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The taxonomic position of the genus Gazalina Walker remained ambiguous and it continuously reshuffled its position in the family Notodontidae and subfamily Lymantriinae of family Erebidae. The present study has been carried out to elucidate its taxonomic position in accordance with the morphological, molecular, larval, and behavioural characteristics of its species. A detailed account of two species namely Gazalina chrysolopha (Kollar) and Gazalina apsara (Moore), the type species of this genus, has also been given. The CoI sequence of Gazalina chrysolopha (MH795522) and Gazalina apsara (MH790288) from the present study were compared with the available reference sequences in Genbank by using BLAST. Its placement under the subfamily Thaumetopoeinae of the family Notodontidae has been justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An annotated catalogue of 13 species of tussock moths collected in Mongolia, mainly by the entomological division of the joint Russian-Mongolian complex biological expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences in 2002–2005 and 2007–2008, is provided. Calliteara virginea (Oberthür, 1870) is reported for the study area for the first time. For some aimags the following species are noted for the first time: Orgyia antiqua (Linnaeus, 1758) for Khentii, Thylacigyna antiquoides (Hübner, 1822) for Dornod, Gynaephora angelus (Tschetverikov, 1904) for Arkhangai and Övörkhangai, Gynaephora fascelina (Linnaeus, 1758) for Khövsgöl, Leucoma salicis (Linnaeus, 1758) for Zavkhan, Bulgan and Dornod, and Ivela ochropoda (Eversmann, 1847) for Arkhangai. Based on literature data, it is proposed that the populations of Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus, 1758) in Mongolia, China, Korean Peninsula, the Russian Far East and Japan be classified as the subspecies Lymantria dispar japonica Motschulsky, 1860. Amigdalus mongolica (Maxim.) Ricker (Rosaceae) is reported as a host palnt of Gynaephora angelus for the first time.

The article presents 13 species of Noctuoidea superfamily from Omsk and Novosibirsk regions of Russia. 6 species are new to Omsk region, 8 species are new to Novosibirsk region. 4 species are new to the Russian part of the West Siberian Plain, among them, Schrankia balneorum (Alphéraky, 1880), Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, 1808), Leucochlaena fallax (Staudinger, 1870), Mythimna anderreggii (Boisduval, 1840).

В статье приведены новые данные о находках волнянок видовой группы Gynaephora (rossii) в Северной Якутии. Все вновь выявленные местообитания лежат севернее 70-й параллели, в подзоне арктических и субарктических тундр: это низовья р. Индигирка, южное побережье Восточно-Сибирского моря, острова Столбовой и Котельный архипелага Новосибирские острова, Крестовский и Четырехстолбовой — архипелага Медвежьи острова. Эти находки закрывают «белые пятна» в якутской Арктике и подтверждают непрерывность ареала вида в Заполярье от Полярного Урала до острова Врангеля. Гусеницы волнянки кормились на тундровых ивах (Salix polaris, S. boganidensis, S. pulchra).

The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), causes enormous damage to broadleaved forests in the northern hemisphere where it frequently defoliates large areas of forest. Since outbreaks begin in oak forests, its most suitable habitat, we determined the preference and performance of gypsy moth larvae when reared on three species of native oaks: sessile oak, Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.; Turkey oak, Q. cerris L.; and Hungarian oak, Q. frainetto (Ten.). Leaf expansion and selected physical and chemical characteristics of the oak leaves were also measured. The shortest development time and highest relative consumption (RCR), growth rate (RGR), assimilation efficiency (AD), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) and digested food into larval biomass (ECD) values were recorded when larvae were fed on Turkey oak. Two-choice tests revealed that Turkey oak is the preferred host plant. It had the highest total soluble protein and leaf nitrogen content, lowest C/N ratio and its phenology was well synchronized with the hatching of the larvae. The worst performance and lowest preference index were recorded when fed on Hungarian oak, the leaves of which had the lowest protein and nitrogen content, while in terms of the values for preference and performance the larvae fed on sessile oak were intermediate. Our results indicate that forests with Turkey oak are highly likely to be defoliated by gypsy moth larvae and therefore should be regularly monitored.

