Evolution of wing shape in geometrid moths: phylogenetic effects dominate over ecology.

Locomotory performance is an important determinant of fitness in most animals, including flying insects. Strong selective pressures on wing morphology are therefore expected. Previous studies on wing shape in Lepidoptera have found some support for hypotheses relating wing shape to environment-specific selective pressures on aerodynamic performance. Here, we present a phylogenetic comparative study on wing shape in the lepidopteran family Geometridae, covering 374 species of the northern European fauna. We focused on 11 wing traits including aspect ratio, wing roundness, and the pointedness of the apex, as well as the ratio of forewing and hindwing areas. All measures were taken from images available on the internet, using a combination of tools available in Fiji software and R. We found that wing shape demonstrates a phylogenetically conservative pattern of evolution in Geometridae, showing similar or stronger phylogenetic signal than many of its potential predictors. Several wing traits showed statistically significant associations with predictors such as body size, phenology, and preference for forest habitats. Overall, however, all of these associations remained notably weak, with no wing shape being excluded for any value of the predictors, including body size. We conclude that, in geometrids, wing traits do not readily respond to selective pressures optimizing aerodynamic performance of the moths in different environments. Selection on wing shape may nevertheless operate through other functions of the wings, with the effectiveness of crypsis at rest being a promising candidate for further studies.

Description of Antaeola rhinosa sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) from Thailand.

The genus Antaeola has remained monotypic since its description by Diakonoff in 1973. A new species, Antaeola rhinosa sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Thailand. The new species can be distinguished from A. antaea (Meyrick) by facies and features of the male and female genitalia.

Anurocampa (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae): two new species, systematics and immature stages.

Notodontidae (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea) comprise over 4,000 described species distributed worldwide, among which nearly half are restricted to the Neotropics. Morphology of adults and immatures of Notodontidae have been broadly investigated and many larval, pupal, and adult characters were found to be synapomorphies of subfamilies and tribes. Despite this, the current classification of Notodontidae remains unsettled as most recent classification systems are contradictory due to reliance on incomplete global sampling and, many taxa, especially in the Neotropics, are still informally classified as incertae sedis. Anurocampa Herrich-Shäffer was recently treated as an incertae sedis genus, and immature and adult characters may provide further evidence for its systematic position among the Notodontidae. With this goal in mind, the present study describes the immature stages of Anurocampa mingens Herrich-Shäffer from Brazil and describes two new species in the genus from Costa Rica based on morphology and mitochondrial DNA: Anurocampa markhastingsi Chacón and St Laurent sp. nov. and Anurocampa abelardochaconi Chacón and St Laurent sp. nov. and discusses the systematic position of Anurocampa.

Letrasilta, a new genus for the Striatella cernyi Volynkin species-group with description of a new species from Xizang, China, and a replacement name for the genus group name Striatella Volynkin & S.-Y. Huang, 2019 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini).

The name Striatochrista nom. n. is introduced as replacement for Striatella Volynkin & S.-Y. Huang, 2019. A new genus, Letrasilta S.-Y. Huang & Volynkin gen. n. is erected to include the Striatella cernyi species-group with the new species, L. ratnasambhava S.-Y. Huang, Volynkin & Yin sp. n. from Xizang, southwestern China designated as the type species. Based on the molecular phylogenetic analysis, the new genus is found to be sister to the clade (Aberrasine + ((Indiania + Idopterum) + Striatochrista nom. n.)) but is distinguished from all the relevant genera by the unique genitalia features. Letrasilta cernyi (Volynkin, 2018) comb. n. is also reported from India for the first time. Adults and genitalia of the aforementioned taxa are illustrated. A checklist of the genus Striatochrista is also provided.

Taxonomic review of the Miltochrista hollowai and M. curvifascia species-groups with descriptions of two new species from India (Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini).

