Biology, ecology, and biogeography of eremic praying mantis Blepharopsis mendica (Insecta: Mantodea).

Background: Blepharopsis mendica (Fabricius, 1775) is a large mantid species found from the Canary Islands across North Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan. Research on this species has been limited, especially in Iran, despite the country's potential significance for studying its biology and distribution. Adults of this species are easily recognizable by their marble-white pattern and rhomboidal leaf-like pronotum. They are sit-and-wait predators that inhabit various open environments. Methods: Field observations were conducted across various regions of the Egyptian Flower mantis (Blepharopsis mendica) global distribution, with a focus on Morocco, Tunisia, and Iran. Distribution data for B. mendicawere gathered from fieldwork, museum collections, online biodiversity databases, and publications, totaling 593 occurrence points. Ecological niche modeling was performed using environmental data, and various models were evaluated for suitability. Phylogeographic analyses involved DNA sequencing and construction of a haplotype network to examine genetic relationships between populations. Divergence time estimation and biogeographical range expansion models were applied to explore historical distribution shifts of the species across different regions. The study provided comprehensive insights into the biology, distribution, and genetic history of B. mendica. Results: We provide information on the life cycle, ootheca, defense behavior, habitat, and biogeography of the Egyptian Flower mantis Blepharopsis mendica. This mantid is an overwintering univoltine species with nymphs emerging in summer and becoming adults in spring. In the wild, females start oviposition in April and can lay their first ootheca within a week after mating. The species is distributed from the Canary Islands to Pakistan in the dry belt. Thus, its distribution is associated with xeric areas or desert and semi-desert habitats. Phylogeographic analyses revealed three major genetic lineages, (i) in the Maghreb, (ii) from Egypt via Arabia to Iran (with internal substructures), and (iii) likely in Pakistan; the estimated onset of differentiation into these lineages is of Pleistocene age. Defense behavior involves flying away or extending wings broadly and lifting forelegs. Performing laboratory breeding, we documented life cycle and color changes from first instar to adulthood. Due to overwintering, the last larval instar needs considerably longer than the others. At 25 °C (±2), average adult life span was 118 days (±6 SD) for females (range: 100-124) and 46 days (±5 SD) for males (range: 39-55), with a significant difference among sexes. On average, oothecae contained 32.3 eggs (±10.1 SD) and the mean incubation period was 36.8 days (±2.9 SD). We did not find evidence of parthenogenesis. In general, the biology of B. mendica shows a variety of adaptations to its often extreme and little predictable type of habitat.

Life history and biogeography of the enigmatic mantid Nilomantisfloweri (Mantodea, Nanomantidae).

The biology and distribution patterns of the Sahelian mantid species Nilomantisfloweri are still insufficiently known. For the first time, records are confirmed of this species from Iran and the distribution map of its native range is updated. Records are compiled from the Sahel zone of North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Iran. Detailed information on its biology, oothecal characteristics, male genitalia variation, and intraspecific molecular diversity in the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase are provided, and ecological niche modelling was used to gain insight into the overall species distribution and understand its climatic niche limits. Genetic analysis revealed only one haplotype shared between Iran and Oman. The Iranian populations likely represent two distinct clusters, both more related to the diverse Oman haplotypes than to each other. Based on new data, N.floweri appears to be mostly associated with coastal areas in southwestern Asia, with the vast majority of records found along the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Oman Gulf coasts. This distribution contrasts markedly with N.floweri records in the Sahel, where most collections have been reported in the transitional zone between the southern Sahara and arid thorn savannah, far off the coast. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of this still enigmatic mantid species.

A new species in the tortoise-beetle genus Dorynota s. str. Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Dorynotini) from Brazil.

A new species Dorynota phoenix Simões and Sekerka, new species is described and figured from Mato Grosso state of Brazil. The new species belongs to the D. monoceros species-group and is compared to morphologically similar taxa. Updated key to the nominotypical subgenus of Dorynota is provided.

