African
Journals Online
African Entomology
Volume 10, Issue 2, September 2002
Rwandaptera montanus, a new species of South
African Carventinae, with a key to the carventine genera of the
Afrotropical Region (Heteroptera : Aradidae)
Jacobs, D.H. 161-169
Abstract: Rwandaptera montanus sp. n., a second
apterous species of the genus, is described and illustrated and
its chromosome number of 2n=16XY is recorded. It occurs in a few
evergreen forests in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa.
Whereas most genera of apterous Carventinae have relatively small
distribution areas, the opposite seems to be true of Rwandaptera
Heiss as the genus was originally described from Rwandain central
Africa, more than 3000 km north of Mpumalanga. Keys to the two
species and to all Carventinae genera of the Afrotropical Region
are provided.
Cytogenetics and karyotype evolution of the genus Miteronotus
Jacobs (Heteroptera : Aradidae : Carventinae) with an assessment
of the possible role of pseudopolyploidy in their karyotype
evolution
Jacobs, D.H. 171-184
Abstract: The cytogenetics and karyotypes of the four
species belonging to the apterous carventine genus Miteronotus
are described and figured and idiograms are presented. The
diploid chromosome numbers of the species vary from 2n=20XY to
2n=32XY as follows: M. viginti has 2n=20XY; M. labeosus,
2n=26XY; M. bucculentus, 2n=27X1X2Y;
and M. knysnaensis, 2n=32XY. It is argued that the
ancestral chromosome number of Miteronotus is 2n = 28XY
and that of the Aradidae and Carventinae is 2n=14XY. The roles of
pseudopolyploidy and fragmentation in the evolution of the 28XY
karyotype from the 14XY karyotype are considered. The evolution
of the respective chromosome numbers and karyotypes of the
species from the ancestral 28XY karyotype by means of chromosome
fusions and fragmentations are discussed. Intraspecific variation
in the relative sizes of the sex chromosomes of some of the
species is reported and discussed.
Mealybug genera (Hemiptera : Pseudococcidae) of South
Africa : identification and review
Millar, I.M.
185-233
Abstract: A key is provided to distinguish the 50 genera
of Pseudococcidae recorded from South Africa. Diagnostic
morphological features are provided for each genus, the general
distributions and host plant ranges of the included species are
noted, and the 109 mealybug species recorded from South Africa
are listed.
Identification of Anopheles parensis
(Diptera : Culicidae) using ribosomal DNA internal transcribed
spacer (ITS2) sequence variation
Koekemoer, L.L.Hargreaves, K.Hunt, R.H.Coetzee, M.
235-239
Abstract: Anopheles funestus Giles (Diptera :
Culicidae) is arguably the most efficient vector of malaria in
Africa. It belongs to a group of nine morphologically similar
species, most of which play no role in malaria transmission.
Studies on the An. funestus group are hampered by the
difficulties in identifying members of the group. A polymerase
chain reaction single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR SSCP)
assay can accurately distinguish three species within the group,
namely An. funestus Giles, An. rivulorum Leeson and
An. leesoni Evans. However, the SSCP gel profiles of two
additional species, An. parensis Gillies and An.
vaneedeni Gillies & Coetzee, although different from the
above three species, overlap in their profiles, leading to
misidentification. We report on the development of an additional
PCR assay able to discriminate between An. vaneedeni and An.
parensis on the basis of fragment size variation after
amplification of the ITS2 region of rDNA. Combining these two
assays it is possible to identify five of the most common species
of the An. funestus group found in southern Africa.
