Insects

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2022

13 pages, 3791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parasitoids of Insect Pests Feeding on Scaevola taccada (Goodeniaceae) from Yongxing Island in South China Sea

by Huayan Chen, Cornelis van Achterberg, Yang Li, Zhen Liu, Jun Wang and Shixiao Luo

Insects 2024, 15(12), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15120926 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 192

Abstract

Scaevola taccada (Goodeniaceae) is an important evergreen coastal plant on islands in the South China Sea, which shows excellent tolerance for salty and drought conditions. Nevertheless, the growth of S. taccada populations on these islands in the South China Sea has been threatened [...] Read more.

Scaevola taccada (Goodeniaceae) is an important evergreen coastal plant on islands in the South China Sea, which shows excellent tolerance for salty and drought conditions. Nevertheless, the growth of S. taccada populations on these islands in the South China Sea has been threatened by a few serious insect pests. However, we know little about the biology of these pests. In this study, we surveyed and identified the parasitoids of two main pests (Herpetogramma submarginale (Swinhoe, 1901) and Ophiomyia scaevolana Shiao and Wu, 1996) of S. taccada communities on Yongxing Island in the South China Sea, with the aim to assess their potential in biological control. Dolichogenidea stantoni (Ashmead, 1904) is a gregarious endoparasitoid of the larva of H. submarginale and contributes an average 48.9% parasitism rate on H. submarginale. Opius biroi, Fischer, 1960 and Euderus albitarsis (Zetterstedt, 1838) are both solitary endoparasitoids of the larva of O. scaevolana, with a respective 5.8% and 64.4% parasitism rate on O. scaevolana. We summarize the species diagnosis, biology, and distribution of the three parasitoid species. The potential of these parasitoids used in biological control is also discussed. Full article

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17 pages, 16012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative SEM Study of Sensilla and Tyloid Structures in the Antennae of Vespinae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

by Tong Zhou, Xiaojuan Huang, Hasin Ullah, Yan Tang, Danyang Zhu, Hongli Xu, Qian Wen, Xiaoxia Tian and Jiangli Tan

Insects 2024, 15(6), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060448 - 13 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1097

Abstract

This study investigates the distribution, morphology, and potential functions of antennal sensilla in various wasp species, including Dolichovespula flora, D. intermedia, Vespula structor, Vl. vulgaris, Provespa barthelemyi, Vespa bicolor, V. ducalis, V. mocsaryana, and V. [...] Read more.

This study investigates the distribution, morphology, and potential functions of antennal sensilla in various wasp species, including Dolichovespula flora, D. intermedia, Vespula structor, Vl. vulgaris, Provespa barthelemyi, Vespa bicolor, V. ducalis, V. mocsaryana, and V. velutina var. nigothorax. The study thoroughly analyzes the antennal structure of these species, representing all four genera of the yellow-jacket and hornet subfamily Vespinae. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the study identifies a total of nineteen types of sensilla, including sensilla trichodea (ST-I, ST-II, ST-III), sensilla campaniform (SCF-I, SCF-II, SCF-III), pit organs (SCO-I, SCO-II, and SA), sensilla placodea (SP-I, SP-II), sensilla chaetica (SCH-I, SCH-II), sensilla basiconica (SB-I, SB-II), sensilla agmon (SAG-I, SAG-II), and sensilla coelocapitular (SCA). Additionally, tyloids were observed in the males of seven species, except for Vl. structor and Vl. vulgaris. The study provides insights into these sensilla types’ morphology, abundance, and distribution. It discusses the variations in sensilla morphology among different species and the presence of gender-specific sensilla. This study provides new data about the morphology and distribution patterns of sensilla and tyloid. Full article

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20 pages, 4789 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chilean Darwin Wasps (Ichneumonidae): Biogeographic Relationships and Distribution Patterns

by Diego G. Pádua, Andrés Moreira-Muñoz, Vanezza Morales-Fierro and Rodrigo O. Araujo

Insects 2024, 15(6), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060415 - 4 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1616

Abstract

Ichneumonidae, or Chilean Darwin wasps, are an important component of South American hymenopteran diversity, but the taxonomic and distributional knowledge on this insect is still deficient. Taking advantage of recently updated taxonomic knowledge, we assessed biogeographic relationships at the genus level and biodiversity [...] Read more.

