38,846 research outputs found
Brachypogon (Brachypogon) bifidus Spinelli and Grogan
No full textBrachypogon (Brachypogon) bifidus Spinelli and Grogan Brachypogon (Brachypogon) bifidus Spinelli and Grogan, 1998: 66 (Dominica); Borkent and Spinelli 2000: 45 (in New World catalog south of the USA; distribution); Borkent and Spinelli 2007: 78 (in Neotropical catalog; distribution). Discussion. This small Neotropical predaceous midge was described by Spinelli and Grogan (1998) from Dominica (type locality) and El Salvador. It is unique among other species in the Brachypogon (B.) impar complex in having a wing with a darkly infuscated membrane and a dark spot distad of the r-m crossvein and a pale spot beyond the dark spot, males are the only species with parameres having a bifid apex, and the antennal flagellum of females with 12 flagellomeres due to a fusion of 12-13. We provide the first records from Guadeloupe. New records. Guadeloupe, Basse Terre, Corrosol, 8-IX-2010, MC Thomas & RH Turnbow, Blacklight trap, 1 male; same data except NE Pigeon (16.14404° N, 61.74977° W), 17-V-2012, R. H. Turnbow, BL trap, 1 male; same data except 23-V-2012, 1 male; same data except Trace des Cretes (D-14), 22-V-2012, 3 males, 1 female. New Guadeloupe record .Published as part of William L. Grogan, Jr., Spinelli, Ronderos, María M. & Carla, 2013, The biting and predaceous midges of Guadeloupe Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). I. Species of the subfamily Ceratopogoninae, pp. 1-21 in Insecta Mundi 2013 (324) on page 6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.517831
Palpomyia insularis Spinelli and Grogan
No full textPalpomyia insularis Spinelli and Grogan Palpomyia insularis Spinelli and Grogan, 1989: 3 (Puerto Rico); Borkent and Spinelli 2000: 63 (in New World catalog south of the USA; distribution); Borkent and Spinelli 2007: 96 (in Neotropical catalog; distribution). Discussion. As noted by Spinelli and Grogan (1989), this Neotropical predaceous midge is a member of the Palpomyia distincta group as defined by Grogan and Wirth (1975, 1979). It was originally known from Dominica, Jamaica and Puerto Rico (type locality); we provide the first records of this predaceous midge from Guadeloupe. New records. Guadeloupe, Basse Terre, Bois Malher, 9-IX-2010, MC Thomas & RH Turnbow, Blacklight trap, 2 males, 1 female; same data except Corrosol, 8-IX-2010, 1 male; same data except Trace des Cretes (D-14), 22-V-2012, R. H. Turnbow, BL trap, 1 male, 2 females. New Guadeloupe record .Published as part of William L. Grogan, Jr., Spinelli, Ronderos, María M. & Carla, 2013, The biting and predaceous midges of Guadeloupe Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). I. Species of the subfamily Ceratopogoninae, pp. 1-21 in Insecta Mundi 2013 (324) on page 12, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.517831
Brachypogon (Brachypogon) woodruffi Spinelli and Grogan
No full textBrachypogon (Brachypogon) woodruffi Spinelli and Grogan Brachypogon (Brachypogon) woodruffi Spinelli and Grogan, 1998: 72 (Dominican Republic); Huerta and Borkent 2005: 118 (Mexico records); Borkent and Spinelli 2000: 46 (in New World catalog south of the USA; distribution); Borkent and Spinelli 2007: 79 (in Neotropical catalog; distribution); Spinelli and Marino 2008: 124 (record from Peru); Swanson and Grogan 2011: 536 (records from Cayman Islands and Florida). Discussion. Spinelli and Grogan (1998) described this very small predaceous midge from the Dominican Republic, and soon after, Huerta and Borkent (2005) recorded it from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, and Spinelli and Marino (2008) reported it from Peru. Grogan et al. (2010) listed additional specimens from Florida and the Cayman Islands in the FSCA. Swanson and Grogan (2011) described and illustrated additional details of the male genitalia and listed new records from the USA in Florida and the Cayman Islands, described and illustrated a similar related new species from Alabama and Florida (B. laneae), as well as another related species from Florida that they did not name (sp. 9B). Our identification of a single female from Guadeloupe as this species is somewhat tentative despite that it has an antennal flagellum with only 12 flagellomeres due to fusion of primitive 12-13 and very small flagellomeres 4-7, both of which are characteristics of females of B. woodruffi. However, it lacks the partial fusion of flagellomeres 3-4 which is another character of females of B. woodruffi. Spinelli and Grogan (1998) also noted that in this species the wings of females only have 6-7 marginal costal setae, whereas males only have 3 marginal costal setae that are located over their coalesced radial cells (stigma). WLG examined 20 females (including the allotype) and 10 males (including the holotype) of B. woodruffi from the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic and Florida and recorded 3-4 costal setae in males and 5- 9 costal setae in females. He also examined 5 males and 19 females of B. laneae Swanson and Grogan from Florida as well as the male and female of their unnamed species 9B from that state and recorded 3 costal setae for males of both species and 5-10 costal setae in females of B. laneae and 5-6 setae in the female of sp. 9D. Our Guadeloupe female has 11-12 costal setae, a greater number than previously recorded for females of this species and the very similar, related B. ecuadorensis Spinelli and Grogan that is known from Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador (type locality), Jamaica and Panama, the females of which have 5-9 costal setae. In addition, females of B. ecuadorensis also have an antennal flagellum with 12 flagellomeres (12-13 fused), however, flagellomeres 3-4 are not partially fused and flagellomeres 2-9 are all similar in size, the wing lacks vein M 2 and has a slightly shorter costa (Costal Ratio 0.41-46 vs. 0.44- 46 in B. woodruffi). Finally, males of B. ecuadorensis have an aedeagus with median longitudinal wrinkles, a feature not present in males of other species in the B. woodruffi complex, and their wing also lacks vein M 2. We provide the first records of B. woodruffi from Guadeloupe. New records. Guadeloupe, Basse Terre, Pigeon, 9-IX-2010, MC Thomas & RH Turnbow, Blacklight trap, 1 male; same data except La Trace du Petit-Malendure, 21-V-2012, R. H. Turnbow, BL trap, 1 female. New Guadeloupe record .Published as part of William L. Grogan, Jr., Spinelli, Ronderos, María M. & Carla, 2013, The biting and predaceous midges of Guadeloupe Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). I. Species of the subfamily Ceratopogoninae, pp. 1-21 in Insecta Mundi 2013 (324) on page 7, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.517831
