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Journal 

of  the 

New  York 

ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY 

Devoted  to  Entomology  in  General 


VOLUME  LXXXI1 


Published  by  the  Society 
New  York,  N.  Y. 


ALLEN  PRESS,  INC. 


V>RINTe0 
u.  s.  *• 


LAWRENCE,  KANSAS 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS 


ALEXANDER,  CHARLES  P.  New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran.  I 
(Diptera:  Tipulidae)  279 

ALLEN,  GEORGE  E.  and  WILLIAM  F.  BUREN.  Microsporidian  and  Fungal 
Diseases  of  Solenopsis  invicta  Buren  in  Brazil  125 

BLUM,  MURRAY  S.  Myrmecine  Trail  Pheromones:  Specificity,  Source  and 
Significance  141 

BROWN,  F.  MARTIN.  Andean  Larvae  and  Chrisalids  of  Dione  juno  andicola  (Bates) 
and  Agraulis  vanillae  lucina  Felder  and  Felder  61 

BROWN,  F.  MARTIN.  William  Couper,  Taxonomist-Entomologist  222 

BROWN,  WILLIAM  L.,  JR.  A Supplement  to  the  Revision  of  the  Ant  Genus  Basiceros 
(Hymenoptera:  Formicidae)  131 

BUREN,  WILLIAM  F.,  GEORGE  E.  ALLEN,  WILLARD  H.  WHITCOMB,  FRANCIS 
E.  LENNARTZ  and  ROGER  N.  WILLIAMS.  Zoogeography  of  the  Imported 
Fire  Ants  113 

CREIGHTON,  WILLIAM  S.  and  ROY  R.  SNELLING.  Notes  on  the  Behavior  of 
Three  Species  of  Cardiocondyla  in  the  United  States  (Hymenoptera:  Formicidae)  82 

DELFINADO,  MERCEDES  D.  and  EDWARD  W.  BAKER.  Terrestrial  Mites 
of  New  York  (Acarina:  Prostigmata),  I-Tarsocheylidae,  Paratydeidae,  and  Pseudo- 
cheylidae  202 

ELLIOTT,  NANCY  B.  and  FRANK  E.  KURCZEWSKI.  Seasonal  variation  in 
Tachysphex  terminatus  (Smith)  (Hymenoptera:  Sphecidae,  Larrinae)  268 

EVANS,  HOWARD  E.  Digger  Wasps  as  Colonizers  of  New  Habitat  (Hymenoptera: 
Aculeata)  259 

FORBES,  JAMES.  The  William  S.  Creighton  Memorial  Issue  66 

GREGG,  ROBERT  E.  William  Steel  Creighton — An  Appreciation  67 

HUCKETT,  H.  C.  The  Anthomyiidae  and  Muscidae  of  the  Great  Smoky  Mountains 
and  Mt.  Mitchell,  North  Carolina  (Diptera)  150 

MARAMOROSCH,  KARL.  Ovipositing  of  Circulifer  tenellus  Baker  (Homoptera, 
Cicadellidae)  42 

MCCLUSKEY,  ELWOOD  S.  Generic  Diversity  in  Phase  of  Rhythm  in  Myrmi- 
cine  Ants  93 

MCDONALD,  F.  J.  D.  Revision  of  the  Genus  Holcostethus  in  North  America 
(Hemiptera:  Pentatomidae)  245 

MUYSHONDT,  ALBERTO.  Notes  on  the  Life  Cycle  and  Natural  History  of 
Butterflies  of  El  Salvador.  V.  A.  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  (Nymphalidae-Cato- 
nephelinae)  163 

NEVIN,  F.  REESE.  A New  Genus  and  Two  New  Species  of  Achipteriidae  from  New 
York  State  (Acari:  Cryptostigmata:  Oribatei)  177 

PECHUMAN,  L.  L.  Two  New  Tabanidae  from  Southeastern  United  States  (Diptera)  ....  183 

iii 


ROLSTON,  L.  H.  A New  Genus  of  Pentatominae  from  South  America,  Distinguished 
by  the  Position  of  its  Spiracles  (Hemiptera:  Pentatomidae)  57 

ROLSTON,  L.  H.  and  R.  KUMAR.  Two  New  Genera  and  Two  New  Species  of 
Acanthosomatidae  (Hemiptera)  from  South  America,  with  a Key  to  the  Genera 
of  the  Western  Hemisphere  271 

ROZEN,  JEROME  G.,  JR.  The  Biology  of  Two  African  Melittid  Bees  (Hyme- 
noptera,  Anthophoridae)  230 

SCHMITT,  JOHN  B.  The  Distribution  of  Brood  Ten  of  the  Periodical  Cicadas 
in  New  Jersey  in  1970  189 

SEIFERT,  RICHARD  P.  The  Sphingidae  of  Turrialba,  Costa  Rica  45 

SLATER,  JAMES  A.  and  JANE  E.  HARRINGTON.  Tenuicoris  myrmeforme : A 

New  Genus  and  Species  of  Myodochini  (Hemiptera:  Lygaeidae)  173 

SNELLING,  ROY  R.  Studies  on  California  Ants.  8.  A New  Species  of  Cardiocondyla 
(Hymenoptera:  Formicidae)  76 

THOMPSON,  F.  CHRISTIAN.  The  Genus  Pterallastes  Loew  (Diptera:  Syrphidae)  ....  15 

VAN  SICKLE,  DEBRA  and  R.  M.  WESELOH.  Habitat  Variables  That  Influence  the 
Attack  by  Hyperparasites  of  Apanteles  melanoscelus  Cocoons  2 

VAURIE,  PATRICIA.  Synonymy  in  Sphenophorus  pertinax  Olivier  (Coleoptera, 
Curculionidae,  Rhynchophorinae)  14 

WHEELER,  GEORGE  C.  and  JEANETTE  WHEELER.  Supplementary  Studies  on 
Ant  Larvae:  Simopone  and  Turneria  103 

WILSON,  EDWARD  O.  and  ROBERT  FAGAN.  On  the  Estimation  of  Total 
Behavioral  Repertories  in  Ants  106 

YOUNG,  ALLEN  M.  Further  Observations  on  the  Natural  History  of  Philaethria 
dido  dido  (Lepidoptera:  Nymphalidae:  Heliconiinae)  30 

YOUNG,  ALLEN  M.  Notes  on  the  Natural  History  of  the  Rare  Adelpha  Butterfly 
(Lepidoptera:  Nymphalidae)  in  Costa  Rican  High  Country  235 

BOOK  REVIEWS 

KLOTS,  ALEXANDER  B.  The  South  Asiatic  Olethreutini  (Lepidoptera,  Tortricidae) . 

A.  Diakonoff  188 

KLOTS,  ALEXANDER  B.  The  Common  Insects  of  North  America.  Lester  A. 
Swann  and  Charles  S.  Papp  213 

MARAMOROSCH,  KARL.  Tissue  Culture:  Methods  and  Applications.  Paul  F. 

Kruse,  Jr.  and  M.  K.  Patterson  201 

MARAMOROSCH,  KARL.  The  Gunong  Benom  Expedition,  1967:  Parts  11-13. 

R.  Traub  212 

XV  INTERNATIONAL  CONGRESS  OF  ENTOMOLOGY  220 

NEW  YORK  ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY  GUEST  SPEAKERS,  1974/1975  219 

PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY 

October  2,  1973-December  18,  1973  245 

iv 


Vol.  LXXXII 


No.  1 

0 \ L^\'  ( . . 


rtf  : i w . >v;r  ^ 


Devoted  to  Entomology  in  General 


; 


» 


The  New  York  Entomological  Society 
Incorporating  The  Brooklyn  Entomological  Society 
Incorporated  May  21,  1968 


The  New  York  Entomological  Society 
Organized  June  29,  1892 — Incorporated  February  25,  1893 
Reincorporated  February  17,  1943 


m 


The  Brooklyn  Entomological  Society 

Founded  in  1872 — Incorporated  in  1885 
Reincorporated  February  10,  1936 

The  meetings  of  the  Society  are  held  on  the  first  and  third  Tuesday  of  each  month  (except 
June,  July,  August  and  September)  at  8 p.m.,  in  the  American  Museum  of  Natural 
History,  79th  St.  & Central  Park  W.,  New  York,  N.  Y.  10024. 

Annual  dues  for  Active  Members,  $4.00;  including  subscription  to  the  Journal,  $9.00. 
Members  of  the  Society  will  please  remit  their  annual  dues,  payable  in  January,  to  the 
Treasurer. 


Officers  for  the  Year  1974 

President , Dr.  Daniel  J.  Sullivan/ S.J. 

Fordham  University,  New  York  10458 

Vice-President , Dr.  Peter  Moller 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 
Secretary , Dr.  Charles  C.  Porter 

Fordham  University,  New  York  10458 
Assistant  Secretary , Dr.  Louis  Trombetta 

Pelham  Manor,  New  York  10803 

Treasurer , Dr.  Winifred  B.  Trakimas 

State  University  of  New  York,  Farmingdale,  New  York  11735 
Assistant  Treasurer , Ms.  Joan  DeWind 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 


Class  of  1974 

Dr.  Lee  Herman 


Trustees 


Mr.  Edwin  Way  Teale 


Class  of  1975 


v:  -/ 


Dr.  Howard  Topoff 


■V 


Dr.  Pedro  Wygodzinsky 


Mailed  May  23,  1974 


4 


The  Journal  of  the  New  .York  Entomological  Society  is  published  quarterly  for  the  Society  by  Allen  Press 
Inc.,  1041  New  Hampshire,  Lawrence,  Kansas  66044.  Second  class  postage  paid  at  New/  York,  New  York,  and 
at  additional  mailing  office. 

Known  office1  of  publication : (Central  Park  West  a(  79th  Street,  New  York,  New  York  10024. 


Journal  of  the 

New  York  Entomological  Society 


Volume  LXXXII  March,  1974 


No.  1 


EDITORIAL  BOARD 

Editor  Dr.  Karl  Maramorosch 
Institute  of  Microbiology 
Rutgers  University 
New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903 

Associate  Editors  Dr.  Lawrence  E.  Limpel 
Helen  McCarthy 


Publication  Committee 

Mrs.  Joan  DeWind  Dr.  Ayodha  P.  Gupta 

Dr.  Alexander  B.  Klots,  Chairman 


CONTENTS 

Habitat  Variables  That  Influence  the  Attack  by  Hyperparasites  of  Apanteles 
melanoscelus  Cocoons  Debra  Van  Sickle  and  R.  M.  Weseloh  2 

The  Biology  of  Two  African  Melittid  Bees  (Hymenoptera,  Apoidea)  

Jerome  G.  Rozen,  Jr.  6 

Synonymy  in  Sphenophorus  pertinax  Olivier  (Coleoptera,  Curculionidae, 
Rhynchophorinae)  Patricia  Vaurie  14 

The  Genus  Pterallastes  Loew  (Diptera:  Syrphidae)  F.  Christian  Thompson  15 

Further  Observations  on  the  Natural  History  of  Philaethria  dido  dido 
(Lepidoptera : Nymphalidae:  Heliconiinae)  Allen  M.  Young  30 

Ovipositing  of  Circulifer  tenellus  Baker  (Homoptera,  Cicadellidae)  

Karl  Maramorosch  42 

The  Sphingidae  of  Turrialba,  Costa  Rica  Richard  P.  Seifert  45 

A New  Genus  of  Pentatominae  from  South  America,  Distinguished  by  the 
Position  of  Its  Spiracles  (Hemiptera:  Pentatomidae)  L.  H.  Rolston  57 

Andean  Larvae  and  Chrisalids  of  Dione  juno  andicola  (Bates)  and  Agraulis 
vanillae  lucina  Felder  & Felder  F.  Martin  Brown  61 


Habitat  Variables  That  Influence  the  Attack  by  Hyperparasites 
of  Apanteles  melanoscelus  Cocoons 


Debra  Van  Sickle  and  R.  M.  Weseloh 
Department  of  Entomology,  The  Connecticut  Agricultural  Experiment  Station, 

New  Haven  06504 

Received  for  Publication  September  18,  1973 


Abstract:  Overwintering  cocoons  of  Apanteles  melanoscelus  Ratzeburg  (Hymenoptera: 

Braconidae),  a larval  parasite  of  the  gypsy  moth  Porthetria  dispar  L.  (Lepidoptera:  Ly- 

mantriidae),  were  collected  from  the  field,  and  laboratory-reared  cocoons  were  exposed  in 
the  field  to  determine  under  what  situations  they  would  be  most  readily  attacked  by  hyper- 
parasites. It  was  found  that  hidden  cocoons  were  attacked  more  readily  than  exposed 
ones  and  that  percent  parasitism  increased  as  the  season  progressed. 


INTRODUCTION 

Insect  hyperparasites  may  be  a problem  in  the  establishment  of  imported 
insect  enemies  for  the  control  of  injurious  insects.  As  Muesebeck  and  Dohan- 
ian  (1927)  point  out,  hyperparasites  could  overwhelm  primary  parasites  before 
the  latter  become  established.  Even  after  establishment,  hyperparasites  may 
be  important  in  suppressing  primary  parasites  so  that  the  latter  are  not  effec- 
tive. This  is  evidently  the  case  for  Apanteles  melanoscelus  Ratzeburg  (Hyme- 
noptera: Braconidae),  a bivoltine  oligophagous  imported  parasite  of  the  gypsy 
moth  Porthetria  dispar  (L.)  (Lepidoptera:  Lymantriidae) . A.  melanoscelus 
overwinters  as  a mature  larva  within  a cocoon  that  is  exposed  to  the  attack 
of  hyperparasites  throughout  late  summer  and  autumn.  The  cocoons  are  at- 
tacked by  over  thirty  native  hymenopterous  hyperparasites  that  are  mainly 
in  the  superfamilies  Ichneumonoidea  and  Chalcidoidea  (Muesebeck  and  Do- 
hanian,  1927).  The  objective  of  this  study  was  to  determine  if  habitat  varia- 
tion in  the  placement  of  overwintering  cocoons  of  A.  melanoscelus  had  any  ef- 
fect on  the  extent  of  hyperparasitism. 

MATERIALS  AND  METHODS 

Two  procedures  were  used  to  determine  the  incidence  of  parasitism  on  A. 
melanoscelus  cocoons. 

Field  Collections . Approximately  300  overwintering  cocoons  of  A.  melano- 
scelus were  collected  from  trees  in  various  forested  sites  in  southcentral  Con- 
necticut during  July,  1973.  Each  cocoon  was  placed  individually  in  a 2-in. 
plastic  cream  cup  and  the  date  of  collection,  height  of  cocoon  above  ground, 
and  extent  of  exposure  were  recorded.  Cocoons  were  considered  to  be  in  a 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  2-5.  March,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


3 


nonexposed  situation  if  they  were  under  bark  flaps,  in  cracks,  etc.  Collections 
were  made  from  both  dead  and  living  trees,  up  to  7 ft  above  ground.  No  at- 
tempt was  made  to  record  species  of  trees.  Cocoons  were  kept  in  an  incubator 
at  24°C  and  20  hr  light/day  for  emergence  of  hyperparasites.  Cocoons  that 
had  no  exit  holes  were  dissected  at  the  end  of  July  to  determine  if  they  had 
been  hyperparasitized.  Cocoons  that  had  exit  holes  at  the  time  of  collection 
were  assumed  to  have  formed  the  year  before.  They  were  classified  as  to 
whether  or  not  a hyperparasite  had  emerged  by  characteristics  of  their  exit 
holes.  Data  were  converted  to  percentages  and  analyzed  after  transformation 
to  arcsines. 

Placement  of  Lab  oratory -Reared  Cocoons.  To  exercise  better  control  over 
cocoon  placement,  laboratory-reared  A.  melanoscelus  cocoons  were  exposed  in 
the  field  according  to  the  following  procedure. 

First-instar  gypsy  moth  larvae  were  paratisized  by  adult  females  of  A.  melano- 
scelus and  kept  in  a light  chamber  at  24 °C  and  14  hr  light/day  (to  induce 
diapause  in  the  A.  melanoscelus  larvae).  The  caterpillars  were  fed  an  artificial 
diet  until  overwintering  cocoons  of  the  parasite  formed.  These  cocoons  were 
placed  in  the  field  in  two  sites  in  Guilford,  Conn.  At  each  site,  two  dead  oak 
trees  of  about  6 in.  diameter  were  selected.  Eight  cocoons  were  placed  at  each 
of  three  heights  (0,  3,  6 ft)  on  the  trunk  of  each  tree.  Four  were  placed  in 
an  exposed  position  and  four  were  placed  under  a bark  flap.  Elmer’s  Milk 
Glue  was  used  to  hold  the  cocoons  in  place. 

Cocoons  were  also  placed  in  other  situations  as  indicated  below.  On  a living 
oak  tree  at  each  site,  four  cocoons  were  placed  in  each  of  four  situations  at 
the  6-ft  level.  The  situations  were:  (1)  exposed  on  the  trunk,  (2)  nonexposed 
under  a bark  flap  on  the  trunk,  (3)  exposed  on  a small  twig,  and  (4)  exposed 
on  the  undersurface  of  a leaf.  Cocoons  were  also  placed  on  a large  2 ft  diam. 
rock  at  each  site.  Four  cocoons  were  exposed  on  top  of  the  rock  and  four  were 
placed  in  a nonexposed  position  under  the  overhanging  ledge  of  the  rock. 

Cocoons  were  left  out  for  eleven  days  beginning  July  16,  1973.  They  were 
then  collected  and  dissected  to  determine  incidence  of  hyperparasitism. 

RESULTS 

At  least  seven  different  species  of  hyperparasites  in  four  different  families 
emerged  from  the  field-collected  cocoons.  The  families  were:  Ichneumonidae, 
Encyrtidae,  Eurytomidae,  and  Pteromalidae.  None  were  identified  by  species. 

For  the  field-collected  cocoons  there  was  no  difference  in  hyperparasitism 
at  the  different  heights.  A two-way  analysis  of  variance  was  performed  by 
grouping  the  data  by  exposure  and  dates  collected;  the  results  are  presented 
in  Table  1.  Variation  due  to  dates  and  length  of  exposure  was  significant.  Per- 
cent hyperparasitism  increased  as  the  summer  progressed,  and  the  highest 


4 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Table  1.  Percent  parasitism  by  hyperparasites  of  cocoons  of  A.  melanoscelus  collected 

in  the  field 


Collection  Dates 


Exposure 

July 

2,  3,  5 

July 
6,  9,  10 

July 

11-13 

July 

16,  18,  23 

Season 

1972 

(old  cocoons) 

Exposed 

8 

32 

33 

53 

78 

Nonexposed 

9 

56 

56 

69 

91 

percent  hyperparasitism  was  for  those  cocoons,  formed  during  the  previous 
year,  that  were  exposed  to  the  attack  of  hyperparasites  the  previous  summer 
and  autumn.  Table  1 also  shows  that  nonexposed  cocoons  were  attacked  more 
readily  than  exposed  cocoons. 

For  the  laboratory-reared  cocoons,  an  analysis  of  variance  on  percent  para- 
sitism of  cocoons  placed  on  the  four  dead  trees  failed  to  show  any  differences 
in  height  or  exposure.  Analyses  of  variance  were  not  run  for  the  other  situa- 
tions, but  it  would  appear  that  exposed  cocoons  were  generally  attacked  less 
by  hyperparasites  than  nonexposed  cocoons  (Table  2). 

DISCUSSION 

Increase  in  percent  parasitism  by  hyperparasites  as  the  season  progresses 
has  been  noted  by  Muesebeck  and  Dohanian  (1927),  Clancy  (1944),  and 
Schlinger  (1960).  As  the  summer  progresses,  the  hyperparasites  that  attack 
A.  melanoscelus  are  evidently  able  to  parasitize  a greater  and  greater  propor- 
tion of  the  host  population,  eventually  destroying  up  to  90  percent  of  them. 


Table  2.  Percent  parasitism  by  hyperparasites  of  A.  melanoscelus  cocoons  reared  in  the 
laboratory  and  placed  in  the  field.  July  16-27,  1973 


Height 


Situation  0 ft  3 ft  6 ft 


Four  dead  trees 

Exposed  37  19  56 

Nonexposed  44  4 50 

Two  living  trees 

Exposed  on  trunk  62 

Nonexposed  on  trunk  75 

Exposed  on  twig  62 

Exposed  under  leaf  38 

Two  rocks 

Exposed  38 


Nonexposed  62 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


5 


Of  perhaps  more  interest  is  the  rather  unexpected  result  that  hyperparasites 
attack  nonexposed  cocoons  more  readily  than  exposed  ones.  Evidently  these 
hyperparasites  search  for  hosts  primarily  in  concealed  locations.  As  most  co- 
coons of  A.  melanoscelus  are  found  in  nonexposed  situations,  especially  under 
bark  flaps,  the  hyperparasites  are  well  adapted  to  exploitation  of  this  insect. 


Literature  Cited 

Clancy,  D.  W.  1944.  Hyperparasitization  of  Clausenia  purpurea  Ishii,  an  important 
parasite  of  the  Comstock  mealybug.  J.  Econ.  Entomol.,  37:  450-451. 

Muesebeck,  C.  F.  W.  and  Dohanian,  S.  M.  1927.  A study  in  hyperparasitism,  with  par- 
ticular reference  to  the  parasites  of  Apanteles  melanoscelus  (Ratzeburg).  U.S.D.A. 
Bull.  1487,  35  pp. 

Schlinger,  E.  I.  1960.  Diapause  and  secondary  parasites  nullify  the  effectiveness  of 
rose  aphid  parasites  in  Riverside,  California,  1957-1958.  J.  Econ.  Entomol.,  53: 
151-154. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


The  Biology  of  Two  African  Melittid  Bees  (Hymenoptera,  Apoidea) 

Jerome  G.  Rozen,  Jr.1 

Received  eor  Publication  October  18,  1973 

INTRODUCTION 

In  terms  of  anatomical  structures  of  both  larvae  and  adults,  bees  belonging 
to  the  Melittidae  are  diverse  even  though  the  family  is  small.  We  do  not  know 
if  this  diversity  is  also  revealed  in  their  life  histories  because  their  biology  has 
been  little  studied.  I present  the  following  with  the  hope  that  it  will  augment 
what  is  already  known  about  their  biology  and  that  it  will  lead  eventually  to 
a better  understanding  of  the  phylogeny  of  the  family. 

These  observations  were  made  on  a trip  in  October,  1972,  to  the  Western 
Cape  Region  of  the  Republic  of  South  Africa.  Although  three  of  the  four  sub- 
families of  melittids  (Melittinae,  Dasypodinae,  and  Ctenoplectrinae)  occur  in 
southern  Africa,  these  notes  refer  only  to  two  species  in  the  Dasypodinae,  Capi- 
cola braunsiana  and  Haplomelitta  ogilviei.  Adults  of  Melitta  capensis  Friese 
(Melittinae)  were  also  seen  but  nests  could  not  be  located.  This  species  mimics 
Apis  mellifera  Linnaeus  to  a remarkable  extent  as  do  species  of  a number  of 
other  genera  of  African  bees.  Ctenoplectrinae  apparently  do  not  occur  in  the 
arid  regions  where  my  observations  were  carried  out.  Mature  larvae  of  Capi- 
cola  braunsiana  were  described  in  a separate  paper  by  Rozen  and  McGinley 
(in  press).  Adults  and  immatures  collected  in  connection  with  this  study  are 
deposited  in  The  American  Museum  of  Natural  History. 

My  studies  were  greatly  assisted  by  Dr.  F.  Christian  Thompson  and  Mr. 
Ronald  J.  McGinley  whose  companionship  I enjoyed  on  the  trip.  Dr.  Gerald 
I.  Stage,  University  of  Connecticut,  Storrs,  aided  in  the  identification  of  adult 
bees.  The  research  was  supported  by  National  Science  Foundation  Grant 
GB32193. 

Capicola  braunsiana  Friese 

This  species  was  found  nesting  at  67  km.  east  of  Port  Nolloth,  Cape  Prov- 
ince, Republic  of  South  Africa,  on  October  17,  1972,  by  Dr.  Thompson.  He 
and  Mr.  McGinley  assisted  me  in  the  excavation  of  the  site  between  2 and  5 
p.m.  on  the  same  day,  which  was  clear  and  sunny.  The  nesting  area  (Fig.  1) 
was  in  a sandy,  treeless  region  with  low  hills  and  numerous  widely  spaced 


1 Deputy  Director  for  Research  and  Curator  of  Hymenoptera,  The  American  Museum 
of  Natural  History,  Central  Park  West  at  79th  Street,  New  York,  New  York  10024 
Abstract:  This  paper  treats  the  nesting  biology  of  Capicola  braunsiana  Friese  and  Hap- 
lomelitta ogilviei  (Cockerell)  (Melittidae,  Dasypodinae)  from  Cape  Province,  Republic 
of  South  Africa. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  6-13.  March,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


7 


Fig.  1.  Nesting  site  of  Capicola  braunsiana,  67  kilometers  east  of  Port  Nolloth,  Cape 
Province,  Republic  of  South  Africa.  Large-leafed  vegetation  is  pollen  plant. 

Fig.  2.  Nesting  site  of  Haplomelitta  ogilviei , 28  kilometers  east  of  Velddrif,  Cape  Prov- 
ince, Republic  of  South  Africa.  Dr.  F.  Christian  Thompson  is  peering  into  excavation  of 
nest. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


desert  plants,  most  conspicuously  succulents  belonging  to  the  Mesembryanthe- 
mum,  sensu  lato,  (Aizoaceae).  The  gently  sloping  nesting  site,  covering  an 
area  of  approximately  two  meters  square,  was  mostly  barren  sand  with  a few 
plants  including  the  pollen  plant,  a large,  unidentified  species  of  Mesembryan- 
themum ; none  of  the  plants  shaded  the  nesting  site  appreciably.  Dry  loose 
sand  mixed  with  some  gravel  and  a few  stones  on  the  surface,  the  soil  was  more 
consolidated  below  the  surface  and  became  moist  at  a depth  of  about  12  cm. 
No  other  species  of  bee  was  seen  burrowing  at  the  site  during  the  course  of  the 
brief  observations  but  a nest  of  an  halictid,  probably  Dialictus,  was  uncovered. 

Nesting  Activity:  Although  time  did  not  permit  an  accurate  counting,  at 
least  seven  nests  were  definitely  identified  and  other  female  bees  flying  around 
suggested  that  additional  nests — perhaps  a total  of  ten  to  fifteen — were  pres- 
ent within  the  two-meter-square  area.  About  half  the  nest  entrances  were 
adjacent  to  or  under  small  stones  on  the  surface  of  the  ground,  and  the  other 
entrances  were  in  the  open.  Tumuli  were  observed  around  some  of  the  en- 
trances but  in  most  cases  excavated  material  apparently  was  quickly  blown 
away. 

The  following  information  was  obtained  from  excavating  two  nests  (Figs.  3, 
4).  In  each  case  the  main  tunnel,  open  at  the  surface,  descended  obliquely 
with  considerable  meandering  to  a depth  of  about  13  to  15  cm.  The  average 
rate  of  descent  was  somewhat  less  than  45  degrees  from  the  horizontal.  The 
main  tunnel,  3.0  mm.  in  diameter,  seemed  to  be  clogged  with  soil  at  various 
intervals  along  the  way  but  had  some  open  spaces  between  and  apparently 
was  open  more  below  than  near  the  surface.  Its  wall  was  smooth  and  without 
a special  lining.  In  one  nest  (Fig.  3),  the  tunnel,  after  reaching  a depth  of 
about  13  cm.,  gave  rise  to  a linear  series  of  four  cells,  each  containing  a mature 
larva.  The  tunnel  then  turned  sharply  and  extended  for  13  cm.  in  a unidirec- 
tional but  somewhat  meandering  fashion,  dropping  only  about  2 cm.  over  that 
length.  It  ended  in  an  open  cell  containing  a fully  formed  pollen  ball.  In  the 
other  nest  (Fig.  4)  the  tunnel  ended  in  a linear  series  of  three  cells  as  soon  as 
it  reached  a depth  of  14.5  cm.  The  cell  closest  to  the  tunnel  was  open  and  un- 
provisioned; the  other  two  contained  pollen  masses  and  eggs.  In  a third  nest, 
more  hastily  excavated  than  the  other  two,  the  main  tunnel  ran  in  meandering 
fashion  downward  to  a depth  of  14  cm.,  over  a distance  of  about  32  cm.,  and 
ended  in  a linear  sequence  of  three  cells;  the  cell  closest  to  the  tunnel  was  open, 
the  second  was  closed  and  contained  a pollen  ball  and  presumably  an  egg,  and 
the  third  contained  a pollen  ball  and  an  egg. 

Hence,  except  for  the  single  terminal  cell  in  the  first  nest,  all  cells  seemed 
to  be  arranged  in  a linear  series.  In  the  first  nest  cells  in  series  were  separated 
by  a distance  of  1.5  to  2.0  mm.  Cells  from  all  nests  ranged  in  maximum  length 
from  7.0  to  7.5  mm.  (five  measurements)  and  in  maximum  diameter  from 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


9 


4.5  to  5.0  mm.  (five  measurements).  They  were  broadly  rounded  at  the  rear 
and  more  narrowed  in  front.  Their  long  axis  tilted  from  30  degrees  to  45  de- 
grees from  the  horizontal  and  the  anterior  end  was  higher.  Although  cell  walls 
appeared  to  be  unlined,  having  a dull  finish,  a droplet  of  water  placed  upon 
the  floor  showed  that  it  was  waterproof  while  the  upper  part  of  the  wall,  simi- 
larly treated,  only  retarded  absorption.  Closures  were  concave  on  the  inside 
with  at  best  an  indistinct  spiral. 

Only  a single  adult  female  was  associated  with  each  nest.  However,  the 
first  nest  consisted  of  a newly  provisioned  cell  and  four  cells  each  with  a ma- 
ture larva.  As  the  female  associated  with  the  nest  was  fresh,  she  was  presum- 
ably not  the  parent  of  the  larvae.  Perhaps  the  nest  had  been  occupied  previ- 
ously by  another  female. 

Provisioning:  The  pollen  plant  grew  profusely  in  the  general  area  and  was 
found  on  the  nesting  site  itself  (Fig.  1).  The  bee  however  apparently  visits  a 
number  of  species  of  Mesembryanthemum  as  it  had  been  taken  elsewhere,  on 
other  plants.  The  flowers  of  the  pollen  plant  opened  about  2 p.m.  The  female 
transported  the  pollen  dry  to  the  nest  and  there  formed  it  into  a perfect  sphere, 
which  was  2.5  to  2.9  mm.  (three  measurements)  in  diameter,  mealy-moist 
throughout,  pale  green  in  color,  and  emitted  no  detectable  odor. 

Development:  Several  strongly  curved  eggs,  translucent  white  with  a shiny 
chorion,  were  each  found  on  top  of  the  pollen  sphere  in  the  longitudinal  verti- 
cal plane  of  the  cell.  They  were  oriented  with  their  anterior  end  toward  the 
front  of  the  cell.  Their  anterior  and  posterior  ends  were  attached  to  the  pollen 
mass  while  the  middle  looped  upward.  Two  eggs  measured  1.8  to  2.0  mm.  in 
length  and  one  was  0.45  mm.  maximum  diameter. 

No  feeding  larvae  were  found  but  the  four  predefecating  mature  larvae 
from  the  first  nest  were  oriented  so  that  their  posterior  ends  were  at  the  rear 
of  the  cells.  Each  started  defecating  within  a few  hours  of  being  brought  in 
from  the  field.  The  feces  are  probably  deposited,  at  least  in  part  and  perhaps 
entirely,  toward  the  rear  of  the  cell.  All  had  completed  defecation  by  October 
22,  1972,  at  which  time  pupal  features  could  be  seen  through  the  larval  integu- 
ment. This  fact  indicates  either  that  the  species  has  a number  of  generations 
per  year  or  that  unlike  Melitta,  Macro  pis,  Dasypoda,  and  Hes  per  apis  it  over- 
winters as  an  adult  rather  than  as  a postdefecating  larva.  The  larva  closest 
to  the  burrow  was  male,  the  farthest  female;  the  sex  of  the  other  two  is  un- 
known. 

No  parasitic  bees  were  found  in  the  vicinity  of  the  nesting  site. 

Haplomelitta  ogilviei  (Cockerell) 

This  species  was  located  first  on  October  15,  1972,  at  28  km.  east  of  Veld- 
drif,  Cape  Province,  Republic  of  South  Africa.  At  that  time  the  season  was 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


early  in  that  neither  the  bees  nor  their  pollen  flowers  were  numerous.  Conse- 
quently the  area  was  revisited  on  October  23,  when  the  following  observations 
were  made. 

The  site  was  in  an  extensive  sandy  region,  the  “Sandvelt,”  that  extends 
from  the  mountains  to  the  Atlantic  coast.  There  is  sufficient  moisture  for 
wheat  farming  and  the  site  had  been  rained  on  the  day  prior  to  my  excavations. 
The  original  vegetation  was  probably  a semiarid  scrub,  although  now  the  sur- 
rounding area  is  wheatlands.  The  nesting  site  and  also  the  pollen  plant  (Fig. 
2 ) occurred  along  the  sides  of  a paved  road,  where  the  ground  surface  was  flat, 
sandy,  and  covered  with  low  herbs,  including  a very  common  yellow-flowered 
composite  and  the  rather  rare  purple-flowered  Monop  sis  simplex  (Linnaeus) 
E.  Wimmer,  the  pollen  source  of  Haplomelitta  ogilviei.  Only  two  nests  were 
found;  neither  was  shaded  by  the  vegetation.  The  soil  immediately  below  the 
surface  was  moist  because  of  the  rain  the  previous  day.  The  bee  fauna  of  the 
area  was  abundant,  with  Capicola,  Scrapter , halictids,  and  associated  parasitic 
bees  fairly  common. 

Nesting  Activity:  The  two  nest  entrances  were  widely  separated,  one  among 
the  pollen  plants  that  grew  most  abundantly  on  the  south  side  of  the  road  and 
the  other  65  to  70  m.  away  on  the  north  side.  Neither  entrance  was  associated 
with  an  object,  such  as  a stone  or  twig,  and  both  entered  the  ground  obliquely 
where  it  was  level.  The  low  tumulus,  2.0  to  3.0  cm.  in  diameter,  was  to  one 
side  of  the  entrance,  the  side  away  from  the  descending  tunnel. 

In  each  nest  (Figs.  5,  6)  the  main  tunnel  was  open,  extending  at  first  obliquel)' 
downward  and  then  descending  nearly  vertically.  It  was  circular  in  cross  sec- 
tion on  one  nest  5.0  mm.  in  diameter,  and  on  the  other  varying  from  4.0  to  5.0 
mm.  in  diameter.  Both  tunnels  ended  in  single  cells.  In  the  first  nest  exca- 
vated, the  cell  was  open;  in  the  other,  closed.  In  each  nest  the  diameter  of 
the  tunnel  immediately  before  the  open  cell  was  4.0  mm.  in  diameter,  some- 
what less  than  the  remaining  burrow  and  the  terminal  3 cm.  of  the  tunnel  de- 
scended only  very  slightly.  The  cells  were  very  shallow,  being  4 and  6 cm.  in 
depth.  Both  tilted  from  the  horizontal  by  about  30  degrees  and  had  their  an- 
terior ends  higher.  They  were  comparatively  short  (7.0  and  8.0  mm.  long)  in 
relation  to  width  (6.0  mm.).  Although  without  a visible  lining,  the  cell  wall 
was  somewhat  waterproof  when  tested  with  a droplet  of  water  and  the  wall 
was  slightly  more  rigid  than  the  surrounding  soil,  an  indication  that  the  female 
had  applied  some  substance  that  had  permeated  the  soil.  The  cell  closure  was 
a partition  of  soil  (mostly  sand),  evenly  concave  on  the  outside.  On  the  inside 
no  spiral  could  be  detected,  the  closure  seeming  to  consist  of  a single  ring.  The 
thickness  of  the  closure  at  its  middle  was  1.0  to  1.5  mm.;  at  the  periphery, 
approximately  3.0  mm. 

This  species  may  normally  construct  only  a single  cell  to  the  nest  because 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


11 


Figs.  3,  4.  Highly  diagrammatic  representation  of  two  nests  of  Capicola  braunsiana. 

Figs.  5,  6.  Semidiagrammatic  representation  of  the  nests  of  Haplomelitta  ogilviei  show- 
ing contents  of  cells.  These  illustrations  are  more  precise  than  Figs.  3 and  4. 

Fig.  7.  Pollen  ball  and  egg  of  Haplomelitta  ogilviei. 

Fig.  8.  Posterior  edge  of  mesosoma  and  base  of  metasoma  of  female  of  Haplomelitta 
ogilviei , ventral  view. 

Fig.  9.  Apex  of  median  process  of  metasomal  sternum  I of  female  of  Haplomelitta  ogil- 
viei, posterior  view. 


(1)  the  cells  were  very  shallow;  (2)  each  nest  had  only  a single  cell;  (3)  the 
wings  of  the  females  from  the  nest  were  frayed  (suggesting  they  had  been  ac- 
tive for  a considerable  period);  and  (4)  the  female  of  the  second  nest,  after 
closing  the  cell,  departed  without  first  constructing  either  another  lateral  or 
a cell  immediately  in  front  of  the  closed  cell. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Provisioning:  Females,  when  gathering  pollen  from  the  flowers  of  Monop- 
sis  simplex,  flew  from  flower  to  flower  until  a sufficient  quantity  of  pollen  had 
been  accumulated  on  their  hind  legs  and  then  would  depart  for  the  nest.  Both 
females  seen  entering  nests  did  so  without  first  searching  for  entrances.  One 
female  was  followed  for  65  to  70  m.  on  her  return  to  the  nest  from  the  pollen 
flowers,  a path  that  took  her  across  the  road.  Although  strong  winds  caused 
her  to  land  occasionally,  her  general  route  was  direct. 

The  open  cell  contained  a pollen  ball,  2.25  mm.  in  diameter,  which  was 
spherical  and  of  the  same  mealy-moist  consistency  as  the  provisions  in  the 
other  nest.  Its  small  size  and  the  fact  that  the  cell  was  still  open  indicated  that 
it  was  a preliminary  deposit  of  food.  This  species  and  certain  panurgines  (in- 
cluding N omadopsis,  Calliopsis,  and  most  Perdita)  are  the  only  bees  known  to 
me  to  shape  preliminary  provisions.  The  female  removed  the  pollen  from  her 
legs,  shaped  the  sphere,  and  departed  from  the  nest  during  a period  of  from  one 
to  two  minutes.  The  other  cell  contained  a complete  pale  grayish  yellow  pollen 
ball,  3.25  mm.  in  diameter,  spherical,  and  evenly  mealy-moist,  which  was  not 
coated  with  a waterproof  substance.  The  female  finished  adding  to  and  shaping 
the  provisions,  deposited  an  egg,  and  closed  the  cell  during  a period  of  approxi- 
mately one  half-hour. 

Development:  The  egg  (Fig.  7),  approximately  2.4  mm.  long  and  0.5  mm. 
wide  at  maximum  diameter,  was  elongate,  curved,  translucent  white,  and  with 
a shiny  chorion.  Its  anterior  end  was  blunter  than  the  posterior  and  it  was  at- 
tached to  the  pollen  sphere  by  its  ends,  whereas  the  middle  part  did  not  touch 
the  food.  The  anterior  tip  of  the  egg  was  at  the  top  of  the  pollen  mass  (Fig.  7) 
and  the  rest  of  the  egg  was  to  the  rear  of  the  pollen  ball.  Although  in  general 
its  long  axis  was  in  the  vertical  longitudinal  plane  of  the  cell,  the  egg  curved 
slightly  toward  the  rear  as  seen  from  above,  a situation  that  probably  was 
atypical. 

Cycles  of  Activity:  The  nests  of  the  species  were  studied  on  a cool  day  that 
was  partly  cloudy  in  the  morning  but  cleared  toward  noon.  No  adults  were 
flying  at  11:00  a.m.,  the  first  males  were  observed  around  noontime,  and  the 
females  became  active  at  about  1:30  p.m.  Activity  decreased  after  3 p.m., 
perhaps  because  the  weather  again  turned  cool  and  partly  cloudy.  Adults  were 
quite  active  during  the  early  afternoon  when  the  site  was  first  discovered  on 
October  15.  Although  the  above  observations  are  obviously  incomplete,  these 
bees  may  be  active  primarily  during  the  early  afternoon,  a diurnal  activity 
fairly  common  among  other  South  African  bees. 

When  active  the  males  flew  close  to  the  ground  from  one  flower  of  Monopsis 
simplex  to  another,  and  often  rested  on  the  ground  or  sat  on  the  flowers.  While 
on  the  flowers  they  lay  motionless  across  the  blossom,  antennae  erect,  and 
head  usually,  if  not  always,  at  the  edge  of  the  corolla.  On  the  ground,  they 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


13 


consistently  rested  with  their  hind  legs  spreading  somewhat  from  their  body 
in  a stereotyped  pose  that  males  of  most  bees  assume.  The  somewhat  inflated 
hind  basitarsus  of  the  male  may  be  a correlation  with  this  posture.  Because 
females  entered  the  center  of  the  flower  head  first  they  could  be  easily  dis- 
tinguished from  males,  which  merely  sat  across  the  bellshaped  flower.  Because 
of  their  larger  size  and  the  fact  that  the  hind  legs  were  not  slightly  spread,  fe- 
males resting  on  the  ground  could  be  easily  separated  from  males. 

Females  display  a median  projection  (Fig.  8)  on  the  ventral  conjunctiva 
between  the  mesosoma  and  the  metasoma.  This  projection  is  apparently  asso- 
ciated with  a peculiar  modification  of  the  first  metasomal  sternum  which  is 
deeply  emarginate  posteriorly  and  possesses  a thin  median  process.  The  process 
expands  slightly  at  the  apex  and  gives  rise  to  two  ventrally  directed,  short, 
apically  flattened  branches  (Fig.  9).  No  observations  were  made  that  explained 
the  function  of  these  adaptations. 

Parasitism:  Parasitic  bees  were  not  found  in  definite  association  with  either 
nest.  Although  Pseudodichroa , Sphecodopsis,  and  Sphecodes  were  captured 
in  the  area,  they  seemed  to  be  associated  with  solitary  bees  other  than  Haplo- 
melitta.  These  parasitic  bees  and  H.  ogilviei  have  the  same  general  body  color 
pattern,  i.e.,  pitch  black  head  and  mesosoma  and  a deep  red  metasoma  with 
a black  apex.  The  coloration  seems  to  represent  a wide-ranging  mimetic  color 
pattern  especially  common  among  South  African  parasitic  bees  as  well  as  some 
nonparasitic  forms. 


Literature  Cited 

Rozen,  Jerome  G.,  Jr.,  and  McGinley,  Ronald  J.  Phylogeny  and  systematics  of  Melit- 
tidae  based  on  the  mature  larvae  (Insecta,  Hymenoptera,  Apoidea).  Amer.  Mus. 
Novitates.  [In  Press.] 


14 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Synonymy  in  Splienophorus  pertinax  Olivier 
(Coleoptera,  Curculionidae,  Rhyncliopliorinae) 

Patricia  Vaurie 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  City 
Received  for  Publication  October  2,  1973 


Sphenophorus  pertinax  peninsularis  Chittenden,  1905  (Jacksonville,  Florida) 
is  not  separable  from  nominate  pertinax  Olivier,  1807  (New  Jersey).  NEW 
SYNONYMY. 

Sphenophorus  peninsularis , described  as  a species,  was  considered  a subspe- 
cies of  pertinax  by  Vaurie  (1951)  on  the  basis  of  six  specimens  from  eastern 
Florida  and  Georgia  and  an  additional  specimen  (Vaurie,  1967)  from  North 
Carolina.  These  specimens  differed  from  nominate  pertinax  (Virginia  north 
to  northern  New  England  and  west  to  South  Dakota)  by  having  the  three 
pronotal  vittae  more  widely  separated  and  the  sides  ventrally  coated,  not  shin- 
ing. However,  specimens  seen  subsequently  from  the  intervening  area  of  South 
Carolina  (1  $ from  Little  River,  and  1 $ and  4 2 from  Myrtle  Beach)  belong 
to  nominate  pertinax  because  the  vittae  are  not  separated  “by  at  least  twice 
their  own  width”  (Vaurie,  1951,  p.  163),  and  only  two  of  the  six  specimens  are 
coated  ventrally.  I no  longer  have  the  example  from  Wrightsville  Beach,  North 
Carolina,  which  I had  considered  to  be  peninsularis , but  presumably  its  pronotal 
vittae  were  widely  separated.  It  was  collected  from  a plant  of  the  same  genus, 
Spartina,  as  nominate  pertinax , but  the  species  was  alt erni flora  instead  of  cyno- 
suroides.  Thus  the  range  of  nominate  pertinax  extends  the  entire  length  of 
the  Atlantic  coast. 

Another  subspecies,  ludovicianus  Chittenden  (type  locality,  New  Orleans, 
Louisiana),  occurs  from  extreme  northwestern  Florida  and  Alabama  north  to 
southern  Missouri,  west  to  eastern  Texas.  The  vittae  of  this  subspecies  are 
only  partially  separated  and  the  bare  elytral  stripes  are  longer  than  those  of 
nominate  pertinax. 


Literature  Cited 

Vaurie,  P.  1951.  Revision  of  the  genus  Calendra  (formerly  Sphenophorus ) in  the  United 
States  and  Mexico  (Coleoptera,  Curculionidae). 

. 1967.  A new  Spenophorus  from  Arizona  and  distributional  notes  (Coleoptera: 

Curculionidae) . 


New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  14.  March,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


15 


The  Genus  Pterallastes  Loew  (Diptera:  Syrphidae) 

F.  Christian  Thompson 

Department  of  Entomology,  The  American  Museum  of  Natural  History, 
New  York,  New  York 

Received  for  Publication  October  9,  1973 


Abstract:  The  genus  Pterallastes  Loew  is  reviewed,  its  phylogeny  and  distribution  dis- 
cussed, the  key  to  and  figures  of  its  species  are  given,  Pseudozetterstedtia  Shiraki  is  synon- 
ymized  under  it,  and  bomboides  (China)  is  described  as  a new  species  of  it. 


INTRODUCTION 

The  genus  Pterallastes  has  been  previously  known  only  from  the  northeastern 
United  States,  where  it  is  represented  by  a single  species,  thoracicus  Loew.  The 
discovery  of  a new  Pterallastes  species  from  the  Szechuan  Province  of  China 
has  prompted  a review  of  the  whole  genus,  the  results  of  which  are  presented 
below. 

Loew  (1863)  described  Pterallastes  for  two  new  species  but  Osten  Sacken 
(1875)  later  indicated  that  the  two  species  were  not  congeneric  and  restricted 
Pterallastes  to  thoracicus  Loew,  which  he  designated  as  the  type  species.  He 
erected  Teuchocnemis  for  the  other  species,  lituratus  Loew,  including  also  Mi- 
lesia  bacuntius  Walker.  Van  der  Wulp  (1888),  unaware  of  Osten  Sacken’s 
restriction  of  the  generic  limits  of  Pterallastes , described  a new  species  of 
Pterallastes , nubeculosus,  from  Argentina,  which  he  stated  was  closely  allied 
to  lituratus.  Thus,  even  if  van  der  Wulp’s  statements  about  relationships  of 
his  species  to  lituratus  were  accurate,  his  species  would  be  assignable  to  Teuchoc- 
nemis Osten  Sacken,  not  Pterallastes.  However,  van  der  Wulp  states  the  nube- 
culosus has  pilose  eyes  and  this  character  state  clearly  excludes  his  species 
from  both  Pterallastes  and  Teuchocnemis.  Two  other  Nearctic  species  were 
originally  described  in  Pterallastes , perfidious  Hunter  and  borealis  Cole  [ = 

Acknowledgments:  I would  like  to  thank  Drs.  H.  E.  Evans  and  J.  F.  Lawrence  of  the 
Museum  of  Comparative  Zoology,  Cambridge,  for  the  privilege  of  studying  the  material 
in  their  care;  Drs.  V.  S.  van  der  Goot  of  Amsterdam,  Netherlands,  and  Prof.  A.  A.  Stackel- 
berg  of  the  Zoological  Institute,  Leningrad,  for  the  gift  of  the  Pseudozetterstedtia  uni- 
color Shiraki  material  used  in  this  study;  Dr.  G.  B.  Fairchild  of  the  University  of  Florida, 
Gainesville,  for  his  information  with  regard  to  the  types  of  species  described  by  van  der 
Wulp;  Dr.  L.  V.  Knutson,  of  the  Systematic  Entomology  Laboratory,  USDA,  for  per- 
mission to  study  the  material  in  his  care;  and  Dr.  J.  R.  Vockeroth  of  the  Entomology  Re- 
search Institute,  Canada  Department  of  Agriculture,  for  searching  for  the  type  of  “ Pteral- 
lastes” nubeculosus  van  der  Wulp  and  his  comments  on  the  relationships  of  Pterallastes 
and  its  related  genera. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  15-29.  March,  1974. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


colei  (Wirth)],  but  both  belong  to  Helophilus  ( Anasimyia ) (Curran  and  Fluke, 
1926;  Shannon,  1926;  Wirth  et  al.,  1965). 

The  search  for  the  sister  group  of  Pterallastes  led  to  the  discovery  that  Shir- 
aki’s  subgenus  M allot  a ( Pseudozetterstedtia ) was  based  on  a species  of  Pteral- 
lastes. An  examination  of  “ Mallota ” unicolor  Shiraki,  the  type  species  of 
Pseudozetterstedtia,  revealed  that  unicolor  is  very  similar  to  thoracicus , the 
type  species  of  Pterallastes,  and  that  the  differences  between  the  two  species 
are  trivial.  Thus  Pseudozetterstedtia  is  here  transferred  from  Mallota  and 
synonymized  under  Pterallastes. 

Genus  Pterallastes  Loew 

Pterallastes  Loew,  1863:317  (also,  1864-201).  Type-species,  thoracicus  Loew,  subsequent 
designation  by  Osten  Sacken,  1875:64.  Subsequent  references:  Kertesz,  1910:267  (cat. 

citation,  3 spp.  listed);  Shannon,  1921:127  and  1922:31  (transfer  of  genus  to  Xylotinae), 
1926:8  (descr.  notes);  Hull,  1949:375  (description);  Wirth,  Sedman,  and  Weems,  1965: 
609  (cat.  citation) . 

Pseudozetterstedtia  Shiraki,  1930:199  (as  a subgenus  of  Mallota).  Type  species,  unicolor 
Shiraki  by  original  designation.  Hull,  1949:394  (descript.);  Shiraki,  1968:246  (descript.). 
NEW  SYNONYM 

Head.  Higher  than  long;  face  bare,  completely  pollinose  in  male,  frequently  shiny  medially 
in  female,  with  a low  but  distinct  medial  tubercle  in  male,  concave  in  female;  cheeks  broad, 
broader  than  long;  facial  grooves  short,  extending  along  lower  third  of  eye  margins  and 
only  half  way  to  bases  of  antennae;  facial  stripes  indistinct,  narrow,  pilose;  frontal  promi- 
nence low,  at  middle  of  head;  frontal  triangle  of  male  short,  from  about  two-thirds  as 
long  to  almost  as  long  as  vertical  triangle,  bare;  vertical  triangle  of  male  long,  about  twice 
as  long  as  broad  at  occiput;  front  of  female  broad,  only  slightly  longer  than  broad  at  base 
of  frontal  prominence,  slightly  longer  than  face,  with  convergent  sides  above,  only  one-half 
as  broad  at  ocellar  triangle  as  at  base  of  frontal  prominence,  bare  and  shiny  on  lower  third; 
ocellar  triangle  clearly  before  posterior  margin  of  eyes;  eyes  bare,  narrowly  holoptic  in 
males.  Antennae  short,  about  one-half  as  long  as  face;  third  segment  orbicular;  arista 
bare,  long,  about  twice  as  long  as  antennae  and  slightly  longer  than  maximal  facial  width. 

Thorax.  Distinctly  longer  than  broad,  with  long  pile  but  pile  not  obscuring  color  of  polli- 
nosity;  long  yellow  bristles  above  wings,  on  postalar  calli,  and  posterior  edge  of  mesopleura; 
anterior  mesopleura  bare ; sternopleura  with  broadly  separated  dorsal  and  ventral  pile 
patches;  posterior  pteropleura  bare;  hypopleura  including  barrettes  bare;  metasterna  under- 
developed and  bare;  postmetacoxal  bridge  incomplete;  metathoracic  spiracle  small;  meta- 
thoracic  pleura  bare;  scutellum  without  distinct  ventral  pile  fringe,  with  a few  ventral 
hairs  laterally  and  in  some  specimens  with  many  marginal  hairs  directed  ventrally,  usually 
without  apical  emarginate  rim;  in  some  specimens  with  an  indistinct  and  shallow  apical 
emarginate  rim;  legs  simple;  mesocoxae  with  three  to  four  bristlelike  hairs  on  posterior 
surface;  hind  femora  not  swollen,  with  ventral  spines,  without  basoventral  setal  patches. 
Wing:  marginal  cell  open;  apical  cell  petiolate,  with  petiole  short,  about  as  long  as  humeral 
crossvein;  third  vein  moderately  to  strongly  looped  into  apical  cell;  anterior  crossvein 
distinct  beyond  middle  of  discal  cell,  at  outer  third  of  discal  cell,  slightly  oblique;  anal  cell 
with  a long  and  sightly  curved  apical  petiole;  apical  and  posterior  crossveins  continuous; 
apical  and  discal  cells  without  spurs  at  their  apicoposterior  corners. 

Abdomen.  Oval;  first  abdominal  spiracle  embedded  in  metathoracic  epimeron.  Male  geni- 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


17 


talia:  Cerci  simple,  pilose;  ninth  tergum  simple,  bare;  surstyli  pilose,  triangular  in  profile, 
slightly  asymmetric;  ninth  sternum  with  a ventrolateral  membranous  area  on  each  side 
and  with  a process  laterad  to  this  membranous  area;  lingula  absent;  superior  lobes  fused 
to  ninth  sternum,  pilose  dorsobasally,  produced  into  a long  curved  prong;  aedeagus  with 
large  earlike  lateral  lobes,  with  apical  process  short  and  stout. 

DISCUSSION 

Earlier  workers  considered  that  Pterallastes  undoubtedly  belonged  with  the 
helophilines  because  of  its  looped  third  vein  and  open  marginal  cell.  Shannon 
(1921,  1922)  was  first  to  point  out  the  true  affinities  of  Pterallastes  with  the 
milesine  genera  (Milesini  = Xylotinae  auctorum).  While  Hull  (1949)  recog- 
nized six  tribes  in  the  Xylotinae,  he  did  not  place  Pterallastes  in  any  of  them 
nor  did  he  place  the  genus  in  his  key.  I (1972)  followed  Hull’s  basic  arrange- 
ment of  genera  within  the  Milesini  {—  his  Xylotinae),  but  I made  a few  changes. 
In  my  arrangement  I placed  Pterallastes  in  the  Temnostoma  group.  I con- 
sidered that  the  Temnostoma  and  Milesia  groups  were  closely  related  because 
both  have  the  lateral  lobes  of  the  aedeagus  well  developed  (synapomorphy). 
I separated  the  Milesia  group  from  the  Temnostoma  group  on  the  basis  of  the 
presence  of  well-developed  metasterna  and  emarginate  scutellar  rims  in  most 
of  the  genera  of  the  Milesia  group.  However,  this  separation  was  not  totally 
satisfactory  since  the  dichotomy  is  not  clearcut;  some  genera  have  intermediate 
conditions  of  the  characters  used,  leaving  the  Temnostoma  group  as  a symple- 
siomorphic  assemblage.  The  reevaluation  of  the  phylogenetic  relationships  of 
Pterallastes  has  lead  me  to  discard  my  previous  symplesiomorphic  grouping 
of  the  Temnostoma  genera  and  to  combine  these  genera  with  those  of  the  Mi- 
lesia group  on  the  basis  of  their  common  possession  of  well-developed  lateral 
lobes  of  the  aedeagus. 

The  sister  group  of  Pterallastes  is  undoubtedly  Palumbia  + Korinchia.  These 
three  genera  are  distinguished  from  all  other  syrphids  by  the  presence  of  an 
abundance  of  a peculiar  type  of  long  bristlelike  hair  above  the  wings,  on  the 
postalar  calli  and  usually  along  the  margin  of  the  scutellum  (synapomorphy). 
Also,  Pterallastes , Palumbia , and  Korinchia  have  the  third  vein  (R4+5)  looped 
into  the  apical  cell,  another  synapomorphous  condition.  While  other  syrphid 
genera  have  the  looped  third  vein  character  state,  I consider  this  character 
state  to  be  convergent  in  all  these  other  genera  because  the  following  characters, 
among  others,  exclude  the  possibility  of  a close  relationship  with  either  Pteral- 
lastes, Palumbia , or  Korinchia : All  eristaline  genera  have  pilose  metasterna 
and  patches  of  setulae  on  the  hind  femora;  Rhinotropidia  and  Parrhyngia , 
both  tropidines,  have  carinate  faces  and  hind  femora;  Orthroprosopa,  another 
tropidine,  has  a pilose  and  divided  metasterna;  Syrittosyrphus,  a milesine,  has 
a well-developed  but  pilose  metasterna;  Dideomimia,  Salpingo gaster,  Asiodidea, 
and  Didea,  all  syrphines,  have  bare  humeri  and  five  pregenital  segments  in 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


PTERALLASTES 


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Diagram  1.  Phylogenetic  relationships  of  and  within  the  genus  Pterallastes  Loew.  The 
autapomorphic  character  states  used  are:  1,  the  presence  of  bristlelike  pile  on  the  mesono- 
tum,  the  bare  metasterna  and  looped  third  vein;  2,  the  closed  and  petiolate  marginal  cell; 
3,  the  absence  of  a facial  tubercle  in  both  sexes;  4,  the  presence  of  a single  asymmetric 
ventral  membranous  area  on  the  ninth  sternum  (male  genitalia)  ; 5,  the  presence  of  ventro- 
lateral lobes  on  ninth  sternum  (male  genitalia)  ; 6,  the  bifid  nature  of  the  ventrolateral 
lobe  on  the  ninth  sternum;  7-9,  specialized  character  states  of  the  species  of  Pterallastes 
are  discussed  in  the  text  under  the  respective  species.  Genus-group  taxa  are  in  capital 
letters  and  species  are  in  small  letters. 


the  males.  The  phylogenetic  relationships  of  Pterallastes  are  given  in  Dia- 
gram 1. 

Both  Palumbia  and  Korinchia  have  petiolate  marginal  cells  (synapomorphy). 
Palumbia  is  distinguished  from  Korinchia  by  its  lack  of  a facial  tubercle  in  the 
male  (autapomorphy)  and  Korinchia  is  distinguished  from  Palumbia  by  the 
presence  of  a single  large  ventral  membranous  area  on  ninth  sternum  of  the 
male  (autapomorphy).  I know  of  no  other  external  or  genitalic  characters  by 
which  I can  distinguish  these  two  genera.  Thus  I am  combining  Palumbia  and 
Korinchia ? but  I have  retained  Korinchia  as  a subgenus  of  Palumbia.  These 
changes  will  be  discussed  in  more  detail  in  another  paper. 

Distribution  and  past  dispersal.  The  known  distribution  of  the  genus  Pteral- 
lastes (map  1)  is  significantly  enlarged  with  the  addition  of  bomboides  (China) 
and  unicolor  (Japan).  The  sister  group  of  Pterallastes  is  Oriental  ( Korinchia ) 
and  western  Palaearctic  ( Palumbia ) in  distribution;  the  most  plesiomorphic 
species  of  Pterallastes , bomboides , is  restricted  to  the  Szechuan  Province  of 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


19 


Map  1.  Distribution  of  the  genus  Pterallastes  with  a diagram  of  its  phylogenetic  rela- 
tionships. 


China;  the  next  most  plesiomorphic  species,  unicolor , is  restricted  to  Japan; 
and  the  most  derived  species,  thoracicus , is  restricted  to  southeastern  North 
America.  From  these  facts,  the  following  history  of  dispersal  in  the  genus  Pteral- 
lastes is  postulated:  1)  The  genus  arose  in  southern  China,  probably  the  same 
area  where  bomboides  is  now  found.  2)  Some  of  the  species  dispersed  north- 
ward and  eastward,  with  one  ancestral  species  dispersing  over  the  Bering  land 
bridge  to  North  America.  3)  During  an  ice  age,  probably  the  last  one,  the 
northern  species  of  the  genus  were  forced  to  restrict  their  ranges.  4)  Unicolor 
in  Japan  and  thoracicus  in  southeastern  North  America  are  the  survivors  of 
this  last  episode  of  range  restriction  and  extinction. 

KEY  TO  SPECIES 

1.  Disc  of  mesonotum  bright  yellow  to  orange  pollinose;  3rd  vein  forming  a shallow 

loop  in  apical  cell  (Fig.  4)  ; abdomen  black  with  fine  yellowish  or  black  pile,  not 

obscuring  ground  color  2 

Disc  of  mesonotum  dark  brownish-black  pollinose;  3rd  vein  forming  a strong  loop 
in  apical  cell  (Fig.  5)  ; abdomen  with  long  shaggy  yellowish  and  reddish  pile,  ob- 
scuring ground  color  on  apical  segments  bomboides , n.  sp. 

2.  Abdominal  terga  shiny,  without  pollinose  markings;  sterna  yellow  pilose,  rarely  with 

a few  black  hairs  on  last  sternum ; terga  usually  completely  yellow  pilose,  rarely 
black  pilose  on  apical  half  or  less  of  3rd  and  4th  terga ; femora  usually  yellow  pilose, 
except  black  spinulose  on  ventral  portion  of  hind  femora  and  rarely  with  black 
pile  on  dorsal  edge  of  hind  femora  on  apical  half  thoracicus  Loew 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Abdominal  terga  with  gray  pollinose  markings,  1st  tergum  all  pollinose,  2nd  with 
two  large  transverse  pollinose  spots,  3rd  with  two  small  basal  transverse  spots;  4th 
and  5th  sterna  (in  female)  black  pilose;  apical  two-thirds  of  4th  and  all  5th  terga 
(in  female)  black  pilose;  anterior  four  femora  black  pilose  on  anterior  apical  third; 
hind  femora  black  pilose  on  apical  half  unicolor  (Shiraki) 

Pterallastes  thoracicus  Loew 

Pterallastes  thoracicus  Loew,  1963:317  (also,  1864:201).  Type  locality:  U.S.A.,  Pennsylvania. 
Types  1(5  1$  Museum  of  Comparative  Zoology.  Subsequent  references:  Banks,  1907: 
450  (distribution  rec.-Virginia)  ; Kertesz,  1910:267  (catalog  citation,  2 references);  John- 
son, 1910:770  (distribution  recs.-New  Jersey);  Metcalf,  1913:94  (distribution  recs.-Ohio), 
1916:107  (distribution  recs.-North  Carolina);  Banks  et  al.,  1916:188  (distribution  recs- 
District  of  Columbia);  Smith,  1919:273  (distribution  recs.-Indiana)  ; Britton,  1920:188 
(distribution  recs.-Connecticut)  ; Metcalf,  1921:169-214,  Figs.  97,  101  (male  genitalia); 
Wehr,  1922:157  (distribution  recs.-Nebraska)  ; Johnson,  1925:176  (distribution  recs.- 
Connecticut)  ; Shannon,  1926:9  (distribution  notes,  type  depository)  ; Leonard,  1928: 
800  (distribution  recs.-New  York);  Curran,  1930:73  (distributional  recs.-New  York); 
Brimley,  1938:353  (distribution  recs.-North  Carolina)  ; Wirth,  Sedman  and  Weems, 
1965:609  (catalog  citation,  Nearctic  distribution). 

Male.  Head:  black;  face  silvery  pollinose,  with  a low  medial  tubercle,  with  tubercle  lower 
than  frontal  prominence ; cheeks  shiny  on  anterior  half,  whitish  pollinose  and  pilose  on 
posterior  half ; frontal  lunule  orange ; frontal  triangle  silvery  pollinose ; vertical  triangle 
silvery  pollinose  except  very  sparsley  pollinose  on  ocellar  triangle,  yellow  pilose;  occiput 
silvery-white  pollinose  and  pilose  below  becoming  yellow  on  upper  half.  Antennae  orange, 
frequently  with  brownish  tinge;  third  segment  small,  only  about  as  large  as  metathoracic 
spiracle;  arista  orange. 

Thorax.  Dorsum  yellow  pollinose  and  pilose,  with  pile  of  medium  length  except  long 
bristlelike  hairs  above  wings  and  on  postalar  calli;  scutellum  yellow  pollinose  and  pilose; 
pleura  silvery  pollinose,  yellowish  to  white  pilose;  squamae  and  plumulae  white;  halters 
white  to  orangish;  legs  black  except  as  follows,  yellow  femora  tibia  joints,  yellowish  basal 
third  of  middle  tibiae,  orange  middle  and  hind  tarsi;  in  some  specimens  hind  metatarsi 
with  brownish  tinge;  pile  yellowish  except  black  on  front  tarsi  and  ventral  portion  of  tibiae 
and  hind  femora  and  rarely  on  dorsal  edge  of  hind  femora  on  apical  half.  Wings:  hyaline 
or  with  a slight  grayish  tinge  apically,  microtrichose  except  bare  narrowly  behind  anal 
vein  and  in  front  of  auxiliary  vein;  third  vein  with  shallow  loop  in  apical  cell. 

Abdomen,  black,  shiny,  with  slight  metallic  bluish  luster  under  strong  light;  in  some  speci- 
mens appear  reddish  brown  under  strong  light;  usually  completely  whitish  yellow  pilose, 
rarely  with  black  pile  on  apical  portions  of  third  and  fourth  terga  (see  below  under  dis- 
cussion section).  Male  genitalia:  Surstyli  triangular,  with  ventral  margin  virtually  straight, 
not  produced  basoventrally ; ninth  sternum  with  ventrolateral  membranous  area  small 


Figs.  1-8.  Figs.  1-3.  Head  of  Pterallastes , lateral  view;  1.  thoracicus  Loew,  male;  2. 
bomboides , n.  sp.,  male;  3.  unicolor  (Shiraki).  4-5.  Wings  of  Pterallastes ; 4.  thoraci- 
cus Loew;  5.  bomboides , n.  sp.  Figs.  6-8.  Aedeagi  of  Pterallastes , lateral  view.  6.  thoraci- 
cus Loew;  7.  unicolor  (Shiraki);  8.  bomboides , n.  sp. 


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and  apicomedial  to  lateral  process,  with  lateral  process  bifid  and  directed  apically;  supe- 
rior lobes  only  pilose  dorsobasally,  produced  into  a short  broad  apical  prong  with  a single 
large  ventral  tooth,  with  a few  short  bristlelike  hairs  on  ventral  tooth;  aedeagus  with  lateral 
lobes  triangular,  with  apical  process  slender  and  longer  than  in  both  bomboides  and  uni- 
color and  with  a single  bump  on  ventral  margin. 

Female.  Quite  similar  to  male  except  for  normal  sexual  dimorphism;  less  black  pile  on 
legs;  lower  third  of  front  shiny  and  upper  two-thirds  yellow  pollinose  and  pilose;  and 
lower  medial  third  of  face  frequently  shiny. 

MATERIAL  EXAMINED 

The  two  syntypes  in  the  Loew  Collection  at  the  Museum  of  Comparative  Zoology  and 
some  80  additional  specimens  of  both  sexes  from  the  following  states  and  counties:  Kan- 
sas (Douglas)  ; Connecticut  (Fairfield)  ; New  York  (Westchester,  New  York  City)  ; New 
Jersey  (Bergen,  Essex,  Middlesex)  ; Pennsylvania  (Philadelphia,  Montgomery,  Delaware, 
Westmoreland)  ; Maryland  (Arundel,  Prince  George,  Montgomery,  Calvert)  ; District  of 
Columbia;  Virginia  (Arlington,  Fairfax);  North  Carolina  (Buncombe);  and  Georgia. 
Some  of  these  specimens  were  labeled  as  collected  in  association  with  the  following  plants: 
Ceanotheus , Solidago,  Viburnum  nudum , and  Castanea  dentata.  The  earliest  collection 
recorded  was  23  May  (Virginia);  the  latest  was  7 October  (New  York),  with  June  and 
August  being  the  months  with  the  most  numerous  records.  More  detailed  information 
about  this  material  is  available  from  the  author. 

DISCUSSION 

The  differences  between  P.  thoracicus  and  unicolor  or  bomboides  are  dis- 
cussed under  the  latter  species.  Among  the  material  of  P.  thoracicus  examined 
there  was  some  variation  in  the  extent  of  black  pile  on  the  abdomen — ranging 
from  a few  black  hairs  intermixed  with  yellow  pile  on  apical  portion  of  the 
4th  ( S ) or  5th  ( $ ) segments  to  large  triangular  areas  of  solid  black  pile  on 
apical  half  or  more  of  the  third  through  fourth  ($)  or  5th  (?)  segments. 

Pterallastes  bomboides,  n.  sp. 

Male.  Head:  black;  face  silvery  pollinose,  with  a distinct  medial  tubercle,  with  tubercle 
almost  as  high  as  frontal  prominence;  cheeks  shiny;  frontal  lunule  yellowish  orange; 
frontal  triangle  silvery  pollinose;  vertical  triangle  grayish  pollinose,  black  pilose;  occiput 
silvery-gray  pollinose,  white  pilose  below  becoming  yellow  on  upper  half.  Antennae  orange, 
with  brownish  tinge  in  paratype;  third  segment  large,  larger  than  metathoracic  spiracle; 
arista  orange. 

Thorax.  Black;  dorsum  dark  brownish-black  pollinose  except  narrowly  silvery-gray  polli- 
nose laterally  and  on  scutellum,  long  shaggy  yellow  pilose  laterally  and  on  scutellum,  yel- 
low and  black  pilose  medially  and  almost  completely  black  pilose  behind  sutures;  pleura 


Figs.  9-14.  Figs.  9-11.  Ninth  tergum  and  associated  structure,  of  Pterallastes , lateral 
view;  9.  thoracicus  Loew;  10.  unicolor  (Shiraki)  ; 11.  bomboides , n.  sp.  Figs.  12-14. 
Left  surstyli  of  Pterallastes , lateral  view;  12.  thorcicus  Loew;  13.  unicolor  (Shiraki);  14. 
bomboides , n.  sp. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


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silvery-gray  pollinose,  long  whitish  to  yellowish  pilose;  legs  black  except  yellowish  tips  of 
femora  and  bases  of  tibiae  and  orangish  middle  and  hind  tarsi,  yellow  to  white  pilose  ex- 
cept black  pilose  on  ventral  part  of  hind  femora  and  apical  three  tarsal  segments;  plumulae 
brown;  squamae  white  with  brownish  margin  and  fringe;  halters  brown;  wings  hyaline 
microtrichose  except  bare  narrowly  behind  anal  vein  and  in  front  of  auxiliary  vein,  third 
vein  with  a strong  loop  in  apical  cell. 

Abdomen  black,  shiny  except  reddish  apical  half  of  fourth  segment  and  genital  segments; 
short  black  pilose  on  medial  third  of  second  tergum ; white  pilose  on  first  tergum,  sterna, 
lateral  third  of  second  and  lateral  margins  of  third  terga,  long  on  lateral  margins  and  sterna; 
long  yellowish  red  pile  on  third  and  fourth  terga,  obscuring  ground  color;  short  yellowish 
pile  on  genital  segments.  Male  genitalia:  Surstyli  triangular,  strongly  concave  on  ventral 

margin,  with  a small  triangular  inner  tooth  on  ventroapical  margin  of  right  surstyli ; ninth 
sternum  with  ventrolateral  membranous  area  large  and  posteromedial  to  lateral  process, 
with  lateral  process  simple  and  directed  ventrally;  superior  lobe  produced  into  a long 
slender  apical  prong,  without  teeth  on  ventral  margin,  generally  pilose,  with  a small  tuft 
of  hairs  on  ventroapical  angle;  aedeagus  with  lateral  lobes  broadly  triangular,  with  apical 
process  stout  and  with  an  even  ventral  margin. 

Female.  Quite  similar  to  male  except  for  normal  sexual  dimorphism;  lower  third  of  front 
shiny  and  upper  two-thirds  brownish  pollinose  and  black  pilose;  reddish  ground  color  of 
abdomen  is  reduced. 

MATERIAL  EXAMINED 

Holotype  and  paratype  males,  CHINA,  Szechuan,  West  of  Chetu  Pass,  near  Tatsielu, 
13,000  to  14,500  ft;  D.  C.  Graham;  allotype  female,  west  of  Chego  Pass,  July  13-18,  1923, 
D.  C.  Graham.  The  holotype  and  allotype  are  in  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History 
collection;  paratype  is  retained  in  the  author’s  collection. 

DISCUSSION 

Besides  the  differences  mentioned  in  the  above  key,  P.  bomboides  differs 
from  both  P.  thoracicus  and  unicolor  in:  (1)  the  facial  tubercle  is  larger  and 
more  distinct,  not  low  and  obscure;  (2)  the  vertical  triangle  in  male  and  front 
and  vertex  in  female  is  black  pilose,  not  yellow  or  tawny;  (3)  the  third  anten- 
nal segment  is  large,  larger  than  metathoracic  spiracle,  not  the  same  size;  and 
(4)  the  plumulae  and  halters  are  brown,  not  white  to  whitish  orange.  The 
specific  name  bomboides  is  an  adjectival  form  used  as  a substantive  in  the  geni- 
tive case  and  alludes  to  the  mimetic  similarity  to  Bombus. 

Pterallastes  unicolor  (Shiraki) 

Pseudozetterstedtia  unicolor  Shiraki,  1930:200.  Type  locality:  Japan,  Hokkaido,  Josankei 

and  Sapporo;  Honshu,  Wakayama,  Towada  and  Chuzenji.  Types  $ $ Ent.  Mus.,  Natn. 

Inst.  Agric.  Sci.,  Tokyo 

Mallota  unicolor : Sack,  1932:337  [descript.,  figs,  (head)];  Stackelberg,  1950:287  (notes); 

Violovitsh,  1955:350  [distr.  recs.  (Kuril  Is.),  notes];  Violovitsh,  1960:247  [distr.  recs. 

(Kuril  Is.),  notes];  Shiraki,  1968:246  (descript.). 

Male.  Head:  black;  face  yellowish  white  pollinose,  with  a very  low  medial  tubercle,  with 
tubercle  much  lower  than  frontal  prominence;  cheeks  shiny  black  on  anterior  half,  yellow- 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


25 


ish  white  pollinose  and  pilose  on  posterior  half ; frontal  lunule  brownish  yellow ; frontal 
triangle  yellowish  white  pollinose ; vertical  triangle  yellowish  white  pollinose  anteriorly, 
slightly  more  brownish  yellow  pollinose  posteriorly,  tawny  pilose;  occiput  yellowish  white 
pollinose  and  pilose  below  becoming  more  orange  or  tawny  yellow  on  upper  half.  Anten- 
nae brownish  orange,  black  pilose;  third  segment  small,  oval,  only  about  as  large  as  meta- 
thoracic  spiracle;  arista  brownish  orange. 

Thorax,  black;  dorsum  orange  yellow  to  deep  orange  pollinose  and  pilose,  with  pile  of 
medium  length  except  long  bristlelike  hairs  above  wings  and  on  postalar  calli;  scutellum 
the  same  as  dorsum ; pleura  more  or  less  grayish  pollinose,  with  meso-,  ptero-,  and  sterno- 
pleura  distinctly  gray  pollinose,  yellow  pilose ; squamae  and  plumulae  orange ; halters 
white  to  orange;  legs:  black,  except  yellowish  brown  femoral-tibial  joints  and  basal  seg- 
ments of  middle  tarsi;  coxae  and  front  four  trochanters  yellow  pilose,  with  pile  bristle- 
like on  coxae;  anterior  four  femora  whitish  yellow  pilose  except  black  on  anterior  apical 
half;  anterior  tibiae  black  pilose  except  for  scattered  yellow  hairs  on  posterior  half;  ante- 
rior tarsi  all  black  pilose;  middle  tibiae  whitish  yellow  pilose  except  black  pilose  on  apical 
ventral  half;  middle  tarsi  yellow  pilose  with  apical  segments  with  some  black  hairs  inter- 
mixed; hind  trochanter  with  black  setulae;  hind  femora  whitish  yellow  pilose  on  basal 
half,  black  pilose  on  apical  half  and  with  black  setulae  on  ventral  edge;  hind  tibiae  whit- 
ish yellow  pilose  on  basal  half,  black  pilose  on  apical  half;  hind  tarsi  all  black  pilose.  Wings: 
hyaline  or  with  a slight  grayish  tinge  apically,  microtrichose  except  bare  narrowly  behind 
anal  vein  and  in  front  of  auxiliary  vein ; third  vein  with  a moderately  shallow  loop  in  apical 
cell. 

Abdomen  black;  venter  gray  pollinose,  white  pilose  on  first  through  third  sterna,  with 
fourth  sternum  black  pilose;  first  tergum  grayish  pollinse  and  yellow  pilose;  second  tergum 
with  a pair  of  large  transverse  yellowish  gray  pollinose  spots,  elsewhere  brownish  gray 
pollinose,  yellow  pilose ; third  tergum  with  narrow  basal  transverse  yellowish  gray  pollinose 
spots,  elsewhere  brownish  gray  pollinose  except  slightly  shiny  submedially,  yellow  pilose, 
except  usually  with  a few  black  hairs  on  apical  margins,  rarely  all  black  pilose  on 
apical  third;  fourth  tergum  with  yellow  gray  pollinose  basal  transverse  spots  simi- 
lar to  those  on  third  but  very  narrow,  black  pilose  except  yellow  pilose  on  baso- 
lateral  corners,  male  genitalia  black  pilose,  sparsely  grayish  pollinose.  Male  genitalia: 
surstyli  triangular,  slightly  concave  on  ventral  margin,  without  any  teeth ; ninth  ster- 
num with  ventrolateral  membranous  area  small  and  apicomedial  to  lateral  process, 
with  lateral  process  bifid  and  directed  slightly  dorsoapically ; superior  lobes  only 
pilose  dorsobasally,  produced  into  long  slender  apical  prong  with  three  large  ventral 
teeth,  with  two  long  bristles  on  ventroapical  margin;  aedeagus  with  lateral  lobes  almost  rec- 
tangular in  shape,  with  apical  process  more  slender  than  in  bomboides  and  with  ventral 
margin  very  irregular. 

Female.  Quite  similar  to  male  except  for  normal  sexual  dimorphism;  lower  third  of  front 
shiny  and  upper  two-thirds  orangish-yellow  pollinose  and  pilose;  fifth  abdominal  segment 
black  pilose. 

MATERIAL  EXAMINED 

JAPAN,  Honshu,  Iwato,  840  m,  21  July  1971,  1 $,  V.  S.  van  der  Goot  and  J.  A.  W. 
Lucas  (FCT) . 

DISCUSSION 

P.  unicolor  is  very  similar  to  thoracicus  differing  principally  in  the  structure 
of  the  male  genitalia;  in  the  gray  pollinose  marking  on  abdominal  terga;  and 
in  the  pile  and  pollinosity  that  are  tawny  orange,  not  pale  yellow.  Also,  P. 


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Figs.  15-20.  Figs.  15-17.  Ninth  sternum  and  associated  structures  of  Pterallastes , lateral 
view;  15.  thoracicus  Loew;  16.  unicolor  (Shiraki)  ; 17.  bomboides,  n.  sp.  Figs.  18-20. 
Apical  half  of  ninth  sternum  and  associated  structure  of  Pterallastes , dorsal  view;  18. 
thoracicus  Loew;  19.  unicolor  (Shiraki)  ; 20.  bomboides , n.  sp. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


27 


unicolor  has  more  extensive  black  pile  on  the  legs  and  abdomen  than  the  typical 
specimens  of  thoracicus. 

“ Pterallastes ” nubeculosus  van  der  Wulp 

? nubeculosus  van  der  Wulp,  1888:372  ( Pterallastes ).  Type  locality:  Argentina,  Prov. 

Tucuman.  Type  $ (lost,  see  below).  Subsequent  references:  Kertesz,  1910:267  (cat.  cita- 
tion, 1 reference);  Brethes,  1907:293  (cat.  citation);  Fluke,  1957:1555  (cat.  citation). 

“Brownish-black  antennae  and  arista,  femoral  apices,  tibiae  and  tarsi  rufous;  eyes 
strongly  pilose;  front,  thorax  scutellum  and  abdomen  densely  ocher-yellow  pilose;  wings 
hyaline,  base  and  costa  cinereous  clouded. 

“Properly  fitting  the  generic  characteristics  of  the  genus  Pterallastes  Loew  and  appears 
closely  allied  to  the  North  American  species  Pt.  lituratus  Loew,  but  nevertheless  in  many 
respects  distinct  from  it. 

“Ground  color  brownish-black,  shiny,  with  scutellum  brownish  red.  Face  pale  yellowish 
pollinose,  the  obvious  facial  tubercle  and  oral  margin1  shiny,  on  the  sides  with  similar  colored 
pile;  vertical  triangle  very  small;  eyes  pilose;  occiput  behind  eyes  pale  yellowish  pollinose, 
with  pile  similarly  colored,  darker  above.  Antennae  reddish  brown,  arista  of  a lighter  color. 
Front,  thorax  and  scutellum  with  rather  thick  light  ocher-yellow  pile;  similar  pile  on  ab- 
domen, mostly  on  sides  and  on  hind  edges  of  segment,  anus  curved  down  ventrally.  Legs 
blackish  brown,  tips  of  femora,  tibiae  and  tarsi  of  a lighter  color,  almost  reddish  yellow; 
hind  femora  thicken  in  the  middle,  hind  tibiae  curved.  Halters  yellow.  Wings  hyaline, 
with  base  and  front  edge  reddish  gray  clouded. 

“One  $ , prov.  Tucuman,  Argentina.” 

DISCUSSION 

“Pterallestes”  nubeculosus  van  der  Wulp  has  not  been  recognized  since  its 
original  description,  which  is  translated  above.  Van  der  Wulp  states  that  his 
species  “properly”  fits  the  generic  characteristics  of  Pterallastes,  which  were 
given  by  Loew  as  “ Pterallastes  forma  ac  figura  totius  corporis,  praecipue  capi- 
tis, et  pictura  Myoleptam  simulans,  alas  Helophili  habetP  The  principal  char- 
acter states,  which  Loew  was  probably  referring  to  in  his  description,  are  the 
sexually  dimorphic  face  of  Myolepta  and  the  looped  third  vein  and  open  sub- 
marginal cell  of  the  helophilines.  Since  van  der  Wulp  had  only  a male  of  his 
species  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  know  whether  his  species  had  a sexually 
dimorphic  face  as  in  Myolepta  or  Pterallastes  but  clearly  it  is  safe  to  assume 
that  his  species  had  the  looped  third  vein  and  open  submarginal  cell.  The  com- 
bination of  these  two  character  states,  along  with  the  pilose  eyes,  restricts  the 
placement  of  van  der  Wulp’s  species  to  either  Mallota  or  Quichuana  among  the 
known  neotropical  syrphids.  It  is  always  possible  that  van  der  Wulp’s  species 
could  represent  a new  genus,  but  1 think  this  possibility  is  highly  unlikely. 


1The  original  text  for  this  phrase  is:  “ die  de  duidelijke  gezichtshult  en  den  mondr  ad 

vrij  laatp  which  literally  translates  as  “the  obvious  facial  tubercle  and  mouthedge  leaving 
free.”  I have  assumed  this  to  mean  that  the  oral  margin  and  facial  tubercle  are  “free”  from 
pollinosity. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Unfortunately  it  appears  that  the  type  of  nubeculosus  is  lost.  Dr.  J.  R. 
Vockeroth,  at  my  request,  searched  for  this  type  while  examining  the  various 
collections  that  contain  van  der  Wulp  material,  but  he  was  unable  to  find  any 
trace  of  it.  In  van  der  Wulp’s  paper  there  is  no  mention  of  any  particular  col- 
lection in  which  the  material  was  deposited,  only  that  the  material  came  from 
Prof.  H.  Weyenbergh,  Jr.  According  to  Horn  and  Kahle  (1937:301)  all  the 
Weyenbergh  material  was  destroyed.  Thus,  if  van  der  Wulp  did  return  the 
material  to  Weyenbergh,  it  is  lost.  Dr.  G.  B.  Fairchild  (in  litt.)  also  was  un- 
able to  find  the  type  of  another  species  ( Pangonia  lasiophthalma ) described 
in  the  same  paper. 


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. 1864.  Diptera  Americae  septentrionalis  indigena.  Vol.  1,  266  pp.  Berolini 

[—  Berlin],  1861. 

Metcalf,  C.  L.  1913.  The  Syrphidae  of  Ohio.  Bull.  Ohio  Biol.  Survey,  1:  7-122,  3 

figs.,  11  pis.  (=  Bull.  1)  [=  Bull.  Ohio  State  Univ.  17:(31).] 

-.  1916.  A list  of  Syrphidae  of  North  Carolina.  J.  Elisha  Mitchell  Sci.  Soc.,  32: 

95-112. 

. 1921.  The  genitalia  of  male  Syrphidae:  Their  morphology,  with  especial  refer- 
ence to  its  taxonomic  significance.  Ann.  Ent.  Soc.  Amer.,  14(3):  169-214. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


29 


Osten  Sacken,  C.  R.  1875.  A list  of  the  North  American  Syrphidae.  Bull.  Buffalo 
Soc.  Nat.  Sci.,  3:  38-71. 

Sack,  P.  1928-1932.  31.  Syrphidae.  In  Lindner,  E.,  ed.,  Die  Fliegen  der  Palaeark- 
tischen  Region.  Bd.  4,  pt.  6,  pp.  1-48  (1928),  49-144  (1929),  145-240  (1930),  241- 
336  (1931),  337-451  (1932). 

Shannon,  R.  C.  1926.  Review  of  the  American  xylotine  syrphid-flies.  Proc.  U.S.  Natl. 
Mus.  #2635,  69(9):  1-52. 

Shiraki,  T.  1930.  Die  Syrphiden  des  Japanischen  Kaiserreichs,  mit  Beriicksichtigung 
benachbarter  Gebiete.  Mem.  Fac.  Sci.  Agric.  Taihoku  Imp.  Univ.,  1 : 9-xx,  1-446, 
100  figs. 

. 1968.  Fauna  Japonica.  Syrphidae  (Insecta:  Diptera).  v.  Ill,  272  pp.,  47  pis. 

Biogeogr.  Soc.  Japan,  Tokyo. 

Smith,  M.  R.  1919.  A list  of  Syrphidae  of  Northern  Indiana.  Canad.  Ent.,  51:  273. 

Stackelberg,  A.  A.  1950.  [Brief  survey  of  the  palaearctic  species  of  the  genus  Mallota 
Meigen  (Diptera,  Syrphidae)].  Ent.  Obozr.,  31:  285-296  (in  Russian.) 

Violovitsh,  N.  A.  1955.  [New  and  little-known  hover  flies  (Diptera,  Syrphidae)  from 
Kunashir  Island].  Ent.  Obozr.,  34:  350-359,  12  figs. 

— 1960.  [A  contribution  to  the  knowledge  of  the  hover  flies  fauna  (Diptera,  Syr- 

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Wehr,  E.  1922.  A synopsis  of  the  Syrphidae  of  Nebraska  with  descriptions  of  new  spe- 
cies from  Nebraska  and  Colorado.  Univ.  Stud.,  Lincoln,  Nebraska,  22:  119-162. 

W ELLiSTON , S.  W.  1886.  Synopsis  of  the  North  American  Syrphidae.  U.S.  Natl.  Mus. 
Bull.,  31:  i-xxx,  1-335  (actual  date,  1887). 

Wirth,  W.  W.,  Sedman,  Y.  S.  and  Weems,  H.  V.,  Jr.  1965.  Family  Syrphidae.  In  Stone, 
A.,  C.  Sabrosky,  W.  W.  Wirth,  R.  H.  Foote,  and  J.  Coulsen.  1965.  A catalog  of 
the  Diptera  of  America  North  of  Mexico.  U.S.  Dept.  Agri.  Handb.  #276,  1696  pp. 


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Further  Observations  on  the  Natural  History  of 
Philaethria  dido  dido  (Lepidoptera:  Nymphalidae:  Heliconiinae) 

Allen  M.  Young 

Department  of  Biology,  Lawrence  University,  Appleton,  Wisconsin  549 11 

Received  for  Publication  November  5,  1973 

Abstract:  Observations  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  Philaethria  dido  dido 
(Lepidoptera:  Nymphalidae:  Heliconiinae)  as  studied  in  northeastern  Costa  Rica  are 

summarized.  Emphasis  is  placed  on:  (1)  additional  descriptions  of  life  stages,  (2)  a larval 
food  plant  record  ( Passiflora  ^ztz/o/za-Passifloraceae),  (3)  developmental  time  in  the 
laboratory  (37-39  days),  and  (4)  various  behavior  patterns  associated  with  oviposition 
and  larval  development.  These  data  and  other  information  from  the  literature  are  dis- 
cussed from  the  standpoint  that  P.  dido  is  a specialized  insect  of  tropical  rain  forests  and 
that  it  has  a widespread  but  strongly  localized  geographical  distribution  pattern  in  Central 
and  South  America. 

INTRODUCTION 

Owing  perhaps  to  their  apparently  close  evolutionary  history  with  the 
Passifloraceae  and  their  roles  in  mimicry  complexes,  neotropical  butterflies  of 
the  subfamily  Heliconiinae  have  received  considerable  attention  from  biologists 
interested  in  phylogeny,  ecology,  and  behavior  (e.g.,  Kaye,  1917;  Beebe,  1955; 
Beebe,  Crane,  and  Fleming,  1960;  Crane,  1957;  Emsley,  1963;  1964;  1965; 
Benson,  1971;  Turner,  1971;  Brown  and  Mielke,  1972).  Of  the  seven  genera  in 
the  subfamily,  the  genus  Philaethria  comprises  a single  conservative  subdivision 
and  represents  a different  lineage  of  heliconiine  evolution  from  the  other  two 
subdivisions  (Emsley,  1963).  Since  Philaethria  is  conservative  in  the  sense  of 
exhibiting  many  subfamily  characteristics  in  their  most  generalized  form  and 
has  very  few  specializations  (Emsley,  1963),  studies  of  member  species  in  this 
genus  are  predicted  to  provide  more  information  on  the  general  ecological  and 
behavioral  adaptations  of  the  subfamily  as  a whole.  The  paper  of  Beebe, 
Crane,  and  Fleming  (1960)  gives  a detailed  account  of  the  early  stages  and 
food  plants  of  Philaethria  dido  dido  (Clerck)  on  Trinidad,  and  Brown  and 
Mielke  (1972)  provide  similar  food  plant  data  for  both  P.  dido  dido  and  P. 
wernickei  (for  two  subspecies,  wernickei  and  pygmalion)  in  extra -Amazonian 
and  Amazonian  Brazil.  And  while  P.  dido  has  a broad  geographical  distri- 
bution in  wet  tropical  regions  of  Central  and  South  America  (Emsley,  1963; 

Acknowledgments:  This  research  is  a by-product  of  N.S.F.  Grant  GB-33060,  with  logistic 
support  provided  by  the  Costa  Rican  Program  of  the  Associated  Colleges  of  the  Midwest. 
I am  grateful  to  Dr.  J.  Robert  Hunter  of  A.C.M.  for  allowing  me  to  conduct  studies  on 
his  property,  Finca  Tirimbina.  Dr.  Woodruff  W.  Benson  (Rio  de  Janiero)  kindly  identi- 
fied the  larval  food  plant  and  also  provided  some  of  his  own  data  on  heliconiines  exploit- 
ing this  species.  Keith  S.  Brown,  Jr.  (Rio)  later  identified  the  same  food  plant  for  Heliconius 
hecale. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  30-41.  March,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


31 


Barcant,  1970),  a good  deal  more  needs  to  be  learned  about  the  biology  of 
this  interesting  butterfly  throughout  this  range.  At  least  part  of  the  reason 
why  the  butterfly  has  not  been  studied  in  Central  America  stems  from  the 
elusive  habits  of  this  insect:  Many  authors  report  that  it  is  a high  flier,  pre- 
ferring the  canopy  of  virgin  forests;  it  is  seldom  seen  near  the  ground. 

This  paper  summarizes  some  further  observations  on  the  biology  of  P.  dido 
dido  (Fig.  1)  on  the  Central  American  mainland,  with  an  emphasis  on  life 
cycle  and  natural  history.  The  descriptions  of  the  early  stages,  so  well  pre- 
sented by  Beebe,  Crane,  and  Fleming  (1960),  are  supplemented  here  with 
the  first  illustrations  of  the  egg,  third  and  fourth  instars,  and  pupa.  An 
egg-adult  developmental  time  as  measured  for  one  species  of  Passijlora  is 
given  for  the  first  time.  These  and  other  aspects  of  natural  history  comprise  a 
new  attempt  to  study  the  butterfly  in  Central  America. 

METHODS 

Studies  were  initiated  on  July  1,  1973  when  I made  my  first  field  record  of 
oviposition  in  P.  dido  in  the  thinned-out  old  secondary  forest  (Fig.  2)  that 
borders  the  Rio  Tirimbina  near  La  Virgen,  Heredia  Province,  Costa  Rica. 
Oviposition  was  studied  on  the  gentle  slope  of  forest  rising  from  the  river 
but  not  including  the  narrow  strip  of  very  disturbed  young  secondary  growth 
where  another  wet-forest  butterfly,  Parides  areas  mylotes,  has  been  studied 
(Young,  1973).  Much  of  this  gentle  slope  of  old  secondary  forest  will  be 
eliminated  within  two  years  in  a land-clearing  project  to  raise  cattle,  and  it 
therefore  represents  one  habitat  or  part  of  a larger  habitat  of  P.  dido  that  is 
endangered.  This  general  region  of  Costa  Rica  on  the  Caribbean  drainage  of 
the  Central  Cordillera  to  the  west  is  a basal  belt  transitional  zone  between 
montane  and  premontane  tropical  wet  forest,  and  the  elevation  is  about  225 
meters. 

The  thinned-out  condition  of  the  forest  where  oviposition  has  been  repeatedly 
observed  is  the  result  of  farm  workers  beginning  to  clear  the  land  with 
machetes,  but  this  was  postponed  for  two  years  when  I spoke  to  the  owner 
of  this  land  so  that  various  ecological  studies  of  cicadas  and  butterflies  could 
be  completed.  The  original  understory  was  considerably  more  dense  than  it 
is  now  (Fig.  2),  but  the  plant  species  used  for  oviposition  by  P.  dido  has 
remained  intact.  Oviposition  and  general  flying  behavior  of  adult  P.  dido 
were  observed  in  this  thinned-out  forest  by  walking  slowly  through  200  meters 
of  forest,  then  moving  about  15  meters  to  one  side  (up  the  slope)  and  repeating 
this;  the  procedure  was  repeated  four  times  giving  a total  of  five  200-meter 
transects,  and  the  census  was  done  on  July  1-2,  1973;  August  12-13,  1973; 
September  1,  1973.  These  censuses  were  conducted  while  sampling  nested 
quadrats  in  the  forest  for  exuviae  of  a large  cicada  ( Zammara  sp.)  which  was 
very  active  in  the  adult  stage  at  this  time. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Eggs  seen  to  be  oviposited  in  the  field  were  brought  into  the  laboratory  for 
rearing  studies.  From  eggs  collected  in  this  way  during  July  and  August,  I 
reared  a total  of  eight  individuals  to  the  adult  stage,  keeping  records  on  each 
one  for:  (1)  external  morphology  and  coloration,  (2)  duration  (days)  of  each 
life  stage,  including  separate  instars  of  larvae,  and  (3)  behavior  patterns  of 
larvae.  Each  individual  was  reared  separately  in  a small  clear  plastic  bag 
containing  fresh  clippings  of  the  food  plant;  the  bag  was  always  kept  tightly 
tied  to  prevent  desiccation  of  the  food.  All  bags  (a  total  of  thirteen)  were 
kept  together  on  a shaded  shelf  in  a second-story  apartment  (Apartamentos 
Miami)  in  San  Jose  and  cleaned  every  three  or  four  days  for  removal  of 
fecal  material  and  excess  condensation.  In  order  to  observe  intraspecific 
interactions  among  larvae,  I occasionally  would  place  three  or  four  individuals 
together  in  a plastic  bag  containing  one  or  two  cuttings  of  the  food  plant. 
My  interest  here  was  to  observe  aggressive  encounters,  or  lack  thereof,  among 
larvae.  All  life  stages  were  photographed  at  the  same  time  that  notes  were 
made  on  coloration  and  morphology.  The  adult  specimens  obtained  from 
these  rearings  are  preserved  in  my  permanent  collection  and  can  be  made 
available  to  interested  workers  upon  request.  Owing  to  the  reputed  high 
local  variation  in  the  wing  color  pattern  of  adult  P.  dido  (e.g.,  Emsley,  1963), 
students  of  intraspecific  variation  in  tropical  insects  might  find  such  collections 
useful  for  systematic  studies.  Pupal  shells  have  also  been  preserved  from 
this  study. 


RESULTS 

Life  Cycle 

Since  there  exists  one  excellent  text  account  of  the  life  stages  of  P.  dido 
(Beebe,  Crane,  and  Fleming,  1960),  it  would  be  redundant  to  describe  the 
stages  as  seen  in  the  present  study.  Rather,  I refer  the  interested  reader  to  the 
account  of  Beebe,  Crane,  and  Fleming,  and  wish  only  to  supplement  those 
observations  with  figures  of  the  egg,  third  instar,  fourth  instar,  and  pupa 
(Fig.  3) — stages  described  but  not  pictured  in  Beebe,  Crane,  and  Fleming. 
I also  present  some  observations  on  color  differences  in  the  fifth  instar  be- 
tween Costa  Rica  and  Trinidad  and  give  specific  developmental  time  data 
for  P.  dido  (not  given  in  Beebe  et  al.,  1960),  contrasting  this  developmental 
time  to  the  general  pattern  offered  by  Beebe  et  al. 

Beebe  et  al.  (1960)  report  that  the  head  of  fifth  instar  is  bright  orange, 
but  for  the  Costa  Rican  individuals  studied  the  head  is  clearly  beige  and 
slightly  shiny.  At  the  base  of  each  of  the  two  head  scoli  there  is  an  irregularly 
shaped  black  spot  not  given  in  Beebe  et  ah,  and  the  portions  of  the  body 
described  in  Beebe  et  ah  as  being  white  are  pale  green  throughout  the  fifth 
instar  in  the  Costa  Rican  P.  dido  studied.  The  supralateral  thoracic  scoli 
in  the  Costa  Rican  fifth  instars  do  not  have  black  tips  and  the  basal  portion 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


33 


Fig.  1.  An  adult  male  Philaethria  dido  dido  (dorsal  view).  This  is  one  of  the  individuals 
obtained  from  eggs  collected  at  Finca  Tirimbina,  La  Virgen,  Heredia  Province,  Costa  Rica, 
July  1973. 


of  each  is  distinctly  orange  while  the  shaft  is  red.  This  does  not  occur  in 
Trinidad  P.  dido.  Furthermore,  the  sublaterals  of  abdominal  segments  in 
Costa  Rica  are  greenish-white  with  faint  black  tips,  and  not  the  white-orange- 
black  pattern  as  seen  on  Trinidad  (Beebe  et  al.,  1960).  The  longest  scoli  on 
the  Costa  Rican  fifth  instars  are  8-9  mm  long. 

Beebe  et  al.  (1960)  also  state  that  the  usual  duration  of  the  egg  stage 
in  Trinidad  heliconiines  (including  P.  dido)  is  about  four  days.  For  Costa 
Rican  P.  dido  at  about  23  °C  and  humid  confined  bags,  the  egg  stage  lasts 
seven  days.  The  entire  larval  period  is  about  nineteen  days,  with  the  first 
instar  lasting  three  days,  the  second  three  days,  the  third  three  days,  the 
fourth  about  four  days,  and  the  fifth  about  six  days. 

Beebe  et  al.  (1960)  state  that  pupae  of  the  “group  A type,”  which  includes 
(in  addition  to  P.  dido)  Agraulis  vanillae,  Dione  juno,  Dryadula  phaetusa , 
Dry  as  julia , and  Heliconius  doris,  are  generally  brown  in  color.  I figure  the 
pupa  of  P.  dido  here  (Fig.  3F)  to  point  out  its  distinct  mottled  color  pattern 
as  seen  in  Costa  Rica.  The  pupa  is  about  30  mm  long  and  resembles  a piece 
of  broken-off,  rough  tree  bark,  being  mottled  boldly  in  various  shades  of 
brown  and  gray.  It  is  perhaps  one  of  the  most  cryptic  of  heliconiine  pupae. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  2.  The  thinned-out  old  secondary  forest  habitat  at  the  edge  of  transitional-zone 
rain  forest  at  Finca  Tirimbina  where  female  P.  dido  dido  oviposits  on  Passiflora  vitifolia 
(Passifloraceae)  vines  that  grow  along  the  ground  and  over  rocks  and  tree  stumps. 


The  pupa  for  Costa  Rican  P.  dido  lasts  about  eleven  days  for  the  male  and 
twelve  or  thirteen  days  in  the  female.  Beebe  et  al.  do  not  give  a typical 
duration  figure  for  the  pupal  stage. 

From  these  considerations,  the  overall  egg-adult  developmental  time  for 
P.  dido  in  laboratory  culture  in  Costa  Rica  is  37  to  39  days.  Some  discrepancies 
between  the  present  study  of  P.  dido  and  the  larval  developmental  time  gen- 
eralizations of  Beebe  et  al.  (1960)  for  heliconiines  include:  (1)  the  first  and 
second  instars  of  three  days  as  opposed  to  two  days,  (2)  the  fourth  instar  of 
four  days,  and  (3)  the  usual  duration  of  the  fifth  instar  of  six  days  instead  of 
the  usual  five  days.  The  overall  larval  period  noted  by  Beebe  et  al.  is  twelve 
days  as  opposed  to  the  nineteen  days  found  here  for  P.  dido. 

Larval  Food  Plant 

The  plant  used  for  oviposition  is  Passiflora  vitifolia  and  it  occurs  at  the 
study  site  as  a large,  sprawling  vine  on  the  ground,  logs,  and  tree  stumps. 
The  vine  does  not  go  into  the  canopy  here,  but  it  is  difficult  to  say  if  this  has 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


35 


Fig.  3.  Some  life  stages  of  P.  dido  dido  in  Costa  Rica.  (A)  egg,  (B)  third  instar  larva, 
(C)  fourth  instar  larva  showing  one  aspect  of  scoli  distribution  and  coloration,  (D)  fourth 
instar  larva  showing  another  aspect  of  scoli  distribution  and  coloration,  (E)  fifth  instar, 
dorsal  view,  and  (F)  the  pupa,  lateral  view. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


always  been  the  case  owing  to  the  selective  thinning  out  of  trees  by  farmers. 
But  the  large  size  of  the  sprawling  vine  near  the  ground  is  indicative  of 
successful  thriving  in  this  zone  of  the  forest  environment.  The  leaves  are 
thick  and  with  rough  texture.  I have  not  found  other  heliconiines  on  this 
species  of  Pas  si  flora  in  the  study  site,  but  at  Rincon  de  Osa,  a lowland  trop- 
ical wet-forest  site  on  the  southern  Pacific  coast  of  Costa  Rica,  Dr.  Woodruff 
W.  Benson  (pers.  comm.)  has  found  P.  dido  and  several  other  heliconiines 
feeding  on  this  plant.  It  is  a species  of  Pas  si  flora  that  has  clearly  been  exploited 
by  heliconiines  at  different  stages  in  the  evolutionary  development  of  the  sub- 
family. It  appears  to  be  a favorite  food  plant  for  the  subfamily  at  wetter  low- 
land sites  in  Costa  Rica  and  other  regions  of  southern  Central  America. 

The  larvae  of  all  instars  for  P.  dido  feed  primarily  on  the  older  and  larger 
leaves  of  P.  viti folia  as  studied  in  the  laboratory.  But  this  may  also  be  true 
in  the  wild  since  eggs  are  laid  on  older  leaves  (see  below). 

Oviposition  Behavior 

Some  authors  (e.g.,  Barcant,  1970;  Brown  and  Mielke,  1972)  have  com- 
mented that  P.  dido  is  a high  flier  over  treetops  in  forests.  But  oviposition 
clearly  sometimes  occurs  near  the  ground  as  seen  in  the  present  study.  For 
all  of  the  times  I observed  oviposition,  it  occurred  in  sunny  weather,  either  in 
the  morning  or  early  afternoon.  The  typical  flight  pattern  of  female  P.  dido 
would  be  to  appear  suddenly  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  thinned-out  forest 
and  make  several  attempted  ovipositions  before  actually  laying  an  egg.  In 
several  instances,  the  female  would  actually  grasp  a tendril  or  leaf  with  wings 
fluttering  for  stability,  but  an  egg  was  not  laid.  I followed  one  female  on 
July  2 and  it  was  almost  twelve  minutes  before  an  egg  was  laid,  despite 
several  intervening  attempts  at  oviposition.  The  pattern  is  somewhat  frus- 
trating to  the  observer  since  it  almost  appears  as  if  the  Passi flora  species  in 
question  was  not  acceptable  to  P.  dido. 

The  bright  yellow  large  egg  is  laid  either  on  the  ventral  side  of  an  older 
leaf  of  P.  vitifolia,  or  else  on  a dead  tendril.  In  a total  of  fourteen  eggs 
actually  observed  to  be  oviposited,  nine  were  on  leaves  and  the  remaining  five 
on  dead  tendrils.  The  female  flies  very  erratically  between  ovipositions  or 
attempted  ovipositions,  suddenly  darting  up  into  the  canopy  and  then  coming 
back  down  to  the  Passi  flora.  A single  female  will  remain  in  the  same  general 
area  where  the  Passi  flora  is  growing  for  as  long  as  25  minutes  in  my  ex- 
perience. Out  of  a total  of  probably  five  different  females  of  P.  dido  observed 
ovipositing  during  July  and  August,  three  of  these  were  very  fresh  individuals, 
and  could  not  have  been  more  than  a day  or  two  out  of  the  chrysalis.  It  is 
especially  easy  to  distinguish  very  young  or  fresh  adults  in  P.  dido  since,  as 
noted  by  Emsley  (1963),  wing  color  fades  very  rapidly  in  this  species. 
Females  of  P.  dido  may  therefore  be  mated  almost  immediately  after  emerging 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


37 


from  their  pupae.  It  is  not  known,  however,  if  males  wait  near  female  pupae 
for  future  mates,  as  noted  for  Ornithoptera  (Papilionidae)  species  (Borch 
and  Schmid,  1973). 

Larval  Behavior 

The  first  instar  larva  devours  its  empty  eggshell,  and  during  subsequent 
molts,  larvae  also  eat  their  castoff  exuviae.  These  two  behavior  patterns  have 
not  been  previously  reported  for  P.  dido  by  Alexander  (1961a).  In  terms  of 
feeding  on  leaf  tissue,  the  larvae  exhibit  the  channeling  behavior  reported  by 
Alexander  (1961a)  for  Dione.  The  larvae  of  P.  dido  do  not  remove  fecal  mater- 
ial with  the  jaws  as  described  in  Alexander  (1961a)  for  the  larvae  of  several 
Heliconius.  The  resting  behavior,  not  studied  for  P.  dido  by  Alexander,  is  very 
variable  in  the  laboratory,  but  usually  involves  the  larva  facing  the  direction  of 
feeding;  often  a larva  assumes  a hooked  or  “J”  position  as  noted  by  Alexander 
for  Heliconius  isabella , H.  Melpomene,  and  H.  ricini. 

Weaving  is  also  well  expressed  in  the  construction  of  silken  pathways  along 
stems  and  ventral  sides  of  leaves.  Disturbed  larvae  are  very  mobile  for  several 
minutes,  and  they  walk  very  fast.  As  in  Heliconius  erato  (Alexander,  1961a), 
the  larvae  of  P.  dido  are  clearly  asocial  and  very  aggressive  and  there  are  no 
signs  of  any  gregarious  behavior  (including  social  defecation)  of  the  type  so 
evident  in  Dione  juno  (Alexander,  1961a;  Muyshondt,  Young,  and  Muyshondt, 
1973).  Individual  larvae  do  not  share  the  same  leaf  without  fighting,  as  seen 
in  laboratory  culture.  Another  aspect  suggesting  that  P.  dido  is  truly  a solitary 
species  is  the  complete  lack  of  synchrony  among  larvae  for  feeding  and  resting. 
From  these  observations,  I suspect  that  the  larvae  of  P.  dido  are  considerably 
more  aggressive  and  asocial  than  originally  predicted  by  Alexander,  thus  being 
closer  to  the  behavior  patterns  of  H.  erato  than  to  H.  melpomene  or  Dione. 

DISCUSSION 

The  above  observations  are  intended  to  supplement  what  has  been  already 
determined  of  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  P.  dido  as  studied  in 
Trinidad  (Beebe,  Crane,  and  Fleming,  1960;  Alexander,  1961#;  Emsley, 
1963;  Barcant,  1970)  and  Brazil  (Brown  and  Mielke,  1972).  This  report 
concerns  the  butterfly  in  Central  America  where  I am  sure  several  researchers 
have  reared  the  species  in  the  past. 

One  of  the  interesting  characteristics  of  the  distributional  biology  of  P.  dido 
is  the  apparently  widespread  but  strongly  localized  occurrence  of  the  butterfly 
in  the  rain  forests  of  Central  and  South  America.  The  species  is  susceptible 
to  regional  restriction  by  land  barriers:  Brown  and  Mielke  (1972)  comment 
that  in  extra-Amazonian  Brazil  this  species  and  several  other  heliconiines 
are  restricted  to  tropical  regions  by  high  southeastern  coastal  mountains  but 
that  it  and  P.  wernickei  are  sympatric  over  the  lower  and  middle  Amazon 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Basin  and  along  the  eastern  coast  of  Brazil  (as  far  south  as  Rio  de  Janeiro). 
In  Costa  Rica,  the  distributional  pattern  is  also  molded  by  the  Central 
Cordillera  and  confines  the  butterfly  to  all  of  the  Caribbean  lowlands  and 
southwestern  Pacific  wet  lowlands.  The  butterfly  seldom  occurs  above 
400-meters  elevation  in  Costa  Rica,  although  an  occasional  adult  is  seen  at 
elevations  as  high  as  900  meters.  The  butterfly  is  also  rare  in  lowland 
Guanacaste  Province,  where  there  is  a strong  but  variable  dry  season  each  year. 

Various  authors  (Emsley,  1963;  Barcant,  1970;  Brown  and  Mielke,  1972) 
have  emphasized  that  P.  dido  inhabits  forest  clearings  and  edges  of  rain  forests. 
The  same  pattern  is  seen  in  Costa  Rica,  although  studies  are  lacking  from 
the  canopy  in  the  interior  of  forests.  Certainly  one  larval  food  plant,  P. 
vitifolia,  is  abundant  in  thinned-out  forest  at  their  edges;  the  distributional 
pattern  of  such  plants  and  the  spectrum  of  Pas  si  flora  species  exploitation  by 
P.  dido  are  the  major  determinants  of  habitat  selection  for  oviposition  and 
larval  development. 

The  literature  suggests  that  there  may  exist  considerable  specificity  for 
certain  species  of  Passiflora  in  P.  dido.  Beebe,  Crane,  and  Fleming  (1960) 
noted  that  although  the  usual  food  plant  in  Trinidad  is  P.  lauri folia,  oviposition 
(I  am  equating  oviposition  with  correct  larval  food  plant)  also  occasionally 
occurs  on  P.  cyanea.  Brown  and  Mielke  (1972)  report  that  the  preferred  food 
plant  is  P.  mucronata  in  extra-Amazonian  Brazil  and  that  larvae  refuse  P. 
alata  and  P.  speciosa,  even  though  both  of  these  are  very  closely  related  to 
P.  vitifolia,  the  food  plant  in  Costa  Rica  (this  paper  and  Woodruff  Benson, 
pers.  comm.),  and  also  in  Colombia  and  Panama  (Brown  and  Mielke).  Of 
other  Brazilian  Passifloraceae,  P.  dido  also  refuses  P.  violacea,  P.  jileki,  and 
Tetrastylis  ovalis  (Brown  and  Mielke,  1972).  Such  food  plant  specialization 
in  P.  dido  in  Brazil  could  have  resulted  from  an  evolutionary  divergence  in 
food  plant  exploitation  brought  about  by  sympatry  with  P.  wernickei,  which 
has  been  observed  (Brown  and  Mielke,  1972)  to  feed  on  other  species  of 
Passiflora  not  used  by  P.  dido.  But  clearly  other  heliconiines  might  also  have 
exerted  some  ecological  pressure  for  food  plant  specialization.  However, 
this  is  apparently  not  the  case  in  Costa  Rica  where  several  heliconiines  exploit 
P.  vitifolia  at  least  on  the  Osa  Peninsula.  Another  important  factor  to  consider 
is  the  relative  ease  with  which  some  species  of  Passiflora  can  be  exploited  as 
larval  food  plants  over  others.  For  example,  Heliconius  hecale  and  Agraulis 
vanillae  are  at  least  two  other  heliconiines  found  together  on  P.  vitifolia  in 
Guanacaste,  Costa  Rica  (Allen  M.  Young,  pers.  obs.).  And  it  is  known  that 
H.  hecale  exploits  this  species  over  much  of  Central  America  and  Colombia  and 
as  far  as  Ecuador,  along  with  many  other  heliconiine  species  (Keith  S.  Brown, 
Jr.,  pers.  comm.).  The  abundance  of  this  vine  and  the  size  of  individuals  may 
provide  a nonlimited  food  source  for  many  heliconiines,  especially  if  many  of 
these  butterflies  have  low  average  fecundities  per  female  (e.g.,  see  Labine, 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


39 


1968,  for  Heliconius  erato  egg  production).  Furthermore,  if  the  local  complex 
of  heliconiines  exploiting  one  or  a few  species  of  Passifloraceae  contains  some 
genera  with  high  dispersal  tendencies  in  the  adult  stage  (see  Benson,  1971, 
for  comments  concerning  generic  patterns  of  heliconiine  dispersal  tendencies), 
then  this  would  also  lessen  the  local  exploitation  of  single  patches  of  the  vines, 
a consideration  especially  important  if  a given  local  species  of  Pas  si  flora  is  very 
dispersed  itself.  Although  I have  not  found  many  other  heliconiines  on  P. 
vitifolia  at  Tirimbina,  this  is  because  systematic  searches  have  not  yet  been 
conducted,  although  I suspect  that  the  herbivore  load  would  be  reasonably  simi- 
lar to  that  observed  by  Benson  on  the  Osa  Peninsula  (to  be  reported  by  him  in 
a forthcoming  paper). 

The  traditional  question  of  palatability  that  shrouds  ecological  and  evolu- 
tionary approaches  to  the  Heliconiinae  is  interesting  to  consider  for  Philaethria 
butterflies,  owing  to  the  generalized  separate  lineage  from  other  members  of 
the  subfamily  (Emsley,  1963).  If  it  is  assumed  that  the  genetic  and  physi- 
ological adaptations  for  withstanding  toxic  compounds  derived  from  plant 
tissue  are  a derivative  or  advanced  evolutionary  trait  in  butterflies  (Brower 
and  Brower,  1964),  the  question  then  arises  whether  a generalized  genus  like 
Philaethria  has  the  ability  to  develop  unpalatability.  Certainly,  the  rather 
convincing  resemblance  between  this  butterfly  and  the  presumably  palatable 
mimic  Victorina  ( Metamorpha ) stelenes  (Nymphalidae:  Nymphalinae)  sug- 
gests that  P.  dido  is  a Batesian  model  in  this  interaction  (Brower  and  Brower, 
1964),  although  (1)  P.  dido  is  absent  in  El  Salvadore  where  V.  stelenes  is  very 
abundant,  and  (2)  local  abundance  of  V.  stelenes  exceeds  that  of  P.  dido  in 
young  secondary  fields  in  northeastern  Costa  Rica  (Young,  1972).  The 
ability  of  several  of  the  more  primitive  heliconiine  genera,  such  as  Agraulis 
to  feed  on  P.  vitifolia  suggests  that  Philaethria  dido  may  be  palatable,  if  primi- 
tive or  generalized  genera  are  unable  to  develop  detoxication  systems,  as  sug- 
gested recently  by  Benson  (1971).  But  since  Philaethria  represents  a separate 
lineage  of  heliconiine  evolution  from  these  other  genera,  a physiological  di- 
vergence might  have  occurred  with  respect  to  detoxication  systems:  Philaethria 
may  have  evolved  them  while  the  clustered  lineage  of  Agraulis,  Dione,  Dryadula, 
and  Podotricha  (Emsley,  1963)  might  not  have  achieved  this,  allowing  toxic 
materials  to  pass  out  of  the  gut  in  fecal  pellets.  It  is  clear  that  the  question  of 
palatability,  or  lack  thereof,  is  still  very  open  in  Philaethria  and  warrants  fur- 
ther study. 

Beebe,  Crane,  and  Fleming  (1960)  have  gone  into  considerable  detail  on  the 
comparative  analysis  of  life  stages  among  many  heliconiines,  including  P.  dido. 
But  I do  wish  to  point  out  some  variations  in  coloration  seen  in  the  fifth  instar 
larva  and  adult  from  Costa  Rica.  It  is  difficult  at  the  present  to  attach 
significance  to  color  differences  in  the  fifth  instar  between  Costa  Rica  and 
Trinidad  since  presumably  the  same  subspecies  {dido)  applies  to  both  regions. 


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But  in  the  adult  series  from  Tirimbina,  the  marginal  row  of  light  green  spots 
on  the  dorsal  side  of  each  hindwing  (Fig.  1)  is  considerably  smaller  than  in 
the  adult  figured  in  Beebe,  Crane,  and  Fleming  (1960).  The  difference  is 
very  stable  in  all  reared  adults,  and  it  is  also  consistent  with  wild-caught 
specimens  from  Tirimbina  and  nearby  Finca  La  Selva  (8  km)  that  I have 
obtained  over  the  past  five  years.  Color  differences  in  immatures  are  difficult 
to  evaluate  since  they  may  reflect  contemporary  ecological  specializations 
and  have  little  or  nothing  to  do  with  evolutionary  history.  Brown  (1972) 
comments  that  the  color  pattern  of  older  larvae  for  Heliconius  hermatheria 
converges  on  that  of  P.  dido  and  he  interprets  this  as  ecological  specialization. 

Borrowing  from  the  recent  discussion  of  Benson  (1971),  it  is  interesting  to 
cast  life  cycle  and  natural  historical  data  for  P.  dido  in  terms  of  a pattern  of 
ecological  adaptation.  Single  oviposition,  highly  aggressive  larvae,  and  ap- 
parent food  plant  specialization  are  ethological  and  ecological  mechanisms 
that  reflect  increased  dispersal  tendencies  of  the  adult  population.  From 
selection  pressures  favoring  a noncohesive  adult  population,  it  is  also  predicted 
that  the  opportunity  for  communal  roosting  to  evolve  in  P.  dido  would  also  be 
very  low.  In  my  experience  and  surely  in  that  of  other  researchers,  P.  dido 
adults  occur  at  very  low  densities  in  tropical  forests,  even  though  a given 
population  might  be  strongly  localized  in  a region  (Brown  and  Mielke,  1972, 
point  out  the  latter).  I believe  that  the  natural  historical  observations  dis- 
cussed here  and  in  previous  papers  are  consistent  with  a non-home-ranging  and 
non-viscous  (Benson,  1971)  adult  population  structure  for  P.  dido  at  edges 
and  clearings  of  tropical  rain  forests  in  Central  and  South  America.  Local- 
izations of  populations  of  P.  dido  are  predicted  to  be  determined  primarily  by 
local  topographic  effects  and  by  a variety  of  other  natural  and  perhaps  man- 
made land  barriers.  If  topographic  barriers  are  few  in  a region  or  become 
modified  by  man,  we  might  expect  zones  of  overlap  where  two  or  more 
different  forms  might  co-occur.  This  would  account  for  the  confusion  in  the 
literature  concerning  sympatric  populations  of  P.  dido  dido  and  P.  dido 
wernickei  or  other  varieties  on  the  Central  American  mainland,  while  other 
populations  contain  only  one  form,  as  discussed  in  Emsley  (1963).  Especially 
near  breaks  in  mountains  and  low  hills,  we  might  expect  considerable  local 
variety  in  color  pattern,  but  along  the  more  distal  coastal  regions,  uniformity 
of  the  sort  encountered  in  Costa  Rica  at  Tirimbina  and  La  Selva  would  be 
expected. 


Literature  Cited 

Alexander,  A.  J.  1961a.  A study  of  the  biology  and  behavior  of  the  caterpillars,  pupae, 
and  emerging  butterflies  of  the  subfamily  Heliconiinae  in  Trinidad,  West  Indies. 
Part  I.  Some  aspects  of  larval  behavior.  Zoologica,  46 : 1-24. 

Alexander,  A.  J.  19616.  Part  II.  Molting,  and  the  behavior  of  pupae  and  emerging  adults. 
Zoologica,  46:  105-122. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


41 


Barcant,  M.  1970.  “Butterflies  of  Trinidad  and  Tobago.”  London:  Collins,  314  pp. 

Beebe,  W.  1955.  Polymorphism  in  reared  broods  of  Heliconius  butterflies  from  Surinam 
and  Trinidad.  Zoologica,  40:  139-143. 

Beebe,  W.,  Crane,  J.,  and  Fleming,  H.  1960.  A comparison  of  eggs,  larvae,  and  pupae 
in  fourteen  species  of  heliconiine  butterflies  from  Trinidad,  West  Indies.  Zoologica, 
45:  111-154. 

Benson,  W.  W.  1971.  Evidence  for  the  evolution  of  unpalatability  through  kin  selection 
in  the  Heliconiinae  (Lepidoptera:  Nymphalidae) . Amer.  Nat.,  105:  213-226. 

Borch,  H.,  and  Schmid,  F.  1973.  On  Ornithoptera  priamus  caelestis  Rothschild,  demo- 
phanes  Fruhstorfer  and  boisduvali  Montrouzier  (Papilionidae) . J.  Lep.  Soc.,  27: 
196-205. 

Brower,  L.  P.,  and  Brower,  J.  V.  Z.  1964.  Birds,  butterflies,  and  plant  poisons:  A study 
in  ecological  chemistry.  Zoologica,  49 : 137-159. 

Brown,  K.  S.,  Jr.,  and  Mielke,  O.  H.  H.  1972.  The  Heliconians  of  Brazil  (Lepidoptera: 
Nymphalidae).  Part  II.  Introduction  and  general  comments,  with  a supplementary 
revision  of  the  tribe.  Zoologica,  57 : 1-40. 

Crane,  J.  1957.  Imaginal  behavior  in  butterflies  of  the  subfamily  Heliconiinae:  Changing 
social  patterns  and  irrelevant  actions.  Zoologica,  42:  135-146. 

Emsley,  M.  G.  1963.  A morphological  study  of  imagine  Heliconiinae  (Lep.:  Nymphali- 
dae), with  a consideration  of  the  evolutionary  relationships  within  the  group.  Zoo- 
logica, 48:  85-130. 

Emsley,  M.  G.  1964.  The  geographical  distribution  of  the  color  pattern  components  of 
Heliconius  erato  and  Heliconius  melpomene,  with  genetical  evidence  for  a systematical 
relationship  between  the  two  species.  Zoologica,  49:  245-286. 

Emsley,  M.  G.  1965.  Speciation  in  Heliconius  (Lep.:  Nymphalidae):  Morphology 

and  geographic  distribution.  Zoologica,  50:  191-254. 

Kaye,  W.  J.  1917.  A reply  to  Dr.  Eltringham’s  paper  on  the  genus  Heliconius.  Trans. 
Ent.  Soc.  London,  1916:  149-155. 

Labine,  P.  A.  1968.  The  population  biology  of  the  butterfly  Euphydryas  editha.  VIII. 
Oviposition  and  its  relation  to  patterns  of  oviposition  in  other  butterflies.  Evolution, 
22:  799-805. 

Muyshondt,  A.,  Young,  A.  M.,  and  Muyshondt,  A.,  Jr.  1973.  The  biology  of  the  but- 
terfly Dione  juno  huascama  (Nymphalidae:  Heliconiinae)  in  El  Salvador.  Jour.  New 
York  Entomol.  Soc.,  81 : 137-151. 

Turner,  J.  R.  G.  1971.  The  genetics  of  some  polymorphic  forms  of  the  butterflies  Heli- 
conius melpomene  (Linnaeus)  and  H.  erato  (Linnaeus).  II.  The  hybridization  of 
subspecies  of  H.  melpomene  from  Surinam  and  Trinidad.  Zoologica,  56:  125-157. 

Young,  A.  M.  1972.  Interactions  of  Philaethria  dido  (Heliconiinae)  and  Victorina  stelenes 
(Nymphalinae)  at  Stachytarpheta  flowers  in  Costa  Rica:  Evidence  against  mimetic 
association.  Act.  Biol.  Venez.,  8:  1-17. 

Young,  A.  M.  1973.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  Parides  areas  mylotes 
(Papilionidae)  in  Costa  Rican  premontane  wet  forest.  Psyche,  80:  1-22. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Ovipositing  of  Circulifer  tenellus  Baker 
(Homoptera,  Cicatlellidae) 

Karl  Maramorosch 

Institute  of  Microbiology,  Rutgers  University,  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.  08903 
Received  for  Publication  November  15,  1973 

In  the  course  of  experiments  with  leafhopper  vectors  of  certain  plant  disease 
agents,  such  as  viruses  and  mollicutelike  organisms  (Maramorosch,  1969), 
an  observation  was  made  concerning  oviposition  by  Circulifer  tenellus  Baker, 
the  beet  leafhopper  that  transmits  the  agent  of  sugar  beet  curly  top  disease. 
Groups  of  10  adult  male  and  female  leafhoppers  were  routinely  confined  to 
sugar  beet  plants  in  small  cages,  fastened  to  either  the  upper  or  the  lower  leaf 
surface  by  clip  cages  (Maramorosch,  1951)  or  by  magnetically  attached 
cages  (Kaloostian,  1955).  The  latter  were  modified  sometimes  so  as  to  provide 
adequate  aeration  through  a cylinder  made  of  Saran  monofilament  plastic 
screen  (Fig.  1).  Irrespective  of  the  type  of  leaf  cage  used,  only  the  upper 
or  lower  leaf  surface  was  accessible  to  the  feeding  insects.  This  “limited 
access”  feeding  differed  from  the  usual  methods  in  which  stock  culture  or 
disease  agent-carrying  insects  are  given  free  access  to  all  aboveground  parts  of  a 
test  plant. 

Frequently  during  the  summer  months  gravid  beet  leafhopper  females 
deposited  eggs  in  leaf  tissues  while  confined  to  beet  plants  in  small  cages. 
Surprisingly,  eggs  were  deposited  in  such  a manner  that  nymphs  never  hatched 
on  the  side  on  which  the  females  were  confined.  Whenever  the  cages  were 
attached  to  the  upper  surface  of  leaves  (Fig.  1),  the  eggs  were  found  pro- 
truding from  the  lower  surface  (Fig.  2).  When  insects  were  placed  on  the 
lower  leaf  surface,  their  eggs  were  seen  on  the  upper  surface  only  (Fig.  3). 
The  number  of  eggs  found  on  the  lower  surfaces  seemed  to  exceed  the  number 
deposited  on  the  upper  ones,  but  no  statistical  analysis  was  made  to  ascertain 
whether  the  difference  was  significant. 

In  a few  instances  leaf  cages  containing  gravid  females  were  left  attached 
for  as  long  as  three  to  five  weeks  without  disturbing  the  insects.  In  such 
instances  nymphs  that  hatched  from  deposited  eggs  began  to  feed  on  the  side 
opposite  the  caged  adults.  Some  nymphs  managed  to  squeeze  through  occasional 
narrow  gaps  between  the  leaf  surface  and  the  bottom  part  of  the  clip  cage 
and  they  would  occasionally  appear  on  other  parts  of  a test  plant.  Once  free 
to  move,  such  first  and  second  instar  nymphs  would  become  potential  sources 
of  greenhouse  contamination. 

To  prevent  the  escape  of  progeny  nymphs  and  accidental  greenhouse 
contamination,  exposed  leaves  were  marked  by  punched  holes.  After  the 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  42-44.  March,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


43 


Fig.  1.  Two  insect  cages,  magnetically  attached  to  leaves.  Upper  (left)  cage  is  of  cellu- 
lose nitrate  tubing,  with  a Saran  monofilament  screen  on  top.  Lower  (right)  cage  is  made 
entirely  of  Saran  monofilament  screen,  with  cotton  plug  on  top  to  insert  insects.  The  bottom 
of  each  cage,  resting  on  the  leaf  surface,  is  covered  by  a 15  dernier  nylon  screen. 

Fig.  2.  When  caged  insects  were  confined  to  the  upper  leaf  surface,  eggs  were  protrud- 
ing from  the  lower  surface. 

Fig.  3.  Single  leafhopper  egg,  protruding  from  upper  surface  of  a leaf;  in  this  instance 
a gravid  female  was  confined  to  the  lower  surface  of  the  leaf. 


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removal  of  insect  cages,  usually  within  the  first  ten  days  of  test  feeding, 
the  marked  leaf  portion  was  cut  off  and  destroyed  before  first  instar  nymphs 
began  to  hatch.  Whenever  gravid  females  had  to  be  confined  to  plants  in 
leaf  cages  for  periods  exceeding  three  to  four  days,  the  cages  were  transferred 
from  one  area  to  another,  or  from  leaf  to  leaf,  and  the  exposed  portion  con- 
taining deposited  eggs  was  excised  and  discarded.  This  procedure  did  not 
prevent  successful  inoculation  of  plants  with  viruses  or  mollicutelike  agents 
(Maramorosch  et  al.,  1962)  since  these  disease  agents  were  rapidly  transported 
through  phloem  elements  to  other  parts  of  the  plant. 

A probable  explanation  of  the  observed  hatching  of  nymphs  on  the  leaf 
surface  opposite  that  of  female  confinement  was  the  length  of  the  ovipositor 
and  the  depth  of  penetration  (Muller,  1942).  It  seems  less  likely,  though 
not  inconceivable,  to  assume  that  the  females  were  making  a deliberate  attempt 
to  place  their  eggs  in  such  a manner  as  to  ensure  that  their  progeny  would 
not  hatch  within  the  limited  area  of  their  own  “prison  confinement.”  The 
first,  purely  mechanistic,  explanation  seems  the  more  plausible. 

Forcing  oviposition  by  means  of  leaf  cages  within  a limited  area  of  a leaf 
has  also  been  advantageous  for  the  rapid  collection  of  leafhopper  eggs,  used 
as  the  source  of  embryonic  material  for  insect  tissue  culture  (Hirumi  and 
Maramorosch,  1964). 

Literature  Cited 

Hirumi,  H.  and  Maramorosch,  K.  1964.  Insect  tissue  culture:  use  of  blastokinetic  stage 
of  leafhopper  embryo.  Science,  144:  1465-1467. 

Kaloostian,  G.  H.  1955.  A magnetically  suspended  insect  cage.  J.  Econ.  Entomol.,  48: 
756-757. 

Maramorosch,  K.  1951.  Handy  insect- vector  cage.  Jour.  New  York  Entomol.  Soc.,  59: 
49-50. 

Maramorosch,  K.  (ed.).  1969.  “Viruses,  Vectors,  and  Vegetation.”  John  Wiley-Inter- 

science,  New  York.  666  pp. 

Maramorosch,  K.,  Martinez,  A.  L.,  and  Maisey,  S.  1962.  Translocation  of  aster  yellows 
virus  in  aster  plants.  Phytopathology,  52:  20. 

Muller,  H.  J.  1942.  Uber  Bau  und  Funktion  des  Legapparates  der  Zikaden  (Homoptera 
Cicadina).  Z.  Morphologie  u.  Okoologie  der  Tiere,  38:  534-629. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


45 


The  Spliingidae  of  Turrialba,  Costa  Rica 

Richard  P.  Seifert 

Department  of  Ecology  and  Evolution,  State  University  of  New  York,  Stony  Brook, 

New  York  11790 

Received  for  Publication  October  19,  1973 


Abstract:  A five-month  study  of  the  Sphinigidae  at  Turrialba,  Costa  Rica,  was  made. 

A total  of  565  specimens  of  66  species  was  collected,  of  which  Errinyis  ello  was  the  most 
common.  A monthly  record  of  these  data  is  presented.  Selected  data  from  other  Costa 
Rican  sites  are  included;  they  bring  the  total  number  of  species  discussed  to  80.  The 
known  distribution  of  ten  species  is  extended. 

Statistical  data  on  the  times  of  flights  are  given  for  the  Turrialba  species,  particularly 
for  those  that  are  common.  Differences  in  temporal  activity  of  closely  related  species 
may  be  the  result  of  competition. 


INTRODUCTION 

In  most  regions  of  the  New  World  Tropics,  there  is  a paucity  of  knowledge 
about  insect  communities.  Even  in  the  families  of  Lepidoptera  where  the  tax- 
onomy is  well  known,  distributional  data  in  general  are  very  limited  and  collec- 
tions covering  a considerable  time  span  at  a single  locality  are  few.  In  this 
study,  I focus  on  the  seasonal  abundance  of  the  hawk  moths  (Sphingidae) 
within  the  vicinity  of  the  Interamerican  Institute  of  Agricultural  Sciences  near 
Turrialba,  Costa  Rica,  during  a five-month  period  from  January  through 
May  of  1967.  Certain  species  discussed  here  were  collected  only  in  Costa 
Rican  localities  other  than  Turrialba.  I have  included  these  species  to  pro- 
vide broader  knowledge  of  the  Costa  Rican  fauna.  However,  this  paper  gives 
a complete  record  of  sphingids  from  Turrialba  only. 

Field  Site 

The  Interamerican  Institute  of  Agricultural  Sciences  (09'45"  North  Lati- 
tude; 83'38"  West  Longitude;  602  meters  elevation)  is  located  45  km.  south- 

Acknowledgments : I should  like  to  thank  Robert  Hunter  and  Leslie  Holdridge  for 

their  help  throughout  this  project,  as  well  as  Kenneth  Christiansen  and  O.  R.  Taylor  who 
read  drafts  of  this  paper  and  contributed  valuable  comments.  It  gives  me  particular  plea- 
sure to  thank  W.  L.  Staudinger,  who  provided  encouragement  and  constant  help,  and 
William  Sieker,  who  helped  identify  many  of  the  difficult  specimens  and  was  never  too 
busy  to  answer  my  myriad  questions.  This  research  was  sponsored  by  Grinnell  College 
and  by  the  Associated  Colleges  of  the  Midwest.  The  Tropical  Science  Center,  the  Inter- 
american Institute  of  Agricultural  Sciences,  and  the  Universidad  de  Costa  Rica  allowed 
use  of  their  facilities.  The  typing  was  done  by  Florence  H.  Seifert  and  Eileen  Fischer. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  45-56.  March,  1974. 


46 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


east  of  San  Jose.  The  average  yearly  temperature,  rainfall,  and  relative  humid- 
ity of  this  area  are  22.4°C,  2547.5  mm.,  and  87.5  percent,  respectively.  This 
area  is  classified  by  the  Holdridge  system  (Holdridge,  1964)  as  Tropical  Pre- 
montane  Wet  Forest.  An  important  feature  of  the  study  site  is  the  large  area  of 
primary  vegetation  near  the  institute.  Two  rivers,  the  Rio  Turrialba  and  the 
Rio  Reventazon,  join  near  the  study  area,  and  the  land  along  the  edges  of 
these  rivers  is  largely  primary  forest.  The  study  area  is  surrounded  on  three 
sides  by  these  forests;  the  fourth  side  faces  pasture  and  coffee  fields.  The 
site  is  situated  in  a small  valley  and  probably  drew  moths  from  the  surround- 
ing hills. 

Fourteen  fluorescent  lights  were  situated  approximately  three  meters  off 
the  ground  along  the  edges  of  the  forest.  One  additional  fluorescent  light  was 
set  up  on  a white  reflecting  wall  looking  into  the  forest  at  a height  of  ten 
meters.  Two  black  lights  were  installed  at  about  two  meters  height  facing  the 
forest.  The  lights  were  situated  in  a manner  so  that  each  light  could  be  ob- 
served at  least  once  within  a one-hour  period  and  the  time  of  collection  of 
most  moths  was  recorded.  The  perimeter  of  this  study  site  was  about  three 
kilometers  and  collections  were  generally  made  from  7:00  p.m.  until  2:00  A.M., 
approximately  fifteen  nights  each  month. 

RESULTS  AND  DISCUSSION 

Annotated  List  of  Species 

A total  of  80  species  of  Sphingidae  was  covered  in  this  report,  of  which  565 
specimens  of  66  species  were  collected  in  Turrialba.  The  most  abundant  spe- 
cies in  the  Turrialba  collection  was  Erinnyis  ello,  which  is  the  most  common 
species  of  Sphingidae  in  the  New  World  tropics.  Amply terus  gannascus , Erin- 
nyis oenotrus,  A grins  cingulata,  and  P achylia  resumens  were  the  next  most 
common  species,  in  order  of  abundance.  Tables  1 through  5 list  by  subfamily 
the  Sphingidae  collected  in  Costa  Rica.  Except  where  otherwise  noted,  the 
species  were  collected  at  Turrialba.  Numbers  of  specimens  per  month  are 
given  as  well  as  the  relative  abundances.  The  terms  for  abundance  are  those 
used  by  Fleming  in  his  1947  paper  on  the  Sphingidae  of  Rancho  Grande.  They 
are  as  follows: 

Abundant 101  or  more  specimens 

Common 11  to  100  specimens 

Occasional 5 to  10  specimens 

Rare 2 to  4 specimens 

Unique Only  1 specimen 

Seventeen  species  of  the  subfamily  Acheron  tiinae  were  collected  through- 
out Costa  Rica  during  the  study,  of  which  92  specimens  of  thirteen  species 


Agrius  cingulata  (Fabricius)  Common 

Neococytius  cluentius  (Cramer)  Collected  only  at  San  Jose 

Cocytius  duponchal  (Poey)  Common 

Cocytius  anteus  medor  (Stoll)  Unique 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


47 


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Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


49 


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Table  5.  Annotated  List  of  Choerocampinae 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


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Xylophanes  crotonis  (Walker)  Collected  only  at  Vara  Blanca 

Hyles  lineata  (Fabricius)  Collected  only  at  Liberia 


52 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


were  found  in  Turrialba  and  four  species,  Amphimoea  walkeri , Neococytius 
cluentius,  Manduca  corallina,  and  M.  dilucida  were  taken  at  secondary  sites 
(sites  other  than  Turrialba).  The  Acherontiinae  represented  16  percent  of 
the  total  sample  from  Turrialba.  Agrius  cingulata  and  Manduca  jlorestan 
were  the  most  common  species  of  this  subfamily. 

Only  four  species  of  the  subfamily  Ambulicinae  were  collected  in  Costa 
Rica,  three  of  which  were  found  in  Turrialba.  One  species,  Amply pterus  donysa, 
was  collected  at  a secondary  site.  All  of  the  species  of  Ambulicinae  found  at 
Turrialba  were  common,  totaling  57  specimens,  or  nearly  10  percent  of  the 
samples. 

The  Sesiinae  is  the  largest  subfamily  of  hawk  moths  in  the  New  World 
tropics  with  about  100  described  species.  Thirty-five  species  were  taken  in 
Costa  Rica,  with  twenty-eight  being  taken  at  Turrialba.  At  Turrialba,  294 
specimens  were  collected,  representing  nearly  54  percent  of  the  total  number 
of  specimens  collected.  Erinnyis  ello  was  the  most  common  hawk  moth  at 
Turrialba,  representing  49  percent  of  the  Sesiinae  collected. 

Only  thirty-nine  specimens  and  eight  species  of  the  subfamily  Philampeli- 
nae  were  collected  in  Costa  Rica,  all  of  which  are  represented  in  Turrialba. 

Of  the  sixteen  species  of  the  subfamily  Choerocampinae  captured  in  Costa 
Rica,  fourteen  were  represented  at  Turrialba,  yielding  83  specimens.  Xylo- 
phanes  pluto  and  Xylophanes  porcus  continentalis  were  the  only  species  that 
were  common  at  Turrialba  where  they  represented  41  percent  of  the  Choero- 
campinae collected. 


RANGE  EXTENSIONS 

This  study  extends  the  known  range  of  ten  species  of  Sphingidae  (Draudt, 
1931;  Rothschild  and  Jordan,  1903;  Mosser,  1939;  and  Cary,  1951).  Of 
these  species,  five  were  known  from  Panama  and  the  extension  is  therefore 
not  surprising.  Manduca  hannibal  was  believed  to  exist  from  southern  Brazil 
to  Panama.  Manduca  pellenia  was  known  from  records  of  its  capture  in  Pan- 
ama, Colombia,  Venezuela,  and  Mexico.  Pachylia  darceta  was  believed  to  be 
distributed  from  Panama  to  Bolivia  and  Peru.  Pachygonia  drucei  has  pre- 
viously been  recorded  only  from  Panama  and  Honduras  and  Nyceryx  eximia 
was  recorded  only  from  Panama.  Cautethia  spuria  was  evidently  considered 
to  be  endemic  to  Mexico.  Manduca  dilucida  was  recorded  from  Mexico  to 
Honduras.  Eumorpha  phorbus,  which  was  found  at  Turrialba,  was  previously 
considered  to  be  distributed  from  Venezuela  to  northern  Brazil  and  Eumorpha 
capronnieri , which  was  also  found  in  the  collection  at  Turrialba,  was  recorded 
from  sites  in  Venezuela,  Surinam,  Ecuador,  Peru,  and  the  Amazon  Valley. 
Nyceryx  magna,  collected  at  Turrialba,  had  been  previously  recorded  only  in 
Peru  and  Ecuador. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


53 


Analysis  of  Temporal  Activity  for  the  Turrialba  Specimens 

An  estimate  of  the  period  of  flight  activity  for  each  species  of  moth  was 
made  by  recording  the  time  of  capture  for  each  individual  at  Turrialba.  Each 
light  was  visited  at  least  once  and  often  twice  each  hour  from  7:00  p.m.  to 
2:00  a.m.  Table  6 gives  a summation  per  half-hour  of  the  number  of  speci- 
mens of  twenty-two  species  collected  throughout  the  study.  The  final  column 
in  Table  6 sums  all  individuals  collected  after  1:30  a.m.  Since  collecting  was 
only  occasionally  continued  after  2:00  a.m.,  further  late  groupings  yield  little 
information.  The  table  includes  all  species  that  I have  considered  common  (and 
that,  therefore,  provide  a sufficient  amount  of  data  to  be  examined),  plus 
four  additional  species  that  show  significant  nonrandom  flight  times.  The  flight- 
time distribution  of  each  species  was  tested  for  randomness  of  temporal  ac- 
tivity, using  a Kolmogorov-Smirnov  one-sample  test.  The  level  of  significance 
of  each  test  is  given  in  the  table  using  standard  statistical  notation  (n.s.  = not 
significant;  * = significant  at  0.05  level;  **  = significant  at  0.01  level).  The 
remaining  forty-four  Turrialba  species  showed  no  significant  departure  from 
randomness;  for  this  reason  and  because  their  sample  sizes  are  small,  data 
from  these  species  were  not  included  in  the  table.  Three  of  the  common  species 
in  Table  6 each  yielded  a computed  D,  the  Kolmogorov-Smirnov  statistic, 
close  to  the  appropriate  critical  values  of  D,  indicating  that  nonrandom  flight 
times  probably  occur  for  these  species  and  would  be  shown  if  the  sample  size 
were  larger.  These  species  were  Cautethia  spuria , Eumorpha  triangulum , and 
Xylophanes  porcus.  The  computed  D’s  for  these  species  are,  respectively,  .346, 
.322,  and  .353,  while  the  critical  values  are,  respectively,  .375,  .328,  and  .361. 

The  time  of  activity  may  be  a resource  subdividable  by  the  Sphingidae. 
Certain  species  are  using  highly  discrete  time  periods  for  activity  (presumably 
feeding)  while  others  are  acting  as  generalists  with  respect  to  the  time  resource 
and  are  flying  randomly  throughout  7:00  p.m.  to  2:00  a.m.  To  elucidate  this, 
Table  7 gives  a representation  of  the  times  of  activities  of  the  eighteen  species 
of  sphingids  that  I consider  common  as  well  as  the  four  additional  species 
that  show  significant  nonrandom  temporal  activity. 

Using  a Kolmogorov-Smirnov  two  sample  test,  six  pairwise  comparisons 
were  made  between  common  species  of  the  same  genus  to  determine  if  closely 
related  species  exhibited  statistically  significant  differing  times  of  flight,  in- 
dicating effects  of  competition.  These  six  pairs  are:  Manduca  occulta  and 
M.  florestan ; Amply terus  gannascus  and  A.  ypsilon ; Erinnyis  ello  and  E. 
oenotrus ; P achylia  ficus  and  P.  resumens ; Eumorpha  anchemolus  and  E . tri- 
angulum ; and  Xylophanes  porcus  and  X.  ceratomioides.  The  Erinnyis,  Eu- 
morpha, and  Xylophanes  pairs  were  nonsignificant,  indicating  that  the  ran- 
dom flight  times  of  one  of  the  species  for  each  pair  had  a mean  value  near  the 
mean  of  the  nonrandom  pair  member.  This  does  not,  of  course,  invalidate 


Table  6.  Per  half-hour  summary  of  collection  of  twenty-two  species  of  Sphingidae  collected  over  a five-month  period  at  Turrialba.  The 
data  for  each  species  were  subjected  to  a Kolmogorov-Smirnov  one-sample  test ; the  level  of  significance  for  each  test  is  given  following 
the  appropriate  species  using  standard  statistical  notation. 


54 


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^ I .5  § u 
On  ^ ^ ^ 


Eumorpha  anchemolus,n  s 
Eumorpha  triangulum,n  s • 
Xylophanes  pluto,n  s' 
Xylophanes  porcus,n  s' 
Xylophanes  ceratomioides* 


Table  7.  Temporal  activity  periods  of  twenty-two  species  of  Sphingidae  collected  at  Turrialba;  the  solid  lines  indicate  activity  times  for 
each  species.  The  notation  following  each  species  is  the  same  as  that  in  Table  6.  The  species  whose  names  are  followed  by  n s-  are  consid- 
ered, with  the  possible  exception  of  Cautethia  spuria , Eumorpha  iriangulum,  and  Xylophanes  porous , to  fly  throughout  the  night. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


55 


O 

o fO 


° m 

Jh  O 
O cc 

o o 


O rr, 

d d 


O rp 
00  00 


Nk  'y  v 


S „ • * 

c ^ -T  § 
3 O S 

■Q.  3 8 3 

•1^11 
o « « 
^ ^ ^ 


& JO 


CO  ^ ^ 


8 8 
*0  'SO 


S 

* 


.1  § 


Bt 


^ K)  tq  Cl, 


&J  cq  O ^ **J 


Xylophanes  pluto,as • 
Xylophanes  porous, ns' 
Xylophanes  ceratomioides* 


56 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


the  fact  that  for  these  species  pairs,  competition  apparently  has  resulted  in  one 
generalist  and  one  specialist  with  respect  to  the  time  resource. 

The  remaining  three  pairs  were  significant  at  the  .01  level  indicating  high- 
resource  dividing  between  closely  related  species.  In  the  Manduca  and  Eu- 
morpha  pairs  this  apparently  indicates  that  the  mean  time  of  flight  for  the 
random  member  is  different  from  that  of  the  nonrandom  member.  In  the  case 
of  the  Amply terus  pair,  both  species  show  nonrandom  temporal  activity.  We 
are  then  faced  with  the  interesting  conclusion  that  each  species  shows  a non- 
random  and  separate  activity  period,  thus  indicating  high  competitive  effects. 

It  should  be  pointed  out  that  any  nonrandom  temporal  flight  activity  may 
be  associated  with  corresponding  synchronous  nonrandom  flower  opening  by 
food  sources.  This  type  of  flowering  system  occurs  in  the  tropics  and  yields 
a system  whereby  long-distance  pollinators,  such  as  euglossine  bees  (Janzen, 
1971)  and  sphingids  (personal  observation  and  Janzen,  1971),  promote  out- 
crossing,  thus  allowing  individuals  of  plant  species  to  reproduce  even  at  great 
distances  from  their  nearest  neighbors. 

Literature  Cited 

Cary,  M.  M.  1951.  Distribution  of  Sphingidae  (Lepidoptera:  Heterocera)  in  the  An- 

tillean-Caribbean  region.  Trans.  Am.  Ent.  Soc.,  77:  63-129. 

Draudt,  M.  1931.  Sphingidae  in  Sietz,  A.,  Macro-Lepidoptera  of  the  world.  Kernen, 
Stuttgart,  6:  839-900  and  plates  90-98. 

Fleming,  H.  1947.  Sphingidae  (moths)  of  Rancho  Grande,  North  Central  Venezuela. 
Zoologica,  30:  133-145. 

Holdridge,  L.  R.  1964.  Life-zone  ecology.  Tropical  Science  Center,  San  Jose,  124  pp. 
Janzen,  D.  1971.  Euglossine  bees  as  long-distance  pollinators  of  tropical  plants.  Science, 
171:  203-205. 

Mosser,  O.  1939.  Enumeracion  de  los  esfingidos  Mexicanos.  Anales  Escuela  National 
de  Cienc.  Biologicas,  1:  407-495. 

Rothschild,  W.,  and  Jordan,  K.  1903.  A revision  of  the  Lepidopterous  family  Sphingi- 
dae. Novit.  Zool.,  9.  972  pp.  and  67  plates. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


57 


A New  Genus  of  Pentatominae  from  South  America,  Distinguished  by 
the  Position  of  Its  Spiracles  (Hemiptera:  Pentatomidae) 

L.  H.  Rolston 

Department  of  Entomology,  Louisiana  State  University, 

Baton  Rouge,  Louisiana  70803 

Received  for  Publication  November  30,  1973 

Abstract:  Caonabo,  new  genus,  and  C.  casicus , new  species,  are  described  from  Brazil.  In 
this  genus  the  spiracles  are  located  near  the  lateral  margins  of  the  abdomen,  while  the  paired 
trichobothria  associated  with  each  spiracle  remain  in  a submarginal  position.  The  spatial 
relationship  of  the  spiracles  and  trichobothria  appears  unique  among  genera  of  Pentatominae. 


INTRODUCTION 

This  new  genus  is  apparently  unique  among  members  of  Pentatominae  in 
having  the  spiracles  located  near  the  lateral  margin  of  the  abdominal  sternites 
while  the  paired  trichobothria  are  caudad  and  mesad  of  each  spiracle  in  the 
submarginal  position  usual  for  the  subfamily.  A similar  spatial  relationship 
between  the  trichobothria  and  spiracles  exists  in  several  pentatomoid  families 
(Acanthosomatidae,  Dinidoridae,  Tessaratomidae,  and  Urostylidae)  but  among 
pentatomids  only  in  Phyllocephalinae  according  to  Ruckes  (1962). 

Caonabo , n.  g. 

Juga  and  tylus  subequal  in  length;  antennae  five-segmented,  basal  segment  not  surpassing 
apex  of  head;  bucculae  moderately  developed,  weakly  toothed  at  anterior  limit,  then  per- 
current,  terminating  truncately  at  base  of  head  near  distal  end  of  first  rostral  segment. 
Anterolateral  margins  of  pronotum  rounded  vertically,  anterior  angles  contiguous  with 
eyes.  Frena  extending  along  basal  half  of  scutellum.  Costal  angles  of  coria  surpassing  apex 
of  scutellum. 

Prosternum  and  metasternum  nearly  flat;  median  low  carina  on  mesosternum  diminish- 
ing posteriorly  to  obscurity.  Metathoracic  ostiole  auriculate.  Femora  unarmed,  tibiae 
weakly  sulcate  on  superior  surface,  tarsi  three-segmented.  Spiracles  located  near  lateral 
margin  on  second  through  fifth  visible  abdominal  sternites,  laterad  and  cephalad  of  paired 
trichobothria,  these  somewhat  diagonally  transverse  with  one  trichobothrium  entad  and 
cephalad  of  other  (Fig.  2).  Abdomen  lacking  median  tubercle  or  spine. 

Male  with  one  pair  of  lateroventral  thecal  appendages  and  greatly  developed  median 
penal  lobes  (Figs.  4 to  6). 

Type  species:  Caonabo  casicus , new  species. 

Caonabo  casicus,  n.  sp. 

Light  brown  to  castaneous  above,  generally  grading  to  black  on  humeri,  brownish  yellow 
beneath;  occasionally  entirely  fuscous  or  black.  Length  of  body,  7.4  to  10.7  mm. 

Head  usually  slightly  longer  than  wide  across  eyes,  1.6  to  1.9  mm  wide,  1.7  to  2.1  mm 
long.  Lateral  margins  weakly  concave  above  antenniferous  tubercles,  strongly  elevated 

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Fig.  1.  Dorsal  aspect,  female.  Fig.  2.  Lateral  margin  of  abdominal  sternite;  spiracle  (s) ; 
trichobothrium  (tr).  Fig.  3.  Pygophore,  dorsal  aspect;  carina  (ca)  ; elevated  margin  of 
genital  cup  (e) ; median  process  (m) ; paramere  (pa);  proctiger  (pr).  Fig.  4.  Theca  and 
related  structures,  dorsal  aspect;  conjunctiva  (c).  Fig.  5.  Same,  lateral  aspect;  thecal 
process  (tp).  Fig.  6.  Same,  ventral  aspect;  penisfilum  (p).  Fig.  7.  Genital  plates;  8th 
paratergite  (pt  8);  9th  paratergite  (pt  9).  Fig.  8.  Spermatheca.  Fig.  9.  Distal  portion 
of  spermatheca;  spermathecal  bulb  (sb).  Figs.  10  to  12.  Variations  in  right  paramere. 

Dimensional  lines  equal  0.5  mm. 


toward  apex.  Juga  usually  a little  shorter  than  tylus,  each  jugum  and  tylus  separately 
rounded  at  apex.  Punctation  moderately  strong  and  rather  uniformly  arranged,  entirely 
fuscous  or  with  castaneuos  to  concolorous  punctures  on  and  about  tylus  and  vertex.  An- 
tennae uniformly  yellowish  brown  to  pale  castaneous ; basal  two  segments  subequal  in 
length,  next  two  segments  each  about  twice  as  long  as  basal  segment,  distal  segment  longest; 
length  of  segments,  0.4  to  0.6;  0.5  to  0.6;  0.8  to  1.0;  0.9  to  1.0;  1.2  to  1.4  mm.  Apex  of 
rostrum  usually  falling  between  mesocoxae  and  metacoxae,  occasionally  shorter,  not  sur- 
passing mesocoxae,  or  longer,  reaching  between  metacoxae 

Humeri  strongly  produced,  subacute  to  acute,  somewhat  elevated,  directed  obliquely  for- 
ward (Fig.  1).  Anterolateral  pronotal  margins  concave  from  dorsal  view,  rough  but  not 
crenulate,  usually  slightly  tuberculate  at  anterior  angles;  posterolateral  margins  convex, 
rough,  usually  pale.  Disk  traversed  by  strong  ruga  about  midway  between  base  and  apex. 
Cicatrices  indistinct,  their  posterior  margin  delineated  by  a transverse  ruga  swollen  on  each 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


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side  of  meson  into  an  irregular  callous,  this  often  accented  posteriorly  by  a dense  patch  of 
black  punctures.  Punctation  stronger  than  on  head,  ranging  from  dark  brown  to  black, 
coalescing  into  irregular  lines  on  humeri.  Width  across  humeri,  4.9  to  6.0  mm,  length  at 
meson,  1.9  to  2.5  mm. 

Scutellum  usually  a little  longer  than  wide  at  base,  2.6  to  3.3  mm  wide;  sides  weakly 
concave.  A small  pale  callous,  indifferently  to  clearly  delineated,  present  in  basal  angles. 
Disk  often  rough,  sometimes  with  submarginal  impressions  converging  beyond  distal  end 
of  frena.  Punctation  as  strong  as  on  pronotum,  many  punctures  forming  short  irregular 
lines  on  basal  disk. 

Coria  more  finely  and  regularly  punctate  than  scutellum;  posterior  margin  extending 
posterolaterad  in  slight  arc  from  scutellum;  membrane  frosty,  venation  weakly  differentiated. 
Connexiva  moderately  exposed,  black  with  border  of  each  segment  draped  in  brownish 
yellow;  posterior  angle  of  each  segment  markedly  produced,  resulting  in  strongly  serrate 
connexival  margin. 

Punctation  beneath  humeri  especially  dense,  strong,  black,  continuing  as  submarginal 
band  along  thorax  and  along  abdomen  mesad  of  trichobothria  (Fig.  2) ; punctation  in  broad 
marginal  band  on  abdomen  concolorous,  shallow,  dense,  with  trichobothria  located  about 
midway  in  this  band;  punctation  elsewhere  on  head,  thorax,  and  disk  of  abdomen  mostly 
black,  moderately  dense,  variable  in  size,  irregular  in  distribution.  Evaporatorium  on  each 
side  rugose,  extending  from  between  coxae  laterad  about  halfway  from  orifice  to  lateral 
margin  of  metapleuron. 

A segment  of  anterior  margin  of  genital  cup  elevated  on  each  side  of  median  process; 
entad  of  this  segment  a carina  running  along  lateral  wall;  posterior  margin  of  genital  cup 
produced  on  each  side  as  short  oblique  process  located  caudad  of  parameres  and  cephalad 
of  large  impression  in  broad  posterior  border  of  pygophore  (Fig.  3).  Proctiger  longitudinally 
impressed,  elevated  at  distal  extremity  as  pale  median  crest,  this  semicircular  from  lateral 
view.  Distal  portion  of  parameres  variable  in  form  (Figs.  10  to  12).  A pair  of  thecal  ap- 
pendages located  ventrolaterally  (Figs.  4 to  6).  Median  penal  lobes  longer  and  wider  than 
theca,  without  a discernible  division.  Penisfilum  lying  on  median  plane,  pigmented  basally 
except  along  midline,  flagellate  and  hyaline  distally.  Conjunctiva  with  median  lobe. 

Apical  angles  of  8th  paratergite  acute,  narrowly  rounded  (Fig.  7)  ; 9th  paratergite  longi- 
tudinally impressed,  deeply  so  toward  base;  spermathecal  bulb  ovoid  (Figs.  8 and  9). 

Types.  Holotype,  male,  labeled  Museum  Leiden,  Nova  Friburgo,  Estado  do  Rio,  900  m. 
1-1946,  Wygodzinsky.  Deposited  in  Rijksmuseum  van  Natuurlijke  Historie,  Leiden,  Nether- 
lands. 

Paratypes.  9 males,  5 females.  Same  data  as  holotype  (2  $ $ , $ Rijksmuseum) ; Vigosa, 
Minas  Gerais,  Brazil,  25-IV-33,  E.  J.  Hambleton  ($  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.)  ; (a)  Rio  Ver- 
melho,  S.  Cath.,  Brazil,  Apr.  1947;  ( b ) A.  Mailer  Coll.,  Frank  Johnson,  Donor  ($,  $ 
Am.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.);  Cacador,  S.  Catarina  ($  authors  coll.);  12.2.73  Parana,  Bocaiuva 
do  Sul  ($  Univ.  Fed.  do  Parana);  (a)  Stieglmayr,  Rio  Gr.  do  Sul;  ( b ) Brit.  Mus.  1955- 
16  (3  $ $,  3 $ $ Brit.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.). 

Distribution.  Brazil,  in  states  of  Rio  Grande  do  Sul,  Santa  Catarina,  Parana,  Rio  de  Janeiro, 
and  Minas  Gerais. 


DISCUSSION 

Caonabo  seems  related  to  a South  American  species  group,  currently  placed 
in  the  genus  Euschistus,  whose  members  have  a pair  of  lateral  appendages  on 
the  aedeagus.  In  at  least  some  species  of  this  group  the  conjunctiva  is  eversible 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


and  the  appendages  clearly  pertain  to  this  structure  rather  than  arising  on  or 
near  the  posterior  margin  of  the  theca  as  elsewhere  in  this  and  neighboring 
genera.  In  Caonabo  the  conjunctiva  is  not  eversible  but  the  appendages  arise 
within  the  theca,  their  origin,  whether  on  the  theca  or  on  the  conjunctiva,  ob- 
scure. If  these  conjunctival  and  thecal  appendages  are  homologous,  Caonabo 
may  represent  a transitory  stage  from  the  former  to  the  latter  condition. 

Acknowledgments:  Messr.  W.  R.  Dolling  of  the  British  Museum  (Natural  History), 

R.  C.  Froeschner  of  the  United  States  National  Museum,  A.  R.  Panizzi  of  the  Universidade 
Federal  do  Parana,  P.  H.  van  Doesburg  of  the  Rijksmuseum  van  Natuurlijke  Historie,  and 
P.  Wygodzinsky  of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History  loaned  the  specimens  upon 
which  these  descriptions  are  based. 


Literature  Cited 

Ruckes,  H.  1961  (1962).  The  diagnostic  value  of  trichobothria  in  pentatomid  taxonomy. 
Verh.  XI  Internat.  Kongr.  Entomol.  (Wien),  1 : 35-37. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


61 


Andean  Larvae  and  Chrysalids  of  Dione  juno  andicola  (Bates)  and 
Agraulis  vanillae  lucina  Felder  & Felder 

F.  Martin  Brown 

6715  So.  Marksheffel  Road,  Colorado  Springs,  Colorado  80909 

Received  for  Publication  November  19,  1973 

Abstract:  The  mature  larva  and  pupa  of  Dione  juno  andicola  Bates  are  described  from 
Banos,  Ecuador,  and  compared  with  those  of  other  subspecies  of  juno.  The  differences  are 
sufficient  to  cast  doubt  upon  the  assignment  of  andicola  to  the  species  juno.  The  egg  and 
five  larval  stages  of  Agraulis  vanillae  lucina  Felder  & Felder  are  described  from  Banos, 
Ecuador.  Although  the  imago  of  lucina  is  quite  different  from  those  of  other  subspecies 
of  vanillae,  the  larval  stages  support  assignment  of  lucina  to  vanillae. 


INTRODUCTION 

While  I was  going  through  old  papers  trying  to  make  manageable  the  accu- 
mulations from  three  offices  I found  the  following  notes  of  observations  made 
in  1938  in  Ecuador.  I sent  them  at  that  time  to  the  late  Dr.  John  A.  Comstock 
and  do  not  recall  that  he  ever  published  them.  At  this  time  I have  added  to 
the  original  manuscript  comparisons  with  the  mature  larvae  and  pupae  of  the 
species  as  observed  in  other  areas. 

Dione  juno  andicola  Bates 

Two  full-grown  larvae  of  this  Andean  taxon  were  collected  October  9,  1938,  on  the  trail 
from  Banos,  Tungurahua,  Ecuador,  to  Runtun — a high  hill  just  south  of  the  town.  They 
were  making  silk  patches  on  the  heavy  leaves  of  maguey,  which  obviously  is  not  their 
food  plant.  One  specimen  was  preserved  in  alcohol  (and  dispatched  to  Comstock)  and  the 
other  allowed  to  pupate  and  emerge  for  determination. 

Mature  larvae.  Length  3.0  cm.,  greatest  diameter  4.5  mm.  The  ground  color  is  dark  olive 
brown,  almost  black.  This  is  almost  obliterated  by  a mosaic  of  dark  burnt-orange  spots. 
The  anal  plate  and  head  are  black.  Segment  Tl  bears  two  short  subdorsal  scoli,  T2  has 
two  long  lateral  scoli  and  T3  two  long  subdorsal  and  two  short  lateral  scoli.  Each  ab- 
dominal segment  except  the  last  bears  six  short  scoli.  These  are  arranged  in  subdorsal, 
lateral,  and  sublateral  rows.  The  lateral  pair  is  missing  on  the  last  segment.  All  of  the  scoli 
and  the  spines  that  adorn  them  are  black. 

Beebe,  Crane,  and  Fleming  (1960,  text  Fig.  5 A)  show  a caterpillar  of  Dione  juno  juno 
(Cramer)  from  Trinidad,  and  Muyshondt,  Young,  and  Muyshondt  (1973,  Fig.  2A)  show 
D.  juno  huascama  Reakirt  caterpillars  from  Salvador  with  the  scoli  on  the  thorax  not  promi- 
nently different  in  length  from  those  on  the  abdominal  segments.  This  suggests  to  me  that 
andicola  may  not  be  a subspecies  of  juno  but  a valid,  albeit  cryptic,  species.  Trinidadian 
juno  (Beebe,  Crane,  and  Fleming,  1960,  p.  129)  is  described  as  “body  velvety  dark  brown 
to  almost  black  with  small,  paired  spots,  brownish-yellow  to  brown-orange.  On  middle 
part  of  body  the  arrangement  is  very  regular,  in  three  series.  . . . Thus  structurally  and  in 
coloring  andicola  differs  from  juno  juno  in  the  fifth  instar. 

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Salvadorian  huascama  is  colored  more  like  andicola.  Muyshondt  et  al.  (1973,  p.  141) 
states:  “In  the  fifth  instar  the  coloration  is  distinctive,  being  a mottled  light  brown.’’  This 
is  in  accord  with  andicola  so  far  as  coloring  is  concerned.  The  scoli  on  huascama  are  like 
those  on  juno  juno. 

Pupa.  Length  2.23  cm.,  greatest  depth  0.89  cm.,  greatest  width  (at  wing  flanges)  0.67  cm. 
Highly  cryptic,  marbled  black  and  cream  with  the  black  predominant.  It  hangs  pendant 
from  a tuft  of  silk.  It  is  strongly  keeled  with  a deep  thoracic  arch  in  the  dorsum.  All  the 
organs  of  the  head  are  studded  with  dull  red-brown  warts.  The  inner  margins  of  the  fore- 
wings form  thick,  dirty  white  flanges  on  the  sides.  The  outer  margins  of  the  wings  are 
decorated  with  fine  black  lines  forming  “Ts”  at  the  ends  of  the  nervules.  The  first  three 
abdominal  segments  are  decorated  with  subdorsal  warty  ridges  and  a wart  above  the 
black  stigma.  The  ventrum  of  these  segments  is  covered  by  the  wing  cases.  Segments  4-6 
bear  large,  subdorsal,  warty  prominences  at  their  caudal  margins  and,  centrally,  at  the  an- 
terior margin,  have  smaller,  deep  cream-colored  warts.  Segment  7 bears  a subdorsal  pair 
of  small,  red-brown  warts.  Segment  8 and  the  cremaster  are  covered  with  small  red-brown 
warts.  On  the  sides  of  segments  4-7  the  creamy  white  marbling  dominates  the  coloring. 
The  ventrum  of  segments  4-6  is  a creamy  pink  that  is  reminiscent  of  a patch  of  mold. 

The  specimen  pupated  during  the  night  of  October  11  and  emerged  at  10:30  a.m.  on 
October  25. 

Beebe  et  al.  (1960,  pi.  XIV,  Fig.  82)  and  Muyshondt  et  al.  (1973,  Fig.  2B)  suggest  that 
the  shapes  of  the  pupae  of  juno,  huascama,  and  andicola  are  essentially  the  same.  This 
probably  is  a generic  feature.  Both  juno  juno  and  huascama  are  described  as  brown  or  dark 
brown  in  color.  Thus  andicola1  s strongly  mottled  coloring  is  quite  different. 

Until  proven  wrong  I will  consider  andicola  Bates  to  be  a full  species  in  the  genus  Dione. 

Agraulis  vanillae  lucina  Felder  & Felder 

This  seems  to  be  the  most  common  representative  of  the  family  in  Banos  during  October. 
The  imagoes  vary  considerably,  some  of  them  being  very  dark  on  the  underside,  others  much 
lighter  and  in  that  respect  like  Agraulis  vanillae.  For  a while  I wondered  if  this  was  moneta 
(Huebner).  The  larvae,  however,  are  markedly  different  from  those  of  Dione.  Michener 
(1942)  found  what  have  been  accepted  to  be  valid  generic  differences  between  moneta  and 
vanillae.  As  he  pointed  out,  lucina  is  quite  unlike  vanillae  in  markings  and  some  might  hold 
it  a different  species.  Oviposition:  The  only  females  observed  ovipositing  were  very  much 
battered.  Oviposition  took  place  only  in  bright  sunshine.  The  eggs  were  laid  singly  on  vari- 
ous parts  of  a Passiflora  vine  (species  not  determined).  Some  were  on  the  leaves,  some  on 
the  stem,  others  on  the  tendrils  and  buds.  One  female  was  observed  on  the  first  sunny  after- 
noon after  almost  a week  of  rain  and  dull  weather.  During  a half-hour  period  she  laid 
twenty-three  eggs  on  the  upper  side  of  a leaf  near  its  tip.  This  is  the  only  time  such  an  oc- 
currence was  observed.  Unfortunately  for  me  and  posterity,  a pet  parrot  discovered  the 
batch  of  eggs  before  I tried  to  collect  them!  Egg:  Subconical,  lemon-yellow  in  color,  0.9 
mm.  high  and  0.4  mm.  in  greater  diameter.  The  sides  are  sculptured  with  14  ridges.  Between 
these  ridges  the  surfaces  are  pitted  with  elliptic  depressions. 

These  eggs  were  somewhat  smaller  than  those  of  vanillae  vanillae  (Linnaeus)  (Beebe  et 
al.,  1960,  p.  117)  and  with  several  fewer  vertical  ridges.  The  number  of  ridges  and  the 
coloring  probably  have  little  taxonomic  value  at  species  level  since,  within  the  Heliconiidae, 
species  are  known  with  highly  variable  eggs. 

First  instar.  The  larva  at  eclosion  is  2.2  mm.  long  with  a head  capsule  about  0.3  mm. 
across.  It  grew  to  between  4 and  5 mm.  before  making  its  first  moult.  The  head  is  black 


Vol.  LXXXII,  March,  1974 


63 


with  scattered  long,  black  spines.  The  body  is  dirty  olive  gray  with  a little  white  mottling. 
T1  bears  16  black  spines  of  which  10  terminate  in  little  knobs.  Such  knobbed  spines  (or 
setae)  are  highly  diagnostic  for  Agraulis.  T2  and  T3  each  bear  14  spines  of  which  8 are 
knobbed.  Each  of  the  abdominal  segments  bears  10  knobbed  spines.  The  anal  plate  bears 
4.  The  6 dorsal  spines  of  T1  are  set  in  a black  patch. 

Second  instar.  The  larvae  at  this  stage  are  about  7 mm.  long  and  the  head  capsule  is  0.6 
mm.  across.  In  general  the  insect  appears  as  in  the  first  instar  with  increased  white  mottling 
and  each  of  the  spines  set  in  a small,  subconical,  brown  papule,  except  the  dorsal  spines  of 
T1  in  the  black  patch. 

Third  instar.  The  larvae  of  this  stage  are  about  15  mm.  long  and  the  head  capsule  1.1  mm. 
wide.  The  ground  color  is  purple  brown.  There  are  broad  dorsal  and  lateral  stripes  of 
yellow  which  are  finely  set  with  black  hairs.  Each  segment  bears  three  pairs  of  black  scoli. 
The  head,  legs,  and  anal  appendages  are  black.  The  head  bears  in  addition  to  short  black 
spines  two  rather  large  coronal  scoli.  As  the  time  for  the  third  moult  approaches,  the  yellow 
dorsal  stripe  breaks  up  in  each  segment  into  a “T”  with  5 dots,  3 over  the  crossbar  and 
one  on  each  side  of  the  stem. 

Fourth  instar.  During  this  stage  the  larvae  attain  25  mm.  length  and  the  head  capsule 
is  2.0  mm.  wide.  The  markings  and  decoration  are  as  in  the  third  instar  with  one  great 
exception:  The  dorsal  stripe  is  divided  into  three  parallel  stripes  broken  at  the  septa. 

Fifth  instar.  The  largest  specimens  of  this  instar  measured  51  mm.  long  but  the  average 
was  about  45  mm.  The  head  capsules  were  close  to  3.5  mm.  wide.  The  ground  color  is 
nearly  puce.  The  dorsal  stripe  is  dull  orange  yellow  to  canary  yellow  and  patterned  as  in 
the  4th  instar.  The  lateral  stripes  are  creamy  white  to  pale  canary  yellow.  These  are  oc- 
casionally tinged  with  purple  toward  the  close  of  the  instar.  The  dorsal  stripes  are  some- 
times edged  with  gray-white.  The  coronal  scoli  are  prominent. 

Pupa.  Length  23  mm.,  greatest  depth  9.6  mm.,  greatest  width  6.4  mm.  The  pupa  is  sus- 
pended from  a pad  of  silk.  The  shape  of  the  pupa  is  not  much  different  from  typical 
vanillae  as  described  by  Beebe  et  al.  (1960,  p.  147,  Figs.  71,  72).  Compared  with  juno, 
the  pupa  of  lucina  has  the  keel  and  laterally  compressed  thoracic  process  but  much  more 
prominent.  The  color  is  dull  rust  brown  with  a few  streaks  of  darker  brown  on  the  wing 
cases.  The  entire  surface  is  finely  rugous.  The  abdominal  processes  are  not  as  bold  as 
those  on  juno  nor  are  they  as  warty. 

There  appears  to  be  very  liitle  difference  between  the  larvae  of  vanillae  vanillae  from 
Trinidad  noted  by  Beebe  et  al.,  and  those  of  the  “unvam7Jae”-looking  subspecies 
lucina.  The  longitudinal  stripes  on  lucina  appear  to  be  broader  and  more  continuous.  The 
knobbed  hairs  of  the  lst-instar  larvae  are  highly  characteristic  of  vanillae.  D’Almeida’s 
(1922,  p.  126)  description  of  the  larvae  of  the  Brazilian  subspecies  maculosa  (Stichel)  dif- 
fers only  in  minor  points  of  coloration  from  the  Andean  subspecies. 

Literature  Cited 

D’Almeida,  R.  Ferreira.  1922.  “Melanges  Lepidopterologiques,”  R.  Friedlander  & Sohn, 
Berlin. 

Beebe,  William,  Crane,  Jocelyn  and  Fleming,  Henry.  1960.  A comparison  of  eggs, 
larvae  and  pupae  in  fourteen  species  of  Heliconiine  butterflies  from  Trinidad,  W.I. 
Zoologica,  45:  111-154,  xvi  plates,  111  figures. 

Michener,  Charles  D.  1942a.  A generic  revision  of  the  Heliconiinae  (Lepidoptera,  Nym- 
phalidae).  American  Museum  Novitates,  No.  1197,  8 pp.,  17  figs.  9 October  1942. 


64 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


. 1942 b.  A review  of  the  subspecies  of  Agraulis  vanillae  (Linnaeus).  Lepidoptera, 

Nymphalidae.  American  Museum  Novitates,  No.  1215,  5 pp.,  31  December  1942. 
Muyshondt,  Alberto,  Young,  Allen  M.,  and  Muyshondt,  Alberto,  Jr.  1973.  The 
biology  of  the  butterfly  Dione  juno  huascama  (Nymphalidae:  Heliconiinae)  in  El 

Salvador.  Jour.  New  York  Entomol.  Soc.,  81:  137-151,  September  1973. 


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The  New  York  Entomological  Society 


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Organized  June  29,  1892 — Incorporated  February  25,  1893 
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The  Brooklyn  Entomological  Society 

Founded  in  1872 — Incorporated  in  1885 


Reincorporated  February  10,  1936 


At 


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Officers  for  the  Year  1974 

President,  Dr.  Daniel  J.  Sullivan,  S.J. 


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Fordham  University,  New  York  10458 


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Vice-President , Dr.  Peter  Moller 


American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 


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Secretary , Dr.  Charles  C.  Porter 


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Fordham  University,  New  York  10458 


Assistant  Secretary , Dr.  Louis  Trombetta 


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Treasurer,  Dr.  Winifred  B.  Trakimas 


Pelham  Manor,  New  York  10803 

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State  University  of  New  York,  Farmingdale,  New  York  11735 
Assistant  Treasurer,  Ms.  Joan  DeWind 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 


Class  of  1974 

Dr.  Lee  Herman 
Class  of  1975 

Dr.  Howard  Topoff 


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Trustees 


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Mr.  Edwin  Way  Teale 


Dr.  Pedro  Wygodzinsky 

— 


Mailed  August  22,  1974 


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Journal  of  the 

New  York  Entomological  Society 


Volume  LXXXII  June,  1974  No 


EDITORIAL  BOARD 

Editor  Dr.  Karl  Maramorosch 
Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology 
Rutgers  University 
New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903 

Associate  Editors  Dr.  Lawrence  E.  Limpel 
Helen  McCarthy 

Publication  Committee 

Dr.  Kumar  Krishna  Dr.  Ayodha  P.  Gupta 

Dr.  James  Forbes,  Chairman 


CONTENTS 

The  William  S.  Creighton  Memorial  Issue  James  Forbes 

William  Steel  Creighton — An  Appreciation  Robert  E.  Gregg 

Studies  on  California  Ants.  8.  A New  Species  of  Cardiocondyla  (Hymenoptera : 
Formicidae)  Roy  R.  Snelling 


Notes  on  the  Behavior  of  Three  Species  of  Cardiocondyla  in  the  United 
States  (Hymenoptera:  Formicidae)  ....  William  S.  Creighton  and  Roy  R.  Snelling 

Generic  Diversity  in  Phase  of  Rhythm  in  Myrmicine  Ants  ...  Elwood  S.  McCluskey 

Supplementary  Studies  on  Ant  Larvae:  Simopone  and  Turneria  

George  C.  Wheeler  and  Jeanette  Wheeler 

On  the  Estimation  of  Total  Behavioral  Repertories  in  Ants  

Edward  O.  Wilson  and  Robert  Fagen 

Zoogeography  of  the  Imported  Fire  Ants  William  F.  Buren, 

George  E.  Allen,  Willard  H.  Whitcomb,  Frances  E.  Lennartz,  and  Roger  N.  Williams 

Microsporidan  and  Fungal  Diseases  of  Solenopsis  invicta  Buren  in  Brazil  

George  E.  Allen  and  William  F.  Buren 

A Supplement  to  the  Revision  of  the  Ant  Genus  Basiceros  ('Hymenoptera: 
Formicidae)  William  L.  Brown,  Jr. 

Myrmicine  Trail  Phermones:  Specificity,  Source  and  Significance  

Murray  S.  Blum 


. 2 

66 

67 

76 

82 

93 

103 

106 

113 

125 

131 

141 


66 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


The  William  S.  Creighton  Memorial  Issue 

The  sequence  of  circumstances  that  led  to  the  publication  of  this  issue  of  the 
Journal  demonstrates  the  desire  of  friends  and  associates  to  recognize  the  achieve- 
ments of  William  Creighton  and  to  provide  for  him  a fitting  memorial.  At  the 
end  of  last  summer  the  news  of  Dr.  Creighton’s  death  was  received  by  Dr. 
Howard  Topoff,  President  of  the  New  York  Entomological  Society.  A few  weeks 
later  at  an  Executive  Committee  meeting  of  the  Society  the  decision  was  made 
to  solicit  papers  from  myrmecologists  for  a memorial  issue  of  the  Journal.  Prep- 
arations were  just  begun  when  a letter  was  received  from  Dr.  Roy  Snelling  of  Los 
Angeles,  California,  advising  the  Society  that  he  and  Dr.  E.  O.  Wilson  were  col- 
lecting papers  and  asking  if  the  New  York  Entomological  Society  would  sponsor 
a memorial  issue.  The  two  projects  were  combined. 

William  Creighton  joined  the  New  York  Entomological  Society  shortly  after 
he  came  to  the  Biology  Department  of  the  City  College  of  New  York  in  1931.  In 
his  early  membership  his  main  service  to  the  group  was  as  a speaker  at  meetings. 
From  time  to  time  he  would  spend  an  evening  presenting  some  aspect  of  his 
research.  During  the  1950’s  he  became  an  active  worker  in  the  Society.  In  1957 
he  was  elected  Vice-President.  Later  he  joined  the  Publication  Committee,  and 
in  1960  he  undertook  the  Editorship  of  the  Journal.  He  held  this  post  for  a year 
and  a half  until  his  early  retirement  from  C.C.N.Y.  It  was  a change  in  the  retire- 
ment regulations  of  the  New  York  City  colleges  that  gave  him  the  opportunity  to 
retire  early  and  to  begin  a period  of  vigorous  research  in  the  taxonomy  and  the 
biology  of  the  ants  in  the  southwestern  region  of  the  United  States. 

The  New  York  Entomological  Society  is  proud  to  have  had  William  S.  Creigh- 
ton as  a member  and  as  a Society  worker  and  is  grateful  for  the  contributions  he 
has  made  to  the  field  of  myrmecology.  To  his  memory  this  issue  of  the  Journal 
is  affectionately  dedicated. 

James  Forbes 


New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  66.  June,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


67 


William  Steel  Creighton — An  Appreciation 

Robert  E.  Gregg 

Department  of  Biology,  University  of  Colorado,  Boulder,  Colo.  80302 
Received  for  Publication  January  7,  1974 


The  accompanying  photograph  of  Dr.  Creighton  is  an  excellent  likeness, 
and  while  there  seem  not  to  be  many  such  available,  this  one  has  been 
graciously  furnished  by  his  wife,  Martha.  I am  indebted  to  her  for  this  and 
also  for  certain  biographical  information  without  which  this  account  could 
not  be  written. 

Dr.  Creighton  was  born  April  3,  1902,  in  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  the  son  of 
John  Harvey  and  Ethel  Steel  Creighton,  and  died  July  23,  1973,  at  Alexandria 
Bay,  New  York.  He  received  a bachelor’s  degree  from  Roanoke  College,  Vir- 
ginia, in  1924,  his  M.S.  degree  from  Princeton  in  1926,  and  the  D.Sc.  degree 
from  Harvard  in  1930.  During  his  attendance  at  Princeton  he  carried  out 
research  on  the  luminescence  mechanism  of  fireflies,  but,  in  1926,  while 
working  with  Dr.  Frank  E.  Lutz  of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  His- 
tory, he  became  interested  in  the  study  of  ants.  Dr.  William  Morton  Wheeler, 
one  of  the  leading  authorities  on  ants,  who  was  at  the  American  Museum, 
was  transferred  to  Harvard  University,  so  Creighton  moved  to  Boston  in 
order  to  continue  his  interests  and  his  training  under  Professor  Wheeler.  The 
two  men  cemented  a lasting  friendship  and  an  academic  rapport  that  was 
often  reflected  in  Creighton’s  sincere  and  high  regard  for  his  mentor  by  his 
references  to  “Uncle  Bill  Wheeler.”  The  combination  of  their  efforts  was 
to  have  a very  significant  effect  on  the  course  of  myrmecology;  it  brought 
a maturity  to  the  study  of  ants  in  North  America  that  was  salutary.  Never- 
theless, Creighton  did  not  hesitate  to  disagree  with  Wheeler  nor  to  correct 
his  own  mistakes  when  scientific  accuracy  so  demanded,  and  this  is  quite 
evident  to  those  who  peruse  the  now  standard  volume  on  North  American 
Formicidae. 

In  1931,  Dr.  Creighton  joined  the  faculty  of  the  Department  of  Biology 
at  the  City  College  of  New  York  and  gave  continuous  and  dedicated  service 
for  31  years,  retiring  as  professor  emeritus  in  February  1962.  His  associates 
have  prepared  a mimeographed  resolution  of  respect,  and  I have  the  per- 
mission to  quote  from  this  statement,  as  no  more  fitting  tribute  to  his  capaci- 
ties as  a teacher  could  be  made. 

“His  chief  devotion  . . . was  to  his  teaching  and  to  his  students.  A grandson  of 
a preacher,  he  had  a touch  of  the  pulpit  in  his  proselytizing  approach  to  biology.  He 
was  deeply  committed  to  demonstrating  to  his  students  the  intellectual  and  emotional 
rewards  of  the  pursuit  of  the  science  of  biology.  This  commitment  was  especially  evident 
by  his  preference  for  teaching  our  freshman  general  biology  courses.  These  are  clearly 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  67-75.  June,  1974. 


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the  most  difficult  courses  to  teach  successfully,  and  here,  he  felt,  was  where  future 
biologists  could  be  made.  He  believed  that,  course  content  and  syllabus  aside,  first  and 
foremost  we  must  instill  in  our  students  a respect  and  enthusiasm  for  the  subject.  The 
communication  of  information  comes  easily  as  a consequence.  He  was  a stirring  lecturer, 
and  always  managed  to  project  a personal  involvement  in  the  subject  matter — that 
magical  feeling  of  wonder  about  life,  and  curiosity  about  how  it  works.  It  was  a 
dull  mind  indeed  that  could  not  be  stimulated  with  a sense  of  excitement  by  one 

of  his  lectures. 

In  his  last  several  years  prior  to  retirement,  Professor  Creighton  saw  major  changes 
in  his  field.  The  advent  of  molecular  and  biochemical  approaches  to  biology  took  many 
by  surprise.  Not  so  Bill  Creighton.  He  revised  and  up-dated  his  teaching  materials 
constantly,  but  always  with  the  basic  principle  of  projecting  his  personal  enthusiasm 

to  the  students.  In  this  way,  he  found  that  he  could  demand  high  standards  of  per- 
formance, and  his  students  gave  him  their  best  willingly.  His  patience  with  students 

and  their  questions  seemed  inexhaustible,  yet  there  were  times  when  he  erupted  easily, 
especially  when  faced  with  sloth  or  with  bureaucratic  red  tape.  Under  such  conditions 
he  spoke  his  mind  clearly  and  unequivocally. 

Bill’s  colleagues  found  in  him  a staunch  friend  and  a frank  critic.  He  had  a delightfully 
earthy  sense  of  humor,  and  had  the  remarkable  facility  for  separating  fraud  from  truth, 
and  doing  so  with  devastating  clarity.” 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


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Professor  Creighton’s  interests  and  research  contributions  were  in  the  field 
of  ant  biology,  especially  the  systematics  of  the  Formicidae.  In  collaboration 
with  Wheeler  he  began  a study  of  the  taxonomy  of  ants  in  North  America  that 
was  to  summarize  the  diverse  knowledge  that  had  already  accumulated,  and 
to  provide  in  a single  publication  a guide  to  the  identification  and  other 
aspects  of  the  taxonomy  of  all  our  native  species.  Before  this  effort  was  far 
along,  Professor  Wheeler  died  (1937),  and  Creighton  was  left  the  task  of 
completing  the  study.  That  he  did  so  with  outstanding  success  is  now  history. 
He  enjoyed  unlimited  access  to  the  Wheeler  Collection,  part  of  which  was 
in  the  American  Museum  in  New  York,  and  part  in  the  Museum  of  Compara- 
tive Zoology  at  Harvard  in  Cambridge,  both  of  which  contained  a large 
number  of  type  specimens,  and  otherwise  authentically  determined  material 
identified  by  Wheeler  himself  and  such  renowned  authorities  in  Europe  as 
Emery  and  Forel.  In  addition,  he  availed  himself  of  the  very  substantial 
holdings  in  the  United  States  National  Museum  in  Washington,  through  the 
cooperation  of  Dr.  Marion  R.  Smith,  who  was  then  in  charge  of  these  speci- 
mens. Creighton  also  built  a personal  collection  which  contained  numerous 
types  presented  to  him  by  Wheeler,  by  other  ant  students,  and  types  resulting 
from  the  descriptions  of  new  species  for  which  Creighton  was  the  original 
author.  But  more  than  this,  Bill  Creighton  amassed  a superb  collection  based 
upon  years  of  field  work  and  direct  acquaintance  through  automobile  travel 
with  virtually  all  sections  of  the  country.  Thus  he  reinforced  his  study  of 
cabinet  specimens  by  coming  to  know  the  geographical  and  ecological  condi- 
tions in  which  his  species  existed.  He  always  insisted  that  those  who  did  no 
field  work  were  under  serious  handicaps  and  could  not  possibly  understand 
the  full  significance  of  the  biology  of  the  forms  being  studied.  Although  he 
did  not  travel  widely  over  the  world,  Creighton  did  acquire  experience  at 
the  Soledad  field  station  in  Cuba  in  the  earlier  years  of  his  life  and,  in 
later  years,  after  the  publication  of  his  book,  extended  his  journeys  to  many 
parts  of  Mexico,  particularly  the  nontropical  areas.  And,  finally,  he  culti- 
vated opportunities  for  augmenting  his  collection  by  exchanging  specimens 
and  making  gifts  to  support  the  work  of  colleagues,  too  numerous  to  mention 
separately. 

Museum  work  and  laboratory  work  were  indispensable  tools,  as  they  are 
for  all  taxonomists,  but  Bill  Creighton  was  a first-class  naturalist  as  well, 
and  his  knowledge  of  distributional  ecology,  vegetation,  and  the  names  of 
plants  (as  well  as  animals),  was  truly  remarkable.  He  knew  of  the  manifold 
complexities  and  interrelationships  that  exist  in  the  natural  world  and  that 
this  matrix  must  not  be  ignored  if  one  hoped  to  gain  a satisfactory  compre- 
hension of  the  distribution,  and  the  causes  thereof,  of  the  particular  group  of 
organisms  in  which  he  was  interested.  As  far  as  practicable,  his  collecting 
of  specimens  always  entailed  the  gathering  of  relevant  habit  and  habitat  notes 
associated  with  ants,  and  he  was  very  cognizant  of  the  role  of  altitude  in 


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affecting  the  occurrence  of  living  things.  Especially  for  mountainous  dis- 
tricts, elevation  became  a conspicuous  inclusion  on  his  labels.  Meticulous 
attention  to  essential  details  was  not  foreign  to  him.  A glimpse  of  the  in- 
tensity and  thoroughness  of  his  field  work  is  revealed  by  his  willingness 
to  lie  prone  in  the  dirt  in  search  of  minute  species,  his  efforts  literally  to 
leave  no  stone  unturned,  his  pursuit  of  the  arboreals  (a  most  difficult  type 
of  ant  to  find  and  bag)  even  when  it  necessitated  tearing  off  rotten  branches 
and  injuring  his  hands  in  the  bargain.  He  visited  type  localities  in  an  effort 
to  locate  additional  topotypes,  although  in  the  areas  he  ransacked  for  speci- 
mens he  was  not  always  successful.  Rare  species  were  a challenge,  and  he 
had  the  perseverance  to  track  them  in  likely  as  well  as  unlikely  places. 

The  work  of  revising  the  taxonomy  of  the  entire  North  American  ant  fauna 
developed  into  an  enormous  undertaking.  He  soon  realized  that  far-reaching 
changes  would  be  necessary  to  modernize  the  nomenclature  and  that  the  job 
would  go  well  beyond  what  he  and  Wheeler  had  originally  visualized.  Many 
species  had  been  described  utilizing  subtle  and  confusing  differences  in  color 
and  inconsequential  variations  in  size.  To  Creighton,  these  criteria  (par- 
ticularly color)  as  separatory  characters  were  suspect,  and  he  succeeded  in 
many  instances  in  proving  his  point  by  demonstrating  that  the  supposed 

differences  were  inconstant  over  long  series  of  specimens,  or  could  be  found 
among  a series  of  individuals  obtained  from  a single  nest!  The  work  en- 
tailed not  only  a critical  re-examination  of  specimens  representing  numerous 
taxa  but  also  a painstaking  review  of  the  voluminous  literature  on  the  subject, 
both  foreign  and  domestic,  containing  original  descriptions  of  ants,  as  well 
as  a penetrating  analysis  of  what  the  authors  said  or  did  not  say  about 
the  insects  they  studied.  The  result  of  such  investigations  was  extensive 

synonymy  of  many  well-known  taxa  commonly  accepted  by  previous  writers. 
Although  this  was  unavoidable  in  the  light  of  new  knowledge  and  although 
some  cherished  names  had  to  be  sacrificed  on  the  altar  of  scientific  accuracy, 

Creighton  strove  sincerely  to  salvage  and  conserve  every  ant  name  possible, 

and  as  he  would  put  it,  “refrain  from  upsetting  too  many  apple  carts.”  To 
serve  the  concept  of  stability  in  nomenclature,  he  exercised  the  privilege  of 
the  “first  reviser”  to  sustain  a name  by  not  adhering  strictly  to  the  law  of 
priority,  where  to  do  so  would  only  weaken  the  status  of  the  taxon  in  ques- 
tion. However,  this  action  was  rare  indeed. 

Of  even  greater  magnitude  was  the  problem  of  complicated  quadrinomial 
nomenclature  that  had  gradually  built  up  in  myrmecology  over  the  years  and 
that  reached  its  culmination  in  Emery’s  treatment  of  the  world  ant  fauna 
in  the  several  fascicules  of  the  Genera  Insectorum,  the  last  of  which  appeared 
in  1925.  Subsequent  to  this,  new  ideas  concerning  the  nature  of  species 
came  into  clear  focus  through  the  work  of  Ernst  Mayr  and  others  who 
showed  that  species  should  be  regarded  each  as  living  and  evolving  popula- 
tions of  individuals  that  are  for  the  most  part  biologically  (reproductively) 


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71 


isolated  from  one  another.  In  the  course  of  their  evolution,  it  was  thought, 
these  populations  developed  through  stages  of  divergence  that  could  be  de- 
tected and  recognized  as  subspecies,  and  these  subspecific  populations  could 
be  designated  by  formal  names  added  to  the  basic  binomial,  thus  producing 
the  widely  used  trinomial  nomenclature.  But  only  this  one  infraspecific  cate- 
gory seemed  to  be  objective  and  defensible,  varieties  and  forms  then  having 
to  be  discarded.  In  the  midst  of  this  atmosphere  Creighton  carried  out  his 
revision,  and  he  adopted  the  practice  of  employing  binomials,  as  usual,  and 
the  trinomial  wherever  the  facts,  particularly  distributional  data,  justified 
its  use.  For  it  was  believed  that  subspecies  arise  as  geographic  or  topographic 
isolates  and  that  by  definition  they  must  replace  each  other  geographically 
to  be  valid.  Accordingly,  wherever  a species  appeared  to  be  composed  of 
two  or  more  structurally  different  and  essentially  allopatric  populations, 
and  especially  if  there  could  be  found  any  evidence  of  intergradation  among 
them  in  intermediate  localities,  Creighton  treated  them  as  subspecies.  Forms 
that  were  unquestionably  distinct,  with  constant  nonintergrading  traits,  how- 
ever minute,  he  regarded  as  full  species.  In  given  cases,  forms  that  were 
thought  of  as  separate  species  were,  on  review,  reduced  to  subspecies;  those 
that  had  been  subspecies  or  even  varieties,  if  they  qualified,  were  necessarily 
raised  to  species  rank.  The  varietal  category  itself  was  abandoned.  Thus  in 
one  great  consistent  effort  he  effectively  swept  aside  the  troublesome  varietal 
rank,  recognized  the  validity  of  any  previous  taxon  as  a full  or  subspecies 
(if  the  data  supported  such  action),  described  new  species  when  their  popula- 
tions conformed  to  the  refined  criteria  of  the  biological  species  concept,  and 
in  the  end  simplified  and  enormously  improved  the  taxonomy  of  American 
ants.  This  achievement  was  and  will  remain  a milestone  in  the  history  of 
myrmecology.  Since  then  new  forms  are  not  given  varietal  status,  most 
being  described  as  species  and  some  as  subspecies.  Interestingly,  the  bio- 
logical validity  of  the  latter  category  also  has  been  challenged  since  Creighton 
completed  his  studies.  His  work  was  entitled,  “The  Ants  of  North  America,” 
and  was  published  as  Volume  104,  585  pp.,  57  plates,  1950,  in  the  Bulletin 
of  the  Museum  of  Comparative  Zoology,  at  Harvard  College. 

I came  to  know  Professor  Creighton  personally  in  1950,  just  after  the 
publication  of  his  treatise  on  American  ants.  There  had  been  a few  previous 
exchanges  of  letters,  but  there  was  no  indication  he  might  be  spending  a 
year  at  the  University  of  Colorado.  The  chairman  of  our  department,  Dr. 
Gordon  Alexander,  had  met  Creighton  at  Princeton,  and  the  Creightons  and 
Alexanders  were  close  friends.  So  when  a year’s  leave  of  one  of  our  staff 
created  a temporary  vacancy,  Bill  Creighton  was  invited  to  fill  it.  His 
inimitable  capacities  as  a teacher  showed  themselves  again,  judging  from 
the  testimony  of  students,  and  he  seemed  to  fully  enjoy  the  experience  as 
well.  My  opportunities  to  consult  with  him  at  length,  for  he  was  always 
most  generous  with  his  time,  were  invaluable.  Our  myrmecological  conversa- 


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tions  were  almost  a daily  occurrence,  but  I must  confess  the  benefits  flowed 
nearly  completely  in  my  direction.  For  one  who  was  (prior  to  that  time) 
necessarily  accustomed  to  identifying  ants  with  limited  access  to  scattered 
publications,  the  help  of  irregular  correspondence,  and  the  aid  of  occasional 
exchanges  of  specimens,  this  association  was  a bonanza.  He  brought  with  him 
numerous  type  specimens  of  North  American  ants,  and  we  were  able  to  make 
many  direct  comparisons  with  ants  collected  in  Colorado.  All  this,  together 
with  the  newly  published  Ant  Book  which  was  worked  over  in  minute  detail, 
gave  tremendous  impetus  to  the  study  of  Colorado  ants.  It  may  be  safely 
asserted  also  that  this  book  opened  the  way  for  a much  clearer  understanding 
of  our  native  ants  than  ever  before,  as  it  has  stimulated  the  publication  of 
many  significant  investigations  by  myrmecologists  in  widely  separated  por- 
tions of  the  United  States  and  Canada. 

Toward  the  end  of  the  academic  year,  Dr.  Creighton  was  awarded  a Gug- 
genheim Fellowship,  and  with  this  recognition  of  his  accomplishments,  he 
was  able  to  turn  his  attention  to  another  aspect  of  American  ant  biology. 
He  had  already  traveled  extensively  in  many  parts  of  the  United  States, 
including  the  Rocky  Mountain  States  and  the  Pacific  Coast  areas.  He  now 
looked  to  Mexico,  whose  ant  populations  had  been  so  little  studied  and  so 
sparsely  collected  that  it  was  a country  with  almost  unlimited  possibilities. 
He  penetrated  far  south  in  Mexico  but  found  the  nontropical  territories  ex- 
ceedingly rich  as  well  as  the  tropical,  and  decided  to  confine  the  most 
concentrated  efforts  of  field  work  to  the  former.  His  letters  about  the  various 
localities  visited  were  full  of  enthusiasm,  and  frequently  contained  descriptions 
of  people,  places,  or  events  made  vivid  by  a style  distinctively  his  own. 
The  jeep  the  Creightons  used  was  ingeniously  fitted  out  as  a traveling  labora- 
tory, even  to  the  addition  of  a rigid  support  for  a binocular  microscope. 
Martha  designed  a monogram  for  the  vehicle  showing  the  queen  of  a leaf- 
cutting ant!  They  camped  out  and  traveled  Mexico  the  hard  way,  and  on 
a very  rugged  road  high  in  the  Sierra  San  Pedro  Martir  of  Baja,  California, 
they  nearly  came  to  grief.  Today  very  many  localities  are  easily  accessible 
by  fine  paved  highways,  and  the  numbers  of  good  motels  are  increasing  steadily. 

After  Bill’s  retirement  from  City  College,  the  Creightons  spent  summers 
at  their  modest  but  charming  home  on  Tar  Island  in  the  St.  Lawrence  near 
the  exit  from  Lake  Ontario.  The  house  was  improved  for  comfort  and  a 
room  added.  By  his  own  labor,  the  boat  dock  was  rebuilt  and  heavy  rocks 
were  fashioned  into  a sea  wall  to  avert  erosion  from  annual  changes  in  the 
level  of  the  river.  Most  enjoyable  of  all  was  the  development  of  the  grounds, 
complete  with  rock  garden,  and  a collection  of  dwarf  evergreens  from  nu- 
merous localities,  in  which  the  Creightons  took  great  and  justifiable  pride. 
For  their  winters  they  returned  to  the  community  of  La  Feria,  Texas,  in  the 
valley  of  the  Rio  Grande.  Here  Bill  became  interested  in  studying  the  be- 
havior of  ants.  Long  mild  seasons  and  newly  acquired  leisure  time,  as  well 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


73 


as  ideal  ant  subjects,  contributed  to  his  success,  and  a series  of  papers  flowed 
from  his  pen.  During  this  period  also  a latent  ability  showed  up  for  making- 
excellent,  finely  shaded,  pen-and-ink  drawings  of  certain  ant  species.  He 
did  not  lose  his  concern  for  ant  systematics,  however,  for  he  continued  to 
visit  Mexico  for  specimens,  and  some  months  before  his  death  had  suggested 
that  I accompany  him  to  one  of  the  localities  near  the  eastern  Sierra.  Un- 
fortunately, this  could  not  be  carried  out.  Studies  on  Cardiocondyla  and  on 
Colobopsis  are  scheduled  to  appear  posthumously. 

He  was  a member  of  a number  of  scientific  societies,  Sigma  Xi,  the  New 
York  Entomological  Society,  Georgia  Entomological  Society,  and  he  was 
honored  by  election  as  a Research  Associate  to  the  American  Museum  of 
Natural  History.  He  seemed  to  have  a constitutional  aversion  to  politics  in 
science,  preferring  to  make  his  influence  felt  strictly  through  the  publication 
of  research  papers  on  the  subject  to  which  he  was  so  deeply  devoted.*  One 
could  be  certain  always  of  his  candor  and  of  his  absolute  sincerity.  His  advice 
was  trustworthy  wisdom,  but  with  it  all  he  retained  an  enviable  humility. 
Whether  consciously  or  not,  he  was  aware  that  science  is  greater  than  men. 

To  one  who  has  known  Bill  Creighton  as  friend  and  colleague  for  the 
past  twenty-three  years,  his  passing  is  an  irreparable  loss.  He  has  left  an 
indelible  imprint  on  my  efforts  in  myrmecology,  as  well  as  on  the  contribu- 
tions of  many  others.  In  an  exchange  of  correspondence  with  him,  letters 
in  excess  of  225  have  been  accumulated  and  preserved.  Our  collection  of  ants 
has  received  important  and  crucial  additions,  some  of  them  types,  thanks 
to  his  generosity  and  willingness  to  share  in  mutually  advantageous  exchange. 

He  married  Martha  Patterson,  of  Cranford,  New  Jersey,  in  1930,  and 
although  there  were  no  children,  he,  together  with  Martha’s  constant  help 
and  companionship,  has  given  us  a legacy  of  solid  scientific  achievement  and 
unimpeachable  integrity.  In  the  words,  again,  of  his  associates  during  his 
long  tenure  at  the  “College”  in  the  City  of  New  York,  he  was  “a  unique  combina- 
tion of  scholar,  teacher,  and  powerful  personality.  His  death  leaves  a hiatus 
in  the  hearts  of  his  friends  that  will  never  be  filled.” 


Bibliography 

Creighton,  W.  S. 

1927.  The  slave  raids  of  Harpagoxenus  americanus.  Psyche,  34:11-29. 

1928.  Notes  on  three  abnormal  ants.  Psyche,  35:51-55. 

1928a.  A new  species  of  Thaumatomyrmex  from  Cuba.  Psyche,  35:162-166. 

1929.  New  forms  of  Odontoponera  transversa.  Psyche,  36:150-154. 

1929a.  Further  notes  on  the  habits  of  Harpagoxenus  americanus.  Psyche,  36:48-50. 

1930.  A review  of  the  genus  Myrmoteras.  Jour.  New  York  Entomol.  Soc.  38 : 177—191 . 
1930a.  The  New  World  species  of  the  genus  Solenopsis.  Proc.  Amer.  Acad.  Arts  Sci. 

66:39-151. 

1932.  A new  female  of  Acamatus  from  Texas.  Psyche.  39:73-78. 


* See  accompanying  bibliography. 


74 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


1933.  Cyathomyrmex,  a new  name  for  the  subgenus  Cyathocephalus  Emery.  Psyche, 
40:98-100. 

1934.  Descriptions  of  three  new  North  American  ants  with  certain  ecological  observa- 
tions on  previously  described  forms.  Psyche,  41:185-200. 

1935.  Two  new  species  of  Formica  from  western  United  States.  Amer.  Mus.  Nov., 
No.  773,  8 pp. 

1937.  Notes  on  the  habits  of  Strumigenys.  Psyche,  44:97-109. 

1938.  On  formicid  nomenclature.  Jour.  New  York  Entomol.  Soc.  46:1-9. 

1939.  A generic  re-allocation  for  Myrmoteras  kuroiwae.  Jour.  New  York  Entomol. 
Soc.  47:39-40. 

1939a.  A new  subspecies  of  Crematogaster  minutissima  with  revisionary  notes  con- 
cerning that  species.  Psyche,  46:137-140. 

1940.  A revision  of  the  North  American  variants  of  the  ant  Formica  ruja.  Amer. 
Mus.  Nov.,  No.  1055,  10  pp. 

1940a.  A revision  of  the  forms  of  Stigmatomma  pallipes.  Amer.  Mus.  Nov.,  No.  1079, 

8 pp. 

1945.  Observations  on  the  subgenus  Rhachiocrema  with  the  description  of  a new 
species  from  Borneo.  Psyche,  52:109-118. 

1950.  The  ants  of  North  America.  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.  104:1-585. 

1950a.  Polyhomoa  Azuma,  a synonym  of  Kyidris  Brown.  Psyche,  57:93-94. 

1951.  Studies  on  Arizona  ants  1.  The  habits  of  Camponotus  ulcerosus  Wheeler,  and 
its  identity  with  C.  bruesi  Wheeler.  Psyche,  58:47-64. 

1951a.  Studies  on  Arizona  ants  2.  New  data  on  the  ecology  of  Aphaenogaster  huachucana 
and  a description  of  the  sexual  forms.  Psyche,  58:89-99. 

1952.  Studies  on  Arizona  ants  3.  The  habits  of  Pogonomyrmex  huachucanus  Wheeler, 
and  a description  of  the  sexual  castes.  Psyche,  59:71-81. 

1952a.  Studies  on  Arizona  ants  4.  Camponotus  ( Colobopsis ) papago , a new  species 
from  southern  Arizona.  Psyche,  59:148-162. 

1952b.  Pseudomyrmex  apache , a new  species  from  the  southwestern  United  States. 
Psyche,  59:131-142. 

1953.  New  data  on  the  habits  of  the  ants  of  the  genus  Veromessor.  Amer.  Mus. 
Nov.,  No.  1612,  18  pp. 

1953a.  New  data  on  the  habits  of  Camponotus  ( Myrmaphaenus ) ulcerosus  Wheeler. 
Psyche,  60:82-84. 

1953b.  A new  subspecies  of  Xenomyrmex  stolli  from  northeastern  Mexico.  Amer.  Mus. 
Nov.,  No.  1634,  5 pp. 

1953c.  The  rediscovery  of  Leptothorax  silvestrii  (Santschi).  Amer.  Mus.  Nov.,  No. 
1635,  7 pp. 

1954.  Additional  studies  on  Pseudomyrmex  apache.  Psyche,  61:9-16. 

1955.  Observations  on  Pseudomyrmex  elongata  Mayr.  Jour.  New  York  Entomol. 
Soc.,  63:17-20. 

1955a.  Studies  on  the  distribution  of  the  genus  Novemessor.  Psyche,  62:89-97. 

1956.  Notes  on  Myrmecocystus  lugubris  Wheeler  and  its  synonym,  Myrmecocystus 
yuma  Wheeler.  Amer.  Mus.  Nov.,  No.  1807,  4 pp. 

1956a.  Studies  on  the  North  American  representatives  of  Ephebomyrmex.  Psyche,  63: 
54-66. 

1957.  A study  of  the  genus  Xenomyrmex.  Amer.  Mus.  Nov.,  No.  1843,  14  pp. 

1957a.  A revisionary  study  of  Pheidole  vasliti  Pergande.  Jour.  New  York  Entomol. 

Soc.  65:203-212. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


75 


1963.  Further  studies  on  the  habits  of  Cryptocerus  texanus  Santschi.  Psyche,  70:133- 
143. 

1963a.  Further  observations  on  Pseudomyrmex  apache.  Amer.  Mus.  Nov.,  No.  2156, 
4 pp. 

1964.  The  habits  of  Pheidole  ( Ceratopheidole ) clydei  Gregg.  Psyche,  71:169-173. 

1965.  Studies  on  southwestern  ants  belonging  to  Camponotus , subgenus  Myrmo- 
brachys.  Amer.  Mus.  Nov.,  No.  2239,  9 pp. 

1965a.  The  habits  and  distribution  of  Macromischa  subditiva  Wheeler.  Psyche,  72:28 2- 
286. 

1966.  The  habits  of  Pheidole  ridicula  Wheeler,  with  remarks  on  the  habit  patterns 
in  the  genus  Pheidole.  Psyche,  73:1-7. 

1967.  Studies  on  free  colonies  of  Cryptocerus  texanus  Santschi.  Psyche,  74:34-41. 

1967a.  Living  doors.  Nat.  Hist.,  76:71-73. 

19676.  Ant,  In  Encyclopedia  Brittanica,  2:1-4. 

1969.  Studies  on  Camponotus  ( Myrmaphaenus ) andrei  Forel.  Amer.  Mus.  Nov.,  No. 
2393,  6 pp. 

1971.  New  data  on  the  distribution  and  habits  of  Leptothorax  ( Nesomyrmex ) wilda. 
Jour.  Georg.  Entomol.  Soc.,  6:207-210. 

Creighton,  W.  S.,  and  Tulloch,  G.  S.  1930.  Notes  on  Euponera  gilva  (Roger). 
Psyche,  37:  71-79. 

, and  Crandall,  R.  H.  1954.  New  data  on  the  habits  Myrmecocystus  melliger 

Forel.  Biol.  Rev.,  C.C.N.Y.  16:2-6. 

, and  Gregg,  R.  E.  1954.  Studies  on  the  habits  and  distribution  of  Cryptocerus 

texanus  Santschi.  Psyche,  61:41-57. 

, and  Gregg,  R.  E.  1955.  New  and  little-known  species  of  Pheidole  from  the 

southwestern  United  States  and  northern  Mexico.  Univ.  Colo.  Stud.,  Ser.  Biol., 
No.  3,  46  pp. 

, and  Creighton,  M.  P.  1959.  The  habits  of  Pheidole  militicida  Wheeler.  Psyche, 

66:1-12. 

, and  Nutting,  W.  L.  1965.  The  habits  and  distribution  of  Cryptocerus  rohweri 

Wheeler.  Psyche,  72:59-64. 

, and  Snelling,  R.  R.  1966.  The  rediscovery  of  Camponotus  ( Myrmaphaenus ) 

yogi  Wheeler.  Psyche,  73:187-195. 

and  . 1974.  Notes  on  the  behavior  of  three  species  of  Cardiocondyla 

in  the  United  States.  Jour.  New  York  Entomol.  Soc.,  82:82-92. 

Wheeler,  W.  M.,  and  Creighton,  W.  S.  1934.  A study  of  the  ant  genera  Novomessor 
and  Veromessor.  Proc.  Amer.  Acad.  Arts  Sci.,  69:341-387. 


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Studies  on  California  Ants.  8.  A New  Species  of 
Cardiocondyla  (Hymenoptera:  Formicidae) 

Roy  R.  Snelling 

Natural  History  Museum  of  Los  Angeles  County,  Los  Angeles,  California  90007 
Received  for  Publication  January  7,  1974 

Abstract:  A new  species  of  introduced  ant,  C.  ectopia , is  described  and  figured,  based 

on  material  from  Orange  and  Los  Angeles  counties.  All  three  castes  are  included  and 
the  species  is  compared  to  the  other  four  species  known  to  occur  in  the  United  States. 

Cardiocondyla  is  an  Old  World  genus  of  approximately  30  species,  about  half  a dozen 
of  which  are  regularly  transported  by  commerce  into  new  areas.  Four  species  have 
been  introduced  into  the  eastern  United  States  (Smith,  1944)  ; all  seem  to  be  firmly 
established  in  Florida.  No  species  has  previously  been  reported  from  California.  This 
seems  surprising  since  the  three  most  commonly  transported  species  are  common  in  the 
Pacific  region. 

The  first  California  specimens  to  come  to  my  attention  were  collected  by  R.  J.  Hamton 
at  his  home  in  Long  Beach,  Los  Angeles  Co.,  in  1967.  During  the  following  year,  speci- 
mens were  collected  by  K.  C.  Stephens  in  Downey  and  Artesia,  L.  A.  Co.  Specimens 
from  Tustin,  Orange  Co.,  were  collected  in  1970  by  A Mintzer,  and  the  author  found 
the  species  in  his  yard  at  Seal  Beach,  Orange  Co.,  in  1972. 

I have  been  unable  to  associate  this  species  with  any  previously  described  name.  In 
order  to  discuss  this  species  in  the  following  paper,  I am  describing  the  ant  as  new. 
Hopefully  the  correct  name,  if  the  species  is  previously  described,  can  be  determined 
at  a later  date. 

Cardiocondyla  ectopia  Snelling,  n.  sp. 

DIAGNOSIS 

Worker  (among  species  in  North  America)  with  shallow  but  distinctly  impressed  meta- 
notal  suture ; antennal  scape  failing  to  attain  occipital  margin  by  about  apical  breadth ; 
propodeum  with  a pair  of  short,  triangular  denticles ; promesonotum  slight  shiny,  ir- 
regularly roughened  and  with  shallow,  obscure  punctures;  petiolar  node,  from  above, 
slightly  longer  than  wide ; anterior  border  of  postpetiolar  node  slightly  concave.  Female 
and  male:  see  DISCUSSION  (Figs.  1-5). 

