In: Ramos M.A. et al. (eds): Fauna Ibérica, vol. 14. Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, 2000, 526 pp.

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.

One new genus and nine new species of Staphylinidae are described from Baltic amber, namely Palaeosepedophilus gen.n. and the species P. succinicus sp.n., Lathrobium balticum sp.n., Lathrobium succini sp.n., Lathrobium ambricum sp.n., Lathrobium jantaricum sp.n., Sepedophilus balticus sp.n., Dictyon antiquus sp.n., Phymatura electrica sp.n., Aleochara baltica sp.n. Their affinity with related species is discussed.

Field observations in different habitats on the island of Iriomote (Yaeyama, Ryukyu, Japan) were carried out concerning their importance as perching sites of robber flies (Diptera, Asilidae), including the specialization of different species to varying microhabitats. Factors of mutual exclusion for the different species include spatial (horizontal and vertical), seasonal and behavioural factors. Some geographically widespread species prefer open areas, commonly used for agriculture, but endemic species are localized in the tropical forests of the lowlands, and afford that area the need for special protection.

Three new genera containing five new species of Lophopidae are described: Maana colorata, Maana erythina, Maana oriomoensis, Podoschtroumpfa magna and Pseudotyxis malimoenensis. A new key to the genera of Lophopidae is also provided, followed by a cheklist of the distribution of the genera and their host plants.

In: World Catalogue of Insects, Volume 3. Apollo Books, Stenstrup, Denmark, 2001, 395 pp.

Pests, Predators, Opportunists. xv + 507 pp.

A new genus and species of "libelluloid" dragonfly, Jujusia maizgorda gen. n., sp. n., of the clade Italoansida Bechly, 1996, from the late Paleocene, Maíz Gordo Formation, north-western Argentina, is described. Its phylogenetic relationships within the clade Cavilabiata Bechly, 1996 are discussed.

Eight species of Typhlodromus Scheuten were collected during an extensive survey of phytoseiid mites in Norway. One of the species, Typhlodromus norvegicus, is described as a new taxon and Typhlodromus ulex Evans is considered to be a junior synonym of Typhlodromus phialatus Athias-Henriot. Keys are given for the identification of the genera of the Typhlodrominae and species of the genus Typhlodromus represented in the fauna of Norway. Distribution maps are provided for seven species and the frequency of Typhlodromus species on a range of host plants is given in tabular form. Picea abies showed the highest frequency of Typhlodromus spp. and all eight species were found on Juniperus communis.

Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2001, 315 pp.

CABI Publishing, Wallingford, U.K., 2001. ix + 1032 pp.

Diapause intensity (DI) is a physiological trait represented by the duration of diapause under given conditions of environment. In many species, it is highly variable, probably being controlled by multiple genes and tends to form a cline in response to the latitudinal gradient of selection pressure. DI clines could be established artificially by crossing between lines of a cricket selected for different levels of DI, indicating the importance of genetic factors in the adaptive variation of DI. However, DI may be modified in response to seasonal cues both before and after the onset of diapause. Polymorphism in the intensity of prolonged diapause may split adults of a single population to emerge in different years. A unimodal distribution of DI may also result in polymodal termination of diapause, if DI variation is so large that chilling in one winter is not enough to terminate diapause for all members of a population. Bimodal termination of diapause after overwintering suggests heterogeneity in the final phase of diapause that requires high temperatures in spring. Polymodal termination of diapause subserves a bet-hedging strategy. Variability in DI thus provides insects with an important means of adaptation to their environments changing in space and time.

[in Chinese; English Summary.] Fauna Sinica, Insecta 24: 267 pp., 362 Figs.

