Papers in Entomology

Two Additional Invasive Scarabaeoid Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) in Hawaii

Mary Liz Jameson et al. — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:25:11 PST

Two species of dynastine scarab beetles are reported for the first time on the island of Hawaii: the Pasadena masked chafer, Cyclocephala pasadenae (Casey) (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Cyclocephalini) from North America and Temnorhynchus retusus (Fabricius) (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Pentodontini) from Africa. The Pasadena masked chafer is established on the island of Hawaii, is a recognized pest of turf grass, and is a concern for agriculture and native Hawaiian arthropod species. Temnorhynchus retusus is not known to be an agricultural pest, but its spread on the islands could pose a problem for Hawaiian native species. We provide an overview of each species, characteristics for recognition of these species, and comments on their introduction to the islands.

Biological observations and a new state record of Paracotalpa granicollis Haldeman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) in New Mexico

Paul Kaufman et al. — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:12:36 PST

Specimens of Paracotalpa granicollis Haldeman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) collected in northwestern New Mexico represent a new state record for the species. Individuals (males only) were observed in association with Juniperus osteosperma Torr. Little (Juniper; Cupressaceae). We provide an overview of the biology of species in the genus Paracotalpa Ohaus and discuss biological observations of P. granicollis.

Synopsis of the aroid scarabs in the genus Peltonotus Burmeister (Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae, Cyclocephalini) from Sumatra and description of a new species

Mary Liz Jameson et al. — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:03:01 PST

We provide a synopsis of the Sumatran species in the scarab beetle genus Peltonotus Burmeister (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Cyclocephalini), describe a new species of Peltonotus from Sumatra, and describe the male of P. cybele Jameson & Wada from Sumatra (previously known only by the female holotype). To enable identification, we include a key to the five Sumatran species of Peltonotus, comparative images and diagnoses for all species, and temporal and geographical distributions.

A Revision of the Genus Strategus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Brett C. Ratcliffe — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:12:42 PST

The New World genus Strategus Kirby is here defined and revised for the first time. Eight species are described as new: S. atlanticus, S. caymani, S. craigi, S. hipposiderus, S. howdeni, S. longichomperus, S. symphenax, and S. tarquinius; 12 new junior synonyms are established (including the rejection of six previously valid species); one species is raised from synonymy; and two new replacement names are proposed. Strategus now contains one fossil species and 31 valid extant species. A key to the males and females of all the species is provided for the first time. All taxa are described or redescribed and illustrated by habitus figures and drawings of the male genitalia. Biologies are discussed when data are available. Extensive distributional data and locality record dot maps are presented as well as a zoogeographical analysis of the genus. Lastly, a computer-assisted cladistic reconstruction of the presumed phylogeny of the genus is provided.

The Origin of Chubutolithes Ihering, Ichnofossils from the Eocene and Oligocene of Chubut Province, Argentina

Thomas M. Bown et al. — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:05:37 PST

The distinctive trace fossil Chubutolithes gaimanensis n. ichnosp. occurs in Casamayoran (early Eocene) and Colhuéhaupian (late Oligocene) alluvial rocks of the Sarmiento Formation in eastern Chubut Province, Argentina. Though known for nearly 70 years, its origin has remained obscure. Examination of new specimens and comparisons with modem analogs demonstrate that specimens of Chubutolithes represent the fossil nests of a mud-dauber (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae). Virtually identical nests are constructed today by mud-daubers in areas as disparate as southern Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, and Nebraska, confirming that quite similar trace fossils can be produced by several different taxa in a higher taxonomic clade. No satisfactory ethological term exists for trace fossils that, like Chubutolithes, were constructed by organisms above, rather than within, a substrate or medium. The new term aedificichnia is proposed.

Chubutolithes occurs in alluvial paleosols and is associated with a large terrestrial ichnofauna. These trace fossils include the nests of scarab beetles, compound nests of social insects, and burrows of earthworms.

