Taeniothrips changbaiensis sp. n. (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) living on the leaves of a Poaceae species in China

Taeniothrips changbaiensis sp. n. is described from specimens causing damage to the leaves of a species of Poaceae, Deyeuxia angustifolia, in Northeast China. This is one of three species of Taeniothrips with a banded fore wing, and one of only two species with an irregularly interrupted comb of microtrichia on abdominal tergite VIII. The number of setae is variable on the distal half of the fore wing first vein.

Skeleton and musculature of the male abdomen in Tanyderidae (Diptera, Nematocera) of the Southern Hemisphere

The structure of the male terminalia and their musculature of species of tanyderid generaAraucoderusAlexander, 1929 from Chile andNothoderusAlexander, 1927 from Tasmania are examined and compared with each other and with published data on the likely relatives. The overall pattern of male terminalia of both genera is similar to those of most Southern Hemisphere genera, with simple curved gonostyli, lobe-like setose parameres, and setose cerci inconspicuous under the epandrium. Both genera have terminalia similarly rotated by 180° (and 90° as an intermediate stage); rotation may be either clockwise or counterclockwise. However, the similar patterns are realized differently: segment VIII is the decreased and asymmetrical due to completely membranose tergite VIII inNothoderus(the first record of such modification in Tanyderidae), but narrow and symmetrical inAraucoderus. Accordingly, pregenital muscles are very different between the genera. Based on localization of muscle attachment sites, the hypandrial origin of the stripe between gonocoxites is shown in both genera, and entire membranization of tergite VIII and partial membranization of hypoproct is shown inNothoderus. Tanyderidae are characterized by highly specialized sclerites and muscles of male terminalia and provide no evidence of relationship with previously studied members of Psychodidae, Blephariceridae and Ptychopteridae.

Sexual dimorphism in Ozopherus muricatus Pascoe, 1872 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

ABSTRACT: The weevil Ozopherus muricatus Pascoe, 1872 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is already considered a pest in Brazil for açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) plantations. Its presence has become more frequent and caused significant reduction in the production of açaí fruit. Studies on the biology of this insect pest are still scarce, hindering its management. For studies on pheromones, for instance, it is essential to correctly identify the sex of the insect. The objective of this study was to evaluate the existence of sexual dimorphism in pupae and adults of O. muricatus in order to allow the identification of males and females. Larvae, pupae and adults were collected from açaí plantations and kept in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) type incubation chambers. Adults and pupae were examined under a stereomicroscope, and dimorphism was determined through observation of external morphological characteristics. In addition, adults were dissected in order to observe genitalia and confirm the sex of specimens. In the pupae, sexual dimorphism was characterized by the presence of two protuberances in the terminal ventral region of the abdomen of females, which were absent in males. In adults, sexual dimorphism was also observed, based on the final abdominal segments. In males, it was possible to see all eight abdominal tergites, while in females tergite VIII is covered by tergite VII. Thus, the sexual dimorphism present in the morphological characteristics of O. muricatus allows the distinction between males and females of this species.

The identity of Cicinnus orthane Blanchard, 1852 (Lepidoptera, Mimallonidae, Cicinninae), type species of Cicinnus Blanchard, 1852

In order to clarify the identity of the type species of one of the most diverse Mimallonidae genera, Cicinnus Blanchard, 1852, we designate a lectotype for Cicinnus orthane Blanchard, 1852 with photographs of the lectotype (dorsal and ventral) and its genitalia figured for the first time. Cicinnus orthane, described from Chile, is a close morphological match for a southeastern Brazilian species, which we also illustrate for comparative purposes. Because the lectotype of C. orthane is female, we include both sexes of this related Brazilian species in order to facilitate the figuring of male genitalia as well as comparisons of the female genitalia. We are therefore able to establish sound morphological characteristics for Cicinnus sensu stricto, namely in the males the bifid configuration of the gnathos, a complex juxtal arrangement fused to the phallus, and largely membranous valvae; and in the females a wide and narrow lamella antevaginalis, lack of setae covered bulbous masses on either side of the lamella antevaginalis, well-sclerotized and posteriorly protruding tergite VIII, and reduced, stout apophyses anteriores which are about one quarter the length of the apophyses posteriores.

Review of Nilodosis Kieffer (Diptera: Chironomidae: Chironominae), with description of a new species from South China

The male, female and pupa of Nilodosis austrosinensis Tang & Cranston, sp. n., reared from 2 reservoirs of south China, are described. The male can be separated from congeners by the presence of few squamal setae, a relatively long spur on the mid– and hind legs, a characteristic superior volsella and distinctive pattern of all legs. The female can be separated by features of genitalia, namely the absence of a ventrolateral lobe and the dorsomesal lobe with the apex usually curved. The pupa is separable by a bare tergite VIII and by characteristic spinulation of the sternites. The generic diagnosis is emended and some problems alluded to. This is the first formal record of Nilodosis from the Oriental region, indeed the first outside the Afrotropical region.

Bathrips in China (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), with a new record and new synonym

Bathrips Bhatti (1962) currently includes three species, all from the Oriental region. The systematic relationships of this genus remain equivocal. Mound & Masumoto (2004) pointed out the similarity in general appearance of the species to those of Trichromothrips, but Masumoto & Okajima (2005) did not include Bathrips in the Trichromothrips genus-group. The species of Bathrips lack the dorso-apical setae on the first antennal segment that characterize the Trichromothrips group, and tergite IX of males bears a median pair of short and stout setae (Masumoto & Okajima 2005). Bathrips was distinguished originally from Taeniothrips on the basis of a different fore wing chaetotaxy, but the complete absence of a comb on tergite VIII suggests that these two are not related.

Review of Paracerella Imadate (Protura: Acerentomidae, Nipponentominae) with identification key and description of a new species

Paracerella americana Imadate is redescribed based on the type material. The original description is corrected and supplemented with new characters, including head chaetotaxy, seta length, porotaxy and shape of the male squama genitalis. Paracerella monterey sp. nov. is described from specimens that were originally part of the "Paracerella americana type series". Paracerella americana is characterized by presence of seta P1a on tergites I-VI and absence of seta on tergite VII, presence of 4 P-setae on sternite I, and concave hind margin of the comb on tergite VIII. Paracerella monterey sp. nov. is characterized by absence of seta P1a on tergites I-VII, presence of 2 P-setae on sternite I, and straight hind margin of the comb. A key to Paracerella species is provided.