This paper reports the collecting of adult beetles and third-instar larvae of Coelocorynus desfontainei Antoine, 1999 in Cameroon and provides new data on the biology of this high-altitude Afromontane genus. It also presents the first diagnosis of this genus based on larval characters and examination of its systematic position in a phylogenetic context using 78 parsimony informative larval and adult characters. Based on the results of our analysis we (1) support the hypothesis that the tribe Trichiini is paraphyletic with respect to both Valgini and the rest of the Cetoniinae, and (2) propose that the Trichiini subtribe Cryptodontina, represented by Coelocorynus, is a sister group of the Valgini: Valgina, represented by Valgus. The larvae-only analyses were about twofold better than the adults-only analyses in providing a phylogenetic resolution consistent with the larvae + adults analyses. Only one of the ten clades was consistently supported by the analyses of both the larval and adult datasets, while the remaining nine were invariably strongly supported by one but not the other analysis, thus highlighting the importance of employing different data sources.
In laboratory experiments, conspecific excretions and ammonia solutions evoked avoidance reactions in tadpoles of three anuran species, Bufo bufo, Rana temporaria, and Rana arvalis . A differential sensitivity of ammonia chemoreception was determined for two anuran species. For Bufo bufo tadpoles, these characteristics at ammonia backgr ound concentration of 0.2 mg/l lied in the range 150 % < dI/I < 500 %, and for background of 0.4 mg/l the value lied in th e range 400 % < dI/I < 500 %. For Rana temporaria tadpoles, differential threshold against ammonia background concentration of 0. 15 mg/l was close to 200 % and against background ammonia concentration of 1.1 mg/l was close to 100 %. These results suggest that such sensitivity of both anurans is sufficient for using ammonia in intra- and interspecies communication., Y. B. Manteifel, E. I. Kiseleva., and Obsahuje bibliografii a bibliografické odkazy
The genus Berchmansus Navás, which was previously assigned to the tribe Leucochrysini, consists of three very rare species, all described from the Neotropics and all poorly known. Our report (1) provides the first description of a Berchmansus larva, the first instar of Berchmansus elegans (Guérin Méneville), (2) illustrates and redescribes the B. elegans adult, with emphasis on male and female genitalia, and (3) examines the larval and adult characters vis-à-vis the tribal affiliation of the genus. Given that the B. elegans adult and first instar share many apomorphies with other belonopterygine genera, this species belongs in the cosmopolitan tribe Belonopterygini, rather than the New World tribe Leucochrysini. Although Berchmansus larvae have not been collected in the field, we suspect that, like other belonopterygines, they are associated with ant nests. B. elegans exhibits a number of highly modified and unusual structures, some of which (#1 to #5) are not reported for any other chrysopids. Specifically: Males have (1) a unique, quadrate, dome-like hood above the gonarcus and (2) large, coiled parameres on the gonosaccus. First instars have (3) a greatly enlarged subapical seta on the flagellum, (4) a transverse row of long, hooked setae along the dorso-anterior margin of the pronotum, and (5) setose laterodorsal tubercles on the meso- and metathorax, with (6) multi-pronged, hooked setae.
Selected representatives of Cucujoidea, Cleroidea, Tenebrionoidea, Chrysomelidae, and Lymexylidae were examined. External and internal head structures of larvae of Sphindus americanus and Ericmodes spp. are described in detail. The data were analyzed cladistically. A sister group relationship between Sphindidae and Protocucujidae is suggested by the vertical position of the labrum. The monophyly of Cucujiformia is supported by the reduced dorsal and anterior tentorial arms, fusion of galea and lacinia, and the presence of tube-like salivary glands. Absence of M. tentoriopraementalis inferior and presence of a short prepharyngeal tube are potential synapomorphies of Cleroidea, Cucujoidea and Tenebrionoidea. The monophyly of Cleroidea and Cucujoidea is suggested by the unusual attachment of the M. tentoriostipitalis to the ventral side of the posterior hypopharynx. Cucujoidea are paraphyletic. The families Endomychidae, Coccinellidae and Nitidulidae are more closely related to the monophyletic Cleroidea, than to other cucujoid groups. Separation of the posterior tentorial arms from the tentorial bridge and presence of a maxillolabial complex are synapomorphic features of Cleroidea and these cucujoid families. For a reliable reconstruction of cucujoid interrelationships, further characters and taxa need to be studied.
External and internal head structures and external structures of the thorax and abdomen of larval representatives of Melandryidae (Orchesia), Ulodidae (Meryx), Oedemeridae (Pseudolycus) and Pythidae (Pytho) are described. The obtained data were compared to characters of other tenebrionoid larvae and to larval characters of other representatives of Cucujiformia. Characters potentially relevant for phylogenetic reconstruction are listed and were analysed cladistically. The data set is characterised by a high degree of homoplasy and the resolution of the strict consensus trees of 2650 or 815 (second analysis) minimal length trees is low. The monophyly of Tenebrionoidea is supported by several larval autapomorphies, e.g. posteriorly diverging gula, anteriorly shifted posterior tentorial arms, asymmetric mandibles and the origin of several bundles of M. tentoriopharyngalis from the well-developed gular ridges. Several features of the larval head are plesiomorphic compared to the cleroid-cucujoid lineage. The interrelationships of most tenebrionoid families not belonging to the pythid-salpingid and anthicid-scraptiid groups were not resolved. Synchroidae were placed as sister group of a clade comprising these two lineages and Prostomidae. A sistergroup relationship between Trictenotomidae and Pythidae seems to be well supported and the monophyly of the anthicid-scraptiid lineage was also confirmed. Another potential clade comprises Prostomidae, Mycteridae and Boridae, and possibly Pyrochroidae (s.str.) and Inopeplinae. The monophyly of Salpingidae (incl. Othniinae and Inopelinae) and Pyrochroidae (incl. Pedilinae) was not supported. Many features such as the shape of the head and body, sutures and ridges of the head capsule, the endocarina, the mandibles, the maxillary apex, and also characters of the terminal abdominal apex are highly variable, even within families. Especially the families Tetratomidae, Melandryidae, Colydiidae and Zopheridae show a high degree of variation in the larval stages. Several taxa appear isolated in terms of larval morphology within the families they are assigned to, e.g. Orchesia within Melandryidae, Sphindocis (Sphindocinae) within Ciidae, Calopus (Calopinae) within Oedemeridae and Penthe (Penthinae) within Tetratomidae. A broader spectrum of characters and a stepwise approach will be needed for a reliable clarification of the relationships within a very complex group like Tenebrionoidea.
