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The taxonomic status of Scolia galbula (Pallas) and some related species (Hymenoptera, Scoliidae). Pallas described in 1771, under the name Vespa galbula, a species for which he distinguished three forms : major, media and minor. In 1929, the forms media and minor were assigned to the genus Scolia Fabricius, 1775, while the form major was synonymized with another species, Colpa (Colpa) sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1781). Examination of numerous specimens of Scoliidae, in particular from Western Europe, leads us to reject the opinion of Lelej & Mokrousov (2017), according to which the forms media and minor probably belong to the species Scolia hirta (Schrank, 1781). We consider S. galbula f. media (Pallas, 1771) as a distinct species and the form minor is assigned to S. flaviceps Eversmann, 1846. We do not agree either with the two Russian authors who, by applying the priority rule, proposed to replace the name of Colpa sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1781) by that of Colpa galbula (Pallas, 1771). Such change is undesirable, because the name Colpa sexmaculata has been used for more than 200 years by many specialists, while the name galbula Pallas, more rarely cited, has been assigned to the genus Scolia since 1929. In order to maintain a certain stability of the nomenclature, and to avoid possible confusion, we propose to maintain the name Colpa (Colpa) sexmaculata (Fabricius). The species Scolia tricolor (Pallas, 1771) sensu Bischoff & Bradley, 1929, was considered synonymous with S. galbula by most authors, which seems correct to us. However, Lelej & Mokrousov admit, without precise justification, that S. tricolor is a synonym of S. fallax Eversmann, 1849, and propose to retain the name of Scolia fallax, although this is a more recent synonym of S. tricolor. Nevertheless, we share the opinion of the Russian authors, according to which the type designated by Bischoff & Bradley in 1929 is not the original specimen described by Pallas, because the type locality does not correspond. We consider that S. flaviceps is a species distinct from S. galbula by size, by some morphological characters and by geographic distribution. We consider Scolia dejeani Vander Linden, 1827, as a new junior synonym of S. flaviceps. Finally, an illustrated key to species close to Scolia galbula is presented., Pallas a décrit en 1771, sous le nom de Vespa galbula, une espèce pour laquelle il distingue trois formes : major, media et minor. En 1929 les formes media et minor ont été transférées dans le genre Scolia Fabricius, 1775, tandis que la forme major a été mise en synonymie avec Colpa (Colpa) sexmaculata Fabricius, 1781. L’examen de nombreux exemplaires de Scoliidae provenant d’Europe de l’Ouest et de pays de l’Est nous permet de discuter certaines propositions faites récemment par Lelej & Mokrousov en 2017. Contrairement à l’opinion de ces auteurs, nous estimons que Scolia galbula f. media (Pallas, 1771) est une espèce distincte de S. hirta (Schrank, 1781) et que la forme minor doit être rattachée à S. flaviceps Evermann, 1846. Nous rejetons le remplacement du nom de Colpa sexmaculata, en usage depuis plus de 200 ans, par celui de Colpa galbula (Pallas, 1771) tel qu’il a été proposé par Lelej & Mokrousov en application de la règle de priorité. L’espèce Scolia tricolor (Pallas, 1771) sensu Bischoff & Bradley, 1929, nous apparaît comme étant synonyme de S. galbula, et non pas de S. fallax Eversmann, 1849 ; cependant le type désigné par Bischoff & Bradley ne semble pas être le spécimen original, car la localité ne correspond pas. Par ailleurs, nous considérons Scolia flaviceps Eversmann, 1846 comme une espèce proche, mais distincte de S. galbula, et nous désignons Scolia dejeani Vander Linden, 1827 comme n. syn. de S. flaviceps. Enfin une clé illustrée des espèces proches de Scolia galbula est présentée., Castagnet Jean-Baptiste, Bitsch Jacques. Le statut taxonomique de Scolia galbula (Pallas) et de quelques espèces voisines (Hymenoptera, Scoliidae) . In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 123 (4),2018. pp. 435-446.

Ectemnius nigritarsus (Herrich-Schäffer), a sporadic species of the Eurasian fauna (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae). Ectemnius nigritarsus (Herrich-Schäffer, 1841), rarely collected species, was recently found in Ariège department (French Pyrenees). The present paper details the morphological features of the French specimens belonging to the nominative subspecies. The sporadic distribution of the species, extending to the Far East and the Indomalayan Region where several subspecies have been described, is reviewed., La découverte récente en Ariège (Pyrénées françaises) d’Ectemnius nigritarsus (Herrich-Schäffer, 1841), espèce rarement collectée, fournit l’occasion de préciser les caractères morphologiques des exemplaires provenant de France, appartenant à la sous-espèce nominative, et de présenter une mise à jour de sa répartition géographique qui s’étend jusqu’en Extrême-Orient et en Indomalaisie où plusieurs sous-espèces ont été distinguées., Bitsch Jacques, Savina Henri. Ectemnius nigritarsus (Herrich-Schäffer), espèce sporadique de la faune eurasienne (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 122 (2),2017. pp. 143-150.

New or little-known Apoid Wasps of France and Western Europe (Hymenoptera, Aculeata). The present paper comes in addition to volumes 79, 82 and 86 of the Hymenoptera Sphecidae of France and Western Europe, published in 1993, 1997 and 2001 respectively. It takes into account new data drawn from the literature and original observations concerning phylogeny, systematics, faunistics and biology of species of the French and Western European fauna., Le présent article est un nouveau complément aux volumes 79, 82 et 86 de la Faune des Hyménoptères Sphecidae (s. l.) de France et d’Europe occidentale, parus entre 1993, 1997 et 2001. Il tient compte des données nouvelles trouvées dans la littérature et d’observations originales concernant la phylogénie, la systématique, la répartition géographique et la biologie des Insectes du groupe des Apoïdes Sphéciformes., Bitsch Jacques. Sphéciformes nouveaux ou peu connus de la faune de France et d’Europe occidentale (Hymenoptera, Aculeata). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 119 (3),2014. pp. 391-419.