Sondeo biótico e inventario de los escarabajos dinastinos de Mesoamérica, Norteamérica y las Antillas: un proyecto multinacional a largo plazo

Ronald D. Cave et al. — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:49:03 PST

A Biotic Survey and Inventory of the Dynastine Scarab Beetles of Mesoamerica, North America, and the West Indies: a Long-term, Multi-country Project. Our long-term, multi-country inventory explores the diversity of the subfamily Dynastinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in a megadiverse region seriously imperiled by deforestation, invasive species, and urbanization. The project’s objectives are (1) study and document the diversity, spatial and temporal distributions, and ecological preferences of dynastines north of South America, and clarify the nomenclature of the genera and species; (2) disseminate knowledge to the scientific community, students, and public through monographs and an electronic database; (3) train students, parataxonomists, and collection curators on taxonomy, biology, and identification of dynastines, and collection management; (4) develop synoptic collections of dynastines; and (5) provide educational opportunities for students and other groups not represented in science in the study area. Broad impacts encompass discovery, solidifying alliances for exploring biodiversity, enhancing investigative infrastructure by developing and disseminating databases, training students and technicians, increasing the ability to monitor habitats by using taxonomic knowledge, and establishing authoritatively identified collections.

Articulo en Espanol.

A review of the Blaesiina (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae, Gymnetini)

Brett C. Ratcliffe — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:29:20 PST

The two genera comprising the subtribe Blaesiina (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Gymnetini) are reviewed. Each genus contains two species, with Blaesia Burmeister occurring in southern South America and Halffterinetis Morón & Nogueira occurring in northern Mexico. Descriptions, keys, distributions, biology, and illustrations are provided. The biogeography of the Blaesiina is discussed with a hypothesis to explain the current disjunct distributions. I provide a new state record for Halffterinetis gonzaloi Morón & Nogueira in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Collecting slime flux feeding Coleoptera in Japan

Brett C. Ratcliffe — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:24:42 PST

Sappy wounds of injured or diseased trees entice a wide variety of insects. Carter (1945) stated that when fluxing is prolific or long continued, air-borne bacteria, yeasts, and fungi contaminate the oozing sap, ferment it and produce the material called slime flux. Apparently the oozing flux is toxic to the flux site and so prevents callusing by the tree. Consequently, the same tree usually can be a good collecting site for insects from year to year. My stay in Japan spanned four years, and collecting at flux sites was one of the most fruitful areas of endeavor. As soon as the vascular system of a tree became active in the spring the slime flux began to ooze out and attract insects. The best trees to visit were usually elms which possibly suffered from wetwood. April and May saw only a few insects feeding at the trees in the Tokyo area, but their numbers and kind greatly increased in June, July, and August; an abrupt decline in insect activity occurred in September.

A biotic survey and inventory of the dynastine scarab beetles of Mesoamerica, North America, and the West Indies: review of a long-term, multicountry project

Brett C. Ratcliffe et al. — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:04:55 PST

This biotic inventory will document the species-level diversity of dynastine scarabs, their spatial and temporal distributions, ecological preferences, and biology. The long term, multi-country research project explores a biotically megadiverse region that is seriously at risk from deforestation, environmental homogenization, invasive species, and urban sprawl. Objectives of this survey are: 1) to understand the biodiversity of dynastine scarab beetles in Mesoamerica; 2) disseminate this information in print and electronic forms; 3) train students, parataxonomists, and collection managers in the study area about dynastine taxonomy and identification, care of collections, dissemination of information, and conservation; and 4) assemble authoritatively identified voucher collections and associated databases in Mexico, Guatemala and the U.S. It fully complements our recently completed inventories of the dynastines in southern Mesoamerica. The electronic database and monograph will make information available to a broad user community of researchers, students, natural resource managers, government entities, and general public. Broader impacts of this research encompass discovery while promoting learning, solidifying partnerships to explore biodiversity, and enhancement of research infrastructure by creation/ augmentation/dissemination of databases, training of students and technicians, and establishment of authoritatively identified collections. Benefits to society include a better understanding of the importance of and threats to biodiversity, enhanced ability to monitor habitats using taxonomic knowledge, educating students and the public about science, training future scientists or technicians, and instilling in the peoples of developing tropical countries a greater interest in their own rich biota so they may benefit from it and better care for it.