Parabezzia brasiliensis Spinelli & Grogan
No full textParabezzia brasiliensis Spinelli & Grogan (Figs. 22–42) Parabezzia brasiliensis Spinelli & Grogan, 1987: 34 (female; Brazil); Borkent & Wirth, 1997: 104 (in World catalogue); Borkent & Spinelli, 2000: 51 (in catalogue south of USA); Borkent & Spinelli, 2007: 84 (in Neotropical catalogue); Borkent, 2015: 131 (in online World catalogue). Male adult (Figs. 22 –27, 38– 39). Head (Fig. 22) dark brown. Eyes separated by diameter of 6 ommatidia, without interommatidial spicules. Antenna (Fig. 23) with flagellomeres 1–10 brown, 11–13 slightly darker, plume welldeveloped, flagellomeres 2–8 fused, 1–9 short, 11–13 elongate. Palpus (Fig. 22) brown, with 4 segments; third segment slender, elongate, subequal to apical segment. Thorax (Figs. 24, 25) uniformly dark brown. Scutum with numerous, moderately elongate, erect setae; scutellum with 6 setae, the two mesal the longest. Pleura without setae. Legs (Fig. 25) with femora and tibiae uniformly dark brown, tarsi paler except tarsomeres 5 infuscated; fore, midcoxae with abundant spine-like setae; hindtibial spur short; hindtibial comb with 8 spines, third from spur longest; tarsomeres 1 of hindleg with dense palisade setae; prothoracic TR 2.40, mesothoracic TR 2.67, metathoracic TR 2.14; tarsomeres 5 elongate; claws equal, small, nearly straight, bifid at tip. Wing (Fig. 26) length 0.96 mm; width 0.30 mm; CR 0.57; membrane very slightly infuscated; radial cell obliterated, venation as figured; costa with 5 setae, 2 near but distal to basal arculus, other 3 on its distal 1 / 4. Halter pale brown. Abdomen uniformly brown. Genitalia (Fig. 27): tergite 9 broad, subquadrangular, extending just anterior to level of apex of gonocoxite; posterior margin broad, nearly straight with broad posteromedian notch, circus stout, rounded; sternite 9 with anterior margin straight, 0.42 length of breadth, with broad, shallow posteromedian excavation. Gonocoxite short, as long as greatest (mesal) width, with short, pointed mesal process; gonostylus slender, 1.3 X longer than gonocoxite, slightly curved with pointed tip. Parameres (Fig. 38) fused, heavily sclerotized, base straight base; distal portion lightly sclerotized, slender, nearly straight with blunt tip; gonocoxal apodemes heavily sclerotized, slender, each with short process directed anterolaterally. Aedeagus (Fig. 39) triangular, 1.6 X longer than greatest (basal) width; basal arch extending 0.1 of total length; proximal 3 / 4 heavily sclerotized; distal portion about ¼ of total length, lightly sclerotized, with blunt tip. Male pupa (Figs. 28 –34, 36, 40–42). Exuviae general coloration pale brown, body surface with small rounded tubercles and spinules. Total length 1.76 mm. Flagellum appressed against lateral margin of face, midleg and wing (Fig. 28). Dorsal apotome (Fig. 29) without ventral line of weakness, dorsomedial tubercle and central dome, with anterior margin quadrangular, posterior margin broken, disc surface covered by few rounded tubercles and longitudinal wrinkles on anterior portion, lateral margins with broad raised areas with flattened tubercle at base, bearing 2 dorsal apotome sensilla (Fig. 29) as follows: DA- 1 -H short seta, DA- 2 -H campaniform sensillum at tubercle base; DAL 0.09 mm, DAW 0.19 mm, DAW/ DAL 5.56. Cephalothorax rectangular (Fig. 28), narrowed posterioly, length 0.95 mm, width 0.67 mm; mesonotum covered with few moderately-sized tubercles; prothoracic extension wide (0.16 mm) (Fig. 40), well developed, extending from palpus to antenna; mouthparts (Fig. 40) with mandible well developed, lacinia absent, palpus extending posteriorly to posterolateral margin of labium; labium entire. Cephalothoracic sensilla as follows: anteriomedials (Fig. 31) AM- 1 -T very short seta, AM- 2 -T campaniform sensillum on small tubercle, 2 dorsolateral cephalics sclerites (Fig. 30): DL- 1 -H very short seta, DL- 2 -H campaniform sensillum; one anterolateral (Fig. 31): AL- 1 -T minute seta; clypeal labral sensillum (Figs. 33, 40): CL- 1 -H minute seta; ocular (Figs. 33, 40): O- 2 -H campaniform sensillum; 3 dorsal setae (Fig. 32): D- 1 -T, D- 2 -T peg-like setae, D- 3 -T campaniform sensillum, D- 2 -T, D- 3 -T on closely approximate tubercles, SA- 2 -T present (Fig. 32). Respiratory organ (Figs. 28, 31) short, squat, 5-6 apical closely abutting pores arranged in single row, outer surface with wrinkles, membranous base of respiratory organ short, tracheal tube straight, with annulations to half length; pedicel (Fig. 31) short, wide, P length: 0.0025 mm, RO length 0.075 mm, RO wide 0.04 mm; P/RO 0.033. Metathoracics (Fig. 41): 2 campaniform sensilla (M- 2 -T, M- 3 -T), M- 3 -T near anterior margin. Abdominal segments with 2 spots laterally on segment 2-7, segment 2 (0.55 mm) wider than segment 3 (0.45 mm). First abdominal segment (Fig. 41) with 7 setae: D- 2 -I very short, D- 3 -I absent, D- 4 -I, D- 7 -I campaniform sensilla, D- 5 - I, D- 9 -I minute setae, D- 8 -I peg, L- 1 -I very short seta. Fourth segment (Fig. 42) with sensillar pattern as follows: dorsal tubercles with small base: D- 1 -IV, D- 3 -IV absent, D- 2 -IV very short seta, D- 4 -IV, D- 7 -IV campaniform sensilla, D- 5 -IV, D- 8 -IV, D- 9 -IV minute setae, V- 5 -IV, V- 6 -IV without visible setae, on notorious tubercles; L- 1 -IV absent, L- 2 -IV, L- 3 -IV short, stout setae, on triangular pointed tubercles. Segment 9 (Fig. 36) approximately 1.83 X longer than