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Showing posts with label Hymenoptera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hymenoptera. Show all posts

Sunday, January 5, 2025

[Arachnida • 2023] Latrodectus occidentalis • Phylogenetic Analyses and Description of A New Species of Black Widow Spider of the Genus Latrodectus Walckenaer (Araneae: Theridiidae) from Mexico; one or more species?

   

 Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón,  

in Valdez-Mondragón et Cabrera-Espinosa, 2023. 

ABSTRACT
A new species of the spider genus Latrodectus Walckenaer, 1805 from Mexico is described based on an integrative taxonomic approach. Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón sp. nov. is described using the molecular markers cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), morphology of male and female specimens, and Species Distribution Models (SDM). Four molecular methods for species delimitation were implemented. The new species is characterized by having a unique dorsal coloration pattern on the abdomen. Latrodectus occidentalis sp. nov. is considered a distinct and valid species for four reasons: (1) it can be distinguished by morphological characters (genital and somatic); (2) the average interspecific genetic variation is > 2%; (3) 12 haplotypes were recovered within the species, being separated by the next close haplogroup of L. hesperus Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935 (30 mutations); and (4) congruence was observed among the four molecular methods. The number of recorded species of Latrodectus from Mexico increases to four: Latrodectus mactans (Fabricius, 1775), L. hesperus Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935, L. geometricus C.L. Koch, 1841 (introduced), and L. occidentalis sp. nov. The diversity of the genus Latrodectus from Mexico is surely underestimated, and more sampling is needed from the different biogeographical provinces and ecoregions to fill in these gaps.

Keywords: integrative taxonomy, North America, species distribution modeling, DNA barcodes, morphology

 Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón sp. nov.
 Live females (13–15) and males (16–18) 
 13, 16. Salvatierra,  Guanajuato,  Mexico.  14.  Camichines,  Cocula,  Jalisco,  Mexico  (type  locality). 15.  Hostotipaquillo,  Jalisco,  Mexico.  17.1  km  North  of  San  Nicolás  de  Ibarra,  Jalisco,  Mexico. 18. “Las Letras”, Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico.
Photographs 13, 16, 18 by Cabrera-Espinosa (2021). Photograph 14 by Navarro-Rogríguez  I. (2021).  Photograph 15 by Valdez-Mondragon A. Photograph 17 by Mamole in www.naturalista.mx 

Habitats and microhabitats of Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón sp. nov.
 Red arrow indicates the microhabitat where the specimens were collected.
19, 22. “Las Letras”, Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico. 20. Zona arqueológica “Plazuelas”, Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico. 21. Salvatierra, Guanajuato, Mexico. 23–24. Cocula, Jalisco, Mexico (type locality) (red arrow in figure 23 shows the female found below a wasp nest). 
Photographs 19–22 by Cabrera-Espinosa (2021); 23–24 by Jared Lacayo (2021).
 

Valdez-Mondragón, A., & Cabrera-Espinosa, L. A. 2023. Phylogenetic Analyses and Description of A New Species of Black Widow Spider of the Genus Latrodectus Walckenaer (Araneae, Theridiidae) from Mexico; one or more species?. European Journal of Taxonomy. 897(1), 1–56. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2023.897.2293  

  

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Thursday, November 28, 2024

[Entomology • 2024] Evolution of Leafcutter Ant Myrmecophiles: Hamotus heidiae, A New symbiont of Acromyrmex Colonies with undetectable hydrocarbons (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)


  Hamotus heidiae Parker,

in Parker, Maruyama, Okamoto, Schultz et Alvarado, 2024. 