The Miltochrista hollowai (Kirti & Gill, 2009) and M. curvifascia (Hampson, 1891) species-groups are reviewed, and two new species belonging to the M. hollowai species-group i.e., Miltochrista madathumala sp. nov. and M. kumarkaustubhi sp. nov. are described from South India. The female of M. paraarcuata is illustrated and diagnosed for the first time. Illustrations of adults and genitalia as well as diagnoses are provided for all the species considered.

Integrative taxonomic revision of the African taxa of the Racotis Moore, 1887 generic complex (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Ennominae, Boarmiini).

The Afrotropical taxa of the Racotis s.l. generic complex are revised utilising integrative taxonomical methods. Based on the evaluation of genital morphology and analyses of DNA barcodes, a new genus, Afroracotis gen. n. is established to include the Afrotropical "Racotis" species. The new genus is subdivided into 5 subgenera: Afroracotis subgen. n., Herbuloracotis subgen. n., Rwandaracotis subgen. n., Zebracotis subgen. n. and Sokokeracotis subgen. n.. A new monotypic genus is described to include Boarmia ugandaria Swinhoe, 1904 which was combined earlier with the genus Chorodna and recently with Racotis: Chorocotis gen. n.. Two species formerly assigned to Cleora are moved to Afroracotis: A. albitrigonis (Prout, 1927) comb. n., A. atriclava (Prout, 1926) comb. n.. Two species are transferred from Racotis to Colocleora: C. breijeri (Prout, 1922) comb. n., C. incauta (Prout, 1916) comb. n.. Seventeen new Afroracotis species (A. aliena, A. stadiei, A. violetteae, A. fiebigi, A. turlini, A. dargei, A. longicornuta, A. aristophanousi, A. muscivirens, A. chaineyi, A. lydiae, A. smithi, A. ochsei, A. milesi, A. helicalis, A. takanoi and A. staudei spp. n.) and 5 new subspecies (A. squalida thomensis, A. argillacea morettoi, A. longicornuta congolana, A. longicornuta ugandana and A. lydiae orientalis sspp. n.) are described, totalling 27 species and 8 subspecies contained in the genus Afroracotis. Adults and genitalia of all taxa are illustrated in 210 colour and 129 black and white figures demonstrating the intraspecific variability. The distribution of all taxa is illustrated in 6 dot maps. The results of the genetic analyses are figured in four phylograms.

Description of Sphaleroptera orientana meridionalis subs. n. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Cnephasiini) from the Pale di San Martino Mountain plateau (Dolomites, NE Italy).

On the base of newly collected material, a new subspecies of the alpine endemic moth Sphaleroptera orientana Whitebread, 2006 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from the Pale di San Martino Group (Dolomites, Northern Italy) is described. Morphological characters of the adults and DNA barcode suggests the presence of allopatric populations of S. orientana in the South-eastern Alps, attributable to two distinct subspecies: S. o. suborientana Whitebread, 2006 in the Catinaccio, the Sella, and the Fanes group, and Julian Alps, and S. o. meridionalis subs. nov. known from the Pale of San Martino group. The main biogeographic barrier is constituted by the complex of the Fiemme valleys-Val di Fassa-by the Pordoi Pass and by the Val Cordevole which from west to north to east separate the distribution area of S. o. suorientana from S.o. meridionalis.

Suspect severe gastroenteritis associated with ingestion of caterpillar setae fragments in a cat.

A 6-month-old male neutered Domestic Shorthair cat was assessed for a 24-h history of anorexia, lethargy, depressed mentation, mild abdominal pain and persistent bradycardia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed marked thickening of the gastric wall, gastric distension, free abdominal fluid, distension and corrugation of the small intestine. Full-thickness histopathological biopsy of the gastric wall demonstrated intralesional chitinous structures whose morphology (size and presence of obvious barbs) supports these structures being urticating hairs (setae). A processionary caterpillar is considered most likely as these are the most common urticating caterpillars in Australia. This is the first case of suspected severe gastroenteritis associated with the ingestion of caterpillar setae fragments in a cat.

