Comprehensive Gene and Taxon Coverage Elucidates Radiation
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Moths Light a Way? by John Pickering, Tori Staples and Rebecca Walcott
SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS NEWS VOLUME 38 NO4. (2016), PG. 331 SAVE ALL SPECIES – MOTHS LIGHT A WAY? BY JOHN PICKERING, TORI STAPLES AND REBECCA WALCOTT Abstract -- What would it take to save all species from snakes, and stinging insects, they pose no health risk. extinction? A new initiative, Save all species, plans to Moths are an exceedingly species-rich group, for which answer this question and provide the tools we need to do the diversity at a terrestrial site will typically exceed any so by 2050. Here we consider the merits and problems other taxon except for beetles. Because moth larvae are associated with inventorying moths to help decide which restricted in their diet to specific host taxa, differences in terrestrial areas to protect. We compare the the assemblages of resident moth species could reflect scientifically-described moth fauna of the British Isles differences across sites in plants and other hosts. If which, with 2,441 species, is taxonomically complete, that’s true, we may be able to use moth inventories as with 11,806 described species from North America north efficient proxies to compare surrounding plant of Mexico, the fauna of which is not fully described. As communities. a percentage of the described moth fauna, there are fewer “macro” moths (Geometroidea, Drepanoidea, Inventorying moths presents challenges, notably, Noctuoidea, Bombycoidea, Lasiocampidae) in the sampling smaller species, describing thousands of British Isles (34.9%) than those known for the United species new to science, and identifying specimens States and Canada (46.1%). We present data on 1,254 accurately. Our experience is that we can identify 99% species for an intensively-studied site in Clarke County, of moths from digital images to species, species-groups, Georgia and consider whether species in the British Isles which contain species of similar appearance, or are generally smaller than ones in Georgia. -
SYSTEMATICS of the MEGADIVERSE SUPERFAMILY GELECHIOIDEA (INSECTA: LEPIDOPTEA) DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of T
SYSTEMATICS OF THE MEGADIVERSE SUPERFAMILY GELECHIOIDEA (INSECTA: LEPIDOPTEA) DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Sibyl Rae Bucheli, M.S. ***** The Ohio State University 2005 Dissertation Committee: Approved by Dr. John W. Wenzel, Advisor Dr. Daniel Herms Dr. Hans Klompen _________________________________ Dr. Steven C. Passoa Advisor Graduate Program in Entomology ABSTRACT The phylogenetics, systematics, taxonomy, and biology of Gelechioidea (Insecta: Lepidoptera) are investigated. This superfamily is probably the second largest in all of Lepidoptera, and it remains one of the least well known. Taxonomy of Gelechioidea has been unstable historically, and definitions vary at the family and subfamily levels. In Chapters Two and Three, I review the taxonomy of Gelechioidea and characters that have been important, with attention to what characters or terms were used by different authors. I revise the coding of characters that are already in the literature, and provide new data as well. Chapter Four provides the first phylogenetic analysis of Gelechioidea to include molecular data. I combine novel DNA sequence data from Cytochrome oxidase I and II with morphological matrices for exemplar species. The results challenge current concepts of Gelechioidea, suggesting that traditional morphological characters that have united taxa may not be homologous structures and are in need of further investigation. Resolution of this problem will require more detailed analysis and more thorough characterization of certain lineages. To begin this task, I conduct in Chapter Five an in- depth study of morphological evolution, host-plant selection, and geographical distribution of a medium-sized genus Depressaria Haworth (Depressariinae), larvae of ii which generally feed on plants in the families Asteraceae and Apiaceae. -
1 Moving on from the Insect Apocalypse Narrative
