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Females of many species are polyandrous. However, polyandry can give rise to conflict among individuals within families. We examined the level of polyandry and paternity skew in the common eastern yellowjacket wasp, Vespula maculifrons, in order to gain a greater understanding of conflict in social insects. We collected 10 colonies of V. maculifrons and genotyped workers and prereproductive queens at highly variable microsatellite markers to assign each to a patriline. Genotypic data revealed evidence of significant paternity skew among patrilines. In addition, we found that patrilines contributed differentially to caste production (worker vs. queen), suggesting an important role for reproductive conflict not previously discovered. We also investigated if patterns of paternity skew and mate number varied over time. However, we found no evidence of changes in levels of polyandry when compared to historical data dating back almost 40 years. Finally, we measured a suite of morphological traits in individuals from the most common and least common patrilines in each colony to test if males that showed highly skewed reproductive success also produced offspring that differed in phenotype. Our data revealed weak correlation between paternity skew and morphological phenotype of offspring sired by different males, suggesting no evidence of evolutionary tradeoffs at the level investigated. Overall, this study is the first to report significant paternity and caste‐associated skew in V. maculifrons, and to investigate the phenotypic consequences of skew in a social wasp. Our results suggest that polyandry can have important consequences on the genetic and social structure of insect societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Background: Osmylus fulvicephalus (Scopoli, 1763), the type species of the Osmylidae, has garnered significant research interest in taxonomy, particularly regarding its larval stages. To date, most studies have focused on the third instar larvae, but ignore the first instar larvae with the rough and incomplete morphological descriptions. This lack of studies has led to an unclear understanding of the morphological differences between larval stages, making it challenging to identify larvae, distinguish different osmylid species or even reconstruct phylogeny. New information: In this study, the first instar larva of O. fulvicephalus was re-described in detail and illustrated, based on the naming system of sclerites. Based on this, it could be effectively distinguished from other species by the following characteristics: i) number of segments in the labial palpi; ii) the setae beard on the apex of antenna; iii) the number of transversal rows of the anal hooks. In addition, we compared the sclerites and other morphological characteristics with the third instar larvae of Osmylus fulvicephalus to better distinguish larvae at different developmental stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a description of a new stick insect species belonging to the genus Trychopeplus Shelford, 1909, discovered by the authors in the Chocó ecoregion of northwestern Ecuador. Trychopeplus mashpiensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on males, females, and eggs. The distinctive features of this new species, such as its unique body ornamentation and the morphology of its egg structure without fringes, clearly differentiate it from other known species within the genus. Photographs of the new species are provided, along with an updated key and distribution map for all Trychopeplus species. These findings enhance our understanding of the genus's diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces WingSegment, a MATLAB app‐designed tool employing a hybrid approach of computer vision and graph theory for precise insect wing image segmentation. WingSegment detects cells, junctions, Pterostigma, and venation patterns, measuring geometric features and generating Voronoi patterns. The tool utilizes region‐growing, thinning, and Dijkstra's algorithms for boundary detection, junction identification, and vein path extraction. It provides histograms and box plots of geometric features, facilitating comprehensive wing analysis. WingSegment's efficiency is validated through comparisons with established tools and manual measurements, demonstrating accurate results. The tool further enables exporting detected boundaries as FreeCAD macro files for 3D modeling and printing, supporting finite element analysis. Beyond advancing insect wing morphology understanding, WingSegment holds broader implications for diverse planar structures, including leaves and geocells. This tool not only enhances automated geometric analysis and 3D model generation in insect wing studies but also contributes to the broader advancement of analysis, 3D printing, and modeling technologies across various planar structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi 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.)

