scholarly journals The unknown followers: Discovery of a new species of Sycobia Walker (Hymenoptera: Epichrysomallinae) associated with Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae) in the Neotropical region

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 ◽  
pp. 85-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Henrique Antoniolli Farache ◽  
Cecilia Bernardo Pereira ◽  
Cristiana Koschnitzke ◽  
Levi Oliveira Barros ◽  
Elmecelli Moraes de Castro Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Fig Wasp ◽  
Fig Wasps ◽  
Wasp Species ◽  
Fig Trees ◽  
First Time ◽  
A New Species

Biotic invasion in mutualistic communities is of particular interest due to the possible establishment of new relationships with native species. Ficus species are widely cultivated as ornamental plants, and they host specific communities of chalcid wasps that are strictly associated with the fig inflorescences. Some introduced fig species are capable of establishing new relationships with the local fig wasps, and fig wasp species may also be concomitantly introduced with their host plants. Ficusbenjamina L. is widely cultivated across the world, but the associated fig wasps are not reported outside of the species native range. We describe for the first time a non-pollinating fig wasp associated with F.benjamina inflorescences outside its native distribution. Sycobiahodites Farache & Rasplus, sp. n. is the third known species of the genus and was recorded in populations of F.benjamina introduced in the Neotropical region throughout several localities in Argentina, Brazil and Colombia. Sycobia is a gall-inducing non-pollinating fig wasp genus associated with fig trees in the Oriental and Australasian regions. This species competes with pollinators for oviposition sites and may hinder the future establishment of the native pollinator of F.benjamina, Eupristinakoningsbergeri Grandi, 1916 in the New World. However, the occurrence of a gall inducing species in this host plant may open ecological opportunities for the establishment of species belonging to other trophic levels such as cleptoparasite and parasitoid wasps.

scholarly journals Inferring the Phylogenetic Positions of Two Fig Wasp Subfamilies of Epichrysomallinae and Sycophaginae Using Transcriptomes and Mitochondrial Data

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Dan Zhao ◽  
Zhaozhe Xin ◽  
Hongxia Hou ◽  
Yi Zhou ◽  
Jianxia Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Protein ◽  
Single Copy ◽  
Fig Wasp ◽  
Fig Wasps ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Wasp Species ◽  
Genome Data ◽  
Mitochondrial Data ◽  
Fig Trees ◽  
High Statistical Support

Fig wasps are a group of insects (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) that live in the compact syconia of fig trees (Moraceae: Ficus). Accurate classification and phylogenetic results are very important for studies of fig wasps, but the taxonomic statuses of some fig wasps, especially the non-pollinating subfamilies are difficult to determine, such as Epichrysomallinae and Sycophaginae. To resolve the taxonomic statuses of Epichrysomallinae and Sycophaginae, we obtained transcriptomes and mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) data for four species of fig wasps. These newly added data were combined with the data of 13 wasps (data on 11 fig wasp species were from our laboratory and two wasp species were download from NCBI). Based on the transcriptome and genome data, we obtained 145 single-copy orthologous (SCO) genes in 17 wasp species, and based on mitogenome data, we obtained 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs) for each of the 17 wasp species. Ultimately, we used 145 SCO genes, 13 mitochondrial PCGs and combined SCO genes and mitochondrial genes data to reconstruct the phylogenies of fig wasps using both maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses. Our results suggest that both Epichrysomallinae and Sycophaginae are more closely related to Agaonidae with a high statistical support.

A new species of the subgenus Scheloribates (Topobates) (Acari: Oribatida: Scheloribatidae) from Panama

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-283
Author(s):  
S.G. Ermilov
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Related Species ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Oribatid Mite ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Large Body Size ◽  
First Time ◽  
A New Species

The oribatid mite subgenus Scheloribates (Topobates) Grandjean, 1958, is recorded from the Neotropical region for the first time. A new species of this subgenus is described from the leaf litter collected in Cayo Agua Island, Panama. Scheloribates (Topobates) panamaensis sp. nov. differs from its related species by the very large body size and presence of a strong ventrodistal process on the leg femora II–IV.