The Sapygidae of Europe (Hymenoptera, Aculeata). An updated review about Sapygidae, small family of wasps including only nine European species, distributed among five genera, is performed. They are solitary cleptoparasites of Apidae. After description of some of their morphological features, an identification key to European species is presented. Notices for each species indicate the synonymies, the taxonomic references, the main characteristics, a summary of what is known of their biology, and then their distribution in Europe and more precisely in France., Une mise au point sur les Sapygidae, petite famille de guêpes ne comprenant que neuf espèces européennes réparties en cinq genres, est proposée. Ce sont des cleptoparasites solitaires d’Apides. Après quelques généralités sur leurs caractères morphologiques, une clé des espèces d’Europe est présentée, puis des notices concernant chaque espèce indiquent les synonymies, les références taxonomiques, les principales caractéristiques, un résumé de ce qui est connu de leur biologie, enfin leur répartition en Europe et plus précisément en France., Bitsch Jacques. Les Sapygidae d’Europe (Hymenoptera, Aculeata). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 122 (1),2017. pp. 7-34.

Comparative morphology of the last gastral segments and of the male genitalia of Vespidae. 3. Subfamilies Vespinae and Polistinae (Hymenoptera, Aculeata). The present paper, following two previous papers dealing with the comparative morphology of the male genitalia of two subfamilies (Eumeninae and Masarinae respectively), gives a detailed description and illustration of the last gastral segments and of the phallic structures of five species of Vespinae belonging to the genera Vespa, Dolichovespula and Vespula, and of two species of Polistinae of the genus Polistes. These data, compared with reports from the literature, are used to specify the evolutionary changes undergone by the different phallic structures in the different lineages. A general conclusion on the male genitalia of Vespidae is given, highlighting the possible use of detailed morphological characters in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies., Dans le cadre d’un travail plus général sur la morphologie comparée des genitalia mâles des Hyménoptères Vespidae, le présent article fournit une description détaillée et une illustration des derniers segments du gastre et des structures phalliques de cinq espèces de Vespinae appartenant aux genres Vespa, Dolichovespula et Vespula, et de deux espèces de Polistinae du genre Polistes. Ces données, ainsi que celles trouvées dans la littérature, permettent de préciser les modifications des différentes structures dans les divers taxa. Une conclusion générale sur la morphologie comparée des genitalia mâles des Vespidae est donnée, faisant ressortir l’intérêt de données précises pour les études taxonomiques., Bitsch Jacques. Morphologie comparée des derniers segments du gastre et des genitalia mâles des Vespidae. 3. Sous-familles des Vespinae et Polistinae (Hymenoptera, Aculeata). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 118 (1),2013. pp. 119-132.

Comparative morphology of the last segments of the gaster and of the male genitalia of Vespidae. 1. Subfamily Eumeninae (Hymenoptera). The morphology of the different structures (basal ring, gonocoxites = parameral plates, gonostyli = parameral spines, volsellae and aedeagus) composing the external genitalia of male Vespidae was studied extensively in many species of the European fauna. The first part of this study, devoted to the largest subfamily, the Eumeninae, involves more than 70 species in 21 genera. The different structures show significant variability in form, relative proportions and chetotaxy, depending on the genera and species. These structural modifications should define characters that may be used in taxonomic studies and phylogenetic analyses., La morphologie des différentes pièces (anneau basal, gonocoxites, volselles, aedeagus) qui composent les genitalia externes mâles des Vespidae a été étudiée en détail chez de nombreuses espèces de la faune européenne. La première partie de cette étude, consacrée à la sous-famille la plus vaste, celle des Eumeninae, a porté sur plus de 70 espèces réparties en 21 genres. Elle montre que, sous un plan général commun, les différentes structures génitales présentent une grande variabilité, selon les genres et les espèces, concernant leur forme, leurs proportions relatives et leur chétotaxie. Ces modifications structurales doivent permettre de définir des caractères précis susceptibles d'être utilisés dans des études taxonomiques et dans des analyses phylogénétiques., Bitsch Jacques. Morphologie comparée des derniers segments du gastre et des genitalia mâles des Vespidae. 1. Sous-famille des Eumeninae (Hymenoptera). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 117 (2),2012. pp. 199-218.

Occurence of Prosopigastra orientalis Beaumont, 1947, in Southern France (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae, Larrini). Until 2009, with the capture of a male near Chateaurenard (Bouches-du-Rhône), the genus Prosopigastra Costa, 1867, was only known in France (Provence) from a few females whose specific identity was uncertain. After providing general information about the genus Prosopigastra, the authors describe in detail the male caught in June 2009, especially its genitalia, and show that it belongs to P. orientalis Beaumont, 1947, and so, in all likelihood, do the females caught in the past in this region. A discussion presents the differential criteria between P. orientalis and its closest relative P. punctatissima Costa, 1867., Le genre Prosopigastra Costa, 1867, n'était connu jusqu'à présent du Midi de la France que par quelques femelles d'identification spécifique douteuse. La découverte d'un mâle en juin 2009, près de Chateaurenard (Bouches-du-Rhône), a permis de comparer ses caractères morphologiques à ceux des espèces connues de l'ouest du bassin méditerranéen. L'étude de la ponctuation du corps et surtout la conformation de l'aedeagus montrent sans aucun doute que ce mâle appartient à l'espèce P. orientalis Beaumont, 1947. Les rares femelles précédemment trouvées dans les Bouches-du-Rhône et le Vaucluse doivent également appartenir à cette espèce. Après avoir fourni un résumé des connaissances sur le genre Prosopigastra, les auteurs discutent des critères permettant de distinguer P. orientalis de l'espèce voisine P. punctatissima Costa, 1867., Bitsch Jacques, Aubert Matthieu. Présence de Prosopigastra orientalis Beaumont, 1947, dans le sud de la France (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae, Larrini). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 115 (4),2010. pp. 493-500.