Theory on plasticity driving speciation, as applied to insect-plant interactions (the oscillation hypothesis), predicts more species in clades with higher diversity of host use, all else being equal. Previous support comes mainly from specialized herbivores such as butterflies, and plasticity theory suggests that there may be an upper host range limit where host diversity no longer promotes diversification. The tussock moths (Erebidae: Lymantriinae) are known for extreme levels of polyphagy. We demonstrate that this system is also very different from butterflies in terms of phylogenetic signal for polyphagy and for use of specific host orders. Yet we found support for the generality of the oscillation hypothesis, in that clades with higher diversity of host use were found to contain more species. These clades also consistently contained the most polyphagous single species. Comparing host use in Lymantriinae with related taxa shows that the taxon indeed stands out in terms of the frequency of polyphagous species. Comparative evidence suggests that this is most probably due to its nonfeeding adults, with polyphagy being part of a resulting life history syndrome. Our results indicate that even high levels of plasticity can drive diversification, at least when the levels oscillate over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host innate immunity is one of the factors that determines the resistance of insects to their entomopathogens. In the research reported here we studied whether or not phenoloxidase (PO), a key enzyme in the melanogenesis component of humoral immunity of insects, plays a role in the protection of Lymantria dispar larvae from infection by L. dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus. We studied two types of viral infection: overt and covert. The following lines of investigation were tested: i) the intravital individual estimation of baseline PO activity in haemolymph plasma followed by virus challenging; ii) the specific inhibition of PO activity in vivo by peroral treatment of infected larvae with phenylthiourea (PTU), a competitive inhibitor of PO; iii) the evaluation of PO activity in the haemolymph plasma after larval starvation. Starvation is a stress that activates the covert infection to an overt form. All of these experiments did not show a relationship between PO activity in haemolymph plasma of L. dispar larvae and larval susceptibility to baculovirus. Moreover, starvation-induced activation of covert viral infection to an overt form occurred in 70 percent of virus-carrying larvae against the background of a dramatic increase of PO activity in haemolymph plasma in the insects studied. Our conclusion is that in L. dispar larvae PO activity is not a predictor of host resistance to baculovirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgenic lines of silver birch (Betula pendula) carrying the sugar beet chitinase IV gene were used to study the effects of the heterologous expression of a transgenic chitinase on the performance of lepidopteran herbivores. The effect of wounding the leaves of birch on the performance of lepidopteran larvae and the growth of trees was also studied. Larvae of Orgyia antiqua L., Lymantriidae, and Phalera bucephala L., Notodontidae, were separately fed on the leaves of transgenic and wild-type birch, and their performance measured using nutritional indices. The relative growth rate (RGR) of O. antiqua larvae fed transgenic leaves was significantly lower than that of larvae fed wild-type leaves. Furthermore, there is little evidence that transgenic chitinase affects survival but it was lowest for the group of larvae fed leaves with the highest expression of chitinase IV. Wounding did not have a significant effect on the performance of the larvae or on the growth of the branches of the trees. The growth of branches of particular transgenic lines, however, was significantly associated with tree line. The performance of P. bucephala larvae fed leaves of transgenic and wild-type birches did not differ. The leaves used in both experiments from transgenic trees were shorter than those from wild-type trees. Using transgenic birch expressing sugar beet chitinase IV to improve the resistance of birch to fungal diseases can have negative effects on O. antiqua larvae feeding on the leaves of these birches. P. bucephala, however, was not similarly affected, which indicates that these two ecologically similar lepidopteran species may differ in their response to transgenic chitinase.

The research aims to determine the diet of microchiroptera bats in urban areas.. The research was done in June 2012 to August 2012. Sample of bat was captured in six locations using misnet and harp net at bat foraging areas. Stomach contents was collected and dissolved in aquadest. The material of insect were sorted and identified under microscope and compare to the insects that were collected by light trap in bat foraging area. The data were analyzed by Principle Component Analysis (PCA). There were three species of insectivorous bat which catch at South Tangerang and South Jakarta. The insects in gut content of insectivorous bats belong to 8 orders, distributed into 12 families. Based on prey preference, the insectivorous bats can be classified into two groups. This study proves that the tomcat beetles eaten by Hipposideros sp. and Chaerophon plicata, while Lymantriidae moth being eaten by Hipposideros sp. and Murina sp.

