DOCSLIB.ORG

The Best Paper Ever

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Best Paper Ever University of São Paulo “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture Taxonomic studies of Macrochelidae mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) and their potential use to control Stomoxys calcitrans and Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) Letícia Henrique de Azevedo Thesis presented to obtain the degree of Doctor in Science. Area: Entomology Piracicaba 2017 Letícia Henrique de Azevedo Agronomist Taxonomic studies of Macrochelidae mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) and their potential use to control Stomoxys calcitrans and Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) Advisor: Prof. Dr. GILBERTO JOSÉ DE MORAES Thesis presented to obtain the degree of Doctor in Science. Area: Entomology Piracicaba 2017 2 This work is especially dedicated To GOD My mother Maria Paula Henrique da Silva Azevedo My husband Diego Luis Prado My brother Matheus Henrique de Azevedo For all the love and support offered to me To Prof. Dr. Gilberto José de Moraes For his valuable guidance, friendship and recognition of my work Special thanks 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am grateful to God for supporting me in my way. To Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz” (ESALQ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), for giving me the opportunity to conduct my studies. I am especially grateful to Dr. Raphael de C. Castilho (FCAV/UNESP, Brazil), for his great friendship, valuable suggestions and advices, and for all his support during my Doctorate studies. To Professor Dr. Carlos H. W. Flechtmann (ESALQ) for all your lessons, all his assistance provided whenever needed and help with translations of German, Latin and French publications. To Dr. Rowan M. Emberson, retired professor of Entomology at the University of Lincoln (Canterbury, New Zealand), for his great collaboration in chapter 1 and 2 of this thesis, by sending me the file with the listing of species of world Macrochelidae, in other words, for turning possible the conduction of those studies. To Dr. Gerald W. Krantz for important personal information provided and for the examination specimens of the new species described in this thesis. To “Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA) Gado de Corte”, Campo Grande, State of Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil) for providing the facilities for the conduction of the predation tests with the stable fly and horn fly. To Dr. Paulo H. D. Cançado and Dr. Antonio Thadeu M. Barros, for the guidance and valuable suggestions for the success of the tests conducted at EMBRAPA. To Taciany F. S. Dominghetti and her husband André Dominghetti for the help and the hospitality during the time spent in Campo Grande. To EMBRAPA´s laboratory technicians Ronaldo Souza and Marco Antonio Silva, for the help in the laboratory activities. To Dr. Bruce Halliday for his great help in the interpretation of the spermathecal apparatus of new species, for promptly providing me with several hard-to-get publications I needed and for the stimulating contacts. To Diana M. Rueda for kindly assisting me with the statistical analysis; To Springer International Publishing for granting permission to reproduce the title “Macrochelid Mites (Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae) as Biological Control Agents” as an introductory chapter of this thesis; 4 To “Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia”, especially to its coordinator, Dr. Fernando L. Cônsoli, and the secretary Andrea V. Sintoni, for supporting my activities. To USP COMUT-Librarians for providing copies of many papers. To Lásaro V. F. da Silva (ESALQ/USP, Brazil), for logistic support and laboratory help. To my friends of Acarology Laboratory of ESALQ/USP, Camila Tavares, Diana M. Rueda, Fernanda de C. N. Esteca, Geovanny S. P. Barroso, Grazielle F. Moreira, Jandir C. Santos, João B. da Cruz, João Paulo Z. Narita, João Pedro Martin, Marcela M. R. da Silva, Márcia Daniela, Marina F. C. Barbosa, Michele Ennes, Renan V. da Silva, Reham Abo- Shnaf, Tiago Casaroto. Special thanks to Marielle de M. Berto and Murilo