Moving on from the insect apocalypse narrative: engaging with evidence-based insect conservation Manu E. Saunders1,2, Jasmine Janes1,3, James O’Hanlon1 1School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England Armidale NSW Australia 2UNE Business School, University of New England Armidale NSW Australia 3Biology Department, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada This is the author’s version of a manuscript published in BioScience. Please cite as: Saunders ME, Janes J, O’Hanlon J (2019) Moving on from the insect apocalypse narrative: engaging with evidence-based insect conservation. BioScience https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biz143 1 Abstract Recent studies showing temporal changes in local and regional insect populations received exaggerated global media coverage. Confusing and inaccurate science communication on this important issue could have counter-productive effects on public support for insect conservation. The ‘insect apocalypse’ narrative is fuelled by a limited number of studies that are restricted geographically (predominantly UK, Europe, USA) and taxonomically (predominantly bees, macrolepidoptera, and ground beetles). Biases in sampling and analytical methods (e.g. categorical vs. continuous time series, different diversity metrics) limit the relevance of these studies as evidence of generalised global insect decline. Rather, the value of this research lies in highlighting important areas for priority investment. We summarise research, communication and policy priorities for evidence-based insect conservation, including key areas of knowledge to increase understanding of insect population dynamics. Importantly, we advocate for a balanced perspective in science communication to better serve both public and scientific interests. 2 Introduction Insects are the most diverse and abundant group of animals on Earth and are critical drivers of ecosystem function in terrestrial and aquatic systems; yet the majority of insect taxa are understudied, publicly misunderstood and face numerous environmental threats (Samways 2007; Cardoso et al. -
Modular Structure, Sequence Diversification and Appropriate
www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Modular structure, sequence diversifcation and appropriate nomenclature of seroins produced Received: 17 July 2018 Accepted: 14 February 2019 in the silk glands of Lepidoptera Published: xx xx xxxx Lucie Kucerova1, Michal Zurovec 1,2, Barbara Kludkiewicz1, Miluse Hradilova3, Hynek Strnad3 & Frantisek Sehnal1,2 Seroins are small lepidopteran silk proteins known to possess antimicrobial activities. Several seroin paralogs and isoforms were identifed in studied lepidopteran species and their classifcation required detailed phylogenetic analysis based on complete and verifed cDNA sequences. We sequenced silk gland-specifc cDNA libraries from ten species and identifed 52 novel seroin cDNAs. The results of this targeted research, combined with data retrieved from available databases, form a dataset representing the major clades of Lepidoptera. The analysis of deduced seroin proteins distinguished three seroin classes (sn1-sn3), which are composed of modules: A (includes the signal peptide), B (rich in charged amino acids) and C (highly variable linker containing proline). The similarities within and between the classes were 31–50% and 22.5–25%, respectively. All species express one, and in exceptional cases two, genes per class, and alternative splicing further enhances seroin diversity. Seroins occur in long versions with the full set of modules (AB1C1B2C2B3) and/or in short versions that lack parts or the entire B and C modules. The classes and the modular structure of seroins probably evolved prior to the split between Trichoptera and Lepidoptera. The diversity of seroins is refected in proposed nomenclature. Te silk spun by caterpillars is a composite material based on two protein agglomerates that have been known for centuries as fbroin and sericin. -
New Records of Microlepidoptera in Alberta, Canada
Volume 59 2005 Number 2 Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 59(2), 2005, 61-82 NEW RECORDS OF MICROLEPIDOPTERA IN ALBERTA, CANADA GREGORY R. POHL Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Northern Forestry Centre, 5320 - 122 St., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6H 3S5 email: [email protected] CHARLES D. BIRD Box 22, Erskine, Alberta, Canada T0C 1G0 email: [email protected] JEAN-FRANÇOIS LANDRY Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C6 email: [email protected] AND GARY G. ANWEILER E.H. Strickland Entomology Museum, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2H1 email: [email protected] ABSTRACT. Fifty-seven species of microlepidoptera are reported as new for the Province of Alberta, based primarily on speci- mens in the Northern Forestry Research Collection of the Canadian Forest Service, the University of Alberta Strickland Museum, the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids, and Nematodes, and the personal collections of the first two authors. These new records are in the families Eriocraniidae, Prodoxidae, Tineidae, Psychidae, Gracillariidae, Ypsolophidae, Plutellidae, Acrolepi- idae, Glyphipterigidae, Elachistidae, Glyphidoceridae, Coleophoridae, Gelechiidae, Xyloryctidae, Sesiidae, Tortricidae, Schrecken- steiniidae, Epermeniidae, Pyralidae, and Crambidae. These records represent the first published report of the families Eriocrani- idae and Glyphidoceridae in Alberta, of Acrolepiidae in western Canada, and of Schreckensteiniidae in Canada. Tetragma gei, Tegeticula -
