Long-Read Genome Sequencing of Abscondita cerata (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), the Endemic Firefly of Taiwan.

Abscondita cerata is the most abundant and widely distributed endemic firefly species in Taiwan and is considered a key environmental and ecological indicator organism. In this study, we report the first long-read genome sequencing of Abs. cerata sequenced by Nanopore technology. The draft genome size, 967 Mb, was measured through a hybrid approach that consisted of assembling using 11.25-Gb Nanopore long reads and polishing using 9.47-Gb BGI PE100 short reads. The drafted genome was assembled into 4,855 contigs, with the N50 reaching 325.269 kb length. The assembled genome was predicted to possess 55,206 protein-coding genes, of which 20,862 (37.78%) were functionally annotated with public databases. 47.11% of the genome sequences consisted of repeat elements; among them DNA transposons accounted for the largest proportion (26.79%). A BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single Copy Orthologs) evaluation demonstrated that the genome and gene completeness were 84.8% and 79%, respectively. The phylogeny constructed using 1,792 single copy genes was consistent with previous studies. The comparative transcriptome between adult male head and lantern tissues revealed (1) the vision of Abs. cerata is primarily UV-sensitive to environmental twilight, which determines when it begins its nocturnal activity, (2) the major expressed OR56d receptor may be correlated to suitable humidity sensing, and (3) Luc1-type luciferase is responsible for Abs. cerata's luminescent spectrum.

Temperature-Dependent Biology and Population Performances of the Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) on Artificial Diet.

At different observation intervals of 1, 5, and 10 days during a trial period of 30 days, the mortality rates of Hypothenemus hampei were 100, 95, and 55%, and the fecundity rates were 0.55, 8.45, and 19.35 eggs/female, respectively. At temperatures of 18, 21, 24, and 27 °C, the development time of the immature stage of H. hampei was significantly shortened with increasing temperature. Furthermore, the lower developmental threshold (T0) and thermal summation (K) of the immature stage were 8.91 °C and 485.44 degree-days, respectively. The greatest longevity of female and male adults reached 115.77 and 26.50 days, respectively, at 18 °C. The highest fecundity was 29.00 eggs/female at 24 °C. The population parameters of H. hampei were analyzed on the basis of the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. According to the data, the parameters were significantly affected by temperature. The highest net reproductive rate (R0) was 13.32 eggs/individual at 24 °C. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were calculated as 0.0401 and 1.0409 day-1, respectively, at a temperature of 27 °C. The shortest mean generation time (T) was 51.34 days at 27 °C. Overall, we provide a discussion on comprehensive biological information regarding H. hampei, thus providing basic knowledge for further research on this pest.

Luminescent characteristics and mitochondrial COI barcodes of nine cohabitated Taiwanese fireflies.

Background: Over 50 Taiwanese firefly species have been discovered, but scientists lack information regarding most of their genetics, bioluminescent features, and cohabitating phenomena. In this study, we focus on morphological species identification and phylogeny reconstructed by COI barcoding, as well as luminescent characteristics of cohabited Taiwanese firefly species to determine the key factors that influenced how distinct bioluminescent species evolved to coexist and proliferate within the same habitat. Methods: In this study, 366 specimens from nine species were collected in northern Taiwan from April to August, 2016-2019. First, the species and sex of the specimens were morphologically and genetically identified. Then, their luminescent spectra and intensities were recorded using a spectrometer and a power meter, respectively. The habitat temperature, relative humidity, and environmental light intensity were also measured. The cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequence was used as a DNA barcode to reveal the phylogenetic relationships of cohabitated species. Results: Nine species-eight adult species (Abscondita chinensis, Abscondita cerata, Aquatica ficta, Luciola curtithorax, Luciola kagiana, Luciola filiformis, Curtos sauteri, and Curtos costipennis) and one larval Pyrocoelia praetexta-were morphologically identified. The nine species could be found in April-August. Six of the eight adult species shared an overlap occurrence period in May. Luminescent spectra analysis revealed that the λ max of studied species ranged from 552-572 nm (yellow-green to orange-yellow). The average luminescent intensity range of these species was about 1.2-14 lux (182.1-2,048 nW/cm2) for males and 0.8-5.8 lux (122.8-850 nW/cm2) for females, and the maximum luminescent intensity of males was 1.01-7.26-fold higher than that of females. Compared with previous studies, this study demonstrates that different λ max, species-specific flash patterns, microhabitat choices, nocturnal activity time, and/or an isolated mating season are key factors that may lead to the species-specific courtship of cohabitated fireflies. Moreover, we estimated that the fireflies start flashing or flying when the environmental light intensity decreased to 6.49-28.1 lux. Thus, based on a rough theoretical calculation, the sensing distance between male and female fireflies might be 1.8-2.7 m apart in the dark. In addition, the mitochondrial COI barcode identified species with high resolution and suggested that most of the studied species have been placed correctly with congeners in previous phylogenies. Several cryptic species were revealed by the COI barcode with 3.27%-12.3% variation. This study renews the idea that fireflies' luminescence color originated from the green color of a Lampyridae ancestor, then red-shifted to yellow-green in Luciolinae, and further changed to orange-yellow color in some derived species.