The effects of tannic acid on mean values and genetic variation in fitness-related traits (mass, relative growth rate) and specific activities of digestive enzymes (total proteases, a-glucosidase and lipase), and genetic variation in their plasticity, were investigated in fifth instar larvae of Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) originating from two populations with different host use histories (oak and locust-tree). The two populations did not differentiate with respect to fitness-related traits, i.e. adverse effects of tannic acid were similar in both populations. However, Robinia larvae, which originated from the locust-tree forest, were characterized by higher total protease and lipase activity and lower a-glucosidase activity than Quercus larvae, which originated from the oak forest. Higher plasticity of lipase and lower plasticity of a-glucosidase in response to tannic acid were also recorded. Quantitative genetic analysis revealed mostly significant expression of genetic variation in the examined traits and trait plasticity, suggesting the potential for evolution of adaptive plastic responses to new environmental conditions and presence of a stressor. The genetic correlations observed between the environments significantly differed from "one", which indicates there are no constraints on the evolution of trait plasticity.

This paper deals with some problematic species in the subfamily Lithosiinae. Two new monospecific genera are proposed: Parafrasura gen. nov. and Palaeugoa gen. nov. The former presents the following autapomorphies: tegumen strong and large; uncus long and slightly claviform; typical scaphium-gnathos complex. The latter presents as autapomorphies the disposition of the bands of the wings pattern, and the male genitalia shape. Asura naumanni Kühne, 2005 is considered incertae sedis within Lithosiinae and Asura phaeosticta Kiriakoff, 1958 is transferred to Euproctis Hübner, [1819] (Lymantriidae) (comb. nov.).

While the study of colour patterns is a traditional subject of evolutionary ecology, there are various hypotheses which suffer from a lack of experimental evidence. One intriguing possibility is a trade-off between warning efficiency and detectability. After a certain size threshold, the detrimental effect of increased detectability can outweigh the benefits of warning colouration. One may thus expect corresponding patterns at the level of ontogenetic development: as juveniles grow, they should first acquire warning colouration, and then lose it again. We analysed this possibility in Orgyia antiqua, a moth species with hairy larvae which are polyphenic with respect to the intensity of warning colouration. We detected a regular change in colour patterns through larval life. Indeed, the larvae tend to display warning colouration at intermediate sizes while dull colours dominate in fully grown larvae. In aviary experiments, we confirmed that the colourful phenotype is the one that causes the strongest aversion in birds. Nevertheless, the effect was rather weak and most of the larvae were still eventually consumed when found. Unexpectedly, for human subjects, the warningly coloured larvae were harder, and not easier to find among natural vegetation, most likely due to the disruptive effect of the aposematic colour pattern. Importantly, the trend was reversed in the largest size class, suggesting that the disruptive colouration loses its advantage as the larva grows. This is consistent with the actual patterns of size-dependence of colouration. We present evidence against an alternative explanation which relates size-related change in colouration to behavioural changes prior to pupation. We conclude that even if the efficiency of the warning effect plays a role in determining the size-dependence of colouration, the pattern may be largely explained by the effects of size-dependent detectability alone.

While most theoretical models for the evolution of ageing assume that duration of pre-adult development does not affect the longevity, experimental data are still controversial and inconsistent. Here we examined the short-term and long-term pattern of pre-adult development time and longevity in populations of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) originating from either oak forest (Quercus petrea), a suitable, or locust-tree forest (Robinia psedoacacia), a poor habitat. Using a full-sib design, we examined the genetic correlations between traits found in larvae reared on oak or locust-tree leaves. We detected only negative and insignificant genetic correlations, except for males from the Robinia population reared on oak leaves where the correlation was negative and significant. Our results also showed that a population living 40 generations in the locust-tree forest exhibited a significantly higher longevity than the Quercus population, whereas a significant difference between these two populations in pre-adult development time does not exist. The results are discussed in relation to the potential effect of stress selection in moulding the longevity of the gypsy moth.

Structure and photomechanical changes upon light/dark adaptation in the superposition compound eyes of the highly sexually dimorphic Orygia antiqua were studied by light and electron microscopy. The eyes of the fully winged male differ from those of the wingless, sedentary female in several respects: they are significantly larger, display a more regular ommatidial array, have a wider clearzone and possess a much more substantial tracheal tapetum. However, the eyes of the female exhibit more pronounced photomechanical changes upon light/dark adaptation than those of the male. We believe that for females, on account of their limited mobility, it is necessary that their eyes can cope with widely fluctuating brightnesses, but that visual sensitivity and resolving power are less important to them than to the actively flying males. Although the latter may be attracted to the females by pheromones, males in their diurnal searches will have to visually avoid obstacles and predators. Moreover, because of their ability to fly, males can seek shelters or shaded areas and unlike the sedentary females avoid prolonged exposures to potentially hazardous light levels. This could explain why the eyes of the females exhibit more pronounced photomechanical responses to changes in ambient light levels.