Cet inventaire fournira des informations sur la diversité des espèces de scarabées Dynastinae, leurs distributions spatiale et temporelle, leurs préférences écologiques et leur biologie. Le projet de recherche international à long terme explore une région biologiquement très diverse qui est sérieusement menacée par la déforestation, l’homogénéisation environnementale, les espèces envahissantes, et l’extension urbaine. Les objectifs de ce programme sont : 1) comprendre la biodiversité des Dynastinae en Amérique centrale ; 2) diffuser cette information sous forme imprimée et électronique ; 3) former des étudiants, des parataxonomistes et des responsables de collections de la zone d’étude à la taxonomie et l’identification des Dynastinae, à la gestion de collections, à la diffusion de l’information et à la conservation ; et 4) rassembler des collections de référence et les bases de données associées au Mexique, au Guatémala et aux États-Unis. Ce programme complète les inventaires récents des Dynastinae réalisés en Amérique centrale méridionale. Grâce aux bases de données et aux monographies les informations seront à la portée d’une grande communauté de chercheurs, étudiants, gestionnaires de ressources naturelles, agences gouvernementales et grand public. Plus largement, cette recherche aura des effets incitatifs sur l’apprentissage, le renforcement des partenariats pour l’exploration de la biodiversité et l’accroissement des infrastructures de recherche par la création/augmentation/diffusion des bases de données, la formation d’étudiants et de techniciens et la constitution de collections de référence. Les bénéfices pour la société incluent une meilleure compréhension de l’importance de la biodiversité et des menaces qui pèsent sur elle, une capacité accrue à surveiller les habitats grâce aux connaissances taxonomiques, la sensibilisation des étudiants et du public à la science, la formation de futurs scientifiques ou techniciens, et l’intéressement des populations des pays tropicaux en voie de développement à leur richesse biologique afin qu’elles en bénéficient et qu’elles en prennent soin.

Revision of the genus Chalcasthenes Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Oryctoderini) from the Solomon Islands

Mary Liz Jameson et al. — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:09:29 PST

Abstract The genus Chalcasthenes Arrow (Dynastinae: Oryctoderini), a scarab beetle genus endemic to the Solomon Islands, is reviewed. Based on examination of type specimens, the genus Strehlia Frey (Rutelinae: Rutelini: Parastasiina) is a new junior synonym of Chalcasthenes. The historical classification of these genera (either in the subfamily Dynastinae or Rutelinae) and character-based criteria for assigning the taxa to the Dynastinae are provided. We discuss character states that support the monophyly of members of the genus Chalcasthenes, comment on the distribution and biogeography of species in the genus and provide a key to species. The genus includes four species: Chalcasthenes divinus Endrödi, Chalcasthenes pulcher Arrow, Chalcasthenes squamigerus Frey new combination and Chalcasthenes styracoceros Jameson and Ratcliffe n. sp. Species hypotheses are corroborated based on evidence from Pleistocene geological reconstructions of the Solomon Islands, geographic variation of bird species in the region, and development in scarab beetles.