Bitsch, J. and Bitsch, C. 2010. The tritocerebrum and the clypeolabrum in mandibulate arthropods: segmental interpretations. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 249–266 Different interpretations of the segmental composition of the head in mandibulate arthropods are critically reviewed, with particular focus on three closely associated structures: the tritocerebrum, the stomatogastric nervous system and the clypeolabrum. The main conclusions arising from the different discussions are the following. (1) Each tritocerebral ganglion has a dual composition, clearly discernable in some crustacean and hexapod species, including a dorsal portion connected with the second antennae and a ventral portion connected with the stomatogastric nervous system via the frontal ganglion. (2) The suboesophageal commissure linking the tritocerebral lobes of the two sides, can be wholly ascribed to the tritocerebral segment. (3) The stomatogastric nervous system is a morphologically autonomous system that is not fundamentally affected by head metamerization. (4) The clypeolabrum, the epistome–labrum and the hypostome are regarded as homologous formations. The clypeolabrum represents a fundamental structure of the head probably present in the arthropod ground plan. Its close spatial and developmental association with the stomodeum and its derivative, the stomatogastric nervous system, suggests that it is an anterior outgrowth of the forehead arising from a preoral territory (presegmental acron or protocerebral–ocular region?) and secondarily connected with the tritocerebrum, rather than derived from a pair of reduced appendages.

Complements to volume I of the Hymenoptera Sphecidae from Western Europe (Faune de France 79). The present additional material intends to update vol. 79 of the " Faune de France" of Sphecidae (currently referred to as apoid wasps) which was published in 1993. The added material reports new points of view on the phylogeny and classification of these Hymenoptera. It also provides data on the taxonomy and geographical distribution of the different species of Crabroninae (tribes Crabronini and Oxybelini) known from the Western European fauna. Data are based on original observations and on literature (more than 300 bibliographic references)., Ces "Compléments" sont destinés à actualiser le volume 79 de la Faune de France des Hyménoptères Sphecidae, paru en 1993. Le texte fournit une mise à jour de la phylogénie et de la classification de ces Insectes (actuellement désignés sous le nom d'Apoïdes Sphéciformes) et un ensemble d''informations nouvelles sur la taxonomie et la répartition des différentes espèces de Crabroninae (tribus des Crabronini et Oxybelini) de la faune d'Europe occidentale. Ces informations sont basées sur des observations originales et sur les données tirées de la littérature (plus de 300 références)., Bitsch Jacques, Leclercq Jean. Compléments au volume 1 des Hyménoptères Sphecidae d'Europe occidentale (Faune de France 79). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 114 (2),2009. pp. 211-244.

Solierella seabrai Andrade, 1950, poorly known species from Southern France (Hymenoptera Crabronidae). In the summer of 2015, Solierella seabrai was found for the first time in two localities of the department of Aude. Its main characteristics are given and illustrated, in particular the presence of only two submarginal cells to forewings, while a number of three submarginal cells, the second petiolate, is usual in the genus Solierella. Some observations on the behaviour of both sexes in nature are reported., Durant l’été 2015, Solierella seabrai a été trouvée pour la première fois dans deux localités du département de l’Aude. Ses principales caractéristiques sont indiquées et illustrées, en particulier la présence de seulement deux cellules submarginales aux ailes antérieures, alors qu’un nombre de trois cellules submarginales, la seconde pétiolée, est de règle chez les Solierella. Quelques observations sur le comportement des deux sexes dans la nature sont rapportées., Grouet Gérard, Bitsch Jacques. Solierella seabrai Andrade, 1950, espèce méconnue du sud de la France (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 121 (1),2016. pp. 41-46.

The present paper is a critical review of data and hypotheses on the head segmental composition in chelicerates and in extinct non-mandibulate arthropods. It successively takes into account data from morphology and embryology, from the structure of the nervous system, from palaeontology and from developmental genetics. Discussion focuses on possible homologies between the head segments and appendages in arachnomorphs and those in mandibulates. The comparative anatomical and ontogenetic data, especially those concerning the central nervous system, its connections with the stomatogastric system, and head innervation, show many similarities between the head organization of chelicerates and that of mandibulates, and lead to conclusions that contradict some of the hypotheses deduced from recent studies on developmental biology, but favour more traditional views. In particular they support the presence of a deutocerebral segment in the head region of the ground pattern of arthropods and its loss in all extant chelicerates. They also support the homology of the cheliceral ganglia with the tritocerebral ganglia of mandibulates. The possible existence of a precheliceral segment and of a presegmental acron remains open to question.

Asmisapyga octoguttata (Dufour, 1849) in Southern France (Hymenoptera, Sapygidae). Three male specimens of a sapygid species which were collected in two "départements" in Southern France (Aude and Hérault), are ascribed to Sapyga octoguttata Dufour, 1 849 = Asmisapyga octoguttata (Dufour, 1849) comb. n. The female of this species, originally described from Spain, has been recently reported from the same two "départements" in Southern France. The male is described here for the first time. Its characteristics appear to be close to those of two other species, Sapyga buyssoni Pic, 1928 = Asmisapyga buyssoni (Pic, 1928) comb. n. found in North Africa, and Asmisapyga warnckei Kurzenko, 1994, a species initially described from East Turkey and later found in Tunisia. The assignment of these three species to the genus Asmisapyga Kurzenko, 1 994, is justified chiefly by the structure of the antennae of males. A discussion is given on the subdivision of the old genus Sapyga Latreille, 1796, into three taxa now regarded as distinct genera : Monosapyga Pic, 1928, Asmisapyga Kurzenko, 1994, and Sapyga Latreille s. str., Trois mâles de Sapygidae capturés ces dernières années dans deux départements du sud de la France, l'Aude et l'Hérault, sont rapportés à l'espèce Sapyga octoguttata Dufour, 1849 = Asmisapyga octoguttata (Dufour, 1849) comb. n. Des femelles de cette espèce initialement décrite d'Espagne ont été signalées récemment des mêmes départements français. Le mâle est décrit en détail pour la première fois. Ses caractéristiques sont voisines de celles de deux autres espèces de la région méditerranéenne, Sapyga buyssoni Pic, 1928 = Asmisapyga buyssoni (Pic, 1928) comb. n. et Asmisapyga warnckeiKurzenko, 1994. Une discussion est donnée sur la subdivision de l'ancien genre Sapyga Latreille, 1786, en trois genres : Mono-sapyga Pic, 1928, Asmisapyga Kurzenko 1994, et Sapyga s. str., caractérisés principalement par la conformation des antennes des mâles., Bitsch Jacques. Asmisapyga octoguttata (Dufour, 1849) dans le sud de la France (Hymenoptera, Sapygidae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 112 (3), septembre 2007. pp. 277-283.