Four case studies are used to examine the relationships of water, ice nucleators and desiccation in the cold survival of invertebrates and the viability of frozen plant material: the freeze intolerant Antarctic springtail Cryptopygus antarcticus (Willem) (Collembola, Isotomidae), the freeze tolerant larvae of the fly Heleomyza borealis Boh. (Diptera: Heleomyzidae), the freeze intolerant Arctic springtail Onychiurus arcticus (Tullberg) (Collembola, Onychiuridae) and meristems of the currant Ribes ciliatum Humb. & Bonpl.(Grossulariaceae) from Mexico. Prevention of ice nucleation, lowering the water content by removal of osmotically active (freezable) water are critical features of the different cold survival strategies of the three species of invertebrates. In C. antarcticus, which desiccates rapidly by losing water via the cuticle to the atmosphere, the number of ice nucleators (and their activity) increases with lowered ambient temperature. During prolonged cold exposure ice nucleators are masked, but re-activated rapidly by water uptake in this species. Larval H. borealis do not readily desiccate and conserve their body water, 20-25% of it being bound (osmotically inactive). Experiments showed that a high proportion (c. 80%) of slowly cooled larvae survived exposure to -60°C. By comparison O. arcticus is able to sustain up to 40% loss of its body water and desiccation lowers its supercooling point to promote over winter survival. Dehydration leading to partial vitrification of currant (R. ciliatum) meristems improves their viability after cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen. From this comparison of four biological systems, it is concluded that the role of water and its activity at sub-zero temperatures are fundamental to the survival of freezing conditions by all the species studied. Although similar features exist in the four systems, no common basic mechanism was found.

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.

Colchester, Essex, UK, 2000, 256 pp.

(Translated by M.A. Biederman-Thorson) Springer Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 2001, 394 pp.,

Typically, the relationship between insect development and temperature is described by two characteristics: the minimum temperature needed for development to occur (T_min) and the number of day degrees required (DDR) for the completion of development. We investigated these characteristics in three English populations of Thrips major and T. tabaci [Cawood, Yorkshire (N53°49', W1°7'); Boxworth, Cambridgeshire (N52°15', W0°1'); Silwood Park, Berkshire (N51°24', W0°38')], and two populations of Frankliniella occidentalis (Cawood; Silwood Park). While there were no significant differences among populations in either T_min (mean for T. major = 7.0°C; T. tabaci = 5.9°C; F. occidentalis = 6.7°C) or DDR (mean for T. major = 229.9; T. tabaci = 260.8; F. occidentalis = 233.4), there were significant differences in the relationship between temperature and body size, suggesting the presence of geographic variation in this trait. Using published data, in addition to those newly collected, we found a negative relationship between T_min and DDR for F. occidentalis and T. tabaci, supporting the hypothesis that a trade-off between T_min and DDR may constrain adaptation to local climatic conditions.

Texas A&M University Press, 2000, 308 pp.,

Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, New York, Boston, Dordrecht, London, Moscow, 2001, xiii + 478 pp.

Winter climate determines the success of the two main reproductive strategies employed by aphids. Permanent parthenogens survive as parthenogenetic females in mild winters, but are regularly eliminated by low temperatures; while cyclical parthenogens, which switch to sexual reproduction by the end of summer, produce every year fertilised diapausing eggs resistant to frost.

We have studied the variation in sexual morph production of several clones of the cereal aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) showing both strategies. Twenty clones of this species differing by their geographic origin and their mode of reproduction were placed in two laboratory environments mimicking the changes of photoperiod and thermoperiod occurring naturally from the end of summer and during the autumn in oceanic and continental conditions. The analysis of clonal responses in both climatic conditions showed (i) a wide variation in investment of clones in sexual reproduction with, in particular, evidence for a mixed strategy employed by clones producing both sexuals without ceasing parthenogenetic reproduction, (ii) no geographic adaptation among clones belonging to cyclical parthenogenetic populations, (iii) an earlier production of sexuals in continental conditions and a higher production of males in oceanic conditions.
Furthermore, we have compared the dates of first appearance of sexuals in our experiments with those occurring in the field based on a suction trap database and found that sexuals were caught in nature at least four weeks earlier than in the lab. These results underline the need for a better understanding of the influence of the whole array of environmental factors inducing the transition from parthenogenetic to sexual reproduction in aphids.