Ichneumonidae, or Chilean Darwin wasps, are an important component of South American hymenopteran diversity, but the taxonomic and distributional knowledge on this insect is still deficient. Taking advantage of recently updated taxonomic knowledge, we assessed biogeographic relationships at the genus level and biodiversity spatial patterns along the latitudinal gradient. The results show the presence of 264 species in Chile, arranged in 102 genera and 22 subfamilies. Biogeographic relationships are based on six elements (cosmopolitan (n = 50; 36%), endemic (n = 29; 21%), Neotropical (n = 22; 16%), Holarctic–Oriental (n = 19; 14%), south-temperate (n = 16; 11%) and Australasian) and composed of just three genera: Anacis, Labena, and Meringops. Species and genera show a bimodal distribution along the latitudinal gradient: around 34° and 38° S. From an ecoregional perspective, richness is concentrated in the Valdivian temperate forests, but when assessed at a 0.5 × 0.5 cell scale, several outstanding cells are in the contact zone between the temperate forests and the Chilean Matorral. On the other hand, the Atacama Desert shows little or no presence of Darwin wasps. The results agree with Charles Porter, who identified a northern province composed of Neotropical and cosmopolitan genera with their own representatives in the far north (11 genera), a distributional gap in the core of the Atacama Desert, and around 128 genera in Porter’s Neantarctic realm, covering all of Chile from 25° S to Cape Horn, including the Juan Fernandez islands. These results reinforce knowledge gaps and the need for more sampling and studies of available collections. Due to sampling gaps at this stage, identifying a continued increase or decrease in richness towards higher latitudes is not possible. More taxonomic and distributional information is also needed to assess potential threats to endemic genera and species. Full article

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17 pages, 3640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

One Step beyond Species Description: Unveiling a Fine-Scale Diversity within the Genus Dzhanokmenia Kostjukov (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

by Bolormaa Ganbaatar, Qin Li, Ouyan Xi, Huanxi Cao and Chaodong Zhu

Insects 2024, 15(6), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060406 - 1 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1009

Abstract

Although Chalcidoidea is one of the megadiverse superfamilies in Hymenoptera, numerous species are still being discovered and described. However, the difficulties in delimiting intra- and interspecific variation hinder this process. In this study, DNA barcoding methods using the COI gene were employed to [...] Read more.

Although Chalcidoidea is one of the megadiverse superfamilies in Hymenoptera, numerous species are still being discovered and described. However, the difficulties in delimiting intra- and interspecific variation hinder this process. In this study, DNA barcoding methods using the COI gene were employed to investigate the morphological variation within Dzhanokmenia Kostjukov, 1977. The nuclear locus, 28S D2, was used to infer a phylogeny to gain an understanding of the relationship of Dzhanokmenia with other potentially close genera. Through a preliminary DNA barcode library established here, including eight species, we calibrated the intraspecific variation in certain diagnostic characters for the new species described here, D. brevifunis Ganbaatar & Cao sp. nov. Maximum likelihood results show that Dzhanokmenia is clustered with the genera associated with Tetrastichus, such as Chaenotetrastichus Graham, 1987, Baryscapus Förster, 1856, Tetrastichus Haliday, 1844, and Oomyzus Rondani, 1870 involved in this study. Our results indicate that the species diversity of Dzhanokmenia is understudied and tentatively confirm that Dzhanokmenia has a potential close relationship with Baryscapus. Along with the DNA barcode library, the referenced phylogeny datasets improve the understanding of the systematic position of Dzhanokmenia within the subfamily Tetrastichinae and the definition of this genus in terms of morphology, thereby facilitating species delimitation, discovery, and description within Dzhanokmenia. Full article