Abstract
Colonies of Atta and Acromyrmex leafcutter ants provide niches for diverse insect species, but few such organisms have evolved obligate myrmecophilous associations inside host colonies. We report a remarkable pselaphine rove beetle myrmecophile, Hamotus heidiae sp. nov., discovered in galleries of Acromyrmex histrix Latreille in lowland tropical rainforest within Tambopata National Reserve, Peruvian Amazonia. Presence of adults and putative larvae inhabiting the central nest implies an obligate relationship, with development of the beetle likely occurring inside the colony environment. Phylogenetic analysis of four genomic loci confirms that H. heidiae is a morphologically derived member of the New World Hamotus-generic complex and is tentatively placed into Hamotus Aubé on morphological grounds. The new species is phylogenetically distant to the genus Attapsenius Bruch—previously, the only pselaphine taxon known with certainty to be an obligate myrmecophile of leafcutter ants. Both H. heidiae and Attapsenius emerge from a newly recognized “Tyrine-group” within Pselaphinae—a major radiation that includes multiple independent origins of myrmecophily and termitophily. We were unable to detect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) on the body surface of H. heidiae adults. Chemical insignificance may form part of the strategy that this myrmecophile, and possibly other pselaphines, employ to infiltrate host colonies.

Keywords: Pselaphinae, Myrmecophily, Cuticular hydrocarbons, Leafcutter ants, Chemical ecology, Evolution




Hamotus heidiae Parker, new species

Etymology: The new species is named in honor of Dr Heidi Kay Parker, for her scientific intuition, expertise, and accomplishments, her passion for and deep knowledge of the biological world, and for her love, support, and encouragement of the first author’s interest in beetles.


 
J. Parker, M. Maruyama, T. Okamoto, T. R. Schultz and M. Alvarado. 2024. Evolution of Leafcutter Ant Myrmecophiles: Hamotus heidiae, A New symbiont of Acromyrmex Colonies with undetectable hydrocarbons (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae). Insectes Sociaux. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00040-024-01005-x

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Tuesday, November 12, 2024

[PaleoEntomology • 2024] Palaeorhoptrocentrus tenuicornis, Taphaeus obscurus & Eubazus electrus • New Species of braconid parasitoid wasps from the Subfamilies Doryctinae and Brachistinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from late Eocene Baltic Amber

 


Belokobylskij, Pankowski & Zaldívar-Riverón, 2024 

Abstract
Three new fossil species of braconid wasps are described and illustrated from late Eocene Baltic amber: Palaeorhoptrocentrus tenuicornis sp. nov. (Doryctinae), Taphaeus obscurus sp. nov. (Brachistinae: Diospilini), and Eubazus electrus sp. nov. (Brachistinae: Brachistini). Keys to the known species of Palaeorhoptrocentrus Belokobylskij, 2023 and to species of Eubazus Nees, 1812 described from Baltic amber are provided. An illustrated redescription of Blacus (Electroblacus) facialis Brues, 1933 (Brachistinae: Blacini) is also provided, along with digital photographs for the first time of the female of B. (Electroblacus) facialis, whose type material was lost during the World War II. We also provide morphological notes and digital photographs of a male belonging to an undescribed species of Meteorus (Euphorinae).

Eocene, parasitoids, wasp, fossil, Diospilini, Blacini, Brachistini, Meteorus


 

Sergey A. Belokobylskij, Madeline V. Pankowski, Alejandro Zaldívar-Riverón. 2024. New Species of braconid parasitoid wasps from the Subfamilies Doryctinae and Brachistinae from late Eocene Baltic Amber.  Palaeoentomology. 7(5); 645–658. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/palaeoentomology.7.5.8

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Tuesday, November 5, 2024

[Entomology • 2024] Gonatopus tagoi • Taxonomy of Japanese Gonatopus (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae), with Description of A New Species

  

 Gonatopus tagoi 
Mita, 2024


Abstract
A new species of Gonatopus, G. tagoi sp. nov., is described from Japan. Previously uncertain species, Agonatopus gracilis Esaki & Hashimoto, 1932 is redescribed based on newly collected females. Currently A. gracilis is included in Gonatopus, however, the name Gonatopus gracilis is preoccupied by Kieffer, 1905. Therefore, Gonatopus gigantostratiotes nom. nov. is provided as a replacement name. An updated key to the females of Japanese Gonatopus is given.