WORKER  Measurements  (Figs.  1,  2).  HL  0.55-0.60  (0.60);  HW  0.43-0.48  (0.47);  SL 
0.40-0.44  (0.44)  ; WL  0.65-0.71  (0.68)  ; PW  0.30-0.33  (0.33)  mm. 

Head  distinctly  longer  than  wide,  Cl  76-81  (79),  longer  than  scape,  SI  90-97  (92); 
in  frontal  view,  sides  nearly  straight,  a little  convergent  above;  occipital  margin  straight, 
corners  fully  rounded.  Median  lobe  of  clypeus  high,  weakly  carinate  laterally,  apical 
margin  shallowly  concave.  Scape  short  of  occipital  margin  by  about  its  maximum  thick- 
ness, less  than  length  of  second  antennomere.  Eye  large,  with  11-14  facets  in  greatest 


Acknowledgments:  I wish  to  thank  R.  J.  Hamton,  A.  Mintzer,  and  K.  C.  Stephens 
for  the  gift  of  material  of  C.  ectopia.  Important  sexual  material  of  other  species  was 
loaned  by  D.  R.  Smith,  United  States  National  Museum.  The  figures  were  prepared 
by  Ruth  A.  DeNicola. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  76-81.  June,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


77 


Figs.  1-4.  Cardiocondyla  ectopia.  1.  Worker,  dorsal  view;  2.  Same,  lateral  view 
3.  Male,  dorsal  view;  4.  Same,  lateral  view.  Figures  by  Ruth  Ann  DeNicola. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


diameter,  removed  from  mandibular  insertion  by  0.58-0.80  (0.80)  times  its  greatest 
diameter.  Mandible  quinquedentate. 

Thorax  slender,  PW  0.44-0.49  (0.49)  X WL.  Pronotum,  from  above,  with  rounded 
humeri.  In  profile,  metanotal  suture  broadly,  shallowly  impressed.  Propodeum  spinose, 
spines  stout,  about  as  long  as  basal  width;  distance  between  apices  of  spines  about  three 
times  their  length. 

Anterior  peduncle  of  petiole  slightly  longer  than  height  of  node;  node  in  profile  dis- 
tinctly longer  than  high ; node,  from  above,  a little  longer  than  wide ; peduncle  with 

anteroventral  tooth.  Node  of  postpetiole  about  twice  wider  than  that  of  petiole;  from 
above,  1.24-1.50  times  wider  than  long,  lateral  margins  strongly  convex;  anterior  margin 
straight  or  slightly  concave. 

Integument.  Front  of  head  slightly  shiny,  finely  reticulate  and  with  obscure  fine  punc- 
tures; median  line  obscure.  Supraclypeal  area  pol'shed,  shiny.  Median  lobe  of  clypeus 
slightly  shiny,  with  several  irregular,  fine  longitudinal  rugulae.  Sides  and  venter  of 
head  shiny  and  sparsely  punctate,  reticulae  faint. 

Thoracic  dorsum  a little  shinier  than  front  of  head,  faintly  reticulate  and  with  shallow 
punctures.  Pronotal  side  shiny,  with  sparse,  fine  punctures.  Sides  of  mesopleura  and 

propodeum  moderately  shiny;  closely,  finely  striatopunctate.  Petiolar  node  moderately 

shiny,  finely  sparsely  punctate ; anterior  peduncle  dull,  closely  punctate.  Node  of 
postpetiole  moderately  shiny,  with  sparse,  obscure,  fine  punctures.  First  gastric  tergite 
shiny,  with  sparse,  fine  piligerous  punctures. 

Vestiture.  Pubescence  everywhere  fine,  appressed,  as  usual  in  genus.  Clypeal  margin  with 
three  long,  erect  hairs;  mandibles  with  a few  long,  decumbent  hairs;  apical  gastric  seg- 
ments with  a few  long,  decumbent  hairs. 

Color.  Head  brownish  ferruginous,  lighter  anteriorly;  thorax,  petiole  and  postpetiole  light 
ferruginous  to  yellowish;  gaster  blackish;  antenna  and  legs  light  ferruginous  to  yellowish. 

FEMALE  Measurements  (Fig.  5).  HL  0.59-0.63;  HW  0.47-0.50;  SL  0.43-0.44;  WL 
0.84-0.89;  PW  0.40-0.42;  Wing  2.00-2.07  mm. 

Head  shape  similar  to  that  of  worker,  Cl  78-82.  Scape  short  of  occiput  by  about  its 
greatest  thickness,  less  than  length  of  second  antennomere ; proportionately  shorter  than 
that  of  worker,  SI  88-91.  Eye  large,  removed  from  base  of  mandible  by  0.58-0.67  times 
its  greatest  length.  Lateral  ocelli  about  V3  smaller  than  median  ocellus,  separated  by 
about  five  times  their  diameters.  Clypeus  and  mandible  as  in  worker. 

Thorax  slender,  WL  0.47-0.49  times  WL.  Pronotal  humeri  weakly  angulate.  Basal 
face  of  propodeum  about  as  long  as  posterior  face ; spines  triangular,  length  slightly  less 
than  greatest  width,  distance  between  apices  about  three  times  their  length. 

Petiole  and  postpetiole  as  in  worker. 

Integument.  Head  as  in  worker.  Pronotal  humeri,  mesoscutum  and  scutellum  slightly 
shiny,  coarsely  reticulopunctate.  Side  of  pronotum,  pleurae  and  side  of  propodeum 
shinier  than  dorsum,  finely  longitudinally  striatopunctate.  Basal  face  of  propodeum 
closely,  finely  punctate,  posterior  face  shiny,  finely  transversely  striate.  Petiole  and 
postpetiole  as  in  worker.  First  gastric  tergite  similar  to  that  of  worker,  but  punctures 
relatively  coarser. 


-> 


Fig.  5.  Cardiocondyla  ectopia.  Female,  dorsal  view.  Figure  by  Ruth  Ann  DeNicola. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


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5 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Vestiture.  As  in  worker. 

Color.  Light  brownish  ferruginous,  thorax,  petiole,  postpetiole,  and  appendages  lighter; 
gaster  blackish.  Wings  whitish,  veins  and  stigma  pale  yellowish. 

MALE  Measurements  (Figs.  3,  4).  HL  0.51-0.54  (0.53);  HW  0.48-0.50  (0.48);  SL 
0.38-0.39  (0.38)  ; WL  0.61-0.63  (0.63)  ; PW  0.30-0.31  (0.30). 

Head  slightly  longer  than  broad,  Cl  91-93  (91),  distinctly  longer  than  scape,  SI  78- 
79  (79) ; in  frontal  view,  sides  of  head  and  occipital  margin  nearly  straight,  occipital 
corners  broadly  rounded.  Median  lobe  of  clypeus  short,  weakly  carinate  at  sides,  margin 
slightly  concave.  Antenna  12-segmented,  apical  club  one-segmented ; scape  short  of 
occiput  by  a little  less  (5:6)  than  its  greatest  thickness,  about  length  of  second  antenno- 
mere.  Eye  small,  separated  from  mandibular  insertion  by  0.88-1.00  (1.00)  times  its 
greatest  diameter.  Ocelli  absent.  Mandible  quinquedentate,  apical  tooth  massive,  pre- 
apical  tooth  larger  than  basal  teeth. 

Thorax  slender,  PW  0.48-0.50  (0.48)  times  WL,  broadest  at  humeri.  Humeri  right- 
angular;  pronotum  and  mesonotum  abruptly  declivitous  laterally.  Metanotal  suture 
impressed.  Basal  face  of  propodeum  distinctly  longer  than  posterior;  spines  short,  tri- 
angular, about  as  long  as  greatest  width,  apices  separated  by  slightly  more  than  twice 
length. 

Node  of  petiole,  from  above,  a little  broader  than  long;  in  profile,  longer  than  high; 
peduncle  with  anteroventral  tooth.  Node  of  postpetiole  about  twice  wider  than  that  of 
petiole,  1.4-1. 5 times  wider  than  long,  sides  strongly  convex  from  above. 

Integument.  Head  shiny,  smooth  to  slightly  roughened  between  sparse,  fine,  shallow, 
piligerous  punctures;  clypeus  moderately  shiny,  with  obscure  median  carinula;  sides  and 
venter  duller,  integument  more  roughened.  Promesonotum  shiny,  with  sparse,  fine  punc- 
tures; side  of  propodeum  smooth  and  shiny,  with  sparse  fine  punctures;  pleurae  similar, 
but  weakly  striatopunctate  on  lower  half.  Basal  face  of  propodeum  shiny,  with  sparse, 
fine  punctures;  side  similar,  but  obscurely  striatopunctate  below.  Nodes  of  petiole  and 
postpetiole  moderately  shiny,  with  sparse,  fine  punctures.  First  tergite  smooth  and 
shiny  between  scattered  fine,  piligerous  punctures. 

Vestiture.  As  described  for  worker. 

Color.  Head,  thorax,  petiole,  and  postpetiole  pale  yellowish;  clypeus,  mandible,  thoracic 
sutures,  and  pleurae  more  reddish ; gaster  light  brownish ; vertex  with  obscure  pale 
brownish  spot;  appendages  pale  reddish  yellow. 

Holotype  worker,  allotype  male;  17  female,  two  male  and  282  worker  paratypes:  Seal 
Beach,  25',  Orange  Co.,  Calif.,  17-24  July  1972  (R.  R.  Snelling,  No.  72-9),  in  Natural 
History  Museum  of  Los  Angeles  County,  except  one  female  and  two  worker  paratypes 
in  each  of  the  following:  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  Museum  of  Comparative 
Zoology,  and  United  States  National  Museum. 

The  specific  name  is  from  Greek,  ektopios,  strange  or  out  of  place,  alluding  to  the 
alien  origin  of  this  species. 


DISTRIBUTION 

Although  certainly  of  Old  World  origin,  this  species  is  presently  known  only  from 
southern  California.  In  addition  to  material  from  the  type  locality,  specimens  from  the 
following  localities  have  been  studied:  Long  Beach,  Los  Angeles  Co.,  various  dates  (R. 
J.  Hamton;  LACM,  RJH)  ; Downey,  Los  Angeles  Co.,  6 June  1968  (K.  C.  Stephens; 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


81 


LACM) ; Artesia,  Los  Angeles  Co.,  22  Aug.  1968  (K.  C.  Stephens;  LACM)  ; Tustin, 
Orange  Co.,  6 June  1970  (A.  Mintzer;  LACM). 

DISCUSSION 

The  worker  of  C.  ectopia  cannot  be  run  out  in  the  key  by  Smith  (1944)  since  it 
fails  to  agree  fully  with  either  alternative  of  the  first  couplet.  In  that  of  Creighton 
(1950)  it  will  go  to  C.  emeryi  Forel.  Workers  differ  from  those  of  C.  emeryi  by  the 
broader  head,  longer  oculomandibular  distance,  concave  anterior  clypeal  margin,  striato- 
punctate  pleurae,  broader  propodeal  spines,  and  less  compressed  petiolar  node.  From 
C.  nuda  (Mayr),  C.  ectopia  is  readily  separable  by  the  shorter  oculomalar  distance, 
rounded  humeri,  striatopunctate  pleurae,  and  impressed  metanotal  suture.  In  C.  venustula 
Wheeler  and  Mann,  the  clypeus  is  more  massive,  the  pleurae  punctate  only,  the  pro- 
podeal spines  are  reduced  to  minute  tubercules  and  the  antennal  scape  fails  to  reach 
the  occipital  margin  by  less  than  its  greatest  thickness.  In  C.  wroughtoni  Forel,  the 
node  of  the  petiole  is  broader,  the  anterior  margin  of  the  postpetiole  is  distinctly  con- 
cave, the  pronotal  humeri  are  subangular  and  the  propodeal  spines  are  longer. 

Males  in  this  genus  are  very  poorly  known  and  the  few  descriptions  are  meaningless, 
especially  those  of  the  ergatoid  males.  These  usually  have  been  compared  to  the  workers. 
Normal,  winged  males  are  produced  by  C.  emeryi.  This  same  species  also  has  modified 
ergatoid  males  in  which  the  antennae  are  11-segmented,  the  mandible  is  unusually  long 
and  slender,  without  a dentate  cutting  margin,  the  anterior  margin  of  the  clypeus  is 
deeply  emarginate  and  with  lateral  angulations,  and  the  mesonotum  has  a transverse 
gibbosity.  An  ergatoid  male  similar  to  that  of  C.  ectopia  is  produced  by  C.  nuda  but 
the  description  of  that  form  by  Forel  (1904)  is  too  general  to  be  useful.  No  males  of 
C.  venustula  or  C.  wroughtoni  have  been  available,  nor  have  they  been  described. 

The  female  of  C.  venustula  has  the  propodeal  spines  reduced  to  denticles,  the  nodes 
of  petiole  and  postpetiole  are  sharply  reticulopunctate,  and  the  sides  of  the  thorax 
are  longitudinally  rugulose.  Those  of  C.  wroughtoni  and  C.  emeryi  also  have  rather 
coarsely  and  closely  punctate  petiolar  and  postpetiolar  nodes,  the  anterior  margin  of 
the  postpetiole  is  concave  in  dorsal  view,  the  petiolar  spines  are  about  thrice  longer  than 
wide  and  the  sides  of  the  pronotum  are  uniformly  contiguously  punctate.  The  female 
of  C.  ectopia  is  most  similar  to  that  of  C.  nuda , but  the  sides  of  the  pronotum  are 
shinier,  with  irregularly  spaced  punctures  and  longitudinal  rugulae,  rather  than  uniformly 
closely  punctate.  In  C.  nuda  the  piligerous  punctures  of  the  first  tergite  are  very  fine, 
hardly  exceeding  the  diameter  of  the  hairs  arising  from  them.  In  that  species,  too,  the 
oculomandibular  distance  is  about  half  the  maximum  eye  length,  a little  longer  in  C. 
ectopia. 


Literature  Cited 

Creighton,  W.  S.  1950.  The  ants  of  North  America.  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  104:1- 
585. 

Forel,  A.  1904.  Miscellanea  Myrmecologiques.  Rev.  Suisse  Zook,  12:1-52. 

Smith,  M.  R.  1944.  Ants  of  the  genus  Cardiocondyla  Emery  in  the  United  States. 
Proc.  Entom.  Soc.  Wash.,  46:30-41. 


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Notes  on  the  Behavior  of  Three  Species  of  Cardiocondyla  in  the 
United  States  ( Hymenoptera : Formicidae) 

William  S.  Creighton1 
La  Feria,  Texas  78559 
AND 

Roy  R.  Snelling 

Natural  History  Museum  of  Los  Angeles  County,  Los  Angeles,  California  90007 
Received  for  Publication  January  7,  1974 

Abstract:  The  behavior,  both  in  the  field  and  in  observation  nests,  of  three  species  of 

Cardiocondyla  are  described:  C.  emeryi  and  C.  nuda  were  studied  in  Texas  and  C.  ectopia 
in  California.  Observations  include  data  on  length  of  immature  stages,  foraging  habits,  foods 
utilized,  reactions  with  other  ant  species  and  mating  behavior.  The  data  are  summarized 
and  compared  against  observations  made  by  E.  O.  Wilson  on  C.  venustula  and  C.  emeryi. 


Although  the  observations  presented  in  this  paper  are  based  on  a limited  num- 
ber of  colonies,  we  believe  that  they  will  substantially  augment  the  habit  data 
now  available  for  three  of  the  five  species  of  Cardiocondyla  which  occur  in  the 
United  States.  When  M.  R.  Smith  monographed  our  representatives  of  Car- 
diocondyla in  1944,  four  species  were  known  to  occur  in  the  United  States, 
restricted  to  southern  Florida.  At  that  time  Dr.  Smith  opined  that  subsequent 
field  work  would  turn  up  records  in  other  parts  of  the  southern  United  States. 
His  view  has  been  amply  confirmed.  The  senior  author  has  been  able  to  study 
colonies  of  C.  emeryi  Forel  and  C.  nuda  (Mayr)  at  La  Feria,  Texas,  and  the 
junior  author  has  studied  colonies  of  C.  ectopia  Snelling  at  Seal  Beach,  Cali- 
fornia. Moreover,  the  colonies  have  been  favorably  placed  for  continuous 
observation.  It  is  the  lack  of  continuous  observation  that  has  limited  previous 
accounts  of  the  habits  of  these  species.  In  the  many  times  that  C.  emeryi  has 
been  taken  in  the  field,  few  of  these  encounters  have  permitted  a protracted 
study  of  the  colonies.  Indeed,  in  many  instances  no  nest  was  found  and  ob- 
servations were  based  on  the  behavior  of  strays  or  foragers  at  food  sources.  As 
far  as  we  have  been  able  to  determine,  no  one  has  attempted  to  study  these  tiny 
ants  in  observation  nests.  This  is  not  surprising  since  they  are  so  small  that 
they  are  difficult  to  confine.  They  can  escape  through  minute  apertures  and 
frequently  do  so.  We  have  been  able  to  study  all  three  species  in  observation 
nests.  In  emeryi  the  observations  extended  over  a period  of  a year  and  a half. 
The  observations  on  the  free  nests  covered  a considerably  longer  period. 

1 Died  23  July  1973.  The  sections  on  C.  emeryi  and  C.  nuda  were  in  unfinished  manuscript, 
completed  by  the  junior  author. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  82-92.  June,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


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Cardiocondyla  emeryi  Forel 

The  senior  author  took  stray  workers  of  emeryi  near  La  Feria,  Texas,  as  early 
as  1964,  but  extensive  search  failed  to  reveal  the  nest.  This  was  particularly 
frustrating,  since  it  was  clear  that  the  nest  must  be  situated  in  an  area  that  was 
less  than  twenty-five  feet  square.  Although  this  nest  was  never  found,  its 
workers  continued  to  forage  for  the  ensuing  three  years.  At  that  time  the  colony 
either  moved  to  another  area  or  came  to  an  end.  Similar  difficulties  marked 
the  second  nest  of  emeryi.  In  early  December  of  1970,  foragers  of  emeryi 
were  found  on  a concrete  sidewalk  in  front  of  the  senior  author’s  cottage  in 
La  Feria,  Texas.  The  opportunity  for  observing  these  foragers  could  scarcely 
have  been  more  favorable.  They  were  close  at  hand  and  as  long  as  they  kept 
to  the  sidewalk  there  was  little  possibility  of  losing  sight  of  them.  Yet  despite 
daily  inspections  it  was  not  until  nearly  two  months  later  that  the  nest  was 
discovered.  The  entrance  was  a tiny,  circular  opening  about  one  millimeter  in 
diameter  in  the  soil  at  the  edge  of  the  walk.  Originally  this  entrance  was  com- 
pletely concealed  by  a heavy  overgrowth  of  grass.  When  the  nest  was  excavated, 
three  dealated  females  and  thirty-four  workers  were  secured.  These  were  placed 
in  a small  Janet  nest  for  further  observation.  It  later  became  apparent  that 
only  a part  of  the  colony  had  been  taken,  for,  after  a few  days,  a new  nest 
entrance  was  opened  up  and  foraging  began  again.  This  provided  a good 
opportunity  for  checking  the  actions  of  the  captive  workers  against  those  of 
their  free  nest  mates.  These  observations  were  continued  over  a period  of 
eighteen  months,  for  the  captive  colony  proved  to  be  hardy  and  comparatively 
easy  to  handle. 

The  transfer  of  the  females  to  the  observation  nest  did  not  interrupt  their 
egg  laying,  and  subsequent  events  showed  that  this  proceeds  all  year  long.  The 
egg  is  a stubby  oval,  approximately  0.3  mm.  long  and  0.17  mm.  wide.  When 
about  to  lay  an  egg,  the  female  turns  her  abdomen  under  the  thorax  until  she 
can  touch  the  tip  of  it  with  her  mandibles.  As  a rule  the  female  grasps  the  egg 
in  her  mandibles  as  it  emerges  but  occasionally  the  emerging  egg  will  be  seized 
by  one  of  the  workers.  The  eggs,  which  appear  to  be  unusually  sticky,  are 
collected  in  packets  which  are  often  shifted  about  by  the  workers. 

No  attempt  was  made  to  maintain  the  captive  colony  at  a constant  tempera- 
ture, although,  for  the  most  part,  the  temperature  ranged  between  60°-70°F. 
The  following  data  are,  therefore,  mainly  useful  in  showing  the  relative  length 
of  the  various  stages.  Twelve  days  after  the  egg  is  laid  the  larva  emerges.  As 
the  larva  increases  in  size,  its  anterior  end  becomes  more  and  more  bent  until 
finally  the  mandibles  are  in  close  proximity  to  the  swollen  ventral  body  wall. 
Twenty-three  days  after  the  larva  has  hatched,  the  meconium  is  voided  and  the 
larva  transforms  to  a pupa  four  days  later.  Six  days  after  transformation,  the 
eyes  and  the  mandibular  teeth  of  the  pupa  begin  to  show  pigmentation,  and  by 
the  end  of  two  weeks  the  pigmentation  is  general.  Transformation  to  the  adult 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


occurs  a day  or  two  later.  As  the  pigmentation  is  well  advanced  by  this  time, 
the  callow  period  lasts  only  a day  or  two. 

The  data  just  presented  may  be  summarized  as  follows: 


Since  the  observations  on  which  the  above  figures  are  based  were  made  during  a 
period  from  January  18  to  March  15,  it  is  probable  that  during  the  warmer 
months  of  the  year  the  rate  of  development  of  emeryi  is  more  rapid. 

It  was  soon  apparent  that  the  workers  in  the  captive  colony  would  accept 
anything  edible  that  was  put  in  the  food  chamber.  Moreover,  there  was  no 
indication  of  preference  for  a particular  kind  of  food.  Honey-dew  and  nectar 
elicited  just  as  vigorous  feeding  responses  as  did  the  tissues  and  body  fluids  of 
other  insects.  On  the  other  hand,  there  were  some  interesting  points  in  the 
mechanics  of  feeding.  It  is  not  to  be  expected  that  an  ant  as  small  as  emeryi 
could  easily  cut  to  pieces  heavily  sclerotized  insect  body  wall.  But  the  ants 
seemed  particularly  inept  at  this  sort  of  activity.  They  often  failed  to  cut  up 
the  soft  body  wall  of  termites,  although  they  would  “mine”  termites  extensively 
when  the  body  wall  was  torn  open.  They  had  better  success  with  lightly 
sclerotized  insects  such  as  mosquitoes,  crane  flies,  and  may  flies  and  usually 
managed  to  cut  them  apart  although  the  process  was  a slow  one.  When  this 
was  done,  pieces  of  the  dissected  victim  were  sometimes  carried  into  the  brood 
chamber  and  fed  to  the  larvae,  but  most  of  the  time  the  larvae  were  fed  by 
regurgitation.  This  also  seemed  to  be  true  of  the  free  colony.  During  two  years 
of  observation,  only  a few  foragers  were  seen  to  carry  anything  back  to  the 
nest.  Two  of  these  foragers  were  relieved  of  their  burdens  which,  in  each  case, 
consisted  of  a much  macerated  bit  of  soft  insect  body  wall. 

Most  of  the  insects  placed  in  the  food  chamber  of  the  captive  colony  were 
killed  before  they  were  given  to  the  ants,  but  on  three  occasions  living  victims 
were  offered  to  them.  Prudence  demanded  that  these  be  small  insects  which 
would  not  be  able  to  disrupt  the  colony.  The  living  victims  used  were  collembola 
(snow  fleas),  the  small  nymphs  of  the  woolly  apple  aphis,  and  the  first  instars 
of  a pentatomid  bug.  The  reaction  of  the  emeryi  workers  was  essentially  the 
same  for  all  three.  The  victims  were  immobilized  either  by  having  the  head 
crushed  or  by  having  the  appendages  bitten  off,  whereupon  their  body  fluids 
and  softer  tissues  were  cleaned  out.  While  the  ants  attacked  their  victims 
energetically,  there  was  no  evidence  that  any  of  them  were  stung.  If  the  captive 
colony  was  not  liberally  supplied  with  food,  the  workers  would  eat  the  brood. 
When  they  did  so,  it  was  usually  the  pupae  which  were  eaten. 

To  summarize  the  above,  it  appears  that  emeryi  is  omnivorous.  It  is  prob- 


Egg  to  larva 
Larva  to  pupa 
Pupa  to  adult 
Egg  to  adult 


12  days 
27  days 
16  days 
55  days 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


85 


ably  predatory  on  small,  soft-bodied  insects  and  almost  certainly  scavenges  the 
remains  of  larger  ones.  Solid  food  is  rarely  brought  back  to  the  nest  and  food 
transfer  in  the  colony  mainly  involves  regurgitated  liquid  foods. 

Although  the  captive  colony  kept  the  brood  chamber  fairly  clean,  it  was 
remarkably  slack  about  the  rest  of  the  nest.  Dead  members  of  the  colony 
which  had  been  cut  to  pieces,  together  with  bits  of  insects  which  had  served  as 
food,  would  be  dropped  at  random  in  any  part  of  the  nest  except  the  brood 
chamber.  At  times  so  much  of  this  refuse  accumulated  in  the  passages  that 
the  workers  had  difficulty  in  getting  through  them.  This  led  to  a serious  mold 
problem;  since  the  refuse  was  not  concentrated  in  a kitchen  midden,  mold  easily 
spread  throughout  most  of  the  nest.  This  made  frequent  cleaning  necessary. 
It  was  soon  found  that  the  best  way  to  do  this  was  to  chill  the  ants  to  immobility. 
This  was  done  many  times  without  deleterious  results,  a rather  remarkable 
response  on  the  part  of  a species  which  is  regarded  as  a tropicopolitan  tramp. 

The  foraging  activities  of  the  free  colony  showed  a number  of  puzzling  fea- 
tures. About  the  only  clear-cut  controlling  factor  was  temperature,  for  foraging 
would  not  occur  unless  the  surface  temperature  was  70°F  (21°C)  or  higher. 
Beyond  this  there  was  little  to  indicate  what  factors  were  involved  in  the 
foraging  pattern.  The  foragers  emerged  singly  from  the  nest  entrance  at  widely 
separated  intervals.  Even  under  optimum  conditions  at  least  fifteen  minutes 
intervened  between  the  emergence  of  one  worker  and  that  of  its  follower.  As 
a result,  there  was  no  concentration  of  foragers  around  the  nest  entrance,  since 
the  forager  was  well  away  from  the  nest  entrance  by  the  time  the  next  one 
emerged  from  it.  A secondary  result  was  that  no  more  than  a dozen  foragers 
(often  less)  were  outside  the  nest  at  once. 

On  leaving  the  nest  the  forager  might  start  off  in  any  direction  and  the  course 
which  it  followed  was  extraordinarily  crooked.  It  was  exceptional  for  a forager  to 
move  for  more  than  three  or  four  centimeters  in  a straight  line.  Moreover,  they 
often  doubled  back  over  their  previous  course.  This  same  random,  tortuous 
course  marked  the  return  to  the  nest  and  here  there  was  even  stronger  evidence 
of  lack  of  orientation,  for  the  returning  forager  would  often  overshoot  the  nest 
entrance  even  though  it  passed  close  by  it.  As  already  noted,  few  returning 
foragers  carried  solid  food  to  the  nest,  and  it  seemed  possible  that  the  erratic 
return  course  to  the  nest  might  be  an  indication  that  no  food  had  been  found. 
In  order  to  test  this,  grains  of  sugar  were  placed  on  the  sidewalk  fifteen  centi- 
meters from  the  nest  entrance.  The  foragers  carried  the  sugar  grains  back  to  the 
nest  in  their  mandibles.  But  it  was  exceptional  to  find  that  one  of  these  ob- 
viously food-burdened  foragers  returned  directly  to  the  nest.  Instead  they  con- 
tinued on  their  erratic  courses  and  were  equally  inept  at  finding  the  nest  entrance. 
It  may  be  recalled  that  when  Dr.  E.  O.  Wilson  (1959)  published  his  observations 
on  the  foraging  of  C.  venustula , he  reported  that  the  foragers  proceeded  from 
nest  entrance  to  food  source  over  a straight  course.  Moreover,  they  would 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


stick  to  this  course  even  when  this  involved  surmounting  obstacles  which  could 
have  been  avoided  by  slight  course  deviations.  Dr.  Wilson  believed  that  this 
behavior  was  due  to  the  fact  that  the  foragers  orient  themselves  by  sight.  It  is 
hard  to  see  how  such  an  explanation  could  apply  to  the  tortuous  courses  char- 
acteristic of  emeryi.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  equally  hard  to  suggest  what,  if 
anything,  controls  the  random  foraging  of  emeryi.  But  it  is  clear  enough  that 
this  sort  of  foraging  gives  no  chance  for  recruitment  by  tandem  running.  Over 
many  months  of  observation,  no  tandem  running  was  ever  observed  in  emeryi. 

The  foragers  of  emeryi  often  met  other  species  of  ants  on  the  sidewalk.  Most 
of  the  dozen  or  so  species  which  foraged  on  the  sidewalk  posed  no  particular 
threat  to  the  emeryi  foragers,  but  two  of  them,  Solenopsis  geminata  (Fabricius) 
and  Pheidole  dentata  Mayr,  are  aggressive  and  carnivorous,  and  it  seemed 
likely  that  encounters  with  these  two  species  would  be  extremely  hazardous  for 
the  emeryi  workers.  It  was  a surprise,  therefore,  to  discover  that  in  such  encoun- 
ters the  two  larger  species  exhibited  a marked  avoidance  reaction  to  emeryi. 
When  such  encounters  occurred,  the  emeryi  forager  stood  still  while  the  other 
ant  scrambled  away.  This  was  particularly  noticeable  in  P.  dentata  minors  which 
seemed  to  go  into  a near  panic  in  the  presence  of  an  emeryi  forager.  Since  the 
size  disparity  rules  out  any  possibility  that  the  foragers  of  geminata  and  dentata 
were  trying  to  avoid  an  attack  by  the  emeryi  worker,  it  can  only  be  supposed 
that  despite  its  small  size  the  worker  of  emeryi  possesses  a highly  effective 
repellent  pheromone.  This  would  also  explain  how  emeryi  is  able  to  nest  in  close 
proximity  to  flourishing  colonies  of  5.  geminata  and  P.  dentata. 

Cardiocondyla  nuda  (Mayr) 

It  now  seems  clear  that  the  senior  author  was  mistaken  in  treating  Forel’s 
variety  minutior  as  a subspecies  in  1950.  At  that  time  there  were  few  long 
nest  series  of  nuda  available  for  study;  hence  it  was  not  certain  how  the  single 
nest  series  which  had  yielded  workers  of  the  typical  nuda  and  others  of  the 
variety  minutior  ought  to  be  handled.  Subsequent  studies  have  shown  that  the 
above  situation  is  normally  encountered  in  any  long  nest  series  of  nuda.  It  fol- 
lows that  minutior  must  be  treated  as  a synonym  of  nuda , as  shown  by  Wilson 
and  Taylor  (1967). 

In  April  1972,  several  nests  of  nuda  were  found  in  a brick  sidewalk  about 
seventy-five  yards  away  from  the  nest  of  emeryi  described  earlier  in  this  paper. 
These  were  built  in  the  thin  layers  of  soil  which  had  pressed  up  between  the 
bricks.  On  April  14  one  of  these  colonies  was  excavated  and  installed  in  an 
observation  nest.  The  colony  consisted  of  two  dealated  queens  and  thirty-eight 
workers.  Since  emeryi  had  shown  itself  to  be  easily  adaptable  to  life  in  an 
artificial  nest,  no  difficulty  was  anticipated  in  the  observation  nest  of  nuda. 
Actually  the  nuda  colony  proved  to  be  far  more  difficult  to  handle. 

At  first  the  nuda  colony  seemed  to  be  doing  well.  Both  queens  laid  eggs  and 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


87 


the  workers  carried  out  their  usual  nest  activities.  But  at  the  end  of  two  weeks, 
the  rate  of  egg  laying  declined.  Ultimately  both  queens  ceased  to  produce  eggs. 
By  this  time  some  had  been  in  the  nest  a month,  and  it  might  have  been 
expected  that  larvae  would  have  been  present.  However,  no  egg  ever  hatched. 
About  the  end  of  May,  both  queens  were  cut  to  pieces  by  the  workers  and  the 
colony  expired. 

It  seems  worth  noting  that  during  the  brief  duration  of  this  nuda  colony, 
the  observation  colony  of  emeryi  was  bringing  much  brood  to  maturity.  Since 
this  seems  to  indicate  that  nest  conditions  were  satisfactory,  considerable  effort 
was  made  to  assure  that  the  nuda  colony  received  identical  treatment.  The 
two  Janet  nests  were  kept  in  contact  to  minimize  temperature  differences. 
Their  humidity  was,  as  far  as  possible,  kept  at  the  same  level  and  the  same 
food  was  given  each.  Since  the  emeryi  colony  survived  until  the  summer  of 
1972,  at  which  time  the  last  queen  died,  the  obvious  conclusion  must  be  that 
nuda  requires  nest  conditions  different  from  those  which  satisfy  emeryi. 

Better  results  were  secured  from  observation  on  the  free  colonies  of  nuda. 
The  foragers  leave  the  nest  singly  but  as  they  emerge  more  frequently  than  do 
those  of  emeryi  there  are  usually  more  of  them  outside  the  nest.  They  forage 
somewhat  more  rapidly  than  do  the  workers  of  emeryi  and  the  courses  they 
follow,  while  by  no  means  straight,  are  far  less  tortuous  than  those  of  emeryi. 
It  is  rare  for  a forager  of  nuda  to  double  back  on  its  own  course.  The  result 
is  that  their  progress  between  nest  entrance  and  food  source  is  more  direct. 
They  also  seem  to  have  less  difficulty  finding  the  nest  entrance  on  their  return. 

Cardiocondyla  ectopia  Snelling 

A single  polydomous  colony  was  found  in  the  junior  author’s  front  yard  in 
mid- July  1972.  The  subcolonies  from  northeast  to  southwest  were  designated 
A,  B,  C.  Subcolony  B was  situated  2.6  m.  SW  of  A;  C was  about  3 m.  S of  B. 
The  entrances  of  A and  B,  both  between  bricks  set  into  the  soil,  were  fully 
exposed  and  marked  by  piles  of  debris.  That  of  C,  although  similarly  marked 
by  debris,  was  more  difficult  to  discover  because  it  was  partially  concealed  by  a 
dense  mat  of  Euphorbia  serpens.2 

Foraging  activities  of  this  species  have  been  observed  intermittently  for  about 
one  year.  Other  than  modifications  of  diurnal  activity,  which  seem  directly 
related  to  temperature,  activity  appears  to  be  uniform.  During  the  cooler 
months,  November  to  March,  there  is  little  surface  activity.  Daytime  tempera- 
tures often  are  not  sufficiently  high  to  prompt  activity,  or  the  duration  of 
suitable  temperature  levels  is  too  short. 

During  July  1972  the  colonies  were  watched  whenever  circumstances  permitted. 
At  five-minute  intervals  during  observation  periods,  two  temperature  readings 


2 Determined  by  R.  Gustafson,  Natural  History  Museum  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


were  made — one  of  the  ambient  temperature  at  a level  of  six  feet,  the  other  of 
the  surface  of  the  asphalt  driveway.  At  this  time  of  the  year,  worker  ants 
emerge  from  the  nest  and  begin  foraging  when  the  ambient  temperature  is  at 
19°-20°C;  the  asphalt  surface,  in  full  sun,  is  at  about  24°C.  On  one  date  in 
July,  the  ambient  reading  at  1100  hrs.  was  26°C  and  workers  were  no  longer 
moving  onto  the  exposed  surfaces.  For  workers  from  colonies  A and  B,  access 
to  food  resource  areas  was  across  a distance  of  about  0.3  m.  When  surface 
temperatures  reached  as  high  as  42  °C  at  1100  hrs.,  there  was  no  foraging 
activity  by  individuals  from  these  colonies.  Workers  from  C continued  to  forage, 
though  at  a greatly  reduced  density,  since  they  had  direct  access  to  the  patch 
of  Euphorbia. 

On  another  day,  however,  by  1100  hrs.  the  ambient  temperature  was  at 
23° C,  the  surface  at  36°C.  Because  of  cloud  cover,  the  surface  temperature 
had  been  at  that  level  for  nearly  an  hour.  From  1000-1045  hrs.,  ants  were 
active  on  the  paved  surfaces,  but  at  about  1045  began  to  abandon  these  surfaces. 
On  other  days,  when  surface  temperatures  never  exceeded  35°C,  there  was  a 
noticeable  lessening  of  activity  after  1100  hrs.,  so  it  would  appear  that  time  of 
day  is,  at  least  partially,  a controlling  factor  in  the  foraging  pattern  of  this 
species.  However,  notes  by  the  junior  author  record  some  surface  activity  as 
late  as  1925  hrs. 

Foragers  traveled  at  least  6 m.  from  the  nest  in  search  of  food.  The  small 
size  of  the  ants  made  observation  difficult  once  the  workers  reached  food  source 
areas  amid  the  plants  in  the  yard.  Attempts  to  determine  foraging  distances 
were  frustrated  by  two  factors:  the  reluctance  of  the  ants  to  accept  bait  of  any 
sort  and  the  competition  of  the  much  larger  Argentine  ant  Iridomyrmex  humilis 
(Mayr).  The  latter  species  quickly  discovered  and  monopolized  baits. 

Individuals  which  foraged  in  the  mats  of  Euphorbia  were  observed  with  some 
success.  Many  proceeded  directly  to  the  flowers  and  took  nectar.  Several 
seconds  (3-21,  average  7.4)  were  spent  at  each  blossom.  After  a period  of  up 
to  35  min.  the  forager  returned  to  the  nest  with  distended  gaster.  Other  workers 
wandered  about,  picking  up  bits  of  soil,  fragments  of  plant  fiber,  and  pieces  of 
dead  arthropods.  Once  an  acceptable  item  was  discovered,  it  was  transported 
back  to  the  nest.  Fragments  collected  were  so  small  that  no  attempt  was  made 
at  specific  identification. 

From  the  onset  of  foraging  until  about  1030  hrs.,  the  Cardiocondyla  workers 
foraged  throughout  the  area,  even  though  I.  humilis  frequently  utilized  the  same 
areas.  After  about  1030,  however,  most  areas  were  abandoned  by  the  smaller 
species.  An  exception  was  the  patch  of  Euphorbia  adjacent  to  nest  C.  This 
resource  was  worked  until  about  1300  hrs.,  after  which  time  only  Argentine  ants 
were  to  be  found  on  it.  Since  this  pattern  was  consistent,  it  seems  safe  to  assume 
that  the  foraging  period  of  the  Cardiocondyla  regularly  ends  in  early  afternoon. 
Occasional  encounters  between  the  two  species  were  uncommon.  As  a rule,  both 


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species  retreated  from  the  point  of  encounter.  Often,  however,  the  Cardiocondyla 
would  continue  along  its  original  course  or  was  but  slightly  diverted.  The 
Iridomyrmex  behaved  in  a very  erratic  fashion,  and  usually  left  the  point  of 
encounter  rapidly,  and  at  a course  highly  divergent  from  its  original  course.  Less 
often,  the  Cardiocondyla  worker  would  stop  with  gaster  slightly  elevated,  head 
lifted  and  directed  forward,  with  spread  mandibles. 

Workers  departing  from  the  nests  were  observed  often.  Most  proceeded 
singly  in  a very  irregular  but  basically  unidirectional  mode.  There  were  many 
turns  and  divergences  for  no  apparent  reason.  Return  from  the  foraging  area 
did  not  always  reverse  the  outward  course.  In  fact,  seldom  was  this  so,  for 
often  the  ant  would  head  back  to  the  nest  from  a point  in  the  foraging  area 
fully  a meter  from  where  she  entered  it.  The  return  was  frequently  much 
less  direct  than  the  departure,  involving  more  divergences  from  the  straight 
line  and  much  back-tracking.  Once  within  0.2  m.  of  the  nest  the  ant  seemed 
more  certain  of  her  direction  and  would  head  more  or  less  directly  toward  the 
nest  entrance.  Even  so,  misses  were  frequent  and  some  search  was  necessary. 

From  the  above  we  may  perhaps  deduce  that  orientation  is  partially  solar- 
directional  and  partially  a matter  of  visual  recognition  within  a limited  area. 
There  may  also  be  a distance  recognition  factor,  as  suggested  by  a series  of 
tests.  An  individual  which  discovered  a bait  placed  in  the  driveway  was  marked 
on  the  gaster.  After  feeding,  it  returned  to  the  nest,  1 m.  distant.  A period  of 
almost  15  min.  elapsed  before  the  marked  ant  appeared,  heading  toward  the 
bait.  The  path  between  the  ant  and  the  bait  was  washed  with  ethyl  alcohol 
and  the  bait  displaced  5 cm.  to  one  side.  The  worker  proceeded  across  the 
washed  area  with  only  momentary  hesitation.  She  stopped  when  she  reached 
a point  about  1.5  cm.  from  where  the  bait  had  been  and  began  searching  for 
several  centimeters  in  all  directions.  Ultimately  the  new  location  was  dis- 
covered. This  experiment  was  repeated,  with  similar  results,  several  times  with 
different  individuals.  When  the  bait  was  displaced  as  much  as  15  cm.,  it  usually 
was  not  relocated  for  the  ants  would  not  search  so  far  from  the  known  locus. 

Although  most  foragers  depart  singly  from  the  nest,  tandem  running  is  fre- 
quent in  this  species.  Tandems  almost  invariably  consist  of  a pair  of  ants, 
rarely  three.  The  pattern  is  as  described  by  Wilson  (1959)  for  venustula. 
By  working  with  marked  individuals  in  an  observation  colony,  it  was  possible 
to  discover  that  the  leader  of  the  tandem  pair  was  guiding  the  follower  to  a 
previously  discovered  food  source  and  that  the  follower  was  recruited.  The 
follower,  in  turn,  would  recruit  another  individual  once  she  returned  to  the  nest. 
When  the  lead  ant  arrived  at  the  bait,  she  would  immediately  begin  feeding.  The 
follower,  after  searching  for  a few  seconds,  would  discover  the  bait  and  also  begin 
to  feed. 

On  23  July  1972  colony  A was  excavated  and  placed  in  a Janet  nest.  The 
colony  consisted  of  eight  dealate  females,  two  alate  females,  about  75  workers, 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


and  two  males.  Brood  was  not  counted  but  estimated  at  55  larvae  and  15  pupae. 
About  five  hours  after  removal  to  the  artificial  nest,  mating  between  one  of 
the  males  and  one  of  the  alate  females  was  observed.  The  female  was  motionless, 
antennae  slightly  extended,  head  vertical,  mandibles  slightly  open.  The  male 
mounted  the  female,  parallel  with  her  body,  and  began  to  nip  at  the  top  of  the 
head  of  the  female,  then  rapidly  jerked  his  head  up  and  down  along  the  front 
of  the  female’s,  apparently  effecting  contact  with  her  mouthparts.  The  jerking 
movement  of  the  male  was  excited  and  rapid,  appearing  almost  violent,  and 
lasted  about  15  sec.  After  this,  he  backed  along  the  dorsum  of  her  body, 
curled  the  gastric  tip  under  that  of  the  female,  establishing  genital  contact. 
Genitalic  contact  lasted  about  five  sec.,  after  which  the  male  returned  to  the 
forward  position,  cleaned  the  gastric  apex,  followed  by  renewal  of  the  entire 
procedure.  The  entire  sequence  of  activities  was  repeated  three  times  within  a 
five-min.  period.  After  the  last  repetition,  the  male  completed  his  cleaning 
procedure,  then  remained  motionless.  At  this  time  the  female  began  to  walk 
about  and  the  male  eventually  fell  off.  At  some  time  during  the  following  day 
this  female  shed  her  wings  and  became  indistinguishable  from  the  others.  The 
other  female  was  not  observed  to  mate;  on  17  August  she  was  not  to  be  found 
among  the  colony  residents. 

Santschi  (1907)  stated  that  males  of  nuda  “var.  mauritanica ” assisted  in 
moving  brood.  We  have  no  observations  to  indicate  that  the  male  of  ectopia 
practices  such  remarkable  behavior. 

Males  of  this  species  are  ergatoid,  hence  wingless,  so  mating  flights  do  not 
take  place.  Mating,  of  necessity,  occurs  within  the  nest.  But,  does  the  mating 
take  place  between  individuals  born  within  the  same  colony,  hence  potentially 
brother  and  sister?  If  so,  does  the  female  always,  or  only  occasionally,  shed 
her  wings  and  remain  with  her  colony?  Or  does  she  shed  her  wings  and  migrate 
with  part  of  the  worker  force  to  establish  a new  colony  by  budding?  Does  she 
sometimes  fly  after  mating  either  to  (a)  found  a new  colony  or  (b)  become 
adopted  into  a neighboring  nest?  Or  does  she  fly  forth  from  her  parent  nest  still 
virgin,  become  adopted  into  a neighboring  colony,  and  mate  with  a male  there? 

Unfortunately,  no  answer  as  yet  can  be  given  to  the  above  questions.  We 
incline  to  the  last-mentioned  alternative,  however.  Adoption  into  another  colony 
seems  to  be  a very  simple  matter.  Workers  and  females  from  different  nests 
have  been  introduced  into  the  observation  colony  without  evidence  of  animosity; 
the  new  ants  acted  as  if  they  were  a part  of  the  colony.  One  alate  female  in 
colony  A at  the  time  of  its  capture  was  not  observed  to  mate,  nor  did  she  shed 
her  wings.  On  17  August  she  disappeared.  No  remains  were  found  in  the 
midden.  From  this  we  assume  she  escaped  by  flight.  It  is  assumed  that  she 
attempted  to  locate  another  colony. 

In  our  view  the  pre-mating  flight-adoption-mating  alternative  seems  most 
logical,  even  though  there  is  no  firm  evidence  for  it.  A mated  female  represents  a 


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considerable  reproductive  potential,  far  more  than  does  an  unmated  female. 
Furthermore,  mating  with  a male  from  a different  colony  is  genetically  more 
sound. 

Females  do  not  emerge  en  masse  for  flight.  Rather,  they  emerge  singly  and 
take  flight  over  a period  of  an  hour  or  more.  On  17  July  1972  females  flew 
from  colony  C as  follows:  0905 — 1 2;  0906 — 1$;  0907 — 12;  0908 — 22  2; 
0910—12;  0915—12;  1018—12;  1023—1  2.  On  23  July  1972:  1010—1  2; 
1012 — 12;  1015 — 12;  1018 — 12;  1035 — 1 2.  On  7 August  1972  one  female 
emerged  from  C at  0930.  On  19  February  1973  a single  female  flew  from  C at 
1400,  air  temperature  about  23 °C,  as  was  true  for  all  of  these  (observed  range: 
22.7°-24.1°C). 


DISCUSSION 

Wilson  (1955)  summarized  the  natural  history  of  venustula  as  he  observed 
it  in  Puerto  Rico.  He  found  that  the  colonies  were  polydomous  and  that  the 
populations  were  low,  probably  not  in  excess  of  two  hundred  workers.  Nest 
entrances  were  small  and  surrounded  by  debris.  Foraging  occurred  mostly 
during  the  middle  part  of  the  day.  Tandem  running  was  observed  and  presumed 
to  be  a highly  evolved  form  of  recruitment.  Tandem  running  was  also  noted 
to  occur  in  emeryi  in  Puerto  Rico. 

Our  observations,  based  on  emeryi,  nuda , and  ectopia , tend  to  corroborate 
Wilson’s  conclusions.  The  siting  of  nests  seems  to  be  very  similar  for  all  four 
species,  and  the  entrances  are  concealed  by  miscellaneous  debris.  Foraging  of 
the  three  species  which  we  studied  takes  place  mostly  during  the  midmorning  to 
midafternoon  period,  at  temperatures  above  19°C,  and  ceases  when  the  ambient 
temperature  reaches  26°C. 

Colonies  of  ectopia  appear  to  be  polydomous,  as  in  venustula , with  the  com- 
ponents up  to  six  meters  apart.  Multiple  queens  seem  to  be  normal  in  all 
species.  Males  of  ectopia  are  wingless  and  mating  takes  place  within  the  nest. 
Alate  females  emerge  singly  and  fly  quickly.  Mating  possibly  occurs  before 
emergence  or  it  may  be  that  the  females  seek  adoption  in  a neighboring  nest  and 
mate  there. 

Curiously,  although  Wilson  reported  tandem  running  of  emeryi,  the  senior 
author  found  no  examples  of  such  behavior  in  this  species  at  La  Feria,  Texas. 
The  foraging  pattern  of  this  ant  is  highly  erratic  and  it  may  be  that  tandem 
recruitment  is  not  common  in  this  species.  This  recruitment  technique  was 
not  observed  in  nuda.  The  two  species  should  be  more  thoroughly  studied. 

Better  results  were  obtained  for  ectopia.  Departing  workers  pursue  an  erratic 
pattern  when  searching  for  food;  but  once  a large  source,  requiring  more  ants, 
is  located,  the  foragers  return  more  or  less  directly  to  the  nest.  Here,  another 
worker  is  recruited  and  led  back  to  the  food  source,  again  more  or  less  directly. 
Additional  ants  are  recruited  in  the  same  manner,  if  necessary. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Wilson  described  his  experiments  with  tandem  pairs  of  venustula.  Similar 
experiments  with  ectopia  produced  similar  results.  From  these  data  it  seems 
clear  that  chemical  trails  are  not  laid  down  and  orientation  to  a food  source 
is  probably  based  on  solar  position  and  distance.  Since  there  is  no  chemical 
trail  to  indicate  direction,  it  follows  that  the  discoverer  must  lead  its  nestmates 
to  the  food  source.  The  leader  of  the  tandem  pair  evidently  releases  an  excitant 
pheromone  by  which  the  follower  is  led.  It  seems  possible  that  this  chemical  is 
so  volatile  it  functions  for  only  a short  distance  and  that  only  a single  individual 
can  follow  it.  Hence  tandems  consist  only  of  a single  pair. 

The  ants  are  small  and  can  carry  only  small  arthropods  or  fragments  of  larger 
ones.  Relatively  large  items,  such  as  can  be  exploited  only  by  large  numbers, 
probably  are  seldom  available.  These  are  likely  effectively  taken  over  by  larger 
ants  ( Pheidole , Solenopsis,  Iridomyrmex,  etc.)  or  by  those  which  recruit  in 
large  numbers  ( Monomorium , Wasmannia,  Iridomyrmex,  etc.).  While  individ- 
uals of  Cardiocondyla  can  apparently  repel  individuals  of  Iridomyrmex,  it  is 
unlikely  that  the  colonies  can  effectively  compete  against  such  numerically 
superior  species  at  more  bountiful  food  sources.  Further  studies  of  these  and 
other  Cardiocondyla  should  investigate  food  resource  utilization  as  compared 
to  other  ants  in  the  same  foraging  area. 

Literature  Cited 

Creighton,  W.  S.  1950.  The  ants  of  North  America.  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.  Harvard, 
104:  1-585. 

Santschi,  F.  1907.  Fourmis  de  Tunisie  capturees  en  1906.  Rev.  Suisse  Zool.,  15:  305-334. 
Smith,  M.  R.  1944.  Ants  of  the  genus  Cardiocondyla  Emery  in  the  United  States.  Proc. 
Entom.  Soc.  Wash.,  46:  30-41. 

Snelling,  R.  R.  1974.  Studies  on  California  ants.  8.  A new  species  of  Cardiocondyla. 
Jour.  New  York  Entomol.  Soc.,  82:  76-81. 

Wilson,  E.  O.  1959.  Communication  by  tandem  running  in  the  ant  genus  Cardiocondyla. 
Psyche,  66:  29-34. 

Wilson,  E.  O.  and  Taylor,  R.  W.  1967.  The  ants  of  Polynesia.  Pac.  Insects  Monog.,  14: 
1-109. 


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Generic  Diversity  in  Phase  of  Rhythm  in  Myrmicine  Ants 

Elwood  S.  McCluskey 

Departments  of  Physiology  and  of  Biology,  Loma  Linda  University, 

Loma  Linda,  California  92354 

Received  for  Publication  February  11,  1974 

Abstract:  Few  comparative  studies  in  functional  biology  have  been  made  at  the  genus 

level.  In  the  tribe  Myrmicini,  the  latest  morning  hour  the  workers  are  aboveground  was 
compared  for  58  species  in  9 genera  and  the  hour  of  mating  flight  for  40  species  in  13  genera. 
In  each  case  there  is  more  difference  in  phase  of  rhythm  among  than  within  genera.  When 
the  possible  influence  of  season,  altitude,  latitude,  average  rainfall,  and  average  tempera- 
ture is  statistically  removed  by  analysis  of  covariance,  the  generic  diversity  remains  sig- 
nificant. This  evidence  suggests  a taxonomic  explanation  of  the  diversity  (as  opposed  to  a 
strictly  ecological  or  geographical  explanation). 


INTRODUCTION 

Relatively  few  comparative  studies  in  functional  biology  have  been  made  at 
the  genus  level.  In  the  ant  tribe  Formicini  time  of  day  both  of  mating  flight  and 
of  worker  foraging  is  much  more  alike  from  species  to  species  within  a genus 
than  among  genera  (McCluskey,  1973).  This  correlation  of  behavior  with 
taxonomic  grouping  suggested  the  value  of  studying  more  groups  of  ants.  The 
present  paper  considers  the  tribe  Myrmicini  (broad  sense)  in  another  subfamily 
(Myrmicinae) . It  is  again  based  on  literature  records. 

DESCRIPTIVE  COMPARISONS 

Mating  Flight 

Figure  1 presents  the  midpoint  flight  hour  for  each  species  of  each  genus 
where  records  are  available  for  at  least  two  species.  It  can  be  seen  first  that  the 
generic  means  range  from  0700  to  1800  and  second  that  the  species  flight  hours 
tend  to  be  similar  within  each  genus.  This  generic  diversity  was  tested  by  the 
circular  distribution  method  of  Watson  and  Williams  (1956;  cf.  Batschelet 


Acknowledgments:  Field  studies  of  rhythms  in  this  group  were  made  by  Dr.  Creighton, 

most  notably  his  paper  of  1953.  He  gave  me  personal  encouragement  when  I visited  his 
home  in  1956  at  an  early  stage  in  my  research.  I thank  P.  Yahiku  for  help  with  statistical 
analysis;  L.  Brand,  B.  Buttler,  I.  Fraser,  and  B.  Neufeld  for  reading  the  manuscript;  and 
R.  Snelling  for  determining  Pheidole  pilifera  pacifica  and  Solenopsis  xyloni.  Part  of  my 
inspiration  for  developing  explanatory  comparisons  was  the  paper  by  Waterman  (1961). 
Computer  time  for  the  project  was  supported  in  part  by  NIH,  Division  of  Research  Resources, 
Grant  RR-00276.  For  the  analysis  of  covariance,  UCLA  Health  Sciences  Computing  Facility 
made  its  BMDX  General  Linear  Hypothesis  program  available;  this  was  run  at  the  Loma 
Linda  University  Data  Processing  Facility.  G.  McCluskey  aided  with  programing. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  93-102.  June,  1974. 


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A.  M. 

hours 

0 2 4 6 8 

10  12 

Genus 

Veromessor  f *f 

Messor 

(F)  . F F 

PnnoNQHYRMry 

F F 

F F 

F F . F 

* = MEAN 
HOUR 

SOLENOPSIS 

F 

F F F * F F F 

NYRMEA 

F F F * F 

F 

Aphaenqgaster 

F * 

F (F) 

Pheidole  (f) 

F 

F 

F F * F 

F 

Fig.  1.  Flight  hours  (all  recognizable  Daylight  Time  records  were  converted  to  Standard 
Time).  Each  F represents  for  one  species  the  midpoint  between  earliest  and  latest  literature 
records  of  flight;  ()  indicate  the  most  fragmentary  records.  Each  asterisk  shows  the  mean 
of  the  species  midpoints  for  a particular  genus.  Following  are  the  species  and  literature 
sources  represented,  including  single -species  records  for  6 genera  not  plotted  on  the  graph. 
Where  personal  communication  (person,  com.)  is  the  source,  the  hour  precedes  name. 
ATOPOMYRMEX : mocquerysi  (Wheeler  1922).  APHAENOG  ASTER:  megommatus 

(Smith  1963),  pythia  (Saunders  1969),  treatae  (Talbot  1966).  CAREBARA : junodi 

(Wheeler  1922).  CAREBARELLA : bicolor  (Kempf  1969).  LEPTOTHORAX : mon- 

jauzei  (Cagniant  1968).  MESSOR:  capitatus  and  structor  (Delage  1968,  Meyer  1927), 

semirufus  concolor  (Mursaloglu  1957).  MYRMICA:  laevinodis  (Donisthorpe  192  7), 

lobicornis  fracticornis  (Kannowski  1959),  ruginodis  (Beare  1913;  Brian  & Brian  1955; 
Donisthorpe  1927),  sabuleti  americana  (Kannowski  & Kannowski  1957),  schenki  emeryana 
(Medler  1958;  Talbot  1945,  1965).  PHE1DOLE : bicarinata  (1600,  W.  L.  Brown  pers. 

com.),  creightoni  (Gregg  1955),  megacephala  (Illingworth  1933,  1935;  Williams  1935),  nari 
and  sp.  #10591  (Kusnezov  1962),  sitarches  (Wilson  1957),  pilifera  pacifica  (1530,  E.  A. 
McCluskey  pers.  com.).  POGONOMYRMEX : badius  (Van  Pelt  1953),  barbatus  (Wheeler 
1910,  1917),  calif ornicus  (Michener  1942),  imberbiculus  (Wheeler  1917),  maricopa  (Cole 
1968),  occidentalis  (Nagel  & Rettenmeyer  1973),  rugosus  (1515,  F.  Taylor  pers.  com.). 
SOLENOPSIS:  angulatus  and  sp.  # 10576  and  sp.  #10577  (Kusnezov  1962),  invicta  (Markin 
et  al.  1971),  molesta  (Mallis  1941;  Talbot  1966;  Wilson  & Hunt  1966),  richteri  or  saevissima ? 
(Kusnezov  1962;  Rhoades  & Davis  1967),  xyloni  (1815,  McCluskey  unpublished;  Wheeler  & 
Wheeler  1973).  STENAMMA:  brevicorne  (Kannowski  1958).  TETRAMORIUM : caespitum 
(0700,  G.  C.  & J.  Wheeler  pers.  com.).  VEROMESSOR : andrei  (McCluskey  1963),  per- 
gandei  (0730,  McCluskey  unpublished).  An  annotated  table  giving  the  details  of  support  for 
Figs.  1 and  2 is  available  from  the  author. 


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95 


1965,  but  only  for  a two-sample  case) : Fq-i,N-q  — [ (N  - q)  (Ri  - R)  ]/[  (q  - 1) 

( N - Rl)  ] =2.80  and  P < .02.  (N  = 40  species,  q—  13  genera,  R * refers  to  the 
combination  vector  for  all  the  species  in  each  genus,  and  R refers  to  the  com- 
bination vector  of  all  genera.) 

Worker  Surface  Activity 

Whereas  mating  flights  usually  occur  at  a particular  season  for  a given 
species,  the  workers  come  out  of  the  nest  over  several  seasons.  In  order  to 
compare  the  various  species  most  directly,  I attempted  to  use  only  summer  records 
from  clear  days.  Since  many  of  the  literature  records  are  incidental  or  otherwise 
fragmentary,  the  single  item  of  information  most  useful  for  comparison  was 
the  approximate  lateness  of  the  hour  the  workers  stay  out  of  the  nest  in  the 
morning. 

In  Fig.  2 a nocturnal  species  is  indicated  by  an  X representing  out  until 
“Dawn”;  a species  which  stays  out  until  the  sun  hits  the  nest  is  placed  under 
“Sunshine”;  etc.  An  intermediate  time  is  indicated  by  an  X between  two 
adjacent  columns.  Every  genus  was  included  where  records  are  available  for  at 
least  three  species. 

The  mean  generic  hour  is  seen  to  range  from  soon  after  the  sun  hits  the  nest 
(Aphaenogaster)  to  late  morning  (Monomorium) ; and  there  is  a noticeable 
grouping  of  species.  Arbitrarily  scoring  “Dawn”  as  5 am,  “Sunshine”  as  7 am, 
“Midmorn”  as  10  am,  and  “Midday”  as  1 pm,  Watson  and  Williams’  test  in- 
dicates significant  diversity  (P  < .001). 

EXPLANATORY  COMPARISONS 

How  might  this  generic  diversity  in  phase  of  rhythm  be  explained?  The  data 
are  too  limited  to  answer  an  ultimate  question  such  as  whether  the  time  relations 
are  adaptive.  But  it  is  possible  to  ask  preliminary  questions.  Is  there  a 
relationship  at  the  genus  level  between  phase  and  such  gross  measures  of  en- 
vironment as  altitude,  latitude,  average  temperature,  average  rainfall,  or  season? 
(Current  examples  of  studies  at  the  species  and  microhabitat  level  indicating 
sensitivity  to  the  environment  include  Bernstein,  1971;  Levins  et  al.,  1973;  and 
Whitford,  1973). 

For  each  observation  locality  cited  I estimated  the  altitude  (range,  0-2300 
m),  latitude  (3°-55°),  average  temperature  (10°-32°C)  and  total  rainfall 
(2-75  cm)  for  the  appropriate  season  (using  mainly  Hammond’s  Comparative 
World  Atlas,  1963,  and  Nystrom’s  World  Rainfall  maps). 

Analysis  of  covariance  permitted  consideration  of  the  regression  of  the  de- 
pendent variable  on  a number  of  independent  variables  (co variates)  simul- 
taneously. For  the  workers  the  latest-hour-out  was  used  as  the  dependent 
variable,  and  altitude  and  latitude,  or  temperature  and  rain,  as  covariates.  The 
generic  diversity  again  appeared  highly  significant,  even  though  possible  altitude, 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Genus 

DAWN 

SUNSHINE 

MIDMORN 

MIDDAY 

Aphaenogaster 

X 

X 

(X) 

8$ 

X 

(x) 

Veromessor 

(x)  (x) 

X* 

X 

X 

s 

Pheidole 

(X) 

X 

X * 

X 

X 

X 

Manica 

X 

X 

X 

* X 

X 

X" 

X 

liESSOR 

* = MEAN  HOUR 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X* 

X 

P0G0N0MYRMEX 

X 

(x) 

l- 

(x) 

X 

X 

X 

X 

Myrmica 

X 

X * 

X 

X 

X 

X 

Monomorium 


Fig.  2.  Worker  surface  activity.  Each  X represents  one  species  and  shows  its  nearest 
approach  to  midday.  See  text  and  also  legend  for  Fig.  1.  The  following  are  represented: 
APHAENOG ASTER:  ashmeadi  & floridana  (Van  Pelt  1958;  Whitcomb  et  al.  1972),  fulva 
(Park  et  al.  1931),  longiceps  (Brown  1955),  megommatus  (Cole  1966),  pallida  (Bernard 
1968),  rudis  picea  and  tennesseensis  (Park  & Strohecker  1936),  splendida  (Tohme  1969), 
treatae  (Talbot  1953,  1966).  MANIC  A:  bradleyi,  hunteri,  and  mutica  (Wheeler  & Wheeler 

1970) ,  rubida  (Reichle  1943).  MESSOR : aegyptiacus  (Delye  1968;  Sheata  & Kaschef 

1971) ,  alexandri  and  orientalis  (Tohme  1969),  arenarius  (Delye  1968,  1971),  barbarus 
(Buxton  1924;  Forel  1928;  Pickles  1944;  Wheeler  & Creighton  1934),  capitatus  (Delage 
1968),  caviceps  (Delye  1964,  1968,  1969),  semirufus  (Bodenheimer  & Klein  1930;  Mursaloglu 
1957).  MONOMORIUM : chobauti  (Delye  1968,  niloticoides  and  venustum  (Tohme  1969), 
salomonis  (Delye  1968;  Kemp  1952).  MYRMICA:  lobicornis  fracticornis  (Dondale  et  al. 

1972) ,  rubra  (Reichle  1943),  ruginodis  and  scabrinodis  (Brian  1955),  sabuleti  americana 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


97 


Table  1.  Analyses  of  Covariance.  The  contribution  of  rainfall  and  temperature  might 
heavily  overlap  that  of  altitude  and  latitude  as  variables;  therefore  a second  analysis,  shown 
in  (),  was  done,  with  rain  and  temperature  replacing  altitude  and  latitude  as  covariates 


Source  of  Variation 

DF 

MS 

F 

P 

Workers  (latest  hour  out)  (58  species,  9 genera) 

Genera 

8 

12.7  (12.7) 

5.5  (5.4) 

<.001 

(<•001) 

Covariates 

2 

3.7  ( 3.7) 

1.6  (1.6) 

ns 

(ns) 

Altitude 

(or  rain) 

1 

2.1  ( 5.4) 

.9  (2.3) 

ns 

(ns) 

Latitude 

(or  temp.) 

1 

5.9  ( 1.4) 

2.5  ( .6) 

ns 

(ns) 

Error 

47 

2.3  ( 2.3) 

Flights  (deviation  from  midday)  (40  species,  13  genera) 

(With 

season 

as  months’  deviation 

from  August  1) 

Genera 

12 

8.7  (8.2) 

2.5  (2.3) 

<.05 

«.05) 

Covariates 

3 

5.4  (4.1) 

1.6  (1.1) 

ns 

(ns) 

Altitude 

(or  rain) 

1 

.7  (2.9) 

.2  ( .8) 

ns 

(ns) 

Latitude 

(or  temp.) 

1 

9.2  (2.9) 

2.7  ( .8) 

ns 

(ns) 

Season 

1 

.0  (8.2) 

.0  (2.3) 

ns 

(ns) 

Error 

24 

3.4  (3.6) 

(With 

season 

as  months’  deviation 

from  June  21) 

Genera 

12 

8.5  (7.4) 

2.6  (2.1) 

<.05 

«.io) 

Covariates 

3 

7.0  (4.2) 

2.2  (1.2) 

ns 

(ns) 

Altitude 

(or  rain) 

1 

.4  (2.2) 

.1  ( .6) 

ns 

(ns) 

Latitude 

(or  temp.) 

1 

11.8  (1.6) 

3.7  ( .5) 

ns 

(ns) 

Season 

1 

4.6  (8.5) 

1.4  (2.4) 

ns 

(ns) 

Error 

24 

3.2  (3.6) 

latitude,  average  temperature  and  rainfall  effects  had  been  statistically  removed 
by  the  analysis  of  covariance  (see  Table  1).  The  same  was  true  if  the  possible 
complicating  variables  of  the  tropics  were  eliminated  by  performing  the  analysis 
for  only  the  temperate  zone  species  (which  were  the  majority). 


<- 

(Dondale  et  al.  1972;  Talbot  1946,  1953),  schenki  emeryana  (Talbot  1965).  NOVOMESSOR : 
albisetosus  (Wheeler  & Creighton  1934),  cockerelli  (Wheeler  & Creighton  1934;  Whitford 
1973),  manni  (Kannowski  1954).  PHEIDOLE : megacephala  (Carnegie  1960;  Greenslade 
1972;  Levins  et  al.  1973;  Steyn  1954),  morrisi  (Van  Pelt  1958),  ridicula  (Creighton  1966), 
saxicola  (Wheeler  1922),  sculpturata  and/or  crassinoda  and  sp.  A and  sp.  Q (Kemp  1952), 
xerophila  (until  0630,  R.  Bernstein  pers.  com.).  POGONOMYRMEX : badius  (Carlson  & 

Gentry  1973;  Golley  & Gentry  1964;  Van  Pelt  1953,  1966),  barbatus  (Box  1960;  McCook 
1879),  californicus  (Cole  1932;  Michener  1942;  Whitford  1973),  desertorum  (Whitford 
1973),  magnacanthus  (Cole  1968),  maricopa  (La  Rivers  1968),  occidentalis  (Headlee  & 
Dean  1908;  McCook  1882;  Stevens  1965;  Wheeler  & Wheeler  1963),  owyheei  (Cole  1934b; 
Willard  & Crowell  1965),  rugosus  (until  0745,  R.  Bernstein  pers.  com.;  Whitford  1973). 
VEROMESSOR:  andrei  (Creighton  1953;  McCluskey  1963),  juliana  (Creighton  1953), 

lariversi  (Cole  1963,  1966),  lobognathus  (Cole  1963;  Wheeler  & Wheeler  1959,  1963), 
pergandei  (Cole,  1934a,  1963;  Creighton  1953;  Tevis  1958;  Went  et  al.  1972;  Wheeler  & 
Creighton  1934),  smithi  (Cole  1963,  1966). 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


A similar  search  was  made  for  an  explanation  of  the  diversity  in  flight  timing. 
Flights,  unless  near  midday,  are  generally  either  morning  or  afternoon,  rather 
than  bimodal  like  worker  activity  and  like  the  environment.  To  relate  both 
morning  and  afternoon  flight  times  similarly  to  the  middle  of  the  “environ- 
mental” day,  I used  the  difference  between  the  hour  of  midday  and  the  hour 
of  either  morning  or  afternoon  flight  as  the  dependent  variable  for  regression 
studies.  “Midday”  was  arbitrarily  defined  as  1300,  since  that  is  closer  than 
noon  to  the  hottest  time  of  day  according  to  the  thermometer.  Also  1345  divides 
the  day  into  two  equal  halves  with  respect  to  the  number  of  species  flying. 
Further,  1307  is  the  average  center  of  the  midday  hours  avoided  by  workers; 

I calculated  this  from  the  12  species  (4  genera)  where  the  records  cited  (legend 
of  Fig.  2)  are  complete  enough  to  show  the  worker  bimodal  activity  pattern. 

Season  was  included  as  an  additional  covariate,  because  flight  records  were 
used  (Fig.  1)  no  matter  what  the  season,  rather  than  just  summer  records  as 
for  the  workers.  Season  was  measured  two  ways:  as  the  difference  between  the 
date  of  the  cited  observation  and  either  August  1 (to  represent  the  average 
“heat  center”  of  the  summer)  or  June  21  (with  the  longest  dawn-  or  dusk-to- 
midday  interval).  (Southern  Hemisphere  records  were  converted  by  6 mo.) 

Taking  distance  of  flight  hour  from  midday  as  the  dependent  variable,  analy- 
sis of  covariance  shows  the  generic  difference  in  timing  to  remain  significant 
after  removal  of  the  effects  of  the  covariates  (Table  1).  This  is  the  more 
noteworthy  because  the  morning-vs. -afternoon  difference  between  genera  is 
ignored  in  the  choice  of  the  dependent  variable  as  simply  the  time  from  midday. 

CONCLUSION 

The  records  displayed  here  indicate  generic  diversity  both  of  worker  phase 
and  of  flight  phase  of  rhythm  beyond  the  effects  of  altitude,  latitude,  average 
temperature,  average  rainfall,  and  season.  This  is  not  to  suggest  that  no  rela- 
tion with  such  variables  would  be  found  locally  (e.g.,  temperate  latitudes  only), 
or  in  a microclimatic  study,  or  at  the  species  level.  Nevertheless,  at  the  genus 
level  the  evidence  suggests  a taxonomic  explanation  of  the  diversity  (as  opposed 
to  a strictly  ecological  or  geographical  explanation). 

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Rhoades,  W.  C.  and  Davis,  D.  R.  1967.  Effects  of  meteorological  factors  on  the  biology 
and  control  of  the  imported  fire  ant.  J.  Econ.  Entomol.,  60:  554-558. 

Saunders,  G.  W.  1969.  An  investigation  of  funnel  ants  Aphaenogaster  spp.  as  positive 
pests  in  North  Queensland.  D.  Agr.  Sc.  thesis,  Queensland. 

Sheata,  M.  N.  and  Kaschef,  A.  H.  1971.  Foraging  activities  of  Messor  aegyptiacus 
Emery  (Hym.,  Formicidae).  Insectes  Soc.,  18:  215-226. 

Smith,  M.  R.  1963.  A new  species  of  Aphaenogaster  (Attomyrma)  from  the  western 
United  States  (Hymenoptera:  Formicidae).  Jour.  New  York  Entomol.  Soc.,  71: 

244-246. 

Stevens,  L.  J.  1965.  The  food  preference  and  foraging  habits  of  the  western  harvester  ant, 
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Steyn,  J.  J.  1954.  The  pugnacious  ant  (Anoplolepis  custodiens  Smith)  and  its  relation  to 
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Talbot,  M.  1945.  A comparison  of  flights  of  four  species  of  ants.  Amer.  Midland  Naturalist, 
34:  504-510. 

Talbot,  M.  1946.  Daily  fluctuations  in  aboveground  activity  of  three  species  of  ants. 
Ecology,  27 : 65-70. 

Talbot,  M.  1953.  Ants  of  an  old-field  community  on  the  Edwin  S.  George  Reserve, 
Livingston  County,  Michigan.  Contributions  Laboratory  Vertebrate  Biology  Uni- 
versity of  Michigan,  63:  1-13. 

Talbot,  M.  1965.  Populatons  of  ants  in  a low  field.  Insectes  Soc.,  12:  19-48. 

Talbot,  M.  1966.  Flights  of  the  ant  Aphaenogaster  treatae.  J.  Kans.  Entomol.  Soc.,  39: 
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Tevis,  L.  1958.  Interrelations  between  the  harvester  ant  Veromessor  pergandei  (Mayr) 
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Tohme,  G.  1969.  Repartition  geographique  des  fourmis  du  Liban  (Hymenoptera:  For- 
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Van  Pelt,  A.  1953.  Notes  on  the  above-ground  activity  and  a mating  flight  of  Pogono- 
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Went,  F.  W.,  Wheeler,  J.,  and  Wheeler,  G.  C.  1972.  Feeding  and  digestion  in  some  ants 
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Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


103 


Supplementary  Studies  on  Ant  Larvae:  Simopone  and  Turneria 1 

George  C.  Wheeler  and  Jeanette  Wheeler 

Laboratory  of  Desert  Biology,  Desert  Research  Institute, 

University  of  Nevada  System,  Reno>  89507 

Received  for  Publication  January  7,  1974 

Abstract:  This  study  supplements  our  “Ant  Larvae:  Review  and  Synthesis”  (1974).  The 

larvae  of  Simopone  n.  sp.  and  Turneria  sp.  (near  dahli ) are  described  and  figured  and  each 
genus  is  characterized.  Simopone  is  definitely  cerapachyine  but  quite  distinct  from  the 
larvae  of  other  known  genera  of  the  subfamily.  Turneria  is  typically  dolichoderine  but 
readily  distinguished  from  other  genera  of  the  subfamily  by  the  tail  and  the  shape  and 
location  of  the  dorsal  bosses. 


SUBFAMILY  CERAPACHYINAE 

The  larva  of  Simopone  is  definitely  cerapachyine.  Its  profile  is  myrmecioid  like  that  of  the 
other  four  known  genera  (Cerapachys,  Eusphinctus,  Lioponera , and  Phyracaces) . The 
mandible  is  sui  generis  and  we  must  establish  for  it  a new  monotypic  rubric  usimoponoidT 
The  small  size  of  the  mouth  parts  is  also  distinctive  for  the  genus.  In  our  general  key  for  ant 
larvae  Simopone  runs  to  49 b in  company  with  Cerapachys,  Eusphinctus , and  Phyracaces ; 
from  these  it  can  be  distinguished  by  the  shape  of  the  mandibles.  Its  index  of  specialization 
(see  our  1974)  is  24;  that  of  the  subfamily  is  22.  [The  most  specialized  ant  larvae — 
Leptanillinae — have  an  index  of  35,  while  the  Ponerinae  are  less  specialized  with  17. 
The  index  for  the  family  as  a whole  is  22.] 

Genus  SIMOPONE  Forel 

Body  myrmecioid;  head  on  anterior  end;  anus  ventral.  Body  hairs  sparse  and  minute. 
Head  suboctagonal ; antennae  large;  mouth  parts  small.  Mandibles  with  about  8 teeth  on 
medial  border. 

Simopone  n.  sp.  (Fig.  2).  Length  (through  spiracles)  about  3 mm.  Shape  myrmecioid 
(i.e.,  elongate  and  rather  slender;  curved  ventrally;  without  a differentiated  neck;  diameter 
decreasing  only  slightly  from  AV  to  anterior  end)  ; leg  vestiges  present  as  small  papillae ; 
anus  ventral.  Head  on  anterior  end.  Segmentation  indistinct.  Spiracles  small;  ten  pairs. 
Entire  integument  spinulose,  the  spinules  minute  and  in  arcuate  rows,  rows  forming  a 
reticulate  pattern  on  venter  of  T1 ; isolated  and  coarse,  or  minute  and  in  short  rows,  else- 
where. Body  hairs  sparse  and  minute  (0.013-0.025  mm.  long)  ; unbranched,  smooth  and 
slightly  curved,  most  numerous  on  AX.  Cranium  suboctagonal;  occipital  border  sinuate; 
mouth  parts  small.  Antennae  rather  large,  slightly  raised  ellipsoids  with  3 sensilla,  each 
of  which  bears  a spinule.  Head  hairs  few,  minute  (about  0.004  mm.  long),  unbranched, 
smooth,  and  slightly  curved.  Labrum  bilobed,  about  3 times  as  wide  as  long;  each  lobe  with 
4 minute  sensilla  on  each  ventrolateral  surface ; posterior  surface  of  each  lobe  with  about  7 
sensilla  near  the  middle  in  a longitudinal  row.  Mandibles  small;  subtriangular ; without 
a blade;  with  the  apex  slightly  curved  medially  and  with  about  8 minute  to  large  teeth 
on  distal  % of  convex  medial  border.  Maxillae  apparently  adnate ; palp  a slightly  raised 


1 Hymenoptera : Formicidae . 


New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  103-105.  June,  1974. 


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Text  figure  1.  Turneria  sp.  (near  dahli) . la.  Head  in  anterior  view,  X88;  b.  Left 
mandible  in  anterior  view,  X397;  2c.  Body  hair,  X 2 12 ; d.  Body  in  side  view,  X28.  Text  figure 
2.  Simopone  n.  sp.  2a.  Head  in  anterior  view,  X101;  b.  Left  mandible  in  anterior  view, 
X314;  1 c.  Body  hair,  X667;  d.  Larva  in  side  view,  X28. 


cluster  of  5 sensilla;  galea  represented  by  2 sensilla  with  a spinule  each.  Labium  with  a few 
short  transverse  rows  of  minute  spinules  on  the  anterior  surface ; palp  represented  by  a 
cluster  of  5 sensilla;  an  isolated  sensillum  between  each  palp  and  the  opening  of  the 
sericteries;  the  latter  a short  transverse  slit. 

Material  Studied:  4 larvae  from  Ghana:  New  Tafo  (Akim),  29  XI  1970,  B.  Bolton; 
courtesy  of  Dr.  W.  L.  Brown. 

SUBFAMILY  DOLICHODERINAE 

The  larva  of  Turneria  is  so  typically  dolichoderine  that  it  does  not  disturb  in  the  least  the 
nearly  perfect  homogeneity  of  the  subfamily.  Nevertheless  it  is  distinct  from  all  other 
dolichoderine  genera.  In  our  key  to  all  ant  larvae  (1794)  it  would  run  to  “5 la.  Boss  or 
bosses  dorsal  ....  Forelius,  Froggattella  and  Iridomyrmex It  can  be  distinguished  from 
those  three  genera  by  its  tail  and  the  shape  and  location  of  the  bosses. 

The  index  of  specialization  (see  our  1974)  for  Turneria  is  27,  while  that  for  the  subfamily 
is  24.  [For  the  most  specialized  ant  larvae — the  Leptanillinae — the  index  is  35,  while  the 
Ponerinae  are  less  specialized  with  17.  The  index  for  the  family  as  a whole  is  22.] 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


105 


Genus  TURNERIA  Forel 

Body  dolichoderoid  but  with  2 middorsal  doorknob-shaped  tubercles  (1  on  T3  and  1 
on  AIV)  ; AIX  and  AX  narrowed  and  turned  ventrally  as  a stout  tail.  Body  hairs  un- 
branched, smooth  and  spike-like.  Labrum  subtriangular,  broadest  dorsally.  Mandibles 
dolichoderoid. 

Turneria  sp.  (near  dahli)  (Fig.  1).  Length  (through  spiracles)  about  1.9  mm.  Body 
dolichoderoid  (i.e.,  short,  stout,  plump,  and  nearly  straight,  with  both  ends  broadly  rounded; 
anterior  end  formed  by  the  enlarged  dorsum  of  the  prothorax;  head  ventral,  near  anterior 
end;  no  neck;  segmentation  indistinct)  ; AIX  and  AX  narrowed  abruptly  and  bent  ventrally 
as  a small  tail;  on  the  dorsum  of  each  T3  and  AIV  a middorsal  doorknob-shaped  boss. 
Anus  on  anterior  surface  of  tail.  Spiracles  small;  those  on  AI  greatest  in  diameter,  on  AVIII 
vestigial.  Entire  integument  spinulose,  the  spinules  minute  and  in  short  transverse  rows. 
Body  hairs  sparse,  short  (0.005-0.025  mm.  long),  unbranched,  smooth  and  spike-like,  longer 
and  more  numerous  on  the  dorsal  surface.  Cranium  subtrapezoidal  with  corners  rounded; 
mouth  parts  small.  Each  antenna  with  2 or  3 sensilla,  each  of  which  bears  minute  spinule. 
Head  hairs  few,  minute  (0.006-0.013  mm.  long)  and  spike-like.  Labrum  subtriangular  in 
anterior  view ; anterior  surface  with  2 minute  sensilla ; ventral  border  with  2 sensilla  each 
on  a slight  elevation;  posterior  surface  with  6 small  sensilla  medially  and  with  a few 
arcuate  rows  of  minute  spinules  laterally.  Mandibles  small,  feebly  sclerotized,  dolichoderoid 
(i.e.,  basal  portion  inflated  and  narrowed  abruptly  to  the  distal  portion,  which  is  slender 
and  sharp-pointed;  no  medial  teeth);  with  a few  short  ridges  at  base  of  apical  tooth. 
Maxillae  small,  apex  rounded,  appearing  adnate ; palp  represented  by  a cluster  of  5 (1 
encapsulated  and  4 with  a spinule  each)  sensilla;  galea  a low  knob  with  2 sensilla,  each 
with  a minute  spinule.  Each  labial  palp  represented  by  a cluster  of  4 (1  encapsulated  and 
3 with  a spinule  each)  sensilla;  an  isolated  sensillum  between  each  palp  and  the  opening 
of  the  sericteries;  the  latter  a short  slit  between  the  tips  of  the  maxillae.  Hypopharynx 
densely  spinulose,  spinules  arranged  in  subtransverse  rows,  rows  grouped  in  2 subtriangles 
which  have  their  bases  near  middle. 

Material  Studied:  numerous  larvae  from  Espiritu  Santo,  New  Hebrides,  E.  O.  Wilson, 
7-13  Jan.  1954;  courtesy  Dr.  W.  L.  Brown. 

Literature  Cited 

Wheeler,  G.  C.  and  Wheeler,  J.  1974.  Ant  larvae:  review  and  synthesis.  Mem.  Entom. 

Soc.  Washington  (in  press) . 


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On  the  Estimation  of  Total  Behavioral  Repertories  in  Ants 

Edward  O.  Wilson 

Museum  of  Comparative  Zoology,  Harvard  University,  Cambridge,  Mass.  02138 

AND 

Robert  M.  Fagen 

Division  of  Engineering  and  Applied  Physics,  Harvard  University,  Cambridge,  Mass.  02138 
Received  for  Publication  January  7,  1974 

Abstract:  The  total  behavioral  catalog  size  of  Leptothorax  curvispinosus  workers  in  a 

nest  environment  has  been  estimated  by  means  of  the  Fagen-Goldman  method  of  fitting 
frequency  data  to  negative  binomial  and  lognormal  Poisson  distributions.  The  worker 
repertory  is  characterized  by  a smaller  number  of  rare  behaviors  in  comparison  with 
vertebrate  repertories.  This  trait  makes  the  preparation  of  an  adequate  ethogram  much 
less  time-consuming.  The  behavior  of  a partially  bilateral  worker-male  gynandromorph  is 
described  and  the  estimation  method  used  to  show  that  its  repertory  is  probably  inter- 
mediate in  size  between  those  of  full  workers  and  males.  The  limitation  of  worker  be- 
haviors to  the  worker  (as  opposed  to  male)  appendages  suggests  a bilateral  as  opposed  to 
diffuse  control  of  movement  by  the  gynandromorph’s  brain.  The  advantages  and  difficulties 
of  the  estimation  technique  are  then  discussed. 


INTRODUCTION 

The  listing  of  behavioral  repertories  to  produce  “ethograms”  is  an  essential 
first  step  in  the  comparative  study  of  behavior.  But  it  is  also  one  of  the  most 
time-consuming.  Studies  of  single  bird  species  commonly  last  hundreds  of  hours, 
while  a few  primate  projects  have  consumed  a thousand  observation  hours  or 
more  over  a period  of  years.  Even  at  this  level,  there  has  been  no  systematic 
way  of  judging  how  nearly  complete  the  ethogram  has  become,  and  ethologists 
have  ordinarily  relied  on  unaided  intuition  in  choosing  the  time  to  stop.  Re- 
cently Fagen  and  Goldman  (1974)  proposed  a method  for  estimating  the  total 
size  of  behavioral  categories  by  fitting  frequency  data  of  behavioral  acts  to 
one  or  both  of  the  most  general  distributions  likely  to  be  appropriate,  namely  the 
lognormal  Poisson  and  negative  binomial. 

The  present  article  examines  the  application  of  this  technique  to  two  castes 
of  the  ant  genus  Leptothorax  and  considers  its  general  strengths  and  weaknesses 
for  insect  studies.  The  method  has  also  been  used  to  evaluate  the  repertory  of 
a rare  gynandromorph  discovered  in  a colony  of  L.  curvispinosus. 


Acknowledgments:  We  are  grateful  to  Dr.  Mary  Talbot  for  supplying  live  colonies  of 

Leptothorax  and  to  Dr.  Arnold  M.  Clark  for  advice  on  the  study  of  gynandromorph  be- 
havior. The  research  was  supported  by  funds  from  National  Science  Foundation  grant 
number  GB-40247. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  106-112.  June,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


107 


Table  1.  Relative  frequencies  of  behavioral  acts  by  workers  and  a gynandromorph  of  the 
ant  Leptothorax  curvispinosus  and  by  males  of  L.  duloticus.  ( N , total  number  of  behavioral 

acts  recorded  in  each  column) 


Behavioral  Act 

Leptothorax 
curvispinosus 
workers 
(N  = 1962) 

L.  curvispinosus 
gynandromorph 
(N  = 45) 

L.  duloticus 
males 
(N  = 65) 

1.  Self-grooming 

0.2370 

0.7333 

0.6462 

2 . Antennal  tipping 

0.0122 

0 

0 

3.  Allogroom  worker 

0.0428 

0.0667 

0 

4.  Allogroom  queen 

0.002  S 

0 

0 

Brood  care: 

5.  Carry  egg 

0.0153 

0 

0 

6.  Lick  egg 

0.0255 

0 

0 

7.  Carry  larva 

0.1264 

0 

0 

8.  Licking  larva 

0.1804 

0 

0 

9.  Assist  larval  ecdysis 

0.0056 

0 

0 

10.  Feed  larva  solid  food 

0.0336 

0 

0 

11.  Carry  pupa 

0.0122 

0 

0 

12.  Lick  pupa 

0.0484 

0 

0 

13.  Assist  eclosion  of  adult 

0.0082 

0 

0 

14.  Lay  egg 

0.0025 

0 

0 

Regurgitate : 

IS.  With  larva 

0.0775 

0.0222 

0 

16.  With  worker 

0.0642 

0.1778 

0.3538 

17.  With  queen 

0.0138 

0 

0 

18.  Fight  queen  or  workers 

0.0092 

0 

0 

19.  Lick  wall  of  nest 

0.0138 

0 

0 

20.  Forage 

0.0291 

0 

0 

21.  Feed  on  honey 

0.0056 

0 

0 

22.  Feed  on  solid 

0.0173 

0 

0 

23.  Carry  dead  insect 

0.0025 

0 

0 

24.  Carry  dead  nestmate 

0.0025 

0 

0 

25.  Carry  live  nestmate 

0.0015 

0 

0 

26.  Handle  nest  material 

0.0041 

0 

0 

27.  Stridulate 

0.0061 

0 

0 

TOTALS 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

METHODS 

Colonies  of  Leptothorax  were  collected  by  Dr.  Mary  Talbot  at  the  E.  S. 
George  Reserve,  near  Pinckney,  Michigan.  Some  consisted  of  pure  L.  curvi- 
spinosus, with  curvispinosus  queens,  others  of  curvispinosus  enslaved  by  the 
rare  parasitic  species  L.  duloticus,  the  latter  containing  duloticus  queens.  The 
colonies  were  maintained  in  narrow  glass  tubes  moistened  by  cotton  wool  at 
one  end  and  left  open  at  the  other.  The  workers  were  allowed  to  forage  freely 
out  of  the  tubes  and  onto  the  floor  of  small,  steep-sided  containers.  The  con- 
tainers were  small  enough  in  turn  (9  X 15  cm  on  the  side  by  6 cm  deep)  to  be 


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placed  on  the  stage  of  a dissecting  microscope.  As  a consequence  the  entire 
worker  populations  of  colonies,  consisting  of  20  to  100  workers,  could  be 
monitored  simultaneously.  Behavioral  catalogs  were  constructed  and  frequencies 
of  each  behavior  accumulated  by  scanning  back  and  forth  for  as  long  as  an  hour 
or  more  in  continuous  sessions.  By  this  means  it  was  possible  to  record  all  of 
the  discrete  behavioral  acts  displayed  by  virtually  every  worker.  Observation 
periods  were  scattered  according  to  convenience  from  8 in  the  morning  to  one 
or  two  hours  past  midnight.  Over  this  span  no  differences  in  level  or  pattern 
of  activities  were  noted.  Nor  were  any  expected,  since  the  internal  nest  environ- 
ment remained  essentially  constant. 

Behavioral  repertories  and  their  frequency  distributions  did  not  differ  sig- 
nificantly between  pure  curvispinosus  colonies  and  those  mixed  with  duloticus. 
Consequently,  in  order  to  obtain  as  large  a sample  size  as  possible,  counts  were 
taken  from  two  curvispinosus  colonies  that  had  been  especially  well  analyzed 
in  connection  with  a separate  study  of  ant  slavery  (see  Wilson,  1974),  one  pure 
and  the  other  enslaved.  When  a worker-male  gynandromorph  eclosed  in  one 
of  the  pure  colonies  during  the  course  of  the  study,  it  was  closely  monitored 
during  its  short  life.  Simultaneously,  duloticus  males  in  a mixed  colony  were 
monitored;  curvispinosus  males  were  not  available  at  this  time  for  quantitative 
study,  but  earlier  studies  had  shown  that  the  repertories,  if  not  the  frequency 
distributions,  were  identical.  The  data  were  then  analyzed  by  the  method  of 
Fagen  and  Goldman. 


RESULTS 

Worker  repertory.  The  behavioral  catalog  and  frequency  data  are  presented  in 
Tables  1 and  2 and  Fig.  1.  The  estimates  given  were  based  on  a fit  of  the  data 
to  the  negative  binomial  distribution.  Similar  results  were  obtained  with  the 
lognormal  Poisson  distribution.  In  the  case  of  L.  curvispinosus  workers,  the 
estimated  total  repertory  size  is  29,  with  a 95  percent  confidence  interval  of 
[27,35].  The  sample  coverage,  defined  as  2 Ph  where  pi  is  the  probability  of 

i 

performance  of  each  observed  act  i,  is  much  greater,  being  99.95%.  This  very 
high  value  means  that  the  still  missing  behaviors  have  an  aggregate  probability 
of  0.0005. 

Male  repertory.  The  repertory  of  the  L.  duloticus  males  in  the  nest  was  ex- 
tremely limited,  and  the  two  behaviors  observed  were  not  far  from  equiprob- 
ability.  As  a result  the  estimated  repertory  is  identical  to  the  observed  repertory, 
a remarkable  result  in  view  of  the  small  number  of  data  utilized. 

Male-worker  gynandromorph.  The  observed  repertory  falls  far  short  of  the 
estimated  repertory,  especially  the  upper  limit  of  the  95  percent  confidence 
interval,  a result  that  accords  well  with  our  intuitive  feeling  during  the  period 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


109 


Table  2.  Catalog  and  estimated  total  repertory  of  two  castes  and  a worker-male  gynandro- 
morph  of  Leptothorax.  Estimates  were  obtained  by  fitting  the  data  of  Table  1 to 
a negative  binomial  distribution 


No.  of  acts 
observed 

No.  of 
kinds  of 
behaviors 
observed 
(observed 
repertory 
size) 

Estimated 

total 

repertory 

size 

Estimated 
95%  con- 
fidence inter- 
vals, total 
repertory 
size 

L.  curvispinosus 
workers 

1962 

27 

29 

[27,35] 

L.  duloticus 
males 

65 

2 

2 

[ 2,2  ] 

L.  curvispinosus 
gynandromorph 

45 

4 

7 

[ 4,27] 

of  observation.  Because  opportunities  seldom  arise  for  the  observation  of  living 
gynandromorphs,  further  notes  on  this  one  individual  will  now  be  given.  Data 
were  taken  on  an  almost  daily  basis  from  the  time  the  ant  was  discovered  as 
a one-  or  two-day-old  callow  until  its  death  eleven  days  later.  The  total  observa- 
tion time  was  six  hours. 

The  gynandromorph  was  the  size  of  a small  worker.  The  body  behind  the 
head  was  covered  preponderantly  by  worker  exoskeleton  (easily  distinguished 
by  its  yellow  as  opposed  to  blackish  brown  coloration).  The  only  male  portions 
were  the  left  lateral  edges  of  the  pro-  and  mesothoraces  and  the  left  fore  and 
middle  legs.  The  two  legs  were  mostly  useless,  ordinarily  being  carried  folded 
beneath  the  body.  We  gained  the  impression  that  these  two  appendages,  which 
were  longer  and  more  slender  than  their  worker  counterparts,  were  under 
the  control  of  the  worker  part  of  the  central  nervous  system.  (Presumably  the 
thoracic  ganglia  consisted  of  worker  tissue.)  The  foreleg  often  moved  in  a 
nearly  normal  fashion  down  to  about  the  level  of  the  metatarsus,  where  a worker 
leg  would  have  ended,  but  the  terminal  segments  kept  folding  under  the  meta- 
tarsus when  the  leg  was  moved  forward  and  down. 

The  division  of  the  head  was  exactly  bilaterally  symmetrical.  So  precise 
was  the  line  of  demarcation  that  the  median  ocellus  was  half  developed — or 
the  male  side.  It  is  a reasonable  supposition  that  the  division  extended  througl 
the  brain.  The  behavior  of  the  gynandromorph  proved  to  contain  an  inter 
esting  mixture  of  male  and  worker  elements,  as  follows. 

1.  Level  of  activity.  The  gynandromorph  was  quite  inactive  and  spent  most 
of  its  time  resting  in  one  position.  In  this  respect  it  much  more  closely  resembled 
males  of  the  same  age  than  workers.  When  nearby  workers  discovered  honey 
and  began  to  rush  excitedly  in  and  out  of  the  tube  nest  while  regurgitating  to 


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ABUNDANCE  RANGE 

Figure  1.  Frequency  distributions  of  the  2 7 observed  behaviors  of  Leptothorax  curvi- 
spinosus  workers,  111  behaviors  of  playing  children,  and  120  behaviors  of  rhesus  monkeys. 
The  mode  has  clearly  emerged  in  the  ants  and  children,  indicating  that  most  kinds  of  be- 
haviors have  been  cataloged.  This  is  particularly  true  of  the  ants,  in  which  relatively  few 
rare  categories  have  so  far  been  discovered.  (Human  and  rhesus  data  from  Fagen  and 
Goldman,  1974.) 


each  other,  the  gynandromorph  did  not  participate,  a male-like  rather  than 
worker-like  characteristic. 

2.  Location.  The  gynandromorph  spent  over  90  percent  of  its  time  at  all 
hours  of  the  day  standing  or  walking  around  slowly  within  one  cm  of  the  nest 
entrance.  This  was  a position  sometimes  taken  by  young  workers  but  seldom 
if  ever  by  males,  which  preferred  to  remain  deep  in  the  nest  and  especially  near 
the  brood.  Males  showed  a circadian  increase  in  activity,  sometimes  walking  all 
the  way  out  of  the  nest  and  attempting  to  escape  from  the  foraging  arena  be- 
tween about  9 pm  and  1 am.  Males  from  wild  colonies  were  captured  at  lights  at 
11  pm.  Together,  these  data  indicate  that  nuptial  flights  are  conducted  at  night. 
No  such  circadian  rhythm  was  noted  in  the  gynandromorph. 

3.  Alio  grooming.  On  three  occasions  the  gynandromorph  was  observed  to 
groom  workers,  a behavior  commonly  seen  in  workers  but  not  in  males.  Sig- 
nificantly, the  worker  antenna  was  employed  for  orientation  much  more  than 
was  the  male  antenna  during  these  bouts.  On  another  occasion  the  gynandro- 
morph regurgitated  with  a larva,  another  behavior  characteristic  of  workers  but 
not  of  males.  The  worker  antenna  was  used  to  investigate  and  the  worker  fore 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


111 


tarsus  to  stroke  the  larva;  the  corresponding  male  appendages  were  not  em- 
ployed. Although  the  allogrooming  responses  were  worker-like,  they  occurred 
less  frequently  than  in  full  workers. 

4.  Antennal  posture  and  general  orientation.  The  male  antenna  was  held  in  a 
more  extended  position  than  the  worker  antenna;  the  postures  of  both  were 
typical  of  the  caste  they  represented.  When  the  gynandromorph  investigated  a 
worker  nestmate  (as  opposed  to  grooming  it),  both  antennae  were  used  equally. 

5.  Investigation  of  solid  food.  The  gynandromorph  was  seen  to  explore  a 
fragment  of  moth  thoracic  muscle  being  eaten  by  a larva,  a behavior  common  in 
workers  but  not  seen  in  males.  During  this  brief  episode  only  the  worker 
antenna  was  used. 

In  summary,  the  gynandromorph  displayed  a mixture  of  male  and  worker 
traits.  Its  actual  and  estimated  total  repertory  sizes  were  intermediate  between 
those  of  males  and  workers.  The  estimation  technique  indicates  that  a smaller 
fraction  of  the  total  repertory  was  observed  than  in  the  case  of  the  full  males 
and  workers.  The  worker  behaviors  were  also  displayed  less  frequently  than  in 
full  workers.  When  the  gynandromorph  behaved  as  a worker,  it  used  its  worker 
antenna  primarily  or  exclusively,  suggesting  a bilateral  separation  of  effector 
control  at  the  level  of  the  central  nervous  system  as  opposed  to  a mixed  control. 
This  correspondence  between  anatomical  and  behavioral  mosaicism  is  con- 
sistent with  earlier  findings  on  Drosophila  and  Habrobracon  (Manning,  1967; 
Stern,  1968;  Hotta  and  Benzer,  1972). 

DISCUSSION 

Let  us  next  consider  the  strengths  and  weaknesses  of  the  Fagen-Goldman 
catalog  estimation  method  with  special  reference  to  ants  and  other  insects. 
The  obvious  advantage  of  the  technique  is  that  it  improves  unaided  intuition 
without  forcing  any  new,  unsupportable  assumptions  on  the  analysis.  It  is 
possible  to  judge  more  precisely  the  point  of  diminishing  return  during  the 
preparation  of  ethograms. 

This  point  came  surprisingly  early  in  the  case  of  the  ants.  After  only  51 
hours  of  observation,  during  which  1,962  separate  acts  were  recorded,  the  mode 
of  the  frequency  curve  emerged  and  the  estimated  sample  coverage  attained 
99.95  percent.  Thus  the  effort  required  to  secure  a nearly  complete  repertory 
seemed  to  be  a full  order  of  magnitude  less  than  in  the  vertebrates.  This  result 
implies  that  comparative  ethological  studies  can  proceed  much  more  rapidly 
in  ants  and  other  insects. 

A reason  of  considerable  potential  biological  interest  exists  for  this  relative 
tractability  of  ant  studies.  This  is  the  scarcity  of  rare  acts  compared  with 
common  acts  (see  Fig.  1).  In  other  words,  whatever  ants  do  they  do  rather 
frequently;  few  if  any  rare  behaviors  exist  to  surprise  the  investigator  in  the 
late  stages  of  a study.  We  conjecture  that  the  small  size  of  the  ant  brain 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


precludes  the  storage  of  responses  that  are  not  used  commonly.  As  one  of  us 
has  pointed  out  previously  (Wilson,  1971),  a characteristic  of  behavior  in 
social  insects  is  the  repeated  use  of  the  same  communicative  signals  and  re- 
sponses in  different  contexts  to  achieve  various  purposes. 

There  are  two  disadvantages  of  the  method  which  we  do  not  regard  as  par- 
ticularly serious.  The  first  is  the  probability  that  the  repertories  and  frequency 
distributions  change  in  different  contexts.  It  remains  for  the  biologist  to  define 
those  contexts  and  to  repeat  the  analysis  within  them.  In  the  case  of  ants 
distinguishable  contexts  are  not  only  finite  but  also  probably  quite  limited  in 
number.  By  far  the  greatest  part  of  an  ant’s  life  is  conducted  in  the  homeostatic 
environment  of  the  nest  interior.  Thus  the  lifetime  sample  coverage  in  the 
present  study,  defined  as  the  cumulative  probability  of  all  behavior  for  all 
contexts,  was  probably  very  high  in  spite  of  the  fact  that  it  was  limited  to  one 
environment.  We  suggest  that  the  following  list  might  exhaust  the  remaining 
contexts  for  the  worker  caste:  extended  foraging  periods;  major  disturbances 
of  the  nest,  including  invasion  by  alien  colonies,  flooding,  and  overheating; 
emigration  to  a new  nest  site;  and  assisting  during  the  initiation  of  nuptial 
flights  on  the  part  of  the  reproductive  forms. 

The  second  difficulty  in  repertory  estimation  is  the  arbitrariness  of  the 
definition  of  the  behavioral  act.  One  observer  might  see  three  distinct  neuro- 
muscular patterns  where  another  sees  only  one.  Thus  “foraging”  as  defined  in 
the  present  study  could  easily  be  broken  down  into  several  acts.  This  is 
essentially  a problem  of  language,  and  different  observers  can  solve  it  by  a 
straightforward  mapping  procedure.  One  observer’s  acts  a , b,  and  c will  be 
recognized  as  comprising  the  second  observer’s  act  a\  the  first  observer’s  act  h 
will  be  seen  as  representing  the  second  observer’s  acts  m and  n\  and  so  forth. 
No  great  difficulty  should  occur  when  the  same  species  is  considered  or  closely 
related  species  are  compared.  Serious  conceptual  problems  might  exist,  how- 
ever, when  an  attempt  is  made  to  compare  the  size  and  frequency  characteristics 
across  radically  different  species. 

Literature  Cited 

Fagen,  R.  M.  and  Goldman,  R.  N.  1974.  Behavioral  repertory  size  estimation.  {In  Fagen, 
R.  M.  1974.  Theoretical  bases  for  the  evolution  of  play  in  animals.  Ph.D.  Thesis, 
Harvard  University,  Cambridge,  Mass,  xvi  -f-  255  pp.) 

Hotta,  Y.  and  Benzer,  S.  1972.  Mapping  of  behaviour  in  Drosophila  mosaics.  Nature, 
240:  527-535. 

Manning,  A.  1967.  Genes  and  the  evolution  of  insect  behavior.  In  J.  Hirsch,  ed., 
“Behavior-Genetic  Analysis.’’  McGraw-Hill,  New  York.  Pp.  44-60. 

Stern,  C.  1968.  “Genetic  Mosaics  and  Other  Essays.”  Harvard  University  Press,  xiv  + 
185  pp. 

Wilson,  E.  O.  1971.  “The  Insect  Societies.”  Belknap  Press  of  Harvard  University  Press, 
x -f  548  pp. 

Wilson,  E.  O.  1974.  Leptothorax  duloticus  and  the  beginnings  of  slavery  in  ants. 
Evolution,  in  press. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


113 


Zoogeography  of  the  Imported  Fire  Ants* 1 

William  F.  Buren,2  George  E.  Allen,2  Willard  H.  Whitcomb,2 
Frances  E.  Lennartz,3  and  Roger  N.  Williams4 

Received  for  Publication  February  14,  1974 

Abstract.  The  present  known  ranges  of  the  imported  fire  ants  Solenopsis  richteri  and 
S.  invicta  in  North  America  and  South  America  are  shown.  Hypothetical  answers  are  given 
to  the  questions  of  how  far  the  species  will  spread  in  North  America,  why  both  species 
first  became  established  in  the  Mobile,  Alabama,  area,  why  S.  invicta  has  an  extremely 
elongate,  narrow,  north-south  range  in  South  America,  and  why  it  is  absent  from  areas 
of  South  America  which  appear  ecologically  favorable. 

Key  words:  Solenopsis,  richteri,  invicta , ranges,  homelands. 


Buren  (1972)  recognized  two  species  of  imported  fire  ants  in  the  United 
States,  the  black  imported  fire  ant,  Solenopsis  richteri  Forel,  and  the  red  im- 
ported fire  ant,  S.  invicta  Buren.  Southernmost  Brazil,  Uruguay,  and  Argentina 
are  the  homelands  of  S.  richteri  (Creighton,  1930;  Wilson,  1952;  Buren,  1972; 
and  authors)  and  the  state  of  Mato  Grosso,  Brazil,  has  been  proposed  as  the 
homeland  of  S.  invicta  (Buren,  1972;  Allen,  et  al.,  1974).  S.  richteri  is  thought 
to  have  been  imported  into  the  Mobile,  Alabama,  area  as  early  as  1918  (Creigh- 
ton, 1930)  or  perhaps  even  as  early  as  the  turn  of  the  century  (Lewis,  1951). 
A secondary  spread  of  this  species  into  the  area  near  Starkville,  Mississippi, 
probably  by  means  of  dirt  ballast  via  railroad  transport,  may  have  occurred  as 
early  as  1935  to  1940  (Wilson,  1951).  The  black  imported  fire  ant  slowly  in- 
creased its  range  in  this  northeastern  area  of  Mississippi  and  by  1968  had 
occupied  an  area  approximately  135  miles  long  (Tupelo  to  Meridian,  Miss., 
personal  records)  and  with  eastern  extensions  into  western  Alabama  (near 
Aliceville,  Cochrane,  Pickensville,  and  Ethelsville,  and  Vernon,  Sulligent,  Win- 
field, and  Carbon  Hill),  plus  an  isolated  record  at  Rogersville.  This  is  the  only 
known  area  in  the  United  States  where  S.  richteri , the  original  imported  fire  ant, 
is  still  extant. 

The  profound  behind-the-scenes  influence  of  Dr.  William  S.  Creighton  in  the 


Acknowledgments:  The  authors  wish  to  thank  Miss  Debbie  Brandt  for  drawing  the  maps 

and  Dr.  Murray  S.  Blum  for  kindly  permitting  us  to  reference  information  in  a personal 
communication  from  the  late  Dr.  William  S.  Creighton.  This  research  was  supported  in  large 
part  by  Cooperative  Agreement  12-14-100-10,  952(33),  Agriculture  Research  Service,  U.S. 
Department  of  Agriculture,  with  the  University  of  Florida. 

1 Florida  Agricultural  Experiment  Station  Journal  Series  No.  5327. 

2 Department  of  Entomology  and  Nematology,  Univ.  of  Florida,  Gainesville,  Fla.  32611. 

3 Department  of  the  Interior,  Washington,  D.C. 

4 Ohio  Agriculture  Research  Station,  Wooster,  Ohio. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  113-124.  June,  1974. 


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development  of  the  two  imported  fire  ant  species  concept  is  not  apparent  from 
the  literature.  Creighton  (1930)  had  suggested  that  the  then  recognized  sub- 
species of  Solenopsis  saevissima  (F.  Smith)  were  more  than  usually  distinct 
and  might  one  day  need  to  be  recognized  as  separate  species.  He  privately 
held  firm  in  this  view  even  though  later  authors  (Wilson,  1952;  Ettershank, 
1966)  synonymized  all  but  one  of  these  taxa  under  saevissima.  Dr.  Creighton 
was  the  first  myrmecologist  in  recent  years  to  recognize  that  the  black  imported 
fire  ant,  identical  with  the  original  Mobile  population,  was  still  present  in  the 
United  States.  This  was  done  in  a personal  letter  (April,  1968)  to  Dr.  Murray 
S.  Blum  after  identifying  some  specimens  from  Tupelo,  Mississippi.  Dr. 
Creighton  was  also  unstinting  in  his  private  encouragement  and  advice  to  the 
senior  author  in  his  taxonomic  studies  on  the  fire  ants.  The  authors  are  indeed 
pleased  that  Dr.  Creighton  lived  to  see  his  1930  viewpoints  vindicated. 

S.  invicta  appears  to  have  invaded  the  United  States  in  the  Mobile,  Alabama, 
area  some  time  between  1933  and  1945,  possibly  between  1933  and  1941.  This 
time  span  seems  reasonably  certain  because  Creighton  (personal  communication 
to  Miss  Lennartz,  1973)  was  actively  collecting  in  the  Mobile  area  and  along 
the  Gulf  Coast  until  1933  and  found  only  S.  richteri , whereas  the  first  authentic 
specimens  of  S.  invicta  were  not  captured  until  1945  (Buren,  1972),  although 
Wilson  (1951)  believed  he  may  have  seen  the  “light  phase”  imported  fire  ant 
in  the  dock  area  at  Mobile  in  1941.  In  any  case  the  new  invader  was  quickly 
successful  in  expanding  its  territory,  both  by  mating  flight  dispersal  and  by 
man’s  agency  (Markin,  et  al.,  1971;  Culpepper,  1953).  This  species  is  now  the 
dominant  formicid  in  a very  large  area  of  the  southern  United  States,  with  large 
infested  areas  in  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Florida,  Alabama, 
Mississippi,  Louisiana,  and  Texas,  plus  a smaller  area  in  Arkansas.  Some  of  the 
early  history  was  obfuscated  by  the  unfortunate  confounding  of  the  two  species 
and  listing  as  a single  taxon  (as  Solenopsis  saevissima  richteri  Forel  or  as  S. 
saevissima  [F.  Smith]  by  numerous  authors). 

While  it  is  difficult  to  be  certain  which  species  is  being  discussed,  it  seems 
reasonable  to  suggest  that  the  early  reports  about  the  spread  of  the  fire  ant  up 
through  the  late  1930s  and  early  1940s  probably  apply  to  S.  richteri.  M.  R. 
Smith  (in  an  unpublished  report,  1949)  records  S.  richteri  from  several  localities 
in  Mobile  County  and  one  in  Baldwin  County  in  Alabama  in  1931.  By  1937 
it  had  been  seen  in  several  localities  in  Jackson  County  in  southern  Mississippi. 
By  1947,  Clay  Lyle  had  found  a large  isolated  population  around  Artesia, 
Mississippi,  a small  railroad  stop  east  of  Starkville.  Another  isolated  population 
was  found  near  Meridian,  Mississippi.  From  specimens  collected  by  E.  O. 
Wilson,  it  is  known  that  S.  richteri  still  existed  along  with  invicta  in  the  Mobile 
area  and  at  Foley,  Alabama,  in  the  late  1940s.  During  the  1950s,  however, 
richteri  was  becoming  sparse  or  appeared  to  be  eliminated  from  many  of  its 
southern  areas,  and  only  invicta  remained  (Wilson  and  Brown,  1958). 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


115 


The  existence  of  two  species  rather  than  one  makes  it  certain  that  two  separate 
importations  are  involved  and  leads  to  the  question  of  why  both  importations 
were  in  the  Mobile,  Alabama,  area.  One  of  us  (Lennartz,  1973)  has  shown 
that  no  single  imported  commodity  (Brazil  nuts,  quebracho,  coffee,  rubber, 
mahogany,  etc.)  can  be  definitely  associated  with  the  importation  of  S.  invicta. 
Anemochore  or  hydrochore  dispersal  seems  out  of  the  question.  It  can  only  be 
stated  that  the  species  must  have  been  aboard  shipping  from  South  America  and 
came  ashore  in  an  unknown  manner.  If  an  established  colony  were  aboard  ship 
and  happened  to  have  a wedding  flight  involving  both  males  and  females  while 
in  port,  then  the  mated  females  hypothetically  could  have  flown  ashore  and 
established  a number  of  colonies.  To  hypothesize  this  method,  however,  it  also 
seems  necessary  to  suppose  that  the  biotic  factors  ashore  were  favorable  for  this 
type  of  invasion.  Whitcomb,  et  al.  (1973),  believe  that  99  percent  or  more  of 
S.  invicta  females  are  destroyed  by  predation  by  other  ants,  other  animals, 
and  by  other  biotic  and  abiotic  factors  in  north  Florida  during  and  after  mating 
flights  and  during  colony  founding.  With  an  annual  production  of  circa  97,000 
females  per  acre  (Whitcomb,  et  al.,  1973)  this  mortality  may  not  be  able  to  halt 
the  spread  of  S.  invicta  from  heavily  infested  areas  but  might  be  a serious  impedi- 
ment to  the  establishment  of  the  species  by  a few  females  flying  ashore  from  a 
wedding  flight  initiating  aboard  a ship  in  port. 

It  may  be  postulated,  therefore,  that  the  biotic  conditions  at  Mobile  at  the 
time  of  the  invicta  invasion  were  somehow  favorable  to  this  species.  Again  we 
are  led  to  the  question  of  why  both  species  of  Solenopsis  were  first  established  at 
Mobile.  Why  not  one  of  them  at  New  Orleans?  It  is  known  (United  States 
Shipping  Board  Report,  1926-1936)  that  New  Orleans  received  more  shipping 
from  South  America  than  Mobile  during  this  period. 

Our  hypothetical  answer  is  rooted  in  what  we  can  piece  together  of  the  history 
of  several  ant  invasions  in  southern  United  States.  It  seems  reasonably  estab- 
lished that  S.  richteri  arrived  in  Mobile  about  1918  or  perhaps  even  earlier  and 
that  by  1928  was  common  there  although  it  was  not  as  numerous  as  invicta 
was  to  become  approximately  20  years  later.  It  is  also  known  that  another  South 
American  ant,  Iridomyrmex  humilis  Mayr,  the  Argentine  ant,  became  established 
in  southern  United  States,  probably  first  at  New  Orleans,  before  the  turn  of  the 
century  (Foster,  1908).  By  1913  (Newell  and  Barber,  1913)  and  continuing  to 
the  early  1940s  (personal  observations),  this  ant  had  become  overwhelmingly 
abundant  at  New  Orleans  and  had  completely  eliminated  all  other  ant  species 
in  its  held  territory. 

It  is  doubtful  that  queens  of  5.  invicta  could  have  established  new  nests  during 
those  years  at  New  Orleans.  At  Mobile,  however,  it  is  possible  that  S.  richteri 
was  keeping  /.  humilis  in  partial  check.  A hypothesis  (reported  in  Wilson, 
1951)  that  /.  humilis  had  pushed  the  S.  richteri  population  north  of  Mobile 
during  the  early  1920s  seems  doubtful  to  us,  but  in  any  case  it  is  known 


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(Creighton,  1930)  that  the  S.  richteri  population  was  back  in  place  by  1928  and 
subsequently. 

Possibly  S.  richteri  not  only  helped  to  prevent  I.  humilis  from  reaching  massive 
population  levels  at  Mobile  but  was  also  having  some  effect  on  the  abundance 
of  native  ants,  in  particular  the  native  fire  ants  S.  geminata  (Fabr.)  and  S. 
xyloni  McCook.  However,  S.  richteri  never  fully  occupied  the  territory  available 
to  it  at  Mobile  as  invicta  was  to  do  later  and  as  richteri  itself  was  to  do  later 
in  northern  Mississippi.  Thus,  in  our  view,  the  success  of  the  initial  invasion 
by  invicta  may  have  been  caused  by  a “preconditioning”  of  the  area  by  the 
original  imported  fire  ant  richteri  in  a manner  which  helped  to  alleviate  some 
of  the  competition  and  predation  from  native  ants  and  from  /.  humilis,  while 
at  the  same  time  leaving  an  ecological  niche  partially  open,  a niche  which 
invicta  was  to  find  eminently  suitable  for  exploitation.  These  factors  may  even 
partially  explain  the  early  explosive  buildup  of  invicta  in  the  Mobile  area. 
Northern  United  States  seaports  such  as  New  York,  which  receives  even  more 
shipping  from  South  America  than  either  New  Orleans  or  Mobile,  can  be  excluded 
from  consideration  because  of  the  obvious  abiotic  factor  of  winter  severity. 

The  present  areas  of  infestation  of  S.  richteri  and  invicta  in  the  United  States 
are  shown  in  Fig.  1 . These  areas  are  based  on  the  identification  of  approximately 
600  nest  collections,  plus  data  as  given  by  the  United  States  Department  of 
Agriculture  (Markin,  et  al.,  1972).  A few  isolated  locality  records  for  S.  invicta 
are  known  from  farther  south  in  Florida  than  shown.  It  is  impossible  to  guess 
the  eventual  boundaries  of  the  richteri  infestation,  but  as  the  range  of  richteri 
probably  extends  from  approximately  30°  to  38°  south  latitude  in  South  America, 
a more  northward  extension  of  the  range  of  richteri  in  the  United  States  could 
reasonably  be  expected,  possibly  northward  into  Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  Con- 
trol and  eradication  efforts,  if  continued,  may  negate  or  strongly  modify  this 
projection.  The  rate  of  expansion  of  the  territory  of  S.  richteri  appears  to  be 
slow. 

The  northward  progression  of  S.  invicta,  on  the  other  hand,  after  a period  of 
extremely  rapid  expansion  well  documented  by  various  authors  (see  especially 
Wilson  and  Brown,  1958;  Adkins,  1970),  seems  to  have  reached  close  to  a 
northern  limit,  except  for  minor  local  enclaves.  We  believe  this  may  be  due 
mainly  to  winter  kill  conditions.  S.  invicta  is  a species  in  which  hibernation 
apparently  does  not  occur.  Examinations  of  nests  in  near  freezing  or  freezing 
temperatures  (personal  observations)  reveal  that  the  ants  are  up  in  the  tumulus 
at  about  the  same  depth  as  in  more  favorable  temperatures.  Only  in  hot,  dry 
conditions  will  the  ants  be  down  in  the  nest  out  of  the  tumulus.  At  Atlanta, 
Georgia,  about  on  the  northern  boundary  of  the  range,  based  on  observations 
over  a four-year  period,  the  species  is  not  abundant  and  its  limited  population 
appears  to  be  maintained  with  difficulty.  A few  colonies  in  favorable  situations, 
such  as  on  southern  slopes  fully  exposed  to  the  winter  sun,  achieve  fair  size,  but 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


117 


almost  all  new  colonies  which  arise  during  the  summer  do  not  appear  to  survive 
the  winters.  This  contrasts  strongly  with  the  abundance  of  the  species,  prior  to 
eradication  and  control  programs,  only  approximately  100  miles  south  of 
Atlanta. 

S.  invicta  is  expanding  its  range  to  the  west.  The  species  has  been  taken  as 
far  west  as  San  Antonio,  Texas.  There  seems  no  doubt  but  that  our  previous 
prediction  (Buren,  1972)  regarding  its  possible  establishment  in  the  cities  and 
favorable  localities  in  the  southwest  eventually  could  come  true.  We  know  of 
no  reason  why  S.  invicta  could  not  become  established  in  the  southwestern 
cities  where  S.  xyloni  is  now  common,  displacing  the  latter  as  it  has  in  the  south- 
eastern states.  The  native  desert  fire  ant,  Solenopsis  aurea  Wheeler,  is  small  in 
size  and  lives  in  small  colonies,  and  it  seems  inconceivable  that  this  species  could 
offer  any  resistance  to  the  spread  of  S.  invicta  in  those  southwestern  ecological 
niches  where  the  latter  could  colonize.  The  distribution  of  invicta  in  the  south- 
west could  be  expected  always  to  remain  sporadic,  along  canals,  in  irrigated 
fields,  in  watered  lawns,  etc.  We  would  not  expect  it  to  become  established 
in  actual  desert  situations.  It  is  possible  that  if  it  ever  reached  California,  the 
species  could  become  a pest  there  in  irrigated  areas,  displacing  /.  humilis  as  it 
apparently  now  has  done  almost  completely  at  New  Orleans  and  other  south- 
eastern areas. 

The  hypothesis  that  winter  kill  is  limiting  the  northward  expansion  of  S.  invicta 
seems  reasonable  and  we  can  think  of  no  other  explanation  which  fits  the  data 


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as  well.  A previous  tentative  hypothesis  that  the  northern  boundary  of  the 
S.  invicta  range  could  be  influenced  by  the  range  of  Lasius  neoniger  Emery,  a 
northern  predator  and  competitor  (Bhatkar,  et  al.,  1972),  or  by  a number  of 
northern  predators  no  longer  seems  reasonable  to  us.  There  is  no  northern  ant 
species  or  series  of  species  known  to  us  which  has  a cohesive  range  that  would 
fit  in  its  southern  limit  the  relative  smoothness  of  the  northern  limit  of  S.  invicta. 
As  far  as  we  are  aware,  Lasius  neoniger  is  absent  or  rare  in  the  southern  Great 
Plains  (northern  Texas  and  Oklahoma)  where  5.  invicta  has  not  penetrated  any 
farther  north  than  in  the  southeastern  states.  Lasius  neoniger  is  not  present 
or  is  probably  rare  in  Atlanta,  Georgia,  also,  where,  as  previously  stated,  the 
S.  invicta  population  appears  to  be  in  difficulty.  From  data  given  by  Wilson 
(1955),  L.  neoniger  appears  to  be  very  sporadic  in  the  southern  states.  About 
all  that  may  be  postulated  in  regard  to  the  biotic  factors  in  this  question  is  that 
the  abiotic  factor  of  winter  kill  from  freezing  temperatures  possibly  weakens 
the  colonies  sufficiently  so  that  they  are  more  subject  to  competition  or  preda- 
tion from  native  ants,  if  they  are  not  completely  killed  initially.  It  seems  likely 
that  the  severity  of  winter  kill  is  roughly  proportional  to  the  depth  to  which 
the  soil  becomes  frozen.  Freezes  up  to  four  inches,  which  can  occur  at  Atlanta, 
possibly  often  kill  most  of  the  workers  and  brood  of  a colony  and  sometimes  the 
queen.  The  combined  biotic  and  abiotic  factors  are  probably  especially  harsh 
on  incipient  colonies  and  thus  there  can  be  little  or  no  population  buildup  or 
spread. 

The  South  American  ranges  of  S.  richteri  and  invicta  are  shown  in  Fig.  2. 
Actual  locality  records  of  S.  invicta  seen  and  identified  by  the  senior  author  are 
marked  as  well  as  the  range  postulated  from  these  data.  A large  number  of 
individual  nests  have  been  sampled  at  some  of  these  localities.  The  differences 
between  the  shapes  of  the  ranges  in  North  and  South  America  are  striking  for 
S.  invicta,  which  has  an  enormously  long  north-south  range  in  South  America 
with  only  a narrow  east-west  distribution,  whereas  in  North  America  the  main 
axis  is  east-west.  The  combined  biotic  and  abiotic  factors  which  enforce  these 
distributional  differences  are  not  fully  understood  and  deserve  further  study. 

The  range  of  S.  richteri  shown  represents  our  “guesstimate”  for  this  species. 
We  know  that  it  occurs  in  southern  Rio  Grande  du  Sul,  Brazil,  probably 
throughout  Uruguay,  and  south  an  unknown  distance  into  Argentina.  We  have 
not  seen  specimens  from  Bahia  Blanca,  but  this  city  is  the  type  locality  of 
Solenopsis  quinquecuspis  Forel,  a species  found  in  parapatric  associations  with 
S.  richteri  in  Uruguay  (Buren,  1972),  and  it  seems  reasonable  that  the  two 
species  would  have  fairly  similar  range  extensions.  The  western  limits  of  the 
range  of  S.  richteri  are  not  known,  but  we  have  seen  no  Solenopsis  specimens 
which  can  be  identified  as  S.  richteri  from  Cordoba,  from  northwestern  Argentina 
(provinces  of  Jujuy,  Salto,  Tucuman,  Formosa,  or  Chaco),  or  from  Paraguay. 
Therefore,  our  estimation  of  the  range  of  5.  richteri  is  considerably  less  extensive 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


119 


Homeland  Areas  of  Fire  Ants 


60' • 50° 


So/enopsis  invicta  ^ 5,  invicta  collection  sites 

So/enopsis  richteri  national  boundaries 


Figure  2 


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than  that  given  by  Wilson  (1952).  Buren  (1972)  made  similar  remarks  on  the 
range  of  5.  interrupt  a Santschi. 

The  northernmost  record  of  S.  invicta  in  South  America  is  Porto  Velho, 
Rondonia  Territory,  Brazil,  and  the  southernmost  record  is  near  Resistencia, 
Chaco,  Argentina,  a distance  of  about  3,000  km.  This  compares  with  1,345  miles 
or  2,250  km.  in  North  America,  the  distance  between  the  easternmost  records  of 
invicta  in  North  Carolina  and  San  Antonio,  Texas.  The  width  of  the  invicta 
range  in  South  America  appears  to  be  relatively  narrow  and  if  exemplified  by 
the  distance  between  Corumba  and  Coxim,  Mato  Grosso,  is  only  about  350  km. 
wide  and  possibly  even  considerably  less  wide  in  its  southern  arm  into  Argentina 
and  Paraguay  and  its  northern  arm  into  the  Amazon  drainage  along  the  Guapore 
River.  Most  of  the  available  records  are  from  localities  which  fringe  the 
Pantanal  (large  flood  plain  [60,000,000  to  90,000,000  hectares]  of  the  head 
waters  of  the  Paraguay  River),  and  although  the  interior  of  this  area  has  not 
been  sampled  there  seems  little  doubt  but  that  the  species  occurs  in  favorable 
locales  throughout  the  Pantanal.  Otherwise  we  could  not  expect  it  to  be  so 
uniformly  distributed  around  the  periphery.  The  Pantanal  has  been  proposed 
(Allen,  et  al.,  1974)  as  the  probable  original  homeland  of  5.  invicta  and  this 
hypothesis  still  appears  reasonable  to  us.  Hydrochore  dispersal  via  the  well- 
known  phenomena  of  massing  together  and  floating  downstream  during  flooding 
(Lennartz,  1973)  could  easily  account  for  the  far  south  and  far  north  popula- 
tions of  invicta  along  the  Paraguay  and  Guapore  rivers,  respectively. 

The  western  extensions  of  the  range  of  S.  invicta  are  not  known  but  we  believe 
them  to  be  rather  limited.  None  of  the  Solenopsis  material  captured  so  far  in 
Bolivia  can  be  identified  as  this  species.  We  would  expect  it  to  occur  in 
easternmost  Bolivia,  however,  since  portions  of  the  Pantanal  extend  into  this 
country. 

Why  a vigorous  species  such  as  invicta  has  not  penetrated  farther  to  the  east 
of  its  present  area  remains  an  ecological  mystery  about  which  we  can  only  make 
guesses.  The  species  has  not  yet  been  taken  in  the  state  of  Sao  Paulo  and  has 
not  been  found  east  of  Rondonopolis  or  from  Campo  Grande  eastward  in  Mato 
Grosso.  Other  species  in  the  S.  saevissima  complex  have  been  found  (Allen, 
et  al.,  1974)  in  these  areas,  so  it  is  obvious  that  the  areas  are  not  entirely 
insalubrious  to  Solenopsis.  (These  species  are  presently  under  taxonomic  study 
by  the  senior  author.)  However,  in  effect,  invicta  has  not  been  found  either  in 
the  cerrado  area  to  the  east  of  the  Pantanal,  where  Allen  et  al.  (1974)  and 
Lennartz  (1973)  have  postulated  that  a lack  of  moisture  during  the  prolonged 
dry  season  might  halt  its  progress,  or  even  in  what  would  seem  to  be  favorable 
limited  areas  along  streams  and  rivers  more  than  a short  distance  (approxi- 
mately 50  to  100  kilometers)  from  the  Pantanal.  If  the  species  is  “at  home”  and 
fairly  abundant  in  the  flood  plain  of  the  Paraguay  River,  why,  apparently,  is  it 
absent  from  the  flood  plain  of  the  Parana  River,  which  joins  the  Paraguay  near 


Vol.  L XXXII,  June,  1974 


121 


where  invicta  has  been  captured  in  Argentina?  And  if  present  there  why  could 
it  not  move  thence  into  favorable  areas  of  the  state  of  Sao  Paulo?  Other  species 
of  Solenopsis  have  been  collected  along  the  Parana  River,  but  not  S.  invicta. 

It  is  easy  to  postulate  that  a combination  of  abiotic  and  biotic  factors  en- 
forces these  territorial  limits  without  knowing  the  exact  parameters  or  how 
they  act  precisely.  One  can  logically  postulate  in  a general  way  that  invicta 
needs  more  soil  moisture  than  certain  other  species  in  the  saevissima  complex 
and,  therefore,  is  at  a competitive  disadvantage  with  these  species  in  the 
campo  cerrado  and  thus  has  not  been  able  to  expand  eastward  out  of  the 
Pantanal  region. 

Another  hypothesis  is  that  competitive  action  by  other  ants,  possibly  species 
of  the  genus  Pheidole,  may  be  of  importance  in  limiting  the  spread  of  5.  invicta. 
Pheidole  is  a large  and  predominant  genus  in  the  neotropics,  with  nearly  400 
taxa  (Kempf,  1973).  Various  species  are  numerous  both  in  the  forested  areas 
and  in  the  campo  cerrado,  where  Solenopsis  of  the  saevissima  group  is  rare  or  is 
limited  to  ecologically  disturbed  areas.  On  the  other  hand,  in  our  observations 
on  the  fringes  of  the  Pantanal,  Pheidole  spp.  do  not  seem  very  common  in  this 
area,  possibly  due  to  the  annual  flooding  which  Solenopsis  can  withstand  by 
massing  together  and  floating  but  which,  perhaps,  Pheidole  cannot. 

Mutual  exclusiveness  in  the  ranges  of  ants  has  not  been  studied  in  depth  but 
is  known  to  occur.  See,  for  example,  the  remarks  of  Levins  and  Heatwole  (1973) 
on  the  mutually  exclusive  ranges  of  Solenopsis  geminata  (Fabr.)  and  Pheidole 
megacephala  (Fabr.)  on  islands  in  the  West  Indies,  and  also  those  of  Buren 
(1968)  on  the  mutually  exclusive  ranges  of  Conomyrma  bicolor  Wheeler  and 
Crematogaster  larreae  Buren  in  the  deserts  near  El  Paso,  Texas.  In  each  case, 
the  range  limitations  were  due  to  a combination  of  abiotic  and/or  biotic  factors. 

It  is  the  ground-patroling  activities  of  Pheidole  which  are  suspected  of  being 
inimical  to  Solenopsis  through  efficient  detection  and  attacks  on  the  newly  mated 
queens  after  wedding  flights.  The  queens,  unlike  the  workers,  do  not  sting  or 
effectively  defend  themselves.  A number  of  adverse  factors,  such  as  the 
postulated  attacks  on  the  queens  by  Pheidole  workers,  lack  of  soil  moisture  for 
long  periods  of  the  year,  and,  perhaps,  predation  on  incipient  colonies  by  maraud- 
ing ants  (Dorylines)  could  severely  limit  even  a vigorous  species. 

A time  factor  must  also  be  considered.  It  is  reasonable  to  suggest  that  a cer- 
tain time  must  elapse  before  any  two  or  more  species  which  are  in  competition  can 
come  to  equilibrium  in  the  territory  occupied.  This  time  could  be  relatively  short 
in  a case  where  one  species  is  clearly  more  aggressive  than  others  or  very  long 
where  the  species  are  more  or  less  evenly  matched.  Erickson  (1972)  has  in- 
vestigated the  displacement  of  Pogonomyrmex  calif ornicus  Buckley  by  Irido- 
myrmex  humilis  and  finds  that  this  has  proceeded  at  the  rate  of  about  100  meters 
per  year  in  the  old  field  studied.  Other  studies  concerning  the  displacement 
of  various  ants  by  I . humilis  have  been  comparable.  The  encroachment  upon 


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native  ants  by  Solenopsis  invicta  has  been  much  more  rapid,  however,  and 
occasionally  may  have  been  as  much  as  5 miles  per  year  (Wilson  and  Brown, 
1958).  Even  where  very  rapid,  minor  enclaves  or  pockets  of  the  lesser  species 
are  likely  to  remain.  For  instance  5.  invicta  appears  to  be  having  difficulty  be- 
coming predominant  in  parts  of  the  central  sandy  uplands  of  Florida  and  S. 
geminata  has  remained  the  predominant  ant  in  Alachua  County  and  other 
locales  of  this  region,  in  spite  of  the  fact  that  S.  invicta  is  found  there 
sporadically.  5.  geminata  also  remains  in  small  areas  at  Tall  Timbers  Research 
Station  north  of  Tallahassee,  Florida,  where  invicta  has  otherwise  claimed 
exclusive  usage  of  certain  territory  especially  favorable  to  it,  such  as  along  the 
mucky  shoreline  of  Lake  Iamonia,  where  the  water  table  is  very  close  to  the 
soil  surface. 

Where  the  several  species  are  nearly  evenly  matched,  the  distribution  patterns 
either  can  become  sympatric,  as  in  the  case  of  invicta  and  one  or  more  unknown 
Solenopsis  species  in  the  Pantanal,  and  in  the  case  of  S.  blumi  Buren,  interrupta 
Santschi,  and  quinquecuspis  Forel  in  Uruguay  or  can  assume  parapatric  patterns, 
as  in  the  case  of  richteri  and  quinquecuspis  in  Uruguay  (Buren,  1972). 

Ants,  just  as  many  other  insects  and  other  animals,  have  highly  differing 
ranges.  There  are  examples  of  ants  with  extremely  extensive  ranges  such  as 
the  holarctic  ranges  of  Camponotus  herculeanus  (Linne)  and  Formica  jusca 
Linne  or  the  extensive  neotropical  range  of  Paraponera  clavata  (Fabr.).  These 
contrast  with  the  very  limited  ranges  of  such  species  as  Crematogaster  opuntiae 
Buren  (cholla  cactus  associations  in  the  sonoran  desert  of  southern  Arizona), 
C.  navajoa  Buren  (pinyon  pine-juniper-grasslands  of  northern  Arizona  and 
southern  Utah),  and  Discothyrea  testacea  Roger  (in  fern  areas,  coastal  plains 
of  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia).  In  the  case  of  species  with  extensive  ranges,  a 
long  time  span  of  existence  as  stable  species  seems  to  be  the  only  explanation. 
In  the  case  of  species  with  small,  limited  ranges,  it  can  be  postulated,  however, 
that  their  existence  as  separate  species  has  either  been  relatively  short  (possibly 
the  case  with  Crematogaster  navajoa  and  opuntiae  since  the  arid  desert  condi- 
tions of  the  southwest  are  relatively  recent  and  the  two  species  have  not  spread 
out  of  their  small  ranges  to  other  ecologically  similar  areas),  or  they  may  be 
ancient,  impoverished  relict  species,  or  they  may  have  very  restrictive  crypto- 
biotic  habits  (as  may  be  the  case  with  Discothyrea  testacea). 

In  South  America  the  evidence  is  that  the  rain  forests  have  not  always  occupied 
the  extensive  area  now  occupied  but,  owing  to  severe  continent-wide  drought 
conditions,  have  periodically  retreated  into  isolated  enclaves,  the  latest  period 
only  2,600  years  ago  and  the  period  previous  to  this  only  11,000  years  ago. 
The  isolated  enclaves  are  thought  to  have  contributed  to  the  complexity  of 
speciation  seen  in  the  hylean  forests.  For  a review  of  this  subject  see  Vanzolini 
(1973)  and  Vuilleumier  (1971).  We  submit,  however,  that  if  the  hylean  forests 
withdrew  into  enclaves  during  periods  of  severe  drought,  then  very  probably 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


123 


other  moist  areas  in  South  America  were  severely  limited  also,  including  the 
Pantanal.  If  Solenopsis  invicta  speciated  in  the  recent  geologic  past  within  the 
Pantanal  during  a period  of  great  isolation,  then  it  follows  that  its  range  would 
have  been  severely  limited,  and  our  tentative  hypothesis  is  that  the  species 
has  not  had  time  since  these  periods,  considering  the  many  biotic  and  abiotic 
factors  mitigating  against  its  spread,  to  reach  all  the  areas  which  might  be 
ecologically  favorable  to  it.  In  North  America,  however,  following  its  chance 
introduction,  its  spread  was  almost  unbelievably  rapid  and  unhampered  by  the 
factors  which  are  operative  in  South  America.  The  progress  of  the  co-invader 
S.  richteri  does  not  seem  conspicuously  successful  in  the  areas  of  the  United 
States  that  it  has  invaded,  but  it  can  be  wondered  how  it  would  have  fared 
if  it  had  reached  the  southern  Great  Plains,  perhaps  fairly  similar  to  its  homeland 
pampas. 


Literature  Cited 

Adkins,  H.  G.  1970.  The  imported  fire  ant  in  the  southern  United  States.  Ann.  Assoc. 
Amer.  Geograph.,  60(3)  : 578-592. 

Allen,  G.  F.,  Buren,  W.  F.,  Williams,  R.  N.,  DeMenzes,  M.,  and  Whitcomb,  W.  H. 
1974.  The  red  imported  fire  ant  Solenopsis  invicta : Distribution  and  habitat  in 

Mato  Grosso,  Brazil.  Ann.  Ent.  Soc.  Amer.,  67(1):  43-46. 

Bhatkar,  A.,  Whitcomb,  W.  H.,  Buren,  W.  F.,  Callahan,  P.,  and  Carlysle,  T.  1972. 
Confrontation  behavior  between  Lasius  neoniger  (Hymenoptera:  Formicidae)  and 

the  imported  fire  ant.  Environ.  Ent.,  1(3):  274-279. 

Buren,  W.  F.  1968.  A review  of  the  species  of  Crematogaster,  sensu  stricto,  in  North 
America  (Hymenoptera,  Formicidae).  Part  II.  Descriptions  of  new  species.  J. 
Georgia  Entomol.  Soc.,  3(3):  91-121. 

Buren,  W.  F.  1972.  Revisionary  studies  on  the  taxonomy  of  the  imported  fire  ants.  J. 
Georgia  Entomol.  Soc.,  7(1)  : 1-26. 

Creighton,  W.  S.  1930.  The  new  world  species  of  the  genus  Solenopsis  (Hymenoptera, 
Formicidae).  Proc.  Amer.  Acad.  Arts  Sci.,  66(2):  39-151,  8 plates. 

Culpepper,  G.  H.  1953.  Status  of  the  imported  fire  ant  in  the  southern  states  in  July, 
1953.  U.S.  Department  of  Agriculture,  Bureau  of  Entomology  and  Plant  Quarantine. 
Special  Report  E-867,  Washington,  D.C. 

Erickson,  J.  M.  1971.  The  displacement  of  native  ant  species  by  the  introduced  Argentine 
ant  Iridomyrmex  humilis  Mayr.  Psyche,  78(4):  257-266. 

Ettershank,  G.  1966.  A generic  revision  of  the  world  Myrmicinae  related  to  Solenopsis 
and  Pheidologeton  (Hymenoptera:  Formicidae).  Aust.  J.  Zool.,  14:  73-171. 

Foster,  E.  1908.  The  introduction  of  Iridomyrmex  humilis  into  New  Orleans.  Jour.  Econ. 
Ent.,  1(5):  289-293. 

Kempf,  W.  W.  1972.  Catalago  abreviado  das  Formigas  da  Regiao  Neotropical  (Hym. 

Formicidae).  Studia  Entomologica,  15(1-4):  3-343. 

Lennartz,  F.  E.  1973.  Modes  of  dispersal  of  Solenopsis  invicta  from  Brazil  to  continental 
United  States — A study  in  spatial  diffusion.  Unpublished  master’s  degree  thesis. 
Univ.  of  Florida. 

Levins,  R.  and  Heatwole,  H.  1973.  Biography  of  the  Puerto  Rican  Bank:  Introduction 
of  species  onto  Palominitos  Island.  Ecology,  54:  1056-1064. 

Lewis,  L.  F.  1951.  Investigation  in  the  biology  of  the  imported  fire  ant.  In  U.S.  Depart- 
ment of  Agriculture  Quarterly  Report,  April-June  1951. 


124 


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Markin,  G.  P.,  Dillier,  J.  H.,  Hill,  S.  O.,  Blum,  M.  S.,  and  Hermann,  H.  R.  1971. 
Nuptial  flight  and  flight  ranges  of  the  imported  fire  ant  Solenopsis  saevissima  richteri 
(Hymenoptera:  Formicidae).  J.  Georgia  Entomol.  Soc.,  6(3):  145-156. 

Markin,  G.  P.,  Ford,  J.  H.,  Hawthorne,  J.  C.,  Spence,  J.  H.,  Davis,  J.,  Collins,  H.  L., 
and  Loftis,  C.  D.  1972.  The  insecticide  Mirex  and  techniques  for  its  monitoring. 
U.S.  Department  of  Agriculture,  Animal  and  Plant  Health  Inspection  Service,  81-3. 
Newell,  W.  and  Barber,  T.  C.  1913.  The  Argentine  ant.  U.S.  Department  of  Agriculture, 
Bureau  of  Entomology,  Bull.  no.  122. 

Report  on  the  volume  of  water-borne  foreign  commerce  of  the  United  States  by  ports 
of  origin  and  destination.  1926-1936.  U.S.  Shipping  Board,  Bureau  of  Research, 
Maritime  Records  Division,  Washington,  D.C. 

Smith,  M.  R.  1949.  Report  on  imported  fire  ant  investigations.  U.S.  Department  of 
Agriculture,  Bureau  of  Entomology  and  Plant  Quarantine.  Unpublished  report,  July 
26,  1949. 

Vanzolini,  P.  E.  1973.  Paleoclimates,  relief,  and  species  multiplication  in  equatorial  forests. 
In  “Tropical  Forest  Ecosystems  in  Africa  and  South  America:  A Comparative  Review.” 
Smithsonian  Institution  Press. 

V uilleumier , B.  S.  1971.  Pleistocene  changes  in  the  fauna  and  flora  of  South  America. 
Science,  173:  771-780. 

Whitcomb,  W.  H.,  Bhatkar,  A.,  and  Nickerson,  J.  C.  1973.  Predators  of  Solenopsis 
invicta  queens  prior  to  successful  colony  establishment.  Environ.  Ent.,  2(6): 
1101-1103. 

Wilson,  E.  O.  1951.  Variation  and  adaptation  in  the  imported  fire  ant.  Evolution,  5: 
68-79. 

Wilson,  E.  O.  1952.  O complexo  Solenopsis  saevissima  na  America  do  Sul  (Hymenoptera: 
Formicidae).  Mem.  Inst.  Oswaldo  Cruz.,  50:  49-68. 

Wilson,  E.  O.  1955.  A monographic  revision  of  the  ant  genus  Lasius.  Bull.  Mus.  Comp. 
Zool.,  113(1)  : 1-199,  2 plates. 

Wilson,  E.  O.  and  Brown,  W.  L.  1958.  Recent  changes  in  the  introduced  population  of 
the  fire  ant  Solenopsis  saevissima  (Fr.  Smith).  Evolution,  12:  211-218. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


125 


Microsporidan  and  Fungal  Diseases  of  Solenopsis  invicta 
Buren  in  Brazil* 1 

George  E.  Allen  and  William  F.  Buren 

Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Florida,  Gainesville,  Florida  32611 

Received  for  Publication  February  14,  1974 

Abstract:  The  first  record  of  a microsporidan  infection  in  the  family  Formicidae  is 
presented.  The  organism,  a Thelohania  sp.,  was  isolated  from  Solenopsis  invicta  Buren 
colonies  in  Brazil  in  1973.  Microsporidan  spores  were  also  observed  in  three  other  species 
of  the  S.  saevissima  complex.  M etarrhizium  anasopliae  is  also  reported  from  S.  invicta  and 
the  leaf-cutting  ant  Atta  sexdens  rubropilosa. 


DISCUSSION 

Although  the  Formicidae  has  been  one  of  the  most  extensively  studied  families 
of  insects,  our  knowledge  of  pathogens  associated  with  the  ant  group  is  one  of 
the  most  deficient  areas  in  insect  pathology.  Many  of  the  pathogens  described 
from  ants  were  isolated  from  a small  number  of  individuals  since  “epizootics,” 
such  as  those  that  occur  in  the  Lepidoptera,  are  rarely  observed. 

All  levels  of  association,  ranging  from  symbiotic  to  parasitic  relationships,  can 
be  found  between  microorganisms  and  various  ant  groups.  The  association  of 
members  of  the  Tribe  Attini  and  their  respective  fungal  symbionts  is  a well- 
known  phenomenon  and  is  discussed  in  detail  by  Wheeler  (1907)  and  Weber 
(1972).  Another  well-documented  relationship  is  that  of  the  Laboulbeniomycetes 
fungi  and  the  various  insect  orders  including  Formicidae.  This  group  includes 
predominately  obligate  parasites  which  seem  to  have  little  or  no  effect  on  the 
well-being  of  their  hosts  (Benjamin,  1973).  According  to  Smith  (1946),  Formica 
is  the  most  common  ant  genus  associated  with  members  of  the  Laboulbenio- 
mycetes, especially  the  genus  Laboulbenia.  For  further  information  the  reader 
is  referred  to  an  excellent  review  by  Benjamin  (1971)  which  includes  a summary 
of  the  studies  of  Thaxter  and  others  on  the  Laboulbeniomycetes. 

A brief  review  of  known  pathogen  involvement  with  the  ant  group  is  sum- 
marized in  Table  1.  An  interesting  disease  of  Formica  ruja  Linne  in  Western 
Siberia  has  been  attributed  to  the  fungus  Alternaria  tenuis  Nes.  (Dlusskii,  1967). 
The  course  of  epizootics  of  the  disease  is  vividly  described  by  Marikovsky 
(1962)  and  is  the  first  report  of  Alternaria  as  an  insect  pathogen.  There  is, 


Acknowledgments:  We  gratefully  acknowledge  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Ed  Hazard,  Insects 

Affecting  Man  Research  Laboratory,  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture,  Gainesville, 
Florida,  for  verifying  the  Thelohania  sp. 

1 Florida  Agricultural  Experiment  Station  Journal  Series  No.  5326. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  125-130.  June,  1974. 


126 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


however,  reason  to  question  the  identity  of  the  fungus,  since  members  of  the 
genus  Alternaria  have  been  reported  only  as  common  plant  pathogens. 

Several  species  of  the  fungus  Cordyceps  have  been  reported  as  “pathogens” 
of  ants  (Mains,  1948;  Petch,  1932;  and  Van  Pelt,  1958).  However,  McEwen 
(1963)  raises  the  question  of  pathogenicity  of  Cordyceps,  noting  the  lack  of 
detailed  accounts  of  pathological  conditions  in  infected  hosts. 

Mains  (1948)  discusses  two  species  of  fungi  as  possible  conidial  or  imperfect 
stages  of  bicolored  species  of  Cordyceps  pathogenic  to  ants.  Included  in  this 
group  are  the  genera  Stilbum  and  Hymenostilbi. 

In  addition,  the  cosmopolitan  fungal  pathogens  Metarrhizium  anasopliae 
(Metchnikoff)  Sorokin  and  Beauveria  bassiana  (Bals.)  Vuill.  have  been  described 
from  ants  (Steinhaus  and  Marsh,  1967).  These  two  fungi  appear  to  be  very 
important  ant  pathogens  in  South  America. 

To  date,  no  virus  diseases  in  ants  have  been  reported.  However,  Steiger  et  al. 
(1969)  have  observed  “virus-like”  particles  in  cell  lines  derived  from  the 
cephalic  ganglionic  center  of  Formica  lugubris  Zetterstadt.  As  in  the  case  of 
viruses,  pathogenic  protozoa  have  not  been  reported  in  the  Formicidae.  Several 
groups,  especially  the  microsporida,  are  important  pathogens  of  other  families  in 
the  order  Hymenoptera.  Nosema  apis,  the  cause  of  “Nosema  disease”  in  the 
honey  bee,  Apis  mellifera,  is  an  excellent  example. 

diseases  associated  with  the  Solenopsis  saevissima  COMPLEX 

Our  knowledge  of  ant  pathogens  is  no  doubt  related  to  the  “economic  im- 
portance” given  to  this  group  of  insects.  Generally  speaking,  no  ant  species 
is  ranked  as  a “major”  pest  of  agricultural  crops,  man,  or  animals.  An  exception 
to  this  is  the  “red  imported  fire  ant,”  Solenopsis  invicta  Buren,  which  in  recent 
years  has  been  the  target  of  an  extensive  research  program  in  the  southeastern 
United  States. 

Buren  (1972)  proposed  a taxonomic  model  for  the  Solenopsis  saevissima  com- 
plex and  showed  that  there  are  two  species  of  imported  fire  ants  in  the  United 
States  (S.  richteri  Forel  and  S.  invicta  Buren),  each  from  different  homelands 
within  South  America.  In  1971,  the  authors  organized  and  coordinated  a 17- 
day  trip  through  western  Brazil  and  established  as  the  homeland  of  S.  invicta 
certain  areas  of  Mato  Grosso,  Brazil  (Allen  et  al.,  1974).  One  of  the  objectives 
of  the  trip  was  to  isolate  pathogens  of  the  ant.  The  following  is  a report  of 
primary  pathogens  isolated  from  specimens  collected  during  the  1971  trip  and 
later  collections  made  by  the  senior  author  in  February  1973  in  and  around  the 
city  of  Cuiaba,  Mato  Grosso. 

Microsporida 

During  a taxonomic  examination  of  the  1973  collections,  the  junior  author  ob- 
served subspherical  “cyst-like”  bodies  in  the  gasters  of  alcohol-preserved  workers 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


127 


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Atta  sexdens  rubropilosa  M.  anasopliae  Allen  (unpublished) 

UNKNOWN  Beauveria  densa  Placed  in  synonymy  with  B.  Leatherdale  (1958) 

bassiana  by  de  Hoog,  1972 


128 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  1.  Octanucleate  sporonts  (S)  and  spores  within  a sporont  membrane  (Sp)  of 
Thelohania  sp.  in  S.  invicta  workers,  Giemsa  smear,  X 2,200. 


of  5.  invicta.  Histological  examination  showed  the  bodies  were  not  cysts  but 
rather  masses  of  microsporida  spores  enclosed  within  fat  body-cell  membranes. 
These  structures  were  not  found  in  living  ants  examined  later,  even  though  both 
sporonts  and  spores  were  present. 

The  microsporidan  isolated  from  living  workers  of  S.  invicta  was  Thelohania 
sp.  Giemsa-stained  smears  showed  that  the  octonucleate  sporonts  produce  eight 
spores  enclosed  in  a sporont  membrane  (Fig.  1).  These  characteristics  place  the 
microsporidan  in  the  genus  Thelohania  Henneguy.  Spores  are  pyriform  with 
average  fixed  spore  measurements  of  3.4  fx  X 2.0  /x.  Schizonts  of  the  micro- 
sporidan were  also  observed  in  Giemsa-staned  smears  of  adult  workers  and 
queens  of  S.  invicta.  The  primary  site  of  infection  was  the  fat  body.  To  the 
best  of  the  authors’  knowledge,  this  is  the  first  report  of  a microsporidan  infection 
in  the  family  Formicidae. 

Every  S',  invicta  colony  sampled  in  1973  showed  a high  infectivity  rate.  No 
mounds  were  evident  and  the  colonies  were  found  only  after  digging  around 
large  rocks,  cement  pillars,  and  other  protective  objects.  Infected  colonies 
appeared  to  have  lower  than  normal  populations  and  noticeable  loss  of  vigor 
and  pursuit  when  disturbed. 

The  potential  of  the  Thelohania  sp.  as  a biological  control  agent  of  S.  invicta 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


129 


in  the  United  States  can  only  be  speculated  at  this  point.  The  genus  is  well 
known  and  the  associations  of  many  of  its  species  and  their  insect  hosts  have 
been  described  (Kudo,  1924;  Weiser,  1961;  Kellen  et  al.,  1965;  Chapman 
et  al.,  1966). 

Microsporida  spores  were  also  observed  in  collections  made  in  1971  (Allen 
et  al.,  1974)  from  several  localities,  one  of  which  appeared  to  be  a Nosema. 
Collections  of  S.  invicta  from  Cuiaba  and  Porto  Velho  were  infected  at  the  time 
of  collection  as  well  as  three  other  species  of  the  S.  saevissima  complex  from 
Cuiaba,  Mato  Grosso,  Campo  Grande,  Porto  Manga,  and  Corumba.  Porto 
Velho  is  located  in  the  Territory  of  Rondonia,  which  borders  the  state  of  Mato 
Grosso  to  the  northwest.  For  a map  depicting  the  location  of  these  localities 
the  reader  is  referred  to  Buren  et  al.  (1974). 

Fungi 

The  fungus  Metarrhizium  anasopliae  was  isolated  from  S.  invicta  workers  and 
Atta  sexdens  rubropilosa  Forel  queens  collected  during  the  1971  trip.  This 
cosmopolitan  pathogen  is  a well-known  entomogenous  fungus  (Steinhaus  and 
Marsh,  1962;  Charles,  1941;  and  Leatherdale,  1958)  which  attacks  a wide  range 
of  insect  hosts.  It  was  also  reported  from  S.  saevissima  richteri  Forel  ( = S. 
richteri  Forel)  in  Uruguay  (Steinhaus  and  Marsh,  1967). 

Metarrhizium  anasopliae  reportedly  attacks  only  the  queens  of  A.  sexdens 
rubropilosa  in  Brazil,  where  it  is  known  as  “queens  disease”  by  the  local  citizens. 
The  fungus  may  also  attack  worker  ants,  but  these  are  not  observed  because 
the  infected  individuals  probably  leave  the  colony  when  infection  is  apparent, 
as  is  the  case  with  Formica  rufa  (Marikovsky,  1962) . 

The  foregoing  report  establishes  the  presence  of  both  microsporidan  and 
fungal  diseases  in  S.  invicta.  Although  we  can  report  only  the  involvement  of 
the  Thelohania  sp.  and  M.  anasopliae  at  this  time,  there  are  strong  indications 
that  we  can  expect  to  find  other  genera  of  microsporida  as  well  as  “virus-like” 
pathogens  of  members  of  the  S.  saevissima  complex  in  Brazil.  Current  studies 
are  being  conducted  to  determine  the  interrelationship  of  S.  invicta  and  its 
Thelohania  parasite  and  other  pathogens  of  the  S.  saevissima  complex. 

Literature  Cited 

Allen,  G.  E.,  Buren,  W.  F.,  Williams,  R.  N.,  de  Menezes,  M.,  and  Whitcomb,  W.  H. 
1974.  The  red  imported  fire  ant,  Solenopsis  invicta ; distribution  and  habitat  in 
Mato  Grosso,  Brazil.  Ann.  Entomol.  Soc.  Am.,  67 : 43-46. 

Benjamin,  R.  K.  1971.  “Introduction  and  Supplement  to  Roland  Thaxter’s  Contribution 
Towards  a Monograph  of  the  Laboulbeniaceae”  (Bibliotheca  Mycol.,  Vol.  30).  Cramer, 
Lehre. 

Benjamin,  R.  K.  1973.  Laboulbeniomyces.  In  “The  Fungi”  (G.  C.  Ainsworth,  F.  K. 

Sparrow,  and  A.  S.  Sussman,  eds.).  Academic  Press,  New  York.  4A:  223-246. 

Buren,  W.  F.  1972.  Revisionary  studies  of  the  taxonomy  of  the  imported  fire  ants.  J.  Ga. 
Entomol.  Soc.,  7:  1-26. 


130 


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Buren,  W.  F.,  Allen,  G.  E.,  Whitcomb,  W.  H.,  Lennartz,  F.  E.,  and  Williams,  R.  N. 
1974.  Zoogeography  of  the  imported  fire  ants.  J.  N.Y.  Entomol.  Soc.,  82:  113-124. 

Chapman,  H.  C.,  Woodward,  D.  B.,  Kellen,  W.  R.,  and  Clark,  T.  B.  1966.  Host- 
parasite  relationships  of  Thelohania  associated  with  mosquitoes  in  Louisiana  (Nosemati- 
dae:  Microsporidia) . J.  Invertebr.  Pathol.,  8:  452-456. 

Charles,  V.  K.  1941.  A preliminary  check  list  of  the  entomogenous  fungi  of  North 
America.  United  States  Dept,  of  Agric.  Bur.  Plant.  Ind.  Inst.  Pest  Survey  Bull.,  21: 
707-785. 

Cooke,  M.  C.  1889.  New  Australian  fungi.  Grevillea,  18:  1-8. 

de  Hoog,  G.  S.  1972.  The  genera  Beauveria,  Isaria,  Tritirachium  and  Acrodontium  Gen. 
nov.  Stud.  Mycol.,  No.  1,  pp.  1-41. 

Dlusskii,  G.  M.  1967.  “Ants  of  the  genus  Formica.''1  (K.  V.  Arnol’di  ed.),  Izdatel’stvo 
“Nauka”  (“Nauka”  Press),  Moscow.  Pp.  232. 

Kellen,  W.  R.,  Chapman,  H.  C.,  Clark,  T.  B.,  and  Lindegren,  J.  E.  1966.  Transovarian 
transmission  of  some  Thelohania  (Nosematidae:  Microsporidia)  in  mosquitoes  of 

California  and  Louisiana.  J.  Invertebr.  Pathol.,  8:  355-359. 

Kudo,  R.  1924.  A biologic  and  taxonomic  study  of  the  microsporidia.  111.  Biol.  Monogr., 
9:  1-268. 

Leatherdale,  D.  1958.  A host  catalogue  of  British  entomogenous  fungi.  Ent.  Mon.  Mag., 
94:  103-105. 

Mains,  E.  B.  1948.  Entomogenous  fungi.  Mycologia,  40:  402-415. 

Marikovsky,  P.  I.  1962.  On  some  features  of  behavior  of  the  ants  Formica  rufa  L. 
infected  with  fungous  disease.  Insectes  Sociaux,  9(2):  173-179. 

McEwen,  F.  L.  1963.  “Cordyceps  Infections.”  In  Insect  Pathology:  An  Advanced 

Treatise  (E.  A.  Steinhaus,  ed.)  Academic  Press,  New  York.  II.  Pp.  273-290. 

Petch,  T.  1932.  Notes  on  entomogenous  fungi.  Trans.  Brit.  Mycol.  Soc.,  16:  209-245. 

Smith,  M.  R.  1946.  Ant  hosts  of  the  fungus,  Loboulbenia  formicarum  Thaxter.  Entomol. 
Soc.  Wash.,  48:  29-31. 

Steiger,  U.,  Lamparter,  H.  E.,  Sandri,  C.,  and  Akert,  K.  1969.  Virus-ahnliche  Partikel  im 
Zytoplasma  von  Nerven — und  Gliazellen  der  Waldameise.  Arch.  ges.  Virusforsch.,  26: 
271-282. 

Steinhaus,  E.  A.  and  Marsh,  G.  A.  1962.  Report  of  diagnoses  of  diseased  insects,  195 1— 
1961.  Hilgardia,  33 : 349-490. 

Steinhaus,  E.  A.  and  Marsh,  G.  A.  1967.  Previously  unreported  accessions  for  diagnosis 
and  new  records.  J.  Invertebr.  Pathol.,  9:  436-438. 

Van  Pelt,  A.  1958.  The  occurrence  of  a Cordyceps  on  the  ant  Camponotus  penns ylvanicus 
(De  Geer)  in  the  Highlands,  N.C.,  region.  J.  Tenn.  Acad.  Sci.,  33:  120-122. 

Weber,  N.  A.  1972.  “Gardening  Ants,  The  Attines,”  Mem.  Amer.  Phil.  Soc.  American 
Philosophical  Society,  Philadelphia.  92:  Pp.  146. 

Weiser,  J.  1961.  Die  Mikrosporidien  als  Parasiten  der  Insekten.  Monogr.  z.  Ang.  Ent., 
17:  Pp.  149. 

Wheeler,  W.  M.  1907.  The  fungus-growing  ants  of  North  America.  Bull.  Amer.  Mus. 
Nat.  Hist.,  23:  669-807. 


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A Supplement  to  the  Revision  of  the  Ant  Genus  Basiceros 
(Hymenoptera:  Formieidae) 

William  L.  Brown,  Jr. 

Department  of  Entomology,  Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  New  York  14850 
Received  for  Publication  January  7,  1974 

Abstract:  The  genus  Basiceros  is  expanded  to  include  Aspididris  due  to  the  finding  of  a 

new  species,  B.  conjugans  (Amazonian  Ecuador  and  Colombia),  which  connects  them. 
Basiceros  is  redefined  and  the  male  caste  formally  described,  and  keys  are  provided  for  the 
known  forms  of  both  sexes.  The  known  d'stribution  of  B.  singularis  is  extended  to  northern 
Mato  Grosso  and  of  B.  discigera  to  Espirito  Santo  State,  Brazil,  and  to  subandean  Colombia. 
B.  singularis  is  confirmed  as  a termite  predator. 


INTRODUCTION 

The  genera  Basiceros  and  Aspididris  were  treated  by  Brown  and  Kempf 
(1960:  171-181)  as  part  of  a world  revision  of  the  myrmicine  tribe  Basicerotini. 
At  that  time,  we  said  of  the  status  of  Aspididris  (op.  cit.,  p.  179) : 

This  genus,  known  from  workers  and  females,  includes  two  neotropical  species  with  the 
basic  characters  of  Basiceros , but  in  which  the  posterior  half  of  the  head  has  been  transformed 
into  a disc-like  structure,  with  the  vertex  convex,  but  the  lateral  and  posterior  occipital 
borders  drawn  out  into  a sharp,  upturned,  saucer-like  margin  that  is  ornamented  with  a row 
of  clavate  hairs.  In  A.  militarise  this  margin  is  continuous  around  the  back  of  the  head, 
from  near  one  compound  eye  to  the  other,  while  in  A.  discigera,  it  is  slightly  interrupted 
posteromedially.  ...  A.  discigera  has  been  placed  in  Basiceros  by  previous  authors,  and  it  is 
clearly  transitional  in  head  shape  between  a species  like  B.  convexiceps  and  the  extreme 
Aspididris  militaris.  Thus,  while  the  generic  split  seems  almost  academic,  the  distinction 
can  still  be  drawn  rather  clearly  on  a practical  basis,  and  there  seems  to  be  no  good  reason 
to  synonymize  Aspididris  unless  further  intergradient  species  are  found. 

The  Wheelers  have  shown  that  the  larva  of  A.  militaris  is  very  similar  to  that  of  Basiceros. 
The  two  Aspididris  species  are  known  from  Trinidad  and  southeastern  Brazil,  and  both  are 
uncommon.  We  have  no  biological  data  on  them  beyond  the  fact  that  they  are  collected  in 
moist  forested  areas. 


DISCUSSION 

The  “further  intergradient  species”  has  now  been  found,  and  it  is  described 
below  as  Basiceros  conjugans.  This  new  species  so  clearly  and  completely  links 
Basiceros  and  Aspididris  that  there  is  no  longer  any  excuse  for  recognizing  the 
latter  as  a genus  apart,  and  the  formal  generic  synonymy  is  recorded  here. 
The  genus  Cr eight onidris,  with  the  sole  species  C.  scambognatha,  is  closely 
related  to  Basiceros  but  is  separated  on  the  basis  of  its  extremely  aberrant 
mandibles. 

The  present  paper,  offered  as  a supplement  to  the  revision  of  1960,  also 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  131-140.  June,  1974. 


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describes  the  adult  male  caste  of  Basiceros  in  modern  terms  and  presents  some 
new  information  on  the  distribution  and  biology  of  the  species.  A new  key 
to  the  Basiceros  species  is  appended. 

This  article  is  dedicated  to  the  memory  of  Dr.  William  S.  Creighton,  who 
in  1950  breathed  new  life  and  reason  into  ant  taxonomy  with  “The  Ants  of 
North  America.” 

I should  like  to  acknowledge  the  help  of  Dr.  Henry  Hermann,  University  of 
Georgia,  and  Drs.  Stuart  and  Jarmila  Peck,  Carleton  University,  Ottawa, 
Canada,  for  furnishing  material  critical  for  this  study.  My  own  collecting 
and  other  aspects  of  the  research  contributing  toward  this  paper  were  supported 
in  large  part  by  U.S.  National  Science  Foundation,  Grants  GB-2175  and  GB- 
31662X. 


BASICEROS 

Basiceros  Schulz,  1906,  Spolia  Hymenopt.,  p.  156,  nom.  pro  Ceratobasis  F.  Smith.  Type: 
Ceratobasis  singularis  = Meranoplus  singularis  F.  Smith. 

Basiceros : Brown  and  Kempf,  1960:  171;  see  for  complete  synonymy;  nomenclature  and 
history  on  pp.  168-169. 

Aspididris  Weber,  1950:  3.  Type:  Aspididris  militaris  Weber,  by  original  designation. 

New  synonym. 

Aspididris : Brown  and  Kempf,  1960:  179. 

The  diagnosis  of  the  genus  has  to  be  modified  in  part  to  include  the  characters  of  the  two 
Aspididris  species. 

Worker.  Head  trapezoidal,  oblong  or  disc-like,  the  posterior  and  lateral  borders  separate 
and  either  rounded  or  crested,  or  else  combined  into  a curving,  continuous  or  near-continuous 
crest  around  the  back  of  the  cranium.  Mandibles  sub-porrect,  triangular,  with  straight, 
opposable,  multidenticulate  masticatory  borders;  blade  narrowed  before  insertion,  the  re- 
sulting peduncle  either  partly  exposed  or  entirely  hidden  beneath  clypeus,  so  that  an  interspace 
between  basal  mandibular  and  anterior  clypeal  borders  is  present  or  absent  in  varying  degrees. 
Propodeal  teeth  lamelliform,  more  or  less  acute. 

Malpighian  tubules  5. 

Queen : Like  worker,  but  more  robust  and  with  developed  pterothorax  bearing  wings  in 
virgins;  ocelli  present. 

Male.  (Generic  description  based  on  B.  discigera,  B.  conjugans,  and  B.  singularis ):  Size  a 
little  smaller  than  the  conspecific  queens  and  workers,  and  more  slender.  Head  broadest 
across  the  large,  bulging  eyes  (which  are  situated  at  or  a little  in  front  of  midlength)  rather 
suddenly  narrowed  in  front  of  eyes  and  tapering  moderately  anteriad;  median  vertex  and 
ocelli  prominent.  Clypeus  broad,  its  postero-median  lobe  convex  and  truncate  or  rounded, 
extending  about  to  level  of  frontal  lobes;  its  anterolateral  lobes  concave,  free  margin  with  a 
thin,  sharp,  yellowish  edge,  transverse  or  concave  in  front  and  rounded-divergent  on  sides. 
Frontal  area  variably  distinct,  semicircular  or  transverse,  more  or  less  impressed;  rugose  or 
carinate  in  the  middle,  and  more  or  less  distinctly  delimited  behind  by  an  arched  carina  or 
rugulae  that  tend  to  connect  the  two  frontal  lobes.  Frontal  lobes  prominent  and  projecting 
forward,  laterad  and  dorsad,  their  free  margins  rounded  sharply  in  front  and  broadly  laterad, 
antennal  insertions  on  their  ventral  faces.  Lateral  bases  of  lobes  continued  laterad  as  sharply 


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raised  arching  carinae  running  nearly  to  the  eye  on  each  side,  then  curving  forward  to  bound 
deeply  excavated,  subreniform  antennal  scrobes,  which  are  bounded  in  front  by  the 
cariniform  posterior  borders  of  the  lateral  wings  of  the  clypeus.  (Similar  arrangements 
are  found  in  many  Attini,  but  in  these  the  scrobes  are  usually  not  so  deep  or  so  sharply 
bounded.)  Posterior  vertex  bordered  along  the  cervical  limit  by  a lamelliform  margin 
bearing  short  longitudinal  costulae;  space  between  this  and  posterior  ocelli  either  steep  or 
gradual,  depending  on  whether  the  head  is  much  drawn  out  behind  or  not.  A continuous  or 
nearly  continuous,  sharp  but  irregular,  ventrolateral  carina  extends  from  posterior  corner 
of  head  to  mandibular  insertions,  bordering  a subrectangular  piece  of  the  cheek  extending 
between  eye  and  mandibular  insertion,  and  bounded  mesad  by  the  carinate  outer  scrobe 
margin. 

Mandibles  subtriangular,  with  curved  outer  borders  converging  rapidly  in  the  apical  half, 
meeting  along  the  masticatory  borders,  and  the  sharp  apices  crossing;  gently  downcurved 
and  the  dorsal  faces  gently  convex.  Masticatory  borders  serially  8- 12 -dentate.  Mandibles 
petiolate  or  not,  with  or  without  anteclypeal  space,  and  form  of  labrum  in  general  as  in 
conspecific  workers. 

Antennae  long  and  slender,  13-merous.  Scape  very  short,  only  about  twice  as  broad  as 
long,  its  base  oblique,  with  the  more  acutely  rounded  angle  on  the  outside,  and  the  obtuse 
angle  inside  (mesal),  tapered  toward  the  truncate  apex;  a little  thicker  than  the  remaining 
segments.  First  funicular  segment  (pedicel)  only  about  half  as  long  as  scape;  succeeding 
segments  all  much  longer  than  broad;  apical  segment  longest,  third  antennal  (funiculus  II, 
counting  from  base)  also  very  long. 

Trunk  robust;  prescutum  with  a more  or  less  distinct  anteromedian  carina;  notauli  deep 
and  complete,  the  arms  of  the  Y forming  rows  of  deep  punctures  separated  by  the  inter- 
calated costulae.  Parapsidal  furrows  in  the  form  of  fine  shining  lines;  parapsides  more  or 
less  impressed  behind,  but  each  with  a sharp,  raised  posterolateral  margin.  Prescutellum 
separated  from  scutellum  by  an  impression  or  transverse  row  of  punctures,  or  else  the 
middle  part  impressed  and  not  distinct  from  scutellum;  lateral  wings  of  prescutellum  with 
a laterally  marginate,  posteriorly  pointed  process  or  blunt  hook  on  each  side.  Scutellum 
narrower  than  prescutellum,  forming  an  elongate  near-semicircle  as  seen  from  above,  free 
borders  marginate,  but  posteromedian  portion  concave;  posterior  aspect  broadly  Y-  or 
U-shaped.  Metanotum  narrow,  with  a blunt  median  tumosity.  Propodeum  with  dorsal  face 
flat,  rectangular,  steeply  sloping  toward  the  rear,  separated  from  rectangular  declivitous  face 
by  a transverse  carina.  As  seen  from  the  side  dorsal  and  declivitous  faces  of  propodeum 
meeting  at  an  obtuse  angle;  declivity  marginate  on  each  side. 

Petiole  clavate,  with  anterior  peduncle  and  long,  low  rounded  node,  usually  bent  slightly 
downward  near  base  of  posterior  peduncle;  spiracles  papillose,  prominent.  Postpetiole 
broader  than  long  and  a little  broader  behind  than  in  front  and  broader  than  petiole ; 
rounded  above,  sternum  shallow;  attached  its  full  width  behind  to  gaster,  which  is  slightly 
concave  in  front  to  receive  it.  Gaster  with  first  segment  occupying  most  (70  percent  or 
more)  of  its  length;  four  visible  apical  segments  subequal  in  length.  Genital  capsule  slender; 
parameres  slightly  broadened,  bluntly  rounded  and  curved  mesad  at  apices,  but  tapered  to  a 
blunt  end  as  seen  from  the  side ; volsellae  sock-shaped,  as  usual  in  Myrmicinae ; pygidium 
and  subgenital  segment  unremarkable,  with  moderately  narrowly  rounded  apical  margins. 

Legs  slender,  tibiae  of  middle  and  hind  pairs  without  apical  spurs;  tarsal  claws  slender 
and  simple.  Wings  brownish,  with  opalescent  bluish  reflections  (both  sexes)  and  dense  brown 
microtrichiation.  Forewing  veined  as  in  queen  of  Cr eight onidris  (Brown  and  Kempf,  1960: 
173,  fig.  8)  except  that  m-cu  is  usually  present  as  a spur  from  M,  or  as  a complete  crossvein. 
Hind  wing  with  only  two  longitudinal  veins  issuing  from  the  median  cell  (apical  abscissae 
of  R and  Cu),  with  the  tip  of  Sc  branching  off  from  fused  Sc  -(-  R (Rfl  lacking)  as  in  the 


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Tranopelta  male  (Kusnezov,  1962:  371,  fig.  23).  Anal  loop  (A  + cu-a)  short,  without  a 
spur  of  A,  but  with  a break  or  weak  place  at  a longitudinal  fold  line.  Hamuli  5-9,  sub- 
median. 

Sculpture  very  finely  and  densely  punctulate,  opaque  or  nearly  so,  including  legs,  mandibles 
and  antennae.  Vertex  with  overlying  loose  rugulae,  especially  behind  compound  eyes  and  in 
and  around  ocellar  triangle;  loose  rugulation  also  on  trunk,  especially  posterior  half  of 
mesonotum  and  sides  of  propodeum.  In  some  species,  varying  parts  of  mesopleura  smooth 
and  shining,  or  rugulose. 

Pilosity  of  fine  tapered  hairs,  golden  brown  in  color,  mostly  erect  or  suberect  on  body 
(some  also  appressed  on  gaster  and  clypeus  in  some  species)  ; mandibles,  antennae  and  legs 
with  hairs  becoming  shorter,  more  abundant  and  decumbent  passing  from  base  toward 
apices  of  these  appendages.  Mesal  face  of  antennal  scape  with  two  or  more  long  fine  hairs 
and  some  shorter  ones. 

Color  black;  legs  and  antennae  brown. 

Contains  six  species  as  known  at  present:  conjugans  n.  sp.,  convexiceps,  discigera,  manni, 
militaris  and  singularis.  Basiceros  militaris  is  a new  combination. 

DISTRIBUTION  AND  BIOLOGY 

Basiceros  has  been  found  only  in  wet  tropical  and  subtropical  forests  of 
Central  and  South  America  and  Trinidad  at  low  and  moderate  altitudes.  All 
of  the  colonies  for  which  data  are  available  have  been  found  in  rotten  logs,  or 
at  least  in  pieces  of  rotting  wood  of  fairly  substantial  size.  The  adults  usually 
move  very  slowly,  and  they  feign  death  for  long  periods  when  disturbed, 
rivaling  the  attine  Apterostigma  in  their  ability  to  escape  detection  by  this 
means  in  the  forest  gloom. 

Weber  (1950:  6)  noted  that  he  had  found  a worker  of  B.  singularis  near 
midday  carrying  a dead  termite  in  Guyana,  and  I found  headless  termites  in  a 
nest  of  this  species  in  Mato  Grosso  (see  below  under  B.  singularis).  Food  of 
the  other  species  is  unknown,  but  they  are  almost  certainly  predatory,  perhaps 
on  termites,  judging  by  the  hardened  incrustations  that  many  workers  bear. 

Basiceros  conjugans,  n.  sp. 

Holotype  worker.  TL  5.8,  HL  1.24,  HW  1.05  (Cl  85),  ML  0.43,  greatest  diameter  of  eye 
0.13,  scape  L 0.82,  WL  1.51  mm. 

Paratype  worker  from  type  locality.  TL  5.9,  HL  1.29,  HW  1.09  (Cl  84),  ML  0.42,  greatest 
diameter  of  eye  0.14,  scape  L 0.84,  WL  1.56  mm. 

Paratype  workers  (two)  from  near  Leticia,  Colombia.  TL  6.2,  6.1;  HL  1.32,  1.33;  HW  1.14, 
1.12  (Cl  86,  84)  ; ML  0.44,  0.45;  greatest  diameter  of  eye  0.14,  0.16;  scape  L 0.85,  0.87,  WL 
1.63,  1.63  mm. 

Form  of  head  and  body  well  shown  by  Figs.  1 and  2.  Sides  of  head  bordered  by  a distinct 
raised  margin  that  continues  around  the  posterior  corners  and  across  the  back  of  the  head 
as  a less  distinct  margin  with  a shallow  dip  in  the  middle.  Cephalic  disc  shallowly  concave 
inside  the  lateral  margins,  convex  in  the  middle,  but  the  convexity  itself  with  a shallow  median 
impression  running  back  from  about  the  level  of  the  eyes.  Clypeus  gently  convex  in  both 
directions,  with  a feebly  concave  free  margin.  Mandibles  with  concave  external  borders 
in  full-face  view,  eleven  strong  teeth  on  each,  triangular  except  for  the  basalmost  tooth, 


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which  is  broad  and  rounded.  Mandibular  peduncles  very  short,  mostly  hidden  under 
clypeus,  leaving  a short  space  between  clypeal  margin  and  basal  borders.  Extensor  margin  of 
scape  with  a broadly  rounded,  translucent,  crenulate  lobe  around  basal  angle.  Labrum 
elongate,  tapered  cuneiform,  terminating  in  paired  acute  contiguous  lobes  separated  by  a 
narrow  cleft.  Palpi  each  consisting  of  two  recognizable  segments,  which,  however,  are 
solidly  fused  in  both  maxillary  and  labial  palpi  to  make  one  long  crooked  unit  of  each 
maxillary  palpus,  and  one  long,  curved,  clavate  unit  of  each  labial  palpus.  Cervical  border 
of  head  with  a strong  raised  margin. 

Promesonotum  forming  a subglobular  mass  tapering  sharply  behind  to  the  metanotum- 
propodeum,  which  is  only  a little  more  than  half  as  wide  seen  from  above.  Promesonotal 
suture  very  faintly  indicated  above;  metanotal  groove  broad  and  deeply  impressed,  longitu- 
dinally costate,  succeeded  posteriorly  by  a sloping,  shelf-like  propodeal  dorsum  that  has  a 
sharply  downsloping  declivitous  face  continuing  into  the  final  declivity  of  the  propodeum. 
The  declivity  is  bounded  by  carinae  above  and  on  each  side;  the  transverse  upper  carina 
connects  a pair  of  acute  triangular  teeth,  hidden  from  side  view  by  thick  squamiform  hairs. 
Bullae  of  metapleural  glands  prominent,  projecting. 

Petiolar  node  with  a distinct  anterior  peduncle  having  a longitudinal  carina  on  each  side 
of  dorsal  surface;  node  distinct,  with  steep  anterior  face,  mesally  emerginate  anterodorsal 


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border  and  posteriorly  sloping  rounded  dorsum,  the  latter  obscured  by  squamiform  hairs, 
but  its  disc  (without  posterior  peduncle)  longer  than  broad.  Subpetiolar  processes  5 (4-6 
in  paratypes,  sometimes  adjacent  processes  partly  fused).  Postpetiole  rounded  in  both 
directions,  nearly  twice  as  broad  as  petiole  (pilosity  excluded)  and  slightly  broader  than 
long,  with  a light-colored  translucent  anterior  margin ; attached  behind  its  full  width 
to  concave  anterior  part  of  gaster  as  seen  from  above.  Gaster  with  just  the  barest  suggestion 
of  a broad  median  longitudinal  sulcus,  visible  only  in  certain  lights.  Sting  retracted  in 
holotype,  but  in  a Colombian  paratype  worker,  it  is  extended  and  has  a shaft  nearly  0.6 
mm  long. 

Integument  (where  free  of  secretion  and  dense  pilosity)  prevailingly  smooth  and  shining, 
with  coarse  punctures,  becoming  smaller  and  spaced  out  on  clypeus,  and  still  smaller  on 
mandibles.  Punctures  large  and  contiguous  or  subcontiguous  in  those  areas  bearing  the  dense 
heavy  pilosity:  posterior  vertex,  mesonotum,  antero-dorsal  shelf  of  propodeum,  lateral  edges 
of  propodeal  coxae,  and  both  nodes  of  the  waist.  Propodeal  declivity  punctate-rugose,  smoother 
ventrad.  Pleural  plates  of  meso-  and  metathorax  and  propodeum  nearly  free  of  punctures 
except  along  edges  and  sutural  lines.  Gastric  segment  I densely  sown  with  closely  spaced  but 
separate  medium  punctures,  less  crowded  along  lateral  curves  of  tergum;  interspaces  smooth 
and  shining.  Normally  exposed  tergal  surfaces  of  terminal  segments  (abdominal  V,  VI,  VII) 
finely  and  densely  punctulate,  opaque,  but  margins  of  these  segments  smooth  and  shining. 
Antennal  scapes  and  legs  smooth  or  with  very  fine  superficial  roughening,  and  coarse  punctures 
for  the  hairs ; in  general  shining ; funiculi  and  distal  halves  of  tarsi  finely  and  densely  punctu- 
late, opaque  to  subopaque. 

The  shapes  and  location  of  the  various  kinds  of  pilosity  are  well  shown  in  Figs.  1 and  2. 
The  thicker  squamiform  and  clavate  hairs  have  a complicated  microstructure.  Under  high 
magnification,  the  surfaces  of  these  hairs  appear  fluffy,  with  ribs  of  free  fibers  running 
longitudinally,  represented  sometimes  as  fine  lines  in  Fig.  2.  A pair  of  erect  clavate  hairs  on 
the  vertex  is  not  so  easily  distinguished  in  the  figures,  since  they  are  close  to  the  posterior 
borders  of  similar  hairs  on  the  vertex,  but  this  pair  straddles  the  ocellar  triangle  in  the 
queen  and  corresponds  to  a similar  pair  in  B.  discigera  and  B.  militaris.  The  pilosity  is  off- 
white,  contrasting  with  the  deep  brownish-red  (approaching  mahogany)  of  the  integument; 
appendages  medium  brownish-red. 

Queen  (alate),  one  of  eight  alates  and  dealates  from  type  nest  series.  TL  6.3,  HL  1.32,  HW 
1.09  (Cl  83),  ML  0.46,  greatest  diameter  of  compound  eye  0.24,  scape  L 0.86,  WL  1.68, 
forewing  L 4.9  mm. 

Male,  one  of  three  from  type  nest  series.  TL  4.9,  HL  0.92,  HW  across  eyes  0.88  (Cl  96), 
HW  behind  compound  eyes  0.76,  ML  0.25,  greatest  diameter  of  eye  0.30,  scape  L 0.14,  WL 
1.46,  forewing  L 3.8  mm. 

Head  of  the  short  type,  not  produced  behind,  and  with  a narrow  flange  on  cervical  border. 
Rugulae  behind  eye  shorter  and  weaker  than  in  B.  discigera.  Most  of  mesanepisternum  and 
upper  middle  part  of  mesokatepisternum  smooth  and  shining.  Petiole  claviform,  with  node 
indistinctly  set  off  from  anterior  peduncle ; front  of  node  bordered  by  a dorsolateral  ruga 
on  each  side;  subpetiolar  processes:  1 large  anterior  tooth,  plus  1-4  smaller  teeth  or  lamellae, 
very  inconstant. 


<- 


Fig.  2.  Basiceros  conjugans,  new  species.  Lateral  view  of  holotype  worker.  Drawing  by 
Susan  Poulakis,  X40. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Holotype  and  a few  other  workers,  queens  and  males  were  taken  together 
at  Limoncocha,  Ecuador,  by  Dr.  Henry  R.  Hermann,  Sept,  through  Nov.  1964; 
a separate  winged  queen  was  taken  at  the  same  locality  by  Dr.  Hermann.  The 
paratype  series  also  includes  two  workers  taken  in  a rain  forest  leaf  litter 
berlesate  7 km  north  of  Leticia,  Colombia,  by  S.  and  J.  Peck  (B-230)  in 
February  1972. 

This  species  is  intermediate  between  Aspididris  discigera  and  Basiceros  manni, 
the  latter  representing  the  “typical”  members  of  its  genus.  B.  conjugans  has 
partially  developed  ridges  framing  the  posterior  vertex  in  a manner  intermediate 
between  discigera  and  manni , and  the  erect  clavate  hairs  on  the  back  of  the 
head  are  concentrated  along  the  posterior  edge  in  an  intermediate  kind  of  pat- 
tern. The  exact  shape  of  the  head,  the  distribution  of  the  peculiar  broadened 
hairs  on  the  trunk,  and  particularly  their  thick  clustering  on  the  petiole  and 
postpetiole  are  sufficient  characters  to  separate  B.  conjugans  from  all  the  other 
species. 

Basiceros  discigera 

This  species  is  widespread  in  southeastern  Brazil,  and  I can  extend  the  range 
northward  into  Espirito  Santo  State:  Reserva  Nova  Lombardia,  4 km  north 
of  Santa  Teresa,  900  m,  24  Feb.  1967  (W.  L.  Brown,  Jr.).  The  nest  was  in  a 
small  fragment  of  a rotten  log  on  the  floor  of  wet  upland  forest,  and  contained 
two  winged  males. 

A much  greater  and  more  surprising  extension  of  the  range  is  provided  by 
a record  from  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Andes  in  Colombia:  Quebrada  Susamuko, 
23  km  NW  of  Villavicencio,  Dept.  Meta,  1000  m,  two  workers  in  leaf  litter 
berlesate  (B-234),  S.  and  J.  Peck  leg.  The  male  is  characterized  in  the  key 
at  the  end  of  the  paper. 

Basiceros  manni 

I took  a number  of  workers  of  this  species  in  a large  fragment  of  a rotten  log 
found  in  the  middle  of  a rain  forest  trail  west  of  the  bridge  at  Rio  Toro  Amarillo, 
near  Guapiles,  Costa  Rica.  The  log  fragment  contained  also  workers  of  Pro- 
ceratium  goliath.  The  record  represents  only  a northern  “fill-in”  of  the  range 
on  the  Atlantic  Plain  of  Costa  Rica;  the  species  is  known  from  Honduras  and 
probably  occurs  through  the  forested  lowlands  of  Nicaragua. 

Basiceros  singtdaris 

In  addition  to  the  records  of  this  species  from  the  Guianas,  Trinidad  and 
Amazonas,  Brazil,  I collected  it  in  the  forest  at  the  Fazenda  Junqueira  Vilela, 
Mun.  Diamantino,  northern  Mato  Grosso  State,  Brazil,  on  July  17,  1973.  The 
nest  was  in  a thoroughly  rotten  log  in  deep  shade,  and  the  headless  bodies  of 
three  termites  were  found  with  the  workers,  winged  queens  and  males  in  what 
appeared  to  be  rude  chambers.  The  adults  simulate  death  for  long  periods  when 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


139 


disturbed  and  are  exceedingly  hard  to  distinguish  by  eye.  Many  are  heavily 
encrusted  with  a light  brownish  or  whitish  material,  apparently  a hardened 
secretion.  I take  it  that  the  material  represents  the  hardened  defensive  allomones 
of  prey  termite  species  (nasutes?),  although  it  is  not  altogether  impossible  that 
the  secretion  is  produced  by  the  ants  themselves.  Callow  and  near-callow 
workers  and  winged  forms  of  both  sexes  in  the  nest  lack  the  incrustation. 

Some  workers  confined  in  a glass-topped  plaster  nest  avoided  or  showed 
no  apparent  interest  in  live  larvae  of  Tribolium  and  workers  of  Zootermopsis 
termites,  though  the  latter  are  much  larger  than  the  ants  and  the  termites 
found  as  apparent  prey  in  the  original  nest.  The  ants  did  feed  on  crushed 
housefly  pupae,  and  two  eggs  that  must  have  been  laid  by  workers  in  the  queen- 
less group  developed  to  half-grown  larvae  in  the  six  months  I maintained  the 
ants  alive. 

I dissected  ten  workers  to  determine  how  many  Malpighian  tubules  were 
present.  Of  these,  eight  had  five  long  tubules  each,  and  two  had  four  tubules. 
Evidently  the  counts  of  four  represent  specimens  that  lost  a tubule  during 
dissection,  which  is  difficult  because  of  the  thick  integument  and  the  small  size 
of  the  opening  at  the  apex  of  the  first  gastric  segment.  At  least  some  of  the 
tubules  are  attached  to  the  rectum. 

The  male  of  this  species  is  characterized  in  the  key  to  that  sex  below.  In 
addition  to  the  characters  cited,  the  sides  of  the  metanotum-propodeum  and 
the  dorsal  surface  of  the  scutellum  are  more  heavily  rugose  than  in  the  other 
two  species  keyed,  and  the  body  size  is  larger. 

Basiceros — Revised  Key  to  Workers  and  Queens 

1.  Posterior  half  or  more  of  head  disc-like,  subcircular  in  outline,  the  margins  forming 

a strong,  continuous  or  nearly  continuous  raised  crest  2 

Posterior  half  of  head  trapezoidal  or  subrectangular,  not  disc-like,  the  lateral  borders 
of  the  vertex  distinct  from  the  posterior  border,  and  not  forming  a continuous 
semicircular  crest  3 

2.  When  head  is  viewed  full-face,  the  arcuate  crest  or  flange  around  the  back  of  the 

vertex  is  medially  emarginate  and  confluent  at  this  point  with  the  median  convexity 

of  the  vertex  (SE  Brazil,  subandean  Colombia)  discigera 

Arcuate  crest  around  back  of  vertex  continuous  and  entire,  and  separated  from  the 
median  convexity  of  the  vertex  by  a broad,  uninterrupted  sulcus  that  follows  the 
crest  (Trinidad)  militaris 

3.  Labrum  a shield-shaped  piece  with  rounded  free  margin,  not  divided  medially,  at 

least  on  its  dorsal  (extensor)  face  4 

Labrum  narrow,  cuneiform,  tapered  apicad  and  with  a distinct  median  division  or 
groove  5 

4.  Head  narrow  (Cl  < 75)  and  nearly  parallel-sided;  clypeus  and  mandibles  with 

abundant  and  conspicuous  appressed  squamiform  hairs;  petiole  with  1-3  ventral 
processes,  and  usually  at  most  1 of  these  is  well-developed  and  spiniform;  base  of 
first  gastric  sternite  with  a short  but  sharp,  angulate  longitudinal  carina  (Trinidad 
to  N.  Mato  Grosso)  singularis 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Head  wider  (Cl  > 75)  and  more  triangular;  clypeus  and  mandibles  with  punctures, 
but  no  appressed  hairs;  petiole  with  4-7  ventral  processes,  usually  all  or  nearly  all 
slender  spiniform ; base  of  first  gastric  sternite  without  a sharp  longitudinal  carina 
(Central  America)  manni 

5.  Posterior  dorsal  half  of  head  (vertex)  continuously  convex  except  for  median  sulcus; 
head  wide,  worker  Cl  > 90;  petiole  and  postpetiole  with  scanty  pilosity,  not  hiding 

sculpture;  1 subpetiolar  process  (SE  Brazil)  convexiceps 

Vertex  with  raised  lateral  margins  and  a median  sulcate  tumosity;  Cl  < 90;  petiole 
and  postpetiole  covered  densely  with  fat  squamiform  hairs  that  conceal  the  surface 
beneath;  4-6  subpetiolar  processes  (W.  Amazon  Basin,  Figs.  1,  2)  conjugans 

Basiceros — Key  to  Males  of  Three  Species 

1.  Viewed  full-face,  head  with  a broad  drawn-out  neck  longer  than  space  occupied  by 

ocellar  triangle ; mesokatepisternum  opaque,  covered  by  strong  interlocking  rugae ; 

petiole  about  3X  as  long  as  postpetiole  (Trinidad  to  N.  Mato  Grosso)  singularis 

( B . manni  from  Central  America  would  probably  key  out  here,  though  the  head  and 
petiole  may  be  somewhat  shorter  than  in  B.  singularis.) 

Viewed  full-face,  head  not  produced  behind,  though  with  a flange  along  the  cervical 
margin  that  is  much  shorter  than  the  ocellar  triangle ; mesokatepisternum  finely 
punctate,  sometimes  with  upper  part  smooth  and  more  or  less  shining;  petiole 
about  twice  as  long  as  postpetiole  2 

2.  Anterior  border  of  clypeus  concave  in  the  middle;  more  than  half  of  mesanepisternum 

smooth,  and  even  the  punctate  part  strongly  shining;  upper  middle  part  of  meso- 
katepisternum smooth  and  shining  (W.  Amazon  Basin)  conjugans 

Anterior  border  of  clypeus  entire;  only  the  anterior  half  of  anepisternum  smooth  and 
shining,  remainder  densely  punctate  and  nearly  opaque ; mesokatepisternum  densely 
punctate  throughout,  only  weakly  shining  in  upper  middle  part  between  punctures 

(SE  Brazil,  subandean  Colombia)  discigera 

( B . militaris  from  Trinidad,  possibly  occurring  also  on  the  mainland,  and  B.  con- 
vexiceps from  SE  Brazil  probably  key  to  couplet  2,  but  I have  seen  no  male  speci- 
mens.) 


Literature  Cited 

Brown,  W.  L.,  Jr.  and  Kempf,  W.  W.  1960.  A world  revision  of  the  ant  tribe  Basicerotini. 
Studia  Entomol.  (n.s.),  3:  161-250. 

Kusnezov,  N.  1962.  El  ala  posterior  de  las  hormigas.  Acta  Zool.  Lilloana,  18:  367-378. 
Weber,  N.  A.  1950.  New  Trinidad  Myrmicinae,  with  a note  on  Basiceros  Schulz  (Hy- 
menoptera,  Formicidae).  Amer.  Mus.  Novitates,  1465:  1-6. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


141 


Myrmicine  Trail  Pheromones:  Specificity,  Source  and  Significance 

Murray  S.  Blum 

Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Georgia,  Athens,  Georgia  30602 

Received  for  Publication  December  22,  1973 

Abstract:  The  poison  gland  secretion  is  the  source  of  the  trail  pheromones  in  the 

myrmicine  genera  Myrmica,  Manica,  Pogonomyrmex,  and  Veromessor.  Transposition  studies 
demonstrate  that  poison  gland  products  of  Myrmica,  Manica,  and  Pogonomyrmex  species 
lack  intra-  and  intergeneric  specificity.  The  unpredictable  lack  of  trail  specificity  identified 
with  myrmicine  venoms  is  discussed  in  terms  of  common  trace  natural  products  which  may 
be  utilized  as  trail  pheromones  by  species  in  unrelated  taxa.  The  persistence  of  chemical  trails 
is  discussed  as  a function  of  the  foraging  strategies  employed  by  myrmicine  species. 


INTRODUCTION 

The  sources  of  trail  pheromones  in  the  Formicidae  are  quite  protean,  especially 
in  the  large  subfamily  Myrmicinae.  Releasers  of  trail-following  behavior  have 
been  localized  in  the  poison  gland  (Moser  and  Blum,  1963),  Dufour’s  gland 
(Wilson,  1959)  and  metathoracic  tibial  glands  (Fletcher  and  Brand,  1968)  of 
a wide  range  of  myrmicine  species,  which  clearly  emphasizes  the  polyphyletic 
origins  of  trail  following  in  this  subfamily.  Indeed,  with  the  exception  of  some 
ponerine  species  which  generate  trails  with  poison  gland  secretions  (Fletcher, 
1971),  species  in  formicid  subfamilies  other  than  the  Myrmicinae  are  not  known 
to  utilize  the  above  named  organs  for  producing  these  chemical  releasers. 

The  variability  in  the  glandular  sources  of  trail  following  in  the  Myrmicinae 
is  exceeded  by  the  variability  in  specificity  of  the  products  synthesized  in  these 
social  organs.  In  some  cases  constituents  in  the  poison  gland  secretions  release 
trail  following  in  different  species  in  the  same  genus  (Blum,  1966),  but  in  other 
cases  these  secretions  may  be  completely  species  specific  when  evaluated  among 
members  of  one  genus  (Blum  and  Ross,  1965).  Furthermore,  the  natural 
product  complex  in  the  venoms  of  some  myrmicines  can  release  strong  trail  fol- 
lowing in  species  in  completely  unrelated  genera  when  assayed  by  an  artificial 
trail  technique  (Blum  and  Ross,  1965;  Blum  and  Portocarrero,  1966).  On  the 
other  hand,  it  has  not  been  ascertained  whether  these  singular  examples  of  non- 
specificity  reflect  the  utilization  of  the  same  pheromone  by  unrelated  species,  or 
whether  different  poison  gland  secretions  are  enriched  with  common  con- 
stituents, some  of  which  may  serve  as  trail  pheromones  for  unrelated  species. 


Acknowledgments:  I am  very  grateful  to  P.  B.  Kannowski,  G.  L.  Ayre,  E.  O.  Wilson,  G. 

Scherba,  H.  Spangler,  and  R.  R.  Snelling  for  providing  many  of  the  species  used  in  this 
investigation.  Special  thanks  go  to  P.  B.  Kannowski  for  providing  facilities  at  the  University 
of  North  Dakota  where  some  of  this  research  was  undertaken.  The  technical  assistance  of 
G.  N.  Ross  is  gratefully  acknowledged. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  141-147.  June,  1974. 


142 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Table  1.  Percentage  of  Myrmica  workers  responding  to  artificial  trails  prepared  from 

poison  gland  extracts 


^mirrp 

Test  Species 

UvUi  CC 

species 

americana 

brevinodis 

brevispinosa  emeryana 

fracticornis 

monticola 

rubra 

americana 

90 

70 

65 

90 

90 

90 

brevinodis 

80 

90 

50 

80 

85 

55 

brevispinosa 

85 

50 

90  65 

80 

55 

85 

emeryana 

90 

80 

80  95 

60 

80 

60 

fracticornis 

40 

60 

90 

90 

75 

— 

monticola 

10 

0 

0 

0 

15 

0 

rubra 

70 

90 

10 

75 

0 

90 

The  present  investigation  was  undertaken  in  order  to  determine  the  source 
and  specificity  of  the  trail  pheromones  of  myrmicine  species  in  a wide  range 
of  genera.  The  results  again  clearly  emphasize  that  these  pheromonally-rich 
secretions  have  a remarkable  lack  of  intra-  or  intergeneric  specificity. 

METHODS 

Workers  of  the  following  myrmicine  species  were  utilized  for  studies  of  either 
the  source  or  specificity  of  trail  pheromones:  Aphaenogaster  fulva  Roger, 

Myrmica  americana  Weber,  M.  brevinodis  Emery,  M.  brevispinosa  Wheeler,  M. 
emeryana  Forel,  M.  monticola  Wheeler,  M.  fracticornis  Emery,  M.  rubra  (L.), 
Manica  bradleyi  (Wheeler),  M.  hunteri  (Wheeler),  M.  mutica  (Emery),  Pogono- 
myrmex  badius  (Latreille),  P.  barbatus  (F.  Smith),  Novomessor  cockerelli  (E. 
Andre),  V eromessor  pergandei  (Mayr),  Chelaner  antarcticum  (Wheeler), 
Pheidole  dentata  Mayr,  Crematogaster  lineolata  (Say),  Monomorium  minimum 
(Buckley),  Solenopsis  invicta  Buren,  and  Trachymyrmex  septentrionalis 
(McCook). 

The  presence  of  trail  pheromones  was  examined  by  preparing  methylene 
chloride  extracts  of  poison  glands,  Dufour’s  glands,  and  hind  guts.  Four  organs 
were  crushed  in  2 ml  of  solvent  and  0.2  ml  of  this  extract  was  applied  to  a 
circular  trail  15  cm  in  diameter.  Groups  of  ten  workers  were  subsequently 
introduced  into  the  center  of  the  circle  and  if  a worker  traveled  around  the  entire 
circumference  after  encountering  it,  a positive  response  was  recorded  (Moser 
and  Blum,  1963). 

Specificity  studies  were  undertaken  by  using  the  same  technique.  Six  repli- 
cates, consisting  of  ten  workers  each,  were  employed  for  each  test  species. 

RESULTS 

No  evidence  of  trail  following  could  be  demonstrated  when  workers  of 
Aphaenogaster  fulva  and  Novomessor  cockerelli  were  exposed  to  circular  trails 
treated  with  extracts  of  their  own  sting-associated  glands  or  hind  guts.  On  the 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


143 


Table  2.  Percentage  of  myrmicine  workers  responding  to  artificial  trails  prepared  from 

poison  gland  extracts 


Test  Species 


Source 

species 

Myrmica 

americana 

Myrmica 

brevinodis 

Manica 

bradleyi 

Manica 

hunteri 

Manica 

mutica 

Pogono- 

myrmex 

badius 

A.  fulva 

— 

0 

0 

— 

— 

— 

Manica 

bradleyi 

_ 

80 

80 

_ 



_ 

M.  hunteri 

90 

— 

— 

95 

— 

40 

M . mutica 

90 

— 

— 

90 

65 

— 

Myrmica 

americana 

90 

70 

_ 

M.  brevinodis 

80 

90 

— 

90 

90 

70 

M.  brevispinosa 

85 

50 

— 

95 

90 

— 

M.  emeryana 

90 

80 

— 

95 

85 

— 

M.  fracticornis 

40 

60 

— 

90 

90 

— 

M.  monticola 

10 

0 

— 

85 

95 

— 

M . rubra 

70 

90 

65 

95 

95 

0 

N . cockerelli 

— 

0 

0 

— 

— 

0 

P.  badius 

95 

— 

55 

90 

60 

50 

P.  barbatus 

— 

90 

50 

— 

— 

0 

V.  pergandei 

— 

0 

0 

— 

— 

- 

other  hand,  workers  of  Veromessor  pergandei,  Pogonomyrmex  badius,  Manica 
spp.,  and  six  of  the  seven  Myrmica  spp.  readily  followed  artificial  trails  gen- 
erated with  extracts  of  their  own  poison  glands.  None  of  the  species  responded 
to  extracts  of  either  their  Dufour’s  glands  or  their  hind  guts. 

The  results  of  the  specificity  studies  are  presented  in  Tables  1 and  2.  Table  1 
presents  the  results  of  intrageneric  studies  utilizing  the  seven  Myrmica  spp. 
Table  2 illustrates  the  responses  of  two  Myrmica  spp.,  three  Manica  spp.,  and 
P.  badius  workers  to  artificial  trails  treated  with  poison  gland  extracts  derived 
from  15  myrmicine  species  in  six  genera. 

With  the  exception  of  M.  monticola,  Myrmica  spp.  were  almost  equally 
sensitive  to  trail  extracts  of  each  other’s  poison  glands  (Table  1).  M.  monticola 
workers  showed  almost  no  propensity  to  follow  their  own  poison  gland  extracts, 
whereas  the  other  Myrmica  spp.  readily  followed  trails  prepared  from  glandular 
extracts  of  this  species.  Myrmica  workers  readily  followed  these  artificial  trails 
and  often  circled  them  repeatedly.  Trails  prepared  from  M.  americana  glandular 
extracts  were  strongly  active  1 hr  after  their  preparation  but  were  only  weakly 
active  after  3 hrs.  Males  and  females  of  M.  emeryana  followed  artificial  trails 
as  faithfully  as  workers  of  this  species. 

Poison  gland  extracts  of  the  three  Manica  spp.  did  not  appear  to  possess  any 
specificity  for  the  species  in  this  genus  (Table  2).  The  Manica  spp.  also 
followed  artificial  trails  prepared  from  Myrmica  poison  glands  as  effectively 


144 


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as  they  did  their  own,  and  two  Myrmica  spp.  were  equally  responsive  to  extracts 
of  Manica  poison  glands.  As  in  the  case  of  the  Myrmica  spp.,  Manica  workers 
exhibited  sustained  trail  following  when  exposed  to  these  artificial  trails.  Fur- 
thermore, Myrmica  americana  and  M.  brevinodis  readily  followed  poison  gland 
extracts  prepared  from  Pogonomyrmex  badius  and  P.  barbatus  workers.  Simi- 
larly, workers  of  Manica  bradleyi  exhibited  trail  following  when  exposed  to  trails 
containing  extracts  of  these  two  species  of  Pogonomyrmex  (Table  2).  On  the 
other  hand,  neither  Myrmica  nor  Manica  workers  responded  positively  when 
bioassayed  with  poison  gland  extracts  prepared  from  Aphaenogaster  julva, 
N ovomessor  cocker elli,  and  V eromessor  pergandei. 

Workers  of  V.  pergandei  were  somewhat  responsive  (40  percent)  to  their  own 
poison  gland  extracts  but  they  seldom  adhered  to  the  circular  trail  for  more 
than  one  complete  traversal  of  its  circumference.  Similarly,  workers  of  P.  badius, 
which  showed  moderate  trail-following  activity  in  the  presence  of  their  own 
poison  gland  extracts  as  well  as  those  derived  from  Manica  bradleyi  and 
Myrmica  brevinodis  (Table  2),  exhibited  very  ephemeral  trail  following. 

Workers  of  T.  septentrionalis,  M.  minimum,  C.  antarcticum,  P.  dentata,  S. 
invicta,  and  C.  lineolata  did  not  react  to  poison  gland  extracts  of  M.  brevinodis . 

DISCUSSION 

At  this  juncture,  the  poison  gland  appears  to  be  the  primary  source  of  odor 
trail  pheromones  in  the  Myrmicinae.  The  presence  of  chemical  releasers  of  trail 
following  in  the  venoms  of  Myrmica,  Manica,  and  Pogonomyrmex  species  brings 
to  12  the  number  of  myrmicine  genera  in  which  the  trail  pheromone  has  been 
localized  in  the  poison  gland  secretion.  Furthermore,  since  pheromonally-rich 
venoms  have  been  identified  in  both  primitive  ( Myrmica ) and  highly  advanced 
( Atta ) myrmicine  genera,  it  seems  clear  that  the  utilization  of  the  poison  gland 
as  a social  organ  is  widespread  in  the  Myrmicinae.  On  the  other  hand,  Dufour’s 
gland  has  been  demonstrated  to  be  the  source  of  the  trail  pheromone  in  only  two 
myrmicine  genera,  Solenopsis  and  Pheidole  (Wilson,  1959,  1963).  The  utiliza- 
tion of  the  metathoracic  tibial  glands  to  generate  chemical  trails  appears  to  be 
limited  to  the  genus  Crematogaster  (Fletcher  and  Brand,  1968;  Leuthold, 
1968)  and  probably  reflects  an  evolutionary  specialization  correlated  with  the 
apparent  unsuitability  of  the  gaster  to  function  in  trail  laying. 

Since  the  poison  gland  secretions  of  Myrmica  and  Manica  species  are  almost 
totally  lacking  in  specificity,  it  would  appear  that  they  may  be  utilizing  the  same 
or  very  similar  trail  pheromones,  which  would  be  consistent  with  the  close  rela- 
tionship of  these  two  myrmicine  genera  (Creighton,  1950).  On  the  other  hand, 
the  genus  Pogonomyrmex  is  certainly  not  closely  related  to  Myrmica  and 
Manica  and  the  ability  of  workers  in  the  latter  two  genera  to  follow  artificial 
trails  prepared  from  Pogonomyrmex  poison  gland  extracts,  and  vice  versa,  may 
simply  indicate  that  these  three  genera  share  common  natural  products  in  their 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


145 


venoms.  Indeed,  other  investigations  demonstrate  that  phylgoenetic  relation- 
ships are  of  little  value  in  predicting  the  trail  specificity  of  myrmicine  poison 
gland  secretions. 

The  poison  gland  secretion  of  the  primitive  ant  Daceton  armigerum  (Latreille), 
a non-trail-laying  myrmicine,  releases  strong  trail  following  in  attine  species 
in  three  genera  (Blum  and  Portocarrero,  1966).  Similarly,  the  poison  gland 
secretion  of  Tetramorium  guineense  (F.)  is  active  as  a trail  pheromone  for 
workers  in  two  attine  genera  and  vice  versa.  However,  it  is  impossible  to 
generalize  about  the  specificity  of  the  poison  gland  secretions  of  Tetramorium 
and  the  attines,  since  that  of  T.  caespitum  (L.)  is  not  followed  by  workers  of 
T.  guineense  or  attine  workers  (Blum  and  Ross,  1965).  Significantly,  in  trans- 
position studies  with  poison  gland  secretions  of  Monomorium  species,  it  has 
been  established  that  the  venom  of  one  species  releases  strong  trail  following 
in  another  species  but  not  vice  versa  (Blum,  1966).  Thus,  M.  minimum  workers 
will  follow  artificial  trails  prepared  with  M.  pharaonis  venom  extracts  as  well 
as  their  own,  but  workers  of  M.  pharaonis  will  not  follow  artificial  M.  minimum 
trails.  Presumably,  the  venom  of  M.  pharaonis  contains  the  trail  pheromone  of 
M.  minimum , but  the  latter  species  does  not  produce  the  trail  pheromone  of 
M.  pharaonis  in  its  poison  gland  secretion. 

The  trail  pheromones  derived  from  myrmicine  venoms  are  certainly  trace 
constituents  which  are  not  identified  with  the  proteinaceous  compounds  which 
appear  to  dominate  most  of  these  secretions.  The  venoms  of  the  Manica, 
Myrmica,  and  Pogonomyrmex  species  examined  in  this  investigation  are  rich 
in  proteins  which  are  obviously  not  soluble  in  the  solvent  utilized  to  prepare 
active  trail  extracts.  Tumlinson  et  al.  (1971)  have  identified  the  major  trail 
pheromone  in  the  poison  gland  secretion  of  Atta  texana  (Buckley),  methyl  4- 
methylpyrrole-2-carboxylate,  as  a trace  constituent  of  a proteinaceous  venom. 
Each  ant  is  estimated  to  contain  about  0.6  ng  of  this  compound  but  four  addi- 
tional fractions  are  active  in  releasing  trail  following  (Tumlinson  et  al.,  1972). 
Possibly,  these  other  trail  pheromones  may  confer  a degree  of  specificity  which 
is  unattainable  with  a single  compound.  It  has  also  been  suggested  that  the 
products  of  the  Dufour’s  gland  may  be  secreted  in  admixture  with  the  poison 
gland  secretion  in  order  to  obtain  a more  specific  trail  pheromone. 
Holldobler  and  Wilson  (1970)  have  demonstrated  that  Pogonomyrmex  badius 
workers  lay  recruitment  trails  with  the  poison  gland  secretion,  whereas  the 
Dufour’s  gland  products  are  utilized  to  set  orientation  marks.  A combination 
of  these  two  glandular  exudates  may  produce  a trail  of  much  greater  species 
specificity  than  could  be  obtained  with  either  secretion  alone. 

Field  studies  with  M.  brevispinosa  have  demonstrated  that  trails  are  never 
laid  by  a foraging  worker  that  is  capable  of  bringing  a food  find  back  to  the 
nest.  Similarly,  Eidmann  (1927)  noted  that  a worker  of  M.  rubra  did  not  lay 
a trail  unless  it  was  unable  to  transport  the  food  to  the  nest  by  itself.  Sig- 


146 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


nificantly,  Myrmica  trails  appear  to  be  short  lived  both  in  the  laboratory  and 
in  the  field.  In  nature,  the  persistence  of  trails  laid  by  myrmicine  species  varies 
greatly,  which  may  be  correlated  with  the  recruitment  strategies  of  the  species 
as  well  as  the  vapor  pressures  of  the  trail  pheromones.  Thus,  Ayre  (1969)  has 
demonstrated  that  workers  of  M.  americana,  after  establishing  a well-developed 
trail  to  a honey  solution,  quickly  switch  to  topographical  landmarks  as  a means 
of  orienting  between  this  food  source  and  the  nest.  Since  the  trail  is  no  longer 
being  reinforced,  it  rapidly  dissipates.  Therefore,  the  relatively  volatile  trail 
pheromones  which  are  characteristic  of  Myrmica  species  may  be  ideally  suited 
to  the  foraging  strategies  employed  by  species  in  this  genus.  On  the  other 
hand,  it  would  be  selectively  advantageous  for  those  myrmicine  species  that  do 
utilize  the  same  trails  daily  to  secrete  trail  pheromones  which  possess  a rela- 
tively low  vapor  pressure.  Indeed,  artificial  trails  prepared  from  the  poison 
gland  secretion  of  Atta  texana  are  highly  active  one  week  after  their  prepara- 
tion (Blum  et  al.,  1964).  Members  of  this  genus  lay  some  of  the  most  durable 
trails  encountered  in  the  Formicidae. 

Among  the  species  of  Myrmica,  M.  monticola  appears  to  be  especially 
aberrant  since  it  does  not  readily  follow  trails  prepared  from  its  own  poison 
gland  secretion  or  those  of  other  Myrmica  species.  This  species  is  also  unusual 
because  its  mandibular  gland  chemistry  is  radically  different  from  that  of  other 
Myrmica  species  which  have  been  examined  (Crewe  and  Blum,  1970).  How- 
ever, the  singularity  of  M.  monticola  should  serve  to  emphasize  the  variability 
in  either  behavior  or  natural  product  chemistry  that  may  be  encountered  within 
the  species  in  a genus.  Ultimately,  M.  monticola  may  be  demonstrated  to  be 
typical  of  many  species  which,  because  they  lack  some  significant  generic 
characters,  are  especially  important  as  key  indicators  in  the  evolution  of  the 
genus. 

Literature  Cited 

Ayre,  G.  L.  1969.  Comparative  studies  on  the  behavior  of  three  species  of  ants  (Hy- 
menoptera:  Formicidae).  II.  Trail  formation  and  group  foraging.  Can.  Ent.,  101: 
118-128. 

Blum,  M.  S.  1966.  The  source  and  specificity  of  trail  pheromones  in  Termitopone, 
Monomorium  and  Huberia  and  their  relation  to  those  of  some  other  ants.  Proc.  Roy. 
Ent.  Soc.  Lond.  (A),  41:  155-60. 