Background: Lysiteles Simon, 1895 contains 64 nominal species distributed in East, South and South Asia. It possesses very high species diversity in China (with 46 and 32 endemics), Bhutan (with 9 and 1 endemic) and Nepal (with 8 and 4 endemics). In June 2023, a spider survey of Cibagou National Nature Reserve, Xizang, China was carried out. After examination and morphological comparison, two Lysiteles species were recognised as new to science. New information: Two new species of Lysiteles Simon, 1895 collected from Cibagou National Nature Reserve, Xizang, China are described: L. cibagou sp. nov. (♂♀) and L. tangi sp. nov. (♂♀). Diagnostic photos of habitus and copulatory organs and a distributional map are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Males of Leptogenys (Lobopelta) borneensis Wheeler, 1919 are described, including their genital morphology, which is important for diagnostics and morphological phylogeny of the genus Leptogenys Roger, 1861. The mtDNA COI barcoding sequence of 607 bp obtained and uploaded to GenBank and BOLD. The species was previously known from Borneo (Malaysia: Sarawak — type locality), Thailand and Vietnam and is recorded for the first time from Sumatra (Indonesia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selymbria amazonensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Brazil. An illustrated taxonomic key for males and females is provided. We include distribution maps and comments on their morphology, geographical distribution, and life history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The genus Macrosemia Kato, 1925 (Hemiptera, Cicadidae, Cicadinae, Dundubiini, Dundubiina) currently includes 16 species (excluding subspecies and varieties), mainly occurring in the Oriental Region. More than half of them, 10 species, are known from China, including one new species, described in the present study. New information A new species of cicada, Macrosemia fengi Wang sp. nov., is described from Yunnan and Guizhou, southwest China. Colour plates are presented to illustrate its diagnostic characters. The distribution map of the new species is also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The genus Tanna Distant, 1905 (Hemiptera, Cicadidae, Cicadinae, Leptopsaltriini, Leptopsaltriina) currently includes 23 species (three tentatively placed), with its actual geographical distribution in China, Japan, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Most of them, 16 species, are known from China, including one new species here described. New information A new species of cicada, Tanna fengi Wang sp. nov., is described from Yunnan, southwest China. Colour plates are presented to illustrate all diagnostic characters. An updated list of Tanna species occurring in China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge regarding egg morphology can aid the selection of postharvest fumigants for insect control. Accordingly, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine eggs of spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), a pest recently invasive to the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. As the overwintering life stage of SLF, eggs are deposited on a variety of refugia, including many forestry products that can be distributed geographically via travel, commerce, and/or trade. For fumigation to control SLF, and potentially translate into a viable strategy for limiting the spread of SLF by subject pathways, the fumigant must permeate the chorion to react with biomolecules and/or disrupt cellular processes. SLF chorion was characterized by a porous network of aeropyles localized around the operculum, in cranial and caudal relation to the developing nymph, as well as an interstice between the operculum edge and the opercular rim. The confirmation of chorionic ultrastructure that allows for ready gas exchange warrants further investigation of fumigation efficacy, even for those "non-reactive" fumigants, such as phosphine and hydrogen cyanide, which must overcome the suppression of cellular processes coincident with overwintering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is based on specimens of species that were collected by light trap in Diyarbakır Province, located in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey, and which are rarely known in Anatolia. 7 species (Acrosternum breviceps (Jakovlev, 1889), Mecidea lindbergi Wagner, 1954, Lethaeus nitidus (Douglas & Scott, 1868), Megalonotus maximus (Puton, 1895), Peritrechus flavicornis Jakovlev, 1877, Ectomocoris caucasicus Linnavuori, 1972 and Reduvius ciliatus Jakovlev, 1879) specimens were examined and diagnostic photographs of their general morphology and male genitalia were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background With 90 described species, the genus Oecobius Lucas, 1846 is the largest genus of the family Oecobiidae Blackwall, 1862, five of which are known from China. Since Oceobius przewalskyi was described by Hu & Li in 1987, no males of this species have ever been reported. New information The male of Oceobius przewalskyi is described for the first time, based on the specimens collected in Tibet Autonomous Region. Morphological description and illustrations are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background One new species of the genus Dendrocerus Ratzeburg, 1852, D. lui Li and Wang sp. nov. is described. A key to Chinese species of males is provided. The 28S sequence was generated to supplement the association of both sexes of the new species. New information One new species of the genus Dendrocerus Ratzeburg, 1852, D. lui Li and Wang sp. nov. is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectacular radiation of insects has produced a stunning diversity of phenotypes. During the past 250 years, research on insect systematics has generated hundreds of