A review of Spathipheromyia (Diptera: Muscidae) from Argentina with the description of an extra-large new species

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4701 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-178
Author(s):  
LUCIANO DAMIÁN PATITUCCI ◽  
MARÍA SOFÍA OLEA ◽  
PABLO RICARDO MULIERI
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Small Group ◽  
New Records ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Key To Species ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
First Time ◽  
A New Species

Spathipheromyia Bigot is a small group of predaceous muscids endemic of the Neotropical region. Currently, the genus includes 14 species of which only Spathipheromyia atra Malloch, 1934, S. magellani Malloch, 1934 and S. guttipennis (Thomson, 1869) are listed for Argentina. We present a new species Spathipheromyia goliat sp. nov. for Argentina and registered S. albiceps Malloch, 1934 for the first time for Argentina. Also we present a more detailed description of male and female terminalia of S. albiceps, S. atra, and S. guttipennis, notes on their habitat, new records, a key to species, and a discussion on structure of male terminalia. 

Delimitation and description of the immature stages of a pollinating fig wasp, Ceratosolen solmsi marchali Mayr (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae)

2013 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling-Yi Jia ◽  
Jin-Hua Xiao ◽  
Li-Ming Niu ◽  
Guang-Chang Ma ◽  
Yue-Guan Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Model System ◽  
Immature Stages ◽  
Fig Wasp ◽  
Fig Wasps ◽  
Prepupal Stage ◽  
Behavioral Observations ◽  
Ficus Hispida ◽  
Fig Trees ◽  
Developmental Traits

AbstractThe mutualism between fig trees and their wasp pollinators is a model system for many ecological and evolutionary studies. However, the immature stages of pollinating fig wasps have rarely been studied. We monitored developing fig wasps of known ages and performed a series of dissections at 24 h intervals to identify key developmental traits of Ceratosolen solmsi marchali Mayr (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae), a pollinator of Ficus hispida L. (Moraceae). We identified where in the Ficus ovary eggs were deposited and time to hatch. We were also able to identify the timing and key underlying characters of five larval instars, three sub-pupal stages, and a single prepupal stage. We provide detailed morphological descriptions for the key stages and report some behavioral observations of the wasps in the several developmental stages we recorded. Scanning electron microscope images were taken.

The colonization of the Krakatau Islands by fig wasps and other chalcids (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea)

1988 ◽  
Vol 322 (1211) ◽  
pp. 459-470 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Critical Period ◽  
Fig Wasps ◽  
The Family ◽  
Family Level ◽  
Fig Trees ◽  
First Time

This paper describes aspects of the chalcid fauna of the Krakatau Islands in relation to recolonization and floral succession. Chalcids of the family Agaonidae (fig wasps) are the obligate pollinators of fig trees ( Ficus spp.). The years 1984-86 appear to have spanned a critical period in the colonization of Anak Krakatau by Ficus and its associated animals. Within this period, flowering and successful pollination have taken place for the first time and the diversity of fruit-eating vertebrates has multiplied. The chalcids present on Anak Krakatau were compared with those found on other islands in the group. The chalcid fauna of Anak Krakatau had most in common with that of the spit area of northern Sertung, with which it shares a Casuarina -dominated vegetation. Comparisons between chalcids collected by similar methods on the Krakatau Islands and in tropical West Africa indicated that at the family level the faunas are remarkably similar.

New species of Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in Rineloricaria steinbachi (Actinopterygii: Loricariidae) from Northwest Argentina

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4231 (1) ◽  
pp. 129 ◽  
Author(s):  
LORENA GISELA AILÁN-CHOKE ◽  
GERALDINE RAMALLO ◽  
DORA DAVIES
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Nematode Genus ◽  
Northwest Argentina ◽  
Parasitological Survey ◽  
First Time ◽  
A New Species

During a parasitological survey, we reported specimens of a new species of Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) in Rineloricaria steinbachi from La Caldera River, province of Salta, Northwest Argentina. The new species, R. (S.) saltaensis sp. nov., is characterized by possessing 16 pairs of preanal papillae, lips with lateral protrusions and membranous elevations, and mature eggs rough-shelled with striations. This is the sixth species of the genus described in the Neotropical Region, and the second from Argentina. Rineloricaria steinbachi is reported as host of this nematode genus for the first time. A key to the species of Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) in the Neotropical realm is provided. Also, zoogeographical and host information of the species, belonging to the subgenus Sprentascaris, is summarized. 

scholarly journals Adaptation of Fig Wasps (Agaodinae) to Their Host Revealed by Large-Scale Transcriptomic Data

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 815
Author(s):  
Lianfu Chen ◽  
Simon T. Segar ◽  
Bhanumas Chantarasuwan ◽  
Da-Mien Wong ◽  
Rong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Specificity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Fig Wasp ◽  
Fig Wasps ◽  
Wasp Species ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Evolutionary Diversification ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Close Relatives

