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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]

Perina nuda (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) is an important leaf‐feeding pest of Ficus species. It significantly affects the growth and reproduction of Ficus species, the economic prospects of growers, and the beauty of urban gardens. This study employed the MaxEnt model to predict and analyze the potential distribution of P. nuda in China, utilizing global distribution data and the correlation between the distribution of P. nuda and environmental variables. The results showed that the dominant environmental variables influencing the distribution of P. nuda included the warmest quarterly precipitation, coldest monthly minimum temperature, annual precipitation, and wettest monthly precipitation. The potential distribution area of P. nuda in China under current climatic conditions is 158 × 104 km2, accounting for 16.4% of the total area of the country. According to the SSP5‐8.5 scenario in 2050, the potential distribution area of P. nuda is projected to reach 200 × 104 km2, an increase of 26.5% compared to the current. P. nuda is widespread in China and has a tendency to spread, threatening the growth of Ficus species. This study is important for monitoring and control of P. nuda in areas where it is present, and where it may be present in the future. [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.

Mimicry with warning colors includes Batesian and Müllerian mimicries. If we divide mimicry by sex, there are theoretically four types of mimicry: unimodal, female‐limited, male‐limited and dual mimicry. The latter three cases cause sexual dimorphism in body color and marking pattern but are rarely reported. In this study, we show that the tussock moth Numenes albofascia is possibly a dual mimic. The wing color and marking pattern of male and female N. albofascia are completely different, with the male's pattern resembling that of the smoky moth Pidorus atratus, while the female pattern resembles that of the tiger moth Arctia caja. Body size also differs greatly between the sexes of N. albofascia, matching the mimicry model species of each sex. These moths are distributed sympatrically in Japan, and their adult seasons overlap with each other. According to lizard feeding experiments, N. albofascia is palatable, while both male and female model species are unpalatable. Actograms in the laboratory and the light trapping in the field suggest that females of N. albofascia fly actively from sunset to midnight, while males fly during the twilight period around dawn. Therefore, male and female N. albofascia might be Batesian mimics of diurnally active P. atratus and nocturnally active A. caja, respectively, and the great sexual dimorphism of this moth could be caused by dual mimicry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 internal male and female genitalic features of Pida decolorata (Walker) of the family Lymantriidae have been studied and illustrated in detail to evaluate their taxonomic significance. Its distribution data have also been updated with its range extension to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in Northwest Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new liparid fish, Paraliparis ruficometes sp. nov., is described from 28 specimens collected between 1,430-2,070 m depth in Suruga Trough, Suruga Bay, Japan. It can be distinguished from all currently recognized congeners by the following combination of characters: 61-64 total vertebrae; 53-59 dorsal-fin rays; 48-52 anal-fin rays; 20-25 pectoral-fin rays, lower part of each ray completely free; 6 principal caudal-fin rays, dorsalmost elongate, about 2 or 3 times length of other rays; simple teeth on both jaws; gill slit 5.9-10.0% SL, extending in front of 9th-13th pectoral-fin ray base; 4 pectoral proximal radials (all unnotched); peritoneum and stomach black. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to better understand the phylogenetic relationships within the lepidopteran superfamily Noctuoidea. The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has been extensively used for studying phylogenetic relationships at different taxonomic levels. In this study, the complete mitogenome of Spilarctia subcarnea (Noctuoidea: Erebidae) was sequenced and annotated. The mitogenome is 15,441 bp in length, containing 13 typical protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and a noncoding control region (CR). The order and orientation of genes of S. subcarnea mitogenome with the order trnM - trnI - trnQ - nad2 is different from the ancestral insects in which trnM is located between trnQ and nad2 ( trnI - trnQ - trnM - nad2 ). The phylogenetic relationships based on mitochondrial sequences using Bayesian inference and Maximum likelihood methods showed that S. subcarnea was closely related to Lemyra melli , supporting