terms for naming and comparing them. In its current form, this terminological diversity is presented in natural language and lacks formalization, which prohibits computer-assisted comparison using semantic web technologies. Here we propose a Model for Describing Cuticular Anatomical Structures (MoDCAS) which incorporates structural properties and positional relationships for standardized, consistent, and reproducible descriptions of arthropod phenotypes. We applied the MoDCAS framework in creating the ontology for the Anatomy of the Insect Skeleto-Muscular system (AISM). The AISM is the first general insect ontology that aims to cover all taxa by providing generalized, fully logical, and queryable, definitions for each term. It was built using the Ontology Development Kit (ODK), which maximizes interoperability with Uberon (Uberon multispecies anatomy ontology) and other basic ontologies, enhancing the integration of insect anatomy into the broader biological sciences. A template system for adding new terms, extending, and linking the AISM to additional anatomical, phenotypic, genetic, and chemical ontologies is also introduced. The AISM is proposed as the backbone for taxon-specific insect ontologies and has potential applications spanning systematic biology and biodiversity informatics, allowing users to: 1) use controlled vocabularies and create semiautomated computer-parsable insect morphological descriptions; 2) integrate insect morphology into broader fields of research, including ontology-informed phylogenetic methods, logical homology hypothesis testing, evo-devo studies, and genotype to phenotype mapping; and 3) automate the extraction of morphological data from the literature, enabling the generation of large-scale phenomic data, by facilitating the production and testing of informatic tools able to extract, link, annotate, and process morphological data. This descriptive model and its ontological applications will allow for clear and semantically interoperable integration of arthropod phenotypes in biodiversity studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this paper, we used scanning electron microscopy to describe the morphological types, number of sensilla, and their distributions on the antennae of each nymphal instar and adult of Notobitus meleagris (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae). The results show that there were eight subtypes of sensilla on the antennae of the nymphs and 11 subtypes of sensilla on the antennae of the adults. With the growth of instars, the type, quantity, and size of the sensilla gradually increased. Sexual dimorphism did not appear in the type of sensilla but existed in the length and diameter of some sensilla. In addition, we also discussed the functions of different types of sensilla through previous published studies, which will be helpful for further research on the behavioral and biological control of N. meleagris. The bamboo bug Notobitus meleagris (Fabricius, 1787) is a serious pest of bamboo shoots in China, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Singapore. The antennae of the nymphal instars and adults of N.meleagris are involved in communication among individuals and finding the host plants. In order to understand the morphology of antennal sensilla, their types, and the distribution of sensilla on the antennae of nymphal instars and adults in N. meleagris, we studied the morphology of antennal sensilla with a scanning electron microscope. The antennae of the nymphs and adults comprised the scape, pedicel, and two flagellomeres. Four types and eight subtypes of sensilla were identified in the nymphal instars (sensilla trichodea [St].1, St.2, St.3, sensilla basiconica [Sb].1, Sb.2, sensilla chaetica [Sc].1, Sc.2, sensilla coeloconica [Sco].1), whereas those of the adults had five types and eleven subtypes of sensilla (St.1, St.2, St.3, Sb.1, Sb.2, Sb.3, Sc.1, Sc.2, Sco.1, Sco.2, and sensilla campaniformia [Sca]). There are significant differences in the number, type, and size of the sensilla in different nymphal instars, which increases with the increase in nymphal instars. There was no sexual dimorphism observed in the adult sensilla; however, the length and diameter of St.3, Sb.2, and Sb.3 were sexually dimorphic. The potential functions of each sensillum were discussed based on the morphology and distribution of the antennal sensilla and were compared with similar published studies. Our results provide primary data for further research on the behavioral mechanism, green prevention, and control of N. meleagris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Epanycles Butler (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Ctenuchina) has been considered as monotypical for 145 years, including only Epanycles imperialis (Walker). Herein, we propose a new combination: E. satania new. comb. based on external morphology, genital morphology of males and females, morphological phylogeny, DNA barcoding, and geographical distribution. Epanycles satania was originally described for the genus Episcepsis Butler. [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]