The species of Leucopis, subgenus Leucopella
Malloch (Diptera : Chamaemyiidae), from northeastern Africa and
Yemen
Gaimari, S.D.Raspi, A. 241-264
Abstract: The chamaemyiid subgenus Leucopis (Leucopella)
Malloch differs from all other Leucopinae in the presence of one
to several small setae along the posterior edge of the
anepisternum. As far as was known previously, members of this
subgenus were larval predators attacking mealybugs (Hemiptera:
Pseudococcidae), but current evidence suggests they attack other
coccoids as well. The northeastern African fauna of this
subgenus, found along various parts of the Great Rift Valley,
appears distinct from that of southern Africa. Four new species
are described from northeastern Africa, L. (L.) ardis
(Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo), L. (L.) euryvitta
(Eritrea), L. (L.) spatula (Eritrea), and L. (L.)
yaromi (Ethiopia); the type species of the subgenus, Leucopis
africana Malloch (Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia), is redescribed;
and the first species known to occur across the Red Sea on the
Arabian Peninsula is described as new, L. (L.) vanharteni
(Yemen), extending the known range off continental Africa.
Checklist of Afrotropical species of the genus Chaetocnema
Stephens (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae : Alticinae) : synonymies
and geographical distribution
Biondi, M. 265-284
Abstract: A checklist of species of the flea beetle genus Chaetocnema
Stephens known from the Afrotropical Region is given. The
following new synonymies are proposed: Chaetocnema abyssinica
Jacoby, 1907= C. alisanda alisanda Bechyné, 1959 = C.
alisanda dissculpta Bechyné, 1959 = C. alisanda musosa
Bechyné, 1960, syn. n.; Chaetocnema coletta
Bechyné, 1955 = C. abstracta Bechyné, 1955 = C.
kindia Bechyné, 1955, syn. n.; Chaetocnema
congoana Weise, 1916= C. congoana Bryant, 1928, syn.
n. (species transferred to the genus Carcharodis
Weise, 1910); Chaetocnema dialloha Bechyné, 1955 = C.
dalaba Bechyné, 1955, syn. n.; Chaetocnema dubreka
Bechyné, 1955 = C. foutana Bechyné, 1955, syn. n.;
Chaetocnema gahani Jacoby, 1897 = C. marshalli
Jacoby, 1899, syn. n.; C. gregaria Weise, 1910 = C.
sierraleonis Bryant, 1928, syn. n.; Chaetocnema
kibonotensis Weise, 1910=C. cupreovirens cupreovirens
Laboissière, 1942 = C. cupreovirens coerulea
Laboissière, 1942 = C. kenyensis Bryant, 1948 = C.
allochroma Bechyné, 1954= C. johannesburgensis
Bechyné, 1954= C. elsa Bechyné, 1959= C. distorta
Bechyné, 1960 = C. upemba Bechyné, 1960, syn. n.;
Chaetocnema latipennis Pic, 1911 = C. monticola
Laboissière, 1942 = C. boma Bechyné, 1960, syn. n.;
Chaetocnema ljuba Bechyné, 1955 = C. segueia
Bechyné, 1955= C. szumowskii Bechyné, 1955, syn. n.;
Chaetocnema lufira Bechyné, 1960= C. lusinga
Bechyné, 1960, syn. n.; Chaetocnema metallina
Csiki, 1940 = C. dilaticollis Scherer, 1962, syn. n.;
Chaetocnemamiloensis Bechyné, 1955= C. collarti
Bechyné, 1960, syn. n.; Chaetocnemamontana Bryant,
1928 = C. caparti Bechyné, 1960, syn. n.; Collartaltica
cryptostoma Bechyné, 1959 = Chaetocnema moyoensis
Scherer, 1962, syn. n.; Chaetocnema mukana
Bechyné, 1960 = C. piceipennis Scherer, 1962, syn. n.;
Chaetocnema nahelia Bechyné, 1955= C. guineensis
Bechyné, 1955, syn. n.; Chaetocnema ndesei
Laboissière, 1942 = C. cephalica Bechyné, 1960, syn.
n.; Chaetocnema nigripennis Laboissière, 1942 = C.
