Carlos E. Sarmiento

Altitudinal distribution and body resource allocation in a High Mountain social wasp (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

James rule proposes a direct relationship between body size and altitude. There are several studies about this rule; however, few studies analyze proportional changes in body parts along gradients. The morphological variation of Agelaia pallipes (Olivier) in five sites along an altitudinal gradient (2600-3380 m) in the Santuario de Iguaque, Colombia, were studied in order to test whether or not the species follows James rule, and whether body parts follow a homogeneous variation. Body variation analysis was conducted through multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and the relationship between altitude and each morphometric measurement was studied through regression analyses. The MANOVA indicated significant differences among sites. An increase in altitude leads to a reduction in body size, especially in hind femur length and head width. However, measurements linked to flight such as mesosoma height, mesoscutum width, and fore wing size showed a reverse tendency. Possibly all described changes are consequence of both reduction on food availability and lower atmospheric pressure. The low temperature of high areas may strongly limit foraging and thus food availability. Lower atmospheric pressure reduces flight potential and may result in an increase in size of both wings and flight muscles. This paper underscores the need to study in detail the changes in body proportions in species with wide distribution ranges in latitude and altitude.

Oviposition, larval preference, and larval performance in two polyphagous species: does the larva know best?

It is expected that females preferentially oviposit on plant hosts that allow for optimal larval performance. However, this expectation contradicts empirical evidence where adults do not always choose the best host for their descendants. Recent evidence suggests that females’ host selection depends on the number of potential hosts. Females from oligophagous species seem to be able to choose an appropriate host in terms of larval performance, whereas in polyphagous species, adult oviposition preference is not related with larval performance. This suggests that larvae in polyphagous species could be taking a more active role in host selection than their mothers. Here, we evaluated the oviposition preference and the larval preference and performance of two polyphagous species of economic importance, Copitarsia decolora (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Cuculliinae) and Peridroma saucia (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae), on eight species of cultivated plants. In laboratory and greenhouse choice assays, we tested adult preference for oviposition and larval preference at 1 and 24 h. Larval performance was measured in terms of survival to adulthood, length of larval period, and pupal weight. We found that both adult females and larvae actively choose their hosts and that the larval preference toward the hosts is related to the females’ preference in both herbivore species. However, the females and larvae did not preferentially select the host with the best larval performance, indicating that larval performance is not related to female or larval preference and that other selective pressures are influencing the choice of the host plant in these two species.

Phylogenetic relationships and description of Bolivar, a new genus of Neotropical doryctine wasps (Hymenoptera : Braconidae)

Abstract. Metasomal elongation is a common feature in species of various parasitoid Hymenoptera, probably due to adaptive morphological convergence to similar parasitoid strategies. The braconid subfamily Doryctinae is perhaps where this feature has evolved the most times independently. Here we recognise a new Neotropical doryctine wasp genus with a petiolate first metasomal tergum, based on molecular and morphological analysis. The phylogenetic affinities of the new genus within Doryctinae and the relationships among six of its described and three potentially cryptic, undescribed species were reconstructed using sequence data from three genes, wingless, 28SrDNA and COI. The new genus is resolved in a clade together with Semirhytus Szépligeti, Johnsonius Marsh and Parallorhogas Marsh. These four genera share vein m-cu of the hind wing slightly curved distally and the propodeum with a distinct lateral and median longitudinal carina and an apical areola. The relationships recovered among the examined species suggest a South American origin for the new genus and its subsequent diversification into Central America and Mexico. Described as Bolivar, gen. nov., this new taxon comprises eight species, two species previously placed within Notiospathius Matthews & Marsh, B. ornaticornis (Cameron), comb. nov., and B. bribri (Marsh), comb. nov., and six new species (B. ecuadorensis, sp. nov., B. helmuthi, sp. nov., B. pittieri, sp. nov., B. risaraldae, sp. nov., B. teres, sp. nov. and B. tuxtlae, sp. nov.).

Relationship between body size and flying-related structures in Neotropical social wasps (Polistinae, Vespidae, Hymenoptera)

Body size influences wing shape and associated muscles in flying animals which is a conspicuous phenomenon in insects, given their wide range in body size. Despite the significance of this, to date, no detailed study has been conducted across a group of species with similar biology allowing a look at specific relationship between body size and flying structures. Neotropical social vespids are a model group to study this problem as they are strong predators that rely heavily on flight while exhibiting a wide range in body size. In this paper we describe the variation in both wing shape, as wing planform, and mesosoma muscle size along the body size gradient of the Neotropical social wasps and discuss the potential factors affecting these changes. Analyses of 56 species were conducted using geometric morphometrics for the wings and lineal morphometrics for the body; independent contrast method regressions were used to correct for the phylogenetic effect. Smaller vespid species exhibit rounded wings, veins that are more concentrated in the proximal region, larger stigmata and the mesosoma is proportionally larger than in larger species. Meanwhile, larger species have more elongated wings, more distally extended venation, smaller stigmata and a proportionally smaller mesosoma. The differences in wing shape and other traits could be related to differences in flight demands caused by smaller and larger body sizes. Species around the extremes of body size distribution may invest more in flight muscle mass than species of intermediate sizes.

