First Upper Triassic Diptera (Insecta) from Germany.

First Upper Triassic dipterans (Nematocera) are described based on isolated wings from Fuchsberg near Seinstedt (Sevatian, uppermost Norian of Lower Saxony, Germany): Crivoptychoptera nebrias gen. et sp. nov. (Psychodomorpha, Ptychopteridae), Ptychopteridae incertae sedis, Dohloboyia triassica gen. et sp. nov. (Bibionomorpha, Boholdoyidae) and Chironomidae incertae sedis (Culicomorpha). All taxa under discussion present the oldest occurrences of their families. Geological background and composition of the Upper Triassic insect fauna of Seinstedt are briefly discussed.

Two new species of Tasiocera Skuse from Baltic amber (Diptera, Limoniidae).

The paper presents very rare fossil record of crane flies. Inclusions in Baltic amber have documented the second evidence of the existence of the genus Tasiocera (Diptera: Limoniidae: Chioneinae) in ancient epochs of Earth's history. Hypotheses were also introduced regarding the environmental preferences of fossil Dasymolopilus in relation to modern representatives of the subgenus. The genus is numerous in species and widespread in the modern fauna, while only one species, Tasiocera (Dasymolophilus) circumcincta, has been known from the fossil record to date. The paper presents an additional description and graphic documentation of this species based on new materials. The discovery of two other species Tasiocera (Dasymolophilus) gorskii sp. nov. and Tasiocera (Dasymolophilus) baltica sp. nov. in Eocene resins documents the occurence of Tasiocera since Eocene. Interestingly, only subgenus Dasymolophilus is represented both in extinct and extant fauna while subgenus Tasiocera is not known from the fossil record. The new discovery is very significant, and the result of the study adds a brick to our understanding of the evolution of this group of insects and their habitat.

Characterization of three glutathione S-transferases potentially associated with adaptation of the wheat blossom midge Sitodiplosis mosellana to host plant defense.

BACKGROUND: Insect glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), a multifunctional protein family, play a crucial role in detoxification of plant defensive compounds. However, they have been rarely investigated in Sitodiplosis mosellana, a destructive pest of wheat worldwide. In this study, we characterized for the first time a delta (SmGSTd1) and two epsilon GST genes (SmGSTe1 and SmGSTe2) and analyzed their expression patterns and functions associated with adaptation to host plant defense in this species. RESULTS: Expression of these SmGST genes greatly increased in S. mosellana larvae feeding on resistant wheat varieties Kenong1006, Shanmai139 and Jinmai47 which contain higher tannin and ferulic acid, the major defensive compounds of wheat against this pest, compared with those feeding on susceptible varieties Xinong822, Xinong88 and Xiaoyan22. Their expression was also tissue-specific, most predominant in larval midgut. Recombinant SmGSTs expressed in Escherichia coli could catalyze the conjugation of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, with activity peak at pH around 7.0 and temperature between 30 and 40 °C. Notably, they could metabolize tannin and ferulic acid, with the strongest metabolic ability by SmGSTe2 against two compounds, followed by SmGSTd1 on tannin, and SmGSTe1 on ferulic acid. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that these SmGSTs are important in metabolizing wheat defensive chemicals during feeding, which may be related to host plant adaptation of S. mosellana. Our study has provided information for future investigation and development of strategies such as host-induced gene silencing of insect-detoxifying genes for managing pest adaptation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

New fossil data reveal evolutionary pathways within the genus Trichoneura Loew, 1850 (Diptera, Limoniidae).

New inclusions of Trichoneura preserved in Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian) Kachin amber allow the description of a new subgenus, Burmania subgen. nov., and four new species: Trichoneura (Burmania) burmitensis subgen. et sp. nov., Trichoneura (Burmania) chungkuni subgen. et sp. nov., Trichoneura (Burmania) sevciki subgen. et sp. nov. and Trichoneura (Burmania) wangi subgen. et sp. nov. The species differ mainly by the morphology of the hypopygium or wing venation but also the construction of the antenna. Based on a comparison of the wing venation and the morphology of the hypopygium it was possible to describe features which are characteristic of the new subgenus, especially the presence of vein R3+4. Moreover, it was possible to elucidate the evolutionary pattern of Trichoneura with two distinct extant and extinct branches. Trichoneura (Trichoneura) canadensis from Upper Cretaceous Canadian amber is transferred to the new subgenus Burmania.

Arthropod predator community associated with soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), in Minnesotan soybean fields.

The soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a pest that injures soybeans in the Midwest United States. Little is known about the natural enemies of R. maxima or the potential for biological control. Therefore, we performed a 2-yr survey in Minnesota to examine the predator community associated with R. maxima infestations. We found that Orius insidiosus (Say) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) and Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were the most common foliar- and ground-foraging predators, respectively. Some of the commonly encountered predator species were tested in laboratory predation experiments. Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and O. insidiosus represented the foliar-foraging predators tested, and H. axyridis consumed significantly more R. maxima larvae than O. insidiosus. Among the ground-foraging predators, 4 carabids were tested. Poecilus lucublandus (Say) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and Pt. melanarius consumed significantly more R. maxima larvae than Poecilus chalcites (Say) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and Bembidion quadrimaculatum oppositum (Say) (Coleoptera: Carabidae). We conclude that Pt. melanarius should receive further attention as a potential biological control agent of R. maxima, due to its high abundance in the soybean fields in this study, temporal overlap with the pest, and high propensity to feed on the pest.

Functional feeding groups of Chironomidae (Diptera: Nematocera) and their spatial variation in an intermittent hill stream (Ventana Stream, Buenos Aires, Argentina).

The feeding habits of Chironomidae in hill streams in the pampean region have not been described. In this study, we analyzed the gut contents of this insect family with an aim at establishing their diet in an intermittent stream in the Ventania-Hill system. We sampled three sites with different habitat characteristics (i. e., altitude, substrate type, and current velocity). Of the total of nine taxa were recorded, the only one present at all sites was Corynoneura sp. 1. The food items found were detritus, diatoms, filamentous chlorophytes, euglenophytes, vascular plants, fungi, and animal remains. Most of the taxa could be classified as gathering collectors, with those having a higher proportion of detritus in the gut contents although the guts of Pentaneura nr. cinerea, Cricotopus sp. 1, and Onconeura analiae included high proportions of animal remains. No differences in the feeding habits were attributable to the location in the stream. This research contributes to our understanding of the trophic habits of Chironomidae in an intermittent hill stream system of South America.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima) parasitism by Synopeas maximum.

BACKGROUND: Soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a pest that impacts soybean yield in the Midwest United States. While biological control using parasitoids may be a promising approach for managing this pest, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of parasitism dynamics to ensure effective implementation. We investigated R. maxima parasitism using a combination of three methods: rearing of field-collected hosts, dissection, and molecular assays. RESULTS: We confirmed parasitism of R. maxima by the recently described wasp Synopeas maximum Awad & Talamas (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and used our combinatorial approach to observe the spatial and temporal relationships between R. maxima and its parasitoid in the field. The number of R. maxima adults was greater in symptomatic plants on field edges than the field interior, but such a pattern was inconsistent for parasitism rates. Parasitism rates were generally highest early and late in the season, and lower in the middle of the season when the number of R. maxima was highest. CONCLUSION: In Minnesota, overall season-long parasitism rates of R. maxima were low (< 2%). To facilitate a wider investigation of the biological control of R. maxima, we designed a protocol for high throughput DNA extraction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) that can be used across a broader geography. Further research should evaluate how parasitism rates by Synopeas maximum could be promoted in production fields. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

A new species of Mycomya Rondani, 1856 (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) common to southeast Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand.

Mycomya quadrimaculata sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in southeast Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. A key and type photographs of known Australian and New Zealand Mycomya species are provided. The relative abundance, observed distribution, and morphological affinities of the new species suggests that it is adventive and a recent introduction to New Zealand. Wing characters indicate that the new species is most closely aligned with a subgroup of the Australian Mycomya fauna.

A new genus and species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Cecidomyiidi) with notes on adult cecidomyiid mouthparts and their terminology.

Camillemyia prominens Gagné, gen. n. et sp. n., (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae; Cecidomyiinae) is described for a gall midge from Mexico with an extremely elongate neck and proboscis. The external and internal basic composition of the proboscis of Cecidomyiidae, as exemplified by Cecidomyia resinicola Osten Sacken, is reviewed to help understand the structural changes found in Cam. prominens as compared to those of Contarinia prolixa Gagné & Byers, another species with spectacularly modified mouthparts.

A new species of Contarinia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from flower galls on the relict tree Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae) endemic to Crete (Greece).

Contarinia ampelitsiae n. sp. Dorchin & Fazan is described as a newly discovered gall-midge species (Diptera: Cecidoymiidae) forming galls in flowers of Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae), a tree species endemic to the Mediterranean island of Crete (Greece). Larvae develop within modified filaments of male flowers, contrary to many Contarinia species that develop freely in flowers or in simple flower galls. The species has one generation per year, and its galls are sometimes found in great numbers on individual trees, thus affecting both fruit quantity and weight. This is the first report of a gall midge from Zelkova and the first record of Contarinia from Ulmaceae. Based on its host-plant association and on the barcoding section of the mtCOI gene, this species has no obvious relatives within Contarinia.

Two New Mitogenomes of Bibionidae and Their Comparison within the Infraorder Bibionomorpha (Diptera).