THE ORIGIN OF CHUBUTOLITHES IHERING, ICHNOFOSSILS FROM THE EOCENE AND OLIGOCENE OF CHUBUT PROVINCE, ARGENTINA

Thomas M. Bown et al. — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:07:39 PDT

ABSTRACT-The distinctive trace fossil Chubutolithes gaimanensis n. ichnosp. occurs in Casamayoran (early Eocene) and Colhuehaupian (late Oligocene) alluvial rocks of the Sarmiento Formation in eastern Chubut Province, Argentina. Though known for nearly 70 years, its origin has remained obscure. Examination of new specimens and comparisons with modem analogs demonstrate that specimens of Chubutolithes represent the fossil nests of a mud-dauber (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae). Virtually identical nests are constructed today by mud-daubers in areas as disparate as southern Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, and Nebraska, confirming that quite similar trace fossils can be produced by several different taxa in a higher taxonomic clade. No satisfactory ethological term exists for trace fossils that, like Chubutolithes, were constructed by organisms above, rather than within, a substrate or medium. The new term aedificichnia is proposed. Chubutolithes occurs in alluvial paleosols and is associated with a large terrestrial ichnofauna. These trace fossils include the nests of scarab beetles, compound nests of social insects, and burrows of earthworms.

INVERTEBRATE LEBENSSPUREN OF HOLOCENE FLOODPLAINS: THEIR MORPHOLOGY, ORIGIN AND PALEOECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Brett C. Ratcliffe et al. — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:01:07 PDT

Although rocks of floodplain origin are volumetrically important, they contain relatively few trace fossils; both abundance and diversity are low. Conversely, Holocene floodplain sediments locally contain abundant and diverse lebensspuren mostly produced by insects, spiders, nematodes, annelids and molluscs. At least 8 insect orders and 31 families include species that burrow in floodplain sediments and yet none of their lebensspuren are unique to this environment. Taxonomically dissimilar insects produce morphologically similar lebensspuren, and the same species, or individual, may produce very dissimilar lebensspuren. Thus, identification of tracemakers for rocks of floodplain origin is as difficult as for marine rocks. Trace fossil form genera morphologically similar to Holocene floodplain lebensspuren include Skolithos, Cylindricum, Sabellarifex, Macanopsis, Planolites, Palaeophycus, Sinusites, Cochlichnus, Amphorichnus and possibly also Scolicia; many previous authors have regarded these as more typical of marine environments than of floodplains.

Disproportionate Relative Importance of a Terrestrial Beetle Family (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) as a Prey Source for Central Appalachian Brook Trout

Ryan M. Utz et al. — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:42:03 PDT

Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and other salmonids in Appalachia typically inhabit headwater watersheds, where food resources may limit growth. We monitored the feeding trends of a brook trout population in central Appalachia over the course of 2 years to determine variation in feeding intensity and important prey items. One terrestrial beetle family, Scarabaeidae, provided a disproportionate amount of energy during the only time of year when brook trout were feeding substantially above maintenance ration. Scarab beetles contributed 39.6% of all energy consumed during May and June of both years, though the number of fish with one or more scarabaeids present in the stomach varied by month (22.2-51.7%). The species composition of scarab beetles consumed suggested that four species are of particular importance. Our findings imply that scarabaeids represent a considerably important prey taxon for brook trout in the region. Considering the foraging habits of the scarabaeid species in question, the phenomenon we witnessed probably occurs throughout Appalachia.

Bothynus Hope, 1837 (Insecta, Coleoptera, SCARABAEIDAE): proposed conservation of usage by designation of Scarabaeus ascanius Kirby, 1819 as the type species

Brett C. Ratcliffe et al. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:37:09 PST

The purpose of this application, under Article 70.3.2 of the Code, is to conserve the current usage of the generic name Bothynus Hope, 1837 for well-known scarab beetles of the family SCARABAEIDAE (subfamily DYNASTINAE) by designation of Scarabaeus ascanius Kirby, 1819 as the type species. The type species of Bothynus is at present Geotrupes cuniculus Fabricius, 1801, based on a misidentification. It has long been recognized that the species involved in Hope's misidentification of G. cuniculus is indeterminable. It is proposed that Scarabaeus ascanius Kirby, 18 19 is designated as the type species.