The larva of Isoperla orobica Ravizza, 1975, an endemic Alpine species, is described with information about the distribution and ecology in Switzerland. New barcodes were generated to support the association between life stages. The species is associated with springs and spring brooklets. In Switzerland, the species occurs almost exclusively on the southern slopes of the Alps in the cantons Valais, Ticino and Grisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fourth species of Anchonidium sensu stricto from Western Europe is described, photographed and compared with its congeners; an updated key of the genus is given. The habitat in the northern mountain chains in Portugal in the native Quercus mountain forests is characterized and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations of material collected partly in 1999 and mainly between 2006 and 2016 in New Guinea, mostly along the high, central mountain chain of the island, further increased our knowledge of the diversity of the genus Labiobaetis Novikova & Kluge on this island. Previously, 37 species were reported from New Guinea. We have identified six new species using a combination of morphology and genetic analysis (COI). They are described and illustrated based on their larvae. Five of the six new species belong to the group petersorum, which is endemic to the island. Additionally, Labiobaetis xeniolus Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty is also assigned to this group. The morphological characterisation of the group petersorum is enhanced, and a key to all species of this group is provided. Complementary descriptions and remarks to the morphology of known species of the group petersorum are provided. Additionally, a genetic analysis (COI) including most species and several additional Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) of the group petersorum is discussed. One of the new species belongs to the group vitilis. The morphological characterization of this group is slightly enhanced, and the obtained COI sequence was added to the genetic analysis of the group petersorum. The total number of Labiobaetis species worldwide is augmented to 162. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) 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.)

Background The spider family Ctenidae Keyserling, 1877 has a worldwide distribution with 580 species belonging to 49 genera, of which 109 species of six genera are distributed in Southeast Asia. New information Four new species of ctenid spiders are described from Southeast Asia: Anahita menglun sp. n. (Yunnan, China), Bowie haiphong sp. n. (Hai Phong, Vietnam), Bowie mengla sp. n. (Yunnan, China) and Bowie zhengi sp. n. (Yunnan, China). In addition, the female of Sinoctenus zhui Marusik, Zhang & Omelko, 2012 (Hainan, China) is described for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive studies on the morphology of holometabolous insects and their larvae, the morphological transformations of internal structures during metamorphosis have been rarely documented. Here, we used micro‐computed tomography to investigate the developmental transformations of thoracic structures in the green lacewing Chrysopa pallens (Rambur, 1838) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), with emphasis on the development of the digestive, tracheal, and thoracic skeleto‐muscular system. All the adult organs were modified during the prepupal or early pupal stage. The histolysis and remodeling began with the skeletal elements, followed by changes in the digestive system before it concluded with modifications of the musculature. Similar to the tracheal system's development, the digestive system did not disappear completely throughout metamorphosis but underwent a dramatic morphological change, which included the midgut significantly decreasing in size during the pupal stage. Our results provide important evidence for understanding the evolutionary pattern of developmental transformations in different major lineages of Holometabola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribe Polyneurini Amyot & Audinet-Serville, 1843 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadinae) is a small tribe which includes four genera and 18 species, distributing in eastern Palaearctic and Oriental Regions. Most of them, four genera and 16 species, are known from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichotichnus Morawitz, 1863 is a genus of the subtribe Harpalina, comprising more than 260 species worldwide. In Korea, nine species of the nominotypical subgenus are listed in the Korean catalogue (National Institute of Biological Resources 2019), while seven species of the nominotypical subgenus are listed to occur in Korea according to the Palaearctic catalogue (Kataev and Wrase 2017). Therefore, the checklist of the Korean species of the genus Trichotichnus needs to be revised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angarotipula is a small genus of Tipulidae with only fourteen described species in the world and seven known species in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), commonly known in the U.S. as the southern green stink bug (SGSB), is a cosmopolitan, highly polyphagous feeder that causes severe damage to a wide range of agronomically important crops such as fruit, vegetable, grain, tobacco, and cotton, throughout much of the United States, and is a global pest of considerable ecological, agricultural, and economical interest. During dissection of female Nz. viridula , conspicuous black and brown spots or lesions were observed on various internal organs. To determine the cause of these spots or lesions, tissues of fat body, spermatheca, ovaries, and ovulated eggs were collected from healthy and