greatest width, length 0.275 mm, width 0.15 mm; posteriorly directed spicules restricted dorsally to mesal area, terminal processes triangular, these moderately elongated, subparallel, pointed; ventral surface of processes spiculated, terminal procceses length 0.125 mm, width 0.05 mm, D- 5 -IX, D- 6 -IX campaniform sensilla (Fig. 36), genital lobe moderately long and globose, extending under posterior margin. Female pupa (Figs. 35, 37). Similar to male with usual sexual differences: CTL 0.90 mm. First abdominal segment (Fig. 35) with setae: D- 2 -I minute seta, D- 7 -I and L- 1 -I not in position to describe, D- 5 -I very short seta, D- 9 -I minute seta on flattened tubercle, D- 8 -I very short seta. Segment 9 (Fig. 37) length 0.325 mm, width 0.175 mm; terminal processes length 0.125 mm, width 0.05 mm. Distribution. Brazil (Mato Grosso), Argentina (Misiones). Taxonomic discussion. Parabezzia brasiliensis is one of the 25 species inhabiting the Neotropical region. Of these, only are known the pupae of P. alexanderi Wirth and P. balseiroi Spinelli & Grogan. Fourteen species, including P. brasiliensis, are known only from female adults. There are two quite different types of pupae in Parabezzia. One has number of rounded tubercles, the other called alexanderi group, has sharp tubercles and abdominal sternites with membranous discs (Borkent, 2014). Parabezzia brasiliensis perfectly fits in the alexanderi group and is very similar to P. b al s ei roi, but in the latter species the DAW/ DAL ratio is lower (2.26 for male, 3.60 for female), the DA- 1 -H is a minute seta on well developed tubercle, and the respiratory organ bears 10–12 apical opening pores. The adult male of P. brasiliensis is easily distinguished from their congeners inhabiting the Americas by the obliterated radial cell and by the costal fringe limited to 5 setae. The aedeagus is very similar to the one illustrated by Grogan & Wirth (1977, page 73) for the Nearctic species P. inermis (Coquillett), but in the latter the radial cell is open, the costal fringe is complete and the parameres are apparently absent. Pupae of this specie was collected associated with pupae of Bezzia blantoni Spinelli & Wirth and and Bezzia brevicornis (Kieffer). Specimens examined. Argentina, Misiones Prov., Posadas, Miguel Lanús, área de Recursos Ambientales El Zaimán, 27 ° 26 ' 11.6 '' S, 55 ° 53 ' 48.7 '' W, 28 -III- 2014, M. Ayala, 1 male, 1 female (with pupal exuviae).Published as part of Ayala, Mahia M., Spinelli, Gustavo R., Funes, Amparo & Ronderos, María M., 2015, Additional notes on biting midges from the subtropical forest of northeastern Argentina (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 79-90 in Zootaxa 3941 (1) on pages 85-89, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3941.1.3, http://zenodo.org/record/28822
Culicoides guarani Ronderos & Spinelli
No full text<i>Culicoides guarani</i> Ronderos & Spinelli <p>(Figs. 1–21)</p> <p> <i>Culicoides guarani</i> Ronderos & Spinelli, 1994: 48 (female; Argentina); Borkent & Wirth, 1997: 69 (in World catalogue); Spinelli, 1998: 325 (in list, Argentina); Borkent & Spinelli, 2000: 39 (in catalogue south of USA); Spinelli <i>et al.</i>, 2005: 140, 145 (in key; wing photo); Borkent & Spinelli, 2007: 72 (in Neotropical catalogue); Borkent, 2015: 86 (in online World catalogue).</p> <p>Male adult (Figs. 1–4, 15–16). Head (Figs. 1–2) dark brown. Eyes bare, forming a V-shaped where they contact. Antennae with flagellomeres pale brown, 2–10 fused (Fig. 2); sensilla coeloconica in flagellomeres 1, 11–13. Third palpal segment stout, with deep, rounded subapical sensory pit (Figs. 1–2). Thorax dark brown, scutum without definite pattern, only slightly paler areas laterally. Legs dark brown, knees blackish, fore and midfemora with subapical, tibiae with subbasal narrow pale rings; hind tibial comb with 4 spines, second from spur longest. Wing length 1.00 (0.98–1.02, n = 2) mm, width 0.41 (0.40–0.42, n = 2) mm; pattern as in Fig. 3; CR 0.54 (n = 2); macrotrichia sparse on distal half of wing, none in mcu1 and anal cell; halter brown. Genitalia (Fig. 4): tergite 9 long, tapering, with short, pointed apicolateral processes, distal margin truncate, pair of evident, pilose, median cerci; sternite 9 with narrow, V-shaped, posteromedial excavation. Gonocoxite stout, twice longer than greatest breadth, ventral root foot-shaped, posterior heel evident, dorsal root slender; gonostylus as long as gonocoxite, slender, slightly curved to pointed tip. Parameres (Fig. 15) separate, subparallel, each stout, with strongly sclerotized basal knob; stem curved near base, midportion of stem slightly swollen, nearly straight, distal portion slender, bent ventromesad, taperering to fine point with lateral fringe of stout spines, the portion at the base of the fringe slightly expanded. Aedeagus (Fig. 16) Y-shaped; basal arch pointed caudad, extending to 0.75 of total length; basal arms slender, strongly sclerotized, nearly straight; posteromedial projection lightly sclerotized tapered to slender, broad tip, with pair of conspicuous lateral processes.</p> <p>Male pupa (Figs. 5–6, 8–13). Exuviae general coloration pale brown. Flagellum against lateral margin of face (Fig. 5). Total length 2.20–2.40 (2.31, n=3) mm. Length of cephalothorax 1.00–1.15 (1.07, n= 3) mm, width 0.62 –0.70 (0.65, n= 3) mm. Dorsal apotome (Fig. 6) without ventral line of weakness, dorsomedial tubercle and central dome; slightly wider than long, distal margin truncate, smooth, except for few small wrinkles; disc surface covered by stout rounded spinules; raised areas present; tubercles of dorsal apotome sensilla well-developed, bearing 2 dorsal apotome sensilla as follows: DA-1-H, long, stout seta, DA-2-H campaniform sensillum at tubercle base; DAL 0.13–17 (0.12, n=3) mm; DAW 0.12–0.17 (0.14, n=3) mm; DAW/DAL 0.86–1.26 (0.95, n=3). Cephalothorax rectangular (Fig. 5), surface covered with stout rounded spinules, antenna extending posteriorly to various points along anterior margin of wing; mouthparts (Figs. 11, 17) with mandible, lacinia well developed; palpus extending