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14 pages, 7756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Data Confirm Interspecific Limits of Four Alloxysta and One Phaenoglyphis Species of Parasitic Wasps within the Subfamily Charipinae (Cynipoidea: Figitidae)

by Mar Ferrer-Suay, Mariana Bulgarella, George E. Heimpel, Ehsan Rakhshani and Jesús Selfa

Insects 2024, 15(5), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050354 - 14 May 2024

Viewed by 892

Abstract

The hymenopteran subfamily Charipinae (Cynipoidea: Figitidae) consist of a group of parasitic wasps that are exclusive hyperparasitoids of Hemipteran. The species boundaries in Charipinae have historically been unclear. While diagnostic morphological features have been established for the stepwise separation of species, it is [...] Read more.

The hymenopteran subfamily Charipinae (Cynipoidea: Figitidae) consist of a group of parasitic wasps that are exclusive hyperparasitoids of Hemipteran. The species boundaries in Charipinae have historically been unclear. While diagnostic morphological features have been established for the stepwise separation of species, it is recommended to confirm those limits using molecular data. Here, we focus on the genera Alloxysta Förster, 1869 and Phaenoglyphis Förster, 1869, both of which contain species that are hyperparasitoids of aphids. We sequenced three genes (mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA, and nuclear ITS2 rDNA) from specimens that were identified as belonging to five species: Alloxysta brevis (Thomson, 1862), A. castanea (Hartig, 1841), A. ramulifera (Thomson, 1862), A. victrix (Westwood, 1833), and Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig, 1841). The phylogeny resulting from concatenating these genes supported the species status of the five morphologically identified taxa, with P. villosa nested within Alloxysta. Our study thus indicates that these molecular markers can successfully distinguish charipine species, and also indicates that the genera Alloxysta and Phaenoglyphis may be more closely related than previously hypothesized. We also present the first estimates of genetic distances for these species. Future studies that include more species, loci, and/or genomic data will complement our research and help determine species relationships within the Charipinae subfamily. Full article

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11 pages, 2543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Genus of Praeaulacidae (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea) from Mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber: Insights into a Putative New Praeaulacinae Subclade

by Jingtao Yang, Corentin Jouault, Longfeng Li, Chungkun Shih and Dong Ren

Insects 2024, 15(5), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050351 - 13 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1319

Abstract

A new praeaulacid genus and species, Azygdellitha nova gen. et sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on a male specimen from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber from Hukawng Valley, Myanmar. This newly discovered taxon increased the diversity of praeaulacid wasps during the Cretaceous period. While [...] Read more.

A new praeaulacid genus and species, Azygdellitha nova gen. et sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on a male specimen from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber from Hukawng Valley, Myanmar. This newly discovered taxon increased the diversity of praeaulacid wasps during the Cretaceous period. While this new taxon shares similarities of wing venation with most species of the subfamily Praeaulacinae, it strongly differs from that of three genera previously described from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber: Mesevania, Paleosyncrasis, and Praegastrinus. We explore the possibility that these genera constitute a distinct tribe within the Praeaulacinae, distinguished by their wing venation. We provide illustrations and emphasize the potentially diagnostic traits supporting this classification. Full article

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22 pages, 10020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Speciation without Morphological Differentiation? A New Cryptic Species of Diodontus Curtis (Hymenoptera, Pemphredonidae) from the Centre of Europe

by Eduardas Budrys, Svetlana Orlovskytė and Anna Budrienė

Insects 2024, 15(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15020086 - 26 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1952

Abstract

Upon exploring the mitotype diversity of the aphid-hunting wasp, Diodontus tristis, we revealed specimens with highly divergent mitotypes from two localities in Lithuania and nesting in clayey substrate, while the specimens with typical mitotypes were found nesting in sandy sites. The comparison [...] Read more.