An outlook on larval morphology of Copelatinae diving beetles with phylogenetic considerations (Coleoptera: Adephaga, Dytiscidae).

The larvae of 12 species of Copelatinae, Copelatus alternatus Sharp, 1882, C. caelatipennis princeps Young, 1963, C. glyphicus (Say, 1823), C. japonicus Sharp, 1884, C. masculinus Rgimbart, 1899, C. nakamurai Guorguiev, 1970, C. oblitus Sharp, 1882, C. parallelus Zimmermann, 1920, C. tenebrosus Rgimbart, 1880, Exocelina australiae (Clark, 1863), E. ferruginea (Sharp, 1882), and Liopterus haemorrhoidalis (Fabricius, 1787) are described or redescribed, including for the first time a detailed chaetotaxy analysis of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment and urogomphi. A provisional parsimony analysis based on larval characteristics of 13 copelatine species was conducted using the program TNT, which reinforces the monophyletic origin of the Copelatinae. Copelatinae larvae stand out from the remaining Dytiscidae based on several synapomorphies, including the unusual shorter length of the mesothoracic legs. Legs and urogomphi morphology suggest that Copelatinae larvae studied evolved a creeping way of life. The provisional phylogenetic analysis presented in this study provides some arguments for the validity of the taxonomic status of the genera Liopterus Dejean, 1833 and Exocelina Broun, 1886.

Shift of Host Range for the Immature Stages of the Lanternfly, Pyrops watanabei (Matsumura) (Hemiptera, Fulgoridae) Native to Taiwan.

Although Pyrops watanabei is a species native to Taiwan, many fundamental aspects of the species are still poorly documented. Populations of the lanternfly in locations of northern Taiwan were found in abundance and were suitable for the conduction of an investigation from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. We established the shift in the main host plants with different developmental stages. The occurrence of immature individuals on Heptapleurum heptaphyllum increased with age from eggs to nymphs in the third instar; however, it declined from the fourth instar onwards due to a shift in preference to Triadica sebifera. In 2021, the earliest detection of an egg mass was on 1 July. More eggs were recorded in August, and some could be found in September and October of the same year. In 2022, we found an egg mass on 28 June. In August 2021, nymphs in the first and second instars were detected. Then, nymphs in the third and fourth instars appeared after September and October 2021, respectively. Furthermore, nymphs in the fifth instar were sighted as late as March 2022. Finally, this study will provide a basis for further evaluation of the impact of invasion of Pyrops candelaria on the ecology of Pyrops watanabei.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Philus pallescens Bates, 1866 (Coleoptera: Vesperidae) and its phylogenetic implications.

We sequenced and assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of Philus pallescens from Madou, Tainan County, Taiwan. The complete mitogenome of P. pallescens is 15,750 bp long, and contains 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA and two rDNA genes. Nucleotide compositions of the mitogenome of P. pallescens are A: 38.08%, T: 32.25%, C: 18.67%, and G: 11.00%. The AT and GC skewness of the mitogenome sequence were 0.0828 and -0.25845 respectively, showing the genome composition skewed toward adenine and cytosine. The phylogenetic position of Chrysomelidae is sister to all the other families in the superfamily Chrysomeloidea. The results indicate that Chrysomeloidea Cerambycidae is not a monophyletic group. Philus is phylogenetically close to Spiniphilus. Vesperidae is monophyletic and sister to Disteniidae. Mitogenomic data from this study will provide useful information for further studies on the population genetics, speciation, and pest management of P. pallescens.