equal to posterolateral margin of labium; labium separated medially by labrum; apex of labrum rounded. Cephalothoracic sensilla (Figs. 8–11, 17, 19) as follows: one anteriomedial AM-1-T (Fig. 9) minute seta on small tubercle, 2 dorsolateral cephalic sclerite sensilla (Fig.10): DL-1-H long, thin seta, DL-2-H short, stout seta on rounded strong tubercle; 3 anterolaterals (Fig. 8): AL-1-T short, thin seta, Al-2-T long, thin seta, AL-3-T short, stout seta, all sensilla on prominent tubercle; clypeal labrals (Figs: 11, 17): CL-1-H campaniform sensillum, CL-2- H medium-sized, thin seta; oculars (Figs. 11,17): O-1-H, O-3-H long, thin setae, O-2-H campaniform sensillum Respiratory organ (Figs. 5, 8–9) elongated, slender, uniformly brown, medium-sized, circular in cross-section, wider at base, covered with scale-like spinules; 6–7 apical pores, 2–3 lateral; pedicel (Fig. 9) short, stout, P length 0.02–0.03 (0.025, n=3) mm, RO length 0.195–0.20 (0.197, n=3) mm, RO wide 0.025–0.03 (0.027, n=3) mm; P/RO 0.10–0.15 (0.126, n=3); 5 dorsal setae (Fig. 18): D-1-T, D-2-T, D-4-T long, stout setae, D-2-T longer than D-1-T and D-4-T; D-3-T campaniform sensillun, D-5-T minute seta, all setae on rounded tubercles, SA-2-T present. Metathoracics (Fig. 19): M-2-T long, thin seta, M-3-T campaniform sensillum, M-3-T near anterior margin. Abdominal segments with smooth integument, with scarse, scattered spicules on anterior and posterior portions; each segment without pigmentation pattern. First abdominal segment (Figs. 5, 20) with setae as follows: 3 anteromesal setae, D- 2-I short, stout seta, D- 3-I long, thin seta, D- 7-I campaniform sensillum; 3 posterior setae, D- 4-I medium-sized, thin seta, D- 8-I short, thin seta, D- 9-I minute seta; 3 lateral setae: L- 1-I long, thin seta, L- 2-I, L- 3-I campaniform sensilla. Fourth segment (Figs. 5, 21) with dorsal and ventral tubercles with small base: D- 1-IV minute seta, D- 2-IV, D- 3-IV medium-sized, thin setae, D- 3-IV longer and thinner than D- 2-IV; D- 4-IV, D- 7-IV without setae, D- 5-IV, D- 8-IV minute setae, D- 9-IV short, curved seta; V- 1-IV, V- 2-IV campaniform sensilla, V- 5- IV short seta, V- 6-IV long, thin seta, V- 7-IV minute seta, all on notorious pointed lateral tubercles with wide base: L- 1-IV short seta, tubercle smaller than others, L- 4-IV short, stout seta, L- 2-IV, L- 3-IV medium-sized, stout setae. Segment 9 (Figs. 5, 13) approximately 1.14 X longer than greatest width, length 0.20–0.205 (0.202, n= 3) mm, width 0.155–0.185 (0.177, n= 3) mm; posteriorly directed spicules restricted dorsally to mesal area, terminal processes triangular, these moderately elongated, subparallel, pointed; ventral surface of processes spiculate, D- 5- IX, D- 6-IX campaniform sensilla (Fig. 13), genital lobe moderately long, globose, extending under posterior margin.</p> <p>Female pupa (Figs. 7, 14). Similar to male with usual sexual differences. Total length 2.33–2.40 (2.37, n=3) mm. Dorsal apotome (Fig. 7) with DAL 0.14–0.16 (0.15, n=2) mm; DAW 0.125–0.135 (0.13, n=2) mm, DAW/ DAL 0.82–0.90 (0.85, n=2). Respiratory organ: RO length 0.19–0.21 (0.20, n=3) mm, RO width 0.03–0.04 (0.035, n=3) mm; pedicel length 0.025 (n=2) mm, P/RO 0.119–0.125 (0.122, n=2). Cephalothorax length 1.00–1.04 (1.02, n=3) mm, width 0.62– 0.65 (0.64, n=3) mm. Segment 9 (Fig. 14) length 0.20–0.215 (0.207, n=3) mm, width 0.145–0.150 (0.148, n=3) mm; terminal processes (Fig. 14) length 0.065–0.075 (0.072, n=3) mm, width 0.015–0.040 (0.025, n=3) mm.</p> <p> <b>Distribution.</b> Argentina (Misiones).</p> <p> <b>Taxonomic discussion.</b> <i>Culicoides guarani</i> is one of the 14 species included in the <i>Culicoides eublepharus</i> group. All these are known only through adults and seven of them, including <i>C</i>. <i>guarani</i>, just from females.</p> <p> The pupa of this new species is similar to <i>C. debilipalpis</i> Lutz, a species placed in the subgenus <i>Haematomyidium</i> that also breeds in tree holes. However, in the latter species the exuviae is pale yellowish brown, the respiratory organ is yellowish except the distal half brown with its pedicel longer, the posteriorly directed spicules of the caudal segment are restricted to a narrow anterior band and not connected to the mesal inverted Vshaped patch of spicules, and the terminal processes are subparallel with pointed and dark tips. Although the general chaetotaxy is similar, the setae are of cephalothorax and abdomen are thinner and shorter than in <i>C. debilipalpis</i>.</p> <p> The male genitalia of this species is similar to the one illustrated by Wirth & Lee (1967) for <i>C</i>. <i>tamboensis</i> Wirth & Lee, a species inhabiting high altitudes of Colombia except for the sternite 9 with V-shaped and deep caudomedian excavation (very shallow in <i>C</i>. <i>tamboensis</i>) and by the posteromedial projection of the aedeagus without lateral processes. Moreover, the latter species is larger (wing length 1.20 mm), the third palpal segment is shorter, the flagellomere 13 lacks sensilla coeloconica and the halter knob is pale at tip.</p> <p> <i>Culicoides propiipennis</i> Macfie from Mexico to Ecuador, Venezuela and northern Brazil also have very similar genitalia, but the sternite 9 exhibits a very shallow caudomedian excavation, the parameres are convergent and the posteromedial projection of the aedeagus is slender and lacks lateral processes.</p> <p> <b>Specimens examined.</b> Argentina, Misiones Prov., Garupá, Barrio Santa Inés, Estancia Santa Inés, 27° 31' 40.9'' S, 55° 51' 59.4'' W, 9-XI-2013, M. Ayala, 2 males, 3 females (with pupal exuviae).</p>Published as part of <i>Ayala, Mahia M., Spinelli, Gustavo R., Funes, Amparo & Ronderos, María M., 2015, Additional notes on biting midges from the subtropical forest of northeastern Argentina (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 79-90 in Zootaxa 3941 (1)</i> on pages 80-81, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3941.1.3, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/288228">http://zenodo.org/record/288228</a>
Macrurohelea bassoi Spinelli & Ronderos & Grogan 2022, n.sp.