Upon exploring the mitotype diversity of the aphid-hunting wasp, Diodontus tristis, we revealed specimens with highly divergent mitotypes from two localities in Lithuania and nesting in clayey substrate, while the specimens with typical mitotypes were found nesting in sandy sites. The comparison of inter- and intra-specific distances and application of delimitation algorithms supported the species status of the clay-nesting populations. Using a set of DNA markers that included complete or partial sequences of six mitochondrial genes, three markers of ribosomal operon, two homeobox genes, and four other nuclear genes, we clarified the phylogenetic relationships of the new cryptic species. The endosymbiotic bacteria infestation was checked, considering the option that the divergent populations may represent clades isolated by Wolbachia infection; however, it did not demonstrate any specificity. We found only subtle morphological differences in the new clay-nesting species, D. argillicola sp. nov.; the discriminant analysis of morphometric measurements did not reliably segregate it as well. Thus, we provide the molecular characters of the cryptic species, which allow confident identification, its phylogenetic position within the genus, and an updated identification key for the D. tristis species group. Full article

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2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022

31 pages, 10625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

DNA Barcoding Unveils New Species of the Sexually Dimorphic Genus Anteon Jurine (Hymenoptera, Dryinidae) from China

by Huayan Chen, Massimo Olmi, Frode Ødegaard, Leonardo Capradossi and Jingxian Liu

Insects 2024, 15(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15010018 - 30 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1464

Abstract

Species of Anteon Jurine, 1807 are a large group of parasitoids attacking leafhoppers, which are important insect pests. Despite their great potential in pest biological control, the taxonomy and biology of these parasitoids are far from clear. Sexual dimorphism is extreme in Anteon [...] Read more.

Species of Anteon Jurine, 1807 are a large group of parasitoids attacking leafhoppers, which are important insect pests. Despite their great potential in pest biological control, the taxonomy and biology of these parasitoids are far from clear. Sexual dimorphism is extreme in Anteon species and has hampered the taxonomy of these parasitoids, resulting in many species described based on a single sex. In this paper, we employed an integrated taxonomic approach for delimitating species, combining morphological examinations with DNA barcoding, to investigate Anteon species from China. In total, 53 COI sequences representing 29 species of Anteon were obtained and analyzed. On the basis of both morphology and DNA barcoding, five new species of Anteon were discovered and described: A. clariclypeum sp. nov., A. maguanense sp. nov., A. parafidum sp. nov., A. shaanxianum sp. nov., and A. shandonganum sp. nov. The neotype of A. claricolle Kieffer is designated. The sexual association of six species was confirmed by DNA barcoding, which led to the synonymy of Anteon liui Xu, Olmi & He 2010, new syn., under Anteon meifenganum Olmi, 1991. Keys to species of Anteon from the Oriental and Eastern Palaearctic are updated to contain the five new species. Our study demonstrates that DNA barcoding is a potent tool for tackling the taxonomic challenges in parasitoids with extreme sexual dimorphism. Full article

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14 pages, 2957 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Phylogeny of Rhynchium and Its Related Genera (Hymenoptera: Eumeninae) Based on Universal Single-Copy Orthologs and Ultraconserved Elements

by Min Dai, Shu-Lin He, Bin Chen and Ting-Jing Li

Insects 2023, 14(9), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14090775 - 20 Sep 2023

Viewed by 2100

Abstract

The subfamily Eumeninae is a large group of fierce predatory insects that prey mainly on the larvae of Lepidoptera pests. Because of the highly similar morphologies of the genus Rhynchium and its related genera in the subfamily, including Rhynchium Spinola, Allorhynchium van der [...] Read more.