Insect Survey of Four Longleaf Pine Preserves
A SURVEY OF THE MOTHS, BUTTERFLIES, AND GRASSHOPPERS OF FOUR NATURE CONSERVANCY PRESERVES IN SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA Stephen P. Hall and Dale F. Schweitzer November 15, 1993 ABSTRACT Moths, butterflies, and grasshoppers were surveyed within four longleaf pine preserves owned by the North Carolina Nature Conservancy during the growing season of 1991 and 1992. Over 7,000 specimens (either collected or seen in the field) were identified, representing 512 different species and 28 families. Forty-one of these we consider to be distinctive of the two fire- maintained communities principally under investigation, the longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods. An additional 14 species we consider distinctive of the pocosins that occur in close association with the savannas and flatwoods. Twenty nine species appear to be rare enough to be included on the list of elements monitored by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (eight others in this category have been reported from one of these sites, the Green Swamp, but were not observed in this study). Two of the moths collected, Spartiniphaga carterae and Agrotis buchholzi, are currently candidates for federal listing as Threatened or Endangered species. Another species, Hemipachnobia s. subporphyrea, appears to be endemic to North Carolina and should also be considered for federal candidate status. With few exceptions, even the species that seem to be most closely associated with savannas and flatwoods show few direct defenses against fire, the primary force responsible for maintaining these communities. Instead, the majority of these insects probably survive within this region due to their ability to rapidly re-colonize recently burned areas from small, well-dispersed refugia. -
PLUME MOTHS of AFGHANISTAN (LEPIDOPTERA, PTEROPHORIDAE) 1Altai State University, Lenina 61
Biological Bulletin of Bogdan Chmelnitskiy Melitopol State Pedagogical University 183 UDC 595.7(262.81) Peter Ustjuzhanin,1,6* Vasily Kovtunovich,2 Igor Pljushtch,3 Juriy Skrylnik4, Oleg Pak5 PLUME MOTHS OF AFGHANISTAN (LEPIDOPTERA, PTEROPHORIDAE) 1Altai State University, Lenina 61. RF-656049. Barnaul, Russia. 2 Moscow Society of Nature Explorers. Home address: Russia, Moscow, 121433, Malaya Filevskaya str., 24/1, app. 20. 3Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Bogdan Khmielnitski str., 15, 01601, Kiev, Ukraine. 4 Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry & Forest Melioration, 61024, Pushkinska str. 86, Kharkov, Ukraine. 5 Donetsk National University, Faculty of Biology, Shchors str., 46, 83050, Donetsk, Ukraine. 6*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] New data on Pterophoridae from Afghanistan are considered. A checklist of Pterophoridae species of the fauna of Afghanistan is presented, as including 32 species of 14 genera. Merrifieldia tridactyla is for the first time recorded for the fauna of Afghanistan. The basic literature on the Afghanistan Pterophoridae were used in the study. Key words: Pterophoridae, plume moths, Afghanistan, fauna, new data. INTRODUCTION Many Pterophoridae as Cossidae are specific inhabitants of the arid regions of the Palaearctic. Usually deserts are good zoogeographical barriers preventing from mixing the faunas of different zoogeographical regions (Yakovlev & Dubatolov 2013; Yakovlev, 2015; Yakovlev et al., 2015). Until now there were no special publications on Pterophoridae from Afghanistan. The first description of a new species of Pterophoridae, Stenoptilia nurolhaki, from Afghanistan was in the work by Amsel (1967), In a series of works by Ernst Arenberger (1981, 1987, 1995), six new species were described from Afghanistan. -
Acoustic Communication in the Nocturnal Lepidoptera
