Similarly, specimens from peridomestic corrals in Cochabamba (Bolivia) were different from the intradomestic and sylvatic specimens, indicating some degree of isolation between these populations. In contrast, T. infestans collected in chicken coops and the intradomestic environment were similar, in all studied regions, suggesting a frequent exchange of individuals between the two habitats and/or because of the similarity of the habitat due to the presence of chickens in the intradomestic environment. We propose that each habitat affects in a particular mode the insect morphology and these changes could be used to identify recolonizing T. infestans. These results support the hypothesis of different degrees of isolation between intradomestic and peridomestic habitats. Within this context, special attention should be given to chicken coops and other close peridomestic structures in relation to the recolonization process of domestic habitats by T. infestans.

The egg, first and last instars, and adult of Copitarsia corruda, n. sp. from Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are described and illustrated. Larval host plant genera include Asparagus (Liliaceae) (Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador), Iris (Iridaceae) (Ecuador), Ammi (Apiaceae) (Ecuador), Lysimachia (Primulaceae) (Colombia), Callistephus (Asteraceae) (Colombia), and Aster (Asteraceae) (Colombia). The larva of Copitarsia decolora (Guenee) is described and illustrated. In addition to genitalic and larval characters, mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) was analyzed to differentiate C. corruda from Copitarsia decolora (Guenee), and to examine geographic and host plant differences between the two species.

A new monotypic genus and species of predaceous midge from Costa Rica, Spinellihelea brevicosta Borkent, Grogan, and Picado is described and illustrated. Phylogenetic interpretation of the group of Ceratopogonini in which females have their clypei fused laterally to the eyes, indicates that Spinellihelea is the sister group of Fittkauhelea Wirth and Blanton and that it likely arose in the Neotropical Region. The genus Leptohelea Wirth and Blanton is newly placed in a monophyletic group with Fittkauhelea, Spinellihelea, Diaphanobezzia Ingram and Macfie and Parabezzia Malloch.

The vigorsii species group of Helota MacLeay is revised. Ten species and one subspecies are recognized, including a new species H. brancuccii described. from Laos and Thailand. The following new synonyms are proposed: H. vandepolli Ritsema, 1891 (=Helota fruhstorferi Ritsema, 1905; H. lugubris Ritsema, 1914); H. servillei Hope, 1840 (=Helota oberthueri Ritsema, 1889); H. scintillans Olliff, 1884 (=Helota pasteuri Ritsema, 1893); Helota vigorsii vigorsii MacLeay, 1825 (=Helota vigorsii sumatrensis Ritsema, 1909). Lectotypes are designated for Helota oberthueri Ritsema, H. feai Ritsema, H. vigorsii vigorsii MacLeay, H. vigorsii sumatrensis Ritsema, H. vigorsii borneensis Ritsema, H. fairmairei Ritsema, and H. longipes Ritsema. A key and diagnosis for the Helota vigorsii MacLeay species group are provided. Figures of protibia, penis, parameres, internal sac, eighth abdominal tergite are given for all species.

Four new species, Largulus refulgens (Greater Antilles: Jamaica), Theraneis saphisa (Ecuador) Theraneis napoana (Ecuador), and Theraneis furtiva (Panama) are described. New distribution data are provided for Theraneis petri Stehlik, Theraneis pulchra Distant, and Theraneis schuhi Stehlik. Theraneis isobel Hussey is synonymized with Theraneis pulchra Distant. Keys to the known species of Largulus and Theraneis are provided, along with dorsal illustrations and drawings of male genital capsules of some species.

The caddisfly genus Protoptila (Trichoptera: Glossosomatidae: Protoptilinae) has never before been recorded from Bolivia. Protoptila dubitans Mosely 1939 is now reported from Bolivia for the first time. Additionally, two new species from Bolivia, P. diablita and P. julieta are described. Protoptila julieta is most closely related to P. misionensis Flint 1972. Protoptila diablita is the first known species in the genus to possess scale-like setae. These scales are hypothesized to aid in the dispersal of male sex pheromones.

Paraplatyptilia atlanticasp. nov. is described as new from northwestern Newfoundland and the Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec, Canada. A key to the four species of Paraplatyptilia Bigot and Picard known to occur in eastern Canada (east of Manitoba) is provided.

This study gives an overview of recent developments and results in the morphological and phylogenetic study of Archostemata, and a short account of innovative morphological techniques such as for instance micro computer tomography (μ-CT) and computer based 3-dimensional reconstructions. Archostemata are a small relict group of beetles. They display a mosaic pattern of highly derived characters, mainly of the head, and of plesiomorphic features, mainly of the thorax. The results of recent cladistic analyses suggest that Ommatidae, Cupedidae, Micromalthidae, Crowsoniellidae and Jurodidae (Sikhotealinia and †Jurodes), and the extinct families †Schizophoridae, †Catiniidae, and tAdemosynidae form a clade Archostemata. However, the placement of Jurodidae and the three fossil groups remains ambiguous, mainly due to lack of reliable morphological data. Within Archostemata, Ommatidae are probably the most basal group and recent cladistic analyses suggest that Jurodidae may form the sistergroup of a clade comprising Micromalthidae, Crowsoniellidae, †Schizophoridae, tCatiniidae, and †Ademosynidae. Archostemata is the sistergroup of the remaining three beetle suborders. All Permian fossil lineages traditionally assigned to Archostemata belong to the stem group of Coleoptera, with a branching pattern (†Tshekardocoleidae + (†Permocupedidae + (†Rhombocoleidae + (tTriadocupedinae + (Coleoptera s.str. [=crown group]))))). The reconstruction of the phylogeny of Archostemata is still impeded by a severe lack of material and morphological data. Intensive collecting activities should have high priority, combined with the application of traditional and modem morphological methods. Innovative techniques have given new and strong impulses to insect morphology in the last years.