New Distributional Records and Characterization of the Climatic Niche of Lepturges (Lepturges) limpidus Bates, 1872 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae): Sink or Source Population?

A growing number of cases of the spread and establishment of non-native species outside their previously known ranges has been reported in recent years. Here we report new distributional records of Lepturges (Lepturges) limpidus Bates, 1872 (Cerambycidae) from Argentina and investigate whether these records could represent established populations. We constructed ellipsoid envelope models to characterize climatic niches of L. limpidus, identified areas of climatic suitability, investigated the status of new records as climatic outliers, and evaluated its dependency on its known hostplant as a limiting factor for the beetle distribution. Results indicate widespread climatic suitability in the Neotropical Region, and new records are not outliers with regard to the climatic profile of L. limpidus. Association with its known hostplant is non-dependent, indicating that the species might utilize different hosts plants. New records likely represent established populations, but targeted surveys should be carried out to detect new arrivals and enable the installation of mitigation and control measures.

Importance of biotic predictors in estimation of potential invasive areas: the example of the tortoise beetle Eurypedus nigrosignatus, in Hispaniola.

Climatic variables have been the main predictors employed in ecological niche modeling and species distribution modeling, although biotic interactions are known to affect species' spatial distributions via mechanisms such as predation, competition, and mutualism. Biotic interactions can affect species' responses to abiotic environmental changes differently along environmental gradients, and abiotic environmental changes can likewise influence the nature of biotic interactions. Understanding whether and how to integrate variables at different scales in ecological niche models is essential to better estimate spatial distributions of species on macroecological scales and their responses to change. We report the leaf beetle Eurypedus nigrosignatus as an alien species in the Dominican Republic and investigate whether biotic factors played a meaningful role in the distributional expansion of the species into the Caribbean. We evaluate ecological niche models built with an additive gradient of unlinked biotic predictors-host plants, using likelihood-based model evaluation criteria (Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion) within a range of regularization multiplier parameter values. Our results support the argument that ecological niche models should be more inclusive, as selected biotic predictors can improve the performance of models, despite the increased model complexity, and show that biotic interactions matter at macroecological scales. Moreover, we provide an alternative approach to select optimal combination of relevant variables, to improve estimation of potential invasive areas using global minimum model likelihood scores.

Getting somewhere with the Red Queen: chasing a biologically modern definition of the hypothesis.

The Red Queen hypothesis (RQH) is both familiar and murky, with a scope and range that has broadened beyond its original focus. Although originally developed in the palaeontological arena, it now encompasses many evolutionary theories that champion biotic interactions as significant mechanisms for evolutionary change. As such it de-emphasizes the important role of abiotic drivers in evolution, even though such a role is frequently posited to be pivotal. Concomitant with this shift in focus, several studies challenged the validity of the RQH and downplayed its propriety. Herein, we examine in detail the assumptions that underpin the RQH in the hopes of furthering conceptual understanding and promoting appropriate application of the hypothesis. We identify issues and inconsistencies with the assumptions of the RQH, and propose a redefinition where the Red Queen's reign is restricted to certain types of biotic interactions and evolutionary patterns occurring at the population level.

Predictable invasion dynamics in North American populations of the Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto.

Species invasions represent a significant dimension of global change yet the dynamics of invasions remain poorly understood and are considered rather unpredictable. We explored interannual dynamics of the invasion process in the Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and tested whether the advance of the invasion front of the species in North America relates to centrality (versus peripherality) within its estimated fundamental ecological niche. We used ecological niche modelling approaches to estimate the dimensions of the fundamental ecological niche on the Old World distribution of the species, and then transferred that model to the New World as measures of centrality versus peripherality within the niche for the species. Although our hypothesis was that the invasion front would advance faster over more favourable (i.e. more central) conditions, the reverse was the case: the invasion expanded faster in areas presenting less favourable (i.e. more peripheral) conditions for the species as it advanced across North America. This result offers a first view of a predictive approach to the dynamics of species' invasions, and thereby has relevant implications for the management of invasive species, as such a predictive understanding would allow better anticipation of coming steps and advances in the progress of invasions, important to designing and guiding effective remediation and mitigation efforts.