Для острова Сахалин впервые приводится 18 видов чешуекрылых: Pyrausta porphyralis, Pygospila tyres, Haritalodes basipunctalis, Inurois asahinai (новый вид для фауны России), Cleora insolita, Hypomecis roboraria, Lassaba nikkonis (новый вид для фауны России), Xerodes rufescentaria, Lampropteryx jameza, Trichopteryx ustata, Artaxa subflava, Lymantria mathura, Epodonta lineata, Peridea lativitta, Hagapteryx admirabilis, Sphragifera sigillata, Cucullia elongata, Setina roscida. Подтверждено обитание на Сахалине Alcis pryeraria.

While the ultimate causes and adaptive significance of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) have been extensively studied, the developmental mechanisms behind this phenomenon have received little attention. Going through an additional larval instar may form a specific way of achieving SSD in arthropods. In the present study, the mechanisms of SSD determination of two lymantriid moths, with marked SSD, were studied. In both species, females tended to go through an additional instar compared to males, and form pupae that were more than twice the weight of the males. To reveal the role of an extra instar, larval growth was monitored in the laboratory and the growth parameters were analysed as dependent on sex and developmental type (number of instars). Prolongation of growth by means of adding an additional larval instar in females turned out to be the key mechanism in the determination of the highly female-biased SSD in the species studied. There is thus a developmental mechanism available that permits achieving a larger size by means of extending the growth period. This provides evidence against constraint-based evolutionary explanations for body sizes in insects. There was no considerable accumulation of SSD during earlier larval life when females went through more instars than males. In contrast, in those cases in which males and females had the same number of instars, SSD accumulated gradually during the course of several larval instars. Longer growing period turned out to be a crucial mechanism leading to the female-biased SSD even when instar number did not differ between sexes, although higher instantaneous relative growth rates of females also played a complementary role in the latter case. Within sexes, an additional instar was characteristic of initially smaller larvae, as predicted by the "threshold size" hypothesis.

In present work, we described the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the tea tussock moth Euproctis pseudoconspersa (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae). The complete mitogenome of E. pseudoconspersa is a circular genome 15,461 bp in size. It contains 37 genes and an A + T-rich region usually presented in lepidopteran mitogenomes, which genes share a lot of features with other known lepidopteran mitogenomes. Nucleotide composition of A + T in this mitogenome is 79.92%, and the AT skew is slightly positive. Both codon distribution and relative synonymous codon usage of the 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) are consistent with those published lepidopteran sequences. All tRNA genes have typical cloverleaf secondary structures, except for the tRNA Ser ( AGN ) , in which the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm is simplified down to a loop. The A + T-rich region of E. pseudoconspersa mitogenome possess the motif ‘ATAGA’ and poly-T stretch as the formerly identified conserved elements of Lepidoptera mitogenomes. The phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed by using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods based on nucleotide sequences of 13 PCGs of 38 moths. The results were very consistent with the traditional relationships within Noctuoidea from morphological data, and showed that Lymantriidae is more closely related to Erebidae than to Noctuidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Приводится 22 вида семейств Thyatiridae, Lasiocampidae, Sphingidae, Notodontidae, Lymantriidae, Arctiidae, собранных в Буреинском заповеднике в 2012–2013 годах. Впервые для территории заповедника отмечены 5 видов (Dendrolimus superans Butl., Lymantria monacha L., Miltochrista calaminа Butl., Lithosia quadra L., Katha deplana Esp.). Уточнены распространение и сроки лёта ряда видов в Буреинском заповеднике. Общее число зарегистрированных в Буреинском заповеднике видов Macroheterocera без учёта пядениц и совок достигло 52 видов.

Background: DapuNPV (Dasychira pudibunda nucleopolyhedrovirus), presented in this report, belongs to Alphabaculovirus group Ib. Its full, newly sequenced genome shows close relationship to baculovirus OpMNPV isolated from douglas-fir tussock moth Orgyia pseudotsugata. Baculovirus DapuNPV is a natural limiter of pale tussock moth Dasychira pudibunda L. (syn. Calliteara pudibunda L.)(Lepidoptera, Lymantriidae), which can occur in a form of an outbreak on many species of deciduous trees and may cause significant economic losses in the forests. Methods: Late instars dead larvae of pale tussock moth were mechanically homogenized and polyhedra were purified during series of ultracentrifugation. Viral DNA was extarcted and sequenced using Miseq Illumina platform. 294,902 paired reads were used for de novo assembling. Genome annotation, multiple allingment to others baculoviruses and phylogegentic analises were perform with the use of multiple bioinformatic tools like: Glimmer3, HMMER web server, Geneious 7 and MEGA6. Results: The genome of DapuNPV is 136,761 bp long with AT pairs content 45.6 %. The predicted number of encoded putative open reading frames (ORFs) is 161 and six of them demonstrate low or no homology to ORFs previously found in baculoviruses. DapuNPV genome shows very high similarity to OpMNPV in a nucleotide sequence (91.1 % of identity) and gene content (150 homologous ORFs), though some major differences (e.g. lack of he65 in OpMNPV) have also been noted. Conclusions: Similarly to other members of the Baculoviridae family, DapuNPV baculovirus possesses highly conserved core genes. Among them, there is a second copy of occluded derived virus envelope 27 protein (odv-e27), which was previously found only in a member of Alphabaculovirus group II - LyxyMNPV (Lymantria xylina MNPV). Surprisingly enough, DapuNPV and LyxyMNPV genomes share also another feature. Phylogenetic analysis of chitin binding family protein (cbpl) indicates significant similarity of those two baculoviruses from distinct evolutionary groups which infect the same hosts from Lymantriidae. The ubiquitin like family gene (ubil), which has not been described until now, is another characteristic component of DapuNPV genome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spotted tussock moth, Lophocampa maculata Harris 1841, inhabits a wide band of North America on both sides of the United States/Canadian border from coast to coast and extends southward along the Pacific coast and in the major mountain ranges of the United States. Within this large range, the species exists as several geographic variants characterized by a number of phenotypic differences, most notably last instar larval coloration. Other distinctions include voltinism, with the California coastal variety being uniquely bivoltine, and larval food preference. While considered a generalist feeder on broadleaf trees, some geographic variants show strong preferences for a particular genus of food plant. Over most of its range, L. maculata exists in one of two larval color patterns. Last instars of the Eastern and California Coastal forms are a combination of black and yellow, while the Western Interior form is a combination of orange and black. However, in the Pacific Northwest there is a stable population exhibiting wide variation in larval coloration, with features of the color patterns of both the other two varieties. An additional, and perhaps unique, feature of larval coloration is the rare occurrence of individuals with partial depigmentation for one or two instars, followed by reversion to normal coloration in the last instar and the adult. These individuals are found in all of the geographic populations, although there are small distinctions in coloration that appear to be population-specific. Larval coloration results from three pigments. Exogenous xanthophylls, obtained from the diet produce the yellow color, whereas the endogenous black pigment is eumelanin. The orange pigment is most likely pheomelanin, produced endogenously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mating disruption is the primary control tactic used against the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) under the gypsy moth Slow the Spread (STS) program. In this paper, we present the results of the multiyear study designed to evaluate a new liquid SPLAT GM™ (ISCA Tech, Riverside, CA, USA) Organic formulation, which is approved by the USDA to meet National Organic Program Standards for use in organic certified farms, for its ability to disrupt gypsy moth mating, and to evaluate the environmental persistence of SPLAT GM™ and SPLAT GM™ Organic formulations. Environmental persistence of the pheromone beyond the year of application is a significant concern since STS relies on trap catch data to evaluate treatment success. The study was conducted in 2007-2012 in forested areas in Virginia and Wisconsin, USA. We observed that SPLAT GM™ Organic reduced gypsy moth trap catch by ⩾90% for 10 weeks in a similar manner as SPLAT GM™ and Hercon Disrupt® II (Hercon Environmental, Emigsville, PA, USA). Although we observed persistent effects in all products one year after application, the persistence observed in SPLAT GM™ and SPLAT GM™ Organic was significantly lower than that of Hercon Disrupt® II plastic laminated flakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outbreak of the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata McDunnough, occurred in the South Platte River drainage on the Pike-San Isabel National Forest in the Colorado Front Range attacking Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco. Stocking levels, species composition, and tree size in heavily and lightly defoliated stands were similar. Douglas-fir tussock moth defoliation resulted in significant Douglas-fir mortality in the heavily defoliated stands, leading to a change in dominance to ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa Lawson. Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsuqae Hopkins, populations increased following the defoliation event but caused less mortality, and did not differ between heavily and lightly defoliated stands. Douglas-fir tussock moth-related mortality was greatest in trees less than 15 cm dbh (diameter at 1.4 m above the ground) that grew in suppressed and intermediate canopy positions. Douglas-fir beetle-related mortality was greatest in trees larger than 15 cm dbh that grew in the dominant and co-dominant crown positions. Although both insects utilize Douglas-fir as its primary host, stand response to infestation is different. The extensive outbreak of the Douglas-fir tussock moth followed by Douglas-fir beetle activity may be associated with a legacy of increased host type growing in overstocked conditions as a result of fire exclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperparasitoids use the immature offspring of other parasitoids for their development, which may reduce the efficiency of biological control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hyperparasitoidism by Brachymeria koehleri Blanchard (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) in Lespesia melloi Gil-Santana, Nunez & Nihei (Diptera: Tachinidae) pupae parasitizing Thagona tibialis Walker (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) caterpillars in Brazil. Fifty pupae of various ages of T. tibialis were collected after the caterpillars had defoliated a Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) plant on the campus of the Federal University of Viçosa (Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil). Each pupae was held individually under controlled conditions until the emergence of either the lepidopteran or the parasitoid. Thirteen T. tibialis pupae yielded L. melloi puparia, which resulted in the emergence of 8 L. melloi individuals, 1 B. koehleri female, and 4 unviable pupae. This is the first report of hyperparasitism by B. koehleri of L. melloi pupae parasitizing T. tibialis caterpillars in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Приводится 84 вида семейств Zygaenidae, Cossidae, Sphingidae, Notodontidae, Lymantriidae, Arctiidae и Noctuidae, собранных в Даурском заповеднике в 2011 году. Среди них Illiberis pruni Dyar (Zygaenidae), Centrarctia mongolica Alph. (Arctiidae), Cucullia biradiata W.Kozh. и Platyperigea albina Ev. (Noctuidae) впервые найдены в Забайкалье, Marumba gaschkewitschii Brem. et Grey, Callambulyx tatarinovii Brem. et Grey, Hyles exilis Derzh. (Sphingidae), Teia recens Hb. (Lymantriidae), Acronicta tridens Den. et Schiff., Symira splendida Stgr., Cucullia fraterna Btl., Bryophyla raptricula Den. et Schiff., Xanthia togata Esp. (Noctuidae) впервые приводятся для Даурского заповедника и его окрестностей. Таким образом, 13 видов найдены в заповеднике впервые. Общее число зарегистрированных в Даурском заповеднике видов Lepidoptera достигло 1097 видов. Проникновение в Забайкалье характерного гобийского вида монгольской медведицы Centrarctia mongolica Alph. связано с наблюдающимся в последние годы иссушением этой территории.