buyebala Bechyné, 1960, syn. n.; Chaetocnema
nkolentangana Bechyné, 1955 = C. nkolentangana kaziba
Bechyné, 1960, syn. n.; Chaetocnema njalensis
Bryant, 1928 = C. depressa Laboissière, 1942= C. coya
Bechyné, 1955= C. laboissierei Scherer, 1962, syn. n.;
Chaetocnema pastoria Bechyné, 1955 = C. houisi
Bechyné, 1955, syn. n.; Chaetocnema schaeflini
(Stierlin, 1866) = C. villiersi Bechyné, 1955, syn. n.;
Chaetocnema smaragdina Scherer, 1962=Terpnochlorus
janssensi Bechyné, 1960, syn. n.; Chaetocnema
tenebrosa Laboissière, 1942 = Collartaltica hipostoma
Bechyné, 1968, syn. n.; Chaetocnema zumpti
Bechyné, 1954= C. doryphthalma Bechyné, 1960= C.
gemmatifrons Scherer, 1962, syn. n. The following new
combinations are established: Chaetocnema nigrolucens
Bechyné, 1960 = Collartaltica nigrolucens (Bechyné,
1960) comb. n..; Chaetocnema tenebrosa
Laboissière, 1942 = Collartaltica tenebrosa
(Laboissière, 1942) comb. n..; Exhorina brincki
Bechyné, 1959 = Chaetocnema brincki (Bechyné, 1959) comb.
n..; Brinckaltica tongaatensis Bechyné, 1959 = Chaetocnema
tongaatensis (Bechyné, 1959) comb. n.. As regards to Chaetocnema
krishna and C. mahensis, species described by Maulik
(1931) from the Seychelles, they are to be attribute to a new
genus currently being described. The following taxa are
considered good species: Chaetocnema barkeri Jacoby, 1906;
C. suturalis Bryant, 1948; C. obscura Laboissière,
1942, stat. n. Moreover, lectotypes are designated for: Chaetocnema
abyssinica Jacoby, 1907; C. acutangola Weise, 1910; C.
antennata Jacoby, 1897; C. batophiloides Abeille de
Perrin, 1909; C. bevinsi Bryant, 1928; C. capensis
Bryant, 1928; C. compressipes (Baly, 1876); C. darwini
Bryant, 1928; C. dunbrodensis Jacoby, 1906; C.
frereensis Jacoby, 1899; C. gahani Jacoby, 1897; C.
kibonotensis Weise, 1910; C. kenyensis Bryant, 1948; C.
marshalli Jacoby, 1899; C. mashonana Jacoby, 1897; C.
montana Bryant, 1928; C. natalensis Baly, 1877; C.
njalensis Bryant, 1928; C. pulla Chapuis, 1879; C.
purpurea Jacoby, 1906; C. semiregulata Jacoby, 1897; C.
sierraleonis Bryant, 1928; C. subaterrima Jacoby,
1900; C. subquadrata Jacoby, 1897; C. suturalis
Bryant, 1948; C. tablensis Bryant, 1928; C. turneri
Bryant, 1928; C. varicolor Jacoby, 1899; C. wollastoni
Baly, 1877; C. zeae Bryant, 1926. Finally, Chaetocnema
tibialis (Illiger, 1807) is added to theAfrotropical fauna.
Information concerning the type material, updated geographical
distribution (integrated with much new data) and taxonomic
comments are reported.
An overview of the African flannel moths (Somabrachyidae)
(Zygaenoidea : Lepidoptera), including their putative
relationships
Geertsema, H.
285-295
Abstract: The Somabrachyidae consist of the following
genera : Somabrachys Kirby confined to northern Africa and
Spain, Psycharium Herrich-Schäffer and Parapsycharium
Geertsema endemic to South Africa and possibly Boisduvalodes
Viette from Madagascar. The family is poorly known and research
over the past decade has revealed more South African taxa. A
historical review of the familial placement of Somabrachys
and Psycharium indicates considerable confusion, often
with unsubstantiated subjective allocation. Based on some
characters of phylogenetic importance, the relationships of and
within the Somabrachyidae are briefly discussed. The
classificatory part includes references to familial descriptions,
diagnostic features of Somabrachyidae and a description of the
various life stages, the latter section largely based on S. aegrotus,
supplemented by Psycharium, Parapsycharium and
other undescribed taxa from South Africa.