Blum,  M.  S.,  Moser,  J.  C.,  and  Cordero,  A.  D.  1964.  Chemical  releasers  of  social  be- 
havior. II.  Source  and  specificity  of  the  odor  trail  substances  in  four  attine  genera 
(Hymenoptera:  Formicidae).  Psyche,  71:  1-7. 

Blum,  M.  S.  and  Portocarrero,  C.  A.  1966.  Chemical  releasers  of  social  behavior.  X.  An 
attine  trail  substance  in  the  venom  of  a non-trail  laying  myrmicine,  Daceton  armigerum 
(Latreille).  Psyche,  73:  150-155. 

Blum,  M.  S.  and  Ross,  G.  N.  1965.  Chemical  releasers  of  social  behaviour.  V.  Source, 
specificity,  and  properties  of  the  odour  trail  pheromone  of  Tetramorium  guineense 
(F.).  J.  Insect  Physiol.,  11:  857-868. 

Creighton,  W.  S.  1950.  The  ants  of  North  America.  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.  Harvard, 
104:  1-585. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  June,  1974 


147 


Crewe,  R.  M.  and  Blum,  M.  S.  1970.  Alarm  pheromones  in  the  genus  Myrmica  (Hy- 
menoptera:  Formicidae).  Z.  Vergl.  Physiol.,  70:  363-373. 

Eidmann,  H.  1927.  Die  Sprache  der  Ameisen.  Rev.  Zool.  Russe,  7:  39-47. 

Fletcher,  D.  J.  C.  1971.  The  glandular  source  and  social  functions  of  trail  pheromones  in 
two  species  of  ants  (Leptogenys) . J.  Ent.  (A),  46:  27-37. 

Fletcher,  D.  J.  C.  and  Brand,  J.  M.  1968.  Source  of  the  trail  pheromone  and  method 
of  trail  laying  in  the  ant  Crematogaster  peringueyi.  J.  Insect  Physiol.,  14:  783-788. 

Holldobler,  B.  and  Wilson,  E.  O.  1970.  Recruitment  trails  in  the  harvester  ant 
Pogonomyrmex  badius.  Psyche,  77 : 385-399. 

Leuthold,  R.  H.  1968.  A tibial  gland  scent-trail  and  trail-laying  behavior  in  the  ant 
Crematogaster  ashmeadi  Mayr.  Psyche,  75:  233-248. 

Moser,  J.  C.  and  Blum,  M.  S.  1963.  Trail  marking  substance  of  the  Texas  leaf-cutting 
ant:  source  and  potency.  Science,  140:  1228. 

Tumlinson,  J.  H.,  Moser,  J.  C.,  Silverstein,  R.  M.,  Brownlee,  R.  G.,  and  Ruth,  J.  M. 
1972.  A volatile  trail  pheromone  of  the  leaf-cutting  ant  Atta  texana.  J.  Insect 
Physiol.,  18:  809-814. 

Tumlinson,  J.  H.,  Silverstein,  R.  M.,  Moser,  J.  C.,  Brownlee,  R.  G.,  and  Ruth,  J.  M. 
1971.  Identification  of  the  trail  pheromone  of  a leaf-cutting  ant,  Atta  texana.  Nature, 
234:  348-349. 

Wilson,  E.  O.  1959.  Source  and  possible  nature  of  the  odor  trail  of  fire  ants.  Science, 
129:  643-644. 

Wilson,  E.  O.  1963.  The  soil  biology  of  ants.  Ann.  Rev.  Ent.,  8:  345-368. 


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Officers  for  the  Year  1974 


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President,  Dr.  Daniel  J.  Sullivan,  S.J. 


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Vice-President,  Dr.  Peter  Moller 


Fordham’ University,  New  York  10458 


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Secretary,  Dr.  Chables  C.  Porter 


American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 


Fordham  University,  New  York  10458 


Assistant  Secretary i Dr.  Louis  Trombetta 


Pelham  Manor,  New  York  10803 

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Treasurer, Dr.  Winifred  B.  Trakimas 

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State  University  of  New  York,  Farmingdale,  New  York  11735 

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Assistant  Treasurer,  Ms.  Joan  DeWind 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 


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Trustees 


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Class  of  1974 

Dr.  Lee  Herman 
Class  of  1975 

Dr.  Howard  Topoff 


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Mf.  Edwin  Way  Teale 


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Dr.  Pedro  Wygodzinsky 


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Mailed  November  29,  1974 


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The  Journal  of  the  New  York  Entomological  Society  is  published  quarterly  for  the  Society  by  Allen  Press 
Inc.,  1041  New  Hampshire,  Lawrence,  Kansas  66044.  Second  class  postage  paid  at  New  Brunswick,  New 
Jersey  and  at  additional  mailing  office. 

Known  office  of  publication:  Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology,  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903. 

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Journal  of  the 

New  York  Entomological  Society 


Volume  LXXXII  September  1974 


No.  3 


EDITORIAL  BOARD 

Editor  Dr.  Karl  Maramorosch 
Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology 
Rutgers  University 
New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903 

Associate  Editors  Dr.  Lawrence  E.  Limpel 
Helen  McCarthy 

Publication  Committee 

Dr.  Kumar  Krishna  Dr.  Ayodha  P.  Gupta 

Dr.  James  Forbes,  Chairman 


CONTENTS 

The  Anthomyiidae  and  Muscidae  of  the  Great  Smoky  Mountains  and  Mt. 
Mitchell,  North  Carolina  (Diptera)  H.  C.  Huckett  ISO 

Notes  on  the  Life  Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

V.  A.  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae)  

Alberto  Muyshondt  163 

Tenuicoris  myrme forme : A New  Genus  and  Species  of  Myodochini  (Hemip- 

tera:  Lygaeidae)  James  A.  Slater  and  Jane  E.  Harrington  173 

A New  Genus  and  Two  New  Species  of  Achipteriidae  from  New  York  State 

(Acari:  Cryptostigmata:  Oribatei)  F.  Reese  Nevin  177 

Two  New  Tabanidae  from  Southeastern  United  States  (Diptera)  

L.  L.  Pechuman  183 

The  Distribution  of  Brood  Ten  of  the  Periodical  Cicadas  in  New  Jersey  in 

1970  John  B.  Schmitt  189 

Terrestrial  Mites  of  New  York  (Acarina:  Prostigmata),  I — Tarsocheylidae, 

Paratydeidae,  and  Pseudocheylidae  

Mercedes  D.  Delfinado  and  Edward  W.  Baker  202 


Book  Reviews  188,  201,  212,  213 

Announcement  211 

Proceedings  of  the  New  York  Entomological  Society  214 

New  York  Entomological  Society  Guest  Speakers,  1974/1975  219 

XV  International  Congress  of  Entomology  220 


150 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


The  Anthomyiidae  and  Muscidae  of  the  Great  Smoky  Mountains 
and  Mt.  Mitchell,  North  Carolina  (Diptera) 

L 

H.  C.  Huckett 

Long  Island  Vegetable  Research  Farm,  Cornell  University 
Riverhead,  New  York  11901 

Received  for  Publication  September  25,  1973 

Abstract:  A preliminary  listing  is  presented  of  the  anthomyiid  and  muscid  flies  occurring 
in  the  Great  Smoky  Mountains  National  Park  and  in  the  vicinity  of  Mt.  Mitchell.  The 
data  are  based  on  collections  made  in  the  vicinities  of  Clingmans  Dome  and  Mt.  Mitchell  in 
1957  by  members  of  the  Entomology  Research  Institute  at  Ottawa,  by  the  author  when 
visiting  Mt.  Le  Conte  in  1958  and  1959  and  Mt.  Mitchell  in  1960  and  1961  and  also  on  an 
examination  of  additional  material  from  these  regions.  Fifty-seven  species  of  Anthomyiidae 
and  one  hundred  and  five  species  of  Muscidae  were  recognized,  of  which  fourteen  and  twenty- 
eight  respectively  were  regarded  as  occurring  chiefly  within  the  eastern  and  midwestern  areas 
of  the  United  States  and  transition  zones  of  the  Canadian  provinces;  five  anthomyiid  and 
eight  muscid  species  as  boreal  in  habitat;  two  species  of  Anthomyiidae,  namely,  Chirosia 
delicata  (Huckett),  Pegomya  atlanis  Huckett,  and  one  species  of  Muscidae,  Phaonia  aberrans 
Malloch,  as  restricted  in  their  occurrence  to  the  middle  Atlantic  states. 

INTRODUCTION 

The  following  work  was  undertaken  as  a means  of  bringing  together  the  little 
known  records  of  anthomyiid  and  muscid  flies  captured  within  the  boundaries 
of  the  Great  Smoky  Mountains  National  Park  and  in  the  region  of  Mt. 
Mitchell,  and  as  a contribution  in  a series  of  studies  toward  a wider  knowledge 
of  their  presence  and  distribution  on  the  higher  slopes  of  the  Appalachian 
Range.1 

The  Great  Smoky  Mountains  National  Park  lies  within  the  southern  limits 
of  the  Appalachian  Range,  extending  from  slightly  west  of  longitude  83  °W 
to  longitude  84°W,  and  varying  irregularly  in  width  between  the  lower  parallels 
of  latitude  35°N.  It  is  approximately  54  miles  long,  and  at  its  widest  point, 
19  miles.  The  park  extends  over  nearly  500,000  acres,  or  about  780  square 
miles,  and  contains  16  forested  peaks  over  6,000  feet  in  altitude.  To  the 
east,  about  45  miles,  lies  Mt.  Mitchell  in  the  Black  Mountains,  where  the 
terrain  was  sadly  denuded  of  timber  during  the  earlier  decades  of  the  century. 

PREVIOUS  RECORDS 

The  present  literature  records  of  anthomyiid  and  muscid  flies  are  few, 
scattered,  and  sometimes  of  an  ambiguous  nature.  Brimley  (1938)  in  his  list 
of  the  insects  of  North  Carolina  refers  to  four  species  of  Anthomyiidae  from 

huckett,  H.  C.  1972.  The  Anthomyiidae  and  Muscidae  of  Mt.  Katahdin,  Maine 
(Diptera).  Journal  New  York  Entomological  Society,  80  (4):  216-233,  1 map. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  150-162.  September,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


151 


the  “mountain  region/’  and  four  species  of  Muscidae  as  “Statewide.”  Later, 
under  North  Carolina,  Wray  (1967)  in  the  third  supplement  to  the  above 
work,  added  19  nominal  species  to  the  list  of  Anthomyiidae  and  22  to  the 
Muscidae,  adopting  the  citations  given  for  “N.  C.”  by  Stone  et  al.  (1965) 
in  “A  Catalog  of  the  Diptera  of  America  North  of  Mexico.” 

Whittaker  (1952),  in  a study  of  the  summer  foliage  insect  communities 
in  the  park,  recorded  the  presence  of  27  nominal  species  of  Muscidae  sens.  lat. 
The  labels  on  these  specimens  bear  the  name  Gatlinburg,  a town  outside  the 
boundaries  of  the  park  and  contain  much  detailed  information  without  men- 
tioning the  locality  as  given  on  maps  of  the  park.  Without  actual  reference 
to  his  paper  it  would  be  difficult  to  determine  where  specimens  were  collected. 
I have,  therefore,  with  the  cooperation  of  Dr.  Whittaker,  attempted  to  convert 
the  topographical  data  on  these  labels  to  names  of  localities  and  trails  indicated 
on  official  maps  of  the  park. 

Chillcott  (1961)  recorded  10  species  of  Fanniinae  from  locations  in  the 
park,  although  unwittingly  the  name  Gatlinburg  is  cited  in  several  instances. 
Three  species  are  recorded  from  Mt.  Mitchell. 

MATERIALS 

The  survey  is  based  on  the  following  material  that  I have  had  the  privilege 
of  examining:  the  collections  of  Iowa  State  University,  containing  specimens 
taken  by  Dr.  R.  H.  Whittaker  in  June  and  July  1947,  and  by  the  late  Pro- 
fessor J.  L.  Laffoon  in  the  same  months  of  1958,  to  whom  I am  greatly 
indebted  for  the  extended  loan  of  this  and  additional  pertinent  contributions 
from  neighboring  counties  in  the  Piedmont  region;  specimens  from  the  col- 
lections of  the  late  Dr.  R.  R.  Dreisbach,  taken  on  a visit  to  the  park  in  June 
1946,  and  in  August  1947,  in  company  with  Mr.  D.  S.  Bullock;  the  small 
collection  of  anthomyiid  and  muscid  flies  preserved  in  the  museum  at  park  head- 
quarters, containing  the  only  records  on  hand  of  specimens  from  Mt.  Buckley, 
taken  by  Dr.  K.  D.  Snyder  on  July  21  and  August  2,  1957,  a loan  made 
available  through  the  courtesy  of  Mr.  Arthur  Stupka,  Park  Naturalist.  Also 
there  are  my  own  collections  during  a brief  visit  to  the  park  in  May  1957 
and  to  Mt.  Le  Conte  during  the  latter  half  of  May  1958  and  1959.  I stayed 
at  the  lodge,  situated  at  an  altitude  of  6,200  feet,  and  thus  was  able  to  work 
conveniently  on  the  various  trails  traversing  the  extensive  slopes  of  the 
mountain  mass  (see  Map  1).  From  mid  May  to  early  June  1960  and  1961, 
I visited  Mt.  Mitchell,  basing  my  operations  from  the  inn  at  Stepps  Gap, 
at  an  altitude  of  about  6,000  feet  (see  Map  2) . 

I have  recently  received  a large  assemblage  of  specimens  from  the  Canada 
National  Collection  collected  in  the  park  during  the  summer  of  1957  by  various 
members  of  the  Entomology  Research  Institute  at  Ottawa.  The  collections  were 
made  on  numerous  occasions  from  May  to  August,  the  bulk  of  the  specimens 


152 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


being  taken  by  Dr.  J.  R.  Vockeroth  and  the  late  Dr.  J.  G.  Chillcott.  The  latter 
extended  his  visit  to  include  a brief  trip  in  mid  August  to  Mt.  Mitchell  and 
Roan  Mountain,  6,200  ft.,  in  North  Carolina,  and  to  a return  to  Clingmans 
Dome  on  June  3,  1962,  and  May  22,  1965. 

The  collections  in  the  park  were  chiefly  made  at  the  higher  altitudes,  between 
Indian  Gap  at  5,100  feet  to  the  summit  of  Clingmans  Dome  at  6,642  feet. 
A few  captures  were  made  at  lower  levels  from  2,000  to  2,100  feet  at  Greenbrier 
Cove,  Mingus  Creek  and  Cherokee.  To  all  these  collectors  I am  deeply  indebted, 
and  in  particular  to  Dr.  J.  R.  Vockeroth  for  his  cooperation  in  having  the  speci- 
mens assembled  and  thus  made  available  for  study.  Their  names  may  be 
found  among  the  list  of  collectors  at  the  end  of  this  article. 

ABBREVIATIONS 

In  order  to  save  space,  the  various  locations  in  the  Great  Smoky  Mountains 
National  Park  from  which  specimens  were  obtained  have  been  assigned  a letter, 
such  as  A,  B,  or  C,  and  also  for  each  species  the  numbers  of  specimens  from 
all  localities  have  been  combined.  Similarly,  for  each  species  the  numbers  of 
specimens  captured  on  the  various  trails  and  logging  roads  in  the  Mt.  Mitchell 
region  have  been  combined  and  the  number  of  locations  reduced  to  the  naming 
of  three  main  collecting  areas,  as  Mt.  Mitchell,  Clingman’s  Peak,  Mitchell 
Falls,  Roan  Mountain  in  Mitchell  County. 

A.  Park  Headquarters,  1,500  ft. 

B.  Mt.  Le  Conte,  upper  trails,  see  map 

C.  Mt.  Le  Conte,  lower  trails2 

D.  Greenbrier  Cove  and  Porters  Creek,  2,000-3,000  ft. 

E.  Ramsey  Cascade  trail 

F.  Brushy  Mountain,  4,911  ft.  and  Mountain  trail 

G.  The  Chimneys  and  camp 

H.  Newfound  Gap,  5,048  ft. 

I.  Indian  Gap  to  Clingmans  Dome,  5,200  to  6,600  ft. 

J.  Indian  Gap,  5,200  ft. 

K.  Mt.  Collins,  5,900  ft.  and  Collins  Gap,  5,700  ft. 

L.  Clingmans  Dome,  upper  trail,  6,300  to  6,642  ft. 

M.  Forney  Ridge  trail  to  Andrews  Bald 

N.  Mt.  Buckley,  summit,  6,100  ft. 

O.  Sailers  Bald,  summit,  5,620  ft. 

P.  Narrows,  nr.  Sailers  Bald,  5,400  ft. 

Q.  Elkmont 

R.  Fighting  Creek 

S.  Cades  Cove 

T.  Spence  Field  trail  camp,  nr.  Thunderhead  Mtn. 

U.  Mingus  Creek  and  Cherokee,  2,000  to  2,100  ft. 

V.  Smokemont 

W.  Mt.  Sterling,  summit,  5,842  ft. 


Bullhead,  Rainbow  Falls,  Cherokee  Orchard,  Trilium  Gap,  Alum  Cave. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


153 


Sketch  Map  1.  The  upper  trails  of  Mt.  Le  Conte  from  the  Lodge:  a.  Main  Top,  b.  Cliff 
Top,  c.  Myrtle  Point,  d.  Boulevard,  e.  Alum  Cave,  f.  Trilium  Gap,  g.  Bullhead,  h.  Cherokee 
Orchard,  i.  Lodge,  stables,  and  campground.  Distances  from  lodge  to  Cliff  Top  are  one-third 
mile;  to  Main  Top,  one-quarter  mile;  to  Myrtle  Point,  two-thirds  mile  (by  letter,  Arthur 
Stupka,  Park  Naturalist) . 


Sketch  Map  2.  Trails  and  logging  roads  at  Mt.  Mitchell  and  Clingman’s  Peak.  Distances 
by  trail  from  summit  of  Mt.  Mitchell  to  Stepps  Gap  are  2%  miles;  to  Mt.  Craig,  1%  miles;  to 
Mitchell  Falls,  2 miles;  to  Camp  Alice,  2 miles  (North  Carolina  Department  of  Natural  and 
Economic  Resources)  ; to  Clingman’s  Peak,  3%  miles. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


LIST  OF  SPECIES  AND  LOCALITY  RECORDS 
Family  Anthomyiidae  sens.  str. 

Chirosia  delicata  (Huckett) 

94  $,  309  2.  B,  K,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  73  $,31  2 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  61  $,  8 2. 

Chirosia  hystrix  (Brischke) 

2  2.  L,  P. 

Chirosia  pusillans  (Huckett)  N.  COMB. 

2 $,  8 2.  P. 

Chirosia  stratifrons  (Huckett) 

21  $,  13  2.  Ba,  d,  g,  I,  J,  K,  L,  M.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 $. 

Hylemya  alcathoe  (Walker) 

38  $,28  2.  A,  Bb,  d,  g,  C,  D,  F,  G,  I-L,  T.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 $ , 15  2 ; Roan  Mtn.  1 2. 
Hylemya  latifrons  (Schnabl) 

1 $ , 12.  Bg,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 2 . 

Hylemyza  partita  (Meigen) 

1 $ . Clingman’s  Peak. 

Delia  antiqua  (Meigen) 

1 2 . Mt.  Mitchell. 

Delia  arnolitra  (Huckett) 

5 $,26  2.  Ba-i.  I,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  20  $ , 34  2 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  12  $ , 14  2 . 

Delia  echinata  (Seguy) 

1 $ , 2 2 . Ba,  e,  g.  Mt.  Mitchell,  10  $ , 3 2 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  3 $ , 1 2 . 

Delia  inconspicua  (Huckett) 

2 $ . Mitchell  Falls. 

Delia  laevis  (Stein) 

1 $.A. 

Delia  platura  (Meigen) 

532  $,  365  2.  A,  Ba-i,  C,  F,  G,  I-P,  T.  Mt.  Mitchell,  116  $,  108  2 ; Clingman’s  Peak, 
44  $,  26  2 ; Mitchell  Falls,  1 $ ; Roan  Mtn.  2 2. 

Delia  winnemana  (Malloch) 

3 $ . Bg. 

Botanophila  inornata  (Stein) 

8 $ , 2 2 . A,  Bd,  g,  J,  O,  P.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 $ . 

Paregle  cinerella  (Fallen) 

1 $,  15  2.  F,  J,  N,  O.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 2 ; Roan  Mtn.  1 2. 

Paregle  radicum  (Linnaeus) 

2 2 . L.  Roan  Mtn.  1 $ . 

Lasiomma  abietis  (Huckett) 

1 $.  Mitchell  Falls. 

Lasiomma  anthracinum  (Czerny) 

8 $ , 1 2 . Be,  g.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 $ . 

Lasiomma  octoguttatum  (Zetterstedt) 

12  $,  29  2.  Bb,  c,  f,  g,  h,  I,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  3 $ ; Roan  Mtn.  1 $. 

Pegohylemyia  fugax  (Meigen) 

4 $ , 6 2 . Bb,  d,  f,  g,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 $ , 1 2 . 

Pegohylemyia  trivittata  (Stein) 

1 $,  1 2.  C,  J. 

Acrostilpna  atricauda  (Zetterstedt) 

5 $,  2 2.  F,  J,  K. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


155 


Acrostilpna  latipennis  (Zetterstedt) 

1  5-  J. 

Alliopsis  species 
3 2 . Mt.  Mitchell. 

Eremomyia  pilimana  (Ringdahl) 

16  3,  11  2.  A,  B,  C.  Mt.  Mitchell,  3 5 , 16  $ ; Clingman’s  Peak,  15,5  $ ; Mitchell 
Falls,  9 $ . 

Nupedia  infir ma  (Meigen) 

1 5 . J.  Roan  Mtn.  15,12. 

Nupedia  nigroscutellata  (Stein) 

1 $ . A.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 5 , 3 2 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  2 2 . 

Pseudonupedia  intersecta  (Meigen) 

1 5 , 3 2 . Mt.  Mitchell. 

Pegomya  atlanis  Huckett 

1 $ . Clingman’s  Peak. 

Pegomya  bicolor  (Wiedemann) 

2 $ . Bg,  L. 

Pegomya  carduorum  Huckett 

1 2.  Bb. 

Pegomya  connexa  Stein 

3 5 , 4 $ . A,  Bg,  D,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  7 5,  12. 

Pegomya  finitima  Stein 

3 9.  F. 

Pegomya  flavifrons  (Walker) 

1 $ . J.  Roan  Mtn.  1 5 . 

Pegomya  frigida  (Zetterstedt) 

1 $.  P. 

Pegomya  geniculata  (Bouche) 

3^,5  2.  A,  C,  D,  J,  L,  U. 

Pegomya  hyoscyami  (Panzer)  var. 

1 2.  Bd. 

Pegomya  incisiva  Stein 
15,12.  J,  U. 

Pegomya  juvenilis  (Stein) 

2 5,3  2.  A,  Bg,  D,  K. 

Pegomya  lipsia  (Walker) 

6 5,6  2.  A,  C,  D,  G,  Q.  Mt.  Mitchell,  3 2 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  1 5 • 

Pegomya  mallochi  Huckett 
2 2.  J. 

Pegomya  palposa  (Stein) 

2 5,4  2 . Mt.  Mitchell. 

Pegomya  rubivora  (Coquillett) 

1 5 . Mt.  Mitchell. 

Pegomya  tabida  (Meigen)  = Anthomyza  gilva  Zetterstedt  (Hennig,  1973:  643) 

15,12.  C,  P. 

Pegomya  univittata  (von  Roser) 

4 5.  F,  P,  R. 

Pegomya  winthemi  (Meigen) 

1 5,2  2.  D,  F. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Emmesomyia  apicalis  Malloch3 

1 $ , 6 $ . A,  Bb,  d,  g,  i.  Mt.  Mitchell,  3 $ ; Clingman’s  Peak,  1 $ . 

Emmesomyia  socialis  (Stein) 

2 9.  A,  K. 

Hydrophoria  divisa  (Meigen) 

1 $ . Clingman’s  Peak. 

Hydrophoria  subpellucida  Malloch 
1 $.  D. 

Hydrophoria  uniformis  Malloch 

27  S ■ A,  Ba-c,  g,  i,  J.  Mt.  Mitchell,  154  $ ; Clingman’s  Peak,  109  $ ; Mitchell  Falls, 
13  $. 

Anthomyia  pluvialis  (Linnaeus) 

1 $.  D. 

Leucophora  johnsoni  (Stein) 

13,2  9.  Bf,  F,  J. 

Leucophora  marylandica  (Malloch) 

1 $ . Clingman’s  Peak. 

Paraprosalpia  silvestris  (Fallen) 

4 $.  J.  Mt.  Mitchell,  6 S,  2 $ ; Clingman’s  Peak,  1 $. 

Eustalomyia  vittipes  (Zetterstedt) 

13,1$.  C,  F. 


Family  Muscidae 

Schoenomyza  chrysostoma  Loew 
13,1$.  L. 

Schoenomyza  dorsalis  Loew 

36^,47$.  B,  F,  I,  J,  L,  N,  O,  P.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 $. 

Coenosia  tigrina  (Fabricius) 

1 $ . Mt.  Mitchell. 

Limosia  atrata  (Walker) 

217  3,  379  $.  A-D,  F,  I,  J-P,  T,  U.  Mt.  Mitchell,  40  $ , 46  $ ; Clingman’s  Peak, 

2 $ , 7 $ . 

Limosia  conforma  Huckett 
13,29.  C,  K. 

Limosia  errans  (Malloch) 

5 $ , 7 $ . I,  J,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 $ . 

Limosia  frisoni  (Malloch) 

4 $.  J,  L. 

Limosia  lata  (Walker) 

4 $ , 8 9.  Ba-d,  g,  F,  O,  P.  Mt.  Mitchell,  4^,2$;  Clingman’s  Peak,  1 $. 

Limosia  nivea  (Loew) 

10  $,  24  $.  A,  Bb-g,  C,  I,  J,  K,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 $,  11  9. 

Hoplogaster  intacta  (Walker) 

13,59.  C,  D,  P. 


3Steyskal  (1973)  has  indicated  that  the  two  taxa  Emmesomyia  apicalis  Malloch  and 
E.  socialis  (Stein)  are  but  color  variants  of  the  same  species.  In  apicalis  the  palpi  are 
brown,  and  in  socialis  yellow,  and  in  the  latter  I find  that  the  aristal  hairs  are  slightly 
longer.  Tentatively  I list  the  two  forms  separately. 


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157 


Hoplogaster  nigritarsis  Stein 

25  3,  56  $.  A,  C,  D,  F,  I,  J,  K,  L,  O,  P,  T,  U. 

Neodexiopsis  basalis  (Stein) 

1 <2,  2 9.  Bb,  C,  L. 

Neodexiopsis  calopyga  (Loew) 

6 3,  29  9.  A,  Bb,  d,  g-i,  C,  D,  F,  I,  J,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 <5,  10  9 ; Roan  Mtn.  1 9. 
Neodexiopsis  major  (Malloch) 

13,79.  Bb,  d,  D,  J,  K,  L,  P.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 9 . 

Neodexiopsis  occidentis  (Stein ) = Coenosia  rujitibia  Stein  (Huckett,  1972:  170) 

2 3,  14  9.  Bb,  d,  g,  D,  H,  J,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  13,  4 9. 

Neodexiopsis  ovata  (Stein) 

5 3,  16  9.  A,  Be,  g,  C,  F,  H,  I,  J,  L,  O.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 3,12. 

Macrorchis  ausoba  (Walker) 

6 3,7  9 . Mt.  Mitchell,  2 3 ■ Clingman’s  Peak. 

Lispocephala  alma  (Meigen) 

2 3,7  9.  Bf,  g,  T,  J,  K.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 9 ; Roan  Mtn.  1 9. 

Lispocephala  erythrocera  (Robineau-Desvoidy) 

1 3 • Mt.  Mitchell. 

Pentacricia  aldrichii  Stein 

1 3 • Bi.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 $ ; Clingman’s  Peak,  1 9 . 

Lispe  albitarsis  Stein 

7 3,  10  9 . A,  Bb-e,  g,  i,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  11  3,  19  9 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  4 3,  6 9; 
Mitchell  Falls,  13,29. 

Lispe  sociabilis  Loew 

1 9 . Ba.  Mt.  Mitchell,  3 3,2  9 . 

Lispoides  aequifrons  (Stein) 

2 3,1  2 . Mt.  Mitchell. 

Spilogona  caroli  (Malloch) 

13,72.  C,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 3 . 

Spilogona  parvimaculata  (Stein) 

6 3,3  2.  C,  F,  J. 

Spilogona  torreyae  (Johannsen) 

2 2.  A. 

Limnophora  discreta  Stein 

2 2 . Mt.  Mitchell. 

Limnophora  narona  (Walker) 

3 3,2  2 . Bb,  g.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 3,4  2 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  2 3,1  2 . 

Pseudolimnophora  nigripes  (Robineau-Desvoidy) 

1 2.  H. 

Gymnodia  arcuata  (Stein) 

1 3 , 29  2 . Ba,  b,  d,  g,  C,  D,  J,  U.  Clingman’s  Peak,  1 9 ; Mitchell  Falls,  1 $. 

Helina  johnsoni  Malloch 

2 9.  A,  L. 

Helina  obscurinervis  (Stein) 

2 3.  F,  J. 

Helina  rufitibia  (Stein) 

2 3,2  9.  C,  I,  P.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 3,  19. 

Helina  troene  (Walker) 

1 3.  A. 


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Quadrularia  laetifica  (Robineau-Desvoidy) 

22  2.  I,  J,  K,  L,  N.  Mt.  Mitchell,  43,22. 

Hebecnema  affinis  Malloch 
62  3 , 35  $ . Ba,  b,  d,  f,  g.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 $ . 

Hebecnema  umbratica  (Meigen) 

2 $ . C,  J.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 $ . 

Hebecnema  vespertina  (Fallen) 

8 $ . A,  I,  J,  L,  U.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 2 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  13,22. 

Mydaea  brevipilosa  Malloch 

13,19.  Bg,  C. 

Mydaea  discimana  Malloch 
1 2.  L. 

Mydaea  flavicornis  Coquillett 
1 2.  Bd. 

Mydaea  neglecta  Malloch 

15  2.  Bb,  g,  D,  F,  J,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 $. 

Mydaea  neobscura  Snyder 
6 $ . A,  Bg,  D. 

Mydaea  nubila  Stein 

9 3,3  2-  A,  I,  J. 

Mydaea  obscurella  Malloch 

13,  5 $ . Bg,  C,  F,  T.  Clingman’s  Peak,  1 2 . 

Mydaea  occidentalis  Malloch 
1 3.  C. 

Mydaea  palpalis  Stein 
15  3,3  2 . Bb,  d,  f,  g. 

Mydaea  urbana  (Meigen) 

1 2 . Mt.  Mitchell. 

Xenomydaea  otiosa  (Stein) 

1 2 • J.  Roan  Mtn.  1 3 . 

Myospila  meditabunda  (Fabricius) 

46  3,  115  2.  Ba-d,  g,  i,  D,  J,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  25  3 , 25  2;  Clingman’s  Peak,  7 2 ; 
Mitchell  Falls,  2 2 . 

Fannia  americana  Malloch 

3 3,  2 2.  A,  Bg,  D. 

Fannia  bifimbriata  Collin 

1 3,  12  2.  Bb,  d,  f,  i,  C,  P. 

Fannia  brevipalpis  Chillcott 
1 3 • A.  Mitchell  Falls,  3 3 • 

Fannia  brooksi  Chillcott 
8 2.  C,  D,  J. 

Fannia  canicularis  (Linnaeus) 

13,12.  Bb,  D. 

Fannia  ceringogaster  Chillcott 

1 2.  L. 

Fannia  depressa  (Stein) 

2 2.  M,  Q. 

Fannia  fuscula  (Fallen) 

8 3,8  2.  C,  D,  E,  F,  J,  Q. 


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Fannia  immaculata  Malloch 
2 3,  1 9.  I,  J,  L. 

Fannia  manicata  (Meigen) 

1 $ . Clingman’s  Peak. 

Fannia  melanura  Chillcott 

1 2.  J. 

Fannia  metallipennis  (Zetterstedt) 

2 9.  M,  O.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 $ . 

Fannia  pellucida  (Stein) 

1 2 . Mt.  Mitchell. 

Fannia  penepretiosa  Chillcott 
1 2.  C. 

Fannia  postica  (Stein) 

4 2.  D,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 2 . 

Fannia  rondanii  (Strobl) 

2^,82.  C,  I,  K,  L,  P.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 2 ; Roan  Mtn.  1 $. 

Fannia  scalaris  (Fabricius) 

1 2 . Mt.  Mitchell,  1 2 . Clingman’s  Peak. 

Fannia  serena  (Fallen) 

1 3,  5 2.  Bd,  g.  Mt.  Mitchell,  4 3,  3 2. 

Fannia  sociella  (Zetterstedt) 

2 3,  11  2.  Bg,  C,  D,  I,  K,  L,  P.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 3. 

Fannia  spathiophora  Malloch 

7 2.  Bf,  g,  D,  J,  L. 

Fannia  ungulata  Chillcott 

2 2.  A. 

Coelomyia  subpellucens  (Zetterstedt) 

8 3,  2 2.  Ba,  f,  g,  L,  M.  Mt.  Mitchell,  3 3 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  1 3. 

Azelia  cilipes  (Haliday) 

2 3,  11  2.  Bb,  C,  D,  F,  I,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 2. 

Azelia  gibbera  (Meigen) 

1 3.  Q. 

Hydrotaea  houghi  Malloch 

15  2 . A,  Ba,  b,  d,  g,  C.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 2 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  6 2 . 

Hydrotaea  militaris  (Meigen) 

4 2 • Bb,  g.  Mt.  Mitchell,  6 2 ; Mitchell  Falls,  13,29;  Roan  Mtn.  43,  12. 
Hydrotaea  occidta  (Meigen) 

1 2 . Bg. 

Hydrotaea  pilitibia  Stein 

9 2.  A,  F,  J,  K,  L,  T. 

Hydroteae  spinifemorata  Huckett 

2 2.  K,  P. 

Lasiops  innocuus  (Zetterstedt) 

1 3.  L. 

Lasiops  rufisquama  (Schnabl) 

2 3,3  2.  Bg;  K,  L. 

Dialyta  flavitibia  Johannsen 

8 3,7  2.  Ba,  g,  J,  K,  L. 

Dendrophaonia  marguerita  Snyder 
2 9.  N. 


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Dendrophaonia  querceti  (Bouche) 

1 2 . Mt.  Mitchell. 

Dendrophaonia  scabra  (Giglio-Tos) 

u.  c. 

Phaonia  aberrans  Malloch 

169  3 , 12  $ . Ba,  b,  d-g,  i,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  38  3,4  2;  Clingman’s  Peak,  14  3 . 
Phaonia  apicata  Johannsen 

16  3 , 46  2 . A,  Bb-e,  g,  h,  C,  D,  G,  I-L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  7 2 ; Mitchell  Falls,  4 <2 , 5 2 . 
Phaonia  apicata  var.  solitaria  Stein 
4 3 . Mitchell  Falls. 

Phaonia  atlanis  Malloch 

1 2 . A.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 $ , 1 2 . 

Phaonia  bysia  (Walker) 

4 3,  9 2 . A,  Ba,  g,  C,  D,  J,  K,  L,  P,  U.  Mitchell  Falls,  1 2 . 

Phaonia  cauta  Huckett 

12  3 , S3  2 . Bb,  d,  f,  g,  i,  C,  D,  K,  L,  P.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 2 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  1 2 . 
Phaonia  curvipes  (Stein) 

1 3 , 31  2 . Bb,  d,  f,  g. 

Phaonia  deleta  (Stein) 

1 2.  A. 

Phaonia  errans  luteva  (Walker) 

6 2.  I,  J.  Roan  Mtn.  1 2 . 

Phaonia  fuscana  Huckett 

5 2 . C,  E,  I,  K,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 3 . 

Phaonia  laticornis  Malloch 

1 2.  A. 

Phaonia  serva  (Meigen) 

5 3,  16  2.  Bg,  C,  H,  I,  J,  K.  Mt.  Mitchell,  1 2. 

Muscina  assimilis  (Fallen) 

13,62.  Bb,  g,  D,  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 2 . 

Muscina  stabulans  (Fallen) 

1 3,7  2 . Bb,  g,  i. 

Pararicia  pascuorum  (Meigen) 

1 3.  Ba. 

Graphomya  maculata  (Scopoli) 

1 2 . Clingman’s  Peak. 

Mesembrina  latreillii  Robineau-Desvoidy 

1 3,  91  2.  A-D,  H-L,  N,  P,  W.  Mt.  Mitchell,  2 2 ; Clingman’s  Peak,  2 2. 

Morellia  micans  (Macquart) 

1 3,  16  2.  A,  Ba,  d,  g,  K,  S,  T. 

Pyrellia  cyanicolor  Zetterstedt 

4 3,  17  2.  A,  Bf,  g,  D,  I,  L,  N,  U.  Mt.  Mitchell,  13,42;  Roan  Mtn.  2 3,3  2. 
Orthellia  caesarion  (Meigen) 

1 2.  L.  Mt.  Mitchell,  13,22;  Clingman’s  Peak,  23,12. 

Stomoxys  calcitrans  (Linnaeus) 

3 3,9  2.  A,  Bb,  c,  f,  g,  i,  G,  J,  V. 

RESULTS  OF  THE  SURVEY 


A total  of  57  species  of  Anthomyiidae  sens.  str.  and  105  species  of  Muscidae  were  collected. 
Fourteen  anthomyiid  and  28  muscid  species  were  regarded  as  chiefly  restricted  in  their 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


161 


distribution  to  eastern  and  midwestern  areas  of  the  United  States  and  the  transition  zones 
of  the  Canadian  provinces,  namely,  Family  Anthomyiidae:  Chirosia  hystrix  (Brischke),  C. 
pusillans  (Huckett),  C.  stratifrons  (Huckett),  Delia  arnolitra  (Huckett),  D.  laevis  (Stein), 

D.  winnemana  (Malloch),  Eremomyia  pilimana  (Ringdahl),  Pegomya  juvenilis  (Stein), 
P.  lipsia  (Walker),  P.  mallochi  Huckett,  P.  palposa  (Stein),  Emmesomyia  apicalis  Malloch, 

E.  socialis  (Stein),  Leucophora  johnsoni  (Stein).  Family  Muscidae:  Limosia  errans 

Malloch,  L.  nivea  (Loew),  Hoplogaster  intacta  (Walker),  H.  nigritarsis  Stein,  Neodexiopsis 
basalis  (Stein),  N.  calopyga  (Loew),  N.  major  (Malloch),  N.  occidentis  (Stein),  Lispe 
albitarsis  Stein,  L.  sociabilis  Loew,  Spilogona  caroli  (Malloch),  S.  parvimaculata  (Stein), 
S.  torreyae  (Johannsen),  Helina  johnsoni  Malloch,  H.  obscurinervis  (Stein),  Mydaea 
flavicornis  Coquillett,  M.  neglecta  Malloch,  M.  neobscura  Snyder,  Fannia  americana 
Malloch,  F.  brooksi  Chillcott,  F.  ceringogaster  Chillcott,  Dialyta  jlavitibia  Johannsen,  Den- 
drophaonia  marguerita  Snyder,  Phaonia  apicata  Johannsen,  P.  atlanis  Malloch,  P.  cauta 
Huckett,  P.  curvipes  (Stein),  P.  laticornis  Malloch. 

Five  anthomyiid  and  eight  muscid  species  were  regarded  as  boreal  in  habitat  and  as  having 
reached  their  southern  limits  of  distribution,  namely,  Family  Anthomyiidae:  Acrostilpna 

atricauda  (Zetterstedt) , A.  latipennis  (Zetterstedt) , Alliopsis  species,  Pegomya  jrigida 
(Zetterstedt) , P.  incisiva  Stein.  Family  Muscidae:  Mydaea  obscurella  Malloch,  M.  palpalis 
Stein,  Fannia  melanura  Chillcott,  Hydrotaea  pilitibia  Stein,  H.  spinifemorata  Huckett,  Lasiops 
rufisquama  (Schnabl),  L.  innocuus  (Zetterstedt),  Mesembrina  latreillii  Robineau-Desvoidy. 

Two  species  of  Anthomyiidae,  namely,  Chirosia  delicata  (Huckett),  Pegomya  atlanis 
Huckett,  and  one  species  of  Muscidae,  Phaonia  aberrans  Malloch,  are  known  to  be  re- 
stricted in  their  occurrence  to  the  middle  Atlantic  states,  from  Long  Island  to  north 
Georgia. 


NAMES  OF  COLLECTORS 


Bullock,  D.  S. 
Chillcott,  J.  G. 
Dietrich,  H. 
Dreisbach,  R.  R. 
Durden,  C.  J. 
Hines,  C.  D. 
Huckett,  H.  C. 
Kelton,  L.  A. 
Kukowitch,  R.  F. 


Laffoon,  J.  L. 
Mason,  W.  R.  M. 
Richards,  W.  R. 
Shannon,  R.  C. 
Sharp,  A.  V. 
Snyder,  K.  D. 
Stupka,  A. 
Vockeroth,  J.  R. 
Whittaker,  R.  H. 


Literature  Cited 

Brimley,  C.  S.  1938.  “The  Insects  of  North  Carolina.”  North  Carolina  Dept,  of  Agri- 
culture. 560  pp. 

Chillcott,  J.  G.  1961  A revision  of  the  nearctic  species  of  Fanniinae  (Diptera: 
Muscidae).  Canad.  Ent.,  (1960)  92  (Suppl.  14),  1-295;  289  figs. 

Hennig,  W.  1973.  In  Lindner,  E.,  Die  Fliegen  der  palaearktischen  Region,  Bd.  7 63a. 
Anthomyiidae,  Lief.  29 7,  pp.  593-680,  Taf.  78-85. 

Huckett,  H.  C.  1972.  Francis  Walker’s  little  known  North  American  specimens  of  the 
families  Anthomyiidae  and  Muscidae  (Diptera)  in  the  British  Museum  (Natural 
History).  Ent.  News,  83:  169-172. 

Steyskal,  G.  C.  1973.  The  genus  Emmesomyia  Malloch  in  North  America  (Diptera, 
Anthomyiidae).  U.  S.  Dept.  Agr.  Coop.  Econ.  Ins.  Rpt.,  23(22):  331-332,  2 figs. 


162 


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Stone,  Alan,  C.  W.  Sabrosky,  W.  W.  Wirth,  R.  H.  Foote,  J.  R.  Coulson.  1965.  “A 
Catalog  of  the  Diptera  of  America  North  of  Mexico.”  Handbook  No.  276.  U.  S.  Dept, 
of  Agriculture.  1696  pp. 

Whittaker,  R.  H.  1952.  A study  of  summer  foliage  insect  communities  in  the  Great 
Smoky  Mountains.  Ecological  Monographs,  22:  1-44,  13  figs.,  9 tabs. 

Wray,  D.  L.  1967.  Insects  of  North  Carolina.  Third  Supplement.  North  Carolina  Dept, 
of  Agriculture.  181  pp. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September  1974 


163 


Notes  on  the  Life  Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of 
El  Salvador.  V.A.  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor 
( Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae  ) 

Alberto  Muyshondt 

101  Ave.  Norte  #322,  San  Salvador,  El  Salvador 

Received  for  Publication  December  3,  1973 

Abstract:  For  a period  of  three  years  eggs,  larvae  and  pupae  of  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor 
Godman  & Salvin  have  been  collected,  reared,  observed,  and  photographed  in  El  Salvador. 

In  this  paper  the  results  of  the  observations  are  published  for  the  first  time,  placing  em- 
phasis on  the  morphological  and  behavioral  similarities  existent  with  other  Catonephelinae 
and  at  least  with  some  Callicorinae.  Record  is  made  of  the  larval  food  plants  of  the  species 
in  Central  America.  The  strong  probability  that  the  species  is  protected  against  predators 
is  inferred  from  the  conspicuous  coloration  of  the  larvae  and  adults  and  from  the  known 
poisonous  properties  of  the  food  plants.  Finally  it  is  noted  that  apparently  there  is  a prefer- 
ence for  parasitizing  Diptera  and  Hymenoptera  to  deposit  their  eggs  on  the  larvae  of  species 
protected  against  predators  by  the  unpalatable  and/or  poisonous  substances  sequestered 
from  their  food  plants,  probably  to  ensure  the  safety  of  their  own  eggs  and  larvae. 


INTRODUCTION 

This  is  the  fifth  article  of  a series  revealing  our  observations  on  the  early 
stages,  behavior,  and  food  plants  of  local  butterflies  belonging  to  the  Catoneph- 
elinae, group  of  the  Nymphalidae.  The  series  will  include  at  least  some  of  the 
Callicorinae  to  emphasize  the  close  relation  between  the  two  groups,  as  evi- 
denced by  the  many  morphological  and  behavioral  similarities  existent  in  their 
respective  early  stages.  This  at  the  same  time  will  establish  the  great  differences 
that  exist  with  other  groups  of  the  Nymphalidae,  so  as  to  make  one  wonder 
if  the  common  characteristic  of  the  adults  having  only  two  pairs  of  ambulatory 
legs  is  a criterion  strong  enough  on  which  to  base  a family.  Not  long  ago  Papili- 
onidae  and  Pieridae  were  grouped  together  on  the  basis  of  the  two  groups  hav- 
ing three  pairs  of  ambulatory  legs. 

We  had  observed  and  collected  adults  of  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  Godman  & 
Salvin,  since  1958,  in  ravines  and  creeks  running  through  coffee  plantations 
in  the  neighborhood  of  San  Salvador  (600  to  900  m altitude),  but  owing  to 
our  deficient  knowledge  of  butterfles,  we  had  always  placed  them  among  the 

Acknowledgments:  Once  again  we,  my  sons  and  I,  express  our  obligation  to  Dr.  Alexan- 
der B.  Klots,  of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York,  for  his  generous 
advice  in  our  studies  and  for  reading  and  constructively  criticizing  our  manuscript.  We 
are  thankful  also  to  S.  Stainhauser  for  kindly  determining  the  butterfly  species,  and  Drs. 
C.  W.  Sabrowski,  B.  D.  Burks,  and  J.  L.  Herring,  of  the  United  States  Department  of 
Agriculture,  who  determined  the  parasites  and  predator  mentioned  in  this  article. 

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Figs.  1 to  7.  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  Godman  & Salvin 

1.  Egg  showing  prominent  ribs.  About  1 mm. 

2.  First  instar  larva.  About  2 mm. 

3.  Second  instar  larva.  About  3.8  mm. 

4.  Third  instar  larva.  About  7.5  mm. 

5.  Fourth  instar  larva.  About  1.6  cm. 

6.  Close  up  of  head  of  a fifth  instar  larva. 

7.  Fifth  instar  larva.  About  3 cm. 


local  Adelpha  species,  which  they  somewhat  resemble,  and  with  which  they 
share  the  habitat.  It  was  not  until  late  1970,  when  we  were  searching  a Paul- 
linia  pinnata  L.  vine  for  eggs  and  larvae  of  Morpho  polyphemus  polyphemus 
Doubleday  and  Hewitson,  that  we  found  one  larva,  which  unmistakably  per- 
tained to  a Catonephelinae  and  which  eventually  produced  our  “pseudo-Adel- 
pha,”  that  we  realized  our  error.  The  butterfly  was  identified  by  S.  Steinhauser. 

Once  the  food  plant  was  known,  it  was  a matter  of  only  a few  weeks  to  find 
a female  in  oviposition.  A number  of  eggs  were  collected  and  put  in  clear  plas- 
tic bags.  The  larvae  hatched  from  them  were  fed  until  pupation  on  leaves  of 
the  same  plant.  Photos  were  made  of  the  eggs,  the  different  larval  instars,  and 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


165 


Figs.  8 to  10.  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  Godman  & Salvin 

8.  Pupa  dorsal  view.  About  2 cm.  long. 

9.  Pupa  lateral  view. 

10.  Pupa  ventral  view. 

the  pupae.  Measures  of  the  different  stages  and  the  time  spent  in  each  one  were 
recorded.  The  bags  were  kept  at  all  times  under  ambient  conditions  of  light 
and  temperature.  Specimens  of  the  early  stages  were  preserved  in  alcohol  and 
sent  to  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York,  with  specimens 
of  the  adults. 

This  is  one  of  the  species  reared  the  most,  with  similar  results  every  time. 

LIFE  CYCLE  STAGES 

Egg.  Bright  light  yellow,  truncated-cone-shaped,  with  11  prominent  yellow  ribs  from 
micropylar  zone  to  base.  About  1 mm  long.  Hatches  in  5 days. 

First  instar  larva.  Head  naked,  roundish,  light  brown.  Body  greenish-yellow,  cylindrical, 
naked,  with  light  brown  legs.  About  1.5  mm  when  recently  hatched,  growing  to  2.2  mm 
before  moulting  in  4-5  days. 

Second  instar  larva.  Head  brown  with  short  thick  horns  on  epicrania.  Body  greenish- 
brown,  with  scattered  whitish  tubercules  and  small  forked  spines,  growing  to  3.5  or  4 mm 
in  5 days. 

Third  instar  larva.  Head  cordiform,  light  brown,  with  dark  brown,  long  horns  on  epi- 
crania, bearing  three  rosettes  of  accessory  spines,  and  slender  spines  on  lateral  margins. 
Body  light  brown,  except  for  orange  caudal  segments,  with  whitish  tubercules  and  black 


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Figs.  11  and  12.  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  Godman  & Salvin 

11.  Dorsal  view  of  male  and  female  adults. 

12.  Ventral  view  of  male  and  female  adults. 


spines  arranged  as  follows  when  seen  laterally:  on  first  thoracic  segment  (T-l),  2 sub- 

dorsal simple  spines,  1 subspiracular  simple  spine.  On  T-2,  1 prominent  forked  subdorsal 
spine,  1 supraspiracular  forked  spine,  1 subspiracular  simple  spine.  On  T-3,  1 very  promi- 
nent forked  subdorsal  spine,  1 forked  supraspiracular  spine,  1 subspiracular  simple  spine. 
On  the  first  abdominal  segment  (A-l),  1 subdorsal  simple  spine,  1 supraspiracular  simple 
spine,  and  1 subspiracular  simple  spine.  From  A-2  to  A-6,  1 subdorsal  forked  spine,  1 
supraspiracular  simple  spine,  1 subspiracular  simple  spine,  and  1 supraventral  simple  spine. 
On  A-7  and  A-8,  1 prominent  forked  spine  at  meson  in  addition.  On  A-9,  1 supraspiracular 
forked  spine  only,  directed  posterad.  The  larva  grows  to  .75  cm  in  4-5  days. 

Fourth  instar  larva.  Head  as  in  third  instar  but  reddish  with  black  horns  and  spines. 
Body’s  ground  color  brownish-orange  with  rings  of  yellow  spots  mostly  dorsally,  with  black 


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167 


dorsal  stripes  across  T-3,  A-3,  A-5,  and  A-7.  Subdorsal  spines  on  T-3,  and  median  spines 
on  A-7  and  A-8  very  prominent,  the  latter  orange-colored.  Spines  on  A-9  orange  with 
black  forks.  Growing  to  1.6  cm  in  4-5  days. 

Fifth  instar  larva.  Head  as  in  fourth  instar,  with  longer  horns.  Body  brownish-orange 

ventrally,  mostly  yellow  above,  with  thin  black  rings  across  segments  and  red  wide  bands 
across  T-2  and  T-3  from  base  to  base  of  subdorsal  spines.  Broad  saddle-like  zones  on 
dorsum  of  A-3,  A-5,  and  A-7.  Growing  to  3 cm  in  4-5  days. 

Prepupa.  All  colors  but  black  turn  into  green.  Shortens  and  thickens  considerably.  One 
day. 

Pupa.  All  green  except  for  dark  brown  cremaster  and  last  abdominal  segments.  Body 
thickens  gradually  to  first  abdominal  segments  which  are  the  thickest  part  of  the  body 
dorsoventrally  and  laterally.  A projecting  spur  directed  anterad  on  the  dorsal  part  of  the 

thorax.  Head  slightly  bifid.  Spiracula  very  inconspicuous  brown.  Measures  1.5  to  2 cm 

long,  and  lasts  7 days. 

Adults.  This  species  does  not  show  a marked  sexual  dimorphism.  Wingshape  the  same  in 
both  sexes.  Front  wing  with  costal  margin  slightly  convex  with  rounded  apex,  slightly 
concave  and  sinuose  outer  margin,  rounded  tornus  and  almost  straight  inner  margin.  Hind- 
wing with  convex  costal  margin,  rounded  outer  angle,  sinuose  outer  margin,  with  a more 
pronounced  curve  projecting  on  M3  vein,  forming  almost  a “tail,”  rounded  anal  angle  and 
convex  inner  margin,  with  a slight  fold.  Dominant  dorsal  color  dark  brown,  darker  in 
males.  Forewing  with  two  squarish  white  bands  aligned  from  midcostal  margin  to  mid- 
inner  margin.  Females  with,  in  addition,  a small  round  white  spot  subapically.  Hindwing 
with  an  elongated  white  stripe,  continuing  the  white  bands  of  the  forewing,  starting  from 
midcostal  margin,  ending  in  a point  before  reaching  the  anal  angle.  Both  sexes  with  a small 
red  spot  between  the  point  of  the  white  stripe  and  the  anal  angle. 

Dominant  color  ventrally,  white.  Fore  wing  with  a light  brown  band  covering  the  distal 
portion  of  the  wing  from  % costal  margin  to  % inner  margin,  covering  the  apex,  outer 
margin,  and  tornus.  A thinner  brown  branch  arising  from  the  brown  zone,  about  the  discal 
area,  reaching  the  costal  margin  at  a 60°  angle.  A secondary  brown  branch  originating  from 
the  primary  ending  at  the  base  of  the  wing.  Basal  third  portion  of  the  costal  margin  and  all 
around  the  white  island  formed  by  primary  branch,  thinly  lined  with  red.  Hindwing  mostly 
white  with  a brown  zone  alongside  the  outer  margin,  covering  about  Vs  of  the  wing  surface. 
On  this  brown  area,  alternately  light  and  dark  brown  thin  lines  running  parallel  to  the 
sinuose  outer  margin,  with  a row  of  dark  brown  spots  alongside  the  basal  limit.  A thin 
red  line  running  along  the  costal  margin  of  the  white  area  continuing  along  the  basal  limit 
of  the  brown  zone. 

Average  size  of  adults  about  5 cm  from  tip  to  tip  of  spread  front  wings.  Total  develop- 
mental time  varying  from  34  to  38  days. 

NATURAL  HISTORY 

In  El  Salvador  the  eggs  of  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  are  found  exclusively  on  the 
tender  shoots  of  at  least  two  species  of  Paullinia , either  on  the  new  leaves  or  on 
the  tendrils,  and  even  if  only  one  egg  is  deposited  per  location,  several  eggs 
per  shoot  are  laid  by  a single  female.  As  many  as  15  eggs  have  been  found  on 
a single  tender  stem,  probably  resulting  from  several  females  visiting  the  same 
terminal. 


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The  recently  hatched  larvae  eat  the  upper  surface  of  the  eggshell  and  part 
of  the  adjacent  wall  also.  They  move  afterward  to  the  edge  or  to  the  tip  of  a 
tender  leaf  and  feed  thereon,  using  small  pellets  of  excrement  woven  with  silk 
to  construct  a resting  perch  that  protudes  from  the  leaf.  The  larvae  quit  this 
station  only  to  feed,  which  they  do  early  in  the  morning  or  late  in  the  after- 
noon. While  resting,  the  larvae  usually  have  the  head  pointing  outward,  at 
times  holding  onto  the  perch  with  their  prolegs  and  lifting  the  anterior  part 
of  the  body.  Second  and  at  times  third  instar  larvae  behave  similarly.  From 
the  third  instar  on,  the  larvae  roam  about  the  plant  but  always  on  the  younger 
leaves  on  which  they  feed  exclusively,  even  during  later  instars. 

When  the  larvae  are  ready  to  pupate  they  move  to  older  parts  of  the  plant 
or  even  to  neighboring  shrubs,  choose  a place  of  their  liking,  weave  a silk  pad, 
clean  their  digestive  tract,  and  affix  their  anal  prolegs  to  it.  Very  often  the 
chosen  location  is  the  upper  surface  of  a leaf,  and  the  larvae  do  not  hang  but 
lie  parallel  to  the  surface. 

The  pupae,  usually  found  standing  at  an  angle  on  top  of  a mature  leaf,  react 
when  disturbed  by  wiggling  vigorously  from  side  to  side,  producing  an  audible 
squeaking  sound.  Shortly  before  adult  emergence,  the  pupae  become  dark 
brown. 

The  adults  rapidly  abandon  the  shell  and  hang  from  a suitable  place,  while 
ejecting  a reddish  meconium,  until  the  wings  are  rigid.  The  process  takes  about 
15  minutes. 

Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  adults  do  not  visit  flowers  but  feed  greedily  on  a variety 
of  fallen  and  fermenting  fruits,  on  juices  flowing  from  tree  wounds,  on  excre- 
ments and  mud.  After  their  long  feeding  sessions  the  adults  fly  to  a nearby 
shrub  and  sit  on  top  of  a well-exposed  leaf  where  they  stay  motionless  except 
for  occasional  flappings  of  the  wings,  which  might  be  held  open  most  of  the 
time.  The  adults  of  this  species  imitate  not  only  the  general  color  pattern  of 
local  Adelpha  spp.  but  even  their  peculiar  jerky  and  sliding  flight.  We  have 
observed  females  of  P.  hypsenor  alight  repeatedly  on  leaves  of  a plant  commonly 
used  by  at  least  two  species  of  Adelpha  for  oviposition  and  act  as  if  depositing 
eggs  on  it.  Although  we  have  observed  the  species  for  a number  of  years,  we 
have  never  been  able  to  witness  copulations. 

The  tender  shoots  of  the  food  plants  of  P.  hypsenor  are  currently  invaded  by 
a species  of  aphid,  which  are  tended  by  ants.  The  young  parts  of  the  plants 
are  also  used  as  food  by  several  species  of  Theclinae  (T.  marsyas,  T.  mykon , 
and  others). 

The  larvae  and  pupae  of  P.  hypsenor  quite  often  bring  forth  tachinid  and 
chalcidid  parasites.  The  tachinidae  that  were  sent  to  the  U.S.  Department  of 
Agriculture  were  determined  by  C.  W.  Sabrowski  as  “ genus  spA”  [sic],  the 
chalcidoidea  were  determined  by  B.  D.  Burks  of  the  same  institution  as  Sphilo- 
chalcis  persimilis  Ashmead.  (Both  parasites  occur  also  in  Pseudonica  flavilla 


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canthara  Doubleday.)  We  found,  once  only,  a Pentatomidae  nymph  (deter- 
mined by  J.  L.  Herring,  USDA,  as  “ genus  sp.  ?”)  with  a third  instar  larva  of 
P.  hypsenor  impaled  on  its  beak.  A frequent  cause  of  larval  mortality,  both 
in  our  insectarium  and  in  the  fields,  is  a disease  that  produces  diarrhea,  which 
is  followed  by  softening  of  body  tissues  and  death  by  bursting.  Very  often  we 
find  dead  larvae  in  the  fields  hanging  limp  from  a leaf,  still  holding  on  with 
their  prolegs. 

The  food  plants  on  which  we  have  found  eggs  and  larvae  of  P.  hypsenor  be- 
long to  the  genus  Paullinia  (Sapindaceae) ; P.  pinnata  L.  is  by  far  the  most 
usual,  and  P.  fuscescens  H.B.K.  less  usual.  On  both  plants  only  the  tender 
shoots  are  used  for  ovipositioning  and  feeding  by  this  species. 

Paullinia  pinnata  is  a robust,  semiscandent,  tendril-bearing  plant,  with  al- 
ternate, persistent,  pinnate  leaves  consisting  of  5 to  7 large  (up  to  10  cm  long) 
lanceolate  remotely  dentate,  slightly  coriaceous  leaflets  on  a broadly  winged 
rachis.  The  inflorescence  is  an  axilar  raceme  of  small,  whitish,  4-petaled  flow- 
ers, which  produce  3 -celled,  septicidal,  roughly  pyriform,  thick-walled  capsular 
fruits  about  the  size  of  a coffeebean  that  are  green  when  young,  becoming  red- 
dish-orange when  mature  and  containing  up  to  three  shiny-black  seeds,  covered 
basally  by  a white  arillum.  This  plant  is  widely  used  in  the  Neotropics  for 
stupefying  fish  in  streams  and  lakes,  and,  according  to  several  authors  (H. 
Baillon,  1874;  L.  Beille,  1909;  P.  Standley,  1923),  it  is  reputed  to  be  very 
poisonous  and  to  contain  an  alkaloid,  timboine.  Standley  says:  “Some  of  the 
Indians  are  said  to  have  used  the  juice  to  poison  their  arrows  and  it  is  reported 
that  in  the  Antilles  the  Negroes  have  made  use  of  the  seeds  for  criminal  poison- 
ings.” 

P.  pinnata  and  P.  fuscescens , the  alternate  food  plant,  are  very  widely  dis- 
tributed in  the  country  along  wooded  ravines  and  creeks  from  near  sea  level 
to  about  1500  m altitude. 


DISCUSSION 

Seitz  (1914)  states  that  very  little  is  known  about  the  larvae  of  Pyrrhogyra 
hypsenor  and  although  he  does  not  describe  the  pupa  in  his  work,  he  states 
that  “The  pupa  shows  the  same  peculiar  attachment  as  that  of  Myscelia,  be- 
cause it  is  attached  to  the  upper  surface  of  the  leaf.”  We  are  not  aware  of  any 
other  publication  describing  the  early  stages  of  the  species,  so  it  appears  that 
this  is  the  first  mention  of  them. 

Although  this  species  is  evidently  in  close  relation  to  Myscelia  and  thence 
to  the  rest  of  the  Catonephelinae,  as  grouped  by  Ebert  (1969),  we  feel  that  it 
is  a link  between  that  group  and  the  Callicorinae,  a very  closely  related  group, 
if  we  are  to  judge  by  the  many  similarities  existent  between  the  early  stages 
and  their  behavior;  the  shape  of  the  eggs  of  this  species  is  more  like  the  shape 
of  the  eggs  of  the  latter  group  than  the  shape  of  the  eggs  of  the  Catonephelinae, 


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which  are  crowned  by  a series  of  protuberances  around  the  micropylar  area. 
It  is  also  the  only  case  we  have  found  among  the  Catonephelinae  with  eggs 
colored  other  than  white  (the  eggs  of  the  Callicorinae  are  light  green).  As  for 
the  shape  and  behavior  of  the  larvae  and  pupae,  these  conform  to  the  general 
shape  and  behavior  of  the  Catonephelinae  we  have  studied. 

It  is  true  that  the  morphological  and  behavioral  characteristics  of  the  Calli- 
corinae show  abundant  similarities  to  the  other  group,  but  in  general  the  larvae 
of  the  Callicorinae  are  not  armed  with  the  profusion  of  spines  peculiar  to  the 
Catonephelinae,  so  that  it  is  an  easy  task  to  tell  them  apart  under  a superficial 
examination  from  the  third  stadium  on. 

A factor  which  is  exclusive  to  this  species  and  seems  to  indicate  an  evolution- 
ary trend  that  may  eventually  lead  the  species  to  adopt  a gregarious  behavior 
is  the  discriminatory  use  of  the  young  sprouts  of  the  plant  only  for  egg  laying 
and  larval  feeding.  This  trait  causes  a concentration  of  eggs  and  larvae,  not 
necessarily  originating  from  one  female  only,  but  still  usually  several  from  one 
female,  which  are  forced  to  live  and  grow  within  a limited  space.  As  a result, 
larval  encounters  are  common  events.  These  do  not  result  in  larval  fights  nor 
in  larval  mortality  that  would  be  caused  by  wounds  inflicted  on  each  other  by 
contenders.  This  peaceful  coexistence  is  a total  deviation  from  the  individualis- 
tic behavior  displayed  by  the  rest  of  the  Catonephelinae  we  have  studied,  whose 
larvae  fight  intransigent^  against  other  roaming  larvae  that  accidentally  come 
in  contact  with  them.  The  larvae  of  P.  hypsenor  have  learned  also  to  accept  im- 
passively the  continuous  traffic  of  ants  tending  the  aphids  which  often  dwell 
in  their  domains,  and  the  occasional  disturbances  caused  by  neighboring  larvae 
of  Theclinae  which  share  their  food. 

The  preference  acquired  by  this  species  of  feeding  on  young  leaves  might 
be  an  indication  that  the  young  leaves  of  the  Paullinia  vines  are  chemically 
quite  different  from  the  older  ones,  as  is  the  case  on  Prunus , Kalmia , Laurus , 
Quercus , etc.,  whose  young  foliage  is  much  more  toxic  than  the  older  (Klots, 
personal  communication).  If  this  is  the  case  the  larvae  feeding  on  young  leaves 
of  Paullinia  would  thus  build  up  rapidly  an  effective  predator-deterrent  concen- 
tration of  toxins. 

For  the  rest,  the  behavior  of  the  larvae  of  P.  hypsenor  is  exactly  like  that 
of  the  larvae  of  the  other  Catonephelinae  we  have  observed:  The  eggshell  is 
disposed  of  in  the  same  manner,  the  larvae  build  a similar  resting  perch  with 
frass  pellets,  they  feed  at  about  the  same  times,  and,  in  the  later  instars,  they 
crawl  about  the  upper  surfaces  of  the  leaves.  The  pupae  stand  on  the  leaves 
like  those  of  the  other  species.  So  they  use  the  cryptical  strategy  during  the 
early  larval  stadia,  and  flaunt  their  presence  in  the  late  instars,  even  more 
than  the  others,  on  account  of  their  showier  colors.  This  seems  to  indicate  that 
the  protection  they  might  derive  from  the  noxious  constituents  sequestered  from 
the  food  plants  takes  some  time  to  reach  the  necessary  concentration  to  protect 


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171 


them  effectively  against  predation.  The  adult  behavior  and  coloration  of  P. 
hypsenor  tends  to  support  our  speculation  in  this  respect:  They  are  the  most 
conspicuous  of  all  Catonephelinae. 

In  this  species  we  again  find  that  the  alleged  protection  against  predation 
derived  from  the  poisonous  properties  of  the  food  plant  does  not  protect  the 
larvae  against  parasitism.  In  fact  the  resultant  immunity  may  be  an  advantage 
to  the  parasitic  Diptera  and  Hymenoptera,  whose  larvae  logically  would  benefit 
from  the  repellent  properties  of  the  host.  The  same  phenomenon  has  been 
noticed  in  other  species  of  butterflies  classically  accepted  as  protected  against 
predation  as  a result  of  the  food  plant  having  poisonous  and/or  bitter  com- 
ponents. Among  these  we  count  several  local  Danaidae  ( D . plexippus , D.  eresi- 
mus,  D.  gilippus),  Heliconiidae  (H.  charitonius,  H.  petiveranus,  H.  talchinia, 
Eueides  aliphera,  E.  cleobaea ),  Ithomiidae  ( Dircenna  klugii),  Papilionidae 
(. Battus  polydamas,  Parides  photinus,  P.  areas),  feeding  on  Asclepiadaceae, 
Passifloraceae,  Solanaceae,  and  Aristolochiaceae,  respectively,  plants  known 
or  reputed  to  contain  noxious  substances,  and  other  species  feeding  on  Sapin- 
daceae,  such  as  Morpho  polyphemus  (Young  and  Muyshondt,  1972),  Temenis 
laothoe  liberia  (Muyshondt,  1973a),  Pseudonica  jlavilla  canthara  (Muyshondt, 
1973&);  others  on  Piperaceae  such  as  Anaea  ( Consul ) fabius  (Muyshondt, 
1973c)  and  Anaea  (C.)  electra  (Muyshondt,  in  prep.).  All  of  these  species 
produce,  very  often  during  the  late  larval  instar  or  during  pupation,  quite  a 
variety  of  Tachinidae  or  Hymenoptera  parasites. 

It  is  evident  that  the  characteristic  of  most  of  the  predation-protected  larvae 
of  crawling  about  exposed,  displaying  their  gaudy  colors,  makes  them  an  easy 
target  for  the  parasitizing  female.  That  could  very  well  be  nature’s  way  of 
keeping  in  check  the  population  of  a species  chemically  protected  against  pre- 
dation. Perhaps,  after  more  evidence  is  gathered,  it  could  be  deduced  that  when- 
ever a species  is  found  to  be  very  prone  to  parasitism,  it  is  to  be  suspected  that 
that  species  is  chemically  protected  against  predation  by  food-plant  derivatives. 

Literature  Cited 

Baillon,  H.  1874.  “Histoire  des  plantes.”  Hachette  et  Cie,  Paris. 

Beille,  L.  1909.  “Precis  de  botanique  pharmaceutique.”  A.  Malone,  Paris. 

Ebert,  H.  1969.  On  the  frequency  of  butterflies  in  Eastern  Brazil,  with  a list  of  the 
butterfly  fauna  of  Pocos  de  Caldas,  Minas  Gerais.  Jour.  Lep.  Soc.,  23:  Sup  3. 

Ehrlich,  A.  H.  and  Ehrlich,  P.  R.  1961.  “How  to  Know  the  Butterflies.”  Wm.  C. 

Brown  Co.,  Publishers,  Dubuque,  Iowa. 

Klots,  A.  B.  1960.  “A  Field  Guide  to  the  Butterflies.”  Riverside  Press,  Cambridge,  Mass. 
Muyshondt,  A.  1973a.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El 

Salvador.  III.  A.  Temenis  laothoe  liberia  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae) . Jour. 

New  York  Entomol.  Soc.  In  press. 

. 19736.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

IV.  A.  Pseudonica  jlavilla  canthara.  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae).  Jour.  New 
York  Entomol.  Soc.  In  press. 


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— . 1973c.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

III.  Anaea  ( Consul ) jabius  (Nymphalidae) . Jour.  Lep.  Soc.  In  press. 

Seitz,  A.  1914.  “Macrolepidoptera  of  the  World.”  Vol.  5.  Stuttgart. 

Standley,  P.  C.  1923.  Trees  and  shrubs  of  Mexico.  Contrib.  from  the  U.S.  Nat.  Herb., 
Vol.  23,  Part  3,  701-3. 

Young,  A.  M.,  and  Muyshondt,  A.  1972.  Biology  of  Morpho  Polyphemus  (Lepidoptera- 
Morphidae)  in  El  Salvador.  Jour.  New  York  Entomol.  Soc.,  80,  1:  18-42. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September  1974 


173 


Tenuicoris  myrmeforme:  A New  Genus  and  Species  of  Myodochini 
( Hemiptera : Lygaeidae  ) 1 

James  A.  Slater  and  Jane  E.  Harrington 
Biological  Sciences  Group,  University  of  Connecticut,  Storrs,  Connecticut 

Received  for  Publication  December  13,  1973 

Abstract:  Tenuicoris  myrmeforme  is  described  as  a new  genus  and  new  species  from 

Bolivia,  Peru,  and  Brazil.  Ant-mimetic  characteristics  are  noted.  The  relationships  of  the 
genus  are  stated  to  be  with  such  neotropical  species  as  Heraeus  cincticornis  Stal.  A dorsal 
view  of  the  holotype  is  presented. 


The  tribe  Myodochini  is  one  of  the  largest  taxa  in  the  lygaeid  subfamily 
Rhyparochrominae.  It  is  the  most  diverse  and  dominant  element  in  the  neo- 
tropical rhyparochromine  fauna. 

Several  Western  Hemisphere  myodochines  are  striking  ant-mimics.  As  field 
information  on  lygaeid  behavioral  patterns  increases,  it  is  becoming  evident 
that  many  additional  species  are  also  ant-mimics,  although  the  morphological 
modifications  are  so  limited  that  this  is  not  readily  evident  in  museum  specimens. 

In  the  present  paper  we  describe  a new  ant-mimetic  species  from  South 
America  which  represents  an  undescribed  genus. 

Tenuicoris,  new  genus 

Head  elongate,  acuminate,  swollen  and  formicoid  in  lateral  view;  interocular  area  flattened, 
post-ocular  area  prolonged  and  tapering  markedly  but  gradually  from  eye  to  insertion  of 
head,  lateral  margins  of  juga  forming  a sharp  ridge  extending  posterior  to  and  above 
insertion  of  antennal  segment  1 ; anterior  pronotal  lobe  shining,  strongly  convex,  with  a distinct 
narrow  ring-like  anterior  collar,  lateral  margins  of  anterior  lobe  evenly  rounded,  transverse 
impression  deep  and  distinct,  lateral  margin  of  posterior  lobe  obtusely  rounded,  narrowing 
from  humeri  to  transverse  impression  at  a 45°  angle,  posterior  margin  straight,  anterior  lobe 
(except  collar)  impunctate,  strongly  polished,  posterior  lobe  completely  pruinose  with 
anterior  % thickly  pale  gray  to  silvery  pruinose  and  posterior  % strongly  differentiated  as 
less  densely  pruinose  yellowish ; scutellum  convexly  elevated  across  anterior  % ; hemelytra 
attaining  abdominal  apex,  clavus  coarsely  punctate,  forming  four  or  more  very  irregular 
intermixed  rows  of  punctures,  lateral  corial  margins  strongly  constricted  at  level  of  claval 
commissure ; legs  elongate  and  slender,  fore  femora  only  slightly  incrassate,  bearing  one  large 


Acknowledgments:  We  wish  to  extend  our  appreciation  to  Mr.  Johann  Becker  (Museu 

Nacional  Brazil);  Dr.  R.  C.  Froeschner  (National  Museum  of  Natural  History),  and  Dr. 
Peter  Wygodzinsky  (American  Museum  of  Natural  History)  for  the  loan  of  material;  to 
Drs.  C.  W.  and  L.  B.  O’Brien  (Florida  State  University)  for  the  gift  of  specimens;  to  Mrs. 
Kathleen  Schmidt  (University  of  Connecticut)  for  the  execution  of  the  illustration;  and 
to  Mrs.  Darken  Wilcox  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Slater  (University  of  Connecticut)  for  aid  in  the 
preparation  of  the  manuscript. 

1This  work  was  supported  by  a grant-in-aid  from  the  National  Science  Foundation. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  173-176.  September,  1974. 


174 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


and  several  small  spines  subdistally  below;  1st  metatarsal  segment  extremely  elongate,  three 
times  as  long  as  length  of  segments  2 and  3 combined;  antennae  very  long,  slender,  terete; 
metapleural  evaporative  area  extending  well  beyond  scent  gland  orifice  to  occupy  inner 
% to  % of  metapleuron,  laterally  truncate;  abdominal  spiracles  2,  3,  and  4 located  dorsally; 
scent  gland  scars  present  between  abdominal  tergites  3 to  4,  4 to  S,  and  5 to  6;  inner  latero- 
tergites  absent;  abdomen  moderately  constricted  basally. 

This  ant-mimetic  genus  belongs  to  the  rhyparochromine  tribe  Myodochini.  It  has  all  of 
the  typical  tribal  characters  such  as  abdominal  spiracles  placed  dorsally  on  segments  two, 
three,  and  four,  inner  latero-tergites  absent,  conventional,  generalized  trichobothrial  pattern 
and  laterally  rounded  pronotum. 

Tenuicoris  is  most  closely  related  to  Heraeus  Stal  and  appears  to  be  derived  directly  from 
species  of  the  latter.  Heraeus  at  present  contains  a rather  diverse  assemblage  of  species  held 
together  chiefly  by  the  tendency  of  the  head  behind  the  eyes  to  be  narrowed  to  form  a 
short  “neck.”  Tenuicoris  myrmeforme  is  probably  derived  from  a Heraeus  stock  rather 
similar  to  that  at  present  represented  by  Heraeus  cincticornis  Stal.  Like  Tenuicoris 
myrmeforme,  cincticornis  is  a large,  slender  species  with  very  elongate  legs  and  antennae. 
Its  lateral  jugal  margins  are  noticeably  carinate  and  the  head,  when  viewed  laterally,  is 
rather  myrmecoid  in  appearance.  There  is  a conspicuous  elongate  white  macula  distally  on 
the  corium  and  another  at  the  mesal  apex  of  the  membrane.  The  connexival  area  on  sterna 
4 and  5 is  also  pale.  There  are  other  large  neotropical  species  of  Heraeus  that  also  have 
carinate  lateral  jugal  margins  so  that  T.  myrmeforme  seems  to  represent  a highly  derived 
taxon  that  has  evolved  from  a Heraeus  cincticornis -like  ancestor. 

Tenuicoris  myrmeforme  is  readily  distinguishable  from  any  species  of  Heraeus  by  the 
striking  condition  of  the  pronotum.  The  anterior  lobe  is  smooth  and  polished  while  the 
posterior  lobe  appears  banded  with  its  anterior  third  very  heavily  pruinose  and  its  posterior 
two-thirds  sharply  demarked  as  less  pruinose.  Heraeus  species  generally  have  both  pronotal 
lobes  dull  or  subshining  and  never  present  the  contrasting  highly  polished  anterior  lobe  of 
Tenuicoris.  The  longitudinally  oval  eyes  of  T.  myrmeforme  are  quite  unlike  the  condition 
found  in  Heraeus  species.  The  basally  constricted  abdomen  and  strongly  mesally  depressed 
head  in  the  area  of  the  eyes  and  juga  are  also  distinctive  features,  and  we  have  not  examined 
any  species  of  Heraeus  which  has  such  reduced  armature  of  the  fore  femora  as  is  found  in 
T.  myrmeforme. 

Type  species:  Tenuicoris  myrmeforme,  n.  sp.,  monobasic. 

Tenuicoris  myrmeforme,  n.  sp. 

Please  see  Fig.  1.  Head,  antennal  segment  1 and  scutellum  chestnut  to  tawny;  antennal 
segments  2,  3,  and  4 sordid  buffy  yellow  with  distal  portions  of  2 and  3 red,  proximal  and 
distal  ends  of  segment  4 shaded  with  buffy  brown;  pronotum,  thorax  laterally  and  ventrally, 
femora  and  tibiae  tawny,  lightly  suffused  with  brownish  red,  proximal  % of  femora  pale, 
tarsi  tawny  to  buffy  yellow;  clavus  and  corium  cinnamon,  membrane  becoming  buffy  brown 
and  fuscous  along  apical  margins  of  corium,  central  area  of  clavus  and  on  corium  adjacent  to 
claval  suture  and  over  most  of  membrane;  hemelytra  marked  with  strongly  contrasting 
white  coloration  as  follows:  a narrow  stripe  along  entire  lateral  claval  margin  adjacent 

to  claval  suture  widened  at  distal  end,  a short  narrow  macula  on  corium  adjacent  to  claval 
suture  at  level  of  anterior  % of  claval  commissure,  an  oblique  mesally  tapering  vitta  near 
posterior  end  of  corium  running  antero-mesad  from  lateral  corial  margin  almost  to  middle 


Fig.  1.  Tenuicoris  myrmeforme,  n.  sp.  Dorsal  view,  holotype. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


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H.  Schmidt 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


of  apical  corial  margin,  a broad  white  median  stripe  on  distal  Vs  of  membrane  extending 
anteriorly  almost  to  level  of  apex  of  corium ; abdomen  fuscous,  becoming  tawny  on  sternum 
2,  connexivum  ventrally  with  sordid  white  macula  covering  most  of  segment  5 and  central 
V2  of  segment  6;  head  granulose  and  obscurely  transversely  rugulose,  anterior  pronotal  lobe 
impunctate,  shining,  posterior  lobe  with  distinct  discrete  punctures;  scutellum  shining  with 
a few  large  scattered  punctures  on  elevated  area  and  coarsely  punctate  laterally;  entire  body 
surface  except  membrane  clothed  with  fine  short  ( circa  0.08) 2 decumbent  hairs,  hairs  most 
dense  on  and  lending  a subshining  appearance  to  antennae,  tibiae,  abdomen  and  laterally  in 
transverse  impression  of  pronotum,  anterior  pronotal  lobe  nearly  glabrous;  anterior  pronotal 
collar  pruinose  and  punctate  ventrally. 

Head  slightly  declivent  anteriorly,  eyes  longitudinally  oval,  sessile,  length  head  1.86,  width 

I. 23,  interocular  distance  0.61;  length  anterior  pronotal  lobe  1.14;  length  posterior  lobe  0.61, 
maximum  width  anterior  lobe  1.14;  width  across  humeri  1.54;  length  scutellum  0.99,  width 
0.84;  length  corium  3.31,  distance  apex  corium  to  apex  membrane  1.38;  labium  extending 
beyond  posterior  margin  of  prosternum,  length  labial  segments  I 0.84,  II  1.03,  III  0.76, 
IV  0.38;  bucculae  very  short,  scarcely  reaching  over  proximal  end  of  1st  labial  segment, 
extending  beyond  apex  of  tylus;  length  antennal  segments  I 0.95,  II  1.80,  III  1.48,  IV  1.75; 
total  length  8.24. 

Holotype.  Bolivia:  $ Rurrenabaque  Beni  Oct.  1921  (W.  M.  Mann),  Mulford  Bio.  Expl. 

1921-22.  In  National  Museum  of  Natural  History  No.  71224. 

Paratypes.  Bolivia:  1 $ Reyes-beni  XII-12-1956 — 1 $ Prov.  Sara  (Steinbach).  Peru:  1 $ 
Tingo  Maria  VII-10-1968  night  (C.  E.  & L.  B.  O’Brien).  Brazil:  1 $ Barbacena,  M.  Gerais, 
Feb.  1962  (M.  Alvarenga)  on  Urticaceae — 1 $ Caceres  M.  Gerais,  Dec.  1955  (Alvarenga). 
In  Museu  Nacional  Rio  de  Janeiro,  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  J.  A.  Slater  and 

J.  E.  Harrington  collections. 

The  two  Brazilian  and  the  Peruvian  paratypes  are  darker  than  the  holotype  and  Bolivian 
paratypes.  Their  general  coloration  is  between  dark  chestnut  and  dusky  brown  or  fuscous 
rather  than  the  light  chestnut  to  tawny  of  the  holotype.  The  number  of  small  spines 
present  ventrally  on  the  fore  femora  also  seems  to  be  a variable  condition.  However,  the 
body  form  and  proportions,  distinctive  white  color  pattern  of  the  hemelytra,  and  unique 
pruinose  banding  on  the  posterior  pronotal  lobe  and  all  other  significant  morphological 
features  are  constant. 

The  Villalobos  color  chart  (Palmer,  1962)  has  been  used  as  a standard  in  the  above 
description. 


Literature  Cited 

Palmer,  R.  S.  1962.  “Handbook  of  North  American  Birds.”  Vol.  I,  Loons  through 
Flamingos.  New  Haven  and  London,  Yale  University  Press. 


2 All  measurements  are  in  millimeters. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September  1974 


177 


A New  Genus  and  Two  New  Species  of  Achipteriidae  from  New  York 
State  (Acari:  Cryptostigmata:  Oribatei) 

F.  Reese  Nevin 

Department  of  Biological  Sciences,  State  University  of  New  York, 

College  of  Arts  and  Science,  Plattsburg,  New  York  12901 

Received  for  Publication  March  5,  1974 

Abstract:  Dentachipteria,  a new  genus,  and  two  species  of  oribatid  mites  are  described.  Spe- 
cies are  recognized  by  the  large  downward  pointing  lamellae  the  broad  rostrum,  and  presence 
of  denticles  on  the  distal  margins  of  the  pteromorphs.  In  D.  ringwoodensis  there  are  many 
pteromorphic  denticles,  in  D.  highlandensis  there  is  a single  large  denticle.  In  D.  ring- 
woodensis leg  1 is  held  beneath  the  lamellae,  in  D.  highlandensis  leg  1 is  free. 

INTRODUCTION 

In  the  late  thirties  and  early  forties  a number  of  collections  of  mites  were  made 
and  preliminary  studies  started.  Balsam  mounts,  specimens  preserved  in  a 
killing-fixing  and  preserving  fluid,  and  specimens  preserved  in  beechwood 
creosote  serve  as  the  basis  for  the  following  study. 

Dentachipteria , n.  gen. 

Generic  characteristics.  The  body  is  truncated  anteriorly  giving  a squared  appearance. 
The  prodorsum  is  strongly  bent  ventrally  so  that  the  tips  of  the  lamellae  point  downward. 
The  lamellae  are  broad  and  flat  covering  most  of  the  prodorsum.  The  lamellar  setae 
(le)  are  rough  and  pressed  against  the  lamellae.  The  interlamellar  setae  are  long.  The 
translamella  is  present  or  may  be  incomplete.  The  sensilli  are  rodlike.  The  notogaster 
is  cup-shaped  to  more  elongate,  rounded  posteriorly;  the  pteromorphs  are  bent  strongly 
ventrally  with  the  distal  margin  dentate  and  the  anterior  margin  without  a pronounced 
curve  to  the  lateral  tip.  The  notogaster  bears  10  pairs  of  setae  which  decrease  in  size 
posteriorly.  There  are  one  to  three  pairs  of  sacculi.  The  ventral  setae  are  long  and 
geniculate.  There  are  6 pairs  of  genital  setae,  2 pairs  of  anals,  and  3 pairs  of  adanals. 
The  fissure  iad  is  near  the  anterior  end  of  the  anal  field.  The  tarsi  are  tridactylous.  Tarsus 
II  bears  a large  branched  seta  on  its  ventral  surface.  The  mandibles  are  chelate  and  the 
maxillary  palps  are  five-jointed. 

Dentachipteria  ringwoodensis,  n.  sp. 

Color , Mahogany  red.  Size , Mean  for  19  adult  specimens.  Length:  0.674  mm;  range: 

0.62  mm-0.74  mm.  Width:  0.516  mm;  range:  0.47  mm-0.53  mm  (Figs.  1-4). 

Mean  depth  for  three  specimens  0.42  mm.  The  greatest  width  was  in  the  posterior 
region  of  the  hysterosoma  through  the  anal  plates. 


Acknowledgments:  I wish  to  thank  Dr.  Marie  Hammer  of  Roland,  Fredenborg,  Denmark 
for  the  examination  of  some  of  the  drawings  and  for  her  suggestion  about  generic  status. 
I also  wish  to  thank  Dr.  E.  Piffl  of  the  Zool.  Inst,  of  University  of  Wien,  Vienna,  Austria  for 
his  interpretation  of  the  position  of  Parahypozetes  into  its  correct  family. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  177-182.  September,  1974. 


178  New  York  Entomological  Society 


ringwoodensis,  n.  sp.  Ventral  view.  3.  Dentachipteria  ringwoodensis,  n.  sp.  Lamella 
with  lamellar  and  interlamellar  setae.  4.  Dentachipteria  ringwoodensis,  n.  sp.  Sketch 
of  leg  I held  in  position  by  the  lamella  and  the  rostrum  and  showing  the  rostral  seta. 


Shape.  Oval,  truncated  anteriorly,  the  gnathosoma  sharply  bent  ventrally. 

Prodorsum.  The  broad  lamellae  with  their  broad  thin  cusps  cover  most  of  the  prodorsum. 
Because  of  the  bending  of  the  gnathosoma  the  tips  of  the  lamellae  point  downward  and 
are  not  readily  seen  in  dorsal  view.  Each  lamellar  cusp  bears  a pointed  tip  in  an  anterio- 
lateral  position  and  a rounded  median  tip.  A fleshy  appearing  lamellar  hair  arises  as  an 
extension  from  a thickened  area  along  the  median  margin  of  the  lamellar  cusp  and  extends 
beneath  the  cusp  or  along  its  apical  margin.  It  does  not  extend  straight  forward.  The 
free  ends  of  the  lamellar  cusps  are  wrinkled  with  a few  small  nodules  among  the  wrinkles. 
The  interlamellar  setae  are  long  and  straight  with  a few  short  spines.  Their  origin  is 
at  the  midpoint  of  the  lateral  margins  of  a clear  area  between  the  slatlike  parts  of  the 
lamellae.  The  rostral  bristle  is  not  visible  from  the  dorsum.  It  is  almost  smooth,  is 
straight  and  directed  anteriorly. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


179 


The  rodlike  sensillus  originates  from  the  mesial  margin  of  the  bothridium,  curves 
laterally  and  anteriorly  to  a point  opposite  the  genus  of  leg  II,  then  bends  inward  toward 
the  lamellae  extending  to  a point  opposite  the  middle  of  tibia  II.  The  sensillus  enlarges 
slightly  from  the  bend  to  the  tip  and  bears  many  short  barbs  especially  toward  the  tip. 
The  mandibles  are  well  developed  and  are  chelate  in  type. 

Notogaster.  The  notogaster  extends  broadly  anteriorly  along  the  midline  slightly  beyond 
the  anterior  margins  of  the  pteromorphs.  The  integument  of  the  notogaster  as  well  as  of 
the  pteromorphs  is  punctate  and  of  a finer  granular  nature  in  the  middorsal  region 
which  is  rounded  and  in  some  specimens  is  marked  off  by  its  fine  granularity  from  the 
rest  of  the  notogaster.  There  are  ten  pairs  of  notogastral  setae,  the  shorter  setae  being 
near  the  posterior  end.  What  appears  to  be  openings  of  the  sacculi,  Sa,  are  found  anterior 
to  seta  ti  in  some  specimens  but  could  not  be  seen  in  all.  Si  is  anterior  to  seta  r3;  S2  is 
near  the  base  of  r2.  Crescent  shaped  bodies  appearing  much  like  the  openings  of  sacculi 
are  found  in  the  hypodermis  near  the  posterior  end  of  the  notogaster  and  interfere  with 
the  detection  of  possible  saccular  openings.  It  is  necessary  to  remove  some  of  the  pigment 
before  the  setae  and  sacculi  can  be  studied.  There  is  no  lenticulus. 

Ventral  Region.  The  genital  plates  bear  6 pairs  of  setae  arranged  as  follows:  gi  and 

g2  are  along  the  anterior  border  of  the  plate;  g3,  g4,  gs  and  g6  are  arranged  in  a row 
extending  in  a line  posterior  to  a point  midway  between  the  bases  of  gi  and  g2.  In  a few 
specimens  g3  forms  a line  directly  posterior  to  g2.  The  space  between  g4  and  g5  is  slightly 
greater  than  the  space  between  g3  and  g4  or  g5  and  g6  which  are  evenly  spaced  from  one 
another. 

There  are  2 setae  on  each  anal  plate,  one  near  the  center  at  the  anterior  end  of  the 
plate  and  one  near  the  center  at  the  posterior  end  of  the  plate.  Seta  ad3  is  located  midway 
between  the  anterior  and  posterior  ends  of  the  anal  plates,  posterior  and  lateral  to  the 
slit-pores  iad.  Each  hair  of  the  ventral  surface  is  inserted  beside  a hair  pore  giving  the 
appearance  of  the  hair  encircling  the  hair  pore  and  described  by  Hammer  (1967)  in 
Parahypozetes  as  geniculate.  The  anal  plates  are  larger  than  the  genital  plates.  The 
distance  between  the  genital  and  anal  plates  is  greater  than  the  length  of  the  anal  plates. 

In  the  epimeral  region  the  following  setae  are  found:  la  and  lb,  2a  and  2b,  3a  and  3b, 

and  4a. 

Clear  less  densely  pigmented  areas  are  found  between  the  camerostome  and  the  genital 
plates,  anterior  to  the  apodeme  of  leg  1 and  also  betweeen  the  apodemes  of  leg  I and  leg  II. 
Small  circular,  less  deeply  pigmented  areas  appear  in  the  integument  between  the  genital 
and  anal  plates. 

Legs.  All  tarsi  are  tridactylous,  the  middle  claw  being  much  heavier  than  the  other  two. 
Leg  I differs  from  the  other  legs  in  being  held  between  the  lamellae  and  the  rostrum. 
The  femur  of  leg  I fits  into  a pocket  of  the  propodosoma.  The  genus  of  leg  I bends  at 
near  a 90°  angle.  The  tarsus  of  leg  II  only  bears  one  large  branched  ventral  seta.  Both 
the  genus  and  tarsus  of  leg  II  bears  a heavy  blunt  smooth  spine. 

Materials.  The  holotype  and  30  paratypes  (some  dissected  or  crushed  to  study  the  struc- 
tures) are  adult  specimens  mounted  individually  in  balsam  on  slides.  All  slides  will  be 
deposited  in  the  collection  of  the  New  York  State  Museum  in  Albany,  New  York. 

Type  locality.  Ringwood  Preserve  near  Ithaca,  New  York.  Specimens  were  collected 
by  me  on  November  19,  1939  from  among  liverworts  and  mosses  in  a wooded  area  at 
the  margin  of  a small  muck  pond  just  off  the  highway. 


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Figs.  5-6.  5.  Dentachipteria  highlandensis,  n.  sp.  Dorsal  view.  Enlargement  of 
lamella  and  lamellar  seta.  6.  Dentachipteria  highlandensis,  n.  sp.  Ventral  surface  of 
pteromorphs  to  show  single  denticle. 


Dentachipteria  highlandensis,  n.  sp. 

Color , Mahogany  red.  Size,  length:  0.60  mm;  width:  0.46  mm  (Figs.  5-6). 

Shape.  Oval,  truncated  anteriorly. 

Prodorsum.  The  lamellae  are  large,  covering  most  of  the  prodorsum.  Outer  ends  of  the 
lamellar  cusps  are  distinctly  separated.  Each  cusp  ends  in  a lateral  point  which  may  not 
be  seen  except  in  a semi-face  view.  The  median  margin  of  the  cusp  bears  a lamellar  seta 
visible  through  the  cusp.  It  arises  along  the  mesial  margin  of  the  lamella  and  may  appear 
entirely  ventral  to  the  lamellae.  It  extends  outward  to  a point  near  the  lateral  tip  of  the 
lamella.  Rostral  setae  are  attached  far  back  on  the  rostrum  and  curve  inward  beneath 
the  lamellae  and  extend  slightly  beyond  the  tip  of  the  rostrum.  The  rostral  setae  are  heavily 
plumose  especially  along  the  lateral  margin.  The  long  interlamellar  setae  are  spinose  from 
base  to  tip. 


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181 


The  sensilli  bear  several  rows  of  short  bristles  . They  are  more  abundant  apically  and 
disappear  near  the  bend  of  the  stalk  of  the  sensillus. 

Notogaster.  The  notogaster  is  longer  than  broad.  It  bears  a distinct  lenticulus.  The  noto- 
gastral  setae  are  similar  to  those  of  D.  ringwoodensis.  Only  one  sacculus,  Si,  was  found. 
The  integument  over  the  mid- notogaster  is  rounded  up  and  is  finely  punctate.  The  entire 
dorsal  surface  including  the  upper  surface  of  the  pteromorphs  is  coarsely  punctate.  The 
large  pteromorphs  bear  a single  large  denticle  on  the  distal  margin. 

Ventral  surface.  The  numbers  and  arrangement  of  the  ventral  setae  are  similar  to  those 

of  D.  ringwoodensis. 

Legs.  Leg  I,  free  from  the  lamellae  and  the  rostrum,  is  readily  visible.  Legs  I and  II 
each  bear  a heavy  blunt  spinous  seta  on  the  genus  and  on  the  tibia.  The  genus  of  leg  IV 
also  bears  a similar  heavy  spinous  seta.  The  tarsus  of  leg  II  bears  a branched  seta  which 
is  glovelike  in  appearance.  The  distal  hairs  of  the  tarsi  are  sharply  pointed. 

Materials  examined.  One  female  specimen  designated  as  holotype.  Collected  by  me  from 
a sample  of  grasses  and  soil  at  623  Highland  Road,  Ithaca,  New  York,  on  August  29, 
1940.  The  type  specimen  will  be  deposited  in  the  collection  of  the  New  York  State  Museum 
in  Albany,  New  York. 


REMARKS 

The  two  new  species  of  Dentachipteria  may  be  separated  readily  by  the 
concealed  first  pair  of  legs  in  D.  ringwoodensis  and  by  the  presence  of  1 
to  14  or  more  denticles  on  the  distal  margin  of  the  pteromorphs  to  only  1 
denticle  in  D.  higlilandensis.  A lenticulus  is  present  in  D.  highlandensis. 

Dentachipteria  species  closely  resemble  species  of  Parahypozetes  Hammer 
1967  and  will  key  in  Balogh  (1972)  to  both  Parahypozetes  and  to  Austra- 
chipteria  Balogh  and  Mahunka  1966.  I sent  drawings  of  Dentachipteria 
species  to  Dr.  Hammer  and  she  has  indicated  her  belief  that  the  specimens 
described  do  represent  a new  genus.  The  following  are  some  of  the  reasons  for 
considering  Dentachipteria  a new  genus.  In  Parahypozetes  both  the  lamellae 
and  the  lamellar  hairs  point  forward.  The  tips  of  the  lamellae  are  always  seen 
in  dorsal  view.  The  anterior  end  of  Dentachipteria  has  a blunt  squared  off 
appearance  due  to  the  ventral  bending  of  the  gnathosome.  In  Parahypozetes 
the  pteromorphs  flair  outward,  but  bend  sharply  ventrally  in  Dentachipteria. 
The  distal  margins  of  the  pteromorphs  are  not  dentate  in  known  species  of 
Parahypozetes.  The  ventral  setae  in  particular  are  much  longer  in  the  new 
genus. 

On  the  question  of  the  position  of  the  genus  in  its  correct  family  I am 
indebted  to  Dr.  Hammer,  and  to  Dr.  E.  Piffl  of  the  Zoologisches  Institut  of 
the  University  of  Vienna,  Austria  who  was  referred  to  me  by  Dr.  Hammer. 
Dr.  Hammer  had  sent  a specimen  of  Parahypozetes  bidentatus  to  Dr.  Piffl 
for  comparative  study.  Dr.  Piffl  considers  Parahypozetes  distinct  from  Austra- 
chipteria  Balogh  and  Mahunka  but  none  the  less  considers  Parahypozetes  a 


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member  of  the  Achipteriidae  rather  than  of  the  Ceratozetidae  as  originally 
described.  According  to  Dr.  Piffl  a study  of  the  immature  forms  is  necessary 
for  a definitive  classification  of  the  groups.  Since  the  specimens  which  I have 
described  appear  to  be  closely  related  to  the  genus  Parahypozetes  considered 
by  Dr.  Piffl  to  be  a genus  of  the  Achipteriidae  I have  placed  the  specimens 
described  in  the  Achipteriidae  and  have  named  them  accordingly. 


Literature  Cited 

Balogh,  J.  and  S.  Mahunka.  1966.  New  Oribatids  (Acari)  from  Australian  Soils. 
Folia  Ent.  Hungarica,  19  (33):  553-568. 

Balogh,  J.  1972.  “The  Oribatid  Genera  of  the  World.”  Akad.  Kaido,  Budapest:  1-188, 

71  plates. 

Hammer,  M.  1967.  Investigations  of  the  Oribatid  Fauna  of  New  Zealand,  Part  II. 
Biol.  Skr.  Dan.  Vid.  Selsk.,  15(4):  1-64,  40  plates. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September  1974 


183 


Two  New  Tabanidae  from  Southeastern  United  States  (Diptera) 

L.  L.  Pechuman 

Department  of  Entomology,  Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  New  York  14853 
Received  for  Publication  April  8,  1974 

Abstract:  Asaphomyia  floridensis  from  Highlands  County,  Florida,  is  described  as  new. 
Asaphomyia  includes  only  one  other  described  species,  A.  texensis  Stone,  known  from  three 
counties  in  Texas.  Chrysops  dixianus,  a species  related  to  Chrysops  pudicus  Osten  Sacken, 
is  also  described  as  new;  specimens  were  seen  from  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina, 
Florida,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  and  Louisiana. 


Introduction 

With  really  distinctive  species,  there  is  always  a temptation  when  making 
determinations  to  spend  little  time  looking  at  them.  In  the  Tabanidae,  I know 
of  no  Nearctic  species  more  distinctive  than  Asaphomyia  texensis  Stone  (1953). 
When  specimens  of  what  seemed  to  be  this  species,  known  only  from  three 
counties  in  Texas,  were  collected  in  Florida,  I considered  it  only  an  interesting 
extension  of  range.  It  was  only  when  I began  a comparative  study  of  the  an- 
tennae of  the  Florida  specimens  that  I found  they  represented  a species  quite 
distinct  from  the  one  in  Texas. 

For  some  years  I had  noted  in  routine  identifications  and  had  found  in  some 
collections  under  Chrysops  pudicus  Osten  Sacken  a southeastern  Chrysops  that 
was  undescribed.  I had  hoped  for  the  male  of  the  species  before  describing  it 
as  new  but  now  a name  is  needed  for  some  manuscripts  in  preparation  covering 
both  a faunal  study  and  the  immature  stages. 

The  types  of  both  are  retained  in  my  collection  for  the  present. 

Asaphomyia  floridensis,  n.  sp. 

Holotype  $.  Length,  11  mm.  Wing,  10  mm. 

Head.  First  2 antennal  segments  brown,  each  about  as  long  as  wide,  with  short  black  hairs; 
third  antennal  segment  with  basal  annulus  almost  round,  as  wide  as  first  segment,  brown, 
slightly  paler  at  base  with  a few  black  hairs  and  many  very  short  silver  hairs ; remainder 
of  annuli  brown,  in  form  of  a style  % width  of  first  annulus  at  base  and  tapering  to  % of 


Acknowledgments:  The  loan  of  a $ paratype  of  Asaphomyia  texensis  by  Pedro  Wygodzin- 
sky  of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History  and  a comparison  of  the  holotype  $ of 
A.  texensis  with  the  holotype  $ of  4.  floridensis  by  George  Steyskal  of  the  Systematic 
Entomology  Laboratory,  U.S.D.A.,  is  greatly  appreciated.  Specimens  which  made  this 
study  possible  were  received  from  the  following:  T.  R.  Adkins,  R.  G.  Beard,  W.  B.  Ezell, 
G.  B.  Fairchild,  S.  W.  Frost,  J.  T.  Goodwin,  H.  M.  Henry,  J.  E.  Lloyd,  D.  C.  Sheppard, 
R.  E.  Silberglied,  M.  A.  Tidwell,  and  R.  L.  Watson. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  183-188.  September,  1974. 


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width  near  apex;  the  style  of  the  right  antenna  has  six  apparent  segments  and  that  of 
the  left  five  such  segments  and,  in  both,  the  last  segment  is  equal  in  length  to  the  total  of 
the  preceding  style  segments;  the  last  style  segment  has  a tuft  of  stiff  black  hairs  at  the 
tip.  Frons  brown  pollinose  with  no  trace  of  calli,  1.8  times  as  high  as  width  below  and 
slightly  widened  below;  the  ocelli  are  on  a low,  brown  pollinose  tubercle;  vertex  behind 
ocelli  with  a clump  of  stiff  black  hairs  and  a row  of  shorter  black  hairs  which  rim  upper 
occipital  margin.  Clypeus  and  genae  brown  with  black  hairs.  Beard  black.  Palpi  dark 
brown,  second  segment  stout  at  base  tapering  to  a truncate  apex,  both  segments  with 
long  black  hairs.  Proboscis  shorter  than  palpi,  brown  with  black  and  brown  hairs. 

Thorax.  Dorsum  brown,  unstriped,  with  a few  black  hairs  and  many  recumbent  golden 
hairs.  Pleurae  uniformly  brown.  Legs  brown,  mostly  brown  and  black  haired  with  some 
scattered  golden  hairs;  hind  tibial  spurs  short.  Wings  uniformly  brown;  bifurcation  of 
third  longitudinal  vein  with  a long  appendix. 

Abdomen.  Rather  uniformly  brown  dorsally  and  ventrally  except  seventh  segment  a 
darker  shade  of  brown  and  incisures  of  second  and  third  tergites  slightly  paler ; with  many 
dark  brown  and  golden  brown  hairs. 

Allotype  {$).  Length,  10.5  mm.  Wing,  10  mm. 

Head.  Antennae  similar  to  $ except  basal  portion  of  third  segment  a bit  narrower  and 
slightly  paler  in  color;  5 apparent  segments  in  the  style  of  each  antenna.  Frontal  triangle, 
cheeks  and  genae  dark  brown  pollinose,  the  latter  and  beard  with  long  black  hairs.  Ocelli 
on  a slightly  raised,  grayish  brown  pollinose  tubercle,  which  posteriorly  has  a tuft  of  long 
stiff  black  and  golden  brown  hairs.  Palpi  dark  brown,  second  segment  stouter  and  more 
acutely  tapered  than  in  $ , with  long  black  hairs.  Proboscis  subequal  to  palpi,  dark  brown 
with  dark  hairs. 

Thorax.  Dorsum,  pleurae,  wings,  legs,  and  halteres  as  in  $ except  fewer  golden  hairs  on 
dorsum  and  legs. 

Abdomen.  Incisures  of  second,  third,  and  fourth  tergites  a little  paler  than  in  $ ; fifth 
and  following  tergites  darker  brown  than  anterior  tergites.  The  porportion  of  golden  to 
dark  hairs  is  greater  than  in  $ . 

Holotype  and  Allotype.  Archbold  Biological  Station,  Lake  Placid,  Highlands  County, 
Florida,  7 June  1966,  15  w.  UV  blacklight  (R.  Silberglied) . 

Paratypes.  AS  S Archbold  Biological  Station,  Highlands  Co.,  Florida:  20  May  1968 

(S.  W.  Frost),  8 June  1966  (Robert  G.  Beard),  20  June  1966,  15  w.  UV  blacklight  (R. 
Silberglied);  2$  S 2 mi.  NE  of  intersection  of  rte  70  and  Fla.  27,  Highlands  Co.,  Florida, 
oak  palmetto  scrub,  9 July  1969  and  8-9  July  1969;  the  latter  specimen  carries  notation 
“ ‘asleep’  on  twig  of  shrub  1 m.  high.” 

Paratypes  will  be  deposited  in  the  collections  of  Cornell  University,  U.S.  Museum  of 
Natural  History,  and  G.  B.  Fairchild. 

Variations.  The  paratypes  range  in  length  from  9 to  12  mm  with  an  average  of  10.4  mm. 
The  apparent  segments  of  the  antennal  style  range  from  3 to  6 and  these  vary  in  the  same 
specimen  in  number  and  distinctness;  in  all  cases  the  terminal  annulus  is  longer  than  any 
of  the  others. 

A.  floridensis  is  a more  slender-appearing  insect  than  A.  texensis  and  differs  in  a number 
of  characters:  The  tubercle  on  which  the  ocelli  rest  is  less  raised  and  is  pollinose,  including 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


185 


Fig.  1.  Wing  of  Chrysops  dixianus,  n.  sp. 

the  area  between  the  ocelli,  in  considerable  contrast  to  the  high,  shining  tubercle  in 
texensis ; the  antennal  style  is  less  slender,  darker,  and  more  likely  to  be  subdivided.  When 
viewed  laterally  the  occiput  is  practically  invisible,  whereas  in  texensis  it  is  wide  and 
conspicuous;  many  of  the  recumbent  hairs  on  the  dorsum  of  the  thorax  are  golden  rather 
than  black;  the  wings  are  uniformly  brown  rather  than  darker  anteriorly.  The  wings  of 
floridensis  are  narrower,  the  ratio  of  greatest  width  to  greatest  length  in  the  $ holotype 
being  1:3.30  and  in  the  $ $ ranging  from  1:3.14  to  1:3.53  with  an  average  of  1:3.34, 
whereas  in  texensis  the  ratio  is  1:2.41  in  the  $ holotype,  1:2.77  in  a $ paratype  and 
1:2.64  in  a $ paratype. 

The  $ holotype  of  A.  texensis  is  from  Columbus  (Colorado  County),  Texas,  and 
carries  no  collection  date.  The  type  series  included  a $ from  Victoria  (Victoria  County), 
Texas,  3 May  1913  and  2$  $ and  2$  $ from  Weser  (Goliad  County),  Texas,  11  May  1952. 
No  specimens  from  Texas  or  elsewhere  have  been  reported  subsequent  to  Stone’s  description 
and  it  is  somewhat  of  a surprise  to  encounter  a second  species  in  Florida. 

Chrysops  dixianus,  n.  sp. 

Holotype  ($).  Length-.  8.25  mm  (Fig.  1). 

Head.  First  antennal  segment  yellow,  second  a deeper  shade  of  yellow,  basal  portion  of 
flagellum  yellow-brown,  annuli  dark  brown,  nearly  black;  first  two  segments  with  black 
hairs.  Frons  grayish  yellow  pollinose  with  a scattering  of  fine  yellow  hairs,  most  dense  near 
the  vertex;  frontal  callus  yellow,  % as  high  as  wide,  somewhat  pointed  above.  Fronto- 
clypeus  shining  yellow  with  no  dark  spots;  cheeks  shining  yellow  below,  yellow  pollinose 
above.  Palpi  dark  yellow  with  short  black  hairs  and  a few  longer  yellow  hairs.  Proboscis 
dark  brown. 


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Thorax.  Dorsum  dark  brown  in  ground  color  with  a median  brown  pollinose  stripe  which 
is  flanked  by  grayish  yellow  pollinose  stripes ; 2 sublateral  subshining  brown  stripes 
merge  with  the  median  stripe  near  the  scutellum ; the  stripes  immediately  above  the  wing 
bases  are  grayish  yellow  pollinose;  scutellum  dark  brown  with  apical  half  orange-brown. 
Pleurae  dark  brown  with  2 broad  yellow  pollinose  stripes.  Hairs  of  thorax  pale  yellow. 
Halteres  dark  brown.  Forelegs  with  coxae  and  femora  yellow,  the  latter  somewhat  darker 
at  apex,  tibiae  with  basal  half  yellow,  apical  half  and  tarsi  dark  brown ; middle  coxae 
dark  brown,  femora,  tibiae,  and  metatarsi  yellow,  balance  of  tarsi  dark  brown;  hind 
coxae  and  basal  4/5  of  femora  brown,  apical  % of  femora  and  basal  % of  tibiae  yellow- 
brown  gradually  shading  in  the  latter  to  dark  brown,  metatarsi  and  adjoining  segment 
yellow-brown,  balance  of  tarsi  dark  brown.  Hairs  on  legs  match  the  ground  color  of  the 
integument.  Wing  as  figured;  hyaline  triangle  not  quite  reaching  second  longitudinal 
vein,  fifth  posterior  cell  mostly  hyaline,  apical  spot  crossing  slightly  more  than  half  of 
the  upper  branch  of  the  third  longitudinal  vein. 

Abdomen.  First  tergite  yellow  shading  to  yellow-brown  beneath  scutellum;  second  tergite 
yellow,  the  anterior  half  entirely  so,  the  posterior  half  with  a dark  brown  marking  in 
the  shape  of  a flattened  inverted  “V”  which  continues  as  a dark  shadow  to  the  posterior 
margins  of  the  segment  where  the  color  is  intensified  to  form  a small  brown  spot ; third 
tergite  with  a dark  brown  band,  shading  to  chestnut  brown  laterally,  covering  the  anterior 
half  of  the  segment,  shallowly  indented  by  the  yellow  posterior  border  of  the  segment; 
fourth  tergite  similar  to  third  but  indentation  even  shallower  and  with  chestnut  brown 
portion  more  extensive ; fifth  and  following  tergites  dark  brown  with  a grayish  yellow 
posterior  border.  Venter  pale  yellow  with  a vague  indication  of  a dark  median  spot  on 
third  and  fourth  sternites,  such  a spot  distinct  on  fifth  sternite,  sixth  sternite  dark  brown. 

I have  seen  two  damaged  specimens  of  what  may  be  the  male  of  this  species  but  it 
seems  advisable  to  withhold  a description  until  specimens  in  better  condition  are  available. 

The  name  dixianus  is  derived  from  the  area  in  which  the  species  is  found,  known  in 
the  vernacular  as  “Dixie.” 

Holotype.  Wedge  Plantation,  McClellanville,  South  Carolina,  28  May  1970  (LLP). 

Paratypes.  Virginia:  Sussex  Co,  8 June  1973  and  Greensville  Co.,  20  June  1973  (Steve 
Jones).  North  Carolina:  Williamston,  8 July  (G.  Fairchild).  South  Carolina:  Wedge 
Plantation,  McClellanville,  28  May  1970  (LLP)  ; Hobcaw  (Baruch)  Plant.,  Georgetown,  29 
May  1970  (Pechuman  & Burton)  ; Sumter,  24,  25  June  1970  (T.  R.  Adkins,  Jr.)  ; Boykin, 
Sumter  Co.,  27  June  1968  (W.  B.  Ezell,  Jr.)  ; Sumter  Co.,  27  July  1971  (D.  C.  Sheppard)  ; 
Sweden,  Orangeburg  Co.,  2 July  1968  (Adkins,  Ezell,  Krebs)  ; Marlboro  County,  5 June  1970 
(Sheppard)  ; Berkeley  Co.,  3 July  1970  (T.  R.  Adkins,  Jr.)  ; Berkeley  Co.,  1 July  1960,  6,  27 
July  1971  (D.  C.  Sheppard).  Florida:  Cody,  18  May  1935;  Wacissa,  5 June  1935;  Green- 
ville, 12  June  1935;  Highlands  Hammock  St.  Pk.,  Highlands  Co.,  11  May  1965  (LLP)  ; Welaka, 
11,  26  May  1961  (A.  & H.  Dietrich)  ; Levy  Co.,  2 June  1960  (F.  S.  Blanton)  ; Wakulla  Springs, 
5 July  1950  (A.  G.  B.  Fairchild)  ; Gainesville,  Alachua  Co.,  8 May  1965,  21  May  1964  (J.  E. 
Lloyd)  ; Jackson  Co.,  31  May  1965  (F.  J.  Moore)  ; 3 mi.  SW  of  Cantonment,  Escambia  Co., 
22  May  1965  (Ray  Tidwell).  Alabama:  Blue  Girth  Creek,  Dallas  Co.,  19  June,  18  August 
1964  (R.  L.  Watson)  ; Bear  Creek,  Autauga  Co.,  3 August  1966  (Hays  and  Watson).  Missis- 
sippi: Logtown,  Hancock  Co.,  23  June  1966  (Diamond  and  Bradford).  Louisiana:  Approx. 
1 mi.  S.  of  Pearl  River,  St.  Tamany  Par.,  15  June  1969  (Mac  Tidwell). 

Paratypes  will  be  deposited  in  the  collections  of:  American  Museum  of  Natural  History, 
Auburn  University,  British  Museum  (Natural  History),  Canadian  National  Collection, 
Clemson  University,  Cornell  University,  Florida  State  Collection  of  Arthropods,  Museum 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


187 


of  Comparative  Zoology,  Ohio  State  University,  Pennsylvania  State  University,  SUNY 
College  of  Environmental  Science  and  Forestry,  U.S.  Museum  of  Natural  History,  John 
F.  Burger,  W.  B.  Ezell,  G.  B.  Fairchild,  J.  T.  Goodwin,  C.  B.  Philip,  R.  H.  Roberts,  D.  C. 
Sheppard,  and  Mac  A.  Tidwell. 

Variations.  The  series  of  specimens  is  quite  uniform.  Length  varies  from  7.5  to  9 mm 
with  an  average  of  8.25  mm.  The  wing  pattern  is  uniform  and  the  characters  of  the 
head  and  thorax  show  only  slight  variations ; the  proportion  of  brown  and  yellow- 
brown  on  the  hind  legs  differs  to  some  extent  and  the  pale  thoracic  stripes  in  a few 
specimens  have  a greenish  tinge.  The  dark  marking  on  the  second  abdominal  tergite 
in  a few  specimens  is  composed  of  two  dashes  connected  by  a brownish  shadow;  in  others 
it  is  more  extensive  than  in  the  type,  nearly  reaching  the  lateral  margins  of  the  segment. 
The  size  and  intensity  of  the  dark  median  markings  on  the  venter  differ  but  in  all  cases 
the  first  and  second  sternites  are  completely  yellow. 

As  mentioned  above,  Chrysops  dixianus  was  found  in  several  collections  under  C. 
pudicus.  From  that  species,  dixianus  may  be  separated  by  the  brown  thorax,  pale  tipped 
scutellum,  broader  apical  spot,  hyaline  triangle  not  reaching  the  second  longitudinal  vein, 
completely  yellow  frontal  callus,  no  distinct  dark  spot  on  abdomen  under  the  scutellum 
and  pale  median  markings  of  second  and  third  abdominal  tergites  broader  and  less  distinct. 
C.  pudicus  is  a variable  species  and  occasional  specimens  have  a broader  than  usual  apical 
spot  and/or  hyaline  triangle  not  reaching  the  second  longitudinal  vein;  the  other  characters 
mentioned  above  were  found  to  distinguish  dixianus  from  these  specimens. 

Chrysops  dixianus  will  run  to  couplet  46  in  my  recent  (1973)  key  to  the  species  of 
Chrysops  found  in  Virginia.  A modification  of  this  portion  of  the  key  to  include  dixianus 
follows: 

46.  Abdominal  markings  black  and  median  marking  of  second  segment  usually  reaches 

anterior  margin;  frontal  callus  normally  black  but  sometimes  yellow;  usually 

at  least  basal  portion  of  hind  femora  black  dimmocki  Hine 

Abdominal  markings  pale  to  dark  brown,  sometimes  evanescent;  median  marking 
of  second  abdominal  segment  rarely  attains  anterior  margin ; frontal  callus 
yellow;  hind  femora  yellow  to  brown  47 

47.  Thorax  greenish-gray  with  fuscous  stripes;  outer  margin  of  crossband  usually 

sinuous  celatus  Pechuman 

Thorax  brown  or  yellowish  in  ground  color  with  brown  stripes;  outer  margin  of 
crossband  concave,  straight,  bowed,  or  sinuous  48 

48.  Dark  median  marking  of  second  abdominal  segment  reaching  about  % across 

segment ; outer  margin  of  crossband  usually  straight  or  somewhat  concave ; 

hind  femora  yellow  jlavidus  Wiedemann 

Dark  median  marking  of  second  abdominal  segment  reaching  only  about  half-way 
across  segment;  outer  margin  of  crossband  frequently  bowed  or  sinuous;  hind 
femora  partly  or  all  brown  - 49 

49.  Apical  spot  occupying  upper  half  of  second  submarginal  cell  and  sharply  outlined; 

fifth  posterior  cell  largely  hyaline;  smaller  species  averaging  8.25  mm  dixianus , n.  sp. 
Apical  spot  indefinite  in  outline,  extending  into  lower  half  of  second  submarginal 
cell  as  a paler  infuscation  which  may  continue  into  apical  portions  of  first, 
second,  and  third  posterior  cells;  fifth  posterior  cell  largely  infuscated;  larger 
species  averaging  9.5  mm  reicherti  Fairchild 

That  Chrysops  dixianus  can  be  a common  pest  is  indicated  by  124  specimens 
collected  on  6 July  1971  in  Berkeley  County,  South  Carolina,  by  D.  C.  Sheppard. 


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Literature  Cited 

Pechuman,  L.  L.  1973.  The  insects  of  Virginia  No.  6.  The  horse  flies  and  deer  flies 
of  Virginia  (Diptera:  Tabanidae).  V.  P.  I.  and  State  Univ.  Research  Div.  Bull., 
81:  1-92. 

Stone,  Alan.  1953.  New  tabanid  flies  of  the  tribe  Merycomyiini.  Wash.  Acad.  Sci.  J., 
43(8):  255-258. 


BOOK  REVIEW 


The  South  Asiatic  Olethreutini  (Lepidoptera,  Tortricidae) . A.  Diakonoff.  Zool. 
Mon.  Rijksmuseum  van  Nat.  Hist.  No.  1.  Brill,  Leiden.  1973.  XXI  + 699  pp.,  15  pis.  (1 
col.),  732  figs.  208  guilders. 

This  is  a highly  important  taxonomic  monograph  of  the  southern  Asiatic  members  of  a 
large,  worldwide  group  treated  by  various  authors  as  a tribe,  a subfamily,  or  even  a family. 
It  is  based  on  all  known  material  in  the  collections  of  the  world.  The  author  is  a recognized 
authority  on  these  and  related  moths,  on  which  he  has  published  voluminously.  He  himself 
lived  and  collected  in  Java  for  many  years.  The  present  work  is  especially  valuable  since 
the  Palaearctic  and  Australian  faunas  are  being  intensively  studied  by  other  authors.  The 
Nearctic  fauna,  long  overdue  for  revision,  is  also  being  studied.  The  author’s  opinions  of 
the  taxonomy  of  the  larger  taxa  will  therefore  be  especially  important.  The  present  work 
covers  12  subtribes,  94  genera,  17  subgenera,  430  species,  14  subspecies,  and  2 “formae.”  Of 
these,  11  tribes,  39  genera,  3 subgenera,  176  species,  and  7 subspecies  are  described  as  new. 
Many  new  combinations  are  also  made.  Keys  to  these  taxa  are  given,  based  on  all  usable 
characters,  and  very  thorough  descriptions  of  all  taxa  are  included.  Dates,  localities,  and 
institutional  locations  of  specimens  are  given,  including,  of  course,  types  when  these  are 
known.  Both  male  and  female  genitalia  are  figured  whenever  possible,  as  well  as  many 
heads  and  venations.  Food-plant  records  are  also  given  for  many  species. 

A preliminary  section  contains,  among  other  things,  a discussion  of  the  general  classifica- 
tion of  the  Tortricidae,  past  and  present,  and  of  the  morphology  of  certain  genitalic  and 
scent  organs.  A discussion  of  the  Palaearctic  genera  is  given  for  comparison.  A new  term, 
“apallotype,”  is  proposed  for  a supplemental  type  of  the  opposite  sex  from  the  type,  a cate- 
gory sometimes  confusingly,  called  “neallotype.”  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  state  that  this 
is  a taxonomic  work  of  the  highest  quality,  one  that  will  be  essential  for  all  students  of 
this  and  related  groups  anywhere  in  the  world. 

Alexander  B.  Klots 

The  American  Museum  of  Natural  History 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September  1974 


189 


The  Distribution  of  Brood  Ten  of  the  Periodical 
Cicadas  in  New  Jersey  in  1970* 1 

John  B.  Schmitt 

Rutgers — The  State  University,  New  Brunswick,  N.  J. 

Received  for  Publication  April  26,  1974 

Abstract:  The  last  thorough  study  of  the  distribution  of  Brood  X of  the  periodical  cicadas 
in  New  Jersey  ( Magicicada  spp.)  was  made  in  1902.  Data  collected  on  the  distribution 
of  the  1970  emergence  indicates  a disappearance  since  1902  from  the  following  localities: 
Mercer  County  except  Princeton;  eastern  Somerset  County;  Prospertown-Colliers  Mills, 
Ocean  County;  Jacobstown-Ellisdale,  Burlington  County;  Cherry  Hill  Township,  Camden 
County;  Salem  and  Woodstown,  Salem  County;  and  Shiloh  in  Cumberland  County. 
Hitherto  unreported  populations  were  found  on  Lower  Powhatcong  Mountain,  Warren 
County;  near  Middletown,  Monmouth  County;  and  Quinton  and  Alloway  in  Salem 
County.  Forty  populations  were  found  in  Hunterdon  County,  west  and  south  of  the 
South  Branch  of  the  Raritan  River.  The  chief  factors  in  the  disappearance  of  the  insect 
since  1902  appear  to  have  been  the  destruction  of  woodlands,  forest  fires,  and  urbanization. 
The  possibility  that  forest  losses  caused  by  the  gypsy  moth  may  play  a part  in  the  loss 
of  periodical  cicada  populations  is  suggested. 

INTRODUCTION 

The  periodical  cicadas  are  well  known  for  the  fact  that  adults  of  the  six  species 
emerge  from  the  soil  after  either  13  or  17  years  of  nymphal  existence.  Alexander 
and  Moore  (1962)  provide  a table  showing  past  emergence  dates  since  1621  and 
predicting  the  future  emergence  dates  until  the  year  2028,  of  all  known  broods 
of  both  the  13-year  and  the  17-year  species.  A “brood”  may  be  defined  as  con- 
sisting of  all  the  populations  of  the  species  complex  (either  13 -year  or  17-year) 
emerging  in  any  year.  Since  the  years  of  emergence  follow  a well-defined  cycle, 
the  various  generations  of  a brood  may  thus  be  recognized  and  identified  by  a 
Roman  numeral.  In  New  Jersey,  six  broods  of  the  17-year  species  were  known 
to  exist  in  the  early  decades  of  this  century  (Weiss,  1916;  Davis,  1926).  As 
predicted,  adults  of  Brood  X appeared  in  1970.  The  preceding  years  of  emer- 
gence of  Brood  X in  this  century  were  1902,  1919,  1936  and  1953. 


Acknowledgments:  At  various  points  in  this  paper,  the  writer  has  endeavored  to  recognize 
the  individuals  whose  generous  participation  made  possible  a more  complete  or  more 
satisfying  solution  of  some  questions  regarding  Brood  X in  1970.  The  contributions  of 
two  individuals,  however,  should  be  especially  acknowledged.  I am  particularly  indebted 
to  Dr.  Lyle  E.  Hagmann  and  Mr.  Joseph  D.  Stewart  of  the  Department  of  Entomology 
at  Rutgers  for  their  very  considerable  help. 

1 Paper  of  the  Journal  Series,  New  Jersey  Agricultural  Experiment  Station,  Cook  College, 
Rutgers  University — The  State  University  of  New  Jersey,  Department  of  Entomology  and 
Economic  Zoology,  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  189-201.  September,  1974. 


190 


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In  1969  the  writer  reviewed  the  literature  which  had  been  published  on  the 
distribution  of  Brood  X in  New  Jersey  since  Smith  (1903)  described  its  distri- 
bution in  the  emergence  of  1902.  Weiss  (1916)  added  nothing  to  Smith’s  data. 
Marlatt  (1907)  also  described  the  1902  emergence,  and  lists  several  counties 
and  localities  not  cited  by  Smith.  However,  Smith  was  aware  of  these  additions 
through  correspondence  with  Marlatt,  and  in  his  1903  report  comments  on  them 
substantially  as  follows: 

Middlesex  County.  Marlatt  cited  a report  from  Deans  which  stated  that  the 
cicadas  occurred  “by  the  millions.”  Smith  says  he  searched  the  area  and  found 
no  trace  of  them. 

Morris  County.  Marlatt  reported  them  from  Boonton.  Smith  searched  through 
Morris  County,  and  especially  Boonton,  without  being  able  to  verify  the  record. 

Gloucester  County.  Marlatt’s  record,  according  to  Smith,  was  based  on  a news- 
paper report  of  an  occurrence  in  the  Swedesboro-Harrisonville  area.  Smith  found 
no  trace  of  the  insect  in  Gloucester  County.  Although  Smith  failed  to  confirm 
Marlatt’s  records,  the  writer  made  a special  effort  to  find  these  populations  in 
1970,  without  success. 

Davis  (1926)  considerably  extended  the  list  of  counties  in  New  Jersey  over 
that  provided  by  Smith  for  Brood  X.  However,  a careful  reading  of  Davis’ 
paper  shows  that  he  based  his  additions  solely  on  the  annual  report  of  the 
Department  of  Entomology  of  the  New  Jersey  Agricultural  Experiment  Station 
for  1919  (Headlee,  1919).  Unfortunately,  these  records  did  not  mean  that 
actual  specimens  were  received  or  identified,  but  only  that  correspondence  con- 
cerning the  cicada  was  received  from  residents  in  the  various  counties.  Much 
of  this  correspondence  was  dated  in  months  of  the  year  when  the  insects  were 
underground,  and  it  seems  very  probable  that  such  correspondence  was  prompted 
by  newspaper  accounts  predicting  the  forthcoming  emergence  of  the  cicadas. 
However,  as  in  the  case  of  Marlatt’s  records,  an  intensive  effort  was  made  in 
1970  to  determine  whether  Brood  X exists  in  the  disputed  counties.  No  litera- 
ture could  be  found  regarding  the  emergences  of  1936  and  1953  which  extended 
the  distribution  described  by  Smith  in  the  1902  emergence. 

The  writer  decided  to  undertake  a thorough  study  of  the  1970  emergence  to 
learn  what,  if  any,  changes  in  distribution  had  taken  place  since  1902,  a period 
of  time  representing  four  cicada  generations.  It  was  obvious  that  some  measure 
of  public  assistance  in  finding  local  populations  would  be  valuable.  Accordingly, 
in  the  spring  of  1970  news  stories  alerting  the  public  to  the  coming  of  the  cicadas 
were  distributed  to  the  newspapers  of  the  State  through  the  courtesy  of  the 
Communications  Center  of  our  State  Cooperative  Extension  Service.  The  writer 
also  sent  a personal  letter  to  each  county  agricultural  agent  asking  for  records 
of  cicada  emergence  and  explaining  the  purpose  of  the  study.  A similar  appeal 
was  sent  to  the  superintendent  of  each  county  mosquito  control  agency.  Col- 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


191 


leagues  in  the  Department  of  Entomology  and  Economic  Zoology  at  Rutgers 
were  also  reminded  of  the  predicted  emergence  and  their  cooperation  sought. 
During  and  after  the  emergence  period,  the  writer  made  a number  of  field  trips 
to  check  on  distribution,  and  a record  of  adult  cicada  distribution  in  1970  was 
thus  obtained  which  the  writer  believes  is  fairly  complete.  This  paper  will 
compare  that  record  with  the  observations  of  Smith  (1903).  It  should  perhaps 
be  noted  that  in  the  study  of  these  cicadas,  it  is  the  existence  of  large  local 
populations  that  is  significant,  not  the  occurrence  of  individuals  separated  from 
a large  population.  Such  large  local  populations  typically  contain  many  thou- 
sands of  individuals  of  both  sexes,  and  their  presence  is  advertised  by  the  daytime 
din  of  their  song  and  by  oviposition  injury  to  deciduous  trees. 

OBSERVATIONS 

Figure  1 summarizes  the  distribution  of  Brood  X in  New  Jersey  in  1902 
(Smith’s  data)  and  in  1970.  Isolated  localities  known  to  Smith  are  marked  by 
circles.  If  cicadas  appeared  in  a given  locality  in  1970  also,  the  circle  is  solid; 
if  cicadas  could  not  be  found  in  1970,  the  circle  is  open.  The  squares  represent 
populations  seen  in  1970  in  localities  apparently  not  known  to  Smith.  The 
numeral  accompanying  each  locality  marker  serves  to  identify  the  locality  in 
the  text. 

The  large,  lightly-shaded  area  in  the  central-western  part  of  the  map  indicates 
the  general  distribution  of  Brood  X in  1902  in  that  area.  The  smaller,  heavily- 
shaded  area  represents  the  general  distribution  of  Brood  X in  the  area  in  1970. 
The  distribution  of  individual  populations  in  1970  in  most  of  that  area  (Hunter- 
don County  and  adjoining  areas)  is  shown  in  Figure  2 as  numbered  circles.  These 
localities  are  also  geographically  identified  by  number  in  the  text. 

The  isolated  populations  indicated  in  Figure  1 will  be  identified  first.  In 
1902  Smith  reported,  from  correspondence,  a population  at  Roxbury,  in  Warren 
County.  His  map  shows  it  extending  inland  from  the  Delaware,  a few  miles 
south  of  Belvidere.  In  1970,  the  writer  did  find  a small  population  at  the 
western  end  of  the  area  indicated  by  Smith,  near  Harmony  Station  (Fig.  1,  1). 
Roxbury  itself  is  at  the  northern  end  of  Scott’s  Mountain.  No  cicadas  were  found 
at  Roxbury,  but  near  the  village  of  Montana,  a few  miles  south,  they  were  very 
abundant  (Fig.  1,  2). 

Other  Warren  County  populations  were  observed  in  1970  at  Stewartsville  and 
New  Village.  These  localities  are  part  of  the  Lower  Powhatcong  Mountain 
forested  area  (Fig.  1,  3).  Apparently  Smith  did  not  know  of  this  locality; 
neither  his  text  nor  his  map  indicates  it.  Smith  did  list  Carpentersville,  Warren 
County,  and  a few  cicadas  were  found  there.  However,  the  Delaware  River  at 
this  point  represents  a gap  in  the  woodland  of  no  more  than  fifty  yards.  On  the 
Pennsylvania  side  there  was  a large  population  (Fig.  2,  50);  probably  the 
cicadas  seen  at  Carpentersville  were  only  strayed  individuals  from  the  Pennsyl- 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  1.  Map  of  New  Jersey  showing  distribution  of  Brood  X in  1902  and  1970.  See 
text  for  details. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


193 


vania  population.  Finesville,  also  in  Warren  County,  is  on  the  border  of  the 
great  Hunterdon  distribution  (Fig.  2,  15). 

Sussex  County,  just  north  of  Warren,  is  one  of  the  counties  cited  by  Davis 
(1926)  on  the  basis  of  the  Headlee  report  (1919).  Since  it  is  heavily  forested 
with  oak,  particular  attention  was  given  to  the  area.  County  agent  John  W. 
Raab,  at  the  request  of  the  writer,  spent  considerable  effort  in  inquiries  and 
travel,  without  finding  a single  population.  The  writer  toured  the  localities  cited 
by  Headlee  without  uncovering  any  evidence  of  cicadas,  and  no  correspondent 
provided  knowledge  of  a single  population.  Neither  could  any  resident  be  found 
who  remembered  ever  hearing  or  seeing  the  insects  within  the  county.  Similar 
efforts  in  both  Morris  and  Passaic  Counties  were  equally  unsuccessful.  Brood  II 
is  well  known  to  residents  of  these  two  counties,  but  Brood  X is  not.  The  County 
agents  of  both  of  these  counties,  and  of  Bergen,  Union  and  Essex  also  could  not 
find  a single  instance  of  Brood  X,  nor  could  the  writer. 

As  Figure  1 shows,  the  locality  of  Princeton  (Fig.  1,  4)  was  included  in  the 
general  distribution  of  cicadas  in  Mercer  County  in  1902.  Smith  found  the  in- 
sects to  occur  abundantly  as  far  south  as  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  main  line, 
and  westward  along  that  line  to  Lawrence  Station.  He  concluded  that  the 
cicadas  were  “pretty  generally  distributed”  in  Mercer  County  “except  in  the 
extreme  south.”  In  1970,  Mr.  Charles  M.  Holmes,  senior  county  agent,  supple- 
mented the  writer’s  observations,  and  was  unable  to  find  any  cicadas  in  Mercer 
County  other  than  the  large  population  on  the  western  edge  of  Princeton  Borough, 
and  along  the  Mercer-Hunterdon  line  (Fig.  2,  38,  42).  Also,  no  populations 
could  be  found  in  either  Somerset  or  Middlesex  County  representing  the  former 
eastward  extension  of  the  great  central  area  shown  in  Fig.  1 . The  only  Somerset 
populations  found  were  on  the  Sourland  Mountain  ridges,  to  be  described  later. 

In  Monmouth  County,  a population  in  the  Navesink  Highlands  (Fig.  1,  5) 
had  been  described  by  Smith.  In  1970,  its  decendents  were  very  abundant  in 
the  same  locality,  and  as  the  area  has  apparently  changed  very  little  during  this 
century,  the  insects  were  probably  nearly  as  abundant  as  they  were  in  1902. 
Individual  cicadas  were  found  in  Fair  Haven,  separated  from  the  Navesink 
Highlands  population  by  about  one-half  mile  of  open  water,  but  as  no  evidence 
of  emergence  could  be  found  at  Fair  Haven,  the  writer  assumes  that  these  speci- 
mens were  strays  from  the  Highlands  population.  A second  population  was  found 
in  Monmouth  County  near  Middletown,  in  the  low  wooded  hills  known  as  the 
Telegraph  Hill  formation  (Fig.  1,  6).  Smith  apparently  did  not  know  of  this 
colony,  located  about  eight  miles  from  the  Navesink  Highlands  population. 

Smith  recorded  a colony  in  1902  in  the  northwestern  corner  of  Ocean  County, 
between  Collier’s  Mills  and  Prospertown  (Fig.  1,7).  In  1970  no  trace  could  be 
found  of  that  colony.  This  area  is  heavily  wooded,  with  few  access  roads  or 
human  inhabitants.  Searches  and  inquiries  in  both  this  area  and  in  the  nearby 
town  of  New  Egypt  failed  to  provide  any  evidence  of  the  cicadas.  It  therefore  is 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


probable  that  this  colony  has  perished.  One  possible  explanation  is  the  fact 
that  the  area  between  Collier’s  Mills  and  Prospertown  has  been  devastated  by 
a number  of  very  severe  forest  fires  since  1902.  The  resulting  tree  loss  might 
have  destroyed  the  cicadas.  However,  the  apparent  disappearance  of  another 
population  reported  by  Smith  in  nearby  Burlington  County,  of  which  no  descen- 
dents  could  be  found  in  1970,  could  not  be  accounted  for.  Smith  reported  (from 
correspondence)  a population  between  Jacobstown  and  Ellisdale  (Fig.  1,  8). 
Unable  to  find  the  cicadas  himself,  the  writer  enlisted  the  aid  of  Mr.  Daniel 
Kensler,  who  had  been  the  county  agricultural  agent  in  Burlington  County  for 
almost  40  years.  Despite  strenuous  efforts  on  his  part,  no  trace  of  this  colony, 
either  in  1970  or  in  the  past,  could  be  found;  either  it  has  become  extinct,  or 
Smith’s  correspondent  was  in  error. 

A second  locality  in  Burlington  County  was  described  by  Smith  from  the 
vicinty  of  Indian  Mills.  The  writer  was  unable  to  find  any  trace  of  the  insects  or 
reports  of  them,  and  he  is  indebted  to  Dr.  Lyle  E.  Hagmann  for  finally  dis- 
covering them.  They  were  found  about  halfway  between  Indian  Mills  and 
Tabernacle,  about  one  mile  east  of  Route  206  (Fig.  1,  9).  The  precise  location 
was  scaled  from  a Geological  Survey  map  as  39°48'45"  N and  74°42'30"  W. 
It  is  a large  colony,  as  more  than  100  acres  of  trees  showed  evidence  of  ovi- 
position. 

The  only  colony  of  Brood  X in  Camden  County  in  1902  was  recorded  by 
Smith  from  Delaware  Township,  since  renamed  “Cherry  Hill”  Township.  This 
area  is  now  highly  urbanized.  No  trace  of  the  colony  could  be  found  in  1970, 
either  by  the  county  agent  or  by  the  writer.  It  is  probable  that  the  destruction 
of  woodlands  since  1902  has  destroyed  this  colony. 

As  regards  Gloucester  County,  Smith  mentions  correspondence  with  Marlatt, 
who,  he  says,  sent  him  newspaper  reports  of  the  insects  near  Swedesboro  and  in 
the  woods  between  Harrison ville  and  Swedesboro.  In  1970,  however,  no  trace  of 
either  of  these  colonies  could  be  found. 

Smith  reported  two  colonies  from  Salem  County  in  1902.  One  of  these  was 
described  by  a correspondent  from  the  town  of  Salem  as  “occupying  a large  tract 
of  timber  land  which  is,  unfortunately,  gradually  becoming  exterminated” 
(Fig.  1,  11).  A second  colony  was  described  as  being  near  Yorktown  (Fig.  1, 
12).  Mr.  Robert  Gardner,  the  county  agent  in  Salem  County,  became  keenly 
interested  in  the  matter  of  cicada  distribution,  and  expended  a great  deal  of 
effort  in  trying  to  find  populations  in  1970.  Only  two  were  found.  One  of  these 
inhabited  a woodland  near  the  “Happy  Hill”  Nursery,  Alloway  (Fig.  1,  13), 
and  the  other  was  discovered  near  Quinton  (Fig.  1,  14).  No  trace  of  the  York- 
town colony  could  be  found  (Yorktown  is  about  five  miles  from  Alloway). 
Whether  either  of  the  two  populations  that  were  found  represents  the  Salem 
colonies  described  by  Smith  is  uncertain  because  of  the  vagueness  of  Smith’s 
record,  but  if  the  locality  was  near  either  Alloway  or  Quinton,  it  is  perhaps  odd 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


195 


that  his  correspondent  did  not  use  those  names,  as  both  communities  are  old 
and  well-known  localities. 

Smith  reported  a single  record  in  1902  from  Cumberland  County,  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  village  of  Shiloh  (Fig.  1,  15).  No  trace  could  be  found  of  this 
colony  in  1970.  Here  again  the  writer  was  very  fortunate  in  the  fact  that  Mr. 
Kenneth  E.  Pickett,  the  county  agent  of  Cumberland  County,  has  lived  most 
of  his  life  in  Shiloh  and  took  a keen  interest  in  the  matter.  Despite  all  his  efforts, 
he  could  not  find  any  trace  of  the  Shiloh  colony.  No  other  evidence  of  Brood  X 
in  Cumberland  could  be  found  by  Mr.  Pickett  or  the  writer. 

Turning  to  the  northwestern  area  of  the  state,  Smith  in  1902  found  Brood  X 
existed  from  just  north  of  Trenton  along  the  Delaware  River  upstream  to  a 
point  just  south  of  Phillipsburg  in  Warren  County  (Fig.  1).  Eastward,  the 
cicadas  were  found  by  Smith  as  far  east  as  Bound  Brook.  The  extent  of  Brood 
X distribution  in  Warren  and  Mercer  Counties  has  already  been  considered. 
The  disappearance  of  the  cicadas  from  their  eastern  range  in  Somerset  County 
is  indicated  in  Figure  1. 

In  Hunterdon  County,  Smith  described  the  insect  in  1902  as  “generally 
present  from  the  Delaware  River  east  to  the  line  of  the  Central  Railroad  of 
New  Jersey,  and  from  the  Mercer  County  line  north  to  the  Warren  County  line.” 
The  1970  emergence  in  Hunterdon  was  found  to  be  concentrated  in  three  well- 
defined  physiographic  areas: 

1.  The  Musconetcong  Mountain  and  ridge  area:  populations  numbered  1 

through  21  (Fig.  2).  This  is  a mountain  of  granitoid  gneiss  of  Precambrian 
age  and  is  heavily  forested.  Just  south  of  the  mountain  in  Union  and 
Alexandra  townships,  there  is  a forested  ridge  area  of  rubbly,  glaciated  soils 
derived  from  the  gneiss.  These  forests  were  also  heavily  populated  by  the 
cicadas. 

2.  The  Hunterdon  Plateau;  populations  numbered  24  through  30.  This  is  an 
area  of  hard  sandstone  and  argillite  west  of  Flemington,  about  8 miles  wide 
at  Baptistown.  The  southern  portion  of  the  plateau  is  heavily  wooded, 
primarily  because  poor  soil  drainage  tends  to  discourage  agriculture,  and  it  is 
this  area  which  supports  the  cicadas. 

3.  The  Sourland  Mountain;  populations  numbered  33  through  42.  This  is  a 
ridge  of  crystalline  rocks,  mostly  diabase,  which  extends  from  the  Delaware 
River  to  the  vicinity  of  Belle  Meade  in  Somerset  County,  a distance  of  about 
16  miles.  Its  western  part  is  a series  of  forested  hills,  but  its  eastern  area, 
which  extends  into  Somerset  County,  is  a continuous  plateau.  Much  of  the 
land  is  wooded  because  of  steep  slopes  and  stoniness.  Populations  of  the 
cicada  extend  a few  miles  east  of  the  distribution  shown  in  Fig.  2,  into 
Somerset  County  as  far  as  Belle  Meade. 


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Fig.  2.  Map  of  Hunterdon  County  and  adjacent  areas  showing  distribution  of  Brood  X 
in  1970.  See  text  for  details. 


The  western  boundary  of  Hunterdon  County,  along  the  Delaware  River,  is  in 
most  places  a steep  escarpment,  usually  wooded.  Smith  described  the  1902  emer- 
gence along  the  river  in  these  words:  “Running  south  along  the  Delaware,  the 
Warren  County  area  of  infestation  extends  into  Hunterdon  County  and  for  its 
full  length.  It  is  broken,  of  course,  at  several  points,  notably  at  towns  and  settled 
areas,  but  practically  the  ridge  back  of  the  river  is  all  cut  by  the  Cicada.” 
(His  expression  “cut  by  the  cicada”  refers  to  oviposition  injury  to  trees.) 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


197 


In  1970,  very  little  cicada  activity  could  be  found  along  this  same  route. 
South  of  Milford,  only  three  populations  were  found.  One  of  these,  No.  25,  was 
found  one  mile  north  of  Byram,  and  another,  No.  31,  was  at  Raven  Rock  but 
no  other  evidence  could  be  found  of  the  extensive  emergence  described  by  Smith 
as  occurring  between  Raven  Rock  and  Tumble  Falls.  The  third  population, 
No.  33,  was  found  at  Goat  Hill,  on  the  Hunterdon  County  line,  at  the  end  of 
the  Sourland  outcrop. 

The  total  list  of  Hunterdon  county  localities  is  as  follows  (Fig.  2): 

Hunterdon  County  Localities 
Figure  2 

No.  Locality 

1.  Musconetcong  Mountain,  north  of  Polktown 

2.  Musconetcong  Mountain,  route  41,  1 mile  south  of  Bloomsbury 

3.  Ridge,  3 miles  south  of  Bloomsbury,  on  the  Pattenberg-Bloomsbury  road 

4.  Musconetcong  Mountain,  portion  known  as  “Bloomsbury  Mountain” 

5.  Ridge,  west  of  route  579 

6.  7.  Along  township  road,  south  of  Hickory  Corner 

8.  West  of  route  579  at  Mechlin’s  Corner 

9.  One  mile  west  of  Pittstown 

10.  Little  York 

11.  Musconetcong  Mountain,  north  of  Riegel  Ridge 

12.  Musconetcong  Mountain,  on  the  south  side  of  route  519 

13.  East  of  route  519,  between  Riegel  Ridge  and  Spring  Mills 

14.  One  mile  west  of  Spring  Mills,  off  the  Amsterdam  road 

15.  Musconetcong  Mountain,  Finesville  (Warren  County) 

16.  Along  Delaware  River,  Musconetcong  Mountain  (Mt.  Joy) 

17.  Along  Delaware  River,  Musconetcong  Mountain  (Riegelsville  Curve) 

18.  Along  Delaware  River,  Milford-Holland  road,  continuous  for  1 mile 

19.  Hickory  Corner,  east  side  of  route  579 

20.  East  side,  route  579,  north  of  Mechlin’s  Corner 

21.  East  side,  route  579,  Mt.  Salem 

22.  Everittstown,  south  side  of  route  513 

23.  Kingwood  Township,  route  519,  2 miles  south  of  Baptistown 

24.  Kingwood  Township,  east  of  route  519,  along  Kingwood-Locktown  Road 

25.  Along  Delaware  River,  1 mile  north  of  Byram 

26.  Croton,  north  of  state  highway  12 

27.  Hardscrabble  Hill,  2 miles  west  of  Flemington 

28.  Route  579,  2 miles  south  of  Croton 

29.  One  mile  south  of  Locktown 

30.  East  of  route  519,  1 mile  north  of  Rosemont 

31.  Along  Delaware  River  at  Raven  Rock 

32.  Route  523  at  Sand  Brook 

33.  Along  Delaware  River  at  Goat  Hill 

34.  West  of  Hunterdon  Hills  Regional  High  School 

35.  West  of  Rocktown 

36.  West  of  Lin  vale,  1 mile 

37.  West  of  route  518,  Snydertown  road 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


38.  On  the  Mercer  County  line,  west  of  the  Wertsville-Hopewell  road 

39.  One  mile  west  of  Buttonwood  Corners 

40.  On  the  Mercer  County  line,  Wertsville-Zion  road 

41.  Zion  (Somerset  County) 

42.  On  the  Mercer  County  line,  one  mile  west  of  Harbourton 

Although  Smith’s  map  of  the  1902  emergence  bears  some  discrepancies  with 
his  text,  it  is  clear  that  the  extent  of  Brood  X distribution  in  the  Warren-Hunter- 
don-Mercer-Somerset  region  has  been  greatly  reduced  in  the  intervening  68  years. 
Whether  the  remaining  populations  have  much  prospect  for  continued  existence  is 
an  interesting  question.  Since  the  Delaware  River  is  no  more  than  one  hundred 
yards  wide  at  Frenchtown,  and  becomes  much  narrower  upstream,  there  is  some 
possibility  that  future  reestablishment  from  Pennsylvania  might  occur  if 
ecological  conditions  permit,  in  the  event  of  the  loss  of  the  Hunterdon  popula- 
tions. Accordingly,  several  field  trips  were  made  to  scout  for  cicada  populations 
within  five  miles  of  the  river  in  Pennsylvania.  In  a single  day  of  field  work, 
16  populations  were  found,  shown  on  Figure  2 as  follows: 

Pennsylvania  Localities: 

50.  Raubsville 

51.  Riegelsville  (Pa.) 

52.  Durham  Furnace  (ruins) 

53.  Kintnersville 

54.  Ferndale 

55.  Opposite  Holland,  N.  J. 

56.  Upper  Black  Eddy 

57.  Tohickon  Park 

58.  Ralph  Stover  State  Park 

59.  Erwinna-Ottsville  road 

60.  Tinicum  Park 

61.  Stover  Mills 

62.  Lumberville 

63.  Opposite  By  ram,  N.  J. 

64.  Opposite  Raven  Rock,  N.  J. 

65.  Solebury 

The  extension  of  Musconetcong  Mountain  into  Pennsylvania,  sometimes 
called  the  “Reading  Prong,”  was  reported  by  various  correspondents  to  be 
heavily  populated  by  the  cicadas,  but  no  effort  was  made  to  determine  their 
distribution  at  points  more  than  five  miles  from  the  river. 

DISCUSSION 

In  1902,  Smith  gathered  his  information  on  the  distribution  of  periodical 
cicada  populations  in  three  ways:  (1)  by  general  and  professional  correspon- 

dence, (2)  from  the  reports  of  127  “official  crop  correspondents”  scattered 
throughout  the  state,  and  (3)  by  his  own  travels,  chiefly  by  railroad.  In  1970, 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


199 


the  relative  ease  of  gathering  information  by  automobile  and  the  generous  help 
of  colleagues  and  county  extension  agents,  as  well  as  many  letters  from  the 
general  public,  made  the  writer’s  undertaking  both  a much  easier  task  and, 
presumably,  a more  thorough  one.  From  the  compared  data  it  is  at  least  clear 
that  a very  marked  reduction  in  the  number  of  Brood  X populations  has  taken 
place  between  1902  and  1970.  This  reduction  involves  both  the  loss  of  isolated 
populations  and  a considerable  reduction  in  the  extent  of  the  regional  distribu- 
tion now  centered  in  Hunterdon  County. 

With  respect  to  these  losses,  it  is  of  some  interest  to  consider  a statement  made 
by  Marlatt  (1898):  “The  greatest  check  on  the  species  has  been  the  advent  of 
European  man  on  this  continent  and  the  accompanying  clearing  of  woodland 
and  the  increase  of  settlement.  The  vast  areas  in  the  more-densely  populated 
East  which  were  once  thickly  inhabited  by  one  or  the  other  of  the  broods  of  the 
periodical  cicadas,  are  rapidly  losing  this  characteristic  and  the  Cicada  will 
doubtlessly  appear  in  fewer  and  fewer  numbers  in  all  settled  districts.”  Marlatt 
illustrated  this  prophecy  with  an  account  of  the  fate  of  Brood  XI  in  the  Connect- 
icut Valley, which  appeared  in  great  abundance  in  1869,  but  seemed  doomed  to 
virtual  extinction  by  1903  “as  a result  of  the  steady  reduction  of  woodlands.” 

Some  of  the  loss  of  Brood  X in  New  Jersey  since  1902  was  very  probably  due 
to  man’s  direct  interference,  especially  in  Mercer  and  Somerset.  The  loss  of 
woodlands  for  agricultural  use,  however,  has  probably  not  been  significant. 
Rather,  the  development  of  homesites,  especially  as  large-scale  undertakings, 
would  appear  to  have  been  a more  likely  cause.  Smith  believed  that  both  domes- 
tic fowl  and  the  English  sparrow  played  a significant  part  in  the  extermination 
of  some  populations,  especially  in  the  case  of  isolated  counties. 

The  situation  in  Salem  County,  where  two  1902  populations  appeared  to  have 
been  lost,  and  two  “new”  populations  were  found  in  1970,  may  involve  nothing 
more  than  a relocation  of  the  1902  populations  in  the  four-generation  interval. 
Lloyd  and  Dybas  (1966)  point  out  that  female  cicadas  are  very  prone  to  ovi- 
posit in  the  young  trees  of  an  advancing  forest  edge.  Whether  such  a mechanism 
could  result  in  such  extensive  relocations  is  not  easily  decided. 

Perhaps  future  study  of  the  Indian  Mills  population  (Fig.  1,9)  may  provide 
some  information  on  this  question.  This  population  was  found  in  woodlands 
about  one-half  mile  from  the  boundary  of  the  State-owned  Wharton  Estate 
and  coextensive  with  the  State  lands.  It  is  very  unlikely  that  there  will  be 
any  future  human  activity  deleterious  to  the  cicadas. 

The  future  of  the  Hunterdon  County  populations  can  be  speculated  upon  only 
with  considerable  uncertainty.  The  three  populated  regions  described  in  this 
paper  (the  Musconetcong  Mountain  and  ridge  area,  the  Hunterdon  plateau,  and 
the  Sourlands  outcrops)  offer  so  little  advantage  to  agriculture  that  further 
destruction  of  woodlands  to  that  end  seems  unlikely.  While  there  has  been  some 
home-building  in  all  three  regions,  the  pressure  for  home  sites  does  not  appear 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


to  be  very  threatening.  Also,  a large  part  of  the  Sourlands  area  in  Somerset 
County  has  been  purchased  and  set  aside  as  preserved  land,  and  may  permit  the 
cicadas  to  endure  in  at  least  that  much  of  the  Sourlands. 

Perhaps  a more  immediate  threat  exists  in  the  destructiveness  of  another 
insect,  the  gypsy  moth.  Mr.  John  Kegg  of  the  N.  J.  State  Department  of  Agri- 
culture has  kindly  supplied  the  writer  with  detailed  maps  of  defoliation  caused 
by  the  gypsy  moth  from  1971  through  1974.  Past  experience  suggests  that 
considerable  loss  of  oak  and  other  deciduous  trees  is  likely  to  result  from  such 
defoliation  after  three  successive  years.  The  areas  of  heaviest  defoliation  in 
Hunterdon  County  correspond  very  closely  with  the  greatest  concentrations 
of  periodical  cicada  populations  (Fig.  2),  but  whether  the  cicada  nymphs  can 
survive  such  tree  losses  is  uncertain. 

Perhaps  a more  immediate  evaluation  of  the  possible  impact  of  tree  loss 
caused  by  gypsy  moth  defoliation  on  the  periodical  cicadas  will  be  possible  in 
1979,  when  Brood  II,  the  other  major  brood  in  New  Jersey,  would  mature. 
Smith  (1912)  compiled  fairly  detailed  records  on  the  distribution  of  Brood  II 
in  1911.  The  Wanaque  Reservoir  forests  in  Passaic  County,  an  area  heavily 
populated  by  Brood  II  of  the  cicadas,  have  been  studied  intensively  by  Mr.  Kegg 
in  an  evaluation  of  gypsy  moth  activity,  and  have  also,  by  virtue  of  being  on  a 
protected  watershed,  been  fairly  free  of  human  activities  detrimental  to  the 
cicadas.  The  fate  of  Brood  II  in  this  area  in  1979  may  therefore  be  of  special 
interest  in  determining  the  impact  of  tree  loss  caused  by  the  gypsy  moth  on 
the  periodical  cicada. 

Apart  from  the  possible  effect  of  the  gypsy  moth  on  the  Hunterdon  County 
cicada  distribution,  it  should  be  of  interest  to  determine  in  1987,  2004,  2021, 
et  seq.  what  happens  to  the  Hunterdon  populations.  It  was  primarily  with  the 
hope  of  providing  a basis  for  such  determinations  that  the  writer  sought  to  locate 
each  Hunterdon  population,  although  it  must  be  admitted  as  quite  possible  that 
some  populations  were  missed.  At  any  rate,  the  behavior  and  ecology  of  an  insect 
species  with  a 17-year  life  cycle  offers  an  interesting  challenge  to  the  human 
species. 

Literature  Cited 

Alexander,  Richard  D.  and  Thomas  E.  Moore.  1962.  The  evolutionary  relationships 
of  17-year  and  13 -year  cicadas,  and  three  new  species  (Homoptera,  Cicadidae,  Magi- 
cicada) . Misc.  Pub.  Museum  Zoology.  Univ.  Mich.  No.  121;  59  pp.,  frontis  (color) 
and  10  text  f. 

Davis,  William  T.  1926.  The  cicadas  or  harvest  flies  of  New  Jersey.  Circular  No.  97. 
N.  J.  State  Dept,  of  Agriculture.  2 7 pp. 

Headlee,  Thomas  J.  1919.  Report  of  the  Department  of  Entomology  of  the  New  Jersey 
Agricultural  College  Experiment  Station  for  the  year  ending  June  30,  1919.  375-519. 
Lloyd,  Monte  and  Dybas,  Henry  S.  1966.  The  periodical  cicada  problem.  I.  Population 
ecology.  Evolution,  20:  133-149. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


201 


Marlatt,  Charles  L.  1898.  The  periodical  cicada.  Bull.  No.  14,  New  Series.  USDA 
Division  of  Entomology.  147  pp. 

. 1907.  The  periodical  cicada.  Bull.  No.  71,  USDA,  Bureau  of  Entomology. 

181  pp.,  frontis  (color). 

Smith,  John  B.  1903.  The  periodical  cicada.  Twenty-third  annual  report  of  the  New 
Jersey  State  Agricultural  Experiment  Station,  pp.  474-489. 

. 1912.  The  periodical  cicada.  Thirty-second  annual  report  of  the  New  Jersey 

State  Agricultural  Experiment  Station,  pp.  454-466. 

Weiss,  Harry  B.  1916.  The  distribution  of  the  periodical  cicada  in  New  Jersey.  Entomo- 
logical News,  27:  337-340.  1 plate. 


BOOK  REVIEW 

Tissue  Culture:  Methods  and  Applications.  Paul  F.  Kruse,  Jr.,  and  M.  K.  Patterson, 
Jr.,  eds.  Academic  Press,  New  York.  868  pp.  $22.00. 

This  book  describes  the  uses  of  tissue  culture  in  a wide  variety  of  disciplines.  Entomolo- 
gists will  be  particularly  interested  in  Imogene  Schneider’s  chapters,  “Dipteran  embryos 
and  larvae  (Diploid  lines)”  and  “Characteristics  of  insect  cells,”  E.  P Marks’  “Cockroach 
and  grasshopper  embryo  tissue,”  and  Arthur  E.  Greene  and  Jesse  Charney’s  “Invertebrate 
cell  cultures.”  In  addition,  such  chapters  as  Leonard  Hayflick’s  “Screening  tissue  cultures 
for  mycoplasma  infections”  and  Michael  F.  Barile’s  “Mycoplasma  contamination  of  cell 
cultures:  Incidence,  source,  prevention,  and  problems  of  elimination”  are  of  pertinent  in- 
terest to  all  engaged  in  attempting  to  grow  insect  cells  and  tissues  in  vitro.  More  than  100 
authors  contributed  to  this  volume ; it  should  serve  as  a reference  source  for  both  experts 
and  beginners  using  tissue  culture  for  years  to  come.  Its  usefulness  as  a guide  is  enhanced 
by  a detailed  author  and  subject  index,  totaling  39  pages.  Excellent  illustrations  of  cul- 
tured cells  and  karyotypes,  as  well  as  of  specialized  equipment,  add  to  the  value  of  this 
book. 


Karl  Maramorosch 


202 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Terrestrial  Mites  of  New  York  (Acarina:  Prostigmata),  I — 
Tarsocheylidae , Paratydeidae , and  Pseudocheylidae 

Mercedes  D.  Delfinado* 1 

New  York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service,  Albany,  New  York  12224 
Edward  W.  Baker 

Systematic  Entomology  Laboratory  IIBIII,  Agricultural  Research  Service, 
USDA,  Beltsville,  Maryland,  20705 

Received  for  Publication  June  21,  1974 

Abstract:  The  mites  here  described  were  collected  from  Long  Island,  Lake  Champlain  region, 
and  the  Mohawk  Valley  area,  New  York,  in  June-October  of  1973.  The  new  species  described 
are:  Tarsocheylidae,  Hoplocheylus  similis,  H.  amerieanus;  Paratydeidae,  Scolotydaeus 

simplex;  Pseudocheylidae,  Anoplocheylus  transiens.  Twenty-six  figures  are  presented.  The 
genus  Neotydeus  Baker  is  synonymized  with  Scolotydaeus  Berlese. 

For  many  years  New  York  has  been  a favorite  collecting  ground  for  various 
arthropods,  and  extensive  collections  have  been  accumulated  in  different  state 
institutions  (Leonard,  1928).  This  has  not  been  the  case  with  mites,  however, 
and  our  knowledge  of  the  mite  fauna  of  this  area  is  almost  nonexistent.  A survey 
of  terrestrial  mites  was  started  in  New  York  in  the  summer  of  1973  by  M.  D. 
Delfinado.  This  collection  forms  the  basis  of  a proposed  series  of  papers  on  the 
mites  of  New  York  and  neighboring  areas. 

The  present  paper  deals  only  with  the  free-living  or  primary-feeding  and 
predaceous  mites  of  the  families  Tarsocheylidae,  Paratydeidae  and  Pseudo- 
cheylidae. Members  of  these  families  are  rather  uncommon  and  only  rarely 
collected.  They  occur  in  soil,  forest  litter  and  debris,  under  tree  bark  and  rotten 
wood,  and  in  moss.  One  species  of  Tarsocheylidae,  however,  was  found  under 
the  elytra  of  a passalid  beetle  in  the  Congo  (Cooreman,  1951).  Other  Prostig- 
mata collected  will  be  dealt  with  in  later  papers. 

The  mites  reported  here  were  collected  by  the  authors  and  M.  Abbatiello  from 
Long  Island,  the  Lake  Champlain  region  and  the  Mohawk  Valley  area  in  June- 
October  1973,  by  use  of  Tullgren-Berlese  funnels  from  forest  soil,  litter  and 
debris,  tree  holes  and  hollow  tree  trunk  debris. 

Acknowledgments:  Sincere  thanks  are  due  Michael  Abbatiello  and  the  administration  of 
the  Biology  Department  at  New  York  State  University  at  Farmingdale,  Long  Island,  who 
generously  provided  laboratory  facilities  and  space. 

1 Published  by  permission  of  the  Director,  New  York  State  Science  Service,  Journal 
Series  No.  159. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  202-211.  September,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


203 


Family  Tarsocheylidae 
Genus  Hoplocheylus  Atyeo  and  Baker,  1964 

Hoplocheylus  Atyeo  and  Baker,  1964,  Bull.  Univ.  Nebraska  St.  Mus.  4:  247.  Type-species, 

Tarsocheylus  atomarius  Berlese,  by  original  designation. 

The  genus  Hoplocheylus  has  the  following  general  characteristics  of  the  family:  presence 
of  dorsal  hysterosomal  plates  and  a pair  of  pseudostigmatic  organs  on  propodosomal  plate; 
reduced  palpal  tarsus  and  absence  of  femoral  division  and  pretarsal  pedicels  on  all  legs; 
and  presence  of  simple  peritremes  with  stigmata  located  on  the  shoulders  of  propodosoma 
as  in  the  Tarsonemini.  Atyeo  and  Baker  (1964:  246)  in  a key  to  the  genera  used  prin- 
cipally the  presence  or  absence  of  empodia  on  legs  I (absent  in  Hoplocheylus , present  in 
Tarsocheylus ) and  the  structure  of  palpal  tarsus  (papilliform  in  Tarsocheylus , indistinguish- 
able or  missing  in  Hoplocheylus) . Seven  species  were  known  in  Hoplocheylus.  Two  new 
species  are  present  in  the  collection  from  New  York. 

Hoplocheylus  similis,  n.  sp. 

(Figures  1-11) 

H.  similis  may  be  distinguished  from  the  closely  related  species:  H.  discalis  Atyeo  and 
Baker,  H.  pickardi  Smiley  and  Moser  and  H.  americanus,  n.  sp.  by  having  the  distal  solen- 
idion  short  and  not  reaching  beyond  tarsal  claws  I ; by  the  forked  distal  setae  on  tarsi  II-IV ; 
by  the  narrow  first  medial  dorsal  plate  with  sides  bulging  at  the  level  of  the  setae,  and 
by  the  very  long  posterior  dorsal  setae  on  the  third  hysterosomal  plate  surpassing  the 
posterior  margin  of  the  fourth  plate. 

Female.  Length  of  body  including  gnathosoma,  574  microns.  Palpus  with  genu  and  femur 
completely  fused  and  with  a small  inner  protuberance ; tibiotarsus  with  5 simple,  long  setae, 
one  rodlike  solenidion  and  2 small  unequal  subterminal  spines  as  in  figures  4 and  5. 
Chelicerae  fused  into  a single  unit  and  truncate  at  apex,  with  2 pairs  of  dorsal  setae; 
gnathosoma  with  two  pairs  of  ventral  setae,  posterior  pair  about  3 times  as  long  as  anterior 
pair.  Dorsal  propodosomal  plate  bearing  a pair  of  clavate  pseudostigmatic  organs  near 
lateral  margin  and  3 pairs  of  dorsal  setae.  Peritremes  as  in  figure  3,  with  stigmata  on  shoul- 
ders of  propodosoma,  distal  ends  of  tracheae  converging  medially  between  propodosomal  setae. 
Hysterosoma  (figure  1)  dorsally  with  4 medial  plates  and  a pair  of  lateral  or  humeral 
plates;  first  dorsal  plate  narrow,  about  twice  as  long  as  wide,  with  sides  bulging  at  level 
of  setae;  second  plate  squarish,  about  as  wide  as  long,  with  a pair  of  short  setae;  third  plate 
; slightly  wider  than  long,  with  2 pairs  of  unequal  setae,  posterior  pair  reaching  beyond 
i posterior  margin  of  fourth  plate ; fourth  plate  with  2 pairs  of  posterior  setae,  median  pair 
| about  3 times  as  long  as  lateral  pairs.  Dorsal  anal  region  with  a pair  of  terminal  setae. 

I Venter  as  in  figure  2,  with  large  rectangular  hysterosomal  plate,  2 elongate  plates  between 
coxae  IV  each  with  2 setae,  and  2 large  paragenital  plates  each  bearing  pair  of  setae. 
Leg  chaetotaxy  as  follows;  the  numbers  represent  coxa,  trochanter,  femur,  genu,  tibia  and 
S tarsus: 

Leg  I.  4-1-4-5-6  + 2-13  + 2 
Leg  II.  3 - 1 - 3 - 4 - 5 + 1 - 8 + 1 
Leg  III.  3-2-2-4-5+1-8 
Leg  IV.  2 - 1 - 2 - 5 - 5 - 7 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Hoplocheylus  similis , n.  sp.  1,  dorsal  surface  of  female;  2,  ventral  surface  of  female; 
3,  peritremes;  4,  dorsum  of  palpal  tibia-tarsus;  S,  venter  of  palpal  tibia-tarsus;  6,  tibia 
and  tarsus  I;  7,  tibia  and  tarsus  II;  8,  tibia  and  tarsus  III;  9,  tibia  and  tarsus  IV;  10,  claws 
of  leg  I;  11,  claws  and  empodium  of  leg  II. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


205 


Tarsus  I lacks  empodium ; empodia  present  on  tarsi  II-IV ; claws  present  on  all  legs ; 
solenidion  present  on  tibia  I— III,  absent  on  IV ; anterior  distal  seta  on  tarsi  II-IV  forked 
apically;  tarsi  I and  II  with  2 and  1 short  solenidia  respectively;  coxae  III  not  entirely 
separated  from  coxae  IV. 

Male.  Not  known. 

Holotype.  Female,  collected  from  tree  hole  debris,  Sunken  Meadow,  North  Shore,  Long 
Island,  New  York,  June  26,  1973,  by  M.  D.  Delfinado  and  M.  Abbatiello,  deposited  in  the 
New  York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service,  Albany. 

Paratypes.  Four  females,  same  data  as  holotype,  in  the  U.S.  National  Museum  and  New 
York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service  collections. 

Hoplocheylus  americanus,  n.  sp. 

(Figures  12-16) 

This  new  species  resembles  H . longispinus  Atyeo  and  Baker  and  H.  canadensis  Marshall  in 
most  respects,  and  the  3 species  are  evidently  closely  related  morphologically.  The  most  dis- 
tinctive characters  of  H.  americanus  are  the  long  solenidia  on  tarsus  and  tibia  of  leg  I,  and 
the  very  small  subterminal  spines  on  the  palpal  tibia  and  the  shape  of  the  ventral  hysterosomal 
plate. 

Female.  Length  of  body  including  gnathosoma,  466  microns.  Palpus  with  genu  fused  with 
femur;  tibiotarsus  with  5 simple  setae,  one  rodlike  solenidion  and  2 very  small,  equal  in 
size  subterminal  spines  as  in  figure  15.  Chelicerae  fused  into  a single  unit  and  truncate 
apically,  with  2 pairs  of  dorsal  setae ; gnathosoma  with  2 pairs  of  ventral  setae,  posterior 
pair  only  slightly  longer  than  anterior  pair.  Dorsal  propodosomal  plate  with  a pair  of 
pseudostigmatic  organs  near  lateral  margin  and  3 pairs  of  dorsal  setae.  Peritremes  situated 
on  shoulders  of  propodosoma.  Hysterosoma  (figure  12)  with  4 medial  dorsal  plates  and 
a pair  of  lateral  or  humeral  plates;  first  medial  dorsal  plate  longer  than  wide,  with  2 setae; 
second  plate  squarish,  with  2 setae;  third  plate  large,  about  as  broad  as  long,  with  2 pairs 
of  setae,  the  posterior  pair  longer  than  anterior  pair  but  not  reaching  posterior  margin 
of  fourth  plate;  fourth  plate  with  2 pairs  of  posterior  setae  nearly  equal  in  length.  Dorsal 
anal  region  with  a pair  of  terminal  setae.  Venter  as  in  figure  13 ; hysterosomal  plate  large 
with  rounded  posterior  margin.  Leg  chaetotaxy  as  follows;  the  numbers  represent  coxa, 
trochanter,  femur,  genu,  tibia  and  tarsus: 

Leg  I.  4-1-5-5-6  + 2-14  + 2 
Leg  II.  3- 1 -3-4-5  + 1- 7 + 1 
Leg  III.  3-2-2-4-5+1-8 
Leg  IV.  2 - 1 - 2 - 5 - 5 + 1 - 7 

Tarsus  I lacking  empodium;  empodia  present  on  tarsi  II-IV;  claws  present  on  all  legs; 
tibia  I-IV  each  with  a solenidion;  tarsi  I and  II  with  2 and  1 long  solenidia  respectively; 
the  distal  solenidion  on  tarsus  I very  long,  reaching  apices  of  claws;  coxae  III  fused  with 
coxae  IV. 

Male.  Not  known. 

Holotype.  Female,  collected  from  soil  and  pine  debris,  Lake  Champlain  region,  New  York, 
October  15,  1973,  by  M.  D.  Delfinado  and  E.  W.  Baker,  and  deposited  in  the  New  York 
State  Museum  and  Science  Service,  Albany. 

Paratypes.  Eight  females,  same  data  as  holotype,  in  the  U.S.  National  Museum  and  New 
York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service  collections. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Hoplocheylus  americanus,  n.  sp.  12,  dorsal  surface  of  female;  13,  ventral  surface  of  female; 
14,  leg  I;  15,  dorsal  view  of  palpus;  16,  dorsal  view  of  leg  II. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


207 


Family  Paratydeidae 
Genus  Scolotydaeus  Berlese,  1910 

Scolotydaeus  Berlese,  1910,  Redia  6:  214.  Type-species,  Scolotydaeus  bacillus  Berlese, 

by  monotypy. 

Neotydeus  Baker,  1950,  Jour.  Wash.  Acad.  Sci.  40  (6):  289.  Type-species,  Neotydeus 

ardisannae  Baker,  by  original  designation.  New  synonymy. 

The  monotypic  genus  Scolotydaeus  was  previously  known  only  from  a brief  description, 
figure  and  notes  by  Berlese  (1910),  Thor  (1933),  and  Baker  (1949)  who  placed  it  in  the 
family  Tydeidae.  Baker  (1950)  later  placed  it  in  the  Paratydeidae  with  Paratydeus  Baker, 
1949,  and  Neotydeus  Baker,  1950.  Neotydeus  has  proved  to  be  a synonym  of  Scolotydaeus. 

The  genus  Scolotydaeus  primarily  possesses  the  characters  of  the  family  (Baker,  1949, 
1950)  in  that  the  hysterosoma  is  divided  transversely  at  the  third  pair  of  legs;  the  palpus 
is  simple;  tarsal  claws  are  present  on  all  legs,  with  small,  clawlike  empodia,  and  the  proximal 
venter  of  femora  has  a tiny,  broadened  dark  ‘seta.’  The  peritremes  are  simple,  arising 
from  the  bases  of  the  chelicerae.  The  propodosoma  lacks  the  lenselike  eyes  of  Paratydeus. 
The  genus  now  includes  3 species;  the  one  from  New  York  is  being  described  as  new. 

Scolotydaeus  simplex,  n.  sp. 

(Figures  17-22) 

Scolotydaeus  simplex  is  similar  to  S.  ardisanneae  (Baker)  in  several  respects.  It  is  dis- 
tinguished by  its  very  long  solenidia  on  tarsus  and  tibia  of  legs  I and  much  longer  posterior 
(third)  propodosomal,  humeral  and  posterior  dorsal  hysterosomal  setae. 

Male.  Length  of  body  including  gnathosoma,  466  microns.  Palpus  4-segmented,  femur- 
genu  and  tibia  each  with  2 long  setae,  tarsus  with  3 rodlike  and  4 short  slender  setae  and 
one  small  lateral  solenidion.  Chelicerae  coalesced,  suture  obvious,  movable  chela  curved 
and  strong,  fixed  chela  not  developed  (fixed  and  movable  chelae  not  opposed)  ; gnathosoma 
with  2 pair  of  setae,  anterior  pair  shorter.  Peritremes  simple,  short,  lightly  hooked  distally 
and  arising  from  cheliceral  bases.  Propodosoma  with  anterior  lateral  peglike  solenidia; 
integument  striate  anteriorly,  with  3 pair  of  slender  setae,  the  anterior  median  pair  long 
and  slender,  the  posterior  pair  slightly  longer  than  anterior  pair;  eyes  lacking.  Hysterosoma 
elongate,  divided  transversely  at  third  pair  of  legs;  humeral  setae  long,  dorsal  setae  short 
and  slender;  areas  posterior  to  third  pair  of  legs  with  first  2 pairs  of  setae  in  longitudinal 
row;  posterior  setae  in  transverse  rows,  posterior  lateral  setae  shorter.  Venter  as  in 
figure  18,  ventral  hysterosomal  setae  longer  than  setae  at  genital  region  with  4 pairs  of 
genital  and  6 pairs  of  paragenital  setae,  transverse  row  of  posterior  ventral  setae  and  2 
pairs  of  anal  setae.  Internally,  genitalia  with  5 pairs  of  short  setae,  and  4-5  pairs  of  short 
spines  on  internal  “spermatophore”  apparatus  (not  figured).  Leg  chaetotaxy  as  follows;  the 
numbers  represent  coxa,  trochanter,  femur,  genu,  tibia  and  tarsus: 

Leg  I.  4-0-3  + 5 (*) -6-8  (7  + 1) -12  + 1 

Leg  II.  3- 1-2 -2 -4-7 

Leg  III.  2-1-3-2-3-5 

Leg  IV.  2-0-3 + 1(*)  -1-3-5 

Claws  large,  uncinate;  empodia  of  all  legs  small  and  uncinate;  femora  I and  IV  divided 
into  basi-  and  telofemur  with  setal  count  as  above  (*).  All  solenidia  on  tarsus  and  tibia 
of  legs  I very  long  and  nearly  equal  in  length. 

Female.  Similar  to  male,  except  genitalia  much  longer.  Length  same. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Scolotydaeus  simplex,  n.  sp.  17,  dorsal  surface  of  male;  18,  ventral  surface  of  male; 
19,  details  of  gnathosoma;  20,  dorsal  view  of  leg  I;  21,  ventral  view  of  leg  I with  detail  of 
tarsal  claw;  22,  dorsal  view  of  tibia  II. 


Holotype.  Male,  collected  from  pine  debris,  bark  and  roots,  Hague,  Lake  George,  Adirondack 
Park,  New  York,  October  11,  1973,  by  M.  D.  Delfinado  and  E.  W.  Baker,  deposited  in  the 
New  York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service,  Albany,  N.Y. 

Paratypes.  Two  females,  with  the  above  data,  in  the  U.S.  National  Museum  and  New 
York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service  collections. 


209 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


Family  Pseudocheylidae 
Genus  Anoplocheylus  Berlese,  1910 

Pseudocheylus,  subg.  Anoplocheylus  Berlese,  1910,  Redia  6:  210.  Type-species,  Pseudocheylus 
( Anoplocheylus ) europaeus  Berlese,  by  original  designation. 

Rhagina  Womersley,  1935,  Rec.  So.  Australian  Mus.  5 (3):  336.  Type-species,  Rhagina 

protea  Womersley,  by  original  designation. 

This  genus  is  characterized  by  the  absence  of  claws  on  all  legs  which  terminate  with 
a stalked  membranous  empodia.  The  peritremes  are  simple,  chambered  and  located  in  the 
membrane  connecting  the  gnathosoma  and  propodosoma ; the  palpal  tarsus  complex  is 
lacking;  the  chelicerae  are  attached  basally  and  are  movable  laterally;  a pair  of  lenslike 
eyes  is  located  on  the  anterior  outer  margins  of  the  propodosomal  plate.  Five  species  were 
previously  known  in  the  genus  Anoplocheylus.  The  new  species  here  described  from  New 
York  is  the  first  records  of  the  genus  in  North  America. 

Anoplocheylus  transiens,  n.  sp. 

(Figures  23-26) 

Anoplocheylus  transiens  is  similar  to  A.  aegypticus  Baker  and  Atyeo  and  A.  tauricus 
Livshitz  and  Mitrofanov  in  having  the  subcuticular  reticulate  bands  on  the  propodosoma. 
It  differs  in  having  all  dorsal  hysterosomal  setae  of  approximately  equal  length.  We  have 
examined  adult  and  immature  specimens  of  aegypticus  and  confirmed  the  presence  of  3 
coxal  setae  as  figured.  The  text  (Baker  and  Atyeo,  1964:  268)  is  in  error  stating  that 

coxa  II  has  4 setae. 

Female  (?).  Length  of  body  including  gnathosoma,  530  microns.  Palpus  without  thumb- 
claw  complex,  with  4 distinct  segments  and  a terminal  claw.  Peritremes  chambered  through- 
out, arising  at  bases  of  chelicerae  and  situated  on  membrane  separating  gnathosoma  from 
propodosoma.  Chelicerae  hinged  at  bases  and  capable  of  lateral  movement.  Propodosomal 
plate  with  fine,  longitudinal  striae;  a single  pair  of  lenslike  eyes;  4 pairs  of  short  setae, 
the  median  pair  located  between  anterior  trichobothria ; the  posterior  marginal  pair  quite 
long  and  slender;  subcuticular  reticulate  bands  on  propodosoma  posterior  to  trichobothria. 
Hysterosoma  with  transverse  striae  anteriorly  and  posteriorly,  longitudinal  in  region  of 
coxae  III  and  IV;  humeral  setae  long,  slender;  dorsal  body  setae  all  short  except  for 
posterior  setae  of  varying  lengths.  Genitalia  longitudinal,  usually  with  4 pairs  of  short  genital 
setae  and  3 pairs  of  paragenital  plates.  Sternal  area  with  2,  3 or  4 short  setae.  All  legs 
ending  in  stalked  membranous  empodia,  claws  lacking.  Leg  chaetotaxy  as  follows,  the 
numbers  refer  to  coxa,  trochanter,  basifemur,  telofemur,  genu,  tibia  and  tarsus: 

Leg  I.  5-1-8-6-7-8+1-19  + 4 
Leg  II.  3-1-2-4-5-5-9  + 1 
Leg  III.  3-2-2-3-4-5-9 
Leg  IV.  2 - 1 - 1 - 2 - 4 - 6 - 9 

Male.  Not  known. 

Holotype.  Female  (?),  collected  from  leaf  litter,  Rensselaerville,  New  York,  October,  1973 
(no  exact  date),  by  M.  D.  Delfinado,  deposited  in  the  New  York  State  Museum  and 
Science  Service,  Albany. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Pseudocheylus  transiens,  n.  sp.  23,  dorsal  surface  of  female;  24,  distal  portion  of  venter 
of  palpus;  25,  palpus  I and  distal  portion  of  tibia  I;  26,  genitalia. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


211 


Paratypes.  Seven  females  (?),  4 with  the  above  data;  1 from  litter,  Taconic  Parkway, 

New  York,  June  16,  1973;  1 from  litter,  Heckscher  Park,  Long  Island,  New  York,  June  14, 

1973;  and  1 from  debris,  Rt.  87,  36  miles  from  New  York  City,  July  22,  1973,  all  collected 

by  M.  D.  Delfinado,  deposited  in  the  U.S.  National  Museum  and  New  York  State  Museum 

and  Science  Service  collections. 

Literature  Cited 

Atyeo,  W.  T.,  and  Baker,  E.  W.  1964.  Tarsocheylidae,  a new  family  of  Prostigmatic 
mites  (Acarina).  Bull.  Univ.  Nebraska  St.  Mus.  4(11):  243-256,  figs.  1-16. 

Baker,  E.  W.  1949.  Paratydeidae,  a new  family  of  mites.  Proc.  Ent.  Soc.  Washington 
51(3):  119-122,  figs.  1-8. 

. 1950.  Further  notes  on  the  family  Paratydeidae  (Acarina)  with  a description 

of  another  new  genus  and  species.  Jour.  Washington  Acad.  Sci.  40(9):  289-291, 

figs.  1-7. 

and  Atyeo,  W.  T.  1964.  A review  of  the  mites  of  the  family  Pseudocheylidae 

Oudemans,  1909  (Acarina,  Prostigmata).  Bull.  Univ.  Nebraska  St.  Mus.  4(12): 
257-272,  figs.  1-30. 

Berlese,  A.  1910.  Acari  nuovi.  Redia  6:  200-234,  pis.  17-21. 

Cooreman,  J.  1951.  Notes  et  observations  sur  les  Acariens  (IV).  Bull.  Inst.  roy.  Sci. 
nat.  Belg.  27(1):  4-7. 

Leonard,  M.  D.  1928.  A list  of  the  insects  of  New  York.  Mem.  Cornell  Univ.  Agric. 
Expt.  Sta.  101:  5-1093. 

Livshitz,  I.  Z.,  and  Mitrofanov,  V.  I.  1973.  A new  species  of  the  genus  Anoplocheylus 
(Trombidiformes,  Pseudocheylidae)  from  Crimea.  Zool.  Zh.  Akad.  Nauk  SSSR 
52(5):  770-771.  (In  Russian). 

Marshall,  V.G.  1966.  Une  nouvelle  espece  d’acarien  (Tarsocheylidae:  Prostigmata) 

du  sud-est  du  Canada.  Acarologia  8(1):  45-48. 

Smiley,  R.  L.,  and  Moser,  J.  C.  1968.  New  species  of  mites  from  pine.  Proc.  Ent. 
Soc.  Washington  70(4):  307-317,  figs.  1-14. 

Thor,  S.  1933.  Fam.  Tydeidae,  Ereynetidae.  Das  Tierreich,  lfg.60,  pp.  1-45. 


Centennial  of  Entomology  at  Cornell 

The  faculty  of  the  Department  of  Entomology  at  Cornell  University  will 
celebrate  100  years  of  entomology  at  Cornell  on  October  14  and  15  with  a special 
symposium.  John  Henry  Comstock  graduated  from  Cornell  in  1874  and  we  take 
this  opportunity  to  honor  the  man  who  founded  our  department. 

The  symposium  will  bring  many  invited  guests  to  the  University  and  affords 
an  opportunity  for  persons  to  discuss  the  dynamic  aspects  of  entomology.  The 
complete  program  will  be  carried  in  the  September  issue  of  the  Bulletin  of  the 
Entomological  Society  of  America. 


212 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


BOOK  REVIEW 

The  Gunong  Benom  Expedition,  1967:  Parts  11-13.  R.  Traub.  Bulletin  of  the  British 
Museum  ( Natural  History)  Zoology , Vol.  23,  No.  9-11.  London,  1972.  Notes  on  zoogeogra- 
phy, convergent  evolution  and  taxonomy  of  fleas  (Siphonaptera) , based  on  collections  from 
Gunong  Benom  and  elsewhere  in  Southeast  Asia.  I.  New  taxa  (Pygiopsyllidae,  Pygiopsyllinae) , 
pp.  201-305,  58  plates.  II.  Convergent  evolution,  pp.  307-387,  20  plates.  III.  Zoogeography, 
pp.  389-450. 

In  the  first  paper  of  this  series  a new  genus  for  the  5.  robinsoni  group  is  erected,  the 
hosts  and  distribution  of  the  Malayan  peninsular  species  of  the  group  are  discussed,  a new 
genus  for  the  S.  ferinus  group  is  described,  and  keys  to  the  new  and  old  forms  are  provided. 
Heretofore  unknown  males  and  females  of  various  species  are  described  for  the  first  time. 
The  molding  influence  of  the  environment  on  these  fleas  and  the  principles  involved  in  their 
evolution  and  adaptation  are  described  in  the  second  article.  In  the  third  paper  the  author 
presents  evidence  that  fleas  in  the  family  Pygiopsyllidae  originated  in  the  Australian  region 
and  moved  to  the  mainland  of  Asia.  He  gives  convincing  data  concerning  the  Australian 
roots  of  the  genus  Medwayella,  which  probably  originated  in  Borneo,  thereafter  moving  to 
the  Asian  mainland  and  Indochina,  as  well  as  to  the  Philippines.  The  speculation  and  dis- 
cussion concerning  the  transport  by  rats  of  Palearctic  fleas  from  the  west  and  northwest, 
with  at  least  one  species,  Sigmacteus,  reaching  New  Guinea,  are  most  interesting.  Malaya, 
Sumatra,  Java,  and  Borneo  share  many  faunal  features,  but  there  are  significant  differences 
between  the  mammals  and  fleas  of  Sarawak  and  those  of  Sabah,  with  those  of  the  former 
resembling  Malaya  more  than  the  latter. 

The  descriptions  of  methods  of  collecting  fleas  in  the  tropics  will  be  of  special  interest 
to  field  workers.  The  major  collecting  areas  were  in  forests,  at  elevations  between  800  and 
2000  feet,  usually  in  primary  jungle  but  also  in  secondary  forests  and  bamboo  areas.  Rats, 
tree  shrews,  and  tree  and  ground  squirrels  were  trapped  and  examined  by  the  author  while 
he  served  as  Commanding  Officer  of  the  U.S.  Army  Medical  Research  Unit  in  Malaya  from 
1948  to  1959.  In  addition,  collections  were  made  by  others  throughout  the  Southeast  Asian 
region.  There  were  inherent  disadvantages  so  far  as  collecting  fleas  on  trapped  animals 
was  concerned.  Fleas  tend  to  leave  their  hosts  soon  after  feeding,  or  leave  the  animals  when 
the  animals  become  excited  and  agitated.  Heavy  rain,  a daily  occurrence  in  the  tropical 
rain  forest,  also  depletes  the  flea  population  on  trapped  animals.  Even  more  disastrous  is 
the  situation  when  killed  animals  are  examined,  because,  within  minutes,  dead  rats  or 
squirrels  invariably  attract  swarms  of  ants,  rarely  leaving  fleas  on  the  carcasses.  Therefore, 
trapping  was  supplemented  by  shooting,  usually  at  night,  when  the  eyes  of  mammals  would 
glow  in  the  light  from  powerful  flashlights. 

Entomologists  will  find  the  descriptions  of  the  new  taxa,  the  discussion  of  the  convergent 
evolution,  and  the  zoogeography  of  fleas  a useful  guide  and  reference  source  for  every  as- 
pect of  flea  research. 

The  definitive  descriptions  of  fleas  of  Southeast  Asia  and  the  Indo-Australian  Archipelago 
contained  in  these  three  superbly  illustrated  issues  of  the  Bulletin  of  the  British  Museum 
will  be  of  interest  not  only  to  taxonomists  but  also  to  medical  officers  and  students  of  evo- 
lution. Altogether  this  monumental  work,  containing  244  pages  and  78  plates,  is  truly  out- 
standing. It  constitutes  exciting  reading  for  everyone  interested  in  the  intriguing  aspects 
of  collecting  and  handling  fleas  and  the  formidable  difficulties  that  may  be  encountered. 
Throughout  the  vast  area  of  collection,  Stivalius  sensu  lat.  is  a potential  vector  of  plague, 
and,  in  fact,  it  has  been  found  infected  with  plague  in  India  and  Java. 

Karl  Maramorosch 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  212-213.  September,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


213 


BOOK  REVIEW 

The  Common  Insects  of  North  America.  Lester  A.  Swann  and  Charles  S.  Papp.  1972. 
Harper  & Row,  New  York,  xiii  + 750  pp.,  8 color  plates,  2,450  drawings.  $15.00 

All  but  four  very  minor  orders  and  most  suborders,  superfamilies,  and  families  (275)  are 
covered  and  characterized  in  some  detail.  A total  of  1,422  species  are  illustrated  and  treated 
in  some  detail,  and  a great  many  others  are  mentioned  and  described  briefly.  Not  only  the 
adults  but  the  early  stages  (when  known)  are  described  and  often  are  figured.  The  range 
and  chief  environment  of  each  species  are  given,  as  well  as  much  information  about  habits, 
economic  importance,  foods,  and  chief  natural  controlling  agents  such  as  predators,  parasites, 
and  virus  and  bacterial  diseases.  An  introductory  section  covers  such  important  features 
as  the  general  characteristics  of  insects,  the  chief  phyla  of  animals  and  classes  of  arthropods, 
insect  development  and  metamorphosis,  predators  and  parasites,  structures  and  some  physi- 
ology, insect  defense  mechanisms  (unfortunately,  too  short)  and  “the  value  of  insects.” 
There  is  a very  usable  pictorial  key  to  the  orders  and  an  excellent  geologic  time  chart  cover- 
ing the  main  groups  of  plants  and  animals,  as  well  as  the  insects.  There  is  also  a very  good 
glossary  and  a bibliography  (perhaps  too  long)  that  includes  many  small  papers  and  refer- 
ences in  economic  entomology.  Throughout,  the  authors  have  used  as  simple  and  nontechni- 
cal language  as  possible.  The  black  and  white  illustrations  are  mostly  excellent,  although 
some  Lepidoptera  do  not  show  the  patterns  very  well  and  there  is  some  distortion  of  wing 
shapes.  The  scales  of  magnification  or  reduction  are  quite  erratic.  This  can  be  a bit  con- 
fusing, even  though  the  size  measurements  are  given.  In  the  copy  at  hand  the  color  repro- 
duction is  not  very  good. 

It  is  always  a problem  to  a ye viewer  to  decide  how  much  he  is  justified  in  listing  errors, 
a good  many  of  which  are  liable  to  creep  into  a book  of  this  magnitude.  For  example,  is 
such  notice  useful  for  corrections  in  subsequent  editions?  A couple  of  slips  in  the  Lepidop- 
tera, with  which  I have  some  acquaintance,  are:  the  anal  prolegs  are  not  lacking  in  noto- 
dontid  larvae,  although  reduced  or  greatly  modified  in  many;  the  tympana  of  “most  moths” 
are  not  in  the  mesothorax  but  in  the  metathorax  (Noctuoidea) . No  mention  is  made  of  the 
abdominal  tympana  of  the  very  large  superfamily  Pyraloidea.  The  enormous  family  Noc- 
tuidae  has  been  short-changed;  more  of  the  abundant  and  biologically  interesting  members 
should  have  been  included.  And  why  was  a highly  aberrant  specimen  used  to  illustrate 
the  American  Copper? 

A very  large  proportion  of  the  insects  included  are  of  economic  importance.  It  is  hard 
to  fault  this,  especially  since  such  species  are  often  abundant  and  likely  to  be  noticed.  But 
as  a result  many  more  ecologically  significant  and  interesting  species  have  been  left  out.  I 
feel,  too,  that  much  more  should  have  been  included  about  the  ecologic  status  of  insects  in 
their  communities  and  their  great  importance  in  energy  cycles,  subjects  in  which,  it  is  good 
to  note,  very  large  numbers  of  people  are  becoming  interested.  There  is  much  information 
about  the  control  of  many  species  by  natural  means  but  very  little  about  insecticides,  on 
which  we  are  still  dependent  in  a great  many  cases  (many  “instant  ecologists”  would  bene- 
fit by  some  hard  facts  here). 

The  geographic  coverage  is  extremely  good  and  is  a welcome  change  from  books  that 
give  undue  importance  to  Eastern  species.  Canada  and  the  West  are  justly  represented. 
The  classification  and  nomenclature  are  up-to-date,  although  there  will  always  be  subjective 
differences  of  opinion  in  these  fields.  Undoubtedly  this  book  will  be  valuable  to  anybody 
with  an  interest  in  natural  history  and  environmental  studies  as  well  as  to  many  entomolo- 
gists, especially  students  and  those  engaged  in  economic  work. 

Alexander  B.  Klots 

The  American  Museum  of  Natural  History 


214 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Proceedings  of  the  New  York  Entomological  Society 

(Meetings  held  in  Room  129  of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History  unless  otherwise 
indicated.) 


Meeting  of  October  2,  1973 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  Dr.  Howard  Topoff,  President,  at  8:10  p.m.  24  mem- 
bers and  19  guests  were  present. 

The  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  Tuesday,  May  15,  1973,  were  approved  as  read. 

Dr.  Lawrence  Limpel  of  Yonkers,  N.Y.,  was  proposed  for  Active  Membership.  His  ento- 
mological interests  are  insect  control  and  insect  physiology.  Mr.  Lamar  Holsheimer  of 
Portland  State  College  was  proposed  for  Student  Membership.  His  interests  are  Lepidop- 
tera  and  Hymenoptera.  Ms.  Rosa  Montes  of  Pace  College  was  proposed  for  Student  Mem- 
bership. Her  interests  are  myrmecology  and  general  entomology.  Ms.  Mercedes  Delfinado 
was  proposed  for  Active  Membership;  her  interests  are  Diptera  and  free-living  terrestrial 
mites. 

PROGRAM. 

After  a couple  of  short  announcements  by  members  of  the  Society  Dr.  Topoff  introduced 
Dr.  Norman  Lin  who  talked  about  social  insects.  The  title  of  his  paper  was  “Evolution 
of  Sociality  in  Insects.” 

Father  Sullivan  announced  that  the  speaker  for  the  meeting  on  October  16,  1973,  will  be 
Dr.  Louis  D.  Trombetta,  Isaac  Albert  Research  Institute,  Kingsbrook  Jewish  Medical  Cen- 
ter. His  topic  will  be:  “Abnormal  development  in  Tenebrio  caused  by  a juvenile  hormone 
analogy.” 


Peter  Moller,  Sec. 


Meeting  of  October  16,  1973 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  Dr.  Howard  Topoff,  President,  at  8:10  p.m.  7 mem- 
bers and  9 guests  were  present. 

The  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  Tuesday,  October  2,  1973,  were  approved  as  read. 

Ms.  Mercedes  D.  Delfinado,  of  Albany,  N.Y.,  was  elected  to  Active  Membership;  her  in- 
terests are  in  taxonomy  of  Diptera  and  free-living  mites.  Dr.  Lawrence  Limpel,  of  Yonkers, 
N.Y.,  was  elected  to  Active  Membership;  his  interests  are  in  insect  control  and  insect  physi- 
ology. Ms.  Rosa  M.  Montes,  of  Pace  College,  was  elected  to  Student  Membership.  Her 
interests  are  in  myrmecology  and  general  entomology.  Mr.  Lamar  Holsheimer,  of  Portland 
State  College,  was  elected  to  Student  Membership;  he  is  interested  in  Lepidoptera  and 
Hymenoptera. 

Ms.  Betty  Lane  Faber,  of  New  Brunswick,  N.J.,  was  proposed  for  Active  Membership. 
She  is  interested  in  insect  behavior.  Mr.  S.  M.  Ulagaraj,  of  the  University  of  Florida,  was 
proposed  for  Student  Membership;  he  is  interested  in  behavior  and  bionomics  of  Orthop- 
tera.  Mr.  Henry  M.  Knizeski,  Jr.,  of  Fordham  University,  N.Y.,  was  proposed  for  Student 
Membership;  he  is  interested  in  systematics  and  ecology  in  Hymenoptera.  Mr.  Charles 
William  Calmbacher,  of  Fordham  University,  N.Y.,  was  proposed  for  Student  Membership. 
His  interests  are  in  Hymenoptera,  systematics,  and  ethology  of  Sphecidae.  Mr.  James 
Wangberg,  of  University  of  Idaho,  was  proposed  for  Student  Membership. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  214-218.  September,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


215 


PROGRAM. 

Father  Sullivan  introduced  Dr.  Louis  D.  Trombetta,  of  the  Isaac  Albert  Research  Institute 
of  Kingsbrook  Jewish  Medical  Center.  Dr.  Trombetta  presented  a fascinating  paper  on 
“Abnormal  Development  in  Tenebrio  caused  by  a juvenile  hormone  analog.” 

The  first  meeting  in  November  was  cancelled  because  of  Election  Day. 

Father  Sullivan  announced  that  the  speaker  for  the  meeting  on  November  20,  1973,  will 
be  the  Society’s  own  secretary,  Dr.  Peter  Moller,  of  the  Department  of  Psychology,  Hunter 
College,  and  the  Department  of  Animal  Behavior,  American  Museum  of  Natural  History. 
His  topic  will  be:  “How  does  a spider  find  its  way  home?” 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  at  9:20  p.m. 

Peter  Moller,  Sec. 


THE  EFFECTS  OF  A JUVENILE  HORMONE  ANALOG  ON  THE 
DEVELOPMENT  OF  THE  ANTENNA  OF  TENEBRIO  MOLITOR 

The  developmental  morphology  and  histology  of  the  antenna  of  Tenebrio  molitor  as  well 
as  its  musculature  were  described  and  compared  with  antennae  of  insects  treated  with  a 
juvenile  hormone  analog.  The  juvenile  hormone  analog  was  code  labeled  JM-1-46  (4- 
Ethylphenyl  2-(2-Etoxy  Etoxy) Ethyl  Acetal).  It  was  topically  applied  with  a microliter 
syringe  to  the  frontoclypeal  suture  of  the  pupa  at  a dose  concentration  of  3/ig//d  of  acetone. 

Three  extrinsic  antennal  muscles  and  three  intrinsic  antennal  muscles  were  described.  The 
intrinsic  antennal  muscles  all  originated  on  the  same  surface  of  the  scape. 

The  histology  of  the  adult  antenna  revealed  that  the  cuticle  of  the  newly  emerged  insect 
was  composed  of  two  layers,  the  exocuticle  and  endocuticle,  separated  in  some  regions  by  a 
mesocuticle  that  alters  considerably  during  the  first  week  of  development.  The  cuticle  of 
the  intersegmental  membrane  consisted  of  two  layers  that  were  continuous  with  the  endo- 
cuticle. The  epidermis  was  a simple  epithelium  that  varied  from  cuboidal-  to  columnar- 
shaped cells,  depending  on  the  location  and  density  of  the  underlying  nervous  tissue.  The 
changes  in  the  epidermis  from  the  newly  emerged  to  the  one-week-old  insect  were  described. 
Johnston’s  organ  and  an  antennal  blood  vessel  were  also  described.  The  antennal  nervous 
and  respiratory  systems  were  similar  to  those  in  other  insects,  and  the  changes  that  occurred 
in  these  systems  from  the  newly  emerged  to  the  one-week-old  insect  were  described. 

The  morphogenesis  of  the  antenna  was  divided  into  three  stages,  each  of  which  was 
marked  by  specific  characteristics  in  the  developmental  sequence.  The  early  stage  extended 
for  the  first  four  days  after  the  larval-pupal  molt,  the  intermediate  stage  continued  through 
days  5,6,7  postpupation,  and  the  late  stage  was  days  8 through  12.  The  cuticle,  epidermis, 
nervous  system,  tracheae,  and  blood  vessel  were  described  histologically  at  the  larval-pupal 
molt,  24  and  48  hours  postpupation,  and  7 and  12  days  postpupation.  All  the  above  struc- 
tures were  shown  to  undergo  significant  alterations  during  development. 

Contrasted  to  the  above  findings  were  insects  treated  with  the  juvenile  hormone  analog. 
The  development  of  the  antenna  of  a treated  insect  determined  the  degree  of  muscle  devel- 
opment. The  antennal  pupal  case  was  very  delicate  and  much  thinner  than  the  normal  one 
and  had  the  same  sensory  structures  that  were  present  on  the  normal  pupal  cuticle.  The 
antennae  of  the  treated  insects  showed  four  different  morphological  conditions.  First,  the 
antenna  of  the  adult  resembled  the  antenna  at  the  larval-pupal  molt,  but  was  highly  convo- 
luted and  had  a very  irregular  cuticle.  The  cuticle  was  said  to  be  juvenilized.  Second,  the 
antenna  had  both  juvenilized  regions  and  regions  that  appeared  adultlike.  Third,  the  distal 


216 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


segments  of  the  antenna  were  rounded  in  a manner  not  characteristic  of  the  adults.  Juvenil- 
ized  patches  of  cuticle  were  scattered  over  the  antennal  surface.  Fourth,  two  pupal  cases 
were  covering  the  antenna.  The  outer  case  resembled  the  original  pupal  case  but  the  inner 
one  was  not  as  well  defined. 

Two  general  histological  patterns  were  described  for  the  treated  antennae.  The  first 
pattern  was  for  antennae  where  the  cuticle  appeared  morphologically  pupal  and  the  second 
pattern  was  for  antennae  of  insects  where  the  cuticle  appeared  morphologically  adultlike.  A 
few  aberrant  antennal  forms  unlike  the  above  were  described. 

Reversal  of  metamorphosis  by  juvenile  hormone  as  stated  by  some  previous  investigators 
was  shown  to  be  unlikely.  Rather,  it  seems  more  probable  that  the  juvenile  hormone  analog 
acts  upon  the  cell  nucleus  to  produce  abnormal  characteristics. 

Louis  D.  Trombetta 
Kingsbrook  Jewish  Medical  Center 


Meeting  of  November  20,  1973 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  Dr.  Howard  Topoff,  President,  at  8:10  p.m.  IS  members 
and  15  guests  were  present. 

The  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  October  16,  1973,  were  approved  as  read. 

The  following  membership  elections  were  held: 

Mr.  Henry  M.  Knizeski  of  Fordham  University  was  elected  to  Student  Membership.  He  is 
interested  in  the  systematics  and  ecology  of  Hymenoptera. 

Mr.  Charles  W.  Calmbacher  of  Fordham  University  was  elected  to  Student  Membership. 
Mr.  Calmbacher  works  on  the  systematics  and  ethology  of  the  hymenopterous  family 
Sphecidae. 

Mr.  S.  M.  Ulagaraj  of  the  University  of  Florida  at  Gainesville,  who  specializes  in  the  be- 
havior and  bionomics  of  Orthoptera,  and  Mr.  James  Wangberg  of  the  University  of  Idaho, 
were  elected  to  Student  Membership. 

Ms.  Betty  L.  Faber  of  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey,  whose  main  interest  is  behavior,  was 
proposed  for  Active  Membership. 

program.  Dr.  Topoff  introduced  Dr.  Peter  Moller  of  the  Department  of  Animal  Behavior 
of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History.  Dr.  Moller,  our  Secretary,  was  greeted  with 
vigorous  and  sustained  applause.  His  talk  provided  us  with  brilliant  and  provocative  answers 
to  the  question  “How  does  a spider  find  its  way  home?”  Making  effective  use  of  slides  and 
other  illustrative  material,  he  considered  various  aspects  of  aranean  orientation  behavior. 
The  lecture  was  followed  by  prolonged  and  heated  debate. 

Our  next  meeting  is  scheduled  for  December  4,  1973,  at  which  time  Dr.  David  C.  Rentz  of 
the  Department  of  Entomology  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia  will 
consider  the  question  of  mechanical  reproductive  isolating  mechanisms  in  a talk  entitled 
“The  lock  and  key  as  an  isolating  mechanism  in  katydids.” 


The  meeting  was  adjourned  at  9:30  p.m. 


Charles  C.  Porter,  Asst.  Sec. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


217 


Meeting  of  December  4,  1973 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  Dr.  Howard  Topoff,  President,  at  8:15  p.m.  10  mem- 
bers and  5 guests  were  present. 

The  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  November  20,  1973,  were  approved  as  read. 

program.  Father  Sullivan  introduced  Dr.  David  C.  Rentz,  Department  of  Entomology, 
Philadelphia  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,  who  told  us  briefly  about  his  experiences  as 
president  of  the  Philadelphia  Entomological  Society  before  he  started  his  interesting  talk 
about  “The  lock  and  key  as  an  isolating  mechanism  in  katydids.”  His  talk  was  followed 
by  a lengthy  discussion. 

Father  Sullivan  announced  that  the  speaker  for  the  next  meeting  on  December  18  will  be 
Dr.  Ross  H.  Arnett,  Department  of  Biology,  Siena  College.  He  will  talk  about  “Pollen- 
feeding beetles.” 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  at  9:10  p.m. 

Peter  Moller,  Sec. 


Meeting  of  December  18,  1973 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  Dr.  Howard  Topoff,  President  at  8:20  p.m.  12  members 
and  7 guests  were  present. 

The  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  December  4,  1973,  were  approved  as  read. 

Mr.  Alberto  Muyshondt  of  San  Salvador  was  proposed  for  Active  Membership.  His  ento- 
mological interests  are  Rhopalocera  of  Tropical  America. 

program.  Father  Sullivan  introduced  Dr.  Ross  H.  Arnett,  Department  of  Biology,  Siena 
College.  In  a fascinating  talk  illustrated  with  color  slides  Dr.  Arnett  introduced  his  audience 
to  the  phenomenon  of  “pollen-feeding  beetles.”  A very  interesting  and  heated  discussion 
followed. 

It  was  announced  that  the  next  meeting  will  be  held  on  January  15,  1974.  The  speaker 
will  be  Mr.  Frederick  H.  Miller,  Jr.,  Nassau  County  Medical  Center,  who  will  talk  about 
“The  scanning  electron  microscope — A tool  for  entomologists.” 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  at  9:45  p.m. 

Secretary’s  note:  For  the  records  it  should  be  mentioned  that  this  meeting  was  the  last 
one  chaired  by  President  Howard  Topoff,  who,  after  two  years  of  office,  leaves  the  ranks 
of  officers  in  the  New  York  Entomological  Society.  The  Society  is  grateful  for  his  many 
innovations  and  hard  work. 

Peter  Moller,  Sec. 

THE  ROLE  OF  POLLEN  FEEDING  IN  COLONIZATION  OF  SMALL 
POPULATIONS  WITH  PARTICULAR  REFERENCE  TO  COLEOPTERA 

An  understanding  of  some  of  the  problems  of  small  populations  of  colonizing  species 
has  been  gained  through  a study  of  the  role  of  pollen  feeding  by  quantitative  experimental 
ecological  population  studies.  Selected  species  of  oedemerid  beetles,  all  obligate  pollen 


218 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


feeders,  and  all  well-known  taxonomically,  have  been  studied  in  particular,  along  with  other 
pollen-feeding  beetles  in  general,  by  field  experimentation  involving  population  sampling, 
feeding  experiments,  and  karyotype  determination. 

Many  plants  suffer  very  heavy  predispersal  pollen  predation  by  a large  variety  of  animals. 
In  spite  of  the  generally  held  view  that  insects  are  the  responsible  and  required  pollinators 
for  many  plants,  it  is  certain  that  most  of  the  produced  pollen  in  these  and  other,  noninsect 
pollinated  plants  goes  as  insect  food  without  any  self-  or  cross-pollination.  In  fact,  some 
plants  develop  feeding  anthers  that  produce  a degenerate  pollen  used  solely  for  food  con- 
sumption. The  development  of  these  special  pollen-feeding,  nonpollinating  structures,  the 
chemical  secretions  used  as  attractants,  and  the  ethological  patterns  in  beetles  that  make 
this  a mutual  relationship  are  very  poorly  understood. 

Oedemerid  beetles  are  ideally  suited  for  such  studies  because:  1)  They  are  now  relatively 
well  known  taxonomically  through  the  previous  research  on  the  group  by  this  investigator; 
2)  the  breeding  populations  of  almost  all  the  species  are  very  small,  and  there  is  abundant 
evidence  to  show  that  they  are  actively  colonizing;  and  3)  they  are  all  obligate  pollen 
feeders  with  a specialized  pollen  rumen  used  when  pollen  foraging. 

Two  things  are  clear  from  the  sketchy  studies  made  of  the  pollen-feeding  phenomenon:  It 
is  1)  a highly  evolved  chemical,  structural,  and  ethological  process,  and  2)  a large  and 
important  but  as  yet  not  fully  exploited  field  of  study.  This,  coupled  with  the  need  to 
know  more  about  the  factors  operating  during  colonization  attempts,  has  resulted  in  the 
accumulation  of  a wealth  of  data,  but  many  questions  remain  unanswered. 

Ross  H.  Arnett,  Jr. 

Siena  College 


Vol.  LXXXII,  September,  1974 


219 


New  York  Entomological  Society 

PROGRAM  SCHEDULE  1974/75 
Guest  speakers  at  forthcoming  regular  meetings: 


October 

i, 

1974 

Robert  R.  Granados 

Boyce  Thompson  Institute,  Yonkers,  N.Y. 

October 

15, 

1974 

Bert  Holldobler 

Harvard  University,  Cambridge,  Mass. 

November 

5, 

1974 

Thomas  Eisner 

Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  N.Y. 

November  19, 

1974 

Vincent  G.  Dethier 

Princeton  University,  Princeton,  N.J. 

December 

3, 

1974 

Kenneth  D.  Roeder 

Tufts  University,  Medford,  Mass. 

December 

17, 

1974 

Jerome  S.  Rovner 

Ohio  University,  Athens,  Ohio 

January 

7, 

1975 

Arthur  H.  McIntosh 

Rutgers  University,  New  Brunswick,  N.J. 

January 

21, 

1975 

Karl  Maramorosch 

Rutgers  University,  New  Brunswick,  N.J. 

February 

4, 

1975 

Gary  D.  Bernard 

Yale  University,  New  Haven,  Conn. 

February 

18, 

1975 

Rudolf  Jander 

University  of  Kansas,  Lawrence,  Kan. 

March 

4, 

1975 

Peter  N.  Witt 

N.C.  Dept.  Human  Resources,  Raleigh,  N.C. 

March 

18, 

1975 

open 

April 

1, 

1975 

Bertrand  Krafft 
University  of  Nancy,  France 

April 

15, 

1975 

Walter  C.  Rothenbuhler 

Ohio  State  University,  Columbus,  Ohio 

May 

6, 

1975 

Neal  A.  Weber 

Florida  State  University,  Tallahassee,  Florida 

May 

20, 

1975 

open 

All  meetings 

will  be  held  at  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  Central 

Park  West  at  79th  Street,  at  8:00  P.M.  For  further  information  (dinner  reser- 
vation etc.)  call  Dr.  Peter  Moller  (212-873-1300  ext.  385). 


220 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Washington  DC 
USA 

August  19—27 
1976 

XV  International  Congress  of  Entomology 
First  Announcement 

The  15th  International  Congress  of  Entomology  will  be  held  in  the  beautiful 
capital  city,  Washington,  D.C.,  U.S.A.,  August  19-27,  1976,  under  the  sponsor- 
ship of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences  and  the  Entomological  Society  of 
America.  Sessions  will  be  held  in  the  excellent  meeting  facilities  of  the  Washing- 
ton Hilton  Hotel.  Special  events  are  being  planned  at  national  scientific  and 
cultural  centers.  Two  international  airports  near  Washington  give  direct  access 
from  abroad.  University  housing  will  be  available  in  addition  to  hotel  facilities. 

The  Organizing  Committee  for  the  Congress  is  composed  of  Curtis  W. 
Sabrosky  (Chairman  and  President  of  the  Congress),  Ernest  C.  Bay  (Secretary- 
General),  Wallace  P.  Murdoch  (Treasurer),  William  G.  Eden,  Gordon  E.  Guyer, 
E.  F.  Knipling,  Robert  L.  Metcalf,  John  V.  Osmun,  Ray  F.  Smith  and  Edward 
O.  Wilson. 

The  program  will  emphasize  plenary  symposia,  invitational  speakers,  special- 
ized symposia/work  groups/panel  discussions,  and  special  interest  groups  or 
informal  conferences.  Thirteen  program  sections  cover  Systematics,  Genetics, 
Physiology  and  Biochemistry,  Toxicology,  Ecology,  Behavior,  Social  Insects 
and  Apiculture,  Biological  Control,  Medical  and  Veterinary  Entomology,  Agri- 
cultural Entomology  and  Pest  Management,  Forest  Entomology,  Stored  Products 
and  Structural  Insects,  and  Pesticide  Development,  Management  and  Regulation. 

A Congress  Brochure  and  application  forms  will  be  mailed  in  May,  1975.  The 
Brochure  will  contain  information  on  highlights  of  the  scientific  program, 
receptions,  tours,  ladies  program,  scientific,  historical  and  other  features  of  the 
Washington  area,  and  useful  data  for  visitors. 