Приводятся сведения о первой достоверной находке непохожей волнянки Numenes disparilis Staudinger, 1887 на территории Хабаровского края.

Приводится 337 видов семейств Drepanidae, Saturniidae, Lymantriidae, Arctiidae и Noctuidae, собранных в Большехехцирском заповеднике в 2009 году. Среди них Spilarctia alba Brem. et Grey (=robustum Leech) – впервые найден на территории России; Psyche casta Pall., Spilarctia subcarnea Wlk., Paraphyllophila confusa Kon., Blasticorhinus unduligera Btl. – впервые найдены в Хабаровском крае, Oreta parki Inoue, Rhodinia fugax Btl., Pida niphonis Butler, 1881, Hypena stygiana Btl., Autographa amurica Stgr., Eucarta amethystina Hb., Bryoleuca granitalis Btl., Athetis pallustris Hb., Lacanobia aliena Hb., Sideridis incommoda Stgr., Mythimna separata Wlk., Euxoa karschi Graes., E. tritici L., Diarsia brunea Den. et Schiff., Xestia descripta Brem. – в Большехехцирском заповеднике. Переопределены предыдущие указания: Hemaris radians Wlk. – на H. affinis Brem., Abrostola triplasia L. – на A. ussuriensis Duf.

trans-11,12-Epoxy-(6 Z,9 Z)-6,9-henicosadiene (posticlure) has been identified from a pheromone gland of the lymantriid species, Orgyia postica. Since the diversity of Lepidoptera suggests that some species utilize the structure-related epoxy compound as a sex pheromone component, epoxydienes and epoxytrienes derived from (6 Z,9 Z,11 E)-6,9,11-trienes and (3 Z,6 Z,9 Z,11 E)-3,6,9,11-tetraenes with a C-C chain were systematically synthesized and the chemical data were accumulated in order to contribute to a new pheromone research. Peracid oxidation of each triene and each tetraene produced, respectively, a mixture of three epoxydienes ( cis-6,7-epoxy-9,11-diene; cis-9,10-epoxy-6,11-diene; and trans-11,12-epoxy-6,9-diene) and four epoxytrienes ( cis-3,4-epoxy-6,9,11-triene; cis-6,7-epoxy-3,9,11-triene; cis-9,10-epoxy-3,6,11-triene; and trans-11,12-epoxy-3,6,9-triene). While the 9,10-epoxy compounds were unstable and, interestingly, converted into 9-ketone derivatives after chromatography over SiO, each positional isomer was isolated by HPLC equipped with an ODS column, and the chemical structure was determined by NMR analysis. On the GC-MS analysis with a DB-23 column, the positional isomers were also eluted separately and characteristic mass spectra were proposed. By comparing the spectral data of the epoxy compounds with a different carbon chain, diagnostic fragment ions reflecting the chemical structure were determined as follows: m/z 79, 109, 113, and M-114 for the 6,7-epoxydienes; m/z 69, 97, 111, 139, and M-111 for the 9,10-epoxydienes; m/z 57, 79, 109, 136, M-151, and M-111 for the 11,12-epoxydienes; m/z 79, 91, 105, and 119 for the 3,4-epoxytrienes; m/z 79, 124, M-124, M-96, and M-69 for the 6,7-epoxytrienes; m/z 79, 95, 109, 137, and M-108 for the 9,10-epoxytrienes; and m/z 79, 134, M-149, M-109, and M-95 for the 11,12-epoxytrienes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mating disruption techniques are used in pest control for many species of insects, yet little is known regarding the environmental persistence of these pheromones following their application and if persistence is affected by climatic conditions. We first studied the persistent effect of ground applications of Luretape® GM in Lymantria dispar (L) mating disruption in VA, USA in 2006. The removal of Luretape® GM indicated that the strong persistent effect of disparlure in the environment reported by previous studies is produced by residual pheromone in the dispensers as opposed to environmental contamination. In 2010 and 2011, we evaluated the efficacy of two formulations, Disrupt® II and SPLAT GM™, in VA and WI, USA, which presented different climatic conditions. In plots treated in WI and VA, male moth catches in pheromone-baited traps were reduced in the year of treatment and one year after the pheromone applications relative to untreated controls. However, similar first- and second-year effects of pheromone treatments in VA and WI suggest that the release rate over one and two years was the same across markedly different climates. Future applications that use liquid or biodegradable formulations of synthetic pheromones could reduce the amount of persistence in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisms have evolved morphological and behavioral traits that reduce their susceptibility to predation. However, few studies have considered how morphological structures work to provide informational inputs necessary for effective behavioral responses to predation risk. In this study, we demonstrate that the hairs of Orgyia leucostigma (Lymantriidae) caterpillars not only function as physical barriers that deter predators but also act to provide sensory inputs triggering behavior that reduces predation risk. In particular, the way in which caterpillars respond when their hairs are touched is predator specific. Mechanical parameters of the interaction determining the response were identified correlatively and confirmed manipulatively. Caterpillars predominantly dropped in response to high hair bending velocities and predominantly walked away in response to low hair bending velocities. These stimulus-specific responses appear to be adaptive as they led to increased survival. Our results demonstrate a functional link between morphology and behavior. The ability to respond effectively only after the initiation of a predator attack should reduce the costs associated with antipredator behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Spatial and vertical distributions, size-weight compositions, age, and diets of 10 rare or poorly known snailfish (Liparidae) from the Pacific off the southeastern Kamchatka and the northern Kuril Islands are described. The species include blacktip snailfish Careproctus zachirus, Alaska snailfish C. colletti, blacktail snailfish C. melanurus, proboscis snailfish C. simus, falcate snailfish C. cypselurus, big-disc snailfish Squaloliparis dentatus, longtip snailfish Elassodiscus