Hymenoptera, Chrysidoidea, key, new replacement name, parasitic wasp, redescription




Toshiharu MITA. 2024. Taxonomy of Japanese Gonatopus (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae), with Description of A New Species.  Zootaxa. 5506(1); 113-121. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5506.1.7

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Monday, November 4, 2024

[Entomology • 2024] Halictoxenos fortunatus • First Record of Halictoxenos Pierce (Strepsiptera: Stylopidae) from Mexico with the Description of A New Species Parasite of Lasioglossum exiguum (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

 

Halictoxenos fortunatus
Quintos-Andrade & Valenzuela-González, 2024 

 
Abstract
Halictoxenos is a genus of parasites with a mainly holarctic distribution and exclusive parasite of bees of the Halictinae subfamily. In this work, we describe a new species from Mexico, parasite of the halictid Lasioglossum exiguum and with a known distribution in locations of central and southern Veracruz. The delimitation of this species is supported by morphological and molecular evidence. A diagnosis for Halictoxenos and certain characters for species delimitation is also proposed. It is expected that this research may be a steppingstone to the continuity of the study of Halictoxenos and the Stylopidae family in Mexico and the American continent.

 Hymenoptera, Bees, Veracruz, Endoparasitism, Stylopidia


Halictoxenos fortunatus sp. nov. 



Gerardo Quintos-Andrade, Jorge E. Valenzuela-González. 2024. First Record of Halictoxenos Pierce (Strepsiptera: Stylopidae) from Mexico with the Description of A New Species Parasite of Lasioglossum exiguum (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Halictidae).  Zootaxa. 5514(2); 157-168. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5514.2.4

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Thursday, October 24, 2024

[Entomology • 2024] Ceroptres anzui, C. promethei, C. thrymi, ... • One must imagine Sisyphus happy: Integrative Taxonomic Characterization of 22 New Ceroptres Species (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Ceroptresini)


Ceroptres promethei Nastasi, Smith, & Davis, 

in Nastasi, Smith, Davis, Ward, Brown, Zhang, Rollins, Friesen, Tribull, Forbes et Deans, 2024. 

Abstract
We describe new species in the genus Ceroptres Hartig, 1840 (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Ceroptresini) represented by voucher material sequenced by Ward et al. (2024). We describe 22 new species, all authored by Nastasi, Smith, & Davis: C. anansii sp. nov., C. anzui sp. nov., C. bruti sp. nov., C. curupira sp. nov., C. daleki sp. nov., C. dandoi sp. nov., C. demerzelae sp. nov., C. iktomii sp. nov., C. jabbai sp. nov., C. jarethi sp. nov., C. lokii sp. nov., C. lupini sp. nov., C. mallowi sp. nov., C. promethei sp. nov., C. sandiegoae sp. nov., C. selinae sp. nov., C. soloi sp. nov., C. songae sp. nov., C. swiperi sp. nov., C. thrymi sp. nov., C. tikoloshei sp. nov., and C. zorroi sp. nov. After our taxonomic treatment, the genus Ceroptres includes 43 species, all but three of which are known from North America. Among our new species are two reared from cecidomyiid midge galls, an association previously recorded but without valid taxonomic association. We provide new records for two additional previously described species; we record C. ensiger (Walsh, 1864) from Pennsylvania and confirm characters for the male, and we record C. lanigerae Ashmead, 1885 from Texas. We also examined several putative species corresponding to either C. cornigera Melika & Buss, 2002 and/or C. frondosae Ashmead, 1896, which we regard as a species complex that requires elucidation in future studies. To enable further studies on Ceroptres, we provide an updated key to North American females. Overall, we find that species of Ceroptres are host specialists associated with a single host gall species or several galls that are phylogenetically or ecologically related. We suggest that there are many North American species of Ceroptres, possibly hundreds, still awaiting collection and characterization.

Hymenoptera, agastoparasitism, Cecidomyiidae, Cynipini, gall, inquiline


Ceroptres promethei Nastasi, Smith, & Davis


 Louis F. Nastasi, Cecil N. Smith, Charles K. Davis, Anna K.G. Ward, Guerin Brown, Guerin Brown, Y. Miles Zhang, Shannon Rollins, Chris Friesen, Carly M. Tribull, Andrew A. Forbes and Andrew R. Deans. 2024. One must imagine Sisyphus happy: Integrative Taxonomic Characterization of 22 New Ceroptres Species (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Ceroptresini). Zootaxa. 5508(1); 1-63. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5508.1.1
 
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Saturday, October 19, 2024

[PaleoEntomology • 2024] Baladi warru • A New exceptionally preserved Sawfly Fossil (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) and an Evaluation of its utility for Divergence Time Estimation and Biogeography

 

Baladi warru Rodriguez, Frese & Macdonald, 

in Rodriguez, Frese, Dettmann, Chavoshi-Jolfaei et Macdonald, 2024.