PLEASE  NOTE:  Announcements  of  this  Congress  are  not  being  sent  to 
individuals,  but  are  being  publicized  in  journals  and  circulated  to  museums, 
departments,  and  other  institutions.  If  you  are  interested  in  receiving  future 
information,  including  registration  forms,  please  send  a postcard  to  the  under- 
signed with  your  name  and  address,  typed  or  in  block  letters,  and  also  the 
section  of  your  major  interest. 

Dr.  ERNEST  C.  BAY,  Secretary  General 
XV  International  Congress  of  Entomology 
P.O.  Box  151 
College  Park,  Md. 

USA  20740 


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JOURNAL  of  the 

NEW  YORK  ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY 


The  JOURNAL  of  the  NEW  YORK  ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY  is  de- 
voted to  the  advancement  and  dissemination  of  knowledge  pertaining  to  insects 
and  their  related  forms. 

: 

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not  be  responsible  for  lost  JOURNALS  unless  immediately  notified  of  change 
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Please  make  all  checks,  money-orders,  or  drafts  payable  to  the  NEW  YORK 
ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 

ORDERS  and  inquiries  for  back  issues  and  complete  sets  should  be  sent  to 
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INFORMATION  FOR  AUTHORS 


Submit  manuscript  in  duplicate  (original  and  one  carbon)  to  the  Editor,  New 
York  Entomological  Society,  Boyce  Thompson  Institute,  Yonkers,  N.Y.  10701. 

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1.  GENERAL  POLICY.  Manuscript  submitted  must  be  a report  of  unpub- 
lished research  which  is  not  being  considered  for  publication  elsewhere.  A 
manuscript  accepted  and  published  in  the  JOURNAL  must  not  be  published 
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A page  charge  of  $15  per  printed  page  is  assessed  except  that  the  charge  may 
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The  page  charge  includes  black  and  white  illustrations  and  tabular  material. 


2.  FORM  OF  MANUSCRIPT.  Text,  footnotes  and  legends  must  be  type- 
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The  editorial  style  of  the  JOURNAL  essentially  follows  the  CBE  Style  Manual 
(3rd  edition,  A.I.B.S.,  1972). 


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Biochemical  abbreviations:  follow  rules  of  the  U.I.P.A.C.  -T.U.B. 


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Enzyme  activity:  should  be  expressed  in  terms  of  international  units. 


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Geographical  names,  authors  names  and  names  of  plants  and  animals  should 


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The  JOURNAL  reserves  the  privilege  of  editing  manuscript  or  of  returning  it 


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ABSTRACT.  Each  manuscript  must; be  accompanied  by  an  abstract, 


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5.  ILLUSTRATIONS.  Original  drawings  should  not  be  submitted.  Glossy 
prints  are  desirable — not  larger  than  8%  by  11  inches  and  preferably  not 


smaller  than  5 by  7 inches.  When  appropriate,  magnification  should  be  indi- 


cated by  a suitable  scale  on  the  photograph. 

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should  be  sent  to  the  New  York  Entomological  Society,  The  American  Museum 


of  Natural  History,  Central  Park  West  at  79th  Street,  New  York,  New  York, 
10024.  The  Society  will  not  be  responsible  for  lost  JOURNALS  unless  im- 


mediately notified  of  change  of  address.  We  do  not  exchange  publications. 
Please  make  all  checks,  money  orders  and  drafts  payable  to  the  NEW  YORK 


ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 

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8.  ORDERS  and  inquiries  for  back  issues  and  complete  sets  should  be  sent 


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The  New  York  Entomological  Society 
Incorporating  The  Brooklyn  Entomological  Society 
Incorporated  May  21,  1968 


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The  New  York  Entomological  Society 

Organized  June  29,  1892 — Incorporated  February  25,  1893 


Reincorporated  February  17,  1943 


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The  Brooklyn  Entomological  Society 

Founded  in  1872 — Incorporated  in  1885 
Reincorporated  February  10,  1936 

( 

The  meetings  of  the  Society  are  held  on  the  first  and  third  Tuesday  of  each  month  (except 
June,  July,  August  and  September)  at  8 p.m.,  in  the  American  Museum  of  Natural 
History,  79th  St.  & Central  Park  W.,  New  York,  N.  Y.  10024. 


Annual  dues  for  Active  Members,  $4.00;  including  subscription  to  the  Journal,  $9.00. 


i 


Members  of  the  Society  will  please  remit  their  annual  dues,  payable  in  January,  to  the 
Treasurer. 

1 

Officers  for  the  Year  1974 


President,  Dr.  Daniel  J.  Sullivan,  S.J. 

Fordham  University,  New  York  10458 

Vice-President,  Dr.  Peter  Moller 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 
Secretary,  Dr.  Charles  C.  Porter 

Fordham  University,  New  York  10458 
Assistant  Secretary,  Dr.  Louis  Trombetta 

Pelham  Manor,  New  York  10803 


Treasurer,  Dr.  Winifred  B.  Trakimas 


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State  University  of  New  York,  Farmingdale,  New  York  11735 
Assistant  Treasurer,  Ms.  Joan  DeWind 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 


Class  of  1974 


Trustees 


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Dr.  Lee  Herman 
Class  of  1975 

Dr.  Howard  Topoff 


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, 

Mr.  Edwin  Way  Teale 


. : 


Dr.  Pedro  Wygodzinsky 


Mailed  February  24,  1975 


71: 


The  Journal  of  the  New  York  Entomological  Society  is  published  quarterly  for  the  Society  by  Allen  Press 
Inc.,  1041  New  Hampshire,  Laurence,  Kansas  66044.  Second  class  postage  paid  at  New  Brunswick,  New 


Jersey  and  at  additional  mailing  office. 


Knbwn/ office  of  publication:  Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology,  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903. 


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Journal  of  the 

New  York  Entomological  Society 


Volume  LXXXII  December,  1974 


No.  4 


EDITORIAL  BOARD 

Editor  Dr.  Karl  Maramorosch 
Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology 
Rutgers  University 
New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903 

Associate  Editors  Dr.  Lois  Keller,  RSM 
Dr.  Herbert  T.  Streu 

Publication  Committee 

Dr.  Kumar  Krishna  Dr.  Ayodha  P.  Gupta 

Dr.  James  Forbes,  Chairman 


CONTENTS 

William  Couper,  Taxonomist-Entomologist  F.  Martin  Brown  222 

Nest  Biology  of  the  Eucerine  Bee  Thygater  analis  (Hymenoptera,  Antho- 
phoridae)  Jerome  G.  Rozen,  Jr.  230 

Notes  on  the  Natural  History  of  a Rare  Adelpha  Butterfly  (Lepidoptera : 
Nymphalidae)  in  Costa  Riean  High  Country  Allen  M.  Young  235 

Revision  of  the  Genus  Holcostethus  in  North  America  (Hemiptera:  Penta- 
tomidae)  F.  J.  D.  McDonald  245 

Digger  Wasps  as  Colonizers  of  New  Habitat  (Hymenoptera:  Aculeata)  

Howard  E.  Evans  259 

Seasonal  Variation  in  Tachysphex  terminatus  (Smith)  (Hymenoptera:  Sphec- 
idae,  Larrinae)  Nancy  B.  Elliott  and  Frank  E.  Kurczewski  268 

Two  New  Genera  and  Two  New  Species  of  Acantliosomatidae  (Hemiptera) 
from  South  America,  with  a Key  to  the  Genera  of  the  Western  Hemisphere 

L.  H.  Rolston  and  R.  Kumar  271 

New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran.  I (Diptera:  Tipulidae)  

Charles  P.  Alexander  279 


Index  of  Scientific  Names  of  Animals  and  Plants  for  Volume  LXXXII  285 

Index  of  Authors  for  Volume  LXXXII  iii 


222 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


William  Couper,  Taxidermist-Entomologist 

F.  Martin  Brown 

6715  So.  Marksheffel  Road,  Colorado  Springs,  Colorado  80909 

Received  for  Publication  December  14,  1973 

Abstract:  Records  are  made  of  what  little  is  known  about  William  Couper,  a Canadian  field 
naturalist  of  the  latter  half  of  the  19th  century.  This  is  based  upon  the  literature  and 
Couper’s  letters  to  Herman  Strecker.  Couper’s  collecting  trips  to  Labrador  and  Anticosti 
Island  are  recounted.  Considerable  information  is  given  about  the  controversy  involving 
Papilio  brevicauda  Saunders  and  Papilio  anticostiensis  Strecker,  and  that  involving  Lycaena 
pembina  Edwards  and  Lycaena  couperi  Grote. 


Some  years  ago  while  carrying  out  the  N.S.F.  mission  of  cataloging  and 
preserving  the  thousands  of  letters  that  Herman  Strecker  accumulated,  we  found 
a small  bundle  of  them  written  in  the  early  1870’s  by  William  Couper  of  Mon- 
treal. Since  none  of  the  usual  sources  of  biographical  material  about  entomolo- 
gists contains  information  about  Couper  I thought  it  worth-while  to  present  to 
you  something  about  the  man  gained  from  his  letters.  Couper  is  memorialized 
by  Glauco psyche  lygdamus  couperi  Grote,  originally  described  from  Anticosti 
Island. 

Couper’s  activity  in  the  province  of  Quebec  was  outlined  by  Comeau  (1965)  in 
an  address,  “ A Glance  at  the  History  of  Entomology  and  Entomological  Collec- 
tions in  Quebec”  presented  at  “The  Lyman  Entomological  Semicentennial 
Symposium.”  This  was  delivered  on  December  30,  1964,  as  part  of  the  A.A.A.S. 
meetings  held  at  Montreal.  Comeau  noted  that  Couper  built  the  third  entomo- 
logical collection  for  the  province.  The  first,  that  of  Pierre  Boucher,  Governor 
of  the  city  of  Three  Rivers,  was  made  around  1664  and  lost.  Pierre  Chasseur’s 
collection  was  bought  by  the  government  of  Lower  Canada  in  1827  and  lost 
by  fire  in  1832.  Couper’s  was  given  to  Morin’s  College  in  the  city  of  Quebec 
in  1871  and  was  destroyed  by  pests. 

While  living  in  Quebec  Couper  helped  found  the  first  entomological  society 
in  the  province.  This  occurred  in  June  1862  in  league  with  Provancher  and 
Leclerc.  It  affiliated  with  the  Entomological  Society  of  Ontario  in  1868  but 
died  in  1871  when  Couper  left  Quebec.  In  1873  Couper  was  instrumental  in 
organizing  what  became  the  Montreal  branch  of  the  Entomological  Society  of 
Quebec.  Couper  had  a falling  out  with  William  Saunders,  the  editor  of  CANA- 
DIAN ENTOMOLOGIST.  This  caused  him  to  bring  together  a group  of 
entomologists,  who  had  accidentally  met  on  a mountain  side,  to  form  the 
Montreal  Entomological  Society. 

With  his  letter  of  December  8,  1873,  to  Strecker,  he  included  a clipping  from 
a newspaper — name  and  date  unknown  to  me — that  opens  as  follows: 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  222-229.  December,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


223 


“ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY.— The  monthly  meeting  of  this  Society 
was  held  on  Wednesday  night  at  the  residence  of  the  President,  Mr.  William 
Couper,  No.  67  Bonaventure  Street.  The  following  members  were  present — - 
The  President,  Messers  Kolmar,  Kuetzing,  Caulfield,  C.  W.  Pearson  and 
G.  B.  Pearson.  Mr.  Alexander  Gibbs  was  proposed  for  membership,  and 
Mr.  Andrew  Johnson  was  elected  a member  . . .” 

The  “Commemorative  Programme”  for  the  85th  Annual  Meeting  of  the 
Entomological  Society  of  Ontario,  3-5  November  1948,  celebrated  the  75th 
anniversary  year  of  the  Montreal  Branch  of  the  society,  the  result  of  Couper ’s 
original  Montreal  Entomological  Society.  In  the  program  there  is  “Short  History 
of  the  Montreal  Branch  . . .”  and  on  p.  15  a photograph  and  the  signature  of 
Couper  are  reproduced.  On  p.  6 of  the  program  it  states  “.  . .he  left  Montreal 
for  New  York  in  1884.  ...  it  is  thought  that  he  died  at  his  son’s  residence  at 
Troy  in  1890.” 

Couper  made  an  early  collecting  trip  in  1867  to  Labrador  and  a second  in  1872. 
Also  in  that  year,  1872,  and  upon  two  other  occasions,  he  visited  and  collected 
insects  upon  the  Island  of  Anticosti.  I have  only  found  references  to  an  earlier 
trip  (in  1865?)  to  Labrador  but  there  appears  to  be  first-hand  information  in 
the  contemporary  newspapers  of  Montreal  to  which  I do  not  have  access.  His 
letters  to  Strecker  at  least  give  us  an  outline  of  his  second  trip  (1872)  and  of 
his  trips  to  Anticosti. 

In  the  late  1860’s  and  at  least  to  March  of  1871,  Couper  served  as  Assistant 
Curator  and  Taxidermist  for  “The  Literary  and  Historical  Society  of  Quebec.” 
He  apparently  lived  at  38  Bonaventure  Street,  Montreal.  In  1873  he  decided  to 
set  up  as  an  independent  taxidermist  and  established  himself  at  67  Bonaventure 
Street  in  Montreal.  This  was  done  after  his  second  trip  to  Anticosti  Island. 
On  that  trip  he  had  some  official  position  with  the  Anticosti  Company,  the  only 
way  he  could  reside  upon  the  island.  He  sailed  from  Montreal  on  May  15th  on  a 
vessel  chartered  for  the  trip  by  the  Anticosti  Company.  A letter  dated  August 
6th,  1873  opens  “I  have  just  returned  from  Anticosti.”  Thus  he  spent  about 
9 or  10  weeks  there  on  this  trip.  His  subscribers,  at  $12  a head,  were  Grote, 
W.  H.  Edwards,  a Mr.  Chase,  and  a Mr.  Wassemann  of  England.  Strecker, 
always  parting  with  money  only  under  duress,  finally  contributed  his  $12  to 
Mrs.  Couper  after  the  vessel  had  sailed.  Couper  hoped  to  gain  permanent  em- 
ployment with  the  Anticosti  Company  but  this  seems  never  to  have  materialized. 

In  addition  to  bringing  to  you  something  about  one  of  the  early  Canadian 
collectors  of  Lepidoptera,  these  notes  from  Couper’s  letters  touch  upon  two 
interesting  taxonomic  problems : the  relationships  of  Papilio  brevicauda  Saunders 
and  antic  os  tiensis  Strecker,  and  the  identity  of  Lycaena  pembina  Edwards. 
I will  let  Couper  tell  you  of  his  travels  and  collecting  experiences  by  means  of 
direct  quotations  from  his  letters. 


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“September  30,  1872” 

“I  have  returned  home  after  an  absence  of  over  four  months.  I left  Quebec 
on  May  18  last  on  board  the  government  schooner  “Stella  Maris”,  for  Anticosti. 
I remained  on  the  island  two  weeks,  when  I took  passage  for  the  coast  of  Labra- 
dor, arriving  at  Natashiquan,  and  collected  between  latitude  50  and  51  success- 
fully, obtaining  a good  number  of  diurnal  lepidoptera.  Everything  went  on  well 
until  I turned  my  face  homeward  by  the  western  North  Shore  route,  traversed 
by  me  about  7 years  ago,  terminating  at  a place  called  Mingan.  At  the 
latter  place,  I wished  to  obtain  Argynnis  Boisduvalli  and  Colias  interior , 2 
species  occurring  there  about  the  22  July.  While  thus  engaged,  and  during 
my  absence  from  camp  (at  Mingan),  the  whole  of  my  former  collection,  the 
result  of  5 weeks  work  on  the  lower  portion  of  that  coast,  was  destroyed  by 
the  mountain  Indians.  These  miserable  beings  not  only  destroyed  my  collec- 
tions, but  robbed  me  of  provisions,  etc.  1 appealed  to  the  priest  then  in  charge 
of  the  Mission,  who  told  me  that  he  had  no  control  in  the  matter  of  this  nature, 
but  that  he  would  make  inquiry,  and  help  me  all  in  his  power.  The  only  relief 
obtained  from  him  was  that  he  wished  me  to  leave  their  territory  or  the  juris- 
diction of  their  chief  as  soon  as  possible,  as  he  would  not  be  responsible  for 
their  actions  regarding  my  life  or  property.  The  tribe  indicated  their  determina- 
tion to  punish  me,  in  fact,  to  shoot  me  down.  They  looked  on  me  as  a government 
spy,  and  I am  since  informed  that  some  English  person  told  them  who  I was, 
and  that  I wrote  in  the  Quebec  papers  about  7 years  ago,  that  they  speared 
salmon  on  the  spawning  grounds.  This  statement  is  true,  for  I did  describe 
their  disgraceful  modus  operandi  in  destroying  salmon,  but  never  anticipated 
that  it  would  end  so  unfortunately  for  me.  As  I am  now  situated,  I cannot, 
this  year,  fulfill  my  agreement  with  you.  The  species  collected  on  Anticosti  are, 
however,  safe  as  they  were  not  in  camp  at  the  time.  The  Anticosti  collection 
is  not  large  in  species,  but  will  be  honestly  divided  between  the  5 subscribers 
who  advanced  money  for  the  object.  These  are  Mr.  Edwards  of  San  Francisco, 
Mr.  Mead  of  N.  York,  the  Ent.  Soc.  of  Ontario,  Mr.  Morrison  of  Boston  and 
yourself.  In  order  to  carry  out  my  contract  with  you,  I propose  going  to  Labra- 
dor (but  not  to  Mingan)  next  season  at  my  own  expense,  and  if  God  spares 
me,  you  will  be  furnished  with  the  missing  species.  I will  send  you  the  box 
containing  the  Anticosti  species  in  a few  days.  I remain, 

Yours  truly, 

/s/  William  Couper” 

“February  3,  1873 
“Montreal 

“Your  favor  of  7th  ult.  came  duly  to  hand,  and  I have  delayed  answering 
for  the  reason  that  on  its  receipt  I communicated  with  the  Rev.  Cannon  [sic] 
Innes  and  Mr.  W.  Saunders  of  London,  Ontario,  asking  for  information  regarding 


225 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 

Papilio  brevicauda.  Up  to  this  instant,  no  answer  from  either.  It  appears  to  me 
that  both  wish  to  evade  my  queries,  and  I enclose  Mr.  S.’s  last  to  me  in  order  to 
show  that  he  makes  no  illusion  to  it.  Now,  I wish  to  inform  you  that  I know 
something  regarding  how  Mr.  S.  obtained  his  specimen  of  the  insect  which  he  has 
named  as  above.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Innes,  who  has  a cabinet  of  Lepidoptera,  lived  at 
Quebec  during  my  residence  there.  After  my  return  from  my  northern  tour, 
about  6 years  ago,  I presented  him  with  2 or  3 specimens  of  a Papilio  taken  in 
Labrador,  which  I then  supposed  was  P.  asterias.  He  had,  at  the  time,  a few 
similar,  but  smaller,  specimens  of  the  same  insect  from  Newfoundland.  Mr. 
Innes  removed  afterwards  to  London,  Ontario,  where  Mr.  Saunders  resides  and, 
of  course,  the  Papilio  attracted  the  attention  of  the  latter.  I have  not  seen 
Mr.  S.’s  description,  and  I wish  you  to  inform  me  what  locality  is  given.  Thanks 
for  your  information  regarding  the  Lycaena,  I am  so  pleased  that  it  is  new,  and 
long  to  see  it  described  and  figured  by  you.” 

W.  H.  Edwards  in  volume  2 of  his  superb  “Butterflies  of  North  America” 
figured  the  imagoes  of  brevicauda  on  Plate  Papilio  VIII.  The  models  for  female 
figures  definitely  are  from  specimens  taken  in  Newfoundland  and  supplied  to 
Edwards  by  Saunders.  The  source  of  the  male  figure  is  in  question.  It  may 
have  been  based  upon  an  Anticosti  specimen  from  Couper.  It  conforms  in  color 
of  the  band  on  the  upper  sides  of  the  wings  better  with  Anticosti  males  than 
with  Newfoundland  males.  The  mature  larva  figured  on  this  plate  is  erroneously 
colored.  Edwards  corrected  this  with  Plate  Papilio  VII IB  and  noted  the 
error  in  the  text  that  accompanies  that  plate.  The  figures  of  the  immature 
stages  presented  by  Edwards  as  of  brevicauda  actually  apply  to  antic ostiensis 
Strecker.  At  the  end  of  the  text  for  Plate  VIII  B is  a letter  from  T.  L.  Mead  in 
which  he  compared  the  larvae  and  pupae  of  brevicauda  with  the  figures  on  the 
plate.  Males  bred  by  Mead  from  Newfoundland  larvae  varied  from  some  that 
were  as  free  of  fulvous  suffusion  as  shown  on  Plate  VIII,  to  some  with  a little 
fulvous  suffusion.  So  the  true  source  of  the  model  for  Edwards’  figure  of  the 
male  still  is  in  doubt. 

Edwards’  Plate  VIII  was  issued  in  December  1875.  His  notebooks  for  the 
period  preceding  this  have  been  searched  for  information  about  brevicauda.  He 
sent  the  pickled  mature  larva  and  egg  shown  on  Plate  VIII  to  Mrs.  Peart  on 
August  25,  1873.  (ms  Ent.  Journal  “1872”  p.  235).  In  March  of  1875  he 
paid  Mrs.  Peart  for  drawing  the  figures  for  Plate  VIII  (ms  Ent.  Journal  “1872” 
p.  227).  This  notebook  also  contains  quotations  from  Couper’s  letters  to  Edwards 
about  brevicauda,  but  nowhere  have  I found  any  notation  of  the  source  of  the 
male  figured  on  Plate  VIII. 

The  Lycaena  mentioned  in  this  letter  of  Couper  later  was  named  couperi 
by  Grote.  How  Grote,  not  Strecker,  came  to  name  the  taxon  is  explained  in  a 
letter  that  will  be  quoted  further  on. 


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The  following  are  quotations  from  letter  of  April  15,  1873: 

“Pap.  Anticostiensis  is  what  I may  term  an  uncommon  butterfly  in  every 
locality  on  the  shores  of  the  lower  St.  Lawrence  visited  by  me.  When  I arrived 
at  Fox  Bay,  Anticosti,  last  June,  it  was  extremely  rare,  and  I captured  only 
4 specimens  in  the  course  of  15  days.  The  specimens  were  apparently  fresh 
on  20  June — they  generally  flew  low,  frequenting  the  flowers  of  a species  of 
wild  pea  which  occurs  abundantly  on  the  banks  of  the  river  on  Anticosti  and 
Labrador.  I experienced  great  difficulty  in  approaching  them  with  the  net. 
On  first  appearance  its  flight  is  rapid  and  low  extending  along  the  margin 
of  the  rocky  cliffs  and  grassy  portions  of  the  Bay,  near  tidemark.  I never 
noticed  them  in  the  woods.  They  appeared  to  me  to  keep  within  the  circuit 
of  the  Bay,  and  I remarked  the  same  fact  on  the  Labrador  coast,  where  I also 
found  them  on  the  flowers  of  the  wild  pea.  Indeed,  they  hovered  about  it  so 
much  that  I expect  to  find  its  larva  feeding  on  it  this  season.  If  I do,  I will 
take  descriptions  of  them,  and  then  the  difference  between  it  and  Asterias 
will  be  so  far  settled.  I noticed  toward  the  end  of  July,  that  their  strength 
gives  way  and  if  the  weather  is  cool,  added  specimens  may  be  taken  by  hand 
from  the  flowers  of  the  pea.  It  is  the  only  species  of  Papilio  so  far  noticed  by  me, 
either  on  Anticosti  or  Labrador.” 

“August  6,  1873 

“Montreal 

“I  have  just  returned  from  Anticosti.  The  west  end  of  the  island  so  far 
visited  by  me,  produced  only  12  species  of  butterflies,  viz.  P.  anticostiensis 
Strecker,  which  is  found  throughout  the  whole  island;  P.  Turnus  of  which  I took 
only  2,  and  I have  not  yet  compared  them  with  sp.  taken  here;  an  Argynnis 
not  yet  determined,  and  of  which  1 have  only  28  specimens.  The  only  butterfly 
new  to  me  is  a Colias  which  was  exceedingly  rare  at  Ellis  Bay,  and  I have 
taken  notes  on  its  habits.  I have  only  12  specimens  of  the  latter,  but  you  shall 
have  a pair  of  the  best.  This  Colias  is  evidently  different  from  Interior.  I fear 
that  the  last  named  does  not  occur  south  of  the  Labrador  coast.  The  form  which 
I have  may  be  Labrador ensis . I have  also  9 specimens  of  Hesperia  paniscus 
which  was  also  rare.  I took  the  same  Lycaenidae  which  were  met  with  last  year: 
M.  Batesii,  P.  frigida — the  common  nettle  butterfly  and  a Grapta — the  latter 
rare.  However,  I will  do  my  best  to  distribute  the  material  fairly.  I am  sorry 
that  I have  not  met  with  a greater  number  of  species,  but  that  cannot  be  helped, 
perhaps  I may  have  little  better  luck  next  time  in  a new  locality.  I will  send 
such  things  as  I believe  will  please  you,  and  the  rest  of  the  material  will  be 
fairly  distributed  to  my  subscribers. 

“I  have  discovered  the  food  plant  of  P.  Anticostiensis  and  have  both  eggs 
and  larvae.  The  caterpillar  feeds  on  two  plants — viz. — Archangelica  antho- 
purpurea  or  G.  A.  of  Hoffmann,  and  Heracleum  lunatum  Michx.  I have  4 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


227 


notes  regarding  it.  I have  also  discovered  the  food  plant  of  P.  jrigida , and  have 
eggs  and  larvae.  The  plant  is  the  L.  M. — Larritis  striata  Graham.  I consider 
these  investigations  worth  the  time  and  trouble  taken.  I had  a narrow  escape 
from  shipwreck  on  my  way  home.” 

That  is  almost  the  entire  letter.  The  rest  of  it  goes  into  personalities. 

I am  recording  a good  deal  of  the  next  letter,  of  August  26,  1873. 

“Ellis  Bay  is  calculated  to  be  117  miles  west  from  Fox  Bay,  as  you  can 
see  on  the  map  of  Anticosti.  I sent  [send?]  you  a few  extracts  from  my  field 
book  regarding  the  species  remarked  in  your  letter.  P.  Antic ostiensis  was 
noticed  and  a specimen  taken  at  Ellis  Bay  on  14  June,  the  day  of  my  arrival. 
From  the  latter  date,  as  the  weather  became  warmer,  40  specimens  were  taken 
up  to  26  June.  On  25  June  I noticed  a female  depositing  an  egg  on  the  food 
plant,  Archangelica  antho purpurea,  which  occurs  common  throughout  the  sec- 
tion of  the  island.  The  egg,  (one  in  bottle  sent),  is  laid  singly  on  the  upper 
surface  of  the  leaf,  where  it  is  exposed  to  the  full  force  of  the  sun’s  rays.  The 
egg  is  spherical,  pale  yellow.  On  fine  days,  between  10  and  3 o’clock  is  the 
best  time  to  capture  them,  but  should  the  weather  become  cold  or  windy,  not 
one  would  be  seen.  About  half  the  specimens  taken  have  short  tails.  I cannot 
say  that  the  larvae  sent  to  you  is  a full  grown  specimen.  I took  the  largest 
which  I could  find  only  a day  or  two  prior  to  leaving  the  Bay  at  the  end  of  July. 
They  are  the  only  mature  ones  I could  obtain,  and  have  evidently  the  skin  of 
the  last  moult.  You  can  see  that  it  differs  from  Asterias  larva,  by  having 
oblique  black  lines  on  the  sides  of  the  body,  besides  other  minute  points.  I 
have  also  sent  you  a young  larva  of  about  10  days  old,  which  shows  the  light 
yellow  band  in  the  center  of  the  body.  The  regularity  of  the  markings  of  the 
perfect  insect  (males  and  females)  are  to  my  observations  of  sufficient  value 
to  make  a good  species.  The  question  remains  what  is  the  difference  between  it 
and  Brevicauda.  Saunders  said  that  there  is  a vast  difference,  but  time  will  settle 
that  matter,  and  I will  sift  it  next  season.  Every  entomologist  who  has  seen 
P.  Anticostiensis  since  my  return,  believes  that  there  is  little  or  no  connection 
between  it  and  Asterias. 

“I  took  12  specimens  of  Colias  at  Ellis  Bay — all  in  one  locality — at  different 
times.  I extract  the  following  from  my  notebook: — ” 

And  then  in  columns  he  gives  these  dates  each  followed  by  “one  specimen.” 
The  dates  are:  June  3,  30,  July  3,  5,  8,  14,  16,  19,  23,  24.  “It  is  evidently  a 
rare  insect  at  Ellis  Bay,  another  old  resident  informed  me  that  it  has  never  been 
common  in  that  locality.  Its  flight  differs  from  other  species  known  to  me. 
It  is  extremely  restless,  very  zigzag  and  quick,  and  it  goes  over  a great  extent 
of  ground  in  a short  time;  indeed,  I had  much  difficulty  to  capture  the  few 
I obtained.  It  was  only  about  5 June  that  I noticed  one  light  on  a flower.  It 
has  a peculiarity  when  at  rest,  of  lying  half  on  its  side,  as  if  enjoying  the  heat 


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of  the  sun.  I am  sorry  that  the  two  examples  sent  you  are  both  males,  as  it  was 
not  my  intention  to  have  done  so;  true,  I did  not  think,  as  you  have  since 
informed  me,  they  might  be  2 species,  and  I have  still  doubts  as  to  the  likelihood 
of  their  being  so.  However,  you  will  soon  determine  that  when  they  are  spread. 
It  may  be  that  the  bright  one  is  Interior.  I have  sent  2 to  Edwards,  2 to  Chase 
and  2 to  Grote;  the  latter  by  the  way  called  on  me  last  week  on  his  way  to  the 
Science  Association  at  Portland.  I do  not  think  that  the  smaller  one  is  rubbed — 
you  better  examine  it  closely. 

Couper  was  a fairminded  man.  It  irked  Couper  to  read  Strecker’s  intemperate 
remarks  about  other  entomologists  printed  in  his  “Lepidoptera:  Rhopaloceres — 
Heteroceres.”  The  matter  came  to  a head  over  Grote  describing  Glaucopsyche 
couperi.  The  first  inkling  of  this  trouble  appears  in  the  letter  dated  December  8, 
1873,  in  which  Couper  wrote  “Grote  described  the  Glaucopsyche  as  I spoke  to 
him  about  it  when  he  visited  Montreal  this  summer  and  I told  him  that  you 
intended  to  name  it  Couperi.  I did  so  because  I deemed  it  necessary  to  present 
duplicate  descriptions.  I only  wish  that  you  will  figure  it  in  order  to  make 
the  species  bona  fide  Strecker  did  figure  the  taxon  (Lep.  R.-H.,  pi.  10,  f.  10, 
11,  1874)  but  insisted  that  it  was  nothing  more  than  pembina  Edwards  and 
that  Grote  was  in  error  thinking  it  otherwise.  This  was  said  by  Strecker  in  a 
vituperative  manner.  On  March  28,  1874,  Couper  wrote  Strecker  “I  note  your 
decision  that  Glaucopsyche  couperi  Grote  is  identical  with  Pembina  Edw. 
Still  I cannot  overlook  the  fact  that  you  stated  “It  makes  little  difference  who 
names  a species,  so  long  as  it  is  well  done.”  Of  course,  I am  not  prepared  to 
say  that  Grote  is  wrong,  as  Mr.  Edwards’  description  of  Pembina  is  now  before 
me  and  I cannot  make  it  agree  with  the  Ellis  Bay  Lycaena.  There  is  also  my 
knowledge  of  the  species  as  a nondescript  as  far  back  as  1867,  on  my  first 
visit  to  Labrador.  You  also  informed  me  that  Grote  did  what  you  intended  to 
do.  This  was  the  cause  of  writing  and  quoting  your  statements  and  I trust 
you  will  excuse  my  being  candid  in  saying  that  your  answer  to  the  above  is 
comparatively  vague.  Moreover,  Canadian  entomologists  of  my  acquaintance, 
who  read  your  remarks  on  Mr.  Grote,  do  not  appreciate  the  style  of  epiplionema, 
considering  in  a scientific  light,  it  would  be  well  if  they  were  omitted.” 

Strecker’s  reply  to  this  was  to  terminate  Couper’s  subscription  to  his  book. 
Couper  insisted  upon  reinstating  the  subscription  a year  later  and  there  followed 
a few  brief  letters  before  the  correspondence  closed.  This  is  an  excerpt  from  a 
letter  17  April  1874,  and  what  I quote  is  a quotation  from  a letter  sent  to 
Couper  by  W.  H.  Edwards. 

“With  regard  to  the  Lycaena  from  Anticosti  I presume  Mr.  Scudder  is  correct. 
The  original  Pembina  came  from  Lake  Winnipeg,  a single  specimen  or  a single 
pair,  several  years  ago.  These  types  were  afterwards  lost  in  a box  of  insects 
sent  by  me  to  California.  I had  forgotten  them,  and  somehow  another  species 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


229 


had  been  assumed  to  be  Pembina  by  Scudder  and  others,  and  I had  fallen  into 
the  error  myself  of  thinking  with  them,  that  Pembina  was  allied  to  Lygdamus. 
I discovered  the  fact  last  year,  and  called  Mr.  Scudder’s  attention  to  it,  while 
he  was  here  on  a visit.  I think  this  Couperi  was  what  had  been  thought  to  be 
Pembina  and  Grote  was  correct  in  naming  of  CouperiP 

The  problem  of  the  identity  of  pembina  Edwards  is  still  unsettled.  Currently, 
and  for  some  time  past,  it  has  been  accepted  as  a subspecies  of  Plebejus  icarioides 
Boisduval.  Dr.  John  Downey,  who  has  been  studying  this  complex  species  for 
many  years  has  not  been  able  to  find  any  specimens  anywhere  in  collections 
that  hail  from  the  reputed  type  locality.  In  the  original  description  Edwards 
stated  that  the  types  were  collected  by  Scudder  at  “Lake  Winnipeg.”  Scudder 
himself  stated  that  he  took  the  specimens  in  a glade  on  the  banks  of  the 
Saskatchewan  River  northwest  of  Lake  Winnipeg.  Dr.  Downey  has  proven 
that  the  food  plants  of  the  larvae  of  the  icarioides  complex  all  are  confined  to 
the  genus  Lupinus.  Dr.  David  Dunn,  the  ranking  authority  upon  this  genus  for 
North  America,  tells  me  by  letter  that  there  are  no  known  records  of  Lupines  in 
the  region  published  as  the  type  locality  of  pembina.  This  blank  area  in  the 
distribution  of  the  genus  Lupinus  is  a real  one,  not  the  result  of  insufficient 
collecting.  All  of  this  poses  a problem,  or  three  of  them:  first,  is  pembina 

an  icarioides  that  has  changed  its  food  plant?;  second,  did  Scudder  really 
collect  the  types  of  pembina  where  he  said  he  did  or  did  Kennicott?;  third,  is 
pembina  now  applied  to  a taxon  that  is  not  the  same  species  as  that  to  which 
Edwards  first  applied  the  name? 

Edwards’  original  description  of  pembina  credited  Kennicott  with  the  capture 
of  the  type.  This  he  had  been  told  by  Baird.  However,  research  has  given  much 
greater  support  to  John  Pearsall  being  the  captor  and  the  locality  being  in 
western  Montana,  not  “Lake  Winnipeg.”  Apparently  McDunnough  had  come 
to  a similar  conclusion  about  the  type  locality.  (See  Brown,  1970,  pp.  397-402.) 
The  name  pembina  Edwards  now  is  used  for  Icaricia  icarioides  from  Montana, 
Alberta  and  British  Columbia  in  the  foothills  and  mountains. 

Literature  Cited 

Anonymous.  1948.  Commemorative  Programme,  85th  Annual  Meeting,  Entomological 
Society  of  Ontario. 

Brown,  F.  Martin.  1970.  The  types  of  lycaenid  butterflies  named  by  William  Henry 
Edwards,  Part  III.  Plebejinae.  Transaction  of  the  American  Entomological  Society, 
96:  353-433. 

Comeau,  Noel-M.  1965.  A glance  at  the  history  of  entomology  and  entomological 
collections  in  Quebec.  Annals  of  the  Entomological  Society  of  Quebec,  1965: 
85-90. 

Couper,  William.  Manuscript  letters  to  Herman  Strecker  preserved  in  the  Dept,  of 
Entomology,  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History,  Chicago,  Illinois. 

Edwards,  William  H.  Manuscript  entomological  journals.  State  Archives,  Charleston,  West 
Virginia. 


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Nest  Biology  of  the  Eucerine  Bee  Thygater  analis 
(Hymenoptera,  Anthoplioriclae) 

Jerome  G.  Rozen,  Jr.* 1 

Received  for  Publication  December  20,  1973 

Abstract:  Details  of  the  nest  of  Thygater  analis  are  described  and  diagramed.  Information  on 
cell  provisions,  larval  feeding  activity,  defecation  and  cocoons  is  also  given. 


I had  an  opportunity  to  excavate  a nest  of  an  unidentified  bee  at  Antonina, 
Parana,  Brazil  on  November  7,  1971.  Because  of  the  fine  texture  and  cohesive 
nature  of  the  soil,  the  excavation  was  made  with  considerable  accuracy  and  a 
rather  clear  understanding  of  the  nest  structure  resulted.  No  adult  female 
was  associated  with  the  nest  but  I was  able  to  determine  that  the  bee  belonged  to 
the  Eucerini  because  of  larval  anatomy,  cocoon  structure  and  fecal  pattern. 
Emergence  of  a female  and  a male  from  cocoons  on  November  7 and  12,  1972 
respectively  permitted  Padre  J.  S.  Moure  of  the  Universidade  Federal  do  Parana 
to  identify  the  species  as  Thygater  analis  (Lepeletier).  Although  a number  of 
workers  have  described  various  aspects  of  the  biology  of  this  species  (for  refer- 
ences see  Urban,  1967)  none  has  described  the  nest  in  detail.  For  that  reason 
and  because  of  the  unusual  structure  of  the  nest,  I offer  the  following  diagram 
and  account  to  which  I have  added  other  information  on  nesting  biology. 

Description  of  Nesting  Site.  The  nest  was  located  on  a moderately  sloping  barren 
stretch  of  ground  (fig.  1)  next  to  the  roadway  leading  to  Antonina,  Parana, 
Brazil.  Only  a single  nest  was  located  although  a search  was  made  for  others. 
The  nest  entrance  was  unshaded  by  the  tropical  vegetation  which  surrounded 
the  area.  The  soil  was  extremely  fine,  with  almost  no  rock  inclusions,  and  moist 
except  on  the  surface. 

Description  of  Nest.  The  nest  entrance  was  located  in  a depression,  presumably 
caused  by  a rock  having  been  removed.  The  main  burrow  (fig.  2)  entered  the 
ground  nearly  horizontally  in  the  side  of  the  depression.  The  tumulus,  which 
was  abundant  and  moderately  coarse,  filled  the  lower  part  of  the  depression  and 
partly  obscured  the  nest  itself.  Circular  in  cross  section  and  with  a diameter  of 

Acknowledgments:  I would  like  to  thank  Padre  Moure  and  his  staff,  both  for  the 

species  identification  and  for  their  hospitality  and  courtesies  while  I was  in  Brazil.  The 
research  was  supported  by  National  Science  Foundation  Grant  GB32193.  Specimens  of 
cells,  cocoons,  larvae,  as  well  as  reared  adults  are  in  the  collection  of  The  American  Museum 
of  Natural  History. 

1 Deputy  Director  for  Research  and  Curator  of  Hymenoptera,  The  American  Museum 
of  Natural  History,  Central  Park  West  at  79th  Street,  New  York,  New  York  10024. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  230-234.  December,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


231 


Fig.  1.  Site  of  nest  of  Thygater  analis  near  Antonina,  Parana,  Brazil.  Padre  Moure 
is  standing  by  the  nest. 


7.0  mm,  the  main  burrow  descended  for  the  first  several  centimeters  hori- 
zontally but  then  turned  downward  and  descended  vertically.  The  wall  of  the 
main  burrow  was  extremely  smooth  and  when  examined  under  the  microscope, 
faint  markings,  obviously  created  by  the  pygidial  plate  of  the  female,  could  be 
observed  on  all  sides.  Descending  open  and  vertically  to  about  the  depth  of  20 
cm,  the  burrow  then  turned  horizontally,  rose  somewhat,  descended  again,  and 
ended  blindly.  A single  branch,  3.5  cm  long  and  filled  with  soil,  entered  the 
burrow  near  where  it  first  started  to  curve  horizontally.  Connected  to  the  branch 
was  a single,  nearly  vertical  cell  (fig.  2,  cell  13)  containing  a small  feeding  larva 
and  provisions.  Attached  at  the  lower  end  of  the  cell  was  a tunnel  that  descended 
more  or  less  vertically  and  then  curved  horizontally,  rose  over  a distance  of 
about  6 cm  before  bending  downward,  at  which  point  it  was  lost.  Three  branches, 
again  all  filled  and  about  3.5  cm  long,  connected  to  this  tunnel  and  each  ended 
in  a single  nearly  vertical  cell.  This  tunnel  was  open  except  near  where  it 
attached  to  the  cell  13.  Cell  12,  farther  along  in  the  series,  contained  a moder- 
ately small  feeding  larva,  the  next  one  (cell  11)  held  a somewhat  larger  one, 
and  cell  10,  closest  to  cell  13,  contained  the  largest  larva.  Descending  obliquely 
from  the  lower  end  of  cell  10  was  another  more  or  less  horizontal  tunnel,  filled 
near  the  cell  with  coarse  soil  but  open  for  the  rest  of  the  way.  This  tunnel  led 
to  five  filled  branches  and  cells,  very  much  as  described  for  the  above  tier.  Cell 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  2.  Diagram  of  the  nest  of  Thygater  analis. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


233 


9,  farthest  along,  contained  a large  feeding  larva  which,  however,  was  the 
youngest  in  this  series.  Cell  5 at  the  other  end  held  a larva  that  had  finished 
feeding  and  was  starting  to  defecate.  Connected  to  this  cell  was  yet  another 
lower,  more  or  less  horizontal  tunnel  filled  at  the  beginning  but  open  elsewhere. 
This  lowest  tunnel  gave  rise  to  four  cells  with  their  filled  branches,  the  one 
(cell  4)  farthest  from  this  connection  holding  the  youngest  larva,  a form  that 
was  defecating  but  not  yet  cocoon  spinning.  The  other  three  cells  housed  larvae 
that  were  either  spinning  or  had  spun  their  cocoons.  This  account  seems  to 
amplify  the  general  description  of  the  nest  provided  by  Michener  and  Lang 
(1958). 

On  the  assumption  that  a cell  is  constructed,  provisioned,  oviposited  in  and 
closed  before  the  next  cell  is  started,  the  order  of  cell  construction  and  provision- 
ing was  from  cell  1 to  cell  13  because  of  the  ages  of  the  larvae.  There  is  no 
evidence  to  determine  whether  the  entire  tunnel  system  was  constructed  before 
the  first  branch  and  the  cell  were  excavated  or  whether  the  female  dug  a vertical 
tunnel  and  a lateral  to  form  the  tunnel  of  the  lowest  tier  and  then  constructed, 
provisioned  and  oviposited  in  the  first  four  cells  all  before  excavating  a lateral  to 
form  the  tunnel  of  the  next  higher  tier.  In  each  tier  the  cell  closest  to  the 
connection  to  the  tier  above  was  constructed  and  provisioned  first;  furthermore, 
the  cell  in  the  tier  above  that  received  the  tier  below  also  contained  the  oldest 
individual  of  the  tier. 

All  tunnels  and  branches  were  approximately  7.0  mm  in  diameter;  the  fill  in 
branches  was  loose,  coarse  soil. 

The  cells,  similar  to  those  of  Svastra  obliqua  (Say)  (Rozen,  1964),  were 
elongate,  17-18  mm  long  and  had  a maximum  diameter  of  8 mm  but  little 
wider  than  the  tunnel.  Vertical  or  nearly  so,  they  possessed  an  extremely  smooth, 
shiny  wall  and  there  was  no  obvious  indication  of  a built-in  lining.  The  wall 
was  faintly  embossed,  presumably  with  the  pygidial  plate  of  the  female,  and 
was  coated  with  a special  semitransparent  lining  which  was  obviously  water- 
proof as  evidenced  by  the  nature  of  the  provisions.  The  closures  were  a somewhat 
concave  spiral  on  the  inside  with  four  to  five  rows  to  the  radius.  The  deepest  cell 
was  about  44  cm  from  the  surface,  the  highest,  approximately  24  cm. 

Provisioning.  The  source  of  the  pollen  was  not  known.  Provisions  occupied  the 
lower  part  of  the  cell,  gave  off  a faintly  aromatic  odor,  and  were  approximately 
7 mm  in  depth,  at  least  in  one  instance.  They  were  apparently  stratified  into  an 
upper  clear  layer  containing  almost  no  pollen  and  having  a slightly  sweet  taste, 
and  a lower  more  opaque  yellowish  layer,  only  slightly  less  liquid  and  containing 
pollen. 

Development.  Young  larvae  rested  on  their  side  while  feeding  in  the  soupy 
provisions.  Feeding  actively,  they  curled  so  that  their  dorsum  often  adhered 
to  the  cell  while  they  submerged  their  head  and  anterior  part  of  their  body  into 


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the  food.  The  orientation  of  older  larvae  was  not  ascertained  except  in  one 
instance  in  which  the  larva  was  found  curled  around  a small  quantity  of  the 
semiliquid  food.  Upon  finishing  feeding,  a larva  defecates  and  applies  the  feces 
to  the  area  of  the  cell  cap,  as  was  described  for  Svastra  obliqua  (Rozen,  1964). 
After  the  feces  are  attached  to  the  cell  cap,  the  larva  begins  to  spin  its  cocoon. 

The  fecal  material  and  the  cocoon  are  similar  to  those  of  Svastra  obliqua 
(Rozen,  1964,  fig.  2).  As  in  Svastra  three  layers  of  the  cocoon  can  be  detected, 
the  outermost  being  actually  the  cell  lining  that  adheres  to  the  cocoon  itself. 
The  apparent  middle  layer  is  thin,  brownish,  semitransparent  and  nonfibrous. 
The  inner  layer,  closely  applied  to  the  middle  one,  is  thin,  greyish  brown,  semi- 
opaque, fibrous  and  moderately  thin.  Also  as  in  Svastra  the  top  of  the  cocoon 
is  domed  by  a moderately  thick  roof  and  there  are  a number  of  silken  partitions 
separating  air  spaces  between  the  roof  and  the  feces. 

The  fact  that  adults  emerged  a year  after  they  were  collected  as  larvae  seems 
to  indicate  that  there  is  a single  generation  a year. 

Parasitism.  No  parasitic  bees  were  found  in  the  vicinity  of  this  nest  and  larvae 
of  none  were  recovered  from  cells. 


Literature  Cited 

Michener,  Charles  D.,  and  Rudolf  B.  Lange.  1958.  Observations  on  the  ethology  of 
neotropical  Anthophorine  bees  (Hymneoptera:  Apoidea).  Univ.  Kansas  Sci.  Bull., 

vol.  XXXIX,  3:  69-96,  figs.  1-24. 

Rozen,  Jerome  G.  Jr.  1964.  The  biology  of  Svastra  obliqua  obliqua  (Say),  with  a 
taxonomic  description  of  its  larvae  (Apoidea,  Anthophoridae) . Amer.  Mus.  Novitates, 
2170:  1-13,  figs.  1-15. 

Urban,  Danuncia.  1967.  As  especies  do  genero  Thygater  Holmberg,  1884.  (Hymenoptera, 
Apoidea).  Bol.  Univ.  Federal  do  Parana,  II,  12:  177-309,  figs.  1-22. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


235 


Notes  on  the  Natural  History  of  a Rare  Adelpha  Butterfly 
(Lepidoptera:  Nymphalidae)  in  Costa  Rican  High  Country 

Allen  M.  Young 

Department  of  Biology,  Lawrence  University,  Appleton,  Wisconsin  54911 
Received  eor  Publication  January  16,  1974 


Abstract:  The  nymphalid  butterfly  Adelpha  leucophthalma  tegeata  Fruhstorfer  is  a rare 

member  of  the  macrolepidopterous  fauna  in  the  central  high  (montane)  country  of 

Costa  Rica.  The  life  stages  and  developmental  time  are  described  for  the  first  time,  along 

with  observations  on  the  behavior  of  the  larva  and  adult.  The  egg-to-adult  developmental 

time  is  51  days  on  Pentagonia  wendlandia  Hook  (Rubiaceae).  The  egg  is  laid  singly 

on  the  dorsal  surface  of  older  leaves  of  the  food  plant  and  both  the  larva  and  pupa 
(chrysalis)  are  very  cryptic  in  morphology,  color,  and  behavior.  As  with  most  species 
of  this  genus,  the  adults  of  A.  leucophthalma  are  very  skittish.  This  is  one  of  the  few 
reports  on  a Central  American  Adelpha  from  montane  environments. 

INTRODUCTION 

Many  species  of  Adelpha  butterflies  (Lepidoptera:  Nymphalidae)  are  well 
known  by  entomologists  working  in  lowland  tropical  wet  forests  of  Central  and 
South  America.  It  was  Godman  and  Salvin  (1870-1901)  who  originally  pictured 
several  of  these  species,  followed  by  the  descriptions  of  Fruhstorfer  (1915). 
Most  of  the  lowland  tropical  species  of  Adelpha  are  medium-sized  butterflies 
with  rich  chocolate-brown  wings  bearing  a single,  bold  white  or  combination 
orange  and  white  band  on  the  forewing  (fractionated  into  an  anterior  orange 
section  and  posterior  white  section),  and  they  are  frequently  encountered  along 
sunny  forest  paths  and  edges  where  they  rest  on  low  vegetation.  Although  these 
butterflies  are  well-known  in  tropical  lowlands,  Miller  and  Miller  (1970)  have 
emphasized  that  very  little  is  known  about  the  more  elusive  species  of  this 
interesting  genus  in  montane  regions  of  the  Neotropics.  In  fact,  the  apparent 
paucity  of  information  even  on  the  geographical  distribution  and  taxonomy 
of  montane  species  of  Adelpha  led  Miller  and  Miller  (1970)  to  their  discovery 
of  two  rare  species  in  the  high  country  of  Hidalgo,  Mexico. 

Acknowledgments:  This  research  was  funded  by  COSIP  (College  Science  Improvement 
Program)  Grant  GY-4711  (National  Science  Foundation)  through  Lawrence  University. 
The  author  is  very  grateful  for  this  support.  Dr.  Lee  D.  Miller  of  Allyn  Museum  of 
Entomology  (Sarasota,  Florida)  kindly  identified  the  butterfly  and  provided  background 
information  of  the  species.  The  larval  food  plant  was  identified  by  Drs.  Luis  Diego  Gomez 
P.  (Museo  Nacional  de  Costa  Rica)  and  Dieter  C.  Wasshausen  (National  Museum  of 
Natural  History).  Color  transparencies  (35  mm.)  on  the  early  stages  of  this  butterfly 
may  be  borrowed  from  the  author  by  interested  researchers  and  collectors. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  235-244.  December,  1974. 


236 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  1.  Adelpha  leucophthalma  tegeata  Fruhstorfer, 
Scale  in  mm. 


Wild-caught  female,  dorsal  view. 


Adelpha  leucophthalma  tegeata  Fruhstorfer  (which  is  taxonomically  near 
A.  diocles  Godman  & Salvin,  Lee  D.  Miller,  pers.  comm.)  belongs  to  that 
constellation  of  rare  montane  species  of  Adelpha  in  Central  America.  One  of 
the  few  adults  in  my  possession  is  shown  in  Figure  1.  The  color  pattern  of  the 
wings  of  this  little  known  species  represents  a significant  departure  from  the 
more  typical  appearance  of  other  members  of  the  genus:  the  dorsal  surface  of 
the  forewing  has  a thick,  bright  orange  band  and  the  round  spot  on  each  hind- 
wing is  vivid  white.  This  species  is  said  to  be  “rare”  in  the  sense  that  there  are 
very  likely  very  few  specimens  in  museum  collections  anywhere,  and  nothing  was 
known  about  its  natural  history.  The  purpose  of  the  present  paper  is  to  describe, 
for  the  first  time,  the  early  stages  of  the  little  known  Adelpha , along  with  a 
larval  plant  food  record,  developmental  time,  and  other  aspects  of  natural  history. 

HABITAT  AND  METHODS 

The  high  country  to  the  northeast  of  San  Jose,  the  capitol  city  of  Costa  Rica, 
includes  a series  of  mountain  valleys  of  virgin  rain  forest  that  lead  into  the  foot- 
hills of  the  Caribbean  drainage  of  these  mountains  (Central  Cordillera).  One 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


237 


of  the  most  prominent  of  these  montane  moist  valleys  is  one  that  occurs  east  of 
Volcan  Poas.  The  road  that  connects  San  Jose  with  Puerto  Viejo  runs  along 
the  western  ridge  of  this  valley.  The  altitude  of  the  valley  where  this  study  was 
done  is  about  1000  m and  the  depth  of  the  valley  itself  is  about  150  m.  The 
bottom  of  the  valley  is  the  Rio  Sarapiqui,  and  at  the  study  area  this  river  is 
filled  with  very  large  boulders  and  it  is  several  m in  width  with  very  swift  cur- 
rent. On  the  western  edge  of  the  river,  there  is  a small  plains  area  that  includes 
virgin  forest  and  heavily-disturbed  areas.  The  habitat  (“study  area”)  where 
oviposition  by  A.  leucophthalma  was  observed  consisted  of  a rectangular  patch 
of  very  recently  cut  (1-2  weeks)  old  secondary  forest.  This  site  is  just  to  the 
right  before  the  girder  bridge  on  the  trail  from  the  Puerto  Viejo  road,  down  the 
valley,  across  the  river,  and  up  the  other  side  to  a penal  colony.  Much  of  the 
forest  had  been  cleared  (machete)  by  a “squatter”  farmer  for  bananas  and  cattle. 

It  was  in  this  patch  of  freshly-cut  forest  trees  that  I saw  oviposition  by  a 
single  female  of  A.  leucophthalma  at  12:30  P.M.  on  July  2,  1971.  The  sky  was 
very  overcast  with  the  threat  of  rain  and  this  butterfly  flew  low  and  swiftly 
among  the  still  fresh  leaves  of  the  various  felled  trees  lying  in  the  area.  Two  eggs 
were  laid  on  two  different  old  leaves  of  a sapling-size  (4  m tall)  individual  of 
Pentagonia  wendlandi  Hook  (Rubiaceae). 

The  two  eggs  were  collected,  confined  to  a clear  plastic  bag  and  allowed  to 
hatch  in  San  Jose.  The  two  larvae  from  these  eggs  were  reared  in  this  manner 
and  supplied  with  fresh  leaves  of  the  food  plant.  The  big,  papery,  food  plant 
leaves  were  always  retrieved  from  this  individual  of  Pentagonia  at  the  study 
site  and  perhaps  owing  to  the  heavy  rainfall  at  this  time  of  year,  several  fresh 
leaves  remained  available  on  the  cut  tree.  Photographs  and  color  transparencies 
were  made  of  the  life  stages.  Although  one  larva  died  in  the  fourth  instar,  the 
other  larva  survived  to  adulthood.  Measurements  (in  mm)  were  made  on  life 
stages  and  gross  external  features  of  morphology  were  noted.  Searches  were 
made  on  subsequent  visits  for  other  ovipositing  adults  and  adults  of  both  sexes 
in  general,  but  to  no  avail.  I was  able,  however,  to  observe  some  adult  behavior 
from  the  girder  bridge  high  over  the  Rio  Sarapiqui:  on  two  different  dates 
during  July  1971,  I watched  adults  flying  and  resting  among  leaves  of  trees 
overhanging  the  river  near  the  bridge  and  about  ten  m above  the  water.  Other 
than  these  observations,  adults  were  very  seldom  seen.  The  single  adult  obtained 
from  rearing  was  eventually  sent  to  Lee  D.  Miller  of  the  Allyn  Museum  of 
Entomology  for  identification.  Despite  many  other  visits  to  the  area  ( 1972— 
1973),  it  was  not  until  July  1973,  that  I was  able  to  capture  another  specimen 
of  this  very  elusive  butterfly,  and  this  specimen  is  shown  in  Figure  1.  It  was 
collected  about  60  m from  the  study  site. 

Observations  were  also  made  on  the  feeding  behavior  of  the  larvae  in  the 
plastic  bags.  Interest  here  concerned  perch  construction  for  resting  periods,  and 
the  pattern  of  leaf  damage  resulting  from  feeding. 


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Fig.  2.  Life  stages  and  behavior  of  A.  leucophthalma.  (A)  egg,  (B)  first  instar  (lateral) 
resting  on  perch  constructed  from  the  bared  apical  leaf  midrib  and  silk,  (C)  second  instar 
in  similar  position,  (D)  third  instar,  (E)  fourth  instar  on  perch,  and  (F)  fifth  instar 
(lateral),  emphasizing  the  raised  position  of  the  spiracles  and  first  thoracic  segment  and 
eighth  abdominal  segment. 


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239 


RESULTS 

Life  stages.  The  light  bluish-green  spherical  egg  (Fig.  2-A)  is  about  1.0  mm  in  diameter 
and  the  chorionic  surface  is  highly  sculptured  with  ridges  forming  distinct  facets.  Tiny 
hair-like  projections  arise  from  the  facets,  giving  the  egg  a fuzzy  appearance  (Fig.  2-A). 
One  day  prior  to  hatching,  the  egg  turns  light  tan  in  color. 

The  first  instar  larva  (Fig.  2-B)  is  3.0  mm  long  at  the  time  of  hatching,  and  it  possesses 
a large,  orange-yellow  head  and  light  green  trunk  region.  Both  the  head  and  trunk  are 
covered  with  rows  of  very  small,  tubercle-like  scoli.  Since  I was  unable  to  preserve  larval 
specimens  (due  to  small  sample  size),  the  precise  distribution  and  structure  of  scoli  for 
all  instars  could  not  be  studied  at  this  time.  By  the  first  molt,  the  larva  is  about  9.0  mm 
long.  The  second  instar  (Fig.  2-C)  has  a dark  reddish-brown  head  and  dark  green  body; 
sets  of  prominent  tubercles  become  noticeable  on  the  third  thoracic  segment,  and  first, 
third,  and  eighth  abdominal  segments  (Fig.  2-C,  and  also  Fig.  2-D,  for  third  instar  as 
well).  This  pattern  of  prominent,  dorsal  tubercles,  and  the  arched  condition  of  the  third 
thoracic  segment,  is  very  reminiscent  of  the  larva  of  the  North  American  Limenitis 
(Nymphalidae) . In  fact,  Lee  Miller  has  told  me  (pers.  comm.)  that  some  authors  place 
Adelpha  as  a subgenus  of  Limenitis.  By  the  second  molt,  the  active  larva  is  about  13.0 
mm  long. 

The  third  instar  (Fig.  2-D)  is  characterized  by  a noticeable  change  in  coloration: 
the  head  has  become  very  dark  brown  bearing  white  tubercles,  and  the  body  is  mottled 
in  shades  of  dark  brown  and  gray.  This  very  cryptic  instar  attains  a body  length  of 
about  17.0  mm  by  the  third  molt.  The  fourth  instar  (Fig.  2-E)  retains  the  studded 
condition  of  the  integument  of  the  previous  instar,  the  body  being  covered  with  many 
tiny  whitish-gray  tubercles,  and  it  is  also  very  cryptically  colored  in  shades  of  brown 
and  gray.  A prominent  light  gray  saddle-like  area  develops  dorsally  (but  with  lateral 
extensions)  in  the  posterior  abdominal  region  (visible  but  slightly  out  of  focus  in  Fig.  2-E). 
A pronounced  transformation  has  taken  place  in  the  size  and  shape  of  the  prominent 
tubercles  of  thoracic  and  abdominal  sectors:  all  tubercles  have  undergone  considerable 

elongation,  and  the  set  of  the  metathoracic  segment  is  curved  anteriorly.  The  set  of 
the  third  abdominal  segment  is  strongly  curved  towards  the  posterior  end  of  the  body, 
as  is  the  set  on  the  eighth  segment  (Fig.  2-E).  All  of  these  tubercles  bear  many  tiny 
stiff  hairs.  The  rich  brown  color  of  the  tubercles  is  continuous  with  the  brown  coloration 
of  the  body.  Figure  2-E  purposely  emphasizes  the  morphology  of  the  head  capsule  of 
this  instar.  The  reasons  for  this  are  two-fold:  (1)  the  general  shape  of  the  head  capsule 

is  now  very  different  in  that  it  is  strongly  forked  dorsally  whereas  before  it  was  round, 
and  (2)  the  head  capsule  color  pattern  is  very  different  since  it  now  consists  of  a pair 
of  prominent,  vertical  cream  bands  on  an  otherwise  brown  background,  whereas  before 
it  was  entirely  brown.  The  head  capsule  retains  the  highly  studded  surface  texture  of 
previous  instars  and  as  before,  all  studs  are  white,  cream,  or  very  pale  green.  By  the 
fourth  molt,  this  instar  attains  a body  length  of  about  21.0  mm. 

As  with  the  transformation  to  the  fourth  instar,  the  advent  of  the  fifth  instar  is  marked 
by  new  pronounced  changes  in  gross  external  morphology.  So  profound  are  these  changes 
in  appearance  that  it  is  worthwhile  to  emphasize  both  head  and  body  structure  as  shown 
in  the  series  of  Figures  2-F  and  3-A  through  C.  The  system  of  prominent  tubercles  of 
thoracic  and  abdominal  regions  has  become  even  more  pronounced  in  this  instar:  the 

tubercles  are  greatly  elongated  and  scoli  appear  on  all  of  them  as  prominent  projections 
(Fig.  2-F;  Fig.  3-A).  The  set  of  lateral,  sub-spiracular  tubercles  relatively  reduced  in 
previous  instars  is  now  elongated  with  similar  spiny  projections.  All  of  these  tubercles 


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Fig.  3.  Life  stages  and  behavior  of  A.  leucophthalma.  (A)  fifth  instar,  emphasizing 
the  structure  and  distribution  of  trunk  tubercles,  (B)  fifth  instar  (dorsal),  emphasizing 
cryptic  resemblance  to  a moss-covered  twig,  (C)  fifth  instar,  emphasizing  the  morphology 
of  the  head  capsule,  (D,  E)  lateral  and  ventral  of  the  chrysalis,  respectively,  and  (F) 
leaf  damage  pattern  by  fifth  instar  larva. 


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241 


are  dull  green  and  there  are  also  green  areas  on  lateral  portions  of  the  body.  The  fifth 
instar  is  very  spiny  in  general  appearance  (Fig.  3-B). 

There  are  also  some  changes  in  morphology  of  the  head  capsule  of  the  fifth  instar, 
as  emphasized  in  Figure  3-C.  Although  the  coloration  remains  the  same  as  in  the  previous 
instar,  there  has  been  considerable  expansion  on  the  lateral  row  of  studs  that  surround  the 
head  posteriorly.  The  two  forks  remain  anterior  to  this  pronounced  row  of  studs  on 
the  dorsum,  appearing  as  twin  darkened  cones.  Just  below  these  head  capsule  forks, 
there  is  a pair  of  large  but  stubby  white  tubercles,  followed  ventrally  by  a second,  smaller 
pair. 

Another  conspicuous  feature  of  the  fifth  instar  is  the  raised  condition  of  the  spiracles 
on  the  first  (prothoracic)  thoracic  segment  and  on  the  ninth  abdominal  segment  (Fig.  3-A). 
The  spiracles  of  these  two  segments  are  positioned  more  dorsally  than  those  on  other 
segments. 

The  position  of  tubercles  and  scoli  deserves  comment  as  they  are  very  noticeable  on 
the  fifth  instar.  There  are  two  rows  of  spiny  tubercles:  the  uppermost  row  is  dorso- 

lateral and  the  second  row  is  sub-spiracular.  The  first  pair  of  upper  tubercles  on  the 
metathoracic  segment  is  almost  vertical  to  the  body,  while  those  of  the  first  abdominal 
segment  are  smaller  or  more  oblique  to  the  body.  The  next  pair  is  about  the  same  length 
(7.5  mm)  as  those  of  the  metathoracic  segment,  vertical,  and  positioned  on  the  third 
abdominal  segment.  The  several  segments  between  this  segment  and  the  eighth  bear 
short  tubercles,  all  about  the  same  length  as  those  of  the  first  abdominal  segment  (4.5  mm) . 
The  pair  on  the  eighth  abdominal  segment  is  oblique  and  about  the  same  length  as  the 
larger  anterior  ones;  the  set  on  the  ninth  segment  is  slightly  shorter  and  more  vertical. 
All  of  the  sub-spiracular  tubercles  are  about  the  same  length  (5.0  mm).  Other  details 
of  tubercle  position  and  structure  are  omitted  since  they  were  not  studied  due  to  a lack 
of  preserved  material. 

Together,  the  coloration,  studded  integument  of  head  and  body,  along  with  the  struc- 
ture and  distribution  of  spiny  tubercles,  endows  the  fifth  instar  larva  of  A.  leucophthalma 
with  a very  cryptic  resemblance  to  a short  section  of  moss-covered  twig  (Fig.  3-B). 
As  to  be  outlined  below,  the  behavior  of  the  larva  suggests  further  that  crypsis  in  this 
insect  is  employed  during  both  resting  and  feeding.  The  active  fifth  instar  form  attains 
a length  of  26.0  mm  prior  to  pupation. 

There  is  no  distinct  prepupa,  unlike  several  other  neotropical  Nymphalidae.  The  angular 
pupa  (Fig.  3-D,  E)  is  very  dark  brown  but  lustrous,  with  some  irregular  silver  flecks 
on  the  ventral  thoracic  area.  It  is  about  20.0  mm  long  and  resembles  a shriveled  up  dry 
leaf.  The  conspicuous  lateral  and  ventral  aspects  of  the  pupa  are  self-explanatory  in 
Figure  3-D,  E. 

The  total  egg-to-adult  developmental  time  is  51  days  for  the  single  individual  reared 
to  the  imago.  The  egg  stage  lasts  eight  days,  the  total  larval  period  31  days,  and  the 
pupa  12  days.  This  individual  was  a male. 

Larval  Behavior.  Upon  hatching,  the  first  instar  larva  immediately  devours  the 
empty  egg  shell;  how  consistent  this  behavior  pattern  is  among  the  species  and 
subspecies  cannot  be  determined  from  this  study.  As  the  egg  is  usually  affixed 
to  the  leaf  either  at  the  edge  or  near  a hole,  the  larva  then  moves  to  the  very  tip 
of  the  leaf.  Throughout  the  first  three  or  four  instars,  the  larva  when  not  feeding 
rests  on  a perch  made  from  the  bared  midrib  of  the  leaf.  If  the  larva  is  disturbed 
experimentally  while  it  is  feeding,  its  immediate  response  is  to  crawl  rapidly  back 
to  the  perch  and  stay  there  for  several  minutes.  This  behavior  pattern  is  very 


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consistent.  Very  interestingly,  the  larva  during  the  first  two  instars  weaves  a 
thick,  silvery  mat  of  silk  around  the  midrib  section  forming  the  perch,  and  the 
mat  extends  partially  onto  the  intact  leaf  surface.  This  structure  is  very  much 
reminiscent  of  the  woven  construction  of  the  hibernating  tube  of  first  or  second 
instar  Limenitis  at  northern  latitudes.  But  here  there  is  no  enclosure  (tube) 
formed  after  the  mat  is  built.  The  resting  perch  of  younger  instars  is  shown  in 
Figure  2-B,  C. 

The  fifth  instar  rests  on  both  sides  of  food  plant  leaves  under  laboratory  con- 
ditions. It  generally  rests  near  large  brown  spots  on  the  edges  of  these  leaves,  and 
it  feeds  along  the  edges  rather  than  from  the  tip  (Fig.  3-F).  During  all  instars 
the  larva  is  a diurnal  feeder.  When  disturbed,  the  fifth  instar  ceases  to  feed  and 
folds  the  head  down  beneath  the  thoracic  region.  The  spines  on  the  prominent 
tubercles  do  not  produce  a rash  on  the  back  of  the  hand  when  they  are  rubbed 
against  them,  suggesting  that  the  spines  are  functional  as  part  of  a general 
morphological  adaptation  for  passive  defense  (crypsis)  rather  than  for  offensive 
chemical  defense  against  attackers. 

Adult  behavior.  What  little  can  be  stated  concerning  adult  behavior  in  this 
butterfly  has  to  do  with  oviposition  and  play.  Oviposition  is  very  fast:  there  is 
a rapid  flight  movement  over  the  foliage  with  sudden  stops  to  lay  a single  egg. 
It  is  so  fast  that  I was  not  able  to  determine  the  stance  assumed  during  oviposi- 
tion. The  egg  is  laid  on  the  dorsal  leaf  surface:  in  the  two  instances  observed, 
one  egg  was  laid  near  the  edge,  and  another  (on  a different  leaf)  was  laid  near  a 
hole  in  the  interior  region  of  an  old  leaf  (Fig.  2-A). 

As  typical  with  many  species  of  Adelpha , adults  of  leucophthalma  exhibit 
flying  play  behavior  amidst  sun-flecked  leaves  overhanging  the  Rio  Sarapiqui. 
I define  play  behavior  as  the  flitting  among  different  leaves  by  adults,  including 
momentary  perching  on  leaves  in  sunny  places.  It  is  likely  that  both  sexes  are 
involved.  Based  on  these  observations,  and  the  fact  that  oviposition  occurred 
on  the  leaves  of  a felled  Pentagonia  that  is  four  m tall,  it  is  likely  that  adults  are 
active  primarily  in  forest  strata  that  occur  about  four  to  six  m above  the  ground. 
On  the  morning  of  July  4,  1973,  a sunny  day  at  the  study  site,  I observed  one 
fresh  adult  of  A.  leucophthalma  resting  on  the  broad  leaf  of  an  epiphytic  palm 
about  five  m from  the  ground;  this  was  in  the  uncut  forest  about  100  m from  the 
cut  (now  regenerating)  forest  site.  I was  unable  to  net  this  individual.  This 
individual  was  resting  with  the  wings  outstretched,  possibly  thermogulating, 
as  noted  for  other  montane  species  of  Adelpha  (Miller  and  Miller,  1970).  I 
have  never  seen  adults  resting  with  their  wings  closed  in  this  species. 

DISCUSSION 

Adelpha  leucophthalma  is  probably  absent  from  the  tropical  lowlands  of  Costa 
Rica.  I have  never  seen  it  either  in  Guanacaste  or  in  Sarapiqui  (“tierre 


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243 


caliente”).  As  for  high  country,  I have  seen  it  both  at  Cuesta  Angel,  the  site  of 
the  present  study,  and  also  southwest  of  here  at  Bajo  la  Hondura.  At  both  of 
these  localities,  the  insect  is  solitary,  and  I have  seldom  seen  more  than  three 
adults  on  a given  day.  The  factors  contributing  to  the  apparent  “rarity”  of  this 
butterfly  in  Costa  Rican  high  country  are  not  known  at  this  time.  Based  on  these 
field  observations,  the  scarcity  of  the  species  in  museum  collections  is  indicative 
of  it  being  rare  in  the  wild.  In  the  tropical  lowlands,  many  other  species  of 
Adelpha  appear  to  be  locally  abundant. 

Miller  and  Miller  (1970)  suggest  that  some  Adelpha  are  Q^erc^-feeders  as 
larvae;  Quercus  is  a member  of  the  Fagaceae  (beech  family).  The  present 
record  of  A.  leucophthalma  on  a rubiaceous  food  plant  may  be  a first  record  for 
a member  of  this  genus  on  something  other  than  oaks. 

In  terms  of  adjusting  to  the  local  community  of  plants  and  animals,  the 
natural  history  of  this  Adelpha , as  in  other  species  of  this  genus,  entails  an 
adaptive  response  to  some  spectrum  of  potential  predators  in  the  form  of  crypsis. 
As  perceived  by  humans,  this  crypsis  is  best  expressed  in  this  insect  during  the 
larval  and  pupal  (chrysalis)  periods  of  ontogeny.  Such  adaptations  are  very 
likely  most  effective  against  attacks  by  visual-hunting  predators  such  as  foliage- 
foraging insectivorous  birds,  lizards,  and  perhaps  larger  predatory  arthropods 
possessing  compound  eyes  capable  of  color  discrimination.  The  behavior  of  the 
larva  in  returning  to  a thin,  isolated  perch  upon  disturbance  is  interpreted  here 
as  a means  of  positioning  itself  in  a place  where  (1)  crypsis  is  enhanced,  and 
(2)  it  is  less  accessible  to  predators.  It  is  doubtful,  however,  that  the  latter 
aspect  is  an  adaptation  to  large  vertebrate  predators  that  glean  leaves  for  insects, 
but  rather  it  may  be  most  effective  against  ants  and  other  smaller  predatory 
arthropods  that  hunt  by  odor  and  tactile  means  in  addition  to  vision.  A bird  or 
lizard  would  gobble  the  larva  very  quickly  should  the  crypsis  be  penetrated  by 
the  searching  behavior  of  these  forms,  but  there  may  be  more  time  for  escape 
when  attack  is  by  a single  ant  or  beetle.  The  predator-defense  adaptations  of 
the  egg  and  adult  stages  are  obscure.  The  hair-like  projections  from  the  egg  may 
be  functional  in  discouraging  attack  by  predatory  insects.  Depending  on  the 
size  and  diversity  of  the  guild  of  leaf-chewing  insects  that  attack  the  older  leaves 
of  Pentagonia  at  the  study  site,  the  eggs  of  this  butterfly  and  those  of  other 
insects  may  be  subject  to  varying  degrees  of  predation  through  passive  uptake 
as  leaves  are  consumed.  The  adults  are  very  swift,  agile  fliers,  as  are  all  members 
of  the  genus.  The  general  habits  of  the  adults  of  several  insular  species  of 
Adelpha  have  been  given  in  Barcant  (1970),  and  those  of  adult  A.  leucophthalma 
conform  closely  to  A.  naxia  (Fldr.). 

Literature  Cited 

Barcant,  M.  1970.  “Butterflies  of  Trinidad  and  Tobago.”  London:  Collins,  314  pp. 

Frtjhstorfer,  H.  1915.  Adelpha.  In  A.  Seitz,  Die  Gross-schmetterlinge  der  Erde, 
5:  510-533. 


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Godman,  F.  D.,  and  O.  Salvin.  1870-1901.  “Biologia  Centrali-Americana.  Insecta. 
Lepidoptera-Rhopalocera.”  London,  2 vols. 

Miller,  L.  D.,  and  J.  Y.  Miller.  1970.  Notes  on  two  rare  Mexican  Adelpha  and 
related  Central  American  species  (Nymphalidae) . J.  Lepid.  Soc.,  24:  292-297. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


245 


Revision  of  the  Genus  Holcostethus  in  North  America 
(Hemiptera:  Pentatomidae) 

F.  J.  D.  McDonald 

Department  of  Plant  Pathology  and  Agricultural  Entomology, 

University  of  Sydney,  Sydney,  Australia 

Received  for  Publication  February  21,  1974 

Abstract:  A diagnosis  is  given  for  the  genus  Holcostethus  and  descriptions  are  provided  for 
six  species.  A new  species  is  described  from  Arizona  and  a key  is  provided  for  the  identifica- 
tion of  all  North  American  species. 

Holcostethus  is  a widespread  genus  with  representatives  in  North  America, 
Europe,  North  Africa  and  Asia.  The  holarctic  distribution  of  the  genus  is  con- 
firmed by  the  similarity  of  the  seven  North  American  species  to  the  two  European 
species  examined,  H . sphaecelatus  (the  type  species)  and  H.  vernalis  (Figs. 
4-17). 

All  the  species  examined  have  a pair  of  structures  lying  dorsally  in  the  base 
of  the  pygophore  that  are  unusual  but  not  unique  to  the  genus.  These  structures 
have  been  observed  by  many  authors  and  given  many  names  (Tuxen,  1970). 
Here  they  are  termed  pseudoclaspers. 

Holcostethus  Fieber,  1860 

Holcostethus  Fieber,  1860,  Europ.  Hem.,  p.  79;  Kirkaldy,  1909,  Cat.  Hem.,  p.  47. 

Peribalus  Mulsant  and  Rey,  1866,  Ann.  Soc.  Linn.  Lyon  (2)  14,  p.  185;  Stal,  1872,  Ofv. 
Svenska  Vet-Ak.  Forh.  29  (3),  p.  34;  Distant,  1880,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.  Het.  1,  p.  65; 
Jakovlev,  1902,  Ent.  Obozr.  2,  p.  158;  Van  Duzee  1904,  Trans.  Amer.  Ent.  Soc.  30, 
p.  32;  Zimmer,  1912,  Univ.  Nebraska  Studies  11,  p.  221;  Van  Duzee,  1917,  Cat.  Hem., 
p.  32;  Blatchley,  1926,  Het.  E.  N.  Amer.,  p.  105;  Froeschner,  1941,  Amer.  Mid.  Nat. 
26,  p.  127. 

Dryocoris  Mulsant  and  Rey,  1866,  Ann.  Soc.  Linn.  Lyon  (2),  14  p.  190. 

Type  species : Cimex  sphacelatus  Fabricius,  1794. 

Diagnosis.  Oval  brown  pentatomids  ranging  in  size  from  4-6  mm  in  width  (across  lateral 
angles)  and  8-10  mm  long  (tip  of  head  to  membrane  apex).  Head.  Jugae  slightly  longer 


Acknowledgments:  I should  like  to  thank  the  following:  Dr.  P.  Wygodzinsky  of  the 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  Dr.  Paul  Arnaud,  Jr.  of  the  California  Academy 
of  Science,  Dr.  C.  Triplehorn,  Ohio  State  University,  and  Dr.  R.  C.  Froeschner,  United 
States  National  Museum  for  the  loan  of  type  and  other  material  used  in  this  study; 
Dr.  Per.  Inge  Person,  Swedish  Museum  of  Natural  History,  and  Dr.  W.  R.  Dolling, 
British  Museum  (Natural  History)  for  the  loan  of  type  material;  Dr.  David  C.  Renz, 
Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia  for  the  loan  of  original  Uhler  material. 

I am  especially  grateful  to  Professor  L.  H.  Rolston,  Entomology  Department,  Louisiana 
State  University,  for  suggesting  this  study  and  for  the  use  of  material  and  notes  he  had 
made  on  this  genus.  I am  also  indebted  to  him  for  reading  and  correcting  the  manuscript. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  245-258.  December,  1974. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Figs.  1-10.  H.  sphacelutus . 1.  Prosternum.  2.  Prosternum,  lateral  view.  3.  Metasternum. 
4.  Pygophore,  dorsal  view.  5.  Ventral  margin  of  pygophore.  6.  Right  pseduoclasper. 
7.  Right  clasper.  8.  Aedeagus,  lateral  view.  9.  Aedeagus,  ventral  view.  10.  Spermathecal 
bulb  and  pump,  stink  gland  opening  and  sulcus  (A.  p.),  apical  tubercle  (A.  t.),  basal 
tubercle  (B.  t.),  conjunctival  appendage  (C.  a.),  clasper  (Cl.),  coxal  cavity  (Cox.),  distal 
flange  of  pump  (D.  f.),  dorsal  margin  (D.  m.),  endophallic  duct  (E.),  evaporative  area 
(Ev.),  flange  (F.),  keel  (K.),  median  penal  lobe  (M.  p.),  proctiger  (P.),  pseudo  clasper 
(P.  c.),  process  (Pr.),  tubercle  (T.),  theca  (Th.). 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


247 


than  tylus,  generally  convergent  apically,  in  some  species  meeting  completely  around  tylus. 
Apex  of  rostrum  generally  reaching  hind  coxae.  Thorax.  Pronotum  trapezoidal,  deflexed 
between  anterolateral  margins.  Scutellum  extending  two-thirds  way  down  abdominal 
terga,  apex  narrowing  beyond  frena  and  bluntly  rounded.  Prosternum  with  two  distinct 
keels  forming  a V between  the  coxal  cavities  (Figs.  1,  2).  Metasternum  with  large  granulose 
evaporative  areas  (Fig.  3)  ; odoriferous  gland  openings  with  a long  sulcus.  Abdomen. 
Females  generally  with  connexiva  visible  beyond  folded  hemelytra;  males  with  connexiva 
covered  by  folded  hemelytra. 

Male  genitalia.  Pygophore  with  a pair  of  palmate  pseudoclaspers,  one  on  either  side 
(Figs.  4,  6).  Claspers  L-shaped  with  a large  basal  tubercle  (Fig.  7).  Theca  well-sclerotized 
with  a pair  of  basal  and  apical  tubercles,  latter  absent  in  one  species  (Fig.  8).  One  pair 
of  conjunctival  appendages  present.  Median  penal  lobes  paired,  plate-like,  apically  acute, 
united  at  base  on  either  side  of  S-shaped  endophallic  duct  (Fig.  9). 

Female  genitalia.  External  genitalia  plate-like ; eighth  paratergites  without  spiracles ; ninth 
paratergites  oblong,  well-separated  (Fig.  26).  Spermatheca  typically  pentatomoid;  sper- 
mathecal  bulb  with  2 or  3 fingerlike  processes  (Fig.  10). 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  HOLCOSTETHUS  IN  N.  AMERICA 

1.  Ventral  surface  of  abdomen  dark  chocolate  brown,  margins  may  be  outlined 

in  yellow  2 

Ventral  surface  of  abdomen  either  yellow  or  buff  or  reddish  brown,  with  or 
without  black  markings  5 

2.  Long  gray  setae  found  on  dorsal  surface  especially  on  pronotum  

hirtus  (Van  Duzee) 

Dorsal  surface  without  conspicuous  setae  3 

3.  Scutellum  with  distinct  yellow  tip;  anterolateral  margins  of  prothorax  straight 

or  slightly  concave;  ventral  margin  of  pygophore  as  in  Fig.  38;  theca  lacking 

apical  tubercles  piceus  (Dallas) 

Scutellum  concolorous  or  with  very  faint  white  tip;  anterolateral  margins  of 
prothorax  convex;  theca  with  apical  tubercles  4 

4.  Small  species,  not  more  than  7.5  mm  long  (apex  of  head  to  tip  of  membrane) 

and  4.0  mm  wide  (between  lateral  angles  of  pronotum)  ; ventral  border  of 

pygophore  with  a small  protuberance  below  median  notch  (Fig.  53)  

ruckesi  McDonald 

Larger  species,  over  7.5  mm  long  and  4.0  mm  wide;  ventral  border  of  pygo- 
phore without  protuberance  (Fig.  46)  tristis  (Van  Duzee) 

5.  Reddish  brown  species  with  distinctive  zig-zag  black  markings  on  ventral 

surface  of  abdomen;  jugae  not  meeting  in  front  of  tylus;  restricted  to 

E.  States  fulvipes  (Ruckes) 

Brown  colored  species  without  distinctive  markings  on  abdomen  6 

6.  Anterolateral  margins  of  pronotum  convex,  submarginally  impressed;  connexiva 

with  distinctly  alternating  pattern  of  yellow  and  black  along  margins  (Fig.  19). 
Ventral  border  of  pygophore  as  in  Fig.  21;  dorsal  border  bearing  a large 

pair  of  spines  (Fig.  20)  abbreviatus  Uhler 

Anterolateral  margins  of  pronotum  straight  or  slightly  concave  (Fig.  29)  ; 
connexival  margin  entirely  yellow  (Fig.  30)  ; ventral  border  of  pygophore 
as  in  Fig.  31;  dorsal  border  without  spines  limbolarius  (Stal) 


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Figs.  11-17.  H.  vernalis.  11.  Pygophore,  dorsal  view.  12.  Ventral  margin  of  pygophore. 
13.  Left  pseudoclasper.  14.  Left  clasper.  15.  Aedeagus,  ventral  view.  16.  Aedeagus, 
lateral  view.  17.  spermathecal  bulb  and  pump,  basal  tubercle  (B.  t.)  conjunctival  ap- 
pendage (C.  a),  clasper  (Cl.),  dorsal  margin  (D.  m.),  endophallic  duct  (E.),  median  penal 
lobe  (M.  p.),  proctiger  (P.),  pseudoclasper  (P.  c.),  tubercle  (T.),  Theca  (Th.) 


Holcostethus  abbreviatus  Uhler,  1872 

Holcostethus  abbreviatus  Uhler,  1872,  Prelim.  Rep.  U.S.  Geol.  Surv.  Mont.,  p.  397; 
Uhler,  1876,  Bull.  U.S.  Geol.  Surv.  1,  p.  289;  Uhler,  1877,  Bull.  U.S.  Geol.  Surv.  3,  p.  403; 
Uhler,  1895,  Proc.  Calif.  Acad.  Sci.  (Ser.  2)  4,  p.  230;  Gillette  and  Baker,  1895,  Hem. 
Colo.,  p.  16;  Kirkaldy,  1909,  Cat.  Hem.,  p.  47. 

Peribalus  abbreviatus  Van  Duzee,  1904,  Trans.  Amer.  Ent.  Soc.  30,  p.  33 ; Snow,  1906, 
Trans.  Kan.  Acad.  Sci.  20(1),  p.  177;  Zimmer,  1912,  Univ.  Nebr.  Stud.  11,  p.  224; 
Van  Duzee,  1917,  Cat.  Hem.,  p.  32. 

Peribalus  eatoni  Bliven,  1960,  Occ.  Ent.  1,  p.  36. 

Jugae  meeting  in  front  of  tylus.  Anterolateral  margins  of  pronotum  distinctly  bowed 
out  and  submarginally  impressed  (Fig.  18).  Anterior  face  of  pronotum  very  slightly  sloping. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


249 


Figs.  18-28.  H.  abbreviatus.  18.  Pronotum.  19.  Lateral  margin  of  abdomen,  dorsal 
view.  20.  Pygophore.  21.  Ventral  margin  of  pygophore.  22.  Left  clasper.  23.  Aedeagus, 
lateral  view.  24.  Right  median  penal  lobe,  lateral  view.  25.  Median  penal  lobes,  ventral 
view.  26.  Female  genitalia.  2 7.  Spermatheca.  28.  Spermathecal  bulb  and  pump,  apical 
tubercle  (A.  t.),  spermathecal  bulb  (B.) , basal  tubercle  (B.  t.),  conjunctival  appendage 
(C.  a.),  clasper  (Cl.),  distal  flange  (D.  f.),  dorsal  margin  (D.  m.),  dilation  of  spermathecal 
duct  (Dl.),  endophallic  duct  (E.),  first  gonocoxae  (1  Gx.),  second  gonocoxae  (2  Gx.), 
median  penal  lobe  (M.  p.),  proctiger  (P.),  pseudoclasper  (P.  c.),  proximal  flange  (P.  f.), 
paratergite  8 (Pt.  8),  paratergite  9 (Pt.  9),  sclerotized  rod  (R.),  spine  (S.),  sternum  10 
(S.  10),  sclerite  (Sc.),  tubercle  (T.),  thecal  shield  (T.  s.),  theca  (Th.). 


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Conspicuous  pattern  of  alternating  black  and  yellow  squares  along  connexival  margins 
visible  beyond  hemelytra  in  females  (Fig.  19). 

Male  genitalia  (Figs.  21-25).  Ventral  margin  of  pygophore  broadly  V-shaped  with  small 
emarginations  at  lateral  extremities  (Fig.  21);  dorsal  margin  arched  and  bearing  two 
large  spines,  one  on  each  side  of  mid-line  (Fig.  20).  Proctiger  box-like  with  a posterior 
lip.  Claspers  L-shaped,  apically  spatulate  and  serrate  on  inner  surface,  basally  bearing 
a large  rounded  tubercle  (Fig.  22).  Theca  well  sclerotized,  bearing  laterally  on  each  side 
a pair  of  small  heavily  sclerotized  basal  tubercles  and  a larger  pair  of  anterior  tubercles 
(Fig.  23)  ; apical  margin  bearing  a large  thecal  shield  (Fig.  23).  One  pair  of  membraneous 
conjunctival  appendages  present.  Median  penal  lobes  narrow  leaf-like  structures,  apically 
acute,  lying  one  on  either  side  of  S-shaped  endophallic  duct,  basally  fused  by  a cross  bar 
around  duct  (Figs.  24,  25). 

Female  genitalia  (Figs.  26-28).  External  genitalia  plate-like  (Fig.  26);  paratergites  8 
without  spiracles;  paratergites  9 oblong,  lying  widely  separated  on  either  side  of  second 
gonocoxae.  Spermatheca  typically  consisting  of  a balloon-like  dilation  and  apical  sperma- 
thecal  bulb  (Fig.  27)  ; latter  bearing  two  finger-like  processes,  one  short,  the  other  longer 
and  reaching  proximal  flange  of  pump  (Fig.  28).  Opening  of  spermathecal  duct  sur- 
rounded by  a ring  sclerite  and  a small  U-shaped  cap  sclerite. 

Type.  Three  specimens  from  P.  R.  Uhler’s  collection  in  the  United  States  National 
Museum  are  identifiable  as  part  of  the  syntype  series.  From  these  the  following  specimen 
is  designated  as  the  lectotype:  $ S.  Diego,  Cal  (segment  5 of  left-antenna  missing), 

United  States  National  Museum,  Washington.  Paralectotypes:  $ N.E.  Col;  $ Ks,  5,  80. 

Distribution.  Nebraska,  Kansas,  Colorado,  Utah,  Montana,  Arizona,  California,  Nevada, 
Oregon,  British  Columbia. 

Synonymy.  The  type  of  H.  eatoni  Bliven  was  not  available  for  study.  This  name  is  placed 
in  synonymy  on  the  basis  of  the  description  and  illustration  of  the  pygophore. 

Holcostethus  limbolarius  (Stal,  1872) 

Peribalus  limbolarius  Stal,  1872,  Svenska  Vet.-Akad.  Handl.  10(4),  p.  34;  Uhler,  1877, 
Bull.  U.S.  Geol.  Survey  3,  p.  403;  Distant,  1880,  Biologia  Cent.  Amer.  Het.  1,  p.  65, 
pi.  6,  fig.  19;  Van  Duzee,  1894,  Bui.  Buf.  Soc.  Nat.  Sci.  5,  p.  171;  Gillette  and  Baker, 
1895,  Hem.  Colo.,  p.  16;  Uhler,  1904,  Proc.  U.S.  Nat.  Mus.  27,  p.  351;  Van  Duzee, 
1904,  Trans.  Amer.  Ent.  Soc.  30,  p.  32;  Snow,  1906,  Trans.  Kan.  Acad.  Sci.  20(1), 
p.  177;  Van  Duzee,  1917,  Cat.  Hem.,  p.  33;  Blatchley,  1926,  Het.  of  E.  N.  Amer.,  p.  105; 
Froeschner,  1941,  Amer.  Mid.  Nat.  26,  p.  135;  McDonald,  1966,  Quaest.  Ent.  2,  pp.  18, 
51  figs.  106-110,  469-470  (genitalia). 

Holcostethus  limbolarius  Kirkaldy,  1909,  Cat.  Hem.,  p.  48. 

Peribalus  modestus  Uhler,  1872,  U.S.  Geol.  Surv.  Mont.,  p.  396;  Uhler,  1876,  Bull.  U.S. 
Geol.  Surv.  1,  p.  289. 

Jugae  meeting  in  front  of  tylus.  Anterolateral  margins  of  pronotum  straight,  sometimes 
slightly  concave  (Fig.  29).  Anterior  face  of  pronotum  declivous.  Connexiva  with  a continuous 
narrow  yellow  margin  (Fig.  30). 

Male  genitalia  (Figs.  31-33).  Ventral  margin  of  pygophore  deeply  incised  on  lateral 
extremities,  less  deeply  incised  medianly,  forming  two  distinct  oblong  plates  (Fig.  31). 
A pair  of  palmate  pseudoclaspers  present,  these  not  observed  in  McDonald’s  (1966) 
description. 

Remainder  of  male  genitalia  described  by  McDonald  (1966)  and  Baker  (1931). 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


251 


Figs.  29-35.  H.  limbolarius.  29.  Pronotum.  30.  Lateral  margin  of  abdomen,  dorsal 
view.  31.  Ventral  margin  of  pygophore.  32.  Aedeagus,  ventral  view.  33.  Right  median 
penal  lobe,  lateral  view.  34.  Female  genitalia.  35.  Spermathecal  bulb  and  pump,  apical 
tubercle  (A.  t.),  basal  tubercle  (B.  t.),  conjunctival  appendage  (C.  a.),  endophallic  duct 
(E.),  first  gonocoxa  (1  Gx.),  second  gonocoxa  (2  Gx.),  median  penal  lobe  (M.  p.), 
process  (Pr.),  paratergite  8 (Pt.  8),  paratergite  9 (Pt.  9),  sternum  10  (S.  10),  thecal 
shield  (T.  s.),  theca  (Th.). 


Female  genitalia  (Figs.  34,  35).  Described  by  McDonald  (1966). 

Types.  From  the  syntype  series  the  following  specimen  is  designated  as  the  lectotype: 
No.  202  $ Texas,  Belfrage,  Naturhistoriska  Riksmuseet,  Stockholm.  13  remaining  specimens 
are  designated  paralectotypes:  192  $ N.  York,  Belfrage;  193-4  $ Illinois,  Belfrage; 

195  $ N.  York,  Belfrage;  196-199  $ Texas,  Belfrage;  200-1,  3 $ Texas,  Belfrage; 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


204  $ Mexico,  Doucard;  205  $ Mexico,  Salle.  Specimen  192  has  a label  Typus;  192, 
193  have  been  labelled  Paratypus  and  195  Allotypus.  None  of  these  can  be  considered 
valid  designations. 

Distribution.  Throughout  U.S.A.,  southern  Canada  and  northern  Mexico. 

Note.  This  species  can  be  distinguished  from  H.  abbreviatus  by  the  following  features: 
Anterolateral  pronotal  margins  straight  (convex  in  H.  abbreviatus  and  impressed  behind)  ; 
connexiva  with  a continuous  yellow  margin  (alternating  black  and  yellow  in  H.  abbreviatus ) ; 
pygophore  with  no  spines  on  dorsal  margin  (two  present  in  H.  abbreviatus ) ; spermathecal 
bulb  with  one  process  not  much  longer  than  the  other  (Fig.  35)  (in  H.  abbreviatus  one 
process  much  longer,  reaching  proximal  flange  of  pump  (Fig.  28). 

Holcostethus  piceus  (Dallas,  1851) 

Pentatoma  piceus  Dallas,  1851,  List.  Hem.  1,  p.  236. 

Holcostethus  piceus ; Kirkaldy,  1909,  Cat.  Hem.,  p.  48. 

Peribalus  piceus ; Gillette  and  Baker,  1895,  Hem.  Colo.,  p.  16;  Van  Duzee,  1904,  Trans. 
Amer.  Ent.  Soc.  30,  p.  34;  Van  Duzee,  1917,  Cat.  Hem.,  p.  33;  Blatchley,  1926,  Het. 
E.  N.  Amer.,  p.  106. 

Dark  brown  species.  Anterolateral  margins  of  pronotum  straight  as  in  P.  limbolarius, 
margined  with  yellow  (Fig.  36).  Narrow  continuous  pale  yellow  margin  on  connexiva. 

Male  genitalia.  (Figs.  37-41).  Ventral  margin  of  pygophore  deeply  cleft  centrally  and 
with  a shallow  emargination  laterally  on  either  side  (Fig.  38) ; dorsal  margin  smoothly 
arched  (Fig.  37).  Proctiger  resembling  that  of  H.  abbreviatus , differing  slightly  in  shape. 
Claspers  similar  to  H.  tristis  but  bearing  a distinct  keel  on  the  outer  arm  (Fig.  39). 
Aedeagus  similar  to  H.  tristis ; no  apical  tubercles  on  theca  (Figs.  40,  41). 

Female  genitalia.  (Figs.  42,  43).  Similar  to  H.  tristis;  two  processes  on  spermathecal 
bulb  approximately  same  length  (Fig.  43). 

Type.  Holotype.  British  Museum,  Type  No.  HEM  970.  $ Hudsons  Bay.  Type  examined. 

Distribution.  Iowa,  S.  Dakota,  Colorado,  Montana,  Illinois,  Alberta,  Ontario. 

Note.  This  species  can  be  distinguished  from  H.  tristis  by  the  distinct  yellow  tip  of  the 
scutellum,  straight  anterolateral  pronotal  margins  (convex  in  H.  tristis),  lack  of  distinct 
flanges  on  the  ventral  margin  of  the  pygophore  (in  H.  tristis  the  flanges  are  impressed) 
and  absence  of  anterior  tubercles  on  the  theca  (present  in  H.  tristis). 

Holcostethus  fulvipes  (Ruckes,  1957) 

Peribalus  fulvipes  Ruckes,  1957,  Bull.  Brook.  Ent.  Soc.  52,  p.  39. 

Holcostethus  fulvipes.  New  Combination. 

Reddish  brown  species.  Jugae  not  meeting  in  front  of  tylus.  Femora  red  or  rosy. 
Abdominal  sterna  with  distinct  black,  zig-zag  markings  in  two  parallel  lines  on  each  side 
of  mid-line. 

Male  and  Female  genitalia.  Identical  to  those  of  H.  abbreviatus . 

Type.  Holotype.  The  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  $ Lake  George,  N.  Y., 
J.  L.  Zabriskie,  22  Aug.  1893;  Paratype,  $ (same  data  as  holotype).  Type  examined. 

Distribution.  New  York,  New  Hampshire. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


253 


Figs.  36-43.  H.  piceus.  36.  Dorsal  view.  37.  Pygophore,  dorsal  view.  38.  Ventral  margin 
of  pygophore.  39.  Left  clasper.  40.  Aedeagus,  lateral  view.  41.  Right  median  penal 
lobe,  lateral  view.  42.  Female  genitalia.  43.  Spermathecal  bulb  and  pump,  basal  tubercle 
(B.  t.),  conjunctival  appendage  (C.  a.),  clasper  (Cl.),  distal  flange  (D.  f.),  dorsal  margin 
(D.  m.),  endophallic  duct  (E.),  first  gonocoxa  (1  Gx.),  second  gonocoxa  (2  Gx.),  median 
penal  lobe  (M.  p.),  proctiger  (P.),  paratergite  8 (Pt.  8),  paratergite  9 (Pt.  9),  sternum 
10  (S.  10),  tubercle  (T.),  thecal  shield  (T.  s.),  theca  (Th.). 


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Holcostethus  tristis  (Van  Duzee,  1904) 

Peribalus  tristis  Van  Duzee,  1904,  Trans.  Amer.  Ent.  Soc.  30,  p.  33;  Van  Duzee,  1917,  Cat. 
Hem.,  p.  33. 

Holcostethus  tristis.  New  Combination. 

Nearly  unicolorous  dark  brown  species  with  convex  anterolateral  margins  of  pronotum 
margined  in  lighter  brown  (Fig.  44).  Alternating  pattern  of  light  brown  or  yellow  and 
black  squares  along  margins  of  connexiva. 

Male  genitalia  (Figs.  45-48).  Ventral  margin  of  pygophore  with  a deep  median  notch 
and  two  smaller  emarginations  at  lateral  extremities  (Fig.  46)  ; dorsal  margins  evenly 
arched  (Fig.  45).  Claspers  L-shaped;  apex  flattened  on  inner  margin  and  bearing  rows 
of  minute  serrations;  base  with  a large  prominent  tubercle  (Fig.  47).  Theca  heavily 
sclerotized;  basal  and  apical  tubercles  present;  apical  margin  produced  into  a thecal 
shield  (Fig.  48).  Conjunctival  appendages  membraneous,  bifid.  Median  penal  lobes 
similar  to  H.  abbreviatus  but  somewhat  broader  (Fig.  49). 

Female  genitalia.  (Figs.  50,  51).  Similar  to  H.  abbreviatus.  Usually  two  and  sometimes 
three  processes  on  spermathecal  bulb  (Figs.  50,  51). 

Type.  Lectotype.  California  Academy  of  Sciences,  $ Vancouver  Is.,  B.C.,  G.  Taylor, 
20  Aug.  1897.  Type  examined. 

Distribution.  California,  Oregon,  Washington,  Idaho,  Montana,  British  Columbia. 

Holcostethus  hirtus  (Van  Duzee,  1937) 

Peribalus  hirtus  Van  Duzee,  1937,  Pan.  Pacific  Ent.  13,  p.  25. 

Holcostethus  hirtus.  New  Combination. 

Unicolorous  dark  brown  species  with  long  grey  setae  on  dorsal  and  ventral  surfaces. 
Anterolateral  margins  of  pronotum  convex.  Connexiva  with  a continuous  narrow  lighter 
brown  margin. 

Male  genitalia.  No  males  available  for  examination. 

Female  genitalia.  Similar  to  H.  abbreviatus. 

Note.  This  species  resembles  H.  tristis  but  can  be  distinguished  by  the  presence  of  long 
grey  setae  on  the  dorsal  surface  of  the  body  and  the  narrow  light  brown  margin  of  the 
abdominal  connexiva  (H.  tristis  has  an  alternating  pattern  of  light  brown  and  black  squares). 

Type.  Holotype.  California  Academy  of  Sciences,  $ Sequoia  Nat.  Pk.,  Calif.  Alt.  3- 
5000  ft.,  Collector  E.  C.  Van  Dyke,  20  June  1929.  Four  paratypes,  all  $ (same  data 
as  holotype).  Type  examined. 

Distribution.  California. 

Holcostethus  ruckesi  n.  sp. 

Dark  brown  species;  male  7 mm  long  (apex  of  head  to  tip  of  membrane)  4 mm  wide 
(between  lateral  angles  of  pronotum);  female  6. 5-7.3  mm  long;  3. 8-4.0  mm  wide.  Entire 
dorsal  surface  heavily  punctate.  Jugae  longer  than  tylus,  broadly  rounded  and  sometimes 
meeting  apically.  Antennae  dark  brown.  Rostrum  light  to  dark  brown,  apex  reaching 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


255 


Figs.  44-51.  H.  tristis.  44.  Dorsal  view.  45.  Pygophore.  46.  Ventral  margin  of  pygo- 
phore.  47.  Left  clasper.  48.  Aedeagus,  lateral  view.  49.  Left  median  penal  lobe,  lateral 
view.  50.  Spermatheca.  51.  Spermathecal  bulb  and  pump,  anterior  tubercle  (A.  t.), 
spermathecal  bulb  (B.),  basal  tubercle  (B.  t.),  conjunctival  appendage  (C.  a.),  clasper 
(Cl.),  dorsal  margin  (D.  m.),  endophallic  duct  (E.),  median  penal  lobe  (M.  p.),  proctiger 
(P.),  pseudoclasper  (P.  c.),  proximal  flange  (P.  f.),  process  (Pr.),  sclerotized  rod  (R.), 
tubercle  (T.). 


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Ap. 


P. 


Figs.  52-58.  H.  ruckesi  n.  sp.  52.  Metasternum.  53.  Pygophore,  dorsal  view.  54. 
Ventral  margin  of  pygophore.  55.  Right  pseudoclasper.  56.  Right  clasper.  57.  Aedeagus, 
lateral  view.  58.  Aedeagus,  ventral  view,  stink  gland  opening  and  sulcus  (Ap.),  apical 
tubercle  (A.  t.),  basal  tubercle  (B.  t.),  conjunctival  appendage  (C.  a.),  clasper  (Cl.), 
dorsal  margin  (D.  m.),  endophallic  duct  (E.),  evaporative  area  (Ev.),  median  penal  lobe 
(M.  p.),  proctiger  (P.),  pseudoclasper  (P.  c.),  protuberance  (Pe.),  tubercle  (T.),  thecal 
shield  (T.  s.),  theca  (Th.). 


hind  coxae.  Ventrolateral  margins  of  pronotum  brown  or  yellow,  bowed  out  and  sub- 
marginally  impressed;  pronotal  disk  rugose.  Scutellum  bluntly  rounded  apically,  narrowing 
only  slightly  beyond  frena.  Coxae  and  trochanters  amber,  femora  and  tibiae  dark  brown, 
tarsi  light  brown.  Metapleural  stink  gland  openings  with  a long  apically  acute  sulcus 
(Fig.  52).  Evaporative  area  extending  onto  mesopleuron.  Connexiva  with  alternating 
markings  on  sternal  margins  of  abdomen,  a median  light  brown  streak  on  sterna  3-6. 

Male  genitalia  (Figs.  53-58).  Ventral  margin  of  pygophore  sinuate  with  median  and 
lateral  notches  forming  two  plates  (Fig.  54)  ; a small  protuberance  present  below  median 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


257 


notch;  dorsal  margin  smoothly  arched  (Fig.  53).  Pseudoclaspers  small,  elongate  and 
brush  like  (Fig.  55).  Claspers  L-shaped;  upper  surface  with  a keel  bearing  a number 
of  setae  (Fig.  56);  apex  flattened  and  inner  surface  finely  serrate;  a large  tubercle  present 
on  base.  Theca  bearing  large  apical  and  small  basal  tubercles  (Fig.  57)  ; apical  margin 
produced  into  a thecal  shield.  Conjunctiva  with  one  pair  of  appendages,  these  broadly 
bifid  (Fig.  57).  Median  penal  lobes  leaf-like  apically  acute  and  basally  fused  by  a cross 
bar  (Fig.  58)  ; endophallic  duct  lying  between  margins  of  median  penal  lobes  and  not 
extending  beyond  them. 

Female  genitalia.  External  genitalia  and  spermatheca  similar  to  H.  limbolarius. 

Type.  Holotype,  £,  Rustlers  Park,  Chiricahua  Mts.  Ariz.  VII-30-55;  P.  D.  Hurd  Collector. 
Deposited  in  The  American  Museum  of  Natural  History.  Left  antenna  minus  segment 
4 and  5,  right  antenna  minus  segment  5 ; forelegs  minus  tarsomeres  2 and  3.  Paratypes , 
3 9 s:  Rustlers  Park,  Chiricahua  Mts.  Ariz.  VII-1-55,  P.  D.  Hurd  Collector;  Chirc. 
Mts.  Ariz.  9-11-35,  E.  D.  Ball;  McMillan  Camp,  13  miles,  N.  Silver  City,  Grant  Co., 
New  Mexico,  July  18,  1961,  6800  ft.,  F.,  P.  and  J.  Rindge  (Deposited  in  The  American 
Museum  of  Natural  History) ; 1 9 Rustlers  Pk.,  Ariz.,  Chiricahua  Mts.,  Cochise  Co., 
July  2 7,  1955  (Deposited  with  L.  H.  Holston,  Louisiana  State  University). 

Remarks.  This  species  is  named  after  the  late  Dr.  Herbert  Ruckes  who  originally  noted 
it  in  The  American  Museum  of  Natural  History  Collections. 

Literature  Cited 

Baker,  A.  D.  1931.  A study  of  the  male  genitalia  of  Canadian  species  of  Pentatomidae. 
Canadian  J.  Research,  4:  148-220. 

Blatchley,  W.  S.  1926.  “Heteroptera  of  Eastern  North  American.”  Nature  Publishing 
Co.,  Indianapolis,  1116  pp. 

Bliven,  B.  P.  1960.  Studies  on  insects  of  the  Redwood  Empire  III  New  Hemiptera 
with  notes  on  others.  Occidental  Entomologist,  I : 34-42. 

Dallas,  W.  S.  1851.  List  of  the  specimens  of  hemipterous  insects  in  the  collection  of 
the  British  Museum  1.  London,  368  pp. 

Distant,  W.  L.  1880.  “Biologia  Centrali-Americana  Insecta,  Rhynchota  1.”  London 
XX  -f-  462  pp.,  39  pis. 

Fieber,  F.  X.  1860.  “Die  europaischen  Hemiptera.”  Halbfluger  (Rhynchota:  Heteroptera). 
C.  Gerold,  Wien,  444  pp. 

Froeschner,  R.  C.  1941.  Contributions  to  a synopsis  of  the  Hemiptera  of  Missouri, 
Pt.  1.  American  Midland  Naturalist,  26:  122-146. 

Gillette,  C.  P.  and  Baker,  C.  F.  1895.  A preliminary  list  of  the  Hemiptera  of  Colorado. 

Bull.  Colorado  Agr.  Exp.  Sta.  31(1):  137  pp. 

Jakovlev,  B.  1902.  Les  Peribalus  (Hemiptera-Heteroptera,  Pentatomidae)  de  la  faune 
palearctique.  Rev.  Russe  Ent.  2:  157-159. 

Kirkaldy,  G.  W.  1909.  “Catalogue  of  the  Hemiptera  (Heteroptera)  Vol.  1,  Cimicidae.” 
Felix  Dahms,  Berlin,  XL  + 392  pp. 

McDonald,  F.  J.  D.  1966.  The  genitalia  of  North  American  Pentatomoidea  (Hemiptera: 
Heteroptera).  Quaest.  Ent.  2:  7-150. 

Mulsant,  E.  and  Rey,  C.  1866.  Histoire  Naturelle  des  Punaises  de  France.  Ann.  Soc. 
Linn.  Lyon  (2)  14:  1-288. 

Ruckes,  H.  1957.  New  species  of  Pentatomidae  from  North  and  South  America 
(Heteroptera).  Bull.  Brook.  Ent.  Soc.  52:  39-41. 


258 


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Snow,  F.  H.  1906.  Some  results  of  the  University  of  Kansas  entomological  expeditions 
to  Arizona  in  1904  and  1905.  Trans.  Kansas  Acad.  Sci.  20(1):  155-181. 

Stal,  C.  1872.  Enumeratio  Hemipterorum.  Svenska  Vet. -Akad.  Handlingar  10(4) : 1-159. 

. 1872.  Genera  Pentatomidarum  Europae  disposuit.  Ofversigt  Svenska  Vet.-Akad. 

Forhandlingar.  29(3):  31-40. 

Tuxen,  S.  L.  1970.  “Taxonomists  Glossary  of  Genitalia  in  Insects.”  Munksgaard, 
Copenhagen.  359  pp. 

Uhler,  P.  R.  1872.  Notices  of  the  Hemiptera  of  the  Western  Territories  of  the  United 
States.  Preliminary  Rept.  U.S.  Geol.  Surv.  Montana,  392-423. 

— -.  1876.  List  of  Hemiptera  of  the  region  west  of  the  Mississippi  River  including 

those  collected  during  the  Hayden  explorations  of  1873.  Bull.  U.S.  Geol.  Geog. 
Surv.  1:  269-361. 

. 1877.  Report  upon  the  insects  collected  by  P.  R.  Uhler  during  the  explorations  of 

1875.  Bull.  U.S.  Geol.  Geog.  Surv.  3:  355-475. 

. 1904.  List  of  Hemiptera-Heteroptera  of  Las  Vegas,  Hot  Springs,  New  Mexico, 

collected  by  Messrs.  E.  A.  Shwarz  and  Herbert  S.  Barber.  Proc.  U.S.  Nat.  Mus. 
27:  349-364. 

Van  Duzee,  E.  P.  1904.  Annotated  list  of  the  Pentatomidae  recorded  from  America 
North  of  Mexico  with  descriptions  of  some  new  species.  Trans  Amer.  Ent.  Soc. 
30:  1-80. 

. 1917.  “Catalogue  of  the  Hemiptera  of  America  North  of  Mexico.”  Univ.  Cal. 

Publ.  2,  Berkley,  902  pp. 

. 1937.  A few  new  Hemiptera.  Pan  Pacific  Ent.  13:  25-31. 

Zimmer,  J.  T.  1912.  The  Pentatomidae  of  Nebraska.  Univ.  Nebraska  Studies.  11: 
219-251. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


259 


Digger  Wasps  as  Colonizers  of  New  Habitat  (Hymenoptera:  Aculeata) 

Howard  E.  Evans 

Department  of  Zoology  and  Entomology,  Colorado  State  University, 

Fort  Collins,  Colorado  80521 

Received  for  Publication  February  22,  1974 

Abstract:  Twenty-nine  species  of  solitary  wasps  occupied  a newly  bulldozed  area  of  sandy 
soil  at  Bedford,  Mass.,  during  the  summers  of  1972  and  1973.  Of  these,  5 species  built 
up  large  populations  in  only  two  years,  having  moved  into  the  area  from  adjacent  study 
plots.  Another  17  species  occupied  the  newly  bulldozed  area  in  smaller  numbers,  while 
the  remaining  7 species,  present  in  adjacent  plots,  failed  to  occupy  the  new  substrate  or 
did  so  with  no  increase  in  numbers. 


INTRODUCTION 

Students  of  solitary  wasps  often  seek  out  the  nests  of  these  insects  in  plots  of 
soil  made  bare  by  man,  either  in  excavations  or  fresh  fills.  In  the  more  wooded 
parts  of  the  country  these  wasps  presumably  once  inhabited  eroded  slopes  and 
banks  along  watercourses,  but  man’s  propensity  for  moving  soil  about  has  created 
many  new  areas  of  suitable  substrate.  On  the  whole  these  areas  are  probably  no 
more  or  less  permanent  than  the  original  nesting  sites,  for  an  eroded  slope,  no 
less  than  a man-made  gravel  pit,  undergoes  its  own  cycle  of  development.  At 
first  the  soil  is  loose  and  bare;  gradually  mosses,  grasses,  and  small  herbs  take 
root,  reducing  the  bare  spaces  and  bringing  about  consolidation  of  the  soil; 
gradually  a new  topsoil  is  built  up,  and  larger  plants  fill  or  shade  the  remaining 
bare  spots.  Thus  ground-nesting  insects  must  be  able  to  colonize  new  exposures 
rapidly,  to  build  up  large  populations,  and  to  send  out  new  colonizers.  These 
statements  are  less  true  of  beaches  and  dunes,  but  even  such  areas  have  their 
patterns  of  change  to  which  ground-nesters  must  adjust. 

Set  against  these  facts  is  the  common  observation  that  aggregations  of  ground- 
nesting Hymenoptera  sometimes  persist  in  the  same  site  for  many  years.  Females 
tend  to  nest  near  the  place  they  emerged,  perhaps  by  some  form  of  locality 
imprinting,  or  perhaps  simply  because  the  soil  near  their  emergence  site  is  the 
most  suitable  in  the  area.  There  is  evidence  that  females  of  some  species  make 
a series  of  nests  in  the  site  where  they  emerged,  but  later  make  one  or  more  nests 
some  distance  away  (Evans,  1966).  It  is  also  evident  that  individual  species 
vary  in  their  tendency  to  adhere  to  one  site  year  after  year  and  in  their  ability  to 
colonize  new  areas.  Evidence  on  these  points  is,  however,  fragmentary. 

Acknowledgments:  This  research  was  conducted  at  the  Concord  Field  Station  of  the 

Museum  of  Comparative  Zoology,  Harvard  University.  For  much  assistance  in  the  field 
work,  I am  indebted  to  Victoria  Rowntree  and  to  Fred  Atwood.  The  flies  were  identified 
by  Lloyd  Knutson,  the  weevils  by  Janice  White,  the  spiders  by  Herbert  Levi. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  259-267.  December,  1974. 


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DESCRIPTION  OF  STUDIES 

An  opportunity  to  study  the  relative  motility  of  ground  nesters  was  presented 
to  me  in  the  spring  of  1972,  when  an  area  was  bulldozed  at  the  Concord  Field 
Station  of  the  Museum  of  Comparative  Zoology  at  Harvard  (Bedford,  Mass., 
site).  I had  been  studying  an  area  immediately  adjacent  for  several  years.  The 
major  occupant  of  this  area  was  Philanthus  gibbosus  (Fabricius)  (as  reported  by 
Evans,  1973),  but  I also  recorded  all  nests  of  other  species  within  the  plot.  The 
plot  measured  5 X 9 m and  had  evidently  been  bulldozed  many  years  earlier;  it 
had  since  become  much  overgrown  with  moss  and  herbs.  It  is  here  referred  to  as 
plot  X. 

The  area  newly  bulldozed  in  May,  1972,  was  much  larger  and  the  freshly 
exposed,  sandy  soil  was  at  first  wholly  devoid  of  vegetation,  although  parts  had 
been  filled  in  by  grasses  and  herbs  by  late  summer  of  1973.  This  area  had  previ- 
ously been  occupied  by  a grass-covered  bank  about  3 m high  by  8 m wide,  the 
soil  from  the  bank  having  been  moved  elsewhere.  Hence  the  newly  exposed  soil 
was  at  first  wholly  devoid  of  ground-nesting  insects.  The  most  suitable  nesting 
substrate,  to  which  my  studies  were  confined,  was  in  a strip  8 m wide  by  50  m 
long.  For  convenience  this  strip  was  arbitrarily  divided  into  3 plots,  A,  B,  and 
C,  A and  B being  separated  by  a narrow  strip  of  less  suitable  substrate  (Fig.  1). 
Plot  A was  studied  intensively,  B only  slightly  less  so;  C was  visited  for  brief 
periods  several  times  each  day.  Observations  were  recessed  during  inclement 
weather,  but  at  other  times  (mid-June  to  mid- Aug.)  at  least  one  and  usually 
two  observers  were  on  duty  nearly  full  time  during  daylight  hours. 

Nests  were  marked  with  numbered  stakes  and  followed  from  day  to  day.  It 
was  impossible  to  record  all  the  activity  at  even  a few  nests,  since  so  many 
were  involved.  However,  there  was  little  difficulty  in  identifying  active  nests 
by  the  appearance  of  the  burrow  and  the  soil  at  the  entrance.  A few  females  of 
each  of  several  species  were  marked  with  paint  of  various  colors  to  determine 
whether  they  made  more  than  one  nest,  and  if  so  where  the  additional  nests  were 
dug.  Observations  were  also  made  on  parasites,  and  a few  selected  nests  were 
excavated  to  determine  the  number  of  cells  and  the  incidence  of  successful 
parasitism. 

During  the  summers  of  1972  and  1973,  25  species  of  Sphecidae  and  4 species 
of  Pompilidae  were  found  nesting  in  these  plots.  Of  these  29  species,  only  13  had 
been  found  nesting  on  plot  X during  the  preceding  several  years.  Of  the  13,  the 
majority  merely  moved  into  plot  A without  increasing  notably  in  numbers, 
although  2 species  increased  greatly  and  extended  over  all  three  plots.  The 
remaining  16  species  presumably  migrated  in  from  other  sandy  areas  nearby, 
although  I am  not  aware  of  any  major  nesting  sites  within  1.5  km.  Some  of 
these  wasps  appeared  in  small  numbers,  while  others  became  common  in  only  two 


seasons. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


261 


OPEN 

WOODLAND 


Fig.  1.  Relative  position  of  study  plots,  Bedford,  Massachusetts. 


In  the  following  list,  the  species  are  grouped  as  rapid  colonizers,  slow  colo- 
nizers, and  noncolonizers.  In  each  case  a few  notes  are  presented  on  the  nature 
and  abundance  of  the  nests.  Only  a few  biological  notes  are  presented,  since  most 
of  these  are  well-studied  species  and  biological  references  can  be  found  in  the 
Synoptic  Catalog  of  Hymenoptera  North  of  Mexico  and  its  supplements.  The 
genera  Ageniella  and  Anoplius  are  Pompilidae,  all  others  Sphecidae. 

RAPID  COLONIZERS 

Crabro  monticola  (Packard).  From  1968  to  1971,  the  number  of  nests  in  plot 
X varied  from  0 to  2,  although  others  were  noted  in  paths  in  nearby  woods.  In 
1972,  28  nests  were  counted  in  plots  A and  B (none  in  C).  In  1973,  the  number 
had  increased  to  123,  of  which  a maximum  of  88  were  active  at  one  time  (22 
June)  (females  commonly  make  a second  nest  after  closing  the  first).  Since  the 
nests  of  this  species  are  surmounted  by  a prominent  ring  of  soil,  they  could  be 


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Fig.  2.  Nests  of  Crabro  monticola  (circles)  and  Aphilanthops  frigidus  (triangles)  in 
plots  B and  C during  summer  of  1973  (for  correct  relative  position  of  plots,  see  Fig.  1). 


easily  marked  and  followed.  Prey  consisted  of  flies,  mainly  Thereva  jrontalis  Say 
(Therevidae),  which  the  Crabro  found  in  abundance  in  the  adjacent  woods. 

Aphilanthops  frigidus  (Smith).  This  species  nested  in  plot  X each  year,  1968— 
71,  the  number  of  nests  varying  from  1 to  3.  Only  4 were  noted  in  the  newly  bull- 
dozed plots  in  1972,  but  in  1973  the  number  increased  to  58.  All  of  these  were 
dug  between  14  July  and  2 August,  the  nesting  cycle  of  the  wasp  being  closely 
synchronized  with  mating  flights  of  the  prey,  queen  Formica  ants.  Numerous 
colonies  of  Formica  became  established  in  the  newly  bulldozed  area  during  1972 
and  1973,  and  abundance  of  Aphilanthops  was  undoubtedly  partly  a consequence 
of  the  abundance  of  prey. 

Bicyrtes  quadrijasciata  (Say).  This  is  a common  wasp  in  Massachusetts,  but 
none  had  been  seen  at  the  Bedford  site  until  1973.  On  23-25  July  a number  of 
males  were  seen  flying  over  the  ground  in  plot  C,  and  over  the  next  two  weeks 
an  estimated  12  females  nested  in  plots  A-C.  It  was  not  possible  to  keep  an 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


263 


accurate  count  of  nests,  since  there  is  no  distinctive  pattern  of  soil  at  the  entrance 
as  in  the  preceding  two  species. 

Oxybelus  bipunctatus  Olivier  and  O.  subulatus  Robertson.  These  two  species 
made  their  first  appearance  in  1972,  in  plot  A,  but  only  a few  were  noted.  In 
1973,  there  were  at  least  about  30  nests  of  each  species  in  plots  A and  B.  It  was 
again  impossible  to  make  an  accurate  count,  since  these  are  very  small  wasps 
and  the  nests  of  short  duration.  O.  subulatus  preyed  exclusively  upon  therevid 
flies,  but  used  consistently  a smaller  species  than  Crabro  ( Psilocephala  frontalis 
Cole),  and  only  males,  as  reported  by  Peckham,  Kurczewski,  and  Peckham 
(1973)  in  their  excellent  paper  on  members  of  this  genus. 

SLOW  COLONIZERS 

Anoplius  marginatus  (Say)  and  A.  semirufus  (Cresson).  Females  of  the  first 
species  were  observed  10  times  and  females  of  the  second  3 times,  in  each  case 
carrying  spiders  from  the  woodland  into  areas  A and  B during  1973.  A.  mar- 
ginatus sometimes  nested  from  the  walls  of  inactive  Crabro  burrows.  Both 
species  had  been  seen  in  the  area  only  rarely  during  previous  seasons. 

Astata  unicolor  Say.  One  nest  was  found  in  plot  X and  1 in  plot  A during  1973. 
The  species  had  not  been  observed  during  previous  years. 

Tacky sphex  similis  Rohwer  and  T.  tarsatus  (Say).  Both  of  these  grasshopper- 
predators  appeared  in  small  numbers  in  plot  A in  1972  and  showed  no  increase 
in  1973. 

Chlorion  aerarium  Patton.  During  1973,  2 females  constructed  multicellular 
nests  from  pre-existing  holes,  provisioning  them  with  Gryllus  crickets.  The 
species  had  not  previously  been  observed  in  the  area. 

Sphex  ichneumoneus  (Linnaeus).  This  large  wasp  has  nested  in  a gravel  strip 
at  the  Bedford  site  each  year,  the  number  of  nests  varying  from  2—10  each  year. 
Nysson  plagiatus  Cresson  was  seen  entering  nests  on  several  occasions,  and  in 
1970  we  reared  a female  N.  plagiatus  from  cells  of  S.  ichneumoneus.  This  species 
had  been  reported  as  a possible  parasite  by  Ristich  (1953),  but  the  relationship 
had  not  been  confirmed. 

This  nesting  site  was  about  40  m from  plots  X and  A.  None  were  found 
nesting  in  these  plots,  but  2 females  nested  in  plot  B in  1973. 

Trionyx  parkeri  Bohart  and  Menke.  One  nest  of  this  wasp  was  noted  in  1972, 
2 in  1973;  the  species  had  not  been  seen  during  previous  years.  The  nests  are 
of  short  duration,  and  there  were  undoubtedly  others  that  were  not  discovered. 

Gorytes  canaliculatus  Packard  and  Hoplisoides  nebulosus  (Packard).  These 
two  related  species,  both  predators  on  Homoptera,  were  seen  in  small  numbers 
in  1972,  but  not  previously.  During  1973  we  noted  several  nests  of  both  species, 
but  it  is  doubtful  if  there  were  more  than  3-5  active  females  of  each. 


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Bembix  americana  spinolae  (Lepeletier).  Two  nests  were  noted  in  plot  B in 
1972,  8 in  plots  A and  B in  1973.  During  4 previous  years,  the  species  was 
sighted  each  summer,  but  no  nests  were  ever  found. 

Lindenius  columbianus  errans  (Fox).  This  is  a minute  wasp,  but  the  nests  are 
distinctive  and  are  maintained  for  several  days.  We  noted  none  until  July,  1973, 
when  4 appeared  within  2 m2  in  plot  A. 

Ammophila  procera  Dahlbom  and  A.  urnaria  Dahlbom.  These  wasps  were 
seen  only  occasionally  prior  to  1973.  During  that  season,  we  estimated  3-5 
females  of  each  species.  They  were  often  seen  proceeding  from  the  woodland 
into  the  newly  bulldozed  area  carrying  caterpillars.  Most  nests  were  in  or  near 
plot  A. 

Philanthus  politus  Say.  One  nest  was  found  in  plot  B in  1972.  None  were  found 
in  1973,  although  males  were  seen  on  several  occasions  on  the  flowers  of  Achillea 
millefolium  and  Chrysanthemum  leucanthemum. 

Philanthus  gibbosus  (Fabricius).  This  species  maintained  a nearly  steady 
population  of  32-40  nests  in  plot  X over  a period  of  4 years  (one  female  usually 
maintains  one  nest  for  the  season)  (Evans,  1973).  In  1972,  there  were  only  12 
nests  in  plot  X (now  well  overgrown  with  vegetation),  but  11  females  had 
established  themselves  in  adjacent  parts  of  plot  A.  In  1973,  only  one  nest  was 
dug  in  plot  X,  20  in  plot  A (Fig.  3).  Thus  the  number  of  females  declined 
slightly  over  a three-year  period,  during  which  time  there  was  a gradual  shift 
into  newly  available  bare  soil,  although  over  only  a few  meters. 

Cerceris  prominens  Banks.  This  species  was  not  recorded  until  1973,  when  3 
nests  appeared  8-14  July  in  area  B,  all  within  1 m2.  One  of  these  nests  was 
excavated  on  14  July,  at  which  time  it  contained  7 cells  at  depths  of  from  12  to 
17  cm.  Freshly  provisioned  cells  each  contained  18-19  weevils,  and  there  were 
also  8 weevils  at  the  bottom  of  the  burrow,  8 cm  deep,  in  compact  soil.  All 
weevils  were  Baridinae,  the  38  specimens  preserved  belonging  to  4 species: 
Baris  sp.  (17  3 3,1  9,  10  of  unknown  sex),  Limnobaris  sp.  (3  3 3,3  9 9), 
Pachygeraeus  sp.  (2  3 3 ),  and  Odontocorynus  sp.  (1  3,1  9). 

It  should  be  noted  that  this  is  quite  a different  complex  of  weevils  than  those 
employed  by  any  of  the  three  following  species.  The  four  species  of  weevil- 
hunting Cerceris  occurring  at  this  site  showed  no  overlap  in  prey  whatever, 
providing  an  excellent  example  of  competitive  exclusion. 

NONCOLONIZERS 

Cerceris  atramontensis  Banks,  C.  halone  Banks,  and  C.  nigrescens  Smith.  These 
three  species  all  nested  in  small  numbers  in  plot  X during  the  summers  of  1969— 
71  (Evans,  1971).  However,  they  appeared  to  be  absent  during  1972  and  1973 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


265 


Fig.  3.  Nests  recorded  in  plot  A during  summer  of  1973.  Plot  is  marked  off  into 
squares  2 m each  side.  Solid  circles:  Crabro  monticola;  solid  triangles:  Aphilanthops 

frigidus ; squares:  Lindenius  columbianus  errans ; hollow  circles:  Philanthus  gibbosus ; 

hollow  triangle:  Bembix  americana  spinolae ; A:  Astata  unicolor ; B:  Bicyrtes  quadri- 

fasciata ; H:  Hoplisoides  nebulosus ; X:  Anacrabro  ocellatus. 


except  for  one  nest  of  C.  halone  each  year,  again  in  plot  X.  The  original  nesting 
sites  were  well  covered  by  moss  in  1973,  but  all  3 species  failed  to  establish  them- 
selves in  plots  A-C. 

Lyroda  subita  (Say).  This  wasp  constructed  its  cells  from  the  walls  of  the 
burrows  of  both  Philanthus  gibbosus  and  Sphex  ichneumoneus . Only  one  female 
was  noted  during  the  summer  of  1973,  although  the  species  had  been  fairly 
plentiful  during  previous  summers. 

Ageniella  conflicta  Banks.  During  the  summers  of  1968-71,  this  species  was 
seen  in  some  numbers  within  the  Philanthus  gibbosus  nesting  area.  Females 
were  seen  carrying  spiders  into  inactive  Philanthus  burrows  on  several  occasions. 
These  burrows  were  later  closed  by  picking  up  small  pebbles,  bits  of  leaves, 
and  grass  blades  and  placing  them  in  the  burrow  and  in  a small  pile  over  the  top. 
One  cell  was  located  at  a depth  of  only  7 cm.  Two  prey  spiders  taken  from  wasps 
both  proved  to  be  female  Schizocosa  bilineata  (Emerton)  (Lycosidae).  Both 
had  all  the  legs  amputated.  This  species  was  not  observed  in  1972,  and  only  one 
female  was  seen  in  1973. 


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Fig.  4.  Number  of  active  females  of  three  species  over  a 3 year  period. 

Ageniella  partita  Banks.  This  species  was  observed  only  in  1969,  and  like  the 
preceding  was  closely  associated  with  inactive  nests  of  P.  gibbosus.  One  spider 
taken  as  prey  proved  to  be  Zelotes  sp.,  juvenile  female  (Gnaphosidae).  The 
wasp  ran  over  the  ground  with  her  prey  and  made  several  short,  hopping  flights, 
straddling  the  prey  and  holding  it  by  the  spinnerets.  Only  one  leg  had  been 
amputated.  This  is  evidently  the  first  record  of  this  species  from  Massachusetts. 

Anacrabro  ocellatus  Packard.  One  or  two  females  nested  in  plot  X each  year, 
1968-71.  In  1972  one  female  nested  in  plot  X,  one  in  plot  A,  only  3 m away. 
In  1973  one  female  nested  in  plot  A.  Thus  the  population  remained  essentially 
stable  despite  the  large  amount  of  new  substrate  available. 

DISCUSSION 

It  is  evident  that  in  this  limited  area  and  over  a limited  time  period,  some 
wasps  spread  rapidly  over  newly  available  bare,  sandy  soil  and  increased  their 
numbers  greatly.  Others  increased  in  numbers  only  slight^  or  even  showed  a 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


267 


decline.  It  is  unlikely  that  exactly  this  same  pattern  would  have  been  followed 
under  different  circumstances.  The  proximity  of  the  study  area  to  a woodland 
having  a plentiful  supply  of  therevid  flies  undoubtedly  permitted  Crabro  monti- 
cola  and  Oxybelus  subulatus  to  flourish.  The  sudden  abundance  of  Aphilanthops 
jrigidus  was  also  very  probably  related  to  the  fact  that  its  host,  Formica  jusca, 
had  also  rapidly  occupied  the  newly  available  substrate. 

On  the  other  hand,  there  were  many  blowflies  and  muscids  around  the  nearby 
animal  pens,  and  solitary  bees  abounded  in  and  around  plots  A-C.  Thus  there 
appeared  to  be  ample  prey  for  species  of  Bembix  and  Philanthus.  Members  of 
these  genera  are,  in  fact,  known  to  remain  attached  to  their  nesting  sites  for 
many  years,  and  in  this  instance  they  showed  little  tendency  to  avail  themselves 
promptly  of  new  potential  nesting  sites. 

The  differential  effect  of  parasites  also  undoubtedly  plays  a role  in  controlling 
the  numbers  of  these  insects.  By  colonizing  new  sites  rapidly,  species  such  as 
Crabro  monticola  and  Aphilanthops  jrigidus  may  in  some  measure  evade  the 
attacks  of  miltogrammine  flies.  The  latter  species  is  known  to  be  especially  sus- 
ceptible to  attacks  by  these  flies  (Ristich,  1956).  We  did  not  excavate  any 
Aphilanthops  nests,  but  of  the  7 Crabro  nests  excavated,  all  but  1 had  at  least 
one  cell  containing  maggots  of  miltogrammine  flies.  In  all,  15  of  37  cells  were 
parasitized  (40%).  Metopia  argyrocephala  Meigen  was  reared  from  3 nests, 
Senotainia  trilineata  Wulp  from  one.  Neither  species  of  wasp  is  known  to  be 
attacked  by  mutillid  wasps,  the  behavior  patterns  of  which  seem  especially 
adapted  for  more  gregarious  species  which  persist  in  one  site  from  year  to  year. 
I believe  the  decline  of  Philanthus  gibbosus  to  be  related  to  the  abundance  of 
its  parasite,  Dasymutilla  nigripes  (Fabricius). 

Literature  Cited 

Evans,  H.  E.  1966.  “The  Comparative  Ethology  and  Evolution  of  the  Sand  Wasps.” 
Cambridge,  Mass.:  Harvard  Univ.  Press. 

— . 1971.  Observations  on  the  nesting  behavior  of  wasps  of  the  tribe  Cercerini. 

Jour.  Kansas  Ent.  Soc.,  44:  500-523. 

. 1973.  Burrow  sharing  and  nest  transfer  in  the  digger  wasp  Philanthus  gibbosus 

(Fabricius).  Anim.  Behav.,  21:  302-308. 

Peckham,  D.  J.,  Kurczewski,  F.  E.,  and  Peckham,  D.  B.  1973.  Nesting  behavior  of 
nearctic  species  of  Oxybelus  (Hymenoptera:  Sphecidae).  Ann.  Ent.  Soc.  Amer., 

66:  647-661. 

Ristich,  S.  S.  1953.  A study  of  the  prey,  enemies,  and  habits  of  the  great  golden 
digger  wasp  Chlonon  ichneumoneum  (L.).  Canad.  Ent.,  85:  374-386. 

Ristich,  S.  S.  1956.  The  host  relationship  of  a miltogrammid  fly,  Senotainia  trilineata 
(VDW).  Ohio  Jour.  Sci.,  56:  271-274. 


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Seasonal  Variation  in  Tachysphex  terminatus  (Smith) 

( Hymenoptera : Spliecidae,  Larrinae) 

Nancy  B.  Elliott,  Frank  E.  Kurczewski 

Department  of  Entomology,  State  University  of  New  York 
College  of  Environmental  Science  and  Forestry,  Syracuse,  New  York  13210 

Received  for  Publication  March  11,  1974 

Abstract:  Comparisons  of  morphological  characters  between  successive  generations  of  males 
and  females  of  Tachysphex  terminatus  (Smith)  in  upstate  New  York  were  made.  Significant 
differences  were  found  for  the  samples  of  females  but  not  for  those  of  males.  However, 
the  males  showed  greater  variability  within  a generation  than  did  the  females. 

Introduction 

Tachysphex  terminatus  (Smith),  a common  North  American  digger  wasp, 
is  bivoltine  in  the  Northeast  with  generations  emerging  in  June  and  August. 
As  part  of  a study  of  morphological  variation  in  the  species  throughout  its 
range  (Elliott,  1971),  it  was  deemed  desirable  to  determine  whether  there 
was  significant  morphological  variation  between  individuals  of  successive 
generations. 

MATERIALS  AND  METHODS 

Samples  of  males  and  females  were  collected  near  Chittenango,  New  York, 
in  June  and  August,  1969.  The  following  size-related  characters  were  measured 
for  each  specimen:  head  width,  interocular  distance  across  vertex,  clypeal 

width,  forewing  vein  length  along  costal  margin  of  the  wing  to  the  distal  end 
of  the  marginal  cell,  and  length  of  flagellomere  2.  We  tested  for  seasonal  dif- 
ferences in  these  characters  by  using  an  F test  for  comparing  two  means. 

RESULTS  AND  DISCUSSION 

Results  of  comparisons  for  each  sex  are  given  in  Table  1.  Of  the  characters 
measured,  only  the  length  of  flagellomere  2 showed  significant  differences 
between  samples  of  males.  Comparisons  of  the  same  characters  in  females 
demonstrated  differences  in  interocular  distance,  clypeal  width,  forewing  vein 
length,  and  length  of  flagellomere  2.  This  analysis  did  not  show  a significant 
difference  for  head  width  between  samples  of  females.  However,  a one-way 
analysis  of  variance  comparing  several  samples  of  females  from  various  U.S. 
localities  revealed  significant  differences  for  this  character  for  June  and  August 
samples  from  Chittenango. 

Acknowledgments:  We  thank  G.  C.  Gaumer,  Department  of  Entomology,  Texas  A.  & M. 
University,  for  collecting  many  of  the  specimens  used  in  this  study. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  268-270.  December,  1974. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


269 


Table  1.  Seasonal  Variation  in  Morphological  Characters  of  Tachysphex  terminatus 


Character 

$ $ 

$ $ 

Head  width 

M. 

S. 

Groups  = 

21.13 

M. 

S. 

Groups  = 

31.04 

M. 

S. 

Ind.  = 

18.16 

M. 

s. 

Ind.  = 

8.70 

F = 

1.16 

F = 

3.56 

Interocular 

M. 

s. 

Groups  = 

0.94 

M. 

s. 

Groups  = 

9.04 

Distance 

M. 

s. 

Ind.  = 

1.91 

M. 

s. 

Ind.  = 

0.30 

F =: 

0.49 

F = 

6.93* 

Clypeal  width 

M. 

s. 

Groups  = 

4.23 

M. 

s. 

Groups  = 

14.08 

M. 

s. 

Ind.  = 

5.29 

M. 

s. 

Ind.  = 

3.20 

F = 

0.80 

F 

4.40* 

Forewing 

M. 

s. 

Groups  = 

75.72 

M. 

s. 

Groups  = 

190.48 

Vein  length 

M. 

s. 

Ind.  = 

19.58 

M. 

s. 

Ind.  = 

14.39 

F — 

3.87 

F = 

13.24* 

Flagellomere  2 

M. 

s. 

Groups  nr 

4.16 

M. 

s. 

Groups  = 

6.05 

M. 

s. 

Ind.  r= 

0.39 

M. 

s. 

Ind.  = 

0.72 

F=r 

10.67* 

F = 

8.40* 

* = significant  at  a = 0.05. 


The  fact  that  females  showed  greater  morphological  variation  between  genera- 
tions than  males  leads  one  to  ask  whether  or  not  females  really  are  more  variable. 
Lewontin  (1966)  suggested  comparing  relative  variability  of  two  samples  by 
comparing  variances  of  the  logarithms  of  the  measurements  using  F.  Table  2 
shows  comparisons  of  this  kind  for  our  samples.  Only  in  the  case  of  forewing 
vein  length  for  the  June  samples  did  females  show  greater  variability  than 
males.  Conversely,  males  from  the  August  sample  were  more  variable  than 
females  in  every  character  compared.  A similar  comparison  for  a sample  from 
Lakin,  Kansas,  also  showed  more  morphological  variability  among  the  males 
(Elliott,  1971).  Eickwort  (1969)  compared  variability  of  males  and  females  of 
Polistes  exclamans  Viereck  (Vespidae)  and  found  the  males  to  be  more  variable, 


Table  2.  Relative  Variability  of  Morphological  Characters  in  Males  and  Females  of 

Tachysphex  terminatus 


Head  Width 

F.  V.  L. 

Femur  1 

June,  1968 
S2 

0.00267 

0.00713 

0.001 

log  $ 
S2 

0.00130 

0.00291 

0.00175 

log  2 

F 

2.054 

2.45* 

1.75 

August,  1968 
S2 

0.0004 

0.0002 

0.000533 

log  $ 
S2 

0.00141 

0.00264 

0.00438 

log  $ 
F 

3.500* 

13.00* 

8.218* 

* =r  significant  at  a = 0.05. 


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as  expected,  because  they  are  haploid.  She  conceded  that  reports  of  other  male 
Hymenoptera  which  are  less  variable  than  conspecific  females  might  reflect 
decreased  responsiveness  to  environmental  selective  pressures.  In  such  species, 
the  females  are  involved  in  food  gathering  and  nesting  while  the  primary  func- 
tion of  the  males  is  copulation. 

Females  of  T.  terminatus  are  continually  subjected  to  the  selective  pressures 
of  the  environment,  especially  during  nesting,  hunting,  and  prey  transport. 
Apparently  selective  pressures  act  upon  them,  resulting  in  greater  seasonal 
variation  than  in  males.  The  males,  on  the  other  hand,  perhaps  because  they 
are  haploid,  show  greater  intrapopulational  variation. 

In  T.  terminatus  females,  August  samples  had  larger  mean  values  for  size- 
related  characters  than  June  samples.  Kurczewski  (1964)  observed  that  females 
of  this  species  stored  not  only  more  prey  per  cell  in  June  than  in  August  but 
also  a greater  biomass;  hence  the  individuals  emerging  in  August  have  been 
reared  on  more  food  than  those  emerging  in  June,  probably  accounting  for 
their  larger  size.  Dow  (1942)  reported  that  larger  cocoons  of  the  cicada-killer 
were  found  in  cells  stocked  with  two  cicadas  and  smaller  cocoons  in  cells  stocked 
with  only  one. 


Literature  Cited 

Dow,  R.  1942.  The  relation  of  the  prey  of  Sphecius  speciosus  to  the  size  and  sex  of 
the  adult  wasp.  Ann.  Entomol.  Soc.  Amer.,  35:  310-317. 

Eickwort,  K.  R.  1969.  Differential  variation  of  males  and  females  in  Polistes  exclamans. 
Evolution,  23:  391-405. 

Elliott,  N.  B.  1971.  Morphological  variation  in  Tachysphex  terminatus  (Smith)  and 
Tachysphex  similis  Rohwer  (Hymenoptera:  Sphecidae,  Larrinae).  Syracuse,  N.Y., 

S.  U.  N.  Y.  College  of  Environmental  Science  and  Forestry.  Ph.D.  thesis. 

Kurczewski,  F.  E.  1964.  A comparative  ethological  study  of  some  Nearctic  digger 
wasps  of  the  genus  Tachysphex  Kohl.  (Hymenoptera:  Sphecidae,  Larrinae).  Ithaca, 
N.Y.,  Cornell  Univ.  Ph.D.  thesis. 

Lewontin,  R.  C.  1966.  On  the  measurement  of  relative  variability.  Syst.  Zool.,  15: 
141-142. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


271 


Two  New  Genera  and  Two  New  Species  of  Acanthosomatidae 
(Hemiptera)  from  South  America,  with  a Key  to  the 
Genera  of  the  Western  Hemisphere 

L.  H.  Rolston1  and  R.  Kumar2 

Received  for  Publication  June  8,  1974 

Abstract:  Two  new  acanthosomatid  genera,  each  with  one  new  species,  are  described: 

Mazanoma,  new  genus,  M.  variada,  new  species  and  type  species,  type  locality  Guardia 
Vieja,  Los  Andes,  Aconcagua,  Chile;  and  Tolono,  new  genus,  T.  decoratus,  new  species  and 
type  species,  type  locality  Loja  Province,  Ecuador.  A key  to  the  acanthosomatid  genera  of 
the  Western  Hemisphere  is  given.  Sinopla  bicallosus  Stal  is  transferred  to  Acrophyma. 

Two  new  genera  of  acanthosomatids  from  South  America,  each  with  one  new 
species,  are  described.  A key  to  the  acanthosomatid  genera  of  the  Western 
Hemisphere,  the  first  since  that  of  Stal  (1867),  relates  the  new  genera  to  those 
previously  known  in  this  region. 

Synonymy  and  generic  diagnoses  will  appear  in  a revision  of  the  world  genera 
of  acanthosomatids  now  being  completed  by  R.  Kumar.  The  format  of  the 
generic  descriptions  given  here  and  the  terminology  conform  to  that  used  in  the 
revision  of  world  genera. 

Tunaria  Piran,  1957,  (not  Link,  1807;  not  Steinmann  and  Hoek,  1912), 
represented  by  T.  andicola  Piran,  1957,  was  not  available  for  study,  and  the 
description  does  not  permit  placing  this  genus  in  the  key.  From  the  description 
and  figure  Tunaria  Piran  cannot  be  distinguished  from  Blaudus  Stal. 

One  generically  misplaced  species  was  noted  during  the  preparation  of  the  key: 

Acrophyma  bicallosa  (Stal)  New  Combination 

Sinopla  bicallosus  Stal,  1872,  Sv.  Vet.  Ak.  Handl.  10(4):  62. 


KEY  TO  GENERA  OF  ACANTHOSOMATIDAE  OF  THE  WESTERN  HEMISPHERE 

1.  Median  tubercle  or  spine  present  at  base  of  abdominal  venter  9 

1'  Base  of  abdominal  venter  smoothly  convex  2 

2(1).  Distal  end  of  first  antennal  segment  clearly  surpassing  apex  of  head  3 

2’  Distal  end  of  first  antennal  segment  reaching  little  if  any  beyond  apex  of 

head  6 

3(2).  Longitudinal  sulcus  on  prosternum  before  coxae  as  deep  as  diameter  of  rostrum, 
little  wider;  distal  diameter  of  first  antennal  segment  usually  about  twice 


basal  diameter  Cylindro enema  Mayr 

3'  Longitudinal  sulcus  on  prosternum  absent  or  much  broader  than  diameter  of 

rostrum ; first  antennal  segment  subcylindrical  4 


1 Department  of  Entomology,  Louisiana  State  University,  Baton  Rouge,  Louisiana  70803. 

2 Department  of  Zoology,  University  of  Ghana,  P.  O.  Box  67,  Legon,  Ghana. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  271-278.  December,  1974. 


272 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


4(3).  Length  of  first  antennal  segment  more  than  .8  length  of  head  measured 

dorsally  Planois  Signoret 

4'  Length  of  first  antennal  segment  less  than  .6  length  of  head  measured  dorsally  S 

5(4).  Prosternum  shallowly  depressed  lengthwise  Nopalis  Signoret 

5'  Prosternum  transversely  convex  Ditomotarsus  Spinola 

6(2).  Paraclypei  far  surpassing  anteclypeus,  usually  contiguous  before  anteclypeus 

Mazonoma  n.  gen. 

6'  Paraclypei  not  or  scarcely  surpassing  anteclypeus  7 

7(6).  Scent  gland  spout  reaching  more  than  halfway  from  inner  margin  of  ostiole 

to  lateral  margin  of  metapleuron  Hyperbius  Stal 

7'  Scent  gland  spout  short  8 

8.  Mesosternum  weakly  carinate;  female  with  one  pair  of  Pendergrast’s  organs 

Tolono  n.  gen. 

8'  Mesosternum  without  carina ; female  with  two  pairs  of  Pendergrast’s 

organs  Praesus  Stal 

9(1).  Mesosternal  carina  greatly  produced,  extending  anteriorly  beyond  procoxae; 

abdominal  spine  appressed  to  right  side  of  posterior  portion  of  mesosternal 

carina  10 

9'  Mesosternal  carina  weakly  developed  or  absent  11 

10(9).  Scent  gland  spout  reaching  a little  more  than  halfway  from  inner  margin  of  ostiole 

to  lateral  margin  of  metapleuron  Elasmucha  Stal 

10'  Scent  gland  spout  reaching  about  three-fourths  distance  from  inner  margin 

of  ostiole  to  lateral  margin  of  metapleuron  Elasmostethus  Fieber 

11(9).  Abdominal  spine  surpassing  mesocoxae  12 

11'  Abdominal  spine  not  reaching  mesocoxae  13 

12(11).  Scent  gland  spout  reaching  more  than  halfway  from  inner  margin  of  ostiole 
to  lateral  margin  of  metapleuron ; abdominal  spine  attaining  procoxae 

Blaudus  Stal 

12'  Scent  gland  spout  reaching  about  one-third  distance  from  inner  margin  of 
ostiole  to  lateral  margin  of  metapleuron ; abdominal  spine  attaining  head 

Bebaeus  Dallas 

13(11).  Paraclypei  contiguous  before  anteclypeus  Sniploa  Signoret 

13'  Paraclypei  not  surpassing  anteclypeus  or  if  longer  than  anteclypeus  neither 

markedly  convergent  nor  contiguous  14 

14(13).  Scent  gland  spout  extending  much  farther  than  halfway  from  inner  margin 

of  ostiole  to  lateral  margin  of  metapleuron  15 

14'  Scent  gland  spout  extending  halfway  or  less  from  inner  margin  of  ostiole  to 

lateral  margin  of  metapleuron  16 

15(14).  Anterolateral  pronotal  margins  serrate;  first  antennal  segment  not  surpassing 

apex  of  head;  mesosternum  slightly  depressed  lengthwise  ____  Pseudobebaeus  Distant 
15'  Anterolateral  pronotal  margins  entire,  somewhat  rugose;  first  antennal  seg- 
ment slightly  surpassing  apex  of  head ; mesosternum  weakly  carinate 

Phorbanta  Stal 

16(14).  Scent  gland  spout  reaching  halfway  from  inner  margin  of  ostiole  to  lateral 

margin  of  metapleuron  Lanopis  Signoret 

16'  Scent  gland  spout  reaching  not  more  than  one-third  distance  from  inner 

margin  of  ostiole  to  lateral  margin  of  metapleuron  17 

17(16).  Spine  at  base  of  abdominal  venter  clearly  extending  onto  metasternum  19 

17'  Base  of  abdominal  venter  tuberculate,  tubercle  not  or  scarcely  surpassing 

posterior  margin  of  metasternum  18 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


273 


18(17).  Apex  of  head  broad,  anteclypeus  and  each  paraclypeus  individually  rounded, 

sides  scarcely  concave  before  eyes  Ea  Distant 

18'  Apex  of  head  a narrrow  smooth  parabola,  sides  distinctly  concave  before 

eyes  Acrophyma  Bergroth 

19(17).  Paraclypei  clearly  surpassing  anteclypeus,  dehiscent;  mesosternum  weakly 

carinate ; first  antennal  segment  slightly  surpassing  apex  of  head Sinopla  Signoret 

19'  Anteclypei  slightly  longer  than  paraclypei;  mesosternum  without  carina; 

first  antennal  segment  not  reaching  apex  of  head  Hellica  Stal 

Mazanoma,  n.  g. 

Type  species:  Mazanoma  variada,  n.  sp. 

Head.  Antenniferous  tubercles  unarmed.  Basal  segment  of  antennae  reaching  almost  to 
apex  of  head.  Maxillary  tubercle  absent.  Bucculae  moderately  elevated,  covering  about 
three-fourths  of  distance  from  their  anterior  limit  to  base  of  head,  extending  a little 
beyond  distal  end  of  first  rostral  segment,  arcuately  truncate  at  their  posterior  limit. 
Apex  of  rostrum  resting  on  metasternum. 

Thorax  and  wings.  Prosternum  somewhat  produced  on  each  side  of  broad  median  sulcus; 
rostrum  lying  in  sharply  defined  sulcus  of  mesosternum ; metasternum  concave.  Scent 
gland  spout  drop-shaped,  expanding  from  ostiole,  covering  about  one-third  of  distance 
from  ostiole  to  lateral  margin  of  metapleuron;  evaporative  area  not  defined  (Fig.  4). 
Costal  margin  of  coria  arcuate  with  slight  expansion  above  posterior  limit  of  metapleura, 
radial  vein  plicately  elevated ; membranes  nearly  reaching  or  slightly  surpassing  apex 
of  abdomen  (Fig.  1). 

Abdomen  and  general  body  features.  Body  obovate.  Abdomen  spatulate  due  to  dorsad 
inclination  of  connexiva  toward  margins,  broadest  at  fourth  and  fifth  segments,  appre- 
ciably wider  here  than  pronotum.  Connexiva  broadly  exposed.  Pendergrast’s  organ 
covering  sixth  and  basal  half  of  seventh  abdominal  sterna.  Abdomen  lacking  median 
spine  or  tubercle.  One  discernible  trichobothrium  caudad  and  mesad  of  each  spiracle 
on  sterna  3-7. 

Male  genitalia.  Maximum  diameter  of  phallotheca  near  distal  limit,  no  great  ventral 
enlargement  basad  of  conjunctiva  (Fig.  7).  Conjunctiva  with  partially  sclerotized  pair 
of  dorsolateral  processes.  Seminal  conducting  canal  tubular,  not  expanded  into  conducting 
chamber. 

Female  genitalia.  8th  paratergites  truncate  apically,  continuing  contour  of  connexiva, 
bearing  exposed  spiracles;  remaining  genital  plates  together  forming  obovate  area  in  deep 
emargination  of  seventh  sternum  (Fig.  3). 

Mazanoma  variada,  n.  sp. 

Paraclypei  rounded  distally,  contiguous  or  dehiscent  before  anteclypeus,  lateral  margins 
slightly  sinuous.  Elongate  depression  with  black  confluent  punctures  located  on  each 
side  of  disk  between  eye  and  anteclypeus  and  running  from  ocellus  to  level  of  distal  end 
of  antenniferous  tubercle.  Anterior  to  these  depressions  paraclypei  slope  upward  from 
anteclypeus  to  lateral  margins,  forming  disk  on  anterior  half  of  head  into  trough.  Punc- 
tation  other  than  in  depressions  moderately  dense  with  punctures  mostly  discrete,  black 
or  castaneous.  Antennae  dark  brown  becoming  fuscous  on  third  segment  or  near  base  of 
fourth;  second  segment  slightly  bowed;  length  of  segments  0.4-0. 5 ; 1.2— 1.3 ; 0.8;  0.8- 
1.0  mm. 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


2 74 


Figs.  1-7.  Mazanoma  variada  n.  sp.  Fig.  1.  General  dorsal  apsect.  Fig.  2.  Right 
paramere.  Fig.  3.  Apex  of  female  abdomen,  ventral  aspect;  Pendergrast’s  organ  (o)  ; 
tenth  sternite  (s) . Fig.  4.  Right  metapleuron;  scent  gland  spout  (sg)  ; Fig.  S.  Apex 
of  male  abdomen,  ventral  aspect.  Fig.  6.  Genital  cup.  Fig.  7.  Aedeagus;  conjunctival 
process  (cp)  ; phallotheca  (t). 

Pronotum  subtriangular,  truncate  apically  (Fig.  1).  Anterior  emargination  evenly 
concave  behind  head;  anterolateral  margins  nearly  straight,  obtusely  carinate,  lacking 
denticle  at  anterolateral  angles ; humeri  broadly  rounded,  protruding  little  beyond  costal 
margin  of  hemelytra  at  base.  Transverse  tumescence  on  anterior  pronotal  disk  includes 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


275 


indistinct  cicatrices  and  area  between  them,  separated  from  anterior  pronotal  margin 
by  narrow  sulcus.  Punctation  rather  evenly  distributed  excepting  scattered  patches  of 
dense  black  punctures,  especially  in  and  near  anterior  submarginal  sulcus,  in  submarginal 
impression  before  each  humerus  and  on  humeri.  Color  predominately  ivory,  relieved  by 
discrete  or  aggregated  black  punctures  and  caudad  of  tumescence  by  light  castaneous 
punctures  and  blotches.  Width  at  humeri  4.0-4.5,  mesal  length  1. 7-1.9  mm. 

Basal  two-thirds  of  scutellar  disk  tumescent,  elevated  well  above  surface  of  coria,  with 
large  central  impression.  Color  ivory  excepting  large  light  castaneous  to  brown  basal  patches 
on  each  side  of  impunctate  median  fascia  dividing  entire  scutellum.  Punctation  mostly 
black,  usually  aggregated  along  lateral  borders  and  frequently  in  dark  basal  patches.  Sides 
converging  somewhat  arcuately  along  frena,  parallel  beyond  frena;  apex  subangulate. 
Width  at  base  2. 4-2. 6,  length  2.3-2 .6  mm. 

Punctations  of  coria  rather  fine,  brown  or  rufous  or  black,  black  and  aggregated  in 
broad  irregular  ivory  band  along  membrane.  Membrane  vitreous,  venation  reticulate. 
Broadly  exposed  connexiva  immaculate  brownish  yellow  in  females,  broadly  banded 
with  fuscous  along  both  sides  of  intersegmental  sutures  in  males. 

Head  and  thorax  beneath  brownish  yellow,  usually  with  some  irregular  rufous  or 
castaneous  infusion.  Punctation  moderately  strong  and  dense,  concolorous  to  black. 

Lateral  half  of  mesopleura  with  conspicuous  broad  transverse  depression.  Deep  marginal 
depression  on  metapleura  extending  mesad  about  length  of  lateral  lobe  on  posterior 
margin  of  mesopleura  and  located  almost  equidistant  from  anterior  and  posterior  meta- 
pleural  margins.  Legs  stout,  predominately  brownish  to  castaneous  usually,  with  a broad 
pale  band  of  varying  width  beginning  near  proximal  end  of  tibiae ; superior  surface  of  tibiae 
flattened.  Abdomen  brownish  yellow  with  dense  concolorous  punctation ; maximum 

width  4.2— 5.2  mm. 

Length  of  body  8. 7-9. 6 mm. 

Posterior  pygophoral  margin  sinuously  truncate  from  ventral  aspect  (Fig.  5),  sinuously 
rounded  from  dorsal  aspect  (Fig.  6).  Floor  of  genital  cup  transversely  rugose,  with  a low 
broad  median  elevation.  Apical  half  of  parameres  arcuate  beyond  sublinear  stem,  forming 
setose  cup  proximally,  bearing  subapical  truncate  tooth  and  terminating  in  acute  tooth, 
both  teeth  along  mesal  edge  (Fig.  2).  Distal  margin  of  phallotheca  unpigmented,  unclearly 
differentiated  from  conjunctiva,  appearing  deeply  emarginated  ventrally.  Sclerotized 

rami  of  dorsolateral  conjunctival  processes  ascending  from  W-shaped  common  base. 
Gonopore  apparently  located  near  dorsolateral  conjunctival  processes,  encircled  by  multi- 
lobate  ragged-appearing  distal  portion  of  conjunctiva. 

Tenth  sternum  of  females  depressed  mesially,  subtriangular ; tenth  tergum  visible, 
subvertical. 

Types.  Holotype.  Male,  labeled  Guardia  Vieja,  Cord.  Aconcagua,  12  Dic-1958,  Leg. 
G.  Barria.  Polyphore  dissected;  right  antennae  missing.  Deposited  in  University  of  Chile, 
Santiago.  (Facultad  de  Agronomia  Museo) 

Paratypes.  2 $ $,  4 2 2.  Same  data  as  holotype.  Deposited  as  follows:  $ Louisiana 

State  Univ.;  2,  U.S.  Nat.  Museum;  $,  2 2 2 Luis  Pena  collection;  2 Univ.  Nac. 
La  Plata,  Arg.  (Museo  La  Plata) 


Tolono,  n.  g. 

Type  species:  Tolono  decoratus,  n.  sp. 

Head.  Antenniferous  tubercle  unarmed.  Basal  segment  of  antennae  nearly  reaching  to 
slightly  surpassing  apex  of  head.  Maxillary  tubercle  absent.  Bucculae  moderately  elevated, 
joined  posteriorly,  covering  about  three-fourths  of  distance  from  their  anterior  limit  to 


276 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


base  of  head,  extending  beyond  distal  end  of  first  rostral  segment,  arcuately  truncate  at 
their  posterior  limit.  Basal  segment  of  rostrum  and  bucculae  prominent,  inclined  about 
45°  from  longitudinal  axis  of  head  (Fig.  9)  ; apex  of  rostrum  reaching  onto  metasternum. 
Eyes  not  contiguous  with  pronotum. 

Thorax  and  wings.  Prosternum  with  shallow  impression  on  each  side  of  weak  median 
carina;  impressions  and  carina  narrowing  toward  procoxae;  mesosternum  and  meta- 
sternum nearly  flat,  meson  weakly  carinate  in  former,  shallowly  sulcate  in  latter.  Ostiole 
auriculate ; auricle  short,  protruding,  extending  about  one-sixth  of  distance  from  inner 
margin  of  ostiole  to  lateral  margin  of  metapleuron ; evaporative  area  well  defined,  matte, 
on  metapleuron  covering  about  half  the  distance  from  ostiole  to  lateral  margin  of  meta- 
pleuron (Fig.  10).  Costal  margin  of  coria  smoothly  sigmoid;  disk  without  hump  or 
fold;  membrane  extending  a little  beyond  apex  of  abdomen  (Fig.  8). 

Abdomen  and  general  body  features.  Body  ovoid,  broadest  across  third  abdominal  segment, 
slightly  wider  here  than  across  humeri.  Connexiva  not  exposed.  Pendergrast’s  organ 
small,  one  on  each  side  near  anterior  margin  of  seventh  abdominal  sternum.  Abdomen 
lacking  median  spine  or  tubercle.  Paired  trichobothria  on  each  side  of  abdominal  sterna 
3-7  paralleling  posterior  margin  of  sterna  and  on  posterior  margin  of  narrow  shallow 
transverse  impression;  outer  trichobothrium  of  each  pair  on  spiracular  line  (Fig.  13). 

Male  genitalia.  Conjunctiva  incompletely  eversible,  a dorsal  and  ventral  fold  remaining 
when  sides  completely  extended,  bearing  dorsomedian  membranous  lobe  and  on  each 
side  one  dorsolateral  process,  latter  with  pigmented  ramus  apparently  arising  within 
dorsal  conjunctival  fold.  Seminal  vesical  except  near  distal  end  enclosed  by  median  penal 
lobes,  these  curving  abruptly  ventrad  at  termination  within  phallotheca;  portion  of 
seminal  vesical  within  phallotheca  obscured. 

Female  genitalia.  First  gonocoxae  large,  convex,  together  forming  approximately  half 
of  hemisphere;  8th  paratergites  cultriform,  each  bearing  a spiracle;  remaining  genital 
plates  little  exposed  (Fig.  12). 

Tolono  decoratus,  n.  sp. 

Black,  shiny,  marked  with  shades  of  yellow.  Dorsum  broadly  marked  with  ivory  as 
follows:  on  pronotum  a crescent  curving  from  postero-lateral  margins  to  anterior  sub- 
margin ; on  scutellum  a transverse  basal  band ; on  each  corium  a band  along  costal  margin 
and  along  membrane,  this  marginal  band  connected  by  a diagonal  band  running  from  near 
base  of  costa  to  inner  angle  or  corium.  Ventrally,  edge  of  coria  ivory;  broad  subbasal 
band  on  tibiae,  sometimes  obscurely  displayed  on  posterior  tibiae  only,  and  usually  basal 
band  on  second  rostral  segment  ivory  or  sordid  yellow;  broad  band  along  lateral  margins 
of  abdomen  and  rectangular  area  on  disk  of  abdominal  sterna  4-6  pale  orange,  this  area 
a little  longer  than  wide,  usually  enclosing  dark  semicircular  spot  or  band  at  base  of  one 
or  more  segments. 

Anteclypeus  longer  than  paraclypei,  cuneiform,  broadly  rounded  at  apex.  Lateral 
margins  of  paraclypei  sigmoid,  before  eyes  reflexed  and  concave,  largely  exposing  an- 
tenniferous  tubercles  from  above ; distal  portion  of  paraclypei  sloping  upward  from 
anteclypeus  to  outer  margins.  Disk  rugosely  punctate  excepting  rather  smooth  basal  area 
which  includes  ocelli  and  extends  on  each  side  to  eye.  Antennal  segments  0.6-0. 7 ; 0.6-0. 7 ; 
0.6-0. 7 ; 0.9-1. 1;  1. 1-1.4  mm  in  length.  Width  of  head  across  eyes  1.9-2. 2;  length  1.7- 
2.0  mm. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


277 


Figs.  8-15.  Tolono  decoratus  n.  sp.  Fig.  8.  General  dorsal  aspect.  Fig.  9.  Head, 
lateral  aspect.  Fig.  10.  Right  metapleuron.  Fig.  11.  Right  paramere.  Fig.  12.  Apex  of 
female  abdomen,  ventral  aspect;  Pendergrast’s  organ  (o) ; trichobothria  (tr).  Fig.  13.  Apex 
of  male  abdomen,  ventral  aspect.  Fig.  14.  Genital  cup.  Fig.  15.  Aedeagus;  conjunctival 
process  (cp). 


278 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Pronotum  subtriangular,  apically  truncate  and  moderately  emarginate ; anterolateral 
margins  slightly  sinuous,  narrowly  reflexed,  lacking  denticle  at  anterolateral  angles; 
humeri  narrowly  rounded,  scarcely  produced  (Fig.  8).  Shallow  arcuate  impression 
traversing  disk  about  midway  between  anterior  and  posterior  margins,  paralleling  basal 
margin  of  pronotum;  no  indication  of  cicatrices;  punctation  fine,  sparce,  excepting  a line 
of  strong  close  punctures  along  anterior  margin  which  continues  with  diminishing  strength 
along  anterolateral  margins  and  a similar  line  in  impression  of  disk  between  arc  of  ivory 
band.  Width  at  humeri  3.6-4.3,  length  at  meson  1.5-1. 9 mm. 

Lateral  margins  of  scutellum  faintly  convex  along  frena,  curving  sigmoidly  from  distal 
end  of  frena  to  subacute  apex;  disk  convex  basally;  punctation  fine,  sparce.  Width  at 
base  2. 1-2 .5,  length  2. 0-2 .4  mm.  Hemelytra  covering  connexiva;  costal  margin  of  coria 
noticeably  reflexed  along  basal  half ; punctation  moderately  strong  and  rather  dense  along 
clavical  suture,  elsewhere  on  coria  fine,  sparce;  membrane  dark,  translucent,  veins  few, 
simple,  inconspicuous. 

Ventral  surfaces  of  head  and  thorax  with  moderately  strong  sparce  punctation ; abdomen 
without  obvious  punctation.  Legs  of  moderate  size;  superior  surface  of  tibiae  flattened 
toward  apex;  posterior  tibiae  bowed  dorsoventrally.  Seventh  abdominal  sternum  of 
female  slightly  protruding  mesally  on  posterior  margin,  a constriction  extending  laterad 
on  each  side  from  this  point  to  Pendergrast’s  organ. 

Length  of  body  with  membrane  7.4-9. 2 mm. 

Posterior  margin  of  pygophore  sinuately  truncate  from  ventral  aspect  (Fig.  13),  rounded 
from  dorsal  aspect  (Fig.  14)  ; dense  patch  of  setae  located  along  anterolateral  borders 
within  genital  cup.  Parameres  small,  subcylindrical,  with  rather  flat  production  at  apex 
extending  cephalad  and  bearing  a few  transverse  ridges  opposite  apical  face  (Fig.  11). 
Phallotheca  weakly  sclerotized  and  little  pigmented,  indistinctly  differentiated  from 
conjunctiva.  Seminal  vesical  terminating  distally  as  hyaline  flagellate  penisfilum  (Fig.  15). 

In  female,  9th  paratergites  narrowly  exposed  along  posterior  border  of  basal  plates. 
Second  gonocoxae  projecting  obscurely  as  carinate  triangle.  Tenth  sternite  small,  sub- 
rectangular,  transverse  (Fig.  12). 

Types.  Holotype.  Male,  labeled  E.  Loja,  Ecuador,  2800  m,  21-Nov.  1970,  Coll.  L.  E. 
Pena.  Pygophore  dissected.  Deposited  in  Univ.  Chile,  Santiago. 

Paratypes.  26  $ $ and  36  2 2 . Same  data  as  holotype,  2 2 2 deposited  in  Univ.  of 
Chile,  $ in  Luis  Pena  coll.;  Colombia,  Narino,  Laguna  La  Cocha,  IX-26-71,  G.  E.  Bohart, 
2 $ $ , 7 2 $ Utah  State  Univ.,  $ , 2 Univ.  Nac.  La  Plata,  $ , 2 Univ.  Fed.  Rio  Grande 
do  Sul,  2 Naturhistoriska  Riksmuseum,  Stockholm,  2 Univ.  Zool.  Mus.  Copenhagen; 
Colombia,  Narino,  Lago  de  La  Cocha,  2600  m,  Dec.  1-3,  1970,  B.  Malkin,  17  $ $, 
20  $ 2 Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  2 $ $ , 2 La.  State  Univ.,  $ , 2 Brit.  Mus.  (Nat.  Hist.) ; 
(a)  La  Sierra,  Jan.  29,  1931,  W.  A.  Archer  (b)  Colombia,  S.  A.,  W.  A.  Archer,  2 $ $ 
U.S.  Nat.  Mus. 


Literature  Cited 

Piran,  A.  A.  1957.  Tunaria  andicola,  especie  y genero  nuevos  de  la  fauna  de  Bolivia 
(Hemiptera:Pentatomidae) . Rev.  Chilena.  Entomol.  5:  19-21. 

Stal,  C.  1872.  Enumeratio  Hemipterorum  II.  Svenska  Vet.-Ak.  Handl.  10(4) : 1—159. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


279 


New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran.  I (Diptera:  Tipulidae)1 

Charles  P.  Alexander 
Amherst,  Massachusetts  01002 

Received  for  Publication  June  24,  1974 

Abstract:  A short  series  of  papers  covering  the  crane  flies  of  Iran,  based  on  materials  col- 
lected by  Dr.  Fernand  Schmid  in  1955  and  1956,  is  begun  with  Part  I discussing  certain  species 
of  the  tribe  Pediciini.  The  new  species  are  Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) persica,  P.  ( T .)  iranensis, 
P.  (T.)  elburzensis,  and  P.  ( T .)  acuspica,  from  the  Elburz  Mountains  in  northern  Iran,  and 
P.  (T.)  luteicolor  from  Jugoslavia,  included  here  for  completeness. 

During  1955  and  1956  the  distinguished  entomologist,  Dr.  Fernand  Schmid,  of 
Ottawa,  collected  extensively  in  northern  Iran,  his  materials  including  numerous 
Tipulidae  that  were  acquired  by  the  writer.  Several  undescribed  species  were 
represented  as  well  as  a surprisingly  large  number  of  described  species  that 
presently  are  known  only  from  Europe.  Most  of  the  Schmid  materials  were 
from  various  stations  in  the  Elburz  Mountains,  in  the  Province  of  Mazanderan, 
along  the  south  shore  of  the  Caspian  Sea,  taken  at  altitudes  between  1700  and 
2300  meters.  In  this  initial  paper  I am  describing  five  new  species  in  the  genus 
Pedicia  and  expect  to  discuss  further  materials  in  later  papers  under  this  general 
title.  One  species  from  this  series  was  described  earlier  as  Erioptera  ( Psilo - 
conopa)  iranica  Alexander  (Journal  N.  Y.  Ent.  Soc.,  81:  83-84;  1973).  I wish 
to  extend  my  sincere  thanks  to  Dr.  Schmid  for  his  interest  in  collecting  these 
flies  throughout  the  Himalayas  and  adjoining  regions  to  the  west.  All  materials 
in  this  series  of  papers  are  preserved  in  the  Alexander  Collection. 

Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) persica,  n.  sp. 

Size  medium  (wing  about  13  mm)  ; general  coloration  of  thorax  yellow,  very  restrictedly 
patterned  with  darker;  legs  yellow;  wings  yellow,  restrictedly  patterned  with  brown, 
venation  of  outer  radial  field  very  variable;  male  hypopygium  with  dististyle  very  large, 
placed  at  apex  of  basistyle,  outer  surface  with  abundant  erect  black  spinoid  setae. 

Male.  Length  about  13-14  mm;  wing  12-13  mm;  antenna  about  1.8  mm. 

Female.  Length  about  14-17  mm;  wing  13-15  mm. 

Rostrum  yellow;  palpi  with  basal  segment  yellow,  remainder  medium  brown.  Antennae 
yellow  throughout;  flagellar  segments  short  and  crowded,  outer  ones  shorter  than  their 
verticils.  Head  pale  gray,  yellowed  behind;  anterior  vertex  broad,  more  than  three  times 
the  diameter  of  scape. 

Prothorax  yellow.  Mesonotum  yellow,  centers  of  scutal  lobes  pale  brown.  Pleura 
uniformly  yellow.  Halteres  very  pale  yellow.  Legs  with  coxae  and  trochanters  clear 
light  yellow;  remainder  of  legs  slightly  darker  yellow,  outer  tarsal  segments  pale  brown. 

1 Contribution  from  the  Entomological  Laboratory,  University  of  Massachusetts. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXII:  279-284.  December,  1974. 


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Wings  (Figs.  1-3)  yellow,  costal  border  slightly  darker  yellow,  stigmal  region,  cell  Sc  and 
base  of  cell  C very  faintly  darkened;  narrow  brown  seams  at  origin  and  fork  of  Rs  and 
adjoining  veins,  with  less  evident  darkenings  at  R2  and  m.  Venation:  Radial  field  very 

variable,  as  discussed  later;  r-m  before  fork  of  Rs  in  all  available  material;  in  holotype 
(Fig.  1)  forking  into  a long  R2+2  and  a short  Ri+5;  in  allotype  (Fig.  3)  vein  R2+ s+i  preserved 
as  a short  suberect  element,  with  Ri  on  the  upper  fork;  in  paratype  (Fig.  2)  veins  R2+s, 
Ri  and  R- , all  at  fork  of  Rs;  in  holotype  cell  Mi  short,  subequal  to  its  petiole,  in  other 
specimens  cell  Mi  deep,  its  petiole  subequal  to  or  slightly  shorter  than  m.  Variation  in 
this  relatively  small  series  is  shown ; a second  paratype  not  figured  has  the  fork  of  Rs 
shortly  beyond  r-m  and  with  two  and  three  adventitious  crossveins  in  cell  R\. 

Abdominal  tergites  with  proximal  segments  brown  medially,  yellow  laterally,  in  holotype 
more  uniformly  yellow;  sternites  clear  light  yellow;  hypopygium  darkened.  Male  hypo- 
pygium  (Fig.  7)  with  tergite,  t,  broadly  transverse,  posterior  border  slightly  produced. 
Basistyle,  b , with  interbase,  z,  a flattened  pale  blade  with  sparse  setae.  Dististyle,  d, 
very  large,  flattened,  placed  at  apex  of  basistyle;  outer  angle  with  two  short  spines,  apical 
margin  with  abundant  erect  black  spinoid  setae,  those  of  the  inner  group  shorter  and 
more  abundant. 

Holotype.  $,  Haradan,  Iran,  September  11,  1956  (Schmid).  Allotype : $,  Zanus,  Iran, 

Elburz  Mts.,  2,000  meters,  September  21,  1955  (Schmid).  Paratypes , one  $,  one  9, 
pinned  with  allotype. 

In  its  hypopygial  structure  the  present  fly  is  generally  similar  to  Pedicia  {Tricy phono) 
riedeli  (Lackschewitz) , P.  ( T .)  straminea  (Meigen)  and  some  other  European  species, 
differing  most  evidently  in  details  of  this  structure,  especially  the  very  large  dististyle. 
Edwards  (1938)  referred  these  species  to  the  subgenus  Crunobia  Kolenati  but  I prefer 
to  retain  them  in  Tricy phona.  The  venation  of  the  radial  field  of  the  wing  is  very  variable  as 
shown  by  the  few  figures  here  provided.  Such  conditions  of  variation  in  the  subgenus  are  not 
rare  and  have  been  discussed  and  figured  by  several  students,  such  as  the  Nearctic  P.  ( T .) 
inconstans  (Osten  Sacken)  by  Johnson  (Psyche,  34:  216-217,  figs.;  1927)  and  the  European 
P.  ( T .)  claripennis  (Verrall)  and  P.  ( T .)  immaculata  (Meigen)  by  Edwards  (Trans.  Soc. 
British  Ent.,  5:  56-57;  1938). 

Pedicia  {Tricy phona)  iranensis,  n.  sp. 

General  coloration  of  head  and  thorax  gray,  praescutum  with  four  polished  black  stripes; 
halteres  obscure  yellow;  legs  with  bases  of  femora  yellow,  passing  into  brownish  yellow; 
wings  pale  brown,  stigma  slightly  darker,  prearcular  field  more  yellowed;  abdomen  dark 
brown;  male  hypopygium  with  arms  of  tergal  lobes  slender,  subapical  in  position. 

Male.  Length  about  10  mm;  wing  10  mm;  antenna  about  1.6  mm. 

Rostrum  and  palpi  black.  Antennae  of  male  17-segmented,  black;  flagellar  segments 
subcylindrical,  proximal  ones  longer  than  their  verticils;  terminal  segment  one-half  longer 


(Symbols:  Male  hypopygium — b , basistyle;  <7,  dististyle;  g,  gonapophysis ; i,  interbase; 
/>,  phallosome ; t,  9th  tergite.) 

Fig.  1.  Pedicia  {Tricy phona)  persica,  n.  sp.;  venation,  holotype. 

Fig.  2.  The  same;  venation,  paratype,  showing  variation. 

Fig.  3.  The  same;  venation,  allotype, 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


Fig.  4.  Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) iranensis,  n.  sp.;  venation. 

Fig.  5.  Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) luteicolor , n.  sp.;  venation. 

Fig.  6.  Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) acuspica , n.  sp.;  venation. 

Fig.  7.  Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) persica,  n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  8.  Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) iranensis , n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 
Fig.  9.  Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) luteicolor , n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 
Fig.  10.  Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) elburzensis,  n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 
Fig.  11.  Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) acuspica,  n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 


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than  the  penultimate.  Head  gray,  posterior  vertex  behind  with  a central  darkening  (perhaps 
artificially  produced) . 

Pronotum  gray.  Mesonotal  praescutum  gray  with  four  polished  black  stripes,  intermediate 
pair  nearly  contiguous,  ending  some  distance  before  suture ; scutum  gray,  centers  of  lobes 
vaguely  paler;  scutellum  and  postnotum  light  gray,  parascutella  obscure  yellow,  deeply 
excavated.  Pleura  gray,  dorsopleural  membrane  obscure  yellow.  Halteres  yellow.  Legs 
with  coxae  and  trochanters  yellow,  fore  coxae  slightly  more  darkened  basally;  femora  yellow 
basally,  outwardly  brownish  yellow;  tibiae  light  brown,  darker  distally;  tarsi  black; 
claws  slender,  yellow.  Wings  (Fig.  4)  pale  brown,  stigma  slightly  darker,  prearcular 

field  more  yellowed;  veins  dark  brown.  Longitudinal  veins  from  slightly  beyond  the 
arculus  with  trichia.  Venation:  Branches  of  Rs  consisting  of  the  long  i?2+3  and  very  short 

Ri+ 5,  R*  and  Re  subequal  in  length;  cell  1st  M2  small;  m-cu  at  near  one-third  Ms+i. 

Abdomen  dark  brown.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  8)  with  arms  of  the  tergal  lobes,  t, 
basal  in  position,  the  lobes  extended  beyond  their  insertion.  Basistyle,  b,  with  the  inter- 
base  a very  small  curved  club,  its  outer  end  slightly  dilated. 

Holotype.  Javardi,  Iran,  October  7,  1956  (Schmid). 

The  most  nearly  related  regional  species  include  Pedicia  (Tricy phono)  sakkya  Alexander,  of 
Sikkim  and  Assam,  and  three  European  species,  P.  ( T .)  claripennis  (Verrall),  P.  ( T .)  lucidi- 
pennis  Edwards,  and  the  Corsican,  P.  ( T .)  trifurcata  (Edwards,  1928),  all  differing  in  details 
of  coloration  and  in  hypopygial  structure,  especially  the  tergite  and  interbase.  P.  ( T .)  lutei- 
color,  n.  sp.,  is  similar  in  venation  and  in  the  general  structure  of  the  hypopygium,  differing 
evidently  in  the  yellow  body  coloration. 

Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) luteicolor,  n.  sp. 

Generally  similar  to  lucidipennis,  differing  in  the  light  yellow  thoracic  coloration  and 
hypopygial  structure;  legs  yellow,  tarsi  darker;  wings  entirely  light  yellow,  veins  darker 
yellow;  male  hypopygium  with  tergal  arms  slender;  basistyle  with  two  terminal  lobes, 
both  with  conspicouus  black  setae;  dististyle  a flattened  yellow  blade,  the  relatively  few 
setae  restricted  to  the  lower  margin. 

Male.  Length  about  8 mm;  wing  9.5  mm;  antenna  about  1.4  mm. 

Female.  Length  about  9 mm;  wing  9 mm. 

Rostrum  yellow;  palpi  dark  brown.  Antennae  16-segmented ; scape  and  pedicel  yellow, 
flagellum  black;  flagellar  segments  oval,  gradually  decreasing  in  size  outwardly,  terminal 
segment  larger  than  the  penultimate.  Anterior  vertex  yellowish  gray,  posterior  vertex  light 
gray. 

Thoracic  dorsum  light  yellow,  praescutum  with  four  scarcely  differentiated  more  orange 
stripes ; pleura  clear  light  yellow.  Halteres  yellow,  knob  very  slightly  more  darkened 
apically.  Legs  with  coxae  and  trochanters  light  yellow;  femora  darker  yellow;  tibiae 
and  tarsi  brown,  the  latter  darker.  Wings  (Fig.  5)  entirely  light  yellow,  veins  darker 
yellow.  Venation:  Rs  about  as  long  as  cell  1st  M2;  r-m  connecting  with  Re  shortly  before  its 
base;  cell  1st  M2  closed;  cell  Mi  about  one-third  longer  than  its  petiole;  m-cu  shortly 
before  midlength  of  M&+i. 

Abdomen  yellow.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  9)  with  tergite,  t , transverse,  outer  lateral 
angles  not  produced,  tergal  arms  long  and  slender.  Basistyle,  b,  with  two  terminal  lobes, 
both  with  conspicuous  blackened  setae,  those  of  the  longer  ventral  lobe  more  abundant, 
arranged  in  a double  row;  interbase,  i,  a small  curved  rod,  as  in  subfigure.  Dististyle,  d, 
a conspicuous  flattened  yellow  blade,  with  very  sparse  small  setae  on  the  lower  margin. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


283 


Holotype.  $,  Cipari,  Jugoslavia,  1.400  meters,  August  11,  1955  (Schmid).  Allotype , $, 
pinned  with  type. 

The  species  is  most  nearly  allied  to  certain  other  European  species  including  besides 
Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) lucidipennis  Edwards,  also  P.  ( T .)  claripennis  (Verrall)  and  P.  ( T .) 
trifur cata  (Edwards),  all  of  which  have  the  thoracic  coloration  dark  brown  or  gray,  with 
conspicuous  brown  or  blackened  stripes  and  all  species  differ  among  themselves  in  hypo- 
pygial  details. 


Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) elburzensis,  n.  sp. 

Size  medium  (wing  7.5-9  mm)  ; general  coloration  of  thorax  orange  yellow,  abdominal 
tergites  yellowish  brown,  subterminal  segments  slightly  darker;  wings  broad,  nearly  hyaline, 
cell  1st  M2  closed,  cell  Mi  subequal  to  its  petiole;  male  hypopygium  with  median  region 
of  tergal  border  produced,  with  very  long  pale  setae,  lateral  arms  erect,  inner  angle  of 
apex  produced  into  a slender  acute  spine;  dististyle  with  rostrum  broad,  with  conspicuous 
setae,  apex  obtuse;  gonapophyses  with  apices  slightly  extended  into  hyaline  subtriangular 
blades. 

Male.  Length  about  6.5-7  mm;  wing  7.5-9  mm;  antenna  about  1-1.2  mm. 

Female.  Length  about  7-8  mm;  wing  8-9  mm. 

Rostrum  light  brown;  palpi  black.  Antennae  15-segmented;  scape  and  pedicel  dark 
brown,  flagellum  yellowed;  proximal  flagellar  segments  short  and  crowded,  transverse, 
outer  segments  more  elongate.  Head  dark  brown,  heavily  gray  pruinose. 

Thoracic  dorsum  orange  yellow,  including  three  vaguely  indicated  praescutal  stripes 
and  the  scutal  lobes;  pleura  clear  yellow.  Halteres  light  yellow.  Legs  with  coxae  and 

trochanters  yellow;  remainder  of  legs  light  yellow,  tips  of  femora  and  tibiae  and  the 
outer  tarsal  segments  light  brown,  claws  long,  appressed.  Wings  broadest  opposite  end 

of  vein  2nd  A;  nearly  hyaline,  prearcular  and  costal  fields  of  light  yellow,  no  evident  stigma; 
veins  light  brown.  Longitudinal  veins  of  about  the  outer  four-fifths  of  wing  with  abun- 
dant short  trichia.  Venation:  Ri+ 5 relatively  short,  forking  about  opposite  midlength 
of  cell  1st  Mo ; cell  M 1 subequal  to  its  petiole;  m-cu  at  or  shortly  beyond  the  fork  of  M, 
in  cases  about  to  one-fifth  Ms+i. 

Abdominal  tergites  yellowish  brown,  subterminal  two  segments  slightly  darker,  sternites 
and  hypopygium  clearer  yellow.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  10)  with  posterior  border  of 
tergite,  t,  conspicuously  produced  medially,  provided  with  very  long  pale  setae;  lateral 
arms  erect,  very  slightly  enlarged  at  apex,  the  apical  inner  angle  produced  into  a slender 
acute  spine.  Dististyle,  d,  with  base  moderately  enlarged,  with  relatively  short  setae; 

rostrum  broad,  apex  obtuse,  surface  with  long  conspicuous  setae.  Gonapophysis,  g, 
with  outer  half  more  slender,  apex  slightly  expanded  into  a hyaline  subtriangular  blade. 

Holotype.  $,  Quattekas,  Elburz  Mts.,  Iran,  1,800  meters,  September  19,  1955  (Schmid). 
Allotype : $,  Zanus,  2,000  meters,  September  21,  1955,  pinned  with  one  paratype.  Paratypes: 
3 $$,  with  the  allotype;  $ , Barajan,  2,000  meters,  September  15,  1955  (Schmid). 

The  present  fly  is  most  nearly  related  to  Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) acuspica,  n.  sp.,  which  dif- 
fers chiefly  in  hypopygial  characters,  including  the  tergal  arms,  dististyle,  and  apex  of 
the  gonapophysis.  As  has  been  indicated  by  Savtshenko  (in  Mendl,  Bull.  Soc.  Ent.  Suisse, 
46:  292;  1973)  in  Transcaucasia  and  also  in  Iran  there  are  various  generally  similar 
species  or  races  in  this  genus  that  are  closely  interrelated  and  whose  exact  relationships 
remain  uncertain. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) acuspica,  n.  sp. 

Size  medium  (wing  about  9 mm)  ; general  coloration  of  thorax  orange  yellow,  head  and 
abdomen  brown ; halteres  yellow ; legs  yellow ; wings  almost  uniformly  subhyaline,  costal 
border  light  yellow,  stigma  lacking;  vein  Ri+ 5 relatively  short  with  r-m  at  near  midlength, 
cell  1st  M 2 closed;  male  hypopygium  with  beak  slender,  its  lower  margin  with  very  long 
pale  setae,  each  lateral  tergal  arm  gradually  narrowed  into  a curved  acute  point. 

Male.  Length  about  9 mm;  wing  9 mm;  antenna  about  1.3  mm. 

Rostrum  and  palpi  brown.  Antennae  15-segmented ; dark  brown;  proximal  four  or 

five  flagellar  segments  short  and  crowded,  outer  segments  more  elongate  with  verticils 
that  are  subequal  to  the  segments,  the  terminal  one-third  longer  than  the  penultimate 
segment.  Head  dark  brown. 

Thorax  almost  uniformly  orange  yellow  with  a poorly  indicated  slightly  darker  central 
stripe,  scutal  lobes  similarly  patterned.  Halteres  yellow.  Legs  with  coxae  and  trochanters 
orange  yellow;  remainder  of  legs  yellow,  outer  tarsal  segments  very  slightly  darker; 
claws  needlelike.  Wings  (Fig.  6)  almost  uniformly  subhyaline,  costal  border  light  yellow, 
stigma  not  indicated;  veins  pale  brown,  yellow  in  the  costal  field.  Longitudinal  veins 

of  outer  three-fourths  of  wing  with  small  inconspicuous  trichia.  Venation:  i?1+5  relatively 

short,  with  r-m  at  near  midlength;  cell  1st  M»  closed;  cell  Mi  subequal  in  length  to  its  petiole; 
vein  Cu-2  very  faint  to  scarcely  evident,  ending  about  opposite  one-third  Cui. 

Abdomen  light  brown,  hypopygium  slightly  more  yellowed.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  11) 
with  dististyle,  d , relatively  small,  body  suboval,  dorsal  half  relatively  low,  with  abundant 
blackened  spinose  setae ; rostrum  slender,  its  lower  margin  with  a row  of  very  long  pale 
setae.  Ninth  tergite,  t,  with  lateral  arms  distinctive,  appearing  as  erect  rods  that  narrow 
gradually  into  an  acute  curved  point,  median  region  of  posterior  border  low  convex. 
Phallosome,  p,  including  a pair  of  slender  apophyses,  their  apical  third  outcurved  and 
slightly  enlarged,  roughened. 

Holotype.  $ , Mughan,  Iran,  June  20,  1956  (Schmid). 

The  present  fly  is  generally  similar  to  the  smaller  Pedicia  ( Tricyphona ) zwicki  Mendl  (Mit- 
teil.  Schweitz.  Ent.  Gesell.,  46:  291-293,  figs.  1-3,  1973),  described  from  the  Akiyama  Pass, 
Turkey,  and  from  P.  ( T .)  elburzensis,  n.  sp.  All  three  species  are  yellow  flies  having  cell 
1st  M2  of  the  wings  present,  differing  from  one  another  in  relative  size,  details  of  venation, 
and  in  the  male  hypopygium,  especially  the  dististyle  and  lateral  tergal  arms.  P.  ( T .) 
livida  (Madarassy)  likewise  agrees  in  its  general  yellow  coloration,  differing  in  the  open 
cell  M2  of  the  wings  and  in  hypopygial  characters. 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


285 


INDEX  TO  SCIENTIFIC  NAMES  OF  ANIMALS  AND  PLANTS 
VOLUME  LXXXII 

Generic  names  begin  with  capital  letters.  New  genera,  species,  subspecies,  and  varieties 
are  printed  in  italics.  The  following  articles  are  not  indexed:  “The  Sphingidae  of  Turrialba, 
Costa  Rica,”  by  Richard  P.  Seifert,  pp.  45-56;  “The  Anthomyiidae  and  Muscidae  of  the 
Great  Smoky  Mountains  and  Mt.  Mitchell,  North  Carolina  (Diptera),”  by  H.  C.  Huckett, 
150-162. 


Acrophyma  bicallosa,  271 
Adelpha,  164,  168 
diodes,  236 

leucophthalma  tegeata,  235 
Ageniella  conflicta,  265 
parfita,  266 
Agraulis,  39,  63 
Agraulis  vanillae,  33,  38,  62 
lucina,  61 
maculosa,  63 
moneta,  62 
Alternaria  tenuis,  125 
Ammophila  procera,  264 
urnaria,  264 
Anacrabro  ocellatus,  265 
Anaea  electra,  171 
fabius,  171 
Anasimyia,  16 
Anoplius  marginatus,  263 
semirufus,  263 

Anoplocheylus  aegypticus,  209 
tauricus,  209 
transiens,  202 

Apan teles  melanoscelus,  2,  3,  4,  5 
Aphaenogaster,  95 
Aphaenogaster  megommatus,  94 
pythia,  94 
treatae,  94,  96 
ashmeadi  and  floridana,  96 
fulva,  96,  142 
splendida,  96 
longiceps,  96 
megommatus,  96 
pallida,  96 
rudis  picea,  96 
tennesseensis,  96 
Aphilanthrops  frigidus,  262 
Apis  melifera,  6,  126 
Archangelica  anthopurpurea,  226 
Argynnis  Boisduvalli,  224 


Asaphomyia  floridensis , 183 
texensis,  183 
Asiodidea,  17 
Aspergillus  flavus,  12  7 
Aspididris,  131 
militaris,  131 
discigera,  131 
Astata  unicolor,  263 
Asterias,  227 

Atopomyrmex  mocquerysi,  94 
Atta  sexdens  rubropilosa,  125 
texana,  127 
Austrachipteria,  181 


Baris,  264 

Basiceros  conjugans,  134 
singularis,  131 
discigera,  131 
convexiceps,  131 
manni,  138 

Battus  polydamas,  171 
Beauveria  densa,  127 
Bebaeus,  272 

Bembix  americana  spinolae,  264 
Bicyrtes  quadrifasciata,  262 
Blaudus,  272 
Bombus,  24 
Brevicaude,  22 7 


Calliopsis,  12 

Camponotus  pennsylvanicus,  127 
castaneus,  127 

Campanotus  herculeanus,  122 
Caonabo  casicus , 57 
Capicola,  10 

braunsiana,  6,  11 
Cardiocondyla,  73 
ectopia , 76,  82 


286 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


emeryi,  81,  82 
nuda,  81,  82 
nuda  minutior,  86 
venustula,  81,  82 
wroughtoni,  81 
nuda  mauritanica,  90 
Carebara  junodi,  94 
jauzei,  94 

Castanea  dentata,  22 
Ceanotheus,  22 
Cerapachys,  103 
Cerceris  atramontensis,  264 
halone,  264 
nigrescens,  264 
prominens,  264 
Chelaner  antarticum,  142 
Chlorion  aerarium,  263 
Chrysops  celatus,  187 
dimmocki,  187 
dixianus,  183 
flavidus,  187 
pudicus,  183 
reicherti,  187 
Cimex  sphacelatus,  245 
Circulifer  tenellus,  42 
Colias  interior,  224 
Conomyrma  bicolor,  121 
Colobopsis,  73 
Cordyceps 

Australis,  12  7 
bicephala,  127 
necator,  127 
proliferans,  12  7 
unilateralis,  12  7 
Crabro 

monticola,  261 
Creightonidris,  131 
Crematogaster  larreae,  121 
opuntiae,  122 
navajoa,  122 
lineolata,  142 
Crunobia,  280 
Cylindrocnema,  271 


Danaus  eresimus,  171 
gilippus,  17 1 
plexippus,  171 
Dasymutilla  nigripes,  267 
Dasypoda,  9 


Dentachipteria  highlandensis , 177 
ringwoodensis,  177 
Dialictus,  8 
Didea,  17 
Dideomimia,  17 
Dione,  37,  39,  62 

juno,  33,  61,  62,  63 
andicola,  61,  62 
huascama,  61,  62 
Dircenna  klugii,  1 7 1 
Discothyrea  testacea,  122 
Ditomotarsus,  272 
Drosophila,  111 
Dryadula,  39 
phaetusa,  33 
Dryas  julia,  33 
Dryocoris,  245 


Ea,  273 

Elasmostethus,  272 
Elasmucha,  272 
Eueides  aliphera,  171 
cleobaea,  171 
Euphorbia,  88 
serpens,  87 
Euschistus,  59 
Eusphinctus,  103 


Forelius,  104 
Formica,  262 
fusca,  267 
rufa,  125 
lugubris,  126 
Froggattella,  104 


Glaucopsyche  lygdamus  couperi,  222 
pembina,  228 
Gorytes  canaliculatus,  263 
Grapta,  226 
Gryllus,  263 


Habrobracon,  111 
Haplomelitta,  13 

ogilviei,  6,  9,  10,  11,  13 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


Heliconius  charitonius,  171 
dorus,  33 
erato,  37 
hecale,  30 
isabella,  37 
melpomene,  37 
petiveranus,  171 
ricini,  37 
hermatheria,  40 
talchinia,  171 
Hellica,  273 
Helophilus,  16 
Heracleum  lunatum,  226 
Heraeus  cincticornis,  173 
Hesperapis,  9 
Hesperia  paniscus,  226 
Holcostethus  abbreviatus,  246 
fulvipes,  246 
hirtus,  246 
limbolarius,  246 
piceus,  246 
ruckesi,  246 
sphaecelatus,  245 
tristis,  246 
vernalis,  245 

Hoplisoicles  nebulosus,  263 
Hoplocheylus  americanus , 202 
canadensis,  205 
discalis,  203 
longispinus,  205 
pickardi,  203 
similis,  202 

Hymenostilbi  australienses,  127 
Hyperbius,  272 


Icaricia  icarioides,  229 
Iridomyrmex,  89,  92,  104 
humilis,  88,  115 


Kalmia,  170 
Korinchia,  17,  18 


Laboulbenia,  125 
Lanopis,  272 
Larritis  striata,  22  7 
Lasius  neoniger,  118 


Laurus,  170 
Leptothorax,  106 

curvispinosus,  106,  107,  108,  109,  110 
duloticus,  107,  108 
Limenitis,  239 
Limnobaris,  264 

Lindenius  columbianus  errans,  264 
Lioperna,  103 
Lupinus,  229 
Lycaena  couperi,  222 
pembina,  222 
Lyroda  subita,  265 


Macropsis,  9 
Magicicada,  189 
Malotta,  16,  27 

unicolor,  16,  24 
Manica  bradleyi,  96,  142 
hunteri,  96,  142 
mutica,  96,  142 
rubida,  96 

M azonoma  variada,  273 
Megaponera  foetens,  127 
Melitta,  9 

capensis,  6 

Mesembryanthemum  sensu  lato,  8 
Messor  aegyptiacus,  96 
alexandri,  96 
arenarius,  96 
barbarus,  96 
capitatus,  94 
caviceps,  96 
orientalis,  96 
semirufus  concolor,  94 
structor,  94 

Metarrhizum  anasopliae,  127 
Metopia  argyrocephala,  267 
Milesia,  17 

bacuntius,  15 
Monomorium,  92,  95 
chobauti,  96 
niloticoides,  96 
venustum,  96 
salomonis,  96 
minimum,  142 
Monopsis  simplex,  10,  12 
Morpho  polyphemus  polypbemus,  164 
Myolepta  simulans,  27 
Myrmica,  141 

americana,  142 


288 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


brevinodis,  142 
brevispinosa,  142 
emeryana,  142 
fracticornis,  142 
laevinodis,  94 
lobicornis  fracticornis,  94 
monticola,  142 
rubra,  96,  142 
ruginodis,  94 
sabuleti  americana,  94 
schenki  emeryana,  94 
Myscelia,  169 


Neotydeus,  202,  207 
Nopalis,  272 
Nosema  apis,  126 
Novomessor  albisetosus,  97 
cockerelli,  97,  142 
manni,  97 

Nysson  plagiatus,  263 


Odontocorynus,  264 
Ornithoptera,  37 
Orthroprosopa,  17 
Oxybelus  bipunctatus,  263 
subulatus,  263,  267 


Pachygeraeus,  264 
Palumbia,  17,  18 
Pangonia  lasiophthalma,  28 
Papilio  anticostiensis,  222 
asterias,  225 
brevicauda,  222 
turnus,  226 
Parahypozetes,  177 
bidentatus,  181 
Parides  areas,  171 
areas  mylotes,  31 
photinus,  17 1 
Parrhyngia,  17 
Passiflora,  31,  62 
vitifloria,  30 
laurifloria,  38 
cyanea,  38 
mucronata,  38 


alata,  38 
speciosa,  38 
violacea,  38 
jileka,  38 

Paullinia  pinnata,  164 
fuscescens,  169 
Pedicia  acuspica , 279 
claripennis,  280 
elburzensis,  279 
immaculata,  280 
inconstans,  280 
iranensis,  279 
livida,  284 
lucidipennis,  282 
luteicolor,  279 
persica,  279 
riedeli,  280 
sakkya,  282 
straminea,  280 
trifurcata,  282 
zwicki,  284 

Pentagonia  wendlandia,  235 
Pentatoma  piceus,  252 
Perdita,  12 
Peribalus,  245 

abbreviatus,  248 
eatoni,  248 
fulvipes,  252 
hirtus,  254 
limbolarius,  250 
modestus,  250 
piceus,  252 
tristis,  254 
Philaethria,  30 
dido  dido,  30 
wernickei,  30 
dido  pygmaleon,  30 
dido  wernickei,  30 
Pheidole,  92,  121 
bicarinata,  94 
creightoni,  94 
crassinoda,  97 
dentata,  86,  142 
megacephala,  94,  121 
morrisi,  97 
nari,  94 

pilifera  pacifica,  93 
ridicula,  97 
saxicola,  97 
sculpturata,  97 


Vol.  LXXXII,  December,  1974 


289 


sitarches,  94 
xerophila,  97 

Philanthus  gibbosus,  260,  264 
Phorbanta,  272 
Phyracaces,  103 
Planois,  272 
Plebejus  icarioides,  229 
Podotricha,  39 
Pogonomyrmex,  141 
badius,  94,  142 
barbatus,  94,  142 
californicus,  94,  121 
desertorum,  97 
imberbiculus,  94 
magnacanthus,  97 
maricopa,  94 
occidentalis,  94 
owyheci,  97 
rugosus,  94 

Polistes  exclamans,  269 
Porthetria  dispar,  2 
Praesus,  272 
Prionyx  parked,  263 
Prunus,  170 
Pseudobebaeus,  272 
Pseudocheylus  europaeus,  209 
transiens,  210 
Pseudodichroa,  13 

Pseudonica  fla villa  canthara,  168,  171 
Pseudozetterstedtia,  IS 
unicolor,  15,  24 
thoracicus,  16 
Psilocephala  frontalis,  263 
Pteralastes,  IS 

bomboides,  18 
borealis,  15 
colei,  16 
literatus,  27 
nubeculosus,  IS 
perfidious,  IS 
thoracicus,  15 
unicolor,  18 

Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor,  163 

Quercus,  170,  243 
Quichuana,  27 

Rhagina  protea,  209 
Rhinotropidia,  17 


Salpingogaster,  17 
Schizocosa  bilineata,  265 
Scolotydaeus  ardissannae,  207 
bacillus,  207 
simplex , 202 
Scrapter,  10 

Senofainia  trilineata,  267 
Simopone,  103 
Sinopla  bicallosus,  271 
Sniploa,  272 
Solenopsis,  92,  115 
angulatus,  94 
aurea,  117 
blumi,  122 
germinata,  86,  116 
interrupta,  120 
invicta,  94,  113,  125,  142 
molesta,  94 
quinquecuspis,  118 
richteri,  94,  113 
saevissima,  94,  114 
saevissima  richteri,  114 
xyloni,  93,  116 
Solidago,  22 

Spartina  alterniflora,  14 
Sphecodes,  13 
Sphecodopsis,  13 
Sphenophorus  pertinax,  14 
pertinax  peninsularis,  14 
pertinax  ludovicianus,  14 
Sphex  ichneumoneus,  263 
Stenamma  brevicorne,  94 
Stilbum  burmense,  127 
Svastra  obliqua,  233 
Syrittosyrphus,  17 

Tachysphex  similis,  263 
tarsatus,  263 
terminatus,  268 
Tarsocheylus  atomarius,  203 
Temenis  laothoe  liberia,  17 1 
Temnostoma,  17 
Tenuicoris  myrmeforme,  173 
Tetramorium  caespitum,  94 
Tetrastylis  ovalis,  38 
Teuchocnemis  lituratis,  15 
Thelohania,  125 
There va  frontalis,  262 
Thygater  analis,  230 
Tolono  decoratus,  275 


290 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Trachymyrmex  septentrionalis,  142 
Tribolium,  139 
Tricyphona,  280 
Tunaria  andicola,  271 
Turneria,  103 

Viburnum  nudum,  22 
Veromessor,  141 
andrei,  94,  97 
pergandei,  94,  142 
j uliana,  97 


lariversi,  97 
lobognathus,  97 
smithi,  97 

Victorina  (Metamorpha)  stelenes,  39 
Wasmannia,  92 


Zammara  sp.,  31 
Zelotes,  266 
Zootermopsis,  139 


INVITATION  TO  MEMBERSHIP 


The  New  York  Entomological  Society  was  founded  in  1892  and  incorporated  the  following 
year.  It  holds  a distinguished  position  among  scientific  and  cultural  organizations.  The 
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Change  of  Editors 

The  members  of  the  New  York  Entomological  Society  wish  to  express  their  sincere  thanks 
to  Dr.  Lawrence  Limpel  and  Helen  McCarthy,  for  their  diligent  service  as  Associate  Editors  of 
the  Journal  of  the  N.  Y.  Entomological  Society,  who  completed  their  tenure  during  1974. 

Dr.  Karl  Maramorosch,  who  assumed  the  reponsibilities  of  Editor-in-Chief  in  1972,  has 
joined  the  faculty  of  Rutgers  University  in  March  1974.  He  continues  his  service  as  Editor, 
now  based  at  the  Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology,  Rutgers  University,  New  Brunswick, 
N.J.  08903.  Serving  with  him  as  Associate  Editors  are  Dr.  Herbert  T.  Streu  and  Dr.  Lois  J. 
Keller,  R.S.M. 

As  Research  Professor  of  Entomology  and  Economic  Zoology  at  Rutgers  University,  New 
Brunswick,  N.  J.,  Herbert  T.  Streu  is  engaged  in  research  on  control  of  pests  of  ornamental 
plants  and  turfgrass,  as  well  as  in  teaching  and  advising  both  undergraduate  and  graduate 
students.  Dr.  Streu  received  his  Ph.D.  from  Rutgers  in  1960  and  was  Nematologist  with  the 
ARS,  USDA,  Beltsville,  Md.  before  returning  to  Rutgers  in  1962. 

Dr.  Streu  has  authored  a variety  of  both  popular  and  scientific  papers  on  the  control  of 
insects  and  mites  in  ornamentals  as  well  as  presented  numerous  invited  lectures  to  professional 
growers  organizations  throughout  the  country.  He  has  served  as  editor  of  several  Rutgers 
Turfgrass  Research  Bulletins  as  well  as  two  Proceedings  of  the  Scott’s  Turfgrass  Research 
Conferences. 

Dr.  Streu  is  a member  of  the  Entomological  Society  of  America  and  serves  as  Secretary- 
Treasurer  of  the  Eastern  Branch,  a position  he  has  held  since  1969.  In  addition  to  membership 
in  the  Ecological  Society  of  America,  Society  of  Nematologists  and  Sigma  Xi  he  is  an  elected 
Fellow  of  the  AAAS. 

Presently  teaching  Entomology  at  SUNY  Agricultural  and  Technical  College,  Farmingdale, 
N.Y.,  Lois  J.  Keller  has  been  engaged  in  the  study  of  hymenopteran  parasitoids,  focusing 
primarily  on  their  mating  and  reproductive  behavior.  Dr.  Keller  received  her  Ph.D.  from 
Fordham  University  in  1973,  and  has  been  elected  to  Phi  Beta  Kappa  and  Sigma  Xi. 

Her  past  experience  in  the  editorial  field  includes  association  with  Marcel  Decker,  Inc.  In 
addition  to  membership  in  the  N.Y.  Entomological  Society,  Dr.  Keller  is  a member  of  the 
Entomological  Society  of  America. 


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New  York 

ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY 

Devoted  to  Entomology  in  General 

VOLUME  LXXXIII 

Published  by  the  Society 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

INDEX  OF  AUTHORS 

ADAMS,  ROGER  G„  JR.,  JOHN  H.  LILLY,  and  ADRIAN  G.  GENTILE.  Increased 

Gladiolus  Spike  Growth  with  use  of  Certain  Systematic  Insecticides  251 

AHMAD,  SAMI  and  ANDREW  J.  FORGASH.  Changes  in  Tolerance  of  Porthetria 
dispar  (L.)  (Lepidoptera:  Lymantriidae)  to  Insecticides  in  Relation  to  Larval 

Growth  and  Mixed-Function  Oxidase  Activity  271 

ALEXANDER,  CHARLES  P.  New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran.  II  (Diptera: 

Tipulidae)  2 

ALEXANDER,  CHARLES  P.  New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran.  Ill 

(Diptera:  Tipulidae)  121 

ALEXANDER,  CHARLES  P.  New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran.  IV 

(Diptera:  Tipulidae)  129 

ALLEN,  WILLIAM  A.  Results  of  an  Insect  Scouting  Program  in  Virginia  Soybeans 256 

ASCERNO,  M.  E.  Effects  of  the  Insect  Growth  Regulator  Altozar  on  the  Parasitoid, 

Microctonus  aethiops,  and  Its  Host,  Hypera  postica  243 

ASH,  NOREEN  and  BERNARD  GREENBERG.  Differential  Cold  Survival  of  Two 

Sibling  Species  of  Blow  Flies,  Phaenicia  sericata  and  Phaenicia  pallescens  33 

BARROWS,  EDWARD  M.  Territoriality  in  Male  Bees  (Hymenoptera:  Apoidea)  280 

BAUGHER,  DOUGLAS  G.  and  WILLIAM  G.  YENDOL.  Intra-instar  Respirometric 
and  Phase  Distribution  Differences  in  Trichoplusia  ni  (Hiibner)  (Lepidoptera: 

Noctuidae)  Larvae  2 73 

BECKWITH,  ROY  C.  Douglas-Fir  Tussock  Moth,  Orgyia  pseudotsugata  (McD.) 

(Lepidoptera:  Lasciocampidae) : Influence  of  Host  Foliage  282 

BENTON,  ALLEN  H.  and  ANDREW  J.  CRUMP.  The  Relationship  of  Coleomegilla 
maculata  (DeGeer)  (Coleoptera:Coccinellidae)  to  the  Cocoon  of  its  Parasite  Perilitus 

coccinellae  (Schrank)  ( Hymenoptera :Braconidae)  60 

BENTON,  ALLEN  H.  and  DANNY  L.  KELLY.  An  Annotated  List  of  New  York 

Siphonaptera  142 

BODE,  WILLIAM  M.  Bionomics  of  the  Tufted  Apple  Budmoth,  Platynota  idaeusalis 

(Walker)  (Lepidoptera:  Tortricidae) , in  Pennsylvania  Apple  Orchards  268 

BOWMAN,  JAMES  S.  An  Improved  Insect  Pest  Management  Program  on  Sweet  Corn 

in  New  Hampshire  249 

BRYANT,  D.  G.  The  Importance,  Biology  and  Control  of  the  Birch  Casebearer, 
Coleophora  fuscedinella  Zeller  (Lepidoptera:  Coleophoridae) , an  Imported  Pest  in 

Insular  Newfoundland  285 


BUSH,  G.  L.  Genetic  Changes  occurring  in  Flight  Muscle  Enzymes  of  the  Screwworm 

Fly  During  Mass  Rearing  275 

CAMPBELL,  ROBERT  W.  The  Bimodality  of  Gypsy  Moth,  Porthetria  dispar  (L.) 