Chapter 6 Acoustic Communication in the Nocturnal Lepidoptera Michael D. Greenfield Abstract Pair formation in moths typically involves pheromones, but some pyra- loid and noctuoid species use sound in mating communication. The signals are generally ultrasound, broadcast by males, and function in courtship. Long-range advertisement songs also occur which exhibit high convergence with commu- nication in other acoustic species such as orthopterans and anurans. Tympanal hearing with sensitivity to ultrasound in the context of bat avoidance behavior is widespread in the Lepidoptera, and phylogenetic inference indicates that such perception preceded the evolution of song. This sequence suggests that male song originated via the sensory bias mechanism, but the trajectory by which ances- tral defensive behavior in females—negative responses to bat echolocation sig- nals—may have evolved toward positive responses to male song remains unclear. Analyses of various species offer some insight to this improbable transition, and to the general process by which signals may evolve via the sensory bias mechanism. 6.1 Introduction The acoustic world of Lepidoptera remained for humans largely unknown, and this for good reason: It takes place mostly in the middle- to high-ultrasound fre- quency range, well beyond our sensitivity range. Thus, the discovery and detailed study of acoustically communicating moths came about only with the use of electronic instruments sensitive to these sound frequencies. Such equipment was invented following the 1930s, and instruments that could be readily applied in the field were only available since the 1980s. But the application of such equipment M. D. Greenfield (*) Institut de recherche sur la biologie de l’insecte (IRBI), CNRS UMR 7261, Parc de Grandmont, Université François Rabelais de Tours, 37200 Tours, France e-mail: [email protected] B. -
Euhyponomeutoides Albithoracellus Gen. Nov., Spec. Nov. (Lepidoptera, Hyponomeutidae) by ANDREW J
EUHYPONOMEUTOIDES ALBITHORACELLUS 11 Euhyponomeutoides albithoracellus gen. nov., spec. nov. (Lepidoptera, Hyponomeutidae) by ANDREW J. GAJ In June 1950 I collected at Krynica (Southern Poland) a remarkable moth which I determined temporarily as belonging to the genus Cerostoma Latr. After a more detailed study, however, and after the complete investigation of all materials available for me, it appeared that this moth could not be determined properly. I sent, therefore, this doubtful „Cerostoma” to prof. Dr E. M. Hering of Humbolt-Universität in Berlin asking for comparison with their materials. On the basis of venation, prof. Hering stated that this specimen belongs to the genus Euhyponomeuta Toll. Here, in this place I wish to express my thanks to Dr E. M. Hering for his kind assistance and interest which he showed when dealing with this problem. However after the comparison of the copulatory apparatus of this specimen with the genitalia of several species belonging to the genera Euhyponomeuta Toll, Parahyponomeuta Toll and Hyponomeuta Latr., I found considerable differences between this species and the species of the aforementioned genera. According to the differences in the structure of gnathos and saccus I assume that it is right to create for this species a new genus for which I propose the name Euhyponomeu¬ toides gen. nov. Genotype: E. albithoracellus sp. nov. Fig. 1: The shape of the fore wing of Euhyponomeuta stanellus Thnbg. Fig. 2: The same of the fore wing of Hyponomeuta cognatellus Hbn. Fig. 3: The same of the fore wing of Euhyponomeutoides albithoracellus, gen. nov., sp. nov. Fig. 4: Copulatory apparatus of Euhyponomeutoides albithoracellus, gen. -
Contributions Toward a Lepidoptera (Psychidae, Yponomeutidae, Sesiidae, Cossidae, Zygaenoidea, Thyrididae, Drepanoidea, Geometro
Contributions Toward a Lepidoptera (Psychidae, Yponomeutidae, Sesiidae, Cossidae, Zygaenoidea, Thyrididae, Drepanoidea, Geometroidea, Mimalonoidea, Bombycoidea, Sphingoidea, & Noctuoidea) Biodiversity Inventory of the University of Florida Natural Area Teaching Lab Hugo L. Kons Jr. Last Update: June 2001 Abstract A systematic check list of 489 species of Lepidoptera collected in the University of Florida Natural Area Teaching Lab is presented, including 464 species in the superfamilies Drepanoidea, Geometroidea, Mimalonoidea, Bombycoidea, Sphingoidea, and Noctuoidea. Taxa recorded in Psychidae, Yponomeutidae, Sesiidae, Cossidae, Zygaenoidea, and Thyrididae are also included. Moth taxa were collected at ultraviolet lights, bait, introduced Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum), and by netting specimens. A list of taxa recorded feeding on P. notatum is presented. Introduction The University of Florida Natural Area Teaching Laboratory (NATL) contains 40 acres of natural habitats maintained for scientific research, conservation, and teaching purposes. Habitat types present include hammock, upland pine, disturbed open field, cat