infected individuals. The gross morphology of the spots was characterized, and the microorganisms associated with the infection were identified by amplicon sequencing of the V4 region of the small subunit rRNA gene. The presence of a microsporidian pathogen Nosema maddoxi, Becnel, Solter, Hajek, Huang, Sanscrainte, & Estep (Microsporidia: Nosematidae) which has been observed on other species of stink bug, was evidenced for the first time. The characterization of the gross morphology of this associated microsporidian may enable more rapid determination of microsporidia infection in stink bug colonies and field populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The caliscelid genus Symplana Kirby, 1891 is revised, with the type species S. viridinervis Kirby, 1891, is redescribed based on the lectotype. Three new species are described: Symplana maurici sp. n. and S. vieta sp. n. - from northwestern and central Vietnam and S. sultana sp. n. - from eastern Sumatra. Symplana elongata Meng, Qin et Wang, 2020 is placed in synonymy under S. brevistrata Chou, Yuan et Wang, 1994. Key to species of the genus is given. Peculiarities of connective structure and its connection with an aedeagus as well as fusion of endogonocoxal lobes in ovipositor are discussed and illustrated for different Augilini taxa and compared with other Caliscelidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five species of black fungus gnats Corynoptera furcifera Mohrig & Mamaev, 1987, Cratyna (Cratyna) fulvicauda (Felt, 1898), Lycoriella lundstromi (Frey, 1948), Pseudolycoriella paludum (Frey, 1948) and Xylosciara (Xylosciara) heptacantha Tuomikoski, 1957 are recorded from Ukraine for the first time. Distributions of these species are summarized and diagnoses of the species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The distribution pattern of Pholcus phungiformes species-group indicates that, in Jilin and Heilongjiang, China and North Korea, additional species diversity remains undiscovered. New information: Pholcus maxian sp. nov., one new species of P. phungiformes species-group, is described, based on material collected from the borderline between Jilin, China and North Korea. It represents the fifth endemic species of this species-group and the genus Pholcus from this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of insect external morphology are important to understanding species ecology, biology, and systematics. Precise measurement of width and length can be laborious and time-consuming. Here, we explored an automated approach to insect measurement using an image-based method with adult Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) as a model. Wild-collected H. halys length and width were measured from their ventral side manually with calipers and compared with automated measurements derived from smartphone images. The comparison between manual methods and our automated approach yielded R2 values of 0.69 and 0.84 for width and length, respectively, indicating that an image-based measurement method has potential for usage in future entomological studies. Automated sizing using this image-based method has the potential to reduce the time and costs of performing insect morphological measurements. Las mediciones de la morfología externa de los insectos son importantes para comprender la ecología, la biología y la sistemática de las especies. La medición precisa de ancho y largo puede ser laboriosa y llevar mucho tiempo. Aquí, exploramos un enfoque automatizado para la medición de insectos utilizando un método basado en imágenes con adultos de Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) co-mo modelo. Se midieron la longitud y el ancho de H. halys recolectados en la naturaleza desde su lado ventral manualmente con calibradores y se compararon con mediciones automatizadas derivadas de imágenes de teléfonos celulares inteligentes. La comparación entre los métodos manuales y nuestro enfoque automatizado arrojó valores R2 de 0,69 y 0,84 para el ancho y el largo, respectivamente, lo que indica que un método de medición basado en imágenes tiene potencial para su uso en futuros estudios entomológicos. El sistema automatizado de determinar dimensiones basado en imágenes tiene el potencial de reducir el tiempo y los costos de realizar mediciones morfológicas de insectos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of flapping flight is linked to the prolific success of insects. Across Insecta, wing morphology diversified, strongly impacting aerodynamic performance. In the presence of ecological opportunity, discrete adaptive shifts and early bursts are two processes hypothesized to give rise to exceptional morphological diversification. Here, we use the sister-families Sphingidae and Saturniidae to answer how the evolution of aerodynamically important traits is linked to clade divergence and through what process(es) these traits evolve. Many agile Sphingidae evolved hover feeding behaviours, while adult Saturniidae lack functional mouth parts and rely on a fixed energy budget as adults. We find that Sphingidae underwent an adaptive shift in wing morphology coincident with life history and behaviour divergence, evolving small high aspect ratio wings advantageous for power reduction that can be moved at high frequencies, beneficial for flight control. By contrast, Saturniidae, which do not feed as adults, evolved large wings and morphology which surprisingly does not