Evaluation of imidacloprid (Confidor OD®) genotoxicity in Chrysoperla externa eggs (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) through comet assay.

The comet assay allows the analysis of DNA damage caused by different genotoxins. This assay has recently gained interest because of its ease of studying the interactions of xenobiotics with different organisms. Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) is a species of great economic relevance because it is a predator of major agricultural pests during its larval stage. Neonicotinoids are the most important chemical class of insecticides introduced into markets. A previous imidacloprid toxicity assessment on C. externa showed that this neonicotinoid insecticide reduced the egg viability. The objective of this study was to analyze the genotoxicity of Confidor OD® (imidacloprid 20% a.i., LS, Bayer CropScience) on the biological control agent C. externa at DNA level using the comet assay as an ecotoxicological biomarker. A comet assay protocol has been developed for this species at first time. For the bioassays, the commercial product formulated Confidor OD® was used at two concentrations: 100 and 180 mg/l of the active ingredient. Selected eggs were dipped in a Confidor OD® solution for 15 s. Descriptors evaluated in the comet assay were damage index, % DNA damage, and tail length. The damage index did not show any significant differences between the different concentrations evaluated, but differences were observed for tail length, because at higher concentrations of Confidor OD®, there were greater DNA breaks. The DNA of the cells from treated eggs analyzed at 48 h and 96 h of development showed the same % DNA damage; that is, they had no recovery capacity. Application of Confidor OD® to C. externa eggs produced irreparable breaks at the DNA level. The technique adjusted for C. externa can be used in other beneficial insects to study pesticide genotoxicity using a comet assay.

The genus Climaciella Enderlein, 1910 (Neuroptera, Mantispidae) in French Guiana.

The genus Climaciella Enderlein, 1910 is a remarkable group of mantidflies (Neuroptera: Mantispidae: Mantispinae) distributed from Canada to Argentina, including parts of the Caribbean. This genus comprises nine valid extant species plus an extinct species from the late Oligocene of France. Species exhibit Batesian mimicry with vespid wasps (Vespidae). Herein, six species of Climaciella from French Guiana are documented. Before this study only C.semihyalina (Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau & Audinet-Serville in Latreille et al. 1825) was known from this territory. Two new species, C.elektroptera Ardila-Camacho, Winterton & Contreras-Ramos, sp. nov. and C.nigriflava Ardila-Camacho, Winterton & Contreras-Ramos, sp. nov., are described as well as the first records of C.amapaensis Penny, 1982, and C.tincta (Navás, 1914) provided from French Guiana. An unknown species recorded from a single female specimen is also presented. Based on the examination of material of C.amapaensis recorded here, a specimen previously recorded from Colombia as belonging to this species is herein proposed as a new species, C.risaraldensis Ardila-Camacho, sp. nov. A taxonomic key and high-resolution images of the species from French Guiana are provided.

Genomic regions underlying the species-specific mating songs of green lacewings.

Rapid species radiations provide insight into the process of speciation and diversification. The radiation of Chrysoperla carnea-group lacewings seems to be driven, at least in part, by their species-specific pre-mating vibrational duets. We associated genetic markers from across the genome with courtship song period in the offspring of a laboratory cross between Chrysoperla plorabunda and Chrysoperla adamsi, two species primarily differentiated by their mating songs. Two genomic regions were strongly associated with the song period phenotype. Large regions of chromosomes one and two were associated with song phenotype, as fewer recombination events occurred on these chromosomes relative to the other autosomes. Candidate genes were identified by functional annotation of proteins from the C. carnea reference genome. The majority of genes that are associated with vibrational courtship signals in other insects were found within QTL for lacewing song phenotype. Together these findings suggest that decreased recombination may be acting to keep together loci important to reproductive isolation between these species. Using wild-caught individuals from both species, we identified signals of genomic divergence across the genome. We identified several candidate genes both in song-associated regions and near divergence outliers including nonA, fruitless, paralytic, period, and doublesex. Together these findings bring us one step closer to identifying the genomic basis of a mating song trait critical to the maintenance of species boundaries in green lacewings.