External and internal head structures of the larva of Neohermes are described in detail. The results are compared to conditions found in other representatives of Corydalidae, in Sialidae, and in Raphidioptera and Neuroptera. Corydalidae and Sialidae are mainly characterised by plesiomorphic features such as distinct frontal and coronal sutures, six stemmata, a movable labrum with a full set of muscles, a thin tentoriomandibular muscle, a distinct maxillary groove, 4-segmented maxillary palps, an oblique arrangement of the extrinsic maxillary muscles, a labium with all components except for the glossae and paraglossae, 3-segmented labial palps, and a largely complete muscle system. The partly reduced maxillary groove, the strongly elongated stipes, the apical membranous stipital collar, the close connection of the palp and galea, the subdivision of the galea, the strongly shortened palp, the bipartite tentoriocardinal and tentoriostipital muscles, the anterolateral submental notch, the lateral tentoriopharyngeal muscle, and the postgular plate are autapomorphies of Corydalidae. An additional antennomere is present in large corydalid species. The monophyly of the subfamilies Corydalinae and Chauliodinae is not supported by features of the larval head. The reduced condition of the anterior and dorsal tentorial arms and the antennal muscles, the transverse labial muscle, the loss of muscles of the salivary duct, and possibly the lateral origin of M. frontopharyngalis posterior are autapomorphies of Sialidae. The monophyly of Megaloptera is suggested by the insertion of a peg-like or spine-shaped sensillum on the antepenultimate antennomere, the vestigial salivary duct, and a verticopharyngeal muscle composed of several bundles. The distinct neck region, the parietal ridge, and the anterior position of the posterior tentorial grooves are features shared by Corydalidae and Raphidioptera. Arguments in favour of a clade comprising Megaloptera and Raphidioptera are the presence of a circular ridge anterad of the neck region, an increased number of Semper cells and retinula cells in the stemmata, the presence of a gula in adults, a similar cleaning behaviour, and molecular data. Potential autapomorphies of Neuropterida are the prognathism of the larvae and the absence of a mandibular mola. However, the polarity of these characters is unclear. A derived condition found in most groups of Endopterygota, but not in Hymenoptera, is the presence of one or two sensorial appendages on one of the intermediate antennomeres, usually the penultimate. Larval autapomorphies of Endopterygota suggested in earlier studies are confirmed for Corydalidae.
The three larval instars of Gymnochthebius jensenhaarupi (Knisch, 1924) are described and illustrated, including a detailed analysis of their chaetotaxy and porotaxy. The specimens used in this study were collected with adults of G. jensenhaarupi and have been identified as such by association. Comparative notes on the morphology of these larvae with other species of the subfamily Ochthebiinae are given. A hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships between G. jensenhaarupi and other members of Ochthebiinae with thoroughly described larvae is presented. The monophyly of Ochthebiinae is supported by additional larval features. On the other hand Ochthebius, as currently composed, seems to by paraphyletic. Gymnochthebius Orchymont, 1943 is confirmed as the sister group of Aulacochthebius Kuwert, 1887.
The first detailed description of larvae of Ptecticus Loew is presented for P. brunettii and P. flavifemoratus from West Malaysia. There are pronounced morphological and behavioural differences between the last larval instar, inside whose cast cuticle the pupa remains, and earlier instars. The larval mouthparts are similar to those of other known Stratiomyidae larvae but may display a set of autapomorphic characters. The structure of the mandibular-maxillary complex suggests that larvae of Ptecticus are micropantophagous scavengers that feed chiefly upon microorganisms. The larvae of both species are associated with decaying bamboo shoots; P. brunettii inhabits the space between the culm sheaths and P. flavifemoratus lives in water-filled shoot stumps. This is the first record of aquatic Sarginae larvae and egg plastron in the Stratiomyidae. The life cycle and behaviour of P. brunettii and P. flavifemoratus is described and the resource partitioning of stratiomyids and xylomyids associated with bamboo is discussed.
Characteristics of 46 setae of the second stage larvae of four Hoplothrips species (Thysanoptera) are discussed with respect to their diagnostic value. Two different approaches, of which one is mathematical, for identification of the larvae are given.
A study of the diurnal rhythms in the postfeeding dispersal of the larvae of two coexisting carrion blowfly species, Calliphora vomitoria and Lucilia caesar, from corpses was conducted in the field. Larvae of both species dispersed exclusively at night. The emigration of white coloured larvae is risky. By dispersing at night the larvae minimise interactions with diurnal and crepuscular predators.