Revision of the Greater Antilles genus Paratrikona Spaeth, 1923 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Dorynotini).

The Greater Antilles genus Paratrikona is revised. One new species is described from Cuba: Paratrikona blakeae Simões new species. An updated identification key to the species of the genus and new distributional records are provided.

Description of immatures of Mesomphalia gibbosa (Fabricius, 1781) and Mesomphalia turrita (Illiger, 1801) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Mesomphaliini).

Immatures of Mesomphalia gibbosa (Fabricius, 1781) and Mesomphalia turrita (Illiger, 1801) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae, Mesomphaliini) are described based on specimen collections from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The last-instar larva and pupal exuviae of M. gibbosa (Fabricius, 1781) and the eggs, first-instar larva, and pupa of M. turrita (Illiger, 1801) are described, photographed and illustrated, with emphasis on chaetotaxy. Additional notes on their biology are presented.

Taxonomic Revision of the genus Mesomphalia Hope, 1839 (Insecta, Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae).

A revision of the genus Mesomphalia Hope, 1839, is presented based on a detailed morphological study of all species, except M. ampliata Boheman, 1850 and M. albofasciculata Boheman, 1856. The genus and species are redescribed. One species is transferred to Stolas Billberg, 1820, as S. scrobiculata (Boheman, 1850) comb. nov.; one species is transferred to Cyrtonota Chevrolat, 1836, as C. pyramidata (Boheman, 1850) comb. nov.; M. sexmaculata Boheman, 1850 syn. nov. is a junior subjective synonym of M. turrita (Illiger, 1801); one new species M. spaethi Simões & Monné, sp. nov. is described. Following this revision, Mesomphalia now contains fourteen species. A key to the species, photographs and distribution maps are provided.

Host plants of Cerambycidae and Vesperidae (Coleoptera, Chrysomeloidea) from South America / Plantas-hospedeiras de Cerambycidae e Vesperidae (Coleoptera, Chrysomeloidea) da América do Sul

Host plants of Cerambycidae and Vesperidae (Coleoptera, Chrysomeloidea) from South America. This paper offers a contribution to the knowledge on host plants of Cerambycidae and Vesperidae (Coleoptera, Chrysomeloidea) from South America. A total of 211 species of longhorn beetles belonging to 111 genera, 49 tribes, five subfamilies and two families are presented with records of host plants. Data on 259 species of host plants distributed among 188 genera and 69 families are listed with the beetle species.

Plantas-hospedeiras de Cerambycidae e Vesperidae (Coleoptera, Chrysomeloidea) da América do Sul. Uma contribuição ao conhecimento de plantas-hospedeiras das famílias Cerambycidae e Vesperidae (Coleoptera, Chrysomeloidea) da América do Sul é apresentada. Listam-se 211 espécies com registros de plantas hospedeiras, distribuídas em 111 gêneros, 49 tribos, cinco subfamílias e duas famílias. Os dados de plantas-hospedeiras associadas aos besouros totalizam 259 espécies distribuídas em 188 gêneros e 69 famílias.

Inventário das espécies de Lamiinae (Insecta, Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) do Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, RJ, Brasil / Inventory of the Lamiinae species (Insecta, Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) of the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, RJ, Brazil

É apresentado um levantamento das espécies de Lamiinae que ocorrem no Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os dados foram baseados na literatura, coletas de campo e no acervo da coleção do Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. São registradas 322 espécies de Lamiinae, que representam cerca de 30% das espécies que ocorrem na Mata Atlântica. Novas ocorrências de distribuição são registradas para 42 espécies e 135 espécies são ilustradas. É fornecida uma tabela comparativa mostrando o número de gêneros e espécies de Lamiinae que ocorrem na região Neotropical, na Mata Atlântica e no Parque Nacional do Itatiaia.

A survey of the Lamiinae species recorded in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, is presented. The data were based on literature, field work and in the collection of the Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Three hundred and twenty two species of Lamiinae are registered, and this represents about 30% of the species that occur in the Atlantic Rainforest. Forty two new distribution records are registered. One hundred and thirty five species are illustrated. A comparative table showing the respective number of genera and species of Lamiinae that occur in the Neotropical Region, Atlantic Rainforest and Parque Nacional do Itatiaia is given.

Male and female reproductive systems of Stolas conspersa (Germar) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae)

Male and female reproductive systems of Stolas conspersa (Germar) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae). The male and female reproductive systems of Stolas conspersa (Germar, 1824) are described and illustrated for the first time. The male reproductive system shows no difference from the subfamily pattern, which is a tubular well-developed median lobe; "Y", "V" or T-shaped tegmen; reduced pygidium; internal sac membranous and tubular; flagellum generally well developed needle-like structured and gastral spiculum absent. However, the female differs from the pattern proposed for Stolas in two aspects: ovary with 28 ovarioles and a reduced ampulla with indistinct velum.

Sistema reprodutivo masculino e feminino de Stolas conspersa (Germar) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae). O sistema reprodutivo do macho e fêmea de Stolas conspersa (Germar, 1824) são descritos pela primeira vez. Neste estudo, foi observado que o macho não diverge do padrão proposto para a subfamília, que é edeago tubular e bem desenvolvido; tégmen em forma de "Y", "V" ou "T"; pigídio reduzido; saco interno membranoso e tubular; flagellum geralmente bem desenvolvido, em forma de agulha e espículo gastral ausente. Por outro lado, o sistema reprodutor feminino diverge do padrão usual proposto para o gênero Stolas em dois aspectos: ovário com 28 ovaríolos e ampola reduzida com velum não distinto.

Inventário das espécies de Cassidinae (Insecta, Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) do Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, RJ, Brasil / Inventory of the Cassidinae species (Insecta, Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) of the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, RJ, Brazil

É apresentado um levantamento das espécies de Cassidinae que ocorrem no Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro. O Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (PNI) é situado no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil e é uma das mais importantes Unidades de Conservação da Mata Atlântica. Pouco se sabe sobre as espécies de Coleoptera desse parque. Dois inventários de Cassidinae foram realizados previamente no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, totalizando 80 espécies para o PNI. O objetivo do trabalho é realizar uma atualização do inventário das espécies e fornecer uma chave de identificação para as tribos de Cassidinae que ocorrem no parque. Foram examinados exemplares da coleção do Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro e da Fundação Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Em adição, foram realizadas coletas no período de setembro de 2007 a janeiro de 2010. Este estudo resultou em 88 espécies distribuídas em 29 gêneros e sete tribos. Dezenove apresentam novos registros de distribuição sendo que destes, oito são para o Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Parque Nacional do Itatiaia.

A survey of the Cassidinae species recorded to the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, state of Rio de Janeiro, is presented. The Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (PNI), is situated in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and is one of the most important Mata Atlântica Conservation Unit. Little is known about the species of Coleoptera from this park. Two surveys concerning Cassidinae fauna of Rio de Janeiro were previously done, totaling 80 species recorded to PNI. The main goal of this study is to update the checklist of species as well as to provide an identification key of Cassidinae tribes that occur at the PNI. We examined specimens from the collection of Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and Fundação Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. In addition, samples were done from september, 2007 to january, 2010.This study resulted in 88 species distributed in 29 genera and seven tribes. Nineteen species have now new records of distribution, eight of them for the state of Rio de Janeiro, Parque Nacional do Itatiaia.