Geographical extension of the Asian mud-daubing wasp Sceliphron curvatum (F. Smith) in Europa and more especially in France (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae). Review of the current knowledge on the distribution and biology in Europe and in more details in France of the wasp Sceliphron curvatum of Indian origin, present in Europe since 1979 and in France at least since 1998. A key of the French species of Sceliphrini is given., Mise au point sur la distribution actuelle, en Europe et plus spécialement en France, de la Guêpe maçonne Sceliphron curvatum, originaire d'Asie, présente en Europe depuis 1979 et en France au moins depuis 1998. Résumé de la biologie de l'espèce. Une clé des espèces françaises de Sceliphrini est donnée., Bitsch Jacques, Barbier Yvan. Répartition de l'espèce invasive Sceliphron curvatum (F. Smith) en Europe et plus particulièrement en France (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 111 (2), juin 2006. pp. 227-237.

In this paper we propose a reappraisal of the relationships between the basal hexapod lineages (the former ‘apterygote’ insects) and the other major groups of mandibulate arthropods. It results from a cladistic analysis including 72 characters based on external morphology, internal anatomy and development. Detailed comments are provided on the various characters used and the scoring of their states. The 35 terminal taxa include 12 hexapods (9 of which are basal ‘apterygote’ representatives), 7 myriapods, 13 crustaceans, and 3 chelicerates taken as outgroups. The results of our analyses are discussed in detail for each of the taxonomic groupings, and compared with those recently obtained by other authors using different approaches based on morphological, palaeontological, developmental or molecular sequence data. Our results support the monophyly of the Mandibulata, Crustacea, Atelocerata (Tracheata) and Hexapoda, but the assemblage of Myriapoda appears poorly supported. A close relationship between Crustacea and Hexapoda, as hypothesized by several authors, is not found in any of our analyses. Within Hexapoda, the Protura and the Collembola appear as independent clades, whereas the two unresolved dipluran taxa are grouped with the monophyletic Ectognatha (Archaeognatha, Zygentoma and Pterygota).

Critical re-examination of some Sapyga types preserved in the collections of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (Hymenoptera, Sapygidae). Female holotype of Sapyga octoguttata Dufour, 1849, from Spain, is redescribed and compared with other females more recently found in Spain and Southern France. But no specimen of S. fiduciaria Dufour, 1849, the probable male of S. octoguttata, has ever been found. A redescription of the species succinctly described by M. Pic in 1920 and 1928, is given, based on the specimens of his collection preserved in the MNHN ; several synonymies are given or confirmed. Sapyga buyssoni Pic, 1928, from Algeria, S. sancta Pic, 1920, from Israel, and S. luteomaculata Pic, 1920, from Egypt, are considered as good species. In contrast, S. diversiventris Pic, 1920, from Algeria, and S. multinotata Pic, 1920, from France, are regarded as n. syn. of S. quinquepunctata (Fabr.). S. pacca (Fabr.), from Algeria, is a syn. conf. of S. quinquepunctata. Male lectotype of S. theresae Pic, 1920 is designated, the species being a syn. conf. of Monosapyga clavicornis (L.). Sapyga prisma (Fabr.) with its var. triinterrupta Pic, 1920, and ininterrupta Pic, 1920, are only varieties of M clavicornis, syn. conf. A redescription of both sexes of S. similis (Fabr.) is given. A check list of the Sapygidae in Pic's collection, with the capture localities, is given., La femelle holotype de Sapyga octoguttata Dufour, 1849, provenant d'Espagne, est redécrite et comparée à d'autres femelles capturées plus récemment en Espagne et dans le sud de la France. Mais le mâle probable de cette espèce, décrit par Dufour (1849) sous le nom de S. fiduciaria, n'a pas été retrouvé. L'examen des Sapygidae de la coll. M. Pic a permis de redécrire les espèces brièvement décrites par lui en 1920 et 1928, et d'établir ou de confirmer plusieurs synonymies. Sapyga buyssoni Pic, 1928, d'Algérie, S. sancta Pic, 1920, d'Israël, et S. luteomaculata Pic, 1920, d'Egypte, sont considérées comme de bonnes espèces. Par contre S. diversiventris Pic, 1920, d'Algérie et S. multinotata Pic, 1920, de France, sont considérées comme n. syn. de S. quinquepunctata (Fabr.). S. pacca (Fabr.), d'Algérie, est un syn. confirmé de S. quinquepunctata (Fabr.). Un lectotype mâle de S. theresae Pic, 1920, est désigné ; l'espèce est un syn. conf. de Monosapyga clavicornis (L.). De même pour S. prisma (Fabr.), dont les var. triinterrupta Pic, 1920, et ininterrupta Pic, 1920, sont de simples variétés de coloration de Monosapyga clavicornis. Une redescription des deux sexes de S. similis (Fabr.) est donnée. Un inventaire des Sapygidae de la coll. Pic, avec les localités de capture, est fourni., Bitsch Jacques. Réexamen critique de quelques types de Sapyga conservés dans les collections du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (Hymenoptera, Sapygidae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 108 (5), décembre 2003. pp. 459-476.