Host Plants of the Immature Stages of the Invasive Longan Lanternfly, Pyrops candelaria (L.) (Hemiptera, Fulgoridae) in Taiwan.

The longan lanternfly, Pyrops candelaria (L.), has been invading mainland Taiwan since 2018, but the distribution of the species has been confined to northern Taiwan until now. The manual removal of the adult insects from the longan is still the main control strategy because of the uncertainty around other key host plants, especially for eggs and nymphs. In this study, large numbers of eggs and nymphs were found on Triadica sebifera (L.) Small and Acacia confusa Merr. The occurrence of immature individuals on Triadica sebifera increased with developmental stage from eggs to the last instar from May to July 2021. On 30 April, the first egg mass was recorded. More egg masses were recorded in May, and some could be found in July. In May, only two younger instars were detected. Third and fourth instars began to appear from June, while the fifth instar was mainly recorded from July onwards. The results of this study provide great strategic value for decision-makers to allow for effective control of the target tree species. For now, we proved that longan and pomelo trees, preferred by adults, are not the key hosts for the immature stages of this insect, because few immature individuals were found on them. Therefore, we suggest that the existence of Triadica sebifera should be considered when analyzing possible spreading areas of this invasive lanternfly in Taiwan.

Novel wing display and divergent agonistic behaviors of two incipient Psolodesmus damselflies.

Sexual selection via male competition is a strong evolutionary force that can drive rapid changes in competitive traits and subsequently lead to population divergence and speciation. Territorial males of many odonates are known to use their colorful wings as visual signals and to perform agonistic displays toward intruders. Psolodesmus mandarinus dorothea and Psolodesmus mandarinus mandarinus are two parapatrically distributed sister damselflies that share similar ecological characteristics but differ markedly in wing coloration. The wings of P. m. dorothea are mostly clear, whereas those of P. m. mandarinus have a large area of black pigmentation and a central white patch. We investigated whether territorial males of the two damselflies at breeding sites display distinct agonistic behaviors associated with their respective wing colors. Behavioral interactions between territorial and intruder males and their wing kinematics were filmed and analyzed for P. m. dorothea in Lienhuachih of central Taiwan, and P. m. mandarinus in Tianxiyuan and Fusan of northern Taiwan. We observed that the P. m. mandarinus males exhibited a novel set of perched wing displays, which was not only absent in its sister P. m. dorothea but also previously unknown in Odonata. At breeding sites, perched rival males of P. m. mandarinus with pigmented wings exhibited escalating agonistic wing-flapping and wing-hitting displays toward each other. In contrast, territorial males of P. m. dorothea with clear wings engaged only in aerial chase or face-to-face hovering when intruder males approached from the air. These results indicate that the two sister P. mandarinus damselflies diverged behaviorally in territorial contests and support the hypothesis of coadaptation on the basis of wing colors and types of wing movement in Odonata. Our findings further suggest that divergent agonistic wing displays may play a pivotal role in the speciation mechanism of P. mandarinus damselflies. The sequential analyses of behavioral characteristics and progression suggest that P. m. mandarinus damselflies likely use mutual assessment of rivals in territorial contests.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Mytella strigata (Hanley 1843) (Bivalvia: Mytiloida: Mytilidae).

We sequenced and assembled the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence of the American brackish water mussel Mytella strigata. The mitogenome, reaching 16,302 bp in length, includes 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 23 transfer RNA genes. The overall nucleotide composition of mitogenome was 25.17% A, 41.86% T, 11.83% C, and 21.13% G. The most common start and stop codons were GTG and TAA, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis based on mitogenomes showed that the families Mytilidae, Ostreidae, and Veneridae are a monophyletic group. The phylogenetic position of M. strigata is sister to P. canaliculus and P. viridis. In this study, mitogenomic sequence data will provide a better understanding for future studies of population genetics, biogeography, and pest surveillance of M. strigata.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Abscondita cerata (Olivier, 1911) (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and its phylogenetic implications.