obscurus, slender snailfish Paraliparis grandis, gloved snailfish Palmoliparis beckeri, and stout snailfish Allocareproctus jordani. These species inhabit a wide range of depths. Careproctus melanurus, C. cypselurus, E. obscurus, P grandis, and C. colletti are the deepest; C. simus and S. dentatus occur mostly between 300 and 600 m; the three other species seldom occur at depths of 150-200 m. The life span of these species is 10-13 years, and specimens of age classes 2-5 constitute the bulk of catches. All except A. jordani are benthophages that eat small crustaceans, shrimps, hermit crabs, and amphipods. A. jordani consumes crustaceans and also polychaete worms, sea snails, octopi, brittle stars, juvenile fish, and fishery offal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Detecting and controlling the movements of invasive species, such as insect pests, relies upon rapid and accurate species identification in order to initiate containment procedures by the appropriate authorities. Many species in the tussock moth genus Lymantria are significant forestry pests, including the gypsy moth Lymantria dispar L., and consequently have been a focus for the development of molecular diagnostic tools to assist in identifying species and source populations. In this study we expand the taxonomic and geographic coverage of the DNA barcode reference library, and further test the utility of this diagnostic method, both for species/subspecies assignment and for determination of geographic provenance of populations. Methodology/Principal Findings: Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcodes were obtained from 518 individuals and 36 species of Lymantria, including sequences assembled and generated from previous studies, vouchered material in public collections, and intercepted specimens obtained from surveillance programs in Canada. A maximum likelihood tree was constructed, revealing high bootstrap support for 90% of species clusters. Bayesian species assignment was also tested, and resulted in correct assignment to species and subspecies in all instances. The performance of barcoding was also compared against the commonly employed NB restriction digest system (also based on COI); while the latter is informative for discriminating gypsy moth subspecies, COI barcode sequences provide greater resolution and generality by encompassing a greater number of haplotypes across all Lymantria species, none shared between species. Conclusions/Significance: This study demonstrates the efficacy of DNA barcodes for diagnosing species of Lymantria and reinforces the view that the approach is an under-utilized resource with substantial potential for biosecurity and surveillance. Biomonitoring agencies currently employing the NB restriction digest system would gather more information by transitioning to the use of DNA barcoding, a change which could be made relatively seamlessly as the same gene region underlies both protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo describe a surgical technique as an alternative to allograft corneal transplantation for management of cases with cataract and corneal opacity.MethodsSeven eyes of seven patients with adherent leucomas and cataract underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. An automated vitrector was used to release the adherent leucoma and create an optical iridectomy at the start of surgery. Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was performed in all eyes. The release of the iris adherence along with creation of an optical iridectomy improved visualization during phacoemulsification.ResultsPhacoemulsification and IOL implantation could be performed successfully in all seven eyes. The median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 1/60 (range: (light perception) 6/36) preoperatively to 6/18 (range: 6/36–6/12) at last follow-up (average: 41 days).ConclusionsThis surgical technique is a viable option in cases with partial corneal opacification with coexisting cataract.Eye (2009) 23, 1345–1348; doi:10.1038/eye.2008.283; published online 14 November 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spatially heterogeneous systems, utilizing population models to integrate the effects of multiple population rates can yield powerful insights into the relative importance of the component rates. The relative importance of demographic rates and dispersal in shaping the distribution of the western tussock moth (Orgyia vetusta) among patches of its host plant was explored using stage-structured population models. Tussock moth dispersal occurs passively in first-instar larvae and is poor or absent in all other life stages. Spatial surveys suggested, however, that moth distribution is not well explained by passive dispersal; moth populations were greater on small patches and on isolated ones. Further analysis showed that several local demographic rates varied significantly with patch characteristics. Two mortality factors in particular may. explain the observed patterns. First, crawler mortality both increased with patch size and was density-dependent. A single-patch difference equation model showed mortality related to patch size is strong enough to overcome the homogenizing effect of density dependence; greater equilibrium densities were predicted for smaller patches. Second, although three rates were found to vary with local patch density, only pupal parasitism by a chalcid wasp could potentially account for higher moth abundances on isolated patches. A spatiality explicit simulation model of the multiple-patch system showed that spatial variation in pupal parasitism is indeed strong enough to generate such a pattern. These results demonstrate that habitat spatial structure can affect multiple population processes simultaneously, and even relatively low attack rates imposed on a reproductively valuable life stage of the host can have a dominant effect on population distribution among habitat patches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]