(Lepidoptera:  Lymantriidae)  Populations  287 

CAPINERA,  JOHN  L.  and  PEDRO  BARBOSA.  Dispersal  of  First-Instar  Gypsy  Moth 

Larvae  in  Relation  to  Population  Quality  258 

CURL,  G.  D.,  P.  P.  BURBUTIS,  and  C.  P.  DAVIS.  Rearing  the  European  Corn  Borer, 

Ostrinia  nubilalis  (Hiibner)  (Lepidoptera:  Pyralidae)  on  a Lima  Bean  Medium  265 

DELFINADO,  MERCEDES  D.  and  EDWARD  W.  BAKER.  Mites  (Acarina)  asso- 
ciated with  Popilius  disjunctus  (Illiger)  (Coleoptera:  Passalidae)  in  Eastern  United 

States  _ 49 

DENNO,  ROBERT  F.  Wing  Polymorphism  in  Salt  Marsh  Inhabiting  Fulgoroidea  253 

DROOZ,  A.  T.  Current  Research  with  Telenomus  alsophilae  Viereck,  an  Egg  Parasite  of 
the  Fall  Cankerworm,  Alsophila  pometaria  (Harris)  (Lepidoptera:  Geometridae)  ....  283 

ELDRIDGE,  B.  F„  R.  R.  PINGER,  JR.,  J.  F.  BURGER  and  D.  E.  HAYES.  Environ- 
mental Control  of  Diapause  in  Three  Species  of  North  American  Aedine  Mosquitoes 

(Diptera:  Culicidae)  249 

FAIN,  A.  and  K.  E.  HYLAND.  Speleognathinae  Collected  From  Birds  in  North  America 

(Acarina:  Ereynetidae)  203 

FISHER,  G.  T.  and  J.  TURMEL.  Control  of  the  Apple  Leaf  Curling  Midge,  Dasyneura 

mali  (Kieff)  (Diptera:  Cecidomyiidae)  in  New  Hampshire  244 

FITZPATRICK,  GEORGE  and  DONALD  J.  SUTHERLAND.  Temefos  Residues  in  the 

Salt  Marsh  Snail  Melampus  bidentatus  Say  (Bassommatophora:  Ellobiidae)  267 

GITTELMAN,  STEVEN  H.  Depth  Selection  in  Buenoa  (Heteroptera:  Notonectidae)  ..  265 
GORDH,  GORDON.  Some  Evolutionary  Trends  in  the  Chalcidoidea  (Hymenoptera) 

with  Particular  Reference  to  Host  Preference  279 

GRANETT,  J.,  R.  M.  WESELOH  and  D.  M.  DUNBAR.  Dimilin  Toxicity  to  Apanteles 
melanoscelus  (Ratzeburg)  (Hymenoptera:  Braconidae)  and  Effects  on  Field  Popu- 
lations   242 

HARRIGAN,  W.  R.  and  J.  L.  SAUNDERS.  Honeylocust  Pod  Gall  Midge,  Dasyneura 

gleditschae  Osten  Sachen  (Diptera:  Cecidomyiidae),  Control  with  Dacamox® 259 

HENDRICKSON,  R.  M.,  JR.  Mass  Rearing  of  Diglyphus  isaea  (Walker)  (Hymenoptera: 

Eulophidae)  on  Liriomyza  trifoliearum  Spencer  (Diptera:  Agromyzidae)  243 

HOWER,  A.  A.,  JR.  and  J.  E.  LUKE.  Response  of  the  Alfalfa  Weevil  Parasitoid, 
Microctonus  colesi  (Drea)  (Hymenoptera:  Braconidae),  to  a Recommended  Insecticide 

Treatment  in  Pennsylvania  263 

HOY,  M.  A.  Improving  the  Quality  of  Laboratory-Reared  Insects  - 276 

HUETTEL,  M.  D.  Monitoring  the  Quality  of  Laboratory-Reared  Insects  276 

HULL,  L.  A.,  D.  ASQUITH  and  P.  D.  MOWERY.  Mite  Consuming  Capacity  of 

Stethorus  punctum  (Leconte)  (Coleoptera:  Coccinellidae)  262 

HUNG,  A.  C.  F.  and  S.  B.  VINSON.  Notes  on  the  Male  Reproductive  System  in  Ants 
(Hymenoptera:  Formicidae)  192 

HUSSAIN,  MANZOOR.  Predators  of  the  Alfalfa  Weevil,  Hypera  postica  in  Western 
Nevada — a Greenhouse  Study.  (Coleoptera:  Curculionidae)  226 

JONES,  JACK  COLVARD  and  DOROTHY  HOELZER.  The  Oenocytes  of  Tenebrio 

molitor  Linnaeus  (Coleoptera:  Tenebrionidae)  274 

JOWYK,  EUGENE  A.  and  ZANE  SMILOWITZ.  Growth  and  Development  of 
Hyposoter  exiguae  (Viereck)  (Hymenoptera:  Ichneumonidae)  on  Two  Instars  of 

Trichoplusia  ni  (Hiibner)  (Lepidoptera:  Noctuidae)  261 

KOK,  L.  T.  Survival  of  Aestivating  Adult  Rhinocyllus  conicus  Froelich  (Coleoptera: 

Curculionidae)  at  Different  Temperatures  and  Photophases  251 

KOSTELC,  J.  G.,  L.  B.  HENDRY  and  R.  J.  SNETSINGER.  A Sex  Pheromone  Com- 
plex of  the  Mushroom-Infesting  Sciarid  Fly,  Lycoriella  mali  Fitch  255 


LEONARD,  DAVID  E.  Parasitization  of  the  Spruce  Budworm,  Choristoneura  fumiferana 
(Clemens)  (Lepidoptera:  Tortricidae)  by  Brachymeria  intermedia  (Nees)  (Hyme- 

noptera:  Chalcididae)  269 

McDANIEL,  IVAN  N.  Is  a Black  Fly  Survey  Worthwhile?  245 

MCDONALD,  JOHN  L.  Mosquito  Control  in  Unusual  Breeding  Sites  in  Southern  Italy 
(Diptera:  Culicidae)  267 

MILIO,  JOHN  and  ELTON  J.  HANSENS.  Evaluation  and  Control  of  a Nuisance  Fly 
Problem  (Diptera:  Muscidae)  at  Monmouth  Park  Jockey  Club,  Oceanport,  New 

Jersey  252 

MILLER,  RICHARD  C.  and  FRANK  E.  KURCZEWSKI.  Comparative  Behavior  of 
Wasps  in  the  Genus  Lindenius  (Hymenoptera:  Sphecidae,  Crabroninae)  82 

MINOT,  MILDRED  C.  and  DAVID  E.  LEONARD.  Influence  of  Physical  Factors  on 
the  Behavior  and  Development  of  Brachymeria  intermedia  (Nees)  (Hymenoptera: 
Chalcididae)  269 

MOORE,  IAN  and  E.  F.  LEGNER.  Revision  of  the  Genus  Endeodes  LeConte  with  a 
Tabular  Key  to  the  Species  (Coleoptera:  Melyridae)  70 

MOORE,  RICHARD  C.  Determination  of  Seasonal  Activity  of  Four  Fruit  Pests  Using 
Pheromone  and  Other  Traps  264 

MORRIS,  GLENN  K.,  RON  B.  AIKEN  and  GORDON  E.  KERR.  Calling  Songs  of 
Neduba  macneilli  and  N.  sierranus  (Orthoptera:  Tettigonidae:  Decticinae)  229 

MUYSHONDT,  ALBERTO.  Notes  on  the  Life  Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies 
of  El  Salvador.  VI  A. — Diaethria  astala  Guerin.  (Nymphalidae-Callicorinae)  10 

MUYSHONDT,  ALBERTO  and  ALBERTO  MUYSHONDT,  JR.  Notes  on  the  Life 
Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of  El  Salvador.  I B. — Hamadryas  februa 
(Nymphalidae-Hamadryadinae)  157 

MUYSHONDT,  ALBERTO  and  ALBERTO  MUYSHONDT,  JR.  Notes  on  the  Life 
Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of  El  Salvador.  II  B. — Hamadryas  guate- 
malena  Bates  (Nymphalidae-Hamadryadinae)  170 

MUYSHONDT,  ALBERTO  and  ALBERTO  MUYSHONDT,  JR.  Notes  on  the  Life 
Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of  El  Salvador.  Ill  B. — Hamadryas  amphi- 
nome  L.  (Nymphalidae-Hamadryadinae)  181 

NORTON,  ROY  A.  Elliptochthoniidae,  A New  Mite  Family  (Acarina:  Oribatei)  From 
Mineral  Soil  in  California  209 

PADHI,  SALLY  B.  and  ARTHUR  H.  McINTOSH.  The  Use  of  Autoradiography  to 
Detect  RNA  in  Polyhedral  Inclusion  Bodies  of  Insect  Nuclear  Polyhedrosis  Viruses  ____  270 

PEAIRS,  F.  B.  and  J.  H.  LILLY.  Parasites  Reared  from  Larvae  of  the  European  Corn 
Borer , Ostrinia  nubilalis  (Hbn.),  in  Massachusetts,  1971-73  (Lepidoptera,  Pyralidae)  36 

RAIMO,  BERNARD.  Infecting  the  Gypsy  Moth,  Porthetria  dispar  (L.)  (Lepidoptera: 
Lymantriidae)  with  Nuclear  Polyhedrosis  Virus  Vectored  by  Apanteles  melanoscelus 
(Ratzeburg)  (Hymenoptera:  Braconidae)  246 

RALPH,  CAROL  PEARSON.  The  Milkweed  Pod  as  an  Obstacle  to  the  Large  Milkweed 
Bug,  Oncopeltus  fasciatus  (Heteroptera:  Lygaeidae)  260 

RECHTORIS,  CAROL  and  ARTHUR  McINTOSH.  A Toxic  Factor  from  the  Estab- 
lished Cell  Line,  CP-169  (Hink) : Carpocapsa  pomonella  (Lepidoptera:  Olethreutidae)  271 

RICKLEFS,  ROBERT  E.  Seasonal  Occurrence  of  Night-Flying  Insects  on  Barro  Colo- 
rado Island,  Panama  Canal  Zone  19 

ROB  ACKER,  DAVID,  K.  M.  WEAVER  and  L.  B.  HENDRY.  Visual  Stimuli  in  the 
Host  Finding  Mechanism  of  the  Parasitic  Wasp  Itoplectis  conquisitor  (Say)  (Hyme- 
noptera: Ichneumonidae)  257 

ROBERTS,  JAMES  E.,  SR.  Control  of  External  Parasites  on  Cattle  by  Means  of 
Dust  Bags  253 

ROLSTON,  L.  H.  A New  Species  and  Review  of  Sibaria  (Hemiptera:  Pentatomidae)  218 


SCRIBER,  J.  MARK  and  PAUL  P.  FEENY.  Growth  Form  of  Host  Plant  as  a De- 
terminant of  Feeding  Efficiencies  and  Growth  Rates  in  Papilionidae  and  Saturniidae 

(Lepidoptera)  247 

SIMMONS,  G.  A.  and  C.  W.  CHEN.  Application  of  Harmonic  Analysis  and  Polynomial 
Regression  to  Study  Flight  Activity  of  Choristoneura  fumijerana  (Clem.)  (Lepidoptera: 

Tortricidae)  in  the  Field  266 

SMILOWITZ,  ZANE,  CAROL  A.  MARTINKA  and  EUGENE  A.  JOWYK.  The  In- 
fluence of  a Juvenile  Hormone  Mimic  (JHM)  on  Trichoplusia  ni  (Hiibner)  (Lepi- 
doptera: Noctuidae)  and  Hyposoter  exiguae  (Viereck)  (Hymenoptera:  Ichneumoni- 

dae)  262 

SMITH,  COREY  W.  and  ELTON  J.  HANSENS.  The  Effect  of  Temperature  and 
Humidity  on  the  Amount  of  Blood  Ingested  by  the  Stable  Fly,  Stomoxys  calcitrans  L. 

(Diptera:  Muscidae)  235 

SURLES,  W.  W.  and  L.  T.  KOK.  Sequential  Releases  of  Rhinocyllus  conicus  Froelich 

(Coleoptera:  Curculionidae)  for  the  Biocontrol  of  Carduus  Thistles  250 

TALLAMY,  DOUGLASS  W.  and  ELTON  J.  HANSENS.  A Comparison  of  Malaise 
Trapping  and  Aerial  Netting  for  Research  on  Houseflies  and  Deerflies  (Diptera: 

Tabanidae)  245 

TAUBER,  CATHERINE  A.  and  MAURICE  J.  TAUBER.  Systematics  and  Ecology 

of  Chrysopidae  (Neuroptera) : Theoretical  and  Applied  Implications 277 

THOMAS,  J.  H.  and  C.  H.  HILL.  A Seasonal  History  of  the  Variegated  Leafroller, 
Platynota  flavedana  (Clemens)  (Lepidoptera:  Tortricidae),  in  Virginia  Apple 

Orchards  260 

TINGEY,  W.  M.,  V.  E.  GRACEN,  and  J.  M.  SCRIBER.  Leaf  Feeding  Resistance  to 
the  European  Corn  Borer,  Ostrinia  nubilalis  (Hiibner)  (Lepidoptera:  Pyralidae),  in 

Tropical  Maize  256 

TOPOFF,  HOWARD.  Behavioral  Changes  in  the  Army  Ant  Neivamyrmex  nigrescens 

during  the  Nomadic  and  Statary  Phases 38 

UEBEL,  E.  C.,  R.  E.  MENZER,  P.  E.  SONNET,  and  R.  W.  MILLER.  Identification 
of  the  Copulatory  Sex  Pheromone  of  the  Little  House  Fly,  Fannia  canicularis  (L.) 
(Diptera:  Muscidae)  258 

VANDENBERG,  JOHN  D.  and  RICHARD  S.  SOPER.  Isolation  and  Identification  of 
Entomophthora  spp.  Fres.  (Phy corny cetes:  Entomophthorales)  from  the  Spruce  Bud- 

worm  Choristoneura  fumiferana  Clem.  (Lepidoptera:  Tortricidae)  254 

VANDERLIN,  ROBERT  L.  and  FREDERICK  A.  STREAMS.  Reproductive  Diapause 

in  Notonecta  undulata  (Say)  (Hemiptera:  Notonectidae)  248 

VOLNEY,  J.  The  Role  of  Defoliators  in  the  Arthropod  Community  of  Red  Maple 

Crowns  283 

WARD,  R.  H.  and  R.  L.  PIENKOWSKI.  Cassida  rubiginosa  Muller  (Coleoptera: 

Chrysomelidae) , a Potential  Biocontrol  Agent  of  Thistles  in  Virginia  247 

WEINER,  THOMAS  J.  and  ELTON  J.  HANSENS.  Species  and  Numbers  of  Blood- 
sucking Flies  Feeding  on  Hogs  and  Other  Animals  in  Southern  New  Jersey  198 

WESELOH,  R.  M.  Seasonal  Variations  in  Activity  of  Apanteles  melanoscelus  Ratzeburg 
(Hymenoptera:  Braconidae)  Adults  as  Related  to  Seasonal  Variations  in  Age  Structure 

of  its  Host,  Porthetria  dispar  (L.)  (Lepidoptera:  Lymantriidae)  242 

WHALON,  MARK  E.  and  BRUCE  L.  PARKER.  Oxygen  Consumption  of  Coleomegilla 
maculata  lengi  Timberlake  (Coleoptera:  Coccinellidae)  Measured  in  a Differential 

Respirometer  272 

WOOLDRIDGE,  DAVID  P.  A Phylogeny  for  Paracymus  Thomson  (Coleoptera:  Hy- 
drophilidae)  Based  on  Adult  Characters  273 


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The  New  York  Entomological  Society 


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The  Journal  of  the  /New  York  Entomological  Society  is  published  quarterly  for  the  Sjociety  by  Allen  Press 
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Journal  of  the 

New  York  Entomological  Society 


Volume  LXXXIII  March  1975 


No.  1 


EDITORIAL  BOARD 

Editor  Dr.  Karl  Maramorosch 
Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology 
Rutgers  University 
New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903 

Associate  Editors  Dr.  Lois  J.  Keller,  RSM 
Dr.  Herbert  T.  Streu 


Publication  Committee 

Dr.  Kumar  Krishna  Dr.  Ayodha  P.  Gupta 

Dr.  James  Forbes,  Chairman 


CONTENTS 

New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran  II  (Diptera:  Tipulidae)  

Charles  P.  Alexander  2 

Notes  on  the  Life  Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

VI  A. — Diaethria  astala  Guerin.  (Nymphalidae-Callicorinae)  

Alberto  Muyshondt  10 

Seasonal  Occurrence  of  Night-Flying  Insects  on  Barro  Colorado  Island,  Panama 
Canal  Zone  Robert  E.  Ricklefs  19 

Differential  Cold  Survival  of  Two  Sibling  Species  of  Blow  Flies,  Phoenicia 
sericata  and  Phoenicia  pallescens  Noreen  Ash  and  Bernard  Greenberg  33 

Parasites  Reared  from  Larvae  of  the  European  Corn  Borer,  Ostrinia  nubilalis 
(Hbn.),  in  Massachusetts,  1971—73  (Lepidoptera,  Pyralidae)  

F.  B.  Peairs  and  J.  H.  Lilly  36 

Behavioral  Changes  in  the  Army  Ant  Neivamyrniex  nigrescens  during  the 
Nomadic  and  Statary  Phases  Howard  Topoff  38 

Mites  (Aearina)  Associated  with  Popilius  disjunctus  (Illiger)  (Coleoptera: 
Passalidae)  in  Eastern  United  States  

Mercedes  D.  Delfinado  and  Edward  W.  Baker  49 

The  Relationship  of  Coleomegilla  maculata  (DeGeer)  (Coleoptera  :Coccinelli- 
dae)  to  the  Cocoon  of  its  parasite  Perilitus  coccinellae  (Schrank)  (Hymenop- 
tera:Braeonidae)  Allen  H.  Benton  and  Andrew  J.  Crump  60 


Proceedings  of  the  New  York  Entomological  Society:  Abstracts  64 

Announcement  67 

Book  Reviews  67 


2 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran 
II  (Diptera:  Tipulidae)1 

Charles  P.  Alexander 
Amherst,  Massachusetts  01002 

Received  for  Publication  July  17,  1974 

Abstract:  The  initial  part  of  this  short  series  of  papers  concerning  the  crane  flies  of  Iran 
was  published  in  this  Journal  82:  279,  1974  and  concerned  the  tribe  Pediciini.  At  this 
time  I am  discussing  the  Eriopterine  genus  Gonomyia  and  provide  descriptions  of  seven 
undescribed  species,  Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) curticurva,  G.  (/.)  laterospina,  G.  (/.)  orthophallus, 
G.  (/.)  spinistylata,  G.  ( Gonomyia ) basilobata,  G.  ( G .)  elburzensis , and  G.  (G.)  oxybeles, 
from  the  Elburz  Mountains  in  northern  Iran. 


As  was  discussed  in  the  first  part  under  this  title  the  large  series  of  Tipulidae 
from  northern  Iran  was  collected  by  Dr.  Fernand  Schmid  in  1955  and  1956  and 
added  greatly  to  the  then  poorly  known  Iranese  crane  fly  fauna.  I am  very 
indebted  to  Dr.  Schmid  for  his  efforts  in  making  known  the  Tipulidae  of  virtually 
all  of  southern  Asia.  The  types  of  the  new  species  are  preserved  in  the  Alexander 
collection. 


Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) curticurva,  n.  sp. 

Mesonotal  praescutum  with  three  gray  stripes,  interspaces  with  two  long  pale  brown 
lines,  pleura  light  brown  above,  below  chiefly  yellow;  femora  yellowed  with  a narrow 
pale  brown  nearly  terminal  ring;  wings  faintly  darkened,  prearcular  and  costal  regions  pale 
yellow,  stigma  pale  brown;  Sc  short,  Sci  ending  opposite  origin  of  Rs,  Sc2  far  retracted; 
m-cu  more  than  its  length  before  fork  of  M ; male  hypopygium  with  three  dististyles,  all 
terminating  in  blackened  points;  apex  of  aedeagus  a very  small  curved  hook. 

Male.  Length  about  4 mm;  wing  5 mm.  Rostrum  dark  brown;  palpi  black.  Antennae 
with  scape  brown,  pedicel  yellow,  flagellum  brownish  black.  Head  with  anterior  vertex 
yellow,  posterior  vertex  gray. 

Pronotum  brownish  gray,  scutellum  and  sides  of  scutum  light  yellow.  Mesonotal  prae- 
scutum with  three  gray  stripes,  the  interspaces  appearing  as  two  long  pale  brown  lines, 
pseudosutural  foveae  darkened;  scutum  gray,  lobes  slightly  infuscated,  posterior  angles 
yellowed;  scutellum  obscure  yellow;  postnotal  mediotergite  brownish  gray,  pleurotergite 
light  brown  with  a yellowed  spot.  Pleura  light  brown  dorsally,  sternopleurite  and  posterior 
sclerites  yellow,  ventral  sternopleurite  pale  brown.  Halteres  with  stem  obscure  yellow, 
knob  pale  brown.  Legs  with  coxae  yellow,  bases  of  fore  and  middle  pairs  pale  brown; 
trochanters  yellow;  femora  yellowed,  with  a narrow  pale  brown  nearly  terminal  ring; 
tibiae  and  basitarsi  yellow,  apices  darkened,  remainder  of  tarsi  pale  brown.  Wings  faintly 
darkened,  prearcular  and  costal  regions  pale  yellow;  stigma  light  brown.  Longitudinal 
veins  beyond  general  level  of  origin  of  Rs  with  trichia,  more  sparse  on  vein  Rs  and  tips  of 


1 Contribution  from  the  Entomological  Laboratory,  University  of  Massachusetts. 
New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  2-9.  March,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


3 


the  Anals.  Venation:  Sc  short,  Sci  ending  opposite  origin  of  Rs,  Sc2  far  retracted,  Set  and  Rs 
subequal  in  length ; distance  on  costa  between  Ri+2  and  Rs  about  one-third  the  length  of  the 
latter;  m-cu  more  than  its  length  before  the  fork  of  M. 

Abdominal  tergites  brown,  sternites  paler;  hypopygium  brownish  yellow.  Male  hypo- 
pygium  (Fig.  2)  with  outer  lobe  of  basistyle,  b,  long,  vestiture  relatively  short,  inner  lobe 
lacking.  Three  dististyles,  d,  all  terminating  in  blackened  points;  outer  style  curved, 
narrowed  gradually  into  a long  slender  spine ; intermediate  style  largest,  its  outer  angle 
a long  gently  curved  spine,  the  inner  angle  short  and  stout;  inner  style  straight,  narrowed 
gradually  into  a long  straight  blackened  spine,  several  long  pale  setae  at  base.  Aedeagus,  a, 
long,  outer  end  slightly  curved,  apex  a very  small  hook. 

Holotype.  $,  Bar,  Iran,  June  30,  1956  (Schmid). 

The  species  is  generally  similar  to  Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) orthophallus,  n.  sp.,  differing  in 
hypopygial  structure,  especially  the  intermediate  dististyle  and  the  aedeagus. 

Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) laterospina,  n.  sp. 

General  coloration  gray,  patterned  with  brown ; femora  yellow,  tips  narrowly  brown ; 
wings  subhyaline,  unpatterned  except  for  the  pale  brown  stigma,  Sci  very  long;  male  hypo- 
pygium with  four  dististyles,  the  outermost  a narrow  rod  with  a small  blackened  spine  at 
near  midlength ; aedeagus  with  apex  slightly  curved,  subtended  by  two  low  points. 

Male.  Length  about  5 mm;  wing  about  5 mm.  Rostrum  gray;  palpi  black.  Antennae 
black.  Head  obscure  gray. 

Pronotal  scutum  dark  gray,  laterally  light  yellow,  scutellum  yellow.  Mesonotal  prae- 
scutum  with  disk  gray,  with  two  intermediate  more  brownish  gray  longitudinal  stripes, 
humeral  and  lateral  borders  yellowed;  scutum  gray,  centers  of  lobes  vaguely  more  darkened; 
scutellum  grayish  brown;  postnotum  gray.  Pleura  brownish  gray  above,  lower  half  yellowed, 
the  ventral  part  slightly  darker.  Halteres  with  stem  pale,  knob  dark  brown.  Legs  with 
coxae  and  trochanters  yellow ; femora  yellow,  tips  narrowly  brown ; tibiae  yellow,  tips 
very  narrowly  darkened;  basitarsi  yellowed,  remainder  of  tarsi  brown.  Wings  subhyaline, 
stigma  pale  brown,  inconspicuous;  veins  pale  brown,  Sc  more  yellowed.  Macrotrichia  on 
most  longitudinal  veins  beyond  level  of  origin  of  Rs,  lacking  on  R3,  present  on  apices  of 
both  Anal  veins.  Venation:  Sci  ending  slightly  beyond  origin  of  Rs,  Sc2  far  retracted,  Sci 
nearly  as  long  as  Rs;  distance  on  costa  between  veins  Ri+2  and  R..  about  one-third  to 
one-half  the  latter  vein. 

Abdominal  tergites  dark  brown,  sternites  and  hypopygium  slightly  paler.  Male  hypo- 
pygium (Fig.  3)  with  basistyle,  b,  produced  into  a longer  outer  and  a small  slender  inner 
lobe.  Four  dististyles,  d,  the  outermost  a long  nearly  straight  rod,  its  basal  half  stouter, 
at  point  of  narrowing  with  a small  blackened  spine;  second  style  largest,  basal  half  slender, 
apically  dilated  into  a subcircular  blade  that  terminates  in  an  acute  spine,  at  base  of  blade 
with  a smaller  accessory  projection  that  bears  two  unequal  spines,  the  more  basal  one 
smaller;  third  style  a long  very  slender  nearly  straight  blackened  spine;  inner  style  slightly 
shorter,  pale  throughout,  apex  with  a microscopic  point.  Aedeagus,  a,  with  apex  a slightly 
curved  spine  that  is  subtended  by  two  low  points. 

Holotype.  $,  Bar,  Iran,  June  30,  1956  (Schmid).  Paratopotypes.  3 $$,  with  type. 

From  other  regional  species  of  Idiocera  having  the  wings  unpatterned  except  for  the 
stigmal  darkening,  the  present  fly  is  most  readily  told  by  the  hypopygial  structure, 
including  the  four  dististyles  and  the  structure  of  the  aedeagus.  It  is  generally  similar  to 
Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) alexanderiana  (Lackschewitz)  of  Albania,  differing  in  hypopygial 
structure. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) orthophallus,  n.  sp. 

Size  relatively  large  (wing  about  6 mm)  ; thorax  dark  grayish  brown,  patterned  with 
yellow,  especially  on  pleura ; wings  subhyaline,  stigma  scarcely  darker ; Sc  long,  Sci 
ending  beyond  one-third  length  of  Rs ; male  hypopygium  with  three  dististyles,  the  inner 
and  outer  similar  to  one  another,  their  outer  ends  pointed;  aedeagus  long  and  straight, 
apex  not  decurved. 

Male.  Length  about  5 mm;  wing  6 mm.  Rostrum  and  palpi  black.  Antennae  with  scape 
yellowed,  flagellum  black,  the  segments  elongate.  Front  and  orbits  yellowed,  vertex 
brown. 

Pronotal  scutum  dark  grayish  brown,  margins  broadly  yellow;  scutellum  obscure 
yellow.  Mesonotal  praescutum  grayish  brown  with  two  intermediate  brown  stripes,  lateral 
borders  yellow;  scutal  lobes  brown,  each  with  two  vague  darker  brown  spots,  median 
area  anteriorly  obscure  yellow;  scutellum  obscure  brownish  yellow,  base  and  a narrow 
central  area  darkened;  postnotum  brownish  gray,  sides  of  anterior  half  of  mediotergite 
light  yellow,  pleurotergite  light  yellow  above,  lower  third  brownish  gray.  Pleura  light 
yellow,  propleura,  dorsal  mesopleura  and  ventral  sternopleurite  dark  gray,  meron  yellow, 
narrowly  darkened  anteriorly.  Halteres  with  stem  yellow,  knob  brown.  Legs  with  fore 
coxae  light  yellow,  darkened  basally,  mid-coxae  similar,  the  darkened  part  restricted, 
posterior  coxae  yellow;  trochanters  yellow;  femora  brownish  yellow,  tips  darker;  tibiae 
and  tarsi  brown.  Wings  subhyaline,  very  faintly  tinted,  stigma  scarcely  darker  than  the 
ground;  veins  light  brown,  Sc  more  yellowed.  Longitudinal  veins  beyond  general  level 
of  origin  of  Rs  with  long  trichia,  including  also  outer  ends  of  both  anal  veins.  Venation: 
Sc  long,  Sci  ending  shortly  beyond  one-third  Rs,  Sci  long,  about  one-half  Rs ; veins  R i+2  and 
Ra  narrowly  separated  at  costal  border ; m-cu  about  its  own  length  or  slightly  more 
before  the  fork  of  M . 

Abdomen  brown.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  4)  with  outer  lobe  of  basistyle,  b,  large  and 
fleshy,  with  long  setae,  inner  lobe  small.  Three  dististyles,  d,  the  outer  and  inner  generally 
similar  in  size  and  length,  appearing  as  straight  lobes,  their  pointed  outer  ends  blackened,  the 
amount  less  on  the  inner  style ; intermediate  style  much  larger,  with  outer  half  more  nar- 
rowed, at  its  base  with  a blackened  point.  Phallosome  with  the  aedeagus,  a,  long  and 
straight,  apex  not  decurved;  gonapophyses  small,  narrow,  slightly  curved  outwardly, 
separated  by  a low  setiferous  cushion. 

Holotype.  $,  Durbadam,  Iran,  July  3,  1956  (Schmid).  Paratypes.  $,  Bar,  Iran, 
June  30,  1956;  S,  Firouz  Kuh,  August  14,  1956  (Schmid). 


Fig.  1.  Gonomyia  ( Gonomyia ) basilobata,  n.  sp.;  venation. 

Fig.  2.  Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) curticurva,  n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  3.  Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) laterospina,  n.  sp. ; male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  4.  Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) orthophallus,  n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  5.  Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) spinulistyla , n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  6.  Gonomyia  ( Gonomyia ) basilobata,  n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  7.  Gonomyia  ( Gonomyia ) elburzensis,  n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  8.  Gonomyia  ( Gonomyia ) oxybeles,  n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

(Symbols:  Male  hypopygium — a,  aedeagus;  b,  basistyle;  d,  dististyles;  id,  inner  dististyle; 
md,  middle  dististyle;  p,  phallosome;  t,  9th  tergite). 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


The  present  fly  is  most  readily  distinguished  from  generally  similar  regional  species  by 
hypopygial  characters,  especially  the  straight  slender  aedeagus  and  the  conformation  of 
the  three  dististyles.  Such  similar  regional  species  include  Gonomyia  ( ldiocera ) displosa 
Alexander  and  G.  (/.)  phallostena  Alexander,  both  from  Kashmir,  all  differing  among  them- 
selves in  hypopygial  structure. 

Gonomyia  ( ldiocera ) spinulistyla,  n.  sp. 

General  coloration  of  mesonotum  brownish  gray,  praescutum  with  two  longitudinal 
brown  stripes;  pleura  brownish  black  with  a whitened  longitudinal  stripe;  knob  of  halteres 
black;  femora  yellow  with  a narrow  pale  brown  nearly  terminal  darkening;  wings  whitened, 
with  a restricted  dark  brown  pattern  beyond  the  cord;  veins  Ri+2  and  R3  contiguous  at 
margin  closing  the  cell;  male  hypopygium  with  three  dististyles,  the  inner  one  distinctive; 
apex  of  aedeagus  subtended  by  triangular  points. 

Male.  Length  about  6 mm;  wing  5 mm.  Rostrum  and  palpi  black.  Antennae  broken. 
Head  above  gray,  extensively  light  yellow  posteriorly. 

Mesonotal  praescutum  light  gray  with  two  longitudinal  brown  stripes  that  are  narrower 
than  the  median  interspaces;  scutum  brownish  gray,  each  lobe  with  a large  brown  area; 
scutellum  brownish  gray,  vaguely  paler  medially;  postnotal  mediotergite  dark  brownish 
gray,  pleurotergite  extensively  light  yellow,  darker  behind.  Pleura  brownish  black, 
ventrally  sparsely  pruinose  with  a conspicuous  whitened  longitudinal  stripe  extending 
from  fore  coxae  to  the  abdomen,  widened  behind,  dorsopleural  region  whitish  yellow. 
Halteres  long,  stem  yellow,  knob  black.  Legs  with  fore  coxae  as  described,  middle  coxae 
blackened  basally,  remainder  broadly  white,  posterior  coxae  obscure  yellow,  bases  narrowly 
brownish  black ; trochanters  yellow ; femora  yellow  with  a narrow  pale  brown  nearly  terminal 
darkening;  tibiae  and  basitarsi  yellow,  extreme  tips  slightly  darkened,  remainder  of  tarsi 
brown.  Wings  whitened,  prearcular  and  costal  fields  light  yellow;  a restricted  dark  brown 
pattern  including  h,  Sc2  and  base  of  Rs , tip  of  Sci,  stigma,  and  a more  extensive  apical  area 
chiefly  in  cell  Riy  the  center  of  the  marking  with  a whitened  spot ; other  darkened  seams 
over  cord,  including  m-cu , and  at  arculus;  veins  brownish  yellow,  clearer  yellow  in  the 
costal  field,  dark  brown  in  the  patterned  areas.  Venation:  Sc  long,  ending  nearly  opposite 
midlength  of  Rs,  Sc2  retracted,  placed  shortly  before  Rs ; Ri+2  and  R3  confluent  or 
contiguous  at  margin  closing  cell  R^ ; vein  Ri  strongly  upcurved  on  outer  third ; m-cu 
about  one  and  one-half  times  its  length  before  fork  of  M. 

Abdominal  tergites  dark  brown,  incisures  vaguely  paler,  sternites  lighter  brown.  Male 
hypopygium  (Fig.  5)  with  three  dististyles,  d,  outer  style  expanded  outwardly,  divided  into 
two  major  spines,  the  outer  one  long  and  slender  with  a smaller  basal  spinule,  inner  spine 
shorter,  strongly  curved;  intermediate  style  bifid  at  apex  into  a long  slender  spine  and  a 
shorter  spur;  inner  style  distinctive,  short  and  compact,  terminating  in  a small  spine,  the 
base  of  style  with  very  numerous  blackened  spinules.  Aedeagus,  a,  curved  at  apex,  at 
base  subtended  on  either  side  by  a small  triangular  point. 

Holotype.  $,  Bar,  Iran,  June  30,  1956  (Schmid).  Paratopotype,  a fragmentary  $,  mounted 
on  slide. 

Regional  species  that  are  generally  similar  to  the  present  fly  include  Gonomyia  ( ldiocera ) 
jucunda  Loew,  G.  (/.)  punctata  (Lackschewitz)  and  G.  (I.)  schrenki  Mik,  all  differing 
among  themselves  in  hypopygial  structure,  especially  the  dististyles. 

Gonomyia  ( Gonomyia ) basilobata,  n.  sp. 

Rostrum  light  yellow;  palpi  and  antennae  black;  mesonotal  praescutum  with  disk 
dark  brown,  lateral  margins  light  yellow,  pleura  yellow,  striped  longitudinally  with  pale 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


7 


brown;  wings  with  stigma  slightly  infuscated;  male  hypopygium  with  a small  lobe  at  base 
of  inner  dististyle;  phallosome  with  a single  blackened  apophysis,  the  second  one  entirely 
pale,  apex  of  aedeagus  obtusely  rounded. 

Male.  Length  about  5-5.5  mm;  wing  4.5-5  mm.  Rostrum  light  yellow;  palpi  black. 
Antennae  brownish  black,  pedicel  more  intensely  darkened.  Head  gray. 

Prothorax  light  yellow,  darker  on  sides.  Mesonotal  praescutum  with  disk  dark  brown, 
interspaces  not  or  scarcely  differentiated,  humeral  and  lateral  regions  light  yellow;  scutum 
with  lobes  blackened,  pruinose,  posterior  angles  slightly  reddened,  median  area  yellow; 
scutellum  brown,  posterior  border  narrowly  more  darkened;  postnotal  mediotergite  gray, 
sides  yellow;  pleurotergite  yellowed.  Pleura  yellow,  striped  with  pale  brown,  the  dorsal 
area  narrower  and  poorly  delimited,  sternal  darkening  more  extensive.  Halteres  with 
stem  pale  yellow,  knob  brown.  Legs  with  coxae  pale  brown,  middle  pair  more  yellowed; 
trochanters  yellow;  remainder  of  legs  brown.  Wings  (Fig.  1)  weakly  darkened,  stigma 
slightly  infuscated,  large;  veins  medium  brown.  Venation:  Sci  ending  shortly  beyond  origin 
of  Rs;  i?2+3+4  long,  gently  arcuated;  m-cu  slightly  before  or  beyond  m-cu. 

Abdomen  brown,  hypopygium  slightly  more  yellowed.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  6) 
with  outer  dististyle,  d,  narrow,  apical  flange  elongate;  inner  style  with  dorsal  spine  stout, 
at  base  of  style  with  a small  lobe  tipped  with  a strong  seta.  Phallosome,  p , with  two 
gonapophyses,  one  blackened,  the  more  slender  lower  spine  entirely  pale;  apex  of  aedeagus 
obtusely  rounded. 

Holotype.  $,  Mishgin,  Iran,  August  21,  1956  (Schmid).  Paratypes.  $,  Bar,  Iran, 
June  30,  1956;  $,  Durbadam,  Iran,  July  3,  1956  (Schmid). 

The  present  fly  is  most  readily  distinguished  from  other  generally  similar  regional  species  by 
the  structure  of  the  inner  dististyle,  with  the  reduced  basal  tubercle,  and  the  single  blackened 
gonapophysis  of  the  phallosome.  The  genotype  of  Gonomyia,  tenella  (Meigen),  has  the  inner 
dististyle  generally  similar  but  the  phallosome  has  both  gonapophyses  blackened  and  the 
apex  of  the  aedeagus  different. 

Gonomyia  ( Gonomyia ) elburzensis,  n.  sp. 

General  coloration  of  thorax  yellow,  praescutum  with  disk  dark  brown,  scutal  lobes  and 
mediotergite  brown,  pleura  yellow,  restrictedly  patterned  with  brown;  legs  light  brown; 
male  hypopygium  with  gonapophyses  unequal,  both  heavily  blackened,  terminating  in 
slender  spines,  apex  of  aedeagus  short  and  obtuse. 

Male.  Length  about  4. 5-4. 6 mm;  wing  5-5.3  mm.  Rostrum,  palpi  and  antennae  brownish 
black.  Head  gray. 

Prothorax  clear  light  yellow.  Mesonotal  praescutum  with  disk  dark  brown,  the  inter- 
spaces concolorous  with  the  stripes,  lateral  borders  clear  light  yellow;  scutal  lobes  dark 
brown,  median  region  light  yellow,  narrowly  darkened  behind;  scutellum  light  yellow; 
mediotergite  brown,  anterolateral  portions  and  the  pleurotergite  light  yellow.  Pleura 
chiefly  light  yellow,  including  the  dorsopleural  membrane;  ventral  sternopleurite  and  a 
small  area  on  lower  anepisternum  brown.  Halteres  with  stem  light  yellow,  apex  of  knob 
brown.  Legs  with  fore  coxae  weakly  darkened,  remaining  coxae  light  yellow;  trochanters 
brownish  yellow;  remainder  of  legs  light  brown.  Wings  subhyaline,  stigma  not  indicated; 
veins  pale  brown.  Venation:  Sci  ending  about  opposite  one-fourth  to  one-fifth  Rs ; m-cu  at 
fork  of  M. 

Abdominal  tergites  brown,  incisures  pale;  sternites  light  yellow  medially  and  on  extreme 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


margins,  sublateral  areas  narrowly  brown.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  7)  with  lobe  of 
basistyle,  b,  elongate,  the  apical  glabrous  flange  elongate,  outer  setae  long.  Dististyle,  d, 
about  as  shown;  outer  basal  lobe  long  and  slender,  tipped  with  a single  long  seta;  rostral 
prolongation  short,  the  two  modified  setae  elongate ; summit  of  style  blackened.  Phallosome, 
p,  with  both  gonapophyses  blackened  and  extended  into  slender  spines ; apex  of  aedeagus  short 
and  obtuse,  almost  rounded. 

Holotype.  $,  Lius,  Iran,  2,200  meters,  September  14,  1955  (Schmid).  Paratopotype. 
S,  pinned  with  type.  Paratypes,  $,  Waliabad,  Iran,  September  24,  1956;  $,  Nandeh,  Iran, 
June  10,  1956  (Schmid). 

The  most  similar  regional  species  include  Gonomyia  ( Gonomyia ) tenella  (Meigen), 
Europe,  G.  (G.)  chalaza  Alexander,  Pakistan,  and  some  others,  all  differing  in  hypopygial 
details,  particularly  in  the  dististyles  and  phallosome. 

Gonomyia  ( Gonomyia ) oxybeles,  n.  sp. 

Size  large  (wing  over  6 mm);  rostrum  light  yellow,  palpi  and  antennae  black;  thoracic 
dorsum  grayish  brown  and  yellow,  pleura  conspicuously  patterned  with  brown ; wings 
light  brown,  stigma  very  pale,  Sex  ending  shortly  beyond  origin  of  Rs , cell  Rz  large; 
male  hypopygium  with  outer  lobe  of  basistyle  small;  outer  dististyle  with  lateral  blade  slightly 
darkened,  lateral  spine  of  inner  dististyle  with  a small  point  at  base;  phallosome  distinctive, 
especially  the  aedeagus  beyond  the  gonapophyses. 

Male.  Length  about  6.5  mm;  wing  6.2  mm.  Female.  Length  about  7.5  mm;  wing  6.5  mm. 
Rostrum  light  yellow;  palpi  black.  Antennae  black;  flagellar  segments  long-oval.  Head 
light  gray. 

Pronotum  light  yellow,  sides  of  scutum  darkened.  Mesonotal  praescutum  with  disk 
chiefly  dark  gray,  stripes  margined  with  brown,  sides  broadly  light  yellow;  scutum  yellow, 
anterior  and  mesal  parts  of  lobes  dark  brown,  posterior  ends  yellowed;  scutellum  yellow; 
postnotal  mediotergite  dark  brown  medially,  sides  yellow,  pleurotergite  yellow,  above  and 
below  vaguely  margined  with  brown.  Pleura  chiefly  light  yellow,  patterned  with  light 
brown,  including  a narrow  stripe  on  propleura  and  mesopleura,  ventral  sternopleurite  more 
extensively  darkened.  Halteres  with  stem  light  yellow,  knob  brown.  Legs  with  coxae 
and  trochanters  yellow;  remainder  of  legs  broken.  Wings  very  light  brown,  prearcular 
and  costal  fields  light  yellow,  stigma  very  pale  brown ; veins  pale  brown,  Sc  yellow. 
Venation:  Sci  ending  shortly  beyond  origin  of  Rs,  in  type  about  opposite  one-fifth  the  length 
of  vein ; cell  Rs  large ; m-cu  varying  slightly  in  position,  from  before  to  beyond  the  fork  of  M. 

Abdomen  dark  brown,  lateral  borders  of  tergites  yellowed,  the  posterior  margins  more 
narrowly  so.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  8)  with  outer  lobe  of  basistyle,  b,  small.  Outer 
dististyle,  d , a straight  blade,  outer  lateral  margin  slightly  darkened;  inner  style,  id,  with 
outer  spine  large,  slightly  curved,  with  a small  acute  point  at  base;  setae  of  rostral  lobe 
long.  Phallosome,  p,  distinctive,  with  two  unequal  black  apophyses;  aedeagus,  a,  distinctive, 
with  a flattened  rounded  lobe  near  base  and  a larger  outer  lobe  that  bears  a small  darkened 
point  or  short  spine  at  outer  end,  distal  end  of  aedeagus  bent  at  a strong  angle,  as  shown. 

Holotype.  $,  Mughan,  Iran,  June  20,  1956  (Schmid).  Allotopotype.  ?,  pinned  with 
type.  Paratopotype.  $ , pinned  with  types. 

The  present  fly  is  similar  to  Gonomyia  ( Gonomyia ) sibyna  Alexander,  of  Sikkim  and 
Assam,  differing  most  evidently  in  hypopygial  structure,  especially  the  inner  dististyle  and 
phallosome. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


9 


DISTRIBUTIONAL  RECORDS 

Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) similior  Alexander 

Gonomyia  ( Idiocera ) similior  Alexander;  Ann.  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.  (12)9:  50-51;  1956. 

Eastern  Europe;  southwestern  Asia  (Afghanistan,  type). 

Iran:  Bagerabad,  June  10,  1956;  Kiakola,  May  22,  1956;  Persepolis,  May  2,  1956; 

Quattekas,  1800  meters,  September  19,  1955;  Tegan,  July  5,  1956  (all  Schmid). 

Gonomyia  ( Gonomyia ) abbreviata  Loew 
Gonomyia  abbreviata  Loew;  Beschr.  Europ.  Diptera,  3:  58;  1873. 

Gonomyia  abbreviata  de  Meijere;  Tijd.  v.  Ent.,  63:  84,  fig.  84  (venation,  $ hyp);  1920. 

Gonomyia  ( Lipophleps ) abbreviata  Edwards,  Trans.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  112,  pi.  5, 

fig.  16  (wing)  ; 1938. 

Gonomyia  abbreviata  Lackschewitz ; Ann.  naturhist.  Mus.  Wien;  50:  60,  fig.  9,  p.  57, 

wing ; 1940. 

Europe. 

Iran:  Ardehjan,  September  9 and  11,  1956  (Schmid). 


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Notes  on  the  Life  Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies 
of  El  Salvador.  VI  A. — Diaethria  astala  Guerin. 

( Nymplialidae-Callicorinae  ) 

Alberto  Muyshondt 

101  Avenida  Norte  #322.  San  Salvador.  El  Salvador. 

Received  for  Publication  May  6,  1974. 

Abstract:  The  results  of  observations  carried  on  for  a period  of  five  years  on  one  species  of 
the  Callicorinae,  Diaethria  astala  Guerin,  are  presented.  An  account  is  given  of  the  external 
morphological  characteristics  of  the  early  stages,  of  the  time  elapsed  in  the  metamorphosis, 
of  the  progressive  sizes  of  each  stage,  and  of  the  foodplants  in  El  Salvador.  The  evident 
similarities  between  the  early  stages  of  this  species  and  of  Catagramma  titania  Salvin, 
and  C.  pitheas  Latreille,  on  one  hand,  and  the  early  stages  of  species  belonging  to  the 
Catonephelinae  are  pointed  out,  suggesting  a close  phylogenetic  relationship  between 
the  three  groups.  The  probability  of  the  species  having  developed  impalatability  against 
predators  is  deduced  a priori  from  the  noxious  properties  of  the  foodplants  exploited 
by  the  larvae,  and  a posteriori  from  the  brilliant  coloration  exhibited  by  the  adults. 

INTRODUCTION 

Through  several  series  of  articles  my  sons  and  I intend  to  divulge  the  results 
of  our  observations  on  the  early  stages  and  adults  of  butterflies  inhabiting  the 
neighborhood  of  San  Salvador,  capital  city  of  El  Salvador.  The  present  one  is 
the  sixth  of  the  second  series  which  was  dedicated  up  to  now  to  the  Cato- 
nephilinae.  This  one  deals  with  a species  of  Callicorinae,  in  order  to  evidence 
the  close  relation  between  the  two  groups  which  are  widely  accepted  as  Nym- 
phalidae. 

Even  though  two  centuries  ago  Denis  and  Schiffermiiller  (1775)  were  con- 
scious of  the  importance  of  the  characteristics  of  the  larvae  as  well  as  these  of  the 
butterflies  when  working  up  a system  of  the  Lepidoptera,  “Ein  Auge  auf  den 
Schmetterling,  das  andere  auf  die  Raupe,”  (one  eye  on  the  butterfly,  the 
other  on  the  larva),  and  modern  authors  still  accept  the  validity  of  that  concept, 
going  even  further:  “any  classification  must  take  into  account  as  many  as 

possible  of  the  external  and  internal  structures  not  only  of  the  adults  but  of 
the  early  stages”  (Ford,  1945),  it  is  evident  that  the  early  stages  of  many 
Neotropical  Rhopalocera  are  still  little  known.  As  a result,  some  groupings  have 
been  arbitrarily  made.  We  hope  that  our  presentations  will  help,  within  their 
limitations,  to  fill  the  existing  gap  of  information. 


Acknowledgments:  Again  we  express  our  gratitude  to  Dr.  Alexander  B.  Klots  of 
the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York,  as  without  his  valuable  help  and 
advice  this  publication  would  not  have  been  possible.  We  also  thank  Dr.  Frederick  D. 
Rindge,  of  the  same  institution,  who  confirmed  the  tentative  identification  of  the  species. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  XXXIII:  10-18.  March,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


11 


We  have  reared  Diaethria  as  tala  Guerin  a number  of  times  since  early  1968 
from  eggs  collected  immediately  after  oviposition.  Photos  have  been  taken  of 
them,  of  the  subsequent  larval  instars  and  of  the  pupae.  Record  has  been  kept 
of  the  time  spent  on  each  individual  stage  and  their  respective  measurements. 
Specimens  of  the  early  stages  were  perserved  in  alcohol  and  sent  to  the  American 
Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York,  where  they  are  available  to  students 
of  the  group.  In  every  instance  we  have  reared  this  species,  the  eggs  and  larvae 
were  kept  in  transparent  plastic  bags  which  were  cleaned  daily  and  maintained 
at  all  times  under  ambient  light  and  temperature  conditions.  The  identification 
of  the  butterfly  was  tentatively  made  by  Miguel  Serrano,  and  confirmed 
later  by  Dr.  Frederick  D.  Rindge. 

LIFE  CYCLE  STAGES 

Egg.  Truncated  cone  shaped.  Green  with  14  lighter  green  ribs  running  from  base  to 
micropylar  area.  Ribs  alternately  reach  the  micropyle  and  vanish  at  the  edge  of  the  dome. 
About  .75  mm.  long.  Hatches  in  4 days. 

First  instar  larva.  Head  brown,  roundish,  naked.  Body  yellowish-green,  cylindrical, 
naked,  with  annulets  between  segments.  1.5  mm  long  when  recently  hatched,  3 mm 
before  moulting  in  4 days. 

Second  instar  larva.  Head  brown  with  short,  stubby,  knobbed  horns  on  each  epicranial 
apex.  Body  yellowish-green  profusely  tuberculated  by  minute  excrescences  of  lighter 
color.  A lateral  spine,  deflected  caudad,  at  each  side  of  the  9th  abdominal  segment. 
5.5  mm  long  before  moulting  in  4 days. 

Third  instar  larva.  Head  brown,  cordiform,  with  two  long  (nearly  % of  body  length) 
slender,  brown  horns  ornamented  with  three  rosettes  of  accessory  spines,  bearing  sparse 
thin  setae.  Body  light  green,  finely  tuberculate,  with  minute  subdorsal,  black,  tri-furcated 
spines,  from  second  abdominal  segment  to  8th  abdominal  segment.  Lateral  spines  on 
9th  abdominal  segment  more  developed  and  yellowish.  About  10  mm  long  (not  counting 
the  horns).  Moults  in  6 to  8 days. 

Fourth  instar  larva.  Head  and  body  as  in  third  stadium,  but  horns  % of  body  length, 
and  subdorsal  spines  on  yellow  pinnacula.  Grows  to  15  mm  in  5-7  days. 

Fifth  instar  larva.  Head  reddish  at  base  of  horns  and  lateral  margins,  whitish  in  front. 
Horn  shafts  alternately  reddish  brown  and  dirty  white.  Accessory  spines  on  horns  bearing 
sparse  dark  setae  at  tips.  Body  light  green  with  a scattering  of  tiny  white  tubercles  and 
three  rows  of  yellow  tubercules,  one  along  meson  from  1st  to  7th  abdominal  segments, 
and  two  subdorsally  from  2nd  thoracic  segment  to  8th  abdominal  segment.  The  subdorsal 
tubercules  bear  each  a small  but  prominent  black  spine  and  two  smaller  ones.  The  median 
tubercules  each  bear  one  small  black  spine.  The  lateral  furcated  black  spines  on  9th  ab- 
dominal segment  are  very  prominent  now  on  yellow  scoli.  Grows  to  25  or  27  mm  in 
6-7  days. 

Prepupa.  No  changes  in  appearance,  but  shorter.  One  day. 

Pupa.  Abdomen  thickening  from  brown  flat  cremaster  to  wing  cases.  Indentation  separating 
abdomen  from  humped  and  keeled  thorax  dorsally,  terminating  in  bifid  head.  Color 


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Figs.  1-8.  Diaethria  astala  Guerin.  1.  Egg.  2.  First  instar  larva  with  frass  pellets 
stuck  to  its  body.  3.  Second  instar  larva  on  its  perch,  ready  to  moult.  4.  Third  instar 
larva.  Notice  body  parallel  to  leaf.  S.  Fifth  instar  larva  with  anterior  part  of  the  body 
raised.  6.  Pupa.  Lateral  view.  7.  Pupa.  Dorsal  view.  8.  Pupa.  Ventral  view. 


green  with  brown  lining  laterally  from  cremaster,  wing  cases  and  head.  Thin  brown  vein- 
like markings  ventrally  on  wingcases,  and  two  dark  spots  about  midway  along  the  antennae. 
Spiracula  small  and  inconspicuous  green.  The  whole  dorsal  surface  covered  by  very  short, 
golden  hair  visible  under  a 10  X magnification  only.  Wingcases  turning  dark  before  adult 
emergence.  Duration  5-6  days. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


13 


Adults.  There  is  sexual  dimorphism  in  this  species,  even  if  not  so  drastic  as  in  some 
Catonephelinae.  The  shape  of  the  wings  is  the  same  in  both  sexes:  front  wing  with 

a slightly  convex  costal  margin,  rounded  apex,  almost  straight  outer  margin,  rounded 
tornus  and  slightly  concave  inner  margin.  Hindwing  almost  round,  with  a humeral  lobe 
and  a fold  at  inner  margin.  Dorsal  ground  color  of  both  fore-  and  hindwings  is  in  both 
sexes  velvety  black,  which  in  males  gives  a deep  blue  reflexion  under  direct  sunlight. 
In  front  wings  of  males  there  is  an  iridescent  blue  slanting  bar  arising  from  inner  margin, 
near  tornus,  towards  mid-costal  margin,  disappearing  around  discal  cell,  and  a white 
spot  subapically.  On  females  the  slanting  bar  is  narrower,  iridescent  greenish-blue  and 
almost  reaches  the  costal  margin;  there  are  two  subapical  white  spots  instead  of  one. 
Ventrally  both  sexes  have  the  same  striking  combination  of  colors:  fore  wing  with  a small 
gray  basal  area,  followed  by  a triangular  red  zone  lined  by  dark  gray  band  along  inner 
margin,  then  a thick,  dull-black  band  from  mid-costal  margin  to  tornus,  finally  an  apical 
white  triangle  with  two  thin  black  lines  parallel  to  outer  margin.  Hind  wing  mostly  white 
with  the  characteristic  gray  “89”  surrounded  by  a thin  black  line ; another  thin,  red 
line  parallel  to  the  black  line  midway  between  it  and  outer  margin.  Body  black  dorsally, 
white  ventrally.  Dark  brown  eyes  and  black,  white-ringed  antennae.  Wing  span  averaging 
44  mm  in  males,  50  mm  in  females.  Total  developmental  time  varies  from  35  to  41  days. 

NATURAL  HISTORY 

Oviposition  in  this  species  occurs  usually  between  10  and  15  hours.  The 
females  fly  to  the  foodplant  rather  hesitantly.  Once  the  foodplant  has  been 
located,  they  fly  around  a few  times  until  a suitable  place  is  chosen  and  alight 
on  a mature  leaf  or  a tender  terminal.  A single  egg  is  deposited  per  location, 
either  on  the  edge  of  a mature  leaf  or  on  the  tendrils  or  terminal  bud  of  a young 
shoot.  Once  the  egg  is  deposited  the  females  resume  the  circling  flight  and 
the  process  is  repeated  several  times  before  moving  away.  We  have  seen  eggs 
being  laid  from  almost  ground  level  on  small  rampant  plants  (which  is  the  most 
usual  method),  to  about  16  m from  the  ground  on  the  young  terminals  of 
plants  clinging  to  neighboring  trees.  This  is  done  on  vines  belonging  to  the 
Sapindaceae;  the  genera  Serjania  and  Cardiospermum  seem  to  be  preferred, 
even  though  we  have  collected  eggs  and  larvae  of  D.  as  tala  on  Paullinia  spp. 
eventually.  The  eggs,  due  to  their  small  size  and  green  color,  are  rather  hard  to 
find.  The  tiny  hatching  larvae  eat  an  exit  hole  through  a wall  of  the  eggshell, 
and  at  times  eat  afterwards  a portion  of  the  upper  part  of  it,  but  always  leaving 
an  identifiable  remnant.  The  small  larvae  move  later  to  the  edge  of  the  leaf 
and  feed  on  it,  usually  around  a vein,  which  is  prolonged  with  frass  pellets 
affixed  with  silk,  and  this  is  used  by  the  larvae  as  a resting  place  while  not 
feeding.  It  is  common  to  find  small  larvae  with  one  or  several  pellets  stuck  to 
their  own  bodies.  This  might  function  as  camouflage  or  to  have  material  at 
hand  to  lengthen  the  perch  as  needed.  The  small  larvae  usually  hold  to  the 
perch  with  just  the  prolegs,  raising  the  anterior  part  of  the  body,  the  head 
pointing  distally.  Second  instar  larvae  behave  similarly.  The  larvae  during  these 
stadia  leave  the  perches  only  to  feed,  which  is  done  early  in  the  morning  or 


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Figs.  9-12.  Diaethria  astala  Guerin.  9.  Male  dorsal  side.  Measures  in  cm.  10.  Male 
ventral  side.  11.  Female  dorsal  side.  12.  Female  ventral  side. 


late  in  the  afternoon,  and  once  this  is  done  they  crawl  back  to  the  resting  places. 
While  walking,  the  larvae  weave  a foothold  of  silk,  moving  the  head  from  side 
to  side.  From  third  instar  on,  the  larvae  abandon  the  perch  and  wander  about 
the  plant,  usually  on  the  upper  surface  of  the  leaves.  Most  of  the  time  they 
stay  motionless  adopting  two  peculiar  attitudes,  one  with  the  whole  body  in 
contact  with  the  leaf  surface,  the  head  bent  forward  so  that  the  horns  are 
parallel  to  the  leaf  surface;  and  a second  with  only  the  abdominal  segments 
parallel  to  the  leaf  surface,  the  thoracic  segments  raised,  but  as  before  the 
head  bent  forward  in  a similar  manner.  When  the  observer  blows  on  a larva 
resting  as  described,  it  reacts  by  a continuous  twitching  motion  of  the  thoracic 
legs.  If  prodded  with  a sharp  object,  the  larva  strikes  violently  with  its  horns. 
When  by  accident  more  than  one  larva  move  to  the  same  leaf,  a fight  is  certain 
to  occur  as  one  larva  touches  the  other.  As  a rule  one  or  both  contendants 
will  be  punctured  by  the  sharp  spines  of  the  horns,  or  their  horns  will  lock  in 
such  a way  that  both  larvae  will  not  be  able  to  feed  and  therefore  will  starve. 
One  time  we  found  a fifth  instar  larva  moving  about  the  plant  with  a dead 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


15 


third  instar  larva  looped  around  its  thoracic  segments,  the  horns  of  both  larvae 
being  firmly  interlinked.  The  younger  and  weaker  larva  had  succumbed  to 
starvation  while  still  fighting  to  disentangle  its  horns.  The  bigger  larva  died 
few  days  later  as  a result  of  an  infection  caused  by  the  decaying  body  of  the 
smaller  one,  although  due  to  its  greater  strength  it  could  feed  normally. 

When  ready  to  pupate,  the  larvae  look  for  a convenient  place  on  the  same 
vine  or  on  a neighboring  shrub  or  small  tree  and  weave  a silken  pad  usually 
on  the  upper  surface  of  a leaf,  less  commonly  on  the  lower  surface,  clean  the 
digestive  tract  and  hold  to  the  silk  with  the  anal  prolegs.  The  larvae  very 
seldom  hang  to  pupate.  The  pupae  in  consequence,  may  be  on  either  surface 
of  a leaf,  not  hanging,  but  closely  appressed  to  it.  The  pupae  when  disturbed 
can  produce  a faint  creaking  sound  by  wiggling  sidewise  or  moving  accordion- 
like. Shortly  before  the  adult  emergence  the  green  pupae  turn  dark  gray  and 
the  dorsal  colors  of  the  wings  are  visible  through  the  shell. 

The  emerging  adult  rapidly  abandons  the  pupa  shell  and  hangs  from  it  until 
the  wings  are  rigid  enough  to  fly,  meanwhile  expelling  a rusty  meconium.  We 
have  never  observed  the  adults  while  in  copula,  nor  have  we  seen  them  feeding 
on  flowers  nor  on  fermenting  fruits,  even  though  we  suspect  they  do  feed  on  the 
latter;  but  very  often  we  have  collected  adults  on  vertebrate  excrements  or 
at  mud  puddles  alongside  creeks.  When  approached  the  butterflies  fly  swiftly 
in  circles,  their  bluish  flash  being  very  conspicuous. 

The  foodplants  of  Diaethria  astala  larvae  we  have  found  up  to  the  present 
all  belong  to  the  Sapindaceae,  genera  Paullinia  ( P . pinnata),  Serjania  (several 
species)  and  Cardiospermum  (C.  halicacabum) . Many  plants  belonging  to  the 
genera  Paullinia  and  Serjania  are  reported  by  various  authors  (Standley, 
1924;  Beille,  1909;  Baillon,  1874)  to  contain  poisonous  or  narcotic  properties. 
Cardiospermum  halicacabum , according  to  Beille  (1909),  is  rich  in  saponine. 
All  these  plants  are  widely  distributed  in  El  Salvador.  We  have  found  them 
mostly  between  500  and  1500  m along  ravines  and  creeks  which  harbor  very 
disturbed  second  growth  plant  communities  in  this  densely  populated  country, 
whose  land  is  almost  completely  under  intensive  cultivation.  It  is  within  this 
range  (500-1200  m)  that  Diaethria  astala  is  found.  The  adults  favor  the 
neighborhood  of  coffee  plantations,  ravines  and  creeks  with  heavy  vegetation. 

When  rearing  this  species  we  have  lost  many  individuals  due  to  parasitism, 
usually  by  Tachinidae,  but  also  by  Hymenoptera.  Others  died  when  fed  on 
slightly  decaying  leaves  of  the  foodplants,  which  seem  to  become  more  toxic 
even  for  them. 


DISCUSSION 

Muller  (1886)  gives  a description  of  the  early  stages  of  Callicore  meridionalis 
Bates,  using  Myscelia  orsis  Drury  as  comparison  model;  and  of  Catagramma 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


pygas  Godart  comparing  it  with  C.  meridionalis  which  is  cited  by  J.  Rober 
(1915).  Muller  in  his  work  reports  the  foodplant  for  C.  pygas  to  be  Allophylus 
petiolatus  Radlkofer,  (Sapindaceae),  and  amazingly  Trema  micrantha  Dell, 
(Ulmaceae  he  places  under  Urticaceae),  for  Callicore.  This  is  repeated  by 
Rober  (1915),  by  Bates  (1923)  for  Diaethria  clymena  (Cramer)  and  quoted 
by  Kimball  (1965).  Trema  micrantha , a small  tree,  is  found  in  this  country 
in  the  same  habitats  in  which  we  find  the  Sapindaceae  vines  used  by  Diaethria 
as  tala  (as  well  as  other  species:  D.  Salvador  ensis  Franz,  Catagramma  titania 
Salvin,  C.  pitheas  Latreille)  larvae  as  foodplants,  yet  not  a single  time  have 
we  found,  or  have  been  able  to  make  the  larvae  accept  Trema  micrantha  as  food. 
Was  a Sapindaceae  tree  misidentified?  In  any  case,  the  species  we  have  reared, 
feed  locally  and  exclusively  on  a variety  of  plants  of  the  family  Sapindaceae. 
In  our  knowledge,  this  is  the  first  time  a complete  description  of  the  life  cycle 
of  Diaethria  astala , illustrated  with  photographs,  is  presented. 

Ebert  (1969)  lists  under  Callicorinae:  C.  sorana  Godart,  Diaethria  candrena 
Godart,  D.  clymena , D.  eluina  Hewitson  and  Paulo  gramma  pyracmon  Godart 
as  species  existent  in  the  Brazilian  zone  of  Poqos  de  Caldas,  Minas  Gerais. 
We  do  not  find  any  Catagramma  listed  in  that  group,  or  in  the  closely  related 
Catonephelinae.  After  having  reared  Catagramma  titania  from  the  egg  and 

C.  pitheas  partially,  we  dare  to  suggest  Callicorinae  and  Catagramminae  are 
at  least  as  closely  related  as  Catonephelinae  and  Callicorinae,  (if  they  should 
not  be  all  aggregated  into  a single  family,  probably  Catagrammidae,  as  Guenee 
and  Burmeister  did,  separating  the  groups  into  subfamilies  or  tribes),  as  there 
is  a great  similarity  between  the  eggs,  larvae  and  pupae  of  Catagramma  titania 
(and  what  we  have  seen  of  C.  pitheas ),  and  those  of  Diaethria  astala  and 

D.  Salvador  ensis,  (the  latter  using  the  same  foodplants  as  D.  astala  but  at 
higher  altitudes:  1200  m and  up).  One  time  we  observed  a C.  titania  ovipositing 
on  the  young  terminals  of  a Serjania  vine  high  up  in  a supporting  tree  (16-20 
m).  The  terminals  were  brought  down  and  placed  in  a transparent  plastic 
bag.  Some  greenish  eggs  were  found  on  the  younger  parts  of  the  terminals, 
along  with  some  yellow  ones,  and  under  superficial  examination  were  found 
similar,  the  difference  of  coloration  being  attributed  to  different  ages,  and 
all  were  reared  to  adult.  To  our  surprise  two  kinds  of  larvae  were  noticed 
when  at  third  stadium:  some  typical  Diaethria  and  others  without  the  tiny 
subdorsal  spines,  but  with  a thick  scolus  and  with  spines  on  meson  of  8th 
abdominal  segment!  The  head  and  its  horns,  the  body  shape  and  color,  and 
the  behavior  of  these  larvae  were  almost  the  same  as  those  of  Diaethria.  The 
pupae  formed  later  were  all  also  very  similar.  Some  of  these  produced  adults 
of  C.  titania  others  of  D.  astala.  It  is  accepted  that  the  egg,  larval  and  pupal 
characteristics  are  the  ones  which  resist  to  a greater  degree  the  changes  induced 
by  divergent  selection,  and  therefore  are  of  extreme  importance  to  determine 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


17 


phylogenetic  relationships  between  species,  genera  and  families.  In  this  case 
they  seem  to  indicate  the  close  relationship  of  Catagramma-Diaethria.  As  a 
result  of  the  comparison  of  the  external  characteristics  of  the  eggs,  larvae  and 
pupae  of  the  two  genera,  reinforced  by  the  similar  behavior  and  the  same 
foodplant  association,  we  conclude  that  the  two  groups  also  evidence  a close 
affinity  with  Catonephelinae.  We  refer  to  the  descriptions  of  the  early  stages 
and  behavior  of  Catonephele  numilia  esite  Felder  (Muyshondt,  1973),  Epiphile 
adrasta  adrasta  Hewitson  (Muyshondt,  1973a),  Temenis  laothoe  liberia 
Fabricius  (Muyshondt,  1973b)  Pseudonica  jlavilla  canthara  Doubleday  (Muy- 
shondt, 1973c)  and  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  Godman  & Salvin  (Muyshondt, 
1974)  to  support  our  contention,  without  having  to  be  repetitious. 

In  our  presentation  of  the  Catonephelinae  mentioned  above  we  discussed 
the  probability  that  at  least  some  of  them  (E.  adrasta , T.  laothoe , Pseudonica 
jlavilla  and  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor ),  which  also  feed  on  Sapindaceae,  have 
developed  a more  or  less  strong  impalatability  to  predators,  basing  our  asser- 
tion not  only  on  the  poisonous  properties  of  the  foodplants,  but  on  the  gradually 
showier  colors  and  slower  flights  these  species  show,  following  the  sequence  as 
above.  Being  that  Diaethria  astala  larvae  feed  on  the  same  plants  the  others 
do,  that  they  behave  similarly  during  the  early  stages  and  most  of  all  that  the 
adults  have  a brilliant  coloration,  we  also  suggest  the  probability  of  this  species 
being  protected  against  predation  for  the  same  reasons.  In  addition  to  this 
defense  mechanism  based  on  chemical  properties,  the  adults  of  D.  astala  exploit 
the  contrasting  dorsal  and  ventral  bright  colors  to  produce  a bewildering  effect 
on  attackers  of  “flash-and-substitute,”  as  the  fast  moving  blue  streak  suddenly 
disappears  when  the  butterflies  alight  with  their  wings  folded,  and  are  replaced 
by  an  altogether  different  and  immobile  object,  however  bright  and  gaudy  their 
coloration.  In  no  case  could  these  colors  be  considered  cryptic  or  camouflaging, 
but  on  the  contrary  they  seem  to  advertise  the  noxious  properties  of  the  butter- 
flies to  their  potential  enemies. 

Diaethria  astala  is  another  species  which  appears  to  support  our  hypothesis 
that  parasitizing  Diptera  and  Hymenoptera  will  prefer  hosts  protected  from 
predation  as  a means  to  guarantee  the  survival  of  their  progeny,  (Muyshondt 
1973b,  c and  1974)  because  this  species  also  is  decimated  mostly  by  tachinid 
flies.  We  have  found  pupa  shells  in  the  fields  also  clearly  showing  exit  holes 
similar  to  the  ones  caused  by  Spilochalcis  sp.  on  pupae  of  Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor 
in  our  insectarium. 


Literature  Cited 

Baillon,  H.  1874.  Histoire  des  plantes.  Hachette  et  Cie.  Paris,  5:  389. 

Bates,  M.  1923.  Notes  on  Florida  Lepidoptera.  Fla.  Ent.,  7:  42-43. 

Beille,  L.  1909.  Precis  de  botanique  pharmaceutique.  A.  Malone.  Paris.  2:  645. 
Denis  and  Schiffermuller.  1775.  “Syst.  Verz.”  Schmett.  Wien. 


18 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Ebert,  H.  1969.  On  the  frequency  of  butterflies  in  Eastern  Brazil  with  a list  of  the 
butterfly  fauna  of  Pogos  de  Caldas,  Minas  Gerais.  Jour.  Lep.  Soc.  23,  Sup.  3. 
Ford,  E.  B.  1945.  “Butterflies.”  Collins.  London. 

Kimball,  C.  P.  1965.  “Lepidoptera  of  Florida.”  State  of  Florida  Dept,  of  Agriculture. 
Gainesville,  Fla.  p.  43. 

Muller,  W.  1886.  Siidamerikanische  Nymphalidenraupen.  Zoologische  Jahrbuch,  461-475. 
Muyshondt,  A.  1973.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El 
Salvador.  I A. — Catonephele  numilia  esite  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae)  Jour. 
New  York  Entomol.  Soc.,  81:  164-174. 

. 1973a.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

A. — Epiphile  adrasta  adrasta.  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae)  Jour.  New  York 
Entomol.  Soc.,  81:  214-223. 

. 1973b.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

III  A.  Temenis  laothoe  liberia  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae)  Jour.  New  York 

Entomol.  Soc.,  81:  224-233. 

. 1973c.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

IV  A. — Pseudonica  jlavilla  canthar.  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae)  Jour.  New 

York  Entomol.  Soc.,  81:  234-242. 

. 1974.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

V A. — Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae) . Jour.  New  York 
Entomol.  Soc.  in  press. 

Rober,  J.  1915.  In  Seitz’s  Macrolepidoptera  of  the  World.  Vol.  5.  Stuttgart. 
Standley,  P.  C.  1924.  Trees  and  shrubs  of  Mexico.  Contrib.  from  the  U.S.  Nat.  Herb., 
23,  Part  3,  701-3. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


19 


Seasonal  Occurrence  of  Night-Flying  Insects  on 
Barro  Colorado  Island,  Panama  Canal  Zone 

Robert  E.  Ricklefs 

Department  of  Biology,  University  of  Pennsylvania,  Philadelphia,  Pa.  19174 
Received  for  Publication  June  3,  1974 


This  report  summarizes  the  seasonal  occurrence  of  night-flying  insects 
attracted  to  ultraviolet-emitting  fluorescent  lamps  (“black  lights”)  on  Barro 
Colorado  Island.  Observations  were  made  between  November  1967  and  August 
1968,  during  March  1970,  and  during  June  and  July,  1971.  Captures  of  insects 
in  a malaise  trap,  operated  between  November  1967  and  June  1968  are  also 
tabulated  for  comparison. 

Many  ecologists  who  lack  long-term  experience  in  the  tropics  hold  the  common 
misconception  that  the  tropics  are  relatively  aseasonal,  but  numerous  reports 
have  demonstrated  strong  seasonal  cycles  in  the  occurrence  of  organisms  or 
aspects  of  their  behavior.  For  examples,  readers  are  referred  to  Skutch  (1950), 
Ricklefs  (1966),  Snow  and  Snow  (1964),  and  Miller  (1963)  for  reproductive 
cycles  in  neotropical  birds,  to  Janzen  (1967)  and  Smythe  (1970)  for  seasonal 
patterns  of  flowering  and  fruiting  in  plants,  to  Wilson  (1971)  for  the  seasonal 
occurrence  of  reproduction  in  bats,  and  to  Fairchild  (1942),  Galindo  et  al. 
(1956),  Pipkin  (1965),  and  Owen  (1969),  for  seasonal  cycles  of  abundance 
in  particular  groups  of  insects.  For  the  most  part,  seasonal  cycles  in  the  tropics 
are  closely  tied  to  abrupt  changes  of  rainfall  associated  with  the  onset  of 
marked  wet  and  dry  seasons,  but  even  where  rainfall  is  relatively  abundant 
throughout  the  year,  biological  seasonality  is  still  a predominant  feature. 

Although  evidence  for  seasonality  in  tropical  faunas  and  floras  is  accumulating 
rapidly,  relatively  little  is  known  about  year-to-year  variation  in  population 
sizes  and  reproductive  activity.  Collections  of  arboreal  mosquitoes  over  a six 
year  period,  reported  on  by  Galindo  et  al.  (1956),  demonstrated  considerable 
year  to  year  variation  in  individual  species.  Observations  reported  here  further 
substantiate  this  finding. 

METHODS 

Two  fluorescent  black  lights  were  positioned  over  screened  windows  in  the 
laboratory  clearing  on  Barro  Colorado  Island.  The  lights  faced  a ravine, 
covered  with  tall  second  growth  vegetation  near  its  top  and  with  relatively 
mature  forest  farther  down  the  slope.  Thus  the  lights  illuminated  both  canopy 
and  understory  vegetation.  The  vegetation  remained  essentially  unchanged 
throughout  the  study. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  XXXIII:  19-32.  March,  1975. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Lights  were  turned  on  before  dark  and  insects  in  several  broad  taxonomic 
groups  were  counted  on  the  four  window  screens  directly  under  the  lights 
between  5 and  6 a.m.  The  numbers  of  individuals  of  several  hundred  species  of 
moths,  identified  with  photographic  keys  made  during  November  1967,  were  also 
recorded.  Counts  were  made  on  89  nights  during  the  10  months  between 
November  1967  and  August  1968,  an  average  of  almost  9 nights  per  month. 
The  counts  did  not  follow  a regular  schedule,  and  they  varied  between  4 and 
12  per  month  in  number. 

A malaise  trap  with  a cross-sectional  area  of  4 m2  was  also  employed  for  39 
night  periods  and  29  day  periods  between  November  and  June.  The  trap  was 
located  at  ground  level  along  a 5 m wide  cleared  path  through  second  growth 
vegetation  attaining  about  5-10  m in  height.  The  collecting  bottle  on  the  trap 
was  usually  emptied  at  dawn  and  dusk  to  separate  day  and  night  catches,  but 
it  was  occasionally  emptied  every  two  hours  during  the  day  to  obtain  diurnal 
variation  in  flying  insects.  The  wet  weight  of  malaise  trap  collections  was  usually 
the  only  measurement  of  abundance  recorded,  but  individuals  of  several  orders 
were  occasionally  counted. 


RESULTS 

Major  groups  of  insects.  Monthly  rainfall  records  for  Barro  Colorado  Island, 
averaged  for  both  44  years  and  for  the  years  during  which  this  study  occurred, 
are  presented  in  Table  1.  The  climate  is  characterized  by  a rather  severe  dry 
season  that  usually  begins  abruptly  in  late  December  and  ends  somewhat  more 
gradually  in  April.  The  timing  and  severity  of  the  dry  season  vary  considerably 
from  year  to  year.  Between  1926  and  1967,  the  rainfall  during  the  period 
January  through  March  varied  by  a factor  of  27,  between  0.6  and  16.3  in. 
(1.5  and  41.4  cm). 

The  seasonal  occurrence  of  several  conspicuous  groups  of  insects  attracted  to 
the  lights  on  Barro  Colorado  Island  during  the  period  November  1967  through 
August  1968  are  presented  in  Table  2.  Moths  are  divided  into  two  size  groups 
at  a body  length  of  1 cm.  Their  seasonal  occurrence  will  be  discussed  in  detail 
below,  although  it  is  clear  from  Table  2 that  the  abundance  of  large  species 
declined  during  the  dry  season  months,  and  that  the  abundance  of  small  species 
was  least  during  the  early  part  of  the  rainy  season  (April-June) . Standard 
errors  of  the  mean  for  the  moth  samples  vary  between  10  and  20%  of  the  mean. 

Patterns  of  abundance  for  other  groups  appeared  to  vary  greatly.  Katydids 
(Orthoptera:  Tettigoniidae),  beetles  (Coleoptera),  and  both  pentatomid  and 
reduviid  bugs  (Hemiptera)  occurred  in  fairly  regular  numbers  throughout  the 
year  although  katydids  appeared  to  be  more  abundant  during  Feb- April, 
beetles  exhibited  a peak  of  abundance  in  May  1968,  and  reduviid  bugs  were 
relatively  scarce  in  November  1967  and  January  1968.  Mantids  (Orthoptera: 
Mantidae)  were  also  scarce  during  November  and  December.  Few  bees,  wasps, 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Table  2.  Seasonal  occurrence  of  certain  groups  of  insects  attracted  to  black  lights  on  Barro 
Colorado  Island,  expressed  as  number  of  individuals  per  10  nights  of  observation. 


MONTH 

1967 

1968 

NOV 

DEC 

JAN 

FEB 

MAR 

APR 

MAY 

JUN 

JUL 

AUG 

Number  of  nights 
Taxonomic  group 

12 

4 

6 

10 

11 

9 

10 

4 

7 

5 

Moths 

Large 

314 

512 

168 

217 

157 

310 

348 

258 

446 

394 

Small 

404 

655 

413 

912 

616 

243 

219 

175 

321 

310 

Katydids 

20 

12 

8 

44 

36 

33 

17 

23 

23 

22 

Mantids 

1 

0 

5 

21 

5 

3 

8 

18 

17 

8 

Beetles 

Bees,  ants,  and 

3 

15 

5 

13 

12 

22 

61 

15 

21 

20 

wasps 

44 

78 

17 

17 

17 

58 

251 

38 

50 

12 

Pentatomid  bugs 

4 

10 

5 

3 

3 

10 

2 

5 

1 

10 

Reduviid  bugs 

0 

18 

2 

52 

14 

14 

44 

33 

16 

30 

Cicadas 

0 

0 

0 

1 

9 

8 

6 

13 

6 

0 

Owl- flies 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

9 

9 

0 

3 

2 

and  flying  ants  (Hymenoptera)  were  attracted  to  the  lights  during  the  dry 
season  months  ( January-March)  although  tree  flowering  reaches  a peak  during 
this  period.  A marked  peak  in  the  abundance  of  Hymenoptera  at  the  lights 
occurred  during  May  1968.  Two  smaller  taxonomic  groups,  the  cicadas 
(Homoptera:  Cicadidae)  and  the  owl-flies  (Neuroptera:  Ascalaphidae)  were 
completely  absent  during  large  portions  of  the  sample  period  and  were  most 
abundant  during  the  early  part  of  the  rainy  season. 

Moths  (Lepidoptera)  were  attracted  to  the  lights  in  far  greater  numbers 
than  any  other  group.  Seasonal  trends  in  their  occurrence  are  shown  in  Figure  1. 
Large  moths  were  least  numerous  during  the  dry  months,  January  through 
March,  and  their  numbers  increased  abruptly  with  the  onset  of  the  rainy  period. 
As  a whole,  small  moths  exhibited  no  decline  in  numbers  during  the  dry  season. 
In  fact,  they  appeared  to  attain  peak  abundance  at  that  time.  This  peak  con- 
sisted mostly  of  individuals  of  one  species  that  was  present  at  no  other  time, 
however;  when  this  species  was  subtracted  from  the  total,  small  moth  abundance 
can  be  seen  to  decline  through  the  dry  season,  reaching  low  levels  between 
March  and  June  (Figure  1). 

The  numbers  of  moths  attracted  to  the  lights  varied  greatly  from  night  to 
night.  Coefficients  of  variation,  calculated  for  each  month’s  counts  and  presented 
in  Figure  2,  demonstrated  that  the  magnitude  of  short-term  variation  in  small 
moths  paralleled  that  in  large  moths  and  tended  to  decline  slightly  between 
November  and  August. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


23 


N D J F M A M J J A 
MONTHS 

Fig.  1.  Monthly  averages  of  the  number  of  individuals  of  moths  attracted  to  the  black 
lights  on  Barro  Colorado  Island  between  November  1967  and  August  1968.  Bars  represent 
standard  deviations.  Solid  bars  and  lines  represent  large  species  (body  length  greater  than 
1 cm) ; open  bars  and  dashed  lines  represent  small  species.  Two  sets  of  figures  are  presented 
for  small  moths  during  February  and  March ; one  set  includes,  and  the  other  does  not 
include,  a particularly  abundant  species  present  only  during  those  months. 


Daily  records  for  the  occurrence  of  moths  at  the  lights  indicate  regular  short- 
term cycles,  particularly  for  large  moths  during  the  dry  season  (Figure  3).  It  is 
well  known  that  the  flight  activity  of  moths  varies  more  or  less  inversely  with 
the  brightness  of  the  moon  (Willliams  1936,  Brown  and  Taylor,  1971).  The 
periods  of  the  abundance  cycles  do  appear  to  be  roughly  four  weeks,  but  peaks 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  2.  Monthly  coefficients  of  variation  (standard  deviation  divided  by  the  mean)  of 
counts  of  moths  attracted  to  black  lights  on  Barrro  Colorado  Island,  November  1967  to 
August  1968.  Large  and  small  species  are  distinguished.  Data  for  1970  are  also  indicated. 


and  troughs  are  not  particularly  well  coordinated  with  new  and  full  phases  of  the 
moon.  Peaks  timed  according  to  this  same  periodicity  seem  to  occur  during 
November-December  and  April-June  periods,  but  are  out  of  phase  and  less 
well  marked  during  July  and  August. 

Individual  species  of  moths.  Records  were  kept  of  the  numbers  of  individuals  of 
several  hundred  species  that  were  attracted  to  the  lights  each  night.  None  of 
the  species  were  identified.  Most  of  these  species  were  too  uncommon  to  discern 
the  presence  or  absence  of  marked  seasonal  trends,  and  many  species  were  noted 
only  once.  The  monthly  averages  for  several  of  the  more  common  species,  shown 
in  Figure  4,  demonstrate  a variety  of  seasonal  patterns,  ranging  from  relatively 
uniform  distribution  throughout  the  study  period  to  the  occurrence  of  marked 
peaks  in  abundance  falling  at  different  times  of  the  year.  All  the  species  repre- 
sented in  Figure  4 appeared  at  least  once  during  November,  when  a photographic 
numbered  key  to  the  moth  species  was  made.  Other  species  clearly  showed 
narrow  peaks  of  abundance  during  the  dry  season  or  early  portion  of  the  wet 
season.  For  example,  in  Figure  5,  the  nightly  abundance  of  one  very  abundant 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


25 


Fig.  3.  Nightly  occurrence  of  moths  at  the  black  lights  on  Barro  Colorado  Island,  November 
1967  through  August  1968.  Solid  line  in  January  through  March  suggests  fluctuations  in  large 
bodied  species.  Arrows  represent  extrapolation  of  peaks  of  abundance  at  4 week  intervals 
throughout  the  sampling  period. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


NDJ  FMAMJJA 
MONTHS 


Fig.  4.  Monthly  average  number  of  individuals  of  13  selected  species  attracted  to  black 
lights  on  Barro  Colorado  Island,  November  1967  to  August  1968.  Numbers  refer  to  the 
photographic  key  used  to  distinguish  the  species. 


small  moth  (unnumbered),  present  only  during  February  and  March,  is  com- 
pared to  the  more  uniform  seasonal  distributions  of  the  species  of  small  moths 
numbered  17,  18,  and  20.  Fairchild  (1942)  also  found  great  variety  in  the 
seasonal  distributions  of  species  of  tabanid  flies  in  Panama.  By  contrast,  all  the 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


27 


Fig.  5.  Nightly  occurrence  of  four  species  of  small  moths  at  the  black  lights  on  Barro 
Colorado  Island,  November  1967  to  June  1968.  Dots  represent  absence  of  a species  on  a 
particular  night.  Species  numbers  17,  18  and  20  correspond  to  those  species  in  Figure  4. 


species  of  arboreal  mosquitoes  studied  by  Galindo  et  al.  (1956)  in  the  same  region 
showed  similar  seasonal  patterns  of  abundance,  being  almost  completely  absent 
during  the  dry  season  (January- April)  and  most  abundant  during  the  early  part 
of  the  wet  season  ( May- August ) . The  seasonal  pattern  of  abundance  in  these 
species  is  dictated  by  the  fact  that  arboreal  mosquitoes  rely  on  the  presence  of 
standing  water  in  tree  holes  and  bromeliads  for  reproduction. 

Malaise  trap  samples.  Wet  weights  of  insects  caught  during  the  night  period 
were  relatively  high  during  November  through  January  and  about  half  as  great 
during  February  through  June  (Figure  6).  Daytime  catches  did  not  exhibit  any 
marked  seasonal  pattern  in  total  wet  weight,  however. 

Most  of  the  malaise  trap  sample  collected  during  the  night  consisted  of  tiny 
diptera,  which  were  not  represented  at  the  lights.  So  we  should  not  be  concerned 
over  the  lack  of  correspondence  between  the  malaise  trap  samples  and  black 
light  counts.  Most  of  the  daytime  samples  consisted  of  relatively  large  species 
of  diptera  and  hymenoptera  which  reached  peak  abundance  during  midday 
(Tables  3 and  4). 


28 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  6.  Monthly  averages  of  the  wet  weight  of  insects  caught  in  a malaise  trap  on 
Barro  Colorado  Island.  Daytime  catches  (0600-1800  hrs)  and  night-time  catches  (1800- 
0600  hrs)  are  distinguished.  Solid  and  open  circles  represent  single  day  or  night  samples. 
Bars  represent  standard  deviations. 


Y ear-to-year  variation.  Counts  of  insects  attracted  to  the  black  lights  during 
March  1970  and  June  and  July  1971  are  compared  to  samples  counted  during 
1968  in  Table  5.  Differences  between  years  are  conspicuous  for  several  groups. 
Comparing  the  month  of  March  in  1968  and  1970,  we  note  that  large  moths, 
mantids,  beetles,  and  reduviid  bugs  were  more  abundant  in  1970;  no  group  was 
less  abundant.  The  greatly  increased  number  of  beetles  during  1970  was  due  to 
one  species  that  had  not  been  abundant  at  any  time  during  the  1967-1968 
sampling  period. 

Although  the  number  of  small  lepidoptera  counted  during  March  1970  was 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


29 


30 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Table  4.  Diurnal  variation  in  the  number  of  insects  with  body  lengths  exceeding  2 mm 

caught  in  the  malaise  trap. 


Hour  of  Day 


Date 

Group 

6-8 

8-10 

10-12 

12-14 

14-16 

16-18 

Total 

Feb.  23 

LEP 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

DIP 

1 

3 

12 

6 

5 

1 

28 

HYM 

1 

2 

9 

7 

1 

0 

20 

COL 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

1 

TOTAL 

5 

5 

21 

13 

6 

2 

52 

Feb.  29 

LEP 

2 

1 

1 

3 

1 

4 

12 

DIP 

1 

6 

13 

11 

7 

9 

47 

HYM 

2 

1 

4 

10 

5 

1 

23 

COL 

0 

1 

2 

4 

1 

2 

10 

TOTAL 

5 

9 

20 

28 

14 

16 

92 

Apr.  30 

LEP 

0 

3 

0 

1 

1 

2 

7 

DIP 

3 

6 

13 

16 

10 

7 

55 

HYM 

8 

17 

14 

16 

9 

19 

83 

COL 

0 

0 

1 

1 

0 

2 

4 

TOTAL 

11 

26 

28 

34 

20 

30 

149 

May  22 

LEP 

0 

0 

1 

2 

0 

2 

5 

DIP 

3 

5 

11 

15 

13 

12 

59 

HYM 

0 

3 

2 

8 

3 

2 

18 

COL 

0 

2 

1 

1 

3 

2 

9 

TOTAL 

3 

10 

15 

26 

19 

18 

93 

May  24 

LEP 

0 

0 

1 

1 

1 

0 

3 

DIP 

4 

6 

14 

17 

5 

5 

51 

HYM 

0 

0 

7 

5 

2 

0 

14 

COL 

0 

2 

1 

3 

1 

1 

8 

TOTAL 

4 

8 

23 

26 

9 

6 

76 

May  27 

LEP 

0 

0 

1 

0 

1 

1 

3 

DIP 

3 

7 

16 

11 

11 

16 

64 

HYM 

0 

0 

6 

1 

3 

2 

12 

COL 

0 

2 

0 

2 

0 

2 

6 

TOTAL 

3 

9 

23 

14 

15 

21 

85 

Entire 

LEP 

5 

4 

4 

7 

4 

9 

33 

Period 

DIP 

15 

33 

79 

76 

51 

50 

304 

HYM 

11 

23 

42 

47 

23 

24 

170 

COL 

0 

7 

5 

11 

5 

10 

38 

TOTAL 

31 

67 

130 

141 

83 

93 

545 

similar  to  the  number  observed  two  years  earlier,  the  particular  species  that 
comprised  more  than  two-thirds  of  the  total  sample  in  1968  (see  Figure  5), 
accounted  for  less  than  one-third  of  the  sample  in  1970. 

Differences  in  June  and  July  samples  between  1968  and  1971  were  even  more 
striking.  Considering  only  June,  moths  were  3 to  4 times  as  abundant  in  1971  as 
in  1968;  numbers  of  katydids,  hymenoptera  were  greater  by  factors  of  about  2, 
and  numbers  of  cicadas  and  beetles,  by  factors  of  8 and  15,  respectively.  Only 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


31 


Table  5.  Comparisons  of  insects  attracted  to  black  lights  on  Barro  Colorado  Island  during 

different  years. 


Month 

and  Year 

March 

June 

July 

1968 

1970 

1968 

1971 

1968 

1971 

Number  of  nights 

11 

11 

4 

10 

7 

10 

Moths 

large 

157 

421 

258 

822 

446 

761 

small 

616 

654 

175 

730 

321 

654 

Katydids 

36 

47 

23 

43 

23 

32 

Mantids 

5 

17 

18 

8 

17 

23 

Beetles 

12 

104 

15 

224 

21 

93 

Bees,  wasps  and  ants 

17 

4 

38 

91 

50 

57 

Pentatomid  bugs 

3 

4 

5 

20 

1 

7 

Reduviid  bugs 

14 

43 

33 

19 

16 

37 

Cicadas 

9 

15 

13 

107 

6 

19 

Owl-flies 

0 

0 

0 

- 

0 

- 

Note:  All  figures  are  number  of  individuals  per  10  nights. 


reduviid  bugs  and  mantids  were  less  abundant.  Differences  between  July  1968 
and  July  1971  were  of  a similar  nature,  but  less  marked  in  most  groups. 

It  is  tempting  to  relate  the  greater  abundance  of  insects  in  the  1970  and  1971 
samples,  compared  to  1968,  to  the  unusually  heavy  rainfall  during  the  months  of 
January  1970  (11.8  in.  compared  to  2.2  in.  average)  and  May  1971  (22.6  in. 
compared  to  10.8).  But  since  there  are  too  few  samples  to  treat  the  relationship 
between  abundance  and  rainfall  statistically,  and  since  so  little  is  known  about 
the  responses  of  populations  to  variation  in  rainfall  in  the  tropics,  it  would  be 
unwise  to  pursue  this  apparent  correlation  here. 

In  summary,  the  numbers  of  insects  attracted  to  black  lights  at  the  edge  of  a 
lowland  seasonally  wet  tropical  forest  exhibited  marked  fluctuation  during  the 
course  of  one  10  month  period.  Different  insect  groups  had  different  peak  and 
low  periods  of  abundance,  but  the  most  conspicuous  component  of  the  samples, 
the  moths,  were  least  abundant  during  the  dry  season  months.  In  samples  taken 
at  the  same  locality  several  years  later,  most  groups  exhibited  strikingly  greater 
abundances  although  the  character  of  the  vegetation  had  not  changed.  It  is 
tempting  to  relate  these  increases  to  months  of  abnormally  high  rainfall  just 
preceding  the  samples,  but  regardless  of  their  cause,  year-to-year  variations  in 
populations  do  occur  in  the  tropics. 

Literature  Cited 

Brown,  E.  S.  and  L.  R.  Taylor.  1971.  Lunar  cycles  in  the  distribution  and  abundance 
of  airborne  insects  in  the  equatorial  highlands  of  East  Africa.  J.  Anim.  Ecol.  40: 
767-779. 


32 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fairchlld,  G.  B.  1942.  The  seasonal  distribution  of  some  Tabanidae  (Dipt.)  in  Panama. 
Ann.  Entomol.  Soc.  Amer.  35:  85-91. 

Galindo,  P.,  H.  Trapido,  S.  J.  Carpenter,  and  F.  S.  Blanton.  1956.  The  abundance 
cycles  of  arboreal  mosquitoes  during  six  years  at  a sylvan  yellow  fever  locality  in 
Panama.  Ann.  Entomol.  Soc.  Amer.  49:  543-547. 

Janzen,  D.  H.  1967.  Synchronization  of  sexual  reproduction  of  trees  within  the  dry 
season  in  Central  America.  Evol.  21:  620-637. 

Miller,  A.  H.  1963.  Seasonal  activity  and  ecology  of  the  avifauna  of  an  American  equa- 
torial cloud  forest.  Univ.  Calif.  Publ.  Zool.  66:  1-78. 

Owen,  D.  F.  1969.  Species  diversity  and  seasonal  abundance  in  tropical  Sphingidae 
(Lepidoptera) . Proc.  R.  Ent.  Soc.  London  44:  162-168. 

Pipkin,  S.  B.  1965.  The  influence  of  adult  and  larval  food  habits  on  population-size  of 
neotropical  ground-feeding  Drosophila.  Amer.  Midi.  Nat.  74:  1-2  7. 

Ricklefs,  R.  E.  1966.  The  temporal  component  of  diversity  among  species  of  birds. 
Evolution  20:  235-242. 

Skutch,  A.  F.  1950.  The  nesting  seasons  of  Central  American  birds  in  relation  to  climate 
and  food  supply.  Ibis  92:  185-222. 

Smythe,  N.  1970.  Relationships  between  fruiting  seasons  and  seed  dispersal  methods 
in  a neotropical  forest.  Amer.  Nat.  104:  25-35. 

Snow,  D.  W.  and  B.  K.  Snow.  1964.  Breeding  seasons  and  annual  cycles  of  Trinidad 
landbirds.  Zoologica  49:  1-39. 

Williams,  C.  B.  1936.  The  influence  of  moonlight  on  the  activity  of  certain  nocturnal 
insects,  particularly  of  the  family  Noctuidae,  as  indicated  by  a light  trap.  Phil. 
Trans.  Roy.  Soc.  London  (B)  226:  357-389. 

Wilson,  D.  E.  1971.  Ecology  of  Myotis  nigricans  (Mammalia:  Chiroptera)  on  Barro 

Colorado  Island,  Panama  Canal  Zone.  J.  Zool.  Lond.  163:  1-13. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


33 


Differential  Cold  Survival  of  Two  Sibling  Species  of  Blow  Flies, 
Phoenicia  sericata  and  Phoenicia  pallescens 

Noreen  Ash  and  Bernard  Greenberg 
Department  of  Biological  Sciences,  University  of  Illinois  at  Chicago  Circle, 

Chicago  60680 

Received  for  Publication  June  3,  1974 

Abstract:  The  overwintering  capabilities  of  sibling  calliphorid  species  Phaenicia  sericata 

(Meigen)  and  Phaenicia  pallescens  (Shannon)  are  compared.  P.  pallescens  is  not  capable 
of  overwintering  in  the  Chicago  region  in  an  unheated  shelter  while  P.  sericata  can  overwinter 
as  larvae. 


The  synanthropic  blow  flies  Phaenicia  sericata  (Meigen)  and  Phaenicia 
pallescens  (Shannon)  are  sibling  species  similar  in  appearance  and  general  habits. 
Within  North  America  they  differ  in  geographic  range  with  P.  pallescens  a south- 
ern species  and  P.  sericata  in  nearly  every  part  of  the  United  States  and  southern 
Canada.  A comparative  study  was  undertaken  to  determine  if  both  species  have 
the  same  ability  to  overwinter  in  a northern  temperate  region. 

Flies  were  trapped  in  early  spring  using  a modified  U.S.D.A.  fly  trap.  P. 
sericata  was  collected  in  Bensenville,  Illinois,  a western  suburb  of  Chicago, 
and  P.  pallescens  in  Bokeelia,  Florida.  Females  of  the  two  species  were  placed 
in  separate  cages  and  allowed  to  lay  eggs  on  raw  hamburger.  The  colonies  were 
maintained  in  Chicago  and  were  routinely  kept  at  room  temperature  on  sugar, 
skim  milk  solution,  and  water.  Maggots  were  raised  on  liver,  hamburger,  or  dead 
mice. 

Two  cages  were  set  up  outdoors  in  an  open  shelter  in  Bensenville,  Illinois, 
during  the  middle  of  August.  Populations  of  P.  sericata  and  P.  pallescens  were 
derived  from  the  laboratory  populations.  For  two  generations  the  colonies  were 
maintained  in  the  usual  manner  and  allowed  to  reproduce  on  hamburger  in  gallon 
jars  half-filled  with  sawdust.  Maggots  produced  in  early  October  were  placed  in 
culture  jars  in  an  unheated  closed  shelter. 

The  maggots  were  checked  on  December  20.  The  P.  sericata  maggots  were 
constricted  similar  to  the  pupariation  stage  described  by  Fraenkel  and  Bhaskaran 
(1973).  Some  of  them  moved  slightly  when  the  jar  was  disturbed.  About  5% 
of  the  maggots  were  dead  and  no  pupae  were  seen.  The  P.  pallescens  were  not 
constricted  and  moved  actively  when  disturbed;  about  10%  of  these  larvae  were 
dead. 

January  and  February  are  typically  the  coldest  months  of  the  year  in  this 
area  of  Illinois  with  night  temperatures  in  the  unheated  shelter  occasionally  going 
below  0°F.  No  pupae  were  observed  during  these  months.  On  April  22 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  XXXIII:  33-35.  March,  1975. 


34 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


the  jars  were  taken  into  the  laboratory  and  examined.  In  the  P.  pallescens  colony 
there  were  100%  dead  maggots  (ca.  800)  while  in  the  P.  sericata  culture  there 
were  46  (5.5%)  live  maggots,  157  (18.7%)  dead  maggots,  and  635  (75.8%) 
pupae.  After  6 days,  eclosion  began  with  most  of  the  flies  emerging.  By  June  1, 
of  the  46  live  maggots,  half  of  them  had  formed  apparently  normal  pupae  and 
half  had  died;  none  of  those  that  pupated  from  this  latter  group  emerged. 

Calliphoridae  may  overwinter  in  temperate  regions  as  larvae,  pupae,  or 
adults.  The  calliphorids  most  commonly  found  as  overwintering  adults  include 
Phormia  regina  (Dondero  and  Shaw,  1971),  Protophormia  terraenovae  (Cousin, 
19 32) , P ollenia  rudis  (Hall,  1948),  and  Calliphora  species  (Green,  1951 ; Sukhova, 
1950).  Most  authors  agree  that  P.  sericata  usually  overwinters  in  the  larval  or 
post-feeding  larval  stage  as  reported  by  Zumpt  (1965)  in  South  Africa,  Green 
(1951)  in  England,  Norris  (1959)  in  Australia,  and  James  (1947)  and  Hall 
(1948)  in  the  United  States.  The  overwintering  stage  or  stages  of  P.  pallescens 
are  less  well  documented. 

Both  P.  pallescens  and  P.  sericata  have  been  reported  to  overwinter  as  larvae 
at  least  as  far  north  as  Charleston,  West  Virginia  (Mail  and  Schoof,  1954)  and 
diapausing  P.  sericata  larvae  have  also  been  reported  at  New  Brunswick,  New 
Jersey  (Hagemann  and  Barber,  1948).  The  Florida  strain  of  P.  pallescens, 
however,  cannot  overwinter  in  an  unheated  shelter  in  northern  Illinois.  Larvae 
enter  quiescence  as  described  by  Andrewartha  (1971)  rather  than  the  cold-hardy 
dormancy  of  true  diapause.  In  this  condition  P.  pallescens  survives  the  milder 
part  of  the  winter  but  not  the  more  severe  cold  of  January  and  February.  Hall 
(1948)  reports  the  fly  to  be  numerous  and  active  near  Miami,  Florida,  in  March 
but  it  does  not  reach  population  peaks  until  July  in  Charleston,  West  Virginia 
(Mail  and  Schoof,  1954),  and  the  middle  of  August  in  Lawrence,  Kansas  (Schoof 
and  Savage,  1955).  This  could  result  from  a high  mortality  among  overwintering 
larvae  in  areas  with  severe  winters  and  annual  re-colonization  by  incoming 
migrants  from  the  south.  The  primary  screwworm,  Cochliomyia  hominivorax 
(Coquerel),  another  sub-tropical  calliphorid,  is  known  to  have  this  pattern. 

By  contrast,  P.  sericata  becomes  numerous  in  late  spring  and  early  summer 
(Mail  and  Schoof,  1954;  Schoof  and  Savage,  1955),  has  a facultative  diapause 
(Norris,  1965),  and,  as  indicated  in  this  study,  is  able  to  overwinter  as  larvae 
in  severe  cold.  Additional  evidence  that  P.  sericata  overwinters  in  a pre-adult 
stage  is  based  on  the  earliest  spring  adults  (about  mid-April  in  the  Chicago  area) 
which  contain  pupal  fat  balls  in  the  hemolymph,  unfrayed  wings,  and  a complete 
set  of  bulbous  setae  on  the  antennal  pedicel  (Greenberg,  1970).  Observations  of 
numerous  adults  flying  in  the  beginning  of  May  in  Lawrence,  Kansas,  and 
Cohoes,  New  York  (Schoof  and  Savage,  1955)  suggest  that  P.  sericata  is  capable 
of  overwintering  in  most  of  its  range  in  the  United  States.  Analysis  of  early 
specimens  should  indicate  the  overwintering  capability  of  this  species  in  the 
northernmost  regions  of  its  distribution. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


35 


Literature  Cited 

Andrewartha,  H.  G.  1971.  Introduction  to  the  study  of  animal  populations.  The  Univ. 
of  Chicago  Press. 

Cousin,  G.  1932.  Etude  experimentale  de  la  diapause  des  insectes.  Bull.  Biol.  Fr.  Belg. 
Suppl.  15:  1-341. 

Dondero,  L.,  and  F.  R.  Shaw.  1971.  The  overwintering  of  some  muscoidean  Diptera  in 
the  Amherst  area  at  Massachusetts.  Proc.  Entomol.  Soc.  Wash.  73:  52-53. 

Fraenkel,  G.,  and  G.  Bhaskaran.  1973.  Pupariation  and  pupation  in  cyclorrhaphous 
flies  (Diptera):  terminology  and  interpretation.  Ann.  Entomol.  Soc.  Am.  66: 

418-422. 

Green,  A.  A.  1951.  The  control  of  blowflies  infesting  slaughter-houses.  I.  Field  obser- 
vations of  the  habits  of  blowflies.  Ann.  Appl.  Biol.  38:  475-494. 

Greenberg,  B.  1970.  Species  distribution  of  new  structures  on  fly  antennae.  Nature  28: 
1338-1339. 

Hagemann,  L.  E.,  and  G.  W.  Barber.  1948.  Overwintering  habits  of  Phaenicia  sericata 
(Mg.).  J.  Econ.  Entomol.  41:  510. 

Hall,  D.  B.  1948.  The  blowflies  of  North  America.  Thomas  Say  Foundation. 

James,  M.  T.  1947.  The  flies  that  cause  myiasis  in  man.  U.S.D.A.  Misc.  Publ.  No.  631. 

Mail,  G.  A.,  and  H.  F.  Schoof.  1954.  Overwintering  habits  of  domestic  flies  at  Charleston, 
West  Virginia.  Ann.  Entomol.  Soc.  Am.  47:  668-676. 

Norris,  K.  R.  1959.  The  ecology  of  sheep  blowflies  in  Australia.  In:  Biogeography 

and  ecology  in  Australia.  Monographiae  Biologicae  8:  514-544. 

Norris,  K.  R.  1965.  The  bionomics  of  blowflies.  Ann.  Rev.  Entomol.  10:  47-68. 

Schoof,  H.  F.,  and  E.  P.  Savage.  1955.  Comparative  studies  of  urban  fly  populations 
in  Arizona,  Kansas,  Michigan,  New  York,  and  West  Virginia.  Ann.  Entomol.  Soc.  Am. 
48:  1-12. 

Sukhova,  M.  N.  1950.  Novye  dannye  po  ekologii  i epidemiologiches  komu  znacheniru 
sinikh  miasnykh  mukh  Calliphora  uralensis  Vill.  and  Calliphora  erythrocephala 
Meig.  (Diptera,  Calliphoridae) . Entomol.  Obozrenie  31:  90-94. 

Zumpt,  F.  1965.  Myiasis  in  man  and  animals  in  the  Old  World.  Butterworths,  London. 


36 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Parasites  Reared  from  Larvae  of  the  European  Corn  Borer, 
Ostrinia  nubilalis  (Hbn.),  in  Massachusetts,  1971—73 
(Lepidoptera,  Pyralidae) 1,2 

F.  B.  Peairs1 2 3  and  J.  H.  Lilly4 

Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Massachusetts, 

Amherst,  Massachusetts  01002 

Received  for  Publication  June  5,  1974 

Abstract:  Three  exotic  Ostrinia  nubilalis  parasites;  Eriborus  terebrans , Macrocentrus  grandii, 
and  Sympiesis  viridula  were  detected  in  Massachusetts  along  with  two  native  species ; 
Aplomya  caesar  and  Lixophaga  sp.  Of  these,  M.  grandii  was  by  far  the  most  important, 
accounting  for  over  92  per  cent  of  the  borers  parasitized. 

During  a 1971-73  study  of  natural  control  of  the  European  corn  borer, 
Ostrinia  nubilalis  (Hbn.),  1498  last  instar  borers  were  examined  for  parasites. 
These  borers  were  collected  from  the  10  Massachusetts  localities  listed  in  Table  1 
and  held  individually  in  shell  vials.  The  parasites  and  the  percentages  of  borers 
from  which  they  emerged  are  summarized  in  Table  1. 

Of  the  seven  exotic  O.  nubilalis  parasites  listed  as  established  in  the  United 
States  by  Baker  et  al.  (1949),  only  two,  Eriborus  terebrans  (Grav.)  (Ichneu- 
monidae)  and  Macrocentrus  grandii  (Goid.)  (Braconidae)  were  reared  from 
these  borers.  A third  imported  parasite,  Sympiesis  viridula  (Thoms.)  (deter- 
mined by  B.  D.  Burks)  (Eulophidae),  hitherto  unreported  from  Massachusetts, 
was  found  overwintering  as  pupae,  three  in  Amherst  and  two  in  West  Bridge- 
water.  Also  E.  terebrans  was  found  only  in  two  localities  and  only  in  limited 
numbers  (Table  1).  Conversely,  M.  grandii  was  found  in  all  12  collections, 
with  percentages  of  parasitization  ranging  from  6.3  to  60.  A number  of  colonies 
of  this  polyembryonic  wasp  failed  to  produce  adults.  The  successful  ones 
averaged  19.1  individuals  for  the  98  colonies  containing  only  males,  18.0  for 
the  111  containing  only  females,  and  29.0  for  the  21  colonies  containing  both 
sexes. 

Two  native  tachinid  parasites  were  also  reared.  Aplomya  caesar  (Aid.)  was 
present  in  five  collections  but  accounted  for  less  than  one  per  cent  of  the  over-all 
parasitization.  A species  of  Lixophaga  was  found  in  one  collection,  killing  at 


1Part  of  a thesis  submitted  to  the  Graduate  School  of  the  University  of  Massachusetts, 
in  partial  fulfillment  of  the  requirements  for  the  M.  S.  degree. 

2 Published  with  the  aid  of  a grant  from  the  Guy  Chester  Crampton  Research  Fund  of 
the  University  of  Massachusetts. 

3 Formerly  teaching  assistant,  Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Massachusetts. 
Present  address:  Department  of  Entomology,  Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  New  York  14850. 

4 Professor 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  XXXIII:  36-37.  March,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


37 


Table  1.  Parasites  reared  from  Ostrinia  nubilalis  in  Massachusetts,  1971-73. 


Location 

Date 

No. 

of 

borers 

Per 

cent 

M. 

grandii 

(a) 

Per 

cent 

E. 

tere- 

brans 

(b) 

Per 

cent 

A. 

caesar 

(c) 

Per 

cent 

Lixo- 

phaga 

sp. 

(c) 

Per 

cent 

uniden- 

tified 

(d) 

Total 

per 

cent 

parasit- 

ization 

Barnstable  Co. 

VII-23-73 

60 

30.0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

30.0 

(E.  Sandwich) 
Essex  Co. 

VII-24-73 

11 

9.1 

9.1 

9.1 

0 

0 

27.3 

(Danvers) 

(Ipswich) 

VII-12-73 

60 

25.0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

25.0 

(Waltham) 

VII-30-73 

60 

11.7 

8.3 

0 

0 

0 

20.0 

Franklin  Co. 

X-l-71 

300 

25.7 

0 

1.0 

0 

0 

26.7 

(S.  Deerfield) 
Hampden  Co. 

VIII-4-73 

60 

8.3 

0 

3.3 

8.3 

10 

30.0 

(Holyoke) 
Hampshire  Co. 

VII-28-72 

60 

15.0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

15.0 

(Easthampton) 
Norfolk  Co. 

VII-16-73 

60 

28.3 

0 

1.7 

0 

0 

30.0 

(Attleboro) 
Plymouth  Co. 

VII-30-73 

32 

6.3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6.3 

(Bridgewater) 

(W.  Bridgewater) 

VIII-3-72 

60 

10.0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

10.0 

X-15-72 

675 

21.0 

0 

0.7 

0 

0 

21.7 

VII-20-73 

60 

60.0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

60.0 

Over-all 

1498 

22.4 

0.4 

0.8 

0.3 

0.4 

24.3 

(a)  Macrocentrus  grandii  (Goid)  (=  gijuensis)  determined  by  P.  M.  Marsh. 

(b)  Eriborus  terebrans  (Grav.)  (—  Horogenes  punctorius ) determined  by  R.  W.  Carlson. 

(c)  Aplomya  caesar  (Aid.)  and  Lixophaga  sp.  determined  by  C.  W.  Sabrosky. 

(d)  Six  dipterous  puparia,  possibly  additional  Lixophaga. 


least  8.3%  (18.3%  if  additional  similar  pupae  which  failed  to  emerge  were 
Lixophaga) . 

The  4 parasites  listed  in  Table  1 killed  24.3%  of  the  borers.  However,  M. 
grandii  accounted  for  over  92%  of  this  mortality,  with  an  over-all  parasitization 
of  22.4%  of  all  borers  examined.  It  is  obvious  from  these  data  that  M.  grandii 
is  by  far  the  most  important  parasite  of  the  corn  borer  in  Massachusetts. 

Literature  Cited 

Baker,  W.  A.,  W.  G.  Bradley,  and  C.  A.  Clark.  1949.  Biological  control  of  the  European 
corn  borer  in  the  United  States.  USDA  Tech.  Bull.  983:  185  pp. 


38 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Behavioral  Changes  in  the  Army  Ant  Neivamyrmex  nigrescens 
during  the  Nomarlic  and  Statary  Phases 

Howard  Topoff 

Department  of  Psychology,  Hunter  College  of  The  City  University  of  New  York, 
and  Department  of  Animal  Behavior,  The  American  Museum  of 
Natural  History,  New  York,  N.  Y.  10024 

Received  for  Publication  July  1,  1974 

Abstract:  The  responses  of  workers  of  the  army  ant  Neivamyrmex  nigrescens  to  illumination 
and  to  the  presence  of  conspecifics  were  compared  during  the  nomadic  and  statary  phases. 
During  the  statary  phase  the  ants  were  more  photonegative  and  exhibited  a stronger  tendency 
to  cluster  together  than  during  the  nomadic  phase.  It  is  hypothesized  that  these  differences 
in  the  ants’  orientation  are  caused  by  corresponding  changes  in  the  level  of  the  colony 
excitation  during  the  two  phases  of  each  behavioral  cycle. 


Introduction 

Colonies  of  the  army  ant  N eivamyrmex  nigrescens  Cresson  exhibit  cycles  of 
alternating  nomadic  and  statary  phases.  The  nomadic  phase,  which  lasts  for 
17-20  days,  is  one  of  high  colony  activity,  in  which  large  nightly  raids  typically 
end  in  emigrations  to  new  nesting  sites.  During  this  phase  raiding  begins  early  in 
the  evening,  and  a considerable  portion  of  the  adult  worker  population  partici- 
pates (Schneirla,  1958,  1963,  1971).  As  the  raid  progresses,  one  or  more 
dendritic  systems  of  interconnecting  trails  arise  through  the  repeated  division  of 
small  terminal  foraging  groups  of  ants.  The  outward  movement  of  the  ants 
from  the  nest  may  remain  at  a peak  for  up  to  several  hours,  because  the  ants’ 
high  level  of  excitement  persists  both  at  the  raiding  fronts  and  on  the  basal 
column  extending  to  the  nest  (Schneirla,  1971). 

The  nomadic  phase  is  followed  by  a statary  interval  of  17-20  days,  charac- 
terized primarily  by  the  absence  of  emigrations.  Raiding  is  also  less  vigorous, 
with  fewer  individuals  participating.  Statary  raids  usually  consist  of  a single, 
long  basal  column  which  ends  in  a small  and  localized  terminal  branching  system. 
The  outward  surge  of  ants  at  the  start  of  raiding  usually  peaks  after  only  a few 
minutes.  As  a result,  the  basal  column  remains  relatively  thin  throughout  the 
night. 

The  cycles  of  activity  in  N . nigrescens  are  regulated  by  stimulative  relation- 
ships between  the  colony’s  developing  brood  and  the  adult  worker  population. 
During  the  nomadic  phase,  the  adult  workers  are  aroused  to  a high  level  of 
excitement  by  stimuli  originating  from  the  newly  eclosed  callow  workers  and 
from  the  maturing  larval  brood.  When  the  larvae  pupate  the  excitatory  stimuli 
decrease  and  the  colony  lapses  into  the  “quieter”  statary  phase  (Schneirla,  1957, 
1971). 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  XXXIII:  38-48.  March,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


39 


According  to  Schneirla’s  theory,  workers  of  N.  nigrescens  are  aroused  to  very 
different  levels  of  excitement  during  the  two  phases  of  each  behavioral  cycle. 
It  is  possible  that  many  aspects  of  each  ant’s  physiological  and  behavioral  con- 
dition are  affected  by  changes  in  the  stimulative  relationships  among  all  indi- 
viduals in  the  colony  throughout  each  cycle.  These  may  include  changes  in  the 
ants’  responsiveness  to  a variety  of  physical  and  biotic  stimuli.  Accordingly, 
I conducted  a series  of  tests  designed  to  compare  the  responses  of  adult  workers 
of  N.  nigrescens  to  photic  stimulation  and  to  stimuli  arising  from  other  workers 
during  the  nomadic  and  statary  phases.  The  objective  was  to  correlate  phase- 
specific  differences  in  the  behavior  of  the  ants  in  the  laboratory  tests  with  our 
observations  of  colony  behavior  in  the  field. 

METHODS 

Tests  were  conducted  at  the  Southwestern  Research  Station  of  The  American 
Museum  of  Natural  History,  in  Portal,  Arizona.  The  apparatus  used  to  measure 
the  ants’  responses  to  light  consisted  of  a cylindrical  arena  (30.0  cm  diam  X 
2.5  cm  high)  that  was  divided  into  five  equal  areas  by  a combination  of  opaque 
rectangular  partitions  and  a central  cylindrical  cartridge  (Fig.  1).  The  arena 
was  illuminated  from  above  by  a 2 2 -watt  fluorescent  light  ring,  and  the  light 
was  diffused  through  a disc  of  neutral  ground  glass.  Two  neutral  density  filters 
were  placed  on  the  lid  of  the  arena  to  reduce  the  intensity  of  light  in  2 opposite 
chambers  of  the  arena  (Fig.  1).  The  intensity  of  illumination  in  the  central 
cartridge  and  in  2 opposite  chambers  of  the  arena  was  16,000  lux;  the  intensity 
of  illumination  in  the  remaining  2 chambers  was  reduced  to  160  lux. 

The  central  cartridge  had  4 equidistant  slit-like  openings  at  the  bottom, 
which  gave  the  ants  simultaneous  access  to  the  brightly  illuminated  and  dimly 
illuminated  arena  chambers.  The  cartridge  also  functioned  as  an  aspirator  for 
collecting  the  ants  in  the  field  (Fig.  2).  As  a result,  the  initial  collection  of  the 
test  ants  was  the  only  manipulation  they  received.  When  used  as  an  aspirator, 
a tightly  fitting  plastic  ring  was  slipped  over  the  4 exit  slits.  A piece  of  rubber 
tubing  was  attached  to  the  upper  end  of  a central  vent  in  the  lid  of  the  cartridge, 
and  an  “L”-shaped  tube  was  inserted  into  a hole  near  the  edge  of  the  lid. 

For  each  test,  40-60  adult  worker  ants  were  collected  from  a raiding  column 
near  the  bivouac.  The  cartridge  was  transported  to  the  laboratory  in  a dark 
container.  In  the  laboratory,  the  cartridge  was  lowered  into  the  arena.  Initially, 
the  cartridge  was  supported  above  the  floor  of  the  arena  by  4 cubes  of  plastic 
that  projected  centrally  from  the  base  of  each  vertical  arena  partition,  far 
enough  to  support  the  outer  slip  ring.  To  start  the  test  the  cartridge  was  pushed 
down,  which  caused  it  to  slide  down  through  the  slip  ring,  thus  simultaneously 
opening  the  4 exit  slits. 

To  test  the  ants’  responses  to  the  presence  of  each  other,  another  series  of 


40 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


__  Fluorescent  light 


Filter 


Ground  glass 


.—Arena  cover 


Fig.  1.  Apparatus  used  to  test  responses  of  ants  to  illumination.  The  cartridge  is  shown 
in  place  in  the  arena.  To  test  the  responses  of  ants  to  the  presence  of  each  other,  the 
fluorescent  light  was  replaced  with  an  infrared  light  source. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


41 


Fig.  2.  Central  cartridge  used  for  behavioral  tests.  When  used  in  the  field  as  an  aspirator, 
the  plastic  ring  is  slipped  over  the  cartridge  to  seal  the  four  exit  slits.  The  rubber  tubing 
and  “L”-shaped  plastic  tube  in  the  lid  of  the  cartridge  are  removable. 


experiments  was  conducted  in  an  identical  arena,  but  no  visible  light  was  used. 
Instead,  illumination  for  photography  was  provided  by  4 150-watt  flood  lamps 
that  were  sealed  behind  gelatin  filters  that  passed  only  wavelengths  greater  than 
720  mfi. 


42 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Table  1. 

Percentage  of  ants  in 

central  cartridge  and  arena 

quadrants  after 

1 minute. 

Colony  # 

Phase  day1 

% ants 
bright 

Bright-dim  test 

in  % ants  in 

dim 

% ants  in 
cartridge 

Infrared  test 
% ants  in 
cartridge 

66N-2 

N-3 

33 

47 

20 

47 

N-7 

33 

48 

19 

— 

N-10 

26 

33 

41 

28 

N-17 

11 

49 

40 

48 

S-2 

— 

— 

— 

58 

S-8 

0 

17 

83 

49 

S-9 

2 

65 

33 

44 

S-10 

0 

48 

52 

51 

S-14 

— 

— 

— 

58 

S-15 

— 

— 

— 

48 

S-16 

0 

0 

100 

100 

S-18 

0 

0 

100 

— 

66N-7 

N-4 

26 

63 

11 

31 

N-ll 

29 

42 

29 

16 

S-2 

0 

0 

100 

— 

S-3 

■ — 

— ■ 

— 

53 

S-5 

0 

0 

100 

53 

S-7 

0 

0 

100 

100 

S-14 

0 

0 

100 

— 

S-17 

0 

0 

100 

100 

66N-13 

N-10 

53 

38 

9 

30 

N-16 

57 

21 

22 

15 

S-l 

0 

0 

100 

100 

S-7 

0 

13 

87 

95 

S-10 

0 

0 

100 

77 

S-13 

0 

0 

100 

100 

72N-3 

N-3 

34 

33 

33 

28 

N-7 

24 

50 

26 

10 

N-13 

23 

44 

33 

42 

N-14 

79 

10 

11 

18 

S-6 

1 

10 

89 

75 

S-7 

0 

0 

100 

100 

S-17 

0 

0 

100 

100 

S-20 

0 

22 

78 

100 

1N-nomadic;  S-statary 


Each  series  of  tests  lasted  for  2 min.  To  record  the  position  of  the  ants 
throughout  each  test,  a photograph  was  taken  at  5 sec  intervals  from  beneath 
the  apparatus.  In  the  “bright-dim”  tests,  the  fluorescent  light  remained  on 
throughout  the  test.  In  the  “infrared”  series,  the  infrared  light  source  was 
electrically  programmed  to  be  on  for  1.5  sec  during  each  5 sec  interval.  Because 
the  infrared  light  was  not  visible  to  the  experimenter,  a buzzer  that  was  syn- 
chronized with  the  light  provided  the  signal  to  take  a photograph. 

RESULTS 

Results  of  tests  conducted  with  4 colonies  of  N.  nigrescens  are  presented  in 
Table  1,  which  shows  the  percentage  of  ants  in  the  central  cartridge  and  arena 
quadrants  of  the  “bright-dim”  and  “infrared”  tests  after  1 min  of  each  2 min 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


43 


Fig.  3.  Characteristic  pattern  of  movement  in  “bright-dim”  tests  during  nomadic  phase. 
The  ants  are  in  the  central  cartridge  and  all  4 arena  quadrants.  They  are  well  spaced  and 
moving  rapidly. 


test.  For  reasons  that  will  be  discussed  below,  the  best  measure  of  the  ants’ 
response  to  illumination  is  the  percentage  located  in  the  2 brightly  illuminated 
arena  quadrants.  The  median  percentage  of  ants  taken  from  nomadic  colonies  is 
31%,  as  compared  to  0%  for  statary  ants. 

If  we  consider  the  percentage  of  ants  in  the  dimly  illuminated  arena  quadrants, 
we  find  that  the  median  for  nomadic  ants  is  44%,  whereas  the  value  for  statary 
ants  is  again  0%.  At  first,  this  may  seem  to  contradict  the  results  obtained  from 
analyzing  the  percentage  of  ants  in  the  brightly  illuminated  quadrants.  The 
discrepancy  is  resolved  by  considering  the  percentage  of  ants  remaining  in  the 
central  cartridge.  During  the  nomadic  phase,  the  median  percentage  of  ants 
in  the  cartridge  is  25%.  During  the  statary  phase,  by  contrast,  the  median  is 
100%.  Thus,  the  data  indicate  that  nomadic  ants  tend  to  leave  the  central 
cartridge  and  enter  into  either  the  brightly  or  dimly  illuminated  quadrants  of 
the  arena.  Statary  ants  tend  to  remain  in  the  central  cartridge  throughout  the 
test.  If  they  leave  the  cartridge  they  invariably  enter  into  the  dimly  illuminated 
quadrants. 

The  large  difference  in  the  number  of  ants  remaining  in  the  central  cartridge 
during  the  nomadic  and  statary  phases  also  existed  when  the  tests  were  conducted 
under  conditions  in  which  the  central  cartridge  and  all  4 arena  quadrants  were 


44 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  4.  Characteristic  pattern  of  movement  in  “infrared”  tests  during  the  nomadic  phase. 
As  in  the  “bright-dim”  series,  the  ants  occupy  all  areas  of  the  apparatus. 


uniformly  illuminated  with  infrared  light.  In  this  series  of  tests,  the  median 
percentage  of  ants  remaining  in  the  cartridge  after  1 min  was  28%  for  nomadic 
ants,  as  compared  to  77%  for  statary  ants. 

In  addition  to  the  quantitative  data  presented  in  Table  1,  the  photographs 
used  to  record  the  location  of  the  ants  throughout  each  test  also  revealed  striking 
qualitative  differences  in  the  behavior  of  the  ants  during  the  2 phases.  Before 
the  start  of  a nomadic  test,  the  ants  were  typically  positioned  uniformly  around 
the  edge  of  the  central  cartridge.  When  the  test  began,  the  ants  left  the  cartridge 
and  established  columns  in  the  arena  quadrants.  Regardless  of  which  quadrants 
they  were  in,  the  ants  ran  rapidly,  were  well  spaced,  and  exhibited  no  tendency 
to  cluster.  This  pattern  of  behavior  was  exhibited  by  the  ants  during  both  the 
“bright-dim”  and  “infrared”  tests  (Figs.  3,  4). 

The  behavior  of  ants  taken  from  statary  colonies  was  quite  different  (Figs.  5, 
6).  Before  the  start  of  a test,  the  ants  were  usually  clustered  together  in  one 
small  section  of  the  cartridge.  The  clusters  varied  in  degree,  but  the  ants  rarely 
occupied  the  entire  cartridge.  In  12  out  of  18  “bright-dim”  tests  conducted  with 
statary  ants,  the  individuals  formed  into  tight  clusters  that  remained  in  the 
cartridge  throughout  the  entire  test.  In  8 out  of  19  statary  “infrared”  tests, 
similar  clusters  were  formed.  It  is  significant  that  no  such  clusters  were  ever 
observed  during  tests  conducted  with  ants  taken  from  nomadic  colonies. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


45 


Fig.  5.  Characteristic  pattern  of  movement  in  “bright-dim”  tests  during  statary  phase. 
The  ants  are  clustered  tightly  at  the  edge  of  the  cartridge. 


DISCUSSION 

The  results  of  these  behavioral  tests  indicate  that  workers  of  N.  nigrescens 
respond  differently  to  illumination  during  the  nomadic  and  statary  phases. 
In  southeastern  Arizona,  N . nigrescens  has  adapted  to  conditions  of  high  tempera- 
tures and  low  humidity  by  conducting  most  of  its  raiding  and  emigration 
activities  at  night.  This  correlates  with  my  findings  that  the  ants  are  always 
photonegative,  although  the  degree  of  their  photonegativity  shifts  during  the 
2 phases  of  each  behavioral  cycle. 

During  the  statary  phase,  the  ants  often  exhibit  a marked  tendency  to  cluster 
tightly  together  in  the  central  cartridge  of  the  experimental  apparatus,  regardless 
of  the  intensity  of  illumination.  Although  the  specific  cause  of  the  clustering 
behavior  is  not  known,  a reasonable  hypothesis  is  that  it  is  due  to  the  ants’ 
responsiveness  to  chemical  and  tactile  stimuli  arising  from  other  workers.  The 
results  of  this  experiment  indicate  that  the  response  of  the  ants  to  the  presence 
of  each  other  is  so  strong  during  the  statary  phase  that  it  can  often  override 
their  negative  reaction  to  illumination. 

It  is  well  known  that  the  responses  of  many  species  of  insects  to  stimuli  of 
constant  physical  intensity  are  influenced  by  environmental  factors  such  as 
temperature  and  humidity,  and  by  internal  factors,  including  age,  sex,  and 
physiological  condition.  For  example,  studies  of  waterscorpions  (Holmes,  1905), 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  6.  Characteristic  pattern  of  movement  in  “infrared”  tests  during  the  statary  phase. 
As  in  the  “bright-dim”  series,  the  ants  are  clustered  in  the  cartridge  and  remain  there 
throughout  the  test. 


mayflies  (Allee  and  Stein,  1918),  drone  flies  (Dolley  and  White,  1951),  and 
mosquitoes  (Chiba,  1967)  indicate  that  decreasing  temperatures  result  in  a 
shift  towards  photonegativity.  The  general  consensus  of  these  investigators 
is  that  any  environmental  factor  that  lowers  the  organism’s  excitability  tends 
to  increase  its  negative  photoreactivity. 

Changes  in  patterns  of  orientation  with  respect  to  light  can  also  be  caused 
by  corresponding  changes  in  stimuli  that  originate  within  the  organism.  Newly 
hatched  larvae  of  the  hawk  moth  are  strongly  photopositive,  but  just  prior  to 
pupation  the  mature  larvae  become  increasingly  photonegative  (Beetsma  et  al., 
1962).  These  investigators  also  showed  that  injection  of  the  hormone  ecdysone 
could  induce  the  photonegative  response.  Similar  changes  in  response  to  illumina- 
tion as  a function  of  physiological  condition  have  been  found  in  tabanid  flies 
(Shamsuddin,  1966)  and  milkweed  bugs  (Barrett  and  Chiang,  1967). 

Orientation  towards  chemical  stimuli  can  also  be  influenced  by  external 
environmental  and  internal  physiological  factors.  An  investigation  that  is 
particularly  relevant  to  the  present  study  was  conducted  by  Goldsmid  (1967)  on 
the  blue  tick,  Boophilus  decolor atus.  Newly  hatched  tick  larvae  exhibit  a strong 
negative  reaction  towards  light.  At  this  developmental  stage,  however,  the 
larvae  also  aggregate  together  in  clusters  by  orienting  towards  chemicals  secreted 
by  other  larvae.  This  clustering  tendency  overrides  the  individuals’  negative 


Vol.  L XXXIII,  March,  1975 


47 


response  towards  light.  If  the  cluster  is  mechanically  broken  and  the  larvae 
scattered  within  their  container,  they  invariably  reaggregate  in  approximately 
the  same  location.  After  one  week,  changes  in  physiological  conditions  asso- 
ciated with  maturation  eliminate  the  tendency  to  aggregate,  and  at  this  time 
the  larvae  also  become  markedly  photopositive. 

The  results  of  the  present  study  show  that  workers  of  the  army  ant  N.  nigres- 
cens  respond  differently  to  illumination  and  to  the  presence  of  conspecifics 
during  the  nomadic  and  statary  phases.  Based  on  the  studies  cited  above,  it  is 
reasonable  to  hypothesize  that  the  changes  in  the  ants’  responsiveness  may  be 
caused  by  corresponding  changes  in  their  degree  of  excitation  during  the  2 phases. 
The  nomadic  phase  is  initiated  by  intense  stimulation  imparted  to  the  adult 
worker  population  by  the  eclosing  callows,  and  is  maintained  by  equivalent 
stimulation  derived  from  the  developing  larval  brood  (Schneirla,  1957).  It  is 
possible  that  the  resulting  increase  in  adult  worker  excitation  and  activity 
causes  them  to  be  less  photonegative  and  less  responsive  to  chemicals  secreted 
by  other  workers.  When  the  larval  brood  completes  its  development  and  pupates, 
there  is  a sharp  decline  in  the  intensity  of  social  stimulation  in  the  nest.  The 
overall  level  of  excitation  is  lower,  and  this  causes  the  workers  to  exhibit  an 
increase  in  their  photonegativity  and  in  their  sensitivity  to  conspecifics.  In  the 
case  of  the  army  ants,  as  in  the  blue  tick,  the  ants’  increased  sensitivity  to  other 
ants  seems  to  override  their  increased  photonegativity. 


Literature  Cited 

Allee,  W.  C.  and  Stein,  E.  R.  1918.  Light  reactions  and  metabolism  in  may-fly  nymphs 
Jour.  Exp.  Zool.,  26:  423-458. 

Barrett,  R.  W.  and  Chiang,  H.  C.  1967.  Changes  of  behavior  pattern  within  the  fifth 
nymphal  instar  of  the  Milkweed  bug,  Oncopeltus  jasciatus  (Dallas).  Amer.  Mid. 
Nat.,  78:  359-368. 

Beetsma,  J.  L.,  deRuiter,  L.,  and  deWilde,  J.  1962.  Possible  influence  of  neotenine 
and  ecdyson  on  the  sign  of  phototaxis  in  the  eyed  Hawk  caterpillar  Smerinthus 
ocellata  L.  Jour.  Insect  Physiol.,  8:  251-257. 

Chiba,  Y.  1967.  Activity  of  mosquitoes,  Culex  pipiens  Pallens  and  Aedes  japonicus 
under  a step-wise  decrease  of  light  intensity.  Sci.  Report,  Tohoku  Univ.  ser.  IV 
(Biol.),  33:  7-13. 

Dolley,  W.  L.  and  White,  J.  D.  1951.  The  effect  of  illumination  on  the  reversal  tempera- 
ture in  the  drone  fly  Eristalis  tenax.  Biol.  Bull.,  100:  84-89. 

Goldsmid,  J.  M.  1967.  Observations  on  the  behaviour  of  the  blue  tick,  Boophilus 
decoloratus  (Koch)  (Acarina:  Ixodidae).  Jour.  Ent.  Soc.  S.  Africa,  29:  74-89. 

Holmes,  S.  H.  1905.  The  reactions  of  Ranatra  to  light.  Jour.  Comp.  Neurol.,  15: 
305-349. 

Schneirla,  T.  C.  1957.  Theoretical  consideration  of  cyclic  processes  in  doryline  ants. 
Proc.  Amer.  Phil.  Soc.,  101:  106-133. 

. 1958.  The  behavior  and  biology  of  certain  nearctic  army  ants.  Last  part  of 

the  functional  season,  southeastern  Arizona.  Insectes  Sociaux,  5:  215-255. 

. 1963.  The  behaviour  and  biology  of  certain  nearctic  army  ants:  springtime 

resurgence  of  cyclic  functions — southeastern  Arizona.  Anim.  Behav.,  11:  583-595. 


4S 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


. 1971.  “Army  Ants:  a Study  in  Social  Organization.”  W.  H.  Freeman  & Co., 

San  Francisco,  Calif. 

Shamsuddin,  M.  1966.  Behaviour  of  larval  tabanids  (Diptera:  Tabanidae)  in  relation 

to  light,  moisture,  and  temperature.  Quaestiones  Entomol.,  2:  271-302. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


49 


Mites  (Acarina)  associated  with  Popilius  disjunctus  (Illiger) 
(Coleoptera:  Passalidae)  in  Eastern  United  States1 

Mercedes  D.  Delfinado 

New  York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service,  Albany,  New  York  12224 

AND 

Edward  W.  Baker 

Systematic  Entomology  Laboratory,  IIBIII  U.S.D.A.  Agricultural  Research  Service, 

Beltsville,  Maryland  20705 

Received  for  Publication  August  9,  1974 

Abstract:  Sixteen  species  of  mites  are  reported  associated  with  Popilius  disjunctus 

(Illiger)  (Coleoptera:  Passalidae)  in  eastern  United  States.  Two  new  species  are  described: 
Macrocheles  disjunctus  and  M.  whartoni.  Changes  in  nomenclature  are  as  follows: 
Cosmolaelaps  passali  Hunter  and  Mollin  = C.  trifidus  (Pearse  and  Wharton),  new  synonymy 
and  new  combination;  Dendrolaelaps  passalorum  (Pearse  and  Wharton),  new  combination. 
Diagnostic  features,  as  well  as  distributional  and  biological  information  are  given  for  most 
species. 


A surprisingly  large  and  somewhat  heterogenous  group  of  mites  is  found  in 
association  with  various  species  of  passalid  beetles  (Coleoptera:  Passalidae) 
(Pearse  et  al.,  1936;  Tragardh,  1946,  1950;  Womersley,  1957;  Schuster  and 
Lavoipierre,  1970;  Hunter  and  co-workers,  1964-1969).  Either  adults,  immature 
stages,  or  all  developmental  stages  of  certain  species  are  found  attached  to 
various  parts  of  the  beetle.  The  relationship  between  the  mites  and  beetles  is 
undoubtedly  one  of  phoresy,  i.e.,  the  mite  utilizing  the  beetle  as  a means  of 
transport  from  one  habitat  to  another.  The  attractiveness  of  the  beetle  Popilius 
disjunctus  (Illiger)  to  the  mite  has  been  observed  by  Mollin  and  Hunter  (1964) 
and  Hunter  and  Davis  (1965)  working  with  Cosmolaelaps  trifidus  (Pearse  and 
Wharton)  and  Euzercon  latus  (Banks)  respectively.  They  concluded  that  these 
mites  react  to  an  attractant  present  on  the  external  surface  of  their  beetle  host. 
Cosmolaelaps  trifidus  reproduces  only  after  a period  of  contact  with  the  beetle. 
The  feeding  habits  of  the  majority  of  these  mites  are  unknown.  But  certain 
other  species  of  Macrochelidae  will  feed  on  acarid  mites  ( Caloglyphus  spp.), 
fly  eggs  and  larvae,  and  nematodes  (Axtell,  1961,  1963,  1969).  Probably  many 
other  species  will  also  feed  on  the  same  hosts. 

This  study  is  based  on  material  taken  by  M.  D.  Delfinado  from  pinned 
P.  disjunctus  beetles  in  the  New  York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service 
collection  through  the  courtesy  of  John  Wilcox,  and  from  beetles  sent  by  Marcel 

1 Published  by  permission  of  the  Director,  New  York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service, 
Journal  Series  No.  164. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  XXXIII:  49-59.  March,  1975. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Reeves,  University  of  New  Hampshire.  Other  mite  specimens  examined  are  from 
the  collection  of  Preston  E.  Hunter,  University  of  Georgia  at  Athens. 

This  paper  reports  the  following  families  of  mites  found  on  P.  disjunctus  in 
eastern  United  States:  Diarthrophallidae  (1  sp.),  Diplogyniidae  (1  sp.),  Euzer- 
conidae  (1  sp.),  Megisthanidae  (1  sp.),  Digamasellidae  (1  sp.),  Laelapidae  (2 
spp.),  Macrochelidae  (3  spp.),  and  Heterocheylidae  (1  sp.).  Also  listed  here, 
but  not  discussed,  are  immature  specimens  of  3 uropodine  species  described  by 
Pearse  and  Wharton  (1936)  and  unnamed  species  of  Anoetidae  and  Acaridae. 
Cosmolaelaps  passali  (Hunter  and  Mollin,  1964),  is  synonymized  with  Cosmo- 
laelaps  trifidus  (Pearse  and  Wharton,  1936),  new  combination.  Two  new  species 
of  Macrocheles  are  described. 

Family  Diarthrophallidae 
Diarthro phallus  quercus  (Pearse  and  Wharton) 

Uroseius  quercus  Pearse  and  Wharton  1936:  478. 

Diarthro  phallus  quercus , Tragardh,  1946:  371  (taxonomy)  ; Hunter  and  Glover,  1968:  193 
(re-description). 

Passalobia  duodecimpilosa  Lombardini,  1938:  46.  Synonymy  by  Hunter  and  Glover  (1968). 
Diarthro  phallus  similis  Tragardh,  1946:  380.  Synonymy  by  Womersley  (1961). 

Remarks : This  unique  species,  upon  which  the  genus  and  family  was  based  (Tragardh, 

1946),  is  distinguished  in  all  stages  by  having  very  long,  barbed  adanal  and  body  setae; 
very  short  peritremes  in  the  adult  which  are  absent  in  the  immature  stages,  by  the  sternal 
shield  lacking  lateral  endopodal  projections,  and  the  tarsus  of  leg  I without  caruncle  or 
claws  and  terminating  in  a series  of  short  and  long  setae.  All  developmental  stages  are 
found  on  the  beetle.  Pearse  and  Wharton  (1936)  observed  that  this  “mite  is  usually  found 
on  the  outside  of  Passalus,  where  it  lurks  in  the  crevices  between  parts  near  the  anterior 
end,  but  sometimes  it  creeps  under  the  elytra.”  The  present  material  was  taken  on  the 
coxal  regions  and  under  the  elytra. 

Distribution.  This  is  one  of  the  commonest  species  of  mites  found  on  the  venter  of  head 
and  coxal  regions  and  under  the  elytra  of  P.  disjunctus.  It  is  widely  distributed  in  the 
eastern  United  States  and  has  also  been  recorded  from  Brazil  on  an  unknown  passalid 
beetle  and  from  Mexico  on  Proculus  goryi  Melly. 

Family  Digamasellidae 

Dendrolaelaps  passalorum  (Pearse  and  Wharton).  New  combination. 

(Figures  1-4) 

Zercon  passalorum  Pearse  and  Wharton,  1936:  477. 

Remarks.  The  type  specimens  of  this  species  are  presumably  lost.  Figures  28-30'  (Pearse 
and  Wharton  1936:  477)  on  D.  passalorum  are  undoubtedly  based  on  nymphs.  We  have 
adults  of  both  sexes  and  nymphs  taken  from  the  beetle  habitat  and  under  the  elytra  of 
P.  disjunctus.  A brief  description  of  the  adults  is  as  follows: 

Female.  All  dorsal  and  body  setae  simple;  posterior  end  of  dorsal  plate  sculptured, 
punctate  with  scalloped  margin;  dorsal  plate  notched  medially  as  shown  on  figure  1, 
with  2 small  platelets  above  the  slit;  infundibulum  foraminis  extending  entire  length  of 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


51 


Figs.  1-4.  Dendrolaelaps  passalorum  (Pearse  and  Wharton).  1,  dorsum 
2,  venter  of  female;  3,  venter  of  nymph  with  tritosternum ; 4,  venter  of  male. 


female ; 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


trochanter  and  femur  of  Leg  III;  ventri-anal  plate  with  4 pairs  of  setae  in  addition  to 
anal  setae.  Male.  Spermatodactyl  straight,  shorter  than  fixed  chela;  genital  opening  located 
at  anterior  margin  of  sternal  plate ; femur,  genu  and  tibia  of  leg  II  with  ventral  protuberances ; 
trochanter  and  femur  of  leg  IV  with  small,  lateral  protuberances  as  in  figure  4;  posterior 
end  of  dorsal  plate  as  in  female.  Dorsal  seta  Si  as  long  as  seta  Z5  but  stronger;  S5  longest  and 
most  conspicuous  of  dorsal  setae. 

Distribution.  Previously  known  only  from  North  Carolina  (type  locality).  We  have 
examined  a series  of  immatures  taken  under  the  elytra  of  Popilius  from  New  York  (Lintner, 
coll.),  Ohio  (P.  Lowry,  coll.),  Iowa  (L.  C.  Glover,  coll.)  and  Virginia  (E.  W.  Baker,  coll.)  ; 
adult  males  and  females  were  collected  from  Popilius  habitat  under  a log  pile  in  Virginia. 

Family  Diplogyniidae 

Passalacarus  sylvestris  Pearse  and  Wharton 

Passalacarus  sylvestris  Pearse  and  Wharton:  475;  Tragardh,  1950:  369  (re-description, 

taxonomy) . 

Remarks.  P.  sylvestris  was  re-described  and  figured  in  detail  by  Tragardh  (1950)  who 
placed  it  in  the  family  Diplogyniidae.  This  species  is  distinguished  in  both  sexes  by 
having  the  anal  plate  fused  with  the  ventral  plate;  the  female  has  a pair  of  sternal  setae 
placed  close  together  at  the  middle  near  the  posterior  margin  of  the  sternal  plate,  and  a 
pair  of  triangular  plates  hinged  laterally  to  the  ventral  plate  bearing  2 pairs  of  long  setae 
near  the  lateral  margin.  The  male  genital  aperture  is  situated  in  front  of  the  anterior 
margin  of  the  sternal  plate.  The  biology  is  not  known. 

Distribution.  P.  sylvestris  was  previously  known  from  North  Carolina  (type  locality). 
We  have  examined  specimens  taken  in  the  anterior  and  hind  coxal  regions  of  P.  disjunctus 
from  Iowa  (L.  C.  Glover,  coll.),  New  York  (Moore,  coll.)  and  from  Virginia  collected  in 
an  alcohol  jar  with  the  beetles  (E.  W.  Baker,  coll.). 

Family  Euzerconidae 
Euzercon  latus  (Banks) 

Celaenopsis  latus  Banks,  1909:  135. 

Euzercon  latus , Hunter  and  Davis,  1965:  30  (biology). 

Remarks.  This  euzerconid  mite  is  characterized  by  having  the  lateral  plates  of  the  female 
fused  with  the  ventral  plate,  by  having  a T-shaped  genital  opening  and  by  having  the  anal 
plate  separated  from  the  ventral  plate.  No  male  or  immature  stage  has  been  examined  by  us. 
Biology  and  descriptions  of  both  sexes,  including  the  immature  stages  are  given  by  Hunter 
and  Davis  (1965). 

Distribution.  E.  latus  was  originally  found  on  a passalid  beetle  at  Guelph,  Ontario,  Canada; 
it  has  been  recorded  since  from  North  Carolina  and  Georgia.  We  have  examined  females 
taken  on  the  anterior  coxae  of  P.  disjunctus  from  New  York  (Moore,  coll.)  and  Iowa 
(L.  C.  Glover,  coll.). 


Family  Laelapidae 

Cosmolaelaps  trifidus  (Pearse  and  Wharton).  New  combination. 
Seiodes  trifidus  Pearse  and  Wharton,  1936:  474. 

Cosmolaelaps  passali  Hunter  and  Mollin,  1964:  247.  New  synonymy. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


53 


Remarks.  We  have  remounted  and  examined  the  type  specimens  of  Seiodes  trifidus;  it  is 
now  obvious  that  this  species  is  a typical  laelapid  mite.  Both  sexes  can  be  distinguished 
by  the  strong,  lanceolate  setae  on  the  dorsal  plate  and  by  the  short,  strong  ventral  setae  on 
the  posterior  region  of  the  body.  Mollin  and  Hunter  (1964)  and  Hunter  and  Mollin  (1964) 
gave  detailed  biology,  descriptions  and  illustrations  of  this  species  as  Cosmolaelaps  passali, 
a synonym  of  Seiodes  trifidus.  We  cannot  find  characters  to  separate  them. 

Distribution.  Hunter  and  Mollin  (1964)  reported  that  the  adults  were  usually  found 
ventrally  between  the  leg  and.  prothoracic  regions,  or  attached  to  the  setae  in  front  of 
legs  I of  Popilius  from  Georgia.  One  male  was  removed  from  the  head  region  of  P.  disjunctus 
from  Louisiana  (L.  C.  Glover,  coll.).  Previously  known  only  from  North  Carolina 
(type  locality). 


Hypoaspis  ( Geolaelaps ) disjuncta  Hunter  and  Yeh 
Hypoaspis  ( Geolaelaps ) disjuncta  Hunter  and  Yeh,  1969:  97. 

Remarks.  H.  disjuncta  is  a weakly  sclerotized  laelapid  mite  with  simple  body  setae.  It 
may  be  distinguished  readily  by  the  shape  of  the  sternal  plate  which  has  a rounded 
posterior  margin  extending  posteriorly  to  the  region  of  coxae  IV,  and  in  that  the  dorsal 
plate  possesses  32  pairs  of  simple  setae  and  completely  covers  the  dorsum.  The  biology 
of  this  mite  was  observed  by  Hunter  and  Yeh  (1969). 

Distribution.  This  species  was  found  attached  to  the  hairs  on  the  venter 
of  Popilius  from  Georgia;  it  was  also  found  in  decayed  frass  mixed  with 
tunnels.  We  have  females  taken  on  the  coxal  region  and  mouthparts 
from  Ohio  (P.  Lowry,  coll.)  and  Iowa  (L.  C.  Glover,  coll.). 

Family  Macrochelidae 

Macrocheles  tridentatus  Pearse  and  Wharton 
(Figures  5-11) 

Macrocheles  tridentatus  Pearse  and  Wharton,  1936:  473. 

Remarks.  We  have  remounted  and  examined  the  type  material  (USNM  Type  No.  1172, 
male  and  female)  of  M . tridentatus . The  type  specimen  labelled  male  proved  to  be  a female 
as  shown  in  figure  15  (Pearse  and  Wharton,  1936:  473).  This  mite  represents  a new 

species  of  macrochelid.  Figure  17  (Pearse  and  Wharton,  loc.  cit.)  represents  the  type  female 
of  M.  tridentatus.  Brief  descriptions  of  the  adults  of  M.  tridentatus  are  as  follows: 

Female.  Dorsal  plate  finely  punctate  and  with  reticulate  pattern  of  punctate  lines  diminishing 
at  midregion.  Vertical  setae  Di  and  all  marginal  (except  M2)  and  lateral  setae  pectinate; 
seta  D8  and  all  other  medial  and  dorsal  setae  simple,  slender  and  lanceolate.  Sternal 
plate  punctate  with  ridges  of  polygonal  design.  Genital  and  ventri-anal  plates  with  reticulate 
patterns  of  punctate  lines.  All  setae  on  these  plates  simple.  Fixed  and  movable  chelae 

of  chelicerae  with  4 and  2 teeth  respectively;  arthrodial  brush  reaching  to  % length  of 

movable  chela.  Leg  I with  tibia  shorter  than  tarsus.  Genu  of  leg  IV  with  6 setae  pectinate 
apically;  all  other  leg  setae  simple. 

Male.  Dorsal  plate  ornamentations  similar  to  those  of  female.  Holoventral  plate  densely 
punctate  and  with  faint  polygonal  pattern,  ventri-anal  plate  punctate,  with  reticulate 
pattern  of  punctate  lines.  All  setae  on  these  plates  simple.  Fixed  chelae  with  4 teeth, 

movable  chelae  with  1 tooth,  spermatodactyl  about  the  length  of  movable  chela.  Femur, 
genu  and  tibia  of  leg  II  each  with  a spur,  largest  on  femur.  Femur  of  leg  IV  as  figured. 


of  the  prothorax 
soil  in  the  beetle 
of  P.  disjunctus 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Figs.  5-12.  Macrocheles  tridentatus  Pearse  and  Wharton.  5,  venter  of  female;  6,  dorsum  of 
female;  7,  chelicera  of  female;  8,  venter  of  male;  9,  chelicera  of  male;  10,  leg  II  of  male; 
11,  leg  IV  of  male;  12,  ambulacra  of  leg  III  of  male. 


Distribution.  M.  tridentatus  was  previously  known  only  from  North  Carolina  (type 
locality).  We  have  examined  females  taken  on  the  coxal  region  of  P.  disjunctus  from 
Ohio  (P.  Lowry,  coll.)  and  Georgia  (Y.  T.  Chiu,  coll.)  and  males  collected  in  beetle  frass 
from  Georgia. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


55 


Macrocheles  disjunctus,  n.  sp. 

(Figures  12-15) 

Female.  Length  of  body  735  microns.  Dorsal  plate  heavily  ornamented  with  circular  and 
polygonal  pits  of  varying  sizes;  all  dorsal  setae  clublike  and  strongly  plumose,  with  most 
marginal,  lateral  and  anterior  dorsal  setae  stoutest  and  longest;  extra  marginal  (integumental) 
setae  also  plumose;  integument  outside  plate  rugose,  granular.  Sternal  plate  pitted,  all 
setae  pectinate.  Genital  plate  small,  rounded  posteriorly,  with  pitted  reticulate  pattern; 
setae  pectinate.  Ventri-anal  plate  small,  longer  than  wide,  pitted;  all  setae  on  this  plate 
pectinate;  3 anal  setae  simple;  integument  between  these  plates  rugose;  2 pairs  of  sclerotized 
platelets  located  between  genital  and  ventri-anal  plates.  Metasternal  plates  very  small, 
each  with  a pectinate  seta.  Metapodals  not  seen.  Chelicerae  with  movable  chelae  unidentate, 
fixed  chelae  tridentate ; arthrodial  brush  reaching  to  *4  length  of  movable  chela.  Legs 
rugose;  most  setae  strong,  either  plumose  or  pectinate.  Tarsus  of  leg  I longer  than  tibia. 

Male.  Not  known. 

Holotype.  Female,  Duncan  Falls,  Ohio,  June  18,  1916  (P.  Lowry,  coll.),  taken  on  venter 
of  P.  disjunctus , deposited  in  the  New  York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service  at  Albany. 

Paratypes.  1 female  with  same  data  as  holotype;  1 female,  Ft.  McPherson,  Georgia, 
July  22,  1946  (no  coll.);  1 female,  McRae,  Georgia,  November  7,  1959  (H.  O.  Lund,  coll.), 
both  taken  on  passalid  beetle,  deposited  in  the  U.S.  National  Museum  and  New  York 
State  Museum  and  Science  Service  collections. 

Remarks.  The  pitted  ornamentation  of  the  dorsal  plate  and  the  plumose  setae,  the  rugose 
legs  and  the  small  genital  and  ventri-anal  plates  are  distinctive  for  this  species. 

Macrocheles  whartoni,  n.  sp. 

(Figures  16-18) 

Female.  Length  of  body  370  microns.  Dorsal  plate  finely  punctate  and  weakly  ornamented 
with  a network  of  fine  punctate  lines.  Vertical  setae  Di  short,  spinelike,  simple  and  close 
to  each  other;  setae  D8  finely  pectinate;  remainder  of  setae  on  dorsal  plate  simple,  long, 
thin,  and  lanceolate;  extra  marginal  setae  on  integument  simple.  Sternal  plate  with 
characteristic  granular  and  knobby  ornamentation;  all  sternal  setae  simple.  Genital 
plate  truncate  posteriorly,  and  nearly  touching  anterior  margin  of  ventri-anal  plate,  with 
concentric  pattern  of  small  granular  lines.  Ventri-anal  plate  truncate  anteriorly,  with 
punctate  polygonal  and  concentric  ornamentation,  all  setae  on  this  plate  simple.  Meta- 
sternal setae  simple,  located  on  small  elongate  plates.  Metapodal  plates  very  small,  elongate 
and  weakly  sclerotized.  Chelicerae  with  bidentate  fixed  chelae  and  unidentate  movable 
chelae ; arthrodial  brush  reaching  to  % length  of  movable  chela.  Leg  I with  tibia  shorter  than 
tarsus.  All  leg  setae  simple. 

Male.  Not  known. 

Holotype.  Female,  Athens,  Georgia,  August  10,  1965  (Y.  T.  Chiu,  coll.),  on  passalid 
beetle,  deposited  in  the  New  York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service  at  Albany.  Paratypes. 
6 females  with  same  data  as  holotype ; 1 female,  Clarke  Co.,  Georgia,  October  4,  1960, 
inside  rotten  log,  and  1 female,  Athens,  Georgia,  University  Farm,  January  12,  1961,  in  tunnel 
of  passalid  beetle,  both  collected  by  P.  E.  Hunter;  1 female,  Duke  Forest,  Durham,  North 
Carolina,  June  12,  1933,  “on  Passalus  cornutus  Fabr.”  (A.  S.  Pearse,  coll.,  labelled  USNM 
type  no.  1172);  3 females,  Stafford,  Virginia,  August  23,  1973,  in  Popilius  habitat  under 
oak  log,  and  2 females  on  Popilius  same  locality,  all  collected  by  E.  W.  Baker,  deposited 
in  the  U.S.  National  Museum  and  New  York  State  Museum  and  Science  Service  collections. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Figs.  13-16.  Macrocheles  disjunctus,  n.  sp.  13,  dorsum  of  female;  14,  venter  of  female; 
15,  leg  III  of  female;  16,  chelicera  of  female. 

Figs.  17-19.  Macrocheles  whartoni,  n.  sp.  17,  dorsum  of  female;  18,  venter  of  female; 
19,  chelicera  of  female. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


57 


Remarks.  M.  whartoni  is  distinguished  by  having  only  the  D8  setae  pectinate,  the 
remainder  of  body  setae  being  simple,  and  by  the  characteristic  knobby  and  granular 
ornamentation  of  the  sternal  plate.  It  is  the  common  macrochelid  species  found  on  P. 
disjunctus. 

This  mite  is  named  for  G.  W.  Wharton  of  the  Ohio  State  University. 

Family  Megisthanidae 
Megisthanus  floridanus  Banks 

Megisthanus  floridanus  Banks,  1904:  145;  Baker  and  Wharton,  1952:  45;  Krantz,  1971:  130. 

Remarks.  Pearse  and  Wharton  (1936)  reported  that  this  mite  has  never  been  taken  in 
abundance  and  none  has  actually  been  taken  on  the  beetles  which  were  examined  each  month. 
Our  present  collection  contains  2 females  and  1 male  collected  in  P.  disjunctus  habitat 
under  a log  pile  in  Virginia.  None  was  found  on  the  beetle.  Baker  and  Wharton  (1952),  and 
recently  Krantz  (1971),  figured  M.  floridanus.  It  is  distinguished  by  its  unique  genital 
opening:  crescent  shaped  in  the  female  and  placed  just  below  the  sternal  plate,  whereas 
the  male  genital  opening  is  located  in  the  sternal  plate  aperture. 

Distribution.  Florida,  Georgia  and  North  Carolina.  It  was  collected  in  Virginia  in  the 
beetle  habitat  by  E.  W.  Baker. 


Family  Uropodidae 

In  the  collection  are  immatures  of  3 species  of  uropodine  mites  which  were  named 
by  Pearse  and  Wharton  (1936).  Adults  are  not  known. 

Uroobovella  spinosa  Pearse  and  Wharton,  1936:  480.  Genus  uncertain. 

Distribution.  North  Carolina,  Ohio,  New  York,  Iowa  and  Georgia.  These  mites  were 
found  on  the  front  and  hind  coxal  region  of  the  beetles  and  under  the  elytra. 

Uroobovella  setosa  Pearse  and  Wharton,  1936:  479.  Genus  uncertain. 

Distribution.  North  Carolina,  Louisiana,  Ohio,  New  York  and  Georgia.  The  specimens 
were  taken  on  the  front  coxal  region  of  Popilius. 

Uroobovella  levis  Pearse  and  Wharton,  1936:  481.  Genus  uncertain. 

Distribution.  This  species  is  the  most  common  of  the  uropodine  mites  found  on  the  beetle 
in  North  Carolina,  New  York,  Ohio,  Iowa,  Virginia,  Georgia  and  Connecticut.  It  is  found 
attached  to  the  hollow  areas  beneath  the  head  of  Popilius  and  on  the  front  coxal  region. 

Family  Heterocheylidae 

Heterocheylus  proximus  Schuster  and  Lavoipierre 
Heterocheylus  proximus  Schuster  and  Lavoipierre,  1970:  26. 

Heterocheylus  fusiformis  Lombardini,  of  Pearse  and  Wharton,  1936:  747.  Misidentification. 

Remarks.  H.  proximus  is  obviously  the  heterocheylid  mite  reported  by  Pearse  and  Wharton 
(1936)  from  North  Carolina.  It  is  distinguished  from  other  North  and  South  American 
species  in  that  tarsus  IV  has  4 setae ; the  dorsal  seta  of  tarsus  IV  is  located  on  the  distal 
portion  of  the  segment  which  lacks  the  small  basal  posterior  seta.  Seta  Im  is  anterior  to 
seta  IM  (after  Schuster  and  Lavoipierre,  1970:  22). 

The  biology  is  not  known. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Distribution.  H.  proximus  is  found  under  the  elytra  of  P.  disjunctus,  and  is  common  and 
widely  distributed  in  the  eastern  United  States.  It  has  also  been  recorded  on  a number  of 
passalid  species  from  Mexico,  Central  and  South  America. 

Family  Anoetidae 

Histiostoma  sp. 

Remarks.  The  figure  of  the  hypopus  by  Pearse  and  Wharton  (1936)  readily  places  this  mite 
in  the  above  family.  They  gave  it  no  generic  name  and  placed  it  in  the  family  ‘Tyroglyphidae.’ 
The  mites  collected  on  the  beetles  are  Histiostoma  sp.,  and  probably  represent  an  undescribed 
species. 

Distribution.  North  Carolina,  Connecticut  and  Iowa.  The  mites  were  found  on  the  coxal 
region  and  under  the  elytra  of  the  P.  disjunctus. 

Family  Acaridae 

Genus  nr.  Forcellinia. 

Remarks.  Only  the  hypopial  forms  were  found,  and  they  are  probably  an  undescribed 
genus.  Pearse  and  Wharton  (1936)  gave  a rough  figure  of  this  form. 

Distribution.  North  Carolina,  New  York,  Iowa,  Connecticut,  Virginia  and  Louisiana. 
They  were  found  on  the  front  and  hind  legs,  coxal  region  and  under  the  elytra  of  Popilius. 

Literature  Cited 

Axtell,  R.  C.  1961.  New  records  of  North  American  Macrochelidae  (Acarina:  Meso- 
stigmata)  and  their  predation  rates  on  the  house  fly.  Ann.  Entomol.  Soc.  Amer. 
54:  748. 

. 1963.  Manure  inhabiting  Macrochelidae  (Acarina:  Mesostigmata)  predaceous  on 

the  house  fly.  Adv.  Acarology  1:  55-59. 

. 1969.  Macrochelidae  (Acarina:  Mesostigmata)  as  biological  control  agents  for 

synanthropic  flies.  Proc.  2nd  Int.  Cong.  Acarology  (1967):  401-416. 

Baker,  E.  W.,  and  G.  W.  Wharton.  1952.  Introduction  to  Acarology.  The  Macmillan 
Co.  New  York.  465  pp. 

Banks,  N.  1904.  The  Arachnida  of  Florida.  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phil.:  120-147. 

. 1909.  New  Canadian  Mites  [Arachnoidea,  Acarina].  Proc.  Entomol.  Soc.  Wash. 

9:  133-143. 

Evans,  G.  O.,  and  E.  Browning.  1956.  British  Mites  of  the  subfamily  Macrochelinae 
Tragardh  (Gamasina-Macrochelidae) . Bull.  Br.  Mus.  (Nat.  Hist.)  Zool.  4(1): 
3-55. 

Hunter,  P.  E.,  and  K.  Mollin.  1964.  Mites  associated  with  Passalus  beetle  I.  Life 
stages  and  seasonal  abundance  of  Cosmolaelaps  passali  n.  sp.  (Acarina:  Laelaptidae). 
Acarologia  6:  247-256. 

, and  R.  Davis.  1965.  Mites  associated  with  Passalus  beetle  III.  Life  stages  and 

observations  on  the  biology  of  Euzercon  latus  (Banks)  (Acarina:  Euzerconidae) . 

Acarologia  7:  30<-42. 

, and  L.  Butler.  1966.  New  Klinckowstroemia  mites  from  Costa  Rican  passalid 

beetles  (Acarina:  Klinckowstroemiidae) . J.  Georgia  Entomol.  Soc.  1:  24-30. 

, and  S.  Glover.  1968.  The  genus  Passalobia  Lombardini  1926,  with  descriptions  of 

a new  species  (Acarina:  Diarthrophallidae) . Proc.  Entomol.  Soc.  Wash.  70:  193— 
197. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


59 


, and  W.  M.  Yeh.  1969.  Hypoaspis  ( Geolaelaps ) disjuncta  n.  sp.  (Acarina:  Lae- 

lapidae)  associated  with  horned  Passalus  beetles.  J.  Georgia  Entomol.  Soc.  4: 
97-102. 

Krantz,  G.  E.  1962.  A review  of  the  genera  of  the  family  Macrochelidae  Vitzthum 
1930  (Acarina:  Mesostigmata) . Acarologia  4:  143-173. 

Lombardini,  G.  1938.  Acari  nuovi.  Mem.  Soc.  Entomol.  Ital.  17:  44-46. 

Mollin,  K.  and  P.  E.  Hunter.  1964.  Mites  associated  with  Passalus  beetle  II.  Biological 
studies  of  Cosmolaelaps  passali  Hunter  and  Mollin  (Acarina:  Laelapidae).  Acarologia 
6:  421-431. 

Pearse,  A.  S.  and  G.  W.  Wharton  in  Pearse,  A.  S.,  M.  T.  Patterson,  J.  S.  Rankin,  and 
G.  W.  Wharton.  1936.  The  ecology  of  Passalus  cornutus  Fabricius,  a beetle  which 
lives  in  rotting  logs.  Ecolog.  Monogr.  6:  455-490. 

Schuster,  R.  O.,  and  M.  M.  J.  Lavoipierre.  1970.  The  mite  family  Heterocheylidae 
Tragardh.  Occ.  Pap.  Calif.  Acad.  Sci.  85:  1-42. 

Tragardh,  I.  1946.  Diarthrophallina,  a new  group  of  Mesostigmata  found  on  passalid 
beetles.  Entomol.  Medd.  24:  369-394. 

. 1950.  Studies  on  the  Celaenopsidae,  Diplogyniidae  and  Schizogyniidae.  Arkiv 

Zool.  1(25):  361-451. 

Womersley,  H.  1957.  On  some  acarina  from  Australia  and  New  Guinea  paraphagic  upon 
millipeds  and  cockroaches,  and  on  beetles  of  the  family  Passalidae.  Trans.  R.  Soc. 
N.  S.  W.  81:  13-29. 

. 1961.  On  the  Family  Diarthrophallidae  (Acarina-Mesostigmata-Monogynaspida) 

with  particular  reference  to  the  genus  Passalobia  Lombardini  1926.  Trans.  Roy.  Soc. 
S.  Austral.  84:  27-46. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


The  Relationship  of  Coleomegilla  maculata  (DeGeer) 
(Coleoptera:Coccinellidae)  to  the  Cocoon  of  Its  parasite 
Perilitus  coccinellae  (Schrank)  (Hymenoptera:Braconidae) 

Allen  H.  Benton  and  Andrew  J.  Crump 
Department  of  Biology,  State  University  College,  Fredonia,  New  York,  14063 


Received  for  Publication  July  5,  1974 


Abstract:  Evidence  is  presented  to  indicate  that  clasping  of  the  occupied  cocoon  of  the 
parasitic  wasp,  Perilitus  coccinellae  (Schrank)  by  adult  ladybird  beetles,  Coleomegilla 
maculata  (DeGeer)  is  voluntary.  There  appears  to  be  an  attraction  of  the  occupied  cocoon 
for  the  adult  beetle. 


The  braconid  wasp,  Perilitus  coccinellae  (Schrank)  (Fig.  1)  is  a common 
parasite  of  many  beetles,  including  a variety  of  Coccinellidae.  The  distribution, 
host  records  and  ecology  of  this  wasp  have  been  studied  in  some  detail  by  Balduf 
(1926),  Smith  (1953),  Sluss  (1968)  and  others.  The  adult  wasp  parasitizes 
adult  or  larval  beetles  (David  and  Wilde,  1973)  and  the  larva  feeds  upon  the 
fat  bodies  and  gonads  of  its  host.  It  emerges  through  the  suture  between  pos- 
terior abdominal  tergites,  and  upon  emergence  immediately  spins  a cocoon. 

Many  workers  have  noted  that  an  adult  beetle  is  often  found  clasping  the 
cocoon  of  this  parasite  (Fig.  2).  Several  of  them  (e.g.  Balduf,  1926;  Smith, 
1960)  have  noted  that  the  larval  wasp,  as  it  spins  its  cocoon,  often  entangles  the 
legs  of  the  beetle,  either  by  intent  or  by  accident.  Recent  observations  in  our 
laboratory  and  in  the  field  suggest  that  this  interpretation  is  in  error.  The 
cocoon  is  often,  if  not  always,  attached  to  the  substrate  (usually  a leaf)  and 
the  beetle  clasps  it  voluntarily. 

Our  belief  that  the  association  of  the  adult  beetle  with  the  cocoon  is  voluntary 
is  based  upon  studies  of  specimens  observed  or  collected  in  a corn  field 
near  Fredonia,  Chautauqua  County,  New  York,  from  July  to  September,  1973. 
In  the  field,  and  later  in  the  laboratory,  we  found  adult  beetles  clasping  a small 
cocoon,  which,  upon  emergence  of  its  occupant,  proved  to  be  that  of  P.  coc- 
cinellae. Adults  found  clasping  a cocoon  usually  died  soon  after  emergence  of 
the  wasp,  or  even  before  emergence  in  a few  cases.  Several  workers  have  reported 
that  parasitized  beetles  survived,  but  we  suspect  that  these  reports  are  based  on 


Acknowledgments:  This  research  has  been  supported  by  National  Science  Foundation 

Grant  B036435.  We  are  grateful  to  Dr.  W.  R.  M.  Mason  and  Dr.  C.  C.  Loan,  Biosystematics 
Research  Institute,  Ottawa,  Ontario,  Canada,  for  identification  of  the  parasite.  Dr.  Bernard 
C.  Smith,  Research  Station,  Harrow,  Ontario,  Canada,  gave  us  helpful  comments  on  the 
first  draft  of  this  paper. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  XXXIII:  60-63.  March,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


61 


Fig.  1.  Perilitus  coccinellae  (Schrank)  Newly  emerged  adult. 


cases  in  which  the  cocoon  was  clasped  by  a beetle  other  than  the  parasitized 
individual.  Thus,  after  emergence  of  the  wasp,  the  beetle  was  sufficiently 
healthy  to  leave  the  cocoon  and  go  its  way.  Sluss  (1968),  tracing  the  life  cycle 
of  the  parasite  in  Hippodamia  convergens  Guerin,  reported  that  parasitized 
individuals  died  within  3 to  4 days  of  emergence  of  the  wasp. 

Three  sorts  of  observations  suggest  that  the  association  of  the  beetle  with  the 
cocoon  is  voluntary.  First,  we  have  observed  adult  beetles  abandoning  a cocoon, 
and  we  have  found  abandoned  cocoons  in  the  field.  On  two  occasions,  abandon- 
ment occurred  while  the  pupa  was  still  in  the  cocoon,  but  this  occurred  only  while 
we  were  collecting  and  transporting  beetles  from  field  to  laboratory,  indicating 
that  it  resulted  from  disturbance.  On  a few  other  occasions,  the  beetle  abandoned 
the  cocoon  after  the  emergence  of  the  wasp.  This  would  be  impossible  if  the 
cocoon  were  attached  to  the  beetle. 

Second,  we  observed,  on  one  occasion,  one  beetle  clasping  a cocoon  and 
another  beetle  trying  to  grasp  it  from  the  other  side.  For  some  time,  both 
beetles  held  the  cocoon  at  opposite  ends,  but  eventually  the  “intruder”,  which 
may  have  been  unparasitized  and  hence  stronger,  took  over  the  cocoon.  This 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  2a.  Lateral  view  of  adult  Coleomegilla  maculata  clasping  a cocoon  of  P.  coccinellae. 
Note  both  here  and  in  Fig.  2b  that  the  beetle’s  legs  appear  to  be  actively  clasping  the  cocoon 
and  that  there  is  no  noticeable  entanglement  of  the  legs  in  threads  of  the  cocoon. 


may  explain  previous  observations  that  “parasitized”  beetles  lived  after  the 
parasite  emerged. 

Third,  if  the  cocoon  is  indeed  attached  to  the  beetle  by  the  larval  wasp,  it 
would  not  be  attached  to  the  substrate.  We  found,  in  the  field,  two  cocoons* 
from  which  the  wasp  had  emerged.  Both  were  attached  to  corn  leaves.  In  one 
case  the  attaching  threads  were  primarily  at  one  end,  while  the  other  cocoon 
was  attached  by  threads  which  extended  over  the  leaf  in  all  directions.  There 
was  no  doubt  that  the  threads  of  the  cocoon  were  firmly  attached  to  the  leaf. 
We  were  never  able  to  find  any  evidence  that  a cocoon  was  actually  attached  to 
a beetle.  We  regularly  observed  beetles  shifting  their  legs  about  on  the  cocoon, 
but  their  legs  were  never  entangled  to  any  significant  degree. 

It  appears,  therefore,  that  the  clasping  of  the  cocoon  of  P.  coccinellae  is  a 
voluntary  act  on  the  part  of  adult  C.  maculata.  The  occupied  cocoon  seems  to 

* While  this  paper  was  in  press,  Mr.  Jules  Silverman  conducted  further  field  studies.  He 
found  numerous  cocoons  attached  to  corn  leaves,  several  of  them  with  dead  beetles  still 
clasping  the  cocoon. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


63 


Fig.  2b.  Ventral  view  of  adult  Coleomegilla  maculata  clasping  a cocoon  of  P.  coccinellae. 

have  a positive  attraction  for  the  adult  beetle,  but  this  attraction  is  apparently 
lost  when  the  wasp  emerges.  It  would  seem  most  likely  that  this  attraction  is 
chemical  in  nature,  although  we  have  thus  far  no  direct  evidence  for  this. 
Further  olfactory  experiments  are  planned. 

Literature  Cited 

Balduf,  W.  V.  1926.  The  bionomics  of  Dinocampus  coccinellae  Schrank.  Ann.  Entomol. 
Soc.  Amer.,  19:  465-489. 

David,  Menter  H.,  and  Wilde,  Gerald.  1973.  Susceptibility  of  the  convergent  lady  beetle 
to  parasitism  by  Perilitus  coccinellae  (Schrank)  (Hymenoptera:Braconidae) . J.  Kan- 
sas Entomol.  Soc.,  46:  359-362. 

Sluss,  R.  1968.  Behavioral  and  anatomical  responses  of  the  convergent  lady  beetle  to 
parasitism  by  Perilitus  coccinellae  (Schrank)  (Hymenoptera:Braconidae) . J.  Invertebr. 
Pathol.,  10:  9-27. 

Smith,  B.  C.  1960.  Note  on  parasitism  of  two  coccinellids,  Coccinella  trifasciata  perplexa 
Muls.  and  Coleomegilla  maculata  lengi  Timb.  (Coleoptera:Coccinellidae)  in  Ontario. 
Canad.  Entomol.,  92:  652. 

Smith,  Owen  J.  1953.  Species  distribution  and  host  records  of  the  Braconid  genera 
Microctonus  and  Perilitus  (Hymenoptera:Braconidae) . Ohio  J.  Sci.,  53:  173-177. 


64 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Proceedings  of  the  New  York  Entomological  Society 
Abstracts  of  Talks  Presented  at  Meetings 

FEEDING  IN  COCKROACHES 

The  environment  of  the  cockroach  was  structured  so  that  they  could  alter  their  eating 
when  the  environment  changed.  Three  parameters  of  the  environment  were  altered:  tempera- 
ture, water  supply,  and  light.  Two  of  these,  temperature  (35°,  30°,  and  25°),  and  water 
supply,  are  conditions  which  directly  effect  energy  usage  of  the  animal.  The  third  environ- 
mental parameter,  light,  has  no  direct  energy  usage  relationship.  Within  the  light  parameter, 
the  light-dark  cycle  was  changed  from  16:8  to  constant  light,  and  a change  from  a transparent 
to  an  opaque  retreat  greatly  affected  cockroach  behavior. 

Higher  temperatures  decreased  meal  length,  but  decreased  meal  number.  Females  demon- 
strated this  increase  more  than  did  males;  however,  males  decreased  the  amount  they  ate 
at  low  temperatures  much  more  than  did  females.  Patterns  of  feeding  varied  at  different 
temperatures.  Males  particularly  reacted  more  to  the  light-dark  cycle  at  35°  than  at  30° 
or  at  25°.  The  animals  showed  some  evidence  of  acclimation  to  higher  and  lower  tempera- 
tures. The  relationship  between  temperature  and  meal  parameters  (meal  length,  meal 
number,  intermeal  interval)  were  real,  but  less  pronounced  in  animals  maintained  three 
weeks  at  the  new  temperature. 

Light-dark  cycles  and  nature  of  the  provided  retreat  greatly  effected  feeding  patterns. 
When  provided  an  opaque  retreat,  cockroaches  eat  most  frequently  during  scotophase. 
When  given  a transparent  retreat,  the  animals  eat  a number  of  meals  during  photophase. 
In  constant  light,  with  an  opaque  retreat,  both  sexes  ate  irregularly.  Meal  number  is 
greatly  reduced  in  constant  light. 

To  determine  the  effects  of  a limited  water  supply  on  cockroaches,  they  were  given  a 
specified  quantity  of  water  at  various  intervals  from  one  to  four  days.  Water  was  given  only 
during  photophase.  It  was  found  that  female  cockroaches  will  eat  in  the  light,  often  after 
drinking.  A few  males  will  eat  like  females,  but  most  will  feed  only  during  the  dark. 

Betty  Faber 


New  York  Entomological  Society,  XXXIII:  64-68.  March,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


65 


“Invertebrate  Tissue  Culture:  Applications  in  Medicine, 
Biology  and  Agriculture” 

is  the  theme  of  the  IV  International  Conference  on  Invertebrate  Tissue  Culture 
to  be  held  at  Mont  Gabriel,  Quebec,  Canada,  June  5-8,  1975.  For  details, 
write  to  the  Chairmen  of  the  Conference:  Prof.  E.  Kurstak  (Department  of 
Microbiology,  Faculty  of  Medicine,  University  of  Montreal,  P.O.  Box  6128, 
Montreal  101,  Canada)  or  Prof.  K.  Maramorosch  (Waksman  Institute  of  Micro- 
biology, Rutgers  University,  New  Brunswick,  N.J.  08903). 

Travel  support  is  available  to  U.S.  scientists  through  a grant  from  NIH. 
Submit  applications  to  Professor  Maramorosch,  specifying:  (1)  cost  of  economy 
round-trip  plane  fare  from  airport  nearest  your  home  to  Dorval  Airport,  Mon- 
treal; (2)  mode  of  participation  (main  speaker,  discussion  leader,  session  chair- 
man; whether  presenting  a paper — indicate  title;  or  other);  (3)  date  of  birth; 
(4)  citizenship;  (5)  area  of  special  interest  (endocrinology,  parasitology, 
genetics,  virology,  embryology,  neurophysiology,  plant  pathology,  etc.).  Applica- 
tions will  be  evaluated  by  an  outside  committee  and  the  awards  made  before 
the  conference.  Those  interested  in  invertebrate  tissue  culture,  and  particularly 
young  scientists  and  graduate  students  are  urged  to  apply.  Federal  employees 
are  not  eligible. 

Abstracts  of  papers  will  be  required  by  May  1,  1975.  The  Proceedings  will 
be  published. 


BOOK  REVIEW 

Family  Sphingidae  of  the  Palaearctic  and  Chinese-Himalayan  Faunas.  N.  Ya. 

Kuznetsova.  1972.  Amerind  Publishing  Co.,  Ltd.,  New  Delhi.  43  pp.,  1 table. 

This  is  a translation  from  the  Russian  of  an  article  originally  published  in  Horae 
Societatis  Entomologicae,  Vol.  37,  pp.  293-346,  in  1916.  The  translation,  by  Dr.  M.  M. 
Haque,  was  published  for  the  Smithsonian  Institution  in  agreement  with  the  National  Science 
Foundation.  In  1916  the  classification  of  the  Sphingidae,  largely  by  Rothschild  and  Jordan, 
and  Tutt,  was  not  generally  known,  so  that  one  purpose  of  the  author  was  to  make  this 
readily  available  to  Russians.  The  author  consequently  prepared  an  outline  of  the  world 
classification.  However  considerable  additional  material  was  added,  based  in  part,  on 
specimens  (especially  southern  Asiatic)  not  previously  studied.  Nomenclature  and  classifica- 
tion changes  were  suggested.  Keys  for  all  taxa  from  species-level  up  are  given,  as  well  as 
much  discussion  of  Palaearctic  subspecies.  Generic  and  specific  synonymies  are  given  and 
discussed.  This  little  known  work  was  considered  important  enough  to  warrant  its  translation 
and  modern  publication.  Although  the  classification  of  the  Sphingidae  has  come  a long  way 
since  1916,  this  work  has  enough  value  in  itself,  as  well  as  historical  interest,  to  be  a 
necessity  even  for  modern  and  future  workers  in  the  group,  especially  in  the  higher  taxa. 

Alexander  B.  Klots 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History 


66 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


BOOK  REVIEW 

The  Physiology  of  Insecta.  2nd  ed.  Vol.  I.  Morris  Rockstein,  ed.  Academic  Press,  Inc. 
1973.  $38. 

Eight  years  after  the  publication  of  the  impressive  3 volumes  of  the  ‘Physiology  of  Insecta’ 
the  first  of  a 6-volume  new  and  vastly  expanded,  second  edition  appeared.  In  recent  years 
there  has  occurred  a very  rapid  increase  in  the  knowledge  of  insect  biology  and  physiology, 
fully  justifying  this  ambitious  venture.  The  first  new  volume,  a superb  book,  is  completely 
revised  and  up  to  date.  In  its  preface,  Prof.  Rockstein  reveals  the  secret  of  the  success  of 
this  impressive  treatise:  it  brings  together  not  only  the  known  facts  about  insects,  but  also 
discusses  the  controversial  subjects,  and  many  still  unsolved  and  unsettled  problems  of  insect 
physiology. 

In  the  introductory  chapter  on  the  biology  of  insects,  Rockstein  calls  attention  to  the  nearly 
one  million  species  of  insects  and  their  successful  evolution,  as  well  as  their  adaptation  to 
diverse  habitats.  The  second  chapter,  by  de  Wilde  and  de  Loof,  deals  with  the  male  and 
female  reproductive  systems.  The  same  authors  discuss  endocrine  control  of  reproduction  in 
the  third  chapter.  Physiological  and  biochemical  changes  during  development  are  dealt  with 
by  Agrell  and  Lundquist,  and  the  endocrine  aspects  of  growth  and  development  by  Lawrence 
Gilbert  and  David  Shaw  King.  The  last  chapter,  by  Rockstein  and  Jaime  Miguel,  includes 
physiological,  histological,  and  microanatomical  interpretations  of  the  aging  process  in  insects. 
Those  interested  in  gerontology  of  vertebrates  will  also  be  interested  in  this  chapter  and  the 
fascinating  basic  problems  presented. 

All  authors  display  impressive  expertise  in  describing  diverse  and  intriguing  phenomena, 
and  they  do  a very  good  job  in  presenting  complex  problems  so  that  not  only  insect 
physiologists,  but  also  general  biologists  can  profit  from  their  discussions.  The  book  is  well 
illustrated  and  produced,  and  it  can  be  highly  recommended.  It  is  a very  useful  addition  to 
the  entomological  literature.  Understandably  this  new,  revised  edition  will  become  a major 
reference  work,  indispensable  to  teachers  and  students  alike,  and  a source  of  information  and 
inspiration  to  all  engaged  in  insect  physiology  research. 


Karl  Maramorosch 


BOOK  REVIEW 

A Systematic  Monograph  of  New  World  Ethmiid  Moths  (Lepidoptera,  Gelechioidea). 

Jerry  A.  Powell.  1973.  Smithsonian  Contrib.  Zool.  No.  120.  iv  + 302  pp.,  294  figs.,  22  pis. 
Superintendent  of  Documents,  U.S.  Govt.  Printing  Office,  Washington,  D.C.  $3.85. 

The  Ethmiidae  are  a small,  but  distinctive,  worldwide  family  of  small  moths,  consisting  of 
about  250  described  species.  They  show  their  greatest  diversity  in  the  Neotropical  region.  A 
majority  of  the  species  occupy  relatively  small  niches,  chiefly  in  xeric  areas,  and  feed  mostly 
on  plants  of  the  large  family  Boraginaceae  and,  to  a lesser  extent,  the  North  American 
Hydrophyllaceae.  Only  48  species  are  Nearctic,  of  which  one  is  a recent  introduction  from 
the  Palaearctic  and  one  in  California  is  a probable  introduction.  The  life  histories  of  many 
of  the  Nearctic  species  are  at  least  partially  known,  those  of  the  Neotropical  ones  far  less  so. 
They  have  essentially  no  economic  importance,  although  one  Hawaiian  species  is  at  times  a 
pest  on  ornamentals. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  March,  1975 


67 


In  all  133  species  are  covered,  of  which  49  are  described  as  new.  These  are  placed  in  only  3 
genera  (none  new)  since  the  author  very  wisely  decided  that  the  present  knowledge  of  the 
Neotropical  fauna  is  too  scanty  to  justify  a generic  classification.  The  great  majority  of  the 
species  are  placed  in  the  genus  Ethmia,  as  they  have  always  been.  All  available  material  was 
studied  (including  the  majority  of  the  types)  and  all  discoverable  taxonomic  characters  were 
used  and  are  fully  illustrated.  Numerical  taxonomic  analyses  were  extensively  made. 

The  extensive  studies  of  geographical  distribution  are  especially  interesting,  although 
handicapped  by  a paucity  of  Neotropical  material.  The  eastern  Nearctic  is  depauperate, 
the  majority  of  the  species  occurring  in  California  and  the  Southwest.  The  largest  number 
of  Neotropical  species  occur  in  the  northern  mainland  region,  with  a goodly  number  in  the 
Greater  Antilles.  These  West  Indian  species  suggest  a strong  faunal  connection  with  the 
Yucatan  Peninsula.  Some  especially  interesting  features  appear  in  the  life  histories  of  South- 
western and  Californian  species.  Such  features  as  diurnal  adults  flying  during  only  very  short 
periods  around  midday  (correlated  with  small  eyes)  apparently  enable  some  species  to 
occupy  niches  in  regions  probably  unsuitable  for  them  at  other  times  of  year  because  of  xeric 
conditions  or  high  altitudes. 

Professor  Powell  has  produced  an  excellent  monograph  on  a group  heretofore  little  (and 
chaotically)  known.  It  will  serve  as  a firm  basis  for  the  great  amount  of  work  needed  in 
the  Neotropics. 


Alexander  B.  Klots 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History 


68 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


INVITATION  TO  MEMBERSHIP 

The  New  York  Entomological  Society  was  founded  in  1892  and  incorporated  the  following 
year.  It  holds  a distinguished  position  among  scientific  and  cultural  organizations.  The 
Society’s  Journal  is  one  of  the  oldest  of  the  leading  entomological  periodicals  in  the 
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The  New  York  Entomological  Society 
Incorporating  The  Brooklyn  Entomological  Society 


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Incorporated  May  21,  1968 


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Officers  for  the  Year  1975 

President,  Dr.  Daniel  J.  Sullivan,  S.J. 


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Fordham  University,  New  York  10458 

Vice-President,  Dr.  Peter  Holler 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 


Secretary,  Dr.  Charles  C.  Porter 


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Fordham  University,  New  York  10458 
Assistant  Secretary,  Dr.  Louis  Trombetta 

Isaac  Albert  Research  Institute,  Brooklyn,  N.Y.  11203 
Treasurer,  Dr.  Ivan  Huber 

Fairleigh  Dickinson  University,  Madison,  N.J.  07940 
Assistant  Treasurer , Ms.  Joan  DeWind 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 


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Dr.  Howard  Topoff 


Trustees 


Class  of  1975 


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Dr.  Pedro  Wygodzinsky 

Class  of  1976 


Dr.  David  C.  Miller 


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Dr.  Norman  Platnick 


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The  Journal  of  the  New  York  Entomological  Society  is  published  quarterly  for  the  Society  by  Allen  Press 
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Known  office  of  publication:  Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology,  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903. 


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Journal  of  the 

New  York  Entomological  Society 

Volume  LXXXIII  June  1975  No.  2 


EDITORIAL  BOARD 

Editor  Dr.  Karl  Maramorosch 
Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology 
Rutgers  University 
New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903 

Associate  Editors  Dr.  Lois  J.  Keller,  RSM 
Dr.  Herbert  T.  Street 

Publication  Committee 

Dr.  Kumar  Krishna  Dr.  Ayodha  P.  Gupta 

Dr.  James  Forbes,  Chairman 


CONTENTS 

Revision  of  the  Genus  Endeodes  LeConte  with  a Tabular  Key  to  the  Species 
(Coleoptera:  Melyridae)  .... Ian  Moore  and  E.  F.  Legner  70 

Comparative  Behavior  of  Wasps  in  the  Genus  Lindenius  (Hymenoptera : 
Sphecidae,  Crabroninae)  Richard  C.  Miller  and  Frank  E.  Kurczewski  82 

New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran.  Ill  (Diptera:  Tipulidae)  

- Charles  P.  Alexander  121 

New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran.  IV  (Diptera:  Tipulidae)  

Charles  P.  Alexander  129 


Book  Reviews 


81,  128,  139 


70 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Revision  of  the  Genus  Endeodes  LeConte  with  a Tabular  Key  to  the 
Species  (Coleoptera:  Melyridae) 

Ian  Moore  and  E.  F.  Legner 

Division  of  Biological  Control,  University  of  California,  Riverside  92502 
Received  for  Publication  June  17,  1974 

Abstract:  Species  of  the  genus  Endeodes  are  known  only  from  the  seashore  of  Pacific 

North  America.  E.  fasciatus,  E.  rothi  and  E.  intermedius,  n.  spp.,  are  from  the  upper 
Gulf  of  California.  A tabular  key  to  the  nine  known  species  is  given.  The  pronotum  and 
elytron  of  each  species  is  illustrated. 


LeConte  (1859)  included  three  species  from  California  when  he  described 
the  genus  Endeodes.  Blackwelder  (1932)  reviewed  the  genus  and  added  two 
more  California  species,  Moore  (1954)  reviewed  the  genus,  added  a new  species 
from  the  Pacific  Coast  of  Baja  California  Norte,  Mexico  and  reduced  one  of 
LeConte’s  species  to  synonymy.  Marshall  (1957)  described  a new  species  from 
the  south  end  of  the  Gulf  of  California,  and  Moore  (1964)  reviewed  the  genus 
again  adding  another  species  from  Sonora,  Mexico. 

The  species  of  this  genus  are  rather  unusual  in  their  intertidal  habitat.  Some 
are  found  on  the  sandy  Pacific  beaches  of  southern  California  and  Baja  Cali- 
fornia where  they  are  usually  encountered  under  debris,  often  patches  of  dried 
seaweed.  Other  species  occur  from  California  northward  on  reefs  exposed  at 
low  tide.  The  Gulf  of  California  supports  another  group  of  species  which  is 
also  found  on  rocky  shores  at  low  tide. 

The  genus  Endeodes  may  be  distinguished  from  other  members  of  the  family 
Melyridae  by  the  combination  of  the  following  characters  (Arnett  1962):  first 
sternite  not  keeled  between  the  coxae,  eye  simple,  head  neither  rostrate  nor  exca- 
vated, protrusible  vesicles  present  on  prothorax  and  between  metathorax  and 
abdomen,  abdomen  without  bristles,  elytra  strongly  abbreviated,  protarsus  5- 
segmented,  antenna  1 1 -segmented. 

Males  of  Endeodes  may  be  distinguished  from  females  by  the  presence  on 
the  protarsus  of  an  elongated  swollen  second  segment  which  terminates  in  a 
comb  of  thick  black  setae. 


Acknowledgments:  We  are  indebted  to  Paul  Arnaud  and  David  Kavanaugh  of  the 
California  Academy  of  Sciences,  San  Francisco  for  loan  of  a holotype  and  several  paratypes, 
to  Milton  Campbell  of  the  Entomology  Research  Institute,  Ottawa,  Canada,  for  loan  and 
gift  of  material  and  to  R.  E.  Orth,  of  the  University  of  California,  Riverside,  for  criticism  and 
technical  help.  We  particularly  thank  Vincent  D.  Roth  of  the  Southwestern  Research  Station 
of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  Portal,  Arizona,  for  allowing  us  to  study 
intertidal  beetles  collected  by  him  in  the  Gulf  of  California. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  70-81.  June,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


71 


The  larva  of  insularis  was  described  by  Moore  (1956)  and  a key  to  the  larvae 
of  three  species  was  given  by  Moore  (1964).  A pupa  doubtfully  identified  as 
insularis  was  figured  by  Moore  (1954). 

In  this  paper  we  describe  three  new  species  from  the  upper  Gulf  of  California, 
reduce  one  species  to  synonymy  and  present  a tabular  key  to  the  species. 
Drawings  are  given  of  the  pronotum  and  an  elytron  of  each  species.  The  pronota 
and  elytra  offer  the  best  characters  for  specific  separation. 

The  construction  and  use  of  tabular  keys,  developed  by  I.  M.  Newell,  were 
discussed  in  two  recent  papers  (Newell  1970,  1972). 

STATEMENT  OF  CHARACTERS 

1.  Ratio  of  length  to  width  of  elytron  = RAT.  LEN.  WID.  ELY. 

(5.4  to  12.4) 

2.  Shape  of  apex  of  elytra  = SHAPE  APEX  ELY. 

ARCU  = arcuate 

TRUN  = subtruncate,  apex  straight  centrally  with  the  angles  broadly  rounded 

3.  Color  of  elytra  = COL.  ELY. 

PICE  = piceus 

FERR  = entirely  ferruginous 

BASE  = piceus  with  the  base  ferruginous 

APEX  = piceus  with  the  apex  ferruginous 

MIX  rz  general  mixture  of  piceus  and  ferruginous 

4.  Sculpture  of  elytra  = SCUL.  ELY. 

ROUG  = surface  rough  and  microreticulate 

SMOO  = surface  not  rough  except  for  microreticulation 

5.  Ratio  of  width  to  length  of  pronotum  = RAT.  WID.  LEN.  PRON. 

(6.4  to  4.4) 

6.  Shape  of  pronotum  = SHAPE  PRON. 

TRAN  = transverse,  not  constricted  at  base 

CORD  = cordate,  not  or  hardly  transverse,  constricted  at  base 

7.  Color  of  head  = COL.  HEAD 

PICE  r=  entirely  piceus 
FERR  = yellow  to  ferruginous 

VARI  = variable  from  ferruginous  to  ferruginous  with  dark  areas 
Distribution  = DISTR. 

NoPac  = California  and  Pacific  Northwest 
Cal  =z  California 

C & B = California  and  Pacific  Baja  California 
Baja  = Pacific  Baja  California 

Son  = Sonora,  Mexico 

Gul  = Baja  California  gulf  coast 

Source 

SPM  = specimen 
Par  = paratype 
Hoi  = holotype 


72 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Tabular  key  to  the  species  of  Endeodes 

12  3 4 5 6 7 

RAT.  SHAPE  COL.  SCUL.  RAT.  SHAPE  COL. 

LENG.  APEX  ELY.  ELY.  WID.  PRON.  HEAD 

WID.  ELY.  LEN. 


ELY. 

PRON. 

Distr. 

Source 

Name 

12.4 

Trun 

Mix 

Smoo 

5.4 

Tran 

Ferr 

Son 

Hoi 

faseiatus 

12.4 

Arcu 

Apex 

Smoo 

5.4 

Tran 

Ferr 

Gulf 

Spm 

terminalis 

9.4 

Arcu 

Mix 

Roug 

4.4 

Cord 

Ferr 

Son 

Hoi 

rot  hi 

8.4 

Arcu 

Ferr 

Smoo 

41/2.4 

Tran 

Ferr 

Son 

Hoi 

sonorensis 

8.4 

Arcu 

Base 

Roug 

4.4 

Cord 

Ferr 

C&B 

Spm 

basalis 

8.4 

Trun 

Ferr 

Roug 

4.4 

Cord 

Ferr 

Baja 

Par 

blaisdelli 

7.4 

Arcu 

Mix 

Smoo 

41/2.4 

Tran 

Ferr 

Son 

Hoi 

intermedius 

5.4 

Arcu 

Pice 

Roug 

6.4 

Tran 

Pice 

NoPac 

Spm 

collaris 

5.4 

Arcu 

Ferr 

Roug 

6.4 

Tran 

Ferr 

Cal 

Par 

insularis 

Endeodes  faseiatus  n.  sp. 

Description  of  holotype,  male. 

Color.  Head,  pronotum  and  appendages  ferruginous;  clypeus  testaceus;  eyes  black;  elytra 
ferruginous  with  a common  piceus  spot  at  inner  apical  angles  which  also  embraces  apical 
two-thirds  of  scutellum,  and  a piceus  band  across  just  below  the  middle  leaving  the  apices 
bright  ferruginous;  beneath  largely  dark  except  head  which  is  ferruginous. 

Head.  Oval,  about  as  wide  as  long,  tempora  about  as  long  as  eye;  surface  rather  strongly 
microreticulate,  very  finely  punctured  and  pubescent,  the  punctures  generally  separated  by 
more  than  their  diameters;  antennae  semi-monilliform,  second  segment  about  as  long  as 
third,  tenth  segment  very  little  longer  than  wide. 

Pronotum.  About  one-fourth  wider  than  long,  widest  centrally;  apex  and  base  each  evenly 
arcuate  into  sides  so  that  the  angles  are  not  prominent;  surface  rather  strongly  microreticu- 
late, very  finely  and  sparsely  punctured  and  pubescent,  the  punctures  separated  by  more 
than  twice  their  diameters. 

Elytra.  Each  elytron  a little  more  than  twice  as  long  as  wide ; humerus  rather  narrowly 
rounded,  sides  straight  to  the  just  perceptibly  inflated  apex;  outer  apical  angles  broadly 
rounded  into  the  briefly  truncate  apex;  inner  apical  angles  more  narrowly  rounded.  Surface 
smooth  except  for  a dense  but  fine  microreticulation.  Pubescence  very  fine,  short  and  sparse. 

Abdomen.  Upper  surface  concealed  by  the  elytra  either  due  to  deformity  or  damage,  the 
abdomen  being  displaced  forward  so  that  the  basal  segments  override  the  metathorax. 

Length.  About  2.5  mm.  This  specimen  would  probably  be  about  3 mm  long  except  for  the 
abnormal  abdomen. 

Specimen  described.  Holotype,  male,  Mexico,  Sonora,  Punta  Cirio  (29.53°-112.50°)  20 
March  1974,  from  seaweed  lying  on  a 2"  to  6"  boulder  strewn  beach,  V.  Roth  and  W.  Brown 
collectors.  Deposited  in  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  City. 

Notes.  This  species  is  distinct  in  its  small  size,  relatively  long  semitruncate  elytra  and  the 
color  pattern  of  the  elytra. 


Endeodes  terminalis  Marshall 

Endeodes  terminalis  Marshall  57-13;  Moore  64-58;  Moore  71-278. 

Color.  Head  ferruginous  with  the  disc  near  base  infumate;  pronotum  yellow;  elytra  piceus 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


73 


in  basal  three-fourths  with  apex  abruptly  yellow,  dividing  line  between  the  two  colors 
oblique;  abdomen  and  scutellum  piceus;  legs  and  antennae  ferruginous  and  infumate. 

Head.  Oval,  about  one-fourth  wider  than  long;  tempora  about  as  long  as  eye;  surface 
densely  microreticulate,  pubescence  fine  and  moderately  dense,  punctures  imperceptible ; 
antenna  with  second  segment  not  quite  as  long  as  third,  tenth  segment  short,  as  wide  as  long. 

Pronotum.  About  one-fifth  wider  than  long;  apex  arcuate,  evenly  rounded  into  the  broadly 
rounded  apical  angles,  sides  briefly  straight  and  convergent,  basal  angles  broadly  rounded 
into  the  arcuate  base,  base  narrower  than  apex.  Surface  sculpture  and  pubescence  very 
similar  to  that  of  head. 

Elytra.  Each  elytron  about  two  and  two-thirds  times  as  long  as  wide;  humerus  broadly 
rounded,  sides  straight  and  somewhat  divergent,  outer  apical  angles  broadly  rounded  into 
the  arcuate  apex,  inner  apical  angles  broadly  rounded.  Surface  sculpture  and  pubescence  very 
similar  to  that  of  foreparts. 

Abdomen.  As  finely  but  not  as  densely  sculptured  and  pubescent  as  elytra. 

Length.  About  3.5  mm. 

Specimen  examined.  One  female,  Mexico,  Baja  California  Norte,  Puertocito,  31  May  1963, 
T.  Palmer  collector.  This  specimen  is  accompanied  by  a larva  and  a pupa. 

Notes.  The  elytra  are  the  longest  in  the  genus  leaving  little  more  than  two  abdominal  seg- 
ments exposed.  The  type  locality  was  given  as  “Baja  California,  Mexico,  S.E.  and  Isla 
Caballo,  III-30-53.”  This  locality  proved  to  be  an  error  for  Isla  Ceralbo  at  the  very 
southern  part  of  the  Gulf  of  California  (Moore  1971).  The  new  locality  for  the  specimen 
described  above  is  five  hundred  and  fifty  miles  north  in  the  upper  Gulf  of  California. 

Endeodes  rothi  n.  sp. 

Description  of  holotype,  female. 

Color.  Head,  pronotum  and  appendages  bright  ferruginous;  clypeus  testaceus;  eyes  black; 
elytra  with  base,  apex  and  marginal  beeding  ferruginous,  disc  piceus;  abdomen  largely 
piceus  with  the  basal,  lateral  and  apical  margins  of  anterior  segments  ferruginous;  beneath 
ferruginous  except  for  patches  of  piceus  on  terminal  abdominal  segments. 

Head.  Oval,  a little  longer  than  wide ; tempora  about  one  and  one-half  times  as  long  as 
eye ; surface  finely  microreticulate,  very  finely  punctured  and  pubescent,  the  punctures  gen- 
erally separated  by  more  than  their  diameters;  antennae  with  all  the  segments  longer  than 
wide,  second  segment  almost  as  long  as  third,  tenth  segment  half  again  as  long  as  wide. 

Pronotum.  About  as  wide  as  long,  widest  at  apical  third;  apex  broadly  rounded,  evenly 
rounded  into  apical  angles,  thence  sharply  constricted  in  basal  third  to  the  narrowly  rounded 
basal  angles ; base  gently  arcuate ; surface  somewhat  impressed  in  center  of  base ; base  four- 
fifths  as  wide  as  pronotum.  Surface  very  finely  microreticulate  and  shining.  Punctures  very 
fine,  generally  separated  by  about  twice  their  diameters. 

Elytra.  Each  elytron  a little  more  than  twice  as  long  as  wide;  humerus  broadly  rounded, 
sides  thence  nearly  straight  for  a short  distance,  thence  widened  and  broadly  arcuate  to  the 
widest  point  at  about  four-fifths  of  the  length,  thence  broadly  rounded  into  the  evenly 
arcuate  apex.  Elytra  conjointly  appear  sharply  constricted  at  basal  third  and  widely  inflated 
in  basal  two-thirds,  the  surface  flattened  in  basal  third.  Sculpture  rough  and  rather  strongly 


74 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


1 mm 


Figs.  1-9,  elytra  of  Endeodes : 


1.  terminalis 
3.  jasciatus 
5.  basalis 
7.  intermedins 
9.  collaris 


2.  rothi 
4.  blaisdelli 
6.  sonorensis 
8.  insularis 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


75 


microreticulate  with  fine  punctures  separated  generally  by  at  least  twice  their  diameters. 
Pubescence  of  fine  decumbent  pale  hairs  and  sparse  coarse  long  dark  setae. 

Abdomen.  About  as  wide  as  elytra.  Microreticulation  a little  finer  than  on  elytra.  Punctures 
very  sparse.  Pubescence  very  fine. 

Length.  About  4.8  mm. 

Specimen  examined.  Holotype,  female,  Mexico,  Sonora,  Punta  Cirio  (29.53°-112.50°) , March 
20,  1974,  from  seaweed  on  2"-6"  boulder  strewn  beach,  V.  Roth  and  W.  Brown  collectors, 
in  collection  of  The  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  City. 

Notes.  This  is  the  most  distinctive  species  in  the  genus.  It  differs  from  the  other  species 
particularly  in  its  longer  tempora,  elongate  antennomeres  and  the  fact  that  the  elytra  are 
conjointly  constricted  at  the  base  and  inflated  in  the  apical  two-thirds.  The  shape  of  the 
pronotum  is  similar  to  that  of  the  Pacific  Coast  species  basalis  and  blaisdelli.  This  species 
is  named  in  honor  of  one  of  its  collectors,  Vincent  D.  Roth. 

Endeodes  sonorensis  Moore 
Endeodes  sonorensis  Moore  64-57,  58. 

Color.  Head  and  pronotum  ferruginous;  legs  ferruginous  with  the  femora  infumate,  antennae 
ferruginous  becoming  darker  apically;  elytra  piceus  with  humerus  very  narrowly  ferruginous; 
abdomen  largely  ferruginous  with  a piceus  central  cloud  on  each  segment,  last  segment  mostly 
piceus;  beneath  ferruginous  except  for  piceus  metasternum  and  last  abdominal  segment. 

Head.  Oval,  a little  wider  than  long;  tempora  about  as  long  as  eyes;  surface  without 
ground  sculpture,  finely  punctured,  the  punctures  generally  separated  by  about  their  diam- 
eters; pubescence  very  fine.  Antennae  semi-monilliform,  second  segment  slightly  shorter  than 
third,  tenth  a little  longer  than  wide. 

Pronotum.  A little  wider  than  long,  widest  at  apical  fourth ; apex  arcuate,  anterior  angles 
broadly  rounded,  sides  thence  straight  and  convergent  to  broadly  rounded  basal  angles,  base 
straight,  narrower  than  apex;  without  ground  sculpture;  punctures  and  pubescence  very 
similar  to  that  of  head. 

Elytra.  Each  elytron  about  twice  as  long  as  wide;  humeral  angle  narrowly  rounded,  sides 
gently  arcuate  into  broadly  arcuate  apex.  Surface  sculpture  a dense  but  fine  microreticulation, 
otherwise  smooth  except  for  a small  central  slightly  rough  patch. 

Abdomen.  A little  wider  than  conjoint  elytra;  punctures  and  pubescence  similar  to  that  of 
pronotum. 

Length.  About  4 mm. 

Specimen  examined.  Holotype,  female,  Mexico,  Sonora,  Punta  De  Los  Cuervos,  San  Carlos 
Bay,  near  Guaymas,  18  November  1962,  intertidal  reef,  Ian  Moore  collector,  in  collection 
of  California  Academy  of  Sciences,  San  Francisco. 

Notes.  This  species  resembles  intermedins  but  differs  in  its  longer  elytra  and  other  details. 
We  have  also  seen  one  male  and  one  female  from  Mexico,  Sonora,  Kino  Bay,  21-22  Sep- 
tember 1973,  V.  Roth  and  W.  Brown  collectors.  These  specimens  are  similar  to  the  holotype 
except  that  the  abdomen  and  metasternum  of  one  are  entirely  ferruginous  and  in  the  other 
slightly  infumate. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Endeodes  basalis  (LeConte) 

Atelestus  basalis  LeConte  52-168. 

Atelestus  abdominalis  LeConte  52-168,  New  Synonym.  (This  synonymy  was  suggested  by 
Moore,  1954,  but  not  clearly  indicated.) 

Endeodes  basalis  LeConte  59-122;  Horn  72-112;  Blackwelder  32-134;  Moore  54-196,  197; 
Moore  57-140;  Moore  64-158. 

Endeodes  abdominalis  LeConte  52-122;  Horn  72-112;  Blackwelder  32-134. 

Color.  Head,  pronotum  and  antennae  ferruginous,  legs  ferruginous  with  the  femora  infumate, 
elytra  largely  piceus  with  the  base  ferruginous,  abdomen  piceus. 

Head.  Oval,  about  as  wide  as  long;  tempora  about  one  and  one-half  times  as  long  as  eye; 
surface  very  finely,  densely  microreticulate ; pubescence  fine,  short  and  moderately  dense, 
punctures  imperceptible ; antenna  with  second  segment  slightly  more  than  half  as  long  as 
third,  tenth  segment  slightly  longer  than  wide. 

Pronotum.  About  as  long  as  wide ; widest  at  about  apical  third ; apex  arcuate  into  the  broadly 
rounded  apical  angles;  sides  briefly  constricted  just  before  the  rounded  basal  angles;  base 
slightly  emarginate.  Sculpture  and  pubescence  very  similar  to  that  of  head. 

Elytra.  Each  elytron  about  twice  as  long  as  wide,  humeral  angle  narrowly  rounded,  sides 
straight  and  diverging  to  the  broadly  rounded  outer  apical  angles,  apex  arcuate,  inner  apical 
angles  narrowly  rounded.  Surface  rough  and  with  dense  microreticulation.  Punctures  and 
pubescence  much  as  on  the  elytra  with  added  long  scattered  erect  setae. 

Abdomen.  Sculpture,  punctures  and  pubescence  very  similar  to  that  of  elytra. 

Length.  About  3.5  mm. 

Specimen  described.  Female,  California,  San  Luis  Obispo  County,  Cambria,  21  August  1972, 
under  dry  seaweed  on  berm  of  beach,  Ian  Moore  collector. 

Notes.  This  species  is  distinct  in  the  combination  of  its  long  piceus  elytra  with  the  base  pale 
and  its  cordate  pronotum.  The  color  of  the  abdomen  is  variable,  ranging  from  entirely 
ferruginous  to  entirely  piceus  with  many  intergrades  (Moore  1954)  which  led  LeConte  to 
describe  one  color  form  under  the  name  abdominalis.  It  is  reported  from  Ensenada,  Baja 
California,  Mexico  to  Monterey  County.  It  is  most  commonly  found  under  dried  seaweed 
and  other  debris  on  the  berm  of  the  sandy  beaches. 

Endeodes  blaisdelli  Moore 
Endeodes  blaisdelli  Moore  54-196;  Moore  64-58. 

Color.  Entirely  dull  ferruginous  except  eyes,  tips  of  mandibles  black  and  abdomen  above 
and  beneath  piceus. 

Head.  Oval,  about  as  wide  as  long;  tempora  slightly  longer  than  eye;  finely  densely  micro- 
reticulate throughout ; finely  pubescent  but  not  perceptibly  punctured.  Antenna  with  the 
second  segment  about  half  as  long  as  third,  tenth  segment  slightly  longer  than  wide. 

Pronotum.  About  as  wide  as  long,  widest  at  about  apical  third;  apex  arcuate  into  the  broadly 
rounded  apical  angles,  sides  briefly  constricted  just  before  the  rounded  basal  angles  base 
very  slightly  emarginate.  Sculpture  and  pubescence  similar  to  that  of  head. 

Elytra.  Each  elytron  about  twice  as  long  as  wide ; humeral  angles  narrowly  rounded,  sides 
straight  and  slightly  diverging  to  the  broadly  rounded  outer  apical  angles;  apex  straight, 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


i 

1mm 


10.  terminalis 
12.  jasciatus 
14.  b as  alls 
16.  intermedins 
18.  collaris 


11.  rothi 
13.  blaisdelli 
15.  sonorensis 
17.  insularis 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


inner  apical  angles  broadly  rounded.  Surface  rough  and  with  dense  microreticulation.  Pu- 
bescence fine  and  sparse  with  a few  long,  erect,  pale  setae. 

Abdomen.  Microreticulation  more  sparse  than  that  of  foreparts,  punctures  and  pubescence 
very  fine  and  sparse. 

Length.  About  3 mm. 

Specimens  examined.  Seven  paratypes,  Mexico,  Baja  California,  Colonia  Guerrera,  19  August 
1950,  Ian  Moore  collector. 

Notes.  This  species  is  easily  known  from  all  the  others  except  fasciatus  by  its  long,  truncate 
elytra;  it  differs  from  fasciatus  in  its  cordate  pronotum  and  concolorous  elytra.  It  is  known 
only  from  the  type  locality. 


Endeodes  intermedius  n.  sp. 

Description  of  holotype,  female. 

Color.  Head,  pronotum,  legs  and  under  surface  of  abdomen  ferruginous;  eyes  and  tips  of 
mandibles  black ; antenna  largely  ferruginous  becoming  darker  apically ; elytra  piceus  on 
disc  with  a narrow  ferruginous  rim,  a little  widest  as  base ; abdomen  largely  piceus  with 
edges  of  basal  segments  testaceous. 

Head.  Oval,  very  slightly  longer  than  wide ; tempora  about  one-half  longer  than  eyes ; surface 
just  perceptibly  microreticulate,  shining;  moderately,  coarsely  punctured,  the  punctures  gener- 
ally separated  by  about  their  diameters ; antennae  semi-monilliform,  second  segment  two-thirds 
as  long  as  third,  tenth  segment  hardly  longer  than  wide. 

Pronotum.  Slightly  wider  than  long,  widest  at  apical  third,  apex  gently  arcuate  into  the 
broadly  arcuate  anterior  angles,  sides  thence  convergent  and  nearly  straight  to  the  more 
narrowly  rounded  basal  angles,  base  nearly  straight  but  slight  emarginate  centrally;  base 
about  four-fifths  as  wide  as  apex.  Surface  without  microsculpture;  punctures  dense,  sepa- 
rated by  less  than  their  diameters;  pubescence  short  and  dark. 

Elytra.  Each  elytron  a little  less  than  twice  as  long  as  wide:  humerus  narrowly  rounded, 
sides  briefly  straight,  thence  arcuate  into  the  very  broadly  rounded  outer  apical  angles; 
surface  vaguely  impressed  near  scutellum ; surface  finely  microreticulate ; punctures  and 
pubescence  much  like  those  of  pronotum. 

Abdomen.  Reticulation  a little  finer  than  on  elytra;  punctures  and  pubescence  a little  more 
dense  and  fine  than  on  elytra. 

Length.  About  4 mm. 

Specimen  described.  Holotype,  female,  Mexico,  Sonora,  Punta  Cuevas  (29.42 °-l  12. 35°) , 24-5 
September,  1973,  V.  Roth  and  W.  Brown  collectors,  on  algae  covered  pitted  ryolite,  at  night 
during  low  tide,  in  the  collection  of  The  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York 
City. 

Allotype,  male,  Mexico,  Sonora,  Puerto  de  Lobos  (30.16°-112.50°),  March  18-19,  1974,  V. 
Roth  and  W.  Brown  collectors. 

Paratype,  one  female,  same  data  as  holotype. 

Notes.  The  name  intermedius  was  chosen  for  this  species  because  the  elytra  are  intermediate 
in  length  between  those  of  collaris  and  insularis  and  those  of  the  other  species.  The  shape  of 
the  pronotum  along  with  that  of  sonorensis  is  intermediate  between  that  of  basalis  and 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


79 


blaisdelli  and  that  of  the  other  species.  The  lengths  of  the  antennal  segments  along  with  those 
of  sonorensis  are  intermediate  between  those  of  rothi  and  the  other  species. 

Endeodes  collar  is  (LeConte) 

Atelestus  collaris  LeConte  52-168. 

Endeodes  collaris  LeConte  59-122;  Horn  72-112,  Blackwelder  32-134;  Moore  54-196;  Moore 
56-220  (Larva)  ; Moore  64-58. 

Color.  Piceus  with  the  bases  of  the  antennae,  bases  of  the  tibiae,  the  tarsi  and  trophi  paler  and 
the  pronotum  testaceus. 

Head.  Oval,  one-third  wider  than  long;  tempora  almost  twice  as  long  as  eyes;  surface  densely, 
finely  microreticulate ; punctures  moderately  large,  separated  by  less  than  their  diameters; 
impressed  in  center  of  apical  half ; second  antennal  segment  almost  as  long  as  third,  tenth 
segment  almost  as  wide  as  long. 

Pronotum.  One-third  wider  than  long;  widest  in  the  middle;  apex  arcuate,  apical  angles 
broadly  rounded,  sides  arcuate  into  the  broadly  rounded  basal  angles,  base  nearly  straight  but 
perceptibly  emarginate  in  center.  Surface  without  microreticulation,  punctures  feeble,  generally 
separated  by  about  their  diameters,  with  a few  dark  scattered  setae. 

Elytra.  One-fifth  wider  than  long;  humeral  angles  obsolete,  sides  arcuate  into  the  broadly 
rounded  outer  apical  angles  and  arcuate  apex,  inner  apical  angles  broadly  rounded.  Surface 
rough  and  densely  microreticulate,  with  fine  pubescence  and  scattered  erect  setae.  Punctures 
not  apparent. 

Abdomen.  Feebly  microreticulate  with  punctures  generally  separated  by  a little  more  than 
their  diameters,  with  sparse  pale  decumbent  pubescence. 

Length.  About  4.75  mm. 

