Israel Journal of Entomology
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The first record of the Azolla frond weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus (Curculionidae: Brachycerinae: Tanysphyrini) in Israel
Get PDFCollecting of the ground-dwelling weevils in Israel was undertaken by me in 2009–2010 during a survey of Israeli fauna and flora within the framework of the Israel Taxonomy Initiative. During the survey, two females of the semi-aquatic Azolla frond weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyllenhal, 1835 were collected by pitfall trapping. This is the first record of this species in Israel and in the Western Asia. Stenopelmus rufinasus was considered previously a member of Erirhininae, but recently it has been treated as a member of the sister subfamily Brachycerinae in the tribe Tanysphirini, which includes mainly aquatic and semi-aquatic taxa. Stenopelmus rufinasus is a small (1.6–2.0 mm long) stout weevil, with a short reddish rostrum not longer than the pronotum, and geniculate antennae with a 7-segmented flagellum and a distinct club. Its body is covered dorsally by white yellow and brown, and ventrally by white scales. Stenopelmus rufinasus feeds and develops on several species of the fern genus Azolla (Salviniaceae).
Cite as: Friedman, A.-L.-L. 2017. The first record of the Azolla frond weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus (Curculionidae: Brachycerinae: Tanysphyrini) in Israel. Israel Journal of Entomology 47: 103–106.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1014777
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B89025AE-08EA-443D-9EB0-5250683F32C
Eremiothrips negevi, a new species of thrips from Israel (Insecta: Thysanoptera: Terebrantia: Thripidae)
Get PDFA new species of thrips, Eremiothrips negevi n. sp., is described from the Negev, an arid region in southern Israel. The new species differs from its congeners in having nine antennal segments, narrowly transverse pore plates on sternites IV–VII of males, and in the absence of drepanae on tergite IX of males. Eremiothrips negevi n. sp. is considered a pest to Sarcocornia fruticosa (Amarantaceae), which is commercially grown in greenhouses in southern Israel.
Cite as: Ben-David, Ts. 2017. Eremiothrips negevi, a new species of thrips from Israel (Insecta: Thysanoptera: Terebrantia: Thripidae). Israel Journal of Entomology 47: 133–140.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1065476
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:40A82EA4-907D-4427-BF77-A1CFDCF7D71
Association of a native predator Chilocorus sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) with a new exotic mango pest, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Ethiopia
Get PDFWhite Mango Scale Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead, 1906 was reported for the first time in 2010 from mango orchards belonging to Green Focus Ethiopia Ltd in western Ethiopia. It was hypothesized that the pest could enter Ethiopia with mango seedlings imported by the same company. The present study surveyed natural enemies of the pest and their population dynamics in western Ethiopia. Larvae of Chilocorus sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) were found feeding ravenously on live mango scales. There was a statistically significant (p<0.05) positive correlation between the A. tubercularis and Chilocorus sp. populations in both orchards, implying that the predator was not suppressing the pest population. There was no significant difference in the mean numbers of the predatory larva populations between Arjo and Bako orchards (p>0.05). Populations of White Mango Scale and its predator showed remarkably similar fluctuations, with their abundancies reaching peaks during same months. It has been concluded that the native predator got associated with the exotic insect pest recently, and its population may gradually build up. It is suggested that implementation of Chilocorus sp. as a biocontrol agent would be a sound strategy in the management of White Mango Scale in western Ethiopia, together with other control options.
Cite as: Ofgaa Djirata, Emana Getu & Kahuthia-Gathu, R. 2017. Association of a native predator Chilocorus sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) with a new exotic mango pest, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Ethiopia. Israel Journal of Entomology 47: 1–8.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.822666
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5FC2788A-4F9C-4187-86C2-0314BB85E95
Speciation of Mascaromyia Bickel (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) on Réunion Island
Get PDFNew material from Réunion has been examined from several collections. Description of Mascaromyia martirei Grichanov, n. sp. is provided. M. leptogaster (Thomson, 1869) is recorded on the island for the first time. Mascaromyia digrediens Meuffels & Grootaert, 2007 is transferred to the genus Bickelia Grichanov, 1996 thus becoming Bickelia digrediens (Meuffels & Grootaert, 2007), n. comb. New records and a key to known species of Mascaromyia Bickel, 1994 from Réunion are also given. Presently 29 species of Mascaromyia are known from western Indian Ocean islands, including 11 species from Réunion. An adaptive radiation of the genus on the islands is briefly discussed.