Immature Stages, Description of Female, and Redescription of Male of Apatelodes kotzschi Draudt, 1929 (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea: Apatelodidae).

The genus Apatelodes Packard, 1864 comprise more than half of the known Apatelodidae species, but most of its species are placed in the genus without precise justification. The result is a heterogeneous group of species, probably forming a polyphyletic arrangement. Despite being relatively large moths and relatively abundant in light traps, only little information on the natural history and morphology of the Apatelodes immature stages has been published, and only one species is fully described including its immature stages. Aiming to increase the knowledge and provide information towards the definition of the identity of this genus, the present study describes the immature stages, provides a redescription of the male, the first description of the female of Apatelodes kotzschi Draudt, 1929, and we compare and discuss the morphological similarities among Apatelodes species. In general, the immatures of Apatelodes exhibits apparently well-conserved morphological characters, including the gross chaetotaxy configuration. Most differences are found in larval coloration patterns (mainly in the last instar larvae), pupa texture, and cremaster morphology. In contrast, imagos wings and genitalia are rich sources of diagnostic characters which can be used to identify species. However, there are still large gaps in the knowledge of the morphological characters and natural history of most species in the genus that hampers a more robust delimitation of the genus Apatelodes.

Antennal and proboscis sensilla characteristics of Paranthrene tabaniformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae).

The poplar clearwing moth, Paranthrene tabaniformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) is a serious wood-boring pest of several trees. The ultramorphology of the antennae and proboscis sensilla of adult P. tabaniformis was examined using scanning electron microscope to determine their structures and sex-specific differences. The results showed that the antennae of both sexes are composed of three segments: scape, pedicel and flagellum. Female antennae are clavate while male antennae are pectinate. The number of flagellomeres for females was significantly greater than for males. Seven different types of sensilla were identified on antennae of both males and females: Böhm sensilla, sensilla squamiformia, sensilla trichodea (three subtypes), sensilla chaetica, sensilla coeloconica, and sensilla auricillica (two subtypes), and apical sensors. Three different types of sensilla were found on the proboscis of adult P. tabaniformis: sensilla styloconica, sensilla chaetica, and sensilla basiconica (three subtypes). The sexual dimorphism difference in the number, distributional pattern, the length and the basal width of various sensilla on the antennae and proboscis were determined. This study clarifies the types and sexual dimorphism of the antennal and proboscis sensilla of adult P. tabaniformis and provides useful theoretical foundations for studies on behavioral mechanisms and functions of sensilla of P. tabaniformis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Various types of sensilla on the antennae and proboscis of adults Paranthrene tabaniformis were observed. The sexual dimorphism of various sensilla on the antennae and proboscis were determined.

Wing pattern variation and DNA barcodes defy taxonomic splitting in the New Zealand Pimelea Looper Notoreas perornata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae): the importance of populations as conservation units.

The endemic Notoreas perornata (Walker, 1863) complex (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae) from the North Island and northern South Island of New Zealand is reviewed. Larvae feed on Pimelea spp. (Thymelaeaceae), frequently in highly fragmented and threatened shrubland habitats. Allopatric populations tend to differ in size and wing pattern characteristics, but not in genitalia; moreover extensive variation renders recognition of subspecies / allopatric species based on any species concept problematic. A mitochondrial DNA gene tree is not congruent with morphology and indicates rapid recent divergence that has not settled into diagnosable lineages. Based on our results, we synonymise Notoreas simplex Hudson, 1898 with N. perornata (Walker, 1863), and retain N. perornata as a single, highly diverse but monotypic species. All known populations are illustrated to display variation. For conservation purposes, we recommend the continued recognition within the species of 10 populations or groups of populations that appear to be on the way to diverging at subspecific level based on morphological and/or DNA data. The conservation status of all these populations is reviewed. One conservation unit, comprising the populations from Westland, has not been seen since 1998 and is feared possibly extinct.