Specimen  described.  Female,  Nanaimo,  British  Columbia,  Canada,  16  June  1927,  L.  G. 
Saunders  collector. 

Notes.  This  species  is  distinct  in  the  combination  of  the  very  small  elytra  and  the  piceus  head. 
The  elytra  are  very  much  smaller  in  relation  to  the  pronotum  than  those  of  the  other  species 
except  insularis.  It  is  known  from  Vancover  Island,  British  Columbia  to  San  Mates  County, 
California.  It  is  usually  taken  under  drift  on  the  beach  below  high  tide  mark. 

Endeodes  insularis  Blackwelder 

Endeodes  insularis  Blackwelder  32-134;  Moore  54-196,  198;  Moore  56-229  (Pupa?);  Moore 
64-58. 

Endeodes  rugiceps  Blackwelder  32-135;  Moore  54-196;  Moore  56-220  (Larva)  ; Moore  64-58 

New  Synonym. 

Color.  Entirely  pale  ferruginous  except  tip  of  mandibles  black,  eyes  grey  and  abdomen 
entirely  piceus. 

Head.  Oval,  two-fifths  wider  then  long;  tempora  slightly  shorter  than  eye;  surface  very 
densely  finely  microreticulate;  pubescence  short,  dense  and  fine  with  scattered  short  dark 
setae  in  basal  half ; flattened  in  center  of  apical  half ; antenna  with  second  segment  a little 
more  than  half  as  long  as  third,  tenth  about  as  wide  as  long. 


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Pronotum.  One-half  wider  than  long,  widest  at  apical  fourth,  apex  arcuate,  apical  angles 
broadly  rounded,  sides  rounded  into  broadly  rounded  basal  angles,  base  arcuate ; surface 
feebly  microreticulate,  punctures  dense,  separated  by  less  than  their  diameters,  pubescence 
as  on  head  with  scattered  short  dark  setae  throughout. 

Elytra.  Each  elytron  very  small,  about  one-fourth  longer  than  wide,  conjointly  much  narrower 
than  pronotum;  humeral  angle  hardly  apparent,  sides  very  weakly  arcuate,  apex  broadly 
arcuate;  surface  rough,  sculpture  and  pubescence  similar  to  those  of  head;  numerous  short 
dark  erect  setae  throughout. 

Abdomen.  Sculpture  a fine  dense  microreticulation;  pubescence  fine,  pale,  decumbent, 
moderately  dense. 

Length.  About  4.5  mm. 

Specimen  described.  Paratype  female,  San  Miguel  Island,  Santa  Barbara  County,  California, 
20  June  1910,  V.  W.  Owen  collector. 

Notes.  This  species  is  distinct  in  its  very  small  elytra  combined  with  its  red  head.  The  elytra 
are  very  much  smaller  in  relation  to  the  head  than  any  other  species  in  the  genus  except  collaris. 

We  have  also  examined  one  male  and  one  female  paratype  with  the  same  data  as  above 
and  one  male  paratype  from  Prince  Island,  Santa  Barbara  County,  California,  19  May  1919, 
E.  P.  Van  Duzzee  collector. 

We  have  seen  four  paratypes  of  E.  rugiceps  Blackwelder  from  Carmel,  Monterey  County, 
California  taken  in  March,  May  and  June  from  1912  to  1923.  Two  of  these  are  males  and 
two  females.  We  can  find  no  difference  between  these  and  the  paratypes  of  insularis  except 
that  the  femora  and  antennae  of  two  of  them  are  somewhat  darker  than  those  parts  in 
insularis,  a character  that  is  variable  in  some  species  of  the  genus.  Blackwelder  (1932,  p.  135) 
said  of  rugiceps  “Male  genitalia  as  in  collaris.”  However,  we  have  dissected  a male  paratype 
(Carmel,  III-25-23,  Blaisdell  collection)  and  find  the  aedeagus  to  be  the  same  as  that  of 
insularis  as  figured  by  Blackwelder  (1932,  p.  133,  figs.  3F).  Therefore,  we  conclude  that 
rugiceps  is  a synonym  of  insularis. 


Literature  Cited 

Arnett,  Ross  H.  Jr.  1962.  The  Beetles  of  the  United  States  (A  Manual  for  Identification). 
Pt.  V,  pp.  648-850.  The  Catholic  University  of  America  Press.  Washington. 

Blackwelder,  Richard  E.  1932.  The  genus  Endeodes  LeConte.  Pan-Pac.  Ent.,  8:  128— 
136,  3 Figs. 

Horn,  George  H.  1872.  Synopsis  of  the  Malachiidae  of  the  United  States.  Trans.  Ameri- 
can Ent.  Soc.,  4:  109-127. 

LeConte,  John  L.  1852.  Catalogue  of  the  Melyrids  of  the  United  States,  with  descrip- 
tion of  new  species.  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Philadelphia,  6:  163-171. 

. 1859.  Descriptions  of  some  species  of  Coleoptera  from  the  vicinity  of  the  southern 

boundary  of  the  United  States  of  America.  Arcana  Naturae,  1:  121-128. 

Marshall,  M.  Y.  1957.  Studies  in  Malachiidae  VII.  Coleopt.  Bull.,  11:  13-16. 

Moore,  Ian.  1954.  Notes  on  Endeodes  with  a description  of  a new  species  from  Baja 
California  (Coleoptera:  Malachiidae).  Pan-Pac.  Ent.,  30:  195-198. 

— . 1956.  Notes  of  some  intertidal  Coleoptera  with  descriptions  of  the  early  stages 

(Carabidae,  Staphylinidae,  Malachiidae).  Trans.  San  Diego  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  12:  207- 
230,  pis.  14-17. 

. 1957.  A northern  extension  of  range  for  Endeodes  basalis  LeConte.  Pan-Pac. 

Ent.,  33:  140. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


81 


. 1964.  A new  species  of  Endeodes  from  Sonora,  Mexico.  (Coleoptera:  Melyridae). 

Pan-Pac.  Ent.,  40:  57-58. 

. 1971.  The  type  locality  of  Endeodes  terminalis  Marshall  (Coleoptera:  Malachi- 

idae).  Pan-Pac.  Ent.,  47:  278. 

Newell,  Irwin  M.  1970.  Construction  and  use  of  tabular  keys.  Pac.  Insects  12:  25-37, 
3 Figs. 

. 1972.  Tabular  keys,  further  notes  on  their  construction  and  use.  Trans.  Conn. 

Acad.  Arts  Sci.,  44:  259-267.  4 Figs. 


BOOK  REVIEW 

PEST  CONTROL:  A Survey.  Arthur  Woods,  Halsted  Press,  John  Wiley  & Sons,  New 
York,  407  p.  $29.50.  1974. 

This  book  can  be  recommended  highly  to  all  interested  in  the  principles  and  methods  of 
pest  control.  It  is  written  as  an  introductory  text,  with  carefully  chosen  examples  of  insect 
pests,  diseases  of  plants,  technological  advances,  and  biological  means  of  control.  The  author 
first  defines  pests  and  their  control,  as  well  as  the  economics  of  pest  control  and  of  methods 
used.  Factors  such  as  population  density,  death  rate,  and  community  stability  are  analyzed 
in  the  second  chapter.  The  third  chapter  deals  with  the  uses  of  chemical  pesticides,  as  well 
as  the  economics  of  their  production.  Drawbacks  of  chemical  control  receive  due  attention 
in  the  fourth  chapter.  Biological  control,  including  the  use  of  insects,  bacteria,  viruses,  fungi, 
higher  plants,  to  mention  the  main  ones,  are  outlined  in  the  following  3 chapters,  followed 
by  newer  approaches,  such  as  sterilization,  genetic  control,  pheromones,  attractants,  repel- 
lents, and  the  use  of  miscellaneous  other  control  methods.  Finally,  integrated  control  is 
presented  in  proper  perspective.  The  book  is  so  written  that  it  can  be  used  not  only  by 
the  professional  scientist,  interested  in  biology,  agriculture,  entomology,  or  ecology,  but 
also  by  the  general  reader.  To  achieve  this  and  not  to  oversimplify  has  been  a difficult 
task  solved  by  the  author  admirably.  The  book  can  be  used  as  a text  in  university  and 
college  courses  on  pest  control,  conservation,  and  courses  dealing  with  the  impact  of  man 
on  his  environment.  References  are  well  chosen  and  the  index  is  divided  into  3 parts, 
listing  separately  diverse  names  and  subjects,  scientific  names  of  species,  including  viruses, 
and  Latin  names. 

I admired  the  readability  of  this  excellent  volume,  a feature  seldom  found  in  technical 
books.  Perhaps  the  fact  that  the  author  has  written  numerous  articles  for  technical  journals 
and  that  he  has  produced  6 courses  on  biological  topics  for  the  Australian  television  network 
have  been  responsible  for  this  feature.  The  book  would  make  a valuable  addition  to  school 
libraries  and  public  libraries  everywhere. 

Although  the  author  modestly  states  that  a book  like  his  rapidly  becomes  out  of  date, 
this  volume  contains  so  much  valuable  information  and  presents  it  so  well  that  it  will  be 
used  as  a reference  in  the  years  to  come.  Efficient  pest  control  is  urgently  needed  and  if 
adequate  awareness  of  population  control  becomes  a reality,  mankind  might  find  a way  of 
survival.  Otherwise,  even  the  best  control  methods  will  merely  postpone  the  doom.  Pro- 
ducing more  food  is  a necessity  but  producing  adequate  amounts  of  food  for  an  uncon- 
trolled population  of  the  world  is  an  impossibility. 

Karl  Maramorosch 

Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology 

Rutgers  University 

New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey 


82 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Comparative  behavior  of  wasps  in  the  genus 
Lindenius  (Hymenoptera:  Sphecidae,  Crabroninae) 

Richard  C.  Miller1  and  Frank  E.  Kurczewski 

Department  of  Entomology,  State  University  of  New  York,  College  of 
Environmental  Science  and  Forestry,  Syracuse,  New  York  13210 

Received  for  Publication  June  17,  1974 

Abstract:  Observations  on  the  nesting  behaviors  of  the  Nearctic  Lindenius  armaticeps,  L. 

buccadentis,  and  L.  columbianus  errans  are  presented  and  the  world  literature  on  the 
ethology  of  the  Palaearctic  L.  albilabris , L.  panzeri,  and  L.  pygmaeus  is  reviewed.  Be- 
havioral features  shared  by  all  species  include  construction  of  nests  3-12  cm  deep  in  firmly- 
packed  sand  or  fine  gravel,  presence  of  a vertical  main  burrow  leading  frequently  to  a 
short  horizontal  passage,  absence  of  a temporary  nest  closure  during  provisioning,  attach- 
ment of  the  egg  to  the  neck  of  a prey  along  the  ventral  midline,  and  distribution  of  the 
prey  remains  evenly  over  the  surface  of  the  cocoon.  Valuable  characteristics  for  separating 
species  or  species  groups  include  the  kinds,  proportions,  and  stages  of  the  prey,  chronological 
placement  of  cells  in  the  nest,  method  of  prey  storage,  absence  or  presence  of  impalement 
of  the  prey  during  transport,  exiting  behavior,  and  number  of  prey  per  cell. 


INTRODUCTION 

The  genus  Lindenius  currently  includes  48  species  of  small  ground-nesting 
wasps,  37  in  the  Palaearctic  and  11  in  the  Nearctic  and  Neotropical  regions 
(DeBeaumont,  1956;  Court  and  Bohart,  1958;  Leclercq,  1954,  1959,  1960). 
The  majority  of  the  Palaearctic  species  are  found  along  the  Mediterranean, 
especially  at  the  western  end  (DeBeaumont,  1956).  The  southwestern  U.S.  is 
a secondary  stronghold  for  the  genus  because  all  the  New  World  species  except 
L.  montezuma  (Cameron),  known  only  from  Mexico,  occur  there  (Muesebeck 


Acknowledgments:  We  are  grateful  to  D.  L.  Dindal  and  E.  O.  Price  for  critically  reading 
parts  of  the  manuscript,  and  to  S.  E.  Ginsburg  and  C.  J.  Lane  for  their  assistance  in  the 
field.  We  are  indebted  to  R.  A.  Norton  and  D.  J.  Peckham  for  many  of  the  photographs, 
and  to  H.  E.  Evans  for  prey  records  from  Blackjack  Creek,  Kansas,  and  nest  provisions 
from  Lexington,  Massachusetts.  We  are  especially  grateful  to  the  following  persons  for 
their  help  in  identifying  the  unusually  large  number  of  prey  insects:  E.  F.  Cook,  Univer- 
sity of  Minnesota;  K.  V.  Krombein,  Smithsonian  Institution;  B.  D.  Burks,  R.  W.  Carlson, 
R.  J.  Gagne,  J.  L.  Herring,  L.  V.  Knutson,  P.  M.  Marsh,  A.  S.  Menke,  L.  M.  Russell, 
C.  W.  Sabrosky,  R.  I.  Sailer,  D.  R.  Smith,  G.  C.  Steyskal,  and  W.  W.  Wirth,  all  of  the 
Systematic  Entomology  Laboratory,  USDA,  ARS.  This  work  was  supported  by  a Grant- 
in-Aid  from  the  Research  Foundation  of  the  State  University  of  New  York  (No.  10-7116-A) 
and  an  NSF  Undergraduate  Research  Participation  Program  Grant,  summer  1970  (No. 
GY-7286). 

Present  address:  Department  of  Entomology,  Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  New  York 

14850. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  82-120.  June,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


83 


et  al.,  1951;  Leclercq,  1954;  Krombein,  1958;  Krombein  and  Burks,  1967). 
The  only  species  with  ranges  extending  into  the  eastern  U.S.  are  the  3 treated 
in  this  paper:  L.  armaticeps  (Fox),  L.  buccadentis  Mickel,  and  L.  columbianus 
errans  (Fox). 

The  nesting  behaviors  of  the  Nearctic  species  are  essentially  unknown.  In 
contrast,  the  Palaearctic  L.  albilabris  (Fabricius),  L.  panzeri  (Van  der  Linden), 
and  L.  pygmaeus  (Rossi)  have  been  studied  over  a period  of  90  years.  The 
purpose  of  this  paper  is  to  review  the  world  literature  on  the  nesting  behavior 
of  Lindenius , to  present  original  results  on  L.  armaticeps,  L.  buccadentis,  and 
L.  c.  errans,  and  to  determine  the  ethological  characters  most  useful  in  distin- 
guishing species  and  those  of  potential  value  in  separating  Lindenius  from 
other  sphecid  genera.  A detailed  account  of  male  behavior  and  intraspecific 
interactions  in  aggregations  of  Lindenius  has  been  presented  elsewhere  (Miller 
and  Kurczewski,  1973). 


LITERATURE  REVIEW 

Lindenius  ( Lindenius ) albilabris  (Fabricius) 

Kohl  (1915)  reported  this  species  as  the  most  common  and  widespread 
member  of  the  genus  in  the  Palaearctic  region.  Nests  have  been  found  from 
June  to  October  in  level,  often  compact,  sand,  sandy-gravel,  loess,  or  chalk 
of  paths  and  sandpits  (Adlerz,  1903,  1910;  Gronblom,  1925;  Minkiewicz, 
1931,  1933;  Chambers,  1949;  Bliithgen,  1955;  Bonelli,  1967).  The  wasps 
often  aggregated  with  as  many  as  16  nests  per  sq  yd  (Nielsen,  1900). 

The  circular  nest  entrance,  2-3.5  mm  in  diameter,  was  surrounded  by  a 
transitory  tumulus,  30  mm  wide  X 10  mm  high,  that  was  periodically  renewed 
during  burrow  construction  (Minkiewicz,  1931,  1933;  Bonelli,  1967).  The 
main  burrow,  straight  or  somewhat  curved  depending  on  subterranean  ob- 
stacles, descended  vertically  3-10  cm  and  usually  turned  horizontally  into  a 
passage,  1-10  cm  long  (Nielsen,  1900;  Adlerz,  1910;  Minkiewicz,  1931,  1933; 
Bristowe,  1948).  From  1 to  7 cells,  5-6  X 6-13  mm,  were  positioned  around 
the  horizontal  burrow  or  the  lower  half  of  the  vertical  shaft  at  depths  of  4- 
10  cm  (Adlerz,  1910;  Minkiewicz,  1931,  1933).  Bonelli  (1967)  described  an 
unusual  nest  in  which  the  vertical  burrow  forked  into  2 branches,  each  ter- 
minating in  3 cells.  Straight  or  winding  side  burrows,  1-6  cm  long,  were 
plugged  with  sand  and  led  from  the  main  burrow  to  completed  cells  (Minkie- 
wicz, 1933).  The  cells  were  either  strongly  inclined  (Bonelli,  1967)  or  nearly 
horizontal  (Minkiewicz,  1933;  Bristowe,  1948),  and  were  occasionally  sepa- 
rated by  only  1-2  mm  (Minkiewicz,  1931). 

In  the  first  nest  figured  by  Minkiewicz  (1931,  Tab.  XI,  Fig.  6)  the  incom- 
pletely provisioned  cell  was  the  shallowest,  whereas  in  his  second  example 
(1933,  Tab.  XII,  Fig.  7)  it  was  the  deepest  one  in  the  nest.  Bonelli  (1967) 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


excavated  a nest  having  the  older  cells  nearer  the  entrance.  Newly-captured 
prey  were  stored  in  open,  incompletely  provisioned  cells  rather  than  in  the 
burrow  (Adlerz,  1910;  Minkiewicz,  1931,  1933). 

One  female  observed  in  Italy  by  Bonelli  (1967)  opened  her  nest  entrance 
at  0830  hrs  but  did  not  exit  until  0900  hrs,  whereupon  she  made  an  orientation 
flight  facing  the  entrance.  Such  orientation  was  not  repeated  subsequently 
unless  the  female  experienced  difficulty  in  entering  the  nest  or  was  about  to 
begin  provisioning  a newly-excavated  cell.  After  the  full  complement  of  prey 
had  been  gathered,  the  female  closed  the  entrance  with  sand,  sealed  off  the 
completed  cell,  and  constructed  a deeper  new  cell.  The  sand  was  pushed  out- 
side, increasing  the  size  of  the  tumulus.  Within  30-45  min  after  plugging  the 
entrance,  the  female  emerged  and  began  provisioning  the  new  cell.  She  made 
15  trips  for  prey  before  plugging  the  entrance  again  and  spending  the  night 
in  the  burrow.  Two  cells  were  completed  per  day,  the  excavation  and  pro- 
visioning of  each  taking  about  3 hrs.  Adlerz  (1910)  noted  that  the  female 
rested  in  the  burrow  not  only  at  night  but  also  at  mid-day  and  during  bad 
weather.  He  observed  that  the  nest  entrance  was  plugged  only  when  the 
female  was  excavating  a new  cell.  Minkiewicz  (1931)  believed  that  each 
female  constructed  only  a single  nest. 

Provisioning  wasps  returned  to  their  nests  in  flight,  diving  in  without  hesi- 
tation (Adlerz,  1910;  Bristowe,  1948;  Bluthgen,  1955;  Bonelli,  1967).  Adlerz 
(1910)  reported  that  the  prey  was  held  with  the  middle  legs  when  the  wasp 
was  on  the  ground,  whereas  Bristowe  (1948),  Hertzog  (1954),  and  Bluthgen 
(1955)  observed  impaling  of  the  prey  on  the  sting.  Bonelli  (1967)  believed 
that  the  female  held  the  prey  with  the  posterior  claws.  Bristowe  (1948)  and 
Bluthgen  (1955)  observed  the  impaling  only  after  capturing  the  wasp  and  its 
prey  in  a container.  The  former  noted  that  the  [ tibial ] spurs  of  the  middle 
legs  were  used  to  hold  the  impaled  prey  in  position  under  the  abdomen. 

The  average  time  required  to  capture  a prey  and  return  to  the  nest,  calcu- 
lated from  Bonelli’s  (1967)  data,  was  4.3  min  (1-12,  N = 19).  The  average 
time  needed  to  store  a prey  and  return  to  the  surface  was  only  slightly  less 
(x  = 4 min,  2-6,  N = 18).  Hamm  and  Richards  (1926)  and  Bristowe  (1948) 
found  prey  discarded  near  the  nest  entrances  but  disagreed  on  the  underlying 
causes. 

Although  L.  albilabris  stores  mainly  adult  and  nymphal  Miridae,  it  occa- 
sionally captures  adult  flies  of  the  families  Empididae,  Dolichopodidae,  and 
Chloropidae  (Table  1).  Twenty-two  genera  of  mirids  made  up  95%  of  all 
prey  records.  Possibly  the  numerous  undetermined  Diptera  found  by  Adlerz 
(1903,  1910)  included  representatives  of  families  other  than  those  mentioned. 
In  13  of  20  areas  where  L.  albilabris  was  studied,  only  mirids  were  found  as 
prey.  Unfortunately,  detailed  records  of  nest  contents  were  not  made  in  the 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


85 


Table  1.  Prey  of  Lindenius  albilabris. 


Family 

Species 

Source 

Miridae 

Hemiptera 

Adelphocoris  sp. 

Hamm  and  Richards,  1926 

Amblytylus  nasutus  (Kirschbaum) 

Hamm  and  Richards,  1926; 

[af  finis  Fieber]1 

Bristowe,  1948 

Calocoris  norvegicus  (Gmelin) 

Hamm  and  Richards,  1926; 

Calocoris  roseomaculatus  (DeGeer) 

Bonelli,  1967 

Hamm  and  Richards,  1926 

Conostethus  roseus  (Fallen) 

Hamm  and  Richards,  1926 

Globiceps  flavomaculatus  (Fabricius) 

Bouwman,  1911 

Halticus  apterus  (Linnaeus) 

Gronblom,  1925 

Heterotoma  merioptera  (Scopoli) 

Bristowe,  1948 

Hoplomachus  thunbergi  (Fallen) 

Nielsen,  1900 

Leptopterna  ferrugata  (Fallen) 

Gronblom,  1925 

Lygocoris  pabulinus  (Linnaeus) 

Bristowe,  1948 

Lygus  pratensis  (Linnaeus) 

Minkiewicz,  1931,  1933 

Lygus  sp. 

Gronblom,  1925 

Megaloceroea  recticornis  (Geoffroy) 

Bristowe,  1948 

[ linearis  Fuessly] 

Megalocoleus  molliculus  (Fallen) 

Hamm  and  Richards,  1926 

Miris  sp. 

Adlerz,  1910;  Hamm  and 

Notostira  erratica  (Linnaeus) 

Richards,  1926 
Hamm  and  Richards,  1926 

Orthotylus  ericetorum  (Fallen) 

Hamm  and  Richards,  1926 

Orthotylus  sp. 

Bristowe,  1948 

Pithanus  maerkeli  (Herrich-Schaeffer) 

Bristowe,  1948 

Plagiognathus  sp.  nr.  albipennis 

Bluthgen,  1955 

(Fallen) 

Plagiognathus  arbustorum  (Fabricius) 

Bristowe,  1948 

Plagiognathus  chrysanthemi  (Wolff) 

Gronblom,  1925;  Hamm  and 

Polymer  us  unifasciatus  (Fabricius) 

Richards,  1926;  Bristowe, 
1948 

Hamm  and  Richards,  1926 

Stenodema  calcaratum  (Fallen) 

Bouwman,  1911;  Gronblom, 

Stenotus  binotatus  (Fabricius) 

1925 

Hamm  and  Richards,  1926; 

Trigonotylus  ruficornis  (Geoffroy) 

Bristowe,  1948 

Gronblom,  1925;  Hamm  and 

Empididae 

Diptera 

Empis  aestiva  Loew 

Richards,  1926;  Bristowe, 
1948 

Bristowe,  1948 

Empis  albinervis  Meigen 

Bristowe,  1948 

Dolichopodidae 

Diaphorus  latifrons  Loew 

Sickmann,  1893 

Chloropidae 

Meromyza  pratorum  Meigen 

Hamm  and  Richards,  1926 

Meromyza  saltatrix  (Linnaeus) 

Hamm  and  Richards,  1926; 

[laeta  Meigen] 

Bristowe,  1948 

1 [ ] indicates  synonyms  given  by  original  authors. 


3 areas  where  only  flies  were  reported  so  that  one  may  doubt  whether  L. 
albilabris  ever  stores  flies  exclusively.  In  1 area  of  Poland  L.  albilabris  ap- 
peared to  be  prey-specific,  taking  only  Lygus  pratensis  (Linnaeus)  (Minkie- 
wicz,  1933),  whereas  in  England  it  captured  10  species  of  mirids  as  well  as 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


3 species  of  chloropid  and  empidid  flies  (Bristowe,  1948).  Bonelli  (1967) 
observed  prey  specificity  in  Italy  on  a different  mirid,  Calocoris  sp.,  probably 
norvegicus  (Gmelin).  The  claims  of  certain  compilers  (Iwata,  1942;  Dupuis, 
1947)  that  L.  albilabris  preys  on  Hymenoptera  are  in  error. 

The  most  extensive  observations  on  the  number  of  prey  per  complete  cell 
were  made  in  Sweden  by  Adlerz  (1910)  who  found  6-23  (x  = 16.1)  prey  in  23 
cells.  Minkiewicz  (1931)  found  as  few  as  4 per  complete  cell,  whereas  Bonelli 
(1967)  found  as  many  as  25.  Data  on  the  number  of  genera  and  species  of 
prey  per  nest  and  cell  were  lacking  except  in  the  2 instances  of  prey  specificity 
cited  above.  Hamm  and  Richards  (1926)  and  Bristowe  (1948)  found  more 
female  than  male  mirids.  The  prey  were  stacked  one  atop  another  in  the  cell, 
all  heads  facing  in  the  same  direction  (Adlerz,  1910).  They  were  paralyzed 
(Nielsen,  1900;  Adlerz,  1910;  Bouwman,  1911;  Minkiewicz,  1933;  Bristowe, 
1948;  Bonelli,  1967),  and  the  egg-bearer  was  not  mutilated  (Minkiewicz, 
1931). 

The  egg  was  attached  to  the  neck  of  a mirid  along  the  ventral  midline  and 
extended  obliquely  backward  at  an  angle  of  45°  to  the  body  axis  of  the  prey 
(Minkiewicz,  1931,  Tab.  XIV,  Fig.  7;  Bonelli,  1967,  Tab.  II),  or  was  nearly 
transverse  (Adlerz,  1910).  According  to  Minkiewicz  (1931),  the  egg  was 
white,  2-3  X 0.6  mm,  and  followed  the  curvature  of  the  bug’s  prosternum. 
It  was  laid  after  the  full  complement  of  prey  had  been  gathered  (Minkiewicz, 
1933)  and  was  borne  by  1 of  the  first  prey  placed  in  the  cell  (Bonelli,  1967). 

The  development  of  the  larva  and  the  construction  of  the  cocoon  were 
discussed  by  Bonelli  (1967).  The  egg  hatched  in  about  40  hrs  in  an  artificial 
cell  in  the  laboratory  and  the  larva  reached  maturity  in  4 days,  consuming 
even  the  more  sclerotized  parts  of  the  nymphal  mirids.  The  larva  enveloped 
itself  in  a silken  cocoon  in  12  hrs  and,  during  the  next  24  hrs,  spread  a secre- 
tion over  the  inside  that  cemented  the  threads  and  sand  grains  together.  The 
yellow-brown  cocoons,  covered  only  with  sand,  were  4 X 7-8  mm  (Fig.  II). 
Gronblom  (1925)  found  smaller,  darker  cocoons  in  Finland  and  noted  that 
they  were  covered  with  prey  remains  as  well  as  with  larval  excrement  and 
gravel  particles.  According  to  Bonelli  (1967),  L.  albilabris  is  monovoltine  in 
at  least  part  of  Italy  and  overwinters  in  the  larval  stage. 

Lindenius  ( Trachelosimus ) panzeri  (Van  der  Linden) 

Kohl  (1915)  recorded  this  species  from  central  and  southern  Europe, 
England,  northern  Africa  and  western  Asia.  Nests  were  found  from  July  to 
September  in  flat,  hard-packed  sand  and  loess  of  garden  walks  and  woods’ 
paths  or,  less  commonly,  in  sloping  banks  (Marchal,  1893;  Bouwman,  1911; 
Kohl,  1915;  Hamm  and  Richards,  1926;  Minkiewicz,  1932,  1933;  Guichard 
and  Yarrow,  1947;  Abrahamsen,  1950). 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


87 


Table  2.  Prey  of  Lindenius  panzeri. 


Family 

Species 

Source 

Simuliidae 

Simulium  ornatum  Meigen 

Sickmann,  1893 

Tephritidae 

Dithryca  guttularis  (Meigen) 

Orellia  jaceae  (Robineau-Desvoidy) 
Tephritis  sp. 

Trupanea  stellata  (Fuessly) 

Sickmann,  1893;  Kohl,  1915 
Minkiewicz,  1932 
Bouwman,  1911 
Minkiewicz,  1932 

Milichiidae 

Madiza  glabra  Fallen 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

Chloropidae 

Chlorops  hypostigma  Meigen 
Chlorops  pumilionis  (Bjerkander) 

[ lineata  Fabricius,  taeniopus  Meigen] 
Chlorops  rufina  (Zetterstedt) 

Chlorops  troglodytes  (Zetterstedt) 
Chlorops  sp. 

Meromyza  saltatrix  (Linnaeus) 

[ laeta  Meigen] 

Thaumatomyia  glabra  (Meigen) 
undetermined  sp. 

Bouwman,  1911 
Marchal,  1893  ; Hamm  and 
Richards,  1926 
Hamm  and  Richards,  1926 
Hamm  and  Richards,  1926 
Abrahamsen,  1950 
Hamm  and  Richards,  1926 

Minkiewicz,  1932 
Guichard  and  Yarrow,  1947 

The  circular  entrance,  3-3.5  mm  in  diameter,  was  surrounded  by  a small 
tumulus  of  soil  that  soon  eroded  (Minkiewicz,  1932,  1933).  The  main  bur- 
rows were  vertical,  slightly  inclined,  or  tortuous  as  a result  of  stones  in  the 
soil,  and  descended  to  depths  of  4-12  cm  (Bouwman,  1911;  Minkiewicz,  1932; 
Abrahamsen,  1950;  Olberg,  1959).  Abrahamsen  (1950)  noted  that  nests  were 
shallower  in  a heavily  used,  somewhat  clayey  footpath  than  in  the  sand  along- 
side a forest  road.  From  2 to  9 cells  per  nest  were  found  at  depths  of  3-11  cm 
and  were  joined  to  the  main  burrow  by  short,  nearly  horizontal  burrows 
(Bouwman,  1911;  Abrahamsen,  1950,  Figs.  10-11).  Bouwman  (1911)  sche- 
matically illustrated  a nest  having  9 cells  in  2 horizontal  planes  cutting  through 
a vertical  burrow,  the  lower  level  of  cells  being  constructed  before  the  upper 
one.  He  believed  that  the  sand  from  the  excavation  of  a new  cell  was  used 
to  plug  the  side  burrow  leading  to  the  previously  provisioned  cell. 

Prey-laden  females  returned  to  their  open  nest  entrances  in  flight,  carrying 
the  prey  head-forward  beneath  them.  The  prey  was  held  with  the  middle 
and  hind  legs  of  the  wasp  before  landing,  but  only  the  middle  legs  were  used 
on  the  ground  (Olberg,  1959,  p.  372).  Tn  contrast,  Hertzog  (1954)  observed 
L.  panzeri  carrying  its  prey  impaled  on  the  sting. 

With  one  exception,  the  prey  of  L.  panzeri  were  flies  of  the  acalyptrate 
muscoid  Cyclorrhapha  (Table  2).  Chloropidae  was  the  family  most  commonly 
stored,  but  it  was  not  represented  by  as  many  genera  as  the  Tephritidae. 
Hamm  and  Richards  (1926)  found  only  Chloropidae  as  prey  in  3 areas  in 
England,  whereas  Minkiewicz  (1932)  obtained  Chloropidae,  Tephritidae,  and 
Milichiidae  from  nests  in  Poland.  Bouwman  (1911)  and  Minkiewicz  (1932) 
indicated  that  non-chloropid  flies  were  seldom  captured.  The  fact  that  only 
2 species  of  prey  have  been  reported  from  more  than  1 locality  seems  to 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


indicate  that  additional  prey  records  are  necessary  for  a more  realistic  appraisal 
of  the  prey  limits  of  L.  panzeri. 

The  number  of  prey  per  complete  cell  ranged  from  11  (Abrahamsen,  1950) 
to  22  (Bouwman,  1911).  Hamm  and  Richards  (1926)  found  that  85  (98%) 
of  87  chloropids  were  males.  Although  Marchal  (1893)  believed  the  prey 
were  killed  outright,  Abrahamsen  (1950)  asserted  that  they  were  paralyzed 
and  moved  their  legs  for  several  days  after  capture.  Minkiewicz  (1933)  noted 
that  the  egg  was  attached  ventrally  to  the  neck  of  1 of  the  prey,  but  only 
after  the  full  complement  had  been  gathered.  In  the  Netherlands,  the  larva 
consumed  the  provisions  in  1-5  days  (Bouwman,  1911). 

Lindenius  ( Trachelosimus ) pygmaeus  (Rossi) 

Leclercq  (1954)  recorded  this  species  from  central  and  southern  Europe, 
England,  northern  Africa,  and  southern  Russia.  Nests  were  found  from  June 
to  September  in  level  or  gently  sloping  sand,  compact  sandy-clay,  and  loess 
(Ferton,  1901;  Grandi,  1928,  1961;  Minkiewicz,  1932,  1933;  Maneval,  1937). 
The  circular  entrance,  2 mm  in  diameter,  was  surrounded  by  a small  tumulus 
of  soil  that  was  often  obliterated  by  wind  and  rain  (Minkiewicz,  1932,  1933). 
The  main  burrows,  vertical  or  slightly  inclined,  descended  8-10  cm  and  were 
seldom  winding  (Ferton,  1901;  Grandi,  1928,  1961;  Minkiewicz,  1932,  1933; 
Maneval,  1937).  The  burrow  figured  by  Minkiewicz  (1932,  Tab.  VI,  Fig.  1) 
ended  blindly,  whereas  that  described  by  Grandi  (1928,  1961)  bent  to  the 
side  after  descending.  Two  cells  excavated  by  Grandi  (1928,  1961)  were 
4X7  mm  and  only  1 cm  apart  at  a depth  of  10  cm.  Minkiewicz  (1932) 
stated  that  the  cells  were  all  at  about  the  same  [unspecified]  depth. 

Ferton  (1901)  observed  a female  of  L.  pygmaeus  capture  a braconid  on  a 
flower,  sting  it  for  a long  time,  and  carry  it  away.  According  to  Minkiewicz 
(1932,  1933),  females  were  slow  in  provisioning  their  nests  and  hovered  cau- 
tiously above  the  open  entrances  before  diving  in.  Olberg  (1959,  p.  375) 
photographed  females  holding  the  prey  ventral-side-up  and  head-forward,  using 
the  middle  pair  of  legs  on  the  ground  and  both  middle  and  hind  legs  in  flight. 

At  least  95%  of  the  prey  of  L.  pygmaeus  were  Chalcidoidea  and  Ichneu- 
monoidea  (Hymenoptera)  although  nematocerous  and  acalyptrate  flies  were 
occasionally  captured  (Table  3).  Chalcidoids  were  the  most  common  provi- 
sions, constituting  88%  of  all  prey  records.  The  most  common  prey  family, 
Pteromalidae,  was  represented  by  15  genera,  whereas  the  second  in  importance, 
Eulophidae,  was  represented  by  only  3 genera.  A winged  ant  (Maneval,  1937) 
was  an  exceptional  prey  from  the  order  Hymenoptera.  The  same  author  ob- 
tained 2 nematocerous  flies,  a sciarid  and  a ceratopogonid  from  the  cell  con- 
taining the  ant,  thereby  confirming  Grandi’s  (1928)  observation  that  L.  pyg- 
maeus hunts  Diptera  as  well  as  Hymenoptera.  Olberg  (1959)  also  found  flies 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


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Table  3.  Prey  of  Lindenius  pygmaeus. 


Family 

Species 

Source 

Braconidae 

Hymenoptera 

Apanteles  sp. 

Ferton,  1901;  Minkiewicz,  1932; 

Ichneumonidae 

Ophioninae  sp. 

Maneval,  1937 
Ferton,  1901 

Chalcidoidea 

undetermined  sp. 

Ferton,  1901;  Maneval,  1937 

Eulophidae 

Euplectrus  bicolor  (Swederus) 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

Necremnus  hippia  (Walker) 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

Tetrastichus  sp. 

Grandi,  1928,  1961 ; 

Torymidae 

Torymus  verbasci  Ruschka 

Minkiewicz,  1932 
Minkiewicz,  1932 

Pteromalidae 

Cecidostiba  collaris  Thomson 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

Coelopisthia  cephalotes  (Walker) 

Grandi,  1928,  1961; 

Coelopisthia  spp. 

Minkiewicz,  1932 
Grandi,  1928,  1961 

Conomorium  eremita  Forster 

Grandi,  1928,  1961; 

Cyclogastrella  deplanata  (Nees) 

Minkiewicz,  1932 
Minkiewicz,  1932 

[ domesticus  Walker] 
Dibrachys  cavus  (Walker) 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

[ boucheanus  Ratzeburg] 
Diglochis  silvicola  (Walker) 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

[ complanatus  Thomson] 
Habrocytus  artemisiae  Forster 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

Habrocytus  psittacinus  Forster 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

Habrocytus  spp. 

Grandi,  1928,  1961; 

Homoporus  sp. 

Minkiewicz,  1932 
Minkiewicz,  1932 

Mesopolobus  modestus  (Walker) 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

Mesopolobus  sp.  [ Eutelus  Walker] 

Grandi,  1928,  1961 

Pachyneuron  formosum  Walker 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

Pteromalus  sp. 

Marchal,  1893 

Sphegigaster  sp. 

Grandi,  1928,  1961 

Stenomalina  subfumatus  Thomson 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

Sy stasis  encyrtoides  Walker 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

Systasis  longicornis  Thomson 

Grandi,  1928,  1961 

Trichomalus  punctinucha  Thomson 

Minkiewicz,  1932 

Trichomalus  sp. 

Grandi,  1928,  1961; 

Formicidae 

Leptothorax  nylanderi  Forster 

Minkiewicz,  1932 
Maneval,  1937 

Ceratopogonidae 

Diptera 

Forcipomyia  bipunctata  Linnaeus 

Maneval,  1937 

Sciaridae 

Sciara  sp. 

Maneval,  1937 

acalyptrate  muscoid  Cyclorrhapha 

Olberg,  1959  (in  photograph, 

undetermined  specimen 

not  stated) 
Grandi,  1928,  1961 

as  prey  but  neglected  to  point  out  that  the  ones  being  carried  by  the  females 
he  photographed  (p.  375)  included  acalyptrates,  a group  not  previously  re- 
ported as  prey  of  L.  pygmaeus. 

The  number  of  prey  per  complete  cell  ranged  from  17  (Minkiewicz,  1932) 
to  42  (Grandi,  1928,  1961),  whereas  the  number  of  prey  families  per  cell 
ranged  from  3 (Grandi,  1928,  1961)  to  at  least  5 (Maneval,  1937).  The  only 


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cell  whose  contents  were  completely  identified  (Minkiewicz,  1932)  held  12 
species  belonging  to  10  genera.  Of  the  45  prey  Chalcidoidea  listed  by  Minkie- 
wicz  (1932),  78%  were  females.  Grandi  (1928)  also  found  that  a majority 
of  the  chalcidoids  were  females.  Marchal  (1893),  Ferton  (1901),  and  Grandi 
(1928,  1961)  found  the  prey  to  be  paralyzed  to  varying  degrees. 

Minkiewicz  (1933)  noted  that  the  egg  was  placed  on  the  prey  only  after 
the  provisions  had  been  gathered.  The  elongate  egg  was  attached  ventrally 
to  the  neck  of  a chalcid  along  the  midline,  and  curved  obliquely  backwards 
at  an  angle  of  30-45°  to  the  longitudinal  axis  of  the  prey’s  body  (Minkiewicz, 
1932,  Tab.  VI,  Fig.  2).  Grandi  (1928,  1961)  found  the  egg-bearer  lying 
supine  near  the  surface  of  the  mass  of  provisions.  The  egg,  1.6  X 0.4  mm, 
was  curved  and  off-white  in  color.  Marchal  (1893)  and  Grandi  (1928)  ob- 
served that  the  cocoon  was  covered  with  chalcid  remains  and  had  a metallic 
sheen.  It  was  elongate,  4X8  mm,  and  had  the  aboral  end  more  acute 
(Grandi,  1928). 

RESULTS 

Lindenius  ( Trachelosimus ) armaticeps  (Fox) 

This  species  occurs  in  southern  Canada  and  the  U.S.  east  of  the  Cascade 
and  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains  (Muesebeck,  et  al.,  1951).  Twenty-five  nests 
were  excavated  as  follows:  17,  Selkirk  Shores  St.  Pk.,  Oswego  Co.,  N.Y.,  15 
June-4  August  1971-72;  5,  Penny  Settlement  Rd.,  Lewis  Co.,  N.Y.,  18  August- 
19  September  1971;  2,  Medford  Lakes,  Burlington  Co.,  N.J.,  22-23  July  1972; 
and  1,  Great  River,  Suffolk  Co.,  N.Y.,  7 August  1972.  Nests  were  usually 
found  in  level,  firm  and  heavily-vegetated  or  extremely  hard-packed  and  bare 
sandy  roadbeds.  The  roads  were  bordered  by  wild  grasses  and  annual  herbs. 
At  Selkirk,  nests  were  located  in  a 6-ft-high  sand  cliff  (Fig.  1). 

The  entrances  of  most  active  nests  in  level  sand  were  surrounded  by  roughly 
circular  tumuli,  averaging  21  mm  in  diameter  and  3 mm  high  (15-25  X 2-5, 
N = 13).  Tumuli  were  often  lacking  in  older  nests.  The  burrows  (Figs.  2A-H), 
2 mm  wide,  entered  the  roadbed  perpendicularly  and  descended  more  or  less 
vertically  to  depths  of  4.0-9. 0 cm  (x  = 6.1,  N = 25).  Pebbles  and  rocks  were 
responsible  for  deviations  of  burrows  from  the  vertical.  Terminal  horizontal 
passages,  1. 0-3.0  cm  long  (x  = 1.6),  were  present  in  18  of  23  nests  in  flat  sand. 
The  cliff  nests  at  Selkirk  entered  the  bank  at  nearly  right  angles  and  des- 
cended obliquely  for  6.5-10.0  cm  (Fig.  2H).  One  of  2 nests  possessed  a 
1-cm-long  horizontal  passage  extending  parallel  to  the  cliff  face  from  the  apex 
of  the  main  burrow.  Tumuli  were  not  present  around  such  entrances  because 
the  sand  fell  down  the  slope. 

All  nests  had  the  cells  arranged  radially  around  the  lower  half  or  two-thirds 
of  the  main  shaft,  the  lowest  cell  never  being  deeper  than  the  open  burrow. 
With  one  exception,  the  oldest  cell  in  a nest  was  the  shallowest  and  the 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


91 


Fig.  1.  Six  ft  high  sand  cliff  at  Selkirk  Shores  St.  Pk.,  Oswego  Co.,  N.Y.  Females  of 
Lindenius  armaticeps  nested  in  the  lower  4 ft. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


newest,  the  deepest  (Figs.  2A-H).  In  level  sand  the  distance  of  the  cells 
from  a vertical  line  through  the  entrance  ranged  from  0.3-4. 2 cm  (x  = 1.8, 
N = 48) ; pairs  of  cells  separated  by  1 cm  or  less  were  common.  Cells  in  flat 
sand  were  unearthed  at  an  average  depth  of  5.2  cm  (2. 7-8.0,  N = 57),  whereas 
in  cliffs  they  were  2-9  cm  (x  = 4.9,  N = 7)  below  the  level  of  the  entrance  and 
3. 5-7. 5 cm  (x  = 4.8)  into  the  bank  from  a vertical  line  through  the  entrance. 
An  average  cell  measured  3.2  X 7.4  mm  (2. 5-4.0  X 6. 0-9.0,  N = 47). 

Temporary  storage  of  prey  in  an  un widened  section  of  the  burrow  was 
common  in  nests  being  actively  provisioned.  However,  in  two  nests,  prey 
were  stored  in  a slightly  or  conspicuously  widened  area  at  the  end  of  the 
burrow.  Storage  of  prey  at  the  bottom  of  the  vertical  shaft  was  most  common 
(Figs.  2A-D,  F),  but  sometimes  the  flies  were  stored  beyond  the  bend  (Fig. 
2G) . 

The  nest  resident  plugs  the  upper  burrow  with  sand  when  she  has  obtained 
enough  prey  to  complete  a cell.  In  such  nests,  a terminal  horizontal  passage 
has  usually  already  been  constructed  and  the  female  forms  a cell  at  its  apex. 
By  opening  nests  at  the  appropriate  time,  it  was  ascertained  that  the  female 
takes  the  prey  from  burrow  storage  and  places  them  head-inward  in  the  cell 
before  ovipositing.  Whether  or  not  she  removes  them  again  before  affixing 
an  egg  to  the  innermost  fly  is  unknown.  The  vertical  burrow  is  extended 
deeper  and  a new  side  passage  is  usually  constructed  prior  to  the  female’s 
reappearance  at  the  surface.  The  entire  process  from  entry  to  reappearance, 
including  prey  positioning,  oviposition,  and  construction  of  a new  side  burrow 
took  88  min  for  one  female  and  108  for  another. 

Completed  nests  contained  from  3 to  11  cells.  Many  nests  were  abandoned 
after  periods  of  rain,  and  the  entrances  were  subsequently  obliterated.  Females 
took  60  to  100  min  to  finally  close  their  nest.  The  wasp  removed  sand  from 
the  upper  walls  of  the  vertical  burrow  with  the  mandibles  and  used  its  forelegs 
to  push  this  sand  down  the  burrow.  One  female  exited  every  5-15  sec  during 
the  final  stage  of  nest  closure  and  pushed  sand  from  around  the  entrance 
backward  into  the  burrow.  When  nest  closure  was  complete,  all  that  remained 
was  a small  conical  depression,  5-7  mm  wide  and  5-15  mm  deep.  Each  female 
then  made  an  orientation  flight  above  her  closed  nest  before  flying  off  and 
beginning  a new  nest  elsewhere. 

The  prey  were  placed  head-inward  in  the  cells,  but  at  least  1 fly  was  usually 
oblique  or  head-outward.  The  majority  of  prey  on  the  bottoms  of  the  cells 
were  ventral-side-up  while  those  on  top  were  commonly  dorsum-up.  An  egg- 
bearer,  either  male  or  female,  was  found  at  the  inner  end  of  the  cell  and  was 
positioned  dorsum-up,  on  its  side,  or  venter-up.  The  white,  slightly  curved  egg, 
1.5  X 0.4  mm,  was  attached  to  the  neck  of  a fly  along  the  ventral  midline 
and  was  directed  obliquely  backward  at  an  angle  of  30-50°  to  its  longitudinal 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


93 


Fig.  2.  Top  (t)  and  side  (s)  views  of  nests  of  Lindenius  armaticeps.  Stippling  indicates 
tumulus  and  sand  fill;  •,  burrow  storage.  Cells  are  numbered  in  apparent  chronological 
order,  according  to  contents. 


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Table  4.  Prey  of  Lindenius  armaticeps  and  their  relative  importance  as  provisions. 

Species  N % total  $ $ $ $ 


Selkirk  Shores  St.  Pk.,  Oswego  Co.,  N.  Y. 

Diplotoxa  versicolor  (Loew) 
Meromyza  sp.  nr.  pratorum  Meigen 
Parectecephala  eucera  (Loew) 
Parectecephala  sanguinolenta  (Loew) 
Thaumatomyia  glabra  (Meigen) 

Penny  Settlement  Rd.,  Lewis  Co.,  N.  Y. 
Parectecephala  eucera  (Loew) 

Great  River,  Suffolk  Co.,  N.  Y. 
Parectecephala  eucera  (Loew) 

Medford  Lakes,  Burlington  Co.,  N.  J. 
Chlorops  sp. 

Diplotoxa  versicolor  (Loew) 


3 

0.7 

2 

1 

14 

3.1 

7 

7 

341 

76.6 

228 

113 

80 

18.0 

26 

54 

7 

1.6 

6 

1 

163 

100.0 

107 

56 

42 

100.0 

38 

4 

3 

27.3 

1 

2 

8 

72.7 

4 

4 

axis.  It  extended  across  either  side  of  the  fly  with  equal  frequency,  and  the 
wing  of  the  prey  nearest  its  caudal  end  was  spread  as  often  as  not. 

The  prey  comprised  flies  of  the  family  Chloropidae  (Table  4).  Parecte- 
cephala eucera  (Loew)  was  especially  prominent,  making  up  77%  of  the  pro- 
visions at  Selkirk  and  100%  of  the  provisions  at  Penny  Sett.  Rd.  and  Great 
River.  At  Selkirk,  228  (67%)  of  341  prey  of  this  species  were  males  compared 
to  107  (66%)  of  163  flies  at  Penny  Sett.  Rd.  On  the  other  hand,  only  26 
(33%)  of  80  Parectecephala  sanguinolenta  (Loew)  from  nests  at  Selkirk  were 
males.  P.  sanguinolenta  was  abundant  in  the  fresh,  low  grass  in  the  road 
between  the  nests,  whereas  P.  eucera  was  common  in  the  older,  taller  grass 
to  the  sides.  The  former  species  was  captured  as  prey  only  in  June  and  early 
July,  while  the  latter  was  obtained  from  nests  throughout  the  summer.  Prey 
capture  was  observed  several  times  within  15  ft  of  the  midline  of  the  road. 
During  hunting,  the  wasps  either  walked  on  the  grass  blades  or  flew  in  circles 
around  the  stems  and  darted  at  dark  objects  on  the  green  background  including 
imperfections  of  the  plants. 

The  average  weight  of  a single  prey  was  1.1  mg  (0.4-5.1,  N = 202),  the 
lightest  being  a male  of  P.  eucera  and  the  heaviest  a female  of  P.  sanguinolenta. 
The  prey  were  rarely  as  heavy  as  their  female  captors  which  weighed  2. 8-5. 2 mg 
(x  = 4.4,  N = 9).  The  average  total  weight  of  the  flies  in  a fully-provisioned 
cell  was  12.1  mg  (7.4-18.8,  N = 19).  The  number  of  prey  per  complete  cell 
ranged  from  3 to  15  (x  = 9.9,  N = 39).  The  average  number  of  genera  per 
nest  and  cell  were  1.5  (1-3,  N = 20)  and  1.2  (1-2,  N = 46)  at  Selkirk  and 
Penny  Sett.  Rd.,  while  the  average  number  of  species  per  nest  and  cell  were 
1.8  (1-4)  and  1.5  (1-3),  respectively.  Except  for  the  nests  in  New  Jersey, 
each  cell  contained  some  Parectecephala. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


95 


Two  females  were  observed  digging  nests  from  the  sand  surface  in  mid- 
June.  Each  burrowed  inward  in  a slow  spiral,  pushing  up  sand  for  slightly 
more  than  an  hour  before  their  tumuli  remained  stationary.  These  wasps 
stayed  inside  for  the  rest  of  the  day  and  started  provisioning  the  next  morn- 
ing. One  female  completed  2 cells  and  began  provisioning  a third  during 
that  day.  She  provisioned  cells  much  slower  a week  later,  and  during  her 
third  and  final  week  she  brought  no  prey  to  the  nest.  She  opened  the  nest 
each  morning  and  closed  it  every  evening  but  was  rarely  seen  in  the  nest 
vicinity.  A similar  senescence  was  observed  in  another  female  who  opened 
and  closed  her  nest  which  contained  only  cocoons!  Two  other  females  showed 
a different  kind  of  aging:  newly-captured  flies  walked  or  flew  out  of  the 

entrance  shortly  after  the  female  dove  down  the  burrow  with  them.  After  the 
non-paralyzed  flies  escaped,  the  wasp  began  backing  up  and  down  the  burrow 
or  repeatedly  exiting  and  reentering  in  flight. 

Females  made  orientation  flights  above  their  nests  before  the  first  provi- 
sioning trip  of  the  day,  after  completion  of  a cell,  or  after  disturbances  such 
as  a passing  insect  kicking  sand  into  the  entrance  or  an  ant  entering  the 
burrow.  In  flat  sand,  an  orientation  lasted  3-15  sec  and  consisted  of  1 to 
many  obverse  and  reverse  half-circles,  15  cm  in  diameter,  above  the  nest. 
During  lengthy  orientations,  the  semi-circular  flights  changed  to  linear,  spring- 
like movements  which  gradually  increased  in  length  from  the  entrance.  Fe- 
males inhabiting  cliffs  made  transverse  flights  above  and  in  front  of  their 
entrances,  the  flights  gradually  increasing  in  length  up  to  20  cm. 

Provisioning  females  returned  to  their  nests  in  flight,  holding  the  prey 
ventral-side-up  and  head-forward  with  the  middle  legs  (Fig.  3).  A female 
approached  her  nest  with  little  or  no  hovering  and  dove  into  the  open  entrance 
from  a distance  of  3-4  cm.  Occasionally  a female  with  prey  landed  in  front 
of  her  entrance  and  simply  walked  into  the  burrow.  Abandoned  prey  were 
not  found  near  L.  armaticeps  nests. 

Many  females  displayed  an  unusual  method  of  prey  transport — impalement 
of  the  fly  on  the  sting — if  they  returned  to  their  nests  and  found  the  entrances 
obstructed.  Obstructed  entrances  often  occurred  naturally;  however,  compara- 
ble observations  were  made  by  artificially  blocking  openings  with  sand  or  bits 
of  leaves.  In  either  case,  the  female  approached  the  nest  holding  the  prey 
with  her  middle  legs  but  then  landed  and  impaled  the  fly  in  the  region  of  the 
mesosternum.  One  wasp  walked  around  looking  for  her  naturally  obstructed 
entrance  for  several  minutes  with  the  fly  trailing  from  the  end  of  her  abdomen. 
She  even  made  a brief,  wavering  flight  with  the  prey  still  impaled.  After 
locating  the  entrance,  she  walked  into  her  nest  with  the  prey  extending  head- 
forward  from  the  under-curved  tip  of  the  abdomen.  Significantly,  wasps  began 
carrying  their  prey  into  the  nests  in  the  usual  manner  on  later  trips  when 
the  entrances  were  unobstructed.  A few  females  never  impaled  flies  at  arti- 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


ficially-blocked  entrances  but  continued  to  hold  their  prey  with  the  middle 
legs  as  they  dug  in  with  the  forelegs. 

Females  provisioned  nests  from  0900  to  1950  hrs,  but  the  majority  of  wasps 
were  active  between  1030  and  1600  hrs.  At  night,  they  plugged  the  upper 
burrows  with  sand  and  remained  inside.  The  plug  was  removed  in  the  morn- 
ing, often  as  much  as  1 hr  before  the  first  provisioning  trip,  and  fresh  sand 
was  pushed  out  of  the  entrance  if  the  nest  was  relatively  new. 

The  average  time  required  by  8 females  at  Selkirk  to  capture  a fly  and 
return  to  the  nest  was  11.3  min  (0.8-35.0,  N = 50).  One  female  averaged  only 
9.0  min  (1.7-35.0,  N = 10),  whereas  a second  took  12.5  min  (2.1-21.5,  N = 
13).  The  average  time  needed  to  store  a prey  in  the  burrow  and  return  to  the 
surface  at  Selkirk  was  2.2  min  (0. 8-8.0,  N = 52),  1 female  averaging  only  1.8 
min  (1.0-5.1,N  = 17)  and  another  2.9  min  (1.5-6. 6,  N =11).  Females  usually 
spent  several  seconds  looking  out  of  the  entrance  upon  returning  to  the  surface 
(Fig.  4).  The  average  time  spent  in  the  entrance  before  flying  off  to  obtain 
prey  was  10  sec  (0-30,  N = 46)  at  Selkirk,  the  extremes  being  0-15  sec  (x  = 6, 
N = 10)  for  one  individual  and  4-30  sec  (x  = 17,  N = 19)  for  another.  With 
rare  exception,  L.  armaticeps  walked  out  of  the  nest,  partly  or  entirely,  before 
taking  flight  (Fig.  5). 

One  individual  required  7 days  to  develop  from  an  egg  to  a mature  larva 
ready  to  spin  a cocoon.  The  same  rate  of  development  was  observed  for 
specimens  reared  in  sand-filled  plastic  containers  in  the  laboratory.  Mature 
larvae  were  positioned  head-inward  in  the  cells,  facing  away  from  the  side 
passages  leading  to  other  cells. 

The  brown,  ellipsoidal  cocoons,  averaging  2.5  X 6.0  mm  (2-3  X 5-7,  N = 12), 
were  completely  and  evenly  covered  with  the  wings,  legs,  and  thoracic  sclerites 
of  the  prey.  These  remains  were  firmly  attached  to  the  exterior  in  a matrix 
of  silk  and  sand.  Cocoons  removed  from  cells  provisioned  in  late  June  and 
early  July  contained  pupae,  not  resting  larvae.  These  individuals  would  have 
comprised  the  August-September  generation  of  L.  armaticeps. 

The  sarcophagid  Phrosinella  fulvicornis  (Coquillett)  was  observed  larviposit- 
ing  in  closed  nest  entrances  and  was  reared  from  a puparium  found  in  a cell 
at  Selkirk. 

Lindenius  ( Trachelosimus ) buccadentis  Mickel 

This  species  has  been  recorded  from  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  Iowa, 
Nebraska,  Kansas,  and  Arizona  (Muesebeck,  et  al.,  1951;  Krombein  and  Burks, 


Fig.  3-5.  Female  of  Lindenius  armaticeps  carrying  a chloropid  fly  with  the  middle  legs; 
4.  pausing  in  entranceway  before  exiting;  and,  5.  walking  out  of  nest. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


97 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


1967).  The  Cornell  University  Museum  contains  specimens  from  Vermont, 
New  Hampshire,  New  Jersey,  and  Texas.  Two  nests  were  excavated  at  Med- 
ford Lakes,  Burlington  Co.,  N.J.  on  8 August  1971,  and  6 were  dug  at  Bo- 
hemia, Suffolk  Co.,  N.Y.  from  7 to  9 August  1972.  In  both  areas,  nests  were 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


99 


found  in  the  pine  barrens  in  level  hard-packed  roadbeds  of  coarse  sand  mar- 
gined by  patches  of  wild  grasses. 

Nest  entrances  were  surrounded  by  roughly  circular  tumuli,  averaging  22 
mm  in  diameter  and  3 mm  high  (18-25  X 2-5,  N = 8).  The  main  burrows 
descended  vertically  or  in  weak  spirals  to  depths  of  4. 8-9.0  cm,  and  often 
curved  5-6  cm  below  the  surface  (Figs.  6A-G).  Five  nests  had  short  hori- 
zontal passages,  1.0-2. 5 cm  long,  at  the  apices  of  the  main  burrows.  Nest 
entrances  and  burrows  were  1.75-2.00  mm  in  diameter. 

The  oval  cells  were  arranged  radially  around  the  lower  third  of  the  main 
burrow  and  were  0.2-3 .8  cm  from  a vertical  line  through  the  entrance  (x  = 1.9, 
N = 21).  The  average  cell  depth  was  6.0  cm  (3.5-10.5)  and  the  average  cell 
size,  2.9  X 6.8  mm  (2. 5-3. 5 X 5. 5-8.0).  Side  burrows  could  not  be  traced. 
Active  nests  usually  contained  recently  captured  prey  in  temporary  storage 
at  the  bottom  of  the  main  burrow  (Figs.  6A,  C,  E-G),  and  these  were  occa- 
sionally sealed  off  by  a loose  plug  of  sand  (Figs.  6C,  E,  G).  Sections  con- 
taining prey  were  no  wider  than  other  parts  of  the  burrow.  However,  2 nests 
at  Bohemia  (Figs.  6E,  F)  had  prey  temporarily  stored  in  an  open  cell  at  the 
end  of  a short  side  passage.  Neither  nest  contained  enough  prey  for  the  female 
to  complete  the  cell.  The  maximum  number  of  cells  per  nest  was  4,  the  cells 
decreasing  in  age  with  increasing  depth. 

Provisioning  females  returned  to  their  nests  in  flight,  holding  the  prey  tightly 
against  the  sternum  with  the  middle  legs.  They  dove  into  their  entrances  from 
distances  of  3-5  cm.  The  average  time  required  to  capture  a prey  and  return 
to  the  nest,  based  on  the  activities  of  2 females  at  Bohemia,  was  4.4  min 
(0.7-13.5,  N = 34).  One  female  took  an  average  of  only  3.7  min  (0.9-10.6, 
N = 23),  whereas  the  other  required  an  average  of  5.7  min  (0.7-13.5,  N = 11). 
The  average  time  needed  to  store  a prey  was  41  sec  (12-360,  N = 38),  one 
female  taking  36  sec  (12-80,  N = 13)  and  the  other  44  sec  (16-360,  N = 25). 
Storage  times  did  not  exceed  80  sec  with  the  exception  of  one  360  sec.  This 
unusually  long  storage  time  occurred  when  a worker  ant,  Monomorium  mini- 
mum (Buckley),  fell  into  a nest  seconds  before  the  wasp  returned  with  prey. 
The  ant  failed  to  reappear  and,  when  the  nest  was  dug  open,  2 such  worker 
ants  lay  paralyzed  with  other  prey  at  the  bottom  of  the  main  burrow.  Exiting 
behavior  of  females  varied  greatly  with  the  same  individual  either  pausing  or 
failing  to  pause  in  the  entrance  and  either  walking  out  of  the  nest  or  not 
before  taking  flight.  The  average  time  spent  looking  out  of  the  entrance  before 
flying  off  was  6 sec  (0-55,  N = 34).  Females  made  brief  orientation  flights 
over  their  nests  when  disturbed  by  male  or  female  searchers  (see  Miller  and 
Kurczewski,  1973),  and  they  sometimes  made  2-3  sec  orientations  without 
apparent  cause. 

After  gathering  sufficient  prey  to  complete  a cell,  the  female  plugged  the 


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Table  5.  Prey  of  Lindenius  buccadentis  and  their  relative  importance  as  provisions. 


Family 

Species 

N 

% total 

$ $ 

$ $ 

Medford  Lakes,  N.  J. 

Diptera 

Empididae 

Drapetis  sp.  nr.  divergens  Loew 

1 

1.7 

1 

Hymenoptera 

Braconidae 

A gat  his  sp. 

1 

1.7 

1 

Apanteles  paralechiae  Muesebeck 

37 

61.7 

16 

21 

Orgilus  sp. 

6 

10.0 

5 

1 

Eulophidae 

Achrysocharella  silvia  Girault 

5 

8.3 

5 

Euplectrus  sp. 

1 

1.7 

1 

Tetrastichus  sp. 

2 

3.3 

2 

Pteromalidae 

Pteromalinae  sp. 

2 

3.3 

2 

Eurytomidae 

Bruchophagus  sp. 

1 

1.7 

1 

Ormyridae 

Ormyrus  brunneipes  Provancher 

1 

1.7 

1 

Cynipidae 

Charips  sp. 

1 

1.7 

1 

Bethylidae 

Apenesia  parapolita  Evans 

1 

1.7 

1 

Formicidae 

Monomorium  minimum  (Buckley) 

1 

1.7 

l1 

Bohemia,  N.  Y. 

Hymenoptera 

Braconidae 

A gat  his  sp. 

2 

0.7 

1 

1 

Apanteles  sp. 

2 

0.7 

2 

Bracon  sp. 

3 

1.1 

2 

1 

Diaeretus  sp. 

2 

0.7 

1 

1 

Pauesia  sp. 

1 

0.4 

1 

Phanerotoma  sp. 

1 

0.4 

1 

Rhaconotus  cressoni  Muesebeck  & Walkley 

1 

0.4 

1 

Ichneumonidae 

Acrolytina,  n.  gen. 

1 

0.4 

1 

Mesochorus  sp. 

1 

0.4 

1 

Toxophoroides  scitulus  (Cresson) 

1 

0.4 

1 

Eulophidae 

Achrysocharella  silvia  Girault 

1 

0.4 

1 

Chrysocharis  sp. 

2 

0.7 

2 

Closterocerus  tricinctus  (Ashmead) 

3 

1.1 

3 

Euderus  sp. 

2 

0.7 

2 

Eulophus  anomocerus  (Crawford) 

1 

0.4 

1 

Hyssopus  sp. 

2 

0.7 

2 

Tetrastichus  whitmani  (Girault) 

1 

0.4 

1 

Tetrastichus  sp. 

4 

1.4 

3 

1 

Perilampidae 

Perilampus  fulvicornis  Ashmead 

3 

1.1 

2 

1 

Perilampus  robertsoni  Crawford 

1 

0.4 

1 

Ormyridae 

Ormyrus  brunneipes  Provancher 

8 

2.9 

4 

4 

Pteromalidae 

Capellia  sp. 

1 

0.4 

1 

Erythromalus  sp. 

5 

1.8 

4 

1 

Gastrancistrus  aphidis  (Girault) 

216 

77.7 

175 

41 

Pachyneuron  siphonophorae  (Ashmead) 

1 

0.4 

1 

Eurytomidae 

Eudecatoma  sp. 

1 

0.4 

1 

Chalcididae 

Spilochalcis  sp. 

1 

0.4 

1 

Cynipidae 

Charips  sp. 

1 

0.4 

1 

Cynipinae  sp. 

4 

1.4 

3 

1 

Bethylidae 

Goniozus  sp. 

2 

0.7 

2 

Formicidae 

Monomorium  minimum  (Buckley) 

2 

0.7 

21 

Tapinoma  sessile  (Say) 

1 

0.4 

1 



Worker. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


101 


upper  burrow  with  sand.  She  did  not  push  quantities  of  sand  out  of  the 
entrance  during  extension  of  the  burrow.  One  female  required  75  min  to 
complete  a cell  and  reopen  the  burrow.  The  number  of  cells  constructed  and 
provisioned  each  day  varied  between  individuals.  One  female  completed  a cell 
containing  29  prey  between  0930  and  1300  hrs  whereas  another  female  re- 
quired most  of  2 days  for  completion  of  2 cells  containing  77  and  74  prey. 

Over  92%  of  the  prey,  comprising  1 family  of  Diptera  and  11  families  of 
Hymenoptera  (Table  5),  were  from  the  superfamilies  Ichneumonoidea  and 
Chalcidoidea.  Braconidae  was  the  main  prey  family  at  Medford  Lakes,  whereas 
Pteromalidae  was  the  main  source  of  prey  at  Bohemia.  Selection  of  exclusively 
one  sex  of  prey  was  not  apparent,  but  high  percentages  of  male  pteromalids 
and  female  eulophids  were  noted.  The  average  number  of  prey  per  complete 
cell  was  42  (22-77,  N = 7)  and  the  average  weight  of  the  cell  contents,  at 
Medford  Lakes,  was  7.25  mg  (6.45-8.05,  N = 2).  A minute  eulophid,  Achryso- 
charella  silvia  Girault,  was  the  lightest  prey  while  a braconid,  Agathis  sp.,  was 
the  heaviest.  The  average  weight  of  an  individual  prey  was  0.30  mg  (0.10- 
1.15,  N = 49),  whereas  the  average  weight  of  5 female  wasps  was  3.1  mg  (2.6- 
3.4).  The  average  number  of  prey  families  per  nest  and  cell  were  7.0  (4-10, 
N = 4)  and  5.4  (3-9,  N = 7),  while  the  average  number  of  genera  and  species 
per  cell  was  8.4  (4-14,  N = 7). 

Most  of  the  larger  prey  were  positioned  head-inward  in  the  cell,  away  from 
the  main  burrow,  whereas  smaller  prey,  especially  chalcids,  were  found  in 
various  positions.  The  egg-bearer  was  at  the  innermost  end  of  the  cell  and 
was  ventral-side-up,  if  large,  but  randomly-positioned,  if  small.  The  off-white, 
slightly  curved  egg,  1.5  X 0.3  mm,  was  attached  to  the  neck  of  a braconid 
or  chalcid  along  the  ventral  midline  and  extended  longitudinally  backward  at 
an  angle  of  10°  to  the  body  axis  of  the  prey.  The  brown,  ellipsoidal  cocoons, 
averaging  2.5  X 6.0  mm  (2. 0-3.0  X 5. 5- 7.0,  N = 5),  were  completely  covered 
with  the  heads,  thoraces,  legs,  and  wings  of  the  prey.  These  remains  were 
firmly  embedded  in  the  cocoon. 

Lindenius  ( Trachelosimus ) columbianus  errans  (Fox) 

L.  c.  errans  is  found  in  southern  Canada  and  the  U.S.  east  of  the  Rockies, 
while  the  nominate  subspecies  occurs  in  B.C.,  Washington,  Idaho,  Utah,  and 
Wyoming  (Muesebeck,  et  al.,  1951;  Evans,  1970).  In  Massachusetts  L.  c. 
errans  provisioned  nests  with  minute  Diptera,  Hymenoptera,  and  Hemiptera 
(Evans,  1963),  whereas  in  Wyoming  the  nominate  subspecies  stored  a chalcid 
wasp  (Evans,  1970). 

Our  behavioral  studies  were  made  in  sandpits  in  4 areas  of  central  New 
York:  Auburn  and  Sennett,  Cayuga  Co.;  Chittenango,  Madison  Co.;  and 

Selkirk  Shores  St.  Pk.,  Oswego  Co.  The  major  part  of  the  study  was  per- 


102 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  7.  Level  area  of  compact,  sparsely-vegetated  sand  at  Chittenango,  Madison  Co., 
N.Y.  in  which  Lindenius  columbianus  errans  nested. 


formed  during  the  summers  of  1969-71  at  a large  commercial  sand  and  gravel 
pit  near  Auburn  where  a dense  aggregation  dotted  a 3 X 14  ft  ridge  of  firm 
clayey-sand  (see  Miller  and  Kurczewski,  1973,  Fig.  1).  A shallow  pond  50  ft 
southwest  of  the  ridge,  annual  herbs,  grasses,  and  eastern  cottonwood  seedlings 
bordered  the  nesting  site.  The  nests  at  Chittenango  were  located  in  a flat 
4 X 20  ft  area  of  sparsely  vegetated  sand  compacted  by  a payloader  and 
surrounded  by  a dense  growth  of  annual  herbs  and  grasses  (Fig.  7).  For 
other  characteristics  of  this  site  see  Kurczewski,  et  al.  (1969).  At  Selkirk 
Shores,  nests  were  found  not  only  in  the  steep  bank  (Fig.  1)  but  also  in  a 
level  area  of  sand  packed  down  intentionally  by  the  senior  author.  The  nests 
at  Sennett  were  scattered  in  tire  ruts  among  the  annual  herbs  and  grasses 
that  had  overgrown  a recently  bulldozed  area  of  level  sand. 

Entrances  to  newly-constructed  nests  were  surrounded  by  roughly  circular 
tumuli  averaging  19  X 2.5  mm  (12-26  X 1-4,  N = 17).  Rain  and  wind  rap- 
idly weathered  these  tumuli  so  that  only  vestiges  remained  around  the  1.75- 
2.00-mm-wide  openings.  In  nests  constructed  in  flat  sand,  the  main  burrow 
descended  vertically  for  3.5-11  cm  (x  = 6.8,  N = 40)  and,  in  31  (78%)  of  40 
nests,  turned  into  a horizontal  passage,  1-5  cm  long  (x  = 2.2,  N = 29)  (see  Figs. 
8A-H).  Bank  nests,  such  as  that  depicted  in  Fig.  8H,  were  uncommon.  The 
ellipsoidal  cells  were  arranged  radially  around  the  lower  half  of  the  vertical 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


103 


shaft  (Fig.  8F)  or,  less  commonly,  around  the  apex  of  the  horizontal  burrow 
(Fig.  8E).  They  averaged  2.8  X 6.8  mm  (2. 5-3. 5 X 3. 5-8.0,  N = 60)  and 
were  separated  from  the  main  burrow  by  straight  or  winding  side  burrows, 
1-5  cm  long  (Fig.  8B).  Cell  depths  ranged  from  3.5  to  11.5  cm  (x  = 6.7, 
N = 131),  the  extreme  means  being  5.8  cm  (4. 5-8.0,  N = 11)  at  Sennett  and 


104 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


6.9  cm  (3.5-11.5,  N = 101)  at  Auburn.  This  difference  reflected  the  greater 
compaction  of  the  sand  at  Sennett. 

The  first  cell  provisioned  in  a nest  was  usually  the  shallowest  (Figs.  8B, 
C,  E-H).  Cell  3 was  generally  deeper  than  cell  2 but  there  was  no  discernible 
pattern  in  the  depths  of  cells  beyond  the  third.  Although  as  many  as  10  cells 
were  found  in  a single  nest,  it  was  not  possible  to  determine  whether  this 
was  the  work  of  one  female.  For  example,  the  nest  in  Fig.  8G  was  taken  over 
and  provisioned  for  a day  by  a second  female  after  the  original  resident  was 
removed.  Cell  4,  constructed  by  the  new  female,  was  at  almost  the  same 
depth  as  cell  1 made  by  the  original  female  but  was  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  main  burrow. 

Burrow  storage  of  prey  was  observed  at  all  4 areas  in  36  of  39  nests  which 
were  being  provisioned.  Recently-captured  prey  were  found  half-way  down 
against  the  walls  of  the  vertical  shaft  (Figs.  8A-C),  near  the  juncture  of  the 
vertical  and  horizontal  burrows  (Figs.  8B,  C,  E,  F,  H),  or  in  the  apical  half 
of  the  horizontal  gallery  (Figs.  8B,  D,  F).  As  indicated,  several  nests  con- 
tained prey  in  2 or  more  storage  locations  in  the  burrow.  Occasionally,  a 
loose  plug  of  sand  was  found  in  front  of  prey  stored  in  the  horizontal  passage 
(Fig.  8F) . 

The  resident  plugs  the  entrance  and  upper  burrow  with  sand  when  she  has 
gathered  enough  prey  for  a cell.  Before  ovipositing,  she  positions  the  burrow 
storage  prey  in  a cell  at  the  end  of  the  horizontal  burrow  and  then  excavates 
a new  side  passage.  She  may  or  may  not  excavate  a cell  at  the  end  of  this 
passage  before  ovipositing.  The  passage  is  usually  unmodified  during  pro- 
visioning (Figs.  8A,  B,  D-H),  but  occasionally  a completely-formed  empty 
cell,  temporarily  sealed  off  by  a loose  plug  of  sand,  is  found  at  the  end  of 
the  new  burrow  (Fig.  8C).  The  sand  blocking  the  vertical  burrow  during  cell 
completion  is  apparently  used  to  fill  the  passage  leading  to  the  completed  cell 
because,  when  the  entrance  is  reopened,  the  female  can  be  seen  working  her 
mandibles  against  the  walls  of  the  burrow  and  pushing  sand  downward.  The 
entire  process,  from  the  time  of  entry  with  prey  to  reappearance  at  the  surface, 
required  45-90  min  (N  = 3). 

Upon  removing  the  sand  plug  from  the  entrance  in  the  morning  or  after 
completing  a cell,  the  female  exited  and,  while  facing  the  entrance,  made  a 
5-10  sec  orientation  consisting  of  increasingly  longer,  transverse  flights.  On 
subsequent  trips,  except  as  indicated  below,  the  wasp  did  not  reorient  but  flew 
directly  away  from  the  nest.  The  entrance  remained  open  during  her  absence 
except  when  a searching  female  entered  and  plugged  the  nest  from  inside. 
After  being  disturbed  by  searchers  or  passing  insects,  the  wasp  usually  made 
a short  orientation  flight  prior  to  hunting.  Final  nest  closure  was  not  observed 
but  it  was  noted  that  inactive  nests  always  had  the  horizontal  passage  filled  in. 
The  vertical  burrows  remained  open  until  the  first  hard  rain. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


105 


Although  some  females  dug  their  entire  nests  beginning  from  the  sand  sur- 
face, it  was  not  clear  whether  all  females  were  able  to  do  so.  One  female, 
working  in  short  spurts  interspersed  with  2-3  min  rests,  dug  an  L-shaped 
burrow  in  25  min.  During  interruptions,  the  wasp  flew  around  the  entrance 
or  landed  on  the  sand  nearby.  She  appeared  to  dig  with  the  front  legs  in 
unison,  her  body  moving  into  the  sand  in  a slow  spiral.  Upon  completing 
the  nest,  she  plugged  the  entrance  by  pushing  up  columns  of  sand  with  her 
abdomen.  The  entrance  remained  closed  throughout  the  afternoon. 

Some  females  began  hunting  as  early  as  0900  hrs  on  sunny  days  at  Auburn, 
but  the  majority  were  not  active  until  1030  hrs.  Provisioning  reached  a peak 
between  1100  and  1400  hrs,  decreasing  noticeably  after  1430.  A few  nests 
remained  active  all  afternoon  and,  on  occasion,  provisioning  continued  until 
1830  hrs.  Females  spent  the  night  inside  their  closed  nests  while  males  rested 
in  vacant  nests  or  abandoned  burrows  of  other  insects  (see  Miller  and  Kurc- 
zewski,  1973).  Nesting  females  were  seldom  active  on  damp  or  cloudy  days. 
Although  females  were  collected  from  June  to  October,  the  most  intensive 
provisioning  took  place  during  July  and  August. 

Females  were  observed  hunting  at  Auburn  in  a patch  of  white  sweet  clover, 
Melilotus  alba  Desvaux,  growing  at  the  edge  of  the  nesting  ridge.  They  hov- 
ered slowly  around  the  stems,  maintaining  their  body  in  a horizontal  position. 
At  Sennett,  many  females  similarly  circled  umbels  of  Queen  Anne’s  lace, 
Daucus  carota  (Linnaeus),  occasionally  darting  at  small  objects.  The  flowers 
were  only  a few  feet  from  the  nest  entrances.  One  wasp  caught  a small  fly 
as  it  landed  on  an  umbel,  taking  only  3 sec  to  sting  it,  position  it,  and  fly 
away.  The  prey  were  paralyzed  and  moved  their  legs  or  antennae  when  they 
were  removed  from  the  cell. 

Provisioning  females  returned  to  their  nests  in  flight  and  dove  rapidly  into 
their  entrances  (Fig.  9).  On  windy  days  wasps  carrying  heavy  prey  often 
landed  near  their  entrances  until  the  wind  subsided.  In  flight,  large  prey  such 
as  Chironomus  midges  were  held  ventral-side-up  and  head-forward  with  the 
wasp’s  middle  and  hind  legs.  Small  prey,  especially  Chalcidoidea,  were  held 
obliquely  with  only  the  middle  legs.  On  the  ground,  all  prey  were  held  with 
the  middle  legs  (Fig.  10).  Some  Chironomus  were  so  large  that  they  became 
lodged  in  the  entrance  when  the  female  dove  in.  From  2-5  sec  were  required 
for  the  wasps  to  turn  around  and  pull  such  flies  inside.  Abandoned  prey  were 
common  around  nest  entrances  (see  Miller  and  Kurczewski,  1973). 

Before  departing  to  hunt,  the  female  usually  spent  several  seconds  in  the 
entrance  looking  out  with  the  head  or  head  and  upper  thorax  exposed  (Fig.  11). 
The  average  time  so  spent  was  8 sec  (0-60,  N = 77),  the  extremes  in  means 
for  2 Auburn  females  being  <1  sec  (0-1,  N = 24)  and  22  sec  (10-60,  N = 7). 
If  a male  or  searching  female  interfered  with  the  nesting  female  at  this  time, 
she  would  back  down  into  the  nest  or  even  plug  the  entrance  with  sand.  The 


106 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


female  having  the  longest  mean  provisioning  and  prey  storing  times  also  spent 
the  longest  mean  time  in  the  entrance.  The  resident  with  the  shortest  mean 
provisioning  time  spent  the  shortest  mean  time  in  the  entrance  but  did  not 
have  the  shortest  mean  storing  time.  After  looking  around  the  entrance,  nest- 
ing females  of  L.  c.  errans  did  not  walk  out  on  the  sand  but  flew  directly  out 
of  the  burrow. 

The  average  time  taken  to  capture  a prey  and  return  to  the  nest  was  3.0 
min  (0.4-12.6,  N = 93).  The  extremes  in  mean  provisioning  times  for  2 Auburn 
females  were  7.2  (5.0-12.6,  N = 9)  and  1.5  min  (0.4-3.4,  N = 24).  Provision- 
ing times  tended  to  vary  more  between  different  females  than  between  successive 
hunting  trips  of  a single  female.  On  several  occasions,  provisioning  females 
continually  returned  to  hunt  in  the  same  vegetation.  The  average  time  spent 
inside  the  nest  between  trips  was  42  sec  (5-250,  N = 95).  One  Auburn  female 
took  an  average  of  only  22  sec  (5-50,  N = 13)  to  store  a prey  while  another 
from  the  same  area  required  an  average  71  sec  (30-250,  N = 10).  The  dif- 
ferences may  be  attributed  to  the  varying  distances  of  burrow  storage  areas 
from  the  entrance. 

L.  c.  errans  provisioned  nests  with  29  families  of  Diptera,  Hymenoptera, 
Hemiptera,  and  Homoptera.  Table  6 lists  the  prey  families  and  indicates  their 
relative  importance  as  provisions  in  terms  of  numbers  of  individuals  captured 
and  percent  total  catch.  The  species  of  prey  and  the  areas  from  which  they 
were  obtained  are  given  in  Table  7.  The  data  from  Lexington,  Mass,  and 
Blackjack  Creek,  Kans.  were  provided  by  H.  E.  Evans.  Overall,  Diptera  was 
the  order  most  commonly  preyed  upon,  making  up  29-90%  of  the  total  catch 
depending  on  the  area.  Hymenoptera,  comprising  9-59%  of  the  prey,  was  more 
important  than  Diptera  as  a source  of  provisions  only  at  Chittenango,  N.Y. 
and  Lexington,  Mass.  Nevertheless,  more  families  and  genera  of  Hymenoptera 
were  captured  than  Diptera.  Hemiptera  was  regularly  preyed  upon  in  small 
numbers,  never  exceeding  17%  of  the  total  catch,  whereas  Homoptera  (Aphidi- 
dae)  was  represented  from  only  2 areas. 

Chironomidae  was  the  most  common  prey  family  at  Auburn,  Selkirk  Shores, 
and  Blackjack  Creek.  Chalcids  of  the  family  Pteromalidae  were  the  main 
source  of  provisions  at  Chittenango  while  Scatopsidae  and  Chloropidae  (Dip- 
tera) were  the  most  important  prey  at  Sennett  and  Lexington,  respectively. 
Other  families  making  up  10%  or  more  of  the  prey  in  an  area  during  a given 
season  were,  in  decreasing  order  of  their  significance,  Eulophidae,  Ceratopo- 


Fig.  9-11.  Provisioning  female  of  Lindenius  columbianus  errans  diving  into  nest;  10. 
holding  prey  with  middle  legs  as  she  enters  partly  closed  nest;  and,  11.  pausing  in  entrance 
before  leaving. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


107 


108 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Table  6.  Families  of  Prey  of  Lindenius  columbianus  errans  and 
their  relative  importance  as  provisions. 


Family 

1969 

Auburn 

1970 

Auburn 

1971 

Auburn 

N 

% 

N 

% 

N 

% 

DIPTERA 

448 

79.29 

850 

76.85 

196 

76.87 

Ceratopogonidae 

7 

1.24 

104 

9.40 

23 

9.02 

Chironomidae 

421 

74.51 

667 

60.31 

155 

60.78 

Sciaridae 

2 

0.18 

Scatopsidae 

1 

0.09 

1 

0.39 

Cecidomyiidae 

1 

0.18 

20 

1.81 

5 

1.96 

Empididae 

4 

0.71 

3 

0.27 

1 

0.39 

Chamaemyiidae 

2 

0.18 

Milichiidae 

Ephydridae 

1 

0.09 

2 

0.78 

Chloropidae 

7 

1.24 

26 

2.35 

2 

0.78 

Agromyzidae 

8 

1.41 

24 

2.17 

7 

2.75 

HEMIPTERA 

1 

0.18 

41 

3.71 

2 

0.78 

Anthocoridae 

1 

0.18 

39 

3.53 

1 

0.39 

Miridae 

1 

0.09 

1 

0.39 

Lygaeidae 

1 

0.09 

HOMOPTERA 

1 

0.18 

2 

0.18 

Aphididae 

1 

0.18 

2 

0.18 

1970 

1962 

1971 

Chittenango 

Lexington 

Sennett 

Family 

N 

% 

N 

% 

N 

% 

DIPTERA 

105 

29.17 

22 

40.74 

170 

84.58 

Ceratopogonidae 

5 

1.39 

43 

21.39 

Chironomidae 

5 

1.39 

1 

0.50 

Sciaridae 

2 

1.00 

Scatopsidae 

17 

4.72 

103 

51.24 

Cecidomyiidae 

14 

3.89 

4 

7.41 

3 

1.49 

Empididae 

Chamaemyiidae 

Milichiidae 

1 

0.28 

3 

1.49 

Ephydridae 

Chloropidae 

60 

16.67 

18 

33.33 

15 

7.46 

Agromyzidae 

3 

0.83 

HEMIPTERA 

42 

11.67 

9 

16.67 

4 

1.99 

Anthocoridae 

36 

10.00 

4 

7.41 

4 

1.99 

Miridae 

6 

1.67 

5 

9.26 

Lygaeidae 

HOMOPTERA 

Aphididae 

gonidae,  Milichiidae,  Cecidomyiidae,  Eucharitidae,  and  Anthocoridae.  Only  4 
families,  Cecidomyiidae,  Braconidae,  Eulophidae,  and  Anthocoridae  were  re- 
corded as  prey  at  all  6 areas. 

It  is  significant  that  the  prey  families  from  Massachusetts  and  Kansas  were 
represented  among  the  New  York  prey  and  that  the  relative  importance  of 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


109 


Table  6 (cont.).  Families  of  Prey  of  Lindenius  columbianus  errans  and 
their  relative  importance  as  provisions. 


Family 

1971 

Selkirk  Shores 

1952 

Blackjack  Cr. 

Grand  Totals 

N 

% 

N 

% 

N 

% 

DIPTERA 

219 

89.75 

33 

84.62 

2043 

72.34 

Ceratopogonidae 

13 

5.33 

195 

6.90 

Chironomidae 

98 

40.16 

23 

58.97 

1370 

48.51 

Sciaridae 

1 

0.41 

5 

0.18 

Scatopsidae 

1 

0.41 

123 

4.36 

Cecidomyiidae 

44 

18.03 

6 

15.38 

97 

3.43 

Empididae 

6 

2.46 

1 

2.56 

15 

0.53 

Chamaemyiidae 

2 

0.07 

Milichiidae 

46 

18.85 

3 

7.69 

53 

1.88 

Ephydridae 

3 

0.11 

Chloropidae 

10 

4.10 

138 

4.89 

Agromyzidae 

42 

1.49 

HEMIPTERA 

3 

1.23 

2 

5.13 

104 

3.68 

Anthocoridae 

3 

1.23 

2 

5.13 

90 

3.19 

Miridae 

13 

0.46 

Lygaeidae 

1 

0.04 

HOMOPTERA 

1 

0.41 

4 

0.14 

Aphididae 

1 

0.41 

4 

0.14 

1969 

1970 

1971 

Auburn 

Auburn 

Auburn 

Family 

N 

% 

N 

% 

N 

% 

HYMENOPTERA 

115 

20.35 

213 

19.26 

57 

22.34 

Braconidae 

4 

0.71 

67 

6.06 

23 

9.02 

Ichneumonidae 

Mymaridae 

1 

0.18 

1 

0.09 

Eulophidae 

9 

1.59 

69 

6.24 

11 

4.31 

Encyrtidae 

3 

0.27 

Eupelmidae 

1 

0.18 

2 

0.18 

Eucharitidae 

71 

12.57 

16 

1.45 

6 

2.35 

Torymidae 

3 

0.53 

6 

0.54 

1 

0.39 

Pteromalidae 

24 

4.25 

44 

3.98 

16 

6.2  7 

Eurytomidae 

Chalcididae 

Ceraphronidae 

1 

0.18 

4 

0.36 

Formicidae 

Sphecidae 

1 

0.18 

1 

0.09 

Total  prey 

565 

1106 

255 

the  prey  orders  was  not  very  different  from  that  of  certain  New  York  areas. 
Lexington,  Mass,  and  Chittenango,  N.Y.,  the  2 areas  where  Hymenoptera  ex- 
ceeded Diptera  as  a source  of  provisions,  were  remarkably  alike  in  terms  of 
prey  families  captured  and  percent  total  catches,  suggesting  that  these  habitats 
are  rather  similar.  Likewise,  the  prey  tallies  from  Blackjack  Creek,  Kans.  and 
Selkirk  Shores,  N.Y.  were  very  similar.  The  3 areas  where  Chironomidae 


110 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Table  6 (cont.).  Families  of  Prey  of  Lindenius  columbianus  errans  and 
their  relative  importance  as  provisions. 


Family 

1970 

Chittenango 

1962 

Lexington 

1971 

Sennett 

N 

% 

N 

% 

N 

% 

HYMENOPTERA 

213 

59.17 

23 

42.59 

27 

13.43 

Braconidae 

24 

6.67 

1 

1.85 

3 

1.49 

Ichneumonidae 

Mymaridae 

Eulophidae 

43 

11.94 

15 

27.78 

11 

5.47 

Encyrtidae 

2 

0.56 

Eupelmidae 

9 

2.50 

Eucharitidae 

1 

0.28 

Torymidae 

7 

1.94 

Pteromalidae 

120 

33.33 

7 

12.96 

10 

4.98 

Eurytomidae 

2 

0.56 

3 

1.49 

Chalcididae 

Ceraphronidae 

1 

0.28 

Formicidae 

4 

1.11 

Sphecidae 

Total  prey 

360 

54 

201 

1971 

1952 

Selkirk  Shores 

Blackjack  Cr. 

Grand  Totals 

Family 

N 

% 

N 

% 

N 

% 

HYMENOPTERA 

21 

8.61 

4 

10.25 

673 

23.83 

Braconidae 

4 

1.64 

1 

2.56 

127 

4.50 

Ichneumonidae 

1 

0.04 

Mymaridae 

1 

0.04 

Eulophidae 

9 

3.69 

3 

7.69 

170 

6.02 

Encyrtidae 

5 

0.18 

Eupelmidae 

12 

0.42 

Eucharitidae 

94 

3.33 

Torymidae 

17 

0.60 

Pteromalidae 

5 

2.05 

226 

8.00 

Eurytomidae 

2 

0.82 

12 

0.42 

Chalcididae 

1 

0.41 

1 

0.04 

Ceraphronidae 

1 

0.04 

Formicidae 

5 

0.18 

Sphecidae 

1 

0.04 

Total  prey 

244 

39 

2824 

formed  the  main 

prey  were  near  sizable  bodies 

of  water. 

Despite  the  great 

differences  in  prey  sample  sizes  during  the  3 years  of  investigations  at  Auburn, 
the  relative  importance  of  each  of  the  prey  orders  remained  very  stable. 
Non-specificity  in  prey  selection  was  quantified  by  determining  the  numbers 


of  orders  and  families  per  nest  and  per  cell.  The  average  number  of  prey 
orders  per  nest  and  per  cell  were,  respectively,  2.4  (1-3,  N = 39)  and  2.1 
(1-3,  N = 64).  Cells  containing  a single  order  of  prey  were  found  only  at 
Auburn  and  were  rare.  The  average  number  of  prey  families  per  nest  and 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


111 


Table  7.  Prey  of  Lindenius  columbianus  errans. 


Family 

Species 

Area 

Ceratopogonidae 

DIPTERA 

Dasyhelea  grisea  (Coquillett) 

A,C,D 

Dasyhelea  spp. 

A,SX 

Forcipomyia  brevipennis  (Macquart) 

A,C,D,SX 

Jenkinshelea  magnipennis  (Johannsen) 

A1 

Chironomidae 

Chironomus  spp. 

A2 

Cricotopus  sp. 

C,S 

Orthocladius  spp. 

A,C,D2 

Paratendipes  subaequalis  (Malloch) 

B 

Pentaneura  sp. 

A 

Procladius  spp. 

A,D 

Psectrocladius  sp. 

A2 

T any  tarsus  sp. 

A1 

Sciaridae 

Bradysia  sp. 

A,D,S 

Scatopsidae 

Swammerdamella  obtusa  Cook 

A,C,D,SX 

Swammerdamella  sagittata  Cook 

S 

Scatopse  fuscipes  Meigen 

s 

Cecidomyiidae 

Anarete  johnsoni  (Felt) 

A,C 

Anarete  pritchardi  Kim 

A,C 

Anarete  spp. 

A,B,L,S 

Aster omyia  carbonifera  (Osten  Sacken) 

A 

Clinodiplosis  sp. 

A,C 

Dasineura  sp. 

A,C 

Mayetiola  sp. 

A,C 

Neolasioptera  spp. 

A,S 

Ozirhincus  millefolii  (Wachtl) 

S 

Porricondyla  sp. 

A 

Procystiphora  n.  sp. 

D1 

Empididae 

Drapetis  septentrionalis  Melander 

A 

Drapetis  sp. 

B 

Platypalpus  trivialis  Loew 

A 

Platypalpus  sp. 

A 

Rhamphomyia  sp. 

D 

Chamaemyiidae 

Chamaemyia  juncorum  (Fallen) 

A 

Leucopis  sp. 

A 

Milichiidae 

Madiza  parva  (Adams) 

B 

Leptometopa  halteralis  (Coquillett) 

D,SX 

Leptometopa  latipes  (Meigen) 

C,S 

Paramyia  nitens  (Loew) 

D 

Ephydridae 

Philygria  debilis  Loew 

A 

Hydrellia  sp. 

A 

Chloropidae 

C onioscinella  melancholica  (Becker) 

A,D 

C onioscinella  minor  (Adams) 

L,S 

C onioscinella  triorbiculata  (Sabrosky) 

A 

Diplotoxa  versicolor  (Loew) 

D 

Hippelates  bishop  pi  Sabrosky 

L 

Hippelates  n.  sp.  nr.  bishoppi 

C1 

Meromyza  sp. 

D 

Area  Code: 

A Auburn,  N.  Y. 

B = Blackjack  Creek,  Kans. 

C = Chittenango,  N.  Y. 

D = Selkirk  Shores  St.  Pk.,  N.  Y. 

L = Lexington,  Mass. 

S = Sennett,  N.  Y. 

1 Indicates  species  or  genus  made  up  1-4%  of  total  number  of  prey  (2824)  from  all  areas. 

2 Indicates  4%  or  more. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Table  7.  (cont.) 


F amily 

Species 

Area 

Olcella  cinerea  (Loew) 

C 

Olcella  parva  (Adams) 

s 

Olcella  quadrivittata  Sabrosky 

A 

Olcella  trigramma  (Loew) 

D,S 

Oscinella  carbonaria  (Loew) 

S 

Oscinella  frit  (Linnaeus) 

A,D,L 

Oscinella  luteiceps  Sabrosky 

A,L 

Oscinella  soror  (Macquart) 

A,S 

Oscinella  umbrosa  (Loew) 

A 

Oscinella  sp. 

L 

Siphonella  nigripalpis  (Malloch) 

A,C,S 

Agromyzidae 

Agromyza  sp. 

A 

Cerodontha  ( Cerodontha ) dorsalis  (Loew) 

A 

Cerodontha  ( Cerodontha ) sp. 

A 

Liriomyza  sp. 

A 

Ophiomyia  sp. 

A 

Phytoliriomyza  arctica  (Lundbeck) 

A 

Pseudonap omyza  lacteipennis  (Malloch) 

C 

HEMIPTERA 

Anthocoridae 

Orius  insidiosus  (Say) 

AjBjCjDjS1 

Orius  tristicolor  (White) 

A,D,L,S 

Miridae 

Chlamydatus  associatus  (Uhler) 

C,L 

undetermined  nymphs 

A 

Lygaeidae 

undetermined  nymph 

A 

HOMOPTERA 

Aphididae 

Aphis  sp. 

A 

Capitophorus  elaeagni  (Del  Guer.) 

A 

Rhopalosiphum  maidis  (Fitch) 

D 

Schizaphis  sp. 

A 

HYMENOPTERA 

Braconidae 

A gat  his  spp. 

C 

Apanteles  limentidis  Riley 

D 

Apanteles  xylinus  (Say) 

A 

Apanteles  spp. 

A^CAS1 

Aphidius  obscuripes  Ashmead 

A 

Aphidius  spp. 

A,C,V 

Bracon  sp. 

A 

Chelonus  {Micro chelonus)  sp. 

A 

Dacnusa  sp. 

A 

Diaeretiella  spp. 

A 

Elasmosoma  sp. 

A 

Euphoriana  uniformis  Gahan 

S 

Lysaphidus  sp. 

c 

Lysiphlebus  spp. 

A,C 

Microplitis  sp. 

A 

Orgilus  gelechiae  (Ashmead) 

C 

Orgilus  sp. 

C 

Praon  spp. 

A 

Trioxys  spp. 

AjC1 

Ichneumonidae 

Adelognathus  flavopictus  Davis 

A 

Mymaridae 

Polynema  sp. 

A 

Eulophidae 

Aprostocetus  sp. 

S 

Chrysocharis  sp. 

A 

Vol.  L XXXIII,  June,  1975 


113 


Table  7.  (cont.) 


Family 

Species 

Area 

Diaulinopsis  callichroma  Crawford 

B 

Euderus  subopacus  (Gahan) 

B 

Euderus  sp. 

A,C 

Hemiptarsenus  americanus  (Girault) 

A 

Hyssopus  novus  Girault 

A 

Necremnus  sp. 

A 

N otanisomorpha  ainsliei  Crawford 

C 

Pnigalio  sp. 

A,S 

Sympiesis  bimaculatipennis  (Girault) 

A 

Tetrastichus  bruchophagi  Gahan 

A,D,S 

Tetrastichus  chlamytis  Ashmead 

A,C 

Tetrastichus  fumipennis  (Girault) 

A 

Tetrastichus  incertus  (Ratzeburg) 

A 

Tetrastichus  semilongifasciatus  (Girault) 

A 

Tetrastichus  tesserus  Burks 

A 

Tetrastichus  spp. 

A,C,D,L,S2 

Entedontini 

C 

Encyrtidae 

Copidosoma  sp. 

A,C 

Anagyrini 

A 

Bothriothoracini 

A 

Eupelmidae 

Eupelmella  vesicularis  (Retzius) 

A 

Eupelmus  allynii  (French) 

C 

Eupelmus  sp. 

A,C 

Eucharitidae 

Pseudometagea  schwarzii  (Ashmead) 

A,CX 

Torymidae 

Eridontomerus  isosomatis  (Riley) 

A 

Pseudotorymus  lazulellus  (Ashmead) 

A,C 

Pteromalidae 

Asaphes  lucens  (Provancher) 

A,C 

Ecrizotes  sp. 

C 

Erixestus  winnemanna  Crawford 

A 

Habrocytus  sp. 

C,D,L 

Halticoptera  patellanna  (Dalman) 

A 

Halticoptera  sp. 

A,C 

Heteroschema  sp. 

A 

Homoporus  chalcidiphagus  (Walsh  & Riley) 

AjCjLjS1 

Homoporus  febriculosus  (Girault) 

A,C 

Mesopolobus  sp. 

C,L,S 

Pachyneuron  allograptae  Ashmead 

A 

Pachyneuron  siphonophorae  (Ashmead) 

A,C 

Pachyneuron  sp. 

A 

Parecrizotes  marylandenis  Girault 

C 

Pteromalus  puparum  (Linnaeus) 

S 

Pteromalus  vanessae  Harris 

s 

Sy stasis  sp. 

D 

Tridymus  sp. 

A,D 

Pirenini 

A,S 

Pteromalini 

A 

Tridymini 

A 

Eurytomidae 

Bruchophagus  sp. 

A 

Eudecatoma  sp. 

D,S 

Eurytoma  sp. 

A,C 

Harmolita  sp. 

A,D 

Systole  sp. 

A 

Chalcididae 

Spilochalcis  albifrons  (Walsh) 

D 

Ceraphronidae 

Lygocerus  sp. 

C 

Formicidae 

Lasius  sp.  ( $ $ ) 

A,C 

Sphecidae 

Spilomena  pusilla  (Say) 

A 

114 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


per  cell  were  6.9  (1-13,  N = 39)  and  4.6  (1-13,  N = 64),  while  the  average 
number  of  prey  genera  per  cell  was  6.0  (2-15,  N = 60).  One  cell  from  Selkirk 
containing  15  genera,  13  families  and  3 orders  of  prey  represented  the  extreme 
in  non-specificity.  The  other  extreme  was  exemplified  by  a 2-celled  nest  at 
Auburn  containing  only  2 genera  of  chironomids,  mostly  of  a single  species. 

Selection  of  a particular  sex  of  prey  was  marked  in  only  a few  instances. 
At  Auburn,  98%  of  the  Tany tarsus  midges  and  88%  of  the  ceratopogonid 
Jenkinshelea  magnipennis  Johannsen  were  males.  At  Selkirk  Shores,  100%  of 
the  cecidomyiid  Procystiphora  n.  sp.  and  95%  of  an  undetermined  chironomid 
were  females.  All  prey  were  invariably  smaller  and  lighter  than  their  captors, 
weighing  an  average  of  0.24  mg  (.05-1.05,  N = 1100)  compared  to  2.90  mg 
(1.25-4.15,  N = 65)  for  the  wasps.  Minute  ceratopogonids  of  the  genus  Dasy- 
helea  were  the  smallest  prey,  whereas  the  largest  were  females  of  the  genera 
Chironomus  (Chironomidae)  and  Forcipomyia  (Ceratopogonidae) . The  weight 
of  the  provisions  in  a fully-provisioned  cell  ranged  from  2.0  to  13.3  mg  (x  = 7.2, 
N = 33).  From  8 to  76  prey  (x  — 25.5,  N = 77)  were  stored  per  cell. 

Large  prey  were  stored  head-inward  in  the  cell,  facing  away  from  the 
burrow,  whereas  tiny  prey  were  stacked  more  randomly,  their  bodies  often 
turned  obliquely  or  backwards.  The  egg-bearer  was  1 of  the  innermost  prey 
and  was  usually  ventral-side-up.  The  off-white,  slightly  curved  egg  was  1.4-1. 6 
mm  long  and  0.3-0. 4 mm  wide  in  the  middle.  Its  larger  cephalic  end  was 
attached  to  the  neck  of  the  prey  along  the  ventral  midline.  The  direction  in 
which  the  egg  extended  varied  with  the  prey.  Eggs  on  chironomids  and 
ceratopogonids  extended  transversely  across  the  prosternum  at  nearly  right 
angles  to  the  body  of  the  prey  (Fig.  12).  Eggs  were  more  obliquely -placed  on 
chloropids  and  agromyzids  and  were  distinctly  longitudinally-placed  on  small 
pteromalids  and  eulophids.  The  caudal  end  was  normally  free  but  occasionally 
appeared  tightly  fastened  to  the  spread  wing  of  the  prey.  The  egg-bearer  was 
usually  a common  prey  in  the  nest,  regardless  of  size.  For  example,  egg- 
bearing Hemiptera  and  Homoptera  were  not  found. 

The  egg  hatched  in  1-2  days  and  the  larva  grew  to  a length  of  3 mm  during 
the  first  3-4  days.  At  this  time  the  larva  was  relatively  slender  and  had 
consumed  only  a single  prey.  During  the  next  2 days  it  increased  rapidly  in 
girth  and  devoured  all  of  the  provisions,  facing  away  from  the  main  burrow 
and  pushing  the  discarded  sclerites  into  a compact  mass  at  the  other  end. 
Within  7-9  days  after  the  egg  was  laid  the  larva  had  spun  a cocoon  of  silk 
and  sand,  distributing  the  excrement  and  sclerotized  prey  remains  evenly  over 
the  surface.  The  resultant  cocoons  were  brown,  ellipsoidal,  and  averaged  2.3 
X 5.8  mm  (2-3  X 4-7,  N = 21).  The  species  overwinters  in  the  cocoon  as  a 
diapausing  larva,  pupates  in  late  spring,  and  the  adults  begin  to  emerge  in 
early  summer.  Although  pupae  and  teneral  adults  were  dug  up  in  early  Au- 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


115 


Fig.  12.  Egg  of  Lindenius  columbianus  errans  on  male  F orcipomyia  brevipennis  (Mac- 
quart)  (Ceratopogonidae). 


gust,  it  is  uncertain  whether  they  represent  a second  generation  or  late  emerg- 
ing individuals  from  cells  provisioned  the  year  before. 

DISCUSSION 

Viewed  collectively  the  behavioral  features  possessed  by  species  of  Lindenius 
distinguish  this  genus  from  other  sphecid  genera,  although  these  features  may 
be  modified  extensively  when  more  of  the  48  described  species  are  studied. 
The  6 species  examined  in  this  paper  construct  nests  3-12  cm  deep  in  sand, 
fine  gravel,  loess,  or  chalk.  They  prefer  hard-packed  ground  such  as  garden 
paths,  roads,  and  compacted  areas.  The  nests  have  a vertical  or  slightly  in- 


116 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


dined  burrow  which  often  leads  to  a short  horizontal  passage  whose  distal  end 
marks  the  location  of  the  next  cell. 

The  sequence  of  nest  orientation  behaviors  is  essentially  identical  for  L. 
albilabris,  L.  armaticeps , and  L.  c.  errans.  The  females  orient  in  flight,  facing 
the  entrance,  before  the  first  provisioning  trip  but  not  prior  to  subsequent 
trips  unless  the  entrance  has  been  obstructed  on  the  return  flight.  Normally, 
the  nests  of  all  6 species  remain  open  during  provisioning  trips.  In  aggrega- 
tions of  L.  c.  errans , however,  searching  conspecific  females  may  enter  a nest 
and  plug  the  entrance  with  sand,  creating  difficulties  for  the  provisioning 
female  when  she  returns.  Also,  the  resident  may  plug  the  entrance  from 
within  if  searchers  interfere  with  her  when  she  is  preparing  to  exit.  Otherwise, 
the  entrances  are  closed  only  at  night  and  when  the  females  are  excavating 
new  passages  and  cells,  ovipositing,  or  filling  burrows. 

The  6 species  of  Lindenius  store  adult  insects,  but  L.  albilabris  and  L.  c. 
errans  sometimes  capture  nymphal  Hemiptera.  Diptera  is  the  only  order 
preyed  upon  by  all.  In  each  species,  the  egg  is  not  laid  until  the  full  com- 
plement of  prey  for  a cell  has  been  gathered.  The  heads  of  most  of  the  prey 
face  in  the  same  direction  and  the  egg  is  attached  to  1 of  the  first  prey  placed 
in  the  cell.  Egg  placement  is  similar  in  all  species,  the  egg  being  fastened  to 
the  neck  of  a prey  along  the  ventral  midline. 

L.  albilabris , L.  armaticeps , L.  c.  errans , and  L.  panzeri  develop  from  egg 
to  mature  larva  in  5-8  days.  All  6 species  spin  cocoons  of  silk  and  sand  and 
distribute  the  sclerotized  remains  of  the  prey  evenly  over  the  surface.  Cocoons 
of  the  mirid-hunter  L.  albilabris  occasionally  lack  prey  remains  as  a result  of 
utilizing  nymphal  prey  (Bonelli,  1967). 

Other  behavioral  features  have  potential  value  in  separating  species  or 
species  groups.  In  nests  of  L.  armaticeps  and  L.  buccadentis,  the  oldest  cells 
were  the  shallowest  and  the  newest  cells,  the  deepest  (Figs.  2,  6).  The  nests 
of  L.  c.  errans  were  more  irregular,  with  the  first  cell  usually  being  the  shal- 
lowest but  the  third  and  fourth  being  located  either  above  or  below  the  second 
(Figs.  8B-H).  A similar  lack  of  uniformity  in  cell  placement  was  reported 
for  L.  albilabris  by  Minkiewicz  (1931,  1933),  who  found  an  incompletely  pro- 
visioned cell  to  be  the  shallowest  in  1 nest  but  the  deepest  in  another.  Bouw- 
man  (1911)  schematically  illustrated  a 9-celled  nest  of  L.  panzeri  in  which  a 
lower  level  of  cells  was  constructed  before  an  upper  one.  If  the  latter  arrange- 
ment is  characteristic  of  this  species,  it  is  one  of  the  few  clearcut  differences 
between  L.  panzeri  and  its  Nearctic  relative  L.  armaticeps. 

Transport  of  prey  with  the  middle  legs  is  probably  the  common  method  in 
Lindenius.  Many  of  the  conflicting  reports  on  prey  transport  in  L.  albilabris 
and  L.  panzeri  may  be  attributed  to  capturing  prey-laden  wasps  in  boxes  or 
vials  and  expecting  them  to  show  normal  prey  transport  behavior.  For  ex- 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


117 


ample,  Crossocerus  maculiclypeus  (Fox)  always  carries  its  prey  with  the  mid- 
dle legs  but,  when  enclosed  in  a vial,  sometimes  impales  its  prey  on  the  sting 
and  walks  around  on  all  6 legs.  Other  conflicting  reports  may  result  from  the 
investigator  tampering  with  the  nest  entrance  in  an  attempt  to  slow  down 
the  wasp  for  closer  observation.  L.  armaticeps  normally  carries  its  prey  with 
the  middle  legs  but  will  often  impale  the  prey  on  the  sting  at  an  obstructed 
nest  entrance.  In  contrast,  L.  c.  errans  was  never  observed  impaling  its  prey 
at  an  obstructed  entrance  during  3 summers  of  extensive  observation. 

A comparison  of  mean  provisioning  times  and  number  of  prey  per  cell  may 
be  of  value  in  separating  species.  On  the  average,  L.  armaticeps  stores  fewer 
prey  per  cell  than  the  other  species  and  has  the  longest  mean  provisioning  time. 
The  mean  numbers  of  prey  per  cell  for  both  L.  buccadentis  and  L.  c.  errans 
are  well  over  twice  that  for  L.  armaticeps , and  their  mean  provisioning  times 
are  well  under  half  that  of  L.  armaticeps.  However,  this  inverse  relationship 
between  number  of  prey  per  cell  and  provisioning  time  is  not  perfect.  L. 
buccadentis  stores,  on  the  average,  more  prey  per  cell  than  L.  c.  errans,  yet 
the  former  species  has  a longer  mean  provisioning  time. 

A possible  group  difference  in  prey  storage  behavior  is  strengthened  by 
a comparison  of  prey-storing  times  for  L.  albilabris,  L.  armaticeps,  L.  bucca- 
dentis, and  L.  c.  errans.  The  last  3 species  usually  store  newly-captured  prey 
head-inward  in  an  unmodified  part  of  the  burrow  whereas  L.  albilabris  is  re- 
ported to  place  its  prey  directly  in  a cell  at  the  end  of  a side  passage.  Per- 
haps, as  a result,  the  average  storing  time  is  longer  in  L.  albilabris  than  in 

L.  armaticeps,  L.  buccadentis,  or  L.  c.  errans.  The  last  species  often  releases 

its  prey  only  part  way  down  the  vertical  burrow  so  that  a “line”  of  prey  is 
gradually  formed.  This  type  of  storage  has  not  been  reported  for  the  other 
species. 

After  storing  the  prey  and  returning  to  the  surface,  L.  armaticeps,  L.  bucca- 
dentis, and  L.  c.  errans  often  spend  several  seconds  in  the  entrance  looking 

around.  L.  c.  errans  typically  flies  out  of  the  burrow  directly  from  the  head- 

in-entrance  position,  whereas  L.  armaticeps,  in  both  sloping  and  horizontal 
sand,  walks  out  and  then  flies  away.  L.  buccadentis  is  intermediate  in  this 
respect  because  the  same  individual  may  walk  out  of  the  entrance  on  one  trip 
and  fly  out  on  the  next. 

Weights  of  cell  contents  and  of  individual  prey  are  available  only  for  the  3 
Nearctic  species.  The  average  weight  of  the  contents  of  19  cells  of  L.  armati- 
ceps was  12.1  mg,  whereas  that  of  33  cells  of  L.  c.  errans  was  only  7.2  mg. 
Two  cells  of  L.  buccadentis  were  similar  in  weight  to  an  average  cell  of  L.  c. 
errans.  The  average  weight  of  a single  prey  of  L.  armaticeps  was  about  4 times 
that  of  either  L.  c.  errans  or  L.  buccadentis . Only  the  first  species  was  observed 
carrying  prey  heavier  than  itself.  L.  albilabris  is  the  largest  species  yet  studied 


118 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


and  undoubtedly  has  greater  mean  cell  and  individual  prey  weights  than  any 
of  the  others. 

One  may  readily  distinguish  the  6 species  by  the  kinds  and  proportions 
of  prey  stored.  The  Palaearctic  L . albilabris  is  a mirid-hunter  which  at  times 
stores  empidid,  dolichopodid,  and  chloropid  flies.  Both  the  Nearctic  L.  ar- 
maticeps  and  the  Palaearctic  L.  panzeri  are  chloropid-hunters,  the  latter  occa- 
sionally capturing  simuliid,  tephritid,  and  milichiid  flies.  The  Nearctic  L. 
buccadentis  and  the  Palaearctic  L.  pygmaeus  store  mainly  chalcidoids  and 
braconids  but  occasionally  hunt  flies.  The  Nearctic  L.  c.  errans  is  the  most 
polyphagous  species  yet  studied,  preying  on  11  families  of  Diptera,  14  of 
Hymenoptera,  3 of  Hemiptera,  and  1 of  Homoptera.  Overall,  Diptera  was 
the  most  important  food  source  of  this  species.  Although  the  specific  dif- 
ferences in  degree  of  polyphagy  are  quite  useful,  individual  females  of  a given 
species  may  be  very  specific  in  their  choice  of  prey.  Instances  approaching 
host-specificity  can  be  cited  for  all  but  L.  pygmaeus  whose  nesting  behavior 
has  not  been  investigated  thoroughly. 

The  use  of  Hymenoptera  as  provisions  by  3 species  of  Lindenius  deserves 
special  attention  because  the  behavior  is  not  common  in  the  Crabroninae. 
Encopognathus  and  Tracheliodes  are  soil-nesting  ant  hunters,  the  latter  prey- 
ing specifically  on  workers  of  the  genera  Liometopum  and  Tapinoma  (Muese- 
beck,  et  al.,  1951).  Krombein  (1958)  noted  an  undescribed  species  of  Crosso- 
cerus  from  Utah  nesting  in  twigs  and  storing  chalcidids,  while  Hamm  and 
Richards  (1926)  found  a tenthredinid  as  exceptional  prey  of  the  wood-nester 
Crossocerus  leucostomoides  (Richards).  Janvier  (1928)  reported  winged  ants 
among  the  dipterous  and  lepidopterous  prey  of  the  sand-nester  Euplilis  rujo- 
taeniatum  (Kohl).  Thus,  L.  buccadentis , L.  c.  errans , and  L.  pygmaeus  are 
the  only  crabronines  known  to  prey  on  diverse  groups  of  Hymenoptera. 

In  summary,  the  6 species  of  Lindenius  exhibit  similar  behavior  in  con- 
structing nests  with  vertical  burrows  in  compact  sand  or  sandy-gravel,  leaving 
the  entrance  open  during  provisioning  trips,  diving  into  the  entrance  with 
prey  in  flight,  including  Diptera  among  the  provisions  (but  not  necessarily  in 
each  nest  or  study  area),  ovipositing  only  after  the  full  complement  of  prey 
has  been  gathered,  affixing  the  egg  to  the  neck  of  a prey  along  the  ventral 
midline,  and  distributing  the  prey  remains  evenly  over  the  surface  of  the 
cocoon  in  a matrix  of  silk  and  sand.  Collectively,  these  features  distinguish 
Lindenius  from  all  other  sphecid  genera. 

The  6 species  differ  most  clearly  in  the  kinds  and  proportions  of  prey. 
Other  facets  of  behavior  useful  in  separating  the  species  but  generally  more 
difficult  to  measure  include  sequence/ depth  of  cell  placement,  method  of  prey 
transport  at  obstructed  entrances,  provisioning  and  storing  times,  number  of 
prey  per  cell,  type  of  prey  storage,  exiting  behavior,  stages  of  prey,  weights 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


119 


of  cell  contents  and  individual  prey,  frequency  of  discarded  prey,  male  be- 
havior, and  kinds  of  intraspecific  interactions.  As  the  remaining  42  species 
are  investigated,  these  other  features  must  be  relied  upon  increasingly.  The 
inevitable  overlap  in  prey  families,  already  so  conspicuous  between  L.  armati- 
ceps  and  L.  panzeri,  indicates  the  importance  of  having  the  prey  thoroughly 
identified  as  well  as  the  precariousness  of  depending  solely  on  prey  differences 
to  distinguish  species. 

Literature  Cited 

Abrahamsen,  S.  E.  1950.  Gravehvepsen  Crabro  Lindenius  panzeri  v.d.  Lind.  Redekolonier 
fundet  i Danmark.  Flora  og  Fauna  56:  125-130. 

Adlerz,  G.  1903.  Lefnadsforhallanden  och  Instinkter  inom  Familjerna  Pompilidae  och 
Sphegidae.  I.  K.  Svenska  Vet.-Ak.  Handl.  37(5):  1-181. 

. 1910.  Same  title.  III.  K.  Svenska  Vet.-Ak.  Handl.  45(12):  1-75. 

Bluthgen,  P.  1955.  Zur  Biologie  von  Lindenius  albilabris  (F.)  (Hym.,  Sphecidae). 
Deutsche  Ent.  Zeitschr.  (N.F.)  2:  158. 

Bonelli,  B.  1967.  Osservazioni  biologiche  sugli  Imenotteri  melliferi  e predatori  della  Val 
di  Fiemme.  XXV.  Boll.  1st.  Ent.  Bologna  28:  291-303. 

Bouwman,  B.  E.  1911.  Crabro’s.  Levende  Natuur  16:  121-126,  173-177,  199-204. 
Bristowe,  W.  S.  1948.  Notes  on  the  habits  and  prey  of  twenty  species  of  British  hunting 
wasps.  Proc.  Linn.  Soc.  London  160:  12-37. 

Chambers,  V.  H.  1949.  The  Hymenoptera  Aculeata  of  Bedfordshire.  Trans.  Soc.  Brit. 
Ent.  9(4)  : 197-252. 

Court,  H.  K.  and  R.  M.  Bohart.  1958.  New  species  of  Lindenius  from  western  North 
America  (Hymenoptera:  Sphecidae).  Pan-Pacif.  Ent.  34(3):  161-167. 

De  Beaumont,  J.  1956.  Notes  sur  les  Lindenius  palearctiques  (Hym.  Sphecid.)  Mitt. 
Schweiz.  Ent.  Ges.  29(2) : 145-185. 

Dupuis,  C.  1947.  Les  Proies  des  Sphegides  chasseurs  d’Heteropteres.  Feuille  Nat.  N.S. 
2(1947):  111-113. 

Evans,  H.  E.  1963.  Predatory  wasps.  Sci.  Am.  208  (4) : 145-154. 

. 1970.  Ecological-behavioral  studies  of  the  wasps  of  Jackson  Hole,  Wyoming. 

Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.  140(7):  451-511. 

Ferton,  C.  1901.  Notes  detachees  sur  l’instinct  des  Hymenopteres  melliferes  et  ravisseurs 
avec  la  description  de  quelques  especes.  (1°  serie).  Ann.  Soc.  Ent.  Fr.  70:  83-148. 
Grandi,  G.  1928.  Contributi  alia  conoscenza  biologica  e morfologica  degli  Imenotteri 
melliferi  e predatori.  VII.  Bull.  Lab.  Ent.  Bologna  1:  259-326. 

. 1961.  Studi  di  un  entomologo  sugli  imenotteri  superiori.  Boll.  1st.  Ent.  Univ. 

Bologna  25:  1-659. 

Gronblom,  T.  1925.  Bidrag  till  kannedom  om  Levnadssattet  hos  vara  rovsteklar  (Hy- 
menopt.,  Sphegidae).  I.  Notulae  Ent.  5:  1-9. 

Guichard,  K.  M.  and  I.  H.  H.  Yarrow.  1947.  The  Hymenoptera  aculeata  of  Hampstead 
Heath  and  the  surrounding  district,  1832-1947.  London  Nat.  (1947):  81-111. 
Hamm,  A.  H.  and  O.  W.  Richards.  1926.  The  biology  of  the  British  Crabronidae.  Trans. 
Ent.  Soc.  London  74:  297-331. 

Hertzog,  L.  1954.  Hymenopteres  predateurs  et  melliferes  de  Camargue.  Terre  et  Vie 
101(1):  95-110. 

Iwata,  K.  1942.  Comparative  studies  on  the  habits  of  solitary  wasps.  Tenthredo  4: 
1-146. 


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Janvier,  H.  1928.  Recherches  biologiques  sur  les  predateurs  du  Chili.  Ann.  Sci.  Nat. 
Zool.  11(10):  67-207. 

Kohl,  F.  F.  1915.  Die  Crabronen  (Hymenopt.)  der  palaarktischen  Region.  Ann.  K.  K. 
Nat.  Hofmus.  29:  1-453. 

Krombein,  K.  V.  1958.  Hymenoptera  of  America  north  of  Mexico.  Synoptic  catalog. 

First  supplement.  U.S.D.A.,  Agri.  Mono.  2:  1-305. 

Krombein,  K.  V.  and  B.  D.  Burks.  1967.  Hymenoptera  of  America  north  of  Mexico. 

Synoptic  catalog.  Second  supplement.  U.S.D.A.,  Agric.  Mono.  2:  1-584. 
Kurczewski,  F.  E.,  N.  A.  Burdick  and  G.  C.  Gaumer.  1969.  Observations  on  the  nest- 
ing behavior  of  Crossocerus  (C.)  maculiclypeus  (Fox)  (Hymenoptera:  Sphecidae). 
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Leclercq,  J.  1954.  Monographie  systematique,  phylogenetique  et  zoogeographique  des 
Hymenopteres  Crabroniens.  These,  Fac.  Sci.  Univ.  Liege.  371  p. 

. 1959.  Lindenius  ceballosi  sp.  nov.,  Crabronien  nouveau  d’Espagne.  Eos.  35: 

267-268. 

. 1960.  Crabroniens  d’Espagne  appartenant  aux  genres  Crabro , Lindenius  et 

Entomognathus  (Hym.  Crabronidae) . Eos.  36:  417-426. 

Maneval,  H.  1937.  Notes  sur  les  Hymenopteres  (5°  serie).  Rev.  Fr.  Ent.  4(3):  162-181. 
Marchal,  P.  1893.  Observations  biologiques  sur  les  Crabronides.  Ann.  Soc.  Ent.  Fr.  62: 
331-338. 

Miller,  R.  C.  and  F.  E.  Kurczewski.  1973.  Intraspecific  interactions  in  aggregations  of 
Lindenius  (Hymenoptera:  Sphecidae,  Crabroninae) . Insectes  Sociaux  20(4):  365- 
378. 

Minkiewicz,  R.  1931.  Nids  et  proies  des  Sphegiens  de  Pologne.  Fragments  ethologiques 
(1°  serie).  Polskie  Pismo  Ent.  10:  196-218. 

. 1932.  Same  title.  (2°  serie).  Polskie  Pismo  Ent.  11:  98-112. 

. 1933.  Same  title.  (3°  serie).  Polskie  Pismo  Ent.  12:  181-261. 

Muesebeck,  C.  F.  W.,  K.  V.  Krombein  and  H.  K.  Townes.  1951.  Hymenoptera  of 
America  north  of  Mexico.  Synoptic  catalog.  U.S.D.A.,  Agri.  Mono.  2 : 1-1420. 
Nielsen,  J.  C.  1900.  Biologiske  Studier  over  Gravehvepse.  Vid.  Med.  Nat.  Foren.  (1900): 
255-280. 

Olberg,  G.  1959.  Das  Verhalten  der  Solitaren  Wespen  Mitteleuropas.  Berlin,  VEB  Deutsch. 
Verb  Wiss.  402  p. 

Sickmann,  F.  1893.  Die  Hymenopteren-fauna  von  Iburg  und  seiner  nachsten  Umgebung, 
mit  biologischen  und  kritischen  Bemerkungen.  I.  Abteilung  die  Grab  wespen.  Jahresber. 
Nat.  Ver.  Osnabriick  9:  39-112. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


121 


New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran.  Ill 
(Diptera:  Tipuliclae)1 

Charles  P.  Alexander 
Amherst,  Massachusetts  01002 

Received  for  Publication  July  23  , 1974 

Abstract:  Part  II  of  this  series  of  papers  concerning  the  crane  flies  of  Iran  was  published 
in  this  Journal  (82:  279-284,  1974).  In  that  report  various  species  of  the  Eriopterine  genus 
Gonomyia  were  considered  and  in  the  present  paper  further  new  species  and  records  in  the 
Eriopterini  are  provided.  The  species  here  described  are  Lipsothrix  iranica,  Cheilotrichia 
( Empeda ) gnoma,  Erioptera  ( Pseuderioptera ) schmidi,  E.  ( Psiloconopa ) cancriformis, 
and  Molophilus  ( Molophilus ) pallidipes,  all  from  the  Elburz  Mountains  in  northern  Iran. 
Additional  to  the  above  novelties,  13  further  previously  described  European  species  are 
added  to  the  list  of  species  of  Tipulidae  from  Iran. 


In  the  preceding  two  reports  on  the  crane  flies  of  Iran  that  were  collected  by 
Dr.  Fernand  Schmid  in  1955  and  1956  a portion  of  the  species  belonging  to  the 
tribes  Pediciini  and  Eriopterini  were  treated.  At  this  time  I am  discussing  the 
remaining  members  of  the  Eriopterini  contained  in  the  collection  and  supplying 
several  records  of  previously  described  species  hitherto  known  from  Europe. 
I again  extend  my  deepest  thanks  to  Dr.  Schmid  for  his  work  in  collecting  this 
valuable  series  of  crane  flies  from  a scarcely  known  area  of  southern  Asia. 

One  of  Schmid’s  important  papers  on  the  Trichoptera  of  Iran  provides  full 
information  concerning  the  various  stations  in  the  Elburz  Mountains  where  the 
present  series  of  flies  was  taken  and  should  be  consulted  (Trichopteres  d’lran. 
Beitrage  zur  Entomologie,  9:  200-219,  376-389;  1959).  This  paper  includes  a 
map  showing  itinerary  and  collecting  stations,  and  complete  geographical  data 
for  this  expedition,  September  1955  and  April  to  October  1956,  with  eight 
photographs  showing  especially  important  collecting  localities. 


Lipsothrix  iranica,  n.  sp. 

Mesothorax  orange,  pronotum  yellow,  narrowly  brownish  black  medially;  legs  yellow, 
femoral  tips  narrowly  black,  tibiae  yellow,  extreme  bases  and  tips  darkened;  wings  pale 
yellow,  stigma  dark  brown,  conspicuous,  vein  R2  + 3 + 4 short  and  straight,  longer  than  the 
strongly  arcuated  basal  section  of  R:, ; abdomen  yellowed,  patterned  with  black,  outer  two 
segments  yellow. 

Female.  Length  about  11  mm.;  wing  9.5  mm.;  antenna  about  1.8  mm. 

Rostrum  orange ; palpi  brownish  black,  unusually  long,  nearly  one-half  the  antennae ; 
terminal  segment  about  one-third  longer  than  the  more  slender  third  segment.  Antennae 


1 Contribution  from  the  Entomological  Laboratory,  University  of  Massachusetts. 
New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  121-128.  June,  1975. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


with  scape  and  pedicel  brownish  yellow,  flagellum  light  yellow,  outer  segments  pale  brown; 
segments  long-oval  with  a circlet  of  about  six  black  setae  that  are  shorter  than  the  segment. 
Head  light  brown ; posterior  vertex  with  long  black  setae. 

Pronotum  yellow,  anteriorly  narrowly  brownish  black.  Mesothorax  almost  uniformly 
orange,  without  dark  pattern.  Halteres  with  stem  whitened,  knob  slightly  more  yellowed. 
Legs  with  coxae  orange;  trochanters  yellow;  femora  yellow,  tips  abruptly  brownish  black, 
including  about  the  outer  twelfth  of  segment;  tibiae  yellow,  extreme  bases  and  tips  dark 
brown;  tarsi  yellow,  outer  two  segments  light  brown.  Wings  (Fig.  1)  pale  yellow,  prearcular 
and  costal  fields  clearer  yellow;  stigma  dark  brown,  conspicuous;  veins  of  base  and  costal 
region  yellowed,  remaining  veins  brown.  Longitudinal  veins  beyond  general  level  of  origin 
of  Rs  and  cord  with  strong  trichia,  lacking  on  both  Anals  except  for  a very  few  at  tips. 
Venation:  Rs  straight,  R2+3+i  short  and  straight,  slightly  longer  than  the  strongly  arcuated 
basal  section  of  R-,;  veins  beyond  cord  straight,  generally  parallel. 

Basal  abdominal  segment  yellowed,  tergites  two  to  six  obscure  yellow  medially,  lateral  and 
posterior  borders  more  blackened,  seventh  segment  black;  sternites  yellowed  medially, 
blackened  on  sides,  especially  posteriorly,  seventh  sternite  black,  remainder,  including 
ovipositor,  yellow. 

Holotype.  $,  Ardehjan,  Iran,  September  11,  1956  (Schmid). 

The  most  similar  European  species  that  have  the  apices  of  the  femora  blackened  and  the 
stigma  of  the  wing  dark  are  Lipsothrix  nobilis  Loew,  L.  nervosa  Edwards  and  L.  nigristigma 
Edwards,  all  with  the  thoracic  dorsum  conspicuously  patterned  with  black.  Of  the  above, 
nervosa  has  the  darkened  wing  pattern  somewhat  less  conspicuous,  including  the  stigma, 
differing  from  the  present  fly  in  other  characters,  including  the  venation,  the  longitudinal 
veins  beyond  the  cord  being  much  shorter,  with  vein  i?2+3  + 4 long,  about  two-thirds  Rs. 

Cheilotrichia  ( Empeda ) gnoma,  n.  sp. 

Size  very  small  (wing  about  3-3.5  mm.);  head  and  thorax  dark  gray;  halteres  yellow; 
legs  brown;  wings  faintly  tinted,  stigma  scarcely  indicated;  cell  Rs  small,  triangular  in 
outline,  cell  1st  M2  closed;  male  hypopygium  with  both  dististyles  uniformly  pale,  outer  style 
bifid,  both  arms  expanded  outwardly,  inner  style  a long  slender  pale  rod. 

Male.  Length  about  3-3.3  mm.;  wing  2. 8-3.4  mm. 

Female.  Length  about  3.4-3. 7 mm.;  wing  3-3.2  mm. 

Rostrum  and  palpi  black.  Antennae  black;  pedicel  much  enlarged,  verticils  of  basal 
flagellar  segments  very  long.  Head  dark  gray. 

Thorax  almost  uniformly  dark  gray,  praescutal  stripes  slightly  darker.  Halteres  yellow. 
Legs  with  coxae  and  trochanters  light  brown;  remainder  of  legs  brown.  Wings  (Fig.  2) 
faintly  tinted,  stigmal  darkening  scarcely  indicated;  veins  pale  brown.  Longitudinal  veins 
beyond  general  level  of  origin  of  Rs  with  small  trichia,  including  also  about  the  outer  half 
of  2nd  A.  Venation:  Sci  ending  about  opposite  one-third  to  one-half  Rs,  Sci  about  four  to 
five  times  Sc2 ; cell  R?.  triangular  in  outline,  vein  Rs  oblique,  straight  or  nearly  so;  cell  1st  M2 
closed;  m-cu  shortly  beyond  fork  of  M. 

Abdomen  brown,  pleural  region  slightly  darker.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  5)  with  both 
dististyles,  including  the  vestiture,  pale;  outer  style  large,  bifid,  the  arms  longer  than  the 
base,  inner  blade  more  cleaver-shaped,  as  shown,  outer  arm  more  oval;  inner  style  about 
four-fifths  as  long,  appearing  as  a long,  very  slender  pale  rod.  Phallosome,  p,  about  as 
figured,  the  aedeagus  with  an  erect  lateral  darkened  lobe  near  apex. 

Holotype.  $,  Ardehjan,  Iran,  September  11,  1956  (Schmid). 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


123 


Allotopotype.  $ . Paratopotypes.  14  $ $ , on  five  pins. 

The  present  fly  appears  certainly  to  belong  to  Empeda  despite  the  venation  which  is  very 
similar  to  that  of  Gonempeda  flava  (Schummel)  and  certain  species  in  the  typical  subgenus 
Cheilotrichia.  However  the  structure  of  the  male  hypopygium,  including  the  dististyles,  are 
much  as  in  Empeda  and  I consider  the  reference  to  this  subgenus  to  be  correct.  The  fly  is 
readily  told  by  the  very  small  size,  venation,  and  in  hypopygial  details. 

Erioptera  {Pseuderioptera) , n.  subgen. 

Wing  (Fig.  3)  with  vein  R2  before  the  outer  radial  fork,  leaving  an  element  R2  + i;  cell 
1st  Mo  closed;  vein  2nd  A with  a low  terminal  bend.  Trichia  of  wing  veins  very  short  and 
sparse,  including  the  costal  fringe;  marginal  setae  of  proximal  two-thirds  of  posterior  wing 
margin  long  and  delicate;  legs  with  elongate  pale  scales  additional  to  the  normal  setae.  Male 
hypopygium  (Fig.  6)  with  both  dististyles  simple,  subterminal;  gonapophyses  appearing  as 
flattened  paddlelike  blades. 

Type  of  subgenus.  Erioptera  ( Pseuderioptera ) schmidi,  n.  sp. 

Other  subgenera  of  Erioptera  having  interpolated  scales  on  the  legs  include  Meterioptera 
Alexander,  Tasiocerodes  Alexander,  and  Teleneura  Alexander,  all  having  the  venational  de- 
tails and  wing  trichiation  distinct. 

Erioptera  ( Pseuderioptera ) schmidi,  n.  sp. 

Mesonotal  praescutum  yellow  with  a cinnamon  brown  median  stripe,  posterior  sclerites  of 
mesonotum  and  the  pleura  chiefly  light  yellow;  femora  yellow,  tips  brownish  black;  wings 
pale  yellow  with  a very  restricted  pale  brown  pattern  that  includes  the  cord  and  apices  of 
outer  radial  veins;  vestiture  of  veins  unusually  short,  including  the  costal  fringe,  lacking  on 
nearly  the  basal  third  of  wing;  R2  before  fork  of  cell  i?3,  cell  1st  M2  present;  abdominal 
tergites  light  brown  basally,  yellowed  posteriorly ; male  hypopygium  with  two  simple 
dististyles;  gonapophyses  appearing  as  flattened  blades,  apices  with  microscopic  spines. 

Male.  Length  about  4 mm.;  wing  4 mm.;  antenna  about  0.75  mm. 

Rostrum  and  palpi  light  yellow.  Antennae  with  scape  and  pedicel  brownish  black  to 
black,  flagellum  light  brown ; flagellar  segments  oval,  progressively  smaller  outwardly, 
verticils  subequal  in  length  to  the  segments.  Front  and  anterior  vertex  silvery  white,  posterior 
vertex  abruptly  light  brown ; anterior  vertex  broad. 

Pronotum  light  yellow,  scutellum  narrowly  more  darkened  medially.  Mesonotal  praescutum 
with  a cinnamon  brown  central  stripe  that  ends  some  distance  before  suture,  lateral  stripes 
short  and  narrow,  sides  broadly  light  yellow;  scutum  light  yellow,  lobes  chiefly  cinnamon 
brown;  scutellum  and  anterior  mediotergite  light  yellow,  posterior  parts  light  brown.  Pleura 
light  yellow.  Halteres  yellow.  Legs  with  coxae  and  trochanters  light  yellow;  femora  yellow, 
the  relatively  broad  tips  brownish  black;  remainder  of  legs  yellow,  outer  tarsal  segments 
darkened;  legs  with  long  narrow  interpolated  pale  scales  among  the  normal  setae.  Wings 
(Fig.  3)  pale  yellow,  with  very  small  and  inconspicuous  pale  brown  spots  at  Sc2,  Ri,  R2+3, 
Rs  and  cord;  veins  yellow,  darker  in  the  patterned  areas.  Venation:  Sc2  far  retracted,  Sci 
about  opposite  two-thirds  Rs;  R2  before  the  radial  fork,  R?J  + 4 variable  in  length,  in  the 
holotype  longer  than  R2,  shorter  in  the  paratype ; m-cu  before  fork  of  M ; vein  2nd  A con- 
spicuously sinuous  on  outer  fifth.  Vestiture  of  veins  unusually  short,  including  the  costal 
fringe;  trichia  of  veins  short  and  inconspicuous  as  compared  with  the  normal  condition  in 
Erioptera , lacking  on  veins  of  about  the  basal  third  of  wing. 

Abdominal  tergites  bicolored,  basally  light  brown,  lateral  and  posterior  borders  light  yellow, 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  1.  Lipsothrix  iranica,  n.  sp. ; venation. 

Fig.  2.  Cheilotrichia  ( Empeda ) gnoma,  n.  sp.;  venation. 

Fig.  3.  Erioptera  ( Pseuderioptera ) schmidi,  n.  sp.;  venation. 

Fig.  4.  Erioptera  ( Psiloconopa ) cancrif ormis , n.  sp.;  venation. 

Fig.  5.  Cheilotrichia  ( Empeda ) gnoma , n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  6.  Erioptera  ( Pseuderioptera ) schmidi , n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  7.  Erioptera  ( Psiloconopa ) iranica  Alexander;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  8.  Erioptera  ( Psiloconopa ) cancrif  ormis,  n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  9.  Molophilus  ( Molophilus ) pallidipes , n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

(Symbols:  Male  hypopygium — a,  aedeagus;  b,  basistyle;  d,  dististyles;  g,  gonapophysis ; 
p , phallosome;  t,  9th  tergite.) 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


125 


sternites  more  uniformly  yellow.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  6)  with  the  simple  dististyles 
subterminal,  apex  of  basistyle,  b,  short,  narrowly  obtuse,  with  long  yellow  setae,  outer  face 
of  style  subglabrous,  mesal  face  with  abundant  shorter  pale  setae.  Outer  dististyle,  d,  a 
nearly  straight  slender  rod,  apex  blackened;  inner  style  subequal  in  length,  appearing  as  a 
slightly  curved  flattened  yellow  blade,  the  apex  a short  acute  point.  Gonapophyses,  g,  ap- 
pearing as  a pair  of  flattened  blades,  apices  with  a row  of  microscopic  spines;  aedeagus,  a, 
divided  into  paired  rods,  tips  recurved  into  points. 

Holotype.  $,  on  slide,  Dashte  Maghan,  Iran,  September  29,  1956  (Schmid). 

Paratopotype.  Broken  $ , with  the  type. 

This  distinct  fly  is  named  for  the  collector  of  this  fine  series  of  Iranian  Tipulidae,  Dr. 
Fernand  Schmid.  It  is  readily  separated  from  other  generally  similar  members  of  the  genus 
by  the  subgeneric  characters  as  listed  above,  especially  the  retracted  vein  R2  and  the 
hypopygial  structure. 


Erioptera  ( Psiloconopa ) cancriformis,  n.  sp. 

General  coloration  of  thorax  light  yellow,  patterned  with  brown,  pleura  with  a very 
narrow  brown  central  stripe;  knobs  of  halteres  brown;  wings  whitened,  without  a stigmal 
darkening,  veins  light  brown,  Sc  white ; R2  about  one-half  its  length  beyond  the  basal  fork 
of  Rs,  cell  1st  M2  closed;  male  hypopygium  with  outer  dististyle  bilobed,  the  lobes  blackened 
and  pointed,  together  suggesting  a crabs  claw;  gonapophyses  appearing  as  slender  blackened 
rods. 

Male.  Length  about  5 mm.;  wing  4.2  mm. 

Female.  Length  about  5.5-6  mm.;  wing  5-5.2  mm. 

Rostrum  light  brown ; palpi  black.  Antennae  light  brown ; flagellar  segments  oval,  verticils 
short.  Head  buffy  yellow,  vertex  more  darkened  medially,  more  intensely  on  anterior  vertex. 

Prothorax  light  yellow.  Mesonotal  praescutum  very  light  brown,  darker  medially,  with 
a still  darker  central  vitta,  humeral  region  light  yellow;  scutum  brown,  narrowly  more 
darkened  medially,  the  outer  parts  of  lobes  more  diffusely  darkened;  scutellum  light  yellow, 
in  male  with  a narrow  darker  central  line.  Pleura  light  yellow,  ventral  sternopleurite  light 
brownish  gray,  central  area  of  pleura  with  a very  narrow  brown  line  extending  from  base 
of  fore  coxa  to  beneath  the  root  of  haltere.  Halteres  with  stem  yellow,  knob  brown.  Legs 
with  coxae  and  trochanters  light  yellow ; femora  and  tibiae  obscure  yellow,  apices  pale  brown ; 
tarsi  light  brown.  Wings  (Fig.  4)  whitened,  without  a stigmal  darkening;  veins  light  brown, 
Sc  whitened.  Venation:  Sci  ending  about  opposite  or  slightly  before  R2 , Sci  subequal  to 
Rs;  R2  about  one-half  its  length  beyond  the  radial  fork;  cell  1st  M2  closed;  m-cu  at  or 
shortly  before  fork  of  M ; vein  2nd  A virtually  straight  to  slightly  extended  on  distal  fifth. 

Abdomen  yellow,  tergites  striped  longitudinally  with  dark  brown,  posterior  borders  of 
segments  narrowly  yellow,  sides  more  broadly  so.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  8)  with  the 
tergite,  t,  having  the  posterior  border  produced  into  two  small  triangular  lobes,  subequal  in 
size  to  the  median  emargination.  Outer  dististyle,  d,  conspicuously  bilobed  into  blackened 
points,  the  two  lobes  taken  together  suggesting  a crabs  claw,  the  outer  part  more  obtuse 
with  a smaller  lobule  on  inner  margin;  inner  style  pale  and  fleshy,  with  abundant  setae. 
Phallosome,  p , including  slender  blackened  rodlike  apophyses;  aedeagus  slender,  straight. 

Holotype.  $ , Tegan,  Iran,  July  5,  1956  (Schmid). 

Allotype.  $ , Durbadam,  Iran,  July  3,  1956. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Paratype.  $ , with  the  allotype. 

Erioptera  ( Psiloconopa ) idiophallus  (Savtchenko) , described  as  an  Ilisia  (1973)  from  the 
district  Irshava,  Transcarpathia,  U.S.S.R.,  is  generally  similar  but  differs  evidently  in 
hypopygial  structure. 

Molophilus  (M  olophilus)  pallidipes,  n.  sp. 

General  coloration  of  head  light  gray ; thorax  brownish  gray,  pleura  brown ; antennae 
short,  brown;  halteres  light  yellow;  legs  with  femora  and  tibiae  yellow,  tips  narrowly  light 
brown;  wings  brownish  yellow;  male  hypopygium  with  outer  lobe  of  basistyle  extended 
into  a narrow  pale  plate ; a single  long  slender  dististyle. 

Male.  Length  about  4.5-5  mm.;  wing  4.5-5  mm.;  antenna  about  1.2-1.3  mm. 

Rostrum  and  palpi  dark  brown.  Antennae  brown,  scape  and  pedicel  more  yellowed; 
flagellar  segments  oval.  Head  light  gray. 

Pronotal  scutum  brown,  scutellum  light  yellow.  Mesonotal  praescutum  light  to  darker 
brownish  gray,  with  darker  brown  stripes,  lateral  pair  short  and  ill-defined;  scutum  brownish 
gray;  scutellum  yellowed,  postnotum  brownish  gray.  Pleura  brown,  dorsopleural  membrane 
yellowed.  Halteres  light  yellow.  Legs  with  coxae  and  trochanters  yellow;  femora  and  tibiae 
yellow,  tips  narrowly  light  brown;  tarsi  brown.  Wings  brownish  yellow,  veins  slightly 
darker,  the  vestiture  darker  brown. 

Abdomen  medium  brown.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  9)  with  outer  lobe  of  basistyle,  h, 
extended  into  a narrow  pale  plate,  the  apical  margin  farther  produced  into  a point;  inner 
lobe  of  style  small  and  narrow,  apically  with  long  pale  setae.  A single  dististyle,  d,  appear- 
ing as  a long  rod,  gradually  narrowed  and  curved  to  the  acute  twisted  tip,  apex  acute. 
Aedeagus,  a , subequal  in  length  and  diameter  to  the  dististyle,  outer  fourth  more  narrowed. 

Holotype.  $ , Pul-i-Zoghal,  Iran,  May  18,  1956  (Schmid). 

Paratopotype.  $ , pinned  with  type. 

Paratypes.  2 $ $,  Barajan,  Iran,  2000  meters,  September  15,  1955;  $,  Mughan,  June  20, 
1956;  $ , Luis,  September  14,  1955  (all  Schmid). 

The  most  similar  regional  species  is  Molophilus  ( Molophilus ) stroblianus  Nielsen  (Zeitschr. 
Wien.  Ent.  Gesell.,  38:  36,  figs.;  1953),  known  from  Austria  and  Czechslovakia,  a dark 
colored  fly  with  uniformly  black  legs,  differing  further  in  details  of  the  male  hypopygium. 

DISTRIBUTIONAL  RECORDS 

Cheilotrichia  ( Empeda ) cinerascens  (Meigen) 

Erioptera  cinerascens  Meigen;  Klass.,  1:  114;  1804. 

Cheilotrichia  ( Cheilotrichia ) cinerascens  Edwards;  Trans.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  119,  pi.  5, 
fig.  12  (wing)  ; text  fig.  23b  (hypopygium)  ; 1938. 

Europe.  Iran : Kamalabad,  October  1955  (Schmid). 

Ormosia  bivittata  (Loew) 

Rhypholophus  bivittatus  Loew;  Beschr.  Eur.  Dipt.,  3:  41;  1873. 

Rhypholophus  bivittatus  de  Meijere;  Tijd.  v.  Ent.,  63:  50,  fig.  40  (hypopygium);  1920. 
Rhypholophus  ( Rhypholophus ) bivittatus  Lackschewitz ; Ann.  naturhist.  Mus.  Wien,  50: 
28;  1940. 

Central  Europe.  Iran : Pul-i-Zoghal,  October  12,  1956  (Schmid). 

Erioptera  ( Erioptera ) fuscipennis  Meigen 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


127 


Erioptera  fuscipennis  Meigen;  Syst.  Beschr.  1:  111;  1818. 

Erioptera  fuscipennis  de  Meijere;  Tijd.  v.  Ent.,  63:  75,  fig.  70  (hypopygium)  ; 1920. 
Erioptera  ( Erioptera ) fuscipennis  Edwards;  Trans.  Soc.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  124,  text  fig. 
24  g (hypopygium)  ; 1938. 

Europe.  Iran : Babal,  May  21,  1956;  Emaret,  May  21,  1956;  Lius,  2200  meters,  September 
14,  1955;  Quattekas,  1800  meters,  September  19,  1955;  Zanus,  2000  meters,  September  21, 
1955  (Schmid). 

Erioptera  ( Erioptera ) trivialis  Meigen 

Erioptera  trivialis  Meigen;  Syst.  Beschr.  1:  112;  1818. 

Erioptera  trivialis  de  Meijere;  Tijd.  v.  Ent.,  63:  75,  76,  fig.  71  (hypopygium);  1920. 
Erioptera  ( Erioptera ) trivialis  Edwards;  Trans.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  125,  text  fig.  24  n 
(hypopygium)  ; 1938. 

Europe.  Iran : Baranjan,  2000  meters,  September  15,  1955;  Lius,  2200  meters,  September 
14,  1955  (Schmid). 

Erioptera  ( Symplecta ) hybrida  (Meigen) 

Limnobia  hybrida  Meigen;  Klass.,  1:  57;  1804. 

Symplecta  punctipennis  de  Meijere;  Tijd.  v.  Ent.,  63:  77,  78,  fig.  75  (hypopygium);  1920. 
Erioptera  ( Symplecta ) hybrida  Edwards;  Trans.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  126,  pi.  5,  fig.  5 (wing); 
text  fig.  24  A,  g (hypopygium)  ; 1938. 

Europe ; Asia;  Northwestern  North  America.  Iran : Bar,  June  30,  1956;  Barajan,  2000 

meters,  September  15,  1955;  Gurgan,  April  1,  1956  (Schmid). 

Erioptera  ( Symplecta ) stictica  (Meigen) 

Limnobia  stictica  Meigen;  Syst.  Beschr.  1:  158;  1818. 

Symplectomorpha  stictica  de  Meijere;  Tijd.  v.  Ent.,  63:  78,  fig.  76  (hypopygium);  1920. 
Erioptera  ( Symplecta ) stictica  Edwards;  Trans.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  128,  pi.  5,  fig.  4 (wing); 
1938. 

Eurasia;  western  North  America.  Iran:  Cheshme,  Ali,  April  23,  1956;  Ghulaman,  July  8, 
1956;  Marus,  June  28,  1956;  Sefid  Khok,  June  1,  1956  (Schmid). 

Erioptera  ( Ilisia ) maculata  Meigen 

Erioptera  maculata  Meigen;  Klass.,  1:  61;  1804. 

Acyphona  maculata  de  Meijere;  Tijd.  v.  Ent.,  63:  67,  68,  fig.  62  (hypopygium);  1920. 
Erioptera  ( Ilisia ) maculata  Edwards;  Trans.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  130-131,  pi.  5,  fig.  21  (wing)  ; 
text  fig.  25  a (hypopygium)  ; 1938. 

Europe,  widespread.  Iran:  Ardehjan,  September  9,  1956;  Bar,  June  30,  1956;  Mughan, 
June  20,  1956;  Pul-i-Zoghal,  May  18,  1956  (Schmid). 

Erioptera  ( Psiloconopa ) czizeki  (Bangerter) 

Ilisia  czizeki  Bangerter;  Mitteil.  Schweiz.  Ent.  Gesell.,  20:  353-354;  1947. 

Erioptera  ( Ilisia ) czizeki  Stary;  Casopis  Moravskeho  Musee,  55:  165,  166,  fig.  19  (hypo- 
pygium) ; 1971  (not  1970,  as  printed). 

Central  and  Eastern  Europe.  Iran:  Nandeh,  May  29,  1956  (Schmid). 

Erioptera  ( Psiloconopa ) iranica  Alexander 

Erioptera  ( Psiloconopa ) iranica  Alexander;  Jour.  New  York  Ent.  Soc.,  81:  83-85;  1973. 
Iran:  Zanus,  Mazanderan,  September  21,  1955  (Schmid).  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  7). 

M olophilus  ( Molophilus ) bifidus  Goetghebuer 

Molophilus  bifidus  Goetghebuer;  Bull.  Soc.  Ent.  Belgique,  2:  135-136,  fig.  9 (hypopygium); 
1920. 

Europe.  Iran:  Ochrid,  800  meters,  August  9,  1955  (Schmid). 


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Molophilus  ( M olophilus ) pleuralis  de  Meijere 

Molophilus  pleuralis  de  Meijere;  Tijd.  v.  Ent.,  63:  60-61,  fig.  S3  (hypopygium)  ; 1920. 
Molophilus  pleuralis  Edwards;  Trans.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  144,  text  fig.  29  g (hypopygium); 
1938. 

Europe.  Iran : Bar,  June  30,  1956;  Emaret,  May  21,  1956;  Lius,  2200  meters,  September 
14,  1955;  Quattekas,  September  19,  1955;  Zanus,  2000  meters,  September  21,  1955  (Schmid). 


BOOK  REVIEW 

INSECT  PHYSIOLOGY.  Vincent  B.  Wigglesworth,  7th  ed.,  166  p.  1974.  John  Wiley  & 
Sons.  $4.95  paperbound  ($8.95  cloth). 

Sir  Vincent’s  paperbound  7th  edition  is  a real  bargain  at  current  book  prices.  Nearly  40 
years  after  publishing  the  first  edition,  this  new,  revised  little  book  is  as  readable  an  intro- 
ductory account  of  insect  physiology  as  only  this  masterful  author  can  present.  The  brief, 
but  complete  survey  of  the  subject  can  be  recommended  as  a stimulating  introduction  to 
insect  physiology  for  naturalists,  biology  students  in  high  schools  and  colleges,  and  to 
scientists  in  other  disciplines  who  would  like  to  become  acquainted  with  an  authoritative 
and  clear  treatment  of  insect  physiology.  Each  chapter  is  followed  by  a list  of  references, 
from  Dietrich  Bodenstein  to  J.  de  Wilde,  with  a fair  sprinkling  of  Wigglesworth’s  own 
contributions  to  almost  all  subjects.  There  are  adequate  drawings,  illustrating  anatomical 
details.  A subject  index  completes  the  book. 


Karl  Maramorosch 

Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology 

Rutgers  University 

New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


129 


New  or  Little-Known  Crane  Flies  from  Iran.  IV 
(Diptera:  Tipulitlae)1 

Charles  P.  Alexander 
Amherst,  Massachusetts  01002 

Received  eor  Publication  July  23,  1974 

Abstract:  Part  III  of  this  series  of  papers  that  concern  the  crane  flies  of  Iran  was  published 
in  this  Journal.  In  this  paper  species  belonging  to  the  tribe  Eriopterini  were  treated.  In  the 
final  report  here  provided  I am  treating  species  in  the  major  tribes  Limoniini  and  Hexatomini. 
The  new  species  here  described  are  Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) nigritorus,  L.  ( D .)  schmidiana, 
L.  ( D .)  subdidyma,  Dicranota  ( Dicranota ) ophidia,  and  Limnophila  ( Elaeophila ) 
albofascia.  In  addition  to  the  above  novelties  about  a score  of  other  species  in  these  two 
tribes  are  added  to  the  previous  limited  list  of  crane  flies  presently  known  from  Iran. 


The  three  preceding  papers  on  the  crane  flies  of  Iran  that  were  collected  by 
Dr.  Fernand  Schmid  in  1955  and  1956  discussed  species  in  the  tribes  Pediciini 
and  Eriopterini.  In  this  final  report  the  tribes  Limoniini  and  Hexatomini  are 
stressed  and  rather  numerous  species  are  added  to  the  poorly  known  fauna  of 
Iran.  The  detailed  report  by  Schmid  on  the  Trichoptera  of  Iran  was  cited  in 
the  previous  paper  in  this  series.  It  includes  an  excellent  account  of  the  various 
collecting  stations  where  he  studied  the  chiefly  aquatic  groups  of  insects  in  1955 
and  1956  and  the  paper  should  be  consulted  by  all  students  working  on  this 
particularly  interesting  part  of  southwestern  Asia.  As  had  been  stressed  before, 
the  Schmid  collections  of  crane  flies  made  in  southern  Asia  have  provided  the 
great  majority  of  the  species  presently  known.  All  types  of  Tipulidae  from 
these  collections  are  preserved  in  the  Alexander  Collection. 

LIMONIINI 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) decemmaculata  (Loew) 

Limnobia  decemmaculata  Loew;  Berlin.  Entomol.  Zeitschr.,  17:  35;  1873. 

Dicranomyia  decemmaculata  Lackschewitz ; Ann.  naturhist.  Mus.  Wien;  42:  205-206,  pi..  5,  fig. 
6 (hypopygium)  ; 1928. 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) decem-maculata  Edwards;  Trans.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  30-31,  pi.  2, 
fig.  12  (wing)  ; 1938. 

Wide-spread  in  Europe.  Iran:  Lius,  2200  meters,  September  14,  1955;  Ramsar,  October  2, 
1956  (Schmid).  Wing  (Fig.  1)  ; hypopygium  (Fig.  3). 

It  should  be  noted  that  Lackschewitz  in  the  above  reference  shows  the  male  hypopygium 
with  two  rostral  spines  on  the  ventral  dististyle,  presumably  in  error.  All  other  specimens 
known  to  me  have  the  single  spine  as  shown  in  the  figure.  The  Oriental  Limonia 
( Dicranomyia ) flavocincta  (Brunetti),  L.  (D.)  vibishana  Alexander  and  L.  ( D .)  whitei 


1 Contribution  from  the  Entomological  Laboratory,  University  of  Massachusetts. 


New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  129-138.  June,  1975. 


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Alexander,  of  South  India  and  Ceylon  evidently  are  allied  despite  the  virtually  unpatterned 
wings. 


Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) nigritorus,  n.  sp. 

Size  medium  (wing  of  male  8.5  mm);  mesonotum  gray,  patterned  with  darker;  knobs  of 
halteres  dark  brown;  legs  yellow,  tips  of  femora  narrowly  dark  brown;  wings  whitish,  con- 
spicuously patterned  with  brown,  Sc  long,  Sci  ending  opposite  one-third  Rs ; abdomen  dark 
brown,  posterior  borders  of  segments  broadly  light  yellow;  male  hypopygium  with  dorsal 
dististyle  long  and  slender,  sinuous;  ventral  dististyle  with  two  separated  rostral  spines,  face 
of  style  near  base  of  prolongation  with  a subconical  black  lobe  that  is  provided  with  numerous 
black  spines,  mesal  face  of  style  at  apex  with  dense  microscopic  setae. 

Male.  Length  about  8.5  mm;  wing  8.5  mm;  antenna  about  1.6  mm. 

Rostrum  and  palpi  dark  brown.  Antennae  with  scape  and  pedicel  dark  brown,  flagellum 
brown,  the  bases  of  proximal  two  segments  narrowly  yellowed;  proximal  flagellar  segments 
oval  with  truncated  ends,  outer  ones  elongate;  verticils  shorter  than  the  segments.  Head 
dark  brown. 

Pronotal  scutum  dark  brown,  scutellum  paler.  Mesonotal  praescutum  gray  with  darker 
stripes;  scutum  blackened,  gray  pruinose,  lobes  darker;  scutellum  brownish  gray,  narrowly 
more  blackened  medially,  parascutella  light  yellow;  postnotum  brown,  light  gray  pruinose. 
Pleura  light  gray,  dorsopleural  membrane  more  brownish  yellow.  Halteres  with  stem  light 
yellow,  knob  large,  dark  brown.  Legs  with  coxae  and  trochanters  light  yellow;  femora 
yellow,  tips  narrowly  dark  brown;  tibiae  yellow,  extreme  tips  darkened;  tarsi  yellow,  outer 
segments  darkened.  Wings  whitened,  conspicuously  patterned  with  brown;  cells  C and  Sc 
with  three  darker  areas,  placed  at  base,  near  midlength  and  at  outer  end  of  vein  Sc;  stigma 
brown,  confluent  with  a large  concolorous  spot;  other  major  paler  brown  clouds  in  cell  Mi 
and  at  ends  of  both  anal  veins,  with  a further  broken  series  in  cell  M,  chiefly  along  vein 
Cu;  smaller  darkened  seams  over  cord,  outer  end  of  cell  1st  M 2,  and  at  tips  of  veins  Rz  and 
Mz;  veins  chiefly  brown,  darker  in  the  more  heavily  patterned  areas,  yellowed  in  the  costal 
interspaces.  Venation:  Sc  long,  Sci  ending  opposite  one-third  Rs;  cell  1st  M2  subequal  to 
vein  Mi  + 2;  m-cu  shortly  before  fork  of  M. 

Abdomen  dark  brown,  posterior  borders  of  segments  broadly  light  yellow.  Male 
hypopygium  (Fig.  4)  with  tergite,  t,  transverse,  posterior  border  shallowly  emarginate,  the 
low  lobes  more  thickened,  with  long  setae.  Basistyle,  b,  and  ventral  dististyle  nearly  sub- 
equal in  area  or  the  latter  slightly  larger.  Dorsal  dististyle,  d,  very  long  and  slender, 
sinuous;  ventral  style  with  rostral  prolongation  slender,  with  two  separated  subequal  spinoid 
setae,  the  outer  one  about  one-half  its  length  from  apex  of  rostrum;  apex  of  mesal  face  of 
body  of  style  with  a concentration  of  very  short  blackened  erect  setulae,  much  smaller  than 
the  normal  setae ; face  of  style  near  base  of  the  prolongation  with  a subconical  black  lobe, 
its  apex  provided  with  several  strong  spines,  the  lobe  placed  in  the  curvature  of  the  outer 
style.  Gonapophyses,  g,  with  mesal-apical  lobe  slender.  Aedeagus,  a,  narrow,  especially 
the  lateral  flanges,  apex  simple. 

Holotype.  $,  Barajan,  Iran,  2000  meters,  September  15,  1955  (Schmid). 

The  present  species  is  readily  told  from  other  regional  members  of  the  subgenus  that  have 
patterned  wings  and  long  Sc  by  the  body  coloration  and  especially  the  hypopygial  structure. 
The  distinctive  blackened  lobe  on  the  ventral  dististyle  is  particularly  noteworthy  and  has 
suggested  the  specific  name.  Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) modesta  (Meigen),  widely  distributed 
throughout  the  Holarctic  region,  has  the  hypopygium  with  somewhat  similar  but  longer 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


131 


modified  setulae  on  the  ventral  dististyle  but  differs  in  many  other  regards,  including  the 
unpatterned  wings,  short  Sc,  and  details  of  the  hypopygium. 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) schmidiana,  n.  sp. 

Allied  to  mitis;  general  coloration  of  thoracic  dorsum  brownish  gray,  pleura  yellow; 
rostrum  light  yellow,  antennal  scape  brownish  yellow,  remainder  brown;  legs  light  brown; 
wings  subhyaline,  virtually  unpatterned,  stigmal  region  scarcely  darker;  Sc2  retracted,  at 
near  two-thirds  Sc;  male  hypopygium  with  ninth  tergite  pale,  posterior  border  with  two 
broadly  rounded  lobes,  the  setae  short;  ventral  dististyle  small  and  rounded,  only  slightly 
larger  than  the  basistyle;  rostral  spines  long,  about  twice  the  prolongation;  mesal-apical 
lobe  of  gonapophyses  small,  slender. 

Male.  Length  about  7.5-8  mm;  wing  7-8  mm;  antenna  about  1.2  mm. 

Rostrum  clear  light  yellow,  palpi  and  mouthparts  dark  brown.  Antennae  with  scape 
brownish  yellow,  remainder  of  antenna  brown,  the  extreme  bases  of  proximal  flagellar 
segments  more  yellowed;  segments  short-oval,  the  outer  ones  longer,  terminal  segment 
strongly  narrowed  on  outer  third.  Anterior  vertex  yellowed,  remainder  of  head  chiefly 
light  gray,  paler  behind ; anterior  vertex  relatively  broad. 

Pronotum  obscure  yellow.  Mesonotal  praescutum  with  three  brownish  gray  stripes  that 
virtually  cover  the  dorsum ; scutal  lobes  chiefly  brownish  gray,  central  area  pale ; 
scutellum  pale  yellow;  postnotal  mediotergite  yellowed,  pleurotergite  more  whitened  or 
light  gray.  Pleura  yellow,  including  the  dorsopleural  membrane.  Halteres  with  stem  yellow, 
the  large  knob  brown.  Legs  with  coxae  and  trochanters  yellow;  femora  light  brown,  tips 
not  darker;  tibiae  and  tarsi  light  brown.  Wings  subhyaline,  virtually  unpatterned,  the 
stigmal  region  scarcely  darker  than  the  remainder;  veins  pale,  Sc2  and  base  of  Rs  slightly 
darker.  Vein  Sc  without  trichia;  sparse  trichia  at  end  of  2nd  A.  Venation:  Sci  ending 
about  opposite  origin  of  Rs,  Sc2  retracted,  at  near  three-fifths  to  two-thirds  Sc;  m-cu  at  or 
shortly  before  fork  of  M. 

Abdominal  tergites  yellowish  brown,  sternites  and  hypopygium  yellow.  Male  hypopygium 
(Fig.  5)  combining  the  characters  of  mitis  (long  rostral  spines)  and  chorea  (small  ventral 
dististyle),  differing  in  details.  Ninth  tergite,  t,  pale,  posterior  border  with  two  broadly 
rounded  lobes,  the  median  emargination  acute;  setae  short  and  pale.  Basistyle,  b , in  area 
slightly  less  than  the  ventral  dististyle;  ventromesal  lobe  with  moderately  long  setae. 
Dorsal  dististyle,  d,  long  and  slender,  sickle-shaped,  curved  and  narrowed  to  the  acute 
more  or  less  recurved  apex:  ventral  style  short-oval  to  rounded;  rostral  prolongation  small, 
the  two  spines  approximated,  long  and  straight,  about  twice  the  length  of  the  prolongation. 
Gonapophysis,  g,  with  mesal-apical  lobe  small,  relatively  slender.  Aedeagus,  a,  with  apertures 
subterminal,  median  lobe  conspicuous. 

Holotype.  S,  Darband,  Iran,  April  22,  1956  (Schmid).  Paratopotypes,  2 $ $,  pinned  with 

type. 

The  species  is  dedicated  to  the  collector,  Dr.  Fernand  Schmid.  It  is  most  nearly  related  to 
Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) mitis  (Meigen)  and  allied  species,  as  shown  by  the  hypopygial 
structure,  especially  the  relative  lengths  of  the  rostral  spines  of  the  hypopygium.  In  the 
small  ventral  dististyle  it  agrees  more  nearly  with  L.  ( D .)  chorea  (Meigen)  but  is  quite 
distinct  from  this  and  other  members  of  this  group  as  delimited  by  Lackschewitz  (Ann. 
naturhist.  Mus.  Wien,  42:  209-217;  1928).  Other  particularly  important  papers  on  this 
group  of  flies  include  Edwards  (Trans.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  28-44;  1938)  and  de  Meijere 
(Tijd.  voor  Ent.,  62:  65-90;  1919).  Attention  may  be  called  to  the  species  L.  ( D .)  lutea 
Meigen  (see  Edwards,  above,  p.  37;  de  Meijere,  p.  78)  that  was  placed  as  a race  or  variety 


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of  mitis , differing  in  coloration  of  the  body  and  wings  and  in  hypopygial  structure,  including 
the  ventral  dististyle,  as  discussed.  Lackschewitz  (1928,  above)  considered  this  as  being  a 
yellowish  autumnal  form  of  chorea. 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) subdidyma,  n.  sp. 

General  coloration  of  mesonotal  praescutum  and  scutal  lobes  dull  light  brown,  posterior 
sclerites  of  notum  and  the  pleura  more  yellowed;  knobs  of  halteres  blackened;  legs  with 
femora  yellow,  tips  very  narrowly  dark  brown;  wings  pale  yellow  with  a pale  brown  pattern 
including  four  costal  areas  that  are  narrower  than  the  interspaces,  other  darkenings  on  wing 
paler;  Sc2  far  retracted,  at  near  midlength  of  Sc;  male  hypopygium  with  rostral  prolongation 
of  dististyle  triangular  in  outline,  with  two  short  spines  near  base  on  face  of  style. 

Male.  Length  about  8 mm;  wing  9 mm. 

Rostrum  and  palpi  brown.  Antennae  brown;  flagellar  segments  oval  with  truncated  ends; 
terminal  and  penultimate  segments  subequal  in  length.  Head  brown. 

Pronotal  scutum  pale  brown,  scutellum  more  yellowed.  Mesonotum  dull  light  brown  with 
vague  indications  of  light  gray  stripes;  scutal  lobes  light  brown,  median  area  and  the 
scutellum  pale  yellow;  postnotum  brownish  yellow.  Pleura  dull  brownish  yellow,  dorsopleural 
region  clearer  yellow.  Halteres  with  stem  yellow,  knob  almost  black.  Legs  with  coxae  and 
trochanters  yellow;  femora  obscure  yellow,  tips  very  narrowly  dark  brown;  tibiae  brownish 
yellow,  extreme  tips  faintly  darkened;  tarsi  brownish  yellow,  outer  segments  darker.  Wings 
pale  yellow  with  a relatively  inconspicuous  pale  brown  pattern  that  includes  four  costal  areas, 
much  narrower  than  the  interspaces,  the  first  area  above  the  arculus,  second  at  Sc2,  the  third 
slightly  larger,  involving  the  tip  of  Sci  and  origin  of  Rs ; fourth  darkening  comprises  the  pale 
brown  stigma,  nearly  confluent  with  a smaller  area  over  the  fork  of  Rs ; further  more  re- 
stricted markings  over  remainder  of  cord,  outer  end  of  cell  1st  M2  and  tip  of  Rs;  still  smaller 
marginal  clouds  at  ends  of  veins  Ms  to  2nd  A,  the  last  more  extensive  and  slightly  paler; 
veins  yellow,  light  brown  in  the  clouded  areas.  Venation:  Sci  ending  opposite  origin  of  Rs, 
Sc2  far  retracted,  close  to  midlength  of  Sc;  free  tip  of  Sc2  and  R2  in  transverse  alignment; 
m-cu  shortly  before  the  fork  of  M . 

Abdomen  pale  brown,  the  extreme  posterior  borders  of  segments  more  yellowed; 
hypopygium  with  basistyle  darker  brown.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  6)  with  tergal  lobes,  t , 
rounded,  vestiture  pale  and  inconspicuous.  Basistyle,  b,  with  ventromesal  lobe  rounded, 
vestiture  long.  Dorsal  dististyle,  d,  bent  at  midlength,  the  narrowed  outer  end  slender,  tip 
decurved;  ventral  style  about  twice  the  basistyle,  rostral  prolongation  triangular  in  outline; 
spines  short,  placed  on  face  of  prolongation  near  base.  Gonapophyses,  g,  with  mesal-apical 
lobe  erect. 

Holotype.  $,  Darband,  Iran,  April  22,  1956  (Schmid). 

The  most  similar  Palaearctic  species  include  Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) chorea  (Meigen), 
L.  ( D .)  didyma  (Meigen)  and  L.  ( D .)  mitis  (Meigen),  all  with  the  wings  patterned  and  with 
Sci  very  long.  The  single  most  similar  species  is  didyma  which  differs  evidently  in  wing 


Fig.  1.  Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) decemmaculata  (Loew)  ; venation. 

Fig.  2.  Dicranota  ( Dicranota ) ophidia , n.  sp.;  venation. 

Fig.  3.  Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) decemmaculata  (Loew)  ; male  hypopygium. 
Fig.  4.  Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) nigritorus , n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  5.  Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) schmidiana,  n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


133 


Fig.  6.  Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) subdidyma , n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium.  Subfigures:  A, 

didyma  (Meigen)  ; B,  chorea  (Meigen)  ; C,  mitis  (Meigen). 

Fig.  7.  Dicranota  ( Dicranota ) ophidia,  n.  sp.;  male  hypopygium. 

Fig.  8.  Limnophila  ( Elaeophila ) albofascia,  n.  sp. ; male  hypopygium. 

(Symbols:  Male  hypopygium — a,  aedeagus;  b , basistyle;  d,  dististyles;  g,  gonapophysis; 
z,  interbase;  p,  phallosome;  t,  9th  tergite.) 


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pattern,  as  the  undarkened  arcular  region,  and  especially  in  hypopygial  details.  I have 
provided  illustrations  of  the  rostral  prolongations  of  the  above  three  species  in  subfigures, - 
didyma,  6 A;  chorea , 6B;  mitis,  6C. 


PEDICnNI 

Dicranota  ( Dicranota ) ophidia,  n.  sp. 

Size  relatively  large  (wing  7-8  mm);  antennae  short;  general  coloration  of  thorax  light 
brownish  gray,  praescutum  with  a darker  central  stripe,  pleura  brownish  yellow,  sparsely 
pruinose ; halteres  and  legs  yellow ; wings  faintly  infuscated,  stigma  only  slightly  darker, 
R 2 + 3+4  subequal  to  or  shorter  than  basal  section  of  male  hypopygium  with  lateral  tergal 
blades  short,  posterior  border  truncate,  setae  short;  dorsal  lobe  of  basistyle  with  short 
blackened  subspinoid  setae;  interbase  a sinuous  snakelike  rod,  slightly  constricted  before  the 
pointed  head. 

Male.  Length  about  7-8  mm;  wing  7-8.5  mm;  antenna  about  1-1.2  mm. 

Female.  Length  about  8.5-9  mm;  wing  7-8  mm. 

Rostrum  brownish  gray,  palpi  black.  Antennae  short,  brownish  black,  scape  pruinose. 
Head  brownish  gray. 

Pronotum  light  brown,  pretergites  and  posterior  borders  of  scutum  and  scutellum  light 
yellow.  Mesonotal  praescutum  light  brownish  gray  with  a conspicuous  darker  brown  central 
stripe,  lateral  stripes  much  narrower;  scutum  light  gray,  centers  of  lobes  extensively  light 
brown;  scutellum  brown,  light  gray  pruinose;  postnotum  brownish  yellow,  slightly  pruinose. 
Pleura  brownish  yellow,  slightly  pruinose.  Halteres  light  yellow.  Legs  with  coxae  yellow, 
fore  and  middle  pairs  slightly  pruinose ; trochanters  yellow ; remainder  of  legs  brownish 
yellow,  outer  tarsal  segments  slightly  darker;  claws  long,  gently  curved.  Wings  (Fig.  2) 
faintly  infuscated,  stigma  only  slightly  darker;  veins  light  brown.  Macrotrichia  of  veins 
beyond  cord  long  and  delicate ; basal  veins,  including  M and  both  Anals  with  much  shorter 
trichia  on  outer  two-thirds  or  more,  less  extensive  on  Cu.  Venation:  Ri  + 3 + 4 variable  in 
length,  in  cases  subequal  to  or  shorter  than  basal  section  of  Ro,  in  cases  twice  as  long;  cell 
Mi  present. 

Abdominal  tergites  light  to  darker  brown,  sternites  slightly  paler,  hypopygium  darker 
brown.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  7)  with  tergite,  t,  truncate,  with  abundant  short  setae, 
lateral  tergal  ends  produced  into  short  slender  blades.  Basistyle,  b,  with  dorsal  lobe  stouter, 
vestiture  short,  blackened,  subspinoid;  ventral  lobe  glabrous  above,  lower  margin  with 
numerous  pale  setae,  the  more  basal  ones  shorter.  Interbase,  i,  distinctive,  appearing  as  a 
long  sinuous  snakelike  rod,  slightly  constricted  before  the  long  pointed  head.  Phallosome, 

with  details  generally  as  figured,  aedeagus  short  and  slender. 

Holotype.  $ , Zanus,  Iran,  2000  meters,  September  21,  1955  (Schmid). 

Allotopotype,  $,  pinned  with  type.  Paratypes,  $ 2,  Lius,  2200  meters,  September  14,  1955; 

Rayne,  1800  meters,  September  2-5,  1955;  Waliabad,  September  16-24,  1956  (Schmid). 

The  more  similar  species  include  Dicranota  ( Dicranota ) capillata  Lackschewitz  and  the 
larger  D.  (D.)  fuscipennis  Lackschewitz,  of  central  Europe,  especially  the  former.  I possess 
a paratype  of  capillata  received  in  an  exchange  with  Lackschewitz  (Salzburg,  Gastein,  1879, 
collected  by  Joseph  Mik).  This  differs  from  the  present  fly  in  the  very  distinct  venation  of 
the  radial  field  but  this  feature  may  well  represent  an  individual  variation  only.  In  the 
specimen  r-m  is  before  the  fork  of  Rs  that  forks  into  a trident  and  cell  Mi  is  very  reduced. 
The  details  of  the  male  hypopygium  are  quite  distinct,  especially  the  produced  tergal  border 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


135 


and  the  shape  and  vesiture  of  the  dististyle.  The  interbase  is  generally  as  in  the  present  fly, 
differing  in  the  outer  conformation. 


HEXATOMINI 

Limnophila  ( Elaeophila ) albofascia,  n.  sp. 

General  coloration  of  head  and  thorax  brownish  gray,  praescutum  conspicuously  patterned 
with  darker  brown ; knobs  of  halteres  dark  brown ; wings  with  distinctive  pattern,  including 
darker  costal  areas,  with  a complete  unbroken  pale  band  at  midlength  between  the  third  and 
fourth  darkened  areas;  no  darkened  spots  or  dots  on  veins;  male  hypopygium  with  outer 
dististyle  narrowed  at  apex  into  a short  curved  point ; dorsal  crest  long  and  low ; gonapophyses 
large ; aedeagus  long  and  slender. 

Male.  Length  about  7.5  mm;  wing  6.5  mm. 

Female.  Length  about  8 mm;  wing  7 mm. 

Rostrum  light  brown;  palpi  black.  Antennae  with  scape  and  pedicel  light  brown; 
flagellum  broken.  Head  brownish  gray. 

Pronotum  brownish  gray.  Mesonotal  praescutum  brownish  gray,  patterned  with  brown, 
including  six  longitudinal  lines,  intermediate  pair  broader  on  anterior  half,  directed  laterad 
anteriorly  to  form  lateral  marginal  stripes,  posterior  halves  of  intermediate  stripes  much 
narrower  and  paler,  sublateral  darkenings  broader;  pseudosutural  foveae  brownish  black; 
posterior  sclerites  of  notum  pale  yellowish  gray  with  very  inconspicuous  darker  markings  on 
scutal  lobes  and  at  median  line.  Pleura  pale  brown,  vaguely  patterned  with  darker.  Halteres 
with  stem  yellow,  outer  end  of  the  large  knob  dark  brown.  Legs  with  coxae  and 
trochanters  yellow;  remainder  of  legs  broken.  Wings  with  ground  pale  yellowish  white,  the 
darkened  areas  subequal  in  size ; a series  of  about  six  darker  brown  marks  in  costal  field, 
with  a very  broad  continuous  ground  crossband  at  midlength  of  wing  that  completely 
divides  the  darkened  areas;  costal  darkenings  darker,  with  three  marks  before  the  dividing 
ground  band,  the  basal  one  at  and  near  the  arcular  area;  second  darkening  small,  in  cell  R 
narrowed;  third  band  complete,  in  the  type  narrowed  at  the  supernumerary  crossvein  in  cell 
M , behind  expanded  and  more  or  less  divided  at  end  of  vein  2nd  A ; beyond  the  intermediate 
ground  band  with  the  fourth  darkened  area  in  costal  field  expanded  to  include  the  forks  of 
veins  Sc  and  Ri,  almost  confluent,  narrowed  posteriorly  over  r-m  and  posterior  cord,  more 
or  less  confluent  with  darkenings  at  end  of  cell  1st  M 2;  two  outer  darkened  areas  at  ends  of 
veins  Rs  and  Ri,  more  extensive  in  holotype,  in  outer  radial  cells  separated  by  a circular 
ground  mark  in  outer  end  of  cell  R3 ; behind  the  dark  pattern  more  extensive  in  the  holotype, 
involving  much  of  outer  ends  of  cell  Ri  and  R5,  with  only  the  tip  pale ; in  the  female  the 
dark  pattern  at  wing  apex  more  restricted,  appearing  as  seams  over  fork  of  Mi  + 2 and  the 
apices  of  all  longitudinal  veins  excepting  R5  ; no  supplementary  spots  or  dots  on  longitudinal 
veins  as  in  several  species  in  this  subgenus;  veins  yellow  in  the  ground  areas,  darkest  in  the 
costal  darkenings,  paler  behind.  Venation:  Supernumerary  crossvein  in  the  third  darkened 
area;  R2+ 3+4  about  one-half  longer  than  basal  section  of  R3. 

Abdomen  yellow,  patterned  with  brown,  most  evident  as  darkenings  at  posterior  ends  of 
segments,  broader  outwardly.  Male  hypopygium  (Fig.  8)  with  outer  dististyle,  d,  as  shown, 
the  apex  narrowed  into  a short  curved  point;  outer  margin  with  a row  of  small  appressed 
spines,  dorsal  crest  long  and  low.  Gonapophyses,  g,  appearing  as  long  paddles  that  are 
more  than  one-half  the  length  of  the  long  slender  aedeagus. 

Holotype.  $ , Durbadam,  Iran,  July  3,  1956. 

Allotype.  $ , Chenes,  Iran,  May  19,  1956  (Schmid). 


136 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


From  other  regional  members  of  the  subgenus  Elaeophila  with  somewhat  comparable 
wing  patterns,  especially  with  no  darkened  spots  or  dots  along  the  veins,  the  present  fly  is 
most  readily  told  by  the  broad  continuous  pale  ground  fascia  at  near  midlength  of  the  wing 
and  in  details  of  hypopygial  structure,  especially  the  outer  dististyle  and  phallosome.  The 
most  similar  such  species  is  Limnophila  ( Elaeophila ) submarmorata  (Verrall)  which  differs 
in  the  above  respects.  The  great  variation  found  in  the  wing  pattern  in  submarmorata  has 
been  discussed  by  Edwards  and  various  forms  have  been  named  by  him  (Trans.  Soc.  Brit. 
Ent.,  5 : 81-84,  pi.  4,  figs.  1-7,  wings ; 1938) . 

DISTRIBUTIONAL  RECORDS 
LIMONDNI 


Helius  ( Helius ) hispanicus  Lackschewitz 

Helius  hispanicus  Lackschewitz;  Ann.  naturhist.  Mus.  Wien,  42:  242-243;  1928. 

Described  from  Algeciras,  Andalusia,  Spain  (Hanns  Zerny).  Iran : Mughan,  June  20, 

1956  (Schmid) . 

Helius  ( Helius ) pallirostris  Edwards;  Trans.  Ent.  Soc.  London  1921:  206;  1921. 

Europe : Britain;  Sweden;  Denmark,  and  others.  Iran:  Kia  Kola,  May  22,  1956  (Schmid). 

Antocha  ( Antocha ) libanotica  Lackschewitz 

Antocha  ( Antocha ) libanotica  Lackschewitz;  Ann.  naturhist.  Mus.  Wien,  50:  8,  pi.  1,  figs. 
4;  1939  (1940). 

Type  from  Libanon ; paratype  in  Alexander  Collection. 

Iran:  Ardehjan,  September  11,  1956;  Dazdban,  May  18,  1956;  Lius,  2200  meters,  September 
14,  1955;  Meyur,  August  23,  1956;  Mishgin,  August  21,  1956;  Rayne,  1800  meters,  September 
2,  1955;  Shirgah,  May  23,  1956;  Zanus,  2000  meters,  September  21,  1955;  Zirab,  May  23, 
1956  (Schmid) . 

Limonia  ( Limonia ) hercegovinae  (Strobl) 

Limnobia  Hercegovinae  Strobl;  Glasnik  Zem.  Mus.  Bosni  i Hercegov.,  10:  610;  1898. 

Central  and  Eastern  Europe.  Iran:  Barajan,  2000  meters,  September  15,  1955;  Hassankif, 
September  28,  1956;  Khazlak,  June  6,  1956;  Lius,  2200  meters,  September  14,  1955;  Zanus, 
2000  meters,  September  21,  1955  (Schmid). 

Limonia  ( Limonia ) neonebulosa  Alexander 

Dicranomyia  nebulosa  Alexander;  Canad.  Ent.,  45:  203;  1913  (preoccupied  by  Zetterstedt, 
1838). 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) neonebulosa  Alexander;  Philippine  Jour.  Sci.,  24:  555;  1924. 

Eastern  Asia;  Eastern  North  America.  Iran:  Baharistan,  August  20,  1956  (Schmid). 

Limonia  ( Melanolimonia ) morio  (Fabricius) 

Tipula  morio  Fabricius;  Mantissa  Ins.,  2:  324;  1787. 

Europe  (widespread).  Iran:  Daiband,  April  22,  1956;  Khozlok,  June  6,  1956  (Schmid). 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) chorea  (Meigen) 

Limnobia  chorea  Meigen;  Syst.  Beschr.  1:  134;  1818. 

Dicranomyia  chorea  de  Meijere;  Tijd.  v.  Ent.,  62:  74,  fig.  7 (hypopygium)  ; 1919. 
Dicranomyia  chorea  Lackschewitz;  Ann.  naturhist.  Mus.  Wien,  42:  211,  fig.  8 (hypopygium)  ; 
1928. 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) chorea  Edwards;  Trans.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  35,  pi.  2,  fig.  20  (wing)  ; 
text  fig.  5 a (hypopygium)  ; 1938. 

Europe  (widespread).  Iran:  Lius,  2200  meters,  September  14,  1955  (Schmid). 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


137 


Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) didyma  Meigen 
Limonia  didyma  Meigen;  Klass.,  1:  55;  1804. 

Europe  (widespread).  Iran : Aliabad,  1800  meters,  September  7,  1955;  Ardehjan,  Sep- 
tember 11,  1956;  Barajan,  2000  meters,  September  15,  1955;  Lius,  2200  meters,  September 
14,  1955;  Waliabad,  September  16  and  24,  1956  (Schmid). 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) fusca  (Meigen) 

Limnobia  fusca  Meigen;  Syst.  Beschr.  6:  274;  1830. 

Widespread  in  Europe  and  North  America.  Iran:  Baharistan,  2000-3000  feet,  September 
10,  1956;  Barajan,  2000  meters,  September  15,  1955;  Harandan,  100  feet,  September  11, 
1956  (Schmid). 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) longipennis  (Schummel) 

Limnobia  longipennis  Schummel;  Beitr.  zur  Ent.,  1:  104;  1829. 

Holarctic;  widespread.  Iran : Barajan,  2000  meters,  September  15,  1955;  Gulugah,  Sep- 
tember 8,  1956;  Mishgin,  August  21,  1956;  Javardi,  4000  feet,  October  7,  1956;  Quattekas, 
1800  meters,  September  19,  1955  (Schmid). 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) modesta  (Meigen) 

Limnobia  modesta  Meigen;  Syst.  Beschr.,  1:  134;  1818. 

Europe.  Iran:  Gach-i-Lai  (name  faulty),  May  17,  1956;  Lius,  2200  meters,  September 
14,  1955;  Mishgin,  4500  feet,  August  21,  1956;  Ziarat,  2000  feet,  July  13,  1956  (Schmid). 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) ventralis  (Schummel) 

Limnobia  ventralis  Schummel;  Beitr.  zur  Entomol.,  1:  136;  1829. 

Limonia  ( Dicranomyia ) pristomera  Alexander;  Oriental  Insects,  1:  204-205,  fig.  8 (hypo- 
pygium)  ; 1967  (synonym). 

Europe;  Afghanistan;  South  India  (Kerala;  Madras;  Mysore).  Iran:  Fumen,  50  feet, 

August  18,  1956;  Pul-i-Zoghal,  1760  feet,  October  12,  1956  (Schmid). 

HEXATOMINI 

Paradelphomyia  ( Oxyrhiza ) czizekiana  Stary 

A 

Paradelphomyia  ( Oxyrhiza ) czizekiana  Stary;  Casopis  Moravskeho  Musee,  55:  135-137, 
figs.;  1971. 

Types  from  Moravia,  Czechoslovakia.  Iran:  What  appears  to  be  this  species  from 

Ardehjan,  September  11,  1956;  Baharistan,  circa  2000-3000  feet,  September  10,  1956;  Lius, 
circa  7000  feet,  September  14,  1955  (Schmid).  The  most  important  difference  from  Stary’s 
description  and  figures  is  in  the  hypopygium,  especially  the  ventral  fork  where  the  two 
spines  are  widely  separated  basally,  being  placed  on  a horizontal  connecting  rod.  Despite 
this  difference  I believe  the  identification  is  correct. 

Paradelphomyia  ( Oxyrhiza ) fuscula  (Loew) 

Cladura  fuscula  Loew;  Berlin.  Ent.  Zeitschr.,  17:  35;  1873. 

Europe.  Iran:  Quattekas,  circa  4500  feet,  September  19,  1955  (Schmid). 

Austrolimnophila  ochracea  (Meigen) 

Limonia  ochracea  Meigen;  Klass.,  1:  55;  1804. 

Europe.  Iran:  Ardehjan,  September  11,  1956;  Bozak,  1800  meters,  September  11,  1955 
(Schmid).  The  present  fly  and  the  Nearctic  Austrolimnophila  toxoneura  (Osten  Sacken) 
are  very  similar  and  perhaps  will  be  found  to  be  identical. 

Pseudolimnophila  lucorum  (Meigen) 

Limnobia  lucorum  Meigen;  Syst.  Beschr.  1:  125;  1818. 


138 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Europe.  Iran : Ardehjan,  September  9,  1956;  Baharistan,  September  10,  1956;  Barajan, 
2000  meters,  September  15,  1955;  Chalus,  May  19,  1956;  Zanus,  2000  meters,  September  21, 
1955  (Schmid). 

Limnophila  {Elaeophila)  submarmorata  (Verrall) 

Ephelia  submarmorata  Verrall;  Ent.  Mo.  Mag.,  23:  264;  1887. 

Limnophila  ( Elaeophila ) submarmorata  Edwards;  Trans.  Soc.  Brit.  Ent.,  5:  81-84,  pi.  4, 
figs.  1,  2;  text  fig.  15  b;  1938. 

Europe.  Iran : Gurgan,  April  1,  1956;  Zanus,  2000  meters,  September  21,  1955  (Schmid). 
Pilaria  discicollis  (Meigen) 

Limnobia  discicollis  Meigen;  Syst.  Beschr.,  1:  125;  1818. 

Europe.  Iran:  Quattekas,  1800  meters,  September  19,  1955  (Schmid). 

Pilaria  scutellata  (Staeger) 

Limnophila  scutellata  Staeger;  in  Krojer,  Naturhist.  Tidsskr.  3:  34;  1840. 

Europe.  Iran:  Chalus,  May  19,  1956  (Schmid). 

TIPULINAE 

Tipula  ( Acutipula ) maxima  transcaucasica  Savtshenko 

Tipula  ( Acutipula ) maxima  transcaucasica  Savtshenko;  Fauna  U.  S.  S.  R.,  Diptera  II,  No. 
3:  413;  1961. 

U.S.S.R.:  Transcaucasia.  Iran:  Lius,  2200  meters,  September  14,  1955  (Schmid). 

Tipula  ( Tipula ) orientalis  Lackschewitz 

Tipula  ( Tipula ) orientalis  Lackschewitz;  Konowia,  9:  272-273,  fig.  7;  1930. 

South  Europe;  Egypt;  Kurdistan;  Caucasus.  Iran:  Rayne,  1800  meters,  September  5, 

1955  (Schmid). 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  June,  1975 


139 


BOOK  REVIEW 

The  Pest  War.  W.  W.  Fletcher,  Halsted  Press,  John  Wiley  & Sons,  N.  Y.  218p.,  1974. 
$11.95. 

The  problems  associated  with  control  of  insects  and  other  pests  are  complex.  The  author 
discusses  man’s  war  against  the  major  pests  that  threaten  human  health  and  the  supply  of 
food.  The  book  is  primarily  dealing  with  insects,  weeds,  fungi  and  certain  vertebrates. 
Methods  of  pest  control,  from  mechanical  ones,  crop  rotation,  quarantine  and  eradication, 
to  biological  and  chemical  methods  are  outlined.  The  development  of  insecticides  from  its 
early  days,  through  the  dramatic  period  following  the  application  of  DDT,  cyclodienes, 
carbamates,  organophosphorus  and  systemic  insecticides,  the  resistance  to  these  compounds, 
the  synergistic  effects,  as  well  as  diverse  uses  of  herbicides  are  discussed  in  brief.  I was 
intrigued  by  the  description  of  the  discovery  of  2,4  D in  this  book,  since  it  differed 
strikingly  from  the  story  I knew.  According  to  Fletcher,  3 scientists  at  Rothamsted  Ex- 
perimental Station,  Nutman,  Thorton  and  Quastel  hit  upon  2,4  D,  and  the  result  of  their 
preliminary  work  was  communicated  in  1942  to  the  Agricultural  Research  Council,  who 
asked  Prof.  G.  E.  Blackman  of  Oxford  University  to  initiate  a program  of  field  trials. 
These  results  appeared  as  late  as  1945  in  NATURE,  having  been  held  up  until  then  for 
security  reasons.  The  author  then  mentions  that  in  1942  two  Americans,  Zimmerman  and 
Hitchcock,  described  the  use  of  2,4  D as  a plant  growth  regulator,  but  not  as  a herbicide. 
Also  in  the  United  States,  Marth  and  Mitchell,  as  well  as  Hamner  and  Tukey  described  the 
herbicidal  uses  in  1944.  It  might  be  difficult  to  establish  precedence  for  the  precise  dis- 
covery of  the  herbicidal  activity  from  these  quotations,  but  I recall  that  the  patent  was 
applied  for,  and  given,  to  Zimmerman  and  Hitchcock  at  Boyce  Thompson  Institute.  It 
was  not  contested  by  the  workers  at  Rothamsted,  and  the  American  scientists  deserve  full 
credit  for  this  discovery.  The  various  fungicides,  including  thiram,  captan,  quinones,  as 
well  as  antibiotics  such  as  streptomycin  and  griseofulvin  are  briefly  mentioned.  A whole 
chapter  is  devoted  to  methods  of  application  of  insecticides  and  herbicides. 

Among  the  vertebrate  pests,  the  rabbit  eradication  attempts  in  Australia  and  Europe  by 
the  myxomatosis  virus  are  described.  The  resistance  to  the  virus  forced  the  reintroduction 
of  effective  chemical  control  methods.  While  rabbits  seem  to  be  regarded  with  some  af- 
fection, rats  are  generally  despised  and  the  most  drastic  eradication  methods  are  sometimes 
proposed,  and  used.  Among  them  is  the  application  of  anticoagulant  agents,  to  which, 
unfortunately,  rats  can  develop  resistance.  Several  species  of  birds,  such  as  pigeons,  gulls, 
and  others  also  are  listed  as  pests,  and  their  control  discussed.  The  impressive  success  of 
biological  control  methods,  as  well  as  integrated  biological  and  chemical  control,  and  novel 
methods  of  control  are  presented  in  a very  stimulating  manner.  Sterilization  by  chemicals 
and  radiation,  pioneered  by  Knipling,  use  of  sex  attractants,  repellents,  electromagnetic 
energy,  ionizing  radiation,  as  well  as  the  use  of  insect  hormones  as  insecticides  are  all 
briefly  presented.  A whole  chapter  is  devoted  to  the  effects  of  pesticides  on  the  environ- 
ment. The  book  ends  with  an  appendix,  listing  additional  sources  of  information  for  in- 
terested readers,  as  well  as  a list  of  common  and  scientific  names  of  pests,  and  of  pesticides. 
A good  index,  on  18  pages,  is  provided. 

The  author  should  be  congratulated  for  his  comprehensive  and  well  balanced  presentation 
of  this  complex  subject,  in  a manner  understandable  by  laymen  as  well  as  by  experts. 

Karl  Maramorosch 

Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology 

Rutgers  University 

New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey 


140 


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Vol.  LXXXIII 


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The  New  York  Entomological  Society 


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Incorporating  The  Brooklyn  Entomological  Society 


Incorporated  May  21,  1968 


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The  New  York  Entomological  Society 


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Organized  June  29,  1892 — Incorporated  February  25,  1893 


Reincorporated  February  17,  1943 


The  Brooklyn  Entomological  Society 


mm  % 

■•v  i-  />.',! 


Founded  in  1872 — Incorporated  in  1885 
Reincorporated  February  10,  1936 


The  meetings  of  the  Society  are  held  on  the  first  and  third  Tuesday  of  each  month  (except 
June,  July,  August  and  September)  at  8 p.m.,  in  the  American  Museum  of  Natural 
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Officers  for  the  Year  1975 

President,  Dr.  Daniel  J.  Sullivan,  S.J. 


' r II 


Fordham  University,  New  York  10458 


Vice-President,  Dr.  Peter  Moller 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 
Secretary,  Dr.  Charles  C.  Porter 

Fordham  University,  New  York  10458 


i 


Assistant  Secretary,  Dr.  Louis  Trombetta 


Isaac  Albert  Research  Institute,  Brooklyn,  N.Y.  11203 


Treasurer , Dr.  Ivan  Huber 


& 


Fairleigh  Dickinson  University,  Madison,  N.J.  07940 


Assistant  Treasurer , Ms.  Joan  DeWind 

American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York  10024 




Trustees 


Class  of  1975 

Dr.  Howard  Topoff 
Class  of  1976 

Dr.  David  C.  Miller 


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Dr.  Pedro  Wygodzinsky 


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Dr.  Norman  Platnick 


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Mailed  September  26,  1975 


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The  Journal  of  the  New  York  Entomological  Society  is  published  quarterly  for  the  Society  by  Allen  Press 
Inc.,  1041  New  Hampshire,  Lawrence,  Kansas  66044.  Second  class  postage  paid  at  New  Brunswick,  New 
Jersey  and  at  additional  mailing  office. 

Known  office  of  publication:  Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology,  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903. 

;,  W/NVM " 


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7 


Journal  of  the 

New  York  Entomological  Society 

Volume  LXXXIII  September  1975  No.  3 


EDITORIAL  BOARD 

Editor  Dr.  Karl  Maramorosch 
Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology 
Rutgers  University 
New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903 

Associate  Editors  Dr.  Lois  J.  Keller,  RSM 
Dr.  Herbert  T.  Streu 


Publication  Committee 

Dr.  Kumar  Krishna  Dr.  Ayodha  P.  Gupta 

Dr.  James  Forbes,  Chairman 


CONTENTS 

An  Annotated  List  of  New  York  Siphonaptera  

Allen  H.  Benton  and  Danny  L.  Kelly  142 

Notes  on  the  Life  Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

I B. — Hamadryas  februa  (Nymphalidae-Hamadryadinae)  

Alberto  Muyshondt  and  Alberto  Muyshondt,  Jr.  157 

Notes  on  the  Life  Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

II  B. — Hamadryas  guatemalena  Bates  (Nymphalidae-Hamadryadinae)  

Alberto  Muyshondt  and  Alberto  Muyshondt,  Jr.  170 

Notes  on  the  Life  Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

III  B. — Hamadryas  amphinome  L.  (Nymphalidae-Hamadryadinae)  

Alberto  Muyshondt  and  Alberto  Muyshondt,  Jr.  181 

Notes  on  the  Male  Reproductive  System  in  Ants  (Hymenoptera : Formicidae) 

A.  C.  F.  Hung  and  S.  B.  Vinson  192 

Species  and  Numbers  of  Bloodsucking  Flies  Feeding  on  Hogs  and  Other  Ani- 
mals in  Southern  New  Jersey  Thomas  J.  Weiner  and  Elton  J.  Hansens  198 

Speleognathinae  Collected  From  Birds  In  North  America  (Acarina:  Erey- 
netidae)  A.  Fain  and  K.  E.  Hyland  203 

Elliptochthoniidae,  a New  Mite  Family  (Acarina:  Orihatei)  From  Mineral  Soil 
in  California  Roy  A.  Norton  209 


142 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


An  Annotated  List  of  New  York  Siphonaptera 

Allen  H.  Benton  and  Danny  L.  Kelly 
Department  of  Biology,  State  University  College,  Fredonia,  New  York.  14063 

Received  for  Publication  July  29,  1974 

Abstract:  Geary  (1959)  listed  42  species  of  Siphonaptera  from  New  York.  The  present 
list  includes  numerous  additional  distributional  records,  and  adds  three  species  to  Geary’s 
list:  Peromyscopsylla  h.  hamifer  (Rothschild),  Ceratophyllus  dif finis  Jordan  (previously 

reported  but  missed  by  Geary),  and  Epitedia  ( cavernicola  Traub?).  Geary  also  removed 
from  the  state  list  Echidnophaga  gallinacea  (Westwood),  but  we  consider  the  published 
record  to  be  a valid  one. 

New  York  is  one  of  the  most  thoroughly  studied  of  states  with  respect  to 
its  flea  fauna.  Many  of  the  specimens  studied  by  Carl  F.  Baker  near  the 
turn  of  the  century  were  from  New  York,  largely  through  the  collecting  of 
G.  S.  Miller,  Jr.,  whose  home  was  in  Madison  county.  The  type  localities  of 
four  fleas  described  by  Baker  are  in  that  vicinity,  and  seven  other  forms  have 
been  described  from  type  localities  in  New  York. 

The  first  state  list  of  fleas  from  any  eastern  state  was  that  of  Stewart  (1928), 
listing  26  species  from  New  York.  Jordan  (1929)  made  some  corrections  which 
reduced  Stewart’s  list  to  22,  and  added  nine  more  species,  bringing  the  list 
to  31  forms.  He  predicted  that  about  50  species  would  eventually  be  discovered 
in  the  state,  and  presented  a hypothetical  list  comprising  11  species.  Of  these, 
seven  have  since  been  recorded  in  the  state,  two  are  not  to  be  expected  in 
light  of  current  knowledge,  and  two  remain  on  the  hypothetical  list. 

Stewart  (1933)  revised  the  list  once  again,  recording  36  forms  and  including 
one  which  Jordan  had  discredited  in  1929.  Fox  (1940)  based  his  New  York 
list  primarily  on  the  1933  list  of  Stewart,  adding  three  species  and  eliminating 
one  species  and  one  subspecies.  His  list  thus  totalled  37  forms. 

The  most  recent  summary  of  New  York  collections  was  that  of  Geary  (1959), 
which  included  42  forms  with  definite  records  and  four  species  which  had  been 
previously  recorded  but  which  Geary  considered  to  be  of  doubtful  validity. 

Since  1960,  we  have  had  access  to  more  than  4,000  flea  specimens  from 
New  York,  covering  many  areas  which  had  been  poorly  represented  in  col- 
lections up  to  that  time.  We  are  grateful  to  the  New  York  State  Museum 
and  Science  Service  and  Dr.  Paul  Connor  for  the  use  of  collections  from  Lewis, 
Otsego,  Schoharie,  St.  Lawrence  and  Suffolk  counties.  In  addition,  more  than 
a thousand  specimens  from  the  Catskill  Mountain  area  have  been  loaned  by 
Daniel  Smiley,  John  New  and  Robert  Fisher.  Numerous  students  and  friends 
have  supplied  additional  collections  and  have  assisted  in  the  preparation  of 
specimens.  Part  of  the  work  has  been  supported  by  grants  from  the  Research 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  142-156.  September,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


143 


Foundation  of  State  University  of  New  York,  the  Atmospheric  Sciences  Re- 
search Center  of  State  University  of  New  York,  and  Health  Research  Incor- 
porated, Albany,  N.  Y. 

The  present  list  is  undoubtedly  incomplete,  and  it  is  likely  that  Jordan’s 
estimate  of  about  50  species  is  extremely  accurate.  Although  much  remains 
to  be  learned  about  local  and  ecological  distribution,  it  is  unlikely  that  more 
than  a half-dozen  species  remain  to  be  discovered  within  the  state. 

Nomenclature  of  the  Siphonaptera  follows  the  classification  of  Hopkins  and 
Rothschild  (1953  et  seq.)  so  far  as  available,  except  for  a few  taxonomic 
changes  which  have  occurred  since  the  pertinent  volume  was  published.  Mam- 
mal names  follow  Hall  and  Kelson  (1959).  Host  relationship  data  follow  the 
plan  of  Sakaguti  and  Jameson  (1962):  true  hosts  permit  the  flea  to  carry  out 
its  life  cycle  indefinitely;  secondary  hosts  are  commonly  parasitized,  but  are 
not  considered  biologically  adequate  as  permanent  hosts;  accidental  hosts  are 
those  which  result  from  accidental  coming  together  of  host  and  parasite,  and 
such  relationships  are  not  likely  to  occur  frequently.  Since  our  knowledge  of 
host  relationships  is  far  from  complete,  these  designations  should  be  taken  as 
considered  opinions,  which  may  prove  to  be  wrong  in  the  light  of  further  data. 

Host  records  listed  are  those  which  are  known  from  New  York.  In  most 
cases,  the  true  host  is  the  same  throughout  the  range  of  the  species,  but  this 
is  not  always  true.  In  New  York,  for  example,  Monopsyllus  vison  is  rarely 
found  on  any  host  except  the  red  squirrel.  In  Minnesota,  however,  large 
numbers  occur  on  the  eastern  chipmunk,  and  the  species  is  known  from 
southern  Illinois,  beyond  the  range  of  the  red  squirrel.  It  is  evident  that 
host  relationships  as  they  occur  in  our  area  are  not  necessarily  the  same 
throughout  the  range  of  the  flea  in  question. 

The  most  serious  gap  in  our  knowledge  of  flea  distribution  is  the  almost 
complete  lack  of  information  about  the  influence  of  factors  other  than  the 
presence  of  the  host.  The  puzzling  distribution  patterns  of  such  species  as 
Stenoponia  americana,  Peromyscopsylla  scotti,  Peromyscopsylla  hamifer  and 
others  cannot  be  explained  on  the  basis  of  host  distribution.  Detailed  study 
of  the  life  history  and  ecology  of  almost  any  flea  species  would  be  extremely 
rewarding,  but  such  studies  have  been  undertaken  for  only  a few  species  which 
have  great  medical  or  veterinary  importance. 

FAMILY  PULICIDAE 

Echidnophaga  gallinacea  (Westwood) 

This  species  is  included  on  the  basis  of  a record  reported  by  Fox  and 
Sullivan  (1925).  While  there  is  probably  no  resident  population  within  the 
state,  we  see  no  reason  to  doubt  the  validity  of  this  record,  or  to  doubt  that 
the  species  may  occasionally  be  brought  into  the  state  on  rats  or  domestic 
animals. 


144 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fig.  1.  Map  of  New  York  State  showing  counties.  Numbers  are  the  code  used  for 
distributional  data  under  species  accounts. 


Host:  Rattus  sp. 

County:  561. 

Range  within  the  state:  Probably  restricted  to  occasional  accidental  intro- 
ductions 

Pulex  irritans  Linnaeus 

Although  human  fleas  are  undoubtedly  brought  into  the  state  often,  records 
are  few.  We  have  not  seen  specimens  from  the  state,  and  thus  cannot  evaluate 
the  possibility  that  some  or  all  of  the  records  may  refer  to  P.  simulans  Baker. 

True  host:  Homo  sapiens 
Counties:  22,  24,  26 

Range  within  the  state:  Unknown;  possibly  there  is  no  permanent  pop- 

ulation 

1 The  map  of  New  York,  Figure  1,  has  the  counties  coded  by  number  for  economy  of 
space.  Please  refer  to  this  map  for  identification  of  the  counties  indicated  in  the  species 
accounts. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


145 


Ctenocephalides  canis  (Curtis) 

True  hosts:  Canis  familiaris,  Vulpes  fulva,  Urocyon  ciner  e oar  gent  eus 

Accidental  hosts:  Mephitis  mephitis , Rattus  norvegicus 

Counties:  8,  20,  24,  25,  50,  51,  56 

Range  within  the  state:  Probably  all  of  the  state,  with  the  possible  ex- 

ception of  the  highest  elevations 

Ctenocephalides  felis  felis  (Bouche) 

True  hosts:  Felis  domestica , Canis  familiaris,  Vulpes  fulva,  Urocyon  cin- 
ereoargenteus 

Secondary  host:  Homo  sapiens 

Accidental  hosts:  Blarina  brevicauda,  Didelphis  marsupialis,  Procyon  lotor , 
Rattus  norvegicus , Sylvilagus  floridanus,  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus 

Counties:  2,  7,  11,  13,  17,  19,  20,  21,  24,  25,  26,  28,  35,  36,  38,  42,  47, 
50,  53,  56 

Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state. 

Cediopsylla  simplex  (Baker) 

This  species  occurs  in  great  numbers  on  all  species  of  Leporidae  occurring 
within  the  state.  In  the  higher  mountains  of  the  Adirondacks,  however,  where 
Sylvilagus  floridanus  does  not  occur,  we  have  been  unable  to  find  this  flea. 
Whether  its  absence  is  due  to  the  absence  of  the  cottontail,  or  whether  it  is 
due  to  some  other  ecological  factor,  is  not  yet  clear. 

True  hosts:  Sylvilagus  floridanus,  S.  transitionalis , Lepus  americanus,  L. 
europaeus 

Secondary  and  accidental  hosts:  Canis  familiaris,  Didelphis  marsupialis, 

Felis  domestica,  Mustela  frenata,  Rattus  norvegicus,  Tamiasciurus  hud- 
sonicus 

Counties:  2,  9,  10,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  25,  26,  27,  30,  31,  35,  36,  42,  44, 
45,  46,  47,  48,  49,  50,  52,  56,  61 

Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state,  except  for  the  higher  moun- 
tain areas.  Additional  collecting  at  high  elevations  is  needed  to  determine 
whether  it  is  indeed  absent  from  those  areas. 

Xenopsylla  cheopis  (Rothschild) 

The  Oriental  rat  flea  is  the  major  carrier  of  bubonic  plague,  and  is  there- 
fore of  great  medical  importance.  Undoubtedly,  the  species  is  brought  into 
the  state  occasionally  on  rats,  but  the  records  are  so  few  as  to  suggest  that 
the  species  is  only  a sporadic  entrant,  but  permanent  populations  may  persist 
in  the  extreme  southeastern  counties. 


146 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


True  host:  Rattus  norvegicus 
Counties:  20,  56 

Range  within  the  state:  Uncertain;  possibly  there  is  no  permanent  pop- 
ulation 

FAMILY  VERMIPSYLLIDAE 

Chaetopsylla  lot  oris  (Stewart) 

Although  named  for  its  type  host,  the  raccoon,  this  species  is  also  very 
frequently  taken  from  foxes  (Zeh,  1973). 

True  hosts:  Procyon  lotor,  Vulpes  julva,  Urocyon  cinereoargenteus 
Secondary  hosts:  Martes  pennanti,  Didelphis  marsupialis 
Counties:  7,  15,  17,  18,  19,  25,  26,  29,  30,  42,  45,  46,  49,  50,  51,  52 
Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state 

FAMILY  HYSTRICHOPSYLLIDAE 

Hystrichopsylla  tahavuana  Jordan 

True  hosts:  Parascalops  breweri,  Condylura  cristata 
Secondary  host:  Blarina  brevicauda 

Accidental  hosts:  Microtus  pennsylvanicus,  M.  pinetorum , Peromyscus  leu- 
copus 

Counties:  1,  5,  8,  17,  23,  25,  26,  42,  48 

Range  within  the  state:  Probably  wherever  its  true  hosts  occur;  because 

moles  are  not  usually  taken  in  large  numbers  by  collectors,  records  are 
relatively  few 

Atyphloceras  bishopi  Jordan 

This  is  a winter  flea,  most  commonly  taken  from  nests,  and  hence  rather 
rare  in  collections.  Most  New  York  records  are  from  the  meadow  vole,  but  it 
is  taken  on  the  red-backed  vole  in  more  northern  areas. 

True  hosts:  Microtus  pennsylvanicus , Clethrionomys  gapperi 
Secondary  hosts:  Microtus  pinetorum,  M.  chrotorrhinus 
Accidental  hosts:  Peromyscus  leucopus,  Blarina  brevicauda 
Counties:  17,  22,  28,  34,  42,  48 

Range  within  the  state:  Probably  throughout  the  state;  it  may  have  eco- 
logical limits  as  yet  unknown 

Stenoponia  americana  (Baker) 

This  species  shows  little  host  specificity,  occurring  on  a variety  of  small 
mammals.  Since  it  occurs  up  the  Atlantic  coast  as  far  as  New  Brunswick, 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


147 


there  seems  no  reason  why  it  should  not  occur  in  parts  of  New  York  where 
it  has  not  yet  been  recorded. 

Hosts:  Peromyscus  leucopus , Blarina  brevicauda,  Microtus  pennsylvanicus , 
M.  pinetorum,  Clethrionomys  gapperi , Sorex  cinereus , Scalopus  aquaticus 
Counties:  25,  48,  61 

Range  within  the  state:  So  far  as  known,  confined  to  Long  Island  and 

the  Hudson  valley. 

Tamiophila  grandis  (Rothschild) 

True  host:  Tamias  striatus 

Accidental  hosts:  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus,  Vulpes  julva 
Counties:  1,  5,  8,  12,  19,  22,  26,  33,  35,  36,  42,  45,  48 
Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state 

Catallagia  borealis  Ewing 

True  host:  Clethrionomys  gapperi 

Secondary  and  accidental  hosts:  Microtus  chrotorrhinus , Napeozapus  in- 

signis,  Peromyscus  maniculatus , Blarina  brevicauda 
Counties:  8,  22,  42,  46,  48,  50 

Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state  where  its  host  occurs 
Epitedia  ( cavernicola  Traub?) 

From  Pennsylvania  to  Alabama,  Epitedia  cavernicola  occurs  as  a nest  para- 
site of  the  eastern  woodrat,  Neotoma  jlondana.  We  have  examined  one  female 
Epitedia  from  a woodrat,  collected  by  Daniel  Smiley  in  Ulster  county.  While 
it  does  not  agree  perfectly  with  E.  cavernicola,  it  is  obviously  not  E.  wenmanni, 
so  we  tentatively  assign  it  to  this  species  until  further  specimens  can  be 
secured.  It  is  possible  that  the  population  of  woodrats  in  eastern  New  York 
is  sufficiently  isolated  to  have  permitted  the  development  of  a distinct  species 
or  subspecies  of  flea. 

Host : Neotoma  jloridana 
County:  48 

Range  within  the  state:  Unknown.  Woodrats  occur  only  in  southeastern 

counties,  so  far  as  known. 

Epitedia  jaceta  (Rothschild) 

True  hosts:  Glaucomys  volans , G.  sabrinus 
Secondary  host:  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus 
Accidental  host:  Mustela  sp. 

Counties:  23,  26,  33,  42,  48 


148 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Range  within  the  state:  Probably  throughout  the  state;  it  is  rarely  col- 
lected, being  primarily  a nest  flea 

Epitedia  wenmanni  wenmanni  (Rothschild) 

Some  authorities  have  expressed  doubt  of  the  validity  of  the  division  of  this 
species  into  two  subspecies,  whose  distribution  is  unlike  that  of  any  other 
American  form.  However,  the  differences  in  the  male  genitalia  are  quite  dis- 
tinct, and  both  forms,  along  with  intergrades,  occur  along  a line  at  least  to 
the  Rocky  Mountains.  In  New  York,  the  nominate  subspecies  occupies  most 
of  the  state,  with  E.  w.  testor  occurring  in  Long  Island,  the  Hudson  valley 
as  far  north  as  Albany  county  and  Rensselaer  county.  The  type  locality  of 
testor  is  at  Lansingburg,  Rensselaer  county,  an  unfortunate  occurrence,  since 
intergrades  are  found  only  a few  kilometers  away. 