The subfamily Eumeninae is a large group of fierce predatory insects that prey mainly on the larvae of Lepidoptera pests. Because of the highly similar morphologies of the genus Rhynchium and its related genera in the subfamily, including Rhynchium Spinola, Allorhynchium van der Vecht, Anterhynchium de Saussure, Pararrhynchium de Saussure, it is essential to delineate their relationships. A previous phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial genomes suggested the inconsistent relationships of these genera under traditional classification based on morphological characters. In this study, we first used single-copy orthologs [USCO] and ultraconserved elements [UCE] extracted from 10 newly sequenced low-coverage whole genomes to resolve the phylogenetic relationships of the above genera. The newly sequenced genomes are 152.99 Mb to 211.49 Mb in size with high completeness (BUSCO complete: 91.5–95.6%) and G + C content (36.31–38.76%). Based on extracted 5811 USCOs and 2312 UCEs, the phylogenetic relationships of Rhynchium and its related genera were: ((Allorhynchium + Lissodynerus) + (Pararrhynchium + (Anterhynchium + (Dirhynchium + Rhynchium)))), which was consistent with the mitochondrial genome results. The results supported the genus Rhynchium as monophyletic, whereas Anterhynchium was recovered as paraphyletic, with Anterhynchium (Dirhynchium) as a sister to Rhynchium and hence deserving generic status; In addition, in the genus Pararrhynchium, P. septemfasciatus feanus and P. venkataramani were separated, not clustered on a branch, just as P. septemfasciatus feanus was not together with P. striatum based on mitochondrial genomes. Since Lissodynerus septemfasciatus, the type species of the genus Lissodynerus, was transferred to Pararrhynchium, it is considered that the genus Lissodynerus should be restituted as a valid genus, not a synonym of Pararrhynchium. Full article

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41 pages, 19751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A revision of the Encarsia mexicana species-group (=Dirphys Howard) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), gregarious endoparasitoids of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in the Neotropical Region

by Andrew Polaszek, Estrella Hernández-Suárez, Robert L. Kresslein, Paul Hanson, Yvonne M. Linton, Jacqueline MacKenzie-Dodds and Stefan Schmidt

Insects 2023, 14(6), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14060570 - 20 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1851

Abstract

The genus Dirphys Howard 1914 syn. n. is synonymized with Encarsia Förster, and treated as a species-group of Encarsia, referred to henceforth as the Encarsia mexicana species-group. The monophyly of Encarsia is discussed in relation to Dirphys. The new synonymy is [...] Read more.

The genus Dirphys Howard 1914 syn. n. is synonymized with Encarsia Förster, and treated as a species-group of Encarsia, referred to henceforth as the Encarsia mexicana species-group. The monophyly of Encarsia is discussed in relation to Dirphys. The new synonymy is based on phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal 28S-D2 gene region (43 taxa, 510 bp). The Encarsia mexicana species-group is recovered as strongly monophyletic within Encarsia. All species of the Encarsia mexicana species-group are revised. The group includes six previously described species, and fourteen newly described species. All species are described (or redescribed) and illustrated. Detailed distributional data, and, where available, plant associate and host records are provided for all species. Encarsia myartsevae Kresslein and Polaszek nom. nov. is here proposed as a replacement name for Encarsia mexicana Myartseva, now preoccupied by Encarsia mexicana (Howard). A dichotomous identification key, supplemented by an online multiple-entry key, is provided for all species. Full article

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14 pages, 2096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nematode and Strepsipteran Parasitism in Bait-Trapped and Hand-Collected Hornets (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Vespa)

by Natsumi Kanzaki, Shun’ichi Makino, Hajime Kosaka, Katsuhiko Sayama, Keiko Hamaguchi and Shinji Narayama

Insects 2023, 14(4), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040398 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1786

Abstract

The parasitism of two groups of host-manipulating parasites of hornets was examined in Kyoto, Japan. Vespa mandarinia (661 individuals), V. simillima (303), V. analis (457), V. ducalis (158), V. crabro (57), and V. dybowskii (4) were collected either by bait trap or hand [...] Read more.