Figs and fig wasps are highly species-specific and comprise a model system for studying co-evolution and co-speciation. The evolutionary relationships and molecular adaptations of fig wasps to their fig hosts are poorly understood, and this is in part due to limited sequence data. Here, we present large-scale transcriptomic datasets of 25 fig wasp species with the aim of uncovering the genetic basis for host specificity. Our phylogenetic results support the monophyly of all genera associated with dioecious figs, and two genera associated with monoecious figs, Eupristina and Platyscapa, were revealed to be close relatives. We identified gene loss and gain, potentially rapidly evolving genes, and genes under positive selection. Potentially functional changes were documented and we hypothesize as to how these may determine host specificity. Overall, our study provides new insights into the evolutionary diversification of fig wasps and contributes to our understanding of adaptation in this group.

scholarly journals Psenulus pallipes (Panzer, 1798), an adventive wasp species (Apoidea, Crabronidae) newly recorded in the fauna of Chile

Check List ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 1095-1098
Author(s):  
Brunno B. Rosa ◽  
Gabriel A. R. Melo
Keyword(s):  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Morphological Features ◽  
External Morphology ◽  
Wasp Species ◽  
Neotropical Species ◽  
First Time

We document the presence of the Palearctic Psenulus pallipes (Panzer, 1798) in Chile for the first time. We believe this represents an adventive population introduced into the Neotropical region most likely by accidental human transportation of nests. A map of distribution in Chile, illustrations of external morphology, and a discussion of morphological features to distinguish the introduced taxon from the Neotropical species are presented.

scholarly journals First contribution to the doryctine fauna (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Doryctinae) of Farasan Archipelago, Saudi Arabia, with new records and the description of a new species

ZooKeys ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 977 ◽  
pp. 41-74
Author(s):  
Yusuf A. Edmardash ◽  
Usama M. Abu El-Ghiet ◽  
Ahmed M. Soliman ◽  
Zarrag I. A. Al-Fifi ◽  
Neveen S. Gadallah
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
New Species ◽  
Arabian Peninsula ◽  
New Records ◽  
Wasp Species ◽  
First Time ◽  
A New Species

The doryctine wasp species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of Farasan Archipelago (Saudi Arabia) are studied here for the first time. Six species are reported, of which Mimodoryctes arabicus Edmardash, Gadallah & Soliman is described and illustrated as a new species. Neoheterospilus sp. is most probably a new species but further collecting should be done to obtain the female. Four species are new records for Saudi Arabia as well as for the whole Arabian Peninsula: Dendrosotinus ferrugineus (Marshall, 1888), Hecabalodes anthaxiae Wilkinson, 1929, Mimodoryctes proprius Belokobylskij, 2001, and Rhaconotus (Rhaconotus) carinatus Polaszek, 1994. The newly recorded species are re-described and illustrated.

scholarly journals Genome-Wide Analysis of Gene Families of Pattern Recognition Receptors in Fig Wasps (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea)

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1952
Author(s):  
Hong-Xia Hou ◽  
Da-Wei Huang ◽  
Zhao-Zhe Xin ◽  
Jin-Hua Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Pattern Recognition ◽  
Gene Families ◽  
Pattern Recognition Receptors ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Immune Recognition ◽  
Fig Wasp ◽  
Fig Wasps ◽  
Specific Domain ◽  
Wasp Species ◽  
Functional Studies

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play important roles in detecting pathogens and initiating the innate immune response. Different evolutionary histories of pollinators and non-pollinators may result in different immune recognition systems. A previous study had reported that there were significant differences in peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) between pollinators and non-pollinators in gene number and lineage of specific genes. In this study, based on the genomic data of 12 fig wasp species, with seven pollinators and five non-pollinators, we investigated the evolution patterns of PRRs, such as Gram-negative bacteria-binding proteins (GNBPs), C-type lectins (CTLs), scavenger receptors class B (SCRBs), fibrinogen-related proteins (FREPs), galectins, and thioester-containing proteins (TEPs). Our results showed that pollinators had no GNBP, but non-pollinators all had two gene members, which were clustered into two different clades in the phylogenetic tree, with each clade having specific domain and motif characteristics. The analysis of CTL and SCRB gene families also showed that there were lineage-specific genes and specific expansion in non-pollinators. Our results showed that there were significant differences in immune recognition between pollinators and non-pollinators, and we concluded that they had undergone flexible adaptive evolution in different environments. Our study can provide more molecular evidence for future functional studies on the immune system of fig wasps.

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