The French species of Myzininae : taxonomic and biological problems (Hymenoptera, Tiphiidae). This paper on the French Myzininae, ectoparasitoid wasps of subterranean beetle larvae, is based on observations in Southern France (Languedoc-Roussillon) and on the study of several collections. The taxonomic study of the Myzininae is made difficult, due to a high sexual dimorphism and to the slight differences between the described taxa. Our observations lead us to assume that four species, assigned to two genera, probably occur in France : Meria cylindrica (Fabricius, 1793), M. tripunctata (Rossi, 1790), M. lineata Sichel, 1859, and Poecilotiphia rousselii (Guérin-Méneville, 1838). We consider Meria dorsalis (Fabricius, 1804) as a junior synonym of M. cylindrica. The rare females M. lineata are characterized by the reduction of the wings to short stumps, while the macropterous males are difficult to separate from those of other related species. Some information on the biology and distribution of these species is provided and discussed., Des observations dans la région Languedoc-Roussillon et l’examen de diverses collections ont permis une mise au point sur les Myzininae de France, Insectes ectoparasitoïdes de larves souterraines de Coléoptères. Leur étude systématique est rendue difficile par un fort dimorphisme sexuel et par les différences minimes entre les espèces décrites. Nous admettons qu’il existe probablement en France quatre espèces réparties en deux genres : Meria cylindrica (Fabricius, 1793), M. tripunctata (Rossi, 1790), M. lineata Sichel, 1859, et Poecilotiphia rousselii (Guérin-Méneville, 1838). Nous considérons Meria dorsalis (Fabricius, 1804) comme étant un synonyme plus récent de M. cylindrica. Les rares femelles de M. lineata sont caractérisées par leurs ailes réduites à de courts moignons, mais les mâles macroptères sont très difficiles à distinguer de ceux des espèces voisines. Quelques données sur la biologie et la répartition de ces espèces sont également présentées et discutées., Bitsch Jacques, Grouet Gérard, Savina Henri. Les espèces françaises de Myzininae : problèmes taxonomiques et biologiques (Hymenoptera, Tiphiidae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 119 (2),2014. pp. 257-274.

Apoid wasps from the French Central Pyrenees : discovery in Ariège of the boreo-alpine species Crabro lapponicus Zetterstedt (Hymenoptera, Aculeata). A checklist of the apoid wasps or Spheciformes collected in June and July 2012 in the French Central Pyrenees includes several species new for Ariège, in particular the rare boreo-alpine Crabro lapponicus Zetterstedt, 1838. Numerous males and a few females of this species have been observed near the col de Pailhères, at 1950 m, flying around the mountain pines (Pinus uncinata) characteristic of the subalpine floor. Some males were observed licking some exudations or honeydew from young shoots of the pine trees., Un inventaire des Hyménoptères Sphéciformes trouvés en juin et juillet 2012 dans les Pyrénées centrales françaises comporte de nombreuses espèces nouvelles pour le département de l’Ariège, parmi lesquelles Crabro lapponicus Zetterstedt, 1838, rare espèce boréo-alpine trouvée en nombre près du col de Pailhères, à une altitude de 1950 m, volant autour des Pins à crochets (Pinus uncinata) caractéristiques de l’étage subalpin. La plupart de ces Crabro étaient des mâles qui ont été observés léchant des exsudations ou du miellat sur de jeunes pousses de Pins., Bitsch Jacques, Grouet Gérard, Savina Henri. Sphéciformes des Pyrénées centrales : découverte en Ariège de l’espèce boréo-alpine Crabro lapponicus Zetterstedt (Hymenoptera, Aculeata). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 118 (3),2013. pp. 289-300.

In this article, I review the major characteristics of different types of appendage-like processes that develop at the abdominal segments of many immature insects, and I discuss their controversial morphological value. The main question is whether the abdominal processes are derived from segmental appendages serially homologous to thoracic legs, or whether they are "secondary" outgrowths not homologous with true appendages. Morphological and embryological data, in particular, a comparison with the structure and development of the abdominal appendages in primitive apterygote hexapods, and data from developmental genetics, support the hypothesis of appendicular origin of many of the abdominal processes present in the juvenile stages of various pterygote orders. For example, the lateral processes, such as the tracheal gills in aquatic nymphs of exopterygote insects, are regarded as derived from lateral portions of appendage primordia, homologous with the abdominal styli of apterygotan insects; these processes correspond either to rudimentary telopodites or to coxal exites. The ventrolateral processes, such as the prolegs of different endopterygote insect larvae, appear to be derived from medial portions of the appendicular primordia; they correspond to coxal endites. These views lead to the rejection of Hinton's hypothesis (Hinton [1955] Trans R Entomol Soc Lond 106:455-545) according to which all the abdominal processes of insect larvae are secondary outgrowths not derived from true appendage anlagen.

Last segments of the gaster and male genitalia in some species of the genus Ceropales (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae). The present paper provides a detailed description and a morphological interpretation of the last gastral tergites and sternites, and of the different parts of the male genitalia (gonocoxites, volsellae, aedeagus) in six species of the genus Ceropales : C. bipartita mediterranea, C. cribrata, C. helvetica, C. maculata, C. pygmaea and C. variegata. The genus Ceropales was chosen because of the presumed basal placement of the subfamily Ceropalinae within Pompilidae. The genital structures observed present a high variability in their form, relative size and chetotaxy, and so provide features of great taxonomic relevance at species level., Le présent article propose une description détaillée et une interprétation morphologique des derniers tergites et sternites du gastre, ainsi que des différentes pièces qui composent les genitalia mâles externes (gonocoxites, volselles, aedeagus) de six espèces de Ceropales : C. bipartita mediterranea, C. cribrata, C. helvetica, C. maculata, C. pygmaea and C. variegata. Ce genre a été choisi en raison de la position phylogénétique basale des Ceropalinae au sein des Pompilidae. Les structures génitales observées présentent une grande variabilité et fournissent ainsi des caractères taxonomiques importants au niveau des espèces., Bitsch Jacques. Les derniers segments du gastre et les genitalia mâles de quelques espèces du genre Ceropales (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 116 (4),2011. pp. 469-482.