The parasitism of two groups of host-manipulating parasites of hornets was examined in Kyoto, Japan. Vespa mandarinia (661 individuals), V. simillima (303), V. analis (457), V. ducalis (158), V. crabro (57), and V. dybowskii (4) were collected either by bait trap or hand collection with an insect net, and examined for their parasites. An endoparasitic nematode, Sphaerularia vespae was isolated from three overwintered gynes of V. mandarinia and a gyne of V. ducalis. While endoparasitic insects, Xenos spp., were recovered from 13 V. mandarinia, 77 V. analis, two V. ducalis, and three V. crabro, and those recovered from V. analis and others were molecularly identified as X. oxyodontes and X. moutoni, respectively. Comparing Xenos parasitism level and capturing methods, the parasitism level was significantly higher in trapped hosts than in hand-collected ones, suggesting that stylopized hosts are more strongly attracted to the food source (bait trap) compared with unparasitized hosts. The genotypes of S. vespae were identical to each other, and near identical to its type population. While each of the two Xenos spp. showed four mitochondrial DNA haplotypes. A phylogenetic comparison suggested that Xenos haplotypes found in the present study are close to those previously reported from Japan and other Asian countries. Full article

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44 pages, 17022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Descriptions of Three New Species of the Genus Acerataspis Uchida, 1934 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Metopiinae), with an Illustrated Identification Key to Extant Species

by Jing-Xian Liu, Alexey Reshchikov and Hua-Yan Chen

Insects 2023, 14(4), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040389 - 17 Apr 2023

Viewed by 2124

Abstract

The Asian genus Acerataspis Uchida, 1934 is reviewed based on both morphology and DNA barcodes. Ten species are recognized in total, of which three species from Yunnan Province of China are described as new: Acerataspis maliae sp. nov., A. seperata sp. nov. and A. [...] Read more.

The Asian genus Acerataspis Uchida, 1934 is reviewed based on both morphology and DNA barcodes. Ten species are recognized in total, of which three species from Yunnan Province of China are described as new: Acerataspis maliae sp. nov., A. seperata sp. nov. and A. similis sp. nov. The male of A. fukienensis Chao, 1957 is described and illustrated for the first time. The genus is recorded from Thailand and Southeast Asia for the first time. An illustrated key to all known extant species is provided. With the supplement of DNA barcodes, a few diagnostic morphological characters are found useful in species identification. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023

9 pages, 1432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chinese Species of the Genus Pseudanaphes Noyes & Valentine (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) with Description of a New Species

by Zhulidezi Aishan, Huan-Xi Cao, Hong-Ying Hu and Chao-Dong Zhu

Insects 2023, 14(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14010039 - 31 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2150

Abstract

The fairyfly Mymaridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) are widely distributed worldwide, but species of this family have rarely been collected and recorded from the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In this study, mymarids collected in Tibet, China, are identified based on morphology and molecular data. Two species of [...] Read more.

The fairyfly Mymaridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) are widely distributed worldwide, but species of this family have rarely been collected and recorded from the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In this study, mymarids collected in Tibet, China, are identified based on morphology and molecular data. Two species of the genus Pseudanaphes Noyes & Valentine are treated and illustrated here, including a known species, P. zhaoi Lin, and a new species, P. yadongicus Aishan & Cao sp. nov. In addition, a key to the world species of Pseudanaphes (females) and DNA barcodes for P. yadongicus and P. zhaoi are provided. Full article

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10 pages, 1194 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Association between the Distribution of Resin Beads and the Emergence of Sirex noctilio on Red Pine in North America

by Hajar Faal and Stephen A. Teale

Insects 2022, 13(12), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13121111 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1366

Abstract

This study examined the relationships of the abundance and distribution of resin beads (signs of Sirex noctilio parent female ovipositor activity) with the abundance and distribution of emerging progeny of S. noctilio, S. nigricornis and their parasitoid Ibalia leucospoides. S. noctilio is [...] Read more.

This study examined the relationships of the abundance and distribution of resin beads (signs of Sirex noctilio parent female ovipositor activity) with the abundance and distribution of emerging progeny of S. noctilio, S. nigricornis and their parasitoid Ibalia leucospoides. S. noctilio is native to Europe and is an invasive pest of pines in the Southern Hemisphere and North America; S. nigricornis is native to North America and is a secondary pest of dying pines. I. leucospoides is a parasitoid that has been widely deployed for biological control of S. noctilio. This study aimed to determine if the distribution of resin beads is associated with the height, diameter, or cardinal direction on red pines, Pinus resinosa, as well as the distribution of wood wasp and parasitoid emergence. Our results showed that among log sections taken at five heights, resin beads were most abundant on the north, east, and south sides of logs and mid log at 4.5 m above the ground. Emergence of S. noctilio was most abundant only from logs with more than five resin beads per square meter, while diameter and height were not contributing factor. None of variables evaluated (resin bead densities, height, and diameter) had significant effects on the emergence of S. nigricornis and I. leucospoides. These findings help clarify the biological significance of resin beads as indicators of S. noctilio colonization of host trees in North America. Full article

