Sperm morphology of Tingidae Laporte, 1833 (Miroidea: Cimicomorpha)

Here, we describe for the first time the sperm morphology of Tingidae (Heteroptera). They are small insects presenting lacy patterns on their pronotum and hemielytra and are exclusively phytophagous, with many economically important species. We studied five species of the tribe Tingini (Tinginae): Teleonemia scrupulosa, Vatiga illudens, Gargaphia lunulata, Leptopharsa sp., and Corythucha arcuata. Their spermiogenesis process is similar to other Heteroptera, with some differences in the formation of the centriole adjunct. This structure extends in the anteroposterior spermatid axis, flanking the nucleus, possibly contributing to nucleus remodeling and sperm elongation. The mature sperm of Tingidae is also similar to that of other Heteroptera, with features that corroborate the group's monophyly. Our data support previous results for their sister family, Miridae, which exhibits some characteristics exclusive to this taxon, not present in Tingidae or other Heteroptera. They also support the sister relationship of the genera Gargaphia and Leptopharsa and suggest closer relationship between Vatiga and Corythucha. Overall, this study sheds light on the sperm ultrastructure of Tingidae and provides information for understanding the evolution and diversity of Heteroptera. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The spermiogenesis process and mature sperm are similar to other Heteroptera The centriole adjunct is derived from a strip of a pericentriolar material extending from the centriole Tingidae and Miridae are distinguishable using sperm morphology.

Antibacterial Activity of Defensive Secretions from the Lace Bug Stephanitis svensoni (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

Nymphs of Stephanitis svensoni (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) have numerous glandular setae on their dorsal abdomens. Chemical analysis of the exudates from these setae revealed the presence of 11 compounds, including aliphatic aldehydes, aliphatic ketones, and aromatic polyketides. Among them, 3-oxododecanal, 5-hydroxy-2-heptylchromanone, and 5-hydroxy-2-undecanylchromanone were identified for the first time in the family Tingidae. Previous research has suggested that secretions from nymphs of the genus Stephanitis, belonging to the family Tingidae, function as defensive substances against predators. The exudates of S. svensoni showed antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial tests conducted using preparations of the 10 identified compounds showed antibacterial activity in 3-oxododecanal, 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone, and 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one. In addition, antibacterial tests against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli showed activity in 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone and 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one. Therefore, 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone and 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one exhibited a wide antibacterial spectrum. Particularly, 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one, which showed antibacterial activity even at low concentrations, holds promise as lead drug compound.

First record of the lace bug genus Eritingis (Drake and Ruhoff) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) from Japan and Thailand

Background

The lace bug genus Eritingis Drake and Ruhoff, 1962 is widely distributed in the Australian and Oriental Regions, whereas only a single species, E.recentis (Drake and Poor, 1937), has been recorded from the Oriental Region. To date, E.recentis is known to occur in Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and Vietnam, but has not been recorded from Japan and Thailand.

New information

Eritingis and E.recentis are recorded from Japan and Thailand for the first time.

New record of the lace bug species Acalypta marginata (Wolff) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) from Japan

Background

The lace bug species Acalyptamarginata (Wolff, 1804) has, to date, been widely known to occur in the Palaearctic Region, but has not been recorded from Japan.

New information

Acalyptamarginata is recorded from Japan for the first time. Its habitat in Japan is the grassland of Hokkaido. A key to the species of Acalypta occurring in Japan is provided.

Ecological niche modelling of Gargaphia decoris (Heteroptera), a biological control agent of the invasive tree Solanum mauritianum (Solanales: Solanaceae)

BACKGROUND

The South American tree Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (Solanaceae) is a problematic invasive plant in numerous tropical, subtropical and temperate regions around the globe. Because conventional management approaches are not cost-effective, biological control provides an alternative approach. Gargaphia decoris Drake (Tingidae) is currently used as a biological control agent in South Africa and New Zealand. Considering the importance of climate in the establishment and success of a biological control agent, this study used ecological niche models (ENM) to identify areas where S. mauritianum is a problematic invader and where suitable conditions exist for G. decoris. Additionally, the climate niche dynamics of G. decoris were investigated and ENMs projected worldwide for the year 2050 were built.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that most of the countries where S. mauritianum is problematic have suitable climatic conditions for G. decoris, and that the species can survive in climates with temperatures lower than those in its native range. For future climates, ENMs predict wider regions with favourable climatic conditions for G. decoris.

CONCLUSION

Considering the results of this study, the prospects of using G. decoris as a biological control agent are good under current and future climates. Introduction of this agent could be considered in affected countries where it has not been released. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dermatosis caused by Corythuca ciliata (Say, 1932) (Heteroptera, Tingidae). diagnostic and clinical aspects of an unrecognized pseudoparasitosis

The present article discusses three cases of human infestation by Corythuca ciliata (Lace bugs), a parasite of plane trees. The cases were all in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy and the symptoms involved a large number of hives on the subjects' bodies which were scarcely or not at all itchy and which spontaneously cleared up in all the cases in less than 24 hours. It can be concluded that the Lace bug can be an agent of insect-caused dermatosis and this should be considered in examining subjects who visit or live near wooded areas which are infested.