Bolbelasmus (Bolbelasmus) unicornis (Schrank, 1789) (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae) is a rare and threatened beetle distributed mostly in Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe. As a species of special conservation significance it is included in Annexes II and IV of the Habitat Directive of the European Union. Several new records of this species documented using light traps and soil sampling were recently reported in Serbia (the central part of the Balkan Peninsula). In this paper we present and discuss the current distribution of this species in the region studied based on GIS occurrence data. The distribution is mapped and values of environmental variables within this beetle's range are quantified using GIS technology. In addition, we predict its potential range in Serbia using a model based on the current distribution of this beetle, environmental variables and distribution of its food source.
Differences in the karyology of two species, Centricnemus leucogrammus and Peritelus familiaris (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), were investigated in order to elucidate their taxonomic position of the taxa. Previously both species were placed in one genus whereas the latest taxonomic revision puts them in separate genera. Cytogenetic analysis of P. familiaris and C. leucogrammus showed significant differences in karyotype structure and confirmed their present taxonomic status. The diploid set of C. leucogrammus consists of 22 chromosomes with a fundamental number of arms (FN) of 45 and little variation in morphology and length. Peritelus familiaris has 24 chromosomes with FN of 47 and a more diverse karyotype. The karyotype evolution might have occured by centric fissions of autosomes. At pachytene and diplotene in spermatocytes, each chromosome bivalent showed a small band of pericentric heterochromatin. The bands were hardly visible or undetectable in other stages of spermatogenesis, namely mitotic metaphase, diakinesis, metaphase I and II. The nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were active at premeiotic stages and early meiosis, but invisible at meiotic metaphase I, metaphase II, and mitotic metaphase. These results indicate the usefulness of cytogenetic methods in taxonomic evaluations.
A cytogenetic study of bisexual species belonging to the genera Cirrorhynchus, Dodecastichus and Otiorhynchus is presented in order to confirm their taxonomic position. The karyotype characterization was accomplished by an analysis of mitotic and meiotic chromosomes after differential staining, namely by C-banding, silver impregnation, DAPI and CMA3. A review of the cytogenetic data for the tribe Otiorhynchini contributed to knowledge of chromosomal evolution in this group. An investigation of five of the species studied showed some similarities such as a sex chromosome system of "parachute type" (Xyp), the presence of 10 autosomal bivalents (2n = 22) and heterochromatin localized around centromeres. These observations are similar to those already described for Otiorhynchini species, and confirm the karyological conservatism of this weevil group. In contrast, another species Cirrorhynchus kelecsenyi has an additional four autosomal bivalents (n% = 14 + Xyp, 2n = 30), which differs considerably from the chromosomal homogeneity of the other genera. Karyotypic evolution in this species was achieved most probably by increasing the number of chromosomes by centric fissions, resulting in variation in the number of acrocentric chromosomes. DAPI-positive and CMA3-negative reactions of heterochromatic DNA in all the species studied suggest that it has an AT-rich composition. Impregnating chromosomes with silver nitrate reveals NORs on one pair of autosomes, and probably argentophilic material in the interspace between the X and y sex chromosomes. The karyological findings support the taxonomical revision of Otiorhynchini based on morphological characters.
First and third instar larvae of Aepopsis robini (Laboulbène, 1849) are studied, redescribed, and illustrated. The larvae are characterised by three unique and likely autapomorphic character states within known members of the supertribe Trechitae: (1) apex of antennomere 4 has only one conical sensillun 1; (2) setae FR10 and FR11 on frontale are removed basally on dorsal surface from the apical margin; (3) terga of meso- and metathorax lack pore MEa, and abdominal terga 1-8 lack pore TEa.
Immature stages of a South African tenebrionid beetle, account is the first modern description of the egg and first and older larval instars of the genus Anomalipus and the subtribe Anomalipina. The significance of larval characters of Anomalipus and other relevant taxa for classification of the subfamily Opatrinae sensu Medvedev (1968) [= "opatrine lineage: Opatrini" sensu Doyen & Tschinkel (1982)] are discussed. A synopsis of Anomalipus plebejus plebejulus Endrödy-Younga, 1988, of the tribe Platynotini are described and illustrated. This Platynotini larvae is presented.
The first instar larvae (triungulins) of Meloe (Meloegonius Reitter) rufiventris Germar, 1817, M. (Micromeloe Reitter) uralensis Pallas, 1777 and M. (Eurymeloe Reitter) scabriusculus Brandt & Erichson, 1832 are described, which were before unknown. The systematic relationship to closely related species is discussed. A key is included which allows to identify all triungulins of the genus Meloe from Central Europe.
This paper describes the first-instar larva of Geocharidius Jeannel, a species from Mexico, which is the second record of an Anillina (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechitae) larva; previously described was a species of the European genus Typhlocharis. Larvae of these two genera share ten synapomorphic characters, which support the monophyletic origin of Anillina. Sister-group relationships of Anillina with Tachyina + Xystosomina are proposed on the basis of three shared larval synapomorphies: seta LA5 of ligula absent; coronal suture in first-instar larvae very short or absent; second- third-instar larvae have none or one secondary seta on lateral sides of stipes and labium and none on mandibles.
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 three larval instars of Megadytes (Paramegadytes) glaucus (Brullé, 1838) and the third-instar larvae of M. (Bifurcitus) magnus Trémouilles & Bachmann, 1980 and M. (Trifurcitus) robustus (Aubé, 1838) are described and illustrated for the first time, with particular emphasis on the morphometry and chaetotaxy. A key to the subgenera of Megadytes Sharp, 1882 is presented. In a cladistic analysis of third-instar larval characters, Megadytes is resolved as non-monophyletic; the species of Cybistrini studied, except those included in the subgenus Trifurcitus Brinck, 1945, share three synapomorphies: (i) medial projection of frontoclypeus truncate apically, with many apical setae directed forwards; (ii) lateral projections of frontoclypeus project forwards, not flattened; and (iii) median process of prementum rounded apically. The clade composed of the subgenera Megadytes s. str., Paramegadytes Trémouilles & Bachmann, 1980 and Bifurcitus Brinck, 1945 along with Cybister lateralimarginalis (De Geer, 1774) is well supported by three synapomorphies: (i) head capsule subrectangular and (ii) distal third of mandible more strongly projected inwards, (iii) with a ring of long, hair-like setae. The two species of the subgenus Paramegadytes have bilobed lateral projections on the frontoclypeus. Megadytes (M.) marginithorax (Perty, 1830) is characterized by the very narrow notches between the medial and lateral projections of frontoclypeus. No synapomorphies were discovered to group together the two species of the subgenus Bifurcitus.
The third instar larva of Anacaena cordobana Knisch, and the egg case of Anacaena lutescens (Stephens) are described and illustrated. The taxonomic status of the immature stages of Anacaenini is clarified by comparing their morphology with that described in the literature. Larval descriptions of Anacaena and Paracymus published by Richmond (1920) are interchanged, as are the identifications of all subsequent authors based on Richmond's work. All Anacaenini genera for which larvae are known are diagnosed. A comparative morphological study of Anacaena larvae shows many similarities between Crenitis and Anacaena larvae, suggesting a close relationship between these two genera.