Cite as: Grichanov, I.Ya. 2017. Speciation of Mascaromyia Bickel (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) on Réunion Island. Israel Journal of Entomology 47: 9–18.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.824093
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8017E76C-0CDD-4AA3-BDFB-7C8EABAA174
The genera Meoneura Nitzsch and Carnus Rondani (Diptera: Carnidae) in Israel, with the description of ten new species, new records and identification keys
Get PDFThe Carnidae of the genera Meoneura and Carnus from the collection of the Tel Aviv University have been investigated. Ten new species are described from Israel: Meoneura bilboi n. sp., M. brakeae n. sp., M. davidi n. sp., M. goldemari n. sp., M. grimmorum n. sp., M. lilliputensis n. sp., M. meszarosi n. sp., M. nilsholgerssoni n. sp. (also from Egypt), M. oskari n. sp., and M. wichtelorum n. sp. Ten species—M. acuticerca, M. furcata, M. glaberrima, M. hungarica, M. lacteipennis, M. maritima, M. moravica, M. neottiophila, M. prima, and M. triangularis—are recorded in the country for the first time. Three new synonyms are introduced: Meoneura palaestinensis Hennig, 1937 = Meoneura nitidiuscula Collin, 1949 (n. syn.), Meoneura moravica Gregor & Papp, 1981 = Meoneura pamphylica Ozerov, 2008 (n. syn.) and Meoneura prima (Becker, 1903) = Meoneura baluchistani Duda, 1936 (n. syn.). A total of 22 species of Meoneura and one species of Carnus are now known from Israel. Four identification keys are presented for species of Meoneura species groups.
RESUMEN
Los Carnidae de los géneros Meoneura y Carnus de la colección de la Universidad de Tel Aviv han sido investigados. Diez nuevas especies se describen desde Israel: Meoneura bilboi n. sp., M. brakeae n. sp., M. davidi n. sp., M. goldemari n. sp., M. grimmorum n. sp., M. lilliputensis n. sp., M. meszarosi n. sp., M. nilsholgerssoni n. sp. (también desde Egipto), M. oskari n. sp. y M. wichtelorum n. sp. Diez especies se registran en el país por primera vez: M. acuticerca, M. furcata, M. glaberrima, M. hungarica, M. lacteipennis, M. maritima, M. moravica, M. neottiophila, M. prima y M. triangulari. Se proponen tres nuevos sinónimos: Meoneura palaestinensis Hennig, 1937 = Meoneura nitidiuscula Collin, 1949 (n. syn.), Meoneura moravica Gregor & Papp, 1981 = Meoneura pamphylica Ozerov, 2008 (n. syn.) y Meoneura prima (Becker, 1903) = Meoneura baluchistani Duda, 1936 (n. syn.). Un total de 22 especies de Meoneura y una especie de Carnus ahora se conocen en Israel. Se presentan cuatro claves de identificación para especies de grupos de especies de Meoneura.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Dípteros, Carnidae, Meoneura, Carnus, Israel, Egipto, moscas de la inmundicia, nuevas especies, nuevos sinónimos, claves de identificación.