True  hosts:  Peromyscus  leucopus,  P.  maniculatus 

Secondary  hosts:  Microtus  pennsylvanicus , M.  chrotorrhinus,  Clethrionomys 
gapperi , Napeozapus  insignis,  Parascalops  breweri 

Accidental  hosts:  Didelphis  marsupialis,  Mustela  erminea,  Sylvilagus  sp., 

Urocyon  ciner  e oar  gent  eus 

Counties:  1,  4,  5,  7,  8,  19,  20,  22,  23,  28,  34,  35,  44,  46,  48,  51 

Range  within  the  state:  All  of  the  state  except  the  Hudson  valley  and  its 
tributaries  and  Long  Island 

Epitedia  wenmanni  testor  (Rothschild) 

True  host:  Peromyscus  leucopus 

Secondary  and  accidental  hosts:  Blarina  brevicauda,  Sorex  jumeus,  Clethri- 
onomys gapperi , Glaucomys  volans,  Mustela  sp. 

Counties:  23,  25,  26,  48,  61 

Range  within  the  state:  Hudson  valley  and  valleys  of  its  tributaries,  and 
Long  Island 

Corrodopsylla  hamiltoni  (Traub) 

True  host:  Cryptotis  parva 

Accidental  host:  Microtus  pennsylvanicus 

Counties:  35,  42 

Range  within  the  state:  The  true  host  is  known  from  the  lake  plain  of 
Lake  Erie  and  Lake  Ontario,  as  far  north  as  Oswego  county,  from  parts 
of  the  Finger  Lakes  region,  and  from  Long  Island.  The  flea  should  be 
expected  throughout  these  areas. 

Corrodopsylla  curvata  curvata  (Rothschild) 

True  hosts:  Shrews  of  the  genus  Sorex ; possibly  also  Blarina  brevicauda 

Accidental  host:  Zapus  hudsonius 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


149 


Counties:  1,  5,  12,  23,  26,  48,  50 

Range  within  the  state:  Probably  throughout  the  state,  though  possibly 

confined  to  higher  elevations  or  colder  sections 

Ctenophthalmus  pseudagyrtes  pseudagyrtes  Baker 

This  species  appears  to  be  completely  non-specific  in  its  choice  of  hosts, 
occurring  on  virtually  every  mammalian  species  in  the  area.  It  shows  some 
preference  for  rodents  and  insectivores,  carnivores  being,  perhaps,  accidental 
hosts. 

Hosts:  Sorex  fumeus,  S.  cinereus,  Blarina  brevicauda,  Condylura  cristata, 
Scalopus  aquaticus,  Parascalops  breweri,  Peromyscus  leucopus,  P.  manicu- 
latus,  Clethrionomys  gapperi,  Microtus  pennsylvanicus,  M.  chrotorrhinus, 
M.  pinetorum,  Synaptomys  cooperi,  Ondatra  zibethica,  Erethizon  dorsatum, 
Tamias  striatus,  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus,  Glaucomys  volans,  Rattus  nor- 
vegicus,  N apeozapus  insignis,  Sylvilagus  jloridanus,  Mustela  erminea,  M. 
frenata , Mephitis  mephitis,  Vulpes  fulva 

Counties:  1,  2,  4,  5,  7,  8,  9,  12,  17,  19,  21,  22,  23,  25,  26,  27,  28,  35, 
36,  40,  42,  46,  48,  50,  53,  61 

Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state,  though  scarce  or  absent  at 
the  highest  elevations 

Doratopsylla  blarinae  C.  Fox 

True  host:  Blarina  brevicauda 

Secondary  and  accidental  hosts:  Condylura  cristata,  Parascalops  breweri,  Sorex 
fumeus,  S.  dispar,  Microtus  pinetorum,  Peromyscus  leucopus,  Clethriono- 
mys gapperi,  N apeozapus  insignis,  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus 

Counties:  1,  4,  5,  7,  8,  17,  19,  20,  22,  23,  25,  26,  27,  35,  36,  42,  46,  48, 
50,  51,  61 

Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state 
Nearctopsylla  genalis  genalis  (Baker) 

The  taxonomy  of  this  genus  has  been  a point  of  disagreement  for  many 
years,  and  many  earlier  records  were  referred  to  N.  g.  laurentina. 

True  hosts:  Scalopus  aquaticus,  Parascalops  breweri,  Condylura  cristata, 

Blarina  brevicauda 

Secondary  and  accidental  hosts:  Sorex  fumeus,  Clethrionomys  gapperi, 

Synaptomys  cooperi 

Counties:  5,  8,  23,  25,  42,  48,  50,  61 

Range  within  the  state:  Probably  throughout  the  state.  No  specimens  have 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


been  taken  in  the  western  counties,  but  there  are  records  from  adjacent 
counties  in  western  Pennsylvania  (Plolland  and  Benton,  1968). 

Conor hino psylla  stanfordi  Stewart 

Although  the  type  specimen  was  found  on  the  red  squirrel,  this  species  is 
typically  a parasite  of  the  flying  squirrels,  Glaucomys  volans  and  G.  sabrinus. 
Its  rarity  in  collections  is  probably  due  to  the  fact  that  it  is  primarily  a nest 
flea,  seldom  staying  on  the  host  when  it  leaves  the  nest. 

True  hosts:  Glaucomys  volans , G.  sabrinus 

Secondary  hosts:  Sciurus  carolinensis,  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus 

Accidental  host:  Vulpes  julva 

Counties:  19,  23,  42,  48 

Range  within  the  state:  Unknown  at  present:  its  rarity  in  collections  makes 
it  impossible  to  determine  its  range  accurately 

FAMILY  CERATOPHYLLIDAE 

Ceratophyllus  diffinis  Jordan 

Jordan  (1937)  reported  this  species  from  “Long  Island,”  and  Parkes  (1954) 
collected  one  from  a robin  in  Hamilton  county,  but  Geary  (1959)  was  unaware 
of  these  earlier  records.  In  addition,  we  have  seen  two  females  from  Essex 
county,  in  the  collection  of  the  New  York  State  College  of  Environmental 
Science  and  Forestry,  and  one  in  our  own  collection  taken  from  a deer  mouse 
in  Franklin  county. 

True  hosts:  Hylocichla  ustulata,  Turdus  migratorius 
Accidental  host:  Peromyscus  maniculatus 
Counties:  2,  7,  8,  61  ( ? ) 

Range  within  the  state:  Unknown  at  present 

Ceratophyllus  gallinae  (Schrank) 

True  hosts:  G alius  gallus,  Passer  domesticus,  Troglodytes  aedon 
Accidental  hosts:  Tamias  striatus,  Canis  familiaris,  Homo  sapiens , Rattus 

norvegicus,  Peromyscus  maniculatus 
Counties:  8,  12,  15,  17,  20,  29,  35,  42,  47,  48,  50,  53,  61 
Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state 

Ceratophyllus  celsus  celsus  Jordan 

True  hosts:  Petrochelidon  pyrrhonota , Riparia  riparia 
Counties:  21,  25,  26 

Range  within  the  state:  Probably  wherever  cliff  swallows  nest,  although 

none  were  present  in  numerous  nests  from  Essex  county 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


151 


Ceratophyllus  idius  Jordan  and  Rothschild 

True  hosts:  Progne  subis,  Iridoprocne  bicolor 
Accidental  host:  Troglodytes  aedon 

Counties:  2,  4,  25,  21,  35 

Range  within  the  state:  Probably  throughout  the  state 

Ceratophyllus  styx  riparius  (Jordan  and  Rothschild) 

True  hosts:  Riparia  riparia,  Stelgidopteryx  rufipennis 

Secondary  and  accidental  hosts:  Hirundo  rustica,  Megaceryle  alcyon,  Sturnus 
vulgaris 

Counties:  2,  8,  18,  19,  21,  27,  35,  36,  42 
Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state 

Megabothris  acerbus  (Jordan) 

True  host:  Tamias  striatus 

Secondary  host:  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus 

Accidental  hosts:  Napeozapus  insignis,  Microtus  pennsylvanicus,  Sciurus 

carolinensis,  Marmota  monax,  Sylvilagus  floridanus 
Counties:  1,  5,  7,  8,  12,  19,  20,  23,  26,  27,  36,  42,  48 
Range  within  the  state:  The  true  host  occurs  throughout  the  state,  but  we 
have  made  or  examined  extensive  collections  in  several  counties  which 
failed  to  produce  this  species.  Apparently  ecological  factors  limit  its 
distribution 

Megabothris  asio  asio  (Baker) 

True  host:  Microtus  pennsylvanicus 
Secondary  host:  Microtus  chrotorrhinus 

Accidental  hosts:  Mustela  erminea,  Blarina  brevicauda,  Zapus  hudsonius , 
Synaptomys  cooperi,  Clethrionomys  gapperi,  Sylvilagus  floridanus,  Vulpes 
fulva 

Counties:  1,  4,  8,  17,  19,  20,  23,  25,  26,  27,  35,  42,  50,  53,  61 
Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state 

Megabothris  quirini  (Rothschild) 

Although  its  host  is  common  in  suitable  habitats  throughout  the  state,  this 
species  is  unaccountably  rare  in  western  counties.  The  species  was  also  absent 
from  extensive  collections  in  western  Pennsylvania  (Holland  and  Benton, 
1968).  A single  collection  from  a gray  fox  in  Livingston  county  is  the  only 
record  from  the  western  half  of  the  state. 

True  host:  Clethrionomys  gapperi 

Secondary  and  accidental  hosts:  Microtus  chrotorrhinus,  M.  pennsylvanicus, 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Peromyscus  leucopus,  P.  maniculatus,  N apeozapus  insignis,  Urocyon  cin- 
ereoargenteus 

Counties:  5,  7,  8,  26,  30,  46,  48,  50 

Range  within  the  state:  Would  be  expected  throughout  the  state,  but  see 
above 

Monopsyllus  vison  (Baker) 

True  hosts:  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus,  Tamias  striatus 
Accidental  hosts:  Mustela  vison,  M.  frenata,  Procyon  lotor,  Peromyscus 

maniculatus,  Vulpes  fulva 

Counties:  1,  2,  5,  7,  8,  9,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  26,  33,  36,  42 
Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state  except  for  Long  Island  and 
the  lower  Hudson  valley 

Nosopsyllus  jasciatus  (Bose) 

True  host:  Rattus  norvegicus 

Accidental  hosts:  Microtus  pennsylvanicus,  Mustela  frenata,  Vulpes  fulva, 
Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus,  Didelphis  marsupialis 
Counties:  19,  21,  25,  26,  35,  42,  56,  61 
Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state 

Orchopeas  caedens  durus  (Jordan) 

This  transcontinental  species  is  a northern  form,  and  has  thus  far  been 
taken  only  in  the  Adirondack  counties  in  this  state.  It  might  reasonably  be 
expected  in  the  high  Catskills  and  in  the  Alleghenies,  but  no  records  are  cur- 
rently available  from  these  areas. 

True  host:  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus 
Secondary  host:  Tamias  striatus 
Accidental  host : Peromyscus  maniculatus 
Counties:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8 

Range  within  the  state:  Adirondack  and  Tug  Hill  counties  at  elevations 
above  1000  feet 

Orchopeas  howardii  howardii  (Baker) 

True  hosts:  Sciurus  carolinensis,  S.  niger 

Secondary  hosts:  Tamias  striatus,  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus,  Glaucomys 

volans,  G.  sabrinus 

Accidental  hosts:  Blarina  brevicauda,  Procyon  lotor,  Urocyon  cinereoar- 

genteus,  Mustela  erminea,  M.  vison,  M.  frenata,  Didelphis  marsupialis, 
Myocastor  coypu,  Marmota  monax,  Peromyscus  maniculatus,  P.  leucopus, 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


153 


Synaptomys  cooperi,  Clethrionomys  gapperi,  Sylvilagus  floridanus,  Vulpes 
julva , Urocyon  ciner  e oar  gent  eus 

Counties:  1,  2,  4,  6,  7,  8,  9,  13,  19,  20,  22,  23,  25,  26,  33,  35,  36,  42, 
45,  47,  48,  49,  50,  53,  56,  61 

Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state  except  at  high  elevations 
where  its  principal  hosts  do  not  occur 

Orchopeas  leucopus  (Baker) 

True  hosts:  Peromyscus  leucopus,  P.  maniculatus 

Secondary  and  accidental  hosts:  Microtus  pennsylvanicus,  M.  pinetorum, 
Clethrionomys  gapperi , Neotoma  floridana,  Zapus  hudsonius,  N apeozapus 
insignis,  Tamias  striatus,  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus,  Marmota  monax, 
Sciurus  carolinensis,  Glaucomys  volans,  Didelphis  marsupialis,  Blarina 
brevicauda,  Mustela  erminea,  Urocyon  ciner  e oar  gent  eus,  Sylvilagus  flori- 
danus 

Counties:  1,  2,  3,  5,  7,  8,  12,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  25,  26,  27,  33, 
34,  35,  36,  42,  46,  47,  48,  49,  50,  51,  53,  61 
Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state 

Orchopeas  sexdentatus  pennsylvanicus  (Jordan) 

True  host:  Neotoma  floridana 
Counties:  48,  51 

Range  within  the  state:  Those  areas  of  southeastern  New  York  where  the 
wood  rat  occurs 

Opisodasys  pseudarctomys  (Baker) 

True  hosts:  Glaucomys  volans,  G.  sabrinus 

Secondary  and  accidental  hosts:  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus,  Marmota  monax 
Counties:  1,  6,  8,  21,  22,  23,  26,  42,  48 

Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state 

Oropsylla  arctomys  (Baker) 

True  host:  Marmota  monax 

Secondary  and  accidental  hosts:  Didelphis  marsupialis,  Vulpes  fulva,  Uroc- 
yon ciner  e oar  gent  eus , Mephitis  mephitis,  Canis  latrans,  Sylvilagus  flori- 
danus, Erethizon  dorsatum,  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus,  Dama  virginiana, 
Homo  sapiens 

Counties:  1,  2,  3,  4,  8,  10,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  30,  31, 
32,  33,  35,  36,  39,  42,  45,  47,  48,  49,  50,  51,  52,  53,  61 
Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


FAMILY  LEPTOPSYLLIDAE 

Leptopsylla  segnis  (Schonherr) 

The  only  records  of  this  species  are  very  old,  and  it  seems  unlikely  that 
there  is  any  permanent  population  in  the  state,  though  it  must  often  be  brought 
in  by  its  hosts. 

True  host:  Mus  musculus 
Secondary  host:  Rattus  norvegicus 
County:  56 

Range  within  the  state:  Thus  far  collected  only  in  New  York  City 

Peromyscopsylla  catatina  (Jordan) 

True  host:  Clethrionomys  gap  peri 

Secondary  hosts:  Microtus  chrotorrhinus , M.  pennsylvanicus 
Accidental  hosts:  Blarina  brevicauda , Parascalops  breweri 
Counties:  1,  5,  7,  8,  21,  23,  26,  42,  45,  46,  48,  50 

Range  within  the  state:  Probably  throughout  the  state,  although  not  yet 

taken  in  western  counties,  where  its  host  occurs 

Peromyscopsylla  hamijer  hamifer  (Rothschild) 

True  host:  Syria  ptomys  coo  peri 
County:  1 

Range  within  the  state:  Should  occur  on  Microtinae  throughout  the  state, 
but  evidently  has  precise  ecological  requirements  (Miller  and  Benton, 
1970) 

Peromyscopsylla  hesperomys  hesperomys  (Baker) 

True  hosts:  Peromyscus  leucopus,  P.  maniculatus 

Secondary  hosts:  Microtus  pennsylvanicus,  M.  chrotorrhinus,  Clethrionomys 
gap  peri,  Blarina  brevicauda 

Accidental  hosts:  Neotoma  jloridana,  Tamiasciurus  hudsonicus 
Counties:  4,  8,  12,  17,  19,  20,  22,  23,  26,  27,  35,  36,  40,  42,  46,  48,  50 
Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state  except  on  Long  Island,  where 
extensive  trapping  has  not  yet  revealed  it 

Peromyscopsylla  scotti  (I.  Fox) 

True  host:  Peromyscus  leucopus 

Secondary  and  accidental  hosts:  Blarina  brevicauda,  Microtus  pennsylvanicus 
Counties:  25,  42,  48,  61 

Range  within  the  state:  Long  Island  and  the  Hudson  valley,  with  an 

isolated  record  from  Tompkins  county;  apparently  has  precise  ecological 
requirements,  replacing  the  previous  species  in  appropriate  areas. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


155 


Odontopsyllus  multispinosus  (Baker) 

True  host:  Sylvilagus  floridanus 
County:  Suffolk 

Range  within  the  state:  Long  Island,  probably  lower  Hudson  valley 

FAMILY  ISCHNOPSYLLIDAE 

Nycteridopsylla  chapini  (Jordan) 

True  host:  Eptesicus  fuse  us 
County:  62 

Range  within  the  state:  Unknown;  its  host  occurs  throughout  the  state, 
but  this  flea  occurs  only  in  certain  types  of  caves 

Myodopsylla  insignis  (Rothschild) 

True  host:  Myotis  lueijugus 

Secondary  hosts:  Myotis  subulatus,  Eptesicus  juscus 

Counties:  7,  11,  20,  23,  33,  36,  42 

Range  within  the  state:  Throughout  the  state 

Hypothetical  List 

The  following  species  have  been  taken  from  states  or  provinces  adjacent  to 
New  York,  on  hosts  which  occur  in  New  York.  Thus  it  is  reasonable  to 
expect  that  they  may  eventually  be  found  within  the  state. 

PULICIDAE 

Hoplopsyllus  glacialis  lynx  (Baker).  Taken  in  Vermont  from  the  snowshoe 
hare,  Lepus  americanus 


HYSTRICHOPSYLLIDAE 

Rhadinopsylla  orama  Smit.  Taken  in  Pennsylvania  and  Connecticut  from  the 
pine  vole,  Microtus  pinetorum 

CERATOPHYLLIDAE 

Ceratophyllus  rossitensis  swansoni  (Liu).  Taken  in  Ontario,  Canada  from 
nests  of  the  crow,  Corvus  brachyrhynchos 

Ceratophyllus  garei  Rothschild.  Taken  in  Quebec,  Canada,  from  “eider  down,” 
which  probably  simply  means  a duck  nest.  It  occurs  in  dry  or  bulky  nests, 
most  often  on  the  ground. 

Literature  Cited 


Fox,  Carroll,  and  E.  C.  Sullivan.  1925.  A comparative  study  of  rat-flea  data  for 
several  seaports  of  the  United  States.  Publ.  Health  Repts.,  40:  1909-1934. 


156 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Fox,  I.  1940.  The  fleas  of  eastern  United  States.  Iowa  State  College  Press,  Ames,  Iowa. 
191  pp. 

Geary,  John  M.  1959.  The  fleas  of  New  York.  Cornell  Univ.  Agric.  Exp.  Sta.  Memoir 
3 55:  104  pp. 

Hall,  E.  Raymond,  and  Keith  Kelson.  1959.  The  mammals  of  North  America.  The 
Ronald  Press  Co.,  N.  Y.  Vol.  1 : 1-546;  Vol.  2:  547-1083. 

Holland,  G.  P.,  and  A.  H.  Benton.  1968.  Siphonaptera  from  Pennsylvania  mammals. 
Amer.  Midland  Naturalist,  80:  252-261. 

Hopkins,  G.  H.  E.,  and  Miriam  Rothschild.  1953-1971.  An  illustrated  catalogue  of  the 
Rothschild  collection  of  fleas  (Siphonaptera)  in  the  British  Museum  (Natural  His- 
tory). Vol.  1:  Tungidae  and  Pulicidae,  1953,  xv  -f-  361  pp.;  Vol.  2:  Vermipsyllidae 
to  Xiphiopsyllidae,  1956,  xi  -f-  560  pp.;  Vol.  3:  Hystrichopsyllidae  (in  part),  1961, 
ix  + 560  pp.;  Vol.  4:  Hystrichopsyllidae  (in  part),  1966,  viii  + 549  pp.;  Vol.  5: 
Leptopsyllidae  and  Ancistropsyllidae,  1971,  viii  + 530  pp.  British  Museum  Nat.  Hist., 
London. 

Jordan,  Karl.  1929.  On  a small  collection  of  Siphonaptera  from  the  Adirondacks  with 
a list  of  the  species  known  from  the  state  of  New  York.  Novit.  Zool.,  35:  168-177. 

. 1937.  On  some  North  American  Siphonaptera.  Novit.  Zool.,  40:  262-271. 

Miller,  Donald  H.,  and  Allen  H.  Benton.  1970.  Ecological  factors  in  the  distribution 
of  Peromyscopsylla  h.  hamifer  (Rothschild).  Amer.  Midland  Naturalist,  83:  301-303. 

Parkes,  Kenneth  C.  1954.  Notes  on  some  birds  of  the  Adirondack  and  Catskill  Moun- 
tains, New  York.  Annals  Carnegie  Mus.,  Art.  7:  178  pp. 

Sakaguti,  K.,  and  E.  W.  Jameson,  Jr.  1962.  The  Siphonaptera  of  Japan.  Bernice  P. 
Bishop  Mus.,  Pac.  Insects  Monograph  3 : 169  pp. 

Stewart,  M.  A.  1928.  Siphonaptera.  In  “A  list  of  the  insects  of  New  York,”  by  M.  D. 
Leonard.  Cornell  Univ.  Agric.  Exp.  Sta.  Memoir  101:  1868-1869. 

. 1933.  Revision  of  the  list  of  Siphonaptera  from  New  York  State.  J.  N.  Y. 

Entomol.  Soc.,  41:  253-262. 

Zeh,  John  B.  1973.  A survey  of  the  ectoparasitic  fauna  of  the  red  fox,  Vulpes  fulva 
(Desmarest)  and  the  gray  fox,  JJrocyon  cinereoargenteus  (Schreber).  Unpublished 
thesis,  State  Univ.  College,  Geneseo,  New  York:  71  pp. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


157 


Notes  on  the  Life  Cyele  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of 
El  Salvador.  I B. — Hamadryas  februa  (Nymphalidae-Hamadryadinae) 

Alberto  Muyshondt  and  Alberto  Muyshondt,  Jr. 

101  Ave.  N.  322,  San  Salvador,  El  Salvador 

Received  for  Publication  August  23,  1974 

Abstract:  Observations  carried  on  in  the  neighborhood  of  San  Salvador  since  1970  on 

eggs,  larvae,  pupae  and  adults  of  Hamadryas  februa  Hiibner  are  presented,  giving  an  ac- 
count of  the  early  stage  characteristics  and  developmental  times,  with  photographic  illus- 
trations. The  foodplants  of  this  and  related  species  are  recorded  for  El  Salvador.  The 
behavior  of  the  species  is  compared  with  the  behavior  of  other  local  and  South  American 
Hamadryas  spp.  emphasizing  the  progressive  change  from  solitary  to  gregarious  behavior 
which  the  whole  group  exhibits,  with  the  corresponding  adaptations  that  such  a change 
requires.  Impalatability  of  the  species  to  predators  is  suggested  by  the  larval  foodplant 
characteristics  and  the  typical  non-palatable  way  the  larvae  behave. 


This  is  the  first  article  of  a third  series  in  which  we  present  our  observations 
on  the  early  stages  and  adult  behavior  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador,  Central 
America.  Elsewhere  a first  series  has  been  presented  dealing  with  the  local 
Charaxinae,  and  in  this  same  journal  a second  on  the  Catonephelinae-Calli- 
corinae,  all  of  them  subfamilies  of  the  Nymphalidae.  Even  though  there  have 
been  earlier  descriptions  and  some  illustrations  of  the  early  stages  of  species 
belonging  to  this  group,  e.  g.  Muller’s  (1886)  and  Friihstorfer’s  (1916),  we 
expect  our  contribution  will  be  of  interest,  since  new  elements  are  presented. 

Our  studies  on  this  species  started  on  August  1st,  1970,  when  one  of  us 
(A.  M.,  Jr.)  while  walking  down  a road  bordering  pasturelands,  observed  a 
female  Hamadryas  februa  Hiibner  ovipositing  on  a vine,  near  the  village  of 
Zaragoza  (some  15  km  SSW  of  San  Salvador).  Some  eggs  were  collected  and 
eventually  two  adults  were  obtained  the  1st  and  2nd  of  September.  Since  then 
the  species  has  been  reared  from  the  egg  a number  of  times.  The  eggs  and 
larvae  have  been  put  in  transparent  plastic  bags,  fresh  leaves  of  the  foodplant 
have  been  supplied  every  three  days,  and  the  bags  cleaned  of  old  leaves  and 
frass  every  day  until  pupation.  The  pupae  were  transferred  to  a mosquito-net 
covered  cage  until  adults  emerged.  Measurements  of  each  stage  and  the  times 
elapsed  in  each  phase  were  recorded,  and  photos  taken  of  the  whole  process. 


Acknowledgments:  We  are  deeply  grateful  to  Dr.  Alexander  B.  Klots  for  dedicating  his 

time  to  read  and  criticize  this  paper  and  for  giving  his  valuable  advice  to  improve  it.  We 
are  thankful  also  to  Dr.  A.  H.  B.  Rydon  for  the  wealth  of  information  obtained  from 
his  correspondence  and  from  the  reference  material  kindly  supplied  by  him.  Our  gratitude 
also  to  Dr.  F.  D.  Rindge,  of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York,  for  de- 
termining many  of  the  species  mentioned  and  to  Dr.  C.  W.  Sabrosky,  of  the  USDA,  for 
determining  the  tachinid  parasite. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  157-169.  September,  1975. 


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During  the  development  of  the  larvae,  and  during  pupation,  the  bags  and  cage 
were  kept  at  all  times  under  ambient  light  and  temperature  conditions.  Sam- 
ples of  eggs,  larvae  in  the  different  instars  and  pupae  have  been  preserved  in 
alcohol  to  be  sent  to  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York, 
where  the  adults  were  determined. 

LIFE  CYCLE 

Egg.  Roughly  spherical  with  flattened  base  and  irregular  sculpturings ; white  when  recently 
deposited,  darkening  before  hatching  in  5 days.  About  1 mm. 

First  instar  larva.  Head  faintly  cordiform,  naked,  shiny  black.  Body  cylindrical,  brown  with 
scattered  white  tubercles,  legs  and  prolegs  dark  brown.  About  2.5  mm  when  recently 
hatched,  4 mm  in  3 days  when  ready  to  moult. 

Second  instar  larva.  Head  shiny  black  with  tiny  white  spines  on  anterior  and  lateral  areas 
of  epicrania,  sparse  short  setae  on  frons  and  thick,  short  horns  on  epicranial  apices.  The 
horns  are  armed  basally  by  4 tiny  spines,  and  thicken  distally.  Body  brown  with  transverse 
rows  of  furcated  spines,  very  short  and  alternately  dark  and  light  colored.  About  7 mm 
before  moulting  in  3-5  days. 

Third  instar  larva.  Head  black  with  two  long  black  spines  laterally  and  several  light  and 
short  spines  anterad  and  between  the  base  of  the  long  and  slender  horns  (about  three  times 
as  long  as  head),  which  show  basally  two  short  accessory  spines  directed  forward,  two 
longer  spines  a little  higher  on  the  horn  shaft  and  directed  outwards,  and  about  the  middle 
of  the  horn  shaft  still  two  other  longer  spines  directed  inwards.  The  horns  are  each  armed 
distally  with  a spiny  sphere  with  short  setae.  Body  black  with  a longitudinal,  broken, 
orange  stripe  supraventrally,  and  a profusion  of  black,  forked  spines  arranged  in  the 
following  order:  on  first  thoracic  segment  (T-l)  a black  cervical  shield  with  two  short 

white  spines,  one  long  black  forked  spine  supraspiracularly  and  a shorter  black  simple  spine 
subspiracularly ; on  T-2,  a 5-forked  black  spine  subdorsally,  a 4-forked  supraspiracular  spine 
and  a simple  spine  supraspiracularly;  on  T-3  a prominent  5-forked  subdorsal  spine,  a 4- 
forked  supraspiracular  spine  and  a simple  spine  subspiracularly.  On  first  abdominal  segment 
(A-l)  a dorsal  3-forked  spine,  a subdorsal  4-forked  spine,  a supraspiracular  simple  spine, 
a subspiracular  3 -forked  spine,  a supraventral  simple  spine  and  finally  a simple  spine  in 
line  with  legs  and  prolegs;  A-2  presents  one  5-forked  dorsal  spine,  a 5-forked  subdorsal 
spine,  a 3-forked  supraspiracular  spine,  a 3-forked  subspiracular  spine  sided  by  a simple 
spine,  supraventrally  one  simple  spine  and  two  simple  spines  in  line  with  prolegs.  From 
A-3  to  A-6,  a 3-forked  spine  dorsally,  a 4-forked  subdorsal  spine,  a 3-forked  supraspiracular 
spine,  a 3 -forked  subspiracular  spine  sided  by  a simple  spine,  and  a row  of  3 simple  spines 
over  the  proleg.  A-7  as  A-6  but  with  two  dorsal  forked  spines  (one  behind  the  other), 
the  first  one  similar  to  the  preceding  ones,  the  second  twice  as  big  and  4-forked.  A-8,  as 
A-6  but  with  only  one  dorsal,  prominent,  5-forked  spine  deflected  posterad.  A-9  has  only 
two  lateral  5-forked  spines  directed  posterad.  Grows  to  12  mm  in  3-4  days. 

Fourth  instar  larva.  Head  as  in  third  instar  with  longer  horns.  Body  as  in  third  instar  also, 
but  with  several  yellow,  longitudinal,  broken  lines  dorsally  and  subdorsally,  and  orange 
spots  between  dorsal  and  subdorsal  spines.  Subspiracular  and  supraventral  spines  light 
colored,  the  rest  black.  Grows  to  18-20  mm  in  4-5  days. 

Fifth  instar  larva.  Head,  when  recently  moulted,  red,  turning  usually  to  black  after  a time. 
Body  mostly  black  with  light  green  spines,  and  six  yellow,  longitudinal,  thin  stripes  from 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


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Figs.  1-6.  Hamadryas  februa  Hiibner.  1.  Egg,  about  1 mm.  2.  First  instar  larva,  3.5  mm. 
3.  Second  instar  larva,  6 mm.  4.  Third  instar  larva,  12  mm.  5.  Fourth  instar  larva,  18  mm. 
6.  Fifth  instar  larva,  30  mm. 


thorax  to  abdominal  tip,  located  one  at  either  side  of  each  row  of  spines;  two  orange  spots 
at  either  side  of  abdominal  median  spine.  At  times  during  this  instar,  some  individuals 
keep  the  head  red  permanently.  When  this  occurs,  body  shows  a reduction  of  the  basic 
black  color,  which  is  substituted  by  orange.  Subdorsal  spines  prominent,  especially  T-2,  T-3 
and  A-2,  where  they  have  developed  a number  of  small  accessory  spines  on  the  shaft  of 
the  scolus.  The  same  happens  on  the  dorsal  spines  A-7  and  A-8.  Grows  to  30-32  mm  in 
4-6  days. 

Pre-pupa.  Considerably  shorter  than  5th  instar  and  showing  a notable  discoloration  of  the 
darker  shades.  In  the  case  of  the  “orange”  morph,  becomes  almost  solid  orange.  Hangs 
incurved  during  1 day. 

Pupa.  Variable  in  color,  depending  on  individuals:  some  are  light  brown,  some,  greenish- 
brown,  some,  reddish-brown,  with  darker  touches  dorsally  and  fine,  vein-like  lines  of  darker 
shade  ventrally  on  wingcases.  The  body  thickens  gradually  from  the  flat  cremaster  to  the 
posterior  end  of  the  wingcases,  which  point  is  the  thickest  part  of  the  body,  then  has  a 
dorsal  and  lateral  concavity,  then  thickens  again  laterally  and  forms  a slightly  keeled  hump 
dorsally.  From  there  the  body  narrows  down  to  the  head,  which  terminates  in  two  flat, 
partly  fused,  then  diverging,  prolongations,  which  follow  the  longitudinal  axis  of  the  body, 


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Figs.  7-8.  Hamadryas  februa  Hiibner.  7.  Pupa,  lateral  view,  30  mm.  long.  8.  Pupa, 
ventral  view. 


being  about  % of  the  total  length  of  the  body.  Ventrally  three  small  warts  are  noticeable 
along  either  side  of  the  antenna-cases.  Measures  about  30  mm  long  by  8.5  mm  laterally 
and  7.5  mm  dorso-ventrally  at  widest  points.  Durations  6-9  days. 

Adults.  No  sexual  dimorphism  has  been  noticed  in  this  species.  Forewing  shape:  costal 

margin  slightly  convex,  rounded  apex,  almost  straight  but  sinuose  outer  margin  directed  a 
little  inwards,  rounded  tornus  and  straight  inner  margin.  Hindwing:  almost  straight  costal 
margin,  rounded  outer  angle  continuing  in  a convex  and  faintly  sinuose  outer  margin, 
rounded  anal  angle  and  straight,  folded  inner  margin. 

Color  dorsally,  dominantly  light  grayish-brown,  lighter  towards  forewing  apical  zone, 
with  darker  brown,  sinuose,  broken  lines  and  a few  circles,  forming  all  a very  complicated, 
practically  undescribable  pattern.  Ventrally  mostly  whitish-gray  with  fewer  dark  brown 
markings  and  circles  in  both  wings  distally,  more  so  in  front  wings.  Faint  orange  and 
yellow  bordering  basally  the  crescent  shaped  spots  in  the  two  circles  closer  to  anal  angle. 
Wingspan  averages  65  mm  in  males,  72  mm  in  females.  Complete  metamorphosis  took 
from  29  to  38  days. 


NATURAL  HISTORY 

The  females  of  Hamadryas  februa  search  for  the  foodplant  along  low  brushed, 
open  land,  flying  close  to  the  ground  in  the  neighborhood  of  wooded  areas, 
until  one  vine  is  located.  A mature  leaf  is  chosen  where  the  female  alights, 
usually  on  its  underside,  and  one  egg  is  deposited  around  the  middle  of  the 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


161 


Figs.  9-12.  Hamadryas  februa  Hiibner.  9 and  10.  Male,  dorsal  and  ventral  sides. 
11  and  12.  Female,  dorsal  and  ventral  sides.  Black  bar  10  mm. 


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Figs.  13-17.  Hamadryas  jebrua  Hiibner.  Sequence  showing  phases  of  emergence  of  adult. 


leaf.  Several  eggs  are  thus  deposited  on  the  same  plant.  It  is  not  unusual 
that  two  eggs  are  laid  one  on  top  of  the  other  by  the  same  female  (and 
eventually  three),  but  never  have  we  seen  the  same  female  deposit  two  eggs 
side  by  side  on  the  same  leaf.  In  some  instances  the  female  alights  on  top  of 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


163 


Figs.  18-20.  Hamadryas  februa  Hiibner.  Sequence  showing  gradual  expansion  of  wings 
following  emergence  of  adult. 


a leaf  to  oviposit.  When  this  occurs,  the  female  moves  near  the  edge  of  the 
leaf,  and  incurving  the  abdomen,  deposits  one  egg  on  the  underside  of  the 
leaf,  close  to  the  border. 

The  tiny  larvae,  upon  hatching,  eat  from  the  eggshell  just  an  exit  hole, 
located  at  the  side  of  it,  and  leave  the  rest  untouched.  They  then  move  to  the 
edge  of  the  leaf  and  start  feeding  around  a vein  (usually  at  the  apex),  baring 
it.  The  larvae  prolong  the  vein  affixing  to  it  their  own  small  frass  pellets  using 
their  silk  as  agglutinant.  Quite  often  first,  and  eventually  second  instar  larvae, 
are  found  with  several  excrement  pellets  adhering  to  their  own  bodies.  This 
behavior  might  serve  a double  purpose:  camouflage  and  reserve  of  materials 
to  lengthen  the  resting  vein  when  needed.  First  and  second  instar  larvae  are 
seen  through  the  daylight  period  resting  on  their  prolonged  veins,  motionless, 
head  pointing  outwards.  They  only  move  back  to  the  leaf,  late  in  the  afternoon 
to  feed  on  it.  From  third  instar  on,  the  larvae  abandon  their  perch  and  move 
slowly  about  the  plant,  on  the  upper  surface  of  the  leaves,  weaving  a foothold 
of  silk  as  they  crawl,  but  staying  motionless  most  of  the  time,  with  the  third 
thoracic  segment  humped  and  the  head  bent  so  as  to  place  the  horns  parallel 
to  the  leaf  surface.  It  is  not  unusual  to  find  more  than  one  larva  on  the  same 
leaf,  but  no  interaction  has  been  noticed  even  when  they  accidentally  come  in 
contact.  If  the  larvae  are  prodded  with  a blunt  object,  or  teased  with  a thin 
flexible  one,  they  end  by  striking  with  their  horns.  When  ready  to  enter 
pupation,  which  is  announced  by  a shortening  and  decoloration  of  the  body, 


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the  larva  weaves  a mat  of  silk  usually  around  a thin  twig  of  the  foodplant, 
but  at  times  under  a leaf,  cleans  the  digestive  tract  and  hangs  from  the  silken 
mat  by  its  anal  prolegs  with  head  and  thorax  incurved.  After  a day  the  larval 
skin  splits  dorsally  behind  the  head  and  after  many  body  contractions  the 
larval  skin  is  shed  and  the  cremaster  anchored  firmly  by  actively  wiggling.  At 
first  the  capital  prolongations  are  limply  apposed  to  the  thorax,  but  after  a 
few  minutes  they  expand  forward  and  position  themselves  along  the  longi- 
tudinal axis  of  the  body,  fusing  together  their  midpart,  separated  at  the  base 
and  diverging  from  each  other  at  the  tips.  The  pupae,  usually  hanging  straight 
down,  wiggle  laterally  and  violently  when  molested.  Their  wiggling  lasts  a few 
seconds  and  they  then  stay  bent  to  one  side  or  the  other  for  a long  period  of 
time  afterwards.  The  cremaster  of  this  species  (and  other  related  species  of 
the  genus),  has  a flattened  base,  somewhat  as  in  Catonephelinae,  so  that  it  is 
rigidly  applied  to  the  silk  button.  When  the  twig  is  turned  upside  down,  the 
pupa  turns  with  it  staying  standing  upwards,  straight  or  bent  to  one  side. 
The  day  the  adult  is  ready  to  emerge,  the  pupa  becomes  dark  gray  and  the 
pattern  of  the  wing  colors  is  visible  through  the  pupashell. 

The  adults  rapidly  emerge  from  the  pupashell  and  hang  from  it  ejecting  a 
reddish  meconium  and  unfolding  their  wings,  which  are  held  close  together 
until  rigid.  It  is  after  their  first  flight  that  they  learn  to  keep  them  spread 
open  most  of  the  time.  The  adults  of  Hamadryas  jebrua  fly  actively  in,  or  in 
the  neighborhood  of,  wooded  areas,  from  about  500  to  1500  m altitude  mostly, 
alighting  on  tree  trunks  with  their  wings  spread  open  and  tightly  hugging  the 
tree  surface,  where  their  gray  and  brown  complicated  pattern  merges  perfectly 
with  the  lichen  growths  which  spatter  the  bark.  Males  can  produce  a peculiar 
loud  clicking  sound  as  they  fly  when  meeting  other  males  in  flight  near  their 
chosen  tree,  and  after  an  interchange  of  excited  and  repeated  click-clicks  plus 
many  swift  circumvolutions,  without  actually  coming  in  contact,  the  intruder 
is  chased  and  the  defendant  goes  back  to  rest  on  his  lookout,  most  commonly 
with  the  head  down.  This  clicking  sound,  combined  with  the  aggressive  flight, 
is  used  also  to  pursue  other  approaching  butterflies  of  diverse  species,  and 
even  dogs,  as  per  repeated  observations  of  one  of  us  (A.  M.,  Jr.).  The  adults 
in  our  cages  keep  their  wings  folded  at  night.  In  the  fields  we  have  seen  indi- 
viduals resting  among  shrub  leaves  with  their  wings  folded  also,  but  when 
alerted  by  the  sound  or  the  shadow  of  the  observer  they  immediately  spread 
them  open.  When  the  adults  come  to  the  ground  to  feed  on  fermenting  fruits, 
(mangoes,  guayavas,  rubber-tree  fruit,  etc.)  they  sometimes  keep  their  wings 
open,  but  at  other  times  the  wings  are  folded.  When  they  feed  at  wounds  on 
tree-trunks,  the  wings  are  always  kept  spread.  We  have  not  noticed  the  males’ 
clicking  sound  when  they  court  females,  although  there  is  a lot  of  chasing 
around. 

The  preferred  local  larval  foodplant,  Dalechampia  scandens  L.  and  the  very 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


165 


seldom  used  alternate  foodplant,  Tragia  volubilis  L.  are  scandent  vines  belong- 
ing to  the  Euphorbiaceae,  and  both  have  urticant  properties  when  touched 
with  the  back  of  the  hand.  Either  plant  is  used  by  other  local  species  of  but- 
terflies as  larval  food.  Dalechampia  besides  at  least  two  other  species  of 
Hamadryas,  (probably  all  of  them),  is  used  by  Dynamine  spp.,  Catonephele 
nyctimus  Westwood  and  Mestra  amymone  Menetries.  Tragia  is  used  by  Biblis 
hyperia  Cramer,  Mestra  amymone  and  Dynamine  spp. 

The  Dalechampia  scandens  vine  has  coarse,  slightly  pubescent,  alternate, 
petiolate,  tri-lobate  and  cordate  at  the  base  of  the  leaves;  the  flower  is  monoe- 
cious, apetalous,  with  3 long  stemmed  pistils  surrounded  by  a host  of  short 
stemmed  stamens,  inside  two  tri-lobed  bracts.  The  schizocarpous  fruits  split 
into  three  carpels,  each  bearing  one  black  and  brown  seed.  The  fruits  are 
surrounded  by  long  and  thin  segments  covered  by  a profusion  of  sharp,  fulvous 
spinulets,  which  penetrates  the  skin  at  the  faintest  touch. 

The  Tragia  volubilis  vine  shows  alternate,  petiolate,  conspicuously  dentate, 
densely  pubescent,  shallowly  cordate,  long  leaves.  The  flowers  grow  in  racemes, 
and  are  small,  apetalous  and  produce  3-lobate  capsules. 

Both  plants  grow  on  sunny  ground,  in  low  brushed  habitats  near  ravines, 
road  fences  and  abandoned  pieces  of  land,  mostly  near  wooded  areas  or  coffee 
plantations.  We  have  found  them  from  about  500  m to  about  1500  m altitude. 
People  use  them  for  folklore  medicine. 

DISCUSSION 

The  butterflies  pertaining  to  this  group  have  been  called  at  different  times 
by  different  authors  Peridromia  (Boisduval,  1836),  Ageronia  (Hiibner,  1810) 
and  Hamadryas  (Hiibner,  1806),  as  per  information  supplied  by  Dr.  A.  H.  B. 
Rydon  (personal  communication).  We  use  the  last,  which  is  the  older  of  the 
three,  even  if  according  to  Hemming  (1967)  all  three  are  available  generic 
names. 

We  are  aware  of  at  least  two  authors  describing  the  early  stages  of  several 
species  belonging  to  this  group  (Muller,  1886  and  Friihstorfer,  1916),  under 
the  name  of  Ageronia.  They  mention  as  foodplants  for  the  species  they  de- 
scribe, other  species  of  Dalechampia.  Still,  to  our  knowledge,  this  is  the  first 
description  with  photographic  illustrations  of  Hamadryas  februa. 

Modern  authors  usually  lump  the  genus  Hamadryas  within  the  Nymphalidae, 
whether  in  the  subfamily  Ergolinae  (Klots,  1960);  in  the  tribe  Ergolini  of  the 
subfamily  Nymphalinae  (Ehrlich  & Ehrlich,  1961);  or  under  the  subfamily 
Hamadryadinae  (Ebert,  1969).  If  we  were  to  follow  the  rule  of  thumb,  which 
uses  egg  characteristics  to  separate  the  families,  we  would  advocate  a family 
status  for  this  group,  as  was  done,  using  various  nominations,  by  several 
authors:  Seitz  (1915),  group  K,  Ageronidae,  which  was  first  used  by  Double- 
day in  1847,  and  Peridromiidae  used  by  Boisduval  in  1836,  the  latter  thus 


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having  priority.  The  egg  shape  of  the  butterflies  of  the  group  is  quite  different 
from  any  other  egg  of  the  local  butterflies.  The  larvae  also  are  easily  recog- 
nized, from  the  third  instar  on,  just  by  examining  the  horns  of  their  head. 
The  pupae,  even  if  there  are  differences  in  the  shape  of  the  head  prolongations 
and  the  colors  between  the  several  species  we  have  seen,  are  easily  identified  as 
Hamadryas  upon  seeing  them  on  account  of  their  peculiar  shape. 

The  females  of  H.  jebrua  and  its  close  relative  H.  guatemalena  have  the 
same  ovipositing  behavior:  they  usually  lay  one  egg  at  a time,  but  quite  often 
two,  and  seldom  even  three  are  deposited  one  on  top  of  the  other.  According 
to  Muller  (1886)  (observations  on  one  undetermined  species  of  Ageronia  and 
on  A.  arete  Doubleday)  some  species  deposit  one  egg  exclusively  at  a time. 
His  own  observations  on  A.  fornax  were  that  this  species  forms  a single  string 
of  several  eggs,  one  under  the  other,  so  that  the  whole  string  hangs  perpen- 
dicularly from  the  underside  of  the  leaf.  Our  own  observations  (and  Muller’s 
as  well)  on  H.  amphinome  show  that  the  eggs  of  this  species  are  also  deposited 
on  long  strings,  forming  groups  of  3 to  6 strings.  It  is  our  feeling  that  this 
group  of  species  ( Hamadryas  spp.)  is  a living  example  of  how  natural  selection 
operates:  some  of  the  species  still  have  solitary  behavior  {arete) ; some  are 
in  the  very  process  of  changing  from  solitary  to  gregarious  behavior  {jebrua 
and  guatemalena );  one  has  partially  adopted  it,  forming  small  groups  of  5 to 
10  individuals  {fornax)  and  another  {amphinome)  has  fully  adopted  gregari- 
ousness, with  groups  up  to  45  individuals.  Ford  (1945)  states:  “the  gregarious 
habit,  determined  by  the  method  of  egg-laying,  is  exceptional  and  carries  with 
it  certain  noteworthy  adaptations.”  We  feel  that  before  the  egg-laying  method 
can  lead  the  species  to  gregarious  behavior,  there  must  be  a prerequisite  sine 
qua  non  in  the  larval  behavior:  the  larvae  must  first  abandon  the  habit  of 
devouring  the  eggshell  upon  hatching.  If  that  condition  did  not  pre-exist  to 
the  oviposition  in  clusters,  the  first  individual  hatched  could  destroy  at  least 
some,  if  not  many,  of  the  adjacent  eggs  of  the  same  group,  as  is  the  case  in 
solitary  species  of  Lepidoptera,  such  as  Heliothis  zea , when  several  females 
deposit  one  egg  each  on  the  silks  of  a single  corn-ear  and  the  first  larva  hatched 
dispose  of  many  eggs  close  by  and  even  later  larvae,  (personal  observations). 
We  have  noticed  that  this  necessary  trait  of  eating  just  an  exit  hole  from  the 
eggshell  is  existent  in  all  the  local  species  with  gregarious  behavior  that  we 
have  reared:  Battus  polydamas  L.,  B.  laodamas  Felder,  Papilio  anchisiades 
idaeus  Fabr.  (Papilionidae) ; Chlosyne  spp.,  Phyciodes  spp.,  Microtia  elva 
Bates,  Thesalia  theona  Menetries  (Melitaeinae) ; Actinote  spp.  (Acraeinae) ; 
Mechanitis  isthmia  isthmia  Bates  (Ithomiidae) ; Caligo  memnon  Felder 
(Brassolidae) ; Manataria  maculata  Hopff.  (Satyridae  ?);  Dione  juno  hua- 
scama  Reakirt  (Muyshondt,  Young  & Muyshondt,  1973)  (Heliconiidae) ; 
Gynaecia  dirce  L.  (Coloburinae) ; Theritas  lisus  (Stoll)  (Lycaenidae)  and 
Hamadryas  amphinome  L.  In  all  of  these  species  the  hatching  larvae  eat 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


167 


just  an  exit  from  the  micropylar  zone  of  the  egg.  The  exception  is  H . am- 
phinome,  which  cuts  it  from  the  side  of  the  egg,  which  is  of  great  importance 
as  the  eggs  are  deposited  one  on  top  of  the  other,  not  side  by  side  as  the 
others  do.  The  same  characteristic  of  not  eating  the  eggshell  has  also  been 
adopted  by  several  species,  which,  if  not  strictly  gregarious,  have  learned  to 
live  in  a loose  community  without  bellicose  interaction,  as  a result  of  the  need 
of  ovipositing  on  such  restricted  areas  of  the  plant  as  the  tender  shoots.  Even 
if  the  females  lay  only  a single  egg  per  location,  several  females  often  visit 
the  same  plant  and  thence  a number  of  eggs  from  several  females  are  accu- 
mulated within  a very  small  area.  In  this  group  we  mention:  Dircenna  klugii 
Geyer,  Hyposcada  virginiana  nigricosta  Forbes  & Fox,  Tithorea  harmonia 
salvadores  Staudinger,  Hymenitis  oto  oto  Hewitson  (Ithomiidae) ; Narope 
cyllastros  testaceae  Godman  & Salvin  (Brassolidae),  all  the  local  species  of 
Heliconiidae  (except  Dione  juno , which  is  gregarious),  all  the  local  species  of 
Danaidae  (except  Anetia  tkirsa , which  we  have  been  unable  to  rear) ; Precis 
genoveva  Stoll,  Anartia  jatima  Fab.,  A.  jatrophae  luteipicta  Friih.,  Hypanartia 
lethe  Fab.  (which  at  times  deposits  one  egg  on  top  of  another  also,  as  per 
own  observations)  (Nymphalidae) ; Biblis  hyperia  Cramer  (Biblinae);  Mar - 
pesia  spp.  (Marpesiinae) ; Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  Godman  & Salvin  (Muy- 
shondt,  1974  a)  (Catonephelinae) ; Dynamine  spp.  and  several  species  of 
Adelpha  (some  Adelpha  very  occasionally  deposit  one  egg  on  top  of  another 
also)  (Limenitinae),  and  many  species  of  Pieridae  and  Lycaenidae.  All  of 
these  eat  the  exit  hole  from  the  eggshell,  and  at  the  most  consume  a small 
portion  of  its  wall.  Still  there  are  other  species  which  do  not  devour  the  egg- 
shell, but  have  not  acquired  the  tolerance  towards  other  individuals  and  main- 
tain strict  individualistic  behavior  as  larvae,  fighting  when  coming  in  contact 
with  a neighboring  one,  with  often  fatal  results  to  one  or  the  other. 

The  adaptation  of  not  feeding  on  the  eggshell  mentioned,  is  more  remarkable 
in  Hamadryas  februa,  H.  guatemalena,  Hipanartia  lethe  and  some  Adelpha  sp. 
where  two  or  more  eggs  are  deposited  one  on  top  of  the  other,  as  they  make 
the  exit  hole  through  the  side  of  the  eggshell,  which  is  very  important  to  pre- 
vent damage  for  the  egg  on  top.  When  two  or  three  eggs  are  thus  laid,  the 
ensuing  larvae  might  at  times  be  found  living  in  the  same  leaf,  even  if  each 
one  has  made  its  own  perch,  until  the  last  instar.  However  they  pupate 
separately. 

The  habit  of  baring  a vein  and  prolonging  it  with  excrement  pellets  (a 
characteristic  shared  with  several  other  Nymphalidae)  is  shown  only  by  the 
species  of  Hamadryas  which  deposit  the  eggs  singly  (occasionally  in  twos  and 
threes).  This  habit  has  been  lost  by  the  gregarious  Hamadryas , which  have 
developed  in  place  of  the  cryptical  defense  against  predation  that  characterizes 
individualistic  species,  a rather  unpleasant  odor,  enhanced  by  the  multitude  of 
larvae  living  in  community,  plus  an  irritable  temperament  which  causes  the 


168 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


whole  congregation  to  wiggle  convulsively  at  the  faintest  provocation.  These 
peculiarities  are  evidently  some  of  the  “noteworthy  adaptations”  Ford  (1945) 
refers  to,  that  the  gregarious  species  have  gone  through. 

The  need  to  conceal  themselves  shown  by  first  and  second  instar  larvae  of 
H . februa  as  a defense  against  predation  seems  to  cease  being  indispensable 
to  their  survival  when  they  reach  the  third  stadium,  as  evidenced  by  the 
desertion  of  their  resting  place  and  crawling  openly  on  the  leaves.  This  un- 
concerned exposure  of  themselves  seems  to  indicate  that  a new  means  of 
protection  against  predation  has  been  acquired  in  the  meantime.  Since  their 
foodplants  are  Dalechampia  scandens  (and  Tragia  volubilis ) Euphorbiaceae, 
which  are  renown  as  containing  considerable  amounts  of  fluids  with  poisonous 
or  very  caustic  properties  in  many  cases,  it  would  not  be  too  daring  to  deduce 
that  H.  februa  larvae  derive  from  their  foodplant  predator-deterrent  qualities, 
which  take  some  time  to  become  effective  (the  time  to  reach  third  stadium). 
Another  factor  sustaining  this  notion  is  the  fact  that  the  species  is  subject  to 
massive  parasitism,  mostly  by  Tachinidae.  Muyshondt  (1973  a,  b,  1974,  1975) 
has  pointed  out  the  apparent  relationship  which  exists  between  parasites  and 
chemically  protected  larvae,  and  the  behavior  of  the  early  stages  and  adults. 
Specimens  of  one  tachinid  sent  to  the  USDA  was  determined  by  Dr.  C.  W. 
Sabrosky  as  “Tachinidae — Gen.  sp. — intermediate  Eryciinae  and  Sturniini”  with 
the  comment:  “Odd  species!!”.  We  have  obtained  up  to  4 parasites  out  of  a 
single  larva  or  pupa. 

Even  if  these  factors  suggest  impalatability,  the  adult  color  pattern  can  be 
considered  a very  effective  camouflage  when  they  are  perched  on  the  sides  of 
tree-trunks  with  the  wings  spread  open.  They  seem  to  have  thus  a dual  de- 
fense mechanism:  chemical  and  cryptic. 

One  of  Muller’s  observations  (mentioned  also  by  Seitz)  has  failed  to  prove 
true  in  our  experience.  Muller  states  that  the  pupae  of  several  Ageronia- 
Hamadryas  in  his  experience  are  light-sensitive,  and  would  bend  their  bodies 
to  one  side  or  the  other  depending  on  the  direction  of  the  sunlight.  We  have 
tried  several  times,  at  different  hours  of  the  day,  to  induce  a reaction  from 
many  pupae  of  various  species  of  Hamadryas,  including  februa,  exposing  them 
to  direct  sunlight,  then  masking  the  light,  for  various  periods  of  time,  with 
negative  results.  What  we  have  noticed  is  that  upon  the  slightest  disturbance 
the  pupae  violently  wiggle  laterally  for  a short  time,  and  then  stop  moving 
with  the  body  bent  to  one  side  or  the  other,  which  position  is  kept  for  long 
periods  of  time  afterwards. 


Literature  Cited 

Ebert,  H.  1969.  On  the  frequency  of  butterflies  in  Eastern  Brasil  with  a list  of  the 
butterfly  fauna  of  Poqos  de  Caldas,  Minas  Gerais.  Jour.  Lep.  Soc.,  23,  Suppl.  3. 
Ehrlich,  P.  R.  and  A.  H.  Ehrlich.  1961.  How  to  know  the  butterflies.  Wm.  C.  Brown 
Co.  Publishers.  Dubuque,  Iowa. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


169 


Ford,  E.  B.  1945.  Butterflies.  Collins,  London. 

Fruhstorfer.  1916.  In  Seitz’s  Macrolepidoptera  of  the  World.  Vol.  5.  Stuttgart. 
Hemming,  F.  1967.  Generic  names  of  the  butterflies  and  their  type-species.  Bull.  Br. 
Mus.  Nat.  Hist.  (Ent.),  Suppl.  9. 

Klots,  A.  B.  1960.  A field  guide  to  the  butterflies.  Riverside  Press.  Cambridge,  Mass. 
Muller,  W.  1886.  Siidamerikanische  Nymphalidenraupen.  Versuch  eines  naturlichen 
Systems  der  Nymphaliden.  Zoologische  Jahrbuch.  453-461. 

Muyshondt,  A.  1973a.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El 
Salvador.  Ill  A. — Temenis  laothde  liberia  Fabricius  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae) . 
Jour.  N.  Y.  Ent.  Soc.  81:  224-233. 

. 19736.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

IV  A.  Pseudonica  flavilla  canthara  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae).  Jour.  N.  Y.  Ent. 
Soc.  81:  234-242. 

. 1974.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

V A. — Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae).  Jour.  N.  Y.  Ent.  Soc. 
82:  163-172. 

. 1975.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

VI  A. — Diaethria  astala  Guerin  (Nymphalidae-Callicorinae) . Jour.  N.  Y.  Ent.  Soc.  83: 
10-18. 

, A.  M.  Young  and  A.  Muyshondt,  Jr.  1973.  The  biology  of  the  butterfly  Dione 

juno  huascama  (Nymphalidae-Heliconiinae)  in  El  Salvador.  Jour.  N.  Y.  Ent.  Soc. 
81:  137-151. 

Seitz,  A.  1915.  Macrolepidoptera  of  the  World.  Vol.  5.  Stuttgart. 


170 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Notes  on  the  Life  Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of 
El  Salvador.  II  B. — -Hamadryas  guatemalena  Bates 
( Nymplialidae-Hamadryadinae  ) 

Alberto  Muyshondt  and  Alberto  Muyshondt,  Jr. 

101  Ave.  N.  #322,  San  Salvador,  El  Salvador 

Received  for  Publication  October  1,  1974 

Abstract:  Observations  on  the  adults  and  early  stages  of  Hamadryas  guatemalena  Bates 
have  been  carried  out  in  the  vicinity  of  San  Salvador,  El  Salvador,  for  a period  of  4 years. 
In  this  article  the  results  are  presented  for  the  first  time,  with  a detailed  account  of  the 
life  cycle,  illustrated  with  photographs,  of  the  larval  behavior  and  the  plant  used  as  food. 

The  characteristics  of  the  species  are  compared  with  the  characteristics  of  other  closely 
related  species.  The  contention  that  there  should  be  several  genera  within  the  group  is 
discussed. 

As  in  other  Nymphalidae,  in  this  species  the  gaudy  coloration  and  daring  behavior  of  the 
larvae,  and  the  use  of  a foodplant  belonging  to  the  Euphorbiacae  ( Dalechampia  scandens  L.) 
reputedly  poisonous,  suggest  impalatability  of  the  adults. 


This  is  the  second  article  of  a series  dealing  with  butterflies  belonging  to 
the  genus  Hamadryas,  found  in  El  Salvador.  In  this  article  we  give  an  account 
of  our  observations  on  the  early  stages  and  adults  of  Hamadryas  guatemalena 
Bates  carried  on  since  August  1970  in  various  zones  of  the  country,  mostly 
within  15  km  from  the  capital  city  San  Salvador.  The  first  time  we  found 
larvae  of  this  species  was  shortly  after  we  started  studies  on  a close  relative, 
H.  jebrua  Hiibner,  during  August  1970.  As  both  species  feed  on  the  same 
plant,  we  ended  up  studying  the  two  species  simultaneously,  which  caused  at 
first  some  confusion,  as  eggs  collected  produced  at  times  two  different  kinds 
of  larvae.  The  problem  was  solved  when  a female  of  Hamadryas  guatemalena 
was  observed  ovipositing  also  on  the  same  plant  as  H.  jebrua . It  is  practically 
impossible  to  tell  apart  the  eggs  of  one  species  from  the  other.  As  usual, 
eggs  were  collected  just  after  oviposition  and  put  in  transparent  plastic  bags 
fastened  with  rubber  bands.  Emerged  larvae  were  fed  on  fresh  leaves  of  the 
foodplant  replaced  every  three  days  until  pupation.  The  bags  were  cleaned 
every  day  of  excrement  and  excess  humidity.  The  pupae  were  transferred  to 
a wooden  cage  with  mosquito-net  covering,  where  the  adults  emerged.  Bags 
and  cage  were  kept  indoors  at  all  times  under  ambient  light  and  temperature 


Acknowledgments:  We  express  our  gratitude  to  Dr.  Alexander  B.  Klots,  for  the  great 
help  he  has  given  us  to  make  this  article  presentable,  criticizing  our  manuscript  and  suggest- 
ing valuable  improvements  to  it.  We  are  also  thankful  to  Dr.  A.  H.  B.  Rydon  and  Col. 
C.  F.  Cowan  for  their  information  on  this  group  of  butterflies  and  for  supplying  reference 
literature;  to  Dr.  F.  D.  Rindge  of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History  for  kindly 
determining  the  adults  of  H.  guatemalena. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  170-180.  September,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


171 


conditions.  Notes  were  kept  of  the  measurements  and  the  duration  of  each 
phase  of  the  metamorphosis.  Specimens  in  alcohol  were  sent  to  the  American 
Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York,  where  the  adults  were  determined. 

LIFE  CYCLE  STAGES 

Egg.  Pure  white,  almost  round  with  small  flat  base  and  sculpturings  starting  basally  with 
thick  ribs  which  disappear  about  a third  from  the  base  and  are  substituted  by  irregular, 
rounded  or  sharp  protuberances  covering  part  of  the  wall  and  the  micropylar  area.  About 
1 mm  diameter.  Hatches  in  3-5  days. 

First  instar  larva.  Head  shiny  black,  slightly  cordiform,  naked.  Body  cylindrical,  greenish- 
brown  with  lighter  tubercules  and  sparse  short  setae.  Legs  and  prolegs  dark  brown.  About 
3 mm  when  recently  hatched,  about  4 mm  before  moulting  in  3 days. 

Second  instar  larva.  Head  black  with  small  white  spines  on  lateral  margins  and  frontal 
area.  Short  thick  horns  on  apices  of  epicrania.  Body  dark  brown  with  longitudinal  rows 
of  furcate  short  spines  and  four  rows  of  white  dots,  two  subdorsally  and  two  supraspiracu- 
larly.  About  7 mm  long  before  moulting  in  4 days. 

Third  instar  larva.  Head  black  with  long  and  slender  horns  on  epicrania,  two  spines  be- 
tween their  bases,  three  long  spines  on  lateral  margin  of  head  and  several  short  spines 
frontally;  ocelli  black,  surrounded  by  sparse,  short  golden  setae.  The  horns  have  basally 
on  the  shaft  two  accessory  spines  directed  forward,  a little  higher  two  spines  directed  later- 
ally and  about  the  middle  of  the  shaft  two  more  spines  directed  inwards;  the  horns  are 
tipped  by  a sphere  armed  with  tiny  spines.  The  body’s  ground  color  is  black  with  longi- 
tudinal rows  of  yellow  spots  subdorsally  and  supraspiracularly.  The  spine  arrangement  is 
as  follows:  on  first  thoracic  segment  (T-l):  one  bifurcate  subdorsal  spine,  one  bifurcate 
supraspiracular  spine  and  one  simple  subspiracular  spine ; on  T-2 : one  prominent  subdorsal 
6-furcate  spine,  and  6-furcate  supraspiracular  spine,  one  small  spiracular  simple  spine  and 
one  longer  spine  subspiracularly ; on  T-3 : one  most  prominent  6-furcate  subdorsal  spine, 

one  5-furcate  supraspiracular  spine,  one  small,  spiracular  simple  spine  and  two  simple  spines 
subspiracularly.  On  first  abdominal  segment  (A-l):  one  4-furcate  subdorsal  spine,  one  sim- 
ple supraspiracular  spine,  one  4-furcate  subspiracular  spine  and  two  supraventral  simple 
spines.  On  A-2:  one  prominent  5-furcate  subdorsal  spine,  one  3-furcate  supraspiracular  spine, 
one  4-furcate  subspiracular  spine  sided  by  a simple  spine,  3 supraventral  simple  spines.  From 
A-3  to  A-6:  one  5-furcate  subdorsal  spine,  one  3-furcate  supraspiracular  spine,  one  4-furcate 
subspiracular  spine  sided  by  a simple  spine  and  2 simple  spines  supraventrally.  On  A- 7 one 
very  prominent  dorsal  3-furcate  spine,  one  6-furcate  subdorsal  spine,  one  3-furcate  supra- 
spiracular spine,  one  5-furcate  subspiracular  spine  sided  by  a simple  spine  and  two  simple 
supraventral  spines.  On  A-8:  one  prominent  6-furcate  dorsal  spine,  one  prominent  6- 

furcate  subdorsal  spine,  one  3-furcate  supraspiracular  spine,  one  5-furcate  subspiracular 
spine  sided  by  a simple  spine  and  two  simple  supraventral  spines.  On  A-9:  one  8-furcate 
subdorsal  spine  deflected  caudad.  On  A- 10:  two  simple  spines,  side  by  side,  on  anal  plate. 
Grows  to  1.3  cm  in  4 days. 

Fourth  instar  larva.  Head  as  in  third  instar,  with  longer  horns.  Body  ground  color  black 
with  light  yellow,  very  conspicuous  dorsal  oval  patches  forming  an  irregular  and  broken 
stripe  from  T-l  to  A-9,  and  two  supraspiracular  light  yellow  dots  on  each  abdominal  seg- 
ment. The  shafts  of  the  prominent  subdorsal  spines  on  T-2,  T-3,  A-2  and  A-8,  and  of  the 
median  spines  on  A- 7 and  A-8  are  armed  by  a host  of  small  brown  spinulets  directed  dis- 
tally.  Grows  to  2.5  cm  in  3-4  days. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Figs.  1-8.  Hamadryas  guatemalena  Bates.  1.  Two  eggs  side  by  side.  Notice  the  left  is 
grayish,  the  other  pure  white.  One  hatched  one  day  before  the  other.  2.  Two  eggs  one  on 
top  of  the  other.  Both  hatched  the  same  day.  3.  Eggshell  showing  the  exit  hole  on  the 
side.  4.  First  instar  larva.  Notice  frass  pellets  stuck  on  the  body.  5.  Second  instar  larva. 
6.  Third  instar  larva.  7.  Fourth  instar  larva.  Notice  spinulets  on  some  spines.  8.  Fifth 
instar  larva. 


Fifth  instar  larva.  The  only  change  is  that  the  body  markings  become  bright  deep  yellow, 
and  the  horns  on  the  head  and  spines  on  the  body  are  dull  yellow.  Prominent  subdorsal 
spines  on  T-2,  T-3,  A-2  and  A-8  and  dorsal  spines  on  A-7  and  A--8  look  “hairy”  due  to 
the  profusion  of  dark  accessory  spines  on  the  shaft  of  the  scoli.  Grows  to  4.2  cm  in  4-5 
days. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


173 


Figs.  9-11.  Hamadryas  guatemalena  Bates.  9.  Pupa,  dorsal  view.  10.  Pupa,  side  view. 
11.  Pupa,  ventral  view. 


Prepupa.  Does  not  change  in  aspect,  but  for  slight  shortening  of  the  body.  Hangs  from 
anal  prolegs,  with  thorax  incurved  ventrally,  for  one  day. 

Pupa.  Hangs  rigidly  anchored  from  flat  cremaster.  Abdomen  thickens  abruptly  from  cre- 
master and  then  gradually  to  base  of  wings,  then  narrows  laterally  and  dorsally,  forming  a 
slight  indentation,  thickening  again  on  thoracic  segments,  then  narrows  abruptly  to  head, 
which  terminates  in  two  flat  prolongations  diverging  laterally  from  each  other  and  incurved 
dorsally.  The  edges  of  the  wingcases  get  very  close  to  each  other  dorsally  around  the  union 
of  the  thoracic  with  the  abdominal  segments,  which  is  the  narrowest  point.  Color  light 
green  ventrally  with  fine  criss-crossing,  vein-like  pattern,  darker  lines  on  wing  cases.  Along 
each  antenna  there  are  two  lighter  warts.  Dorsally  light  green  also  with  a subdorsal  dark 
green  longitudinal  stripe  on  either  side  from  cremaster  to  distal  end  of  wingcases,  giving  the 
impression  of  a partly  rolled  leaf.  Measurer  3.8  cm  long,  1 cm  laterally  at  widest  point 
and  .8  cm  dorso-ventrally  at  widest  point.  Lasts  11  days. 

Adults.  No  noticeable  sexual  dimorphism  in  this  species.  Shape  of  forewing:  slightly  convex 
costal  margin,  rounded  apex,  almost  straight  but  faintly  sinuose  outer  margin,  rounded 
tornus  and  straight  inner  margin.  Hindwing  with  almost  straight  costal  margin,  rounded 
outer  angle,  continuing  in  the  rounded  and  faintly  sinuose  outer  margin,  rounded  anal  angle 
and  almost  straight  and  folded  inner  margin. 

Colors  dorsally  mostly  dark  gray  with  bluish  tinge  on  forewing  apex  and  along  hindwing 
outer  margin,  with  whitish  markings,  mostly  on  forewing,  forming  a complicated  pattern 
of  bars,  lines  and  circles.  There  is  a conspicuous  S-shaped  reddish  marking  at  the  mid- 


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costal  margin  directed  towards  the  center  of  the  forewing.  Ventrally  the  dominant  color 
is  beige,  which  covers  the  basal  third  of  forewing  and  two-thirds  of  the  hind  wing.  There 
is  a replica  of  the  dorsal  pattern  of  dark  brown  and  yellowish  white  on  the  apical  zone  of 
both  wings.  The  reddish  S marking  is  also  present,  even  more  conspicuous,  due  to  the  sharp 
contrast  of  the  reddish  color  with  the  ventral  lighter  coloration.  The  body  is  dark  gray 
dorsally,  cream  colored  ventrally ; eyes  reddish-brown ; proboscis  orange ; antennae  black 
with  white  ventral  spots  on  each  segment;  and  a tiny  orange  spot  at  the  tip.  Average  wing 
span  7 cm  in  males,  7.5  cm  in  females.  Total  developmental  time  varies  between  33  and  37 
days. 


NATURAL  HISTORY 

The  adults  of  Hamadryas  guatemalena  in  El  Salvador  frequent  wooded  areas 
bordered  by  open,  low  brushy  land,  and  are  usually  seen  perching  on  tree 
trunks  with  their  wings  spread  open,  head  pointing  down.  Several  individuals 
might  thus  be  seen  in  neighboring  trees  and  from  time  to  time  aerial  encounters 
occur,  with  many  “click-clicks”  emitted  while  rapidly  chasing  each  other.  This 
characteristic  is  limited  to  the  males.  The  adults  do  not  feed  on  flowers,  but 
come  often  to  the  ground  to  suck  the  juices  of  fermenting  fruits.  Mangoes, 
guayavas,  jocotes  (hog  plums)  and  the  fruit  of  a local  rubber-tree  ( Castilla 
gummifera  Pittier)  seem  to  be  preferred.  They  also  feed  from  exudations  from 
various  trees.  When  they  feed  on  the  ground,  the  wings  are  at  times  held 
perpendicular  to  the  back.  When  they  are  feeding  on  the  tree-trunks,  the 
wings  are  always  spread  open.  The  females  ready  to  oviposit  fly  close  to  the 
ground,  more  slowly  than  usual,  until  a foodplant  is  located.  They  alight 
usually  under  a mature  leaf  and  deposit  one  egg  while  the  wings  are  apposed 
dorsally.  Several  eggs  might  be  deposited  on  a single  vine,  always  on  the 
underside  of  a leaf.  At  times  two,  and  rarely  three  eggs  are  deposited  one  on 
top  of  the  other,  but  never  have  we  seen  a female  deposit  two  or  more  eggs 
side  by  side  on  the  same  leaf.  When  more  than  one  egg  has  been  found  side 
by  side  under  the  same  leaf,  their  hatching  is  not  simultaneous,  but  separated 
by  a day  or  two,  indicating  successive  ovipositions  by  the  same  or  different 
females. 

The  hatching  larvae  eat  an  exit  hole  from  the  wall  of  the  shell  and  might 
eat  part  of  a wall.  They  never  consume  the  whole  eggshell.  The  small  larvae 
move  to  the  edge  of  the  leaf,  bare  a vein  by  eating  the  tissues  around  it,  and 
prolong  the  bared  vein  by  affixing  to  it,  with  silk,  small  frass  pellets,  using 
this  artificial  perch  as  a resting  place  during  first  and  second  instars.  Very 
often  the  small  larvae  affix  excrement  pellets  to  their  own  body,  probably 
for  protective  purposes.  It  is  worthy  of  mention  that  when  two  or  three  eggs 
have  been  deposited  one  on  top  of  the  other  the  hatching  larvae  do  not  damage 
the  ones  on  top  due  to  their  acquired  habit  of  eating  the  exit  hole  on  the 
side  of  the  eggshell.  Damage  to  the  egg  on  top  would  be  unavoidable  if  the 
larvae  should  eat  the  exit  hole  from  the  upper  part  of  the  eggshell  as  is  usual 
in  most  species  of  butterflies.  The  larvae  are  usually  solitary,  but  when  two 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


175 


Figs.  12  and  13.  Hamadryas  guatemalena  Bates.  12.  Male,  dorsal  view.  Black  bar  1 cm. 
13.  Male,  ventral  view.  Scale  in  cm. 


or  three  eggs  are  deposited  as  described,  the  ensuing  larvae  make  their  restin 
perches  independently,  but  on  the  same  leaf,  and  might  stay  together  durin 
the  whole  larval  stage  without  bellicose  interaction.  When  the  third  instar  is 
reached,  the  resting  perch  is  abandoned  and  the  larvae  spend  most  of  the  day 
motionless  on  top  of  a leaf,  with  the  thoracic  segments  humped  and  the  head 
bent  so  that  the  horns  are  parallel  to  the  leaf  surface.  The  larvae  of  H.  guate- 
malena are  slow  moving  and  rather  passive.  The  spines  which  cover  most  of 
the  body  do  not  have  urticant  properties.  When  ready  to  pupate  the  larvae 


CTQ  CfQ 


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weave  a silken  mat  on  the  stem  of  the  vine  or  under  a leaf,  clean  their  digestive 
tract  and  hang  from  the  chosen  spot  for  a day  with  their  thorax  and  head 
incurved  ventrally  and  shed  their  larval  skins.  The  pupae  are  firmly  anchored 
to  the  silk  pad,  due  to  the  flat  surface  of  the  cremaster.  If  the  supporting 
stem  is  rolled  one  way  or  another  the  pupae  will  follow  the  movement  rigidly, 
“standing”  on  their  cremaster.  When  disturbed  the  pupae  wiggle  laterally  and 
vigorously  for  a few  seconds  and  stop  moving,  usually  bent  to  one  side.  After 
a time,  they  revert  to  the  vertical  position. 

The  adults  emerge  rapidly  from  the  pupashell  and  hang  from  it  while 
ejecting  a reddish  meconium  and  expanding  their  wings.  When  the  wings  are 
rigid  enough,  the  butterflies  take  flight.  From  then  on  the  wings  are  usually 
kept  spread  while  at  diurnal  perching. 

This  species  is  subject  to  heavy  parasitism  by  tachinid  flies,  which  abandon 
the  host  as  larvae  and  pupate  on  the  ground.  This  happens  during  the  last 
larval  instar  or  during  pupation  of  the  host. 

The  larval  foodplant  in  El  Salvador  is  Dalechampia  scandens  L.,  an  Eu- 
phorbiaceae  vine  which  in  our  own  experience  is  used  by  other  species  of 
Hamadryas  (Muyshondt  & Muyshondt,  1974)  and  other  species  of  Nymphali- 
dae,  such  as  Catonephele  nyctimus  Westwood,  at  least  two  species  of  Dynamine, 
and  Mestra  amymone  Menetries.  The  plant  is  quite  abundant  along  fences, 
ravines  and  in  the  borders  of  wooded  land,  up  to  about  1500  m altitude, 
which  is  also  the  range  where  H.  guatemalena  is  found.  The  leaves  and  bracts 
of  the  plant  have  urticant  properties. 

It  is  to  be  noted  that  H.  guatemalena , H.  februa  and  H.  amphinome  share 
not  only  the  foodplant  but  the  habitat  as  well.  It  is  quite  common  to  see 
these  species,  especially  guatemalena  and  februa , fly  in  the  same  neighborhood. 

DISCUSSION 

Descriptions  of  the  early  stages  of  species  belonging  to  this  group  of 
butterflies  have  been  published  in  the  past  under  the  generic  name  of  Ageronia 
(Muller,  1886;  Seitz,  1916),  but  to  our  knowledge  this  is  the  first  description 
illustrated  with  photographs  ever  published  on  the  early  stages  of  Hamadryas 
guatemalena. 

Butterflies  belonging  to  this  group  have  been  called  by  various  authors 
under  different  generic  names  as  a whole:  Ageronia  (Muller,  1886;  Holland, 
1914),  Hamadryas  (Klots,  1960;  Ehrlich  & Ehrlich,  1961)  and  have  been 
usually  grouped  under  subfamily  Ergolinae  (Klots,  op.  cit.),  or  tribe  Ergolini 
(Ehrlich  & Ehrlich,  op.  cit.).  The  adult  shape,  coloration  and  behavior  is  so 
peculiar  and  similar  in  all  of  the  species  that  it  is  only  natural  to  consider 
the  various  species  as  forming  a well  defined  group  within  the  Nymphalidae. 
Even  during  the  early  stages  the  different  species  share  many  characteristics: 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


177 


the  egg  shapes  of  H.  guatemalena  and  H.  februa  (Muyshondt  & Muyshondt, 
1975),  and  according  to  Muller  (1886)  the  eggs  of  other  species  also,  are  so 
similar  as  to  make  it  hard  to  tell  apart,  if  at  all  possible,  one  egg  from  another. 
The  same  thing  is  true,  to  a point,  with  larvae  and  pupae;  they  all  use  the 
same  group  of  foodplants  ( Dalechampia  spp.),  and  exploit  about  the  same 
habitats.  Yet  there  are  also  marked  differences  among  them,  which  might 
prove  true  some  authors’  contention  (Muller,  1886;  Burmeister,  as  cited  by 
same  Muller,  op.  cit .)  that  there  are  marked  sub-groups  within  the  genus 
Hamadryas  Hiibner,  which  might  make  it  convenient  to  determine  the  proper 
placement  of  the  species  within  the  group  and  the  use  of  the  names  Ageronia 
Hiibner,  Peridromia  Boisduval,  Amphichlora  Felder  in  addition  to  Hamadryas 
itself.  All  these  are  available  generic  names  according  to  Hemming  (1967). 

We  will  point  out  the  differences  we  have  observed  between  H.  februa , H. 
guatemalena  and  H.  amphinome  and  will  use  the  observations  made  by  Muller 
on  some  of  these  and  on  other  species  to  make  the  point  evident.  The  eggs 
of  guatemalena,  februa,  sp.  ign.  (in  Muller),  fornax  and  arete  have  the  same 
kind  of  sculpturing.  Not  so  the  eggs  of  amphinome,  which  are  almost  smooth. 
The  larvae  of  guatemalena,  fornax,  epinome  and  amphinome  have  dorsal  spines 
only  on  segments  A- 7 and  A-8,  whereas  these  dorsal  spines  are  present  on  all 
abdominal  segments  in  februa,  arete  and  sp.  ign.  The  pupal  head  prolongations 
vary  also  from  species  to  species:  they  are  about  the  same  in  guatemalena 
and  arete,  being  laterally  divergent  and  incurved  dorsally.  In  februa  they  are 
partially  fused  and  follow  the  axis  of  the  body.  Then  in  epinome,  sp.  ign., 
fornax  and  amphinome  they  are  divergent  laterally,  but  follow  the  axis  of  the 
body,  as  seen  laterally. 

As  for  larval  behavior,  guatemalena,  februa,  epinome,  sp.  ign.  and  arete  have 
solitary  habits  and  all  of  them  construct  the  resting  perch  with  frass  pellets 
on  the  edge  of  the  leaf.  This  is  not  the  case  with  fornax  nor  with  amphinome, 
which  have  acquired  gregarious  behavior  during  the  larval  stage  and  have 
given  up  the  perch-making  practice.  Amphinome  in  addition  has  developed  a 
very  angry  and  excitable  disposition.  Pupal  behavior  is  the  same  in  all  species 
we  have  observed,  and  corresponds  with  Muller’s  description  except  for  his 
reported  light  sensibility.  They  all  wiggle  violently  when  disturbed  and  might 
remain  bent  to  one  side  for  some  time  afterwards.  Contrary  to  this,  the  adults 
we  have  observed  (Muller  does  not  mention  adults  behavior)  of  guatemalena, 
februa,  amphinome,  fornax  and  glauconome  Bates,  all  show  the  same  peculiar 
jerky  flight,  the  frantic  clicking  when  males  encounter  each  other,  or  when 
chasing  intruders,  the  feeding  on  fermenting  fruits  and  tree  wounds  plus  the 
characteristic  wing-spread  attitude  while  perching  on  tree-trunks. 

According  to  Muller,  Burmeister  grouped  the  species  in  the  following  man- 
ner: 1)  feronia,  ferentina  and  fornax.  2)  amphinome,  arete,  arethusa,  related 


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to  chide.  Miiller  himself  did  it  as  follows:  1).  a. — amphinome , b. — epinome , 
sp.  ign.,  fornax  ( jerentina)  \ 2). — arete , arethusa , proposing  to  put  back  in  use 
the  genus  Peridromia  for  the  latter.  For  him  chide  (the  type  species  of  Age- 
ronia,  according  to  Hemming)  would  be  an  intermediate  form  between  amphi- 
nome (which  is  the  type-species  for  Hamadryas)  and  epinome  (which  he 
places  with  fornax).  So  it  looks  as  though  Hamadryas  should  apply  to  amphi- 
nome and  whichever  species  are  found  to  be  congeneric  with  it;  Ageronia  to 
chide  and  whichever  species  are  congeneric  with  it;  Amphichlora  to  feronia 
and  whichever  species  are  its  congeneric  and  Peridromia  to  arethusa  and  its 
congenerics.  Unfortunately  we  do  not  have  reference  material  against  which 
to  compare  our  species,  so  we  are  not  in  a position  to  establish  which  is  the 
type-species  corresponding  to  guatemalena.  We  leave  that  to  the  taxonomists. 

It  is  worthwhile  to  point  out  that  there  is  interbreeding  between  closely 
related  species  in  nature:  Limenitis  arthemis  astyanax  Fabricius  X L.  archippus 
Cramer  (Klots,  1959;  Platt  & Greenfield,  Jr.,  1971),  Vanessa  atalanta  rubria 
(Friihstorfer)  X Cynthia  annabella  Field  (Dimock,  1973),  and  as  a consequence 
hybrids  have  been  found  to  result  under  natural  conditions.  Hybrids  have 
also  been  produced  in  the  laboratory  from  crosses  between  species  naturally 
separated  by  great  distances,  such  as  Papilio  asterias  X P.  machaon  (Clarke  & 
Knudsen,  1953),  Papilio  polyxenes  asterias  X P.  maackii  (Clarke  & Sheppard, 
1964),  and  several  others,  what  seems  to  prove  close  specific  relationship 
between  them,  even  if  living  far  apart  from  each  other  under  natural  con- 
ditions. Yet,  even  if  H.  guatemalena , H.  februa  and  H.  amphinome  dwell  in 
the  same  habitat,  during  all  months  of  the  year,  and  are  in  addition  grossly 
similar  to  each  other,  we  have  never  found  evidence  of  interbreeding,  nor 
have  we  seen  interspecific  copulations,  nor  have  we  known  of  any  report 
thereof.  That  by  itself  would  seem  to  indicate  these  species  are  not  so  closely 
related,  as  their  aspect  and  other  characteristics  suggest,  as  to  belong  to  the 
same  genus.  Unfortunately  our  efforts  to  have  males  and  females  of  the 
different  species  copulate  in  captivity  have  failed  (actually,  even  attempts  to 
obtain  copulation  with  males  and  females  of  the  same  species  have  proved 
unsuccessful),  so  we  can  not  bring  forth  proofs  in  either  way. 

We  emphasize  that  in  H.  guatemalena  the  color  of  the  larva  during  the 
4th  and  5th  instars  becomes  very  conspicuous  by  its  contrasting  colors,  which 
makes  it  an  easy  task  to  locate  the  larvae  against  the  green  leaves  of  the 
foodplant  on  which  they  usually  rest  quite  in  the  open.  This  daring  behavior 
would  seem  to  advertise  impalatable  conditions,  bad  flavor  or  poisonous  prop- 
erties, to  eventual  predators.  In  this  respect  H.  guatemalena  seemingly  has  an 
advantage  over  februa,  whose  colors  are  not  so  gaudy.  Probably  an  increased 
impalatability  compensates  for  the  loss  of  the  additional  mechanical  protection 
the  dorsal  spines  (missing  in  guatemalena)  provide  februa.  The  pupae  of 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


179 


this  species,  as  in  many  other  protected  species,  are  exceedingly  cryptic,  imi- 
tating to  perfection  a partly  rolled  leaf,  but  rely  also  on  the  vigorous  wiggling, 
which  might  scare  away  predators,  as  protection.  The  adults,  even  though 
they  display  an  aggressive  disposition  by  rushing  at  any  intruder  in  their 
territory,  exploit  camouflage  to  perfection,  blending  their  complicated  wing 
color  pattern  to  moss  and  lichen  growing  on  the  tree-trunks  on  which  they 
rest  with  the  wings  spread  open. 

Euphorbiaceae  plants  have  been  historically  reputed  for  their  caustic  and/or 
poisonous  fluids.  Dalechampia  scandens  belongs  to  this  family,  and  the  leaves 
and  bracts  have  urticant  properties.  It  would  seem  logical  to  deduce  from 
this  and  from  the  larval  coloration  and  behavior,  that  H.  guatemalena , which 
feed  exclusively  on  that  plant,  could  have  developed  chemical  protection  against 
predators  derived  from  noxious  components  of  the  plant.  Furthermore  we 
find  that  the  species  is  heavily  parasitized  by  tachinid  flies  during  its  larval 
stage.  We  have  pointed  out  in  the  past  (Muyshondt  1973  a,  b;  Muyshondt  & 
Muyshondt,  1974)  the  repeated  coincidence  of  heavy  parasitism  suffered  by 
many  species  generally  accepted  as  protected  by  poisonous  plant  derivates 
and  species  suspected  as  protected.  Hamadryas  guatemalena  is  another  species 
which  might  be  added  to  the  list. 


Literature  Cited 

Clarke,  C.  A.  and  J.  P.  Knudsen.  1953.  A hybrid  swallowtail.  An  account  of  the  “cross” 
Papilio  asterias  $ (North  American  Black  Swallowtail)  X Papilio  machaon  $ (The 
Swallowtail,  of  European-Malta-Stock)  and  a note  on  the  “ machaon  complex’''  of  the 
North  American  Continent.  Entom.  Record,  65:  76-80. 

and  P.  M.  Sheppard.  1964.  The  hybrid  between  Papilio  polyxenes  asterias  Fabr. 

female  and  Papilio  maackii  Men.  male  (Lepidoptera,  Nymphalidae)  [sic].  Ento- 
mologist, 131-133. 

Dimock,  T.  E.  1973.  Three  natural  hybrids  of  Vanessa  atalanta  rubria  X Cynthia  anna- 
bella  (Nymphalidae).  Jour.  Lep.  Soc.  27:  274-278. 

Ehrlich,  P.  R.  and  A.  H.  Ehrlich.  1961.  How  to  know  the  butterflies.  Wm.  C.  Brown 
Co.  Publishers.  Dubuque,  Iowa. 

Hemming,  F.  1967.  Generic  names  of  the  butterflies  and  their  type-species.  Bull.  Br. 

Mus.  Nat.  Hist.  (Ent.)  Suppl.  9. 

Holland,  W.  J.  1914.  Butterflies.  Doubleday,  Page  & Co.  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Klots,  Alexander  B.  1959.  A mixed  mating  of  two  species  of  Limenitis  Fabricius  (Lep- 
idoptera, Nymphalidae).  Jour.  New  York  Ent.  Soc.  67:  20. 

• . 1960.  A field  guide  to  the  butterflies.  Riverside  Press.  Cambridge. 

Muller,  W.  1886.  Sudamerikanische  Nymphaliden  Raupen.  Versuch  eines  naturlichen 
Systems  der  Nymphaliden.  Zoologische  Jahrbuch.  453-461. 

Muyshondt,  A.  1973a.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El 
Salvador.  Ill  A. — Temenis  laothde  liberia  Fabricius  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae) . 
Jour.  N.  Y.  Ent.  Soc.  81:  224-233. 

. 19736.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

IV  A. — Pseudonica  flavilla  canthara  (Nymphalidae-Catonephelinae).  Jour.  N.  Y.  Ent. 
Soc.  81:  234-242. 


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and  A.  Muyshondt,  Jr.  1975.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of 

butterflies  of  El  Salvador.  I B. — Hamadryas  februa  (Nymphalidae-Hamadryadinae) . 
Jour.  N.  Y.  Ent.  Soc.  83 : 157-169. 

Platt,  A.  P.  and  J.  G.  Greenfield,  Jr.  1971.  Interspecific  hybridization  between  Limenitis 
arthemis  astyanax  and  L.  archippus  (Nymphalidae)  Jour.  Lep.  Soc.  25:  278-284. 
Seitz,  A.  1915.  Macrolepidoptera  of  the  World.  Vol.  5.  Stuttgart. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


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Notes  on  the  Life  Cycle  and  Natural  History  of  Butterflies  of 
El  Salvador.  Ill  B. — -Hamadryas  amphinome  L. 
(Nymplialklae-Hamadryadinae) 

Alberto  Muyshondt  and  Alberto  Muyshondt,  Jr. 

101  Ave.  Norte  322,  San  Salvador,  El  Salvador 

Received  for  Publication  November  18,  1974 

Abstract:  The  complete  life  cycle  of  Hamadryas  amphinome  L.  is  presented  in  this  article 

with  photographic  illustrations,  with  a record  of  the  foodplant  exploited  by  the  larvae  in 
El  Salvador,  Dalechampia  scandens  L.,  and  an  account  of  the  larval  and  adult  behavior. 
This  species  apparently  is  the  most  evolved  of  the  Hamadryas  complex  as  evidenced  by  the 
notable  deviations  from  the  behavior  of  the  other  species  studied:  H.  februa  and  H.  guate- 
malena,  which  are  solitary  during  all  phases  of  the  metamorphosis,  and  H.  amphinome , 
which  is  gregarious  in  the  larval  stage  and  shows  consistent  group  behavior  of  the  adults. 
Emphasis  is  made  of  the  behavioral  adaptations  the  different  species  of  the  genus  have 
gone  through  which  gradually  change  from  fully  solitary  to  fully  gregarious  larval  habits. 


This  is  the  third  article  of  a series  on  butterflies  of  the  Hamadryadinae 
group  of  the  Nymphalidae,  presenting  our  observations  on  the  developmental 
time  and  behavior  of  the  early  stages  and  the  adults  of  Hamadryas  amphinome 
L.  The  field  studies  were  conducted  in  the  area  of  Los  Chorros  (a  tourist 
resort,  about  12  km  W of  San  Salvador,  capital  city  of  El  Salvador),  where 
the  species  is  fairly  abundant  throughout  the  year.  During  the  dry  season 
1972/73  (November  through  April),  a group  of  second  instar  Hamadryas 
larvae  were  found  feeding  on  Dalechampia  scandens  L.,  which  were  different 
from  those  of  H.  februa  and  H.  guatemalena.  It  was  a surprise  to  us  to  notice 
that  these  larvae,  unlike  the  others  just  mentioned,  which  have  solitary  be- 
havior, were  feeding  in  a tight  group  on  the  underside  of  the  leaf,  showing 
thus  gregarious  habits.  The  resulting  adults  were  H.  amphinome.  Searches 
for  eggs  were  made  every  weekend  from  that  time  with  negative  results  until 
26  August  1973,  when  one  peculiar  group  of  “strings”  formed  by  eggs  one  on 
top  of  the  other  was  found  and  collected.  These  were  reared  and  the  adults 
emerged  about  one  month  later.  Since  then  the  species  has  been  reared  sev- 
eral times  up  to  this  date.  The  rearing  of  the  larvae  in  our  insectarium  was 
in  transparent  plastic  bags,  sealed  with  rubber  bands,  in  which  fresh  leaves 
of  the  foodplant  were  supplied  every  third  day  until  pupation  of  the  larvae. 


Acknowledgments:  We  are  greatly  obliged  to  Dr.  Alexander  B.  Klots  for  his  unfailing 
guidance  in  our  efforts  and  for  reading,  criticizing  and  otherwise  rendering  our  manuscript 
apt  for  publication.  We  are  thankful  also  to  Dr.  A.  H.  D.  Rydon  for  the  valuable  reference 
material  he  kindly  supplied.  We  give  deserved  credit  to  the  youngest  member  of  the  team, 
Pierre,  for  his  tremendous  help  in  the  field  work. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  181-191.  September,  1975. 


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Some  colonies  were  kept  together  during  the  whole  larval  stage;  others  were 
split  in  half  after  every  moult  starting  from  the  second  instar,  so  as  to  end 
up  with  4 to  6 individuals  per  bag.  When  ready  to  pupate  the  larvae  were 
transferred  to  a wooden  box  with  windows  of  mosquito-netting  and  kept  there 
until  the  adults  emerged.  Records  were  kept  of  the  developmental  time  and 
size  of  each  instar;  photos  were  taken  of  all  phases  of  the  metamorphosis; 
and  specimens  of  eggs,  larvae  in  the  different  instars  and  of  the  pupae  have 
been  preserved  in  alcohol  to  be  sent  to  the  American  Museum  of  Natural 
History,  New  York. 


LITE  CYCLE  STAGES 

Egg.  About  1 mm  in  diameter,  round  with  slightly  flattened  base,  yellowish-white  when 
recently  deposited,  turning  to  gray  when  ready  to  hatch.  Surface  almost  smooth  except 
for  faint  sculpturing  on  the  upper  part  of  the  walls.  Eggs  in  groups  of  strings  of  eggs  one 
on  top  of  the  other,  totalling  30  to  more  than  100  eggs  per  group.  Hatch  in  4-5  days. 

First  instar  larva.  Head  shiny  black,  slightly  cordiform,  naked.  Body  whitish  before 
feeding,  turning  to  olive  green,  with  transverse  rows  of  dark  setae.  Grows  to  4 mm  in 

2- 3  days. 

Second  instar  larva.  Head  shiny  black  with  short  horns  on  apices  of  epicrania.  Body 
brownish-green  with  transverse  rows  of  short  furcate  spines.  Grows  to  8 mm  in  2-3  days. 

Third  instar  larva.  Head  shiny  black  with  two  lateral  spines  and  long  slender  horns  on 
apices  of  epicrania  each  terminating  in  a clubbed  tip.  The  shafts  of  the  horns  are  armed 
basally  with  one  secondary  spine  directed  anterad,  a little  higher  a second  spine  directed 
slightly  inwards,  then  higher  a third  directed  outwards,  still  higher  a fourth  parallel  to  the 
first  and  finally,  about  the  middle  of  the  shaft,  a fifth  spine  parallel  to  the  second.  The 
rest  of  the  shaft  is  covered  by  sparse  short  setae.  Body  dark  greenish-brown  with  short 
furcate  spines  placed  in  the  following  order:  on  first  thoracic  segment  (T-l)  one  subdorsal 
bifurcate  spine,  one  supraspiracular  bifurcate  spine  and  one  subspiracular  simple  spine ; T-2 
with  one  5-furcate  subdorsal  spine,  one  5-furcate  supraspiracular  spine  sided  by  a simple 
spine,  one  subspiracular  simple  spine  sided  by  another  very  small  simple  spine;  T-3  with 
one  prominent  6-furcate  subdorsal  spine,  one  4-furcate  supraspiracular  spine  sided  by  a 
simple  spine,  and  one  subspiracular  simple  spine  sided  by  another  small  one.  First  ab- 
dominal segment  (A-l)  with  one  4-furcate  subdorsal  spine,  one  small  supraspiracular  simple 
spine,  one  bifurcate  subspiracular  spine,  one  supraventral  simple  spine  in  line  with  the  legs. 
From  A-2  to  A-6,  one  4-furcate  subdorsal  spine,  one  4-furcate  supraspiracular  spine,  one 

3- furcate  subspiracular  spine  sided  by  a simple  spine,  and  two  supraventral  simple  spines. 
Segments  A-7  and  A-8  show  in  addition  one  5-furcate  dorsal  spine.  Segment  A-9  has  only 
one  6-furcate  supraspiracular  spine  deflected  posterad.  A- 10  has  an  anal  plate  with  a 
crown  of  4 small  simple  spines.  Grows  to  1.2  cm  in  2-3  days. 

Fourth  instar  larva.  As  in  third  instar,  but  the  head  is  orange-red,  has  longer  lateral  spines 
and  longer  horns,  which  are  incurved  slightly  caudad.  Body  spines  longer  than  in  third 
instar,  the  subdorsal  ones  on  segments  A-2  to  A-6  taking  an  orangish  tinge.  Grows  to 
2.6  cm  in  4-6  days. 

Fifth  instar  larva.  Main  change  is  body  color,  which  is  black;  from  A-2  to  A-6  bright 
yellow  dorsal  design  of  circles  and  bars  forming  paired  O T O s.  Subspiracularly  these 


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183 


Figs.  1-5.  Hamadryas  amphinome  L.  1 and  2.  Typical  ovipositions  of  Hamadryas 
amphinome  in  groups  of  strings.  Note  that  they  are  upside  down,  the  strings  being  actually 
pendant  from  the  lower  surface  of  the  leaves.  3.  Close-up  of  eggs.  4.  Group  of  first  instar 
larvae  ready  to  moult.  5.  Group  of  second  instar  larvae.  The  rest  had  dropped  to  the 
ground  when  disturbed  while  taking  the  photo.  Notice  the  reflection  of  the  ring-flash  on 
the  shiny  head  capsule. 


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Figs.  6-9.  Hamadryas  amphinome  L.  6.  Group  of  third  instar  larvae.  Ovals  on  head 
are  the  ring-flash  reflections.  7.  Fourth  instar  larva.  8 and  9.  Lateral  and  dorsal  view  of 
fifth  instar  larva  where  subspiracular  orange  spots  and  paired  O T O marks  are  clearly 
visible. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


185 


Figs.  10-12.  Hamadryas  amphinome  L.  10.  Pupa,  lateral  view.  11.  Pupa,  ventral  view. 
12.  Pupa,  dorsal  view. 


segments  show  a large  bright  orange  spot  which  contributes  to  make  the  larva  very  con- 
spicuous. The  spines  on  these  segments  are  also  reddish-orange.  The  subdorsal  spines  on 
T-2  and  T-3,  and  to  a lesser  degree  the  ones  on  A-2,  A-7  and  A-8,  as  well  as  the  dorsal 
spines  on  the  last  two,  present  small  secondary  spines  on  the  shaft  of  the  scoli.  Grows  to 
4. 5-4. 7 cm  in  5-6  days. 

Pre-pupa.  No  change  in  coloration.  It  is  slightly  shorter.  Hangs  with  head  and  thorax 
incurved  ventrally  for  one  day. 

Pupa.  Thickens  abruptly  from  flat  cremaster,  then  gradually  to  A-2  and  A-3,  narrowing 
then  dorsally  and  laterally  to  A-l,  thickening  again  to  T-2,  narrowing  finally  towards  the 
head,  which  is  provided  with  two  long,  flattened  and  incurved  prolongations.  The  pro- 
longations are  diverging  laterally  and  incurved  outwards  at  the  tips.  Usual  color  dorsally 
light  brown  with  green  bordering  along  wingcases  and  on  thoracic  segments ; darker  brown, 
bordered  by  very  light  brown  lines  along  abdominal  meson.  Ventrally  light  green,  except 
cremaster  and  head  prolongations,  which  are  brown.  There  is  a darker  morph  on  which 
the  green  is  substituted  by  light  brown,  the  rest  being  darker  brown  than  usual.  It  looks 
very  much  like  a rolled  decaying  leaf.  Measures  up  to  4.5  cm  long  (including  head  pro- 
longations) and  lasts  7-8  days. 

Adults.  No  marked  sexual  dimorphism  in  this  species,  the  females  having  front  wings 
larger  than  males.  Ground  color  dorsally  black  with  many  dark  blue  squares,  half- 
moons, round  spots  and  bars  forming  a complicated  pattern,  covering  both  front  and 
hindwings,  except  for  a subapical  row  of  elongated  light  gray  spots  running  from 
mid-costal  margin  to  tornus  of  front  wing.  The  blue  color  of  both  wings  is  highly  re- 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Figs.  13-16.  Hamadryas  amphinome  L.  13  and  14.  Male,  dorsal  and  ventral  view.  IS 
and  16.  Female,  dorsal  and  ventral  view. 


flectant.  Front  wing  ventrally  mostly  dull  black  with  orange  basal  triangle,  and  a subapical 
reproduction  of  the  dorsal  gray  spots  in  light  yellow.  Hindwing  mostly  bright  orange  with 
a black  area  along  the  outer  margin,  which  shows  a row  of  cream  colored  round  spots. 
Body  dorsally  matching  the  black  and  blue  colors  of  the  wings,  ventrally  thorax  orange 
and  abdomen  black  with  two  longitudinal  cream  stripes.  Antennae  and  proboscis  black. 
Wing  span  varies  from  6 to  7 cm.  Total  development  in  captivity  takes  from  27  to  35 
days.  The  colonies  kept  together  during  the  entire  larval  stage  do  not  develop  as  big  a 
larva  as  the  ones  split  gradually  into  smaller  groups  from  the  second  instar  on,  consequently 
the  adults  from  the  large  groups  are  also  much  smaller  than  normal,  even  though  the  time 
elapsed  is  about  the  same. 


NATURAL  HISTORY 

The  foodplant  of  Hamadryas  amphinome  in  El  Salvador  is  the  same  food- 
plant  used  by  H.  jebrua  and  H.  guatemalena:  Dalechampia  scandens  L.,  a 
vine  belonging  to  the  Euphorbiaceae,  which  we  mentioned  in  detail  in  previous 
articles  on  other  Hamadryas  spp.  (Muyshondt  & Muyshondt  1975  a and  b). 
It  is  to  be  noted  that  H . amphinome  appears  to  have  a more  restricted  range 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


187 


than  the  species  mentioned  before,  which  are  found  within  the  whole  range 
of  the  foodplant  (500  to  1500  m altitude).  H.  amphinome  is  rather  common 
around  1000  m altitude,  always  in  the  close  neighborhood  of  wooded  land 
surrounded  by  pastures  or  low-brushy  plant  communities. 

The  females  of  H.  amphinome  oviposit  on  the  undersides  of  leaves  of  me- 
dium development  of  D.  scandens,  from  about  two  meters  to  very  close  to 
the  ground.  The  females  perform  outstanding  acrobatics  while  depositing  the 
strings  of  eggs,  spending  close  to  45  minutes  to  deposit  some  50  eggs.  The 
eggs  are  laid  one  by  one,  one  below  another,  forming  perfect  pendant  strings. 
There  is  no  consistent  norm  of  the  number  of  eggs  per  string.  We  have  found 
groups  of  eggs  with  strings  from  1 to  13  eggs.  Muller  (1886)  records  two 
groups  containing  strings  from  10  to  15  and  from  2 to  13.  In  our  experience 
most  of  the  strings  consist  of  5 to  10  eggs.  The  range  of  eggs  per  oviposition 
is  from  30  to  more  than  100,  but  most  of  the  groups  average  40  to  50  eggs. 
The  strings  are  rather  rigid  and  keep  the  same  angle  in  relation  to  the  leaf 
surface,  even  if  the  leaf  is  turned  upside  down,  contrary  to  what  Muller  (1886) 
observed  about  Ageronia  (=  Hamadryas)  fornax  Hiibner,  whose  eggs  are  de- 
posited in  one  single  flexible  string  which  always  hangs  perpendicular  to  the 
ground.  The  eggs  of  H.  amphinome , white  or  cream-white  when  recently 
deposited,  turn  to  dark  gray  before  hatching. 

The  hatching  larvae  eat  their  way  out  from  the  lateral  wall  of  the  eggshell 
which  is  an  important  adaptation  acquired  by  the  species  to  avoid  damaging 
an  adjacent  egg  and  also  prevents  the  rest  of  the  eggs  from  falling  to  the 
ground,  which  would  occur  if  the  exit  hole  was  eaten  from  the  micropylar 
area  as  is  customary  in  many  other  species.  The  small  larvae  have  to  crawl 
up  the  string  to  reach  the  leaf  surface  and  there  the  group  is  formed.  They 
start  eating  the  lower  layer  of  leaf  tissue.  Their  excrements  adhere  to  the 
thin  layer  of  silk  formed  while  the  larvae  weave  a silken  foothold  as  they 
move  about.  The  small  larvae  also  affix  some  pellets  to  their  bodies.  The 
resultant  accumulation  of  excreta  seems  to  be  a protective  device  adopted  by 
this  species  against  its  enemies.  Later,  but  still  during  the  first  instar,  the 
larvae  move  in  a group  to  the  edge  of  the  leaf,  and  form  a tight  line  of 
individuals  perpendicular  to  the  edge.  As  the  larvae  grow  in  the  subsequent 
moults,  the  group  starts  segregating  into  smaller  groups  mainly  due  to  space 
limitations  of  the  leaf,  somewhat  similar  to  what  happens  with  Dione  juno 
huascama  Reakirt  (Muyshondt,  Young  and  Muyshondt,  1973),  but  also  due 
to  the  habit  of  H.  amphinome  larvae  of  wiggling  convulsively  at  the  least 
disturbance,  which  if  continued  provokes  a massive  dropping  of  the  larvae 
from  the  leaf  to  lower  levels  of  the  plant  or  to  the  ground.  In  the  act  of 
crawling  back  to  the  plant  and  reforming  the  group  some  larvae  end  up 
forming  smaller  communities,  far  from  each  other.  By  the  end  of  the  larval 
stage,  the  groups  are  usually  reduced  to  three  to  seven  individuals.  When 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


ready  to  pupate  the  small  groups  dissolve  and  the  larvae  wander  about  the 
plant  independently  until  a suitable  location  is  chosen.  This  is  normally  on 
the  same  vine  or  on  a supporting  plant,  among  the  thick  foliage,  where  the 
larvae  weave  a silken  mat  and  after  cleaning  their  digestive  tract,  hang  from 
their  anal  prolegs,  with  head  and  thorax  incurved  ventrally,  until  pupation. 
We  have  never  found  groups  of  pupae  in  the  fields.  The  pupae  of  H.  amphi- 
nome , except  for  the  head  prolongations  and  the  body  color,  look  very  much 
like  the  pupae  of  H.  februa  and  guatemalena , and  behave  very  much  like 
them,  swinging  violently  from  side  to  side  at  the  faintest  provocation,  ending 
bent  to  one  side.  The  vertical  position  is  resumed  some  time  afterwards. 
As  with  the  other  species  mentioned,  the  pupae  are  firmly  anchored  on  the 
flat  cremaster  so  that  they  keep  vertical  to  the  supporting  object  even  when 
this  is  turned  upside-down. 

The  emerging  adults  hang  from  the  pupashell  while  ejecting  the  reddish 
meconium  and  expanding  the  wings,  which  are  held  folded  dorsally.  After 
the  first  flight  the  wings  are  usually  kept  spread  open,  except  for  night  resting. 
Even  then  at  the  slightest  movement  of  the  plant,  the  wings  are  immediately 
spread,  but  after  some  flappings  are  folded  again.  The  adults  are  seen,  at 
times,  flying  rapidly  one  following  another  in  groups  from  five  to  eight  indi- 
viduals, as  if  playing  “follow-the-leader.”  When  so  acting,  they  alight,  even- 
tually, separately  on  contiguous  fence  poles  or  trees.  When  one  flies  again, 
the  whole  group  follows  and  after  some  fast  maneuvers,  the  group  alights 
again  on  the  same  places  or  close  by.  This  apparent  game  has  been  observed 
for  considerable  periods  of  time,  until  the  group  moves  away.  When  in  this 
playful  mood,  no  “clicking”  has  been  noticed.  At  other  times,  when  two  males 
encounter  each  other,  frantic  circumvolations  and  excited  clicking  do  occur. 
Sometimes  the  fighting  males  fly  up  vertically,  while  circling,  more  than  100 
meters  high,  coming  down  vertically  also.  One  of  us  (A.M.,  Jr.),  timed  one 
such  a fight,  and  it  lasted  about  45  minutes,  while  continuous  clicking  was 
audible.  Females  ready  to  oviposit  fly  more  slowly  than  usual  until  they 
locate  a foodplant,  and  land  on  the  underside  of  a medium  sized  leaf.  They 
stay  there  for  a long  period  of  time  until  a considerable  number  of  eggs  are 
deposited  as  described,  moving  away  afterwards  with  their  customary  swift 
flight.  In  both  males  and  females  the  blue  reflection  seems  to  hover  over  the 
flying  adults,  somewhat  as  in  the  blue  Morphos.  In  all  other  respects  the 
adults  of  this  species  behave  like  the  rest  of  the  Hamadryas  group,  and  it 
would  be  repetitious  to  further  describe  their  habits.  The  species  is  also 
subject  to  heavy  parasitism  by  tachinid  flies. 

DISCUSSION 

W.  Muller  (1886)  describes,  briefly,  the  life  cycle  of  Hamadryas  (=  Age- 
ronia)  amphinome  and  gives  the  time  spent  during  the  larval  stage  as  19  to 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


189 


22  days,  not  determining  the  pupal  time.  He  gives  for  the  egg  period  3 days, 
which  in  our  experience  has  taken  from  4 to  5 days.  The  times  for  the  dif- 
ferent instars  of  the  larva  are  more  in  accordance  with  our  findings,  which 
makes  us  believe  he  found  the  eggs  a day  or  two  after  they  were  deposited. 
Muller  does  not  mention  the  foodplant  when  dealing  with  H.  amphinome , but 
when  he  treats  the  genus  Ageronia  Hiibner,  he  states  that  all  the  species  in- 
cluded therein,  feed,  in  Brazil,  on  Dalechampia  ( triphyla  Lam.,  ficifolia  Lam., 
stipulacea  Miill.  Arg.),  which  agrees  with  our  findings.  Young  (1974)  records 
Dalechampia  heteromorpha  as  the  foodplant  of  H.  februa  in  Costa  Rica. 
Amazingly  Barcant  (1970)  mentions  Aristolochia  trilobata  (an  Aristolochi- 
aceae)  as  the  foodplant  of  H.  amphinomel  In  El  Salvador  where  Aristolo- 
chiaceae  are  well  represented  by  several  species,  we  have  never  found  any 
Hamadryas  on  them.  Aristolochiaceae  seem  to  be  exploited  in  El  Salvador 
exclusively  by  various  species  of  Battus  and  Parides  (Papilionidae) . Most 
probably  Barcant’s  record  is  a case  of  plant  misidentification.  The  present 
is  apparently  the  first  complete  life  cycle  description  of  H.  amphinome , with 
photographic  illustrations,  ever  published. 

Hamadryas  amphinome , which  is  the  type  species  of  the  genus  Hamadryas 
Hiibner,  teste  Hemming  (1967),  is  of  extreme  interest  to  specialists  in  evo- 
lution studies  as  it  seems  to  be  the  most  advanced  species  of  the  Hamadryas 
complex.  This  is  evidenced  by  the  gradual  changes  in  various  aspects  of  the 
behavior  of  the  various  species,  and  in  the  shape  of  the  eggs.  H.  arete  Double- 
day deposits  one  very  sculptured  egg  at  a time  (Muller,  1886),  and  the  larva 
is  solitary.  H.  februa  Hiibner  and  H.  guatemalena  Bates  (Young,  1974;  Muy- 
shondt  & Muyshondt  1975  a and  b),  usually  deposit  their  sculptured  eggs 
individually,  the  larvae  then  being  solitary  also,  but  these  two  species  might 
deposit  two  or  even  three  eggs  one  on  top  of  the  other,  the  resulting  larvae 
then  leading  a loose  communal  life.  All  these  species  share  the  peculiar  perch- 
making habit  during  the  first  larval  instars.  H.  fornax  (Miiller,  1886)  de- 
posits the  sculptured  eggs  in  one  string  containing  up  to  10  eggs  at  a time 
(one  egg  on  top  of  the  other),  and  the  ensuing  larvae  have  gregarious  habits. 
Finally  H.  amphinome  deposits  its  almost  round,  little  sculptured  eggs  in 
groups  of  several  strings  totalling  at  times  more  than  100  eggs  per  group, 
and  the  larvae  also  are  gregarious.  The  last  two  species  have  abandoned  the 
perch-making  habit.  In  H.  amphinome  even  the  adults  seem  to  maintain  a 
sort  of  loose  gregariousness,  as  their  “follow-the-leader”  game  seems  to  in- 
dicate. 

The  shift  from  solitary  to  gregarious  behavior  of  the  Hamadryas  complex, 
taken  as  a whole,  has  produced  the  following  remarkable  deviations  from  the 
probable  original  solitary  behavior:  1)  the  egg  laying  technique,  which  has 

affected  the  shape  of  the  eggs,  2)  prerequisite  to  the  massive  egg  laying,  the 
larvae  must  have  acquired  the  habit  of  eating  the  exit  hole  from  the  side  of 


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the  eggshell  instead  of  the  micropylar  area,  a trait  existent  already  in  the 
solitary  species.  3)  The  abandonment  of  the  perch-making  habit,  shown  by 
the  solitary  species,  in  favor  of  the  frass-pellet  sticking  on  the  underside  of 
the  leaves.  4)  the  angry  disposition  of  the  gregarious  species,  contrasting  with 
the  rather  passive  attitude  of  the  solitary  species.  5)  The  gradual  increase  in 
gaudiness  of  the  larval  coloration  in  the  gregarious  species,  as  compared  to 
the  solitary  ones,  and  6)  the  ability  to  produce  disagreeable  scent,  enhanced 
by  the  number  of  individuals  in  close  association  exhibited  by  the  gregarious 
species. 

It  is  probable  that  the  acquisition  of  the  gregarious  larval  behavior  is  a 
relatively  recent  event,  as  apparently  the  species  is  not  yet  fully  adapted  to 
some  of  its  consequences  (ochlesis),  as  would  be  suggested  by  the  readiness 
of  the  groups  to  part  company  at  the  faintest  motivation,  as  if  to  avoid  over- 
crowding of  individuals.  Overcrowding  in  captivity,  has  led  to  a drastic  re- 
duction in  the  size  of  the  adults.  In  other  gregarious  species  of  butterflies 
we  have  observed  ( Actinote  spp.,  Phyciodes  spp.,  Chlosyne  spp.,  Thessalia 
theona  Menetries,  Microtia  elva  Bates,  Mechanitis  isthmia  Bates,  Colobura 
dirce  L.  Manataria  maculata  Hopff.)  there  seems  to  be  a better  adaptation 
to  the  crowding  resulting  from  the  communal  life,  and  the  individuals  only 
disperse  just  prior  to  pupation.  In  one  case  ( Dione  juno  huascama  Reakirt) 
we  have  even  found  communal  pupation  in  the  fields  (Muyshondt,  Young  and 
Muyshondt,  1973).  If  in  these  species  there  is  a certain  amount  of  segregation 
of  the  original  group  into  smaller  ones,  it  is  mostly  due  to  space  limitation. 
It  is  true  that  these  species,  if  deprived  of  sufficient  food  and  space  to  move 
about,  do  also  produce  midget  adults,  but  not  when  they  have  enough  food 
and  ample  space.  We  emphasize  also  the  contrast  between  the  angry  convul- 
sions of  the  larvae  of  H.  ampkinome  with  the  coordinated  twitchings  of  a 
mass  of  Dione  juno  huascama.  All  these  factors  indicate  that  most  of  the 
gregarious  species  acquired  such  behavior  much  longer  ago  than  Hamadryas 
amphinome,  and  are  better  adapted  to  it. 

It  seems  to  us  that  the  conspicuous  larval  coloration  of  H.  amphinome , 
added  to  the  unpleasant  odor  emitted  by  the  larvae,  the  adults’  aggressive 
disposition  and  the  bright  orange  coloration  of  their  underwings,  suggest  im- 
palatability  to  predators  (orange  color  in  insects  is  usually  associated  with 
such  condition),  even  though  there  is  still  some  crypsis  in  the  dorsal  coloration 
of  the  wings.  The  urticant  properties  of  the  foodplant  Dalechampia  scandens, 
which  belong  to  the  Euphorbiaceae  family  reputed  to  comprise  plants  with 
caustic  or  otherwise  poisonous  constituents  (Standley,  1923,  says  about  Eu- 
phorbiaceae: “The  sap  usually  has  purgative  and  often  poisonous  properties”), 
would  seem  to  sustain  our  assumption,  even  though  Young  (1974)  has  ob- 
served, in  relation  to  Dalechampia  heteromorpha  Pax  and  Hoffmann,  which 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


191 


is  one  of  the  foodplants  of  H.  februa  in  Costa  Rica:  “I  chewed  several  leaves 
(both  young  and  old)  and  found  no  signs  of  bitter  tastes.”  In  our  experience 
some  alkaloid  (supposedly  poisonous)  bearing  plants  are  not  bitter  when  chewed, 
and  on  the  other  hand  some  which  are  bitter  when  chewed  do  not  contain 
alkaloids.  Furthermore,  alkaloids  are  not  the  only  poisonous  materials  found 
in  plants:  saponins,  cyanogenetic  and  cardiac  glycosides  are  others  (Brower 
& Brower,  1964),  and  are  not  necessarily  associated  with  bitter  tastes. 

H.  amphinome,  as  is  the  case  with  H.  guatemalena  (Muyshondt  & Muy- 
shondt,  1975  b)  has  lost  all  the  dorsal  spines  with  the  exception  of  the  one 
on  segments  A- 7 and  A-8,  which  are  present  on  all  abdominal  segments  (ex- 
cept the  A-9  and  A- 10)  of  other  species  of  Hamadryas,  probably  as  a result 
of  the  increased  protection  obtained  from  the  more  efficient  exploitation  of 
the  noxious  components  of  the  foodplant,  enhanced  in  this  case  by  the  gre- 
garious behavior  of  the  larvae. 


Literature  Cited 

Barcant,  M.  1970.  Butterflies  of  Trinidad  and  Tobago.  London.  Collins. 

Brower,  L.  P.  and  J.  V.  Z.  Brower.  1964.  Birds,  butterflies  and  plant  poisons:  a study 
in  ecological  chemistry.  Zoologica  49:  137-159. 

Hemming,  F.  1967.  Generic  names  of  the  butterflies  and  their  type-species.  Bull.  Br. 
Mus.  Nat.  Hist.  (Ent.)  Supl.  9. 

Muller,  W.  1886.  Siidamerikanische  Nymphalidenraupen.  Versuch  eines  natiirlichen  Sys- 
tems der  Nymphaliden.  Zoologische  Jahrbuch  453-461. 

Muyshondt,  A.  and  A.  Muyshondt,  Jr.  1975a.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  his- 
tory of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador.  I B. — Hamadryas  februa  (Nymphalidae-Hama- 
dryadinae).  Jour.  N.  Y.  Ent.  Soc.  83:  157-169. 

. 1975b.  Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  of  El  Salvador. 

II  B. — Hamadryas  guatemalena  Bates  (Nymphalidae-Hamadryadinae)  Jour.  N.  Y. 
Ent.  Soc.  83:  170-180. 

, A.  M.  Young  and  A.  Muyshondt,  Jr.  1973.  The  biology  of  the  butterfly  Dione 

juno  huascama  (Nymphalidae:  Heliconiinae)  in  El  Salvador.  Jour.  N.  Y.  Ent.  Soc. 
81:  137-151. 

Standley,  P.  1923.  Trees  and  shrubs  of  Mexico.  Contrib.  from  the  U.  S.  Nat.  Herb. 
Vol.  23  Part  3. 

Young,  A.  M.  1974.  On  the  biology  of  Hamadryas  februa  (Lepidoptera:  Nymphalidae) 
in  Guanacaste,  Costa  Rica.  Zool.  ang  Ent.  76:  845-856. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Notes  on  the  Male  Reproductive  System  in  Ants 
( Hymenoptera : F ormicidae  ) 1 

A.  C.  F.  Hung  and  S.  B.  Vinson 

Department  of  Entomology,  Texas  A&M  University,  College  Station,  Texas  77843 
Received  for  Publication  October  31,  1974 


Abstract:  The  gross  morphology  of  the  male  reproductive  system  of  Pachycondyla  harpax 

(Fabr.),  Eciton  hamatum  (Fabr.),  Neivamyrmex  sp.,  Pogonomyrmex  barbatus  (F.  Smith), 
Crematogaster  laeviuscula  Mayr,  Solenopsis  invicta  Buren,  Atta  texana  (Buckley),  Irido- 
myrmex  pruinosum  (Roger),  Conomyrma  insana  (Buckley),  Formica  canadensis  Santschi, 
F.  subintegra  Emery  and  Polyergus  breviceps  Emery  was  studied.  As  the  ants  matured  the 
spermatozoa  descended  into  the  vas  deferens  and  were  retained  there  while  the  testes 
progressively  decreased  in  size.  The  dilated  vasa  deferentia  where  mature  spermatozoa  are 
retained  should  be  called  “seminal  vesicles”  and  what  was  formerly  called  “seminal  vesicle” 
should  be  referred  to  as  “accessory  gland.”  Two  types  of  accessory  glands  were  found  in 
ants.  In  the  first  type  which  is  found  so  far  only  in  the  Ecitonini,  the  glands  are  long,  coiled 
and  both  enclosed  in  a single  capsule.  In  the  second  type  the  glands  consist  of  two  distinct 
bodies  and  are  either  ball-shaped,  bean-shaped,  or  elongated. 

There  have  been  very  few  studies  on  the  male  reproductive  system  in  ants. 
Janet  (1902)  in  his  study  of  the  anatomy  of  the  gaster  of  Myrmica  rubra  L. 
depicted  the  male  reproductive  organs.  This  classic  illustration  has  been  re- 
produced in  such  famous  myrmecological  monographs  as  “Ants”  by  Wheeler 
(1910),  “British  Ants”  by  Donisthorpe  (1915),  and  “Le  monde  social  des 
fourmis”  by  Forel  (1921-1923).  Forbes  (1954)  gave  a comprehensive  review 
on  this  subject.  Trakimas  (1968)  reinvestigated  the  anatomy  and  histology  of 
M.  rubra.  Unfortunately,  only  the  abstract  of  her  work  was  published. 

According  to  Janet  (1902),  the  male  reproductive  system  of  ants  consists  of 
the  testes,  the  vasa  deferentia,  the  seminal  vesicles,  the  ejaculatory  duct  and 
the  external  genitalia.  An  aedeagal  bladder  was  later  found  in  Camponotus 
and  Formica  (Forbes  1954),  Eciton  (Forbes  1958),  Rhytidoponera  (Hagopian 
1963),  N eivamyrmex  (Forbes  and  Do-Van-Quy  1965),  Solenopsis  (Tice  1967), 
and  Myrmica  (Trakimas  1968).  Although  a pair  of  accessory  glands  was  found 
in  Dorylus  labiatus  Schuck  (Mukerjee  1926),  Eciton  hamatum  (Fabr.)  (Forbes 
1953),  and  N eivamyrmex  harrisi  (Haldeman)  (Forbes  and  Do-Van-Quy  1965), 
no  mention  of  accessory  glands  has  been  made  in  other  ants  (Janet  1902, 

Approved  as  TA  11481  by  the  Director  of  the  Texas  Agricultural  Experiment  Station. 
Supported  in  part  by  Sigma  Xi  Grant-in-Aid  of  Research  award  to  Hung  and  by  the 
Texas  Department  of  Agriculture  Interagency  Agreement  IAC  (74-75) -0448.  We  also 
thank  Dr.  John  C.  Moser  and  Dr.  Carl  W.  Rettenmeyer  for  their  generous  contributions  of 
specimens. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  192-197.  September,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


193 


Fig.  1.  Longitudinal  section  of  seminal  vesicle  and  accessory  gland  of  F.  subintegra. 
(Scale  line  :=  0.1  mm). 


Figs.  2-6.  Male  reproductive  system  in  ants  (scale  lines  = 1 mm).  2.  I.  pruinosum.  A, 
newly  emerged;  B,  matured.  3.  Neivamyrmex  sp.,  matured.  4.  Pachycondyla  harpax , newly 
emerged.  5.  Pogonomyrmex  barbatus,  matured.  6.  A.  texana,  matured. 

Abbreviations:  AD,  duct  of  accessory  gland;  AG,  accessory  gland;  AT,  atrophied  testis; 
BD,  bound  accessory  gland  ducts;  CP,  capsule  of  accessory  gland;  GA,  genitalia;  SP,  sperm 
plug;  SV,  seminal  vesicle;  TS,  testis;  VD,  vas  deferens. 


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Forbes  1954,  Hagopian  1963,  Blussky  1967,  Tice  1967,  Trakimas  1968). 
Therefore,  according  to  Forbes  (1954)  the  mature  sperm  in  Camponotus 
pennsylvanicus  (DeGeer)  are  stored  in  the  vasa  deferentia  and  prevented  from 
moving  into  the  seminal  vesicles  by  a granular  plug.  A similar  plug  was  also 
found  in  Formica  subintegra  Emery  (Fig.  1). 

The  above  citations  suggest  that  army  ants  differ  from  other  ants  in  having- 
accessory  glands  and  further,  that  ants  other  than  army  ants  do  not  store  the 
mature  sperm  in  the  seminal  vesicles  like  other  insects.  We  suggest  the  as- 
sumption is  false.  The  discrepancy  appears  to  have  been  created  by  the  use 
of  incorrect  terminology. 

According  to  Snodgrass  (1935),  the  vesicula  seminalis  is  a dilatation  of  the 
vas  deferens  in  which  spermatozoa  may  be  retained.  Therefore,  the  seminal 
vesicle  could  be  any  portion  of  the  vas  deferens.  For  example,  in  Oncopeltus 
fasciatus  (Dallas)  it  is  located  at  the  upper  portion  of  the  vas  deferens  imme- 
diately following  the  vas  efferens  (Bonhag  and  Wick  1953). 

We  studied  the  male  reproductive  system  of  the  following  12  species:  Pachy- 
condyla  harpax  (Fabr.)  (Ponerinae) ; Eciton  hamatum  (Fabr.)  (Dorylinae); 
N eivamyrmex  sp.  (Dorylinae) ; Pogonomyrmex  barbatus  (F.  Smith)  (Myrmi- 
cinae) ; Crematogaster  laeviuscuia  Mayr  (Myrmicinae) ; Solonopsis  invicta 
Buren  (Myrmicinae);  Atta  texana  (Buckley)  (Myrmicinae);  Iridomyrmex 
pruinosum  (Roger)  (Dolichoderinae) ; Conomyrma  insana  (Buckley)  (Do- 
lichoderinae) ; Formica  canadensis  Santschi  (Formicinae) ; F.  subintegra  Emery 
(Formicinae) ; and  Polyergus  breviceps  Emery  (Formicinae). 

In  Pogonomyrmex  barbatus , S.  invicta  (Hung  et  al.  1974),  /.  pruinosum, 
and  F.  subintegra  in  which  we  had  freshly  killed  male  pupae  and  alates  of 
different  ages,  we  found  that  as  the  ants  matured  the  spermatozoa  descended 
into  the  vas  deferens  and  were  retained  there  while  the  testes  progressively 
decreased  in  size  (Fig.  2).  According  to  the  definition  of  Snodgrass  (1935), 
these  dilated  vasa  deferentia  (or  portions  of  the  vas  deferens)  should  be  called 
“seminal  vesicles.”  Consequently,  what  was  previously  called  “seminal  vesicle” 
should  be  referred  to  as  “accessory  gland.” 

Our  studies  further  revealed  that  there  are  2 types  of  accessory  glands  in 
ants.  In  the  first  type  the  glands  are  long,  tightly  coiled  and  both  enclosed 
in  a single  capsule  (Figs.  3 and  7).  This  type  is  found  so  far  only  in  Eciton 
and  N eivamyrmex.  Although  Forbes  (1958)  and  Forbes  and  Do-Van-Quy 
(1965)  did  not  mention  any  capsule  enclosing  the  coiled  accessory  glands  in 
their  preserved  material,  our  dissection  of  two  fresh  specimens  of  N eivamyrmex 
males  showed  the  presence  of  this  capsule  (Figs.  3 and  7,  CP).  In  the  second 
type,  the  glands  consist  of  two  distinct  bodies.  They  are  ball-shaped  in  the 
dolichoderines  (Fig.  2),  but  are  elongated  in  Dorylus  (Mukerjee  1926)  and 
bean-shaped  in  ponerines  (Fig  4),  myrmicines  (Figs.  5-6)  and  formicines. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


195 


Fig.  7.  Diagram  of  male  reproductive  system  in  Neivamyrmex  sp.  (scale  line  = 1 mm). 

In  mature  males  of  some  ants  the  glands  are  sometimes  much  smaller  than 
the  seminal  vesicles  and  are  easily  overlooked  (Fig.  6). 

Brown  (1954)  has  suggested  that  Dorylinae  might  be  diphyletic  and  Gotwald 
(1969)  goes  further  to  state  that  the  dorylines  are  tripartite.  This  preliminary 
study  on  the  gross  morphology  of  the  male  reproductive  system  in  ants  cer- 
tainly supports  the  polypheletic  nature  of  the  dorylines.  As  has  previously 
been  pointed  out,  the  coiled,  enclosed  accessory  glands  are  so  far  found  only 


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in  Eciton  and  Neivamyrmex.  According  to  Mukerjee  (1926)  the  accessory 
glands  of  D.  labiatus  are  conspicuous  bodies  due  to  their  large  size  and  thick 
wall.  His  illustrations  further  show  that  the  shape  of  these  glands  are  very 
similar  to  those  of  the  myrmicines  and  formicines.  We  have  also  studied  male 
alates  of  Aenictus  from  Taiwan.  Although  the  entire  reproductive  system  in 
our  material  was  beyond  recognition  due  to  poor  preservation,  two  distinct 
bodies  of  accessory  glands  can  still  be  recognized.  Therefore,  the  accessory 
gland  of  the  Dorylini  appears  to  have  a closer  resemblance  to  that  of  the 
Myrmicinae  and  Formicinae  than  to  Ecitonini. 

There  have  been  both  anatomical  and  behavioral  evidences  supporting  the 
phylogenetic  affinities  between  Ponerinae  and  Dorylinae  (Wilson  1958,  Her- 
mann 1969).  As  far  as  the  accessory  glands  are  concerned,  our  study  of 
Pachycondyla  and  that  of  Rhytidoponera  by  Hagopian  (1963)  certainly  in- 
dicate that  ponerines  are  closer  related  to  Dorylini  than  to  Ecitonini. 


Literature  Cited 

Bonhag,  F.,  and  J.  R.  Wick.  1953.  The  functional  anatomy  of  the  male  and  female 
reproductive  systems  of  the  milkweed  bug,  Oncopeltus  fasciatus  (Dallas)  (Heterop- 
tera,  Lygaeidae).  J.  Morph.  93:  177-283. 

Brown,  W.  L.  1954.  Remarks  on  the  internal  phylogeny  and  subfamily  classification  of 
the  family  Formicidae.  Insectes  Sociaux  1:  21-31. 

Dlussky,  G.  M.  1967.  Ants  of  the  genus  Formica  (in  Russian).  Izdatel’stve  “Nauka”, 
Moscow.  211  pp. 

Donisthorpe,  H.  St.  J.  K.  1915.  British  ants,  their  life-history  and  classification.  Wil- 
liam Brendon  and  Son,  Ltd.,  Plymouth,  England.  379  pp. 

Forbes,  J.  1954.  The  anatomy  and  histology  of  the  male  reproductive  system  of 
Camponotus  perms ylvanicus  DeGeer  (Formicidae,  Hymenoptera) . J.  Morph.  95: 
523-556. 

. 1958.  The  male  reproductive  system  of  the  army  ant,  Eciton  hamatum  Fabricius. 

Proc.  10th  Internat.  Congr.  Entomol.  1:  593-596. 

, and  D.  Do-Van-Quy.  1965.  The  anatomy  and  histology  of  the  male  reproductive 

system  of  the  legionary  ant,  Neivamyrmex  harrisi  (Haldeman)  (Hymenoptera, 
Formicidae).  J.  New  York  Entomol.  Soc.  73:  95-111. 

Forel,  A.  1921-1923.  Le  monde  social  des  fourmis  du  globe  comparee  a celui  de  l’homme, 
5 vols.  Libraire  Kundig,  Geneva.  948  pp. 

Gotwald,  W.  H.  1969.  Comparative  morphological  studies  of  the  ants,  with  particular 
reference  to  the  mouthparts  (Hymenoptera:  Formicidae).  Mem.  Cornell  Univ.  Agric. 
Exper.  Sta.,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.  408:  1-150. 

Hagopian,  M.  1963.  An  anatomical  and  histological  study  of  the  male  ponerine  ant, 
Rhytidoponera  metallica  F.  Smith  (Formicidae,  Hymenoptera).  Dissertation,  Ford- 
ham  Univ.,  Xerox  Univ.  Microfilms,  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.  124  pp. 

Hermann,  H.  R.  1969.  The  hymenopterous  poison  apparatus:  Evolutionary  trends  in 
three  closely  related  subfamilies  of  ants  (Hymenoptera:  Formicidae).  J.  Georgia 
Entomol.  Soc.  4:  123-124. 

Hung,  A.  C.  F.,  S.  B.  Vinson,  and  J.  W.  Summerlin.  1974.  Male  sterility  in  the  red 
imported  fire  ant,  Solenopsis  invicta  Buren.  Ann.  Entomol.  Soc.  Amer.  67:  909-912. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


197 


Janet,  C.  1902.  Anatomie  du  gaster  de  la  Myrmica  rubra.  Georges  Carre  et  C.  Naud, 
Paris.  68  pp. 

Mukerjee,  D.  1926.  Digestive  and  reproductive  systems  of  the  male  ant  Dorylus  labiatus 
Schuck.  J.  Proc.  Asiatic  Soc.  Bengal,  n.  s.,  22:  87-92. 

Snodgrass,  R.  E.  1935.  Principles  of  insect  morphology.  McGraw-Hill,  New  York. 
667  pp. 

Tice,  J.  E.  1967.  The  anatomy  and  histology  of  some  of  the  systems  of  the  male  of  the 
imported  fire  ant,  Solenopsis  saevissima  richteri  Forel  (Hymenoptera:  Formicidae). 
Dissertation,  Fordham  Univ.,  Xerox  Univ.  Microfilms,  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.  122  pp. 
Trakimas,  W.  B.  1968.  An  anatomical  and  histological  study  of  the  male  myrmicine  ant, 
Myrmica  rubra  L.  (Hymenoptera:  Formicidae).  Dissertation  Abstr.  28B:  4360. 
Wheeler,  W.  M.  1910.  Ants:  Their  structure,  development  and  behavior.  Columbia 

Univ.  Press,  New  York.  663  pp. 

Wilson,  E.  O.  1958.  The  beginnings  of  nomadic  and  group-predatory  behavior  in  the 
ponerine  ants.  Evolution  12:  24-31. 


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Species  and  Numbers  of  Bloodsucking  Flies  Feeding  on  Hogs 
and  Other  Animals  in  Southern  New  Jersey1’2 

Thomas  J.  Weiner  and  Elton  J.  Hansens3 

Department  of  Entomology  and  Economic  Zoology, 

Cook  College,  Rutgers  University,  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.  08903 

Received  for  Publication  January  20,  1975 

Abstract:  Tabanidae  of  19  species  were  recorded  feeding  on  hogs  of  8 herds  in  1973. 

Species  and  feeding  location  on  the  animals  were  recorded.  Though  small  numbers  of 
tabanids  fed  on  hogs,  herds  in  wooded  areas  were  more  subject  to  attack  by  Tabanidae 
and  Stomoxys  calcitrans  than  those  in  open  fields.  Stomoxys  calcitrans,  Haematobia  irritans, 
and  13  Tabanidae  were  noted  on  horses,  2 Tabanidae  on  goats  and  6 on  dogs. 


In  areas  adjacent  to  the  New  Jersey  coastal  wetlands,  female  horse  flies 
and  deer  flies  are  serious  pests  of  domestic  animals  and  man.  Recently  Tid- 
well et  al  (1972)  reported  the  capability  of  Tabanidae  in  transmitting  hog 
cholera  and  named  8 different  Tabanus  species  feeding  on  North  Carolina  hogs 
under  field  and  laboratory  conditions.  The  present  study  sought  to  identify 
the  species  and  assess  the  numbers  of  Tabanidae  found  on  hogs  and  other 
animals  under  farm  conditions  in  New  Jersey. 

MATERIALS  AND  METHODS 

Eight  New  Jersey  farms,  including  7 located  in  Cumberland  and  1 in  Cape 
May  county,  were  visited  at  least  twice  a week  from  June  6 to  August  10, 
1973.  At  each  location,  20  hogs  were  chosen  randomly  and  counts  of  feeding 
Tabanidae  and  Stomoxys  calcitrans  were  made.  The  appearance  of  the  animal 
was  also  noted — clean,  dirty  or  muddy — as  well  as  whether  it  was  in  the  sun, 
shade  or  shelter.  Not  only  were  numbers  of  flies  tabulated,  but  also  on  which 
part  of  the  hogs’  body  a particular  fly  was  feeding.  A portion  of  the  flies  were 
collected  and  identified  in  the  laboratory  to  confirm  field  identification.  When- 
ever an  unfamiliar  fly  was  seen,  a special  effort  was  made  to  capture  it.  Only 
once  during  the  season  did  such  a fly  escape.  This  particular  fly  was  recog- 
nized as  a Chrysops  species. 

Black  box  traps  such  as  that  described  by  Decoster  (1968)  were  set  up  at 
5 farms  to  monitor  the  fly  population.  Beach  balls  sprayed  black  were  used 

1Diptera:  Tabanidae,  Muscidae. 

2 Paper  of  the  Journal  Series,  New  Jersey  Agricultural  Experiment  Station,  Rutgers  Uni- 
versity— The  State  University  of  New  Jersey,  New  Brunswick,  N.J.  This  investigation 
is  part  of  an  undergraduate  George  H.  Cook  Scholar  Project  and  was  supported  in  part  by 
USDA — APHIS,  Contract  No.  12-16-100-189. 

3 Undergraduate  Student  and  Research  Professor,  respectively. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  198-202.  September,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


199 


Table  1.  Numbers  of  Tabanidae  species  collected  from  hogs  and  box  traps  throughout 
the  summer  of  1973  in  southern  New  Jersey. 


Species 

Number  on  Hogs 

Number  in  Traps 

Tabanus  lineola  F. 

306 

1515 

T . nigrovittatus  Macquart 

136 

554 

T.  atratus  Fabricius 

88 

3 

T.  trimaculatus  Palisot  de  Beauvois 

26 

21 

Chrysops  fuliginosus  Wiedemann 

20 

0 

C.  niger  Macquart 

11 

0 

C.  cincticornis  Walker 

7 

1 

C.  atlanticus  Pechuman 

1 

41 

C.  montanus  Osten  Sacken 

0 

15 

T.  nigripes  Wiedemann 

6 

16 

T.  pumilus  Macquart 

2 

53 

T.  melanocerus  Wiedemann 

1 

21 

Diachlorus  ferrugatus  (F.) 

4 

21 

T.  spams  milleri  Whitney 

1 

0 

T.  americanus  Forster 

2 

1 

T.  imitans  Walker1 

1 

0 

T.  sulcifrons  Macquart 

0 

1 

Hybomitra  daeckei  (Hine) 

19 

2 

H.  lasiophthalma  (Macquart) 

4 

0 

C.  obsoletus  Wiedemann 

1 

9 

C.  dimmocki  Hine 

1 

4 

C.  flavidus  Wiedemann 

0 

6 

C.  brunneus  Hine 

0 

2 

C.  vittatus  Wiedemann 

0 

2 

C.  celatus  Pechuman 

0 

1 

C.  geminatus  Wiedemann 

0 

1 

Stomoxys  calcitrans  (L.) 

3119 

302 

1 The  first  recorded  specimen  found  north  of  Maryland — identification  made  by  L.  L. 


Pechuman,  Cornell  University. 


as  targets  hung  under  the  traps.  Each  time  these  farms  were  visited,  trapped 
flies  were  collected  and  later  identified. 

Clean  clothing  was  worn  at  all  times  and  rubber  boots  were  disinfected 
before  and  after  visiting  each  location. 

RESULTS 

Hogs.  Of  the  19  Tabanidae  species  (Table  1)  found  to  feed  on  hogs  in 
southern  New  Jersey,  Tabanus  lineola , T.  nigrovittatus  and  T.  atratus  fed  in 
the  largest  numbers.  T.  lineola  made  up  48%  of  the  total  number  of  horse 
flies  counted  on  the  animals  and  66%  of  those  Tabanidae  collected  from  the 
box  traps.  T.  nigrovittatus  contributed  21%  and  24%  of  these  totals,  respec- 
tively. T.  atratus  fed  freely  on  the  hogs  but  would  rarely  enter  the  traps. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Table  2.  Comparison  of  the  number  of  Tabanidae  and  Stomoxys  calcitrans  found  on  hogs 
in  woods  versus  fields,  Cumberland  County,  N.J. 


Farms 

Tabanidae 

Total 

Tabanidae/Hog 

Stomoxys 

Total 

Stomoxys/ Hog 

A (woods 

99 

0.29 

1359 

4.00 

C (woods) 

13 

0.04 

182 

0.61 

D (fields) 

4 

0.01 

25 

0.08 

F (woods) 

169 

0.56 

168 

0.56 

F (fields) 

117 

0.34 

697 

2.05 

The  number  of  deer  flies  feeding  was  generally  lower  than  the  horse  flies. 
Chrysops  juliginosus , C.  niger  and  C.  cincticornis  were  those  species  which  fed 
most  frequently.  Chrysops  atlanticus,  C.  montanus,  T.  nigripes,  T.  pumilus , 
T.  melanocarus  and  Diachlorus  jerrugatus  were  present  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
hogs  in  substantial  numbers  but  were  not  inclined  to  feed.  The  stable  fly, 
Stomoxys  calcitrans , was  more  common  on  the  hogs  than  any  of  the  tabanids 
and  made  up  83%  of  the  flies  found  in  the  box  traps. 

The  stable  fly  was  present  throughout  the  entire  season  and  fed  all  over  the 
body  of  the  hog,  as  did  most  of  the  Tabanus  spp.  However,  T.  atratus  con- 
centrated on  the  back  of  the  animal  and  T.  trimaculatus  had  a predilection  for 
the  sides  and  legs.  Hybomitra  lasiophthalma  fed  on  the  legs  and  Diachlorus 
jerrugatus  fed  only  on  the  lower  half  of  the  pig.  The  feeding  activity  of  most 
Chrysops  spp.  was  limited  to  the  hog’s  back. 

In  general,  more  Tabanidae  and  S.  calcitrans  fed  on  animals  kept  in  wooded 


Table  3.  Species  and  numbers  of  Tabanidae  found  on  hogs  in  the  fields  and  woods  of 

Farm  F. 


Species 

Fields  (17)1 

Woods  (15)1 

Tabanus  lineola 

61 

95 

T . atratus 

37 

25 

T.  nigrovittatus 

14 

10 

T.  trimaculatus 

4 

T.  nigripes 

2 

T.  americanus 

1 

Chrysops  niger 

1 

10 

C.  cincticornis 

4 

C.  atlanticus 

1 

Hybomitra  daeckei 

4 

15 

H.  lasiophthalma 

1 

Diachlorus  jerrugatus 

1 

Number  of  visits. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


201 


Table  4.  Numbers  of  Tabanidae  species,  Stomoxys  calcitrans,  and  Haematobia  irritans 
collected  from  horses  during  the  summer  of  1973  in  Millville,  New  Jersey. 


Species 

Number  on  Horses 

C hr y sops  niger 

4 

Tabanus  lineola 

543 

T.  atratus 

43 

1 T.  fulvulus  Wiedemann 

10 

T.  nigripes 

10 

T.  americanus 

4 

Hybomitra  lasiophthalma 

4 

1 T.  petiolatus  Hine 

2 

T.  pumilus 

1 

1 H.  cincta  (F.) 

1 

T.  nigrovittatus 

1 

H.  daeckei 

1 

1 H.  trispila  (Wiedemann) 

2 

1 T.  pallidescens  Philip 

1 

1 T.  stygius  Say 

1 

Stomoxys  calcitrans 

1376 

1 Haematobia  irritans  (L.) 

54 

1 Not  seen  on  hogs. 


areas  than  in  non-wooded  areas  (Table  2).  This  trend  is  shown  for  farms  C 
and  D located  in  Cedarville  and  0.5  mile  apart.  The  wooded  farm  C had  4 
Tabanidae  and  61  S.  calcitrans  for  every  100  hogs  compared  to  1 Tabanidae 
and  8 S.  calcitrans  in  the  field  of  farm  I). 

Farm  F was  unique  in  that  it  had  2 distinct  herds  separated  by  0.7  mile. 
The  wooded  area  had  56  tabanids  and  56  stable  flies  feeding  on  every  100 
pigs,  whereas  the  field  area  had  34  tabanids  and  205  stable  flies  per  100  pigs. 
S.  calcitrans  showed  a greater  tendency  to  enter  shelters  than  the  tabanids. 
This  is  a possible  explanation  for  the  more  abundant  stable  flies  found  feeding 
in  the  field  of  farm  F.  Each  time  this  area  was  visited  counts  were  taken 
from  hogs  maintained  in  2 pens.  One  pen  contained  the  younger  and  smaller 
animals  while  the  other  housed  the  larger  breeding  sows  which  stayed  inside  a 
shelter  with  one  completely  open  side.  The  S.  calcitrans  were  largely  on  the 
breeding  sows  inside  the  shelter.  Throughout  the  summer  only  3 Tabanidae 
entered  the  shelter  to  obtain  a blood  meal,  namely  T.  lineola , T.  nigrovittatus, 
and  T.  atratus.  In  addition  to  finding  larger  numbers  of  flies  feeding  on  hogs 
housed  in  wooded  areas,  more  species  were  also  found  (Table  3). 

Only  5 horse  fly  species  fed  on  swine  in  the  fields  of  farm  F while  12  species 
were  found  in  its  wooded  area.  The  smaller  number  of  T.  atratus  and  T.  nigro- 
vittatus found  in  the  woods  is  because  the  hogs  in  this  area  were  removed  on 
July  24  (due  to  theft),  whereas  counts  on  the  swine  in  the  fields  continued 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


until  August  10  and  on  that  particular  day  11  T.  atratus  and  7 T.  nigrovittatus 
were  seen.  The  most  abundant  species  in  both  areas  were  T.  lineola  and  T. 
nigrovittatus. 

The  7 Tabanidae  species  which  appeared  in  South  Jersey  early  in  the  season 
were:  Chrysops  cincticornis,  C.  fuliginosus,  C.  niger,  Tab  anus  nigripes , T.  tri- 
maculatus , Hybomitra  daeckei  and  H.  lasiophthalma.  Those  ubiquitous  species 
present  throughout  the  entire  summer  were  Tabanus  lineola , T.  nigrovittatus 
and  T.  atratus. 

Horses.  A horse  ranch  located  in  Millville,  New  Jersey  was  observed  13  times 
during  June  to  August  1973.  Fifteen  horses  were  chosen  at  random  and  feed- 
ing flies  were  counted. 

In  addition  to  Stomoxys  calcitrans  and  Haematobia  irritans , 15  species  of 
Tabanidae  were  recorded  on  horses  (Table  4). 

Chrysops  niger  fed  on  the  head  and  neck  of  the  horse.  Tabanus  lineola  and 
T.  julvulus  fed  on  the  legs  while  T.  nigripes  fed  on  the  upper  part  of  the 
animal  (head,  neck  and  side).  T.  atratus  was  counted  on  the  back  and  legs 
and  Hybomitra  lasiophthalma  in  the  genital  area.  S.  calcitrans  fed  all  over  the 
horse  but  predominantly  on  the  side  and  legs,  while  H.  irritans  fed  on  the 
horse’s  belly. 

Present  throughout  the  season  were  Tabanus  lineola,  T.  atratus,  T.  nigripes, 
S.  calcitrans  and  H.  irritans. 

While  riding  in  wooded  areas  in  the  evening  the  senior  author  noted  feeding 
on  the  horse’s  ears  by  Chrysops  macquarti,  C.  nigribimbo,  C.  vittatus  and  C. 
celatus. 

Other  Animals.  On  hog  farm  A,  where  9 different  Tabanidae  species  were 
recorded  on  hogs,  observations  were  also  made  of  those  flies  found  on  8 goats 
and  2 dogs. 

The  total  number  of  flies  attracted  to  the  goats  included  2 C.  fuliginosus, 
1 T.  nigrovittatus  and  28  S.  calcitrans.  The  dachshund,  kept  in  an  open  area, 
had  1 T.  nigrovittatus  and  18  S.  calcitrans.  The  German  shepherd,  kept  in  a 
wooded  area,  had  24  T.  nigrovittatus,  353  S.  calcitrans,  2 C.  atlanticus,  2 C. 
vittatus  and  1 each  of  C.  callidus  Osten  Sacken,  C.  fuliginosus  and  C.  montanus. 

Literature  Cited 

Decoster,  A.  A.  1968.  How  to  catch  a greenhead  fly.  Down  East — The  Magazine  of 
Maine  13(3):  54. 

Tidwell,  M.  A.,  W.  D.  Dean,  G.  P.  Combs,  D.  W.  Anderson,  W.  O.  Cowart,  and  R.  C. 
Axtell.  1972.  Transmission  of  hog  cholera  virus  by  horse  flies  (Tabanidae: 
Diptera).  American  Journal  of  Veterinary  Research  33(3):  615-622. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


203 


Speleognathinae  Collected  From  Birds  In  North  America 
( Acarina : Ereynetidae  ) 1 

A.  Fain 

Institut  de  Medecine  Tropicale  Prince  Leopold,  Antwerpen,  Belgium 

and 

K.  E.  Hyland 

Department  of  Zoology,  University  of  Rhode  Island,  Kingston,  R.  I.  02881 


Received  for  Publication  October  21,  1974 


Abstract:  Fourteen  species  and  subspecies  of  nasal  mites  belonging  to  the  subfamily 

Speleognathinae  and  taken  from  birds  are  reported,  including  eight  new  host  records.  Two 
new  subspecies  are  described:  Neoboydaia  philomachi  thalasseus  from  Thalasseus  maximus 
(royal  tern)  and  Sterno  hirundo  (common  tern)  from  Perry,  Florida,  and  E.  Sandwich 
Mass.,  respectively;  and  Boydaia  cyanerpes  hylocichla  from  Hylocichla  ustulata  (russet- 
backed  thrush)  taken  at  Big  Falls,  Newfoundland. 


The  speleognathine  fauna  is  not  exceedingly  abundant  in  North  American 
birds  nor  has  it  been  the  subject  of  wide-spread  investigation.  Except  for  the 
original  descriptions  there  is  relatively  little  literature  establishing  additional 
host  records  or  distributional  patterns.  Two  works,  those  of  Fain  and  Hyland 
(1970)  and  Pence  (1973),  have  added  significant  new  records,  and  it  is  our 
intention  that  the  present  work  augment  the  existing  host  and  distributional 
lists. 

The  mites  which  form  the  basis  of  this  study  have  been  collected  from  the 
nasal  passages  of  a variety  of  avian  hosts  and  from  several  widely  separated 
localities  in  North  America.  Two  new  subspecies  are  described  and  several 
new  host  records  have  been  noted.  Fourteen  species  and  subspecies  have  been 
recorded. 


1This  investigation  was  supported  in  part  by  a National  Science  Foundation  Grant  (GB- 
1295)  to  the  junior  author. 

Acknowledgments:  We  wish  to  thank  those  persons  who  assisted  with  the  collection  of 
specimens,  especially  W.  T.  Atyeo,  Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Georgia, 
Athens,  Georgia;  George  West,  Laboratory  of  Zoophysiology,  University  of  Alaska,  College, 
Alaska;  and  Arnold  Moorhouse,  U.S.  Department  of  Agriculture,  Animal  and  Plant  Health 
Inspection  Service,  Clifton  Animal  Import  Center,  Clifton,  N.J. 

We  wish  to  acknowledge  the  assistance  of  Shashi  K.  Nagar,  University  of  Delhi,  Delhi, 
India,  in  the  preparation  of  the  material  and  for  some  of  the  preliminary  determinations. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  203-208.  September,  1975. 


204 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Genus  Neoboydaia  Fain,  1958 
1.  Neoboydaia  philomachi  eroliae  (Fain  & Hyland,  1970) 

This  subspecies  was  described  from  Erolia  minutilla  and  Actitis  macularia  in  Mexico.  It 
is  distinguished  from  the  type  female  by  the  following  characters: 

(1)  Setae  ic2  and  coxal  II  are  toothed  (Da),  whereas  in  the  types  they  are  very  fine 
and  piliform  (Na).  See  Fain  (1970)  for  setal  nomenclature. 

(2)  In  the  typical  form  femora  I and  II  bear  three  foliate  and  striate  setae  (Sd)  and 
femur  III  bears  one  seta  Sd  in  addition  to  the  other  setae.  In  the  specimens  of 
N.  p.  eroliae  collected  from  the  type  hosts  (E.  minutilla  and  A.  macularia)  these 
setae  (Sd)  are  replaced  by  cylindrical  and  dentate  setae  (Da). 

We  have  collected  this  form  from: 

(1)  Erolia  minutilla  (least  sandpiper)  in  Galilee,  R.  I.  (No.  H62-08-21-3;  Coll.  G.  West) 
11  females,  3 larvae; 

(2)  Actitis  macularia  (spotted  sandpiper)  in  Charlestown,  R.  I.  (No.  H61-07-24-15 ; 
Coll.  L.  TerBush)  1 female; 

(3)  Arenaria  interpres  (ruddy  turnstone)  in  Witless  Bay,  Newfoundland  (No.  H62-08- 
07-4;  Coll.  K.  Hyland  et  al.)  11  females  and  1 male; 

(4)  Limnodromus  griseus  (dowitcher)  in  Charlestown,  R.  I.  (No.  H61-07-24-8;  Coll.  L. 
TerBush)  5 females  and  in  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.  (No.  H61-08-09-6;  Coll.  L. 
TerBush)  16  females,  2 larvae; 

(5)  Tringa  solitaria  (solitary  sandpiper)  in  Rushville,  Nebr.  (No.  A59-08-31-10 ; Coll.  W. 
Atyeo  and  N.  Braasch)  6 females. 

Arenaria  interpres , Limnodromus  griseus  and  Tringa  solitaria  appear  to  be  new  host 
records. 

Those  specimens  taken  from  Arenaria  and  Limnodromus  carry  two  type  Sd 
and  one  type  Da  setae  on  femora  T and  II.  On  femur  III  one  seta  of  type 
Sd  is  present.  The  other  characters  compare  favorably  with  those  of  the 
subspecies  eroliae. 

Clark  (1964)  redescribed  N.  philomachi  from  specimens  which  he  collected 
from  the  hosts  Totanus  melanoleucus , Totanus  flavipes,  and  Pisobia  melanotos 
in  Texas.  The  drawings  which  he  gave  with  this  redescription  apparently  are 
of  the  subspecies  eroliae. 

Pence  (1973)  reported  N.  philomachi  from  several  charadriiform  hosts 
without  indicating  the  subspecies.  Hosts  included  the  type  host,  Erolia  minu- 
tilla, plus  Capella  gallinago  (common  snipe),  Totanus  melanoleucus  (greater 
yellowlegs)  and  Limnodromus  scolapaceus  (long-billed  dowitcher).  Since  the 
host  genus  Philomachus  is  not  represented  in  North  America  it  seems  reason- 
able to  expect  that  N . philomachi  philomachi  is  absent  from  North  American 
birds  and  to  consider  that  N . p.  eroliae  is  distinct. 

2.  Neoboydaia  philomachi  thalasseus  subsp.  nov. 

This  new  subspecies  can  be  distinguished  from  the  other  two  subspecies  by  the  presence 
of  only  three  pairs  of  genital  setae  in  the  female  (one  pair  of  internals  and  two  pairs  of 
externals,  all  of  type  Na)  whereas  in  both  N.  p.  philomachi  and  N . p.  eroliae  there  are  six 


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pairs  of  setae  of  which  the  three  externals  are  of  type  Na  and  the  three  internals  are  of 
type  Da.  Coxal  setae  and  ic2  are  similar  to  subspecies  eroliae.  Idiosoma  of  holotype  female 
455  microns  in  length  and  142  microns  maximum  width. 

This  subspecies  was  collected  from: 

(1)  Thalasseus  maximus  (royal  tern)  in  Perry,  Florida  (No.  A60-07-14-4;  Coll.  W.  Atyeo 
et  al.)  holotype  and  14  paratype  females  plus  2 paratype  larvae; 

(2)  Sterna  hirundo  (common  tern)  in  E.  Sandwich,  Mass.  (No.  H61-08-12-3 ; Coll. 
K.  Hyland  et  al.)  4 females,  1 male,  1 larva. 

Holotype  deposited  in  the  U.S.  National  Museum,  Washington,  D.  C.;  paratypes  in  the 
Institut  de  Medecine  Tropicale  Prince  Leopold,  Antwerpen,  Belgium  and  University  of 
Rhode  Island,  Museum  of  Zoology,  Kingston,  R.  I. 

3.  Neoboydaia  colymbiformi  Clark,  1964 

This  species  was  described  from  Colymbus  nigricollis  calif  or  nicus  (eared  grebe)  in  Cali- 
fornia. We  recorded  it  earlier  from  Podilymbus  podiceps  (pied-billed  grebe)  in  Mexico 
(Fain  & Hyland,  1970)  and  Pence  (1973)  has  reported  it  from  the  same  host  in  Louisiana. 

We  have  also  found  it  in  a new  host,  Podiceps  caspicus  (eared  grebe)  in  Rushville,  Nebr. 
(No.  A59-08-31-6;  Coll.  N.  Braasch  and  W.  Atyeo)  9 females,  1 larva. 

Genus  Astrida  Fain,  1955 
Subgenus  Neastrida  Fain,  1963 

1.  Astrida  ( Neastrida ) coccyzae  Pence,  1973 

We  have  collected  this  species  from  the  type  host  Coccyzus  americanus  (yellow-billed 
cuckoo),  as  follows: 

(1)  Hebron,  Nebraska  (No.  A59-07-08-3;  Coll.  N.  Braasch)  3 females;  and 

(2)  North  Kingstown,  R.  I.  (No.  H62-08-23-4;  Coll.  A.  Hawkes)  8 larvae. 

Genus  Trispeleognathus  Fain,  1958 

1.  Trispeleognathus  womersleyi  (Fain,  1955) 

This  species  has  been  taken  from  Anas  discors  (blue-winged  teal)  collected  in  both 
Rhode  Island  and  Nebraska  as  follows: 

(1)  Allenton,  R.  I.  (No.  H62-09-03-4;  Coll.  L.  TerBush)  10  females; 

(2)  Valentine,  Nebr.  (No.  A59-09-02-1;  Coll.  W.  Atyeo)  1 female; 

(3)  Rushville,  Nebr.  (No.  A59-08-31-1;  Coll.  N.  Braasch  and  W.  Atyeo)  2 females. 

To  our  knowledge  it  has  not  been  reported  from  the  blue-winged  teal  previously. 

Genus  Boydaia  Womersley,  1953 
Subgenus  Boydaia  Womersley,  1953 

1.  Boydaia  ( Boydaia ) hirundoae  Fain,  1956 

This  species  has  been  collected  from  the  type  host,  Hirundo  rustica  (barn  swallow),  as 
follows: 

(1)  Richmond,  R.  I.  (No.  H62-07-06-1;  Coll.  A.  Moorhouse)  6 females  and  1 male; 

(2)  Waterford,  Conn.  (No.  H62-05-12-1;  Coll.  D.  Blake)  3 females  and  1 male. 

Pence  (1973)  has  recently  reported  this  same  species  from  the  type  host  in  Louisiana. 


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2.  Boydaia  ( Boydaia ) tyrannis  Ford,  1959 

Specimens  of  this  species  have  again  been  taken  from  the  type  host,  Tyr annus  tyr annus 
(kingbird),  from  Michigan  as  follows:  Co.  Rd.  400,  Kellogg  Gull  Lake  Biol.  Sta.,  Mich. 
(No.  59-08-10-5;  Coll.  K.  Hyland  et  al.)  2 females  and  5 larvae. 

Although  Fain  and  Aitken  (1968,  1970)  and  Fain  and  Hyland  (1970)  have  reported  this 
species  from  various  tyrannids,  cotingids  and  pipnids  from  Trinidad,  Mexico  and  Brazil, 
only  the  type  host  has  been  found  infested  with  this  species  north  of  Mexico. 

3.  Boydaia  ( Boydaia ) colini  Clark,  1958 

We  have  taken  this  species  from  the  type  host,  Colinus  virginianus  (bob  white),  collected 
in  Charlestown,  R.  I.  (No.  H62-09-01-1;  Coll.  A.  Moorhouse)  2 females  and  4 larvae.  This 
host  is  the  only  host  thus  far  reported  harboring  B.  colini. 

4.  Boydaia  ( Boydaia ) agelaii  Fain  and  Aitken,  1968 

This  species  is  distinguished  from  B.  ( B .)  quiscali  Clark,  1960  by  the  character  of  the 
claws  on  tarsi  II  of  the  larva.  The  elongate  claw  has  a different  shape  and  the  short  claw 
is  much  shorter  than  in  quiscali. 

Our  collection  includes  the  following  hosts: 

(1)  Spiza  americana  (dickcissel)  from  Grand  Island,  Nebr.  (No.  A59-06-10-14 ; Coll.  N. 
Braasch  and  W.  Atyeo)  9 females,  1 male,  and  1 larva. 

(2)  Molothrus  ater  (brown-headed  cowbird)  from  El  Paso,  Texas  (No.  H62-1 1-24-4; 
Coll.  G.  West)  3 females. 

(3)  Cassidix  mexicana  (boat-tailed  grackle)  from  Lake  Placid,  Florida  (No.  A60-07-25-2  ; 
Coll.  W.  Atyeo  and  N.  Braasch)  1 female. 

It  should  be  noted  that  Pence  (1973)  placed  material  collected  from  Molothrus  ater  in 
B.  quiscali  rather  than  in  this  species.  Apparently  he  did  not  examine  the  larvae  collected 
from  M.  ater  which  is  the  type  host  for  B.  quiscali.  He  also  assigned  material  from 
Cassidix  mexicanus  to  B.  quiscali  rather  than  to  B.  agelaii. 

The  dickcissel  ( Spiza  americana)  constitutes  a new  host  record. 

5.  Boydaia  ( Boydaia ) loxiae  Fain,  1963 

Eight  female  specimens  collected  from  Icterus  galbula  (Baltimore  oriole)  (No.  A60-05- 
15-9;  Coll.  W.  Atyeo)  taken  at  Nebraska  City,  Nebr.,  have  been  assigned  to  this  species. 
In  the  absence  of  larvae  it  is  impossible  to  distinguish  with  certainty  this  species  from 
others  belonging  to  the  “statulata”  group ; however,  this  is  apparently  the  first  record  of 
this  species  in  North  America.  See  Fain,  1971. 

6.  Boydaia  ( Boydaia ) cyanerpes  hylocichla  subsp.  nov. 

This  subspecies  can  be  distinguished  from  the  type  by  the  following  characters  in  the 
female : 

(1)  Femur  I has  6 or  7 setae  (compared  with  5 in  the  type): 

(2)  Pattern  of  lines  on  the  base  of  gnathosoma  differs  from  the  type  particularly  in 
having  two  bands  in  the  middle  which  converge  posteriorly  (instead  of  two  bands 
which  diverge  posteriorly)  ; 

(3)  Setae  on  the  body  and  legs  are  longer:  setae  dl-d4  are  18  microns  long  compared 
with  13-15  microns  in  B.  h.  hylocichla ; posterior  intercoxal  setae  15  microns  com- 
pared with  12  microns;  setae  on  tibia  I are  21-25  microns  compared  with  15-18; 
and  setae  on  femur  I 12-24  microns  in  contrast  to  8-15. 


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(4)  Palpal  solenidion  is  vestigial,  thinner  and  shorter  (1  micron)  instead  of  3-3.5  microns 
as  in  B.  h.  hylocichla. 

Idiosoma  of  holotype  female  is  405  microns  long  by  a maximum  of  315  microns  wide. 

Host:  Holotype  and  5 paratype  females  were  taken  from  Hylocichula  ustulata  (russet- 
backed  thrush)  collected  at  Big  Falls,  Newfoundland  (No.  H62-08-01-9;  Coll.  K.  Hyland 
et  al.).  Holotype  in  the  U.S.  National  Museum,  Washington;  paratypes  in  the  collections 
of  the  authors. 


Subgenus  Coboydaia  Fain,  1971 

7.  Boydaia  ( Coboydaia ) nigra  nigra  Fain,  1955 

The  type  host  of  this  species  is  Serinus  sulphuratus  shelleyi  (Fringillidae)  from  Rwanda. 
We  have  recorded  the  same  species  from  the  following  hosts  in  North  America: 

(1)  Carpodachus  mexicanus  (house  finch)  from  El  Paso,  Texas  (No.  H62-1 1-24-10; 
Coll.  G.  West)  5 females,  1 male  and  2 larvae. 

(2)  Spizella  passerina  (chipping  sparrow)  El  Paso,  Texas  (No.  H62-11-24-14 ; Coll.  G. 
West)  5 females,  2 males,  and  3 larvae. 

Both  are  new  host  records. 

8.  Boydaia  ( Coboydaia ) nigra  icteri  Fain  and  Hyland,  1970 

This  subspecies  was  described  earlier  by  us  from  Icterus  spurius  (orchard  oriole)  in 
Mexico.  We  have  also  identified  it  from  the  same  host  from  Lincoln,  Nebr.  (No.  A59- 
06-05-1;  Coll.  W.  Atyeo  and  N.  Braasch)  one  female.  We  have  also  recorded  it  from 
Icterus  galbula  (Baltimore  oriole)  in  St.  Joseph  Co.,  Michigan  (No.  C60-08-23-13 ; Coll. 
Unknown)  7 females. 


9.  Boydaia  ( Coboydaia ) sturnellae  Clark,  1960 

We  have  recorded  this  species  from  the  type  host,  Sturnella  magna  (meadow  lark) 
collected  at: 

(1)  Lake  Placid,  Fla.  (No.  A60-07-23-10 ; Coll.  W.  Atyeo  et  al.)  8 females,  4 males, 
and  4 larvae;  and 

(2)  Hope  Valley,  R.  I.  (No.  H62-07-18-1;  Coll.  A.  Moorhouse)  2 larvae. 

B.  (C.)  sturnellae  is  close  to  B.  (C.)  nigra  nigra  Fain,  1955.  In  the  female  it  can  be 
distinguished  from  B.  nigra  principally  by  the  slightly  thinner  sensillae,  which  measure  42 
microns  in  our  specimens.  In  the  larva,  claws  I— III  resemble  those  of  B.  nigra  in  form 
but  they  are  shorter.  Claw  III  is  33  microns  long  (hook  included)  compared  with  45  to  53 
microns  for  nigra. 

B.  (C.)  sturnellae  can  be  distinguished  from  B.  ( C .)  amandavae  Fain,  1962,  in  the  larval 
form  by  the  shape  of  claw  I which  is  recurved  apically  and  terminates  in  a point  whereas 
in  B.  amandavae  the  claws  are  not  recurved  apically  and  they  are  dilated  (see  Fain,  1971, 
fig.  41).  They  can  be  distinguished  in  the  female  by  the  greater  elongation  of  the  leg 
segment,  by  the  different  chaetotaxy  and  by  the  sensillae. 

B.  ( C .)  sturnellae  appears  to  be  specific  for  the  meadow  lark. 

Literature  Cited 

Clark,  G.  M.  1958.  One  new  and  one  previously  unreported  species  of  nasal  mite  (Acarina, 
Speleognathidae)  from  North  American  birds.  Proc.  Helm.  Soc.  Wash.  25(2) : 78-86. 


208 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


. 1960.  Three  new  nasal  mites  (Acarina:  Speleognathidae)  from  the  gray  squirrel, 

the  common  grackle,  and  the  meadowlark  in  the  United  States.  Proc.  Helm.  Soc. 
Wash.  27(1)  : 103-110. 

. 1964.  One  new  and  one  previously  unreported  nasal  mite  (Acarina:  Speleog- 

nathinae)  from  North  American  birds,  with  observations  on  speleognathid  taxonomy. 
J.  Parasit.  50(1):  158-162. 

Fain,  A.  1955.  Sur  le  parasitisme  des  fosses  nasales  chez  les  mammiferes  et  les  oiseaux  par 
les  Speleognathidae.  Ann.  Soc.  Beige  Med.  Trop.,  35(6) : 689-700. 

. 1956a.  Les  acariens  de  la  famille  Speleognathidae  Worn,  au  Ruanda-Urundi.  Rev. 

Zool.  Bot.  Afr.  53(1-2):  17-50. 

. 1956b.  Nouvelles  observations  sur  les  Acariens  de  la  famille  Speleognathidae 

parasites  des  fosses  nasales  chez  les  batraciens,  les  oiseaux  et  les  mammiferes.  Ann. 
Parasit.  Hum.  et  Comp.  31:  643-662. 

. 1956c.  Notes  sur  les  Acariens  du  genre  Boydaia  Worn,  avec  description  d’une 

espece  nouvelle.  Riv.  Parasitol.  17:  27-34. 

. 1963.  Chaetotaxie  et  classification  des  Speleognathinae.  Bull.  Inst.  Roy.  Sci.  Nat. 

Belg.  39(9) : 1-80. 

. 1970.  Nomenclature  des  poils  idiosomaux  et  description  de  trois  especes  nouvelles 

dans  la  famille  Ereynetidae  (Trombidiformes) . Acarologia.  1,2(2):  314-325. 

. 1971.  Cle  et  liste  des  especes  du  genre  Boydaia  Womersley  (Ereynetidae:  Trom- 
bidiformes). Acarologia.  13(1):  98-112. 

, and  T.  H.  G.  Aitken.  1968.  Les  Acariens  parasites  nasicoles  des  oiseaux  de 

Trinidad  (Indes  Occidentals) . II.  Ereynetidae:  Speleognathinae.  Bull.  Ann.  Soc. 
Roy.  Ent.  Belg.  104:  80-84. 

— , and  . 1970.  Acariens  nasicoles  d’oiseaux  et  de  mammiferes  du  Bresil.  IV. 

Nouveaux  Ereynetidae  (Trombidiformes)  et  Turbinoptidae  (Sarcoptiformes)  de  la 
region  de  Belem  (Nord  Bresil).  Acarologia.  12(2):  1326-1338. 

, and  K.  E.  Hyland.  1970.  Acariens  nasicoles  des  oiseaux  du  Mexique.  III.  Fa- 
milies Ereynetidae  et  Turbinoptidae.  Bull.  Ann.  Soc.  Roy.  Ent.  Belg.  106:  37-46. 
Ford,  H.  G.  1959.  Boydaia  tyrannis  n.  sp.  (Acarina,  Speleognathidae),  a new  mite  from 
the  nasal  cavity  of  the  Eastern  Kingbird,  Tyr annus  tyr annus  (Linnaeus).  Trans. 
Amer.  Micros.  Soc.  78(4)  : 379-385. 

Pence,  D.  B.  1973.  The  nasal  mites  of  birds  from  Louisiana.  VII.  The  Ereynetidae 
(Speleognathinae).  J.  Parasit.  59(2):  364-368. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


209 


Elliptochthoniidae,  A New  Mite  Family  (Acarina:  Oribatei) 
From  Mineral  Soil  In  California 


Roy  A.  Norton 

Department  of  Forest  Zoology,  S.U.N.Y.  College  of  Environmental  Science 
and  Forestry,  Syracuse,  New  York  13210 


Received  for  Publication  December  27,  1974 


Abstract:  A new  oribatid  mite,  Elliptochthonius  profundus  n.  gen.,  n.  sp.,  is  described 

from  mineral  soil  in  a coniferous  ecosystem  in  northern  California,  and  a new  family,  the 
Elliptochthoniidae,  is  proposed.  Relationships  with  the  Parhypochthonoidea  and  Enarthro- 
nota  are  discussed. 


Grandjean  (1947)  proposed  the  Enarthronota,  without  giving  it  a specific 
hierarchic  rank,  to  include  all  the  diverse  macropyline  oribatid  families  in 
which  the  notogaster  is  provided  with  one  to  three  transverse  sutures.  In  his 
revision  of  major  groups  in  the  Oribatei  (Grandjean,  1969),  the  Enarthronota 
was  divided  into  seven  superfamilies.  Another  macropyline  superfamily,  the 
Parhypochthonoidea  Hammen,  was  considered  as  having  rank,  again  unspeci- 
fied, equivalent  to  the  Enarthronota.  Balogh  (1972)  more  conservatively  placed 
both  these  groups,  with  some  deletions  from  the  Enarthronota,  in  the  Arthronota. 
The  purpose  of  this  paper  is  to  describe  an  unusual  new  family,  genus  and 
species  of  oribatid  mite  related  to  these  groups,  which  may  prove  important  in 
future  studies  of  higher  categories  in  the  Oribatei. 

The  specimens  were  part  of  a quantity  of  oribatids  sent  to  me  for  identi- 
fication by  John  M.  Wenz,  University  of  California,  Berkeley,  in  conjunction 
with  a study  of  the  effects  of  air  pollutants  on  a coniferous  ecosystem  in 
California,  sponsored  by  the  Environmental  Protection  Agency.  The  site  was 
a mixed  stand  of  ponderosa  and  jeffrey  pines  ( Pinus  ponder osa  Laws,  and  P. 
Jeffrey i Grev.  & Balf.)  at  Likely  Mill,  Modoc  Co.  The  new  species,  collected 
in  June,  1972,  appears  restricted  to  the  deeper  soil  strata.  It  was  never  col- 
lected in  the  organic  layers  or  in  the  upper  10  cm  of  mineral  soil. 

The  nomenclature  and  descriptive  terminology  used  below  are  primarily 
those  formulated  by  Grandjean  (1935,  1939,  1940,  1947,  1949). 

Elliptochthoniidae  n.  fam. 

This  family  is  distinguished  from  other  families  of  the  Macropylina  by  the  following 
combination  of  characters: 

1.  The  notogaster  has  a single  transverse  dorsal  suture  which  continues  laterally  and 
ventrally  to  form  a membranous  delineation  between  the  genital-aggenital  plate  and  epimere 
IV.  The  result  is  a completely  movable  opisthosoma,  or  pygidium. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  209-216.  September,  1975. 


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2.  The  division  of  the  genital  and  aggenital  plates  is  incomplete,  and  disappears  in  the 
posterior  third.  The  adanal  plates  are  broadly  fused  posteriorly. 

3.  The  latero-opisthosomal  gland  is  present. 

4.  The  gnathosoma  is  stegasime  and  has  undergone  structural  and  chaetotaxic  modifica- 
tions, including  the  presence  of  a single  pair  of  adoral  setae,  the  fusion  of  the  palpal 
trochanter  and  femur,  and  the  reduced  setation  of  the  palp  (see  description). 

Type  genus:  Elliptochthonius  n.  gen. 

The  name  is  derived  from  the  Greek  elleipsis , meaning  oval,  and  chthon,  meaning  earth. 
Because  of  the  monotypic  nature  of  the  family,  I make  no  attempt  here  to  delineate  generic 
characters. 


Type  species:  Elliptochthonius  profundus  n.  sp. 

Elliptochthonius  profundus  n.  sp. 

The  specific  epithet  is  the  Latin  profundus , meaning  deep. 

Female 

Body  elongate,  oval,  dorso-ventrally  flattened.  Average  length  of  5 slide-mounted  speci- 
mens 576 fi  (range  565/1-595/0 . Average  width  at  level  of  seta  d3  202/4  (range  200/4- 
209/4).  Color  in  alcohol  is  light  yellow. 

Prodorsum : Prodorsum  roughly  triangular  in  shape  from  above  (Fig.  1)  ; rostrum  rounded 
centrally,  but  laterally  with  irregular  teeth  (Fig.  3).  Integument  very  finely  pitted,  with 
small  superimposed  tubercles  in  the  postero-medial  region.  Podocephalic  canal  ( cpc ) extends 
from  the  point  of  lateral  articulation  with  infracapitulum  to  level  of  acetabulum  I. 

Normal  setation  present:  rostral  setae  ( ro ),  lamellar  setae  (le)  and  exobothridial  setae 
( exa , exp ) fine,  simple,  short;  interlamellar  setae  (in)  elongate,  lanceolate,  similar  to  noto- 
gastral  setae;  sensillus  (ss)  clavate,  distal  portion  heavily  barbed. 

Notogaster : Notogaster  widest  at  level  of  seta  d3,  tapering  posteriorly  (Fig.  1).  Integu- 
mental  pitting  inconspicuous  anterior  to  setal  row  e or  /,  increasing  in  strength  posteriorly ; 
strong  pitting  abruptly  stops  ventrally  at  constriction  line  running  parallel  to  setal  row  ps 
(Figs.  2,  3). 

Dorsal  suture  centrally  located  between  setal  rows  d and  e,  continuing  latero-ventrally 
until  joining  the  ventral  membranes.  Anterior  half  (notaspis)  with  six  pairs  of  minutely 
barbed  setae  (cl,  c2 , c3,  dl,  d2,  d3)  and  one  pair  of  cupules  (ia) . An  expansion  suture 
(su)  is  present  laterally.  Posterior  half  (pygidium)  with  10  pairs  of  setae  (el,  e2 , fl,  f2, 
hi,  h2,  h3,  psl,  ps2,  ps3)  and  four  pairs  of  cupules  (im,  ip,  ih,  ips) . Latero-opisthosomal 
gland  ( gla ) present,  its  opening  dorsal  to  cupule  ip  and  separated  from  it  by  a ridge-like 
thickening.  Another  thickening  present  dorsal  to  seta  h2.  Two  expansion  sutures  present 
laterally  (sud,  suv)  on  either  side  of  cupule  im.  Posteriorly,  a sharp  dorso-ventral  con- 
striction gives  appearance  of  a thickened  rim  (Fig.  3). 

Ventral  Plates : Epimeres  I and  II  separated  medially  by  membrane;  epimeres  III  and  IV 
completely  fused  medially  (Fig.  2).  Laterocoxal  seta  el  present.  Setal  formula  3-2-3-4  for 
epimeres  I-IV  (not  including  el). 

Genital  plates  with  eight  simple  setae  each,  six  in  paraxial  row,  two  in  antiaxial  row; 
posteriorly  fused  with  aggenital  plates,  which  have  one  seta  (ag).  Anal  plates  each  with 
three  simple  setae  and  one  cupule  (ian).  Adanal  plates  posteriorly  fused;  each  with  four 
setae,  longer  than  anal  setae,  and  one  cupule  (iad ) . 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


211 


Elliptochthonius  profundus  n.  gen.,  n.  sp.:  Fig.  1.  Adult  female,  dorsal  aspect.  Fig.  2. 
Same,  ventral  aspect. 


212  New  York  Entomological  Society 


Elliptochthonius  profundus  n.  gen.,  n.  sp.:  Fig.  3.  Adult  female,  lateral  aspect  (slightly 
laterally  flattened).  Fig.  4.  Infracapitulum.  Fig.  5.  Right  chelicera,  antiaxial  aspect. 
Fig.  6.  Right  palp,  antiaxial  aspect  (slightly  from  below). 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


213 


Elliptochthonius  profundus  n.  gen.,  n.  sp.:  Fig.  7.  Right  leg  I,  antiaxial  aspect.  Fig.  8. 
Famulus.  Fig.  9.  Right  leg  II,  antiaxial  aspect.  Fig.  10.  Left  leg  III,  antiaxial  aspect. 
Fig.  11.  Left  leg  IV,  antiaxial  aspect  (slightly  from  below).  Fig.  12.  Tritonymph,  epimera 
III-IV  and  ventral  plates.  All  legs  to  same  scale. 


214 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Gnathosoma:  Infracapitulum  simple,  without  secondary  articulation  (Fig.  4) ; four  pairs  of 
setae  on  ventral  surface  (a,  ml,  m2,  h ) ; one  pair  of  adoral  setae  {or)  on  lateral  lips. 
Rutellum  (RU)  with  a large  thumb-like  projection  dorso-laterally.  Antiaxial  fissure  ( a f) 
associated  with  lateral  tooth-like  structure,  Laterocoxal  seta  e thick,  blunt. 

Chelicerae  chelate-dentate  (Fig.  S)  ; fixed  digit  bidentate,  movable  digit  tridentate.  Seta 
cha  small,  simple;  seta  chb  about  four  times  as  long,  rapidly  tapering  distally.  Chitinous 
barbs  present  on  both  antiaxial  and  paraxial  faces ; numbers  and  placement  somewhat 
variable. 

Palp  four-segmented;  trochanter  and  femur  fused  (Fig.  6).  Femur  with  one  seta,  genu 
with  none,  tibia  with  two,  tarsus  with  seven  setae  (two  of  them,  uk  and  ul"  eupathidic) 
and  one  solenidion  (<0 . 

Legs:  Setal  formulas  for  the  legs,  from  trochanter  to  tarsus,  are  as  follows  (not  including 
the  famulus  on  tarsus  I):  leg  I (0-6-5-6-18);  leg  II  (1-4-4-4-14);  leg  III  (2-2-4-4-13)  ; 
leg  IV  (2-2-3-4-11).  Setae  distributed  as  in  Figs.  7,  9,  10,  11.  Most  setae  are  inconspicu- 
ously barbed.  Only  proral  setae  (p)  on  tarsus  I appear  to  be  eupathidic,  but  this  is  not 
certain. 

Famulus  (e)  of  tarsus  I spatulate,  with  single  long  lateral  bract  (Fig.  8). 

Solenidial  formulas  for  genu,  tibia  and  tarsus  as  follows:  leg  I (2-1-3);  leg  II  (1-1-1); 
leg  III  (1-1-0);  leg  IV  (1-1-0).  Ambulacrum  of  all  legs  tridactylous,  with  a highly  reduced 
central  claw. 


Tritonymph 

Very  similar  to  adult  female  with  exceptions  as  follow.  Length  and  width  of  single 
specimen  450/z  and  177/z,  respectively.  Epimeres  III  and  IV  longitudinally  divided  by  wide 
membranous  band  (Fig.  12).  Genital  plate  with  six  setae,  only  four  in  paraxial  row.  Leg 
chaetotaxy  identical  to  adult.  Ambulacrum  of  all  legs  monodactylous. 

MATERIAL  EXAMINED 

Seven  specimens,  six  adult  females  and  one  tritonymph,  were  studied.  Depo- 
sition will  be  as  follows:  holotype  female  (slide  preparation)  to  the  U.S. 

National  Museum,  Washington,  D.C.;  paratype  female  (alcoholic)  and  trito- 
nymph (slide  preparation)  to  the  Museum  of  Comparative  Zoology,  Cambridge, 
Massachusetts;  paratype  female  (slide  preparation)  to  the  Canadian  National 
Collection,  Ottawa,  Ontario;  three  paratype  females  retained  by  author. 

REMARKS 

1.  In  five  of  the  females  examined  there  was  identical  leg  setation,  and 
these  were  the  specimens  utilized  in  the  leg  descriptions.  In  the  sixth  there 
was  variability,  specifically  the  lack  of  seta  a"  on  tarsus  III,  seta  d on  genu  IV 
and  seta  v'  on  tibia  IV.  Each  loss  was  restricted  to  a single  leg,  the  other  of 
the  pair  being  typical. 

2.  There  does  not  seem  to  be  a true  correspondence  between  the  sutures 
which  I call  expansion  sutures  ( su , sud,  suv)  on  the  notogaster  and  the  supra- 
pleural band  described  by  Grandjean  (1947)  in  the  Enarthronota.  This  band 
is  dorsal  to  cupule  ia  in  the  latter  group. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  September,  1975 


215 


3.  Grandjean  (1969)  discusses  at  length  the  types  of  body  articulations 
(holoidy,  dichoidy,  ptychoidy)  in  sclerotized  oribatids.  To  these  I now  add 
the  term  trichoidy , defined  as  the  condition  of  having  both  the  protero-hystero- 
somatic  articulation  and  a podo-opisthosomatic  articulation,  exemplified  by  the 
Elliptochthoniidae . 

4.  The  placement  of  this  family  in  a major  group  is  difficult.  If  we  assume 
that  the  Parhypochthonoidea  and  Enarthronota  are  part  of  the  same  monophy- 
letic  series,  the  Arthronota,  then  the  placement  of  the  Elliptochthoniidae  in 
this  series  seems  certain.  Based  on  available  information  it  is  more  likely  that 
Grandjean’s  (1969)  system  is  correct,  that  is,  the  Arthronota  is  biphyletic. 

Grandjean  (1969)  has  listed  the  principal  characters  utilized  in  delineating 
his  major  macropyline  groups.  To  gain  insight  on  relationships  let  us  examine 
those  characters  which  differ  among  the  three  groups  in  question  from  the 
standpoint  of  ancestral  versus  derived  states. 

The  latero-opisthosomal  gland  is  present  (ancestral)  in  the  Parhypochtho- 
noidea and  Elliptochthoniidae;  it  is  absent  (derived)  in  the  Enarthronota.  The 
cupules  iad,  ian  are  present  (ancestral)  in  the  former  two  groups  and  lacking 
(derived)  in  the  Enarthronota.  The  adult  leg  ambulacra  have  a regressive 
central  claw  (derived)  in  the  Elliptochthoniidae  and  Parky pochthonius ; the 
Enarthronota  are  primarily  monodactylous  (also  derived).  The  Parhypoch- 
thonoidea have  three  pairs  of  adoral  setae  (ancestral) ; the  Elliptochthoniidae 
have  one  pair,  as  do  the  Brachychthoniidae  of  the  Enarthronota  (Grandjean, 
1963;  Reeves  and  Marshall,  1971).  The  latter  family  also  often  has  a derived 
solenidiotaxy  identical  to  the  Elliptochthoniidae,  whereas  that  of  the  Parhypoch- 
tonoidea  is  ancestral  in  comparison.  Sclerotization  is  a derived  state,  present 
in  the  Enarthronota  and  Elliptochthoniidae  and  lacking  in  the  Parhypochthon- 
oidea, but  it  has  obviously  occurred  in  a number  of  unrelated  acarine  lineages. 

Hennig  (1966)  states  that  relationships  must  be  proven  on  the  basis  of 
shared  derived  (synapomorphous)  characters,  not  shared  ancestral  ones.  Of 
the  similarities  noted  above,  synapomorphy  can  be  shown  between  the  Ellip- 
tochthoniidae and  the  Brachychthoniidae  for  the  number  of  adoral  setae  and 
solenidiotaxy.  It  is  risky,  however,  to  base  relationships  on  similar  degrees  of 
numerical  regression,  as  Grandjean  (1935)  observed  with  solenidiotaxies.  The 
other  synapomorphic  character  to  be  considered  is  the  tridactylous  adult 
ambulacrum  with  a regressive  central  claw,  shared  by  the  Elliptochthoniidae 
and  Parky  pochthonius]  the  central  claw  is  lacking  in  the  second  parhypoch- 
thonoid  genus,  Gehy pochthonius.  Although  both  this  and  the  monodactylous 
condition  are  the  result  of  regression  from  ancestral  tridactyly,  they  are  obvi- 
ously of  two  different  lineages. 

Inclusion  of  the  Elliptochthoniidae  in  the  Parhypochthonoidea  would  be 
acceptable  if  the  diagnostic  criteria  of  unsclerotized  integument  and  the  related 


216 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


stegasime  condition  were  omitted.  If  future  workers  do  not  wish  to  do  so,  a 
separate  superfamily  for  the  new  family  seems  unescapable. 

5.  I am  familiar,  and  often  agree,  with  criticisms  of  the  present  “top-heavy” 
classification  of  oribatids  caused  by  the  erection  of  many  monotypic  higher 
taxa.  However,  such  problems  are  most  significant  in  the  Brachypylina.  Here 
there  is  extensive  development  of  secondary  integumental  structures  in  the 
adult  stase  which  confuse  relationships,  combined  with  a general  lack  of 
knowledge  of  immatures,  as  discussed  by  Balogh  (1972).  For  the  most  part, 
the  Macropylina  presents  little  difficulty  in  this  regard,  and  monotypic  taxa 
are  more  readily  accepted.  In  fact,  they  are  expected  in  relict  groups  such  as 
the  one  described  here. 


Literature  Cited 

Balogh,  J.  1972.  The  oribatid  genera  of  the  world.  Akademai  Kiado,  Budapest.  188  pp. 
71  pi. 

Grand  jean,  F.  1935.  Les  poils  et  les  organes  sensitifs  portes  par  les  pattes  et  le  palpe 
chez  les  oribates.  Bull.  Soc.  zool.  France  60:  6-39. 

. 1939.  Les  segments  post-larvaires  de  l’hysterosoma  chez  les  oribates  (Acariens). 

Bull.  Soc.  zool.  France  64:  273-284. 

. 1940.  Les  poils  et  les  organes  sensitifs  portes  par  les  pattes  et  le  palpe  chez  les 

oribates.  Deuxieme  partie.  Bull.  Soc.  zool.  France  65:  32-44. 

. 1947.  Les  Enarthronota  (Acariens).  Premiere  serie.  Ann.  Sci.  natur.  Zool.  (11) 

8:  213-248. 

. 1949.  Formules  anales,  gastronotiques,  genitales  et  aggenitales  du  developpement 

numerique  des  poils  chez  les  oribates.  Bull.  Soc.  zool.  France  74:  201-225. 

. 1963.  Sur  deux  especes  de  Brachychthoniidae  et  leur  developpement.  Acarologia 

5(1):  122-151. 

. 1969.  Considerations  sur  le  classement  des  oribates.  Leur  division  en  6 groups 

majeurs.  Acarologia  11(1):  127-157. 

Hennig,  W.  1966.  Phylogenetic  systematics.  University  of  Illinois  Press,  Urbana.  263  pp. 

Reeves,  R.  M.  and  V.  Marshall.  1971.  Redescription  and  chaetotaxy  of  Brachychthonius 
lydiae  adults  and  nymphs  (Acarina:  Oribatei).  Ann.  Ent.  Soc.  Amer.  64(2): 

317-325. 


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Journal  of  the 

New  York  Entomological  Society 


Volume  LXXXIII 


December  1975 


No.  4 


EDITORIAL  BOARD 

Editor  Dr.  Karl  Maramorosch 
Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology 
Rutgers  University 
New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903 

Associate  Editors  Dr.  Lois  J.  Keller,  RSM 
Dr.  Herbert  T.  Street 


Publication  Committee 

Dr.  Kumar  Krishna  Dr.  Ayodha  P.  Gupta 

Dr.  James  Forbes,  Chairman 


CONTENTS 


A New  Species  and  Review  of  Sibaria  (Hemiptera:  Pentatomidae)  

L.  H.  Rolston  218 

Predators  of  the  Alfalfa  Weevil,  Hypera  postica  in  Western  Nevada — a Green- 
house Study  (Coleoptera:  Cureulionidae)  Manzoor  Hussain  226 

Calling  Songs  of  Neduba  macneilli  and  N,  sierranus  (Orthoptera:  Tettigoni- 
idae:  Decticinae)  Glenn  K.  Morris,  Ron  B.  Aiken  and  Gordon  E.  Kerr  229 

The  Effect  of  Temperature  and  Humidity  on  the  Amount  of  Blood  Ingested 
hy  the  Stable  Fly,  Stomoxys  calcitrans  L.  (Diptera:  Muscidae)  

Corey  W.  Smith  and  Elton  J.  Hansens  235 

Abstracts  of  papers  presented  at  the  Eastern  Division  Annual  Meeting, 


Entomological  Society  of  America  241 

Acknowledgment  241 

Book  Reviews  234,  288 

Index  of  Scientific  Names  of  Animals  and  Plants  for  Volume  LXXXIII  289 

Index  of  Authors  for  Volume  LXXXIII  i 


218 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


A New  Species  and  Review  of  Sibaria 
( Hemiptera : Pentatomidae  ) 

L.  H.  Rolston 

Department  of  Entomology,  Louisiana  State  University, 

Baton  Rouge,  Louisiana  70803 

Received  for  Publication  November  5,  1974 

Abstract:  The  genus  Sibaria  is  redefined,  a diagnosis  given  for  the  two  species  previously 

known,  and  S.  englemani  new  species,  which  ranges  from  Mexico  to  Colombia,  is  de- 
scribed. 

Sibaria  is  distinguished  among  American  genera  of  Pentatomini  by  the  unique 
combination  of  armed  femora  and  a short  rostrum.  A pair  of  preapical  spines, 
of  considerable  size  on  the  anterior  femora  at  least,  constitute  the  principal 
femoral  armament;  and  the  rostrum  terminates  distally  at  or  just  beyond  the 
mesocoxae  rather  than  at  or  beyond  the  metacoxae  as  is  usual  in  the  tribe. 

Three  species  of  Sibaria  are  known:  S.  armata,  inhabiting  much  of  South 
America,  S.  andicola,  collected  in  Bolivia,  Ecuador  and  Peru,  and  a species 
ranging  from  southern  Mexico  into  Colombia.  The  latter  species  has  been 
confused  with  S.  armata  and  until  now  has  been  unnamed. 

A generic  description,  key  to  the  species,  description  of  the  new  species  and 
diagnoses  of  the  other  two  follow.  The  three  species  are  so  much  alike  that  a 
description  of  more  than  one  would  be  largely  redundant. 

Sibaria  Stal,  1872 

Sibaria  Stal,  1872,  Sv.  Vet.  Ak.  Handl.  10(4)  :23. 

Eyes  large,  together  about  as  wide  as  interocular  distance  (Fig.  1)  ; width  of  head  little 
greater  than  length;  juga  subequal  in  length  to  tylus,  their  lateral  margins  narrowing 


Acknowledgements:  Specimens  pertinent  to  this  study  were  graciously  loaned  by  Mssr. 
W.  R.  Dolling  of  the  British  Museum  (Natural  History),  R.  D.  Engleman,  R.  C.  Froesch- 
ner  of  the  U.S.  National  Museum,  P.  Van  Doesburg  of  the  Rijksmuseum  van  Natuurlijke 
Historie,  and  P.  Wygodzinsky  of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History.  I am  espe- 
cially grateful  to  Dr.  G.  Petersen  of  the  Akademie  der  Landwirtschaftswissenschaften  for 
lend'ng  the  type  series  of  Sibaria  andicola. 

Depositories  for  paratypes  are  designated  as  follows:  Akademie  der  Landwirtschaftswissen- 
schaften (AL),  American  Museum  of  Natural  History  (AMNH),  British  Museum  (Natural 
History)  (BMNH),  California  Academy  of  Sciences  (CAS),  R.  D.  Engleman  collection 
(RDE),  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History  (FMNH),  author’s  collection  (LHR),  Museu 
Rio  Grandense  de  Ciencias  Naturais  (MRCN),  Naturhistoriska  Riksmuseum,  Stockholm 
(NR),  Rijksmuseum  von  Natuurlijke  Historie  (RNH),  Texas  A & M Univ.  (TAMU),  U.S. 
National  Museum  (USNM),  Universidad  Nacional  de  La  Plata  (UNLP),  Washington  State 
Univ.  (WSU). 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  218-225.  December,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


219 


plates,  viewed  with  anterior  and  posterior  margins  of  last  sternite  on  same  focal  plant;  first 
gonocoxa  (gx  1),  second  gonocoxae  (gx  2).  Fig.  5.  First  gonocoxa,  viewed  with  three  angles 
on  same  focal  plant.  Fig.  6.  Right  paramere.  Fig.  7.  Genital  cup;  paramere  (p),  proctiger 
(pr).  Fig.  8.  Posterior  margin  of  pygophore,  ventral  view.  Fig.  9.  Theca  and  related 
structures,  lateral  view;  thecal  process  (tp).  Fig.  10.  Same,  dorsal  view;  conjunctiva  (c). 
Fig.  11.  Same,  ventral  view;  penisfilum  (pe). 


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rapidly  before  eyes,  exposing  antenniferous  tubercles  from  above;  distal  end  of  first  antennal 
segment  reaching  apex  of  head.  Pronotum  contiguous  with  eyes;  anterolateral  margins 
entire,  obtusely  rounded  vertically.  Scutellum  as  long  as  wide;  frena  extending  along  basal 
two-thirds.  Costal  angle  of  coria  acute,  surpassing  scutellar  apex  by  about  one-third  length 
of  scutellum. 

Bucculae  roundly  truncate  at  base  of  head,  extending  to  distal  end  of  first  rostral  seg- 
ment; apex  of  rostrum  reaching  or  just  surpassing  mesocoxae.  Sterna  neither  sulcate  nor 
carinate  along  meson  excepting  low  broad  mesosternal  carinae  produced  notably  only  near 
anterior  mesosternal  margin.  Inferior  surface  of  femora  armed  with  stout  pair  of  preapical 
spines  and  pair  of  tubercles  basad  of  spines,  these  often  reduced  progressively  on  middle  and 
posterior  femora,  the  latter  then  armed  only  with  preapical  pair  of  tubercles  (Fig.  22)  ; all 
tibiae  sulcate.  Abdomen  without  basal  spine  or  tubercle. 

Tubercles  of  proctiger  nearer  base  than  apex  (Fig.  21).  Thecal  processes  arising  within 
theca,  compressed,  curving  ventrad  (Figs.  9,  18,  and  26)  ; penisfilum  lying  on  median 
vertical  plane,  surrounded  by  median  penal  lobes. 

Spermathecal  pump  convoluted;  spermathecal  bulb  digitiform  (Figs.  3 and  15). 

Type  species : Mormidea  armata  Dallas,  1851,  by  monotypy. 

Relationship : The  form  of  the  aedeagus  and  spermatheca,  as  well  as  the  armament  of  the 
proctiger  and  femora,  suggest  a close  phylogenetic  relationship  between  this  genus  and 
Ladeaschistus  Rolston,  1973. 


Key  to  the  Species 

1.  More  than  basal  half  of  fifth  antennal  segment  pale  S.  andicola  Breddin 

1'  Less  than  basal  half  of  fifth  antennal  segment  pale  2 


2.  Median  emargination  in  posterior  edge  of  pygophore  broad,  deep,  subquadrate,  flanked 
on  each  side  by  stout  tubercle  projecting  caudad  beyond  posterolateral  angles  of  pygo- 
phore (Figs.  12  and  13)  ; first  gonocoxae  (basal  plates)  each  concavely  emarginate  pos- 
teriorly at  lateral  limit  of  second  gonocoxae  (Figs.  14  and  16)  S.  armata  (Dallas) 

2'  Median  emargination  in  posterior  edge  of  pygophore  little  wider  than  proctiger,  flanked 
on  each  side  by  shallower  bisinuate  emargination  (Figs.  7 and  8)  ; posterior  margin  of 
each  first  gonocoxae  sinuous,  without  emargination  at  lateral  limit  of  second  gonocoxae 
(Figs.  4 and  5)  S.  englemani  n.  sp. 


Siharia  englemani,  n.  sp. 

Sibaria  armata;  Distant,  1880-1890,  p.  57  (in  part),  PI.  5,  fig.  17  (1880)  and  p.  329  (1890) 
(nrsidentification)  ; Lethierry  and  Severin,  1893,  p.  126  (in  part) ; Kirkaldy,  1909,  p.  62 
(in  part). 

Overall  light  brown  to  fuscous  above  with  black  humeri,  yellowish  white  beneath ; punc- 
tation  of  dorsum  rather  dense,  black,  on  pronotum  and  scutellum  arranged  mostly  in  irreg- 
ular rows  with  a general  transverse  orientation;  usually  eight  pale  spots  on  dorsum,  one 
along  posterior  margin  of  each  cicatrice  near  mesial  limit,  three  along  base  of  scutellum, 
one  of  these  mesial  and  one  beside  small  black  fovea  in  each  basal  angle  (some  or  all 
occasionally  obscure),  a spot  on  apex  of  scutellum,  another  on  each  corium  near  distal  end 
of  radial  vein.  Antennae  mostly  black,  ventral  and  mesial  surfaces  (except  distally)  of 
first  segment,  basal  ring  on  segments  three  and  four,  basal  .2  to  .4  of  segment  five,  and 
sometimes  longitudinal  streaks  on  segments  two  and  three,  pale ; length  of  segments  0.4  to 
0.5;  0.8  to  0.9;  0.9  to  1.1;  1.5  to  1.8;  1.5  to  1.7  mm;  width  of  head  across  eyes  1.8  to  2.0 
mm,  length  1.6  to  1.7  mm.  Humeri  acutely  produced  laterad  and  somewhat  cephalad  (Fig. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975  221 


Figs.  12-22.  Sibaria  armata.  Fig.  12.  Genital  cup,  parameres  and  proctiger  removed. 
Fig.  13.  Pygophore,  ventral  view.  Fig.  14.  Genital  plates;  first  gonocoxa  (gx  1),  second 
gonocoxae  (gx  2).  Fig.  15.  Distal  portion  of  spermatheca;  spermathecal  bulb  (sb) , sperma- 
thecal  pump  (sp).  Fig.  16.  First  gonocoxa,  viewed  with  three  angles  on  same  focal  plant. 
Fig.  17.  Right  paramere.  Fig.  18.  Theca  and  related  structures,  lateral  view;  thecal  process 
(tp).  Fig.  19.  Same,  dorsal  view;  conjunctiva  (c).  Fig.  20.  Same,  ventral  view;  median 
penal  lobe  (mpl).  Fig.  21.  Proctiger.  Fig.  22.  Posterior  face  of  right  front  femur  and  tibia. 


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Figs.  23-28.  Sibaria  andicola.  Fig.  23.  Genital  cup,  parameres  and  proctiger  removed. 
Fig.  24.  Posterior  margin  of  pygophore,  ventral  view.  Fig.  25.  Right  paramere.  Fig.  26. 
Theca  and  related  structures,  lateral  view;  median  penal  lobe  (mpl).  Fig.  27.  Same,  dorsal 
view;  thecal  process  (tp).  Fig.  28.  Same,  ventral  view;  conjunctiva  (c). 


2)  ; pronotal  width  at  humeri  7.3  to  8.3  mm,  length  at  meson  2.3  to  2.7  mm.  Scutellar 
width  3.2  to  3.6  mm,  length  subequal;  apex  narrowly  rounded.  Boundary  of  coria  and 
their  membrane  slightly  sinuous ; membrane  fuscous,  veins  simple  or  bifurcate,  varying 
considerably  in  number.  Connexiva  narrowly  exposed;  punctation  dense,  fine;  color  pale 
at  sutures  and  in  subquadrate  marginal  area  in  middle  of  each  segment,  otherwise  dark; 
posterior  angle  of  each  segment  produced  as  small  acute  spine. 

Venter  of  head  punctate  only  along  bucculae,  immaculate  but  for  fuscous  mark  extending 
from  eye  over  superior  surface  of  antenniferous  tubercle  and  continuing  briefly  cephalad. 
Pleura  impunctate  in  irregular  areas,  most  consistently  so  laterad  of  procoxae.  Evaporative 
area  on  each  side  matte,  sparingly  rugose,  extending  about  halfway  from  ostiole  toward 
lateral  margin  of  metapleuron.  Legs  with  large  fuscous  spots  and  maculae.  Abdominal 
venter  sparsely  and  weakly  punctate  about  spiracles  and  large  subspiracular  callouses, 
otherwise  virtually  impunctate ; black  edge  of  lateral  margins  interrupted  in  middle  of 
each  segment. 

Posterior  edge  of  pygophore  pentasinuate,  with  a deep  median  concavity  about  as  wide 
as  proctiger  and  on  each  side  two  lesser  concavities  (Figs.  7 and  8)  ; margin  between 
lateral  and  median  concavities  expanded,  this  portion  dorsad  of  intermediate  convexity 
and  with  elongate  black  impression.  Anterolateral  margins  of  genital  cup  produced  near 
apex  of  parameres,  concealing  from  above  a thin  subvertical  carina  on  wall  of  genital  cup. 
Head  and  base  of  parameres  bent  rather  abruptly  from  lateral  view,  shaft  entire  (Fig.  6). 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


223 


Conjunctiva  trilobed,  a small  median  lobe  above  median  penal  lobes  and  bifid  lateral  lobes 
(Figs.  9,  10  and  11). 

First  gonocoxae  each  evenly  sinuous  along  posterior  edge,  without  emargination  above 
lateral  limits  of  second  gonocoxae  (Figs.  4 and  5),  Types:  Holotype.  Male,  labeled 

Panama,  Gatun  Dam,  2-IX-1973,  D.  Engleman,  Coll.  Deposited  in  U.S.  National  Museum, 
type  no.  72134. 

Paratypes : 33  8 $,  23  $ 2.  Colombia:  (a)  Magdalina,  11°10/N,76°08'W,  Apr.  1973, 

800M,  M.  Madison,  Coll,  (b)  on  piper.  (2  AMNH ; 8 BMNH;  28  8,  2 LHR ; 

8,  2 MRCN,  8,  2 UNLP).  Costa  Rica:  (a)  Dec.  20,  1949,  Darwin  Norby.  (b)  Finca 
Los  Cusingos,  San  Isidro  del  General,  Quizarra.  ( 2 WSU)  ; Collection  Schild-Burgdorf, 
San  Carlos  (2  USNM)  ; (a)  Turrialba,  (b)  Tucurriquel  (2  USNM).  El  Salvador:  No. 
71458,  10.23.56,  Santa  Tecla,  Col.  PAB.  ($  USNM).  Guatemala:  (a)  Morales,  Jan.  1930, 
J.  J.  White,  (b)  103  (c)  J.  C.  Lutz  Collection,  1961.  (2  USNM).  Mexico:  Tolosa, 

Oaxaca,  Aug.  25,  1947,  B.  Malkin.  (8  AMNH).  Panama:  (a)  Bugaba,  800-1500  ft., 

Champion,  (b)  Ex  Godman  and  Salvin.  ( $ AMNH)  ; (a)  as  above  (b)  P.  R.  Uhler 
Collection  (c)  Sibaria  armata.  ( $ USNM)  ; Cerro  Campina,  800M,  Panama  Prov.,  1 
July  72,  Coll.  D.  Engleman  ( 8 RDE)  ; (a)  Portobella,  18.4.12,  Pan.  (b)  A.  Busch  Coll. 
(8  USNM).  Panama  Canal  Zone:  Barro  Color.,  V-5-37  (2  USNM);  Barro  Colorado 
So.,  VII-8-33  ( 8 USNM);  Coco  Solo  Hospital,  9°21/N,79°5l/W, 28-1-73,  Engleman.  (2 
RNH)  ; (a)  Corozal,  1-21-1929  (b)  Collector,  C.  H.  Curran.  (8  AMNH);  Fort  Kobbe, 
8°54/N,79°35'W,  22-IX-73,  Col:  D.  Engleman  ( 2 AL)  ; Ft.  Sherman,  30  July  72,  Coll: 
Engleman,  ( 2 RDE)  ; Fort  Sherman,  9°20/N,79°58'W,  2 June  73,  Col:  D.  Engleman. 

(2  BMNH;  3 8 8 RDE);  Galeta  Is.,  9°32/N,79°53/W,  30-VIII-73,  Col:  D.  Engleman. 
(2  FMNH ; 8 RDE;  2 TAMU)  ; 5 mi.  E.  Gamboa,  1 Oct.  72  (8  RDE);  same  data  as 
holotype  (8,  2 CAS;  4 8 8 LHR)  ; Gatun  Spillway,  9°20/N,79°58/W,  2 June  73,  Col: 
D.  Engleman.  (3  8 8 RDE,  8 RNH)  ; Madden  Reservoir,  29-IX-73,  Col:  D.  Engleman. 
(8  RDE);  Margarita,  25-28-X-1972,  L.  H.  Rolston.  (8  AL;  $ FMNH;  8 LHR; 
8,  2 NR;  8 TAMU);  Pipeline  Road,  2 January  72,  Col:  D.  Engleman.  (3  2 2 RDE); 
Pina  Road,  9°15/N,79°57/W,  2-IX-73,  Col:  D.  Engleman.  (3  2 2 RDE). 

Distribution:  From  Vera  Cruz,  Mexico,  to  Magdalena,  Colombia.  The  southern  distribution 
may  prove  more  extensive  when  northwestern  South  America  is  better  collected. 

Comments:  Distant  mistook  this  species  for  its  common  South  American  congener,  and 

all  of  his  records  of  S.  armata  in  Middle  America  pertain  to  S.  englemani,  as  does  his 
illustration  of  a specimen  from  Guatemala. 

Adult  specimens  have  been  taken  feeding  on  the  inflorescence  of  piper  plants  in  Panama 
and  Colombia. 

This  species  is  named  with  pleasure  for  R.  Dodge  Engleman,  M.D.,  whose  interest  in 
biology  extends  beyond  medicine  and  continues  a tradition  that  has  contributed  much  to 
the  systematics  of  insects. 


Sibaria  armata  (Dallas,  1851) 

Mormidea  armata  Dallas,  1851,  p.  125;  Walker,  1867,  p.  255. 

Sibaria  armata ; Stal,  1872,  p.  23;  Distant,  1880,  p.  57  (in  part);  Lethierry  & Severin,  1893, 
p.  126  (in  part)  ; Van  Duzee,  1901,  p.  344  (list)  ; Kirkaldy,  1909,  p.  62  (in  part)  ; Becker 
& Grazia-Vieira,  1971,  p.  20  (list). 

From  none  to  basal.  40  of  fifth  antennal  segment  pale. 

Emargination  in  posterior  edge  of  pygophore  deep,  wide,  subquadrate,  flanked  on  each 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


side  by  tubercle  projecting  posteriorly  beyond  posterolateral  angle  of  pygophore  (Figs.  12 
and  13).  Small  tubercle  beneath  production  on  anterolateral  margins  of  genital  cup  par- 
tially visible  from  above.  Reticulate  face  of  parameres  ovoid,  shaft  incised  shallowly  near 
head,  base  greatly  expanded  and  crested  on  ventral  face  (Fig.  17).  Lateral  conjunctival 
lobes  each  with  ventral  diverticulum  near  base  and  toward  apex  a second  diverticulum 
directed  obliquely  mesad,  the  opposed  apical  diverticula  overlapping  when  fully  inflated; 
median  conjunctival  lobe  small,  bifid;  thecal  processes  largely  concealed  except  from  lat- 
eral view  (Figs.  18,  19  and  20). 

Posterior  edge  of  first  gonocoxae  concavely  emarginate  at  lateral  limits  of  second  gon- 
ocoxae  (Figs.  14  and  16). 

Distribution : Probably  present  throughout  most  of  South  America.  Recorded  or  seen  from 
Argentina  (Missiones),  Bolivia,  Brazil,  Ecuador,  French  Guiana,  Guyana,  Paraguay,  Peru, 
Surinam,  Trinidad,  and  Venezuela. 

Comment : The  pale  basal  ring  on  the  fifth  antennal  segment  of  a minority  of  specimens 
does  not  seem  characteristic  of  any  region  since  specimens  so  marked  came  from  widely 
separated  places:  Guyana,  Bolivia,  Brazil  and  Paraguay. 

This  species  has  been  reared  on  the  inflorescence  of  piper. 

Sibaria  andicola  Breddin 

Sibaria  andicola  Breddin,  1904,  p.  49;  Kirkaldy,  1909,  p.  62;  Gaedike,  1971,  p.  79. 

Basal  .60  to  .85  of  fifth  antennal  segment  whitish,  apex  dark. 

Posterior  edge  of  pygophore  arcuately  concave  with  short  posteriorly  directed  projection 
on  each  side  nearer  lateral  angles  than  meson  (Figs.  23  and  24)  ; pygophoral  margin  at 
projection  somewhat  expanded,  not  impressed.  Carina  beneath  production  on  anterolateral 
margins  of  genital  cup  oblique,  directed  posteroventrally  from  production.  Shaft  of  para- 
meres incised  near  head;  base  crested  on  ventral  face  (Fig.  25).  Median  lobe  of  conjunc- 
tiva quite  long,  each  lateral  lobe  diverticulate  ventrally  (Figs.  26,  27  and  28). 

Genital  plates  of  female  as  in  S.  armata. 

Distribution : Known  so  far  from  the  eastern  slopes  of  the  Andes:  Napo  province  in 

Ecuador;  Amazonas,  Cusco  and  Huanuco  departments  in  Peru;  and  El  Beni  department 
in  Bolivia. 

Comment:  No  distinction  between  females  of  S.  andicola  and  S.  armata  has  been  found 
other  than  the  proportion  of  pale  to  dark  color  on  the  fifth  antennal  segment.  This  pro- 
portion varies  in  both  species  and  too  few  specimens  of  S.  andicola  are  available  to  estab- 
lish useful  confidence  limits  on  variability.  The  reliability  of  this  character  in  separating 
all  females  of  the  two  species  is  therefore  suspect.  In  describing  S.  andicola , Breddin  men- 
tioned the  darker  dorsum  and  obscurity  of  the  pale  dorsal  spots  relative  to  S.  armata , but 
neither  the  general  color  nor  clarity  of  the  spots  are  diagnostic. 