No full textMacrurohelea bassoi n.sp. (Figs. 1–7, 37–38) Zoobank urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: CCBCE121-819C-47B1-97CF-827112AD687D Diagnosis. Females: the only species with a dark brown thorax and contrasting yellowish legs and abdomen; halter pale, transparent; and abdominal segment 9 greatly elongate. Males: the only species with a crescent-shaped tergite 10; gonocoxite stout with pointed basomesal tubercle; gonostylus abruptly curved at mid-length, distal ½ highly modified with inner mesal hump and broad foot-shaped apex; parameres with distal halves closely approximated, nearly straight, basal arms tapered distally, recurved 120° with inner slender external extension, apices with broad bulbous tips; and distal portion of aedeagus tongue-shaped with tip slightly notched mesally. Female. Head (Fig. 1) dark brown. Eyes narrowly separated medially by the width of 2 ommatidia, with numerous short interommatidial spicules. Antennal flagellum uniformly golden brown; flagellomere 1 with pair of apical sensilla coeloconica; flagellomeres 1–8 short, vasiform, 9–13 more elongate, 13 longest; antennal ratio 1.06–1.20 (1.13, n=10). Palpus pale brown, segment 5 slightly infuscated on distal 1/2; segment 3 with very shallow sensory pit (imperceptible in some specimens); segment 4 short, segment 5 as long as segment 3; palpal ratio 2.00–2.80 (2.30, n=10). Mandible with 8–10 coarse medial teeth. Thorax (Fig. 2) uniformly dark brown; scutum with 2 stout prealar setae, 1 postalar seta; scutellum with 3 stout setae and 4 slender setae. Legs yellowish, hind tibia slightly darker; tarsomeres 3–5 slightly infuscated; tarsomere 1 of fore, hind legs with ventral row of palisade setae; tarsomeres 4 cordiform; tarsomeres 5 with pair of small claws slightly curved at tip; hind tarsal ratio 2.00 (n=10). Wing (Fig. 3) membrane hyaline, slightly infuscated with dense microtrichiae; veins pale yellowish; 2 nd radial cell 2.44–3.33 (2.91, n=10)x longer than 1st; cell r 3 without intercalary veins; r-m crossvein slightly longer than petiole of M; costa with fringe of stout macrotrichia; wing length 1.30–1.42 (1.38, n=10) mm, width 0.58–0.63 (0.60, n=10) mm; costal ratio 0.72–0.76 (0.73, n=10). Halter pale. Abdomen (Fig. 4) yellowish. Segment 9 greatly elongate, 10 elongate but much shorter than 9, both segments bent anteroventrally; sternite 8 lightly sclerotized with a short, rounded, posteromedian excavation. Two ovoid, slightly unequal-size spermathecae with moderately long, slender necks, measuring 54–70 (65, n=7) by 45–54 (48, n=7) µm, 50–66 (58, n=7) by 43–48 (45, n=7) µm, necks 9 µm long. Male. Similar to female with the following notable sexual differences. Head (Fig. 5). Eyes narrowly separated medially (visible in the male paratype; the top of the head is fractured in the holotype). Antennal flagellum with flagellomeres distinctly separated; flagellomeres 2–8 vasiform, 9–10 slightly elongate, 11–13 greatly elongate; antennal ratio 0.72–0.80 (0.76, n=3). Palpus similar to female, moderately short; segment 3 with few sensilla on surface; palpal ratio 2.70–3.00 (2.90, n=3). Thorax similar to female. Legs brown, tarsal claws small, nearly straight with bifid tips. Wing (Fig. 6) narrower than female, with darker, well defined posterior veins; 2 nd radial cell shorter than female, only 1.5x longer than 1 st; wing length 1.32–1.48 (1.39, n=3) mm, width 0.49–0.51 (0.50, n=3) mm; costal ratio 0.64 (n=3). Abdomen dark brown. Genitalia (Fig. 7). Tergite 9 triangular, extending 0.70 length of gonocoxites, with blunt apex. Tergite 10 crescent-shaped, extending to almost the level of apex of gonocoxites; apicolateral process minute, with medium-size seta; cercus slender, finger-like, setose. Sternite 9 2.7x broader than long, posteromedian margin slightly convex. Gonocoxite stout, 1.45x longer than wide, with prominent basomesal tubercle with pointed tip; gonostylus stout, 0.85 length of gonocoxite, abruptly curved at mid-length, distal ½ highly modified with inner mesal hump and broad foot-shaped apex. Parameres (Fig. 37) separate; basal apodeme slender, arcuate, directed posterolaterally, anterior margin with heavily sclerotized colon-shaped process directed posteriorly; distal portion nearly straight, basal 2/3 broad, abruptly tapering distally, tip bulbous. Aedeagus (Fig. 38) elongate, tongue-shaped, slightly shorter than basal width; basal arms broad basally, widely spaced at bases, apex narrowed, recurved, heavily sclerotized; basal arch V-shaped extending 0.25 of total length (shorter and slightly concave