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14 pages, 10167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Pamphiliids with Varying Venations from Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Northeast China (Hymenoptera, Pamphiliidae)

by Jialiang Zhuang, Alexandr P. Rasnitsyn, Chungkun Shih, Dong Ren and Mei Wang

Insects 2022, 13(10), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13100947 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2102

Abstract

One new genus and three new species of Pamphiliidae, Dolicholyda obtusata gen. et sp. nov., Dolicholyda confluens sp. nov., and Dolicholyda angusta sp. nov. are described and illustrated. All of them were collected from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation in Duolun County, Inner [...] Read more.

One new genus and three new species of Pamphiliidae, Dolicholyda obtusata gen. et sp. nov., Dolicholyda confluens sp. nov., and Dolicholyda angusta sp. nov. are described and illustrated. All of them were collected from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation in Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, China. The new genus is established based on the following characters: body surface without punctations; forewing with pterostigma lanceolate and sclerotized around the margins; angle between 1-M and 1-Cu nearly 90°; cell 1mcu long and obviously longer than length of pterostigma. In most cases, the ap-Cu is present, and its length varied. Additionally, we revise the diagnostic characteristics of Juralydinae based on the new specimens. New findings enhance our understanding of the wing venation characteristics of fossil pamphiliids and expand the diversity of Pamphiliidae in the Mesozoic. Full article

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65 pages, 18595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revision of the World Species of Megaphragma Timberlake (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

by Andrew Polaszek, Lucian Fusu, Gennaro Viggiani, Andie Hall, Paul Hanson and Alexey A. Polilov

Insects 2022, 13(6), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13060561 - 20 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8980

Abstract

Megaphragma species are important models for basic organismal research, and many are potential biological control agents. We present the first extensive revision of species of the genus Megaphragma based on morphological and molecular data. Our revision includes all previously described species, 6 of [...] Read more.

Megaphragma species are important models for basic organismal research, and many are potential biological control agents. We present the first extensive revision of species of the genus Megaphragma based on morphological and molecular data. Our revision includes all previously described species, 6 of which are synonymized, and 22 of which are described here as new. We also provide the first key to all species of the genus and reconstruct their phylogeny based on 28S and CO1 molecular markers. The following species are synonymized with M. longiciliatum Subba Rao: M. aligarhensis Yousuf and Shafee syn. nov.; M. amalphitanum Viggiani syn. nov.; M. decochaetum Lin syn. nov.; M. magniclava Yousuf and Shafee syn. nov.; M. shimalianum Hayat syn. nov.M. anomalifuniculi Yuan and Lou syn. nov. is synonymized with M. polychaetum Lin. The following species are described as new: M. antecessor Polaszek and Fusu sp. nov.; M. breviclavum Polaszek and Fusu sp. nov.; M. chienleei Polaszek and Fusu sp. nov.; M. cockerilli Polaszek and Fusu sp. nov.; M. digitatum Polaszek and Fusu sp. nov.; M. fanenitrakely Polaszek and Fusu sp. nov.; M. funiculatum Fusu, Polaszek, and Viggiani sp. nov.; M. giraulti Viggiani, Fusu, and Polaszek sp. nov.; M. hansoni Polaszek, Fusu, and Viggiani sp. nov.; M. kinuthiae Polaszek, Fusu, and Viggiani sp. nov.; M. liui Polaszek and Fusu sp. nov.; M. momookherjeeae Polaszek and Fusu sp. nov.; M. nowickii Polaszek, Fusu, and Viggiani sp. nov.; M. noyesi Polaszek and Fusu sp. nov.; M. pintoi Viggiani sp. nov.; M. polilovi Polaszek, Fusu, and Viggiani sp. nov.; M. rivelloi Viggiani sp. nov.; M. tamoi Polaszek, Fusu, and Viggiani sp. nov.; M. tridens Fusu, and Polaszek sp. nov.; M. uniclavum Polaszek and Fusu sp. nov.; M. vanlentereni Polaszek and Fusu sp. nov.; M. viggianii Fusu, Polaszek, and Polilov sp. nov. Full article