In  the  few  specimens  examined,  the  femoral  spines  are  reduced  on  the  middle  femora 
and  represented  by  small  tubercles  on  the  posterior  femora. 

A single  specimen  lacking  the  fifth  antennal  segments,  in  the  British  Museum  (Natural 
History),  is  apparently  this  species,  but  it  differs  from  the  males  of  the  type  series  in 
having  the  projections  on  the  pygophoral  margin  more  prominently  developed. 

Literature  Cited 

Becker,  M.,  and  J.  Grazia -Vieira.  1971.  Contribuicao  ao  conhecimento  da  superfamilia 
Pentatomoidea  na  Venezuela  (Heteroptera) . Iher.  (Zool.)  40:  3-26. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


225 


Breddin,  G.  1904.  Neue  Rhynchotenausbeute  aus  Sud-Amerika.  Soc.  Entomol.  19:  49- 
50,  58. 

Dallas,  W.  S.  1951.  List  of  the  specimens  of  hemipterous  insects  in  the  collection  of  the 
British  Museum.  London. 

Distant,  W.  L.  1880-1892.  Insecta.  Rhynchota,  Hemiptera-Heteroptera.  In  Godman,  F. 

D.  and  O.  Salvin,  Biologia  Centrali  Americana.  London,  Vol.  I. 

Gaedike,  H.  1971.  Katalog  der  in  dem  Sammlungen  des  ehemaligen  Deutschen  Ento- 
mologischen  Institutes  aufbewahrten  Typen  V.  Beitr.  Ent.  21(1/2):  79-159. 
Kirkaldy,  G.  W.  1909.  Catalogue  of  the  Hemiptera  (Heteroptera) . Vol.  I Cimicidae. 
Berlin. 

Lethierry,  L.  and  G.  Severin.  1893.  Catalogue  general  des  Hemipteres.  Vol.  1.  Brussels 
& Berlin. 

Rolston,  L.  H.  1973.  A new  South  American  genus  of  Pentatomini  (Hemiptera  :Penta- 
tomidae).  J.  N.  Y.  Entomol.  Soc.  81(2):  101-110. 

Stal,  C.  1872.  Enumeratio  hemipterorum  II.  Kongliga  Svenska  Vetenskaps-Akademiens 
Handlingar.  10(4):  1-159. 

Van  Duzee,  E.  P.  1901.  Notes  on  some  Hemiptera  from  British  Guiana.  Trans.  Am. 
Entomol.  Soc.  27:  343-352. 

Walker,  F.  1867.  Catalogue  of  the  specimens  of  Hemiptera-Heteroptera  in  the  collection 
of  the  British  Museum.  2:  241-417. 


ADDENDUM:  Since  the  author  of  “A  new  genus  and  two  new  species  of  Achipteriidae 
from  New  York  State  (Acari:  Cryptostigmata;  Oribatei)”  in  Vol.  82:  pp.  177-182  of  the 
Jour.  N.Y.  Ent.  Soc.  failed  to  indicate  a type  species  for  the  genus  Dentachipteria  he  wishes 
to  correct  this  by  designating  Dentachipteria  ringwoodensis  as  the  type  species.  He  wished 
to  thank  Dr.  M.  D.  Definado  of  the  N.Y.  State  Museum  and  Science  Service  for  bringing 
this  to  his  attention. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Predators  of  the  Alfalfa  Weevil,  Hyper  a postica  in 
Western  Nevada — a Greenhouse  Study. 

(Coleoptera:  Curculionidae) 

Manzoor  Hussain* 1 

Division  of  Biochemistry  and  Agricultural  Pest  Control, 

University  of  Nevada,  Reno,  Nevada  89507 

Received  for  Publication  December  2,  1974 

Abstract : Some  insect  predators  of  the  alfalfa  weevil  commonly  found  in  the  alfalfa 

fields  of  Western  Nevada  were  screened  for  their  predatory  efficiency  against  the  alfalfa 
weevil  larvae  and  the  pea  aphids.  By  offering  each  predator  species  a combination  of 
the  alfalfa  weevil  larvae  and  pea  aphids  as  diet,  their  preference  for  the  host  insects  was 
determined. 

The  three  lady  beetle  species,  the  big  eyed  bug  and  the  nabid  bug  preferred  to  feed  upon 
the  pea  aphids;  whereas,  the  soft  winged  flower  beetle,  Collops  bipunctatus  Say,  significantly 
preferred  to  feed  upon  the  alfalfa  weevil  larvae  and  hence  could  be  of  importance  in 
the  biological  control  of  the  alfalfa  weevil. 


INTRODUCTION 

Biological  control  of  the  alfalfa  weevil,  Hypera  postica  (Gyllenhal),  has  been 
given  considerable  attention  but  most  of  the  studies  in  this  field  have  been 
confined  to  the  weevil  parasites.  Only  a limited  number  of  studies  have  been 
done  involving  insect  predators  of  this  pest.  In  an  alfalfa  field  in  Utah, 
Webster  (1912)  observed  that  the  darkling  ground  beetle,  Eleodes  sulcipennis 
Mann.,  the  soft  winged  flower  beetle,  Collops  bipunctatus  (Say),  the  imperfect 
tiger  beetle,  Cicindela  imperfecta  Lee.,  larvae  and  adults  of  Hippodamia  sinuata 
var.  spuria  and  larvae  of  Hippodamia  convergens  and  Coccinella  nine-notata 
fed  on  the  alfalfa  weevil  larvae.  Adults  of  H.  convergens  were  reported  by  Essig 
and  Michelbacher  (1933)  to  feed  upon  the  larvae  of  the  alfalfa  weevil.  Kaddou 
(1960)  found  that  H.  quinquesignata  (Kirby)  preyed  upon  small  alfalfa 
weevil  larvae  in  Utah.  Clausen  (1962)  also  reported  that  C.  bipunctatus  fed  on 
the  alfalfa  weevil  larvae;  and  Yada.va  and  Shaw  (1968)  studying  predatory 
behavior  of  some  Coccinellids,  found  them  to  prefer  pea  aphids  over  the  alfalfa 
weevil  larvae.  This  report  includes  a greenhouse  study  of  the  predatory  ef- 
ficiency of  some  of  the  entomophagous  insects  commonly  found  in  the  alfalfa 
fields  of  Nevada,  against  the  alfalfa  weevil  larvae;  and  if  these  predators  ex- 


Acknowledgement : I thank  Dr.  W.  H.  Arnett  of  the  Division  of  Biochemistry  and 

Agricultural  Pest  Control,  University  of  Nevada,  Reno,  Nevada  for  his  valuable  advise 
and  suggestions  during  this  work. 

1 Present  address:  Department  of  Plant  Protection,  College  of  Agriculture,  Pahlavi  Uni- 
versity, Shiraz,  IRAN. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  226-228.  December,  1975. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


227 


hibited  any  preference  for  the  pea  aphids,  Acyrthosiphon  pisum  (Harris)  or 
the  alfalfa  weevil  larvae. 


METHODS 

Six  species  of  entomophagous  insects  were  used  in  this  study.  These  were 
three  lady  beetle  species;  Hippodamia  convergens  (G-M),  Hippodamia  sinuata 
disjuncta  (Timberlake)  and  Coccinella  transver so  guttata  (Fald.);  a soft  winged 
flower  beetle,  Collops  bipunctatus  (Say) ; a big  eyed  bug,  Geocoris  pallens  pattern 
(Stal)  and  a nabid  bug,  Nabis  americoferus  Carayon.  The  alfalfa  weevils  and 
the  predators  were  collected  from  the  alfalfa  fields  in  Gardnerville,  Fallon  and 
Lovelock,  Nevada.  The  alfalfa  weevil  larvae  were  reared  on  alfalfa  plants  in 
the  greenhouse.  Adult  weevils  were  allowed  to  oviposit  in  the  caged  alfalfa 
stems,  eggs  were  removed  and  incubated  at  81  ± 1 F and  70%  relative  humidity 
in  a temperature  controlled  cabinet.  Larvae  hatching  out  of  these  eggs  were 
transferred  to  caged  alfalfa  plants  in  the  greenhouse  and  were  used  for  feeding 
experiments.  The  pea  aphids  were  reared  on  potted  alfalfa  plants  in  the  green- 
house. The  feeding  experiments  were  conducted  in  the  greenhouse  where  the 
temperature  ranged  between  50  F at  midnight  to  85  F at  midday,  and  the 
relative  humidity  ranged  between  30  and  50%.  The  feeding  behavior  of  the 
predators  was  studied  in  petri  dishes  with  screened  tops. 

The  predators  were  starved  for  a period  of  1 2 hours  prior  to  the  feeding  study. 
Each  sex  of  a predator  species  was  individually  allowed  to  feed  upon  a combina- 
tion of  40  pea  aphids  and  40  alfalfa  weevil  larvae  for  a period  of  8 hours,  but 
an  observation  was  made  every  two  hours.  Small  sized  pea  aphids  were  used 
in  combination  with  the  first  instar  weevil  larvae,  medium  sized  pea  aphids  with 
the  second  instar  larvae  and  large  pea  aphids  with  the  third  instar  weevil 
larvae.  Ten  replicates  were  obtained  for  each  experiment  and  the  average  so 
obtained  was  used  to  interpret  the  results.  The  student  “t”  test  was  used  to 
statistically  analyse  the  results  at  0.05%  level. 

RESULTS 

The  feeding  of  the  predators  on  the  two  host  species,  in  terms  of  number  of 
each  host  eaten,  is  shown  in  the  table.  When  a combination  of  small  pea 
aphids  and  the  first  instar  weevil  larvae  were  offered,  the  three  lady  beetle 
species  and  C.  bipunctatus  showed  no  significant  preference  for  either  of  the 
two  hosts  and  each  host  was  preyed  upon  at  random.  The  two  Hemiptern 
predators,  however,  decidedly  preferred  to  feed  upon  the  pea  aphids.  Similarly, 
H.  convergens  and  C.  transver  so  gut  tat  a did  not  show  any  significant  preference 
for  either  host  when  a combination  of  second  instar  weevil  larvae  and  medium 
sized  pea  aphids  were  offered  as  diet.  H.  sinuata  disjuncta , G.  pattens  pallens 
and  N . americojerus  preferred  to  feed  upon  pea  aphids,  while  C.  bipunctatus 
significantly  preferred  to  feed  upon  the  weevil  larvae.  In  case  when  the  third 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Table  1.  Average  number  of  host  insects  eaten  by  the  predator  species  in  a period  of  8 hours 
when  a combination  of  the  host  species  was  offered  as  diet. 


Predator  species 


H.  C.  transver-  H.  sinuata  C . bipunc-  G.  pallens  N.  ameri- 

convergens  soguttata  disjuncta  tatus  pallens  coferus 


Host 

combination 

Male 

Fe- 

male 

Male 

Fe- 

male 

Male 

Fe- 

male 

Male 

Fe- 

male 

Fe- 

Male  male 

Male 

Fe- 

male 

Small  aphids 

16.3 

21.0 

19.5 

18.2 

9.0 

13.3 

7.1 

5.7 

2.9* 

6.1* 

6.4* 

10.3* 

1st  instar  larvae 

14.3 

17.1 

16.1 

15.8 

7.4 

9.7 

8.1 

7.1 

1.3 

3.0 

3.2 

6.3 

Medium  aphids 

4.2 

6.3 

8.6 

8.7 

4.9* 

5.9* 

4.2 

4.0 

2.0* 

2.7* 

4.3* 

4.4* 

2nd  instar  larvae 

3.6 

4.4 

7.1 

7.2 

1.7 

2.5 

6.4* 

6.5* 

0.9 

1.3 

1.3 

2.0 

Large  aphids 

4.2* 

5.2* 

3.9* 

5.3* 

: 3.1* 

3.2* 

1.7 

0.8 

1.8* 

1.8* 

3.1* 

2.7* 

3rd  instar  larvae 

1.0 

0.9 

1.8 

1.6 

0.3 

0.9 

1.9 

3.1* 

0.6 

0.8 

0.0 

0.6 

* Significant  preference  at 

0.05% 

level, 

using 

student 

“t” 

test. 

instar  weevil  larvae  and  large  pea  aphids  were  presented  together,  all  the 
predator  species  except  C.  bipunctatus , preferred  to  feed  upon  the  pea  aphids; 
whereas  the  female  C.  bipunctatus  preferred  to  feed  upon  the  weevil  larvae  and 
the  male  did  not  show  preference  for  either  of  the  two  hosts. 

Although  all  the  predator  species  used  in  this  study  feed  upon  the  alfalfa 
weevil  larvae  in  the  presence  of  the  pea  aphids,  a host  of  great  competitive  im- 
portance to  the  alfalfa  weevil  larvae,  the  Collops  beetles  distinctly  prefer  the 
weevil  larvae  as  opposed  to  the  pea  aphids  and  could  be  of  importance  in  the 
biological  control  of  the  alfalfa  weevil.  These  studies  were  conducted  in  the 
greenhouse  conditions  and  hence  may  not  truely  represent  the  behavior  of 
these  predators  in  the  field. 


Literature  Cited 

Clausen,  C.  P.  1962.  Entomophagous  Insects.  Hafner  Publishing  Co.  N.Y.,  N.Y.  545  pp. 
Essig,  E.  O.,  and  Michelbacher,  A.  E.  1933.  The  alfalfa  weevil.  California  Agr.  Exp. 
Sta.  Bull.  567 : 3-99. 

Kaddou,  I.  K.  1960.  The  feeding  behavior  of  Hippodamia  quinquesignata  (Kirby)  larvae. 

U.  of  Calif.  Pub.  in  Entomol.  No.  5,  181-232. 

Webster,  F.  M.  1912.  Preliminary  report  on  the  alfalfa  weevil.  U.S.D.A.  Bur.  Entomol. 
Bull.  112:  1-47. 

Yadava,  C.  P.,  and  Shaw,  F.  R.  1968.  The  preference  of  certain  Coccinellids  for  pea  aphids, 
leaf  hoppers  and  alfalfa  weevil  larvae.  J.  Econ.  Entomol.,  61:  1104-5. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


229 


Calling  Songs  of  Neduba  macneilli  and  /V.  sierranus 
( Ortlioptera : Tettigoniidae : Decticinae  ) 

Glenn  K.  Morris,  Ron  B.  Aiken  and  Gordon  E.  Kerr 

Department  of  Zoology,  Erindale  College,  University  of  Toronto, 
Mississauga,  Ontario 

Received  for  Publication  January  16,  1975 

Abstract:  The  calling  songs  of  decticines  remain  largely  undescribed.  Songs  of  Neduba 
macneilli  and  N . sierranus  were  recorded  and  analysed.  These  species  have  mirror-image 
tegmina  and  individual  specimens  exhibit  reversed  wing  overlap.  Wing  symmetry  and  the 
elaborate  pronotum  characteristic  of  this  genus  are  discussed  as  adaptations  which  increase 
the  efficiency  of  sound  radiation. 


INTRODUCTION 

The  calling  songs  of  many  shield-backed  katydids  (Decticinae)  remain  un- 
described. Rentz  and  Birchim  (1968),  in  a comprehensive  revision  of  nearctic 
decticines,  indicate  the  potential  value  of  such  calls  in  the  resolution  of  the 
still  confused  taxonomy  of  Decticinae.  The  songs  are  also  of  interest  in  their 
own  right  as  elements  of  communicative  behaviour.  Rentz  and  Birchim  pro- 
vide sonograms  of  eight  decticine  species,  including  Neduba  macneilli  Rentz 
and  Birchim.  The  present  paper  contains  a detailed  description  of  calling  song 
in  N . macneilli  and  N . sierranus  Rehn  and  Hebard,  together  with  comments 
on  the  tegminal  structure  of  these  insects. 

MATERIALS  AND  METHODS 

Male  specimens  of  N.  macneilli  were  collected  on  24  July  1972,  1 mile 
west  of  Tom’s  Place,  California,  the  type  locality  of  this  species.  They  were 
located  by  their  stridulation  just  after  dusk  (2200  hr)  on  pinyon  pines,  1-2  m 
above  the  ground  (temperature  15-16°C). 

Males  of  N.  sierranus  were  taken  during  the  early  part  of  the  night  (16-18° 
C)  in  Yosemite  National  Park,  California,  on  28  July  1972.  Singers  of  this 
second  species  were  perched  near  ground  level  in  an  open  cedar  forest  dominated 
by  sugar  pine  ( Pinus  lambertiana)  and  incense  cedar  ( Libocedrus  decurrens) . 
The  collection  site  was  at  an  elevation  of  4000  ft. 

Songs  were  collected  in  the  field  with  a Uher  4000  Report-L  tape  recorder 
and,  subsequently,  living  males  of  both  species  were  transported  to  Toronto. 

Acknowledgements:  The  authors  express  their  appreciation  for  the  help  of  Dr.  Tom 

Wood,  Dr.  Warren  Cothran,  Dr.  D.  C.  Rentz  and  Mr.  James  Fullard.  The  work  was 
made  possible  by  a grant  (operating  4946)  from  the  National  Research  Council  of  Canada. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  229-234.  December,  1975. 


230 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Neduba  macneilli 


A\ — - — — song/buzz— — — — — 1 X 


X PTG  T? 


B 


major 
. pulse  train , 


ipjfHi 

111*. hull  I 


tfSIil! 


ilsllff; 


A 

minor 

pulse  train 


mi 


iilhilflf: 


PTG- 


200ms 


Fig.  1.  Oscillographs  of  N.  macneilli  calling  song,  laboratory  recorded  at  22 °C  with 
the  microphone  positioned  4.5  cm  dorsal  to  the  insect. 


Stridulations  were  recorded  in  the  laboratory  using  a Bruel  and  Kjaer  quarter- 
inch  condenser  microphone  (4135)  and  power  supply  (2801):  during  the 

laboratory  recording,  the  insects  were  caged  as  described  by  Pipher  and  Morris 
(1974).  The  signal  from  the  microphone  was  amplified  (Keithley  102B)  and 
then  recorded  at  76.2  cm/sec  on  an  instrumentation  recorder  (Philips  ANA-LOG 
7).  Oscillograms  were  obtained  with  a Tektronix  oscilloscope  (564)  and 
Nihon  Kohden  oscillograph  camera;  carrier  frequency  spectra  were  determined 
with  a Tektronix  3L5  spectrum  analyser.  Specimens  of  both  species  were  ex- 
amined periodically  for  changes  in  tegminal  overlap. 

RESULTS 

N.  macneilli  calling  song  is  a buzz  (Fig.  1A)  made  up  of  identical  pulse  train 
groups  (PTGs),  each  group  comprised  of  a minor  (short-duration)  and  major 
(long-duration)  pulse  train  (Fig.  IB).  The  major  pulse  train  of  a specimen 
with  72  file  teeth  contained  52  pulses  (based  on  an  average  of  10  successive 
major  trains  from  a single  song).  At  16°C,  the  PTGs  are  easily  resolved  by 
the  human  ear,  each  PTG  lasting  about  0.5  sec. 

One  individual,  recorded  in  the  field  at  this  temperature,  produced  buzzes 
of  5-12  PTGs  at  a rate  slightly  above  1 PTG/sec,  with  brief  pauses  of  3-4  sec 
between  the  buzzes.  In  the  laboratory,  at  temperatures  near  23° C,  buzzes  were 
often  of  much  longer  duration.  The  buzz  ends  abruptly  with  the  completion  of 
a major  pulse  train  and  maintains  a uniform  level  throughout.  Slightly  in 
advance  of  the  beginning  of  the  buzz,  there  occurs  a distinctive  pulse  pattern 
(X  of  Fig.  1A)  which  appears  to  be  a minor  pulse  train  together  with  an  initial 
few  pulses  from  the  subsequent  major  pulse  train. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


231 


Neduba  sierranus 
A 


song 

/ \ 


\l  \ i 


ticks 


buzz 


Is 


(buzz) 

B PTG  pulse  train 


pulse  train  pulse  train 


Fig.  2.  Oscillographs  of  N.  sierranus  calling  song,  laboratory  recorded  at  23 °C  with 
the  microphone  4.5  cm  dorsal  to  the  insect. 

N.  sierranus  has  a bimodal  (two-part)  song.  A specimen  recorded  in  the 
field  at  16°C  repeated  its  song  at  a rate  of  about  one  song  per  second.  The 
human  ear  resolves  the  song  as  a few  brief  stuttering  ticks,  leading  without  pause 
into  a buzz  (Fig.  2A).  The  buzz  is  a single  pulse  train  (Fig.  2B).  A specimen 
with  170  file  teeth  produced  107  pulses  in  each  buzz  pulse  train  (averaged 
over  10  consecutive  songs).  The  tick  mode  consists  of  a PTG  repeated 
(usually)  3 or  4 times  as  the  song  is  initiated.  Each  group  is  comprised 
of  a low-rate  pulse  train  preceding  a sharp-fronted,  more  intense,  high-rate 
pulse  train  (Fig.  2B). 

The  most  intense  carrier  frequencies  of  both  species  lie  near  20  kHz  (Fig. 
3A,  B).  N.  macneilli  has  a main  intensity  peak  between  15  and  22  kHz  with 
a lesser  peak  centred  on  35  kHz.  The  dominant  peak  of  N.  sierranus  occurs 
within  the  range  of  16-23  kHz  and  is  particularly  pronounced  at  19  kHz.  These 
frequencies  exceed  the  response  capability  of  most  tape  recorders  and  micro- 
phones; thus  sonograms,  such  as  that  given  by  Rentz  and  Birchim  (1968) 
for  N.  macneilli,  may  present  only  a small  fraction  of  the  sound  energy  actually 
produced  by  the  animal. 

In  both  species  the  tegmina  are  mirror  images  of  each  other.  Swollen  lateral 
and  mesal  veins  diverge  from  the  wing  base  (A  and  B of  Fig.  4)  and  subtend 
a plateau  of  transparent  cells,  comprised  of  relatively  stiff,  thin  cuticle.  A 
membranous  (flexible)  skirt  (C)  hangs  ventrally  from  the  lateral  vein.  The 
medial  margin  of  each  tegmen  functions  as  a scraper  (D).  The  file  (E)  lies 
toward  the  midline  between  the  massive  veins  and  is  only  weakly  attached 
to  them.  This  stridulatory  apparatus  encloses  a chamber  of  air  on  the  dorsum 


232 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Neduba  macneilli 


0 20  40  60 


Neduba  sierranus 


O 20  40  60 


Fig.  3.  Spectrograms  of  carrier  frequencies  in  the  calling  songs  of  N.  macneilli  (A)  and 
N.  sierranus  (B)  ; each  record  is  a series  of  traces  superimposed  on  the  screen  of  a storage 
oscilloscope  during  a 10  second  sample  of  the  insect’s  song  at  a sweep  rate  of  20  ms/ 
division ; horizontal  scale  in  kHz ; a 0 kHz  marker  appears  at  the  extreme  left. 


of  the  insect.  The  floor  of  this  chamber  is  the  terga  of  the  meso-  and  metathorax 
and  the  first  few  abdominal  segments.  Each  tegmen  contributes  the  region 
bounded  by  the  two  large  veins  as  half  of  the  chamber  roof.  The  skirt  reaches 
and  trails  out  upon  the  insect’s  back,  delimiting  the  sides  of  the  chamber  and 
closing  it  off  posteriorly.  Tegminal  structure  is  essentially  the  same  in  both 
species;  they  differ  only  in  the  far  greater  number  of  teeth  occurring  on  the 
file  of  N.  sierranus. 

Tegminal  overlap  was  found  to  be  variable  in  these  insects.  Of  five  specimens 
of  N . sierranus , three  exhibited  the  left  over  right  tegminal  orientation  typical  of 
most  katydids,  but  two  males  had  reversed  overlap — 'right  over  left.  Of  four 
specimens  of  N . macneilli , two  exhibited  ‘normal’  overlap  and  two  the  reverse. 
Over  a one  week  period,  none  of  these  animals  were  observed  to  alter  their 
original  overlap.  Manual  manipulation  of  the  tegmina  of  freshly  killed  speci- 
mens resulted  in  sound  production  of  an  identical  nature  with  either  orientation. 

DISCUSSION 

Left  on  right  overlap  of  dimorphic  tegmina  has  been  considered  universal 
in  Tettigoniidae  (Ragge  1955).  N.  macneilli  and  N.  sierranus  are  exceptions  to 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


233 


Fig.  4.  Ventral  view  of  excised  right  tegmen  of  N.  macneilli;  lateral  vein  (A),  mesal 
vein  (B),  skirt  (C),  scraper  (D),  file  (E). 

this  rule,  but  they  are  not  alone  in  varying  overlap  of  identical  forewings.  They 
share  this  distinction  with  Cyphoderris  monstrosa  Uhler  and  C.  buckelli  Hebard, 
survivors  of  a largely  extinct  family  of  primitive  katydids  (Prophalangopsidae) 
(Spooner  1973). 

Neduba  species  have  a remarkably  enlarged  pronotum  which  projects  rear- 
ward above  the  tegmina.  When  singing  the  animal  adopts  a characteristic 
posture  with  the  abdomen  dorsally  concave  and  lowered  and  the  pronotum 
elevated,  forming  an  acoustic  horn.  The  plateaux  of  the  tegmina  may  be 
considered  collectively  as  the  driver  or  diaphragm.  Wing  symmetry  may  then 
be  seen  as  an  adaptation  promoting  synchronous  displacement  of  the  tegmina, 
allowing  them  to  function  as  a single  diaphragm.  The  air  chamber  enclosed 
by  the  tegmina  is  very  small  relative  to  the  wavelength  involved  (A  20  kHz  = 
172  mm;  chamber  dimensions  approximately  1X4X5  mm)  which  means 
that  the  chamber  will  act  as  a pure  acoustic  compliance  (Beranek  1954),  and 
not  as  a resonating  tube,  although  its  presence  will  affect  the  resonance  fre- 
quency of  the  diaphragm. 

The  horn  is  too  irregular  to  be  considered  an  exponential  horn  so  calculation 
of  its  throat  inductance  is  not  possible.  However,  as  in  the  case  of  the  mole 
cricket  (Bennet-Clark  1970)  a properly  chosen  compliance  behind  the  driver 
will  improve  its  efficiency.  Since  the  diaphragm  is  small  relative  to  the  wave- 
length (kr  = .01)  even  without  the  horn  the  presence  of  a closed  box  behind 


234 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


(beneath)  the  diaphragm  will  greatly  increase  the  efficiency  of  sound  radia- 
tion by  preventing  acoustic  short-circuiting  between  the  front  and  back  of 
the  diaphragm  (Michelsen  and  Nocke  1974). 

Literature  Cited 

Bennet-Clark,  H.  C.  1970.  The  mechanism  and  efficiency  of  sound  production  in  mole 
crickets.  J.  Exp.  Biol.,  52:  619-652. 

Beranek,  L.  L.  1954.  Acoustics.  McGraw-Hill,  New  York.  481  pp. 

Michelsen,  A.  and  H.  Nocke.  1974.  Biophysical  aspects  of  sound  communication  in 
insects.  Adv.  Insect  Physiol.,  10:  247-296. 

Pipher,  R.  E.  and  G.  K.  Morris.  1974.  Frequency  modulation  in  Conocephalus  nigro- 
pleurum,  the  black-sided  meadow  katydid  (Orthoptera:  Tettigoniidae) . Can.  Ent., 

106:  997-1001. 

Ragge,  D.  R.  1955.  The  wing-venation  of  the  Orthoptera  Saltatoria  with  notes  on 
Dictyopteran  wing- venation.  Brit.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.  London.  159  pp. 

Rentz,  D.  C.  and  J.  D.  Birchim.  1968.  Revisionary  studies  in  the  nearctic  Decticinae. 
Mem.  Pac.  Coast  Ent.  Soc.,  3:  1-173. 

Spooner,  J.  D.  1973.  Sound  production  in  Cyphoderris  monstrosa  (Orthoptera:  Pro- 

phalangopsidae) . Ann.  Ent.  Soc.  Amer.,  66:  4-5. 


BOOK  REVIEW 

Geographic  Variability  in  Speyeria.  Arthur  H.  Moeck.  1975  (reprint  of  1957  original). 
Entomological  Reprint  Specialists,  Los  Angeles.  48  pp.,  7 maps,  2 photographic  plates.  $3.50. 

The  nymphalid  genus  Speyeria  is  one  of  the  most  distinctively  Nearctic  of  all  butterfly 
groups.  It  consists  of  no  great  number  of  species  (the  count  varying  greatly  depending 
on  who  is  doing  the  classifying)  but  of  a thoroughly  bewildering  mass  of  so-called 
subspecies,  local  forms  and  varieties.  Some  of  these  are  practically  indistinguishable  from 
some  assigned  to  other  species,  and  can  be  identified  only  in  the  context  of  the  wide- 
ranging  species  to  which  they  are  assigned.  The  basic  work  in  the  modern  taxonomy  of 
the  group  was  done  by  dos  Passos  and  Gray.  Arthur  Moeck  made  their  study  practically 
his  lifework,  collecting  widely  and  accumulating  an  enormous  and  highly  valuable  col- 
lection. The  article  here  reprinted,  rare  in  its  original  form,  is  very  important,  setting 
forth  his  chief  opinions  about  the  classification  and  geographic  variation  of  the  major 
species.  It  will  be  essential  to  all  students  of  the  group,  and  valuable  to  all  interested  in 
butterfly  geography. 


Alexander  B.  Klots 

The  American  Museum  of  Natural  History 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


235 


The  Effect  of  Temperature  and  Humidity 
on  the  Amount  of  Blood  Ingested  by  the  Stable  Fly, 
Stomoxys  calcitrans  L.  (Diptera:  Muscidae)1 

Corey  W.  Smith  and  Elton  J.  Hansens2 

Department  of  Entomology  and  Economic  Zoology, 

Rutgers  University,  New  Brunswick,  N.J.  08903 

Received  for  Publication  February  1,  1975 


Abstract:  The  amount  of  blood  ingested  by  the  female  stable  fly,  Stomoxys  calcitrans , 
was  studied  in  all  combinations  of  23,  32,  and  38°C  and  7,  43,  75,  and  97%  relative 
humidity.  No  significant  differences  existed  in  the  amount  of  blood  ingested  between 
the  12  temperature-humidity  combinations.  Data  show  that  the  percentage  of  flies 
which  feed  is  dependent  on  temperature-humidity  relations.  The  percentage  of  flies  feeding 
is  greatest  at  high  temperature  and  low  humidity  and  lowest  at  low  temperature  and  high 
humidity. 


The  stable  fly,  Stomoxys  calcitrans  L.,  is  an  important  blood-sucking  pest 
of  man  and  animals.  In  resort  areas  many  people  recognize  that  annoyance 
varies  greatly  with  temperature  and  relative  humidity.  The  behavior  of  flies 
and  the  rate  at  which  food  reserves  are  expended  depend  to  a large  extent  on 
temperature  and  relative  humidity. 

While  a large  body  of  literature  exists  showing  the  effects  of  the  environment 
on  mortality,  growth,  and  fecundity  of  insects,  little  research  has  been  done 
to  determine  the  effects  of  the  environment  on  the  amount  of  food  ingested. 
The  purpose  of  this  research  was  to  determine  if  high  temperature  and  low 
humidity  increase  feeding  and  the  amount  of  blood  ingested  by  the  stable 
fly,  S.  calcitrans. 

The  investigations  of  Voegtline  et  al.  (1965)  and  Wang  and  Gill  (1970) 
on  the  biting  activities  of  stable  flies  along  Lake  Superior  demonstrated  that 
the  feeding  activity  of  S.  calcitrans  is  determined  largely  by  the  day  to  day 
interaction  between  temperature  and  humidity.  The  constancy  of  these  condi- 
tions in  the  laboratory  achieves  the  same  result  as  the  flies  changing  resting 
places  under  field  conditions  in  order  to  obtain  the  best  temperature-humidity 
combination. 

According  to  Bursell  (1964),  for  insects  the  interval  between  meals  is  longer 
at  cold  than  at  hot  temperatures.  Applying  that  observation  to  the  feeding 


1 Paper  of  the  Journal  Series,  New  Jersey  Agricultural  Experiment  Station,  Rutgers 
University — the  State  University  of  New  Jersey,  New  Brunswick,  N.J.  08903.  This  in- 
vestigation is  part  of  a George  H.  Cook  Scholar  Project  by  the  senior  author. 

2 Undergraduate  student  and  Research  Professor,  respectively. 

New  York  Entomological  Society,  LXXXIII:  235-240.  December,  1975. 


236 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


habits  of  S.  calcitrans,  temperature  obviously  plays  an  important  role  in  de- 
termining the  frequency  with  which  a stable  fly  feeds. 

A portion  of  the  literature  has  been  devoted  to  defining  “bloodmeal”  as  it 
applies  to  the  stable  fly.  The  confusion  which  exists  results  in  conflicting  data. 
Thus,  Suenaga  (1965)  found  that  adults  having  been  previously  fed  “one  or 
two  times  after  emergence”  ingested  on  the  average  16.43  mg  of  blood  if  they 
were  female  and  9.45  mg  if  they  were  males  while  Parr  (1962)  found  that 
“hungry  adults”  from  a laboratory  culture  maintained  at  26.6°C  and  80% 
relative  humidity  took  bloodmeals  averaging  25.8  mg,  about  three  times  their 
mean  weight. 

A number  of  laboratory  procedures  for  feeding  stable  flies  have  been  sug- 
gested. Starnes  (1949) 3 fed  flies  horse  blood  through  eyedroppers  fitted  into 
holes  in  the  cages;  Granett  (1960)  used  animal  membranes  in  the  evaluation  of 
chemical  repellents.  Kashin  (1965)  used  an  electronic  recording  device  to  detect 
the  various  phases  of  the  mosquito  bite. 

MATERIALS  AND  METHODS 

Tests  were  conducted  using  humidity  chambers  (Fig.  1)  consisting  of  two 
clear  plastic  dishes  13  cm  diam  X 1.5  cm  fitted  together  to  make  an  enclosed 
chamber.  In  the  bottom  of  the  chamber  a cardboard  disc  served  as  a base 
for  1 7 cages  glued  to  its  perimeter.  The  cages,  holding  one  fly  each,  were  made 
of  16  X 16  mesh  aluminum  screen  and  measured  2 X 1.5  X 1.5  cm.  Flies  were 
inserted  through  small  openings  in  the  tops  of  the  cages  which  were  then 
plugged  with  pieces  of  cotton.  In  the  center  of  the  disc  a small  dish  was 
placed  containing  40  ml  of  a saturated  salt  solution.  Saturated  solutions  of 
NaOH,  K0CO3,  K tartrate,  and  K2S04,  were  used  to  provide  relative  humidities 
of  7,  43,  75,  and  97%,  respectfully  as  recommended  by  Winston  and  Bates 
(1960).  Feeding  was  accomplished  by  inserting  3.2  cm  lengths  of  glass  tubing 
with  citrated  beef  blood  through  holes  in  the  sides  of  the  humidity  chamber 
corresponding  in  position  with  the  cages. 

Stable  flies  were  reared  under  standard  conditions  of  27  ± 1°C  ranging 
from  46  to  69%  RH.  Freshly  emerged  females  were  supplied  with  5%  dextrose 
solution  for  2 days  and  then  with  citrated  bovine  blood  for  10  hours.  Then 
the  flies  were  anesthetized  with  C02  and  placed  in  the  individual  cages  in  the 
humidity  chambers.  After  receiving  flies  the  humidity  chambers  were  equipped 
with  the  saturated  salt  solutions,  sealed  with  cloth  tape,  and  placed  in  an 
incubator  containing  a IV2  watt  light  bulb  and  set  at  one  of  the  three  tempera- 
ture levels,  24,  32,  or  38°C.  Approximately  10  tests  were  run  at  each  of  the 
three  temperatures  and  four  relative  humidities. 


3 Starnes,  E.  1949.  Ecology  and  biology  of  Stomoxys  calcitrans  in  temperate  climates. 
Ph.D.  Thesis.  Rutgers  Univ.  120  pp. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


237 


Fig.  1.  Humidity  chamber. 


After  17  hours  of  starvation,  the  chambers  were  taken  out  of  the  incubator, 
one  at  a time,  and  the  tape  removed.  Glass  tubes  containing  blood  (which 
entered  by  capillary  action)  were  weighed  on  an  analytical  balance  and  the 
weight  recorded  to  the  nearest  0.1  mg.  The  tubes  were  then  inserted  into 
the  chambers.  Each  humidity  chamber  was  returned  to  the  incubator  as  soon 
as  it  had  been  supplied  with  a complete  set  of  feeding  tubes.  Each  humidity 
chamber  remained  in  the  incubator  for  a feeding  period  of  70  min  after 
which  each  capillary  was  weighed  again.  The  difference  between  the  weights 
obtained  before  and  after  feeding  gave  a value  for  each  tube. 

Controls  without  flies  were  included  in  each  test.  The  average  weight  of  blood 
lost  to  evaporation  was  determined  for  each  temperature-humidity  combination 
and  subtracted  from  value  for  each  tube  to  determine  the  amount  of  blood 


238 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


13- 


12- 


^ 7%  RH 
[H|  43%  RH 
^75%  RH 
H 97%  R H 


TEMPERATURE  (°C) 


Fig.  2.  Effect  of  temperature-humidity  on  blood  ingested. 


ingested  by  each  fly.  Each  fly  tested  was  crushed  on  a paper  towel  to  confirm 
blood  feeding. 

RESULTS  AND  DISCUSSION 

In  calculating  the  amount  of  blood  ingested  at  a given  temperature  and 
humidity,  the  data  from  approximately  10  replicates  were  grouped.  Sample 
size  was  not  constant  because  numbers  of  available  female  flies  varied  and  high 
mortality  occurred  at  some  temperature-humidity  combinations.  Mean  values 
of  blood  ingested  (Fig.  2)  were  determined  by  dividing  the  total  amount  of 
blood  consumed  at  a given  temperature  and  humidity  by  the  total  sample 
size  for  that  combination  of  factors.  95%  confidence  intervals  were  calculated 
by  use  of  the  formula,  x ± t.05S,  where  x is  the  mean  value  of  blood  ingested, 
t is  the  t value  determined  by  the  sample  size,  and  s is  the  standard  deviation. 
This  was  done  to  determine  the  significance  of  differences  between  the  means 
obtained  at  the  various  temperature-humidity  combinations  and  also  to  de- 
termine the  significance  of  consumption  differences  between  temperatures  and 
between  humidities. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


239 


lOO-i 


7%  RH 


[ [43%  RH 


90- 


75%  RH 


97%  RH 


o 

~Z_  80- 

5 


LU 

LU 

Li- 


60- 


50 


23 


M. 

32 


38 


TEMPERATURE  (°C) 


Fig.  3.  Effect  of  temperature-humidity  on  percent  feeding. 

There  were  no  significant  differences  in  amount  of  blood  ingested  between 
the  12  temperature-humidity  interactions  except  at  the  23°C-75%  RH  combina- 
tion. A hypothesis  formed  prior  to  the  collection  of  data  and  based  on  the 
fact  that  the  rate  at  which  food  reserves  are  expended  and  the  drying  power 
of  unsaturated  air  are  temperature  dependent  was  proven  to  be  incorrect,  even 
though  it  seemed  logical  to  predict  that  more  blood  would  be  ingested  at  high 
temperature  and  low  humidity  than  at  low  temperature  and  high  humidity. 

To  determine  what  effect  the  feeding  apparatus  had  on  the  amount  of 
blood  ingested  as  compared  to  a live  host,  the  senior  author  fed  15  stable 
flies  on  his  arm.  Flies  were  weighed  before  and  after  feeding  to  find  the 
amount  of  blood  ingested.  Results  showed  that  the  amount  of  blood  ingested 
on  a live  host  (9.6  mg)  did  not  differ  significantly  from  the  amount  of  blood 
ingested  from  an  artificial  source  (10.6  mg). 

Though  the  amount  of  blood  ingested  by  S.  calcitrans  was  not  dependent 
on  temperature  and  humidity  interactions,  the  percentage  of  flies  that  feed 
was  dependent  (Fig.  3).  For  temperatures  of  23  and  32°C  the  greatest  per- 
centage of  flies  took  a bloodmeal  at  the  lowest  relative  humidity  (7%).  The 
lowest  percentage  of  flies  feeding  at  these  same  two  temperatures  occurred 
at  the  highest  relative  humidity  (97%).  Though  the  greatest  percent  feeding 


240 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


at  the  38°C  temperature  occurred  at  75%  RH,  the  lowest  percent  feeding  again 
occurred  at  the  highest  relative  humidity.  At  all  humidity  levels  except  for 
75%,  the  largest  percentage  of  flies  feeding  was  to  be  found  at  a temperature 
of  32 °C.  These  results  compare  favorably  to  those  reported  by  Voegtline  et  al. 
(1965).  If  we  assume  that  the  percentage  of  flies  feeding  at  a given  temperature 
is  proportional  to  biting  activity,  then  the  percentage  of  flies  that  feed  must 
share  an  inverse  relationship  with  relative  humidity.  This  is  exactly  the  case 
at  both  23  and  32°C.  Considering  the  percent  feeding  data  obtained  at  the  23 
and  32 °C  levels,  percent  feeding  increased  as  temperature  increased  at  all 
humidities.  This,  too,  agrees  with  Voegtline’s  observations. 

Differences  in  behavior  were  observed  between  flies  exposed  to  different 
humidities  prior  to  feeding.  The  least  amount  of  activity  occurred  in  flies 
held  at  the  97%  humidity  while  the  greatest  activity  was  observed  at  the 
7%  humidity.  Flies  that  were  subjected  to  the  7%  humidity  and  did  not  feed 
during  the  test  were  extremely  hard  to  catch  when  attempts  were  made  with 
forceps  to  remove  them  from  the  chambers.  However,  those  flies  which  did 
feed  were  inactive  regardless  of  the  humidity.  In  fact,  engorged  flies  made  no 
attempt  to  escape  when  forceps  were  inserted  into  their  cages. 

Literature  Cited 

Bursell,  E.  1964.  Environmental  Aspects:  Humidity,  p.  324-58.  In  Rockstein,  M.  [ed.]. 

The  Physiology  of  Insecta.  Vol.  1.  Academic  Press,  N.Y. 

Granett,  P.  1960.  Use  of  an  animal  membrane  in  the  evaluation  of  chemical  repellents 
against  the  stable  fly.  J.  Econ.  Ent.,  53:  432-5. 

Kashin,  P.  and  H.  G.  Wakeley.  1965.  An  insect  bitometer.  Nature  (London),  208: 
462-4. 

Parr,  H.  C.  M.  1962.  Studies  on  Stomoxys  calcitrans  in  Uganda,  East  Africa.  Notes  on 
life  history  and  behavior.  Bull.  Entomol.  Res.,  53:  437-43. 

Suenega,  O.  1965.  A rearing  method  of  stable  flies  and  quantity  of  blood  taken  by  a fly. 
(In  Japanese).  Endem.  Dis.  Bull.  Nagasaki  Univ.,  7:  296-301.  (Rev.  App.  Entomol. 
B,  56:  709). 

Voegtline,  A.  C.,  G.  W.  Ozburn,  and  G.  D.  Gill.  1965.  The  relation  of  weather  to 
biting  activity  of  Stomoxys  calcitrans  along  Lake  Superior.  Mich.  Acad.  Sci.,  Arts 
Lett.  50:  107-14. 

Wang,  Tu-hwa  E.  and  G.  D.  Gill.  1970.  Effect  of  temperature  and  humidity  on  mortality 
of  adult  stable  flies.  J.  Econ.  Entomol.,  63:  1666-8. 

Winston,  P.  W.  and  D.  H.  Bates.  1960.  Saturated  solutions  for  the  control  of  humidity 
in  biological  research.  Ecology,  41  : 232-7. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


241 


ABSTRACTS 

FORTY-SEVENTH  ANNUAL  MEETING 
EASTERN  BRANCH 

ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY  OF  AMERICA 


This  year  for  the  first  time  we  are  publishing  ABSTRACTS  of  papers,  as 
well  as  of  symposium  presentations,  of  the  Forty-seventh  Annual  Meeting  of 
the  Eastern  Branch,  Entomological  Society  of  America,  held  Oct.  1975,  in 
Philadelphia,  Pa.  The  New  York  Entomological  Society  and  the  Eastern 
Branch,  ESA,  hope  that  publication  of  ABSTRACTS  will  become  a regular 
procedure  and  that  future  December  issues  will  be  devoted,  in  part,  to  subjects 
presented  at  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Eastern  Branch. 


ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

The  Editors  wish  to  express  their  appreciation  to  all  those  who  have  helped 
in  reviewing  manuscripts  submitted  during  1975  for  publication  in  the  Journal: 
Marion  Brooks-Wallace,  Elmer  P.  Catts,  Mercedes  Delfinado,  Robert  F.  Denno, 
C.  Clayton  Hoff,  Alexander  B.  Klots,  Evert  E.  Lindquist,  Arthur  H.  McIntosh, 
Glenn  K.  Morris,  Sally  B.  Padhi,  Radclyffe  B.  Roberts,  John  B.  Schmitt, 
Daniel  J.  Sullivan,  Robert  Traub,  Asher  E.  Treat,  George  W.  Wharton,  and 
Pedro  Wygodzinsky. 


242 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


Seasonal  Variations  in  Activity  of  Apanteles  melanoscelus 
Ratzeburg  (Hymenoptera:  Braconiclae)  Adults  as  Related  to 
Seasonal  Variations  in  Age  Structure  of  its  Host,  Porthetria 
dispar  (L.)  (Lepidoptera:  Lymantriidae) 

R.  M.  Weseloh 

Department  of  Entomology,  Connecticut  Agric.  Exp.  Station, 

New  Haven,  Conn.  06504 

Apanteles  melanoscelus  Ratzeburg  does  not  develop  successfully  in  large 
larvae  of  the  gypsy  moth,  Porthetria  dispar  (L.).  This  study  was  conducted  to 
determine  if  the  effectiveness  of  the  second  field  generation  of  the  parasitoid  is 
reduced  because  of  this.  Field  attack  frequency  of  female  A.  melanoscelus  was 
monitored  weekly  by  confining  laboratory  reared  1st  and  2nd  stadia  gypsy 
moth  larvae  to  branches  of  trees  and  then  rearing  them  in  the  laboratory  to 
see  if  they  were  parasitized.  Also,  weekly  collections  of  100  gypsy  moths  were 
taken  in  the  field,  their  stadia  recorded,  and  reared  to  determine  percent 
parasitism.  First  and  2nd  stadia  gypsy  moth  larvae  were  abundant  in  the  field 
from  May  20  up  to  June  13.  Third  instars,  which  A.  melanoscelus  does  attack 
but  with  difficulty,  occurred  through  June  19.  Attack  frequency  of  A.  mela- 
noscelus on  confined,  laboratory-reared  small  larvae  was  low  until  June  10-13, 
when  it  increased  dramatically  and  then  declined  in  subsequent  weeks.  This 
peak  was  probably  due  to  second  generation  emergence  of  the  parasitoid.  Thus, 
A.  melanoscelus  adults  are  most  abundant  when  most  gypsy  moth  larvae  are 
too  large  to  be  suitable  hosts  (by  June  13,  79.3%  of  the  field-collected  cater- 
pillars were  4th  instars  and  larger).  This  could  be  expected  to  influence  con- 
siderably the  parasitoids,  ability  to  control  the  pest. 


Dimilin  Toxicity  to  Apanteles  melanoscelus  (Ratzeburg) 
(Hymenoptera:  Braconiclae)  and  Effects  on  Field  Populations 

J.  Granett,  R.  M.  Weseloh  and  D.  M.  Dunbar 
The  Connecticut  Agricultural  Experiment  Station,  Box  1106,  New  Haven  06504 

In  the  laboratory  Apanteles  melanoscelus  (Ratzeburg)  larvae  were  treated 
with  Dimilin®,  l-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)-urea,  by  feeding 
treated  artificial  diet  to  the  gypsy  moth  host.  The  parasitoid  EC50  was  0.0059 
ppm  in  comparison  with  0.0075  ppm  for  the  unparasitized  gypsy  moth.  At 
low  treatment  rates  the  parasitoids  died  during  the  pupal-adult  molt  within 
the  cocoon.  At  high  treatment  rates,  however,  the  parasitoids  died  as  larvae 
within  the  gypsy  moth  larvae.  Treatments  while  the  parasitoids  were  2nd-3rd 
stadial  larvae  had  less  effect  than  treatments  earlier  in  the  parasitoids’  develop- 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


243 


ment.  Dimilin  did  not  apparently  affect  parasitoids  treated  as  adults.  The 
toxicity  of  Dimilin  was  a direct  effect  of  the  chemical  and  not  due  to  host 
morbidity.  These  results  indicate  that  Dimilin  may  be  used  in  an  integrated 
approach  to  gypsy  moth  control.  To  test  this,  orchard  sprays  of  Dimilin  were 
made  while  gypsy  moth  larvae  were  at:  1)  the  lst-2nd  larval  stadium,  2)  2nd- 
3rd  stadium  and  3)  3rd-4th  stadium.  No  parasitoids  emerged  from  larvae 
collected  from  treated  trees  1 week  after  the  first  spraying.  However,  there 
was  little  effect  on  numbers  of  emerged  parasitoid  cocoons  when  larvae  were 
collected  from  trees  sprayed  thereafter.  Dimilin  had  no  marked  effect  on  adult 
emergence  from  cocoons.  Thus  if  timed  properly  Dimilin  should  have  little 
effect  on  populations  of  A.  melanoscelus  and  yet  still  control  the  gypsy  moth. 


Effects  of  the  Insect  Growth  Regulator  Altozar  on  the  Parasitoid, 
Microctonus  aethiops , and  Its  Host,  Hyper  a postica 

M.  E.  Ascerno 

Pesticide  Research  Laboratory,  Dept.  Entomology,  Penn  State  University, 
University  Park,  Pa.  16802 

The  insect  growth  regulator  Altozar®  terminated  sexual  diapause  of  adult 
alfalfa  weevils  when  topically  applied.  In  addition,  it  terminated  the  diapause 
of  M.  aethiops  when  applied  to  parasitized  adult  weevils.  Parasitoid  survival 
and  morphological  condition  were  influenced  by  various  Altozar®  concentrations. 
An  interaction  was  also  found  between  age  of  non-diapausing  parasitoids  at  the 
time  of  treatment  and  concentrations  of  Altozar®  employed. 


Mass  Rearing  of  Diglyphus  isaea  (Walker)  (Hymenoptera: 
Eulophidae)  on  Liriomyza  trifoliearum  Spencer 
( Diptera : Agromyzidae  ) 

R.  M.  Hendrickson,  Jr. 

U.S.  Department  of  Agriculture,  ARS,  501  South  Chapel  St., 

Newark,  Delaware  19713 

The  object  of  the  study  was  to  find  a method  of  rearing  large  numbers  of 
the  parasite,  Diglyphus  isaea  (Walker),  for  release  against  its  target  host, 
alfalfa  blotch  leafminer,  Agromyza  jrontella  (Rondani).  Mass  rearing  of  D. 
isaea  on  alfalfa  blotch  leafminer  proved  difficult  because  of  the  time  and  in- 
convenience of  handling  the  puparia  of  the  fly  which  pupates  in  the  soil,  the 
small  numbers  of  larvae  (50-100)  available  for  parasite  oviposition  per  6" 
pot  of  alfalfa,  several  troublesome  pest  contaminants  of  alfalfa,  and  the 
lengthy  time  required  to  grow  alfalfa  from  seed  or  allow  its  regrowth  after 


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cutting.  Liriomyza  trifoliearum  Spencer  was  found  to  be  a host  acceptable  to 
the  parasite.  It  was  reared  on  Burpee™  Bountiful  bush  beans,  a host  plant 
on  which  no  contaminant  species  have  as  yet  been  found  in  culture.  The  first 
pair  of  true  leaves  of  the  bush  bean  are  suitable  for  oviposition  by  the  fly 
6-7  days  after  planting,  at  78 °F.  A 5"  X 8"  pot  of  20  plants  will  produce 
1000-1500  larvae.  At  78°F  the  host  larvae  eclose  and  reach  the  final  (3rd) 
instar  in  6 days,  at  which  time  they  are  placed  in  cages  with  parasites.  It  is 
important  to  provide  the  parasite  with  3rd  instar  host  material  only.  They 
sting  and  kill  earlier  instars,  but  no  oviposition  has  been  observed.  Maturation 
of  the  parasite  requires  13-23  days  at  73  °F.  Thus  in  about  a month  it  is 
possible  to  go  from  host  plant  seed  to  mature  parasite.  The  use  of  L.  trifoliea- 
rum as  an  alternate  host  on  bush  beans  (as  opposed  to  using  alfalfa  blotch 
leafminer  on  alfalfa)  saves  time  and  space  and  results  in  far  larger  numbers 
of  D.  isaea . 


Control  of  the  Apple  Leaf  Curling  Midge,  Dasyneura  mali  (Kieff) 
(Diptera:  Cecidomyiidae)  in  New  Hampshire 

G.  T.  Fisher  and  J.  Turmel 

Entomology  Department,  University  of  New  Hampshire,  Durham, 

New  Hampshire  03824 

A block  of  apples  in  Durham,  New  Hampshire,  heavily  infested  with  the 
apple  leaf  curling  midge,  was  treated  with  several  regularly  recommended  and 
experimental  materials.  Treatments  were  made  on  the  following  dates:  5/1/75 
(Green  Tip);  5/8/75  (Tight  Cluster) ; 5/15/75  (Pink);  5/26/75  (Petal  Fall) ; 
6/5/75  (1st  Cover);  6/11/75  (2nd  Cover),  before  efficacy  data  was  recorded 
(6/23/75).  Treatments  were  randomized,  replicated  two  or  three  times,  and 
applied  in  350  gal.  H20/A  at  300  psi.  Materials  applied  were:  Zolone  3EC  1 
pt/100;  Furadan  4F  0.25  lb.ai/100;  Parathion  2S  0.5  lb.ai/100;  N2596  4EC 
1.0  lb.ai/100;  Imidan  IS  0.5  lb.ai/100;  Lannate  0.5  lb.ai/100;  Lannate  0.25 
lb.ai/100  plus  Guthion  50WP  0.25  lb.ai/100;  Guthion  50WP  0.5  lb.ai/100; 
Mobil  9087  2EC  0.75  lb.ai/100;  TH6042EC  0.5  oz.ai/100;  TH6042EC  0.132 
oz.ai/100;  Bayhox  1901  40WP  4oz.ai/100;  FMC  3329  3EC  0.1  lb.ai/100; 
Bayntn  9306  6EC  4oz.ai/100.  Data  was  obtained  by  counting  the  number  of 
curled  leaves  per  tree.  These  counts  were  totaled,  replicate  averages  made  and 
percent  control  corrected  with  Abbotts  formula.  The  commonly  used  insecti- 
cides, Guthion,  Zolone  and  Imidan  gave  100%  control  which  probably  accounts 
for  the  minor  occurrence  of  this  pest  in  New  England  commercial  orchards. 
Parathion  2S  and  Lannate  gave  poor  control.  Treatments  with  Mobil  9087, 
TH6082,  Bayhox  1901,  FMC  3329,  Bayntn  9306  resulted  in  100%  control, 
N2596,  99%  control,  and  TH6082  at  0.132  gave  92%  control. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


245 


Is  a Black  Fly  Survey  Worthwhile? 

Ivan  N.  McDaniel 

University  of  Maine,  Orono,  Maine  04473 

The  town  of  Jackman,  Maine,  was  surveyed  to  determine  the  sources  of 
black  flies  that  cause  severe  annoyance  from  May  to  July.  Prior  attempts  at 
larval  control  requiring  treatment  of  all  swift-water  areas  had  met  resistance 
from  environmentalists  since  they  felt  the  ecology  of  the  area  might  be  dis- 
turbed. It  was  suggested  that  a survey  might  reveal  localized  areas  of  high 
productivity  in  certain  streams.  Therefore,  all  streams  within  a 259  m2  area 
surrounding  the  town  were  monitored  during  1970  to  determine  productivity 
and  species  present.  Numerous  biting  collections  supplemented  larval  and  pupal 
collections.  Results  of  the  survey  showed  that  Simulium  venustum  Say  ac- 
counted for  more  than  98%  of  the  annoyance  in  the  area  and  an  estimated 
85%  of  this  species  was  found  to  develop  in  two  separate  stretches  of  Wood 
Stream.  Heald  Stream  and  certain  areas  of  several  other  streams  were  pro- 
ductive although  they  are  considered  rather  minor  sources  of  S.  venustum. 
Some  streams  did  not  produce  this  species  and  others  produced  very  few. 
Results  of  the  study  suggest  that  a black  fly  survey  can  be  as  useful  as  a 
mosquito  survey  in  locating  breeding  sites  for  source  reduction.  The  cost  of 
a survey  should  be  considered  minor  as  compared  with  the  savings  realized  if 
a larval  control  program  should  be  implemented.  Since  the  amount  of  insecti- 
cide required  for  control  would  be  markedly  reduced,  the  risks  to  non-target 
organisms  also  would  be  minimized. 


A Comparison  of  Malaise  Trapping  and  Aerial  Netting  for 
Research  on  Houseflies  and  Deerflies  (Diptera:  Tabanidae) 

Douglass  W.  Tallamy  and  Elton  J.  Hansens 
Department  of  Entomology,  Rutgers  University,  New  Brunswick, 

New  Jersey  08903 

Fifty  species  of  Tabanidae  were  collected  near  Deer  Lake,  Booton,  N.J. 
during  the  summer  of  1974  while  comparing  the  effectiveness  of  malaise  trap- 
ping and  aerial  netting  for  sampling  tabanids.  Five  sites  in  the  study  area 
were  sampled  by  malaise  traps  and  by  sweeping  (netting)  about  the  head  with 
an  insect  net.  Comparisons  were  made  of  4 community  and  4 population 
parameters.  Differences  between  the  species  richness  of  the  malaise-trapped 
community,  which  collected  44  species  with  a mean  of  22.2  species/ site,  and 
that  of  the  netted  community,  which  collected  44  species  with  a mean  of  27.2 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


species/site,  were  not  significant  (P0.5,«8).  Analysis  of  trapping  data  for 
species  diversity,  2.34  for  malaise  vs.  1.30  for  netting,  and  the  species  evenness, 
.08  and  .40  for  malaise  and  netting  respectively,  showed  both  were  significantly 
different  (P.01, «8).  The  community  similarity  index,  .08,  indicated  that  the 
structure  of  the  tabanid  community  trapped  by  each  method  differed  sub- 
stantially. The  relative  densities  of  the  species  trapped  by  each  method  were 
significantly  different  for  most  Chrysops  and  the  dominant  Tab  anus  and 
Hybomitra , although  a site  X method  interaction  existed  with  H.  losiophthal- 
mus , H.  sodalis,  T.  lineola,  and  T.  pumilus,  which  statistically  masked  this 
significance.  Though  the  seasonal  ranges  found  by  each  trapping  method  did 
not  closely  coincide,  the  seasonal  niche  breadths  were  not  significant  except 
for  4 species:  H.  sodalis  and  C.  macquarti  (P.01,<*8),  C.  geminatus  and  T. 
lineola  (P.05,«8).  Neither  trapping  method  should  be  used  alone  in  studies 
concerning  the  entire  tabanid  community  but  can  be  used  effectively  together. 


Infecting  the  Gypsy  Moth,  Porthetria  dispar  (L. ) (Lepidoptera: 
Lymantriidae)  with  Nuclear  Polyliedrosis  Virus  Vectored  by  Apanteles 
melanoscelus  (Ratzeburg)  (Hymenoptera:  Braconidae) 

Bernard  Raimo 

U.S.  Forest  Service,  NEFES,  151  Sanford  Street,  Hamden,  Connecticut  06514 

This  study  was  undertaken  to  determine  the  ability  of  Apanteles  melanos- 
celus (Ratzeburg)  contaminated  with  nuclear  polyhedrosis  virus  (NPV),  to 
infect  gypsy  moth  larvae  and  to  determine  the  feasibility  of  using  this  method 
of  virus  dissemination  as  an  alternative  to  topical  foliar  application.  Three 
methods  of  contaminating  the  parasitoids  with  virus  were  tested.  The  first 
method  involved  exposing  female  parasitoids  to  first,  second,  and  third-stage 
gypsy  moth  larvae  that  had  been  feeding  on  artificial  diet  containing  1 X 107 
polyhedral  inclusion  bodies  (PIB)/ml  for  a period  of  48  hr.  In  the  second 
method  virus  was  applied  directly  to  the  ovipositor  at  a concentration  of 
1 X 109  PIB/ml.  A topical  application  of  virus  at  a concentration  of  1 X 10° 
PIB/ml  by  means  of  an  atomizer  was  the  final  method  of  contamination  of 
parasitoids  that  was  tested.  Percent  mortality  due  to  virus  was  found  to  be 
higher  among  larvae  exposed  to  contaminated  female  parasitoids  than  larvae 
that  were  exposed  to  uncontaminated  female  parasitoids  and  the  transmission 
of  virus  does  not  appear  to  diminish  with  each  successive  sting.  The  most 
promising  method  of  contaminating  the  parasitoids  with  NPV  was  found  to 
be  manual  application  of  the  virus  to  the  ovipositor,  however,  none  of  the 
contamination  techniques  seemed  to  have  any  effect  on  the  parasitoids. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


247 


Cassida  rubiginosa  Muller  (Coleoptera:  Chrysomelidae),  a 
Potential  Biocontrol  Agent  of  Thistles  in  Virginia 

R.  H.  Ward  and  R.  L.  Pienkowski 

Department  of  Entomology,  Virginia  Polytechnic  Institute  and  State  University, 

Blacksburg,  Virginia  24061 

C.  rubiginosa , accidentally  introduced  into  North  America  and  first  reported 
in  1901,  presently  has  a geographical  range  encompassing  most  of  eastern 
North  America  north  of  central  Virginia.  During  1973  and  1974,  life  stages 
of  the  beetle  were  collected  from  15  sites  in  the  northern  Virginia  counties  of 
Frederick,  Clarke,  and  Warren.  The  purpose  of  this  study  was  to  isolate  this 
beetle  from  a major  obligate  gregarious  exotic  larval  and  pupal  endoparasitoid 
Tetrastichus  rhosaces  (Walker)  (Hymenoptera:  Eulophidae).  Immature  cassid 
life  stages  were  reared  to  the  adult  stage  and  released  100  miles  south  of  its 
southernmost  range  in  the  southwest  counties  of  Montgomery  and  Giles.  A 
total  of  7840  adults  were  released  at  9 sites  with  3 replicates  each  for  the 
three  thistle  species  Carduus  nutans  (L.) — musk,  C.  acanthoides  L. — plumeless, 
and  Cirsium  arvense  (L.)  Scop. — Canada  thistle.  In  1975,  cassids  were  recov- 
ered from  all  release  sites  with  Canada  thistle  sites  having  the  highest  rate  of 
recovery  followed  by  musk  and  plumeless  thistles.  Cassids  dispersed  less  than 
30m  in  any  one  direction  from  the  release  point  at  most  sites.  Periodic  ob- 
servations of  cassid  life  stages  at  one  musk  and  Canada  thistle  sites  revealed 
only  one  possible  case  of  parasitism,  probably  by  the  solitary  facultative  native 
parasitoid  Eucelatoriopsis  dimmocki  (Aldrich)  (Diptera:  Tachinidae).  Preda- 
tion by  spiders,  assassin  and  stink  bugs,  chrysopids,  and  other  arthropods  was 
the  major  biotic  mortality  factor. 


Growth  Form  of  Host  Plant  as  a Determinant  of  Feeding 
Efficiencies  and  Growth  Rates  in  Papilionidae  and 
Saturniidae  (Lepidoptera) 

J.  Mark  Scriber  and  Paul  P.  Feeny 
Department  of  Entomology,  Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.  14850 

Larval  growth  performance  of  butterflies  and  moths  was  studied  on  leaves 
of  their  normal  host  plants  to  test  whether  specialized,  stenophagous  herbivores 
utilize  their  food  resources  more  efficiently  than  do  generalists.  Graphium 
marcellus,  Battus  polydamas,  B.  philenor , Papilio  zelicaon,  and  P.  polyxenes 
are  specialized  primarily  on  one  plant  family.  P.  palamedes,  P.  troilus,  and 
P.  multicaudatus  are  intermediate  (2  to  5 families),  and  P.  glaucus  is  very 
generalized,  feeding  on  at  least  13  families.  For  both  the  penultimate  and 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


final  instars  the  efficiency  of  conversion  of  ingested  food  into  larval  biomass 
of  the  specialists  was  significantly  higher  than  that  of  the  intermediate  and 
generalized  species.  Growth  rates  for  specialized  papilionids  were  more  than 
twice  as  great  as  those  for  generalists.  Among  the  swallowtail  species  the  trend 
from  specialized  to  generalized  feeding  paralleled  a trend  from  herb-feeding 
to  tree-feeding.  No  significant  differences  were  found  in  feeding  efficiencies 
of  the  final  two  instars  of  tree-feeding  moths  A.  pernyi , S.  cynthia , C.  angu- 
lifera,  and  B.  mori  (specialized),  C.  promethea,  A.  luna,  and  C.  regalis  (inter- 
mediate), and  E.  imperialism  H.  cecropia,  A.  io,  and  A.  polyphemus  (generalized). 
Growth  rates  were  also  nearly  identical  for  specialists  and  generalists.  Regard- 
less of  their  degree  of  feeding  specialization,  tree-leaf  feeding  larvae  of  both 
butterflies  and  moths  grew  at  lower  rates  than  herb-feeders.  This  indicates 
that  growth  form  of  the  host  plant  has  at  least  as  important  effect  on  the 
overall  ecology  and  life  history  of  a papilionid  or  saturnid  species  as  has  the 
degree  of  feeding  specialization  of  its  larva. 


Reproductive  Diapause  in  Notonecta  undulata  (Say) 

( Hemiptera : Notonectidae  ) 

Robert  L.  Vanderlin  and  Frederick  A.  Streams 
Biological  Sciences  Group,  University  of  Connecticut,  Storrs,  Conn.  06268 

Notonecta  undulata  (Say)  completes  two  generations  annually  in  Connecticut. 
The  first  generation,  produced  by  overwintered  adults,  reaches  maturity  in  early 
July.  The  second  generation  of  adults  develops  in  late  summer  and  early  fall 
and  enters  reproductive  diapause.  The  reproductive  activity  is  regulated  by 
photoperiod  and  temperature.  Photoperiod  seems  to  be  more  important  than 
temperature.  Over  75%  of  the  females  raised  in  the  laboratory  under  a 15-hr 
photoperiod  (LD)  and  22 °C  oviposited  within  21  days  after  adult  emergence, 
while  less  than  25%  of  the  females  raised  under  a 12 -hr  photoperiod  (SD)  and 
22 °C  oviposited.  When  half  of  the  latter  group  were  subsequently  placed  under 
LD  conditions,  75%  of  the  females  commenced  oviposition  within  21  days. 
The  remaining  half  of  the  SD  group  was  continued  under  SD  conditions  and 
less  than  25%  of  these  commenced  ovipositing  during  the  next  30  days.  Females 
reared  under  SD  and  LD  conditions  were  vivisected  and  terminal  oocytes 
measured.  Females  reared  under  both  conditions  had  terminal  oocytes  measur- 
ing less  than  0.4  mm  upon  emergence  as  adults.  Within  3 weeks  LD  females 
attained  an  oocyte  length  of  1.7  mm  while  females  reared  under  SD  conditions 
rarely  exceeded  .9  mm.  Oosorption  was  observed  in  the  few  SD  females  with 
terminal  oocytes  as  long  as  1.7  mm.  Low  temperatures  tend  to  inhibit  repro- 
ductive development.  When  N.  undulata  was  reared  under  LD  conditions  but 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


249 


at  15°C,  only  50%  of  the  females  oviposited  within  7 weeks  of  adult  emergence. 
Photoperiods  under  which  nymphs  are  reared  appear  to  have  no  effect  on 
subsequent  reproductive  development  of  adults. 


Environmental  Control  of  Diapause  in  Three  Species  of  North 
American  Aecline  Mosquitoes  (Diptera:  Culicidae) 

B.  F.  Eldridge,  R.  R.  Pinger,  Jr.,  J.  F.  Burger  and  D.  E.  Hayes 
Department  of  Entomology,  Walter  Reed  Army  Institute  of  Research, 
Washington,  D.C.  20012 

Environmental  factors  influencing  diapause  were  studied  under  field  and 
laboratory  conditions  for  three  species  of  North  American  aedine  mosquitoes: 
Aedes  atlanticus  (Dyar  and  Knab),  A.  canadensis  (Theobald)  and  Psorophora 
ferox  (Humboldt).  To  detect  naturally  occurring  diapause,  soil  samples  were 
collected  in  forest  depressions  in  eastern  Maryland  at  five  different  times  of 
the  year:  March,  May,  September,  November  and  December.  Samples  were 
divided  into  two  equal  parts — one  part  was  held  under  long  photoperiod  con- 
ditions, the  other  under  short  photoperiod  conditions,  both  at  25°C.  Portions 
of  each  sub -sample  were  flooded  weekly  for  four  weeks.  The  proportion  of 
viable  eggs  which  hatched  upon  flooding  varied  with  the  species,  the  time  of 
year  collected,  and  the  length  of  time  held  under  experimental  conditions.  The 
results  indicate  that  all  three  species  undergo  embryonic  diapause  which  is 
terminated  only  after  exposure  to  chilling  temperatures.  Photoperiod  does  not 
appear  to  play  a role  in  diapause  termination.  Prolonged  exposure  to  moderate 
temperatures  appears,  in  addition,  to  be  a necessary  antecedent  to  hatching  in 
A.  atlanticus  and  A.  ferox.  Experiments  were  conducted  in  the  laboratory  to 
determine  the  influence  of  photoperiod  on  induction  of  diapause.  Results  indi- 
cated that  short  photoperiod  exposure  of  the  developing  embryo  of  A.  cana- 
densis induces  diapause,  whereas  similar  exposure  of  P.  ferox  females  results 
in  the  oviposition  of  diapausing  eggs. 


An  Improved  Insect  Pest  Management  Program  on  Sweet  Corn 

in  New  Hampshire 

James  S.  Bowman 

Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  New  Hampshire,  Durham, 

New  Hampshire  03824 

Three  years  of  field  research  studies  on  the  detection  and  control  of  the 
European  corn  borer  Ostrinia  nubilalis  (Hiibner)  and  the  corn  ear  worm  Heli- 
othis  zea  (Boddie)  on  sweet  corn  demonstrated  the  feasibility  of  an  improved 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


insect  pest  management  program  for  New  Hampshire.  First  brood  European 
corn  borer  can  be  controlled  using  whorl-stage  treatments  of  either  a granular 
insecticide  applied  once  or  liquid  sprays  applied  twice.  Since  the  arrival  time 
of  the  corn  earworm’s  northern  migration  can  vary  from  year  to  year  (August 
1 to  September  1),  early  detection  with  light  traps  for  moth  flights  and  in- 
spection of  silks  for  newly  laid  eggs  is  used  to  alert  growers  to  the  necessity 
for  spraying.  In  years  when  the  earworm  arrives  late,  considerable  reduction 
in  the  use  of  insecticides  and  a resulting  savings  to  the  grower  is  realized. 
Small  plot  research  comparing  directed  granular  applications  at  planting  time 
(soil  applications)  and  at  what  stage  with  spray  treatments  indicates  Dyfonate 
10GK,  carbofuran  10G,  N-2596  lOGk,  and  Sandose  197  give  acceptable  eco- 
nomic control  of  the  European  corn  borer.  A comparison  of  granular  treatments 
applied  either  directly  into  the  whorl  or  as  a broadcast  indicates  a slight  loss 
in  effectiveness  as  a broadcast  but  acceptable  economic  control. 


Sequential  Releases  of  Rhinocyllus  conicus  Froelicli  (Coleoptera: 
Curculionidae)  for  the  Biocontrol  of  Car  duns  Thistles 

W.  W.  SURLES  AND  L.  T.  KOK 

Department  of  Entomology,  Virginia  Polytechnic  Institute  and  State  University, 

Blacksburg,  VA  24061 

Rhinocyllus  conicus , an  introduced  thistle-head  feeding  weevil,  which  has 
been  established  on  Carduus  thistles  in  Virginia  has  shown  more  effective 
control  of  Carduus  nutans  (musk  thistle)  than  of  Carduus  acanthoides  (plume- 
less thistle).  This  is  apparently  due  to  better  synchronization  of  overwintering 
weevil  emergence  in  spring  with  bud  development  of  musk  thistles  than  with 
plumeless  thistles.  Sequential  field  releases  of  overwintered  weevils  on  indi- 
vidually-caged thistles  were  conducted  to  investigate  the  advantages  of  extend- 
ing the  ovipositional  period  and  improving  synchronization  of  the  weevil  with 
thistle  development.  Each  of  the  releases  produced  an  initial  surge  in  ovi- 
position  of  progressively  decreasing  magnitude  on  both  Carduus  thistles.  The 
later  releases  successfully  extended  the  ovipositional  period,  but  were  less 
effective  due  to  reduced  fecundity.  Weevils  also  suffered  increased  mortality 
during  prolonged  caging  prior  to  release.  Regular  monitoring  of  egg  deposition 
on  the  developing  thistle  blooms  revealed  that  R.  conicus  preferred  the  earlier 
stages  of  musk  thistle  capitula.  This  was  not  evident  on  the  plumeless  thistles 
which  had  eggs  equally  distributed  on  the  buds  as  well  as  the  fully  developed 
heads.  Preference  for  earlier  bloom  stages  resulted  in  higher  survival  of  larvae 
on  musk  thistles  than  on  plumeless  thistles.  Eggs  deposited  on  the  later  stages 
of  plumeless  thistle  blooms  failed  to  complete  development,  and  had  high 
larval  mortality  because  of  the  inadequate  period  for  development. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


251 


Survival  of  Aestivating  Adult  Rhinocyllus  conicus  Froelich 
(Coleoptera:  Curculionidae)  at  Different  Temperatures 
and  Photophases 

L.  T.  Kok 

Department  of  Entomology,  Virginia  Polytechnic  Institute  and  State  University, 

Blacksburg,  VA  24061 

Successful  field  establishment  of  Rhinocyllus  conicus,  an  introduced  weevil 
for  the  biological  control  of  Carduus  thistles,  is  best  obtained  by  spring  releases 
at  the  initial  stages  of  thistle  bud  development.  To  insure  an  adequate  supply 
of  ovipositing  weevils  at  the  time  of  release,  senescent  infested  thistle  heads 
collected  from  an  established  site  in  Virginia  were  held  for  weevil  emergence. 
The  newly  emergent,  aestivating  weevils  were  caged  with  thistle  leaves,  and/or 
thistle  heads,  or  artificial  diet.  These  were  exposed  to  different  thermoperiods 
ranging  from  10°-32°C  with  either  declining  or  constant  photophases  of  0-16  h 
to  determine  conditions  optimum  for  their  survival  until  the  following  spring. 
Day-night  thermoperiods  of  21°-15°C  synchronized  with  short  photophases 
resulted  in  relatively  lower  mortality  than  treatments  of  26°-15°C,  and 
32°-15°C  with  similar  photophases.  Aestivating  weevils  survived  better  when 
caged  with  thistle  leaves  at  constant  temperatures  of  10  or  15°C,  and  con- 
tinuous darkness.  Best  survival  was  obtained  for  weevils  placed  on  artificial 
diet  subjected  to  photophase  of  0 or  10  h at  10°C.  Mortality  rate  increased 
at  higher  temperatures  and  longer  photophases.  In  the  absence  of  thistle  leaves 
or  artificial  diet,  no  weevils  survived  the  entire  duration  of  the  experiment 
(August  through  April  of  the  following  year) ; those  weevils  subjected  to  the 
higher  temperatures  of  26°C  or  32°C  did  not  survive  beyond  December. 


Increased  Gladiolus  Spike  Growth  with  Use  of  Certain 
Systemic  Insecticides 

Roger  G.  Adams,  Jr.,  John  H.  Lilly,  and  Adrian  G.  Gentile 
Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Massachusetts, 

Amherst,  Massachusetts  01002 

Previous  aphid  control  experiments  suggested  that  treatments  with  certain 
systemic  insecticides  might  improve  gladiolus  growth.  A replicated  field  ex- 
periment was  conducted  near  Suf field,  Connecticut  in  1972  to  test  this  hypoth- 
esis. The  experimental  area  was  divided  into  60  5-ft.-long  plots,  each  of  which 
was  planted  with  10  corms  of  the  gladiolus  cultivar  “Peter  Pears”.  The  fol- 
lowing 10  treatments  were  replicated  6 times  in  a randomized  complete  block 
design:  dimethoate  2 EC,  oxydemeton-methyl  2EC,  carbofuran  4F,  carbofuran 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


10G,  pirimicarb  50WP,  acephate  75S,  disulfoton  15G,  aldicarb  10G,  oxamyl 
10G,  and  untreated  control.  All  materials  were  applied  at  1 lb  ai/acre.  Two 
granular  soil  treatments  and  3 foliar  spray  applications  were  made  with  the 
respective  materials.  No  significant  differences  were  detected  in  plant  emer- 
gence or  height  17  and  23  days,  respectively,  after  planting.  At  peak  bloom 
granular  soil  treatments  of  aldicarb,  oxamyl,  and  disulfoton  showed  significant 
effects  on  gladiolus  growth  as  indicated  by  increased  plant  heights,  flowerhead 
lengths,  and  bud  numbers.  Cucumber  mosaic  virus  disease-infected  plants  in 
both  aldicarb  and  disulfoton-treated  plots  showed  growth  benefits.  We  conclude 
it  may  be  possible  for  gladiolus  growers  to  obtain  both  increased  plant  growth 
and  flower  production  as  well  as  insect  control  through  utilization  of  aldicarb, 
disulfoton,  or  oxamyl  as  soil  insecticides. 


Evaluation  and  Control  of  a Nuisance  Fly  Problem  (Diptera: 
Muscidae)  at  Monmouth  Park  Jockey  Club, 

Oceanport,  New  Jersey 

John  Milio  and  Elton  J.  Hansens 

Department  of  Entomology  and  Economic  Zoology,  Rutgers  University, 

New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08903 

Throughout  the  1973  summer  racing  schedule,  Monmouth  Park  personnel 
experienced  an  acute  fly  problem.  In  1974,  inspections  of  10  randomly  chosen 
horse  barns  made  3 times  per  week  from  July  to  October,  revealed  a predomi- 
nance of  house  flies,  Musca  domestica  (L.),  and  stable  flies,  Stomoxys  calcitrans 
(L.),  in  addition  to  small  numbers  of  Tabanidae.  Potential  breeding  sites  of 
the  predominant  species  were  manure  pits,  hay  barns,  horse  corrals,  horse  stalls, 
grass  clippings  and  beached  tidal  creek  vegetation.  Larvae  or  pupae  occurred 
at  all  but  the  latter  two  sites.  Of  92  samples,  manure  pits  and  hay  barns 
yielded  the  highest  proportion  of  house  flies  and  stable  flies  per  sample. 
Layers  of  moist,  decayed  hay  or  alfalfa  in  front  of  the  hay  barns  were  par- 
ticularly productive  of  stable  flies.  Manure  pits  containing  STAZ-DRI  (horse 
bedding  derived  from  sugar  cane  refuse),  horse  manure,  or  a combination  of 
both,  produced  large  numbers  of  house  flies.  Evaluations  of  ULV  applications 
with  a Cardinal  150  sprayer  (Northeastern  Associates),  using  formulations  of 
1%  pyrethrins  (Dubois  Chemical  Co.),  5%  pyrethrins  (Northeastern  Associates), 
and  40%  resmethrin  (S.B.  Penick  & Co.)  diluted  18  fl.  oz./gal.  with  light 
mineral  oil,  showed  the  latter  superior,  though  variable  winds  to  5 mph,  cool 
morning  temperatures,  and  lack  of  penetration  into  barns  limited  control. 
Proper  disposal  of  manure  and  hay  barn  refuse  remains  the  most  practical  and 
effective  means  of  fly  control. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


253 


Control  of  External  Parasites  on  Cattle  by 
Means  of  Dust  Bags 

James  E.  Roberts,  Sr. 

Department  op  Entomology,  Virginia  Polytechnic  Institute  and  State  University, 

Blacksburg,  Virginia  24061 

Dust  bags  have  been  used  for  approximately  15  years  for  the  control  of 
external  parasites  on  cattle.  When  properly  installed  and  maintained,  use  of 
this  type  of  self-treatment  device  will  result  in  near-complete  control  of  horn 
flies,  Haematobia  irritans  (L.),  and  cattle  lice  and  will  effectively  reduce  face 
fly  Musca  autumnalis  (DeGeer)  populations.  Two  recent  tests  with  5%  fenthion 
in  dust  bags  resulted  in  41%  and  60%  reduction  in  cattle  grub  infestation. 
Numerous  field  tests  have  shown  that  forced  use  of  dust  bags  will  result  in 
more  effective  insect  control.  A shelter  should  be  provided  for  any  dust  bags 
that  are  not  water  repellent.  However,  some  good  water  repellent  bags  are 
now  available  from  commercial  sources.  Protection  from  rainfall  is  necessary 
to  prevent  caking  of  the  dust.  To  obtain  the  most  effective  face  fly  control, 
bags  must  be  suspended  within  18  to  24  inches  from  the  ground.  The  efficacy 
of  insect  control  is  also  enhanced  when  the  bag  swings  freely  so  that  as  the 
animals  pass  under  them  they  will  bump  the  bags  with  their  heads  and  again 
with  their  shoulders,  thereby  insuring  a more  thorough  dust  coverage  of  the 
head  and  body. 


Wing  Polymorphism  in  Salt  Marsh  Inhabiting  Fulgoroitlea 

Robert  F.  Denno 

Department  of  Entomology  and  Economic  Zoology,  Rutgers  University, 

New  Brunswick,  N.J.  08903 

The  vegetation  of  New  Jersey  tidal  salt  marshes  is  composed  primarily  of 
two  grasses,  Spartina  alterni flora  Lois.  (Smooth  Cordgrass)  and  Spartina  patens 
(Ait.)  Muhl.  (Salt  Meadow  Cordgrass).  S.  patens  occupies  a narrow  eleva- 
tional  zone  of  well  drained  marsh  above  mean  high  water  level  (MHW).  S. 
alterniflora,  an  intertidal  species,  occurs  throughout  most  of  the  elevational 
range  of  S.  patens , but  also  extends  to  levels  far  below  MHW.  Near  MHW, 
where  the  marsh  is  flat  and  poorly  drained,  S.  alterniflora  occurs  as  a dwarfed 
form,  but  along  depressed  borders  of  creeks  well  below  MHW,  it  may  grow 
to  the  height  of  2m.  Structurally  (culm  height,  width,  density),  S.  alterniflora 
is  more  diverse  than  S.  patens  and  ecologically  occupies  a more  extensive  ele- 
vational range  which  receives  frequent  tidal  inundations.  Fulgoroids,  dimorphic 
for  wing  length,  feed  upon  these  salt  marsh  grasses.  The  purpose  of  this  work 


254 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


was  to  investigate  the  ecological  significance  of  wing  polymorphism  strategies 
employed  by  the  fulgorids  to  cope  with  the  structural  variability  and  stability 
of  food  resources.  The  delphacid,  Prokelisia  marginata  (Van  Duzee),  which  is 
host  specific  on  S.  alterniflora,  produced  highly  vagile  macropters  and  brachyp- 
ters  with  less  efficient  flight  capability.  In  short  form  S.  alterniflora,  macrop- 
ters and  brachypters  were  sweep-netted  in  equal  numbers.  The  following 
commonalities  were  evident  for  5.  patens  inhabiting  fulgoroids  [Delphacodes 
detecta  (Van  Duzee),  Tumidagena  minuta  McDermott,  Aphelonema  simplex 
Uhler]  : Brachyptery  was  extreme,  preventing  flight.  Brachypters  significantly 
outnumbered  macropters.  The  density  of  brachypters  correlated  well  with  the 
seasonal  pattern  of  standing  crop  biomass  of  the  food  resource.  Macropter 
density  was  poorly  correlated  with  standing  crop  biomass;  however,  seasonal 
macropter  density  occurred  just  prior  to  peak  standing  crop  biomass  of  the 
grass.  On  the  high  marsh,  which  is  less  subject  to  tidal  inundation  and  is 
occupied  by  a structurally  monotonous  food  resource,  fulgoroids  have  evolved 
a brachypterous  strategy.  On  the  intertidal  marsh,  where  the  food  resource  is 
structurally  diverse  and  occasionally  unavailable  (tidal  inundation),  population 
mobility  is  at  a premium  and  fulgoroids  have  evolved  a strategy  relatively 
skewed  toward  the  production  of  macropters  in  order  to  efficiently  exploit 
resources. 


Isolation  and  Identification  of  Entomophthora  spp.  Fres. 

( Phycomycetes : Entomophthorales ) from  the  Spruce  Budworm 
Choristoneura  fumiferana  Clem.  (Lepicloptera:  Tortricidae) 

John  D.  Vandenberg 

Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Maine,  Orono,  Maine  04473 

Richard  S.  Soper 

N.E.  Plant,  Soil  and  Water  Laboratory,  USDA-ARS,  Orono,  Maine  04473 

Entomophthora  sphaerosperma  Fres.  and  E.  egressa  MacLeod  and  Tyrrell 
were  isolated  from  field-collected  spruce  budworm  in  Aroostook  and  Washington 
counties,  Maine.  An  18"  branch  tip  was  taken  from  the  upper  and  lower 
crowns  of  5 trees  at  each  of  13  locations.  Living  larvae  were  reared  on  arti- 
ficial diet  to  determine  disease  prevalence.  Fungi  from  diseased  larvae  were 
isolated  on  egg  yolk  plus  Sabouraud  maltose  agar  medium  and  then  identified. 
Both  species  were  tested  for  growth  on  several  media  and  over  a range  of  pH 
and  temperature  levels.  Prevalence  of  infection  was  greater  in  the  lower  crown 
(7.4%  vs.  2.6%)  with  an  overall  prevalence  of  5.0%  (90%  level  of  significance). 
The  conidia  of  E.  sphaerosperma  are  slender,  papillate  at  the  base,  rounded  and 
tapered  at  the  apex;  19.50  ± 2.14  /x  X 7.64  ± 1.06  /x  (Mean  ± Standard 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


255 


deviation)  from  larvae,  and  22.43  ± 4.90  /x  X 7.24  ± 0.46  /a  from  specimens 
grown  on  artificial  media.  Conidiophores  are  branched  and  digitate.  Rhizoids, 
secondary  conidia  and  cystidia  are  present.  Resting  spores  are  hyaline,  spherical 
and  measure  24.90  /a  ± 2.18  /a  from  larvae,  and  26.30  /a  ± 2.71  /x  from  media- 
reared  specimens.  The  conidia  of  E.  egressa  are  obovate  to  pyriform  with  a 
broad  papillate  base  and  an  evenly  rounded  apex.  They  measure  38.56  ± 8.33  /a 
X 31.59  ± 7.26  /a,  and  are  multinucleate  (8-10).  Conidiophores  are  branched. 
Resting  spores,  secondary  conidia,  rhizoids  and  cystidia  were  not  observed. 
Mycophil  yeast  agar  (MYA)  at  20°C  was  found  to  produce  the  best  growth 
of  E.  sphaerosperma.  MYA  at  20°C  was  then  tested  at  a pH  range  of  5.0-7. 5 
at  intervals  of  .5.  Mycelial  growth  was  predominant  above  pH  6.5,  while 
abundant  conidia  production  occurred  below  pH  6.0.  Growth  of  E.  sphaeros- 
perma was  also  tested  in  shaker  cultures  on  liquid  media  with  Sabouraud  liquid 
broth  (SLB)  within  the  range  5. 5-8.0  pH  and  25°C  giving  the  best  growth. 
Optimum  growing  conditions  for  E.  egressa  as  determined  in  a like  manner, 
were  at  25°C  on  AK  agar  throughout  a pH  range  6.0  to  7.5. 

A Sex  Pheromone  Complex  of  the  Mushroom-Infesting 
Sciarid  Fly,  Lycoriella  mali  Fitch 

J.  G.  Kostelc,  L.  B.  Hendry  and  R.  J.  Snetsinger 
Departments  of  Chemistry  and  Entomology,  Pennsylvania  State  University, 
University  Park,  Pa.  16802 

The  sex  pheromone  complex  of  the  sciarid  fly,  Lycoriella  mali  Fitch  consists 
of  a homolog  series  of  saturated,  straight  chain,  aliphatic  hydrocarbons.  Sciarid 
males  are  attracted  to  hydrocarbons  pentadecane  to  hexacosane  and  octacosane 
(Ci5-C26,C28)  when  tested  in  a biological  assay  chamber.  Heptadecane  is  the 
most  active  hydrocarbon.  In  addition,  statistical  testing  of  heptadecane  and 
neighboring  hydrocarbons  (Ci5-Ci9)  support  this  finding.  Concentration  studies 
of  heptadecane  show  that  the  best  overall  response  (80%)  and  the  best  at- 
tractive response  (79%)  occur  at  the  1.0  nanogram  level.  Abdomens  of  culture 
males  and  females  were  analyzed  for  the  presence  of  hydrocarbons  pentadecane 
to  octadecane.  Isolation  and  identification  of  hydrocarbons  was  accomplished 
by  thin  layer  chromatography,  gas  chromatography  and  computerized  gas 
chromatography-mass  spectrometry  with  mass  fragmentography.  Hydrocarbons 
(Cib-Cib)  were  found  in  both  male  and  female  abdomens.  Female  abdomens 
had  greater  concentrations  of  these  hydrocarbons  than  male  abdomens.  The 
major  attractant,  heptadecane,  was  found  in  the  female  sciarids  at  a concen- 
tration of  5-6  times  larger  than  found  in  the  male  sciarids.  Recent  results 
from  our  laboratory  have  shown  that  some  lepidopteran  and  hymenopteran 
pheromones  are  present  in  the  host  plant.  Therefore,  the  cultivated  mushroom, 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Agaricus  bisporus  Lange  was  analyzed  for  hydrocarbons.  Hydrocarbons  pen- 
tadecane  to  heneitriacontane  were  identified  and  their  relative  concentrations 
determined.  It  has  been  shown  that  the  sex  pheromone  of  the  sciarid  fly  is 
not  a single  component  but  a complex  mixture.  Host  plants  are  implicated  as 
a possible  origin  of  the  pheromones. 

Results  of  an  Insect  Scouting  Program  in  Virginia  Soybeans 

William  A.  Allen 

Department  of  Entomology,  Virginia  Polytechnic  Institute  and  State  University, 

Blacksburg,  Virginia  26061 

After  2 years  of  monitoring  insect  control  decision-making  practices  in  eastern 
Virginia,  2 test  demonstrations  were  undertaken  to  encourage  adoption  of  a 
pest  management  system.  Unlike  the  2 previous  studies,  a vigorous  educational 
program  was  conducted  with  farmers.  Mean  per  acre  scouting  costs  were  higher 
in  both  counties  (Isle  of  Wight  $0.52;  Westmoreland  $0.59)  than  in  previous 
years,  reflecting  higher  labor  costs  and  a difference  in  scouting  efficiency. 
Due  to  a change  in  objectives,  it  was  not  possible  to  measure  the  potential 
saving  or  net  return  on  investment  as  in  past  years.  Premature  insecticide 
application  was  reduced  from  87.2%  in  1972  and  89.7%  in  1973  to  0%  in  1974. 
In  addition  to  the  demonstrations  mentioned  above,  the  first  grower-financed 
scouting  service  in  Virginia  was  adopted  in  Northumberland  and  Lancaster 
counties  in  1974.  The  program  included  11  farmers  and  43  fields.  A sub- 
jective evaluation  conducted  at  the  conclusion  of  the  program  showed  the 
following  results.  Most  farmers  (72.9%)  estimated  that  they  saved  $4.98/ acre 
using  the  scouting  system.  Only  8.3%  of  the  farmers  thought  yields  were 
reduced;  85%  of  the  farmers  said  they  would  subscribe  to  a scouting  service 
on  a “pay  as  you  go”  basis  in  1975  if  it  were  available  but  only  62.5%  said 
they  would  use  the  system  if  they  had  to  do  the  scouting  themselves.  The 
overall  response  indicated  grower  approval. 

Leaf  Feeding  Resistance  to  the  European  Corn  Borer,  Ostrinia 

nubilalis  (Hiibner)  (Lepidoptera:  Pyralidae),  in  Tropical  Maize 

W.  M.  Tingey,  V.  E.  Gracen,  and  J.  M.  Scriber 
Departments  of  Entomology  and  Plant  Breeding,  Cornell  University, 

Ithaca,  New  York  14853 

First  generation  or  leaf-feeding  resistance  of  maize  to  the  European  corn 
borer  has  generally  been  attributed  to  2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy  (2H)-benzox- 
azin-3  (4H)-one  (DIMBOA),  an  aglycone  that  suppresses  larval  development 
and  increases  larval  mortality.  Tropical  maize  genotypes  as  low  in  DIMBOA 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


257 


as  the  susceptible  inbred  WF9,  have  been  shown  to  be  as  resistant  to  leaf 
feeding  in  field  trials,  as  high-DIMBOA  inbreds.  We  studied  leaf  feeding 
activity  of  1st  instar  O.  nubilalis  on  3 inbred  (WF9,  B68,  B49)  and  2 tropical 
(6006:  San  Juan-3  X Antigua-8D;  6008:  Puerto  Rico-1  X Antigua-2)  geno- 
types using  free-choice  and  no-choice  laboratory  caging  methods,  to  determine 
the  resistance  mechanisms.  Using  no-choice  Plexiglas®  tube  cages  or  dialysis 
tube  cages  on  rolled  leaves,  feeding  rates  at  12  hr  intervals  over  a 60  hr  post- 
caging  observation  period,  were  consistently  reduced  on  the  high  DIMBOA 
inbred,  B49,  and  on  the  tropical  genotype,  6006,  as  compared  to  a susceptible 
inbred,  WF9.  Feeding  was  intermediately  reduced  on  6008  and  B68,  compared 
to  WF9.  When  given  a choice  between  2 genotypes,  larvae  consistently  pre- 
ferred WF9  over  the  other  4 genotypes.  Thus,  we  concluded  that  feeding 
suppression  of  O.  nubilalis  during  the  1st  stadium  is  probably  a significant 
component  of  resistance  in  field-resistant  tropical  and  inbred  genotypes.  More- 
over, suppression  of  larval  leaf  feeding  by  the  tropical  lines,  6006  and  6008, 
is  mediated  by  plant  factors  other  than  DIMBOA. 

Visual  Stimuli  in  the  Host  Finding  Mechanism  of  the  Parasitic  Wasp 
Itoplectis  conquisitor  (Say)  (Hymenoptera:  Ichneumonidae) 

David  Robacker,  K.  M.  Weaver  and  L.  B.  Hendry 

Department  of  Chemistry,  Pennsylvania  State  University,  University  Park,  Pa. 

16802 

An  investigation  into  the  kinds  of  visual  cues  utilized  by  /.  conquisitor  during 
host  finding  was  conducted  by  measuring  attraction,  discrimination  (antennal 
tapping)  and  acceptance  (probing)  responses  to  various  host  and  host-shelter 
models.  To  demonstrate  the  presence  of  a visual  attractive  stimulus,  wasps 
were  tested  with  sealed  glass  cylinders  each  containing  a dead  host  pupa  near 
one  end.  The  other  end,  which  remained  empty,  served  as  a control.  The 
number  of  attractions  to  the  pupa  containing  side  was  found  to  be  significantly 
greater  than  to  the  empty  end  of  the  same  tubes.  No  discriminatory  behavior 
was  elicited  by  these  glass  models.  A further  elucidation  of  visual  stimuli  was 
accomplished  using  construction  paper  and  cellophane  models  which  differed 
in  shape  and  degree  of  transparency.  All  opaque  models  were  found  to  be 
superior  to  their  transparent  counterparts  in  visual  attracting  capability.  More- 
over, all  cylindrical  models  were  superior  to  their  flat  counterparts  in  this 
property.  With  regard  to  discriminatory  and  acceptance  responses,  however, 
only  cylindrical  shapes  appeared  to  be  of  any  significant  importance.  The 
possibility  that  a host  finding  mechanism  other  than  of  a chemical  nature  is 
in  operation  was  confirmed  by  the  following  experiment.  Newly  emerged  fe- 
males with  no  ovipositional  experience  were  individually  isolated  for  7 days 


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in  a chemically  clean  environment.  After  this  isolation  period,  the  wasps  were 
released  into  glass  beakers  containing  aluminum  foil  cylinders  and  their  re- 
sponses were  recorded.  Typically,  the  wasps  showed  aggressive  discriminatory 
and  acceptance  behavior  in  less  than  1 hour  of  testing. 


Dispersal  of  First-Instar  Gypsy  Moth  Larvae  in  Relation  to 
Population  Quality 

John  L.  Capinera  and  Pedro  Barbosa 

Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Massachusetts,  Amherst,  Mass.  01002 

Investigations  by  D.  E.  Leonard  indicated  that  the  behavioral  and  physio- 
logical ecology  of  the  gypsy  moth,  Porthetria  dispar  (L.),  varied  with  the  size 
of  the  eggs  from  which  the  larvae  originated.  Also,  the  ecological  patterns 
could  be  shifted  by  certain  environmental  stimuli.  This  principle  was  termed 
population  quality.  Leonard  suggested  that  dispersal  was  the  most  important 
parameter  affected.  Our  investigation  examined  the  effect  of  population 
quality  on  dispersal  by  first-instar  larvae.  Eggs  deposited  by  the  female  gypsy 
moth  vary  in  size.  The  first  eggs  deposited  are  largest  in  diameter  and  sub- 
sequent eggs  are  smaller.  Laboratory  dispersal  studies  indicate  that  larger  eggs 
produce  larvae  that  disperse  more  frequently  than  larvae  from  smaller  eggs. 
However,  small  larvae  unable  to  locate  adequate  food  will  disperse  as  fre- 
quently as  large  larvae.  Dispersal  ability  of  larvae  declines  rapidly  as  larvae 
feed  and  become  heavier.  Except  at  low  wind  velocities  (less  than  .9  m/s), 
large  larvae  disperse  greater  distances  than  small  larvae.  Egg  size  is  inversely 
proportional  to  the  number  of  eggs^  per  mass.  Factors  favoring  development 
of  large  adults  will  induce  large  egg  masses  and  lead  to  populations  of  non- 
dispersing larvae.  Failure  of  large  numbers  of  larvae  to  disperse  from  a site 
can  lead  to  localized  population  outbreaks.  In  turn,  high  density  populations 
produce  small  egg  masses  which  produce  relatively  more  dispersing  larvae, 
thereby  providing  the  inoculum  for  new  outlying  infestations. 


Identification  of  the  Copulatory  Sex  Pheromone  of  the  Little 
House  Fly,  Fannia  canicularis  (L.)  (Diptera:  Muscidae) 

E.  C.  Uebel,  R.  E.  Menzer,  P.  E.  Sonnet,  and  R.  W.  Miller 
Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Maryland,  College  Park,  Maryland  20742 
and  USDA,  ARS,  AEQI,  Beltsville,  Maryland  20705 

A sex  pheromone  that  stimulates  F.  canicularis  males  to  copulate  with 
females  was  identified  as  (Z)-9-pentacosene.  Cuticular  lipids  obtained  from 
virgin  5-day-old  female  flies  were  used  for  the  isolation  of  the  active  compound. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


259 


Materials  were  bioassayed  by  counting  the  number  of  copulatory  attempts  that 
occurred  during  a 5-minute  period  when  pseudoflies  constructed  from  knots  of 
black  yarn  were  treated  with  100  or  200  /xg  of  the  test  material  and  presented 
to  unmated  males.  Isolation,  identification,  and  synthesis  procedures  were 
similar  to  those  reported  by  Uebel  et  al.  in  1975  (J.  Chem.  Ecol.  1:  195-202). 
All  major  materials  in  the  female  cuticular  lipid  are  hydrocarbons.  The  major 
components  of  the  unsaturated  hydrocarbon  are  (Z)-9-pentacosene  and  (Z)-9- 
heptacosene,  which  make  up  66.5  and  3.4%  of  the  cuticular  lipid,  respectively. 
Approximately  25%  of  the  cuticular  lipid  is  straight  chain  saturated  hydro- 
carbon, and  4%  is  branched  chain  saturated  hydrocarbon.  Five-day-old  males 
have  a “non-hydrocarbon”  that  makes  up  27%  of  the  total  cuticular  lipid. 
Approximately  27%  of  the  male  cuticular  lipid  is  straight  chain  paraffin,  20% 
is  branched  saturated  hydrocarbon,  and  19%  is  unsaturated  hydrocarbon.  The 
pentacosene  present  on  the  male  constitutes  7%  of  the  cuticular  lipid  and  is 
present  as  two  isomers:  (Z)-9-pentacosene  (5%)  and  (Z)-7-pentacosene  (95%). 
Only  fractions  containing  the  unsaturated  hydrocarbon  from  the  female  stimu- 
lated the  males  to  copulate,  and  tests  with  the  two  synthetic  monoolefins  found 
on  the  female  showed  that  only  (Z)-9-pentacosene  was  active. 


Honeylocust  Pod  Gall  Midge,  Dasyneura  gleditschae  Osten  Sachen 
(Diptera:  Cecidomyiidae),  Control  with  Dacamox® 

W.  R.  Harrigan  and  J.  L.  Saunders 

Department  of  Entomology,  Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  New  York  14853 

Increased  planting  of  thornless  honeylocust  as  street  and  shade  trees  and 
nursery  production  of  popular  varieties  in  large  blocks  has  intensified  problems 
caused  by  the  honeylocust  pod  gall  midge.  Three  varieties  (Shademaster,  Sun- 
burst, and  Skyline)  of  thornless  honeylocust  were  side  dressed  with  systemic 
insecticides  on  May  1 & 2,  1975  at  rates  of  ozAI  per  1000  ft.  of  row  as  follows: 
aldicarb  7.2  and  14.4,  carbofuran-  4.4  and  8.8,  disulfoton-  22.5  and  45,  acephate- 
6.0  and  12,  and  Dacamox®  (3,3-  Dimethyl-  1-  methylthio-  2 butanone  0- 
methylcarbamoyloxime)-  6.0  and  12.  The  soil,  a sandy  loam  with  good  field 
moisture,  was  cultivated  just  prior  to  treatment.  It  rained  immediately  after 
treatment.  The  granules  were  applied  in  a 2-in.-wide  band  and  covered  with 
ca.  Vz  in.  of  soil.  Counts  made  June  17,  1975  of  the  number  of  galls  on  10 
shoots  (each  shoot  had  5-10  leaves  with  ca.  20  leaflets  per  leaf)  on  each  of  5 
trees  from  the  center  of  each  plot  indicated  that  only  Dacamox  showed  promise 
of  giving  economically  practical  protection.  Dacamox,  at  the  high  rate,  reduced 
the  number  of  leaf  galls  on  the  different  varieties  as  follows:  Shademaster 

82%,  Sunburst  50%,  Skyline  71%.  Percent  defoliation  estimated  on  July  23, 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


1975  for  Dacamox  vs.  check,  respectively,  was:  Shademaster  40%  vs.  53%, 
Sunburst  17%  vs.  52%,  Skyline  32%  vs.  54%.  None  of  13  toxicants  applied 
May  2,  1975  as  hydraulic  sprays  gave  economically  effective  protection. 


A Seasonal  History  of  the  Variegate*!  Leaf  roller,  Platynota  flavedana 
Clemens  (Lepidoptera:  Tortricidae),  in  Virginia  Apple  Orchards 

J.  H.  Thomas  and  C.  H.  Hill 

Virginia  Polytechnic  Institute  and  State  University,  Winchester  Fruit  Research 
Laboratory,  Winchester,  Virginia  22601 

The  variegated  leafroller  overwinters  as  dormant  larvae  in  leaf  litter  on  the 
apple  orchard  floor.  In  early  March  larvae  feed  on  ground  cover  sprouts  and 
apple  root  suckers.  Spring  moths  begin  emerging  in  early  May  and  are  present 
in  orchards  until  early  July.  Egg  masses  are  laid  on  upper  sides  of  apple 
leaves  from  May  to  July  and  again  in  late  July  to  September.  A fecundity 
study  of  21  second  generation  females  indicates  an  average  of  205.7  eggs  per 
female  with  53.4  eggs  per  mass  and  91.8%  hatch.  The  incubation  period 
averages  12.8  days  for  first  generation  eggs  and  9.3  days  for  the  second. 
Study  of  154  individuals  shows  that  most  first  generation  larvae  have  5 instars; 
however,  some  have  an  occasional  sixth.  The  average  time  for  larval  develop- 
ment is  29.8  days.  The  pupal  period  averages  6.5  days.  First  generation  moths 
begin  emerging  the  third  week  of  July  and  are  present  in  orchards  until  mid- 
September.  The  life  cycle  averages  42.4  days  for  the  males  and  47.1  days 
for  the  females.  Fruit  is  damaged  toward  summer’s  end  and  early  fall  by  late 
instar  larvae  of  the  first  generation  and  younger  larvae  of  the  following  gen- 
eration. These  second  generation  leaf  rollers  reduce  their  activity  but  continue 
feeding  through  early  November.  When  autumn  leaves  fall  the  larvae  range 
from  second  to  fourth  instar.  In  1974  at  Winchester,  Virginia  there  occurred 
the  end  of  the  overwintering  generation,  one  complete  generation,  and  the  be- 
ginning of  a second  generation  of  P.  flavedana. 


The  Milkweed  Pod  as  an  Obstacle  to  the  Large  Milkweed  Bug, 
Oncopeltus  fasciatus  (Heteroptera:  Lygaeidae) 

Carol  Pearson  Ralph 

Department  of  Entomology,  Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.  14850 

In  the  eastern  United  States  Asclepias  syriaca  is  a common  host  of  the 
monophagous  Oncopeltus.  In  greenhouse  experiments  nymphs  fed  only  vegeta- 
tive shoots  of  A.  syriaca  could  not  grow  or  mature,  but  those  provided  A.  syriaca 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


261 


seeds  readily  did.  In  the  field  adults  and  nymphs  feed  almost  exclusively  on 
pods.  However,  measurements  of  nymph  mouthparts,  feeding  punctures,  and 
the  spongy  pod  walls  showed  that  the  mouthparts  of  the  first  three  nymphal 
instars  are  too  short  to  reach  seed  in  most  mature  pods.  By  exploring,  these 
young  nymphs  sometimes  find  sites  with  thin  walls  where  they  can  reach  the 
seed.  Usually  they  live  on  poorer  food  tapped  from  the  green  tissues  and 
placenta  of  the  pod.  Communal  feeding  may  be  especially  important  during 
this  stage  in  increasing  food  intake.  Thus  Oncopeltus  can  exploit  this  milk- 
weed, even  though  the  bug’s  critical  food,  the  seed,  is  inaccessible  to  the  young 
nymphs.  Although  adults  and  fifth  instar  nymphs  can  reach  seed  through 
almost  any  pod  wall,  many  seeds  escape  Oncopeltus  damage  because  pods  are 
abundant  and  the  bugs  preferentially  feed  where  the  pod  wall  is  thinnest,  on 
the  seeds  nearest  the  suture  and  the  tip. 


Growth  and  Development  of  Hyposoter  exiguae  (Viereck) 
(Hymenoptera:  Ichneumonidae)  on  Two  Instars  of  Trichoplusia  ni 
(Hiibner)  (Lepidoptera:  Noctuidae) 

Eugene  A.  Jowyk  and  Zane  Smilowitz 

Pesticide  Research  Laboratory  and  Graduate  Study  Center,  The  Pennsylvania 
State  University,  University  Park,  Pa.  16802 

Larvae  of  Trichoplusia  ni  (Hiibner)  were  parasitized  during  phase  II  of 
either  their  2nd  or  4th  instar  by  the  solitary  endoparasitoid,  Hyposoter  exiguae 
(Viereck).  Beginning  at  36  hr  post-parasitism  and  continuing  at  8 hr  intervals 
thereafter,  hosts  were  dissected  and  measurements  of  the  contained  parasitoid 
taken.  Hyposoter  larvae  eclosed  from  eggs  between  36  and  44  hr  post-para- 
sitism in  both  2nd  and  4th  instar  hosts.  Four  larval  instars  were  observed, 
the  first  lasting  about  2 days,  the  2nd  and  3rd  lasting  1%  days  and  the  4th 
less  than  1 day.  Parasitoid  head  capsule  widths  measured  0.15,  0.34,  0.51  and 
0.61  mm  for  those  reared  on  2nd  instar  hosts,  and  0.15,  0.35,  0.54  and  0.67  mm 
for  those  reared  on  4th  instar  hosts.  Parasitoids  reared  on  4th  instar  hosts 
emerged  to  spin  their  cocoons  between  6V2  and  IV2  days  post-parasitism  at 
26  ± 1°C,  while  those  reared  on  2nd  instar  hosts  emerged  a few  hr  later. 
Parasitoid  adults  reared  on  both  age  groups  emerged  6-7  days  after  spinning. 
Adult  parasitoids  reared  from  2nd  instar  hosts  weighed  4.81  and  5.17  mg  for 
males  and  females,  respectively,  while  those  reared  from  4th  instar  hosts 
weighed  6.25  and  6.91  mg.  Since  host  age  has  been  shown  to  affect  parasitoid 
size  and  developmental  rate,  it  is  important  that  it  be  taken  into  account  when 
performing  experiments  on  parasitoid  fecundity,  fertility  and  development. 
Otherwise  a wide  range  of  values  may  occur  for  these  parameters. 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Mite  Consuming  Capacity  of  Stethorus  punctum  (Leconte) 

( Coleoptera : Coccinellidae  ) 

L.  A.  Hull,  D.  Asquith  and  P.  D.  Mowery 
The  Pennsylvania  State  University,  Fruit  Research  Laboratory,  Biglerville,  Pa. 

17307 

The  functional  response  of  the  predator  Stethorus  punctum  (Leconte)  was 
tested  at  various  densities  of  the  European  red  mite,  Panonychus  ulmi  (Koch). 
One  S.  punctum  adult  or  larva  was  caged  with  adult  female  mites  at  the  fol- 
lowing density  levels:  4,  8,  12,  16,  20,  50,  80  mites/ cage.  The  number  of 
mites  consumed  was  recorded  every  hour  and  the  mites  replenished  back  to 
the  original  levels.  All  feeding  tests  were  conducted  in  a screened  insectary 
to  simulate  orchard  conditions.  The  rate  of  consumption  of  overwintered  adults 
(spring  feeding  rate)  rose  at  first  with  prey  density,  but  leveled  off  at  higher 
densities.  The  rate  of  consumption  of  the  2nd  and  3rd  generation  adults  (sum- 
mer feeding  rate)  increased  with  increasing  prey  density  with  no  leveling  off 
attained.  S.  punctum  larvae  also  exhibited  an  increased  consumption  rate  as 
prey  density  was  increased.  At  the  lower  density  levels  the  larval  feeding  rate 
was  higher  than  for  male  adults.  As  prey  density  increased  beyond  20  mites/cage 
the  adults  were  able  to  consume  more  mites.  S.  punctum  adults  and  larvae 
stop  feeding  at  dusk  and  resume  feeding  ca.  2 hrs.  after  sunrise.  The  ability 
of  S.  punctum  to  functionally  respond  to  increasing  prey  density  plays  an 
important  role  in  keeping  the  European  red  mite  below  economic  injury  levels 
in  Pennsylvania. 


The  Influence  of  a Juvenile  Hormone  Mimic  (JHM)  on  Trichoplusia 
ni  (Hiibner)  (Lepidoptera:  Noetuidae)  and  Hyposoter  exiguae 
(Viereck)  (Hymenoptera:  Iclineumonidae) 

Zane  Smilowitz,  Carol  A.  Martin k a and  Eugene  A.  Jowyk 
Pesticide  Research  Laboratory  and  Graduate  Study  Center,  The  Pennsylvania  State 
University,  University  Park,  Pa.  16802 

The  influence  of  Altozar®,  a juvenile  hormone  mimic  (JHM),  on  parasitized 
and  unparasitized  cabbage  looper,  Trichoplusia  ni  (Hiibner),  was  studied. 
Parasitized  and  unparasitized  T.  ni  larvae  were  reared  on  standard  wheat  germ 
diet  until  early  4th  instar  then  on  diet  containing  0.1,  1,  2 and  4 ppm  of 
Altozar.  Larval  development  was  essentially  the  same  on  all  treatments  from 
the  4th  to  the  5th  instar.  The  1,  2 and  4 ppm  treatments  of  the  JHM  had  a 
decided  influence  on  the  development  of  the  unparasitized  5th  stage  larvae. 
Individuals  on  diet  containing  the  higher  dosages  remained  in  the  larval  stage 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


263 


up  to  2 weeks  longer  than  the  controls  and  0.1  treatment.  Approximately  75% 
of  these  began  a supernumerary  molt  into  a 6th  instar,  but  none  of  them 
pupated.  About  20%  of  the  remainder  pupated.  No  adults  were  obtained  from 
2 and  4 ppm  treatments  and  2.5%  from  the  1 ppm  treatment.  T.  ni  larvae 
parasitized  by  Hyposoter  exiguae  (Viereck)  developed  the  same  on  JHM  and 
control  diets.  Parasitoids  emerged  from  hosts  on  both  diets  at  the  same  time 
and  immediately  began  to  spin  cocoons.  When  JHM  was  topically  applied  at 
2 and  20  yg  prior  to  parasitoid  emergence,  development  was  extended  and  adult 
mortality  ranged  from  5 to  95%.  JHM  generally  disrupts  insect  development 
prior  to  the  larval  pupal  molt.  Since  the  parasitoids’  last  larval  molt  occurs 
after  the  host  ceased  feeding,  apparently  insufficient  JHM  is  available  to 
influence  parasitoid  development.  Topical  application  of  the  JHM  nearing  the 
time  of  parasitoid  emergence  allows  sufficient  material  to  reach  the  parasitoid 
and  influence  development.  Thus  the  developmental  pattern  of  a beneficial 
insect  must  be  known  in  order  to  determine  the  impact  of  a JHM. 


Response  of  the  Alfalfa  Weevil  Parasitoid,  Microctonus  colesi  (Drea) 
(Hymenoptera:  Braconidae),  to  a Recommended  Insecticide 
Treatment  in  Pennsylvania 

A.  A.  Hower,  Jr.,  and  J.  E.  Luke 

Department  of  Entomology,  The  Pennsylvania  State  University,  University  Park, 

Pennsylvania  16802 

Studies  were  conducted  from  1971  to  1974  to  determine  the  impact  of  rec- 
ommended insecticide  treatments  on  Microctonus  colesi,  a parasitoid  of  the 
alfalfa  weevil,  Hyper  a postica  (Gyll)  (Coleoptera:  Curculionidae) . Two  adja- 
cent multifarm  complexes  were  chosen  for  the  study.  Methyl  parathion  was 
applied  on  all  fields  in  one  region  in  accordance  with  the  recommended 
threshold  level  of  50  to  75%  alfalfa  tip  injury  or  2 wk  before  normal  first 
crop  harvest  date.  Alfalfa  weevil  and  M.  colesi  populations  were  monitored 
weekly  in  10  fields  in  each  region  during  first  crop  growth.  Immediate  impact 
of  a first  crop  spray  of  methyl  parathion  at  V2  lb  Al/acre  2 wk  preharvest 
was  a substantial  reduction  in  both  parasitoid  and  host  populations  in  each 
of  the  3 years  of  application,  1971-1973.  M.  colesi  larvae  in  the  adult  weevils 
were  the  most  prevalent  stages  of  the  parasitoid  at  the  time  of  spraying.  The 
impact  on  M.  colesi  in  the  adult  weevils  was  obvious  as  the  sprayed  area 
contained  in  excess  of  98%  fewer  adult  weevils  than  the  non-sprayed  area 
one  week  post  spray  in  each  of  the  3 spray  years.  Consequently,  each  spray 
year  a significant  reduction  in  the  M.  colesi  larval  population  in  adult  weevils 
was  observed  in  the  sprayed  region.  M.  colesi  adults  and  immatures  in  weevil 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


larvae  had  just  begun  to  materialize  in  the  parasitoid  population  when  the 
spray  was  applied.  However,  any  postspray  decline  in  adult  M.  colesi  in  the 
sprayed  area  resulted  indirectly  from  earlier  mortality  of  adult  weevils  har- 
boring these  parasitoids.  M.  colesi  larvae  in  host  larvae  were  not  influenced 
by  the  spray.  Their  reduced  numbers  in  the  sprayed  area  resulted  from  few 
adult  M.  colesi  available  for  parasitization  and  fewer  host  larvae  available  to 
be  parasitized.  Better  coordination  of  insecticide  sprays  and  M.  colesi  devel- 
opment is  essential  if  M.  colesi  is  to  realize  its  maximum  potential  in  Penn- 
sylvania. 


Determination  of  Seasonal  Activity  of  Four  Fruit  Pests 
Using  Pheromone  and  Other  Traps 

Richard  C.  Moore 

Department  of  Entomology,  Connecticut  Agricultural  Experiment  Station, 

New  Haven,  Connecticut  06504 

Pheromone  traps  were  used  for  three  successive  seasons  (1972-74)  to  deter- 
mine activity  peaks  of  codling  moth  Laspeyresia  pomonella  (L.),  red-banded 
leafroller  Argyrotaenia  velutinana  (Walker)  and  oriental  fruit  moth  Grapho- 
litha  molesta  (Busck)  while  traps  combining  attractive  baits  and  colors  were 
used  to  capture  apple  maggot  Rhagoletis  pomonella  (Walsh)  flies  in  sprayed 
and  unsprayed  apple  trees.  Oriental  fruit  moth,  codling  moth  and  apple  maggot 
were  more  abundant  in  unsprayed  than  in  sprayed  apple  trees.  Red-banded 
leafroller  was  as  abundant  or  more  abundant  in  sprayed  than  unsprayed  trees. 
Oriental  fruit  moth  was  captured  over  a period  of  20  weeks  with  3 activity 
peaks  occurring  in  May,  July  and  September.  Capture  of  red-banded  leafroller 
indicated  3 activity  peaks  for  male  moths  occurring  during  a 2 2 -week  emergence 
period.  Emergence  and  peaks  of  first  generation  moths  occurred  one  month 
earlier  in  1974  than  in  1972.  Codling  moth  adults  were  active  over  a 16-week 
period  with  2 peaks  in  early  June  and  August.  Apple  maggots  emerged  over  a 
9-week  period  with  a single  peak  occurring  in  mid-July  or  early  August. 
Comparison  of  activity  peaks  of  these  moths  over  a 3 -year  period  with  spray 
intervals  currently  being  used  in  Connecticut  orchards  indicated  that  modifi- 
cations could  be  made  using  alternate  middle  row  or  extended  interval  spraying 
to  reduce  pesticide  use  while  controlling  the  apple  orchard  pests.  A reduced 
spray  program  in  1973  and  1974  resulted  in  less  than  1.0%  fruit  damage  by 
these  pests. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


265 


Depth  Selection  in  Buenoa  (Heteroptera:  Notonecticlae) 

Steven  H.  Gittelman 

Department  of  Ecology,  Biological  Sciences  Division,  University  of  Connecticut, 

Storrs,  Conn.  06268 

The  coexistence  of  similar  species  depends  on  the  division  of  resources.  While 
resource  sharing  between  sympatric  congeneric  species  has  attracted  much 
attention,  little  information  exists  on  how  species  of  Buenoa  coexist.  This  study 
documents  micro-habitat  separation  in  B.  margaritacea  and  B.  conjusa  by  se- 
lection of  different  swimming  depths.  Buenoa  conjusa  swims  closer  to  the 
surface  than  B.  margaritacea.  Generally,  nymphs  of  these  species  swim  deeper 
as  they  mature.  The  duration  of  a dive  changes  ontogenetically  and  differs 
between  species  in  a manner  similar  to  that  of  swimming  depth.  The  two 
phenomena  seem  related.  It  is  proposed  that  swimming  depth  and  dive  duration 
depend  on  the  amount  of  hemoglobin  carried  rather  than  physical  gill  efficiency. 
Selection  of  the  depth  of  water  for  swimming  (as  opposed  to  swimming  depth 
below  the  surface)  differs  between  life-history  stages  and  species.  Nymphs 
and  species  that  swim  closer  to  the  surface  enter  shallow  water  more  often. 
Swimming  depth  affects  prey  selection.  In  shallow  water  (12cm)  both  species 
prefer  the  same  prey  (Daphnia) . In  deep  water  (28cm)  prey  selection  differs, 
with  each  predator  preferring  prey  items  in  its  preferred  depth  range. 


Rearing  the  European  Corn  Borer,  Ostrinia  nubilalis  (Hiibner) 
(Lepidoptera:  Pyralidae)  on  a Lima  Bean  Medium 

G.  D.  Curl,  P.  P.  Burbutis,  and  C.  P.  Davis 
Department  of  Entomology  and  Applied  Ecology,  University  of  Delaware, 
Newark,  Delaware  19713 

Our  attempts  (1971-72)  to  rear  European  corn  borer,  Ostrinia  nubilalis 
(Hiibner),  collected  in  southern  Delaware,  on  the  meridic  diet  used  at  the 
Corn  Borer  Investigations  Laboratory,  Ankeny,  Iowa,  were  unsuccessful.  With 
modifications,  an  oligidic  diet,  previously  used  to  rear  cabbage  looper,  Trichop- 
lusia  ni  (Hiibner),  has  proven  highly  satisfactory.  The  primary  ingredient  is 
dried  “baby”  lima  beans.  Brewer’s  yeast,  agar,  methyl  p-hydroxybenzoate , 
ascorbic  acid,  Fumidil  B,  formaldehyde  (37%),  and  distilled  water  constitute 
the  remainder  of  the  diet.  The  larvae  are  reared  at  LD  15:9,  30°C  and  20°C, 
respectively.  The  following  characterizes  the  colony  under  routine  rearing 
conditions.  Egg  viability  averages  over  90%.  Eighty-one  percent  of  the  larvae 
pupate  in  corrugated  cardboard  rolls  above  the  media.  Adult  emergence  aver- 
ages 91%.  Individual  females  lay  an  average  of  22.1  egg  masses  (ca.  20  eggs/ 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


mass)  over  a period  of  12.5  days.  A comparison  of  the  first  seven  generations 
of  a colony  started  in  1974  with  the  last  seven  generations  (i.e.  F26-F32)  of 
a colony  started  in  1971  showed  no  significant  (p  = .05)  difference  in  number 
of  egg  masses  produced  per  female.  Larvae,  from  one  colony,  were  tested  for 
survival  on  corn  plants  after  20  and  30  laboratory  generations.  Results  indicate 
no  difference  in  survival  as  compared  to  “wild”  borers.  Diapause  induction 
and  termination  studies  showed  no  significant  (p  = .05)  difference  between  a 
colony  reared  for  31  generations  and  a colony  reared  for  five  generations. 


Application  of  Harmonic  Analysis  and  Polynomial  Regression  to 
Study  Flight  Activity  of  Choristoneura  fumiferana  (Clem.) 

(Lepidoptera:  Tortricidae)  in  the  Field 

G.  A.  Simmons  and  C.  W.  Chen 

Department  of  Entomology  and  Department  of  Mathematics,  University  of  Maine, 

Orono  04473 

Counts  of  male  and  female  budworm  moths  captured  in  aerial  Malaise  traps 
were  obtained  every  hr  continuously  for  1344  trap  hrs  over  14  days  of  study. 
Captures  averaged  12.6/h  and  4.4/ h and  ranged  from  0 to  183/h  and  from  0 
to  82 /h  per  trap  respectively  for  males  and  females.  Harmonic  analysis  showed 
the  circadian  rhythm  of  male  activity  could  be  described  by  Pt  = 12.560  - 
11.431  Cos(27rt/24)  - 6.156  Sin(27rt/24)  + 5.273  Cos(47rt/24)  + 6.199 
Sin(47rt/24)  and  the  circadian  rhythm  of  female  activity  by  Pt  = 4.438  - 
5.789  Cos(27rt/24)  - 0.558  Sin(27rt/24)  + 3.598  Cos(4irt/24)  + 0.941 
Sin(4?rt/24)  where  Pt  is  the  mean  number  of  captures  in  the  hr  interval  and 
t = 0 corresponds  to  0800  EDST  (and  t = 0,  1,  2,  . . .,  23).  Peak  activity 
occurs  at  2152  EDST  and  2021  EDST  respectively  for  males  and  females. 
The  amplitude  of  male  activity  is  ca.  twice  that  of  the  female.  Polynomial 
stepwise  regression  of  residuals  (rt  = Pt  - Yt)  vs  weather  identified  inter- 
correlated  variables  influencing  activity.  A study  of  partial  derivatives  with 
respect  to  weather  variables  showed  complex  interactions  with  humidity,  cloudi- 
ness, rainfall,  wind  velocity,  and  barometric  pressure  change.  Males  and  fe- 
males differed  considerably  in  their  response.  Circadian  rhythms  are  inter- 
preted as  gross  adjustments  to  average  environmental  conditions;  and  reaction 
to  weather  is  interpreted  as  fine  adjustments  of  the  population  to  specific 
environmental  conditions. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


267 


Mosquito  Control  in  Unusual  Breeding  Sites  in  Southern  Italy 
( Diptera : Culicidae  ) 

John  L.  McDonald 

Navy  Environmental  and  Preventive  Medicine  Unit  No.  7,  Box  41,  FPO, 

New  York  09521 

Mosquito  problems  in  the  Mediterranean  area  are  characteristically  influ- 
enced by  both  climate  and  culture.  Irregular  rainy  periods  have  resulted  in 
the  use  of  a variety  of  cisterns,  irrigation  systems  (often  aqueducts)  and 
catchment  areas  for  water  storage  during  dry  periods.  Unusual  mosquito 
breeding  sites  are  found  in  many  buildings,  caves  and  temples,  commonly 
referred  to  as  “ancient  ruins.”  In  some  instances,  some  of  these  “ancient  ruins” 
have  become  altered  by  age  or  partly  sunken  over  long  periods  of  time  due 
to  nearby  geological  activity  causing  the  formation  of  lakes,  ponds  and  slow- 
moving  streams,  all  which  have  become  ideal  mosquito  breeding  sites.  Because 
so  many  of  the  mosquito  breeding  sites  are  contained  within  historical  land- 
marks, mere  access  to  them  often  requires  significant  effort.  Conventional 
remedial  means  such  as  draining,  filling  or  spraying  with  insecticide  would 
be  imprudent,  contaminating,  or  impractical.  Use  of  mosquito  fish,  Gambusia 
afjinis  has  been  useful  in  resolving  some  of  the  mosquito  breeding  site  problems. 
In  the  many  elaborate  irrigation  systems,  mosquito  breeding  sites  coexist  with 
water  wastage  or  poorly  managed  water.  Increasing  cost  of  water  for  irrigation 
has  done  much  to  mitigate  this  problem. 


Temefos  Residues  in  the  Salt  Marsh  Snail  Melampus  bidentatus 
Say  (Bassommatophora:  Ellobiidae) 

George  Fitzpatrick  and  Donald  J.  Sutherland 
Department  of  Entomology  and  Economic  Zoology,  Rutgers  University, 

New  Brunswick,  N.J.  08903 

Uptake  of  the  mosquito  larvicide  temefos  by  populations  of  the  salt  marsh 
snail  Melampus  bidentatus  in  the  field  was  measured  by  gas  chromatographic 
analysis.  Snails  exposed  in  the  field  to  temefos  treatments  as  applied  in  normal 
mosquito  control  work  were  placed  on  ice  and  taken  to  the  laboratory  for 
analysis.  Temefos  was  extracted  in  dichloromethane  and  cleanup  was  per- 
formed with  hexane  and  acetonitrile.  Uptake  of  measurable  levels  of  temefos 
occurred  within  one  day  after  the  first  treatment  of  a 2%  granular  formulation. 
A longer  period  of  time,  3 weeks,  elapsed  before  uptake  following  treatment 
with  a temefos  emulsion.  Residues  in  samples  of  snails  exposed  to  the  granular 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


formulation  were  generally  around  1 ppm,  with  residues  measured  as  high 
as  8.75  ppm  in  one  sample.  Residues  were  considerably  lower  in  snails  exposed 
to  the  emulsion.  The  highest  residue  was  0.059  ppm  in  this  case.  Residues  in 
snails  exposed  to  the  emulsion  fell  below  detectable  levels  in  less  than  3 weeks 
following  cessation  of  treatments,  while  measurable  amounts  were  found  in 
snails  exposed  to  the  granular  formulation  for  more  than  5 weeks  after  the 
last  treatment.  Detection  of  temefos  in  M.  bidentatus  for  such  long  periods 
suggests  the  potential  for  movement  of  this  insecticide  through  food  webs 
exposed  to  the  granular  formulation. 


Bionomics  of  the  Tufted  Apple  Budmoth,  Platynota  idaeusalis 
(Walker)  (Lepidoptera:  Tortricidae),  in  Pennsylvania 
Apple  Orchards 

William  M.  Bode 

Pennsylvania  State  University  Fruit  Research  Laboratory,  Biglerville,  Pa.  17307 

P.  idaeusalis  is  a leafroller  which  is  a major  pest  of  apple  in  Pennsylvania 
and  areas  to  the  south.  Larvae  consume  tissue  from  leaves  and  the  surface  of 
fruit.  Larvae  are  difficult  to  control  with  insecticides  because  many  are  hidden 
in  protected  places  which  spray  does  not  reach.  There  are  two  broods  annually 
with  second  brood  larvae  overwintering.  Eggs  are  laid  on  the  upper  surface 
of  apple  leaves  in  flat  green  masses  which  contain  an  average  of  70  to  80  eggs. 
Eggs  for  the  first  brood  are  laid  during  June  and  the  first  half  of  July.  First 
brood  larvae  develop  during  June  and  July,  and  some  even  into  August.  Eggs 
for  the  second  brood  are  laid  during  August  and  September.  Second  brood 
larvae  do  more  damage  to  apples  because  they  are  more  numerous  and  the 
apples  are  larger.  Also,  growers  tend  to  terminate  insecticide  applications  too 
early  to  protect  fruit  from  all  larvae.  Larval  feeding  on  apples  is  finally  ended 
by  the  harvesting  of  the  fruit.  Larvae  of  all  instars  overwinter  in  leaf  litter 
under  trees;  they  do  not  diapause,  and  may  feed  on  ground  vegetation  when- 
ever the  temperature  is  high  enough  to  permit  activity.  Natural  biological 
control  agents  include  some  hymenopterous  parasites  of  eggs  and  larvae,  a 
tachinid  parasite  of  larvae,  some  virus  diseases,  and  probably  some  predators. 
A synthetic  sex  attractant  may  be  used  to  detect  male  moths  and  monitor  their 
seasonal  flight  periods. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


269 


Parasitization  of  the  spruce  budworm,  Choristoneura  fumiferana 
(Clemens)  (Lepidoptera:  Tortricidae)  by  Brachymeria  intermedia 
(Nees)  (Hymenoptera:  Chalcididae) 

David  E.  Leonard 

Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Maine,  Orono  04473 

The  introduced  parasitoid  Brachymeria  intermedia  attacks  the  gypsy  moth 
in  Maine,  and  laboratory  studies  (Minot  and  Leonard,  p.  269)  show  that 
it  will  parasitize  spruce  budworm  pupae.  No  recoveries  were  made  in  spruce 
budworms  after  limited  field  releases  of  this  parasitoid  in  mature  stands  of 
spruce  and  balsam  fir  in  1973  and  1974.  To  facilitate  observations  and 
sampling,  the  1975  release  was  made  in  a spruce  budworm  infested  2 ha 
plantation  of  3 to  5 m white  spruce  in  Shin  Pond,  ME.  On  23  Jun,  when 
35%  of  the  budworm  had  pupated,  14,000  B.  intermedia  were  released  along 
a 28  m transect.  The  weather  during  the  period  of  spruce  budworm  pupation 
and  adult  emergence  was  warm,  with  highs  in  the  33 °C  range,  and  clear  or 
partially  cloudy  days.  Activity  of  the  released  parasitoids  was  assessed  by 
counting  the  number  of  adults  observed  in  10  min  searching  of  trees  in  the 
area  of  release.  Parasitism  was  determined  by  collecting  and  rearing  5453 
spruce  budworm  pupae  in  the  release  area,  and  2 743  pupae  in  trees  10  to  20  m 
from  the  release  points.  Two  days  after  release,  B.  intermedia  were  observed 
up  to  74  m from  the  nearest  release  site,  but  most  adults  were  observed  in  or 
immediately  adjacent  to  the  release  area,  flying  about  the  tree  terminals  and 
occasionally  landing.  Ten  min  counts  of  parasitoids  between  24  Jun  and  2 Jul 
ranged  from  1 to  53,  with  the  lowest  counts  in  the  morning  between  0830 
and  1030  hr.  In  the  release  area,  18.2%  of  the  spruce  budworm  pupae  yielded 
B.  intermedia  adults,  and  in  the  adjacent  area,  11.7%.  The  percentage  mor- 
tality is  considerably  higher  than  the  total  native  pupal  parasitoid  complex. 
The  sex  ratio  of  the  recovered  parasitoids  favored  males  by  3:1,  and  may  be 
related  to  the  smaller  size  and  limited  food  reserves  of  the  host  pupae.  This 
aspect  is  currently  being  studied. 


Influence  of  Physical  Factors  on  the  Behavior  and  Development 
of  Brachymeria  intermedia  (Nees)  (Hymenoptera:  Chalcididae) 

Mildred  C.  Minot  and  David  E.  Leonard 
Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Maine,  Orono  04473 

B.  intermedia  is  a polyphagous  endoparasite  of  Lepidoptera  pupae.  This 
primary,  solitary  parasitoid  has  been  successfully  introduced  into  gypsy  moth 
populations  in  North  America.  This  study  tested  the  response  of  the  parasitoid 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


270 

to  physical  factors  and  developmental  rates  in  gypsy  moth  pupae  at  different 
temperatures.  Adult  parasitoids  were  exposed  to  a temperature  gradient  that 
ranged  from  22°  to  31°C.  They  were  exposed  to  a humidity  gradient  that 
ranged  from  11%  to  90%  relative  humidity.  Geotactic,  photo  tactic  and  olfactory 
reactions,  and  diel  periodicity  were  also  investigated.  B.  intermedia  preferred 
temperatures  between  26.5°  and  28.5°  and  preferred  the  dry  end  of  the  hu- 
midity gradient.  They  were  positively  phototactic  and  inactive  in  the  dark. 
No  geotactic  or  olfactory  responses  were  detected.  They  were  most  active 
between  1300  and  1700  hr.  There  was  considerable  unexplained  mortality 
among  pupae  exposed  to  the  parasitoid.  The  same  number  of  hosts  were  killed 
at  all  3 developmental  temperatures,  but  twice  the  number  of  B.  intermedia 
emerged  at  28°  as  at  23°.  At  18°  only  3 parasitoids  emerged  from  120  exposed 
pupae.  These  experiments  confirm  field  observations  of  several  workers  that  B. 
intermedia  is  attracted  to  a warm,  dry  physical  environment  subjected  to  high  lux. 
Adults  are  most  active  in  the  afternoon  when  the  above  conditions  are  more  likely 
to  be  encountered.  Development  is  most  rapid  and  successful  at  the  highest 
temperature  investigated,  28°. 

The  Use  of  Autoradiography  to  Detect  RNA  in  Polyhedral 
Inclusion  Bodies  of  Insect  Nuclear  Polyhedrosis  Viruses 

Sally  B.  Padhi  and  Arthur  H.  McIntosh 

Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology,  Rutgers  Univ.,  New  Brunswick,  N.J.  08903 

Nuclear  polyhedrosis  viruses  (NPVs)  which  infect  Lepidoptera  are  DNA 
viruses  of  potential  use  as  biological  control  agents.  There  have  been  several 
reports  that  RNA  is  in  the  polyhedral  protein  which  surrounds  the  NPV 
particles  but  definite  proof  of  its  presence  and/or  source  is  lacking.  An  at- 
tempt was  therefore  made  to  apply  autoradiography  to  ascertain  whether  RNA 
is  present  in  PIBs.  The  Trichoplusia  ni  (cabbage  looper)  cell  line  of  Hink 
was  infected  with  Autographa  calif ornica  (alfalfa  looper)  NPV  and  labeled 
with  H3-uridine  (RNA  specific).  Tritium  labeled  thymidine  was  used  as  a 
positive  control  and  H3-glutamic  acid  and  H3-glucosamine  were  used  in  other 
treatments.  Procedures  were  developed  for  extraction  of  PIBs  from  the  cells, 
and  slides  were  prepared  for  autoradiography.  Because  of  the  small  size  of 
PIBs  and  their  adherence  to  the  cells,  difficulties  prevented  the  gathering  of 
conclusive  results.  Autoradiograms  contained  labeled  cellular  debris  which  pre- 
vented a clear  demonstration  of  whether  or  not  the  PIBs  are  labeled.  Indi- 
cations are  that  there  is  little  or  no  labeling  on  PIBs  produced  in  the  uridine 
labeled  cells,  thus  suggesting  that  PIBs  do  not  contain  RNA.  However,  owing 
to  cellular  debris  on  the  slides  it  was  quite  difficult  to  detect  labeled  PIBs 
in  the  positive  control  (thymidine  treatment).  In  conclusion,  it  is  necessary 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


271 


to  improve  methods  of  PIB  purification  without  losing  portions  of  the  PIB 
which  might  be  labeled.  Autoradiography  should  then  be  a useful  method  to 
apply  to  the  question  of  whether  or  not  RNA  is  present  in  PIBs. 


A Toxic  Factor  from  the  Established  Cell  Line,  CP-169  (Hink)  : 
Carpocapsa  pomonella  (Lepidoptera:  Olethreutidae) 

Carol  Rechtoris  and  Arthur  McIntosh 
Boyce  Thompson  Institute,  Yonkers,  N.Y.  10701,  and  Rutgers  University, 

New  Brunswick,  N.J.  08903 

Spent  media  recovered  from  5 out  of  8 different  insect  cell  lines  contain 
factors  toxic  to  the  established  cell  line,  TN-368  (Hink)  ( Trichoplusia  ni ) 
(Lepidoptera).  The  highest  concentration  was  detected  in  media  from  CP-169 
cultures.  Both  the  TN-368  and  the  CP-169  lines  have  been  adapted  to  TCI  99- 
MK  (McIntosh  et  al.,  1973).  Vertebrate  cell  lines  proved  not  to  elaborate 
material  toxic  to  TN-368  cells.  The  toxic  factor,  designated  CpT,  is  elaborated 
by  CP- 169  cells  into  the  growth  media.  Supernatant  media  from  freshly 
washed  cultures  were  non-toxic  for  TN-368  cells.  However,  if  such  treated 
cultures  were  incubated  for  24  hours,  the  toxic  factor  could  be  detected  in 
the  media.  In  addition,  extracts  from  ruptured  washed  cells  proved  to  be  toxic. 
TC199-MK  incubated  at  30°C.  for  3 months  was  non-toxic.  CpT  is  filterable 
{.22 fx m Millipore  filter),  and  is  inactivated  at  80°C.  for  30  minutes.  It  has  a 
low  molecular  weight,  as  shown  by  centrifugation,  and  the  Cytotoxic  Dose  Fifty 
of  a pooled  sample  is  103-25  units/ ml.  CpT  is  believed  to  be  a non-infectious 
agent  since  it  cannot  be  passaged  in  TN-368  cells.  Furthermore,  electron  mi- 
croscopy of  inoculated  cultures  revealed  no  virus  or  other  infectious  microbes, 
and  cultures  tested  negative  for  mycoplasmas.  The  early  appearance  of  a toxic 
effect  6 hours  post  inoculation,  suggests  a toxin. 


Changes  in  Tolerance  of  Porthetria  dispar  (L. ) (Lepidoptera: 
Lymantriidae)  to  Insecticides  in  Relation  to  Larval  Growth 
and  Mixed-Function  Oxidase  Activity 

Sami  Ahmad  and  Andrew  J.  Forgash 

Department  or  Entomology  and  Economic  Zoology,  Rutgers  University, 

New  Brunswick,  N.J.  08903 

In  vitro  investigations  have  demonstrated  mixed-function  oxidase  (MFO) 
activity  in  several  tissues  of  gypsy  moth  larvae  (Insect  Biochem.  3:263,  1973; 
Int.  J.  Biochem.  5:11,  1974).  The  gut  MFO  activity,  which  is  67.8%  of  the 
total  activity,  rises  markedly  during  larval  development.  The  increase  in  the 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


specific  activity  of  this  enzyme  system  in  the  fifth  instar  is  ca.  fivefold  over 
the  third  instar  (J.  Insect  Physiol.  21:85,  1975).  The  present  communication 
reports  the  investigations  on  the  effects  of  increase  in  the  MFO  activity  on 
the  susceptibility  of  advancing  instars  of  gypsy  moth  larvae  to  carbaryl  and 
diazinon.  Topical  tests  showed  that  there  is  a continued  increase  in  tolerance 
to  carbaryl  and  diazinon  with  larval  growth,  with  the  result  that  5th-instar 
larvae  can  tolerate  25 X as  much  carbaryl  and  50X  as  much  diazinon  as  2nd 
instars  at  the  LD50  level;  on  a weight  basis  the  tolerances  are  1.9  and  4.5X, 
respectively.  There  is  also  a substantial  increase  in  tolerance  with  growth 
within  instars,  but  this  is  largely  correlated  with  size.  Piperonyl  butoxide  and 
2,6-dichlorobenzyl-2-propynyl  ether,  inhibitors  of  MFO  activity,  are  ineffective 
against  2nd  instars,  but  with  subsequent  instars  the  activity  increases  greatly 
so  that  by  the  5th  instar  only  one-fifth  the  usual  dose  of  carbaryl  is  needed 
to  kill  a larva  when  applied  in  combination  with  the  propynyl  synergist.  The 
increase  in  tolerance  to  carbaryl  and  diazinon  with  larval  growth,  as  well  as 
increase  in  synergist  efficacy,  therefore,  correlates  with  increases  in  MFO 
activity  in  advanced  instars. 


Oxygen  Consumption  of  Coleomegilla  maculata  lengi  Timberlake 
(Coleoptera:  Coccinellidae)  Measured  in  a 
Differential  Respirometer 

Mark  E.  Whalon  and  Bruce  L.  Parker 

Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Vermont,  Burlington,  Vermont  0S401 

A Gilson  differential  respirometer  was  used  to  measure  02  consumption  of 
adult  female  C.  maculata.  The  respirometer  had  the  capability  of  simultane- 
ously measuring  02  uptake  in  14  separate  vials.  Field-collected  beetles  were 
tested  singly  and  in  groups  of  10.  Their  respiration  was  monitored  for  6 hr 
at  15  min  intervals  at  each  of  4 different  temperatures;  6°,  12°,  18°  and 

24°C.  At  24°C  the  respiration  of  beetles  tested  singly  could  accurately  be 

determined.  At  reduced  temperatures  the  differential  respirometer  fluctuated 
significantly  thus  introducing  variation  in  excess  of  0.01  /xl  Oo/mg/15  min. 
If  10  beetles  were  placed  in  each  vial  at  6°C  variation  was  minimized  and  02 
consumption  could  be  measured.  An  02  consumption  curve  was  established.  Qn0 
values  were  similar  to  those  reported  for  other  insects.  Oxygen  consumption 
for  C.  maculata  was  0.042  ± 0.013  /d  02/mg/15  min  at  6°C,  0.10  ± 

0.005  at  12°C,  0.158  ± 0.011  at  18°C,  and  0.316  ± 0.046  at  24°C.  A 

Gilson  respirometer  can  be  used  to  measure  02  consumption  (at  24 °C)  of 
adult  female  C.  maculata  tested  individually,  but  accuracy  was  decreased  and 
variation  increased  as  temperatures  were  reduced.  If  10  beetles  per  vial  were 
used  the  variation  in  02  consumption  measurements  was  minimized.  Adult 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


273 


female  field-collected  C.  maculata  respired  at  levels  from  0.042  ± 0.013  /A 
02/mg/15  min  at  6°C  to  0.316  ± 0.046  /xl  02/mg/15  min  at  24°C. 


A Phylogeny  for  Paracymus  Thomson  (Coleoptera:  Hydrophilidae) 
Based  on  Adult  Characters 

David  P.  Wooldridge 

Pennsylvania  State  University,  Ogontz  Campus,  Abington,  Pa.  19001 

An  analysis  of  adult  characters  reveals  that  the  69  known  world  species  of 
Paracymus  fall  into  6 distinct  groups  which,  on  the  basis  of  distribution  data, 
appear  likely  to  be  monophyletic.  The  characters  examined  included  the  form 
of  the  male  genitalia,  modifications  of  the  male  protarsi,  the  number  of  an- 
tennal segments,  the  form  of  the  mesosternal  modifications,  the  extent  of 
mesofemoral  pubescence,  dorsal  punctation  and  pigmentation,  and  the  extent 
of  development  of  a carina  on  the  first  visible  abdominal  sternite.  Two  species 
groups,  restricted  to  the  New  World,  have  the  penis  very  flattened  in  cross- 
section,  the  antennae  7 segmented  and  the  mesosternal  lamina  well  developed 
and  reaching  the  mesosternal  crest.  In  the  elegans  group,  containing  15  species, 
the  mesofemoral  pubescence  reach  nearly  to  the  knees,  while  the  nanus  group, 
with  7 species  has  the  mesofemoral  pubescence  restricted  to  a basal  triangle. 
In  all  other  groups,  the  penis  is  thickened  in  cross-section,  the  antennae  have 
from  7 to  9 segments,  and  the  mesosternal  lamina  is  less  well  developed. 
The  evanescens  group  consists  of  23  Old  World  species  with  rounded  parameres 
and  reduced  mesofemoral  pubescence.  Two  groups  with  extended  mesofemoral 
pubescence  are  found  in  both  hemispheres,  although  both  are  primarily  New 
World.  The  aeneus  group  with  8 species  has  the  parameres  flattened  in  cross- 
section.  The  subcupreus  group  consists  of  15  species  with  rounded  parameres. 
The  secretus  group  contains  a single  New  World  species  with  no  mesofemoral 
pubescence. 


Intra-instar  Respirometric  and  Phase  Distribution  Differences  in 
Trichoplusia  ni  (Hiibner)  (Lepidoptera:  Noctuidae) 

Larvae 

Douglas  G.  Baugher  and  William  G.  Yendol 
Pesticide  Research  Laboratory  and  Graduate  Study  Center  and  Department  of 
Entomology,  The  Pennsylvania  State  University,  University  Park, 
Pennsylvania  16802 

When  investigations  dealing  with  lepidopterous  larvae  are  reported,  the  age, 
instar,  or  weight  are  used  for  identification.  With  Trichoplusia  ni,  larvae  of  a 


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given  age  have  weights  which  are  normally  distributed,  but  the  individuals 
may  be  distributed  into  more  than  one  instar.  Since  the  physiological  state 
of  a larva  is  not  necessarily  represented  by  age  or  instar,  it  is  important  to 
delineate  any  metabolic  differences  among  larvae,  and  to  determine  the  daily 
distributions  of  larvae  by  instar  and  phase  within  the  stadium.  A Gilson 
Differential  Respirometer  was  used  to  measure  respirometric  rates  of  4th 
and  5th  instar  T.  ni  8 through  14  days  post-eclosion.  Larvae  were  morpho- 
logically segregated  into  5 phases  for  each  instar.  Larval  phase  distribution 
within  4th  and  5th  instar  could  not  be  reliably  predicted  by  age,  and  random 
selections  did  not  yield  reproducible  phase  proportions.  Respirometry  dem- 
onstrated significant  differences  between  instars,  and  phases  within  the  instars 
when  rates  were  determined  by  /A  02/mg  wet  weight/ hr.  When  respiratory 
activity  was  assessed  by  accumulating  the  respiratory  rates  and  fitting  a re- 
gression line,  y = bx  + c,  c = o,  the  slopes  ranged  from  0.41  to  0.93,  depending 
upon  the  phase  and  instar.  All  regression  lines  had  low  residual  mean  squares, 
r-squared  > 0.95,  and  were  significant  at  p < 0.01.  T.  ni  larvae  did  not  follow 
a general  trend  of  reduced  respiration  as  age  or  weight  increased.  Respiratory 
rate  appeared  to  be  phase  dependent.  Since  the  phases  within  an  instar  were 
neither  predictable  by  age  nor  were  they  metabolically  homogeneous,  experi- 
mental precision  may  be  increased  by  designing  tests  with  similar  phase  dis- 
tributions of  larvae  in  each  treatment.  This  may  be  necessary  to  obtain 
meaningful  comparisons  or  reproducible  results  if  the  physiological  states  of 
the  insects  can  alter  treatment  effects. 


The  Oenocytes  of  Tenebrio  molitor  Linnaeus 
(Coleoptera:  Tenebrionidae) 

Jack  Colvard  Jones  and  Dorothy  Hoelzer 
Department  of  Entomology,  University  of  Maryland,  College  Park,  Maryland 

20742 

The  large,  conspicuous,  naturally  yellow-colored,  ectodermally  derived  oeno- 
cytes of  Tenebrio  molitor  were  studied  in  freshly  dissected  larvae,  pupae  and 
adults  in  unstained  saline  whole  mounts,  and  were  examined  with  ordinary 
light  and  with  phase  optics  at  magnifications  of  50  to  1,000  times.  The  cells 
did  not  pick  up  any  of  a series  of  dyes  (neutral  red,  ammonia  carmine,  pure 
carmine,  trypan  blue,  alcian  blue,  methylene  blue,  toluidine  blue  or  India  ink) 
after  these  had  been  injected  in  varying  concentrations  into  the  hemolymph. 
On  the  other  hand,  the  pericardial  cells  quickly  absorbed  these  dyes.  The  fat 
bodies  did  not  incorporate  any  of  the  dyes.  The  oenocytes  showed  no  con- 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


275 


spicuous  cytological  changes  in  either  number,  color  or  configuration  relative 
to  larval  ecdysis,  pupation,  or  maturation  of  eggs.  Females  with  undeveloped, 
developing,  and  fully  developed  oocytes  had  oenocytes  which  were  of  the  same 
general  appearance  as  those  in  females  which  had  recently  laid  their  eggs. 
It  is  concluded  from  this  study  that  the  oenocytes  of  the  mealworm  do  not 
form  a part  of  an  athrocytic  system.  Although  the  oenocytes  are  reported  to 
produce  a cuticular  material  near  the  time  of  ecdysis,  and  are  said  to  be 
important  in  the  development  of  the  eggs,  and  are  supposed  to  secrete  a 
hemolymph  protein,  and  are  claimed  to  secrete  ecdysone  in  some  species,  these 
cells  in  the  mealworm  exhibit  no  striking  changes  in  their  general  anatomy 
which  would  lend  support  to  their  participation  in  any  of  these  activities. 


Symposium:  “Solving  Insectary  Production  Problems” 

M.  A.  Hoy,  Moderator 


The  Genetic  Implication  of  Insect  Mass  Rearing  Programs, 
G.  Bush,  University  of  Texas,  Department  of  Zoology, 
Austin,  Texas 

Monitoring  the  Quality  of  Laboratory-Reared  Insects, 

M.  B.  Huettel,  USDA,  ARS,  Gainesville,  Florida 

Improving  the  Quality  of  Laboratory-Reared  Insects, 

M.  A.  Hoy,  USDA,  Forest  Service,  NEFES, 

Hamden,  Connecticut 


Genetic  Changes  Occurring  in  Flight  Muscle  Enzymes  of  the 
Screwworm  Fly  During  Mass  Rearing 

G.  L.  Bush 

Department  of  Zoology,  University  of  Texas,  Austin,  Texas  78712 

A preliminary  population  genetic  study  of  genetic  variation  in  laboratory  and 
natural  populations  of  the  screwworm  fly  by  gel  electrophoresis  of  enzymatic  and 
non-enzymatic  proteins  representing  36  presumptive  loci  revealed  extensive  differ- 
ences in  both  allele  frequency  and  the  degree  of  heterozygosity.  Further  analysis 
indicated  that  the  most  rapid  changes  occurred  during  factory  colonization  in  en- 
zymes important  to  flight  muscle  metabolism  and  flight  activity  such  as  a-GDH 
and  PGM.  The  fact  that  all  factory-adapted  strains  eventually  end  up  with  similar 
genetic  structure  and  greatly  reduced  genetic  variability  indicates  that  factory 
rearing  conditions  are  exerting  strong  selection  pressures  for  a “factory  type.” 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


Because  screwworm  adults  are  capable  of  dispersing  long  distances  and  mating 
may  occur  in  the  air  or  require  some  flight  activity,  monitoring  for  changes 
in  enzyme  systems  essential  to  normal  flight  activity  could  prove  to  be  a 
sensitive  system  for  maintaining  vigorous  factory  strains.  Lab  strains  could 
also  be  tailored  to  fit  changing  environmental  conditions  between  summer  and 
winter  using  specific  alleles. 


Monitoring  the  Quality  of  Laboratory-Reared  Insects 

M.  D.  Huettel 

Insect  Attractants,  Behavior  and  Basic  Biology  Research  Laboratory, 
USDA-ARS,  Gainesville,  Florida  32601 

The  process  of  monitoring  implies  the  use  of  a warning  system  with  an 
element  of  periodicity.  To  be  useful  a monitoring  system  must  be  applicable 
on  a routine  basis,  subject  to  the  constraints  of  reproducibility,  simplicity  and 
economy.  The  quality  of  any  particular  trait  may  be  defined  as  the  difference 
between  the  trait  in  a wild  insect  and  a laboratory  insect.  The  overall  quality 
of  the  laboratory  insect,  however,  can  only  be  measured  in  terms  of  how  well 
it  functions  in  its  intended  role  when  released  into  the  field.  It  is  the  quality 
of  traits  which  we  usually  attempt  to  measure  with  a monitoring  system. 

Laboratory  insects  should  possess  certain  rather  specific  traits  to  perform 
well  in  the  field.  They  should  have  life  histories  similar  to  the  wild  population. 
They  must  be  able  to  disperse  from  the  release  site,  find  and  utilize  locally 
available  nutrients,  and  locate  mating  sites  (host  plants  and  pheromones)  or 
hosts  or  prey.  They  must  be  able  to  court  and  mate  successfully  in  most  cases. 
During  their  life  span  in  the  field  they  must  also  be  able  to  survive  local 
climatic  conditions  and  avoid  predators. 

Each  of  these  traits  should  be  amenable  to  monitoring  in  the  laboratory  or 
field.  Emphasis  will  be  placed  on  identifying  the  monitoring  system  most 
applicable  to  each  trait  and  its  state  of  development  as  a useful  method. 
Finally  the  possibilities  for,  and  difficulties  of,  extrapolation  from  trait  quality 
to  field  performance  will  be  discussed. 


Improving  the  Quality  of  Laboratory-Reared  Insects 

M.  A.  Hoy 

USDA,  Forest  Service,  Northeastern  Forest  Experiment  Station, 

Hamden,  Connecticut  06514 

Genetic  improvement  of  insects  has  generated  only  a moderate  amount  of 
discussion  in  recent  years  because  the  problems  of  maintaining  genetic  quality 
have  not  been  solved.  However,  certain  insects  have  been  improved  genetically. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


277 


“Domesticated”  insects  such  as  honeybees  and  silkworms  have  long  associa- 
tions with  man  and  have  been  improved  in  many  ways.  Some  parasitoids  have 
also  undergone  selection  to  improve  insectary  production  and/or  field  effec- 
tiveness. 

Parasitoids,  or  any  insects  destined  to  survive  and  reproduce  in  a natural 
environment,  present  particularly  difficult  problems  for  an  improvement  pro- 
gram. Desirable  attributes  to  be  selected  must  be  clearly  definable.  Adequate 
genetic  variability  must  be  provided  to  allow  selection  to  operate.  Adequate 
selection  procedures  are  a must.  Finally,  maintenance  of  the  integrity  of  the 
improved  strains  under  field  conditions  may  need  to  be  provided  for. 

Heterosis  has  been  largely  ignored  in  genetic  improvement  programs,  except 
for  the  spectacular  improvements  exhibited  in  silkworm  and  honeybee  im- 
provement programs.  Some  data  suggest  that  heterosis  may  be  useful  to  improve 
the  effectiveness  of  inoculative  or  inundative  releases  of  parasitoids  or  predators. 
There  is  yet  inadequate  experimental  evidence  to  judge  the  general  value  of 
selection  and  hybridization  for  improving  insects.  Future  field  testing  will 
demonstrate  the  value  of  such  improvement  methods. 


Symposium : Biosystematics 

Gordon  Gordh,  Moderator 

Systematics  and  Ecology  of  Chrysopidae  (Neuroptera)  : Theoretical 
and  Applied  Implications.  Catherine  A.  Tauber  and  Maurice 
J.  Tauber,  Department  of  Entomology,  Cornell  University, 
Ithaca,  N.Y.  14853 

Some  Evolutionary  Trends  in  the  Chalcidoidea  (Hymenoptera)  with 
Particular  Reference  to  Host  Preference.  Gordon  Gordh, 
Systematic  Entomology  Laboratory,  Agr.  Res.  Serv.,  USDA. 

Territoriality  in  Male  Bees  (Hymenoptera:  Apoidea). 

Edward  M.  Barrows,  Department  of  Biology, 

Georgetown  University,  Washington,  D.C.  20057 


Systematics  and  Ecology  of  Chrysopidae  (Neuroptera) : 
Theoretical  and  Applied  Implications 

Catherine  A.  Tauber  and  Maurice  J.  Tauber 
Department  of  Entomology,  Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  N.Y.  14853 

The  family  Chrysopidae — green  lacewings — is  a member  of  one  of  the  most 
primitive  holometabolous  orders  (Neuroptera),  and  clarification  of  the  evolu- 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


tionary  changes  within  the  Neuroptera  is  not  only  of  intrinsic  value  and 
interest,  but  it  can  contribute  to  an  understanding  of  the  evolution  of  the 
more  highly  evolved  insect  orders.  In  addition  to  their  taxonomic  value,  many 
chrysopid  species  are  useful  as  subjects  in  ecological-physiological  studies,  and 
as  important  predators  in  integrated  control  programs  in  various  agricultural 
ecosystems. 

Our  recent  investigations  with  the  Chrysopidae  encompass  4 categories: 
systematics,  phenology,  behavior,  and  biological  control.  The  systematics  work 
is  based  on  a classical,  comparative  morphological  approach  and  on  data  de- 
rived from  experimental  studies  in  phenology  and  behavior.  By  combining 
the  results  of  morphological  and  experimental  studies,  we  not  only  broaden 
the  basis  for  the  classification  and  thus  advance  the  systematics  of  the  group, 
but  we  also  provide  information  essential  to  the  use  of  Chrysopidae  (e.g. 
chrysopid  strains)  as  biological  control  agents  (1). 

Specifically,  in  the  area  of  systematics,  our  studies  with  the  Chrysopidae 
represent  the  3 levels  or  stages  of  biological  classification: 

1.  alpha  taxonomy — The  larvae  of  most  North  American  species  have  not  been 
described.  To  promote  species  identification,  we  have  reared  and  studied  larvae 
of  most  North  American  species  and  the  process  of  description  is  well  underway 
(2,3,4). 

2.  beta  taxonomy — Comparative  analyses  of  the  larval  morphology  (3,4)  and 
the  biological  characteristics  of  adults  and  larvae  (5,6)  provide  a basis  for  a 
sound  classification  and  for  keys  to  the  taxa. 

3.  gamma  taxonomy — The  phenological  adaptations  of  geographically  diverse 
populations  are  valuable  indicators  of  species-complexes  and  evolutionary  trends 
within  the  genus  Chrysopa.  Phenological  studies,  in  combination  with  hybridi- 
zation tests,  contribute  to  an  understanding  of  the  genetic  diversity  and  the 
evolutionary  history  of  geographic  populations  (7). 

Success  or  failure  of  biological  control  projects  depends  in  large  part  on  the 
degree  to  which  selected  strains  of  beneficial  species  are  adapted  to  biotic  and 
abiotic  factors  of  particular  environments.  Our  recent  investigations  have  led 
to  the  recognition  of  strains  or  races  within  geographically  diverse  chrysopid 
species  that  are  currently  used  as  biological  control  agents.  These  strains  are 
characterized  on  the  basis  of  morphological,  phenological  and  behavioral  criteria 
(7,8),  and  our  studies  show  that  some  of  these  strains  are  better  adapted 
than  others  to  particular  localities  and  particular  agricultural  ecosystems  (9). 

Literature  Cited 

Tauber,  M.  J.,  and  Tauber,  C.  A.  1976.  Ann.  Rev.  Entomol.,  21:  (in  press). 

Tauber,  C.  A.  1969.  Univ.  Calif.  Pubis.  Entomol.,  58:  1-94. 

. 1974.  Canad.  Entomol.,  106:  1133-1153. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


279 


. 1975.  Ann.  Entomol.  Soc.  Amer.,  68:  695-700. 

Tauber,  M.  J.,  and  Tauber,  C.  A.  1974.  Canad.  Entomol.,  106:  921-925. 

. 1974.  Canad.  Entomol.,  106:  969-978. 

Tauber,  C.  A.,  and  Tauber,  M.  J.  1973.  Canad.  Entomol.,  105:  1153-1167. 

Tauber,  M.  J.,  and  Tauber,  C.  A.  1973.  J.  Insect  Physiol.,  19:  729-736. 

. 1975.  Canad.  Entomol.,  107:  589-595. 

Some  Evolutionary  Trends  in  the  Chalcidoidea  (Hymenoptera) 
with  Particular  Reference  to  Host  Preference 

Gordon  Gordh 

Systematic  Entomology  Laboratory,  IIBIII,  Agr.  Res.  Serv.,  USDA 
c/o  U.S.  National  Museum,  Washington,  D.C.  20560 

Taxonomically,  the  parasitic  hymenopteran  superfamily  Chalcidoidea  is 
among  the  most  poorly  known  within  the  Insecta  because  the  number  of 
systematists  working  on  the  group  is  small,  the  group  is  large,  and  progress 
has  been  slow.  Presently,  we  recognize  about  1,220  genera  and  9,950  species 
of  chalcidoids.  Hosts  for  27%  of  the  genera  are  unknown. 

I believe  this  superfamily  ultimately  will  be  recognized  as  numerically  the 
largest  and  biologically  most  diverse  insect  group.  Several  sources  of  informa- 
tion and  lines  of  reasoning  lead  me  to  this  conclusion:  (1)  the  chalcidoid  host 
spectrum  extends  from  ticks  and  spiders  to  aculeate  Hymenoptera.  (2)  Rapid 
genetic  recombination  of  superior  genotypes  and  subsequent  speciation  has 
been  accelerated  among  chalcidoids  because  generation  time  is  short  (some- 
times less  than  8 days),  they  possess  several  modes  of  parthenogenesis  (ar- 
rhenotoky,  thelytoky,  deuterotoky),  and  intensive  inbreeding  via  sibmating  is 
widespread.  (3)  Chalcidoids  demonstrate  several  host-exploitation  strategies: 
they  develop  as  obligate  egg  parasites,  larval  parasites,  pupal  parasites,  egg- 
larval  parasites,  larval-pupal  parasites,  and  many  species  are  obligate  or  facul- 
tative hyperparasites.  Thus,  each  insect  species  represents  several  potential 
niches  for  parasitic  chalcidoids.  Also,  phytophagy  has  evolved  several  times  in 
the  Chalcidoidea.  (4)  Chalcidoids  display  a finite  number  of  morphological 
types,  but  there  are  no  a priori  reasons  why  morphological  criteria  must  accom- 
pany the  species  status;  sibling  species  are  abundant  in  the  Chalcidoidea.  (5) 
The  Neotropical,  Ethiopian,  Oriental  and  Australian  faunas  are  almost  totally 
unknown. 

Analysis  of  generic  and  suprageneric  levels  in  the  taxonomic  hierarchy  shows 
that  different  taxa  of  chalcidoids  have  adopted  different  progenative  strategies, 
which  are  categorized  as  specialists,  generalists  and  opportunists.  Specialists 
attack  a specific  host-taxon,  such  as  a genus  or  family  ( Desantisca  spp.  on 
Latrodectus  spp.;  Chalcis  spp.  on  Stratiomyiidae) ; generalists  prefer  a habitat 
rather  than  a taxonomically  cohesive  group  of  hosts  (Z  agr  ammo  soma  spp.  on 


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leaf  mining  Lepidoptera  and  Diptera) ; opportunists  also  have  host  spectra  that 
transcend  ordinal  and  class  limits,  but  they  are  not  restricted  to  a particular 
habitat  ( Dibrachys  spp.,  Tetrastichus  spp.). 

Analysis  of  chalcidoid  biotic  potential  at  the  family  level,  based  on  parasite- 
taxa  size,  indicates  that  some  exploitation  strategies  are  more  successful  than 
others.  Two  families  (Trichogrammatidae,  64  genera,  369  species;  Mymaridae 
59  genera,  794  species)  are  exclusively  egg  parasites  and  attack  many  host 
orders.  The  Encyrtidae  (491  genera,  about  1,700  species)  have  focused  on  the 
Homoptera,  especially  scale  insects,  and  are  among  the  most  successful  groups 
of  parasites.  The  Pteromalidae  (233  genera,  about  1,400  species),  while  at- 
tacking innumerable  taxa  of  hosts,  most  commonly  parasitize  Coleoptera  and 
Lepidoptera.  Extreme  specialization  does  not  necessarily  reflect  much  generic 
diversity.  Thus,  the  Leucospidae  (4  genera,  127  species),  parasites  of  solitary 
bees  and  wasps,  and  Eucharitidae  (11  genera,  193  species),  parasites  of  ants, 
have  not  evolved  in  great  numbers. 

Some  phylogenetic  considerations  are  made  based  on  host  preference,  geo- 
graphical distribution,  taxon  size  and  morphology. 


Territoriality  in  Male  Bees  (Hymenoptera:  Apoidea) 

Edward  M.  Barrows 

Department  of  Biology,  Georgetown  University,  Washington,  D.C.  20057 

Territoriality  in  male  bees  is  their  continued  occupancy  and  defense  of  a 
topographic  area  or  landmark  against  conspecific  males.  Their  territories  vary 
in  size  and  in  durations  of  ownership.  Types  of  landmarks  included  are  nests 
of  conspecific  females,  all  or  certain  parts  of  plants,  pebbles,  rocks,  and  patches 
of  bare  earth.  Any  of  these  landmarks  may  be  rendezvous  places,  locations 
where  a bee  is  likely  to  find  a mate.  Males,  conspecific  females,  or  both  have 
been  observed  feeding,  mating,  and  nesting  in  territories.  The  smallest  territory 
is  held  for  3 to  10  days  by  the  sweat  bee,  Lasioglossum  rohweri  (Ellis). 
It  is  a microterritory  which  is  only  about  as  large  as  the  bee  which  defends  it. 
Male  Centris  pallida  Fox  have  digging  micro  territories  above  virgin  females  in 
soil.  Calliopsis  andreniformis  Smith  guards  a territory  2 to  5 meters  long  and 
chases  away  its  parasite,  Holcopasites.  Males  of  both  Calliopsis  and  L.  rohweri 
may  function  in  nest  defense.  Protoxaea  gloriosa  (Fox),  like  other  species, 
defends  plants  where  it  is  likely  to  encounter  females.  The  longest  territory 
(38  m long)  is  held  by  Anthidium  banningense  Cockerell  for  at  least  3 
days  and  males  of  A.  manicatum  L.  are  among  the  most  aggressive  of  all  male 
bees.  They  chase  and  sometimes  harm  almost  any  insect  except  conspecific 
females  encountered  in  territories.  In  the  Galapagos  Islands,  the  carpenter  bee, 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


281 


Xylocopa  darwini  Cockerell,  chases  Geospiza  finches  as  well  as  other  insects. 
A European  mason  bee,  Hoplitis  anthocopoides  (Schenck),  varies  the  size  of  its 
territories  with  regard  to  its  food  plant  and  the  numbers  of  conspecific  males 
in  a given  area.  These  males  hold  territories  for  a median  of  about  16  days. 

Factors  believed  to  affect  the  cost/ benefit  ratio  of  territoriality  include 
distribution  and  detectability  of  female  emergence  sites,  detectability  of  nest 
entrances,  distribution  and  quality  of  foraging  areas,  and  the  number  of  con- 
specific  male  competitors  in  an  area. 

Territoriality  in  male  bees  probably  has  manifold  functions.  It  may  function 
to  increase  the  efficiency  of  natural  resource  utilization  and  of  escaping  from 
predators  because  males  learn  the  topography  of  their  territories  quite  well. 
Territoriality  may  space  individuals  over  the  available  habitat,  reducing  com- 
petition for  food  and  females.  Furthermore,  this  behavior  may  reduce  the 
incidence  of  disease  and  parasites  and  the  time  spent  in  agonistic  encounters. 
Finally,  if  territories  of  a particular  species  cannot  be  compressed,  territoriality 
may  function  in  population  regulation.  Territoriality  represents  a group  of 
adaptations  that  differ  from  one  species  of  bee  to  the  next. 

Bee  species  with  territorial  males  usually  have  relatively  large  males. 

Territoriality  in  male  bees  is  probably  a result  of  convergent  evolution. 
Because  this  behavior  is  found  in  isolated  genera,  in  7 of  the  9 families 
of  bees,  it  appears  to  be  a derived,  rather  than  an  ancestral,  type  of  behavior. 


Symposium:  Ecology  of  Forest  Defoliators 

Douglas  C.  Allen,  Moderator 

The  Importance,  Biology  and  Control  of  the  Birch  Casebearer,  an 
Imported  Pest,  in  Insular  Newfoundland.  Dr.  David  G.  Bryant, 
Newfoundland  Forest  Research  Center,  Canadian  Forestry 
Service,  P.  O.  Box  6028,  St.  John’s,  Newfoundland, 
CANADA  A1C  5X8 

The  Role  of  Defoliators  in  the  Anthropod  Community  of  Red 
Maple  Crowns.  Mr.  Jan  Volney,  Maritimes  Forest  Research 
Center,  Canadian  Forestry  Service,  P.  O.  Box  4000, 
Fredericton,  New  Brunswick,  CANADA  E3B  5G4 

The  Douglas-fir  Tussock  Moth — Influence  of  Host  Foliage. 

Mr.  Roy  Beckwith,  USDA,  Forest  Service,  Pacific  NW  Forest 
and  Range  Experiment  Station,  3200  Jefferson  Way, 
Corvallis,  Oregon  97331 


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Current  Research  with  Telenomus  alsophilae  Viereck,  an  Egg 
Parasite  of  the  Fall  Cankerworm.  Mr.  Arnold  T.  Drooz, 
USDA,  Forest  Service,  Forest  Sciences  Laboratory, 

P.  O.  Box  12254,  Research  Triangle  Park, 

North  Carolina  27709 

The  Bimodality  of  Gypsy  Moth  Populations.  Dr.  Robert  W. 
Campbell,  USDA,  Forest  Service,  Pacific  NW  Forest  and 
Range  Experiment  Station,  3200  Jefferson  Way, 
Corvallis,  Oregon  97331 


Douglas-fir  Tussock  Moth,  Orgyia  pseudotsugata  (McD.) 

(Lepidoptera:  Lasciocampidae)  : Influence  of  Host  Foliage 

Roy  C.  Beckwith 

Forestry  Sciences  Laboratory,  Corvallis,  Oregon  97331 

The  Douglas-fir  tussock  moth,  Orgyia  pseudotsugata  (McD.)  is  one  of  the 
more  important  defoliators  of  Douglas-fir,  Pseudotsuga  menziesii  var.  glauca 
(Beissn.)  Franco  and  true  firs,  Abies  spp.,  in  Western  North  America.  Past 
outbreaks  have  occurred  in  fir  forests  from  British  Columbia  south  to  Arizona. 
A resume  of  tussock  moth  biology  is  presented  with  special  emphasis  on  host 
effects. 

Tussock  moth  outbreaks  are  characterized  by  a rapid  increase,  followed  by 
a sudden  and  complete  collapse;  the  outbreak  cycle  usually  spans  a 3 -year 
period  in  any  one  location.  Endemic  populations  are  extremely  difficult  to 
find  by  present  standard  sampling  techniques. 

The  1972-74  Blue  Mountain  outbreak  in  Oregon  and  Washington  prompted 
a laboratory  study  on  the  effects  of  host  foliage  on  the  tussock  moth.  Three 
common  hosts  were  used  in  the  test;  high  density  field  populations  were 
simulated  by  forcing  one-half  the  population  to  feed  upon  old  growth  foliage 
following  the  second  instar.  This  “stress  factor”  had  the  most  significant 
effect  upon  the  population,  resulting  in  increased  development  time,  frass 
production  and  mean  number  of  instars,  and  a decrease  in  larval  size,  pupal 
weight,  and  egg  production. 

It  appears  that  populations  can  increase  equally  well  on  grand  fir  and 
Douglas-fir;  the  degree  of  acceptance  of  old  growth  foliage  may  govern  sur- 
vival rate  and  ultimate  tree  damage.  Although  fed  upon,  subalpine  fir  will 
not  support  dense  populations. 

Only  current  foliage  will  be  consumed  during  the  release  phase  of  a proposed 
hypothetical  outbreak  model  (1),  but  larvae  are  forced  to  feed  on  old-growth 
foliage  under  high  density  populations  in  the  outbreak  phase  which  is  detri- 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


283 


mental  to  population  survival.  New  foliage  depletion  in  early  instars  leads 
to  mass  starvation,  delayed  development,  increased  exposure  to  biotic  controls 
and  general  population  collapse. 

Literature  Cited 

Wickman,  B.  E.,  Mason,  R.  R.,  and  Thompson,  C.  G.  1973.  USDA  Forest  Serv.,  Pac. 
NW  For.  & Ran.  Exp.  Sta.,  Gen.  Tech.  Rep.  PNW-5.  18  p. 


The  Role  of  Defoliators  in  the  Arthropod  Community 
of  Red  Maple  Crowns 

J.  VOLNEY 

Canadian  Forestry  Service,  P.O.  Box  4000,  Fredericton,  N.B.,  Canada 

The  arthropod  community  on  red  maple  foliage  is  organized  into  5 guilds 
each  of  which  remains  comparatively  simple  throughout  the  growing  season. 
The  simplicity  of  the  community  may  be  a reflection  of  the  comparatively  simple 
structure  of  red  maple  crowns.  Lepidopterous  defoliators  in  2 guilds  dominate 
this  community  both  in  terms  of  biomass  and  their  impact  on  the  community. 
Leaf  rollers,  principally  Cenopis  acerivorana  (MacK.),  provide  shelter  for  a 
variety  of  organisms  in  the  leaf  roll  and  thereby  tend  to  increase  the  number 
of  species  in  the  community.  I tame  pustularia  (Gn.),  a solitary  defoliator,  which 
occurred  in  high  numbers  in  one  plot,  initially  reduced  the  species  diversity 
of  the  community.  However,  the  reaction  of  the  host  trees  to  heavy  defoliation 
resulted  in  an  arthropod  community  with  a higher  index  of  diversity  towards 
the  end  of  the  season.  Population  levels  of  those  defoliators  which  dominate 
the  community  also  have  a considerable  influence  on  the  composition  of  this 
community.  Trophic  bonds  between  the  defoliator  guilds  are  practically  non- 
existent in  the  populations  studied.  Similarly,  trophic  bonds  with  the  arthropod 
communities  on  other  host  species  in  the  same  stands  seem  tenuous.  The 
implications  of  these  results  on  the  process  of  stand  succession  in  central 
New  Brunswick  is  speculated  upon. 


Current  Research  with  Telenomus  alsophilae  Viereck,  an  Egg 
Parasite  of  the  Fall  Cankerworm,  Alsophila  pometaria 
(Harris)  (Lepidoptera:  Geometridae) 

A.  T.  Drooz 

Forestry  Sciences  Laboratory,  P.O.  Box  12254,  Research  Triangle  Park,  N.C.  27709 

By  way  of  background  information,  the  rationale  for  our  work  on  Telenomus 
alsophilae  Viereck  takes  us  back  over  20  years,  when  an  outbreak  of  the  elm 


284 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


spanworm,  Ennomos  subsignarius  (Hiibner)  arose  in  northern  Georgia.  This 
outbreak  lasted  10  years,  covering  1.6  million  gross  acres  in  the  southern 
Appalachian  Mountains  at  its  peak  in  1960.  Spanworm  populations  declined 
in  1963,  and  egg  masses  could  not  be  located  after  the  hatch  of  1964.  At 
that  time  an  egg  parasite  determined  to  be  T.  alsophilae  was  found  in  an 
average  of  85%  of  the  spanworm  eggs;  few  of  these  loopers  became  final 
instars,  and  pupae  could  not  be  found.  Hardly  any  information  was  available 
about  T.  alsophilae  at  that  time.  It  obviously  was  time  to  examine  the  details 
of  the  biology  of  so  important  a parasite.  However,  the  spanworm  outbreak 
was  over  and  little  could  be  done  to  initiate  work  on  T.  alsophilae.  What  could 
be  done  would  have  to  be  carried  out  with  a more  common  host,  the  fall 
cankerworm  and  laboratory-reared  spanworm  eggs.  The  inevitable  problem 
arose  when  at  that  time  it  was  impossible  to  rear  the  fall  cankerworm  and 
the  cankerworm  parasites  would  not  attack  the  spanworm  eggs.  These  prob- 
lems, and  the  observation  that  cankerworm  eggs  are  attacked  in  the  late  fall 
through  winter  in  the  mountains  of  North  Carolina,  while  the  spanworm  eggs 
are  only  attacked  in  April/ May,  prior  to  hatch,  needed  to  be  resolved.  There- 
fore, a research  program  was  developed  whose  objectives  were: 

1.  Rear  the  fall  cankerworm  for  use  as  host  material. 

2.  Study  the  relationships  between  T.  alsophilae  attacks  on  the  cankerworm 

and  spanworm  in  the  field. 

3.  Rear  T.  alsophilae  upon  demand. 

Work  was  begun  in  the  winter  of  1970/71  to  rear  the  cankerworm  and  learn 
about  parasite  emergence,  sex  ratios  and  longevity.  We  succeeded  in  our  efforts 
to  rear  the  cankerworm,  but  so  far  the  results  are  not  worth  the  effort.  It 
can  be  reared  either  on  an  artificial  diet  or  on  host  foliage,  but  prolonged 
emergence  and  the  predominance  of  females,  which  also  occur  in  natural  popu- 
lations, defeat  the  purpose.  G.  F.  Fedde  tested  the  eggs  of  numerous  potential 
hosts,  and  found  a number  of  geometrid  and  noctuid  hosts  were  satisfactory, 
but  he  found  that  a relatively  unimportant  forest  geometrid,  Abbotana  clema- 
taria  (J.  E.  Smith)  is  an  excellent  laboratory  host  for  T.  alsophilae.  V.  H. 
Fedde  has  reared  this  geometrid  with  little  difficulty  on  a diet  she  developed 
for  the  spanworm.  This  breakthrough  was  much  needed,  and  has  permitted  us 
to  achieve  our  goal  of  producing  T.  alsophilae  and  some  other  species  of  egg 
parasites  on  demand,  as  well  as  investigate  details  of  the  biology  of  T.  alsophilae 
in  the  laboratory. 

Where  are  we  in  our  work  with  the  field  relationships  between  T.  alsophilae , 
the  cankerworm  and  spanworm?  Through  our  field  observations  on  time  of 
parasite  attack  on  eggs  of  these  hosts,  arena  studies  in  the  laboratory,  and 
reexamination  of  specimens  from  the  2 geometrids,  USDA  specialists  indicate 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


285 


that  the  Telenomus  attacking  the  elm  spanworm  is  a new  species.  Therefore, 
we  have  another  potentially  useful  insect  to  investigate  if  we  can  obtain  a 
starter  culture  and  can  rear  it  in  the  laboratory. 

Along  practical  lines,  being  able  to  rear  T.  alsophilae  has  permitted  us  to 
send  quantities  of  parasitized  eggs  to  A.  E.  Bustillo  in  Medellin,  Colombia 
where  he  has  made  successful  sleeve-cage  tests  with  T.  alsophilae  against  Oxydia 
trychiata  (Guenee).  This  insect  is  one  of  several  geometrid  species  killing  the 
introduced  cypress,  Cupressus  lusitanica  Miller. 

Within  the  next  few  years  a number  of  scientific  papers  should  be  published 
by  our  group  concerning  details  of  the  biology  of  T.  alsophilae.  We  believe 
that  they  will  provide  much  useful  information  to  the  field  of  biological  control 
about  a valuable  species  or  two  which  were  neglected  in  the  past. 


The  Importance,  Biology  and  Control  of  the  Birch  Casebearer, 
Coleophora  fuscedinella  Zeller  (Lepidoptera:  Coleophoridae), 
an  Imported  Pest  in  Insular  Newfoundland 

D.  G.  Bryant 

Environment  Canada,  Newfoundland  Forest  Research  Centre,  Box  6028, 

St.  John’s,  A1C  5X8 

The  birch  casebearer,  Coleophora  fuscedinella  Zeller,  was  introduced  into 
North  America  from  Europe  about  1920  (1)  and  has  been  found  attacking 
several  broad-leaved  tree  species  such  as  birch,  Betula,  and  alder,  Alnus, 
causing  severe  browning  of  foliage,  branch  mortality  and  occasionally  death 
of  host  trees.  It  was  first  found  in  Newfoundland  in  1953  and  occurs  on  its 
principal  host  white  birch,  B.  papyrifera  Marsh. 

The  Province  is  in  the  Boreal  Forest  region  and  white  birch  comprises  about 
12%  of  the  standing  tree  volume.  The  tree  is  little  used  for  either  lumber  or 
pulp  and  has  its  greatest  importance  as  an  aesthetically  valued  component  of 
the  landscape.  Over  30%  damage  to  leaves  (defoliation)  brings  public  enquiries 
(2).  At  over  90%  defoliation,  branch  and  twig  mortality  becomes  apparent. 
There  is  a high  variation  in  total  defoliation  among  trees  in  a stand  and  we 
have  not  been  able  to  identify  the  cause  of  the  variation.  Within  trees,  defolia- 
tion is  concentrated  in  the  peripheral  25  cm  of  crown  and  is  least  variable  in 
the  2 middle  crown  quarters. 

The  casebearer  has  one  generation  a year.  Eggs  are  laid  on  the  leaves  in 
July  and  larvae  hatch  3 weeks  later.  These  larvae  mine  leaves  in  August  and 
molt  to  the  second  instar  and  construct  a case  from  the  leaf  epidermis  in 
September.  The  casebearers  overwinter  at  a crevice  on  the  bark  and  molt  to 
the  third  instar  in  the  spring  before  feeding.  The  fourth  instar  larvae  construct 


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New  York  Entomological  Society 


a new  case  in  June,  feed  for  a short  period,  then  pupate  on  the  tree  or  ground 
vegetation  (3). 

Larvae  are  distributed  throughout  the  tree  but  at  any  instar  the  majority 
are  situated  in  the  outer  25  cm  of  the  middle  half  of  the  tree  crown  (4). 
The  majority  of  leaves  in  a tree  are  in  the  25  cm  periphery  and  are  the  cause 
of  the  casebearer  population  concentrating  in  this  portion.  There  is  a high 
and  sometimes  significant  (P  ^ 0.05)  variation  in  larval  numbers  between 
trees.  The  cause  of  the  variation  is  unknown  and  is  not  related  to  tree  variables 
of  height,  size,  form,  exposure,  or  dominance.  Within  trees,  differences  in  lar- 
val numbers  are  most  pronounced  (P  ^ 0.05)  among  25  cm  shells  and  occur 
occasionally  among  crown  quarters. 

Inter-tree  variation  was  too  high  to  obtain  significant  correlations  of  case- 
bearer  numbers  and  defoliation  within  stands.  For  data  from  all  stands  how- 
ever, there  was  a significant  correlation  (0.48  < r < 0.74;  P ^ 0.05)  between 
defoliation  and  eggs,  overwintering  cases  and  late-instar  larvae.  The  precision 
of  defoliation  prediction  is  low  because  of  high  inter-tree  variation.  Methods 
are  being  prepared  to  forecast  defoliation  classes  from  casebearer  abundance. 

Survival  of  casebearers  during  a generation  appears  to  be  constant  at  all 
population  levels.  About  40%  of  larvae  survive  winter  (5)  and  about  one- 
fifth  of  these  pupate.  This  constant  mortality  suggests  that  the  causes  are 
intra-specific  or  relate  to  the  insect-host  interaction.  High  egg  mortality  of 
90%,  especially  at  high  population  levels,  has  been  recorded  (6)  but  the  cause 
is  unknown.  Parasitism  of  larvae  and  pupae  was  extremely  low  at  less  than 
5%,  and  parasites,  native  to  European  populations,  are  being  introduced  (7). 
Where  defoliation  is  expected  to  affect  aesthetic  values,  spraying  at  first  green 
in  the  spring  is  recommended  (8).  On  large  ornamental  trees  systemic  insecti- 
cides are  suggested. 


Literature  Cited 

1.  Reeks,  W.  A.  1951.  Canada  Agric.,  Bi-mon.  Prog.  Rep.,  7(4). 

2.  Bryant,  D.  G.,  and  Raske,  A.  G.  1975.  Canad.  Entomol.,  107:  217-223. 

3.  Cochran,  S.  G.  1974.  The  birch  casebearer  in  Newfoundland.  M.Sc.  Thesis,  McGill  Univ., 

126  pp. 

4.  Raske,  A.  G.,  and  Bryant,  D.  G.  Canad.  Entomol.  (In  Press) 

5.  Raske,  A.  G.  1975.  Environ.  Can.,  For.  Serv.,  Bi-mon.  Res.  Notes,  31:  9-10. 

6.  . 1974.  Environ.  Can.,  For.  Serv.,  Bi-mon.  Res.  Notes,  30:  1-2. 

7.  . 1974.  Environ.  Can.,  Newfoundland  For.  Res.  Centre,  Inform.  Rep.,  N-X-108. 

8.  Clark,  R.  C.,  and  Raske,  A.  G.  1974.  Environ.  Can.,  Newfoundland  For.  Res.  Centre, 

Nfld.  For.  Notes  No.  7. 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


287 


The  Bimodality  of  Gypsy  Moth,  Porthetria  dispar  (L.) 

(Lepidoptera:  Lymantriidae)  Populations 

Robert  W.  Campbell 

Northeastern  Forest  Experiment  Station,  Forest  Service,  U.  S.  Dep.  Agriculture, 
6816  Market  Street,  Upper  Darby,  Pa.  19082 

Populations  of  the  gypsy  moth  ( Porthetria  dispar  (L.))  in  North  America 
have  2 numerical  phases.  A population  may  remain  in  the  innocuous  phase 
for  many  years,  and  the  outbreak  phase  may  continue  within  a general  area 
for  as  much  as  a decade.  Changes  from  the  innocuous  phase  to  the  outbreak 
one  and  vice  versa,  however,  usually  take  place  within  2 or  3 years.  Our 
records,  which  span  a sizeable  sample  of  natural  gypsy  moth  populations  in 
the  northeastern  United  States  between  1911  and  1975,  show  no  tendency 
among  these  populations  toward  the  regular  oscillations  characteristic  of  gypsy 
moth  populations  across  much  of  Europe. 

A procedure  was  developed  to  determine  at  what  point  during  the  generation 
the  numerical  differences  appear  between  a sparse  population  in  an  outbreak 
area  and  one  in  an  innocuous  area.  This  study  led  to  the  following  conclusions: 

1.  From  50  to  100  times  as  many  eggs  were  produced  by  initially  sparse 
populations  in  the  outbreak  area  (Glenville,  N.  Y.,  1958-1964)  as  by  equally 
sparse  populations  in  the  innocuous  area  (Eastford,  Conn.,  1965-1968). 

2.  More  than  90%  of  the  difference  between  the  2 areas  in  mean  number 
of  eggs  produced  was  caused  by  differential  mortality  during  instars  I to  III, 
IV  to  VI,  and  the  pupal  stage,  and  by  a lower  proportion  of  females  among 
the  adults  in  Eastford. 

3.  The  apparent  survival  during  instars  I to  III  was  much  lower  in  East- 
ford than  in  Glenville  when  egg  density  at  the  start  of  the  generation  was  low. 
Survival  was  about  equal  in  the  2 areas,  however,  when  egg  density  increased. 

4.  Survival  during  instars  IV  to  VI  was  about  the  same  in  the  2 areas  when 
egg  density  was  low,  but  it  decreased  rapidly  in  Eastford  when  egg  density 
increased. 

5.  Survival  of  pupae  was  much  lower  in  Eastford  across  the  entire  range 
of  egg  densities  that  was  common  to  the  2 areas.  Interestingly,  the  survival 
of  pupae  was  relatively  invariant  within  each  area. 

6.  Differences  between  the  2 areas  in  the  proportion  of  females  among 
adults  were  minor  when  egg  density  was  low,  but  increased  as  egg  density 
increased.  Since  the  sex  ratio  of  gypsy  moth  eggs  is  known  to  be  constant  at 
50:50  (2),  and  since  the  sex  ratio  of  instar  IV  larvae  is  known  to  have  been 
relatively  invariant  in  the  areas  studied  at  about  65%  females  (1),  it  seems 
safe  to  assume  that  the  significant  differences  between  the  2 areas  in  the  pro- 
portion of  females  among  adults  were  determined  during  instars  IV  to  VI,  the 


288 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


pupal  stage,  or  both.  Thus,  not  only  do  substantially  more  insects  in  the 
outbreak  area  survive  instars  IV  to  VI  and  the  pupal  stage,  but  more  of  the 
survivors  are  females. 

Literature  Cited 

Campbell,  R.  W.  1963.  Can.  Entomol.,  95:  465-474. 

. 1967.  For.  Sci.,  13:  19-22. 


BOOK  REVIEW 

Man  against  Tsetse:  Struggle  for  Africa.  John  J.  McKelvey,  Jr.  Cornell  University 
Press,  Ithaca  and  London.  1973.  306  pp.  $12.50. 

Entomologists  will  be  fascinated  by  the  author’s  analysis  of  the  development  of  knowledge 
on  sleeping  sickness  and  nagana  disease  of  cattle,  and  how  the  large  continent  of  Africa  was 
influenced  by  contributions  of  medical  entomologists.  But  this  book  is  not  merely  an 
account  of  historical  and  scientific  events  and  discoveries;  it  analyses  in  depth  the 
complicated  interrelations  that  the  author,  who  has  spent  many  years  in  Africa,  has 
known  from  his  own  experience.  The  book  is  written  by  a scientist,  who,  as  readers  will 
find,  is  also  an  extremely  accomplished  writer  and  master  of  the  language.  The  book 
thus  provides  many  enjoyable  hours.  I am  certain  that  my  colleagues  who  read  it 
will  find  perusal  of  this  volume  to  be  both  informative  and  pleasurable.  It  gives  much 
useful  data  to  entomologists,  epidemiologists,  physicians  and  microbiologists.  The  author, 
a Director  for  Agriculture  of  the  Rockefeller  Foundation,  is  a knowledgeable  medical 
entomologist  (Ph.D.,  Cornell  U.),  a scholar,  and  an  expert  on  Africa. 

This  book  should  be  read  by  anyone  who  plans  a trip  to  Africa — be  it  for  scientific 
reasons,  business,  or  for  pleasure.  No  special  training  in  entomology  is  required  and  the 
book  will  be  enjoyed  by  entomologists  as  well  as  by  laymen  who  want  an  authoritative, 
up-to-date  view  of  the  field.  The  author  has  succeeded  admirably  in  bringing  together  for 
the  first  time  the  information  on  the  tsetse  fly,  the  trypanosomes,  and  the  development  of 
African  nations.  It  will  therefore  serve  both  as  a thorough  review  of  the  history  and 
present  status  of  the  problem  for  college  students,  and  as  a guide  to  the  literature  for 
serious  researchers.  The  Chapter  Notes  (pp.  239-292)  are  very  valuable  for  the  latter.  An 
index  of  13  pages  completes  the  volume. 

There  was  a definite  need  for  a book  on  sleeping  sickness  and  at  last  we  have 
one,  written  by  an  extremely  competent  authority.  It  ought  to  be  in  every  public  and 
highschool  library  so  as  to  become  for  young  men  and  women  interested  in  Africa’s 
future  and  medical  entomology  what  Paul  DeKruif’s  “Microbe  Hunters”  became  for  future 
microbiologists — the  stimulus  to  devote  one’s  life  to  a deserving  cause.  I found  “Man 
against  Tsetse”  as  stimulating  as  DeKruif’s  book,  and  at  the  same  time  more  accurate 
and  up-to-date.  Years  of  careful  research  have  been  spent  by  the  author  in  searching  and 
checking  all  the  data  and  facts. 

The  tsetse  fly  had  an  enormous  impact  on  Africa’s  development.  Great  strides  have 
been  made  in  controlling  the  insects  and  in  chemotherapy  of  the  disease.  Nevertheless, 
there  remains  the  dangerous  potential  for  an  epidemic,  as  demonstrated  in  recent,  new  out- 
breaks of  sleeping  sickness.  This  is  pointed  out  succinctly  by  McKelvey.  The  book  will 
remain  invaluable  for  a long  time  to  come  to  those  engaged  in  biological,  medical  and 
agricultural  research. 

Karl  Maramorosch 

Institute  of  Microbiology,  Rutgers  University 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


289 


INDEX  TO  SCIENTIFIC  NAMES  OF  ANIMALS  AND  PLANTS 
VOLUME  LXXXIII 


Generic  names  begin  with  capital  letters.  New  genera,  species,  subspecies,  and  varieties  are 
printed  in  italics.  The  following  are  not  indexed:  Figs  1-8,  pp.  4-5,  “New  or  little-known 
crane  flies  from  Iran  II  (Diptera:  Tipulidae)”  by  Charles  P.  Alexander;  Table  I,  p.  37, 
“Parasites  reared  from  larvae  of  the  European  corn  borer,  Ostrinia  nubilalis  (Hbn.)  in 
Massachusetts  1971-73  (Lepidoptera:  Pyralidae)  by  F.  B.  Peairs  and  J.  H.  Lilly;  “Mites 
(Acarina)  associated  with  Popilius  disjunctus  (Illiger)  (Coleoptera:  Passalidae)  in  Eastern 
United  States”  by  Mercedes  D.  Delfinado  and  Edward  W.  Baker,  pp.  49-59;  “Revision  of 
the  genus  Endeodes  LeConte  with  a tabular  key  to  the  species  (Coleoptera:  Melyridae)” 
by  Ian  Moore  and  E.  F.  Legner,  pp.  70-80;  Tables  1-7  and  Figs.  1-11,  “Comparative  be- 
havior of  wasps  in  the  genus  Lindenius  (Hymenoptera:  Sphecidae,  Crabroninae) ” by 

Richard  C.  Miller  and  Frank  E.  Kurczewski,  pp.  82-120;  Figs.  1-9  and  Distributional  Rec- 
ords, pp.  124,  126-128,  “New  or  little-known  craneflies  from  Iran  III  (Diptera:  Tipulidae)” 
and  Figs.  1-8,  pp.  132-133,  136-138  (Iran  IV),  by  Charles  P.  Alexander;  pp.  142-156,  “An 
annotated  list  of  New  York  Siphonaptera,”  by  Allen  H.  Benton  and  Danny  L.  Kelly; 
pp.  176-179,  “Notes  on  the  life  cycle  and  natural  history  of  butterflies  in  El  Salvador. 
II  B -Hamadryas  amphinome  L.  (Nymphalidae-Hamadryadinae)  ” by  Alberto  Muyshondt 
and  Alberto  Muyshondt,  Jr.;  Tables  1-4,  “Species  and  numbers  of  bloodsucking  flies  feeding 
on  hogs  and  other  animals  in  southern  New  Jersey,”  pp.  199-201,  by  Thomas  J.  Weiner 
and  Elton  J.  Hansens;  “Speleognatinae  collected  from  birds  in  North  America  (Acarina: 
Ereynetidae),”  by  A.  Fain  and  K.  E.  Hyland,  pp.  203-208. 


Abbotana  clemataria,  284 
Abies,  282 

Achrysocharella  silvia,  101 
Actinote,  166,  190 
Adelpha,  167 
Aedes  atlanticus,  249 
canadensis,  249 
Aenictus,  196 
Agaricus  bisporus,  256 
Agathis,  101 
Ageronia,  165,  187 
arete,  166 
fornax,  166,  187 
Agromyza  frontella,  243 
Allophylus  petiolatus,  16 
Alnus,  285 

Alsophila  pometaria,  283 
Anartia  fatina,  167 

jatrophae  luteipicta,  167 
Anetia  thirsa,  167 
Anthidium  banningense,  280 
manicatum,  280 

Apanteles  melanoscelus,  242,  246 
Aphelonema  simplex,  254 
Aplomya  caesar,  36 


Argyrotaenia  velutinana,  264 
Aristolochia  trilobata,  189 
Asclepia  syriaca,  260 
Atta  texana,  192 
Autographa  californica,  270 


Battus,  189 

laodamas,  166 
philenor,  247 
polydamas,  166,  247 
Betula  papyifera,  285 
Biblis  hyperia,  165 
Boophilus  decoloratus,  46 
Brachymeria  intermedia,  269 
Buenoa  confusa,  265 
margaritacea,  265 


Caligo  memnon,  166 
Callicore,  16 

meridionalis,  15,  16 
sorama,  16 

Calliopis  andreniformis,  280 
Calliphora,  34 


290 

New  York  Entomological  Society 

Calocoris,  86 

norwegicus,  86 
Camponotus,  192 

pennsylvanicus,  194 
Cardiospermum,  13 
halicacabum,  IS 
Carduus,  250,  251 

Crossocerus,  118 

leucostomoides,  118 
maculiclypeus,  117 
Cuprossus  lusitanica,  285 
Cyphoderris  buckelli,  233 
monstrosa,  233 

acanthoides,  247,  250 
nutans,  247,  250 
Carpocapsa  pomonella,  271 
Cassida  rubiginosa,  247 
Castilla  gummifera,  174 
Catagramma  pitheas,  10,  16 
pygas,  15 
titania,  10,  16 

Catonephele  numilia  estite,  17 
vyctimus,  165,  176 
Cenopis  acerivorana,  283 
Centris  pallida,  280 
Chalcis,  279 
Cheilotrichia,  123 

(Empeda)  gnoma  n.  sp.,  121 
Chirosomus,  105,  114 
Chlosyne,  166,  190 
Choristoneura  fumiferana,  266,  269 
Chrysopa,  278 
Chrysops,  198,  246 
atlanticus,  200 
callidus,  202 
celatus,  202 
cincticornis,  200 
fuliginosus,  200 
geminatus,  246 
macquarti,  202,  246 
montamus,  200 
niger,  200 
nigribimbo,  202 
vittatus,  202 

Cicindela  imperfecta,  226 
Cirsium  arvense,  247 

Dalechampia  ficifolia,  189 
heteromorpha,  189 
scandens,  164,  170,  181 
stipulacea,  189 
triphyla,  189 
Daphnia,  265 
Dasyhelea,  114 
Dasyneura  gleditschae,  259 
mali,  244 

Daucus  carota,  105 
Delphacodes  de tecta,  254 
Desantisca,  279 
Diachlorus  ferrugatus,  200 
Diaethria  astala,  10 
candrena,  16 
clymena,  16 
eluina,  16 
salvadorensis,  16 
Dibrachys,  280 

Dicranomyia  demmaculata,  129 
Dicranota  (Dicranota)  capillata,  134 
(Dicranota)  fuscipennis,  134 
(Dicranota)  ophidia  n.  sp.,  129 
Diglyphus  isaea,  243 
Dione  juno  huascama,  166,  187 
Dircenna  klugii,  167 
Dorylus,  194 
labiatus,  192 
Dynamine,  165,  176 

Coccinella  nine-notata,  226 
transversoguttata,  227 
Cochliomyia  hominivorax,  34 
Coleomegilla  maculata,  60,  272 
Coleophora  fuscedinella,  285 
Collops,  228 

bipunctatus,  226 
Colobura  dirce,  190 
Conomyrma  insana,  192 
Crematogaster  laevirescula,  192 

Eciton,  192 
hamatum,  192 
Elaeophila,  136 
Eleodes  sulcipennis,  226 
Elliptochthonius  profundus  n.  gen.,  n.  sp. 
209 

Empeda,  123 
Encopognathus,  118 
Ennomos  subsignarius,  284 
Entomophthora  egressa,  254 
sphaerosperma,  254 

Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


291 


Epiphile  adrasta  adrasta,  17 
Eriborus  terebrans,  36 

Erioptera  (Pseuderioptera)  n.  subgen.,  123 
(Pseuderioptera)  schmidi  n.  sp.,  121 
(Psiloconopa)  cancriformis  n.  sp.,  121 
(Psiloconopa)  idiophalleus,  126 
Eucelatoriopis  dimmocki,  247 
Euphilis  rufotaesiatum,  118 


Fannia  canicularis,  258 
Forcipomyia,  114 
Formica,  192 

canadensis,  192 
subintegra,  192 


Gambusia  af finis,  267 
Gehypochthonius,  215 
Geocoris  pallens  pallens,  227 
Geospiza,  281 
Gonempeda  flava,  123 
Gonomyia,  2,  121 

(Gonomyia)  abbreviata,  9 
(Gonomyia)  basilobata  n.  sp.,  2 
(Gonomyia)  chalaza,  8 
(Gonomyia)  ebburzensis  n.  sp.,  2 
(Gonomyia)  oxybeles  n.  sp.,  2 
(Gonomyia)  sibyna,  8 
(Gonomyia)  tenella,  7 
(Idiocera)  alexanderiana,  3 
(Idiocera)  curticurva  n.  sp.,  2 
(Idiocera)  displosa,  6 
(Idiocera)  jucunda,  6 
(Idiocera)  laterospina  n.  sp.,  2 
(Idiocera)  orthophallus  n.  sp.,  2 
(Idiocera)  phallostena,  6 
(Idiocera)  punctata,  6 
(Idiocera)  schrenki,  6 
(Idiocera)  similior,  9 
(Idiocera)  spinistylata  n.  sp.,  2 
(Idiocera)  spinulistyla  n.  sp.,  6 
Graphium  marcellus,  247 
Grapholitha  molesta,  264 
Gynaecia  dirce  (h),  166 


Haematobia  irritans,  198,  253 
Hamadryas,  165,  170,  181 

amphinome,  166,  176,  181 


arete,  189 

februa,  157,  170,  181 
fornax,  166,  187 
guatamalena,  166,  170,  181 
Heliothis  zea,  166,  249 
Hippodamia  convergens,  61,  226 
quinquesignata,  226 
sinuata  disjuncta,  227 
sinuata  spuria,  226 
Holcopasites,  280 
Hoplitis  anthocopoides,  281 
Hybomitra,  246 
daeckii,  202 
lasiophthalma,  200 
losiophthalmus,  246 
sodalis,  246 

Hymenitis  oto  oto,  167 
Hypanartia  lethe,  167 
Hypera  postica,  226,  243,  263 
Hypocada  virginiana  nigricosta,  167 
Hyposoter  exiguae,  261,  263 


Idiocera,  3 
Ilisia,  126 

Iridomyrmex  pruinosum,  192 
Itame  pustularia,  283 
Itoplectis  conquisitor,  257 


Jenkinshelea  magnipennis,  114 


Lasioglossum  rohweri,  280 
Laspeyresia  pomonella,  264 
Latrodectus,  279 
Libocedrus  decurrens,  229 
Limnobia  demmaculata,  129 
Limonia  (Dicranomyia)  chorea,  131,  134 
(Dicranomyia)  demmaculata,  129 
(Dicranomyia)  decem-maculata,  129 
(Dicranomyia)  didyma,  132,  134 
(Dicranomyia)  flavocincta,  129 
(Dicranomyia)  lutea,  131 
(Dicranomyia)  mitis,  131,  134 
(Dicranomyia)  modesta,  130 
(Dicranomyia)  nigritorus  n.  sp.,  129 
(Dicranomyia)  schmidiana  n.  sp.,  129 
(Dicranomyia)  subdidyma  n.  sp.,  129 
(Dicranomyia)  vibishana,  129 


292 


New  York  Entomological  Society 


(Dicranomyia)  whitei,  129 
(Elaeophila)  submarmata,  136 
Liminophila  (Elaeophila)  albofascia  n.  sp., 
129 

Lindenius,  82-83,  115-119 
montezuma,  82 
(Lindenises)  albilabris,  82 
(Trachelosimus)  armaticeps,  82 
(Trachelosimus)  buccadentis,  82 
(Trachelosimus)  columbianus  errans,  82 
(Trachelosimus)  panzeri,  82 
(Trachelosimus)  pygmaeus,  82 
Liometopum,  118 
Lipsothrix  iranica  n.  sp.,  121 
nervosa,  122 
nigristigma,  122 
vobilis,  122 

Liriomyza  trifolicarum,  243 
Lixophaga,  36 
Lycoriella  mali,  255 
Lygus  pratensis,  85 

Macrocentrus  grandii,  36 
Manataria  maculata,  166,  190 
Marpesia,  167 

Mechanitis  isthmia  isthmia,  166,  190 
Melampus  bidentatus,  267 
Meliolotus  alba,  105 
Mestra  amymone,  165,  176 
Meterioptera  (subgen.),  123 
Microctonus  aethiops,  243 
colesi,  263 

Microtia  elva,  166,  190 

Molophilus  (Molophilus)  pallidipes  n.  sp., 

121 

(Molophilus)  stroblianus,  121 
Monomorium  minimum,  99 
Morinedea  armata,  220 
Musca  autumnalis,  253 
domestica,  252 
Myrmica,  192 
rubra,  192 
Myscelis  orsis,  15 

Nabis  americoferus,  227 
Narope  cyllastros  testaceae,  167 
Neduba,  233 

macneilli,,  229 
sierranus,  229 


Neivamyrmex,  192 
harrisi,  192 
nigrescens,  38 
Notonecta  undulata,  248 


Oncopeltus  fasciatus,  194,  260 
Orgyia  pseudotsugata,  282 
Ostrinia  nubilalis,  36,  249,  256,  265 
Oxydia  trychiata,  285 


Pachycondyla,  196 
harpax,  192 
Panonychus  ulmi,  262 
Papilio  anchisiades  idaeus,  166 
glaucus,  247 
multicaudatus,  247 
palamedes,  247 
polyxenes,  247 
troilus,  247 
zelicaon,  247 
Paracymus,  273 
Parectecephala  eucera,  94 
sanguinolenta,  94 
Parhypochthonius,  215 
Parides,  189 
Paullina,  13 
pinnata,  15 

Paulogramma  pyracmon,  16 
Peridromia,  165 
Perilitus  coccinellae,  60 
Phaenicia  pallescens,  33 
sericata,  33 
Phormia  regina,  34 
Phrosinella  fulvicornis,  96 
Phycoides,  166,  190 
Pinus  jeffreyi,  209 
lambertiana,  229 
ponderosa,  209 
Platynota  flavedama,  260 
idaeusalis,  268 

Pogonomyrmex  barbatus,  192 
Pollenia  rudis,  34 
Polyergus  breviceps,  192 
Popilius  disjunctus,  49 
Porthetria  dispar,  242,  258,  271,  287 
Precis  genoveva,  167 


Vol.  LXXXIII,  December,  1975 


293 


Procystiphora  n.  sp.,  114 
Prokelisia  marginata,  254 
Protophormia  tenaenovae,  34 
Protoxaea  gloriosa,  280 
Pseudonica  fla villa  canthara,  17 
Pseudotsuga  menziesii  var.  glauca,  282 
Psorophora  ferox,  249 
Pyrrhogyra  hypsenor,  17,  167 


Rhagoletis  pomonella,  264 
Rhinocyllus  conicus,  250,  251 
Rhytidoponera,  192 


Serjania,  13,  15,  16 
Sibaria,  217 

andicola,  217 
armata,  217 
englemani,  217 
Simulium  venustum,  243 
Solenopsis,  192 
invicta,  192 

Spartina  alterniflora,  253 
patens,  253 
Spilochalcis,  17 
Stethorus  punctum,  262 
Stomoxys  calcitrans,  198,  235,  252 
Sympiesis  viridula,  36 


Tabanus,  198,  246 
atratus,  199 
fulvulus,  202 
lineola,  199,  246 
melanocarus,  200 
nigripes,  200 
nigrovitatus,  199 
pumilus,  200,  246 
trimaculatus,  200 
Tanytarsus,  114 
Tapinoma,  118 
Tasiocerodes  (subgen.),  123 
Teleneura  (subgen.),  123 
Telenomus  alsophilae,  282,  283 
Temenis  laothoe  liberia,  17 
Tenebrio  molitor,  274 
Tetrastichus,  280 
rhosaces,  247 
Theritas  lisus,  166 
Thesalia  theona,  166,  190 
Tithorea  harmonia  salpadores,  167 
Tracheliodes,  118 
Tragia  volubilis,  165 
Trema  micrantha,  16 
Trichoplusia  ni,  261,  262,  265,  270,  271,  273 
Tumidagena  ruinuta,  254 

Xylocopa  darwini,  281 

Zagrammosoma,  279 


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JOURNAL  of  the 
NEW  YORK  ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY 


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The  JOURNAL  of  the  NEW  YORK  ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY  is  de- 


voted  to  the  advancement  and  dissemination  pf  knowledge  pertaining  to  insects 


and  their  related  forms. 


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SUBSCRIPTIONS  are  $12.00  per  year,  in  advance,  and  should  be  sent  to  the 
New  York  Entomological  Society,  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History, 
79th  Street  at  Central  Park  ^est,  New  York,  N.  Y.  10024.  The  Society  will 
not  be  responsible  for  lost  JOURNALS  unless  immediately  notified  of  change 


of  address.  We  do  not  exchange  publications. 


4- 


4: 


Please  make  all  checks,  money-orders,  or  drafts  payable  to  the  NEW  YORK 

ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 


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ORDERS  and  inquiries  for  back  issues  and  complete  sets  should  be  sent  to 


our  agent.  Complete  files  of  back  issues  are  in  stock. 


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$ WtM 


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INFORMATION  FOR  AUTHORS 


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Submit  manuscript  in  duplicate  (original  and  one  carbon)  to  the  Editor,  New 


York  Entomological  Society,  Waksman  Institute  of  Microbiology,  Rutgers 


University,  New  Brunswick,  N.J.  08903. 


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1.  GENERAL  POLICY.  Manuscript  submitted  must  be  a report  of  unpub- 


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lished  research  which  is  not  being  considered  for  publication  elsewhere.  A 


manuscript  accepted  and  published  in  the  JOURNAL  must  not  be  published 
again  in  any  form  without  the  consent  of  the  New  York  Entomological  Society. 
A page  charge  of  $15  per  printed  page  is  assessed. 

The  page  charge  includes  black  and  white  illustrations  and  tabular  material. 


2.  FORM  OF  MANUSCRIPT.  Text,  footnotes  and  legends  must  be  type- 
written, double  or  triple  spaced,  with  margins  of  at  least  IV2  inches  on  all  sides. 
The  editorial  style  of  the  JOURNAL  essentially  follows  the  CBE  Style  Manual 


(3rd  edition,  A.I.B.S.,  1972). 


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Genetic  symbols:  follow  recommendations  of  Demerec,  et  al. 

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(Genetics  54:  61,  1969) 


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Biochemical  abbreviations:  follow  rules  of  the  U.I.P.A.C.  -I.U.B. 


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(J.  Biol.  Chem.  241:  527,  1966) 


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Enzyme  activity : should  be  expressed  in  terms  of  international  units. 


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(Enzyme  Nomenclature.  Elsevier  Pub.  Co.,  1965) 

Geographical  names,  authors  names  and  names  of  plants  and  animals  should 


be  spelled  in  full. 


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The  JOURNAL  reserves  the  privilege  of  editing  manuscript  or  of  returning  it 
to  the  author  for  revision. 

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3.  ABSTRACT.  Each  manuscript  ipust  be  accompanied  by  an  abstract 


typewritten  on  a separate  sheet. 

4.  TITLE.  Begin  each  title  with  a word  useful  in  indexing  and  information 


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retrieval  (Not  “Effect”  or  “New”.) 


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ILLUSTRATIONS.  Original  drawings  should  not  be  submitted.  Glossy 


prints  are  desirable — not  larger  than  8%  by  11  inches  and  preferably  not 


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smaller  than  5 by  7 inches.  When  appropriate,  magnification  should  be  indi- 


cated by  a suitable  scale  on  the  photograph. 


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6.  REPRINTS  (in  multiples  of  100)  may  be  purchased  from  the  printer 


by  contributors.  A table  showing  the  cost  of  reprints,  and  an  order  form,  will 


be  sent  with  the  proof. 


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7.  SUBSCRIPTION  to  the  JOURNAL  is  $12.00  per  year,  in  advance,  and 
should  be  sent  to  the  New  York  Entomological  Society,  The  American  Museum 
of  Natural  History,  Central  Park  West  at  79th  Street,  New  York,  New  York, 
10024.  The  Society  will  not  be  responsible  for  lost  JOURNALS  unless  im- 
mediately notified  of  change  of  address.  We  do  not  exchange  publications. 
Please  make  all  checks,  money  orders  and  drafts  payable  to  the  NEW  WORK 
ENTOMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 


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ORDERS  and  inquiries  for  back  issues  and  complete  sets  should  be  sent 


to  our  agent. 


From  January  1,  1976  the  journal  subscription  rate  will  be  $12. — - 


per  year.  Members  of  the  N.Y.E.S.  will  be  billed  $12. — , which 
includes  the  $4.—  membership  and  $8. — subscription  rate  to 


N.Y.E.S.  members. 


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