Re‐evolution of a morphological precursor of crypsis investment in the newly revised horned praying mantises (Insecta, Mantodea, Vatinae)

The Neotropical praying mantis tribe Vatini Stål is revised using total evidence phylogenetic analysis based on molecular and coded morphological data. The subfamily Vatinae is redefined to only include Neotropical taxa with the removal of distantly related African and Asian lineages. A new tribe is erected under Vatinae (Heterovatini trib.n.) for two unique genera with historically unstable taxonomic placement (Heterovates Saussure and Chopardiella Giglio‐Tos). Phylogenetic results and morphology support the synonymy of three genera (Lobovates Deeleman‐Reinhold, Phyllovates Kirby, and Hagiotata Saussure & Zehntner) and the validity of Chopardiella Giglio‐Tos, Heterovates Saussure, Callivates Roy, Pseudovates Saussure, Vates Burmeister, and Zoolea Audinet Serville. A new genus (Alangularis gen.n.) is created for a former species of Vates with unique morphology and separate phylogenetic placement. All genera are redescribed based on external morphology and the male genital complex. A key to genera for Vatinae is provided with dorsal habitus images of representatives for each genus. A distinct pattern of correlated evolution of morphological characters linked to crypsis was uncovered. Cuticular leg lobes within single leg segments are evolving as sets, and serially homologous lobes appear simultaneously or in close succession. The posteroventral lobes in the apical position on thoracic femora appear to be the precursors to multiple positive rate shifts in the evolutionary accumulation of cryptic features. One shift occurred early in the evolution of Vatinae while the second occurred much later, after the loss and re‐evolution of the posteroventral lobes in the apical position on thoracic femora, a violation of Dollos law.

A test of adaptive hypotheses: Mandibular traits, nest construction materials, and feeding habits in neotropical social wasps (Vespidae, Polistinae)

Summary.The success of many behaviors in hymenoptera depends on the shape and structure of their mandibles. Neotropical social wasps exhibit variation in the shape of their mandibles; both the type of material used in the nest construction and the food sources have been proposed as selective forces that explain that variation. These hypotheses were studied using Independent Contrast analyses and combined tests of significance between: nine mandible’s traits, the type of nest material and food source types. Necrophagy and short fiber use are derived conditions in the subfamily that have evolved five times each, while the use of long fibers and live prey are primitive conditions. The mandible structures appear related to the nest fiber type but not to necrophagy. Particularly, species that use long fibers have bigger internal dorsal tooth, longer internal ventral tooth, and shorter and more curved mandibles. Similar results were obtained by including plant hairs as a third nest material type. These findings open related questions for groups of social insects where studies on evolution of mandibles have emphasized food sources.

Uncovering head gland diversity in neotropical Polistinae wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae): comparative analysis and description of new glands.

Exocrine glands are involved in several wasp colony activities; however, the number of known glands in the Vespidae is rather low when compared to other social insect groups. The aim of this study is to survey the head of Neotropical social wasps and to provide a detailed comparative study of the glands found in the Polistinae. A total of 33 species distributed over 13 genera were studied with serial histological sections of the head, excluding the labiomaxillary complex. Additionally, the exoskeleton was explored using scanning electron microscopy looking for associated modifications. A total of eleven exocrine glands were observed, five are structures recorded for the first time for the Hymenoptera, three are new records for the Polistinae and three are previously known organs. The glands studied are: ocellar gland I, ocellar gland II, periocular gland, subantennal gland, hypopharyngeal gland, clypeal gland, posterobasal genal gland, ectal mandibular gland, mesal mandibular gland, intramandibular gland I, and intramandibular gland II. The widespread distribution of most of these glands suggests an origin prior to the evolution of the Polistinae. Our results highlight the importance of detailed morphological studies to unveil the significance of chemical communication in one of the most characteristic groups of social animals.