reduce aerodynamic power, but could contribute to their erratic flight behaviour, aiding in predator avoidance. We suggest that after the evolution of flapping flight, diversification of wing morphology can be potentiated by adaptative shifts, shaping the diversity of wing morphology across insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of offspring an organism can produce is a key component of its evolutionary fitness and life history. Here we perform a test of the hypothesized trade-off between the number and size of offspring using thousands of descriptions of the number of egg-producing compartments in the insect ovary (ovarioles), a common proxy for potential offspring number in insects. We find evidence of a negative relationship between egg size and ovariole number when accounting for adult body size. However, in contrast to prior claims, we note that this relationship is not generalizable across all insect clades, and we highlight several factors that may have contributed to this size-number trade-off being stated as a general rule in previous studies. We reconstruct the evolution of the arrangement of cells that contribute nutrients and patterning information during oogenesis (nurse cells), and show that the diversification of ovariole number and egg size have both been largely independent of their presence or position within the ovariole. Instead, we show that ovariole number evolution has been shaped by a series of transitions between variable and invariant states, with multiple independent lineages evolving to have almost no variation in ovariole number. We highlight the implications of these invariant lineages on our understanding of the specification of ovariole number during development, as well as the importance of considering developmental processes in theories of life-history evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants with glandular trichomes have been shown to attract specialist, mutualistic predatory insects. Despite recent advances in understanding the plant component in this association, few sticky plant specialist insects are well documented and their adaptations to the sticky plant environment are understudied. We here describe and illustrate, for the first time, aspects of the natural history and morphology of a small clade of predatory hemipteran insects, the Bactrodinae (Reduviidae). Our study suggests that these insects are exclusively associated with plant species with glandular trichomes. The relationship is not specific as one species of Bactrodes Stål may be associated with multiple species, genera or even families of plants. We document a unique clamp-like structure formed by one of the pretarsal claws and opposing tarsal spine-like setae that enables Bactrodinae to grasp trichomes and walk on leaves densely covered with trichomes. We further present observations of Bactrodes species scavenging on insects entrapped on leaves. Bactrodinae also oviposit on their host plants, and females engage in behaviours that we interpret as maternal egg guarding, a life history strategy that is rare in predatory true bugs. We speculate that instead of or in addition to decreasing egg predation or egg parasitism, female egg guarding may be a response to the limited availability of sticky plants and a strategy against cannibalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, insects collected for scientific purposes have been dried and pinned, or preserved in 70% ethanol. Both methods preserve taxonomically informative exoskeletal structures well but are suboptimal for preserving DNA for molecular biology. Highly concentrated ethanol (95-100%), preferred as a DNA preservative, has generally been assumed to make specimens brittle and prone to breaking. However, systematic studies on the correlation between ethanol concentration and specimen preservation are lacking. Here, we tested how preservative ethanol concentration in combination with different sample handling regimes affect the integrity of seven insect species representing four orders, and differing substantially in the level of sclerotization. After preservation and treatments (various levels of disturbance), we counted the number of appendages (legs, wings, antennae, or heads) that each specimen had lost. Additionally, we assessed the preservation of DNA after long-term storage by comparing the ratio of PCR amplicon copy numbers to an added artificial standard. We found that high ethanol concentrations indeed induce brittleness in insects. However, the magnitude and nature of the effect varied strikingly among species. In general, ethanol concentrations at or above 90% made the insects more brittle, but for species with robust, thicker exoskeletons, this did not translate to an increased loss of appendages. Neither freezing the samples nor drying the insects after immersion in ethanol had a negative effect on the retention of appendages. However, the morphology of the insects was severely damaged if they were allowed to dry. Wealso found thatDNApreserves less well at lower ethanol concentrations when stored at room temperature for an extended period. However, the magnitude of the effect varies among species; the concentrations at which the number of COI amplicon copies relative to the standard was significantly decreased compared to 95% ethanol ranged from 90% to as low as 50%. While higher ethanol concentrations positively affect long-term DNA preservation, there