We sequenced and assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of Abscondita cerata from Nankang, Taipei City, Taiwan. The complete mitogenome of A. cerata is 16,964 bp long, and contains 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and two rDNA genes. Nucleotide compositions of the mitogenome of the A. cerata are A: 43.93%, T: 36.74%, C: 11.05%, and G: 8.28%. The AT and GC skewness of the mitogenome sequence are 0.0891 and -0.1434, showing the genome composition skewness toward adenine and cytosine. The clade including all Lampyridae species is well supported. The result indicates that Luciolinae is a monophyletic group but Lampyrinae is not a monophyletic group, as Lamprigera yunnana, which was originally classified into Lampyrinae, is sister to Luciolinae. The genus Lamprigera may share a unique phylogenetic position in Lampyridae. The genus Luciola is a polyphyletic group and the genus Abscondita is a monophyletic group. A. cerata is the sister species to A. chinensis in China. Mitogenomic data from this study will provide useful molecular markers for further studies on the population genetics, speciation, and conservation of endemic species A. cerata in Taiwan.

Taxonomic revision of Australasian diving beetles in the genus Leiodytes Guignot, 1936 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae, Bidessini).

Bidessus migrator Sharp, 1882, so far assigned to Clypeodytes Régimbart, 1894, and widely distributed in Australia and New Guinea, is re-described. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, it is here transferred to Leiodytes Guignot, 1936. Bidessus loriae Régimbart, 1892 is found to be a junior subjective synonym of L. migrator. We describe the following new species: Leiodytes surianiae sp. nov. (eastern New Guinea, northeast coast of Queensland), and Leiodytes wattsi sp. nov. (southern New Guinea and Darwin area to northern Queensland). We delineate the species using characters such as male genital structure and beetle size, shape and color pattern. Mitochondrial Cox1 data for 27 individuals, representing all three Australasian species, were generated and revealed clusters congruent with the morphological evidence. In Australia Leiodytes only occurs in the tropical and subtropical northern part of the continent. None of the species is endemic to Australia. The species are mainly lentic, occurring in seasonal swamps, flooded meadows and pools of intermittent rivers and temporary creeks.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Mnais tenuis Oguma, 1913 (Odonata: Calopterygidae) and its phylogenetic implications.

We sequenced and assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of Mnais tenuis from Darshi, Taoyuan County, Taiwan. The complete mitogenome of M. tenuis is 15,131 bp long, and contains 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and two rDNA genes. Nucleotide compositions of the mitogenome of the M. tenuis are A: 40.08%, T: 25.47%, C: 20.38%, and G: 14.07%. The AT and GC skewness of the mitogenome sequence was 0.2228 and -0.183, showing the A-skew and C-skew. The clade including M. tenuis and all the other Odonata species received absolute support (100%). The phylogenetic position of Anisozygoptera is sister to Anisoptera. Mnais is phylogenetically close to Psolodesmus. Mitogenomic data from this study will provide useful information for further studies for the population genetics, speciation and conservation of M. tenuis in the future.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Meretrix lusoria (Bivalvia: Veneroida: Veneridae) from Kumamoto, Japan.

We sequenced and assembled the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Meretrix lusoria, from Kumamoto, Japan. The length of mitogenome is 20,180 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. The nucleotide composition of the mitogenome was 25.73% for A, 42.41% for T, 9.35% for C, and 22.49% for G. The AT and GC skewness of mitogenome sequence are -0.245 and 0.412, showing the T-skew and G-skew. The reconstructed phylogenetic relationships of 25 Bivalvia species based on 12 protein-coding genes were highly supported and the clade of all Meretrix clams included had a support value of 99%. Our results shall provide a better understanding in the evolutionary histories of the Veneroida and relative species.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff, 1868) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and its phylogenetic implications.