Scanning electron microscopic studies of the antennal sensilla of Aplosonyx chalybaeus (Hope) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Aplosonyx chalybaeus is a major insect pest of the plant Colocasia which is commonly found in the North-Eastern region of India. The antenna of A. chalybaeus is filiform, composed of a scape, a pedicel, and a flagellum with nine flagellomeres. The type, structure, and distribution of sensilla, on the antennae of the adult A. chalybaeus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Eight different types of sensilla were observed on the antennae using scanning electron microscopy, that is, sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, multiporous grooved pegs, sensilla auricillica, sensilla styloconica, glandular plates, and Böhm sensilla based on their external morphology. Distribution of all the antennal sensilla observed was discussed on the antenna. In addition, we discussed the putative functions of all the sensilla observed based on their external morphological and distributional characteristics on the antenna of the species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: • External morphology and distribution of various antennal sensilla in male and female of Aplosonyx chalybaeus were described. • Eight types with 17 subtypes of antennal sensilla were observed. • Distinct sexual dimorphism was observed in occurrence and distribution of various sensilla.

Evolutionary functional morphology of the proboscis and feeding apparatus of hawk moths (Sphingidae: Lepidoptera).

The morphology of the proboscis and associated feeding organs was studied in several nectar-feeding hawk moths, as well as a specialized honey-feeder and two supposedly nonfeeding species. The proboscis lengths ranged from a few millimeters to more than 200 mm. Despite the variation in proboscis length and feeding strategy, the principle external and internal composition of the galeae, the stipes pump, and the suction pump were similar across all species. The morphology of the smooth and slender proboscis is highly conserved among all lineages of nectar-feeding Sphingidae. Remarkably, they share a typical arrangement of the sensilla at the tip. The number and length of sensilla styloconica are independent from proboscis length. A unique proboscis morphology was found in the honey-feeding species Acherontia atropos. Here, the distinctly pointed apex displays a large subterminal opening of the food canal, and thus characterizes a novel type of piercing proboscis in Lepidoptera. In the probably nonfeeding species, the rudimentary galeae are not interlocked and the apex lacks sensilla styloconica; galeal muscles, however, are present. All studied species demonstrate an identical anatomy of the stipes, and suction pump, regardless of proboscis length and diet. Even supposedly nonfeeding Sphingidae possess all organs of the feeding apparatus, suggesting that their proboscis rudiments might still be functional. The morphometric analyses indicate significant positive correlations between galea lumen volume and stipes muscle volume as well as the volume of the food canal and the muscular volume of the suction pump. Size correlations of these functionally connected organs reflect morphological fine-tuning in the evolution of proboscis length and function.

Sattleria enrosadira sp. nov., a new cryptic, high alpine species from Northern Italy revealed by DNA barcodes and morphology (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae).

Sattleria karsholti Huemer Hebert, 2011 is re-examined based on recently collected material, museum vouchers, and DNA barcodes. Adult and male genitalia morphology and molecular data of the COI barcode region support the existence of two allopatric species, S. karsholti, from the type locality of Pizo Arera in the Orobian Alps (Bergamo Province, Italy), and S. enrosadira sp. nov. from Monte Baldo, Adamello and the Brenta group (Trento and Verona Provinces, Italy). Adults and male genitalia of both species are figured; the females of both species are unknown.

On the status of Hypena helenae Berio, 1972 (Lepidoptera, Erebidae).

The authors present the results of morphological, anatomic and genetic studies on Hypena helenae Berio, 1972. They revealed the synonymy of this species with Hypena commixtalis Zeller, 1852 (Hypena helenae Berio, 1972 syn. nov.).

A new species and new records of Gnorimoschemini (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) from Ecuador.