Take a Beetle to Lunch Today or The Natural History of Dung Beetles

Brett C. Ratcliffe — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:37:06 PST

The appellation "dung beetles" refers to those scarab beetles that are usually found with animal feces either feeding on or depositing eggs in it. While this at first may seem like an incredibly unsavory topic, the fact remains that numerous creatures exist that feed on the waste products of other animals. And, as it turns out, it's a good thing they do.

The Scarabaeidae, or scarabs, is one of the larger families of beetles; it has 30,000 plus species worldwide and approximately 15,000 species in North America. (See my Museum Notes of March 1970.) The family is divided into subfamilies (based on structural distinctions) such as rhinoceros beetles, leaf chafers, dung beetles, and so on. The subfamily Scarabaeinae is commonly referred to as dung beetles, and it is about these marvelous animals that I would like to give a much needed perspective.

A Matter of Taste or The Natural History of Carrion Beetles

Brett C. Ratcliffe — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:37:02 PST

Beetles that eat writhing maggots and the decaying flesh and putrefaction of dead animals . . . what could be more macabre, repulsive, and in poor taste? [Well, possibly beetles that eat feces and have a rolling good time doing it (see my January Museum Notes).] Carrion beetles are an important part of a vast host of scavengers that are responsible for breaking down and recycling back into the ecosystem the basic elements locked inside each one of us. If it were not for these industrious scavenger beetles, we might all be surrounded by the partially decayed and mummified remains of wildlife and domestic livestock that die each year.

The decay process is an efficient and natural system whereby the raw materials of dead organisms are returned directly into the energy budgets of living organisms which consume these raw materials or into the soil where the decay occurs. Were it not for the life-giving nutrients supplied by the bodies of dead animals, many beautiful and interesting scavengers would no longer grace our planet, and we would all be the poorer for it.

Color and Color-Pattern Mechanism of Tiger Beetles

Victor E. Shelford — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:53:46 PDT

In 1903 the writer undertook a study of variation of the tiger beetles. The work here presented is the outgrowth of this beginning, and indeed includes some small portions regarding color patterns that were written in that year. The work has been prolonged for many reasons, but chief of these was the very large number of species in the group and the fact that an adequate understanding of the material could not be attained without consulting many large collections. Further, the experimental results obtained in 1906 demanded a firsthand study of the variations of the species concerned and their natural habitats. The accumulation of material and data was not completed until 1911. Some of this had to be studied, drawings made, etc., which with numerous other duties and enterprises under way made necessary much time to put it into the present form.

A family with upwards of 1300 species of which more than 600 are in one genus and with characters which can be studied and analyzed, appeared to afford material which was sufficiently promising to justify delay. In the fourteen years that have elapsed since the problem was first undertaken at the suggestion of Dr. C. B. Davenport, the attention of biologists has shifted from variation, which was then the chief topic of interest, to experimental modification of characters, and finally to the methods of modern genetics. Various men have made numerous suggestions regarding the work, but in its final preparation the writer has been able to use only a few of them in a general way, and an attempt is made to present the facts and conclusions growing out of the material as simply as possible.

With Twenty-Nine Black and Three Colored Plates

Introduction
Materials and methods
Analysis of Color Patterns
Color Patterns and Elytral Structures
The Color Pattern Plan
Color Pattern and Pigment Development
Experimental Modification of Patterns
Geographic Variation of Patterns
Colors of Tiger Beetles
Causes of Colors
Ontogeny of Color
Relation of Ontogenetic Stages to Geographic Races
Geographic Variation in Color
Experimental Modification of Color
Relation of Colors and Color Patterns to Climate
Geographic Center of the Group on the B'asis of Patterns
General Discussion
Pattern Tendencies
Bearing of the Color Pattern Mechanism on Orthogenesis
Bearing of the Pattern Mechanism on the Biogenetic Law
Summary of Conclusions
Patterns
Color
Geography
Bibliography
Explanation of Plates