In the present report, we described the complete mitochondrial genome of Euwallacea fornicatus from Sindien, New Taipei City, Taiwan. The length of the complete mitogenome of E. fornicatus is 15,743 bp and the mitogenome contains 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA and two rDNA genes. Nucleotide compositions of the whole mitogenome are 39.41% for A, 33.84% for T, 16.64% for C, and 10.11% for G. The AT and GC skewness of mitogenome sequence was 0.076 and -0.244, showing the A-skew and C-skew. The reconstructed phylogenetic relationships of 33 Curculionid species based on 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes received absolute support (100%). Euwallacea fornicates is sister to the rest species in Xyleborini. The phylogenetic position of Scolytinae is sister to the clade including Cucurlioninae, Molytinae and Cryptorhynchinae. Mitogenomic data from this study will provide useful information for further studies for the population genetics, invasive history and pest control of E. fornicatus in the future.

Characterisation of the complete mitochondrial genome of Lucanus chengyuani (Coleoptera: Lucanidae).

We sequenced and assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of Lucanus chengyuani, from the Alishan, Chiayi County, Taiwan. The length of the complete mitogenome of L. chengyuani is 16,926 bp and the mitogenome contains 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and 2 rDNA genes. Nucleotide compositions of the whole mitogenome of L. chengyuani are 38.37% for A, 27.96% for T, 23.03% for C, and 10.637% for G. The AT and GC skewness of mitogenome sequence are 0.157 and -0.368, showing the A-skew and C-skew. The reconstructed phylogenetic relationships of 9 Lucanidae species based on 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes are highly supported. The clade including Neolucanus maximus and Odontolabis cuvera is sister to the rest of the stag beetle clades, which contains L. chengyuani and L. mazama. Mitogenomic data from this study will provide useful information for further studies for the population genetics, speciation, biogeography, and conservation of L. chengyuani in the future.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Hymenocera picta (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Hymenoceridae).

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Hymenocera picta is reported for the first time. The length of genome is 15,786 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and 21 transfer RNA genes. Nucleotide composition of the whole mitogenome was 37.26% A, 28.42% T, 21.92% C, and 12.40% G. The AT and GC skewness of mitogenome sequence was 0.135 and 0.277, respectively. The reconstructed phylogenetic relationships of 22 Decapoda species based on 13 protein-coding genes were highly supported and the clade of all Palaemonoidea shrimps included had a high support value. Our results shall provide a better understanding in the evolutionary histories of the Decapoda.

A new genus and two new species of Southeast Asian Bidessini as well as new synonyms for Oceanian species (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae).

Rompindessus jenisi Balke, Bergsten & Hendrich, gen. n. et sp. n. is described from near Rompin village in West Malaysia. The new genus is characterized by the presence of an occipital line and basal pronotal striae, the presence of a thick anterior bead on clypeus and two-segmented parameres as well as by the absence of basal elytral striae, the absence of sutural line on elytron, the absence of basal epipleural transverse carina, and the absence of longitudinal elytral carina. Moreover, male pro- and mesotarsus appear stout, and distinctly dilated laterally; the pronotum is comparably long and parallel-sided and the colour of beetle conspicuous dark orange. Leiodytes kualalipis Balke, Wang, Bergsten & Hendrich, sp. n. is described from West Malaysia (Pahang) and South Vietnam (Cat Tien). It is well characterized by its large size, elongate body and the form of the median lobe. Limbodessus fijiensis (J. Balfour-Browne, 1944), comb. n. described from Fiji is a new synonym of Limbodessus curviplicatus (Zimmermann, 1927) described from Samoa.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Babylonia borneensis (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda: Buccinidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Babylonia borneensis is reported for the first time in this study. The length of genome was 15 556 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 22 transfer RNA genes. The nucleotide composition of the mitogenome showed AT-rich feature, with the AT content of 68.2%. Comparison of the identity of the B. borneensis mitogenome with B. areolata, B. lani and B. lutosa was 87.5%, 87.4% and 86.9%, respectively. The construction of phylogenetic tree showed high bootstrap support value. Babylonia borneensis grouped together with other Babylons and the lineages of Buccinidae was strongly supported. In this study, our results could provide a further understanding in the phylogenetic relationships of the Neogastropoda.