Scrobipalpula onorei sp. nov. is described from Las Pampas, Ecuador. The species is tentatively placed near Scrobipalpula densata (Meyrick, 1917) and S. caustonae Landry, 2010 based on both having a slender, elongate phallus and a bipartite corpus bursae without a signum. Eurysacca media Povoln, 1986 is recorded for the first time from Ecuador. Sexual dimorphism in structures of abdominal segments VIIVIII are described for the first time for E. media. The female of this species has patches of melanized scales on abdominal segment VII. The diagnosis of the species is updated with descriptions and illustration of additional details of external morphology and characters of male and female genitalia. We also provide an annotated list of Gnorimoschemini from Ecuador.

Morphological characterization and distribution of antennal sensilla of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using scanning electron microscopy.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious polyphagous pest of various field and horticultural crops. A complete knowledge on the morphological features of antennal sensory structures is essential for efficient semiochemical-based control methods. The external structure and distribution of antennal sensilla in male and female adults of H. armigera were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Eight distinct morphological types of sensilla were identified in both sexes: sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla auricillica, sensilla coeloconica (multiporous), sensilla chaetica (uniporous), sensilla styloconica, sensilla squamiformia, and Böhm sensilla (aporous) in varying numbers and distribution along the length of the antennae. Of these sensilla, the most widespread are sensilla trichodea and sensilla basiconica on the antennae of both sexes. Female antennae have comparatively greater number of sensilla trichodea than male antennae. Among eight types of sensilla, sensilla basiconica, auricillica, styloconica type II, squamiformia, and Böhm sensilla were identified and reported for the first time in H. armigera. Sexual dimorphism in H. armigera was mainly detected as the variations in sensilla shape, numbers, and distribution of each type of sensilla. The sexual difference was observed in the numbers of sensilla coeloconica, chaetica, styloconica, and squamiformia per flagellomere. The possible functions of these sensilla were discussed in view of previously reported lepidopteran insects. The findings provide fundamental information on the morphology and distribution of antennal sensory structures in H. armigera. It would be useful for further detailed studies on physiological and behavioral function of each sensillum type and helpful for formulating related pest control methods.

Evolution of antagonistic and mutualistic traits in the yucca-yucca moth obligate pollination mutualism.

Species interactions shape the evolution of traits, life histories and the pattern of speciation. What is less clear is whether certain types of species interaction are more or less likely to lead to phenotypic divergence among species. We used the brood pollination mutualism between yuccas and yucca moths to test how mutualistic (pollination) and antagonistic (oviposition) traits differ in the propensity to increase phenotypic divergence among pollinator moths. We measured traits of the tentacular mouthparts, structures used by females to actively pollinate flowers, as well as ovipositor traits to examine differences in the rate of evolution of these two suites of traits among pollinator species. Morphological analyses revealed two distinct groups of moths based on ovipositor morphology, but no such groupings were identified for tentacle morphology, even for moths that pollinated distantly related yuccas. In addition, ovipositor traits evolved at significantly faster rates than tentacular traits. These results support theoretical work suggesting that antagonism is more likely than mutualism to lead to phenotypic divergence.

Temnolopha paucusinota Muadsub & Pinkaew (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae), a new species from Thailand.

Temnolopha paucusinota sp. nov. from Thailand is described as new to science. Two specimens, a male and a female were collected in Phu Kheio Wildlife Sanctuary, northeastern Thailand. Due to more complete wing pattern, the female specimen is selected as the holotype. Illustrations of adults and genitalia are provided. An identification key of Thai Temnolopha species is also provided. This new species increases the number of described Temnolopha species to five worldwide.

The genus Orieosia Bucsek, 2012 also found in New Guinea, with description of two new species (Lepidoptera: Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini).

The genus Orieosia Bucsek, 2012 appears to be present in New Guinea too. Four species have been discovered in New Guinea to belong to this formerly believed to be Oriental genus. Two already known species, Lambula hypopolius Rothschild, 1916 and Utriculofera tetrastigmata Rothschild, 1916, are transferred to the genus Orieosia Bucsek, 2012. Orieosia stenoptera spec. nov. and O. albigrisea spec. nov. are described as new to science. Nomenclatorial confusion with Holocraspedon hypopolius (Rothschild, 1916) is discussed.