Abstract
We report the discovery of the first fossil of an Australian species of Pergidae, Baladi warru gen. et sp. n., found at McGraths Flat, a newly discovered Miocene Konservat-Lagerstätte in central New South Wales. Using morphological data from the well-preserved fossil, along with a previously published molecular dataset of 59 taxa and a newly generated molecular dataset for 8 taxa, we constructed a data matrix and generated the first chronogram for Pergidae that incorporates internal calibration points. Our data reveal that Baladi warru belongs to the subfamily Perginae and is closely related to the Australian genera Cerealces and Xyloperga (tribe Cerealcini). According to our analysis, the origin of Pergidae appears slightly younger than previously hypothesised; however, additional calibration points are needed for a more detailed age constraint. Furthermore, ancestral character reconstruction indicates four independent adaptations to toxic Myrtaceae as host plants, while biogeographic analyses suggest that sympatry followed by founder events were the primary processes shaping the current disjunct distribution of pergids. Two significant founder events correspond with transitions to utilising Myrtaceae as host plants. With the approval of the Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council, Wiradjuri words were used to name the newly described species. ‘Baladi’ means ‘saw’ and ‘warru’ means ‘wasp’. This name honours the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the fossil was collected.


Systematic palaeontology

Superfamily Tenthredinoidea.
Family Pergidae Rohwer, 1911.

Subfamily Perginae Ashmead, 1898.
Tribe Cerealcini Benson, 1939.


Genus Baladi Rodriguez, Frese & Macdonald new genus.

Type species: Baladi warru Rodriguez, Frese & Macdonald new species by original designation.
 
Diagnosis: Antennae with at least seven segments; singular distal tarsal plantulae with transverse rugosity on the ventral surface (Figure 1c–e); forewing venation with cell 1 M shorter than vein M + Cu, vein 2MCu present, 2r cross-vein absent, distal free section of vein SC appearing like a cross-vein (Sc and R fused), vein 2R present, vein 2A absent (Figure 2b,c); hindwing venation with vein RM joining RS after it has diverged from SC + R (R cell longer than SC + R), crossvein m-cu absent, and cell 2A absent (Figure 2b,c).

Occurrence: McGraths Flat, Gulgong, New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Derivation of name: The name “baladi” is a Wiradjuri word meaning “saw” or “serrated” (Grant & Rudder, 2010); it is to be treated as feminine in gender. The use of the name was approved by the Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council.


Baladi warru Rodriguez, Frese & Macdonald new species.

Derivation of name: The name “warru” is the Wiradjuri word for wasp or hornet (Grant & Rudder, 2010); it is to be treated as a noun in apposition. The use of the name was approved by the Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council.

  Reconstruction of Baladi warru with larvae and Quintinia flowers.
Artwork by  Alex Boersma 

With the approval of the Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council, Wiradjuri words were used to name the newly described species of sawfly 'Baladi warru'.
Artwork by  Alex Boersma



Juanita Rodriguez, Michael Frese, Mary Dettmann, Mahin Chavoshi-Jolfaei and John Macdonald. 2024. A New exceptionally preserved Sawfly Fossil (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) and an Evaluation of its utility for Divergence Time Estimation and Biogeography. Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12653

Fossil sawfly discovery 16 million years in the making
The find is the first of its kind in Australia, and sheds new light on the co-evolution of insects and toxic plants.


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Friday, October 18, 2024

[Entomology • 2024] Halleriaphagus gen. nov. & Ouma gen. nov. • Redefining Ormyridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) with Establishment of Subfamilies and Description of New Genera


 Halleriaphagus van Noort & Burks, gen. nov., 
Ouma Mitroiu, gen. nov. 

in van Noort, Mitroiu, Burks, Gibson, Hanson, Heraty, Janšta, Cruaud et Rasplus, 2024. 