Bisexual gonads in the stoneflies Perla burimeisteriana, P. pallida and Dinocras cephalotes are reported for the first time. Gross morphology and ultrastructure of the accessory ovaries of mature larvae and adult males of Perla marginata are described in detail. There are 36-58 male ovarioles situated distal to the paired testes and opening into fused termini of the lateral ducts in abdominal segments II and III. These correspond in structure to the ovarioles of adult females but are significantly smaller (maximum size of proximal oocyte 9.0 × 45 µm) and each usually contains 10-14 linearly arranged previtellogenic oocytes. Oogenesis ceases at the end of previtellogenesis or at the onset of vitellogenesis. The ooplasm contains either regularly dispersed or irregularly accumulated particles in different regions of the cell with accumulations occurring near mitochondria and Golgi complexes. Based on results of metachromatic staining, these are thought to represent either lipid droplets (most) or yolk globules. The oolemma rarely develops short microvili and few pycnotic vesicles. Development of the follicular epithelium (influencing vitellogenesis and secretory activity during choriogenesis) is abnormal. Follicular cell growth is not synchronized with that of the oocytes, and the follicular cells of the terminal (distal) oocytes show neither patency nor secretory activity. The mechanism controlling degeneration of male ovarioles and the evolutionary significance of hermaphroditic gonads in the Plecoptera are discussed.

Short-winged (brachypterous) and long-winged (macropterous) adult females of Pyrrhocoris apterus (L.) originating from a Mediterranean population (Israel) were analyzed for their adipokinetic responses. The adipokinetic response, expressed as an increase of haemolymph lipids after injection of adipokinetic hormone from Locusta migratoria (Lom-AKH-I), was assessed in relation to age and dose of the hormone. We demonstrate in this study that the adipokinetic responses induced by bug's corpora cardiaca extract and Lom-AKH-I were dose-dependent for both brachypterous and macropterous females. Significant differences between the morphs were recorded for doses >= 0.25 corpora cardiaca equivalent (P < 0.01) and doses >= 0.25 pmol Lom-AKH-I (P < 0.05). The haemolymph lipid elevations induced in both morphs by 2 pmols Lom-AKH-I are comparable with that induced by crude extract of one pair of the bug's own corpora cardiaca. The age-dependent test showed much higher adipokinetic responses (P < 0.01) in macropterous females (>= 5 days old) than in the brachypterous females of the same age, when treated with 2 pmols Lom-AKH-I. Starting from day 7, the concentration of haemolymph lipids was also considerably higher (2.5-5 times) in macropterous females than in the brachypterous ones. The obtained data indicate that difference in mobilization of lipids between brachypterous and macropterous females is a geographically independent feature and represents a true wing morph characteristic of P. apterus.

Larval Manduca prothoracic gland cells in vitro responded to prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) from neurosecretory cells of the brain with an increase of intracellular free calcium. This effect is reversible and dose-dependent. Preincubation of the glands with TMB-8 and dantrolene, which inhibit the release of calcium from intracellular stores, did not decrease the PTTH-stimulated increase in calcium, indicating that intracellular calcium stores are not involved in the control of ecdysteroidogenesis. Pharmacological studies of the PTTH effect with calcium channel blockers revealed that the increase in calcium was totally blocked by cadmium, partially inhibited by nickel and lanthanum and by amiloride, an antagonist of T-type calcium channels. All other inhibitors tested were ineffective, suggesting that the increase in cytosolic calcium is induced by opening of calcium channels, presumably of the T-type, in response to PTTH. The action of PTTH on these channels may be mediated by a G-protein as shown by the effect of mastoparan, a G-protein activator, which increased the concentration of cytosolic calcium comparable to that evoked by PTTH.