Is a diet of Planococcus citri nymphs and adults suitable for Chrysoperla externa for use in biological control?

ABSTRACT Several studies have shown that the survival and reproduction of lacewings varies depending on the type of prey they consumed, especially during the first instar. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a diet consisting of Ephestia kuehniella (EK) and/or Planococcus-citri (PC) eggs offered to first instar Chrysoperla externa on subsequent development and survival. Larvae supplied only with P. citri (PC) nymphs had extended immature development, low survival, adults with lower weight and longevity, low fecundity and egg viability, and lower net reproduction rate (R0). Larvae submitted to the treatment EK+PC responded positively to the diet, showing results similar to those obtained in the control-EK treatment. Therefore, this mealybug supports suitable development and reproduction of C. externa when it is provided to second instar larvae after they fed on E. kuehniella eggs as first instars. As far as we know, this is the first report that demonstrates the effect of natural prey and alternatives on different larval stages of lacewings. This information is valuable in developing protocols for use of C. externaas a pest control agent.

Two new species of Heteroconis Enderlein, 1905 from China (Neuroptera, Coniopterygidae).

Two new species, Heteroconisyunnanensis sp. nov. and Heteroconisorbicularis sp. nov., are described from China. Both species differ from their congeners in characters of the male genitalia. Heteroconisterminalis (Banks, 1913) is redescribed based on examined Chinese specimens. A key to the adult males of Heteroconis from China is provided.

Midgut and fat body: Multisystemic action of pyriproxyfen on non-target organism Ceraeochrysa claveri (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae).

Morphological tools can assist in the evaluation of effects of insecticides on non-target insects. Pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analog, is known to interfere with growth and metamorphosis of insects. However, there are studies showing indirect effects on natural enemies, including green lacewings. Few prior studies describe morphological effects of pyriproxyfen on target insect organs, especially on natural enemies. Through morphological tools, this study aimed to characterize the midgut and fat body, both important organs of digestion and great metabolic activity respectively, of the predator Ceraeochrysa claveri after chronic exposure to pyriproxyfen. Larvae of C. claveri were fed Diatraea saccharalis egg clusters treated with pyriproxyfen in solution of 50 or 100 mg a.i. L-1 throughout the larval stage. The biological data revealed significant increases in development time, especially in the third instar, and in cumulative mortality from the prepupal into the pupal stage. Morphological analysis of adult midgut (≤24 h old) showed damage including formation of epithelial folds, intercellular spaces, emission of cytoplasmic protrusions. Both fat body regions presented decrease of lipid droplets, vacuolization of trophocytes and mitochondrial injury featuring a multisystemic action. In both organs, pyriproxyfen exposure induced significant oxidative stress by mitochondrial superoxide production. Cytoprotective responses were induced in midgut and fat body cells by augmenting the number of cytoplasmic granules containing calcium and expression of HSP 90. Both organs proved to be efficient in presenting histopathological alterations, showing the sensitivity and applicability of this morphological tool for evaluating other insecticides in non-target organisms.

Hemerobiidae from Deceit Island: the Southernmost Neuroptera in the Americas

ABSTRACT The Neuropteran fauna on the most meridional part of South America is relatively scarce. Two families, Hemerobiidae and Coniopterigydae, have been recorded so far. Accordingly, only a few species have reached the south of Tierra del Fuego. Currently, the southernmost records of these species, Hemerobius chilensis Nakahara, 1965 and Megalomus flinti (Nakahara, 1965), are from Puerto Williams, Navarino Island (54°56′S 67°37′W), which makes them the southernmost distributed neuropterans in the continent. Here we provide the first records for two Neuroptera species, Hemerobius nekoi Monserrat, 1996 and Megalomus flinti; from Deceit Island, a remote subantarctic island within the Cape Horn archipelago (55°51′41″S 67°08′31″W). The records provided makes these species the southernmost recorded lacewings in the continent; extending the known distribution of neuropterans in South America nearly 110km towards the south.