Cite as: Stuke, J.-H. & Freidberg, A. 2017. The genera Meoneura Nitzsch and Carnus Rondani (Diptera: Carnidae) in Israel, with the description of ten new species, new records and identification keys. Israel Journal of Entomology 47: 173–214.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1133361
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FAF 97B44-6B66-4218-A562-9836936AB3E
Silk-producing organs of ecribellate and cribellate nymphal stages in Austrochilus sp. (Araneae: Austrochilidae): Notes on the transformation of the anterior median spinnerets into the cribellum
Get PDFDuring its life cycle, the cribellate spider Austrochilus sp. passes through the ecribellate nymphal, or spiderling stage (= the first instar, after leaving the egg sac), which has three pairs of spinnerets. According to the position and distribution of spigots on the spinnerets, these spigots are assumed to be connected to glandulae ampullaceae major, glandulae ampullaceae minor, glandulae piriformes and glandulae aciniformes. Such a spinning apparatus allows spiderlings to make draglines, attachment discs and silk for the molting platform. The cribellum, just like the calamistrum, is not developed in this stage. Instead the precribellum is present, which is similar to spinnerets in its shape (two protuberances divided by a groove and the presence of setae that look like spigots), but with a cuticle similar to the cribellum. The spinning apparatus of Austrochilus sp. shows one possible way in which the transformation of the anterior median spinnerets into the cribellum could have occurred during the evolution of silk-producing organs. In the following nymphal stage, the cribellum, the calamistrum and also the paracribellum are developed. Spiders in this stage are capable, after dispersal, of weaving complete webs, which serve as snares as well as retreats. The spigots of the paracribellum are on the posterior median and posterior lateral spinnerets.
Cite as: Hajer, J., Foberová, L. & Řeháková, D. 2017. Silk-producing organs of ecribellate and cribellate nymphal stages in Austrochilus sp. (Araneae: Austrochilidae): Notes on the transformation of the anterior median spinnerets into the cribellum. Israel Journal of Entomology 47: 21–33.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.834179
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6B08D9BA-D521-41E9-80FC-7A61940957F
Observational notes on populations of Anthracocentrus arabicus (Thomson, 1877) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Israel and a new host record
Get PDFAnthracocentrus arabicus (Thomson, 1877) was first reported from Israel by Bytinski-Salz (1956). The species is widely distributed throughout North Africa, Arabian Peninsula, Jordan, (Drumont & Komiya 2010) and Saharan and Sahelian countries (Eldow 2011). In Israel, it was always considered as a very rare species, although it is one of the largest insects in the area reaching the length of 95 mm and more. It is known in Israel from the Dead Sea area and southwards along the Arava Valley. On 31 July and 13 August 2017 I visited 'En Yahav [30°40'N 35°15'E], which is located in the center of the Arava Valley, in order to make some observations on one of the local populations of A. arabicus. In total, 13 living adults (11 males among them) and 12 dead specimens (9 males) were seen. The largest male specimen reached 87 mm and the largest female reached 65 mm. The smallest adult was a 41 mm male. The observed activity took place in two close-by locations inside 'En Yahav settlement. In both cases there were holes in the ground (2–8 cm wide). Two tunnels hosted living adults, one close to the opening and another observed at the depth of about 20 cm. Two males were found on tree logs (one was climbing and the second one rested inside a large hole with only its head protruding). Two males and a female were hiding under an air conditioner before they left for activity at dusk. Two more males were seen walking on the ground. One female was found during daytime resting on a dead log (under a cover). One female and two males were seen resting on a tree trunk in the shade during the day. This was the only case, when adults were seen completely exposed during daytime. The previously known host plants for Anthracocentrus arabicus are Acacia spp., Tamarix articulata Wahl, T. aphylla (L.) (Sama et al. 2010), Prosopis cineraria (Rejzek et al. 2005), Acacia radiana, Acacia scorpioides and Senegalia senegal (Eldow 2011). The tree species that served as a host in 'En Yahav was in no doubt Tipuana tipu of the family Fabaceae. This tree originates from South America and is planted regularly in many settlements in Israel, also along the Arava Valley. The two trees that were cut down had many emergence holes around them. Additional two cut down trees were found, both with emergence holes around them.