Abstract
The circumscription of the family Ormyridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is revised after phylogenetic analysis based on ultra-conserved elements (UCEs) and comparative morphological assessment of the chalcid ‘Gall Clade’. Six genera are treated in the family, including two new genera, Halleriaphagus van Noort and Burks, gen. nov., and Ouma Mitroiu, gen. nov. One genus, Eubeckerella Narendran, is re-assigned to the family, and Ormyrulus Bouček is synonymised with Ormyrus Westwood, syn. nov., resulting in the new combination Ormyrus gibbus (Bouček), comb. nov. The six genera are classified in three subfamilies, two of which are newly described, Asparagobiinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov., and Hemadinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov. Halleriaphagus is established for the newly described type species Halleriaphagus phagolucida van Noort and Burks, sp. nov., and Ouma is erected for O. daleskeyae Mitroiu, sp. nov., and O. emazantsi Mitroiu, sp. nov. Asparagobius is revised with description of Asparagobius bouceki van Noort, sp. nov., and Asparagobius copelandi Rasplus and van Noort, sp. nov. Asparagobius and Halleriaphagus are classified in Asparagobiinae, Hemadas in Hemadinae and Eubeckerella, Ormyrus and Ouma in Ormyrinae. The molecular support defining the ormyrid clade is corroborated by the proposed morphological synapomorphy of a foliaceous prepectus overlying the tegula base. Identification keys to the genera of Ormyridae and to the species of Asparagobius and Ouma are provided. Online Lucid identification keys and images of all the species treated herein are available at: http://www.waspweb.org.

Keywords: classification, gall clade, molecular, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy, ultra-conserved elements 


Proposed reclassification of Ormyridae

•• Asparagobiinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov., 

• Asparagobius Mayr, 1905.

Asparagobius bouceki van Noort, sp. nov.
Asparagobius braunsi Mayr, 1905.
Asparagobius copelandi Rasplus and van Noort, sp. nov.

• Halleriaphagus van Noort and Burks, gen. nov.

Halleriaphagus phagolucida van Noort and Burks, sp. nov.


•• Hemadinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov. 

• Hemadas Crawford, 1909.

Hemadas nubilipennis (Ashmead, 1887).


•• Ormyrinae Förster, 1856.

• Eubeckerella Narendran, 1999.

Eubeckerella malaica Narendran, 1999.

• Ormyrus Westwood, 1832.
Ormyrus 144 species [for full list see UCDW, 2023].

Ormyrus gibbus (Bouček, 1986), comb. nov.

• Ouma Mitroiu, gen. nov.

Ouma daleskeyae Mitroiu, sp. nov.
Ouma emazantsi Mitroiu, sp. nov.


Simon van Noort, Mircea-Dan Mitroiu, Roger Burks, Gary Gibson, Paul Hanson, John Heraty, Petr Janšta, Astrid Cruaud and Jean-Yves Rasplus. 2024. Redefining Ormyridae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) with Establishment of Subfamilies and Description of New Genera. Systematic Entomology. 49(3); 447-494. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12630 

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Wednesday, October 9, 2024

[Entomology • 2024] Revision of Nearctic Eparces (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ichneumoninae): Description Eparces australis Claridge & Dal Pos sp. nov., Nomenclatural Notes, and New Records of Eparces quadriceps (Cresson, 1867)

 
Eparces australis 
 Claridge & Dal Pos, 2024


Abstract
The Nearctic species of the parasitoid wasp genus Eparces are revised. A new species, Eparces australis Claridge & Dal Pos sp. nov., is described from the southeastern USA. Additionally, nomenclatural comments on the other Nearctic species, Eparces quadriceps (Cresson, 1867) are provided, along with new records for the species from various states in the USA.

Hymenoptera, parasitoid wasp, taxonomy, North America



Brandon Claridge and Davide Dal Pos. 2024. Revision of Nearctic Eparces (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ichneumoninae): Description Eparces australis Claridge & Dal Pos sp. nov., Nomenclatural Notes, and New Records of Eparces quadriceps (Cresson, 1867). Zootaxa. 5453(4); 549-557. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5453.4.5

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Wednesday, October 2, 2024

[Entomology • 2024] Syntretus perlmani • Drosophila are hosts to the First described Parasitoid Wasp (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of Adult Flies


Syntretus perlmani Shaw & Ballinger,

in Moore, Amuwa, Shaw et Ballinger, 2024. 