Complements to volume 2 of the Hymenoptera Sphecidae of Western Europe (Faune de France 82). The aim of the present report is to uptodate vol. 82 of the " Faune de France" of Sphecidae (apoid wasps) published in 1997. The new data concern the different taxa dealt with in vol. 82 and include Ampulicinae, Sphecinae, Mellininae, Nyssoninae and Philanthinae according to Bohart & Menke''s classification (1976). The new data are based on literature (more than 400 bibliographic references) and on an inventory of the numerous apoid wasps collected during the last twelve years., Le présent article est une mise à jour du volume 82 de la Faune de France des Hyménoptères Sphecidae (Apoïdes sphéciformes) publié en 1997. Les données nouvelles concernant les différents taxa traités dans ce volume (Ampulicinae, Sphecinae, Mellininae, Nyssoninae et Philanthinae selon la classification de Bohart & Menke, 1976) sont basées sur la littérature (plus de 400 références) et sur l'inventaire des nombreuses captures effectuées au cours de ces douze dernières années., Bitsch Jacques. Compléments au volume 2 des Hyménoptères Sphecidae d'Europe occidentale (Faune de France 82). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 115 (1),2010. pp. 99-136.

The exocrine glands located in the penis of Thermobia domestica (Thysanura : Lepismatidae) are composed of about 100 distinct units, each containing several cell types: one large secretory cell with an apical reservoir; 2 groups of envelope cells, an inner group of 2 superimposed cells, and an outer group of 4 cells arranged in a ring, and also 2 basal cells, called ciliary cells owing to their elongated processes, which look like the dendrite of a sensory cell. Each functional unit includes cuticular differentiations: a tubular bristle, fixed on a small tubercle; and a long “internal” ductule communicating basally with the reservoir of the glandular cell and opening distally at the tip of the bristle. A study of the modifications affecting the phallic glands during moulting, shows that the inner envelope cells deposit the cuticle that forms the ductule, the outer envelope cells elaborate the cuticule of the tubercle, while a temporary distal projection of only one of these cells ensures the formation of the bristle. In addition, a lengthening of the outer dendritic segment of the 2 ciliary cells takes place before ductule formation, but this segment partially degenerates after ecdysis. These findings are compared with data already obtained on the morphogenesis of other insect integumental glands. In T. domestica, the secretion of the phallic glands is presumed to be used, during the mating sequences, for spinning fine threads before spermatophore deposition.

Grouet Gérard, Bitsch Jacques. Un nid de Sceliphron curvatum (Smith) (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae) détruit par le parasitoïde Melittobia australica Girault (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) près de Toulouse (France). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 119 (2),2014. pp. 221-222.

The paper proposes an overview of the endoskeletal structures of the head and trunk in the different arthropod groups: Chelicerata, Crustacea, Myriapoda and Hexapoda (=Insecta s.l.). Two major endoskeletal systems are reported with their cytological characteristics: those made up of connective tissue derived from muscular tendons, and those consisting of cuticular rods or plates arising from integumentary ingrowths. The morphological value of the various endoskeletal structures, their possible homologies in different groups, and their presumed evolutionary changes are discussed. This survey may be considered as a first step to use morphological characteristics of the endoskeleton in future cladistic analyses to assess the phylogeny of arthropods.

Summary. — A description and morphological interpretation of exo- and endoskeletal structures of the worker's thorax of the ponerine ant Diacamma australe is given, with particular emphasis on the minute appendages which represent vestigial mesothoracic wings., Bitsch Jacques, Peeters Christian. Moignons alaires et morphologie thoracique chez l'ouvrière de la fourmi Diacamma australe (Fabricius) (Hym. Formicidae Ponerinae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 96 (3), août 1991. pp. 213-221.

During the moulting and reproductive cycles, which coexist in adult females of the primitive insect Thermobia domestica , the corpora allata (CA) undergo periodical changes: their volumes and numbers of cells are lower at the beginning and at the end of each moulting cycle, and higher about the middle. However, the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio does not undergo significant variations. An ultrastructural description of the CA cells is given for the first time in a lepismatid. The glandular cells, which are all similar, undergo 2 different stages: the so-called “clear cells” present at the beginning and the end of the moulting cycle, and the “dense cells” in the middle of the cycle. If there is no insemination at the beginning of each intermoulting period, the terminal oocytes are totally resorbed and most of the CA cells are in an intermediate stage between clear and dense cells. These data are discussed in relation to the probable variations in the physiological activity of the CA during normal adult cycles.

In order to extend our knowledge of the neurohaemal organs in apterygote insects, a comparative description of the fine structure of these organs and of the aorta is given in 2 species: Thermobia domestica (Packard) (Thysanura : Lepismatidae) and Trigoniophthalmus alternatus (Silv.) (Microcoryphia : Machilidae), which are representative of the 2 now separated orders in the Thysanura (s.1.). In both species, the cephalic neurohaemal organs are formed by a pair of swellings of the aortic nerves, containing numerous axon terminals filled with neurosecretory (NS) granules, but only the NS axons of Thermobia are enveloped with glial cells. The NS products, which are not exactly similar in the 2 species, can be released into the aortic cavity. In addition, the lepismatids possess a pair of corpora cardiaca with intrinsic secretory cells, situated in the path of the cardiac nerves, close to the brain. In machilids, such endocrine organs do not exist, but a median organ—the infra-aortic corpus—also containing endocrine cells, is found in contact with the ventral aorta and connected, on each side, with the tritocerebral lobes. These observations on the neurohaemal systems agree with the concept that the machilids form a primitive group, distinctly separated from the lepismatids, which have many anatomical characteristics similar to those of lower pterygote insects.