in one paratype); distolateral extension hyaline with lateral margins slightly divergent, with broad, rounded and slightly mesally notched tip. Distribution. Argentina, in Nothofagus forests of Río Negro and Chubut provinces. Type material. Holotype male labeled “ Holotype Macrurohelea bassoi Spinelli, Ronderos & Grogan ”, “ Argentina, Río Negro, El Bolsón, 41°57’53.72”S, 71°32’7.22”W, 29-XI-1999, G. Spinelli, at light” (MLPA). Paratypes, 2 males, 19 females, as follows: allotype female and 15 other females with same data as holotype; Río Negro, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, río Ñireco, 41º11’51.9’’S 71º19’40.5’’W, 962 m, 18-II-2007, A. Garré – F. Montes de Oca, Malaise trap, 4 females; Chubut, Parque Nacional Los Alerces, 42°51’59.81”S, 71°36’4.76”W, L. Quate, Malaise trap, 1 male; Chubut, Puesto de Gendarmería “El Triana”, cerro Galera, 45°46’50’’S, 71°43’56’’W, 670 m, 2-XII-2002, G. Spinelli, 1 male, aerial net. Derivation of specific epithet. We are pleased to name this new species after Dr. Néstor G. Basso of Centro Nacional Patagónico, Puerto Madryn, Argentina, for his friendship and companionship during several collecting trips in Patagonia. Discussion. This new species keys to couplets 8 (females) and 16 (males) of M. irwini Grogan & Wirth in the key to Neotropical Macrurohelea by Spinelli & Grogan (1990). Males of M. bassoi n. sp. differ from males of M. irwini by the crescent-shaped tergite 10, the highly modified gonostylus that is abruptly curved at mid-length, the distal ½ is highly modified with an inner mesal hump and broad foot-shaped apex (gonostylus much shorter, narrower with a curved sharply pointed apex in M. irwini); parameres separate with bulbous apices (parameres fused basally, slender, divergent distally with apices bent at 90º in M. irwini); and, aedeagus slender, elongate with apex rounded and slightly notched mesally (aedeagus short, triangular with very long basal arms that are doubly recurved in M. irwini). Females differ from those of M. irwini by the contrasting coloration between their dark brown thorax and their yellowish legs and abdomen. Females and males of this new species were collected on the same date at the type-locality. Although the two sexes differ in the coloration of their legs and abdomen, their wings are nearly identical with the usual sexual differences such as the shorter 2 nd radial cell in males.Published as part of Spinelli, Gustavo R., Ronderos, Maria M. & Grogan, William L., 2022, Five new species in the predaceous midge genus Macrurohelea Ingram & Macfie from Argentina, and descriptions of the previously unknown males of M. kuscheli Wirth and M. monotheca Spinelli & Grogan (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 445-464 in Zootaxa 5093 (4) on pages 447-450, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5093.4.4, http://zenodo.org/record/591278
Crystal structures of bovine odorant-binding protein in complex with odorant molecules
No full textThe structure of bovine odorant-binding protein (bOBP) revealed a striking feature of a dimer formed by domain swapping [Tegoni, M., Ramoni, R., Bignetti, E., Spinelli, S. & Cambillau, C. (1996) Nat. Struct. Biol.3, 863-867; Bianchet, M.A., Bains, G., Pelosi, P., Pevsner, J., Snyder, S.H., Monaco, H.L. & Amzel, L.M. (1996) Nat. Struct. Biol.3, 934-939] and the presence of a naturally occuring ligand [Ramoni, R., Vincent, F., Grolli, S., Conti, V., Malosse, C., Boyer, F.D., Nagnan-Le Meillour, P., Spinelli, S., Cambillau, C. & Tegoni, M. (2001) J. Biol. Chem.276, 7150-7155]. These features led us to investigate the binding of odorant molecules with bOBP in solution and in the crystal. The behavior of odorant molecules in bOBP resembles that observed with porcine OBP (pOBP), although the latter is monomeric and devoid of ligand when purified. The odorant molecules presented K(d) values with bOBP in the micromolar range. Most of the X-ray structures revealed that odorant molecules interact with a common set of residues forming the cavity wall and do not exhibit specific interactions. Depending on the ligand and on the monomer (A or B), a single residue--Phe89--presents alternate conformations and might control cross-talking between the subunits. Crystal data on both pOBP and bOBP, in contrast with binding and spectroscopic studies on rat OBP in solution, reveal an absence of significant conformational changes involving protein loops or backbone. Thus, the role of OBP in signal triggering remains unresolved
Macrurohelea morenoi Spinelli & Ronderos & Grogan 2022, n. sp.