P. Ferreira for the outstanding collaboration in mite samplings and laboratory tests. To the laboratory and administrative staff members of “Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia” of ESALQ/USP, José L. F. Piedade, Josenilton L. Mandro, Maria Marta Coletti, Rosângela A. da Silva. To Eriana F. Prado and Wilson F. Prado, my parents in law, who always supported me and encouraged my studies. To Débora P. Zamboni, my sister in law, and her husband Giuliano Zamboni for all the affection. To my great friend Marielle de M. Berto for all the affection and friendship. To all my family and especially to the relatives of my husband, for their warm support and love. To “Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico” (CNPq, Brazil) for the scholarship that supported me during my Doctoral studies. And to those who in one way or another helped me in this work. Thank you! 5 RESUMO Estudos taxonômicos de ácaros Macrochelidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) e o potencial de uso destes para o controle de Stomoxys calcitrans e Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) Macrochelidae Vitzthum é um dos mais abundantes e diversos grupos de ácaros predadores que encontrados em excrementos ou em carcaças de animais em decomposição. Algumas espécies dessa família tem mostrado potencial como agentes de controle biológico. Stomoxys calcitrans L. tem sido um problema sério enfrentado por pecuaristas em alguns estados brasileiros e tem causado perdas significativas no setor pecuarista. Já Musca domestica L. pode ser vetora de várias patógenos de seres humanos e de animais. Os objetivos do estudo relatado neste documento foram a elaboração de um catálogo taxonômico de espécies de Macrochelidae do mundo, determinar as espécies de macroquelídeos encontradas em microhabitats em que a mosca-dos-estábulos é geralmente encontrada nas fazendas do Estado de São Paulo, e avaliar o efeito de diferentes espécies de macroquelídeos como possíveis agentes de controle de moscas nocivas. Um total de 520 espécies de 23 gêneros são relatadas no catálogo. No total, 1359 espécimes foram coletados de esterco de gado e serapilheira em diferentes regiões do Estado de São Paulo. Estes representaram dez espécies de três gêneros e uma nova espécie, que foi descrita. Nos testes em laboratório, Macrocheles n. sp. apresentou maiores taxas de predação e oviposição alimentando-se de larvas de S. calcitrans (23,8 larvas predadas e oviposição de cerca de 4 ovos por dia, respectivamente). Para Macrocheles n. sp., o desenvolvimento da fase imatura (ovo-adulto) foi concluído em 1,3 ± 0,01, 1,3 ± 0,01 e 1,5 ± 0,03 dias alimentando-se de ovos de S. calcitrans, M. domestica e de Protorhabditis sp., respectivamente. A fecundidade foi maior quando alimentado com Protorhabditis sp. (77,2 ± 5,1 ovos / fêmea) do que com S. calcitrans (58,0 ± 5,9) e M. domestica (55,0 ± 5,3). Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que Macrocheles n. sp. é um promissor agente de controle biológico de S. calcitrans e M. domestica e que poderia ser criado de forma massal com o uso de Protorhabditis sp. ou ovos de M. domestica. Palavras-chave: Controle biológico; Catálogo; Ácaros predadores; Mosca-dos- estábulos 6 ABSTRACT Taxonomic studies of Macrochelidae mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) and their potential use to control Stomoxys calcitrans and Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) The family Macrochelidae Vitzthum is one of the most abundant and diverse groups of predatory mites living in excrements or decomposing animals. Some species of this family have shown good potential as biological control agents. Stomoxys calcitrans L. is a serious problem that has been faced by cattle raisers in some Brazilian states, causing significant losses. Musca domestica L. may vector several pathogens that affect humans and animals. The aims of the study reported in this document were the preparation of a taxonomic catalog of the world macrochelid species, to determine the macrochelid species in microhabitats where the stable fly is usually found in commercial cow raising farms in São Paulo State, and to evaluate of the effect of different macrochelid species as control agents of harmful