Unveiled species diversity of moss-feeding mites (Stigmaeidae: Eustigmaeus): a research on their distribution, habitat, and host plant use in Japan

The genus Eustigmaeus Berlese, 1910 represents the unique phytophagous group within the superfamily Raphignathoidea. Four species within this genus have been known to inhabit mosses and feed on them as larvae, nymphs, and adults. However, the interactions with mosses have remained poorly understood. In order to reveal the diversity and host-plant use of the moss-feeding species, we conducted an extensive field study in Japan. This study revealed an array of moss-feeding species inhabiting various moss species, with 10 morphologically distinctive species newly documented in Japan. Through DNA barcoding based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences, these morphospecies were recovered as distinct entities. Notably, the host-plant use of four species was elucidated. Among these, Eustigmaeus sp. 9 exhibited polyphagy, while three species (Eustigmaeus spp. 1-3) demonstrated varying degrees of host specificity, each using moss species from the Hypnales, Philonotis, and Dicranidae, respectively. While a few moss-feeding species were frequently found in the same geographic area, more than one species rarely co-occurred within the same moss colonies. Eustigmaeus offers a unique study system, with its diverse moss-feeding species and indications of specific host plant use. Consequently, the moss-feeding Eustigmaeus serves as a valuable model for exploring the macroevolutionary patterns underlying diversification in moss-feeding arthropods.

Recent origin and diversification accompanied by repeated host shifts of thallus-mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on liverworts and hornworts

Despite the vast diversity of phytophagous insects that feed on vascular plants (tracheophytes), insects that feed on bryophytes remain understudied. Agromyzidae, one of the most species-rich phytophagous clades in Diptera, consists mainly of leaf-mining species that feed on tracheophytes. However, a recent discovery of thallus-mining species on liverworts and hornworts within the Liriomyza group of Phytomyzinae provides an opportunity to study host shifts between tracheophytes and bryophytes. This study aimed to explore the origin and diversification of thallus-miners and estimate the pattern and timing of host shifts. Phylogenetic analysis of Phytomyzinae has revealed that the thallus-mining agromyzids formed a separate clade, which was sister to a fern pinnule-miner. The diversification of bryophyte-associated agromyzids since the Oligocene involved multiple host shifts across various bryophyte taxa. The diversification of the thallus-mining Phytoliriomyza may have occurred at the same time as the leaf-mining agromyzid flies on herbaceous plants, indicating a dynamic history of interactions between bryophytes and herbivores in angiosperms-dominated ecosystems.

Dipteran (Bibionomorpha and Tipulomorpha) diversity in dead wood in Lithuania

The aim of this study is to compile the species list of Bibionomorpha and Tipulomorpha flies associated with dead wood in Lithuania. Saproxylic nematocerans were studied from 2014 to 2020 in four protected areas and in five different tree species (Populustremula, Quercusrobur, Tiliacordata, Fraxinusexcelsior and Alnusglutinosa) of the second stage of decay by using emergence traps. In total, 113 species were identified with Mycetophilidae, Sciaridae and Limoniidae being the most species-rich families. The compiled list of species emerging from dead wood in Lithuania is presented. Fourteen species were reared from dead wood for the first time.

Notes on the taxonomic status and distribution of some Cylindrotomidae (Diptera, Tipuloidea), with emphasis on Japanese species

A morphological and molecular study of 17 Cylindrotomidae species revealed that the two subspecies of Cylindrotomadistinctissima, the Nearctic C.americana Osten Sacken, 1865, stat. reval. and the Palearctic C.distinctissima (Meigen, 1818), represent separated lineages and consequently are raised to species level. Cylindrotomajaponica Alexander, 1919, syn. nov. and C.distinctissimaalpestris Peus, 1952, syn. nov. are now known to be junior synonyms of C.distinctissima. Triogmakuwanailimbinervis Alexander, 1953, syn. nov. and T.nimbipennis Alexander, 1941, syn. nov. are now placed into synonymy under Triogmakuwanai (Alexander, 1913). The Japanese Cylindrotomidae are all redescribed and all available literature and distribution data are summarised. Supplementary descriptions and illustrations for male and female terminalia of Cylindrotomanigriventris Loew, 1849, Diogmadmitrii Paramonov, 2005, Liogmanodicornis (Osten Sacken, 1865), Phalacrocerareplicata (Linnaeus, 1758), P.tipulina Osten Sacken, 1865, and Triogmatrisulcata (Schummel, 1829) are provided. The following new distribution records are outlined; Diogmacaudata Takahashi, 1960 from Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia; D.glabrata (Meigen, 1818) from Belarus, Latvia, and Altai Republic, Amur Oblast, Novgorod Oblast, Magadan Oblast, Samara Oblast, and Kuril Islands (Shikotan I and Paramushir I) in Russia; Liogmaserraticornis Alexander, 1919 from Khabarovsk Krai, Russia; Phalacrocerareplicata from Khabarovsk Krai, Russia; and the presence of Cylindrotomanigriventris in Altai Republic, Russia is confirmed.

A Bizarre Planthopper Nymph (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) from Mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber

Simple Summary

The fossil record of adult planthoppers is relatively rich, but the nymphs are rare and not well studied. Here, we describe a bizarre armoured planthopper nymph: Spinonympha shcherbakovi gen. et sp. nov. from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. The new genus and species is characterized by its large size, armoured body, extremely long rostrum, and leg structure. The fossil nymph cannot be attributed to any known planthopper family, but can be excluded from many families due to its large size and leg structure. The armoured body was probably developed for defence, and the extremely long rostrum indicates that, in the past, planthopper feeding on trees with thick and rough bark was more widespread than today. The new find reveals a new armoured morphotype previously unknown in planthopper nymphs.

Abstract

The fossil record of adult planthoppers is comparatively rich, but nymphs are rare and not well studied. Here, we describe a bizarre armoured planthopper nymph, Spinonympha shcherbakovi gen. et sp. nov., in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. The new genus is characterized by its large size, body armed with spines and tubercles, extremely long rostrum reaching well beyond the apex of the abdomen; profemur and mesofemur subcylindrical, covered with setae; protibia and mesotibia subquadrangular, densely covered with setae; protarsus and mesotarsus with two segments, tarsomere II longer and wider than I; metatrochanter swollen, metafemur subcylindrical, covered with short setae; metatibia subquadrangular, densely covered with short setae, without lateral spine and pectens without setae; metatarsus with three segments, and metatarsomere III extremely small. The fossil nymph cannot be attributed to any known planthopper family, but can be excluded from many families due to its large size and leg structure. The armoured body was probably developed for defence, and the extremely long rostrum indicates that, in the past, feeding on trees with thick and rough bark was more widespread than today. These features indicate that the new specimen represents a new armoured morphotype of planthopper nymph from the fossil record.