Despite the worldwide distribution and rich diversity of the infraorder Bibionomorpha in Diptera, the characteristics of mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) are still little-known, and the phylogenetics and evolution of the infraorder remains controversial. In the present study, we report complete and annotated mitogenome sequences of Penthetria simplioipes and Plecia hardyi representing Bibionidae. This is the first report of the complete mitogenomes for the superfamily Bibionoidea. There are 37 genes in each of the complete mitogenomes of all 20 studied species from eight families of four superfamilies within infraorder Bibionomorpha. The Ka/Ks analysis suggests that all 13 PCGs have undergone purifying selection. The gene rearrangement events exist in some families (Keroplatidae, Sciaridae, and Cecidomyiidae) but not in Mycetophilidae in Sciaroidea and also in Scatopsoidea, Anisopodoidea, and Bibionoidea, which suggests that these rearrangement events are derived in the late period in the evolution of the Bibionomorpha. The phylogenetic analysis suggests the phylogenetic relationships of Scatopsoidea + (Anisopodoidea + (Bibionoidea + Sciaroidea)) in Bibionomorpha. The divergence time analysis suggests that Bibionomorpha originated in the Triassic, Scatopsoidea and Anisopodoidea in the late Triassic, Bibionoidea in the Jurassic, and Sciaroidea in the Jurassic to the Cretaceous. The work lays a base for the study of mitogenomes in Bibionomorpha but further work and broader taxon sampling are necessary for a better understanding of the phylogenetics and evolution of the infraorder.

Pan trapping is an effective method to trap adults of the jujube gall midge, Dasineura jujubifolia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae).

Jujube gall midge (Dasineura jujubifolia Jiao & Bu) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is an important pest in jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) orchards in Aksu, Xinjiang, China. Yellow sticky traps are the main device used for monitoring jujube gall midge adults, but their efficacy is low. Here, we compared the effectiveness of yellow sticky traps with water pan traps (are commonly used for trapping Diptera insects) to monitor jujube gall midge adults. Yellow sticky traps and pan traps were deployed for 2 consecutive years in jujube orchards in Aksu, Xinjiang, China. The midge's population dynamics as revealed by these 2 trap types were consistent, but the effectiveness of pan traps was about 5 times greater than that of the yellow sticky traps. In addition, pan traps captured fewer non-target species (e.g., parasitic wasps, lacewings, and lady beetles) than yellow sticky traps. Our study suggests that pan trap is an effective device to monitor jujube gall midge adults with minimal harm to natural enemies.

A review of Afrotropical Porricondylinae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), with descriptions of five new species of Asynaptini from KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

Porricondylinae, a subfamily of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) with mycophagous larvae, are poorly researched outside Europe. Twelve species were previously named from the entire Afrotropical Region, although 500+ species are likely to occur there. Here a fresh start is made to explore the taxonomic diversity of Afrotropical Porricondylinae using a more methodical approach than was done in the past. This first contribution focuses on several representatives of the tribe Asynaptini that occur in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province. Asycampta Mamaev & Zaitzev, stat. nov., previously a synonym of Pseudocamptomyia Parnell at the subgeneric level, is instated as a valid genus. The genera Asycampta (Afrotropical), Pseudocamptomyia (Nearctic) and Zadbimyia Jaschhof & Jaschhof (Neotropical) are redefined and hypothesized to form the Pseudocamptomyia group, a monophyletic subset of Asynaptini. Asycampta is shown to contain five species: two from Somalia, the type species A. palpata Mamaev & Zaitzev and A. africana (Mamaev & Zaitzev) comb. nov., and three from South Africa, A. karkloofensis Jaschhof & Jaschhof sp. nov., A. mpofana Jaschhof & Jaschhof sp. nov., and A. umngeni Jaschhof & Jaschhof sp. nov. The genus Camptomyia Kieffer is recorded for the first time from the Afrotropics, with two new species named C. mostovskii Jaschhof & Jaschhof sp. nov. and C. kwazulunatalensis Jaschhof & Jaschhof sp. nov. Our results show that all three large subgroups of Asynaptini, namely Asynapta Loew, Camptomyia, and the Pseudocamptomyia group of genera are Afrotropical. Clinophaena Kieffer, 1913 is recognized as a new junior synonym of Winnertzia Rondani, 1860 (a genus of the subfamily Winnertziinae), and Winnertzia mahensis (Kieffer), originally described in Holoneurus Kieffer and subsequently designated as the type species of Clinophaena, is a new combination.

Morphological and molecular data reveal fifteen new sympatric Zygomyia Winnertz, 1864 (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) species from Ecuador.