Observations on Possible Myrmecophily in Stephanucha pilipennis Kraatz (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) in Western Nebraska

M. J. Paulsen — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:02:52 PST

Little has been published on the life history of the five currently recognized species of Stephanucha Burmeister. Skelley (1991) published the most thorough treatment to date for S. thoracica Casey (recently synonymized with S. areata (F.) by Harpootlian 2001). Skelley located larvae in the mounds of the pocket gopher, Geomys pinetus Rafnesque, in Florida and was the first to describe an immature stage for the genus. Published accounts of Stephanucha species biology are consistent with respect to spring emergence, presence in sandy habitats, and a potential lack of adult feeding or liquid feeding (Lago et ul. 1979; Skelley 1991). Skelley (1991) suggested that the main habitat of Stephanucha spp. might be pocket gopher mounds. He noted sympatric distributions of Stephanucha spp. with pocket gophers, including S. pilipennis. Kraatz found in the range of G. bursarius (Shaw). However, he noted that the larvae he observed were nonspecific in habitat requirements, also utilizing mounds in sandy soil created by other organisms or processes.

The use of live-bait traps for the study of sylvatic Rhodnius populations (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in palm trees

F. Abad-Franch et al. — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:02:43 PST

Chagas disease is a major public health challenge for most Latin American countries. An initiative for the coordinated control of Chagas disease transmission throughout the Andean countries was launched in 1997. Since the early 1990s, control measures based on elimination of domestic/peridomestic triatomine colonies and screening of donor blood by serological testing have resulted in a reduction in incidence of ~70% in the Southern Cone countries (WHO, 1991; Dias & Schofield, 1999; Moncayo, 1999; WHO/CTD, 2000).

Larvae of Ceratocanthidae and Hybosoridae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea): study of morphology, phylogenetic analysis and evidence of paraphyly of Hybosoridae

Vasily V. Grebennikov et al. — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 07:45:20 PST

Larvae of the scarabaeoid genera Germarostes Paulian, Cyphopisthes Gestro, Paulianostes Ballerio, Ceratocanthus White, Pterorthochaetes Gestro, Madrasostes Paulian, Astaenomoechus Martínez & Pereira (Ceratocanthidae) and Hybosorus Macleay, Phaeochrous Castelnau, and Anaides Westwood (Hybosoridae) are described, keyed and illustrated with fifty-seven drawings. A phylogenetic analysis of these two families based on larval morphology is presented. Fifty-four larval morphological and three biological characters from twenty-seven taxa revealed nineteen equally parsimonious cladograms. The monophyly of (Ceratocanthidae + Hybosoridae) is supported by four unambiguous unique synapomorphies: dorsal medial endocarina on cranium extended anteriorly into frontal sclerite; presence of large membranous spot on apical antennomere; labium dorsally with four pores in center (secondarily reduced to two pores in some groups); and presence of stridulatory organ on fore- and middle legs (secondarily reduced in some groups). Our analysis suggests that the family Hybosoridae is paraphyletic with respect to Ceratocanthidae. The clade comprising the hybosorid genera Hybosorus and Phaeochrous is the sister group of the remaining Hybosoridae plus Ceratocanthidae. It is supported by two unambiguous synapomorphies: two apical antennomeres completely joined and the stridulatory organ represented by seven to nine large teeth anteriorly on the middle leg. The hybosorid genus Anaides is a sister group to the remaining Hybosoridae plus Ceratocanthidae (without Hybosorus and Phaeochrous) and the ceratocanthid genus Germarostes is a sister group to the remaining Hybosoridae plus Ceratocanthidae (without Hybosorus, Phaeochrous and Anaides). The ceratocanthid genera Cyphopisthes, Astaenomoechus, Paulianostes, Pterorthochaetes, and Madrasostes constitute a sister group to the hybosorid genus Cryptogenius and are supported by the presence of two reversions: two dorsal pores on labium and completely reduced stridulatory organs on fore- and middle legs.