Insights on the evolution of Ululodini (Insecta: Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Ascalaphinae), focusing on the systematics of the genus Ascalorphne Banks, 1915

ABSTRACT The tribe Ululodini is one of the most remarkable taxa of Neotropical Neuroptera, mainly due to its great flight ability, eyes divided into two lobes, and production of abortive eggs that act as a chemical barrier against predators. Nonetheless, Ululodini remains little studied. One genus of this tribe, Ascalorphne Banks 1915, currently comprises four valid species: A. macrocerca (Burmeister, 1839), A. impavida (Walker, 1853), A. umbrina (Gerstaecker, 1884), and A. leisewitzi (Navás, 1911). This study reviews the taxonomy of Ascalorphne, redescribing the external morphology and, for the first time, the male and female genitalia. Furthermore, A. leisewitzi is proposed as a new synonym of A. umbrina, an identification key is presented, and the geographic distribution of the genus is updated based on collected specimens and data available in the citizen science project iNaturalist. Also, the body and genital morphology of Ululodini were comparatively studied and analyzed in a phylogenetic context with all other Ascalaphinae tribes that occur in the Neotropics, allowing a better understanding of the evolution and biology of these insects. As a result, new synapomorphies for Ululodini are presented, Albardia furcata Oswald, 1903 is recovered as the sister taxon to the rest of the tribe, Ameropterus Esben-Petersen, 1922 was recovered as paraphyletic, and Ascalorphne was recovered as monophyletic in all analyses.

First record of the genus Lainius Navás, 1913 (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in Mexico, with notes on the distribution of Apochrysinae

ABSTRACT The species Lainius constellatus Navás is recorded for the first time from Mexico; thus this report represents the northernmost record of the genus and species for the Americas. In addition, it provides data on the variation in color marks and a description of the hypandrium internum. A brief summary of the distribution of the species belonging to the subfamily Apochrysinae is provided, with emphasis on the three American genera, which share distribution mostly in the Pacific domain of the Brazilian subregion, ranging from the Mexican transition zone to possibly the Chacoan subregion.

Checklists of Italian Neuropterida (Insecta) through the last three decades

ABSTRACT Italy was likely the first country in the world to have a complete list of all the species of animals known for its territory, thanks to the project 'Checklist delle Specie della Fauna d'Italia'. The project on the 'Updated Checklist of the Italian Fauna' started in 2020 and the process is now complete for the data on the superorder Neuropterida. In the period between the first and the most recent version of the checklist, the evolution of knowledge relating to the Italian territory was constantly updated every semester into the online repertoire edited by the author. Moreover an online English version within the "World Neuropterida Faunas" project was created and subsequently updated. This report discusses the thirty-year development of the overall and local knowledge of this group of insects in Italy, analyzing the strengths and shortcomings, together with the repercussions of the studies finalized for the protection and conservation of a territory within the Mediterranean area, a hotspot of world organic biodiversity.

Compatibility between the predators Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in the control of Planococcus citri (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) associated with rose crop

ABSTRACT Rose crops are attacked by many pests, including mealybugs. Although Planoccocus citri is not registered as a main pest of roses in Brazil, it is an increasing problem on roses inside greenhouses. Chrysoperla externa and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri are options against P. citri and other pests on roses, however using two predators in biological control programs may face problems like intraguild predation. This work aimed to assess the consumption of 1st instar nymphs and adult females of P. citri by adults of C. montrouzieri and 3rd instar larvae of C. externa, as well as the interaction between these predators when confined together. The following treatments were performed with ten replications in a completely randomized design: 1 - C. externa + 200 nymphs of P. citri; 2 - C. externa + 10 adults of P. citri; 3 - C. montrouzieri + 500 nymphs of P. citri; 4 - C. montrouzieri + 15 adults of P. citri. Each replication was set on rose leaflets inside a Petri dish (9cm Ø). Intraguild interaction was assessed by releasing both predators inside dishes containing 700 nymphs of P. citri. Before the releases, predators stayed 24 hours without food. We evaluated the prey consumption and intraguild predation for three hours. C. externa consumed significantly less (85,4±2,99) nymphs than did C. montrouzieri (387,0±3,02). There was no difference in adult mealybugs consumed, with an average of 1,85±0,19. No intraguild predation was observed, and an increase of 11,8% in consumption was observed when predators were released together compared to the scenario of no competition.