The spermathecae of 4 species of Microcoryphia (Lepismachilis targionii, Trigoniophthalmus alternatus, Machilis sp. and Machilinus rupestris) present characteristics related to the primitive phylogenetic position of these apterygote insects. They are paired organs situated in the 8th abdominal segment on each side of the rudimentary genital chamber. Each spermatheca includes 2 different tissues: (a) a simple epithelium surrounding 2 spermathecal capsules and communicating with the genital chamber by short ducts; (b) a complex glandular tissue composed of numerous functional units, each made up of several cell types — a large glandular cell with a subapical reservoir, 2 basal cells, a ductule cell and enveloping cells. One of the basal cells, called the ciliary cell, presents a dendrite-like process containing 2 apical centrioles in alignment. Several ductules of neighbouring units join together before opening in the genital chamber, independently of the ducts of the spermathecal capsules. The spermathecae undergo marked changes during moulting periods. Apolysis is followed by a partial dedifferentiation of the glandular cells, then the formation of new ductule cavities and the growth of a pseudocilium at the apex of the dendrite-like process of each ciliary cell. Afterwards, cuticular material is laid down around the pseudocilia, forming the intima of the new ductules, which results from the secretions of at least the ciliary and ductule cells. The pseudocilia degenerate before ecdysis. A comparison is made with the organogenesis of analogous organs described in different insect species.

The sensitivity of an apterygote insect to precocene II was investigated for the first time in females of Thermobia domestica. Topical applications of this compound, which has been said to possess anti-juvenile hormone activity, were carried out at various times in the postecdysial period of a reproductive cycle, during intense vitellogenesis in the terminal oocytes. The effects of treatment were observed on mortality, fecundity, insemination and also on the ultrastructure of corpora allata; they depend on the dose used and on the day of treatment. A single application of 10 μg/insect at the beginning of the postecdysial period induces antigonadotropic effects in females reared both with and without males. The effects of precocene add to those of non-insemination, which also elicits inhibition of oocyte maturation. In addition, the cytotoxic action of precocene, leading to degeneration of the corpora allata, which is most probably irreversible, was demonstrated.

Bitsch Jacques, Bach de Roca Carmen. Description d'une nouvelle espèce de Dilta des Pyrénées espagnoles : Dilta spinulosa n. sp. [Thys. Machilidae]. In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 81 (3-4), Mars-avril 1976. pp. 84-88.

The present paper describes the ultrastructural transformations of the germinal cells in the panoistic ovarioles of Lepismachilis . Nuclear transformations, i.e. gonial mitoses and the beginning of the meiotic prophase, take place in the germarium; important nuclear modifications inside the vitellarium are connected with numerous ribonucleoprotein emissions into the cytoplasm. Three distinct stages can be distinguished during oocyte growth: (1) Previtellogenesis, corresponding to a euplasmic growth; (2) Primary or endogenous vitellogenesis, characterized by the formation of protein granules inside the vesicles of the rough endoplasmic reticulum; afterwards the granules undergo partial mineralization; (3) Secondary vitellogenesis, which involves extensive growth of the oocyte microvilli and the incorporation of exogenous proteins by micropinocytosis. At the same time, numerous lipid globules are formed; a little glycogen is formed in late vitellogenesis. Then the chorion, secreted by the follicle cells. is deposited around the oocyte. The importance of the endogenous vitellogenesis in different orders of Apterygota is a characteristic feature, which, among other biological data, brings these primitive insects nearer to the Crustacea.

Study of the ultrastructural modifications of the follicular epithelium and of the oocytes during the high growth period of the terminal follicles has allowed us to characterize 4 successive phases and to pin-point their synchronisation with the moulting cycles in adults. During phase 1, which takes place near the end of a moulting cycle, the terminal oocytes still undergo previtellogenic growth, followed by the beginning of micropinocytosis and vitellogenesis (lipid droplets at first, then little protein granules), whereas the follicular cells remain joined together. The 2nd phase starts a little before ecdysis; this phase and the third one correspond to 2 steps of intense vitellogenesis, with simultaneous deposition of lipid and glycoprotein. Endogenous protein synthesis seems to be very limited, unlike most other Apterygota. The follicular cells gradually differentiate proteosynthetic organelles, but continue dividing; the intercellular spaces become greatly distended during the 2nd and 3rd phases. Vitellogenesis can be completed only if insemination takes place at the beginning of each moulting cycle. The 4th phase is marked by the formation of the vitelline envelope and of the chorion, while the follicular cells, once more joined together, become very flat and poor in organelles. Oviposition takes place in the middle of the intermoult period.

After examination of some morphological characters of the two Western-Mediterranean species of the genus Chalybion, the distribution of Ch. femoratum (Fabr.) in Southern France is given after examination of several collections and using data from the literature. The nest, found in an underground chamber, was a re-utilization of an old nest of Sceliphron sp., in which four cells had been provisioned with spider preys, then sealed again with mud., Bitsch Jacques. Captures de Chalybion femoratum dans le Midi de la France et observation d'un nid [Hym. Sphecidae]. In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 93 (1-2), octobre 1988. pp. 43-51.

Mendes Luis-F., Bitsch Jacques. Notes et descriptions concernant quelques Microcoryphia africains [Thysanura]. In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 85 (1-2), Janvier-février 1980. pp. 2-14.

The panoistic ovarioles of Lepismachilis targionii (Machilidae) possess external and internal sheaths. The external sheath occurs as a simple flat epithelium around the germarium; at the level of the vitellarium, the epithelium is replaced by a network of muscle fibres. The internal sheath constitutes the tunica propria, an acellular layer made up of superposed lamellae. The number of the lamellae varies along the ovariole; the maximum thickness of the tunica is reached in the anterior region of the vitellarium, where the lamellae are highly folded. Tracheolar cells and haemocytes are found at the side of the ovariole sheath. Some of the haemocytes, which apparently seem to be granulocytes, contain particular granules, provided with regular rows of microtubules. Cytological observations indicate that these multitubular granules de differentiate into vacuoles, whose fine granular contents discharge into the haemocoele by exocytosis. It seems that the granulocytes contribute to the formation of the thin basement lamina which surrounds the ovariole sheath; but they probably do not secrete the material of the tunica propria.