Fifteen new Zygomyia Winnertz species are described from material collected from one location in Ecuador during a very short time period: Z. acrotricha sp. nov., Z. comata sp. nov., Z. diversiseta sp. nov., Z. flamma sp. nov., Z. geniculata sp. nov., Z. longistyla sp. nov., Z. napoensis sp. nov., Z. paniculata sp. nov., Z. pectinella sp. nov., Z. spinosa sp. nov., Z. talpaeforma sp. nov., Z. trilobata sp. nov., Z. triseta sp. nov., Z. uniordata sp. nov. and Z. ximoi sp. nov. Zygomyia bicolor Edwards, 1934 is redescribed, including detailed illustration of the male terminalia. The number of Neotropical Zygomyia species is increased to 30. An updated key to the Neotropical Zygomyia is provided. Unexpectedly high level of interspecific genetic variation between Neotropical Zygomyia spp. is reported.

When the past meets the present: the oldest known Bibioninae, and the youngest known Cretobibioninae (Diptera, Bibionidae) from mid-Cretaceous Myanmar amber.

The Diptera family Bibionidae has a rich fossil record from the Tertiary, however little is known about this family in the Mesozoic. Recently, a number of specimens have been found in mid-Cretaceous Myanmar amber, dating from about 99 MYr BP. I report the finding of the oldest known member of the recent subfamily Bibioninae, as well as the youngest known member of the Cretaceous subfamily Cretobibioninae.The Cretobibioninae is represented by Cretobibio burmiticus sp. n., which suggests a wide, possibly cosmopolitan distribution of the recently discovered subfamily Cretobibionidae, the Bibioninae by Protodilophus semispinosus gen. et sp. n. The latter species is probably related to the recent and Tertiary genus Dilophus, but displays some plesiomorphic traits related to the more recent taxa.

Descriptions of two new Celticecis species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induce leaf galls on Celtis boninensis (Cannabaceae) in Japan.

Two new species Celticecis insulicola Sato and Yukawa and Celticecis gracilicornis Sato and Yukawa (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) are described from Japan based on morphological comparison with other congeners in the world. The definition of the genus Celticecis is broadened to include the two new species. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supported the results of identification. C. insulicola induces bullet-shaped galls, and C. gracilicornis induces slender conical galls on the leaves of Celtis boninensis Koidzumi (Cannabaceae), a plant of the southern part of Japan, mainly on the Nansei Islands in Kagoshima and Okinawa Prefectures. Both species are univoltine, mature larvae overwintering in the galls on the ground and adults emerging in early spring. C. insulicola was found on Amami, Uke and Okinoerabu Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, and Okinawa Island, Okinawa Prefecture. C. gracilicornis was found on Amami and Okinawa Islands.

Two new species of crane fly (Diptera: Limoniidae) from Tasmania, Australia.

Two new species of Australian crane fly are described, illustrated and with COI sequences included: Gynoplistia (Gynoplistia) lutruwita Billingham & Theischinger sp. nov., and Molophilus (Molophilus) serricauda Billingham & Theischinger sp. nov., both from the Huon Valley region of southern Tasmania. Their affinities with other known Australian species are discussed.

Activation of the CncC pathway is involved in the regulation of P450 genes responsible for clothianidin resistance in Bradysia odoriphaga.

BACKGROUND: Insect cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) play a key role in the detoxification metabolism of insecticides and their overexpression is often associated with insecticide resistance. Our previous research showed that the overexpression of four P450 genes is responsible for clothianidin resistance in B. odoriphaga. In this study, we characterized another P450 gene, CYP6FV21, associated with clothianidin resistance. However, the molecular basis for the overexpression of P450 genes in clothianidin-resistant strain remains obscure in B. odoriphaga. RESULTS: In this study, the CYP6FV21 gene was significantly overexpressed in the clothianidin-resistant (CL-R) strain. Clothianidin exposure significantly increased the expression level of CYP6FV21. Knockdown of CYP6FV21 significantly increased the susceptibility of B. odoriphaga larvae to clothianidin. The transcription factor Cap 'n' Collar isoform-C (CncC) was highly expressed in the midgut of larvae in B. odoriphaga. The expression level of CncC was higher in the CL-R strain compared with the susceptible (SS) strain. Clothianidin exposure caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and significantly increased the expression level of CncC. Knockdown of CncC caused a significant decrease in the expression of CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21, and P450 enzyme activity, and led to a significant increase in mortality after exposure to lethal concentration at 30% (LC30 ) of clothianidin. After treatment with CncC agonist curcumin, the P450 activity and the expression levels of CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21 significantly increased, and larval sensitivity to clothianidin decreased. The ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment significantly inhibited the expression levels of CncC, CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21 in response to clothianidin exposure and increased larval sensitivity to clothianidin. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results indicate that activation of the CncC pathway by the ROS burst plays a critical role in clothianidin resistance by regulating the expression of CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21 genes in B. odoriphaga. This study provides more insight into the mechanisms underlying B. odoriphaga larval resistance to clothianidin. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.