The extant fauna of Neuroptera (Insecta) from Brazil: diversity, distribution and history

ABSTRACT This survey presents an overall view of the order Neuroptera from Brazil. A total of 432 valid extant species of Neuroptera divided into ten families, are recorded from the country. Among the Brazilian fauna, 211 species are endemic (48.8%), with the majority belonging to two families: Chrysopidae with 182 species in 19 genera, and Myrmeleontidae with 88 species in 25 genera. The first species discovered from Brazil was Climaciella semihyalina (Le Peletier & Audinet-Serville), in 1825, by European authors. In fact, European authors entirely dominated the description of Brazilian Neuroptera during the 19th century. Father Longinos Navás from Spain authored the highest number of species described from Brazil, 98, followed by US-American Norman Penny, with 83 species. Sérgio de Freitas, a Brazilian researcher, ranks third, with a total of 50 species described. It was not until the 21st century that the study of neuropterans from Brazil was primarily led by Brazilian-born authors. Primary type specimens of species described from Brazil are predominantly deposited in non-Brazilian institutions (65.7%). The order Neuroptera is distributed across all Brazilian states, except for Alagoas. The two states with the highest neuropteran biodiversity are Amazonas and São Paulo, with 132 and 124 species, respectively. Among the Brazilian biomes, the Mata Atlântica is the most diverse region with 227 known species, followed by the Amazônia with 192 species. Data on immature stages of Neuroptera are scarce and known for only 47 species recorded from Brazil (10.9%).

Two new species of Semidalis Enderlein, 1905 (Neuroptera, Coniopterygidae) from China, with an identification key to Chinese species.

Two new species of Coniopterygidae, Semidalisprocurva sp. nov. and Semidalistibetana sp. nov., are described from China. Both species differ from congeners in characters of the male genitalia. Semidalisdecipiens (Roepke, 1916), is recorded from China for the first time. An identification key for adult males of the Chinese species of Semidalis Enderlein, 1905 is provided.

Effect of Duration of Exposure to Males on Female Reproductive Performance of the Green Lacewing, Chrysoperla agilis (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae).

Chrysoperla agilis Henry et al. is one of the five cryptic species of the carnea group found in Europe. They are known to widely occur in agricultural fields and survive and reproduce in a wide range of temperatures. The reproductive biology of the cryptic species is poorly known, especially regarding the number of matings required for the females' maximum reproductive output. We recorded the egg production and longevity of virgin females, as well as of females that had access to males for 1 week or for their lifetime. Longevity of C. agilis females with access to males was similar whether these were present for 1 week or for their lifetime (64.8 and 66.1 days, respectively). On the other hand, oviposition was higher in the long-term exposure to males (302.1 vs. 421.1 eggs, respectively). Virgin females lived longer (94.1 days) than mated females and laid a low number (54.5) of (unfertile) eggs. Egg hatchability and progeny sex ratio were similar in treatments with males. Nevertheless, the highest value (0.1321) of intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was recorded when females were continuously exposed to males. These results are relevant to biological control and could be applicable in mass-rearing C. agilis and predicting its population dynamics in the field.

Revision of the Conwentzia Enderlein, 1905 (Neuroptera, Coniopterygidae) of China, combining morphological and molecular characters.

The Chinese species of Conwentzia Enderlein are revised by integrating morphological characters and molecular data. Conwentzia yunguiana Liu & Yang, 1993 is proposed as a junior synonym of Conwentzia nietoi Monserrat, 1982, syn. nov. and Conwentzia orthotibia Yang, 1974 is proposed as a junior synonym of Conwentzia pineticola Enderlein, 1905, syn. nov. Moreover, a key to the adult males of the Conwentzia from China and DNA barcodes are provided.