that S. subcarnea belongs to Erebidae. These analyses confirm that Lymantriidae should be included as subfamilies within Erebidae. The Erebidae was sister to (Nolidae + (Euteliidae + Noctuidae)); Notodontidae is sister to the other families of Noctuoidea in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present communication deals with the taxonomic studies of Himala argentea (Walker) which is the type species of the genus Himala Moore. The external morphological characters including the wing maculation, venation and particularly the male and female external genitalic features of this species have been studied and illustrated in detail. This genus is characterized by asymmetrical valvae in male genitalia. The genus diagnosis has also been updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A concise asymmetric total synthesis of the sex pheromone of the tea tussock moth has been achieved from commercially available starting materials. The chiral moiety was introduced by Evans’ template and the key C C bond construction was accomplished through Julia-Kocienski coupling and Wittig olefination. The salient characteristic of our synthetic route is that it is protecting a group free. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

The nun moth, Lymantria monacha L., is one of the most important defoliators of Eurasian coniferous forests. Outbreaks during 2011-2015 in the natural/planted larch, and larch-birch mixed forests of the Greater Khingan Range in Inner Mongolia, China, caused tremendous timber losses from severe defoliation and tree mortality. A series of trapping experiments were conducted in these outbreak areas to evaluate the efficacy of a synthetic species-specific pheromone lure based on the female pheromone blend of European nun moth populations. Our results clearly show that the nun moth in Inner Mongolia is highly and specifically attracted to this synthetic pheromone, with few gypsy moths ( Lymantria dispar) captured. Flight activity monitoring of L. monacha male moths using pheromone-baited Unitraps at 2 locations during the summer of 2015 indicated that the flight period started in mid-July, peaking in early August at both locations. Based on male moth captures, there was a strong diurnal rhythm of flight activity throughout the entire scotophase, peaking between 22:00 and 24:00. Unitraps and wing traps had significantly and surprisingly higher catches than the gypsy moth traps. Unitraps fastened to tree trunks 2 m above ground caught significantly more male moths than those at the ground level or at 5 m height. Male L. monacha moths can be attracted to pheromone-baited traps in open areas 150-200 m distant from the infested forest edge. Our data should allow improvement on the performance of pheromone-baited traps for monitoring or mass-trapping to combat outbreaks of this pest in northeastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of rearing conditions for gypsy moth larvae on parameters of their development (its duration and mortality) was studied in experiments with early instar larvae reared singly or in groups. The manifestation of the group effect was analyzed depending on the choice of experimental unit (the larva or the rearing container) and the amount of volume per larva. The observed effects were evaluated quantitatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anastatus disparis ( Ruschka) ( Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is an egg parasitoid and considered a potential biological control agent of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) ( Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae). Only male offspring of A. disparis emerge from single eggs of L. dispar in the laboratory, and A. disparis exhibits low parasitism on L. dispar in the field. We therefore selected several lepidopteran species with various body sizes to evaluate the optimal egg size for hosting A. disparis. In addition, we explored whether the nutritional content of a single L. dispar egg influences the sex of A. disparis offspring and why female offspring can be reared from L. dispar eggs in the field. The results indicated that host egg size decisively influenced the body size and sex ratio of the parasitoid offspring. Therefore, larger hosts, especially the largest eggs of Antheraea pernyi Guérin-Méneville ( Saturniidae), might increase the fitness of A. disparis females. Lymantria dispar eggs concealed in the larger egg shell of A. pernyi produced female A. disparis, suggesting that adult A. disparis should prefer hosts with larger bodies and that the nutritional content of L. dispar eggs did not play a decisive role in the sex allocation of A. disparis. The results also indicated that the egg mass and the fur cover of L. dispar egg masses might be the key factors inducing female A. disparis to lay female offspring in L. dispar eggs. [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.