A mandible arresting system in neotropical social wasps (Vespidae; Polistinae): structural diversity within homogeneous functionality

Microtrichia are epidermal protuberances that may serve as temporary adhesive devices. Several insects possess these structures; however, they have not previously been reported in social wasps. With scanning electron microscopy, we characterize the shape and abundance of microtrichia in ten species of social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) and three species of related taxa (Vespidae: Eumeninae, Pompilidae, and Scoliidae). Semi-thin sections of the head of Leipomeles spilogastra and Apoica albimacula were also studied. We found microtrichia on a thin, flexible membrane connected to the mandible in all the Vespidae specimens. The flexible membrane can be divided into three regions: the basal region that covers the mandibular mesial emargination, the medial region located around the height of the mandibular condyles, and the distal region that appears anterior to the apodeme folding. Basal and distal regions of the membrane are extensively covered by microtrichia while the medial region has either less microtrichia or is entirely devoid of them. The shape and density of the microtrichia differed between species, and these traits are unrelated with nest material construction or phylogenetic closeness. We propose that the microtrichial membrane described is a passive mechanism to keep the wasps’ mandibles retracted through a mechanical interlocking system. It is possible that this energy-saving mechanism is present in other mandibulate insects.

First record of the Sclerogibbidae (Hymenoptera) from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Las Islas Galapagos son de gran importancia debido a su papel en los albores y la consolidacion del modelo de evolucion darwiniano (Sulloway 1982); su origen geologicamente reciente y su ubicacion oceanica los convierten en un laboratorio natural para el estudio de muchos procesos evolutivos y ecologicos (Schluter 1986, Grant & Grant 2009). Como consecuencia, varios grupos de organismos, como los vertebrados, han sido ampliamente estudiados (De Roy 2009, Steadman 2009); sin embargo, preguntas basicas como la riqueza de las islas requieren mas estudio, y aparecen sorpresas continuamente, incluso de los grupos mas obvios, como los vertebrados mismos (Gentile & Snell 2009). Los artropodos son un grupo para el cual el inventario de las islas se ha desarrollado de manera desigual y aun requiere un gran esfuerzo a pesar de las multiples expediciones realizadas. Segun Linsley y Usinger (1966), en ese momento el mejor compendio de estudios entomologicos, desde la visita pionera de Charles Darwin en 1835 hasta 1966, se produjeron alrededor de ocho expediciones individuales y 21 grupales, lo que dio como resultado una lista de 618 especies: 192 coleopteros, 97 lepidopteros y 31 himenopteros. Curiosamente, grandes grupos de himenopteros como Braconidae, Pteromalidae y Encyrtidae no figuran en la lista o se mencionan en publicaciones con menos de cinco especies (Heraty y Herrera 2017). Roque-Albelo y Landry (2016) enumeraron 311 especies de lepidopteros, y Heraty y Herrera (2017) compilaron un total de 71 himenopteros. Curiosamente, grandes grupos de himenopteros como Braconidae, Pteromalidae y Encyrtidae no figuran en la lista o se mencionan en publicaciones con menos de cinco especies (Heraty y Herrera 2017). Roque-Albelo y Landry (2016) enumeraron 311 especies de lepidopteros, y Heraty y Herrera (2017) compilaron un total de 71 himenopteros. Curiosamente, grandes grupos de himenopteros como Braconidae, Pteromalidae y Encyrtidae no figuran en la lista o se mencionan en publicaciones con menos de cinco especies (Heraty y Herrera 2017).

Taxonomic synopsis of Notiospathius Matthews & Marsh, 1973 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Colombia

Notiospathius Matthews & Marsh, 1973 is the second most diverse genus of Doryctinae in the Neotropical region, however, in Colombia only two species have been reported and no studies on the diversity of the genus have been conducted. We present a taxonomic synopsis of the genus from Colombia. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) allowed the taxonomic evaluation of morphometric characters used by other authors and those proposed in the present study to differentiate the species. Forty seven of 104 characters studied are useful to discriminate the species. Twenty three species are reported. The following new records for Colombia are: Notiospathius angustus Marsh, 2002; N. badius Marsh, 2002; N. bicolor Marsh, 2002; N. ninae Marsh, 2002; N. rugonotum Marsh, 2002; N. shawi Marsh, 2002; N. tinctipennis (Cameron, 1887) and N. venezuelae López-Estrada & Zaldívar-Riverón, 2012. The following 14 new species are described: N. alejandroi sp. nov., N. amazonensis sp. nov., N. carmenae sp. nov., N. cundinamarcensis sp. nov., N. farallonensis sp. nov., N. julianoi sp. nov., N. magdalenensis sp. nov., N. marshi sp. nov., N. payae sp. nov., N. putumayensis sp. nov., N. quimbayensis sp. nov., N. tayronensis sp. nov., N. utriae sp. nov., N. vallensis sp. nov. Notiospathius ugaldei Marsh, 2002 is the junior synonym of N. columbianus (Enderlein, 1912); Notiospathius mariachi Reséndiz-Flores, Nunes and Zaldívar-Riverón, 2014 is the junior synonym of N. carolinae (Marsh, 2002); and N. chinanteco Reséndiz-Flores, Nunes and Zaldívar-Riverón, 2014 is the junior synonym of N. rugonotum Marsh, 2002. A comprehensive taxonomic key with illustrations is presented.