The rare antlion genus emThaumatoleon/em Esben-Petersen, 1921 (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Nemoleontinae) newly recorded from mainland China, with first male description.

Thaumatoleon Esben-Petersen, 1921 is a monotypic antlion genus represented by T. splendidus Esben-Petersen, 1921 from the Oriental region. Previously, this genus was documented by only three female specimens. Here we report this genus from mainland China for the first time based on a male and two female specimens newly collected in Yunnan Province. A detailed re-description and distribution map of the genus are provided. A brief discussion on the relationships of Thaumatoleon within Nemoleontinae is also provided.

Two new species of Coniopteryx Curtis from China (Neuroptera, Coniopterygidae).

Two new species of Coniopterygidae, Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) tenuisetosasp. nov., and Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) serratasp. nov., are described from China. Both species differ from congeners in characters of the male genitalia. Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) alticola Sziráki, 2002, is recorded from China for the first time. A key to species of the genus Coniopteryx from China is presented.

Anatomy and histology of the alimentary canal of larvae and adults of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae).

The larvae of the lacewing Chrysoperla externa are important predators with the potential to be used in the biological control in agriculture. Although some studies provide important data on the gut morphology in lacewings, they are limited to few species. This study describes the anatomy and histology of the alimentary canal in the predatory larvae and herbivorous adult of C. externa. In larvae, the crop is the larger part of the foregut and it is connected to the midgut by the stomodeal valve. The midgut is an enlarged sac-like organ. At the mid-hindgut transition, there are eight Malpighian tubules. The hindgut is a non-functional vestigial region in the larvae. In adults, the crop has a diverticulum associated with large tracheal trunks, a conic proventriculus with sclerotized lips followed by an elongated tubular midgut. Histological analyses of larval and adult midgut show the presence of a single-layered epithelium with columnar cells with well-developed brush border, nests of regenerative cells, and a peritrophic matrix lining the midgut lumen. The hindgut in adults has an epithelium with cubic cells lined by a thin cuticular intima and rectal pads in the rectum. These data are discussed in comparison with the digestive tract in other Chrysopidae.

An annotated and illustrated catalogue of the Osmylidae collection (Neuroptera) at the Natural History Museum, London.

The Natural History Museum, London, houses of one of the largest insect collections in the world including several hundred specimens of the small lacewing family Osmylidae. Herein we provide the complete label information, specimen condition, locality and habitus pictures of the Osmylidae primary types of the Natural History Museum, with some historical information about the specimens.

Effectiveness of the Brown Lacewing, Sympherobius barberi Banks as a Biological Control Agent of the Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama.

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is an economically important pest of citrus because it vectors the causal pathogens of huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease. Biological control is an important component of citrus pest management but requires consistent strengthening of its impact on pest complex. The brown lacewing Sympherobius barberi Banks is a known predator of several insect pests from Asia, Europe, and America. However, there is not much information about its effectiveness against D. citri. We evaluated S. barberi against the D. citri and frozen eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella, the latter is a common diet used for rearing predators in laboratories. Adult S. barberi successfully fed on D. citri eggs and nymphs under both light and dark conditions. Diaphorina citri was also suitable for the development and reproduction of S. barberi except for slightly prolonged larval development compared with E. kuehniella diet. The egg hatch from the total number of eggs laid on D. citri and E. kuehniella diets averaged 65% and 52%, respectively. Females laid 64% eggs on dimpled white paper compared to 36% combined on plain paper and leaves of citrus, orange jasmine, eggplant and cantaloupe. Sympherobius barberi released at densities of 2-6 adults against eggs and nymphs of D. citri on infested orange jasmine plants in the cages provided a reduction of 43-81% in the number of provided eggs or nymphs. In the field tests on D. citri infested citrus trees, reduction averaged 35% in five cohorts in which developing colonies of 28-32 nymphs were provided to one S. barberi per cage. Findings suggest the significant potential of S. barberi as a predator of D. citri and to contribute to reducing huanglongbing.