Cite as: Rittner, O. 2017. Observational notes on populations of Anthracocentrus arabicus (Thomson, 1877) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Israel and a new host record. Israel Journal of Entomology 47: 97–101.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.891141
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3A946235-FE29-4FE6-9EC2-0DAB040F7F9
First record of Acherontia styx (Westwood, 1848) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) from Israel
Get PDFOn the 18th of April 2017, a specimen of Acherontia styx (Westwood, 1848) was observed and photographed in the southern city of Elat. Although the specimen has not been collected, the photographs are clear enough for unmistakable identification of this very well-known hawk moth, which is already known from the neighboring countries. Acherontia styx (Westwood, 1848) is smaller (75–130 mm) in comparison to A. atropos (100–140 mm). The skull-like mark on the thorax in A. styx is more uniform in color and the general habitus of the wings is brighter. It is also differs from A. atropos in having two medial bands on the forewing instead of one, and no bands on the underside of the abdomen (Hampson 1892). Acherontia styx is a highly polyphagous species known to feed on various plant families such as Labiatae, Bignoniaceae, Verbenaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae, Myrtaceae, Convolvulaceae, Oleaceae, Leguminosae, Pedaliaceae and others (Robinson et al. 2010). Acherontia styx is mainly distributed in the Oriental Region, but also found in Mesopotamia and Eastern Arabia (d’Abrera 1986). It has been also recorded in Northern Jordan from the Al Azrak (اﻷزرق) oasis (Müller et al. 2005b). These have been the westernmost records of this species so far and its present discovery in southern Israel stretches the western border of its distributional range even further.
Cites as: Rittner, O. & Biel, I. 2017. First record of Acherontia styx (Westwood, 1848) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) from Israel. Israel Journal of Entomology 47: 19–20.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.824634
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7C498CF2-B5F2-4D90-A488-F5ACF5E41B7
Orthoptera (Saltatoria) of Iraklia island, Cyclades, Greece: An annotated and illustrated catalogue
Get PDFA checklist of the Orthoptera of Iraklia Island is presented, with 20 species belonging in 19 genera and seven families collected during 2008–2016. The majority of the records are new to Iraklia. One species, Arachnocephalus vestitus Costa, 1855, is a new record for the Cyclades. The existence of Mogoplistes brunneus Serville, 1839 is confirmed in the Aegean archipelago. The range of the endemic Poecilimon paros Heller & Reinhold, 1992 is extended and now includes four islands in the Aegean Sea. Distribution maps of all the endemic and rare species are provided as well as photos of live and/or dead specimens.
ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ
Μετά από εργασίες πεδίου στο νησί της Ηρακλειάς στο Αιγαίο Πέλαγος κατά το διάστημα 2008–2016, καταγράφονται 20 είδη που κατατάσσονται σε 19 γένη και επτά οικογένειες. Οι περισσότερες από τις καταγραφές είναι νέες για την Ηρακλειά. Το είδος Arachnocephalus vestitus Costa, 1855 αποτελεί νέα αναφορά για τις Κυκλάδες. Το είδος Mogoplistes brunneus Serville, 1839 επιβεβαιώνεται για το Αιγαίο Πέλαγος. Η βιογεωγραφική κατανομή του ενδημικού Poecilimon paros Heller & Reinhold, 1992 διευρύνεται και πλέον περιλαμβάνει τέσσερα νησιά στο Αιγαίο. Επισυνάπτονται χάρτες κατανομής για όλα τα ενδημικά και σπάνια είδη καθώς και φωτογραφίες ατόμων in vivo ή δειγμάτων.
Cite as: Alexiou, S., Gavalas, G. & Papapavlou, K. 2017. Orthoptera (Saltatoria) of Iraklia island, Cyclades, Greece: An annotated and illustrated catalogue. Israel Journal of Entomology 47: 35–53.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.842219
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A9E68AB5-8933-45E7-B089-EA50A0F41D8
Pteromalids (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) of Syrdarya–Kyzylkum and Betpakdala–Moyynkum desert territories in southern Kazakhstan
Get PDFAn inventory of the pteromalid fauna of Syrdarya–Kyzylkum and Betpakdala–Moyynkum desert territories of southern Kazakhstan is presented for the first time. Thirty-four species in 23 genera are listed, and information on their hosts and distribution is provided. Mesopolobus auditor Dzhanokmen, 1975 is treated here as a subspecies Mesopolobus diffinis auditor Dzhanokmen, 1975, stat. rev. The subspecies is known so far only from the desert and semi-desert areas of Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Cite as: Dzhanokmen, K.A. 2017. Pteromalids (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) of Syrdarya–Kyzylkum and Betpakdala–Moyynkum desert territories in southern Kazakhstan. Israel Journal of Entomology 47: 107–131.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1040184
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:358739B0-28F7-432B-979E-FE70C6389C