An antiserum raised against the major fractions (240 + 300 Kd) of the vitellins extracted from maturing oocytes of Thermobia domestica, allowed the immunological relationship between these proteins and their haemolymph precursors (vitellogenins) to be established, as well as the female specificity of these protein fractions. Using rocket immunoelectrophoresis, the vitellogenin concentration in the female haemolymph was measured on each day of a reproductive cycle. The changes in vitellogenin titre appear to be correlated with ovarian maturation: very low levels during the previtellogenic phase and increasing levels during the vitellogenic growth phase of the basal oocytes. Also, these changes are synchronized with the moulting cycles which persist in the adults of these primitive insects. An insemination at the beginning of the interecdysial period causes a large increase in the vitellogenin titre synchronized with accelerated oocyte growth.

During the period between apolysis and ecdysis, the vesicular glands show many important transformations which affect not only the cuticular ductules, but all the cells. The cytoplasm of the glandular cells undergoes a partial autolysis, whereas other parts of the cells present a high secretory activity. Immediately after the apolysis the cellular reservoir empties and disappears almost completely; soon after, refills with secretion. The most interesting transformations concern each ciliary cell, always associated with a glandular cell. In the first phase of the moulting cycle, the dendrite of the ciliary cell grows a ciliumlike extension (= distal region of the dendrite), which penetrates into the corresponding ductule; the new intima of this ductule is laid around the cilium. At the same time, the proximal region of the dendrite forms a circular fold around the base of the cilium and begins to secrete a material which will form the end apparatus. This latter is finished during the second phase of the cycle. The third phase is characterized by the degeneration of the distal region of the dendrite and the circular fold. Thus, the end apparatus is not a secretion of the ductule-carrying cell, but of the ciliary cell. At the end of the moulting period, just before ecdysis, the vesicular gland again takes the structure characteristic of the intermoult: the reservoir of the glandular cell is very large; the cuticular apparatus is almost formed; the dendrite of the ciliary cells shows, at its apex, a short “cilium” (= ciliary region s. str. + short distal region) surrounded by microvilli, free in the secretion of the reservoir.

The present paper gives an ultrastructural description of the glandular epithelium of the receptaculum seminis of Thermobia domestica . The functional units of this epithelium, belonging to the third type, are composed of 4 apically surrounding cells: a central ciliary cell, which is permanent (only the “cilium” degenerates at each molt), a glandular cell and 2 enveloping cells. An efferent ductule allows the secretory products to be released into the central lumen of the receptaculum, lined by a thick intima. During each moulting cycle, the glandular cell shows several phases of secretory activity. The role of the receptaculum seminis is considered, both as a storage organ for seminal liquid, and as a possible source for some kind of information required for complete maturation of oocytes.

Ecdysteroids were analysed with radioimmunoassay (RIA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in females of the apterygotous insect Thermobia domestica , which ahs overlapping moulting and reproductive cycles. During each moulting cycle, a peak in the haemolymph concentration of ecdysteroids occurs at day 9 (in the 11-day standard cycle), which can be correlated with apolysis and the beginning of new cuticle deposition. The ovaries show a peak of ecdysteroids at day 5 (i.e. one day before egg-laying), which suggests that these hormones are also involved in the reproductive cycle. In both cases, HPLC analysis combined with RIA suggests that the main ecdysteroid is 20-hydroxyecdysone. This duality in the function of ecdysteroids is discussed.

The effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone on ovary maturation in the firebrat Thermobia domestica were investigated by in vivo injections of different doses of the hormone on various days of the reproductive cycle. Several females were neck-ligated or treated with precocene II before injection. Experiments were also performed on ovarioles incubated in vitro. It was demonstrated that 20-hydroxyecdysone has direct and dose-dependent effects on the ovary, inducing growth of all the previtellogenic follicles whatever the day of the reproductive cycle, except at times when the ovaries contain follicles undergoing choriogenesis. The major effect of the hormone is the stimulation of young-follicle formation in the anterior part of the previtellarium and the accelerated growth of a set of basal previtellogenic follicles, which reach the critical size required for yolk deposition. However, 20-hydroxyecdysone did not induce cellular differentiation, in particular, the enlargement of the perioocyte space and the development of oocyte microvilli, which normally occur before yolk precursor incorporation. The present results give a better understanding of the temporal relationships between molting and reproductive cycles and also explain the periodicity of ovarian maturation.

During oogenesis in Lepismachilis targionii , the follicular epithelium undergoes important transformations, synchronous with those of the oocyte. Three successive phases can be distinguished: (1) During previtellogenesis and primary vitellogenesis, a monolayered epithelium is formed around the oocyte; the cells then become more numerous through repeated mitoses: (2) From the beginning of secondary vitellogenesis, the follicular cells acquire new characteristics. Phenomena of the endomitosis type lead to the formation of polyploid, highly lobate nuclei, while the cytoplasm becomes richer in organelles, indicating intense metabolic activity. The secretion reaches the perioocytic space, where the so-called previtelline envelope is deposited. The oocyte draws yolk precursors from this secretion, which probably contains nutrients supplied by the haemolymph through the intercellular spaces. At the end of vitellogenesis this secretion becomes very dense and forms the vitelline envelope: (3) Once vitellogenesis is over, the follicular cells become flat and present new cytoplasmic changes, with the formation of numerous vesicles of various kinds. Junctions of the adhaerens type, which were absent during secondary vitellogenesis, become well developed. Finally the five different layers of the chorion are deposited.