is a clear trade-off between preserving insects for morphological examination and genetic analysis. The optimal ethanol concentration for the latter is detrimental for the former, and vice versa. These trade-offs need to be considered in large insect biodiversity surveys and other projects aiming to combine molecular work with traditional morphologybased characterization of collected specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pistachio green stink bug, Brachynema germari Kolenati (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is one of the most important pests of pistachio nuts in many pistachiogrowing regions in Iran. This insect harbors a gammaproteobacterial symbiont, related to the genus Pantoea, in the numerous crypts of its posterior midgut, which is vertically transmitted by infection of the egg masses and orally acquired by newborn nymphs. In the present study, the effects of the symbiont on host morphology, emergence rates, and mating frequency of B. germari were explored. For this purpose, two symbiont elimination strategies, high temperature and egg surface sterilization, were used and their effects were compared. We found external morphological changes (e.g. abnormalities in notum and wings) as well as significantly fewer emergence rates (in all stages, except for the first instar) in the surface-sterilized and heat-treated insects compared with the controls. Also, the second, third, and fourth regions of the midgut exhibited remarkable morphological changes in the aposymbiotic insects compared with the controls. Besides, less mating frequency was observed in the aposymbiotic population compared with the control. Together, these results provided a close relationship between the bacterial symbiont and B. germari and suggested the importance of the symbiont for the morphogenesis, development, and reproduction of the insect host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Species of the spider family Leptonetidae Simon, 1890 from China are revised based on molecular and morphological data analyses. A new genus, Jingneta Wang & Li gen. nov., is erected, with Leptoneta cornea Tong & Li, 2008 as the type species. Twenty-two Chinese species previously assigned to the genus Leptoneta Simon, 1872 are revised, with eight transferred to Falcileptoneta Komatsu, 1970, seven transferred to Jingneta gen. nov., five transferred to Leptonetela Kratochvíl, 1978, and one species each transferred to Longileptoneta Seo, 2015 and Masirana Kishida, 1942. Eight new species are described: i.e., Falcileptoneta shuanglong Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂), Jingneta caoxian Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), J. jingdong Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), Longileptoneta gutan Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), L. huangshan Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), L. shenxian Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), L. yeren Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂), and L. zhuxian Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀). In total, 127 leptonetid species from six genera are documented from China: nine species of Falcileptoneta, nine species of Jingneta gen. nov., 101 species of Leptonetela, six species of Longileptoneta, one species of Masirana, and one species of Rhyssoleptoneta Tong & Li, 2007. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Phylogenetic analysis of the globally distributed arboreal leafhopper subfamily Eurymelinae was conducted based on DNA sequence data from three nuclear and two mitochondrial genes in addition to 86 discrete morphological characters. The analysis included 89 species representing 61 genera from all major biogeographic regions including six species from outgroups, Megophthalminae and Ulopinae. Trees resulting from partitioned Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses of the combined data were well resolved and largely congruent, differing mainly in the relationships among the earliest diverging lineages. The results are consistent with an expanded concept of Eurymelinae, including tribes Austroagalloidini and Macropsini. Six monophyletic groups are recognized as new tribes, Balocerini, Chiasmodolini, Chileanoscopini, Idioceroidini, Kopamerrini and Nesocerini, tribe n., and the previously recognized tribes Eurymelini, Idiocerini and Megipocerini are redefined. A new synonym, Busonini Zhang & Li, 2015 syn.n. is proposed here for Megipocerini Isaev, 1988. Molecular divergence time estimates were calibrated using two fossil taxa and suggested that the earliest divergences occurred in the Lower Cretaceous and that most major lineages of this group arose during the Cretaceous. Reconstruction of ancestral areas revealed considerable continental‐scale biogeographical structure. The place of origin of Eurymelinae is equivocal but major lineages arose in the Neotropical, Australian and Afrotropical regions. A key to tribes and a checklist of genera showing current tribal placements are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five species of black fungus gnats of the genus Bradysia Winnertz, 1867, B. brevispina Tuomikoski, 1960, B. microspina Mohrig & Krivosheina, 1989, B. cinerascens (Grzegorzek, 1884), B. angustoocularis Mohrig & Krivosheina, 1989 and B. polonica (Lengersdorf, 1929) are recorded from Ukraine for the first time. Distributions of these species are