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16 pages, 25196 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

First Comprehensive Analysis of Both Mitochondrial Characteristics and Mitogenome-Based Phylogenetics in the Subfamily Eumeninae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

by Li Luo, James M. Carpenter, Bin Chen and Tingjing Li

Insects 2022, 13(6), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13060529 - 8 Jun 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2715

Abstract

The subfamily Eumeninae plays a significant role in the biological control of agricultural pests. However, the characteristics of eumenine mitogenomes that are important molecular markers for phylogenetics are not clearly revealed. Here, 52 eumenine mitogenomes are newly sequenced and annotated, and the phylogenetic [...] Read more.

The subfamily Eumeninae plays a significant role in the biological control of agricultural pests. However, the characteristics of eumenine mitogenomes that are important molecular markers for phylogenetics are not clearly revealed. Here, 52 eumenine mitogenomes are newly sequenced and annotated, and the phylogenetic relationships of the subfamily are comprehensively analyzed based on 87 vespid mitogenomes. Through the comparative analysis of the 54 eumenine mitogenomes, the gene compositions of about one half of the 54 species match with ancestral insect mitogenome, and remaining others contain two trnM which are highly similar, with 51.86% (Eumenes tripunctatus) to 90.65% (Pseumenes nigripectus) sequence identities, which is unique among the reported mitogenomes of the family Vespidae. Moreover, the translocation trnL1 upstream of nad1 is a common rearrangement event in all eumenine mitogenomes. The results of phylogenetic analyses support the paraphyly of the subfamily Eumeninae and the tribe Odynerini, respectively, and the monophyly of the tribe Eumenini, and verify that the tribe Zethini is a valid subfamily Zethinae. In this study, the relationships between some genera such as Allorhynchium and Pararrhynchium or the taxonomic status of the subgenera such as Eremodynerus and Dirhynchium are found to be confusing and there should be further inquiry with more samples. Full article

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21 pages, 10211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Notes on the Genus Aceratoneuromyia Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

by Ning Huangfu, Huan-Xi Cao and Chao-Dong Zhu

Insects 2022, 13(5), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13050450 - 10 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2593

Abstract

Fruit flies in the family Tephritidae are well known as economically important pests of edible fruits and can often cause serious damage and losses to both agriculture and the economy. One of the common parasitoids of fruit flies, Aceratoneuromyia indica (Silvestri), has [...] Read more.

Fruit flies in the family Tephritidae are well known as economically important pests of edible fruits and can often cause serious damage and losses to both agriculture and the economy. One of the common parasitoids of fruit flies, Aceratoneuromyia indica (Silvestri), has been used in biological programs. However, the biocontrol utilities of parasitoids are impeded by the difficulties of proper identification. Species of the genus Aceratoneuromyia Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), usually developed as parasitoids of fruit flies, are studied here. Trjapitzinichus Kostjukov and Kosheleva is proposed as a new synonym under Aceratoneuromyia. Three new species of Aceratoneuromyia, A. bilinis Huangfu and Cao sp. nov., A. carinata Cao and Zhu sp. nov., and A. trilinus Cao and Zhu sp. nov., are described and illustrated from China. Aceratoneuromyia indica is also treated here with diagnosis and illustrations. DNA barcodes of A. bilinis and A. indica and a key to the world species of Aceratoneuromyia are provided. This study provided important identification information of parasitoids with morphology and molecular evidence, which is useful for imperative needs regarding the identity of parasitoids attacking fruit flies. Full article

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