No full textMacrurohelea morenoi n. sp. (Figs. 22–25, 45–46) Zoobank urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: D6215D38-E884-4847-8A2D-B42243955120 Diagnosis. Males: the only species with a dark brown thorax, legs and abdomen and a pale brown halter; tergite 9 triangular, extending 0.75 length of gonocoxites, tergite 10 with broad truncate apex, apicolateral process very short, triangular, without apical seta; sternite 9 2.2x broader than long, tapering slightly distally, posteromedian margin convex; parameres stout, nearly straight, distal halves slightly divergent distally, tips rounded; aedeagus broad, Vshaped, basal arch deep, heavily sclerotized, extending 0.63 length of basal width, distal portion short, triangular, divided medially, apices slightly divergent. Females unknown. Male. Head (Fig. 22) dark brown. Eyes separated medially by width of 3 ommatidia with numerous short interommatidial spicules. Antennal flagellum with flagellomeres 1–10 distinctly separated, 11–13 lost in the holotype. Palpus medium dark brown; segment 3 with very shallow sensory pit at distal 1/3; segment 4 short, segment 5 slightly longer than segment 3; palpal ratio 2.22. Thorax (Fig. 23) uniformly dark brown; scutum with 5 stout prealar setae and 1 postalar seta; scutellum with 3 long, stout setae and 5 slender, shorter setae. Legs dark brown (hind legs missing in the examined specimen); tarsomeres 4 of fore, mid legs cordiform; claws of fore, mid legs small, slightly curved with bifid tips. Wing (Fig. 24) membrane slightly infuscated with minute microtrichiae, veins brown; medium-size macrotrichiae on costa; 2 nd radial cell slightly shorter than 1st; cell r 3 without intercalary veins; r-m crossvein shorter than petiole of M; wing length 0.94 mm, width 0.37 mm; costal ratio 0.62. Halter pale brown. Abdomen (Fig. 23) dark brown. Genitalia (Figs. 25, 45–46). Tergite 9 triangular, extending 0.75 length of gonocoxites. Tergite 10 with slightly convex lateral margins and truncate apex, apicolateral process very short, triangular without apical seta, cercus slender, finger-like (adpressed to ventral surface in the holotype). Sternite 9 2.2x broader than long, tapering distally, posteromedian margin convex. Gonocoxite stout, 1.45x longer than broad, with pointed mesal protuberance; gonostylus 0.73 length of gonocoxite, distal 2/3 greatly curved, tip pointed. Parameres (Fig. 45) narrowly separated, heavily sclerotized; basal apodeme stout, laterally directed, recurved 120°, with short pointed laterally directed protuberance; distal portion stout, nearly straight, distal ½ slightly divergent, apex rounded. Aedeagus (Fig. 46) broad, V-shaped, 0.63 length of basal width; basal arch heavily sclerotized, stout, curved, extending 0.5 of total length; distal portion short, more lightly sclerotized, triangular, divided medially, tapered distally, apices slightly divergent. Female. Unknown. Type material. Holotype male, labeled “ Holotype Macrurohelea morenoi Spinelli, Ronderos and Grogan ”, “ Argentina, Río Negro, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, laguna Schmoll, 41º11’36.7’’S, 71º29’51.2’’W, 1925 m, 24-I/19- II/2007, A. Garré – F. Montes de Oca, Malaise trap. Distribution. Argentina, known only from the type-locality. Derivation of specific epithet. This species is named after Francisco P. Moreno, former Director of the Museo de La Plata, Argentina, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions while exploring Argentine Patagonia during the late nineteen century. Discussion. This new species is similar to M. sirii n. sp., but in that species the base of the aedeagus is narrower than the bases of parameres and the distal portion is slender with entire pointed apex, and the parameres are slender distally, with apices tapered, divergent, with outer pointed tips.Published as part of Spinelli, Gustavo R., Ronderos, Maria M. & Grogan, William L., 2022, Five new species in the predaceous midge genus Macrurohelea Ingram & Macfie from Argentina, and descriptions of the previously unknown males of M. kuscheli Wirth and M. monotheca Spinelli & Grogan (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 445-464 in Zootaxa 5093 (4) on pages 455-457, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5093.4.4, http://zenodo.org/record/591278
Brachypogon biradialis Spinelli, Borkent & Ronderos, 2013, n. sp.
No full textBrachypogon biradialis n. sp. (Figs. 1 –7, 16) Diagnosis. Female: only species of Brachypogon with the wing exhibiting two elongate radial cells with narrow lumen and cell r 3 with a forked intercalary vein. Male: unknown. Description. Female. Head (Fig. 1) dark brown. Eyes with interfacetal spicules, broadly separated medially. Clypeus with 4–5 pairs of lateral setae. Antenna moniliform; scape with two setae; flagellum entirely dark brown, with 13 flagellomeres; flagellomeres 1–3 slightly broader than long, 4–8 as long as broad, 9–13 slightly longer than broad, AR 0.74–0.80 (0.77, n= 4); flagellomere 1 with 1–3 apical sensilla coeloconica. Palpus paler than flagellum; segment 3 short, swollen, with subapical, deep sensory pit; fourth segment with 2 setae; PR 0.92–1.21 (1.10, n= 4). Mandible with 5 apical teeth, preceded by 2–3 minute denticles. Thorax (Fig. 2). Uniformly dark brown. Scutellum with six setae; katepisternum with one slender seta (Fig. 3). Legs entirely dark brown; hind tibial comb with 9 spines; foreleg TR 2.96–3.23 (3.06, n= 4), midleg TR 2.30 –3.00 (2.72, n= 4), hind leg TR 2.14–2.33 (2.26, n= 4); tarsomeres 4 subcylindrical; tarsal claws with short internal basal teeth, unequal and longer in foreleg (Fig. 4), small and equal in mid-, hind legs. Wing (Fig. 5) length 0.79–0.89 (0.83, n= 4) mm, width 0.37–0.40 (0.38, n= 4) mm, CR 0.58 (n= 4); two elongate radial cells with narrow lumen, first one slightly longer than second; radial veins thick; costa, R 1, R 3 with black, stout setae; r 3 with forked intercalary vein; distal portion of M 2 visible; membrane infuscated, with marginal macrotrichia in r 3, m 1, m 2 in holotype, more abundant and also few in cua 1 in paratypes. Halter whitish. Abdomen (Fig. 6). Dark brown. Sternite 8 entire, with broadly V-shaped posteromedian excavation; sternite 9 divided medially, each portion deeply excavated caudomedially; sternite 10 with 2 pairs of setae, anterior pair minute, posterior pair elongate, slender. Two ovoid spermatheca (Fig. 7), both with short, broad neck; unequal in length, measuring 50–56 (53, n= 4) by 42–47 (44, n= 4) µm, and 45–52 (48, n= 4) by 33–45 (40, n= 4) µm; rudimentary third spermatheca present. Male. Unknown. Distribution. Subantarctic Chile (approximately 38 ºS), Argentina (Somuncurá plateau, in Río Negro province) (Fig. 16). The paratype from 34 km S. Collipulli was collected near a stream in a woodland setting and that from Conguillo National Park was collected from an Araucaria / Nothofagus forest. Taxonomic discussion. The wing of this species resembles those of species of Borkenthelea Spinelli & Grogan, except for the presence of a forked intercalary vein in cell r 3. However, Borkenthelea spp. differs by having eyes contiguous medially, flagellomeres elongated and the katepisternum devoid of setae. Type material. Holotype female, labeled “ Argentina, Río Negro, Chipauquil (puesto policial), 40 º 57 ’ 41.1 ’’S, 66 º 38 ’ 20.8 ’’W, 481m, 4 -XII- 2006, G. Spinelli, aerial net” (MLP). Paratypes, 3 females from Chile, as follows: 34 km S Collipulli, 23 -XII- 1984, J.A. Downes, JAD 1678 / 1 / 18 (CNCI); nr. Nahuelbuta, 24 -XII- 1984, J.A. Downes, JAD 1680 / 1 / 5 (CNCI); Conguillo National Park, 1150 m, 4 / 5 -II- 1988, L. Masner, Malaise trap, CD 896 (CNCI). Derivation of specific epithet. The name biradialis (two radials) refers to the two distinctive narrow radial cells of this species.Published as part of Spinelli, Gustavo R., Borkent, Art & Ronderos, María M., 2013, Two new peculiar species of Neotropical Brachypogon Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Zootaxa 3702 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3702.1.6, http://zenodo.org/record/21966
Stilobezzia (Acanthohelea) guarani Cazorla & Spinelli, 2010, n. sp.