tail marsh, and shallow pond. An active management plan has been developed for this area, including prescribed burning to restore the upland pine community and establishment of plots to study succession (http://csssrvr.entnem.ufl.edu/~walker/natl.htm). The site is a popular collecting locality for student and scientific collections. The author has done extensive collecting and field work at NATL, and two previous reports have resulted from this work, including: a biodiversity inventory of the butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea & Papilionoidea) of NATL (Kons 1999), and an ecological study of Hermeuptychia hermes (F.) and Megisto cymela (Cram.) in NATL habitats (Kons 1998). Other workers have posted NATL check lists for Ichneumonidae, Sphecidae, Tettigoniidae, and Gryllidae (http://csssrvr.entnem.ufl.edu/~walker/insect.htm). -
Rapid Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for Lambdina Fiscellaria
Rapid Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for Lambdina fiscellaria July 2018 Larva of the eastern hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria . Image courtesy Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Bugwood.org PRA for Lambdina fiscellaria © M G Tuffen Rapid Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for Lambdina fiscellaria 4th November 2018 Author: M G Tuffen Address: Teagasc, Ashtown Research Centre, Dublin 15, D15 KN3K, Ireland [email protected] This document was produced as part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) funded Forestry Management Research (FORM) project as a collaboration between Teagasc and DAFM. Please treat this document and its associated appendices as confidential and as a working document that may be subject to change in response to new information. Teagasc Contact Dr Helen Grogan Address: Teagasc, Ashtown Research Centre, Dublin 15, D15 KN3K, Ireland [email protected] DAFM Contact Dr Sheila Nolan Address: DAFM Laboratories, Backweston, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 VW2C, Ireland [email protected] 2 PRA for Lambdina fiscellaria © M G Tuffen Executive Summary The hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria, is a North American forest pest of coniferous and broadleaved trees. The pest has a complicated taxonomy. It is widely reported as having three subspecies on the basis of differences in feeding preferences of the larval stages, but there are no morphological differences and some authors argue the pest should be treated as a single species. All three subspecies are considered in this PRA, which examines the risk of this pest to the island of Ireland (the PRA area), consisting of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria, also known as the eastern hemlock looper, is distributed in eastern North America and larvae show a preference for Abies balsamea (balsam fir) but will also feed on Picea glauca (white spruce), Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) and a number of broadleaved trees. -
Davis, D. R. 1991. First Old World Record of the Moth Family
Vol. 2 No. 1 1991 DAVIS: Arrhenophanidae 41 TROPICAL LEPIDOPTERA, 2(1): 41-42 FIRST OLD WORLD RECORD OF THE MOTH FAMILY ARRHENOPHANIDAE (LEPIDOPTERA: TINEOIDEA) DONALD R. DAVIS Department of Entomology, NHB 127, Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC 20560, USA ABSTRACT.- The presence of a new genus and two new species of the tineoid family Arrhenophanidae is reported from the central mountains of Taiwan. This constitutes the first record of the family for the Old World. A summary of the diagnostic features of the family is also provided. KEY WORDS: biogeography, Dysoptus, larva, Micrerethista, morphology, Neotropical, Oriental, pupa, systematics, Harmaclona, Psychidae, Taiwan, Tineidae. 1 2 Fig. 1. Adult male (forewing = 4.9mm), Fennchihwu, ca. 1400m, Chiayi Co., Taiwan. Fig. 2. Adult male (forewing = 5.8mm), Lukuei Forestry Station, 750m, Kaohsiung Co., Taiwan. Currently, the family Arrhenophanidae consists of eight most Harmaclona, which was considered by Bradley to constitute described species divided amongst four genera, all restricted to a synapomorphy of the Arrhenophanidae, is variably developed the American tropics (Becker, 1984; Davis, 1984). Previously, in the latter family as well as in Tineidae and Harmaclona. the pantropical genus Harmaclona had been erroneously assigned The Arrhenophanidae are recognized to be closely allied to the to the Arrhenophanidae (Fletcher, 1929; Bradley, 1953). Harma- Psychidae, largely on basis of the similar metafurcal bridge clona has recently been reassigned to the Tineidae (Robinson and (Brock,