The identity and recognition of African Tetrastichus
species (Hymenoptera : Eulophidae) associated with fruit flies
(Diptera : Tephritidae)
LaSalle, J.Wharton, R.A. 297-304
Abstract: The identity of the African fruit fly (Diptera :
Tephritidae) parasitoids Tetrastichus giffardiiSilvestri, T.
giffardianus Silvestri, T. dacicida Silvestri and T.
oxyurus Silvestri (Hymenoptera : Eulophidae) is discussed. Tetrastichus
dacicida is synonymized with T. giffardii. Characters
to recognize and differentiate Tetrastichus giffardii, T.
giffardianus, and T. oxyurus are presented. Lectotypes
are designated for all four of these species.
Phylogeny of the bee tribe Fideliini (Hymenoptera :
Megachilidae), with the description of a new genus from southern
Africa
Engel, M.S.
305-313
Abstract: A cladistic analysis of the bee tribe Fideliini
was undertaken based on adult morphology. All 11 described
species of the tribe were included for analysis from which a
single topology resulted. The Chilean genus Neofidelia was
found to be monophyletic as was the African lineage. The
subgenera Fidelia (Fidelia) and F. (Fideliana) were
recovered as monophyletic, while F. (Parafidelia) was
identified to be paraphyletic. The new genus Fideliopsis
is proposed for Fidelia ornata (Cockerell) and F. major
(Friese), both previously included in F. (Parafidelia). Fideliopsis
is supported as the sister group of Fidelia sensu lato. Fidelia
(Parafidelia), in the new sense it is considered herein, is
monophyletic and sister to the subgenera Fideliana + Fidelia
sensu stricto The biogeography and plant associations of
Fideliini are briefly considered.
The life history and host specificity of Teleonemia
vulgata (Hemiptera : Tingidae), a potential biocontrol
agent of Lantana camara (Verbenaceae)
Baars, J.R. 315-324
Abstract: A species of Tingidae, Teleonemia vulgata
Drake & Hambleton, was evaluated as a potential biocontrol
agent of Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) in South Africa.
Several indigenous and ornamental plant species related to L.
camara supported the survival and development of the nymphs
of T. vulgata. However, adult reproductive development
trials indicated that some of these species were relatively
inferior in supporting the development of the female reproductive
system. Furthermore, the adults preferred L. camara as a
host plant when the related species were simultaneously exposed
in a multi-choice situation. The preliminary host specificity
results suggests that T. vulgata may have a host range
that is suitably narrow to justify its release in South Africa,
but further choice trials will be required before permission for
release is sought. These results indicate that T. vulgata
is suitable for release in other countries (e.g. Australia) where
there are no native Lantana or Lippia species.
Temperature-dependent development of Megalurothrips
sjostedti and Frankliniella occidentalis
(Thysanoptera : Thripidae)
Gitonga, L.M.Lohr, B.Overholt, W.A.Magambo, J.K.Mueke,
J.M. 325-331
Abstract: Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) and Frankliniella
occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera : Thripidae) are among
the most serious pests of French beans, Phaseolus vulgaris
var.Monel in Kenya and occur in all major growing areas. The
former seems to be prevalent during cold and rainy periods while
the latter is mainly a problem during hot and dry conditions. The
development of the two species was studied at temperatures
ranging from 15ºC to 30ºC. The average
developmental times of each stage are given. For both species,
the developmental times decreased with an increase in
temperature. The degree days required to complete development
from egg to adult were 212 and 256 above the estimated threshold
temperatures of 9.6ºC and 9.0ºC for M.
sjostedti and F. occidentalis, respectively. Between
19 and 23 generations of M. sjostedti and between 17 and
20 generations of F. occidentalis could possibly develop
under Kenyan field conditions in one year. Overall mortality was
lowest at 25ºC. Mortality rates for both species
decreased from larval instars to adult and were higher for M.
sjostedti than for F. occidentalis. Since the
developmental times were not different, the differential pest
status of M. sjostedti and F. occidentalis must be
a result of other factors.