No full textStilobezzia (Acanthohelea) guarani n. sp. (Figs. 1 –9, 39) Diagnosis. The only species of Neotropical Stilobezzia (Acanthohel e a) distinguished by the basal 2 / 3 of hind femora and apex of tibia dark brown and blackish knees, and the gonocoxite elongate with inner protuberance bearing two small sclerotized teeth. Male. Head. Dark brown. Antenna (lost in the holotype) with flagellomeres as in Fig. 1; plume dark brown; antennal ratio 0.65. Maxillary palpus brown; third segment stout with apical sensory pit; palpal ratio 2.20–2.5 (2.35, n= 2). Thorax. Dark brown. Scutum, with anteromesal pale yellowish spots, as in Fig. 34. Legs brown, basal 2 / 3 of hind femora, apex of hind tibia dark brown, knees blackish; hind tibial comb with 4–5 spines; prothoracic TR 2.22–2.29 (2.25, n= 2); mesothoracic TR 2.50–2.70 (2.60, n= 2); metathoracic TR 2.14–2.44 (2.29, n= 2). Wing (Fig. 2) length 0.92–1.13 (1.25, n= 2) mm; width 0.33–0.39 (0.36 n = 2) mm; membrane hyaline; anterior veins pale; cubital fork distal to level of beginning of r-m crossvein; macrotrichia on costa, scarce on distal margin of r 3, m 1; first radial cell narrow; second 3.23 times longer than first. Halter pale brown. Abdomen. Pale. Genitalia (Figs. 3 –5, 35): dark brown; tergite 9 reaching level of end of gonocoxites, posterior margin rounded; cercus not in position to be described; sternite 9 with broad, shallow posteromedian excavation. Gonocoxite elongate, 2.28 times longer than greatest breadth, inner margin with mesal stout, blunt protuberance bearing two small sclerotized teeth (evident in paratype, Fig. 4). Gonostylus pale, stout, nearly straight, 0.6 times longer than gonocoxite, blunt apex. Parameres separate, each with basal portion slender, articulated to strongly sclerotized, trilobed apodeme; posteromedian process broad on mid portion, gradually tapering to pointed apex, later curved ventrad. Aedeagus represented by two slender, convergent, slightly sinuose sclerites, each with slightly bulbous tip. Female. Similar to male, with usual sexual differences. Head. Dark brown. Antenna as in Fig. 6, flagellomeres 1–8 pale, apices darker, 9–13 dark brown; antennal ratio 0.85–0.87 (0.86, n= 2). Maxillary palpus (Fig. 7) very dark brown; palpal ratio 2.20 (n= 2). Mandible with 7 teeth. Thorax. Scutum pale yellowish, humeral areas, anterolateral margins, prescutellar depression dark brown; scutellum yellowish brown with 4 strong setae, 2 thiner ones; postscutellum dark brown. Legs pale brown; coxae dark brown except basal 1 / 2 of hind coxa pale; basal 2 / 3 of hind femora, apex of hind tibia dark brown, knees blackish; hind tibial comb with 7 spines; prothoracic TR 2.29–2.50 (2.43, n= 3), mesothoracic TR 2.70– 3.16 (2.85, n= 3), metathoracic TR 2.29–2.66 (2.46, n= 3); claws as long fifth tarsomere, those of hind leg shorter. Wing (Fig. 8) length 1.12–1.27 (1.17, n= 3); width 0.48–0.55 (0.50, n= 3) mm; membrane hyaline; anterior veins pale, CuP dark brown; cubital fork slightly distal to level of beginning of r-m crossvein; macrotrichia on costa, R 1, R 2, M 1, M 2, abundant on distal margin of r 3, m 1, scarce on distal margin of m 2, cua 1; second radial cell 2.92 times longer than first. Abdomen: pale brown, segments 8–9 dark brown. Genitalia as in Fig. 9; anterior margin of sternite 8 convex, posteromedian excavation V-shaped; sternite 10 short, setae no distinguishable in studied specimens; cercus short, rounded. Two ovoid, strongly sclerotized spermathecae with hyaline punctations, with short necks, measuring 5.2 x 3.8 µm, 4.6 x 3.3 µm; rudimentary third present. Distribution. Argentina (Misiones province) and Paraguay (Itapúa department) (Fig. 39). Types. Holotype male, Misiones prov., National route 14, km 813, arroyo Anyico, 18 -V- 2008, G. Spinelli, 1 male, sweep net; allotype female Argentina, Misiones prov., Corpus, 17 -IX- 1999, G. Spinelli. Paratypes 1 male, 2 females as follows: same data as allotype except 18 -V- 2004, A. Jiménez, 1 male, female, CDC light trap; Paraguay, Itapúa, Encarnación, arroyo Santa María, III- 1996, G. Spinelli, 1 female, sweep net. Discussion. Stilobezzia (A.) guarani is similar to Stilobezzia (A.) xerophila (described below) but the female abdomen of the latter species is pale brown except segments 8–10 dark brown, and the male gonocoxite lacks the conspicuous inner protuberance with two teeth.Published as part of Cazorla, Carla G. & Spinelli, Gustavo R., 2010, Four new Neotropical species of Stilobezzia (Acanthohelea) Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), pp. 45-56 in Zootaxa 2669 on page 46, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19910
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