The genus Xestocoris Van Duzee is reported from Mexico for the first time, and three new species, X. adustus (Guerrero, Morelos, Nayarit, and Puebla), X. clavatus (Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacan, and Oaxaca), and X. punctatus (Chiapas), are described. Two species, X. collinus described from Guatemala and Panama, and X. tibialis from the United States, are newly recorded for Mexico. Habitus, illustrations, and drawings of the male genitalia are provided, and a key to the known Xestocoris species is presented.

A new species of Poecilanthrax Osten Sacken is described from south-central Arizona. Poecilanthrax arizonensis Taber was collected near the top of Usery Peak in Maricopa County, in upland Sonoran Desert. Similar species include Poecilanthrax arethusa (Osten Sacken), Poecilanthrax effrenus (Coquillett), and Poecilanthrax signatipennis (Cole). Photographs and descriptions are provided to distinguish the new species from other bee flies.

The genus Tambocerus Zhang and Webb is reported for the first time from China, and four new species from China are described: T. elongatus Shen, T. triangulatus Shen, T. furcellus Shang and Zhang, and T. quadricornis Shang and Zhang. A key to all seven species of the genus is given.

Since the last revision of the Neotropical riodinid genus Theope Doubleday in 1999, several new Amazonian species have been discovered. These discoveries are summarized here. Two new species were described between 2002 and 2006, T. fayneli Gallard (nycteis group) and T. minialba Gallard (miscellaneous group), and an additional three new species are described here, T. tetrastigmoides Hall (tetrastigma group), T. harrisi Hall (hypoleuca group), and T. euselasina Hall (eurygonina group). The genus Theope now contains 73 species and, with the proposal of the eurygonina group for T. eurygonina Bates and T. euselasina, fifteen species groups. The recently proposed subspecies name minimus Gallard is here synonymized with T. fayneli (n. syn.).

External and internal features of the thorax of alate and wingless morphs of Zorotypus hubbardi and Z. weidneri were examined and described in detail. Three-dimensional computer reconstructions were carried out based on microtome section series. Skeletal structures are less sclerotised in the wingless specimens and the limits of sclerites are indistinct. The alate morphs are almost exclusively characterised by plesiomorphic features and their thoracic morphology is probably close to the neopteran groundplan. The skeletal structures are very similar to the condition found in Plecoptera and the muscle system comprises nearly the maximum number known in representatives of Neoptera. Based on the morphological investigation of Zorotypus and comparisons with data for other taxa from the literature, a new consistent nomenclature for the thoracic muscular system of Neoptera is proposed. The few derived features found in the thoracic skeleto-muscular apparatus of Zorotypus are mostly autapomorphic. The obtained data do not clearly indicate the systematic placement of the order. However, the arguments for a close relationship with Endopterygota or Dictyoptera, respectively, are refuted.

A new species of Eremomusca, E. wakii, is described from specimens collected in Japan (Ayase City; 35°25.9′N, 139°25.9′E). For perspective, a diagnosis for Eremomusca is provided, and to facilitate identification a key to species of the genus, as well as figures of the head, thorax, abdomen, and wings, are provided.

The Oriental clusiine genus Phylloclusia Hendel, 1913 is redefined and revised, with four new species (P. hendelisp. nov., P. darlingisp. nov., P. nigroscutellumsp. nov., and P. lanceolasp. nov.) described from Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Phylloclusia is established as the sister genus to the Japanese, Afrotropical, and Australian Tetrameringia McAlpine, 1960 on the basis of newly recognized male and female genitalic synapomorphies. An identification key and illustrations for the six species of Phylloclusia are provided.

In two previous articles, we reported that the male genitalia of six species of Parabrochymena and 14 species of Brochymena were distinct, particularly the shape and length of the vesica, thus supporting the establishment of Parabrochymena. Here, we present genitalic and nongenitalic information on four of the remaining five species of these two genera. Because of the results of these analyses, and in combination with similar analyses of species described earlier, we have transferred three of the four species [i.e., Parabrochymena enigmatica (Ruckes), Parabrochymena inbio Lariviere, and Parabrochymena poeyi (Guerin-Meneville)] to Brochymena. Also, we have provided descriptions of Brochymena and Parabrochymena and the New World tribe (Halyini), which includes only these genera.

The larvae of the four species of primary flea parasites of the mountain beaver,Aplodontia rufa(Rafinesque), are described and illustrated for the first time, and a key to their identification is provided. The larva ofHystrichopsylla schefferiChapin is very large, with a total body length of more than 10 mm in the late third instar. Its mandible, with a series of marginal teeth along a scoop-shaped tip, is characteristic of members of the formerly recognized subgenusHystroceras. The larvae ofParatyphloceras oregonensisEwing andTrichopsylloides oregonensisEwing are very similar to one another, but the former is much larger, with a total body length of about 8 mm in the late third instar, compared with 5 mm for the latter. These two species can also be separated in all instars on the basis of the setation on the abdominal segments. The larva ofDolichopsyllus stylosus(Baker) is extraordinary. The mandible bears two enormous, tusklike setae on a swollen base, the hypopharynx is a spiny, trilobed structure without setae, and there are five processes on the labial palps instead of the four typical in other species.