Reduced consumption and use of pods of Vigna
species (Leguminosae) by Maruca vitrata
(Lepidoptera : Pyralidae)
Oigiangbe, O.N.Jackai, L.E.N.Ewete, F.K.Hughes, J. d
A.Lajide, L. 333-340
Abstract: The consumption and use of pods of some Vigna
(Family: Leguminosae) species by Maruca vitrata F.
(Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) were investigated in the laboratory
under an ambient temperature of 25 ± 2ºC and 60 ±
20 % relative humidity. The effect of morphological and
anatomical characteristics of the pods on their nutritional
status was also assessed. Larval mass gain on pods of cowpea
cultivars, IT84S 2246 and TVu 13731, was significantly higher
than on pods of wild cowpea, TVnu 863, cowpea cultivar, IT91K
180, V. oblongifolia, TVnu 42 and V. vexillata, TVnu 72.
The relative consumption rate (RCR) and relative growth rate
(RGR) were significantly lower on TVnu 72 pods compared with
other plants. Approximate digestibility (AD) was significantly
higher on pods of IT91K 180, TVnu 42 and TVnu 863 compared with
other plants. There was no difference between plants for
efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) and efficiency of
conversion of digested food (ECD). Strong, significant positive
correlations were found between mass gain and ECD (r =
0.90), RCR and RGR (r = 0.89), as well as RGR and ECI (r
= 0.84). The density of glandular trichomes on pods of TVnu 72
was significantly higher than on pods of IT84S-2246 and TVnu 863.
The density of nonglandular trichomes was similar among plants,
but these trichomes were significantly longer on pods of TVnu 72
than on other Vigna species. There were strong,
significant negative correlations between the length of the
nonglandular trichomes and RCR,RGR and ECI. Of the 3-4 different
layers of cells found in the pod wall of the Vigna
species, thickness of the fourth (innermost) layer (endocarp) was
significantly negatively correlated with RGR and ECI. Similarly,
the thickness of the entire pod wall was significantly,
negatively correlated with larval mass gain. Our findings suggest
that long, non-glandular trichomes and thick pod walls reduce
consumption and use of pods of Vigna species by M.
vitrata.
Development of a system for sampling population levels of
subterranean Eriosoma lanigerum (Homoptera :
Aphididae) in apple orchards
Damavandian, M.R.Pringle, K.L. 341-344
Abstract: Sampling systems for population studies of
subterranean woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum
(Hausmann) (Homoptera : Aphididae), are not available. Therefore,
a system for monitoring underground population levels of this
species was developed. A standard soil sample was taken to a
depth of 15 cm using an auger with an internal diameter of 5 cm.
Either a hand or mechanical auger may be used. Distance from the
trunks of apple trees, and the amount and nature of root material
in the samples, affected the number of aphids recorded. More
aphids were recorded in soil samples containing root material,
particularly if the roots had galls resulting from the feeding of
E. lanigerum, than in samples in which there were no
roots. The number of E. lanigerum in samples decreased as
the distance from the trunk at which they were taken increased.
The distance from the trunk at which samples were taken was
standardized to 30 cm. The system will be suitable for detecting
changes in subterranean population levels over time and for
comparing soil treatments for woolly apple aphid control, but not
for decision making regarding the necessity for control actions.
Survey site selection for data-deficient arthropod taxa :
from R.A.G.S. to richness
Chown, S.L.Freitag-Ronaldson, S.
345-349
Abstract: Conservation of any taxon requires sound
information on its distribution and abundance. Modern area
selection techniques are critically dependent especially on
distribution data, yet for poorly surveyed taxa, such as
invertebrates, these are often not available. In this paper we
bring together gradsect biological survey methods and protected
area selection algorithms to address this problem. We present an
approach which places survey routes, based on the gradsect survey
design method of spanning maximum environmental gradients, in
areas poorly or completely unsurveyed/sampled. This 'record
absence gradient selection' technique can be used to plan further
efficient and effective field surveys for the collection of
distribution data for inadequately sampled taxa. This method is
not intended as a replacement for distribution modelling
techniques, but rather as an addition to the toolbox used by
conservation planners.
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