summarized and diagnoses of the species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menochilus sexmaculatus and Propylea dissecta (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are predaceous ladybird beetles with immense biological control potential. The morphology of the antennae of the adults along with the diversity and distribution of sensilla were investigated using a scanning electron microscope as they are the main sensory organs involved in chemical communication, thermo-reception, materecognition, gustation, etc. The antennae of males and females in both species were clavate and consisted of three parts: scape, pedicel and a 9-segmented flagellum. The antennae of male and female P. dissecta were significantly longer than those of M. sexmaculatus despite their overall body size being smaller, probably due to the much longer F9 flagellomere in P. dissecta. Antennae of female ladybirds of both species exhibited sexual dimorphism in being longer than those of males. Scape was longer than other antennal parts in both species of ladybirds. There was a great diversity of sensilla with most of them on the ninth-flagellomere. We identified nine types of sensillum: chaetica, trichoidea, basiconica, Böhm bristles, campaniformia, placoidea, coeloconica, sporangia and styloconica. Coeloconica were restricted to flagellomere F8 in male P. dissecta and female M. sexmaculatus, respectively, indicating sexual dimorphism and male-related functions of this sensillum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquatic Heptageniidae family of Ava-sheen branch (Greater Zab Tributary) in Duhok Governorate/ Iraq was studied. Samples were collected using Surber stream sampler to study their diagnostic morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic profile using a nuclear gene 16s ribosomal RNA. The morphological and molecular identification supported that the three species, Epeorus longimanus, Heptagenia elegantula and Ephemerella cornutus belong to Heptageniidae family, while the molecular results also confirmed the monophyletic origin of these three genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Peltariosilis Wittmer, 1952 is a South American Silinae genus characterised by the highly modified male pronotum and scutellum with a remarkable lamellar projection. Six species were previously recognised. The study of numerous specimens from previously unsampled localities and the revision of previously studied material shows that Peltariosilis is far more diverse than previously recognised. 15 species are here recognised as valid, nine of which are described as new: P. brancuccii, P. brunneoapicalis, P. cleidecostae, P. diversicollis, P. flavicornis, P. gracilicornis, P. major, P. orientalis and P. parviscutellaris spp. nov. A comparative study and new morphological terminologies are introduced for pronotum, scutellum and male genitalia. All Peltariosilis species are described and illustrated, including the first illustration of a female pronotum, and an identification key is provided. A map is given, including records of all known Peltariosilis, showing a distribution confined to the Amazonian subregion (Suriname, French Guiana, N Brazil, E Peru and NE Bolivia). The identity of the type species P. scutulata (Wittmer, 1952), hitherto considered as broadly distributed and highly variable, is addressed through study of their type series and additional specimens from widespread localities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diochus Erichson is a worldwide rove beetle genus with species found in forest floor litter. Three species of Diochus were recently collected in northern Brazil, one of them considered as new and herein described. Within Diochus nanus-group, D. cleidecostae sp. nov. differs from D. apicipennis Cameron, D. nanus Erichson and D. perplexus Cameron by the aedeagus with clearing trifurcate apex of parameres; and differs from D. parvulus Kraatz by the three apical long setae of parameres distributed on ventral and dorsal lobes. A previous key to the D. nanus-group is updated to include the new species. Here we also report for the first time D. santacatarinae Irmler and D. parvulus from Pará state, Brazil. Finally, a discussion about the sexual dimorphism on sternum VIII is also provided for the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe a new genus, Cleidella gen. nov., and two new species, C. picea sp. nov. and C. silveirai sp. nov., all from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The new genus is characterized by the interantennal distance subequal to scape length, antenna with 11 antennomeres, IV to X with two long symmetrical branches; mandibles long, projected and not crossed, pointed forward obliquely from head; maxillary palpi 4-segmented, last segment digitiform; labial palpi 2-segmented; posterior tentorial pit consisting of a single small fossa; elytron surpassing from the fourth to fifth abdominal segment, 3.3-3.9x longer than wide; first tarsomere of protarsus with a ventral comb as long as the tarsomere length; wing with radial cell closed and transverse, vein r4 interrupted; aedeagus with paramere symmetrical, apex unevenly round, toothed inward, with short and scarce bristles. We provide a key to Mastinocerinae genera with 11 antennomeres, as well as illustrations for the diagnostic features for this new genus and a key to its species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]