We investigated the physiological adaptations for winter survival in a freeze-intolerant chrysomelid, Aulacophora nigripennis, in warm-temperate regions. The adults showed a decreased supercooling point (SCP), increased chill tolerance and high myo-inositol content during winter. Chill tolerance at 0°C appears to be a more suitable indicator of their cold hardiness than SCP because they die at 0°C without freezing and normally an not exposed to subzero temperatures below their SCP (

The efficiency of Monte-Carlo procedures to test some hypotheses about the spatial patterns of larvae and damages of Lobesia botrana was studied. Two hypotheses were tested to detect spatial heterogeneity and spatial dependence. The most practical implication is to provide an efficient sampling scheme. The study of the relationship between spatial patterns and grape availability was required to explain scales of spatial heterogeneity and population dynamics studies were needed to relate it to oviposition behavior. It was tested through a third hypothesis. We adapted Monte-Carlo simulation procedures for the analysis of exhaustive count data obtained from regular grids delimited within each of two vineyards. Statistical analyses were based on count permutations and on count redistributions according to the hypotheses which were tested. Indices of aggregation and autocorrelation statistics were used. The hypotheses that we tested at different scales were random distribution of the infestations (H_R), independence of vine stock (or groups of k vine stocks) infestation (H_I) and independence between vine stock infestation and grape availability (H_G). Monte-Carlo tests revealed the same spatial patterns for larvae and damages. We detected different spatial patterns. The implications for sampling were that sample unit could be an individual stock and that sampling along a row could not be used to estimate population density in the vineyard. Results showed that infestation of a given stock depended on grape availability on this stock and on neighboring vine stocks.

We investigated the effects of genetic differences and host plant density on population development of the rose-grain aphid Sitobion avenae (F.) (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) in winter wheat stands. Aphid numbers on ears were recorded on 11 cultivars (6 years) and on plots where crop density was varied by thinning (12 years). Crop density significantly affected whole plant, tiller and ear mass, number of tillers, and leaf area and chlorophyll content. The duration and rate of aphid population growth, and the maximum numbers of aphids were ascertained by weekly counts. Maximum abundances increased with the length of time available for the growth of aphid populations while the rate of population growth was less important. Variation of maximum numbers of S. avenae on different cultivars was not significant, probably due to the small variation in the period available for the development of aphid populations. By contrast, there was a significant Variation of aphid performance associated with host plant density. Aphid populations on solitary plants persisted longer and became more abundant than in dense stands. The prolonged survival of aphid populations was probably caused by an extended period of tillering and lower average age of tillers of solitary plants. There was large annual variation in aphid abundance. It is likely that modifications of host plant development caused by differences in winter weather may contribute to this variation.

Blaena tamasi sp. n., the first species of Cydnidae with staphylinoid modification of wings, is described from Western Australia. The rare cases of wing modifications in Cydnidae and Pentatomoidea are briefly discussed. A key to all known species of the genus Blaena Walker is also provided.

Emp-AKH is a member of the large adipokinetic hormone (AKH) family of peptides. This peptide family appears to occur in the corpora cardiaca of all insect species and its members are involved in regulating substrate mobilisation. The secondary structure of Emp-AKH has been studied in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles by comparing data obtained from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and molecular dynamics simulations. The lowest energy conformer obtained in this study has a turn consisting of residues 5-8 and a tail consisting of the first five residues.

An Erratum has been published for this article: Eur. J. Entomol. 96 (4): 463, 1999

Interest in insects as conservation foci and as tools in broader conservation assessment has accelerated markedly in recent years, but the diversity and complexity of insect life demands a more focussed and structured approach to \"biodiversity\" and inventory studies than has commonly occurred. Strategies for insect conservation are reviewed, together with the variety of uses for insects as ecological tools in broader monitoring of environmental quality. Principles fur selecting optimal focal groups are discussed, and the importance of developing standard protocols to sample and interpret insect assemblages emphasised. The global values and relevance of the pioneering lessons in insect conservation developed in Europe are summarised.