Insects

Research

40 pages, 9685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Morphology of the Thorax of the Click Beetle Campsosternus auratus (Coleoptera, Elateridae), with an Emphasis on Its Jumping Mechanism

by Yongying Ruan, Mengna Zhang, Robin Kundrata, Lu Qiu, Siqin Ge, Xingke Yang, Xiaoqin Chen and Shihong Jiang

Insects 2022, 13(3), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030248 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6458

Abstract

We investigated and described the thoracic structures, jumping mechanism, and promesothoracic interlocking mechanism of the click beetle Campsosternus auratus (Drury) (Elateridae: Dendrometrinae). Two experiments were conducted to reveal the critical muscles and sclerites involved in the jumping mechanism. They showed that M2 and [...] Read more.

We investigated and described the thoracic structures, jumping mechanism, and promesothoracic interlocking mechanism of the click beetle Campsosternus auratus (Drury) (Elateridae: Dendrometrinae). Two experiments were conducted to reveal the critical muscles and sclerites involved in the jumping mechanism. They showed that M2 and M4 are essential clicking-related muscles. The prosternal process, the prosternal rest of the mesoventrite, the mesoventral cavity, the base of the elytra, and the posterodorsal evagination of the pronotum are critical clicking-related sclerites. The destruction of any of these muscles and sclerites resulted in the loss of normal clicking and jumping ability. The mesonotum was identified as a highly specialized saddle-shaped biological spring that can store elastic energy and release it abruptly. During the jumping process of C. auratus, M2 contracts to establish and latch the clicking system, and M4 contracts to generate energy. The specialized thoracic biological springs (e.g., the prosternum and mesonotum) and elastic cuticles store and abruptly release the colossal energy, which explosively raises the beetle body in a few milliseconds. The specialized trigger muscle for the release of the clicking was not found; our study supports the theory that the triggering of the clicking is due to the building-up of tension (i.e., elastic energy) in the system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogeny, Evolution and Diversity of Elateridae (Coleoptera) and Their Relatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 3067 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A New Species of Vetubrachypsectra from Mid-Cretaceous Amber of Northern Myanmar (Coleoptera: Brachypsectridae)

by Yan-Da Li, Robin Kundrata, Tian-Quan Qu, Di-Ying Huang and Chen-Yang Cai

Insects 2022, 13(2), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13020122 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2211

Abstract

A new species, Vetubrachypsectra huchengi Li, Kundrata & Cai sp. nov., is described from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber on the basis of a single adult female. The species is assigned to genus Vetubrachypsectra Qu & Cai based on its serrate antennae, long maxillary palps, [...] Read more.

A new species, Vetubrachypsectra huchengi Li, Kundrata & Cai sp. nov., is described from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber on the basis of a single adult female. The species is assigned to genus Vetubrachypsectra Qu & Cai based on its serrate antennae, long maxillary palps, presence of tibial spurs, and elytra without clear striae. Vetubrachypsectra huchengi differs distinctly from V. burmitica Qu & Cai, the only other species in the genus, in having the pedicel apically attached to the scape. Some other differences between the female of V. huchengi and the male of V. burmitica include less serrate antennae, a broader pronotal disc, a broader scutellar shield and smaller tibial spurs. However, at least some of these characters can be considered sexually dimorphic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogeny, Evolution and Diversity of Elateridae (Coleoptera) and Their Relatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 8019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Haplocauda, a New Genus of Fireflies Endemic to the Amazon Rainforest (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

by Luiz Felipe Lima da Silveira, William Lima, Cláudio Ruy Vasconcelos da Fonseca and Joseph McHugh

Insects 2022, 13(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010058 - 5 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3150

Abstract

Most firefly genera have poorly defined taxonomic boundaries, especially in the Neotropics, where they are more diverse and more difficult to identify. Recent advances that shed light on the diversity of fireflies in South America have focused mainly on Atlantic Rainforest taxa, whereas [...] Read more.