muscid flies. A total of 520 species of 23 genera are reported in the catalog. In total, 1359 specimens were collected from cow manure and litter in different regions of São Paulo State. These represented ten species of three genera and one new species, which was described. In laboratory tests, Macrocheles n. sp. presented higher predation and oviposition rates on larvae of S. calcitrans (23.8 larvae consumed and laid about 4 eggs per day, respectively). For Macrocheles n. sp., total immature development (egg- adult) was completed in 1.3 ± 0.01, 1.3 ± 0.01 and 1.5 ± 0.03 days on eggs of S. calcitrans and M. domestica and on Protorhabditis sp., respectively. Fecundity was higher on Protorhabditis sp. (77.2 ± 5.1 eggs/female) than on S. calcitrans (58.0 ± 5.9) and M. domestica (55.0 ± 5.3). Results of this study suggest that Macrocheles n. sp. is a promising biological control agent of S. calcitrans and M. domestica, and that it could be mass reared with the use of Protorhabditis sp. or eggs of M. domestica. Keywords: Biological control; Catalog; Predatory mite; Stable fly 7 1. INTRODUCTION Macrochelid mites (Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae) as biological control agents (With permission of Springer International Publishing) Biological control of plant pests using predatory mites has been extensively practiced in many countries, especially in protected crops. The predators most often used for that purpose belong to the Phytoseiidae (Gerson et al. 2003; Beaulieu and Weeks 2007), especially because these are usually by far the most common plant inhabiting group of predatory mites. The family Macrochelidae Vitzthum (Figure 1), of the order Mesostigmata, is one of the most abundant and diverse groups of predatory mites living in excrements or decomposing animals (Vitzthum 1930; Koehler 1999; Behan-Pelletier 2003; Gerson et al. 2003; Braig and Perotti 2009; Lindquist et al. 2009; Perotti and Braig 2009). Filipponi (1964) divided the macrochelids into three main groups, fimicolous, humicolous and insecticolous, referring to their association with excrements, humus or insects (mainly as carriers of these mites).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Microscopic Anatomy of Eukoenenia Spelaea (Palpigradi) — a Miniaturized Euchelicerate
    MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY OF EUKOENENIA SPELAEA (PALPIGRADI) — A MINIATURIZED EUCHELICERATE Sandra Franz-Guess Gröbenzell, Deutschland 2019 For my wife ii Diese Dissertation wurde angefertigt unter der Leitung von Herrn Prof. Dr. J. Matthias Starck im Bereich von Department Biologie II an der Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität München Erstgutachter: Prof. Dr. J. Matthias Starck Zweitgutachter: Prof. Dr. Roland Melzer Tag der Abgabe: 18.12.2018 Tag der mündlichen Prüfung: 01.03.2019 iii Erklärung Ich versichere hiermit an Eides statt, dass meine Dissertation selbständig und ohne unerlaubte Hilfsmittel angefertigt worden ist. Die vorliegende Dissertation wurde weder ganz, noch teilweise bei einer anderen Prüfungskommission vorgelegt. Ich habe noch zu keinem früheren Zeitpunkt versucht, eine Dissertation einzureichen oder an einer Doktorprüfung teilzunehmen. Gröbenzell, den 18.12.2018 Sandra Franz-Guess, M.Sc. iv List of additional publications Publication I Czaczkes, T. J.; Franz, S.; Witte, V.; Heinze, J. 2015. Perception of collective path use affects path selection in ants. Animal Behaviour 99: 15–24. Publication II Franz-Guess, S.; Klußmann-Fricke, B. J.; Wirkner, C. S.; Prendini, L.; Starck, J. M. 2016. Morphology of the tracheal system of camel spiders (Chelicerata: Solifugae) based on micro-CT and 3D-reconstruction in exemplar species from three families. Arthropod Structure & Development 45: 440–451. Publication III Franz-Guess, S.; & Starck, J. M. 2016. Histological and ultrastructural analysis of the respiratory tracheae of Galeodes granti (Chelicerata: Solifugae). Arthropod Structure & Development 45: 452–461. Publication IV Starck, J. M.; Neul, A.; Schmidt, V.; Kolb, T.; Franz-Guess, S.; Balcecean, D.; Pees, M. 2017. Morphology and morphometry of the lung in corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) infected with three different strains of ferlavirus.