Abstract
Parasitoid wasps are exceptionally diverse and use specialized adaptations capable of manipulating the physiology and behaviour of host organisms. In more than two centuries since the first records of Drosophila-parasitizing wasps, nearly 200 described and provisional parasitoid species of drosophilids have been identified. These include endoparasitoids and ectoparasitoids, as well as species attacking larval and pupal hosts. Despite a deep history of research attention and remarkable biodiversity, a wasp species that attacks and develops inside the adult stage of a fly host has not been described previously. Here we report the discovery of a wasp species that infects the adult stage of fruit flies in the genus Drosophila, including one of the most deeply studied model organisms in biology, Drosophila melanogaster. Notably, this wasp can be easily collected from backyard fly baits and has a broad geographic distribution throughout the eastern USA. We document its life history and unique host interactions, including egg-laying into and larval emergence from adult flies, and provide protocols to raise wasps from wild-caught host flies. Our results emphasize the need for ongoing research investment in insect biodiversity and systematics. As parasitoid research continues to uncover unusual biology and supports fundamental mechanistic insights into immunity, metabolism, ecology, evolution and behaviour, we anticipate that this wasp’s association with the laboratory model organism, D. melanogaster, will provide new research opportunities across the life sciences.


a, The life cycle of S. perlmani, including oviposition (1), early larval development (2), appearance of teratocytes (2′), late larval development and reduction in teratocyte number (3), larval emergence (4), cocoon formation and metamorphosis (5) and adult emergence (6).

a,b, The development of wasp larvae inside host flies (a) is accompanied by growth of wasp teratocytes (b, black arrows), which can be seen through the host abdominal cuticle and obstruct the view of the testes (b, white arrow). c, The second and following larval instars lack a head capsule and tail spike, and the final instar grows to nearly the length of the host fly (see Supplementary Video 2). d, Pupal development takes place within a white silken cocoon as is typical of euphorine wasps. e, Larval emergence is always from the abdomen and has been observed to occur between the second and third tergites (dorsolaterally) or laterally through a tear in the abdominal cuticle. f, The adult wasp (male shown) is small, yellowish brown and approximately 1.5 mm in length. Scale bars, 0.5 mm (a–d) and 1 mm (e,f).

Syntretus perlmani sp. nov.
a, Holotype lateral habitus. b, Holotype propodeum. c, Holotype forewing venation.
 Scale bars, 1 mm (a), 100 μm (b) and 400 μm (c).

Family Braconidae Latrielle, 1829
Subfamily Euphorinae Foerster, 1862

Tribe Syntretini Shaw, 1985

Genus Syntretus Foerster, 1862
Subgenus Syntretus Foerster, 1862

Syntretus perlmani sp. nov. Shaw & Ballinger, 2024

Differential diagnosis. Syntretus perlmani sp. nov is a tiny species that is distinct from other known Syntretus species by virtue of its small size (body length about 1.5 mm) and utilization of adult Drosophila flies as hosts. The antenna is shorter than the head and mesosoma combined, and there are 12–13 flagellomeres. Often the antenna has only 12 flagellomeres (the lowest number recorded for any North American Syntretus species).
Of the North American species, S. perlmani is most similar to Syntretus brevicornis Muesebeck, which also has a small body size and short antenna. Of the two species, S. perlmani is the smaller, with a body length of about 1.5 mm, as compared to 2.2 mm for ...

Etymology. This species is named after Steve Perlman (University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada), in recognition of his contributions to research and mentorship in the field of Drosophila–parasite interactions.


Logan D. Moore, Toluwanimi Chris Amuwa, Scott Richard Shaw and Matthew J. Ballinger. 2024. Drosophila are hosts to the First described parasitoid Wasp of Adult Flies. Nature. 633; 840–847. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07919-7

 reflector-online.com/30665/news/new-species-of-parasitoid-wasp-discovered-in-starkville


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Thursday, September 26, 2024

[Entomology • 2024] Integrative Taxonomy of A New Species of A Bumble Bee-mimicking Brood parasitic Bee, Tetralonioidella mimetica (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apidae), investigated through phylogenomics


 Tetralonioidella mimetica Orr & Zhu,

in Orr, Chesters, Williams, Wood, Zhou, Bossert, Sless, Warrit, Rasmont, Ghisbain, Boustani, Luo, Feng, Niu et Zhu, 2024.

Abstract
A new species of bumble bee-mimicking brood parasitic bee, Tetralonioidella mimetica Orr & Zhu, sp. nov., is described from China. The systematic placement of this species was initially challenging but was resolved using a combination of phylogenomic and COI barcode analyses, which strongly support the new species as a member of the genus Tetralonioidella Strand. Interestingly, the new species mimics the color pattern of both a bumble bee (Bombus Latreille), and its host Habropoda Smith species, a mimicry format previously unknown for bees. A review of the other Tetralonioidella species revealed three additional bee mimics, including two further likely model-host-brood parasite mimicry complexes. To our knowledge, these represent the first documented three-tiered mimetic systems in bees. Several additional taxonomic actions recently became necessary in these and related taxa: Tetralonioidella meghalayensis Dohling & Dey, 2024 is synonymized syn. nov. with Habropoda radoszkowskii (Dalla Torre, 1896) and Varthemapistra Engel, stat. rev. is again synonymized with Habrophorula Lieftinck. Our results also highlight issues with the generic classification of the tribe Melectini as currently used, as Melecta Latreille was found paraphyletic in relation to the remaining melectine genera. As a first step toward resolving this issue, we return the Melecta subgenus Eupavlovskia Popov, stat. rev. to genus level and discuss the ongoing systematic uncertainties regarding melectine taxonomy.

Keywords: Anthophila, brood parasite, Melectini, mimicry, Nomadinae, taxonomy

Male external morphology of Tetralonioidella mimetica sp. nov. Imaged from the holotype (IOZ(E)2148141)
A face B dorsal C habitus D labels excluding identification label.
Lines represent mm. Images by Pierre Rasmont.

Female external morphology of Tetralonioidella mimetica sp. nov. Imaged from IOZ(E)2148071
A face B dorsal C habitus D labels excluding ID label.
Lines represent mm. Images by Pierre Rasmont.

 Tetralonioidella mimetica Orr & Zhu, sp. nov.

Hypothesized examples of three-tiered mimicry systems in bees. Given are the model (top), likely host (middle), and brood parasite (bottom).
System 1: likely model A Bombus lepidus worker (IOZ(E)1429818); likely host B Habropoda xizangensis male (IOZ(E)2051720); and brood parasite C Tetralonioidella himalayana male (IOZ(E)2148111).
System 2: likely model D Bombus friseanus worker (IOZ(E)1429817); likely host E Habropoda mimetica female (IOZ(E)2148091); and brood parasites F Tetralonioidella tricolor male (IOZ(E)2148051) G Tetralonioidella mimetica female (IOZ(E)2148071). Note that multiple species may act as models or hosts.


 Michael C. Orr, Douglas Chesters, Paul H. Williams, Thomas J. Wood, Qingsong Zhou, Silas Bossert, Trevor Sless, Natapot Warrit, Pierre Rasmont, Guillaume Ghisbain, Mira Boustani, A’rong Luo, Yuan Feng, Ze-Qing Niu and Chao-Dong Zhu. 2024. Integrative Taxonomy of A New Species of A Bumble Bee-mimicking Brood parasitic Bee, Tetralonioidella mimetica (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Apidae), investigated through phylogenomics. Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 97: 755-780. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/jhr.97.129470

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Saturday, September 21, 2024

[Entomology • 2024] Chrysonotomyia susbelli • A New Species of Chrysonotomyia Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) from Houston, Texas, USA


 Chrysonotomyia susbelli 
O’Loughlin, Brandão-Dias, Gates & Egan, 2024 


Abstract
A new species of the genus Chrysonotomyia Ashmead, Chrysonotomyia susbelli sp. nov., is described from the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas, USA. The species is a parasitoid emerging from Neuroterus nr. bussae galls in leaves of the southern live oak (Quercus virginiana). This represents the 6th species described from North America north of Mexico and the first in the world known to parasitize cynipid gall wasps. This discovery hints at an entire undiscovered niche between Chrysonotomyia parasitoids, cynipid gall wasps, and oaks in the Nearctic, which is a global biodiversity hotspot for oaks and cynipids. This new species description is complemented by mtDNA-COI-barcode data and information on the natural history of this species. We record host association, phenology, and report a leaf-scanning behavior performed by females, presumably to search for host galls. Modifications to the key of New World members of the genus (Hansson 2004) are included to integrate this new species.

Key words: Cynipidae, live oak, Neuroterus nr. Bussae, parasitoid, Quercus virginiana

 Chrysonotomyia susbelli sp. nov.
female holotype A dorsal habitus B lateral habitus C frontal view of head.
male syntype A dorsal habitus B lateral habitus C frontal view of head.

 Chrysonotomyia susbelli sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Mesosoma predominantly golden yellow with dark brown markings dorsally. Similar to C. corynata (Hansson, 2004) but differing in hue and dorsal patterning; dorsellum visible in dorsal view; antennae not distinctly clavate; flagellomere five dark brown; gaster with dark brown transverse bands, never more than two complete dorsally.

Etymology: From Latin sus belli, roughly translating to “warpig”, in reference to the mascot of the Rice University dormitory Wiess College where the first author currently resides, whose official color is similar to the golden yellow of the dorsal mesosoma. Wiess College is named for Harry Carothers Wiess (1887–1948), one of the founders and one-time president of Humble Oil, whose generosity, with time, mind, and resources, greatly shaped the expansion of Rice University.


 Brendan O’Loughlin, Pedro F. P. Brandão-Dias, Michael W. Gates and Scott P. Egan. 2024. Description of A New Species of Chrysonotomyia Ashmead from Houston, Texas, USA (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Eulophidae). ZooKeys. 1212: 241-254. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1212.127537
https://news.rice.edu/news/2024/another-new-wasp-species-discovered-researchers-rice-campus

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Monday, September 9, 2024

[Entomology • 2024] Gasteruption mamburrumurl • A New Species of Gasteruption (Hymenoptera: Gasteruptiidae) with A Host Association from Northern Australia

 

Gasteruption mamburrumurl 
Parslow, Volpe & Kania, 2024
 
Mam-Burrumurl wasp  ||  DOI: 10.54102/ajt.byysx

Abstract
Here we describe the distinctive new species Gasteruption mamburrumurl sp. nov. from Leliyn (Edith Falls), Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory, Australia and document a host association with the native resin bee, Megachile micrerythrura Cockerell, 1910 (Megachilidae: Apoidea). The common name for the species is the "Mam-Burrumurl wasp".

 Live image of Gasteruption mamburrumurl sp. nov. 
photo by N. Volpe 

Taxonomy 
Gasteruptiidae Ashmead, 1900 
Gasteruptiinae Ashmead, 1900 

Gasteruption Latreille, 1796 

Gasteruption mamburrumurl sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Gasteruption mamburrumurl sp. nov. is a distinctive species that is easily distinguished from other described Australian species based on the combination of body colouration; head and metasoma black, mesosoma reddish-brown, metatibia without cream patch, and areolate-rugulose sculpturing on the mesoscutum.

Distribution. The species is known only from the holotype locality at Leliyn (Edith falls), Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. 

Etymology. In collaboration with First Nations elders and custodians of the Country in which this species was discovered, the species epithet mamburrumurl is derived from the Jawoyn language, combining the words mam meaning 'ghost' and burrumurl meaning 'wasp.' This name describes the distinctive floating searching flight pattern exhibited by these wasps. Hence, this species is commonly referred to as the “Mam-Burrumurl wasp”.

 
Ben A. Parslow, Nicholas J. Volpe and Lucyna I. Kania. 2024. A New Species of Gasteruption (Hymenoptera: Gasteruptiidae) with A Host Association from Northern Australia. Australian Journal of Taxonomy. 70: 1–7. DOI: doi.org/10.54102/ajt.byysx
  www.taxonomyaustralia.org.au/ajt/papers/j2iqgsdncv

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