Most firefly genera have poorly defined taxonomic boundaries, especially in the Neotropics, where they are more diverse and more difficult to identify. Recent advances that shed light on the diversity of fireflies in South America have focused mainly on Atlantic Rainforest taxa, whereas lampyrids in other biomes remained largely unstudied. We found three new firefly species endemic to the Amazon basin that share unique traits of the male abdomen where sternum VIII and the pygidium are modified and likely work as a copulation clamp. Here we test and confirm the hypothesis that these three species form a monophyletic lineage and propose Haplocauda gen. nov. to accommodate the three new species. Both maximum parsimony and probabilistic (Bayesian and maximum likelihood) phylogenetic analyses confirmed Haplocauda gen. nov. monophyly, and consistently recovered it as the sister group to Scissicauda, fireflies endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest that also feature a copulation clamp on abdominal segment VIII, although with a different configuration. We provide illustrations, diagnostic descriptions, and keys to species based on males and females. The three new species were sampled from different regions, and are likely allopatric, a common pattern among Amazonian taxa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogeny, Evolution and Diversity of Elateridae (Coleoptera) and Their Relatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

6 pages, 3328 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Notes on the Morphology and Systematic Position of Archaeolus Lin, 1986, from the Jurassic of South China (Coleoptera: Elateroidea)

by Yan-Da Li, Robin Kundrata, Di-Ying Huang and Chen-Yang Cai

Insects 2021, 12(10), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12100876 - 27 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1540

Abstract

The morphology of the Jurassic fossil Archaeolus funestus Lin, 1986, which was previously placed in the extinct click-beetle subfamily Protagrypninae (Coleoptera: Elateridae), is revised based on a re-examination of the type specimen. The validity of Protagrypninae is discussed and further questioned, partly based [...] Read more.

The morphology of the Jurassic fossil Archaeolus funestus Lin, 1986, which was previously placed in the extinct click-beetle subfamily Protagrypninae (Coleoptera: Elateridae), is revised based on a re-examination of the type specimen. The validity of Protagrypninae is discussed and further questioned, partly based on the newly observed characters in A. funestus, including the surface sculpture of the mesoventrite. A possible Throscidae affinity of monotypic Archaeolus Lin, 1986, as suggested in a recent study, is further critically reviewed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogeny, Evolution and Diversity of Elateridae (Coleoptera) and Their Relatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2189 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Molecular Evolution of Phototransduction Pathway Genes in Nocturnal and Diurnal Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

by Gavin J. Martin, Sarah E. Lower, Anton Suvorov and Seth M. Bybee

Insects 2021, 12(6), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12060561 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3545

Abstract

Most organisms are dependent on sensory cues from their environment for survival and reproduction. Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) represent an ideal system for studying sensory niche adaptation due to many species relying on bioluminescent communication; as well as a diversity of ecologies. Here; using [...] Read more.

Most organisms are dependent on sensory cues from their environment for survival and reproduction. Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) represent an ideal system for studying sensory niche adaptation due to many species relying on bioluminescent communication; as well as a diversity of ecologies. Here; using transcriptomics; we examine the phototransduction pathway in this non-model organism; and provide some of the first evidence for positive selection in the phototransduction pathway beyond opsins in beetles. Evidence for gene duplications within Lampyridae are found in inactivation no afterpotential C and inactivation no afterpotential D. We also find strong support for positive selection in arrestin-2; inactivation no afterpotential D; and transient receptor potential-like; with weak support for positive selection in guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(q) subunit alpha and neither inactivation nor afterpotential C. Taken with other recent work in flies; butterflies; and moths; this represents an exciting new avenue of study as we seek to further understand diversification and constraint on the phototransduction pathway in light of organism ecology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogeny, Evolution and Diversity of Elateridae (Coleoptera) and Their Relatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 6886 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Species Identification of Wireworms (Agriotes spp.; Coleoptera: Elateridae) of Agricultural Importance in Europe: A New “Horizontal Identification Table”

by Lorenzo Furlan, Isadora Benvegnù, María Fabiana Bilò, Jörn Lehmhus and Enrico Ruzzier

Insects 2021, 12(6), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12060534 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3966

Abstract

Wireworms are yellowish soil-dwelling larvae that damage a wide range of arable crops. The most common wireworms found in European cultivated fields (except for the Caucasus) belong to the genus Agriotes (Coleoptera: Elateridae). In several European countries, environment-impacting insecticides are applied on a [...] Read more.

Wireworms are yellowish soil-dwelling larvae that damage a wide range of arable crops. The most common wireworms found in European cultivated fields (except for the Caucasus) belong to the genus Agriotes (Coleoptera: Elateridae). In several European countries, environment-impacting insecticides are applied on a prophylactic basis to control them. However, before any treatment can be applied, European legislation requires that an assessment is done when pest population levels exceed a damage threshold. The threshold substantially depends on wireworm species, thus quick reliable larval identification is needed to implement the appropriate integrated pest management practices. Furthermore, research into non-chemical strategies involves carrying out tests with live and identified wireworms. Thus, thousands of wireworms were observed in a bid to identify live larvae so that larval density could be assessed and compared with species-specific thresholds before sowing, and laboratory experiments were carried out. This work led to a horizontal identification table that allows for quick and accurate identification of live larvae. This key, unlike traditional dichotomous keys, simultaneously considers a set of multiple discriminating morphological characters in order of stability. The key can be reliably used by less experienced users and, once minimum familiarity is acquired, most larvae can be identified rapidly, with high precision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogeny, Evolution and Diversity of Elateridae (Coleoptera) and Their Relatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