    [Show full text]
  • Phylogeny, Biogeography, and Host Specificity
    bioRxiv preprint doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.20.443311; this version posted May 22, 2021. The copyright holder for this preprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under aCC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license. 1 Cryptic diversity within the Poecilochirus carabi mite 2 species complex phoretic on Nicrophorus burying 3 beetles: phylogeny, biogeography, and host specificity 4 Julia Canitz1, Derek S. Sikes2, Wayne Knee3, Julia Baumann4, Petra Haftaro1, 5 Nadine Steinmetz1, Martin Nave1, Anne-Katrin Eggert5, Wenbe Hwang6, Volker 6 Nehring1 7 1 Institute for Biology I, University of Freiburg, Hauptstraße 1, Freiburg, Germany 8 2 University of Alaska Museum, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, 9 99775, USA 10 3 Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids, and Nematodes, Agriculture and 11 Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Avenue, K.W. Neatby Building, Ottawa, Ontario, 12 K1A 0C6, Canada 13 4 Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria 14 5 School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA 15 6 Department of Ecology and Environmental Resources, National Univ. of Tainan, 33 16 Shulin St., Sec. 2, West Central Dist, Tainan 70005, Taiwan 17 Correspondence: [email protected] 1 1/50 bioRxiv preprint doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.20.443311; this version posted May 22, 2021. The copyright holder for this preprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity.
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 Summit + SES Meeting
    2017 Summit + SES Meeting June 5th - 9th @ Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado elcome to the Ecology of Soil Health Summit and the biennial meeting of the Soil Ecology Society. This meeting comes at a time when interest Win soil health–a concept that embraces not only the importance of soil organic matter content and physical structure, but also the key role of soil biology for productive and efficient agroecosystems–is rapidly growing. In parallel, our scientific understanding of the ecology of the soil system has advanced tremendously in recent years, in many cases challenging longstanding paradigms. This international summit provides a unique opportunity to advance the development and implementation of science- based programs that enhance Soil Health. I hope that all meeting participants come away with a broader perspective, new ideas and new collaborators. It has been my pleasure to help organize this meeting, and I thank you for joining us. Matthew Wallenstein, PhD President, Soil Ecology Society Director, Innovation Center for Sustainable Agriculture Acknowledgements Chairman Matthew Wallenstein Program Assistant Laurie Richards Soil Ecology Society Conference Committee Loren Byrne Samantha Chapman Jen Krumins Michael Weintraub Ecology of Soil Health Summit Committee Nicholas Goeser Mary Beth Miranda Whendee Silver Allison Thomson Local Conference Committee Charlotte Alster Courtland Kelly Yamina Pressler Summit Supporters Summit Advocates The Soil Ecology Society (SES) is an international professional organization dedicated to furthering the science, education and awareness of soil ecology and the importance of soils for human and environmental well-being. Commitment to Diversity Just as healthy soils rely on interactive networks of incredibly diverse organisms, SES depends on all dimensions of human diversity.
    [Show full text]
  • The Effect of Macrocheles Muscaedomesticae and M. Subbadius (Acarina: Mac- Rochelidae) Phoresy on the Dispersal of Stomoxys Calcitrans (Diptera: Musci- Dae)
    Systematic & Applied Acarology Special Publications (2009) 23, 1–30. ISSN 1461-0183 The effect of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae and M. subbadius (Acarina: Mac- rochelidae) phoresy on the dispersal of Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Musci- dae) D. V. BERESFORD1 & J. F. SUTCLIFFE Trent University Biology Department, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough ON, Canada K9J 7B8. 1Corresponding author. Phone: 705 652-7452; Email: [email protected] Abstract In south-central Ontario, the stable flies disperse from their overwintering farms and re-establish populations at neighbouring dairy and beef farms each spring. Two species of phoretic macrochelid mites commonly found on stable flies are Macrocheles muscaedomesticae and M. subbadius. We tested the hypothesis that mite phoresy affects the dispersal of their stable fly phorionts. At a beef farm we found a higher proportion of parous stable flies with mite scars than expected, based on the proportion of nulliparous females carrying mites. These results were consistent with our hypothesis, indicating that stable flies without mites may be emigrating more than flies carrying mites. We further tested our hypothesis by comparing the mite load on dispersing stable flies sampled with a vehicle-mounted truck trap to the mite load on resident stable flies sampled from three dairy farms and one beef farm (May to October, 2001). Significantly, no stable flies caught in the truck trap were carrying mites, compared to the seasonal means of 10% and 5% of female and male stable flies with mites at the four farms. This effect of mite phoresy on stable fly populations is discussed. Keywords: phoresy, dispersal, Macrocheles, mites, Stomoxys calcitrans, stable fly Introduction Dispersal is one of the most important aspects of any organism's success (Andrewartha & Birch 1954).
    [Show full text]
  • Metabolic and Behavioural Response of Drosophila Nigrospiracula to Ectoparasite Infection
    ` Metabolic and Behavioural Response of Drosophila nigrospiracula to Ectoparasite Infection by Taylor Raymond Brophy A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Ecology Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta © Taylor Raymond Brophy, 2019 Abstract Parasite aggregation is a population-based metric in which many hosts harbour few parasites but some hosts are infected by a large number of parasites. The causes of aggregation are primarily attributed to heterogeneity in host exposure and susceptibility. However, parasites can exert numerous effects upon their hosts, including physiological and metabolic changes that can in turn influence various aspects of host life history. I hypothesized that the parasites themselves can potentially generate aggregation within host populations. Host behavioural defences can vary depending on intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as current infection status, yet few researchers have examined the impact of current infection on the efficacy of host defences against future parasite attack. To test my hypothesis, I used the Drosophila nigrospiracula-Macrocheles subbadius host- ectoparasite study system. I predicted that increasing mite load would increase susceptibility to future mite attachment. I also predicted that the increase in susceptibility would be mediated by a parasite-induced reduction in host defensive behaviours. I used laboratory experiments and an activity monitor to: (1) determine the relationship between parasitic infection intensity and host susceptibility and (2) examine the effect of infection intensity on a host’s overall level of activity when exposed to another parasite. Results indicate that host susceptibility to future infection increased with higher current infection intensity.
    [Show full text]
  • Longer-Term Effects of Selective Thinning on Microarthropod Communities in a Late-Successional Coniferous Forest
    COMMUN~TYAND ECOSYSEM ~UX:Y Longer-Term Effects of Selective Thinning on Microarthropod Communities in a Late-Successional Coniferous Forest ROBERT W. PECK'. 27 AND CHRISTINE G. NIWA' Environ. Entomol. 34 (3): 646-655 (2005) ABSTRACT Microarthropod densities within late-successional coniferous forests thinned 16-41 yr before sampling were compared with adjacent unthinned stands to identify longer term effects of thinning on this community. Soil and forest floor layers were sampled separately on eight paired sites. Within the forest floor oribatid, mesostigmatid, and to a marginal extent, prostigmatid mites, were reduced in thinned stands compared with unthinned stands. No differences were found for Collem- bola in the forest floor or for any mite suborder within the soil. Family level examination of mesostigmatid and prostigmatid mites revealed significant differences between stand types for both horizons. At the species level, thinning influenced numerous oribatid mites and Collembola. For oribatid mites, significant or marginally significant differences were found for seven of 15 common species in the forest floor and five of 16 common species in soil. Collembola were affected less, with differences found for one of 11 common species in the forest floor and three of 13 common species in soil. Multivariate analysis of variance and ordination indicated that forest thinning had little influence on the composition of oribatid mite and collembolan communities within either the forest floor or soil. Differences in microclimate or in the accumulation of organic matter on the forest floor were likely most responsible for the observed patterns of abundance. Considering the role that microarthropods play in nutrient cycling, determining the hnctional response of a wide range of taxa to thinning may be important to effective ecosystem management.
    [Show full text]
  • The Entomologist's Record and Journal of Variation
    M DC, — _ CO ^. E CO iliSNrNVINOSHilWS' S3ldVyan~LIBRARlES*"SMITHS0N!AN~lNSTITUTl0N N' oCO z to Z (/>*Z COZ ^RIES SMITHSONIAN_INSTITUTlON NOIiniIiSNI_NVINOSHllWS S3ldVaan_L: iiiSNi'^NviNOSHiiNS S3iavyan libraries Smithsonian institution N( — > Z r- 2 r" Z 2to LI ^R I ES^'SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTlON'"NOIini!iSNI~NVINOSHilVMS' S3 I b VM 8 11 w </» z z z n g ^^ liiiSNi NviNOSHims S3iyvyan libraries Smithsonian institution N' 2><^ =: to =: t/J t/i </> Z _J Z -I ARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOIiniliSNI NVINOSHilWS SSIdVyan L — — </> — to >'. ± CO uiiSNi NViNosHiiws S3iyvaan libraries Smithsonian institution n CO <fi Z "ZL ~,f. 2 .V ^ oCO 0r Vo^^c>/ - -^^r- - 2 ^ > ^^^^— i ^ > CO z to * z to * z ARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOIinillSNl NVINOSHllWS S3iaVdan L to 2 ^ '^ ^ z "^ O v.- - NiOmst^liS^> Q Z * -J Z I ID DAD I re CH^ITUCnMIAM IMOTtTIITinM / c. — t" — (/) \ Z fj. Nl NVINOSHIIINS S3 I M Vd I 8 H L B R AR I ES, SMITHSONlAN~INSTITUTION NOIlfl :S^SMITHS0NIAN_ INSTITUTION N0liniliSNI__NIVIN0SHillMs'^S3 I 8 VM 8 nf LI B R, ^Jl"!NVINOSHimS^S3iavyan"'LIBRARIES^SMITHS0NIAN~'lNSTITUTI0N^NOIin L '~^' ^ [I ^ d 2 OJ .^ . ° /<SS^ CD /<dSi^ 2 .^^^. ro /l^2l^!^ 2 /<^ > ^'^^ ^ ..... ^ - m x^^osvAVix ^' m S SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION — NOIlfliliSNrNVINOSHimS^SS iyvyan~LIBR/ S "^ ^ ^ c/> z 2 O _ Xto Iz JI_NVIN0SH1I1/MS^S3 I a Vd a n^LI B RAR I ES'^SMITHSONIAN JNSTITUTION "^NOlin Z -I 2 _j 2 _j S SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOIinillSNI NVINOSHilWS S3iyVaan LI BR/ 2: r- — 2 r- z NVINOSHiltNS ^1 S3 I MVy I 8 n~L B R AR I Es'^SMITHSONIAN'iNSTITUTIOn'^ NOlin ^^^>^ CO z w • z i ^^ > ^ s smithsonian_institution NoiiniiiSNi to NviNosHiiws'^ss I dVH a n^Li br; <n / .* -5^ \^A DO « ^\t PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD AND Journal of Variation Edited by P.A.
    [Show full text]
  • Nymphister Kronaueri Von Beeren & Tishechkin Sp. Nov., an Army Ant
    BMC Zoology Nymphister kronaueri von Beeren & Tishechkin sp. nov., an army ant-associated beetle species (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Haeteriinae) with an exceptional mechanism of phoresy von Beeren and Tishechkin von Beeren and Tishechkin BMC Zoology (2017) 2:3 DOI 10.1186/s40850-016-0010-x von Beeren and Tishechkin BMC Zoology (2017) 2:3 DOI 10.1186/s40850-016-0010-x BMC Zoology RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Nymphister kronaueri von Beeren & Tishechkin sp. nov., an army ant-associated beetle species (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Haeteriinae) with an exceptional mechanism of phoresy Christoph von Beeren1,2* and Alexey K. Tishechkin3 Abstract Background: For more than a century we have known that a high diversity of arthropod species lives in close relationship with army ant colonies. For instance, several hundred guest species have been described to be associated with the Neotropical army ant Eciton burchellii Westwood, 1842. Despite ongoing efforts to survey army ant guest diversity, it is evident that many more species await scientific discovery. Results: We conducted a large-scale community survey of Eciton-associated symbionts, combined with extensive DNA barcoding, which led to the discovery of numerous new species, among them a highly specialized histerid beetle, which is formally described here. Analyses of genitalic morphology with support of molecular characters revealed that the new species is a member of the genus Nymphister. We provide a literature review of host records and host-following mechanisms of Eciton-associated Haeteriinae demonstrating that the new species uses an unusual way of phoretic transport to track the nomadic habit of host ants. Using its long mandibles as gripping pliers, the beetle attaches between the ants’ petiole and postpetiole.
    [Show full text]
  • Soil Mite Communities (Acari: Mesostigmata) As Indicators of Urban Ecosystems in Bucharest, Romania M
    www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Soil mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata) as indicators of urban ecosystems in Bucharest, Romania M. Manu1,5*, R. I. Băncilă2,3,5, C. C. Bîrsan1, O. Mountford4 & M. Onete1 The aim of the present study was to establish the efect of management type and of environmental variables on the structure, abundance and species richness of soil mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in twelve urban green areas in Bucharest-Romania. Three categories of ecosystem based upon management type were investigated: protected area, managed (metropolitan, municipal and district parks) and unmanaged urban areas. The environmental variables which were analysed were: soil and air temperature, soil moisture and atmospheric humidity, soil pH and soil penetration resistance. In June 2017, 480 soil samples were taken, using MacFadyen soil core. The same number of measures was made for quantifcation of environmental variables. Considering these, we observed that soil temperature, air temperature, air humidity and soil penetration resistance difered signifcantly between all three types of managed urban green area. All investigated environmental variables, especially soil pH, were signifcantly related to community assemblage. Analysing the entire Mesostigmata community, 68 species were identifed, with 790 individuals and 49 immatures. In order to highlight the response of the soil mite communities to the urban conditions, Shannon, dominance, equitability and soil maturity indices were quantifed. With one exception (numerical abundance), these indices recorded higher values in unmanaged green areas compared to managed ecosystems. The same trend was observed between diferent types of managed green areas, with metropolitan parks having a richer acarological fauna than the municipal or district parks.
    [Show full text]
  • Comparative Analysis of Bones, Mites, Soil Chemistry, Nematodes
    www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Comparative analysis of bones, mites, soil chemistry, nematodes and soil micro-eukaryotes from a Received: 3 May 2017 Accepted: 19 November 2017 suspected homicide to estimate the Published: xx xx xxxx post-mortem interval Ildikó Szelecz1, Sandra Lösch2, Christophe V. W. Seppey1, Enrique Lara1,3, David Singer1, Franziska Sorge1,4, Joelle Tschui5, M. Alejandra Perotti6 & Edward A. D. Mitchell 1,7 Criminal investigations of suspected murder cases require estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI, or time after death) which is challenging for long PMIs. Here we present the case of human remains found in a Swiss forest. We have used a multidisciplinary approach involving the analysis of bones and soil samples collected beneath the remains of the head, upper and lower body and “control” samples taken a few meters away. We analysed soil chemical characteristics, mites and nematodes (by microscopy) and micro-eukaryotes (by Illumina high throughput sequencing). The PMI estimate on hair 14C-data via bomb peak radiocarbon dating gave a time range of 1 to 3 years before the discovery of the remains. Cluster analyses for soil chemical constituents, nematodes, mites and micro-eukaryotes revealed two clusters 1) head and upper body and 2) lower body and controls. From mite evidence, we conclude that the body was probably brought to the site after death. However, chemical analyses, nematode community analyses and the analyses of micro-eukaryotes indicate that decomposition took place at least partly on site. This study illustrates the usefulness of combining several lines of evidence for the study of homicide cases to better calibrate PMI inference tools.
    [Show full text]
  • First Record of Macrocheles Subbadius (Berlese) (Acari: Macrochelidae) in Argentina, Associated with the Cactophilic Fly Drosoph
    Revista de la Sociedad Entomológica Argentina ISSN: 0373-5680 ISSN: 1851-7471 [email protected] Sociedad Entomológica Argentina Argentina First record of Macrocheles subbadius (Berlese) (Acari: Macrochelidae) in Argentina, associated with the cactophilic fly Drosophila koepferae Fontdevila & Wasserman (Diptera: Drosophilidae) PORTA, Andrés O.; SOTO, Ignacio M.; SOTO, Eduardo M.; SAINT ESTEVEN, Alejandro First record of Macrocheles subbadius (Berlese) (Acari: Macrochelidae) in Argentina, associated with the cactophilic fly Drosophila koepferae Fontdevila & Wasserman (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Revista de la Sociedad Entomológica Argentina, vol. 79, no. 4, 2020 Sociedad Entomológica Argentina, Argentina Available in: https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=322064864001 PDF generated from XML JATS4R by Redalyc Project academic non-profit, developed under the open access initiative Notas First record of Macrocheles subbadius (Berlese) (Acari: Macrochelidae) in Argentina, associated with the cactophilic fly Drosophila koepferae Fontdevila & Wasserman (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Primer registro de Macrocheles subbadius (Berlese) (Acari: Macrochelidae) en Argentina, asociado a la mosca cactófila Drosophila koepferae Fontdevila & Wasserman (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Andrés O. PORTA [email protected] División Aracnología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”., Argentina Ignacio M. SOTO Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución. Facultad de Ciencias Revista de la Sociedad Entomológica Argentina, vol. 79, no. 4, 2020 Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Ecología, Sociedad Entomológica Argentina, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA). CONICET-UBA., Argentina Argentina Received: 16 July 2020 Eduardo M. SOTO Accepted: 24 September 2020 Published: 28 December 2020 Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Ecología, Redalyc: https://www.redalyc.org/ Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA).
    [Show full text]
  • Acari, Mesostigmata) in Nests of the White Stork (Ciconia Ciconia
    Biologia, Bratislava, 61/5: 525—530, 2006 Section Zoology DOI: 10.2478/s11756-006-0086-9 Community structure and dispersal of mites (Acari, Mesostigmata) in nests of the white stork (Ciconia ciconia) Daria Bajerlein1, Jerzy Bloszyk2, 3,DariuszJ.Gwiazdowicz4, Jerzy Ptaszyk5 &BruceHalliday6 1Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89,PL–61614 Pozna´n, Poland; e-mail: [email protected] 2Department of General Zoology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89,PL–61614 Pozna´n, Poland 3Natural History Collections, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89,PL–61614 Pozna´n, Poland; e-mail: [email protected] 4Department of Forest and Environment Protection, August Cieszkowski Agricultural University, Wojska Polskiego 71C, PL–60625 Pozna´n,Poland; e-mail:[email protected] 5Department of Avian Biology and Ecology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89,PL–61614 Pozna´n, Poland; e-mail: [email protected] 6CSIRO Entomology, GPO Box 1700, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia; e-mail: [email protected] Abstract: The fauna of Mesostigmata in nests of the white stork Ciconia ciconia was studied in the vicinity of Pozna´n (Poland). A total of 37 mite species was recovered from 11 of the 12 nests examined. The mite fauna was dominated by the family Macrochelidae. Macrocheles merdarius was the most abundant species, comprising 56% of all mites recovered. Most of the abundant mite species were associated with dung and coprophilous insects. It is likely that they were introduced into the nests by adult storks with dung as part of the nest material shortly before and after the hatching of the chicks.
    [Show full text]