Observations and records for fish exceeding 6000 m deep are few and often spurious. Recent developments in accessing and sampling the hadal zone 6000–11,000 m) have led to an acceleration in new findings in the deep subduction trenches, particularly in the Pacific Ocean. This study describes the discovery of two new species of snailfish (Liparidae) from the Mariana Trench; the ‘Mariana snailfish’ (6198–8076 m) and the ‘Ethereal snailfish’ (7939–8145 m). These new findings represent respectively the deepest known specimen caught with corroborating depth data, and the deepest fish seen alive. Further specimens and observations of the Kermadec Trench snailfish, Notoliparis kermadecensis , are also presented, as well as the first hadal records of Synaphobranchidae and Zoarcidae (6068 and 6145 m respectively) and a depth extension for the Macrouridae (maximum depth now 7012 m). Details of these new snailfish specimens caught by baited trap and behaviour observations filmed by baited cameras are presented. An updated assessment of fishes from hadal depths is also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic divergence between two color (yellow and red) morphotypes and among regional populations of the liparid Crystallichthys matsushimae were investigated using AFLP and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variations on the partial COI and Cyt- b genes. A principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on AFLP data showed a rough separation of the yellow morphotype, distributed in the southern Sea of Japan, from the red morphotype, distributed in the Sea of Okhotsk, northern Sea of Japan and Pacific coast of northern Japan. In addition, both PCoA and the Bayesian-based individual assignment test indicated an extensive population structure among the Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk and Pacific Ocean. In contrast, the mtDNA sequence variations disclosed two haplotype groups, partly corresponding to either the two color morphotypes or the regional populations. However, gene flow restrictions were indicated between both the morphotypes and among the regional populations. Genetic divergence in the mtDNA within C. matsushimae suggested that the color morphotypes and/or regional populations were isolated by sea-level oscillations during the glacial periods. In addition, the discrepancy between the results of AFLP and mtDNA sequencing may be due to the complex history of the species, including introgressive hybridization and gene flow between regional populations as well as a sudden population expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Larvae of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. ( Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), a generalist species, frequently encounter spatial and temporal variations in diet quality. Such variation favoured the evolution of high behavioural and physiological plasticity which, depending on forest stand composition, enables more or less successful exploitation of the environment. Even in mixed oak stands, a suitable habitat, interspecific and intraspecific host quality variation may provoke significant variation in gypsy moth performance and, consequently, defoliation severity. To elucidate the insufficiently explored relationship between gypsy moth and oaks ( Fagaceae), we carried out reciprocal switches between Turkey oaks ( Quercus cerris L.) and less nutritious Hungarian oaks ( Quercus frainetto Ten.) ( TH and HT groups), under controlled laboratory conditions, and compared larval performance between the switched larvae and larvae continuously fed on either Turkey oak ( TT) or Hungarian oak ( HH). We found that larval traits were most strongly affected by among-tree variation in oak quality and identity of the host consumed during the fourth instar. Switching from Turkey to Hungarian oak ( TH) led to a longer period of feeding, decrease of mass gain, growth, and consumption rate, lower efficiency of food use and nutrient conversion, and increase of protease and amylase activities. Larvae exposed to the reverse switch ( HT) attained values of these traits characteristic for TT larvae. It appeared that the lower growth in the TH group than in the TT group was caused by both behavioural (consumption, pre-ingestive) and metabolic (post-digestive) effects from consuming oaks. Multivariate analyses of growth, consumption, and efficiency of food use revealed that early diet experience influenced the sensitivity of the most examined traits to less suitable Hungarian oaks, suggesting the development of behavioural and physiological adjustments. Our results indicate that lower risks of defoliation by gypsy moth might be expected in mixed stands with a higher proportion of Hungarian oak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the genus Leucoma Hübner, 1822 are described and the genitalia figured. Both species are from Papua, Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are limitations imposed by current methodologies to detect and quantify insect predation. However, there has been relatively little effort to experimentally document the sources of biases associated with the various methodologies. In this study, we examined how predation estimates in the field using predator exclusion cages may be biased when one fails to account for antipredator behavioral responses. To do this, we did the usual comparison of the number of insects missing from plants where predators were allowed access to the number missing from plants where predators were excluded, but also determined how many of the missing insects reacted to predators by dropping from plants and howmany were actually preyed upon. Our results provide evidence that estimates of insect mortality in the field are significantly reduced if prey antipredator behavior is taken into account. As it is commonly assumed that prey missing in the field are predated, documenting the incidence of predator-mediated 'disappearance' and capturing insect prey before they escape can provide with a relevant estimate of bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the evolutionary history of Lymantriinae and test the present higher-level classification, we performed the first broad-scale molecular phylogenetic analysis of the subfamily, based on 154 exemplars representing all recognized tribes and drawn from all major biogeographical regions. We used two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal RNA) and six nuclear genes (elongation factor-1α, carbamoylphosphate synthase domain protein, ribosomal protein S5, cytosolic malate dehydrogenase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and wingless). Data matrices (in total 5424 bp) were analysed by parsimony and model-based evolutionary methods (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference). Based on the results of the analyses, we present a new phylogenetic classification for Lymantriinae composed of seven well-supported tribes, two of which are proposed here as new: Arctornithini, Leucomini, Lymantriini, Orgyiini, Nygmiini, Daplasini trib. nov. and Locharnini trib. nov. We discuss the internal structure of each of these tribes and address some of the more complex problems with the genus-level classification, particularly within Orgyiini and Nygmiini. [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]