96 pages, 1502 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Fossil Record of Elateridae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea): Described Species, Current Problems and Future Prospects

by Robin Kundrata, Gabriela Packova, Alexander S. Prosvirov and Johana Hoffmannova

Insects 2021, 12(4), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12040286 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4082

Abstract

The Elateridae (click-beetles) are the largest family in Elateroidea; however, their relationships, systematics and classification remain unclear. Our understanding of the origin, evolution, palaeodiversity and palaeobiogeography of Elateridae, as well as reconstruction of a reliable time-calibrated phylogeny for the group, are hampered by [...] Read more.

The Elateridae (click-beetles) are the largest family in Elateroidea; however, their relationships, systematics and classification remain unclear. Our understanding of the origin, evolution, palaeodiversity and palaeobiogeography of Elateridae, as well as reconstruction of a reliable time-calibrated phylogeny for the group, are hampered by the lack of detailed knowledge of their fossil record. In this study, we summarize the current knowledge on all described fossil species in Elateridae, including their type material, geographic origin, age, bibliography and remarks on their systematic placement. Altogether, 261 fossil species classified in 99 genera and nine subfamilies are currently listed in this family. The Mesozoic click-beetle diversity includes 143 species, with most of them described from the Jurassic Karatau, and 118 described species are known from the Cenozoic deposits, mainly from the Eocene North American Florissant Formation and European Baltic amber. Available data on the described past diversity of Elateridae suggest that almost all fossil lineages in this group are in urgent need of revision and numerous Mesozoic species might belong to different families. Our study is intended to serve as a comprehensive basis for all subsequent research focused on the click-beetle fossil record. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogeny, Evolution and Diversity of Elateridae (Coleoptera) and Their Relatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 7498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Subfamily Anischiinae (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae) in Early Cretaceous of Northeast China

by Haolun Li, Huali Chang, Jyrki Muona, Yanchen Zhao and Dong Ren

Insects 2021, 12(2), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12020105 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2554

Abstract

Rheanischia new genus, type species Rheanischia brevicornis new species (Eucnemidae, Anischiinae) is described from the Lower Cretaceous of Liaoning, China. The presence of this species in early Cretaceous deposits provides new insight into the evolution of basal lignicolous Eucnemidae clades. Both Anischiinae and [...] Read more.

Rheanischia new genus, type species Rheanischia brevicornis new species (Eucnemidae, Anischiinae) is described from the Lower Cretaceous of Liaoning, China. The presence of this species in early Cretaceous deposits provides new insight into the evolution of basal lignicolous Eucnemidae clades. Both Anischiinae and Palaeoxeninae species diversified in a world dominated by gymnosperms, before the main radiation of angiosperms. More than 95% of modern eucnemid larvae have a Palaeoxenus-type highly modified head structure, but contrary to the Palaeoxenus larva, they develop in angiosperm wood. Anischiinae utilize angiosperms as well, but their head capsule shows no such modifications. These facts prove that highly specialized morphological features do not offer definite proof of similar way of life in the distant past, nor should non-modified structures be taken as proof for another kind of substrate choice. Eucnemidae have invaded angiosperms with two quite different morphological adaptations. This fact may have implications for the evolution of all clicking elateroids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogeny, Evolution and Diversity of Elateridae (Coleoptera) and Their Relatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Genera and Species of the Family Throscidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) in Mid-Cretaceous Burmese Amber

by Yan-Da Li, Di-Ying Huang and Chen-Yang Cai

Insects 2021, 12(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12010063 - 12 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2814

Abstract

Captopus depressicepsgen. et sp. nov., Electrothroscus yanpingaegen. et sp. nov. and Pseudopactopus robustusgen. et sp. nov. are reported from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. These new findings greatly extend the Mesozoic diversity of Throscidae, which implies a high degree of [...] Read more.

Captopus depressicepsgen. et sp. nov., Electrothroscus yanpingaegen. et sp. nov. and Pseudopactopus robustusgen. et sp. nov. are reported from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. These new findings greatly extend the Mesozoic diversity of Throscidae, which implies a high degree of morphological disparity for this family in the Cretaceous. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogeny, Evolution and Diversity of Elateridae (Coleoptera) and Their Relatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Systematics, Phylogeny, Evolution and Diversity of Elateridae (Coleoptera) and Their Relatives

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI